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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/2918-h.zip b/2918-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..71bfcb1 --- /dev/null +++ b/2918-h.zip diff --git a/2918-h/2918-h.htm b/2918-h/2918-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5fe926d --- /dev/null +++ b/2918-h/2918-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,2532 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + THE FIRST AND LAST by John Galsworthy + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd7; text-align:justify} + P { margin-top: .75em; margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The Project Gutenberg EBook of The First and The Last + + by John Galsworthy + + This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with + almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or + re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included + with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + Title: The First and The Last + + Subtitle: From Six Short Plays) + + Author: John Galsworthy + + Release Date: September 26, 2004 [EBook #2918] + Last Updated: October 28, 2012 + + Language: English + + Character set encoding: ASCII + + *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FIRST AND LAST *** + + Produced by David Widger + + + + +</pre> + <h2> + <i>GALSWORTHY'S PLAYS</i> + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_TOC" id="link2H_TOC"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + <i>Links to All Volumes</i> + </h2> + <table summary="" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto" cellpadding="4" border="3"> + <tr> + <td> + THE FIRST SERIES: + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2906/2906-h/2906-h.htm"><b>The + Silver Box</b></a> + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2907/2907-h/2907-h.htm"><b>Joy</b></a> + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2908/2908-h/2908-h.htm"><b>Strife</b></a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + THE SECOND SERIES: + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2909/2909-h/2909-h.htm"><b>The + Eldest Son</b></a> + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2910/2910-h/2910-h.htm"><b>Little + Dream</b></a> + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2911/2911-h/2911-h.htm"><b>Justice</b></a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + THE THIRD SERIES: + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2912/2912-h/2912-h.htm"><b>The + Fugitive</b></a> + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2913/2913-h/2913-h.htm"><b>The + Pigeon</b></a> + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2914/2914-h/2914-h.htm"><b>The + Mob</b></a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + THE FOURTH SERIES: + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2915/2915-h/2915-h.htm"><b>A + Bit O'Love</b></a> + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2916/2916-h/2916-h.htm"><b>The + Foundations</b></a> + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2917/2917-h/2917-h.htm"><b>The + Skin Game</b></a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + THE FIFTH SERIES: + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/4764/4764-h/4764-h.htm"><b>A + Family Man</b></a> + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/4765/4765-h/4765-h.htm"><b>Loyalties</b></a> + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/4766/4766-h/4766-h.htm"><b>Windows</b></a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + THE SIXTH SERIES: + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2918/2918-h/2918-h.htm"><b>The + First and Last</b></a> + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2919/2919-h/2919-h.htm"><b>The + Little Man</b></a> + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2920/2920-h/2920-h.htm"><b>Four + Short Plays</b></a> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE FIRST AND THE LAST + </h1> + <h3> + A Drama In Three Scenes + </h3> + <h4> + From Six Short Plays Of Galsworthy + </h4> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + By John Galsworthy + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <table summary="" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto" cellpadding="4" border="3"> + <tr> + <td> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> SCENE I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> SCENE II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> SCENE III. </a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + PERSONS OF THE PLAY KEITH DARRANT, K.C. LARRY DARRANT, His Brother. + WANDA. SCENE I. KEITH'S Study. SCENE II. WANDA's Room. SCENE III. The + Same. Between SCENE I. and SCENE II.—Thirty hours. Between SCENE + II. and SCENE III.—Two months. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + SCENE I + </h2> + <p> + It is six o'clock of a November evening, in KEITH DARRANT'S study. A + large, dark-curtained room where the light from a single reading-lamp + falling on Turkey carpet, on books beside a large armchair, on the deep + blue-and-gold coffee service, makes a sort of oasis before a log fire. In + red Turkish slippers and an old brown velvet coat, KEITH DARRANT sits + asleep. He has a dark, clean-cut, clean-shaven face, dark grizzling hair, + dark twisting eyebrows. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [The curtained door away out in the dim part of the room behind him is + opened so softly that he does not wake. LARRY DARRANT enters and stands + half lost in the curtain over the door. A thin figure, with a worn, high + cheek-boned face, deep-sunk blue eyes and wavy hair all ruffled—a + face which still has a certain beauty. He moves inwards along the wall, + stands still again and utters a gasping sigh. KEITH stirs in his chair.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + KEITH. Who's there? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [In a stifled voice] Only I—Larry. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [Half-waked] Come in! I was asleep. [He does not turn his head, + staring sleepily at the fire.] + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + The sound of LARRY's breathing can be heard. [Turning his head a little] + Well, Larry, what is it? LARRY comes skirting along the wall, as if + craving its support, outside the radius of the light. [Staring] Are you + ill? LARRY stands still again and heaves a deep sigh. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + KEITH. [Rising, with his back to the fire, and staring at his brother] + What is it, man? [Then with a brutality born of nerves suddenly ruffled] + Have you committed a murder that you stand there like a fish? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [In a whisper] Yes, Keith. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [With vigorous disgust] By Jove! Drunk again! [In a voice changed + by sudden apprehension] What do you mean by coming here in this state? I + told you—— If you weren't my brother——! Come here, + where I can we you! What's the matter with you, Larry? + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [With a lurch LARRY leaves the shelter of the wall and sinks into a + chair in the circle of light.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + LARRY. It's true. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [KEITH steps quickly forward and stares down into his brother's eyes, + where is a horrified wonder, as if they would never again get on terms + with his face.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + KEITH. [Angry, bewildered-in a low voice] What in God's name is this + nonsense? + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [He goes quickly over to the door and draws the curtain aside, to see + that it is shut, then comes back to LARRY, who is huddling over the + fire.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Come, Larry! Pull yourself together and drop exaggeration! What on earth + do you mean? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [In a shrill outburst] It's true, I tell you; I've killed a man. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [Bracing himself; coldly] Be quiet! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + LARRY lifts his hands and wrings them. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + [Utterly taken aback] Why come here and tell me this? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. Whom should I tell, Keith? I came to ask what I'm to do— give + myself up, or what? + </p> + <p> + KEITH. When—when—what——? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. Last night. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Good God! How? Where? You'd better tell me quietly from the + beginning. Here, drink this coffee; it'll clear your head. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + He pours out and hands him a cup of coffee. LARRY drinks it off. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + LARRY. My head! Yes! It's like this, Keith—there's a girl—— + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Women! Always women, with you! Well? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. A Polish girl. She—her father died over here when she was + sixteen, and left her all alone. There was a mongrel living in the same + house who married her—or pretended to. She's very pretty, Keith. He + left her with a baby coming. She lost it, and nearly starved. Then another + fellow took her on, and she lived with him two years, till that brute + turned up again and made her go back to him. He used to beat her black and + blue. He'd left her again when—I met her. She was taking anybody + then. [He stops, passes his hand over his lips, looks up at KEITH, and + goes on defiantly] I never met a sweeter woman, or a truer, that I swear. + Woman! She's only twenty now! When I went to her last night, that devil + had found her out again. He came for me—a bullying, great, hulking + brute. Look! [He touches a dark mark on his forehead] I took his ugly + throat, and when I let go—[He stops and his hands drop.] + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Yes? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [In a smothered voice] Dead, Keith. I never knew till afterwards + that she was hanging on to him—to h-help me. [Again he wrings his + hands.] + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [In a hard, dry voice] What did you do then? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. We—we sat by it a long time. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Well? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. Then I carried it on my back down the street, round a corner, to an + archway. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. How far? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. About fifty yards. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Was—did anyone see? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. No. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. What time? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. Three in the morning. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. And then? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. Went back to her. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Why—in heaven's name? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. She way lonely and afraid. So was I, Keith. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Where is this place? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. Forty-two Borrow Square, Soho. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. And the archway? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. Corner of Glove Lane. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Good God! Why, I saw it in the paper this morning. They were + talking of it in the Courts! [He snatches the evening paper from his + armchair, and runs it over anal reads] Here it is again. "Body of a man + was found this morning under an archway in Glove Lane. From marks about + the throat grave suspicion of foul play are entertained. The body had + apparently been robbed." My God! [Suddenly he turns] You saw this in the + paper and dreamed it. D'you understand, Larry?—you dreamed it. + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [Wistfully] If only I had, Keith! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [KEITH makes a movement of his hands almost like his brother's.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + KEITH. Did you take anything from the-body? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [Drawing au envelope from his pocket] This dropped out while we + were struggling. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [Snatching it and reading] "Patrick Walenn"—Was that his + name? "Simon's Hotel, Farrier Street, London." [Stooping, he puts it in + the fire] No!—that makes me——[He bends to pluck it out, + stays his hand, and stamps it suddenly further in with his foot] What in + God's name made you come here and tell me? Don't you know I'm—I'm + within an ace of a Judgeship? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [Simply] Yes. You must know what I ought to do. I didn't, mean to + kill him, Keith. I love the girl—I love her. What shall I do? + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Love! + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [In a flash] Love!—That swinish brute! A million creatures + die every day, and not one of them deserves death as he did. But but I + feel it here. [Touching his heart] Such an awful clutch, Keith. Help me if + you can, old man. I may be no good, but I've never hurt a fly if I could + help it. [He buries his face in his hands.] + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Steady, Larry! Let's think it out. You weren't seen, you say? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. It's a dark place, and dead night. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. When did you leave the girl again? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. About seven. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Where did you go? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. To my rooms. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. To Fitzroy Street? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. Yes. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. What have you done since? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. Sat there—thinking. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Not been out? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. No. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Not seen the girl? + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [LARRY shakes his head.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Will she give you away? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. Never. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Or herself hysteria? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. No. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Who knows of your relations with her? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. No one. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. No one? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. I don't know who should, Keith. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Did anyone see you go in last night, when you first went to her? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. No. She lives on the ground floor. I've got keys. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Give them to me. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + LARRY takes two keys from his pocket and hands them to his brother. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + LARRY. [Rising] I can't be cut off from her! + </p> + <p> + KEITH. What! A girl like that? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [With a flash] Yes, a girl like that. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [Moving his hand to put down old emotion] What else have you that + connects you with her? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. Nothing. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. In your rooms? + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [LARRY shakes his head.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Photographs? Letters? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. No. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Sure? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. Nothing. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. No one saw you going back to her? + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [LARRY shakes his head. ] Nor leave in the morning? You can't be + certain. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + LARRY. I am. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. You were fortunate. Sit down again, man. I must think. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + He turns to the fire and leans his elbows on the mantelpiece and his + head on his hands. LARRY Sits down again obediently. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + KEITH. It's all too unlikely. It's monstrous! + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [Sighing it out] Yes. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. This Walenn—was it his first reappearance after an absence? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. Yes. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. How did he find out where she was? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. I don't know. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [Brutally] How drunk were you? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. I was not drunk. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. How much had you drunk, then? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. A little claret—nothing! + </p> + <p> + KEITH. You say you didn't mean to kill him. + </p> + <p> + LARRY. God knows. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. That's something. + </p> + <p> + LARRY. He hit me. [He holds up his hands] I didn't know I was so strong. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. She was hanging on to him, you say?—That's ugly. + </p> + <p> + LARRY. She was scared for me. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. D'you mean she—loves you? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [Simply] Yes, Keith. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [Brutally] Can a woman like that love? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [Flashing out] By God, you are a stony devil! Why not? + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [Dryly] I'm trying to get at truth. If you want me to help, I must + know everything. What makes you think she's fond of you? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [With a crazy laugh] Oh, you lawyer! Were you never in a woman's + arms? + </p> + <p> + KEITH. I'm talking of love. + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [Fiercely] So am I. I tell you she's devoted. Did you ever pick up + a lost dog? Well, she has the lost dog's love for me. And I for her; we + picked each other up. I've never felt for another woman what I feel for + her—she's been the saving of me! + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [With a shrug] What made you choose that archway? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. It was the first dark place. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Did his face look as if he'd been strangled? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. Don't! + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Did it? + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [LARRY bows his head.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Very disfigured? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. Yes. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Did you look to see if his clothes were marked? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. No. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Why not? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [In an outburst] I'm not made of iron, like you. Why not? If you + had done it——! + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [Holding up his hand] You say he was disfigured. Would he be + recognisable? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [Wearily] I don't know. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. When she lived with him last—where was that? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. In Pimlico, I think. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Not Soho? + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [LARRY shakes his head.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + How long has she been at this Soho place? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. Nearly a year. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Living this life? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. Till she met me. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Till, she met you? And you believe——? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [Starting up] Keith! + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [Again raising his hand] Always in the same rooms? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [Subsiding] Yes. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. What was he? A professional bully? + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [LARRY nods.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Spending most of his time abroad, I suppose. + </p> + <p> + LARRY. I think so. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Can you say if he was known to the police? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. I've never heard. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + KEITH turns away and walks up and down; then, stopping at LARRY's chair, + he speaks. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + KEITH. Now listen, Larry. When you leave here, go straight home, and stay + there till I give you leave to go out again. Promise. + </p> + <p> + LARRY. I promise. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Is your promise worth anything? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [With one of his flashes] "Unstable as water, he shall not excel!" + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Exactly. But if I'm to help you, you must do as I say. I must have + time to think this out. Have you got money? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. Very little. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [Grimly] Half-quarter day—yes, your quarter's always spent by + then. If you're to get away—never mind, I can manage the money. + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [Humbly] You're very good, Keith; you've always been very good to + me—I don't know why. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [Sardonically] Privilege of A brother. As it happens, I'm thinking + of myself and our family. You can't indulge yourself in killing without + bringing ruin. My God! I suppose you realise that you've made me an + accessory after the fact—me, King's counsel—sworn to the + service of the Law, who, in a year or two, will have the trying of cases + like yours! By heaven, Larry, you've surpassed yourself! + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [Bringing out a little box] I'd better have done with it. + </p> + <p> + KErra. You fool! Give that to me. + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [With a strange smite] No. [He holds up a tabloid between finger + and thumb] White magic, Keith! Just one—and they may do what they + like to you, and you won't know it. Snap your fingers at all the tortures. + It's a great comfort! Have one to keep by you? + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Come, Larry! Hand it over. + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [Replacing the box] Not quite! You've never killed a man, you see. + [He gives that crazy laugh.] D'you remember that hammer when we were boys + and you riled me, up in the long room? I had luck then. I had luck in + Naples once. I nearly killed a driver for beating his poor brute of a + horse. But now—! My God! [He covers his face.] + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + KEITH touched, goes up and lays a hand on his shoulder. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + KEITH. Come, Larry! Courage! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + LARRY looks up at him. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + LARRY. All right, Keith; I'll try. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Don't go out. Don't drink. Don't talk. Pull yourself together! + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [Moving towards the door] Don't keep me longer than you can help, + Keith. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. No, no. Courage! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + LARRY reaches the door, turns as if to say something-finds no words, and + goes. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + [To the fire] Courage! My God! I shall need it! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + CURTAIN + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE II + </h2> + <blockquote> + <p> + At out eleven o'clock the following night an WANDA'S room on the ground + floor in Soho. In the light from one close-shaded electric bulb the room + is but dimly visible. A dying fire burns on the left. A curtained window + in the centre of the back wall. A door on the right. The furniture is + plush-covered and commonplace, with a kind of shabby smartness. A couch, + without back or arms, stands aslant, between window and fire. [On this + WANDA is sitting, her knees drawn up under her, staring at the embers. + She has on only her nightgown and a wrapper over it; her bare feet are + thrust into slippers. Her hands are crossed and pressed over her breast. + She starts and looks up, listening. Her eyes are candid and startled, + her face alabaster pale, and its pale brown hair, short and square-cut, + curls towards her bare neck. The startled dark eyes and the faint rose + of her lips are like colour-staining on a white mask.] [Footsteps as of + a policeman, very measured, pass on the pavement outside, and die away. + She gets up and steals to the window, draws one curtain aside so that a + chink of the night is seen. She opens the curtain wider, till the shape + of a bare, witch-like tree becomes visible in the open space of the + little Square on the far side of the road. The footsteps are heard once + more coming nearer. WANDA closes the curtains and cranes back. They pass + and die again. She moves away and looking down at the floor between door + and couch, as though seeing something there; shudders; covers her eyes; + goes back to the couch and down again just as before, to stare at the + embers. Again she is startled by noise of the outer door being opened. + She springs up, runs and turns the light by a switch close to the door. + By the glimmer of the fire she can just be seen standing by the dark + window-curtains, listening. There comes the sound of subdued knocking on + her door. She stands in breathless terror. The knocking is repeated. The + sound of a latchkey in the door is heard. Her terror leaves her. The + door opens; a man enters in a dark, fur overcoat.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + WANDA. [In a voice of breathless relief, with a rather foreign accent] Oh! + it's you, Larry! Why did you knock? I was so frightened. Come in! [She + crosses quickly, and flings her arms round his neck] [Recoiling—in a + terror-stricken whisper] Oh! Who is it? + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [In a smothered voice] A friend of Larry's. Don't be frightened. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + She has recoiled again to the window; and when he finds the switch and + turns the light up, she is seen standing there holding her dark wrapper + up to her throat, so that her face has an uncanny look of being detached + from the body. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + [Gently] You needn't be afraid. I haven't come to do you harm— quite + the contrary. [Holding up the keys] Larry wouldn't have given me these, + would he, if he hadn't trusted me? + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + WANDA does not move, staring like a spirit startled out of the flesh. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + [After looking round him] I'm sorry to have startled you. + </p> + <p> + WANDA. [In a whisper] Who are you, please? + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Larry's brother. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + WANDA, with a sigh of utter relief, steals forward to the couch and + sinks down. KEITH goes up to her. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + He'd told me. + </p> + <p> + WANDA. [Clasping her hands round her knees.] Yes? + </p> + <p> + KEITH. An awful business! + </p> + <p> + WANDA. Yes; oh, yes! Awful—it is awful! + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [Staring round him again.] In this room? + </p> + <p> + WANDA. Just where you are standing. I see him now, always falling. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [Moved by the gentle despair in her voice] You—look very + young. What's your name? + </p> + <p> + WANDA. Wanda. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Are you fond of Larry? + </p> + <p> + WANDA. I would die for him! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [A moment's silence.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + KEITH. I—I've come to see what you can do to save him. + </p> + <p> + WANDA, [Wistfully] You would not deceive me. You are really his brother? + </p> + <p> + KEITH. I swear it. + </p> + <p> + WANDA. [Clasping her hands] If I can save him! Won't you sit down? + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [Drawing up a chair and sitting] This, man, your—your + husband, before he came here the night before last—how long since + you saw him? + </p> + <p> + WANDA. Eighteen month. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Does anyone about here know you are his wife? + </p> + <p> + WANDA. No. I came here to live a bad life. Nobody know me. I am quite + alone. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. They've discovered who he was—you know that? + </p> + <p> + WANDA. No; I have not dared to go out. + </p> + <p> + KEITH: Well, they have; and they'll look for anyone connected with him, of + course. + </p> + <p> + WANDA. He never let people think I was married to him. I don't know if I + was—really. We went to an office and signed our names; but he was a + wicked man. He treated many, I think, like me. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Did my brother ever see him before? + </p> + <p> + WANDA. Never! And that man first went for him. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Yes. I saw the mark. Have you a servant? + </p> + <p> + WANDA. No. A woman come at nine in the morning for an hour. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Does she know Larry? + </p> + <p> + WANDA. No. He is always gone. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Friends—acquaintances? + </p> + <p> + WANDA. No; I am verree quiet. Since I know your brother, I see no one, + sare. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [Sharply] Do you mean that? + </p> + <p> + WANDA. Oh, yes! I love him. Nobody come here but him for a long time now. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. How long? + </p> + <p> + WANDA. Five month. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. So you have not been out since——? + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [WANDA shakes her head.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + What have you been doing? + </p> + <p> + WANDA. [Simply] Crying. [Pressing her hands to her breast] He is in danger + because of me. I am so afraid for him. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [Checking her emotion] Look at me. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [She looks at him.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + If the worst comes, and this man is traced to you, can you trust yourself + not to give Larry away? + </p> + <p> + WANDA. [Rising and pointing to the fire] Look! I have burned all the + things he have given me—even his picture. Now I have nothing from + him. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [Who has risen too] Good! One more question. Do the police know you—because—of + your life? + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [She looks at him intently, and shakes her, head.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + You know where Larry lives? + </p> + <p> + WANDA. Yes. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. You mustn't go there, and he mustn't come to you. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [She bows her head; then, suddenly comes close to him.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + WANDA. Please do not take him from me altogether. I will be so careful. I + will not do anything to hurt him. But if I cannot see him sometimes, I + shall die. Please do not take him from me. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [She catches his hand and presses it desperately between her own.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + KEITH. Leave that to me. I'm going to do all I can. + </p> + <p> + WANDA. [Looking up into his face] But you will be kind? + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + Suddenly she bends and kisses his hand. KEITH draws his hand away, and + she recoils a little humbly, looking up at him again. Suddenly she + stands rigid, listening. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + [In a whisper] Listen! Someone—out there! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + She darts past him and turns out the light. There is a knock on the + door. They are now close together between door and window. [Whispering] + Oh! Who is it? + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + KEITH. [Under his breath] You said no one comes but Larry. + </p> + <p> + WANDA. Yes, and you have his keys. Oh! if it is Larry! I must open! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + KEITH shrinks back against the wall. WANDA goes to the door. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + [Opening the door an inch] Yes? Please? Who? + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + A thin streak of light from a bull's-eye lantern outside plays over the + wall. A Policeman's voice says: "All right, Miss. Your outer door's + open. You ought to keep it shut after dark, you know." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + WANDA. Thank you, air. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [The sound of retreating footsteps, of the outer door closing. WANDA + shuts the door.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + A policeman! + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [Moving from the wall] Curse! I must have left that door. + [Suddenly-turning up the light] You told me they didn't know you. + </p> + <p> + WANDA. [Sighing] I did not think they did, sir. It is so long I was not + out in the town; not since I had Larry. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + KEITH gives her an intent look, then crosses to the fire. He stands + there a moment, looking down, then turns to the girl, who has crept back + to the couch. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + KEITH. [Half to himself] After your life, who can believe—-? Look + here! You drifted together and you'll drift apart, you know. Better for + him to get away and make a clean cut of it. + </p> + <p> + WANDA. [Uttering a little moaning sound] Oh, sir! May I not love, because + I have been bad? I was only sixteen when that man spoiled me. If you knew—— + </p> + <p> + KEITH. I'm thinking of Larry. With you, his danger is much greater. + There's a good chance as things are going. You may wreck it. And for what? + Just a few months more of—well—you know. + </p> + <p> + WANDA. [Standing at the head of the couch and touching her eyes with her + hands] Oh, sir! Look! It is true. He is my life. Don't take him away from + me. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [Moved and restless] You must know what Larry is. He'll never stick + to you. + </p> + <p> + WANDA. [Simply] He will, sir. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [Energetically] The last man on earth to stick to anything! But for + the sake of a whim he'll risk his life and the honour of all his family. I + know him. + </p> + <p> + WANDA. No, no, you do not. It is I who know him. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Now, now! At any moment they may find out your connection with that + man. So long as Larry goes on with you, he's tied to this murder, don't + you see? + </p> + <p> + WANDA. [Coming close to him] But he love me. Oh, sir! he love me! + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Larry has loved dozens of women. + </p> + <p> + WANDA. Yes, but——[Her face quivers]. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [Brusquely] Don't cry! If I give you money, will you disappear, for + his sake? + </p> + <p> + WANDA. [With a moan] It will be in the water, then. There will be no cruel + men there. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Ah! First Larry, then you! Come now. It's better for you both. A + few months, and you'll forget you ever met. + </p> + <p> + WANDA. [Looking wildly up] I will go if Larry say I must. But not to live. + No! [Simply] I could not, sir. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [KEITH, moved, is silent.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + I could not live without Larry. What is left for a girl like me— + when she once love? It is finish. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. I don't want you to go back to that life. + </p> + <p> + WANDA. No; you do not care what I do. Why should you? I tell you I will go + if Larry say I must. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. That's not enough. You know that. You must take it out of his + hands. He will never give up his present for the sake of his future. If + you're as fond of him as you say, you'll help to save him. + </p> + <p> + WANDA. [Below her breath] Yes! Oh, yes! But do not keep him long from me—I + beg! [She sinks to the floor and clasps his knees.] + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Well, well! Get up. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [There is a tap on the window-pane] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Listen! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [A faint, peculiar whistle. ] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + WANDA. [Springing up] Larry! Oh, thank God! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [She runs to the door, opens it, and goes out to bring him in. KEITH + stands waiting, facing the open doorway.] [LARRY entering with WANDA + just behind him.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + LARRY. Keith! + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [Grimly] So much for your promise not to go out! + </p> + <p> + LARRY. I've been waiting in for you all day. I couldn't stand it any + longer. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Exactly! + </p> + <p> + LARRY. Well, what's the sentence, brother? Transportation for life and + then to be fined forty pounds'? + </p> + <p> + KEITH. So you can joke, can you? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. Must. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. A boat leaves for the Argentine the day after to-morrow; you must + go by it. + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [Putting his arms round WANDA, who is standing motionless with her + eyes fixed on him] Together, Keith? + </p> + <p> + KEITH. You can't go together. I'll send her by the next boat. + </p> + <p> + LARRY. Swear? + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Yes. You're lucky they're on a false scent. + </p> + <p> + LARRY. What? + </p> + <p> + KEITH. You haven't seen it? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. I've seen nothing, not even a paper. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. They've taken up a vagabond who robbed the body. He pawned a + snake-shaped ring, and they identified this Walenn by it. I've been down + and seen him charged myself. + </p> + <p> + LARRY. With murder? + </p> + <p> + WANDA. [Faintly] Larry! + </p> + <p> + KEITH. He's in no danger. They always get the wrong man first. It'll do + him no harm to be locked up a bit—hyena like that. Better in prison, + anyway, than sleeping out under archways in this weather. + </p> + <p> + LARRY. What was he like, Keith? + </p> + <p> + KEITH. A little yellow, ragged, lame, unshaven scarecrow of a chap. They + were fools to think he could have had the strength. + </p> + <p> + LARRY. What! [In an awed voice] Why, I saw him—after I left you last + night. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. You? Where? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. By the archway. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. You went back there? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. It draws you, Keith. + </p> + <p> + KErra. You're mad, I think. + </p> + <p> + LARRY. I talked to him, and he said, "Thank you for this little chat. It's + worth more than money when you're down." Little grey man like a shaggy + animal. And a newspaper boy came up and said: "That's right, guv'nors! + 'Ere's where they found the body—very spot. They 'yn't got 'im yet." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [He laughs; and the terrified girl presses herself against him.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + An innocent man! + </p> + <p> + KEITH. He's in no danger, I tell you. He could never have strangled——Why, + he hadn't the strength of a kitten. Now, Larry! I'll take your berth + to-morrow. Here's money [He brings out a pile of notes and puts them on + the couch] You can make a new life of it out there together presently, in + the sun. + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [In a whisper] In the sun! "A cup of wine and thou." [Suddenly] How + can I, Keith? I must see how it goes with that poor devil. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Bosh! Dismiss it from your mind; there's not nearly enough + evidence. + </p> + <p> + LARRY. Not? + </p> + <p> + KEITH. No. You've got your chance. Take it like a man. + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [With a strange smile—to the girl] Shall we, Wanda? + </p> + <p> + WANDA. Oh, Larry! + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [Picking the notes up from the couch] Take them back, Keith. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. What! I tell you no jury would convict; and if they did, no judge + would hang. A ghoul who can rob a dead body, ought to be in prison. He did + worse than you. + </p> + <p> + LARRY. It won't do, Keith. I must see it out. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Don't be a fool! + </p> + <p> + LARRY. I've still got some kind of honour. If I clear out before I know, I + shall have none—nor peace. Take them, Keith, or I'll put them in the + fire. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [Taking back the notes; bitterly] I suppose I may ask you not to be + entirely oblivious of our name. Or is that unworthy of your honour? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [Hanging his head] I'm awfully sorry, Keith; awfully sorry, old + man. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [sternly] You owe it to me—to our name—to our dead + mother —to do nothing anyway till we see what happens. + </p> + <p> + LARRY. I know. I'll do nothing without you, Keith. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [Taking up his hat] Can I trust you? [He stares hard at his + brother.] + </p> + <p> + LARRY. You can trust me. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Swear? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. I swear. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Remember, nothing! Good night! + </p> + <p> + LARRY. Good night! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + KEITH goes. LARRY Sits down on the couch sand stares at the fire. The + girl steals up and slips her arms about him. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + LARRY. An innocent man! + </p> + <p> + WANDA. Oh, Larry! But so are you. What did we want—to kill that man? + Never! Oh! kiss me! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [LARRY turns his face. She kisses his lips.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + I have suffered so—not seein' you. Don't leave me again—don't! + Stay here. Isn't it good to be together?—Oh! Poor Larry! How tired + you look!—Stay with me. I am so frightened all alone. So frightened + they will take you from me. + </p> + <p> + LARRY. Poor child! + </p> + <p> + WANDA. No, no! Don't look like that! + </p> + <p> + LARRY. You're shivering. + </p> + <p> + WANDA. I will make up the fire. Love me, Larry! I want to forget. + </p> + <p> + LARRY. The poorest little wretch on God's earth—locked up—for + me! A little wild animal, locked up. There he goes, up and down, up and + down—in his cage—don't you see him?—looking for a place + to gnaw his way through—little grey rat. [He gets up and roams + about.] + </p> + <p> + WANDA. No, no! I can't bear it! Don't frighten me more! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [He comes back and takes her in his arms.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + LARRY. There, there! [He kisses her closed eyes.] + </p> + <p> + WANDA. [Without moving] If we could sleep a little—wouldn't it be + nice? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. Sleep? + </p> + <p> + WANDA. [Raising herself] Promise to stay with me—to stay here for + good, Larry. I will cook for you; I will make you so comfortable. They + will find him innocent. And then—Oh, Larry! in the sun-right away—far + from this horrible country. How lovely! [Trying to get him to look at her] + Larry! + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [With a movement to free 'himself] To the edge of the world-and—-over! + </p> + <p> + WANDA. No, no! No, no! You don't want me to die, Larry, do you? I shall if + you leave me. Let us be happy! Love me! + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [With a laugh] Ah! Let's be happy and shut out the sight of him. + Who cares? Millions suffer for no mortal reason. Let's be strong, like + Keith. No! I won't leave you, Wanda. Let's forget everything except + ourselves. [Suddenly] There he goes-up and down! + </p> + <p> + WANDA. [Moaning] No, no! See! I will pray to the Virgin. She will pity us! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + She falls on her knees and clasps her hands, praying. Her lips move. + LARRY stands motionless, with arms crossed, and on his face are yearning + and mockery, love and despair. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + LARRY. [Whispering] Pray for us! Bravo! Pray away! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [Suddenly the girl stretches out her arms and lifts her face with a look + of ecstasy.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + What? + </p> + <p> + WANDA. She is smiling! We shall be happy soon. + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [Bending down over her] Poor child! When we die, Wanda, let's go + together. We should keep each other warm out in the dark. + </p> + <p> + WANDA. [Raising her hands to his face] Yes! oh, yes! If you die I could + not—I could not go on living! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + CURTAIN + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE III. + </h2> + <h3> + TWO MONTHS LATER + </h3> + <blockquote> + <p> + WANDA'S room. Daylight is just beginning to fail of a January afternoon. + The table is laid for supper, with decanters of wine. WANDA is standing + at the window looking out at the wintry trees of the Square beyond the + pavement. A newspaper Boy's voice is heard coming nearer. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + VOICE. Pyper! Glove Lyne murder! Trial and verdict! [Receding] Verdict! + Pyper! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + WANDA throws up the window as if to call to him, checks herself, closes + it and runs to the door. She opens it, but recoils into the room. KEITH + is standing there. He comes in. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + KEITH. Where's Larry? + </p> + <p> + WANDA. He went to the trial. I could not keep him from it. The trial—Oh! + what has happened, sir? + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [Savagely] Guilty! Sentence of death! Fools!—idiots! + </p> + <p> + WANDA. Of death! [For a moment she seems about to swoon.] + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Girl! girl! It may all depend on you. Larry's still living here? + </p> + <p> + WANDA. Yes. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. I must wait for him. + </p> + <p> + WANDA. Will you sit down, please? + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [Shaking his head] Are you ready to go away at any time? + </p> + <p> + WANDA. Yes, yes; always I am ready. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. And he? + </p> + <p> + WANDA. Yes—but now! What will he do? That poor man! + </p> + <p> + KEITH. A graveyard thief—a ghoul! + </p> + <p> + WANDA. Perhaps he was hungry. I have been hungry: you do things then that + you would not. Larry has thought of him in prison so much all these weeks. + Oh! what shall we do now? + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Listen! Help me. Don't let Larry out of your sight. I must see how + things go. They'll never hang this wretch. [He grips her arms] Now, we + must stop Larry from giving himself up. He's fool enough. D'you + understand? + </p> + <p> + WANDA. Yes. But why has he not come in? Oh! If he have, already! + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [Letting go her arms] My God! If the police come—find me here—[He + moves to the door] No, he wouldn't without seeing you first. He's sure to + come. Watch him like a lynx. Don't let him go without you. + </p> + <p> + WANDA. [Clasping her hands on her breast] I will try, sir. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. Listen! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [A key is heard in the lock.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + It's he! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + LARRY enters. He is holding a great bunch of pink lilies and white + narcissus. His face tells nothing. KEITH looks from him to the girl, who + stands motionless. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + LARRY. Keith! So you've seen? + </p> + <p> + KEITH. The thing can't stand. I'll stop it somehow. But you must give me + time, Larry. + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [Calmly] Still looking after your honour, KEITH! + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [Grimly] Think my reasons what you like. + </p> + <p> + WANDA. [Softly] Larry! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [LARRY puts his arm round her.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + LARRY. Sorry, old man. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. This man can and shall get off. I want your solemn promise that you + won't give yourself up, nor even go out till I've seen you again. + </p> + <p> + LARRY. I give it. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. [Looking from one to the other] By the memory of our mother, swear + that. + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [With a smile] I swear. + </p> + <p> + KEITH. I have your oath—both of you—both of you. I'm going at + once to see what can be done. + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [Softly] Good luck, brother. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + KEITH goes out. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + WANDA. [Putting her hands on LARRY's breast] What does it mean? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. Supper, child—I've had nothing all day. Put these lilies in + water. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [She takes the lilies and obediently puts them into a vase. LARRY pours + wine into a deep-coloured glass and drinks it off.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + We've had a good time, Wanda. Best time I ever had, these last two months; + and nothing but the bill to pay. + </p> + <p> + WANDA. [Clasping him desperately] Oh, Larry! Larry! + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [Holding her away to look at her.] Take off those things and put on + a bridal garment. + </p> + <p> + WANDA. Promise me—wherever you go, I go too. Promise! Larry, you + think I haven't seen, all these weeks. But I have seen everything; all in + your heart, always. You cannot hide from me. I knew—I knew! Oh, if + we might go away into the sun! Oh! Larry—couldn't we? [She searches + his eyes with hers—then shuddering] Well! If it must be dark—I + don't care, if I may go in your arms. In prison we could not be together. + I am ready. Only love me first. Don't let me cry before I go. Oh! Larry, + will there be much pain? + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [In a choked voice] No pain, my pretty. + </p> + <p> + WANDA. [With a little sigh] It is a pity. + </p> + <p> + LARRY. If you had seen him, as I have, all day, being tortured. Wanda,—we + shall be out of it. [The wine mounting to his head] We shall be free in + the dark; free of their cursed inhumanities. I hate this world—I + loathe it! I hate its God-forsaken savagery; its pride and smugness! + Keith's world—all righteous will-power and success. We're no good + here, you and I—we were cast out at birth—soft, will-less—better + dead. No fear, Keith! I'm staying indoors. [He pours wine into two + glasses] Drink it up! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [Obediently WANDA drinks, and he also.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Now go and make yourself beautiful. + </p> + <p> + WANDA. [Seizing him in her arms] Oh, Larry! + </p> + <p> + LARRY. [Touching her face and hair] Hanged by the neck until he's dead—for + what I did. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [WANDA takes a long look at his face, slips her arms from him, and goes + out through the curtains below the fireplace.] [LARRY feels in his + pocket, brings out the little box, opens it, fingers the white + tabloids.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + LARRY. Two each—after food. [He laughs and puts back the box] Oh! my + girl! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [The sound of a piano playing a faint festive tune is heard afar off. He + mutters, staring at the fire.] [Flames-flame, and flicker-ashes.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + "No more, no more, the moon is dead, And all the people in it." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [He sits on the couch with a piece of paper on his knees, adding a few + words with a stylo pen to what is already written.] [The GIRL, in a silk + wrapper, coming back through the curtains, watches him.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + LARRY. [Looking up] It's all here—I've confessed. [Reading] + </p> + <p> + "Please bury us together." + </p> + <p> + "LAURENCE DARRANT. + </p> + <p> + "January 28th, about six p.m." + </p> + <p> + They'll find us in the morning. Come and have supper, my dear love. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [The girl creeps forward. He rises, puts his arm round her, and with her + arm twined round him, smiling into each other's faces, they go to the + table and sit down.] The curtain falls for a few seconds to indicate the + passage of three hours. When it rises again, the lovers are lying on the + couch, in each other's arms, the lilies stream about them. The girl's + bare arm is round LARRY'S neck. Her eyes are closed; his are open and + sightless. There is no light but fire-light. A knocking on the door and + the sound of a key turned in the lock. KEITH enters. He stands a moment + bewildered by the half-light, then calls sharply: "Larry!" and turns up + the light. Seeing the forms on the couch, he recoils a moment. Then, + glancing at the table and empty decanters, goes up to the couch. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + KEITH. [Muttering] Asleep! Drunk! Ugh! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [Suddenly he bends, touches LARRY, and springs back.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + What! [He bends again, shakes him and calls] Larry! Larry! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [Then, motionless, he stares down at his brother's open, sightless eyes. + Suddenly he wets his finger and holds it to the girl's lips, then to + LARRY'S.] [He bends and listens at their hearts; catches sight of the + little box lying between them and takes it up.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + My God! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [Then, raising himself, he closes his brother's eyes, and as he does so, + catches sight of a paper pinned to the couch; detaches it and reads:] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + "I, Lawrence Darrant, about to die by my own hand confess that I——" + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [He reads on silently, in horror; finishes, letting the paper drop, and + recoils from the couch on to a chair at the dishevelled supper table. + Aghast, he sits there. Suddenly he mutters:] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + If I leave that there—my name—my whole future! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [He springs up, takes up the paper again, and again reads.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + My God! It's ruin! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [He makes as if to tear it across, stops, and looks down at those two; + covers his eyes with his hand; drops the paper and rushes to the door. + But he stops there and comes back, magnetised, as it were, by that + paper. He takes it up once more and thrusts it into his pocket.] [The + footsteps of a Policeman pass, slow and regular, outside. His face + crisps and quivers; he stands listening till they die away. Then he + snatches the paper from his pocket, and goes past the foot of the couch + to the fore.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + All my——No! Let him hang! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [He thrusts the paper into the fire, stamps it down with his foot, + watches it writhe and blacken. Then suddenly clutching his head, he + turns to the bodies on the couch. Panting and like a man demented, he + recoils past the head of the couch, and rushing to the window, draws the + curtains and throws the window up for air. Out in the darkness rises the + witch-like skeleton tree, where a dark shape seems hanging. KEITH starts + back.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + What's that? What——! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [He shuts the window and draws the dark curtains across it again.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Fool! Nothing! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [Clenching his fists, he draws himself up, steadying himself with all + his might. Then slowly he moves to the door, stands a second like a + carved figure, his face hard as stone.] [Deliberately he turns out the + light, opens the door, and goes.] [The still bodies lie there before the + fire which is licking at the last blackened wafer.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + CURTAIN <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <i>GALSWORTHY'S PLAYS</i> + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_TOC" id="link2H_TOC_"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + <i>Links to All Volumes</i> + </h2> + <table summary="" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto" cellpadding="4" border="3"> + <tr> + <td> + THE FIRST SERIES: + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2906/2906-h/2906-h.htm"><b>The + Silver Box</b></a> + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2907/2907-h/2907-h.htm"><b>Joy</b></a> + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2908/2908-h/2908-h.htm"><b>Strife</b></a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + THE SECOND SERIES: + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2909/2909-h/2909-h.htm"><b>The + Eldest Son</b></a> + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2910/2910-h/2910-h.htm"><b>Little + Dream</b></a> + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2911/2911-h/2911-h.htm"><b>Justice</b></a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + THE THIRD SERIES: + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2912/2912-h/2912-h.htm"><b>The + Fugitive</b></a> + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2913/2913-h/2913-h.htm"><b>The + Pigeon</b></a> + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2914/2914-h/2914-h.htm"><b>The + Mob</b></a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + THE FOURTH SERIES: + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2915/2915-h/2915-h.htm"><b>A + Bit O'Love</b></a> + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2916/2916-h/2916-h.htm"><b>The + Foundations</b></a> + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2917/2917-h/2917-h.htm"><b>The + Skin Game</b></a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + THE FIFTH SERIES: + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/4764/4764-h/4764-h.htm"><b>A + Family Man</b></a> + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/4765/4765-h/4765-h.htm"><b>Loyalties</b></a> + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/4766/4766-h/4766-h.htm"><b>Windows</b></a> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + THE SIXTH SERIES: + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2918/2918-h/2918-h.htm"><b>The + First and Last</b></a> + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2919/2919-h/2919-h.htm"><b>The + Little Man</b></a> + </td> + <td> + <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2920/2920-h/2920-h.htm"><b>Four + Short Plays</b></a> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + + End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The First and The Last (Six Short + Plays), by John Galsworthy + + *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FIRST AND LAST *** + + ***** This file should be named 2918-h.htm or 2918-h.zip ***** + This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/9/1/2918/ + + Produced by David Widger + + Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions + will be renamed. + + Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no + one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation + (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without + permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or + re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included + with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + Title: The First and The Last + + Subtitle: From Six Short Plays) + + Author: John Galsworthy + + Last Updated: February 10, 2009 + Release Date: September 26, 2004 [EBook #2918] + + Language: English + + Character set encoding: ASCII + + *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FIRST AND LAST *** + + + + + Produced by David Widger + + + +THE FIRST AND THE LAST + +A Drama In Three Scenes + +From Six Short Plays Of Galsworthy + + +By John Galsworthy + + + + + + PERSONS OF THE PLAY + + KEITH DARRANT, K.C. + LARRY DARRANT, His Brother. + WANDA. + + + + SCENE I. KEITH'S Study. + + SCENE II. WANDA's Room. + + SCENE III. The Same. + + Between SCENE I. and SCENE II.--Thirty hours. + Between SCENE II. and SCENE III.--Two months. + + + + +SCENE I + +It is six o'clock of a November evening, in KEITH DARRANT'S +study. A large, dark-curtained room where the light from a single +reading-lamp falling on Turkey carpet, on books beside a large +armchair, on the deep blue-and-gold coffee service, makes a sort of +oasis before a log fire. In red Turkish slippers and an old brown +velvet coat, KEITH DARRANT sits asleep. He has a dark, clean-cut, +clean-shaven face, dark grizzling hair, dark twisting eyebrows. + + [The curtained door away out in the dim part of the room behind + him is opened so softly that he does not wake. LARRY DARRANT + enters and stands half lost in the curtain over the door. A + thin figure, with a worn, high cheek-boned face, deep-sunk blue + eyes and wavy hair all ruffled--a face which still has a certain + beauty. He moves inwards along the wall, stands still again and + utters a gasping sigh. KEITH stirs in his chair.] + +KEITH. Who's there? + +LARRY. [In a stifled voice] Only I--Larry. + +KEITH. [Half-waked] Come in! I was asleep. [He does not turn his +head, staring sleepily at the fire.] + + The sound of LARRY's breathing can be heard. + + [Turning his head a little] Well, Larry, what is it? + + LARRY comes skirting along the wall, as if craving its support, + outside the radius of the light. + + [Staring] Are you ill? + + LARRY stands still again and heaves a deep sigh. + +KEITH. [Rising, with his back to the fire, and staring at his +brother] What is it, man? [Then with a brutality born of nerves +suddenly ruffled] Have you committed a murder that you stand there +like a fish? + +LARRY. [In a whisper] Yes, Keith. + +KEITH. [With vigorous disgust] By Jove! Drunk again! [In a +voice changed by sudden apprehension] What do you mean by coming +here in this state? I told you---- If you weren't my brother----! +Come here, where I can we you! What's the matter with you, Larry? + + [With a lurch LARRY leaves the shelter of the wall and sinks into + a chair in the circle of light.] + +LARRY. It's true. + + [KEITH steps quickly forward and stares down into his brother's + eyes, where is a horrified wonder, as if they would never again + get on terms with his face.] + +KEITH. [Angry, bewildered-in a low voice] What in God's name is +this nonsense? + + [He goes quickly over to the door and draws the curtain aside, to + see that it is shut, then comes back to LARRY, who is huddling + over the fire.] + +Come, Larry! Pull yourself together and drop exaggeration! What on +earth do you mean? + +LARRY. [In a shrill outburst] It's true, I tell you; I've killed a +man. + +KEITH. [Bracing himself; coldly] Be quiet! + + LARRY lifts his hands and wrings them. + +[Utterly taken aback] Why come here and tell me this? + +LARRY. Whom should I tell, Keith? I came to ask what I'm to do-- +give myself up, or what? + +KEITH. When--when--what----? + +LARRY. Last night. + +KEITH. Good God! How? Where? You'd better tell me quietly from +the beginning. Here, drink this coffee; it'll clear your head. + + He pours out and hands him a cup of coffee. LARRY drinks it + off. + +LARRY. My head! Yes! It's like this, Keith--there's a girl---- + +KEITH. Women! Always women, with you! Well? + +LARRY. A Polish girl. She--her father died over here when she was +sixteen, and left her all alone. There was a mongrel living in the +same house who married her--or pretended to. She's very pretty, +Keith. He left her with a baby coming. She lost it, and nearly +starved. Then another fellow took her on, and she lived with him two +years, till that brute turned up again and made her go back to him. +He used to beat her black and blue. He'd left her again when--I met +her. She was taking anybody then. [He stops, passes his hand over +his lips, looks up at KEITH, and goes on defiantly] I never met a +sweeter woman, or a truer, that I swear. Woman! She's only twenty +now! When I went to her last night, that devil had found her out +again. He came for me--a bullying, great, hulking brute. Look! +[He touches a dark mark on his forehead] I took his ugly throat, and +when I let go--[He stops and his hands drop.] + +KEITH. Yes? + +LARRY. [In a smothered voice] Dead, Keith. I never knew till +afterwards that she was hanging on to him--to h-help me. [Again he +wrings his hands.] + +KEITH. [In a hard, dry voice] What did you do then? + +LARRY. We--we sat by it a long time. + +KEITH. Well? + +LARRY. Then I carried it on my back down the street, round a corner, +to an archway. + +KEITH. How far? + +LARRY. About fifty yards. + +KEITH. Was--did anyone see? + +LARRY. No. + +KEITH. What time? + +LARRY. Three in the morning. + +KEITH. And then? + +LARRY. Went back to her. + +KEITH. Why--in heaven's name? + +LARRY. She way lonely and afraid. So was I, Keith. + +KEITH. Where is this place? + +LARRY. Forty-two Borrow Square, Soho. + +KEITH. And the archway? + +LARRY. Corner of Glove Lane. + +KEITH. Good God! Why, I saw it in the paper this morning. They +were talking of it in the Courts! [He snatches the evening paper +from his armchair, and runs it over anal reads] Here it is again. +"Body of a man was found this morning under an archway in Glove Lane. +From marks about the throat grave suspicion of foul play are +entertained. The body had apparently been robbed." My God! +[Suddenly he turns] You saw this in the paper and dreamed it. +D'you understand, Larry?--you dreamed it. + +LARRY. [Wistfully] If only I had, Keith! + + [KEITH makes a movement of his hands almost like his brother's.] + +KEITH. Did you take anything from the-body? + +LARRY. [Drawing au envelope from his pocket] This dropped out while +we were struggling. + +KEITH. [Snatching it and reading] "Patrick Walenn"--Was that his +name? "Simon's Hotel, Farrier Street, London." [Stooping, he puts it +in the fire] No!--that makes me----[He bends to pluck it out, stays +his hand, and stamps it suddenly further in with his foot] What in +God's name made you come here and tell me? Don't you know I'm--I'm +within an ace of a Judgeship? + +LARRY. [Simply] Yes. You must know what I ought to do. I didn't, +mean to kill him, Keith. I love the girl--I love her. What shall I +do? + +KEITH. Love! + +LARRY. [In a flash] Love!--That swinish brute! A million creatures +die every day, and not one of them deserves death as he did. But but +I feel it here. [Touching his heart] Such an awful clutch, Keith. +Help me if you can, old man. I may be no good, but I've never hurt a +fly if I could help it. [He buries his face in his hands.] + +KEITH. Steady, Larry! Let's think it out. You weren't seen, you +say? + +LARRY. It's a dark place, and dead night. + +KEITH. When did you leave the girl again? + +LARRY. About seven. + +KEITH. Where did you go? + +LARRY. To my rooms. + +KEITH. To Fitzroy Street? + +LARRY. Yes. + +KEITH. What have you done since? + +LARRY. Sat there--thinking. + +KEITH. Not been out? + +LARRY. No. + +KEITH. Not seen the girl? + + [LARRY shakes his head.] + +Will she give you away? + +LARRY. Never. + +KEITH. Or herself hysteria? + +LARRY. No. + +KEITH. Who knows of your relations with her? + +LARRY. No one. + +KEITH. No one? + +LARRY. I don't know who should, Keith. + +KEITH. Did anyone see you go in last night, when you first went to +her? + +LARRY. No. She lives on the ground floor. I've got keys. + +KEITH. Give them to me. + + LARRY takes two keys from his pocket and hands them to his + brother. + +LARRY. [Rising] I can't be cut off from her! + +KEITH. What! A girl like that? + +LARRY. [With a flash] Yes, a girl like that. + +KEITH. [Moving his hand to put down old emotion] What else have you +that connects you with her? + +LARRY. Nothing. + +KEITH. In your rooms? + + [LARRY shakes his head.] + +Photographs? Letters? + +LARRY. No. + +KEITH. Sure? + +LARRY. Nothing. + +KEITH. No one saw you going back to her? + + [LARRY shakes his head. ] +Nor leave in the morning? You can't be certain. + +LARRY. I am. + +KEITH. You were fortunate. Sit down again, man. I must think. + + He turns to the fire and leans his elbows on the mantelpiece and + his head on his hands. LARRY Sits down again obediently. + +KEITH. It's all too unlikely. It's monstrous! + +LARRY. [Sighing it out] Yes. + +KEITH. This Walenn--was it his first reappearance after an absence? + +LARRY. Yes. + +KEITH. How did he find out where she was? + +LARRY. I don't know. + +KEITH. [Brutally] How drunk were you? + +LARRY. I was not drunk. + +KEITH. How much had you drunk, then? + +LARRY. A little claret--nothing! + +KEITH. You say you didn't mean to kill him. + +LARRY. God knows. + +KEITH. That's something. + +LARRY. He hit me. [He holds up his hands] I didn't know I was so +strong. + +KEITH. She was hanging on to him, you say?--That's ugly. + +LARRY. She was scared for me. + +KEITH. D'you mean she--loves you? + +LARRY. [Simply] Yes, Keith. + +KEITH. [Brutally] Can a woman like that love? + +LARRY. [Flashing out] By God, you are a stony devil! Why not? + +KEITH. [Dryly] I'm trying to get at truth. If you want me to help, +I must know everything. What makes you think she's fond of you? + +LARRY. [With a crazy laugh] Oh, you lawyer! Were you never in a +woman's arms? + +KEITH. I'm talking of love. + +LARRY. [Fiercely] So am I. I tell you she's devoted. Did you ever +pick up a lost dog? Well, she has the lost dog's love for me. And I +for her; we picked each other up. I've never felt for another woman +what I feel for her--she's been the saving of me! + +KEITH. [With a shrug] What made you choose that archway? + +LARRY. It was the first dark place. + +KEITH. Did his face look as if he'd been strangled? + +LARRY. Don't! + +KEITH. Did it? + + [LARRY bows his head.] + +Very disfigured? + +LARRY. Yes. + +KEITH. Did you look to see if his clothes were marked? + +LARRY. No. + +KEITH. Why not? + +LARRY. [In an outburst] I'm not made of iron, like you. Why not? +If you had done it----! + +KEITH. [Holding up his hand] You say he was disfigured. Would he +be recognisable? + +LARRY. [Wearily] I don't know. + +KEITH. When she lived with him last--where was that? + +LARRY. In Pimlico, I think. + +KEITH. Not Soho? + + [LARRY shakes his head.] + +How long has she been at this Soho place? + +LARRY. Nearly a year. + +KEITH. Living this life? + +LARRY. Till she met me. + +KEITH. Till, she met you? And you believe----? + +LARRY. [Starting up] Keith! + +KEITH. [Again raising his hand] Always in the same rooms? + +LARRY. [Subsiding] Yes. + +KEITH. What was he? A professional bully? + + [LARRY nods.] + +Spending most of his time abroad, I suppose. + +LARRY. I think so. + +KEITH. Can you say if he was known to the police? + +LARRY. I've never heard. + + KEITH turns away and walks up and down; then, stopping at + LARRY's chair, he speaks. + +KEITH. Now listen, Larry. When you leave here, go straight home, +and stay there till I give you leave to go out again. Promise. + +LARRY. I promise. + +KEITH. Is your promise worth anything? + +LARRY. [With one of his flashes] "Unstable as water, he shall not +excel!" + +KEITH. Exactly. But if I'm to help you, you must do as I say. +I must have time to think this out. Have you got money? + +LARRY. Very little. + +KEITH. [Grimly] Half-quarter day--yes, your quarter's always spent +by then. If you're to get away--never mind, I can manage the money. + +LARRY. [Humbly] You're very good, Keith; you've always been very +good to me--I don't know why. + +KEITH. [Sardonically] Privilege of A brother. As it happens, I'm +thinking of myself and our family. You can't indulge yourself in +killing without bringing ruin. My God! I suppose you realise that +you've made me an accessory after the fact--me, King's counsel--sworn +to the service of the Law, who, in a year or two, will have the +trying of cases like yours! By heaven, Larry, you've surpassed +yourself! + +LARRY. [Bringing out a little box] I'd better have done with it. + +KErra. You fool! Give that to me. + +LARRY. [With a strange smite] No. [He holds up a tabloid between +finger and thumb] White magic, Keith! Just one--and they may do +what they like to you, and you won't know it. Snap your fingers at +all the tortures. It's a great comfort! Have one to keep by you? + +KEITH. Come, Larry! Hand it over. + +LARRY. [Replacing the box] Not quite! You've never killed a man, +you see. [He gives that crazy laugh.] D'you remember that hammer +when we were boys and you riled me, up in the long room? I had luck +then. I had luck in Naples once. I nearly killed a driver for +beating his poor brute of a horse. But now--! My God! [He covers +his face.] + + KEITH touched, goes up and lays a hand on his shoulder. + +KEITH. Come, Larry! Courage! + + LARRY looks up at him. + +LARRY. All right, Keith; I'll try. + +KEITH. Don't go out. Don't drink. Don't talk. Pull yourself +together! + +LARRY. [Moving towards the door] Don't keep me longer than you can +help, Keith. + +KEITH. No, no. Courage! + + LARRY reaches the door, turns as if to say something-finds no + words, and goes. + +[To the fire] Courage! My God! I shall need it! + + + CURTAIN + + + + +SCENE II + + At out eleven o'clock the following night an WANDA'S room on the + ground floor in Soho. In the light from one close-shaded + electric bulb the room is but dimly visible. A dying fire burns + on the left. A curtained window in the centre of the back wall. + A door on the right. The furniture is plush-covered and + commonplace, with a kind of shabby smartness. A couch, without + back or arms, stands aslant, between window and fire. + + [On this WANDA is sitting, her knees drawn up under her, staring + at the embers. She has on only her nightgown and a wrapper over + it; her bare feet are thrust into slippers. Her hands are + crossed and pressed over her breast. She starts and looks up, + listening. Her eyes are candid and startled, her face alabaster + pale, and its pale brown hair, short and square-cut, curls + towards her bare neck. The startled dark eyes and the faint + rose of her lips are like colour-staining on a white mask.] + + [Footsteps as of a policeman, very measured, pass on the + pavement outside, and die away. She gets up and steals to the + window, draws one curtain aside so that a chink of the night is + seen. She opens the curtain wider, till the shape of a bare, + witch-like tree becomes visible in the open space of the little + Square on the far side of the road. The footsteps are heard + once more coming nearer. WANDA closes the curtains and cranes + back. They pass and die again. She moves away and looking down + at the floor between door and couch, as though seeing something + there; shudders; covers her eyes; goes back to the couch and + down again just as before, to stare at the embers. Again she is + startled by noise of the outer door being opened. She springs + up, runs and turns the light by a switch close to the door. By + the glimmer of the fire she can just be seen standing by the + dark window-curtains, listening. There comes the sound of + subdued knocking on her door. She stands in breathless terror. + The knocking is repeated. The sound of a latchkey in the door + is heard. Her terror leaves her. The door opens; a man enters + in a dark, fur overcoat.] + +WANDA. [In a voice of breathless relief, with a rather foreign +accent] Oh! it's you, Larry! Why did you knock? I was so +frightened. Come in! [She crosses quickly, and flings her arms +round his neck] [Recoiling--in a terror-stricken whisper] Oh! Who +is it? + +KEITH. [In a smothered voice] A friend of Larry's. Don't be +frightened. + + She has recoiled again to the window; and when he finds the + switch and turns the light up, she is seen standing there + holding her dark wrapper up to her throat, so that her face has + an uncanny look of being detached from the body. + +[Gently] You needn't be afraid. I haven't come to do you harm-- +quite the contrary. [Holding up the keys] Larry wouldn't have given +me these, would he, if he hadn't trusted me? + + WANDA does not move, staring like a spirit startled out of the + flesh. + +[After looking round him] I'm sorry to have startled you. + +WANDA. [In a whisper] Who are you, please? + +KEITH. Larry's brother. + + WANDA, with a sigh of utter relief, steals forward to the couch + and sinks down. KEITH goes up to her. + +He'd told me. + +WANDA. [Clasping her hands round her knees.] Yes? + +KEITH. An awful business! + +WANDA. Yes; oh, yes! Awful--it is awful! + +KEITH. [Staring round him again.] In this room? + +WANDA. Just where you are standing. I see him now, always falling. + +KEITH. [Moved by the gentle despair in her voice] You--look very +young. What's your name? + +WANDA. Wanda. + +KEITH. Are you fond of Larry? + +WANDA. I would die for him! + + [A moment's silence.] + +KEITH. I--I've come to see what you can do to save him. + +WANDA, [Wistfully] You would not deceive me. You are really his +brother? + +KEITH. I swear it. + +WANDA. [Clasping her hands] If I can save him! Won't you sit down? + +KEITH. [Drawing up a chair and sitting] This, man, your--your +husband, before he came here the night before last--how long since +you saw him? + +WANDA. Eighteen month. + +KEITH. Does anyone about here know you are his wife? + +WANDA. No. I came here to live a bad life. Nobody know me. I am +quite alone. + +KEITH. They've discovered who he was--you know that? + +WANDA. No; I have not dared to go out. + +KEITH: Well, they have; and they'll look for anyone connected with +him, of course. + +WANDA. He never let people think I was married to him. I don't know +if I was--really. We went to an office and signed our names; but he +was a wicked man. He treated many, I think, like me. + +KEITH. Did my brother ever see him before? + +WANDA. Never! And that man first went for him. + +KEITH. Yes. I saw the mark. Have you a servant? + +WANDA. No. A woman come at nine in the morning for an hour. + +KEITH. Does she know Larry? + +WANDA. No. He is always gone. + +KEITH. Friends--acquaintances? + +WANDA. No; I am verree quiet. Since I know your brother, I see no +one, sare. + +KEITH. [Sharply] Do you mean that? + +WANDA. Oh, yes! I love him. Nobody come here but him for a long +time now. + +KEITH. How long? + +WANDA. Five month. + +KEITH. So you have not been out since----? + + [WANDA shakes her head.] + +What have you been doing? + +WANDA. [Simply] Crying. [Pressing her hands to her breast] He is +in danger because of me. I am so afraid for him. + +KEITH. [Checking her emotion] Look at me. + + [She looks at him.] + +If the worst comes, and this man is traced to you, can you trust +yourself not to give Larry away? + +WANDA. [Rising and pointing to the fire] Look! I have burned all +the things he have given me--even his picture. Now I have nothing +from him. + +KEITH. [Who has risen too] Good! One more question. Do the police +know you--because--of your life? + + [She looks at him intently, and shakes her, head.] + +You know where Larry lives? + +WANDA. Yes. + +KEITH. You mustn't go there, and he mustn't come to you. + + [She bows her head; then, suddenly comes close to him.] + +WANDA. Please do not take him from me altogether. I will be so +careful. I will not do anything to hurt him. But if I cannot see +him sometimes, I shall die. Please do not take him from me. + + [She catches his hand and presses it desperately between her + own.] + +KEITH. Leave that to me. I'm going to do all I can. + +WANDA. [Looking up into his face] But you will be kind? + + Suddenly she bends and kisses his hand. KEITH draws his hand + away, and she recoils a little humbly, looking up at him again. + Suddenly she stands rigid, listening. + +[In a whisper] Listen! Someone--out there! + + She darts past him and turns out the light. There is a knock on + the door. They are now close together between door and window. + + [Whispering] Oh! Who is it? + +KEITH. [Under his breath] You said no one comes but Larry. + +WANDA. Yes, and you have his keys. Oh! if it is Larry! I must open! + + KEITH shrinks back against the wall. WANDA goes to the door. + +[Opening the door an inch] Yes? Please? Who? + + A thin streak of light from a bull's-eye lantern outside plays + over the wall. A Policeman's voice says: "All right, Miss. + Your outer door's open. You ought to keep it shut after dark, + you know." + +WANDA. Thank you, air. + + [The sound of retreating footsteps, of the outer door closing. + WANDA shuts the door.] + +A policeman! + +KEITH. [Moving from the wall] Curse! I must have left that door. +[Suddenly-turning up the light] You told me they didn't know you. + +WANDA. [Sighing] I did not think they did, sir. It is so long I +was not out in the town; not since I had Larry. + + KEITH gives her an intent look, then crosses to the fire. He + stands there a moment, looking down, then turns to the girl, who + has crept back to the couch. + +KEITH. [Half to himself] After your life, who can believe---? Look +here! You drifted together and you'll drift apart, you know. Better +for him to get away and make a clean cut of it. + +WANDA. [Uttering a little moaning sound] Oh, sir! May I not love, +because I have been bad? I was only sixteen when that man spoiled +me. If you knew---- + +KEITH. I'm thinking of Larry. With you, his danger is much greater. +There's a good chance as things are going. You may wreck it. And +for what? Just a few months more of--well--you know. + +WANDA. [Standing at the head of the couch and touching her eyes with +her hands] Oh, sir! Look! It is true. He is my life. Don't take +him away from me. + +KEITH. [Moved and restless] You must know what Larry is. He'll +never stick to you. + +WANDA. [Simply] He will, sir. + +KEITH. [Energetically] The last man on earth to stick to anything! +But for the sake of a whim he'll risk his life and the honour of all +his family. I know him. + +WANDA. No, no, you do not. It is I who know him. + +KEITH. Now, now! At any moment they may find out your connection +with that man. So long as Larry goes on with you, he's tied to this +murder, don't you see? + +WANDA. [Coming close to him] But he love me. Oh, sir! he love me! + +KEITH. Larry has loved dozens of women. + +WANDA. Yes, but----[Her face quivers]. + +KEITH. [Brusquely] Don't cry! If I give you money, will you +disappear, for his sake? + +WANDA. [With a moan] It will be in the water, then. There will be +no cruel men there. + +KEITH. Ah! First Larry, then you! Come now. It's better for you +both. A few months, and you'll forget you ever met. + +WANDA. [Looking wildly up] I will go if Larry say I must. But not +to live. No! [Simply] I could not, sir. + + [KEITH, moved, is silent.] + +I could not live without Larry. What is left for a girl like me-- +when she once love? It is finish. + +KEITH. I don't want you to go back to that life. + +WANDA. No; you do not care what I do. Why should you? I tell you I +will go if Larry say I must. + +KEITH. That's not enough. You know that. You must take it out of +his hands. He will never give up his present for the sake of his +future. If you're as fond of him as you say, you'll help to save +him. + +WANDA. [Below her breath] Yes! Oh, yes! But do not keep him long +from me--I beg! [She sinks to the floor and clasps his knees.] + +KEITH. Well, well! Get up. + + [There is a tap on the window-pane] + +Listen! + + [A faint, peculiar whistle. ] + +WANDA. [Springing up] Larry! Oh, thank God! + + [She runs to the door, opens it, and goes out to bring him in. + KEITH stands waiting, facing the open doorway.] + + [LARRY entering with WANDA just behind him.] + +LARRY. Keith! + +KEITH. [Grimly] So much for your promise not to go out! + +LARRY. I've been waiting in for you all day. I couldn't stand it +any longer. + +KEITH. Exactly! + +LARRY. Well, what's the sentence, brother? Transportation for life +and then to be fined forty pounds'? + +KEITH. So you can joke, can you? + +LARRY. Must. + +KEITH. A boat leaves for the Argentine the day after to-morrow; you +must go by it. + +LARRY. [Putting his arms round WANDA, who is standing motionless +with her eyes fixed on him] Together, Keith? + +KEITH. You can't go together. I'll send her by the next boat. + +LARRY. Swear? + +KEITH. Yes. You're lucky they're on a false scent. + +LARRY. What? + +KEITH. You haven't seen it? + +LARRY. I've seen nothing, not even a paper. + +KEITH. They've taken up a vagabond who robbed the body. He pawned a +snake-shaped ring, and they identified this Walenn by it. I've been +down and seen him charged myself. + +LARRY. With murder? + +WANDA. [Faintly] Larry! + +KEITH. He's in no danger. They always get the wrong man first. +It'll do him no harm to be locked up a bit--hyena like that. Better +in prison, anyway, than sleeping out under archways in this weather. + +LARRY. What was he like, Keith? + +KEITH. A little yellow, ragged, lame, unshaven scarecrow of a chap. +They were fools to think he could have had the strength. + +LARRY. What! [In an awed voice] Why, I saw him--after I left you +last night. + +KEITH. You? Where? + +LARRY. By the archway. + +KEITH. You went back there? + +LARRY. It draws you, Keith. + +KErra. You're mad, I think. + +LARRY. I talked to him, and he said, "Thank you for this little +chat. It's worth more than money when you're down." Little grey man +like a shaggy animal. And a newspaper boy came up and said: "That's +right, guv'nors! 'Ere's where they found the body--very spot. They +'yn't got 'im yet." + + [He laughs; and the terrified girl presses herself against him.] + +An innocent man! + +KEITH. He's in no danger, I tell you. He could never have +strangled----Why, he hadn't the strength of a kitten. Now, Larry! +I'll take your berth to-morrow. Here's money [He brings out a pile +of notes and puts them on the couch] You can make a new life of it +out there together presently, in the sun. + +LARRY. [In a whisper] In the sun! "A cup of wine and thou." +[Suddenly] How can I, Keith? I must see how it goes with that poor +devil. + +KEITH. Bosh! Dismiss it from your mind; there's not nearly enough +evidence. + +LARRY. Not? + +KEITH. No. You've got your chance. Take it like a man. + +LARRY. [With a strange smile--to the girl] Shall we, Wanda? + +WANDA. Oh, Larry! + +LARRY. [Picking the notes up from the couch] Take them back, Keith. + +KEITH. What! I tell you no jury would convict; and if they did, no +judge would hang. A ghoul who can rob a dead body, ought to be in +prison. He did worse than you. + +LARRY. It won't do, Keith. I must see it out. + +KEITH. Don't be a fool! + +LARRY. I've still got some kind of honour. If I clear out before I +know, I shall have none--nor peace. Take them, Keith, or I'll put +them in the fire. + +KEITH. [Taking back the notes; bitterly] I suppose I may ask you +not to be entirely oblivious of our name. Or is that unworthy of +your honour? + +LARRY. [Hanging his head] I'm awfully sorry, Keith; awfully sorry, +old man. + +KEITH. [sternly] You owe it to me--to our name--to our dead mother +--to do nothing anyway till we see what happens. + +LARRY. I know. I'll do nothing without you, Keith. + +KEITH. [Taking up his hat] Can I trust you? [He stares hard at his +brother.] + +LARRY. You can trust me. + +KEITH. Swear? + +LARRY. I swear. + +KEITH. Remember, nothing! Good night! + +LARRY. Good night! + + KEITH goes. LARRY Sits down on the couch sand stares at the + fire. The girl steals up and slips her arms about him. + +LARRY. An innocent man! + +WANDA. Oh, Larry! But so are you. What did we want--to kill that +man? Never! Oh! kiss me! + + [LARRY turns his face. She kisses his lips.] + +I have suffered so--not seein' you. Don't leave me again--don't! +Stay here. Isn't it good to be together?--Oh! Poor Larry! How +tired you look!--Stay with me. I am so frightened all alone. So +frightened they will take you from me. + +LARRY. Poor child! + +WANDA. No, no! Don't look like that! + +LARRY. You're shivering. + +WANDA. I will make up the fire. Love me, Larry! I want to forget. + +LARRY. The poorest little wretch on God's earth--locked up--for me! +A little wild animal, locked up. There he goes, up and down, up and +down--in his cage--don't you see him?--looking for a place to gnaw +his way through--little grey rat. [He gets up and roams about.] + +WANDA. No, no! I can't bear it! Don't frighten me more! + + [He comes back and takes her in his arms.] + +LARRY. There, there! [He kisses her closed eyes.] + +WANDA. [Without moving] If we could sleep a little--wouldn't it be +nice? + +LARRY. Sleep? + +WANDA. [Raising herself] Promise to stay with me--to stay here for +good, Larry. I will cook for you; I will make you so comfortable. +They will find him innocent. And then--Oh, Larry! in the sun-right +away--far from this horrible country. How lovely! [Trying to get +him to look at her] Larry! + +LARRY. [With a movement to free 'himself] To the edge of the +world-and---over! + +WANDA. No, no! No, no! You don't want me to die, Larry, do you? I +shall if you leave me. Let us be happy! Love me! + +LARRY. [With a laugh] Ah! Let's be happy and shut out the sight of +him. Who cares? Millions suffer for no mortal reason. Let's be +strong, like Keith. No! I won't leave you, Wanda. Let's forget +everything except ourselves. [Suddenly] There he goes-up and down! + +WANDA. [Moaning] No, no! See! I will pray to the Virgin. She will +pity us! + + She falls on her knees and clasps her hands, praying. Her lips + move. LARRY stands motionless, with arms crossed, and on his + face are yearning and mockery, love and despair. + +LARRY. [Whispering] Pray for us! Bravo! Pray away! + + [Suddenly the girl stretches out her arms and lifts her face + with a look of ecstasy.] + +What? + +WANDA. She is smiling! We shall be happy soon. + +LARRY. [Bending down over her] Poor child! When we die, Wanda, +let's go together. We should keep each other warm out in the dark. + +WANDA. [Raising her hands to his face] Yes! oh, yes! If you die I +could not--I could not go on living! + + + CURTAIN + + + + +SCENE III. + +TWO MONTHS LATER + + WANDA'S room. Daylight is just beginning to fail of a January + afternoon. The table is laid for supper, with decanters of + wine. + + WANDA is standing at the window looking out at the wintry trees + of the Square beyond the pavement. A newspaper Boy's voice is + heard coming nearer. + +VOICE. Pyper! Glove Lyne murder! Trial and verdict! [Receding] +Verdict! Pyper! + + WANDA throws up the window as if to call to him, checks herself, + closes it and runs to the door. She opens it, but recoils into + the room. KEITH is standing there. He comes in. + +KEITH. Where's Larry? + +WANDA. He went to the trial. I could not keep him from it. The +trial--Oh! what has happened, sir? + +KEITH. [Savagely] Guilty! Sentence of death! Fools!--idiots! + +WANDA. Of death! [For a moment she seems about to swoon.] + +KEITH. Girl! girl! It may all depend on you. Larry's still living +here? + +WANDA. Yes. + +KEITH. I must wait for him. + +WANDA. Will you sit down, please? + +KEITH. [Shaking his head] Are you ready to go away at any time? + +WANDA. Yes, yes; always I am ready. + +KEITH. And he? + +WANDA. Yes--but now! What will he do? That poor man! + +KEITH. A graveyard thief--a ghoul! + +WANDA. Perhaps he was hungry. I have been hungry: you do things +then that you would not. Larry has thought of him in prison so much +all these weeks. Oh! what shall we do now? + +KEITH. Listen! Help me. Don't let Larry out of your sight. I must +see how things go. They'll never hang this wretch. [He grips her +arms] Now, we must stop Larry from giving himself up. He's fool +enough. D'you understand? + +WANDA. Yes. But why has he not come in? Oh! If he have, already! + +KEITH. [Letting go her arms] My God! If the police come--find me +here--[He moves to the door] No, he wouldn't without seeing you +first. He's sure to come. Watch him like a lynx. Don't let him go +without you. + +WANDA. [Clasping her hands on her breast] I will try, sir. + +KEITH. Listen! + + [A key is heard in the lock.] + +It's he! + + LARRY enters. He is holding a great bunch of pink lilies and + white narcissus. His face tells nothing. KEITH looks from him + to the girl, who stands motionless. + +LARRY. Keith! So you've seen? + +KEITH. The thing can't stand. I'll stop it somehow. But you must +give me time, Larry. + +LARRY. [Calmly] Still looking after your honour, KEITH! + +KEITH. [Grimly] Think my reasons what you like. + +WANDA. [Softly] Larry! + + [LARRY puts his arm round her.] + +LARRY. Sorry, old man. + +KEITH. This man can and shall get off. I want your solemn promise +that you won't give yourself up, nor even go out till I've seen you +again. + +LARRY. I give it. + +KEITH. [Looking from one to the other] By the memory of our mother, +swear that. + +LARRY. [With a smile] I swear. + +KEITH. I have your oath--both of you--both of you. I'm going at +once to see what can be done. + +LARRY. [Softly] Good luck, brother. + + KEITH goes out. + +WANDA. [Putting her hands on LARRY's breast] What does it mean? + +LARRY. Supper, child--I've had nothing all day. Put these lilies in +water. + + [She takes the lilies and obediently puts them into a vase. + LARRY pours wine into a deep-coloured glass and drinks it off.] + +We've had a good time, Wanda. Best time I ever had, these last two +months; and nothing but the bill to pay. + +WANDA. [Clasping him desperately] Oh, Larry! Larry! + +LARRY. [Holding her away to look at her.] Take off those things and +put on a bridal garment. + +WANDA. Promise me--wherever you go, I go too. Promise! Larry, you +think I haven't seen, all these weeks. But I have seen everything; +all in your heart, always. You cannot hide from me. I knew--I knew! +Oh, if we might go away into the sun! Oh! Larry--couldn't we? [She +searches his eyes with hers--then shuddering] Well! If it must be +dark--I don't care, if I may go in your arms. In prison we could not +be together. I am ready. Only love me first. Don't let me cry +before I go. Oh! Larry, will there be much pain? + +LARRY. [In a choked voice] No pain, my pretty. + +WANDA. [With a little sigh] It is a pity. + +LARRY. If you had seen him, as I have, all day, being tortured. +Wanda,--we shall be out of it. [The wine mounting to his head] We +shall be free in the dark; free of their cursed inhumanities. I hate +this world--I loathe it! I hate its God-forsaken savagery; its pride +and smugness! Keith's world--all righteous will-power and success. +We're no good here, you and I--we were cast out at birth--soft, +will-less--better dead. No fear, Keith! I'm staying indoors. [He +pours wine into two glasses] Drink it up! + + + [Obediently WANDA drinks, and he also.] + +Now go and make yourself beautiful. + +WANDA. [Seizing him in her arms] Oh, Larry! + +LARRY. [Touching her face and hair] Hanged by the neck until he's +dead--for what I did. + + [WANDA takes a long look at his face, slips her arms from him, + and goes out through the curtains below the fireplace.] + + [LARRY feels in his pocket, brings out the little box, opens it, + fingers the white tabloids.] + +LARRY. Two each--after food. [He laughs and puts back the box] Oh! +my girl! + + [The sound of a piano playing a faint festive tune is heard afar + off. He mutters, staring at the fire.] + + [Flames-flame, and flicker-ashes.] + +"No more, no more, the moon is dead, And all the people in it." + + [He sits on the couch with a piece of paper on his knees, adding + a few words with a stylo pen to what is already written.] + + [The GIRL, in a silk wrapper, coming back through the curtains, + watches him.] + +LARRY. [Looking up] It's all here--I've confessed. [Reading] + +"Please bury us together." + +"LAURENCE DARRANT. + +"January 28th, about six p.m." + +They'll find us in the morning. Come and have supper, my dear love. + + [The girl creeps forward. He rises, puts his arm round her, and + with her arm twined round him, smiling into each other's faces, + they go to the table and sit down.] + + The curtain falls for a few seconds to indicate the passage of + three hours. When it rises again, the lovers are lying on the + couch, in each other's arms, the lilies stream about them. The + girl's bare arm is round LARRY'S neck. Her eyes are closed; his + are open and sightless. There is no light but fire-light. + + A knocking on the door and the sound of a key turned in the + lock. KEITH enters. He stands a moment bewildered by the + half-light, then calls sharply: "Larry!" and turns up the light. + Seeing the forms on the couch, he recoils a moment. Then, + glancing at the table and empty decanters, goes up to the couch. + +KEITH. [Muttering] Asleep! Drunk! Ugh! + + [Suddenly he bends, touches LARRY, and springs back.] + +What! [He bends again, shakes him and calls] Larry! Larry! + + [Then, motionless, he stares down at his brother's open, + sightless eyes. Suddenly he wets his finger and holds it to the + girl's lips, then to LARRY'S.] + + [He bends and listens at their hearts; catches sight of the + little box lying between them and takes it up.] + +My God! + + [Then, raising himself, he closes his brother's eyes, and as he + does so, catches sight of a paper pinned to the couch; detaches + it and reads:] + +"I, Lawrence Darrant, about to die by my own hand confess that I----" + + [He reads on silently, in horror; finishes, letting the paper + drop, and recoils from the couch on to a chair at the + dishevelled supper table. Aghast, he sits there. Suddenly he + mutters:] + +If I leave that there--my name--my whole future! + + [He springs up, takes up the paper again, and again reads.] + +My God! It's ruin! + + [He makes as if to tear it across, stops, and looks down at + those two; covers his eyes with his hand; drops the paper and + rushes to the door. But he stops there and comes back, + magnetised, as it were, by that paper. He takes it up once more + and thrusts it into his pocket.] + + [The footsteps of a Policeman pass, slow and regular, outside. + His face crisps and quivers; he stands listening till they die + away. Then he snatches the paper from his pocket, and goes past + the foot of the couch to the fore.] + +All my----No! Let him hang! + + [He thrusts the paper into the fire, stamps it down with his + foot, watches it writhe and blacken. Then suddenly clutching + his head, he turns to the bodies on the couch. Panting and like + a man demented, he recoils past the head of the couch, and + rushing to the window, draws the curtains and throws the window + up for air. Out in the darkness rises the witch-like skeleton + tree, where a dark shape seems hanging. KEITH starts back.] + +What's that? What----! + + [He shuts the window and draws the dark curtains across it + again.] + +Fool! Nothing! + + [Clenching his fists, he draws himself up, steadying himself + with all his might. Then slowly he moves to the door, stands a + second like a carved figure, his face hard as stone.] + + [Deliberately he turns out the light, opens the door, and goes.] + + [The still bodies lie there before the fire which is licking at + the last blackened wafer.] + + +CURTAIN + + + + + + End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The First and The Last (Six Short + Plays), by John Galsworthy + + *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FIRST AND LAST *** + + ***** This file should be named 2918.txt or 2918.zip ***** + This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/9/1/2918/ + + Produced by David Widger + + Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions + will be renamed. + + Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no + one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation + (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without + permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN ETEXTS*Ver.04.07.00*END* + + + + + +This etext was prepared by David Widger, <widger@cecomet.net> + + + + + +FROM THE SERIES OF SIX SHORT PLAYS + +BY JOHN GALSWORTHY + + + + +THE FIRST AND THE LAST + +A DRAMA IN THREE SCENES + + + + +PERSONS OF THE PLAY + +KEITH DARRANT, K.C. +LARRY DARRANT, His Brother. +WANDA. + + + +SCENE I. KEITH'S Study. + +SCENE II. WANDA's Room. + +SCENE III. The Same. + +Between SCENE I. and SCENE II.--Thirty hours. +Between SCENE II. and SCENE III.--Two months. + + + + +SCENE I + +It is six o'clock of a November evening, in KEITH DARRANT'S +study. A large, dark-curtained room where the light from a single +reading-lamp falling on Turkey carpet, on books beside a large +armchair, on the deep blue-and-gold coffee service, makes a sort of +oasis before a log fire. In red Turkish slippers and an old brown +velvet coat, KEITH DARRANT sits asleep. He has a dark, clean-cut, +clean-shaven face, dark grizzling hair, dark twisting eyebrows. + + [The curtained door away out in the dim part of the room behind + him is opened so softly that he does not wake. LARRY DARRANT + enters and stands half lost in the curtain over the door. A + thin figure, with a worn, high cheek-boned face, deep-sunk blue + eyes and wavy hair all ruffled--a face which still has a certain + beauty. He moves inwards along the wall, stands still again and + utters a gasping sigh. KEITH stirs in his chair.] + +KEITH. Who's there? + +LARRY. [In a stifled voice] Only I--Larry. + +KEITH. [Half-waked] Come in! I was asleep. [He does not turn his +head, staring sleepily at the fire. + + The sound of LARRY's breathing can be heard. + + [Turning his head a little] Well, Larry, what is it? + + LARRY comes skirting along the wall, as if craving its support, + outside the radius of the light. + + [Staring] Are you ill? + + LARRY stands still again and heaves a deep sigh. + +KEITH. [Rising, with his back to the fire, and staring at his +brother] What is it, man ? [Then with a brutality born of nerves +suddenly ruffled] Have you committed a murder that you stand there +like a fish? + +LARRY. [In a whisper] Yes, Keith. + +KEITH. [With vigorous disgust] By Jove ! Drunk again ! [In a +voice changed by sudden apprehension] What do you mean by coming +here in this state? I told you---- If you weren't my brother----! +Come here, where I can we you! What's the matter with you, Larry? + + With a lurch LARRY leaves the shelter of the wall and sinks into + a chair in the circle of light. + +LARRY. It's true. + + KEITH steps quickly forward and stares down into his brother's + eyes, where is a horrified wonder, as if they would never again + get on terms with his face. + +KEITH. [Angry, bewildered-in a low voice] What in God's name is +this nonsense? + + He goes quickly over to the door and draws the curtain aside, to + see that it is shut, then comes back to LARRY, who is huddling + over the fire. + +Come, Larry ! Pull yourself together and drop exaggeration! What on +earth do you mean? + +LARRY. [In a shrill outburst] It's true, I tell you; I've killed a +man. + +KEITH. [Bracing himself; coldly] Be quiet! + + LARRY lifts his hands and wrings them. + +[Utterly taken aback] Why come here and tell me this? + +LARRY. Whom should I tell, Keith? I came to ask what I'm to do-- +give myself up, or what ? + +KEITH. When--when--what----? + +LARRY. Last night. + +KEITH. Good God! How? Where? You'd better tell me quietly from +the beginning. Here, drink this coffee; it'll clear your head. + + He pours out and hands him a cup of coffee. LARRY drinks it + off. + +LARRY. My head! Yes! It's like this, Keith--there's a girl---- + +KEITH. Women! Always women, with you! Well? + +LARRY. A Polish girl. She--her father died over here when she was +sixteen, and left her all alone. There was a mongrel living in the +same house who married her--or pretended to. She's very pretty, +Keith. He left her with a baby coming. She lost it, and nearly +starved. Then another fellow took her on, and she lived with him two +years, till that brute turned up again and made her go back to him. +He used to beat her black and blue. He'd left her again when--I met +her. She was taking anybody then. [He stops, passes his hand over +his lips, looks up at KEITH, and goes on defiantly] I never met a +sweeter woman, or a truer, that I swear. Woman! She's only twenty +now! When I went to her last night, that devil had found her out +again. He came for me--a bullying, great, hulking brute. Look! +[He touches a dark mark on his forehead] I took his ugly throat, and +when I let go--[He stops and his hands drop.] + +KEITH. Yes? + +LARRY. [In a smothered voice] Dead, Keith. I never knew till +afterwards that she was hanging on to him--to h-help me. [Again he +wrings his hands.] + +KEITH. [In a hard, dry voice] What did you do then? + +LARRY. We--we sat by it a long time. + +KEITH. Well? + +LARRY. Then I carried it on my back down the street, round a corner, +to an archway. + +KEITH. How far? + +LARRY. About fifty yards. + +KEITH. Was--did anyone see? + +LARRY. No. + +KEITH. What time? + +LARRY. Three in the morning. + +KEITH. And then? + +LARRY. Went back to her. + +KEITH. Why--in heaven's name? + +LARRY. She way lonely and afraid. So was I, Keith. + +KEITH. Where is this place? + +LARRY. Forty-two Borrow Square, Soho. + +KEITH. And the archway? + +LARRY. Corner of Glove Lane. + +KEITH. Good God! Why, I saw it in the paper this morning. They +were talking of it in the Courts! [He snatches the evening paper +from his armchair, and runs it over anal reads] Here it is again. +"Body of a man was found this morning under an archway in Glove Lane. +>From marks about the throat grave suspicion of foul play are +entertained. The body had apparently been robbed. "My God! +[Suddenly he turns] You saw this in the paper and dreamed it. D'you +understand, Larry?--you dreamed it. + +LARRY. [Wistfully] If only I had, Keith! + + KEITH makes a movement of his hands almost like his brother's. + +KEITH. Did you take anything from the-body? + +LARRY. [Drawing au envelope from his pocket] This dropped out while +we were struggling. + +KEITH. [Snatching it and reading] "Patrick Walenn"--Was that his +name? "Simon's Hotel, Farrier Street, London." [Stooping, he puts it +in the fire] No!--that makes me---- [He bends to pluck it out, stays +his hand, and stamps it suddenly further in with his foot] What in +God's name made you come here and tell me? Don't you know I'm--I'm +within an ace of a Judgeship? + +LARRY. [Simply] Yes. You must know what I ought to do. I didn't, +mean to kill him, Keith. I love the girl--I love her. What shall I +do? + +KEITH. Love! + +LARRY. [In a flash] Love!--That swinish brute! A million creatures +die every day, and not one of them deserves death as he did. But but +I feel it here. [Touching his heart] Such an awful clutch, Keith. +Help me if you can, old man. I may be no good, but I've never hurt a +fly if I could help it. [He buries his face in his hands.] + +KEITH. Steady, Larry! Let's think it out. You weren't seen, you +say? + +LARRY. It's a dark place, and dead night. + +KEITH. When did you leave the girl again? + +LARRY. About seven. + +KEITH. Where did you go? + +LARRY. To my rooms. + +KEITH. To Fitzroy Street? + +LARRY. Yes. + +KEITH. What have you done since? + +LARRY. Sat there--thinking. + +KEITH. Not been out? + +LARRY. No. + +KEITH. Not seen the girl? + + [LARRY shakes his head.] + +Will she give you away? + +LARRY. Never. + +KEITH. Or herself hysteria? + +LARRY. No. + +KEITH. Who knows of your relations with her? + +LARRY. No one. + +KEITH. No one? + +LARRY. I don't know who should, Keith. + +KEITH. Did anyone see you go in last night, when you first went to +her? + +LARRY. No. She lives on the ground floor. I've got keys. + +KEITH. Give them to me. + + LARRY takes two keys from his pocket and hands them to his + brother. + +LARRY. [Rising] I can't be cut off from her! + +KEITH. What! A girl like that? + +LARRY. [With a flash] Yes, a girl like that. + +KEITH. [Moving his hand to put down old emotion] What else have you +that connects you with her? + +LARRY. Nothing. + +KEITH. In your rooms? + + [LARRY shakes his head.] + +Photographs? Letters? + +LARRY. No. + +KEITH. Sure? + +LARRY. Nothing. + +KEITH. No one saw you going back to her? + + [LARRY shakes his head. ] +Nor leave in the morning? You can't be certain. + +LARRY. I am. + +KEITH. You were fortunate. Sit down again, man. I must think. + + He turns to the fire and leans his elbows on the mantelpiece and + his head on his hands. LARRY Sits down again obediently. + +KEITH. It's all too unlikely. It's monstrous! + +LARRY. [Sighing it out] Yes. + +KEITH. This Walenn--was it his first reappearance after an absence? + +LARRY. Yes. + +KEITH. How did he find out where she was? + +LARRY. I don't know. + +KEITH. [Brutally] How drunk were you? + +LARRY. I was not drunk. + +KEITH. How much had you drunk, then? + +LARRY. A little claret--nothing! + +KEITH. You say you didn't mean to kill him. + +LARRY. God knows. + +KEITH. That's something. + +LARRY. He hit me. [He holds up his hands] I didn't know I was so +strong. + +KEITH. She was hanging on to him, you say?--That's ugly. + +LARRY. She was scared for me. + +KEITH. D'you mean she--loves you? + +LARRY. [Simply] Yes, Keith. + +KEITH. [Brutally] Can a woman like that love? + +LARRY. [Flashing out] By God, you are a stony devil! Why not? + +KEITH. [Dryly] I'm trying to get at truth. If you want me to help, +I must know everything. What makes you think she's fond of you? + +LARRY. [With a crzay laugh] Oh, you lawyer! Were you never in a +woman's arms? + +KEITH. I'm talking of love. + +LARRY. [Fiercely] So am I. I tell you she's devoted. Did you ever +pick up a lost dog? Well, she has the lost dog's love for me. And I +for her; we picked each other up. I've never felt for another woman +what I feel for her--she's been the saving of me! + +KEITH. [With a shrug] What made you choose that archway? + +LARRY. It was the first dark place. + +KEITH. Did his face look as if he'd been strangled? + +LARRY. Don't! + +KEITH. Did it? + + [LARRY bows his head.] + +Very disfigured? + +LARRY. Yes. + +KEITH. Did you look to see if his clothes were marked? + +LARRY. No. + +KEITH. Why not? + +LARRY. [In an outburst] I'm not made of iron, like you. Why not? +If you had done it----! + +KEITH. [Holding up his hand] You say he was disfigured. Would he +be recognisable? + +LARRY. [Wearily] I don't know. + +KEITH. When she lived with him last--where was that?. + +LARRY. In Pimlico, I think. + +KEITH. Not Soho? + + [LARRY shakes his head.] + +How long has she been at this Soho place? + +LARRY. Nearly a year. + +KEITH. Living this life? + +LAaRY. Till she met me. + +KEITH. Till, she met you? And you believe----? + +LARRY. [Starting up] Keith! + +KEITH. [Again raising his hand] Always in the same rooms? + +LARRY. [Subsiding] Yes. + +KEITH. What was he? A professional bully? + + [LARRY nods.] + +Spending most of his time abroad, I suppose. + +LARRY. I think so. + +KEITH. Can you say if he was known to the police? + +LARRY. I've never heard. + + KEITH turns away and walks up and down; then, stopping at + LARRY's chair, he speaks. + +KEITH. Now listen, Larry. When you leave here, go straight home, +and stay there till I give you leave to go out again. Promise. + +LARRY. I promise. + +KEITH. Is your promise worth anything? + +LARRY. [With one of his flashes] "Unstable as water, he shall not +excel!" + +KEITH. Exactly. But if I'm to help you, you must do as I say. +I must have time to think this out. Have you got money? + +LARRY. Very little. + +KEITH. [Grimly] Half-quarter day--yes, your quarter's always spent +by then. If you're to get away--never mind, I can manage the money. + +LARRY. [Humbly] You're very good, Keith; you've always been very +good to me--I don't know why. + +KEITH. [Sardonically] Privilege of A brother. As it happens, I'm +thinking of myself and our family. You can't indulge yourself in +killing without bringing ruin. My God! I suppose you realise that +you've made me an accessory after the fact--me, King's counsel--sworn +to the service of the Law, who, in a year or two, will have the +trying of cases like yours! By heaven, Larry, you've surpassed +yourself! + +LARRY. [Bringing out a little box] I'd better have done with it. + +KErra. You fool! Give that to me. + +LARRY. [With a strange smite] No. [He holds up a tabloid between +finger and thumb] White magic, Keith! Just one--and they may do +what they like to you, and you won't know it. Snap your fingers at +all the tortures. It's a great comfort! Have one to keep by you? + +KEITH. Come, Larry! Hand it over. + +LARRY. [Replacing the box] Not quite! You've never killed a man, +you see. [He gives that crazy laugh.] D'you remember that hammer +when we were boys and you riled me, up in the long room? I had luck +then. I had luck in Naples once. I nearly killed a driver for +beating his poor brute of a horse. But now--! My God! [He covers +his face.] + + KEITH touched, goes up and lays a hand on his shoulder. + +KEITH. Come, Larry! Courage! + + LARRY looks up at him. + +LARRY. All right, Keith; I'll try. + +KEITH. Don't go out. Don't drink. Don't talk. Pull yourself +together! + +LARRY. [Moving towards the door] Don't keep me longer than you can +help, Keith. + +KEITH. No, no. Courage! + + LARRY reaches the door, turns as if to say something-finds no + words, and goes. + +[To the fire] Courage! My God! I shall need it! + + + CURTAIN + + + + +SCENE II + + At out eleven o'clock the following night an WANDA'S room on the + ground floor in Soho. In the light from one close-shaded + electric bulb the room is but dimly visible. A dying fire burns + on the left. A curtained window in the centre of the back wall. + A door on the right. The furniture is plush-covered and + commonplace, with a kind of shabby smartness. A couch, without + back or arms, stands aslant, between window and fire. + + [On this WANDA is sitting, her knees drawn up under her, staring + at the embers. She has on only her nightgown and a wrapper over + it; her bare feet are thrust into slippers. Her hands are + crossed and pressed over her breast. She starts and looks up, + listening. Her eyes are candid and startled, her face alabaster + pale, and its pale brown hair, short and square-cut, curls + towards her bare neck. The startled dark eyes and the faint + rose of her lips are like colour-staining on a white mask. + + [Footsteps as of a policeman, very measured, pass on the + pavement outside, and die away. She gets up and steals to the + window, draws one curtain aside so that a chink of the night is + seen. She opens the curtain wider, till the shape of a bare, + witch-like tree becomes visible in the open space of the little + Square on the far side of the road. The footsteps are heard + once more coming nearer. WANDA closes the curtains and cranes + back. They pass and die again. She moves away and looking down + at the floor between door and couch, as though seeing something + there; shudders; covers her eyes; goes back to the couch and + down again just as before, to stare at the embers. Again she is + startled by noise of the outer door being opened. She springs + up, runs and turns the light by a switch close to the door. By + the glimmer of the fire she can just be seen standing by the + dark window-curtains, listening. [There comes the sound of + subdued knocking on her door. She stands in breathless terror. + The knocking is repeated. The sound of a latchkey in the door + is heard. Her terror leaves her. The door opens; a man enters + in a dark, fur overcoat. + +WANDA. [In a voice of breathless relief, with a rather foreign +accent] Oh! it's you, Larry! Why did you knock? I was so +frightened. Come in! [She crosses quickly, and flings her arms +round his neck] [Recoiling--in a terror-stricken whisper] Oh! Who +is it? + +KEITH. [In a smothered voice] A friend of Larry's. Don't be +frightened. + + She has recoiled again to the window; and when he finds the + switch and turns the light up, she is seen standing there + holding her dark wrapper up to her throat, so that her face has + an uncanny look of being detached from the body. + +[Gently] You needn't be afraid. I haven't come to do you harm-- +quite the contrary. [Holding up the keys] Larry wouldn't have given +me these, would he, if he hadn't trusted me? + + WANDA does not move, staring like a spirit startled out of the + flesh. + +[After looking round him] I'm sorry to have startled you. + +WANDA. [In a whisper] Who are you, please? + +KEITH. Larry's brother. + + WANDA, with a sigh of utter relief, steals forward to the couch + and sinks down. KEITH goes up to her. + +He'd told me. + +WANDA. [Clasping her hands round her knees.] Yes? + +KEITH. An awful business! + +WANDA. Yes; oh, yes! Awful--it is awful! + +KEITH. [Staring round him again.] In this room? + +WANDA. Just where you are standing. I see him now, always falling. + +KEITH. [Moved by the gentle despair in her voice] You--look very +young. What's your name? + +WANDA. Wanda. + +KEITH. Are you fond of Larry? + +WANDA. I would die for him! + + [A moment's silence.] + +KEITH. I--I've come to see what you can do to save him. + +WANDA, [Wistfully] You would not deceive me. You are really his +brother? + +KEITH. I swear it. + +WANDA. [Clasping her hands] If I can save him! Won't you sit down? + +KEITH. [Drawing up a chair and sitting] This, man, your--your +husband, before he came here the night before last--how long since +you saw him? + +WANDA. Eighteen month. + +KEITH. Does anyone about here know you are his wife? + +WANDA. No. I came here to live a bad life. Nobody know me. I am +quite alone. + +KEITH. They've discovered who he was--you know that? + +WANDA. No; I have not dared to go out. + +KEITH: Well, they have; and they'll look for anyone connected with +him, of course. + +WANDA. He never let people think I was married to him. I don't know +if I was--really. We went to an office and signed our names; but he +was a wicked man. He treated many, I think, like me. + +KEITH. Did my brother ever see him before? + +WANDA. Never! And that man first went for him. + +KEITH. Yes. I saw the mark. Have you a servant? + +WANDA. No. A woman come at nine in the morning for an hour. + +KEITH. Does she know Larry? + +WANDA. No. He is always gone. + +KEITH. Friends--acquaintances? + +WANDA. No; I am verree quiet. Since I know your brother, I see no +one, sare. + +KEITH. [Sharply] Do you mean that? + +WANDA. Oh, yes! I love him. Nobody come here but him for a long +time now. + +KEITH. How long? + +WANDA. Five month. + +KEITH. So you have not been out since----? + + [WANDA shakes her head.] + +What have you been doing? + +WANDA. [Simply] Crying. [Pressing her hands to her breast] He is +in danger because of me. I am so afraid for him. + +KEITH. [Checking her emotion] Look at me. + + [She looks at him.] + +If the worst comes, and this man is traced to you, can you trust +yourself not to give Larry away? + +WANDA. [Rising and pointing to the fire] Look! I have burned all +the things he have given me--even his picture. Now I have nothing +from him. + +KEITH. [Who has risen too] Good! One more question. Do the police +know you--because--of your life? + + [She looks at him intently, and shakes her, head.] + +You know where Larry lives? + +WANDA. Yes. + +KEiTH. You mustn't go there, and he mustn't come to you. + + [She bows her head; then, suddenly comes close to him.] + +WANDA. Please do not take him from me altogether. I will be so +careful. I will not do anything to hurt him. But if I cannot see +him sometimes, I shall die. Please do not take him from me. + + [She catches his hand and presses it desperately between her + own.] + +KEITH. Leave that to me. I'm going to do all I can. + +WANDA. [Looking up into his face] But you will be kind? + + Suddenly she bends and kisses his hand. KEITH draws his hand + away, and she recoils a little humbly, looking up at him again. + Suddenly she stands rigid, listening. + +[In a whisper] Listen! Someone--out there! + + She darts past him and turns out the light. There is a knock on + the door. They are now close together between door and window. + + [Whispering] Oh! Who is it? + +KEITH. [Under his breath] You said no one comes but Larry. + +WANDA. Yes, and you have his keys. Oh! if it is Larry! I must open! + + KEITH shrinks back against the wall. WANDA goes to the door. + +[Opening the door an inch] Yes? Please? Who? + + A thin streak of light from a bull's-eye lantern outside plays + over the wall. A Policeman's voice says: "All right, Miss. + Your outer door's open. You ought to keep it shut after dark, + you know." + +WANDA. Thank you, air. + + [The sound of retreating footsteps, of the outer door closing. + WANDA shuts the door.] + +A policeman! + +KEITH. [Moving from the wall] Curse! I must have left that door. +[Suddenly-turning up the light] You told me they didn't know you. + +WANDA. [Sighing] I did not think they did, sir. It is so long I +was not out in the town; not since I had Larry. + + KEITH gives her an intent look, then crosses to the fire. He + stands there a moment, looking down, then turns to the girl, who + has crept back to the couch. + +KEITH. [Half to himself] After your life, who can believe---? Look +here! You drifted together and you'll drift apart, you know. Better +for him to get away and make a clean cut of it. + +WANDA. [Uttering a little moaning sound] Oh, sir! May I not love, +because I have been bad? I was only sixteen when that man spoiled +me. If you knew---- + +KEITH. I'm thinking of Larry. With you, his danger is much greater. +There's a good chance as things are going. You may wreck it. And +for what? Just a few months more of--well--you know. + +WANDA. [Standing at the head of the couch and touching her eyes with +her hands] Oh, sir! Look! It is true. He is my life. Don't take +him away from me. + +KEITH. [Moved and restless] You must know what Larry is. He'll +never stick to you. + +WANDA. [Simply] He will, sir. + +KEITH. [Energetically] The last man on earth to stick to anything! +But for the sake of a whim he'll risk his life and the honour of all +his family. I know him. + +WANDA. No, no, you do not. It is I who know him. + +KEITH. Now, now! At any moment they may find out your connection +with that man. So long as Larry goes on with you, he's tied to this +murder, don't you see? + +WANDA. [Coming close to him] But he love me. Oh, sir! he love me! + +KEITH. Larry has loved dozens of women. + +WANDA. Yes, but---- [Her face quivers]. + +KEITH. [Brusquely] Don't cry! If I give you money, will you +disappear, for his sake? + +WANDA. [With a moan] It will be in the water, then. There will be +no cruel men there. + +KEITH. Ah! First Larry, then you! Come now. It's better for you +both. A few months, and you'll forget you ever met. + +WANDA- [Looking wildly up] I will go if Larry say I must. But not +to live. No! [Simply] I could not, sir. + + [KEITH, moved, is silent.] + +I could not live without Larry. What is left for a girl like me-- +when she once love? It is finish. + +KEITH. I don't want you to go back to that life. + +WANDA. No; you do not care what I do. Why should you? I tell you I +will go if Larry say I must. + +KEITH. That's not enough. You know that. You must take it out of +his hands. He will never give up his present for the sake of his +future. If you're as fond of him as you say, you'll help to save +him. + +WANDA. [Below her breath] Yes! Oh, yes! But do not keep him long +from me--I beg! [She sinks to the floor and clasps his knees.] + +KEITH. Well, well! Get up. + + [There is a tap on the window-pane] + +Listen! + + [A faint, peculiar whistle. ] + +WANDA. [Springing up] Larry! Oh, thank God! + + [She runs to the door, opens it, and goes out to bring him in. + KEITH stands waiting, facing the open doorway.] + + [LARRY entering with WANDA just behind him.] + +LARRY. Keith! + +KEITH. [Grimly] So much for your promise not to go out! + +LARRY. I've been waiting in for you all day. I couldn't stand it +any longer. + +KEITH. Exactly! + +LARRY. Well, what's the sentence, brother? Transportation for life +and then to be fined forty pounds'? + +KEITH. So you can joke, can you? + +LARRY. Must. + +KEITH. A boat leaves for the Argentine the day after to-morrow; you +must go by it. + +LARRY. [Putting his arms round WANDA, who is standing motionless +with her eyes fixed on him] Together, Keith? + +KEITH. You can't go together. I'll send her by the next boat. + +LARRY. Swear? + +KEITH. Yes. You're lucky they're on a false scent. + +LARRY. What? + +KEITH. You haven't seen it? + +LARRY. I've seen nothing, not even a paper. + +KEITH. They've taken up a vagabond who robbed the body. He pawned a +snake-shaped ring, and they identified this Walenn by it. I've been +down and seen him charged myself. + +LARRY. With murder? + +WANDA. [Faintly] Larry! + +KEITH. He's in no danger. They always get the wrong man first. +It'll do him no harm to be locked up a bit--hyena like that. Better +in prison, anyway, than sleeping out under archways in this weather. + +LARRY. What was he like, Keith? + +KEITH. A little yellow, ragged, lame, unshaven scarecrow of a chap. +They were fools to think he could have had the strength. + +LARRY. What! [In an awed voice] Why, I saw him--after I left you +last night. + +KEITH. You? Where? + +LARRY. By the archway. + +KEITH. You went back there? + +LARRY. It draws you, Keith. + +KErra. You're mad, I think. + +LARRY. I talked to him, and he said, "Thank you for this little +chat. It's worth more than money when you're down." Little grey man +like a shaggy animal. And a newspaper boy came up and said: "That's +right, guv'nors! 'Ere's where they found the body--very spot. They +'yn't got 'im yet." + + [He laughs; and the terrified girl presses herself against him.] + +An innocent man! + +KEITH. He's in no danger, I tell you. He could never have +strangled---- Why, he hadn't the strength of a kitten. Now, Larry! +I'll take your berth to-morrow. Here's money [He brings out a pile +of notes and puts them on the couch] You can make a new life of it +out there together presently, in the sun. + +LARRY. [In a whisper] In the sun! "A cup of wine and thou." +[Suddenly] How can I, Keith? I must see how it goes with that poor +devil. + +KEITH. Bosh! Dismiss it from your mind; there's not nearly enough +evidence. + +LARRY. Not? + +KmTa. No. You've got your chance. Take it like a man. + +LARRY. [With a strange smile-to the girl] Shall we, Wanda? + +WANDA. Oh, Larry! + +LARRY. [Picking the notes up from the couch] Take them back, Keith. + +KEITH. What! I tell you no jury would convict; and if they did, no +judge would hang. A ghoul who can rob a dead body, ought to be in +prison. He did worse than you. + +LARRY. It won't do, Keith. I must see it out. + +KEITH. Don't be a fool! + +LARRY. I've still got some kind of honour. If I clear out before I +know, I shall have none--nor peace. Take them, Keith, or I'll put +them in the fire. + +KEITH. [Taking back the notes; bitterly] I suppose I may ask you +not to be entirely oblivious of our name. Or is that unworthy of +your honour? + +LARRY. [Hanging his head] I'm awfully sorry, Keith; awfully sorry, +old man. + +KEITH. [sternly] You owe it to me--to our name--to our dead mother- +-to do nothing anyway till we see what happens. + +LARRY. I know. I'll do nothing without you, Keith. + +KEITH. [Taking up his hat] Can I trust you? [He stares hard at his +brother.] + +LARRY. You can trust me. + +KEITH. Swear? + +LARRY. I swear. + +KEITH. Remember, nothing! Good night! + +LARRY. Good night! + + KEITH goes. LARRY Sits down on the couch sand stares at the + fire. The girl steals up and slips her arms about him. + +LARRY. An innocent man! + +WANDA. Oh, Larry! But so are you. What did we want--to kill that +man? Never! Oh! kiss me! + + [LARRY turns his face. She kisses his lips.] + +I have suffered so--not seein' you. Don't leave me again--don't! +Stay here. Isn't it good to be together?--Oh! Poor Larry! How +tired you look! --Stay with me. I am so frightened all alone. So +frightened they will take you from me. + +LARRY. Poor child! + +WANDA. No, no! Don't look like that! + +LARRY. You're shivering. + +WANDA. I will make up the fire. Love me, Larry! I want to forget. + +LARRY. The poorest little wretch on God's earth--locked up--for me! +A little wild animal, locked up. There he goes, up and down, up and +down--in his cage--don't you see him?--looking for a place to gnaw +his way through--little grey rat. [He gets up and roams about.] + +WANDA. No, no! I can't bear it! Don't frighten me more! + + [He comes back and takes her in his arms.] + +LARRY. There, there! [He kisses her closed eyes.] + +WANDA. [Without moving] If we could sleep a little--wouldn't it be +nice? + +LARRY. Sleep? + +WANDA. [Raising herself] Promise to stay with me--to stay here for +good, Larry. I will cook for you; I will make you so comfortable. +They will find him innocent. And then--Oh, Larry! in the sun-right +away--far from this horrible country. How lovely! [Trying to get +him to look at her] Larry! + +LARRY. [With a movement to free 'himself] To the edge of the +world-and---over! + +WANDA. No, no! No, no! You don't want me to die, Larry, do you? I +shall if you leave me. Let us be happy! Love me! + +LARRY. [With a laugh] Ah! Let's be happy and shut out the sight of +him. Who cares? Millions suffer for no mortal reason. Let's be +strong, like Keith. No! I won't leave you, Wanda. Let's forget +everything except ourselves. [Suddenly] There he goes-up and down! + +WANDA. [Moaning] No, no! See! I will pray to the Virgin. She will +pity us! + + She falls on her knees and clasps her hands, praying. Her lips + move. LARRY stands motionless, with arms crossed, and on his + face are yearning and mockery, love and despair. + +LARRY. [Whispering] Pray for us! Bravo! Pray away! + + [Suddenly the girl stretches out her arms and lifts her face + with a look of ecstasy.] + +What? + +WANDA. She is smiling! We shall be happy soon. + +LARRY. [Bending down over her] Poor child! When we die, Wanda, +let's go together. We should keep each other warm out in the dark. + +WANDA. [Raising her hands to his face] Yes! oh, yes! If you die I +could not--I could not go on living! + + + CURTAIN + + + +SCENE III. + +TWO MONTHS LATER + + WANDA'S room. Daylight is just beginning to fail of a January + afternoon. The table is laid for supper, with decanters of + wine. + + WANDA is standing at the window looking out at the wintry trees + of the Square beyond the pavement. A newspaper Boy's voice is + heard coming nearer. + +VOICE. Pyper! Glove Lyne murder! Trial and verdict! [Receding] +Verdict! Pyper! + + WANDA throws up the window as if to call to him, checks herself, + closes it and runs to the door. She opens it, but recoils into + the room. KEITH is standing there. He comes in. + +KEITH. Where's Larry? + +WANDA. He went to the trial. I could not keep him from it. The +trial--Oh! what has happened, sir? + +KEITH. [Savagely] Guilty! Sentence of death! Fools!--idiots! + +WANDA. Of death! [For a moment she seems about to swoon.] + +KEITH. Girl! girl! It may all depend on you. Larry's still living +here? + +WANDA. Yes. + +KEITH. I must wait for him. + +WANDA. Will you sit down, please? + +KEITH. [Shaking his head] Are you ready to go away at any time? + +WANDA. Yes, yes; always I am ready. + +KEITH. And he? + +WANDA. Yes--but now! What will he do? That poor man! + +KEITH. A graveyard thief--a ghoul! + +WANDA. Perhaps he was hungry. I have been hungry: you do things +then that you would not. Larry has thought of him in prison so much +all these weeks. Oh! what shall we do now? + +KEITH. Listen! Help me. Don't let Larry out of your sight. I must +see how things go. They'll never hang this wretch. [He grips her +arms] Now, we must stop Larry from giving himself up. He's fool +enough. D'you understand? + +WANDA. Yes. But why has he not come in? Oh! If he have, already! + +KEITH. [Letting go her arms] My God! If the police come--find me +here--[He moves to the door] No, he wouldn't without seeing you +first. He's sure to come. Watch him like a lynx. Don't let him go +without you. + +WANDA. [Clasping her hands on her breast] I will try, sir. + +KEITH. Listen! + + [A key is heard in the lock.] + +It's he! + + LARRY enters. He is holding a great bunch of pink lilies and + white narcissus. His face tells nothing. KEITH looks from him + to the girl, who stands motionless. + +LARRY. Keith! So you've seen? + +KEITH. The thing can't stand. I'll stop it somehow. But you must +give me time, Larry. + +LARRY. [Calmly] Still looking after your honour, KEITH! + +KEiTH. [Grimly] Think my reasons what you like. + +WANDA. [Softly] Larry! + + [LARRY puts his arm round her.] + +LARRY. Sorry, old man. + +KEITH. Tnis man can and shall get off. I want your solemn promise +that you won't give yourself up, nor even go out till I've seen you +again. + +LARRY. I give it. + +KEITH. [Looking from one to the other] By the memory of our mother, +swear that. + +LARRY. [With a smile] I swear. + +KEITH. I have your oath--both of you--both of you. I'm going at +once to see what can be done. + +LARRY. [Softly] Good luck, brother. + + KEITH goes out. + +WANDA. [Putting her hands on LARRY's breast] What does it mean? + +LARRY. Supper, child--I've had nothing all day. Put these lilies in +water. + + [She takes the lilies and obediently puts them into a vase. + LARRY pours wine into a deep-coloured glass and drinks it off.] + +We've had a good time, Wanda. Best time I ever had, these last two +months; and nothing but the bill to pay. + +WANDA. [Clasping him desperately] Oh, Larry! Larry! + +LARRY. [Holding her away to look at her.] Take off those things and +put on a bridal garment. + +WANDA. Promise me--wherever you go, I go too. Promise! Larry, you +think I haven't seen, all these weeks. But I have seen everything; +all in your heart, always. You cannot hide from me. I knew--I knew! +Oh, if we might go away into the sun! Oh! Larry--couldn't we? [She +searches his eyes with hers--then shuddering] Well! If it must be +dark--I don't care, if I may go in your arms. In prison we could not +be together. I am ready. Only love me first. Don't let me cry +before I go. Oh! Larry, will there be much pain? + +LARRY. [In a choked voice] No pain, my pretty. + +WANDA. [With a little sigh] It is a pity. + +LARRY. If you had seen him, as I have, all day, being tortured. +Wanda, --we shall be out of it. [The wine mounting to his head] We +shall be free in the dark; free of their cursed inhumanities. I hate +this world--I loathe it! I hate its God-forsaken savagery; its pride +and smugness! Keith's world--all righteous will-power and success. +We're no good here, you and I--we were cast out at birth--soft, +will-less--better dead. No fear, Keith! I'm staying indoors. [He +pours wine into two glasses] Drink it up! + + + [Obediently WANDA drinks, and he also.] + +Now go and make yourself beautiful. + +WANDA. [Seizing him in her arms] Oh, Larry,! + +LARRY. [Touching her face and hair] Hanged by the neck until he's +dead--for what I did. + + [WANDA takes a long look at his face, slips her arms from him, + and goes out through the curtains below the fireplace.] + + [LARRY feels in his pocket, brings out the little box, opens it, + fingers the white tabloids.] + +LARRY. Two each--after food. [He laughs and puts back the box] Oh! +my girl! + + [The sound of a piano playing a faint festive tune is heard afar + off. He mutters, staring at the fire.] + + [Flames-flame, and flicker-ashes.] + +"No more, no more, the moon is dead, And all the people in it." + + [He sits on the couch with a piece of paper on his knees, adding + a few words with a stylo pen to what is already written.] + + [The GIRL, in a silk wrapper, coming back through the curtains, + watches him.] + +LARRY. [Looking up] It's all here--I've confessed. [Reading] +"Please bury us together." + +"LAURENCE DARRANT. +"January 28th, about six p.m." + +They'll find us in the morning. Come and have supper, my dear love. + + [The girl creeps forward. He rises, puts his arm round her, and + with her arm twined round him, smiling into each other's faces, + they go to the table and sit down.] + + The curtain falls for a few seconds to indicate the passage of + three hours. When it rises again, the lovers are lying on the + couch, in each other's arms, the lilies stream about them. The + girl's bare arm is round LARRY'S neck. Her eyes are closed; his + are open and sightless. There is no light but fire-light. + + A knocking on the door and the sound of a key turned in the + lock. KEITH enters. He stands a moment bewildered by the half- + light, then calls sharply: "Larry!" and turns up the light. + Seeing the forms on the couch, he recoils a moment. Then, + glancing at the table and empty decanters, goes up to the couch. + +KEITH. [Muttering] Asleep! Drunk! Ugh! + + [Suddenly he bends, touches LARRY, and springs back.] + +What! [He bends again, shakes him and calls] Larry! Larry! + + [Then, motionless, he stares down at his brother's open, + sightless eyes. Suddenly he wets his finger and holds it to the + girl's lips, then to LARRY'S.] + + [He bends and listens at their hearts; catches sight of the + little box lying between them and takes it up.] + +My God! + + [Then, raising himself, he closes his brother's eyes, and as he + does so, catches sight of a paper pinned to the couch; detaches + it and reads:] + +"I, Lawrence Darrant, about to die by my own hand confess that I----" + + [He reads on silently, in horror; finishes, letting the paper + drop, and recoils from the couch on to a chair at the + dishevelled supper table. Aghast, he sits there. Suddenly he + mutters:] + +If I leave that there--my name--my whole future! + + [He springs up, takes up the paper again, and again reads.] + +My God! It's ruin! + + [He makes as if to tear it across, stops, and looks down at + those two; covers his eyes with his hand; drops the paper and + rushes to the door. But he stops there and comes back, + magnetised, as it were, by that paper. He takes it up once more + and thrusts it into his pocket.] + + [The footsteps of a Policeman pass, slow and regular, outside. + His face crisps and quivers; he stands listening till they die + away. Then he snatches the paper from his pocket, and goes past + the foot of the couch to the fore.] + +All my---- No! Let him hang! + + [He thrusts the paper into the fire, stamps it down with his + foot, watches it writhe and blacken. Then suddenly clutching + his head, he turns to the bodies on the couch. Panting and like + a man demented, he recoils past the head of the couch, and + rushing to the window, draws the curtains and throws the window + up for air. Out in the darkness rises the witch-like skeleton + tree, where a dark shape seems hanging. KEITH starts back.] + +What's that? What----! + + [He shuts the window and draws the dark curtains across it + again.] + +Fool! Nothing! + + [Clenching his fists, he draws himself up, steadying himself + with all his might. Then slowly he moves to the door, stands a + second like a carved figure, his face hard as stone.] + + [Deliberately he turns out the light, opens the door, and goes.] + + [The still bodies lie there before the fire which is licking at + the last blackened wafer.] + + +CURTAIN + + + + + +End of this Project Gutenberg Etext of THE FIRST AND LAST, a play in +the series SIX SMALL PLAYS by John Galsworthy. + diff --git a/old/flast10.zip b/old/flast10.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..15c7a3c --- /dev/null +++ b/old/flast10.zip diff --git a/old/flast11.txt b/old/flast11.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1fd70ff --- /dev/null +++ b/old/flast11.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1685 @@ +Project Gutenberg Etext of The First and Last (play), by John Galsworthy +#31 in our series by John Galsworthy + +Copyright laws are changing all over the world. 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Hart +and may be reprinted only when these Etexts are free of all fees.] +[Project Gutenberg is a TradeMark and may not be used in any sales +of Project Gutenberg Etexts or other materials be they hardware or +software or any other related product without express permission.] + +*END THE SMALL PRINT! FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN ETEXTS*Ver.10/04/01*END* + + + + + +This etext was produced by David Widger <widger@cecomet.net> + + + + + +FROM THE SERIES OF SIX SHORT PLAYS + +By John Galsworthy + + + + +THE FIRST AND THE LAST + +A DRAMA IN THREE SCENES + + + + +PERSONS OF THE PLAY + +KEITH DARRANT, K.C. +LARRY DARRANT, His Brother. +WANDA. + + + +SCENE I. KEITH'S Study. + +SCENE II. WANDA's Room. + +SCENE III. The Same. + +Between SCENE I. and SCENE II.--Thirty hours. +Between SCENE II. and SCENE III.--Two months. + + + + +SCENE I + +It is six o'clock of a November evening, in KEITH DARRANT'S +study. A large, dark-curtained room where the light from a single +reading-lamp falling on Turkey carpet, on books beside a large +armchair, on the deep blue-and-gold coffee service, makes a sort of +oasis before a log fire. In red Turkish slippers and an old brown +velvet coat, KEITH DARRANT sits asleep. He has a dark, clean-cut, +clean-shaven face, dark grizzling hair, dark twisting eyebrows. + + [The curtained door away out in the dim part of the room behind + him is opened so softly that he does not wake. LARRY DARRANT + enters and stands half lost in the curtain over the door. A + thin figure, with a worn, high cheek-boned face, deep-sunk blue + eyes and wavy hair all ruffled--a face which still has a certain + beauty. He moves inwards along the wall, stands still again and + utters a gasping sigh. KEITH stirs in his chair.] + +KEITH. Who's there? + +LARRY. [In a stifled voice] Only I--Larry. + +KEITH. [Half-waked] Come in! I was asleep. [He does not turn his +head, staring sleepily at the fire.] + + The sound of LARRY's breathing can be heard. + + [Turning his head a little] Well, Larry, what is it? + + LARRY comes skirting along the wall, as if craving its support, + outside the radius of the light. + + [Staring] Are you ill? + + LARRY stands still again and heaves a deep sigh. + +KEITH. [Rising, with his back to the fire, and staring at his +brother] What is it, man? [Then with a brutality born of nerves +suddenly ruffled] Have you committed a murder that you stand there +like a fish? + +LARRY. [In a whisper] Yes, Keith. + +KEITH. [With vigorous disgust] By Jove! Drunk again! [In a +voice changed by sudden apprehension] What do you mean by coming +here in this state? I told you---- If you weren't my brother----! +Come here, where I can we you! What's the matter with you, Larry? + + [With a lurch LARRY leaves the shelter of the wall and sinks into + a chair in the circle of light.] + +LARRY. It's true. + + [KEITH steps quickly forward and stares down into his brother's + eyes, where is a horrified wonder, as if they would never again + get on terms with his face.] + +KEITH. [Angry, bewildered-in a low voice] What in God's name is +this nonsense? + + [He goes quickly over to the door and draws the curtain aside, to + see that it is shut, then comes back to LARRY, who is huddling + over the fire.] + +Come, Larry! Pull yourself together and drop exaggeration! What on +earth do you mean? + +LARRY. [In a shrill outburst] It's true, I tell you; I've killed a +man. + +KEITH. [Bracing himself; coldly] Be quiet! + + LARRY lifts his hands and wrings them. + +[Utterly taken aback] Why come here and tell me this? + +LARRY. Whom should I tell, Keith? I came to ask what I'm to do-- +give myself up, or what? + +KEITH. When--when--what----? + +LARRY. Last night. + +KEITH. Good God! How? Where? You'd better tell me quietly from +the beginning. Here, drink this coffee; it'll clear your head. + + He pours out and hands him a cup of coffee. LARRY drinks it + off. + +LARRY. My head! Yes! It's like this, Keith--there's a girl---- + +KEITH. Women! Always women, with you! Well? + +LARRY. A Polish girl. She--her father died over here when she was +sixteen, and left her all alone. There was a mongrel living in the +same house who married her--or pretended to. She's very pretty, +Keith. He left her with a baby coming. She lost it, and nearly +starved. Then another fellow took her on, and she lived with him two +years, till that brute turned up again and made her go back to him. +He used to beat her black and blue. He'd left her again when--I met +her. She was taking anybody then. [He stops, passes his hand over +his lips, looks up at KEITH, and goes on defiantly] I never met a +sweeter woman, or a truer, that I swear. Woman! She's only twenty +now! When I went to her last night, that devil had found her out +again. He came for me--a bullying, great, hulking brute. Look! +[He touches a dark mark on his forehead] I took his ugly throat, and +when I let go--[He stops and his hands drop.] + +KEITH. Yes? + +LARRY. [In a smothered voice] Dead, Keith. I never knew till +afterwards that she was hanging on to him--to h-help me. [Again he +wrings his hands.] + +KEITH. [In a hard, dry voice] What did you do then? + +LARRY. We--we sat by it a long time. + +KEITH. Well? + +LARRY. Then I carried it on my back down the street, round a corner, +to an archway. + +KEITH. How far? + +LARRY. About fifty yards. + +KEITH. Was--did anyone see? + +LARRY. No. + +KEITH. What time? + +LARRY. Three in the morning. + +KEITH. And then? + +LARRY. Went back to her. + +KEITH. Why--in heaven's name? + +LARRY. She way lonely and afraid. So was I, Keith. + +KEITH. Where is this place? + +LARRY. Forty-two Borrow Square, Soho. + +KEITH. And the archway? + +LARRY. Corner of Glove Lane. + +KEITH. Good God! Why, I saw it in the paper this morning. They +were talking of it in the Courts! [He snatches the evening paper +from his armchair, and runs it over anal reads] Here it is again. +"Body of a man was found this morning under an archway in Glove Lane. +>From marks about the throat grave suspicion of foul play are +entertained. The body had apparently been robbed. "My God! +[Suddenly he turns] You saw this in the paper and dreamed it. D'you +understand, Larry?--you dreamed it. + +LARRY. [Wistfully] If only I had, Keith! + + [KEITH makes a movement of his hands almost like his brother's.] + +KEITH. Did you take anything from the-body? + +LARRY. [Drawing au envelope from his pocket] This dropped out while +we were struggling. + +KEITH. [Snatching it and reading] "Patrick Walenn"--Was that his +name? "Simon's Hotel, Farrier Street, London." [Stooping, he puts it +in the fire] No!--that makes me----[He bends to pluck it out, stays +his hand, and stamps it suddenly further in with his foot] What in +God's name made you come here and tell me? Don't you know I'm--I'm +within an ace of a Judgeship? + +LARRY. [Simply] Yes. You must know what I ought to do. I didn't, +mean to kill him, Keith. I love the girl--I love her. What shall I +do? + +KEITH. Love! + +LARRY. [In a flash] Love!--That swinish brute! A million creatures +die every day, and not one of them deserves death as he did. But but +I feel it here. [Touching his heart] Such an awful clutch, Keith. +Help me if you can, old man. I may be no good, but I've never hurt a +fly if I could help it. [He buries his face in his hands.] + +KEITH. Steady, Larry! Let's think it out. You weren't seen, you +say? + +LARRY. It's a dark place, and dead night. + +KEITH. When did you leave the girl again? + +LARRY. About seven. + +KEITH. Where did you go? + +LARRY. To my rooms. + +KEITH. To Fitzroy Street? + +LARRY. Yes. + +KEITH. What have you done since? + +LARRY. Sat there--thinking. + +KEITH. Not been out? + +LARRY. No. + +KEITH. Not seen the girl? + + [LARRY shakes his head.] + +Will she give you away? + +LARRY. Never. + +KEITH. Or herself hysteria? + +LARRY. No. + +KEITH. Who knows of your relations with her? + +LARRY. No one. + +KEITH. No one? + +LARRY. I don't know who should, Keith. + +KEITH. Did anyone see you go in last night, when you first went to +her? + +LARRY. No. She lives on the ground floor. I've got keys. + +KEITH. Give them to me. + + LARRY takes two keys from his pocket and hands them to his + brother. + +LARRY. [Rising] I can't be cut off from her! + +KEITH. What! A girl like that? + +LARRY. [With a flash] Yes, a girl like that. + +KEITH. [Moving his hand to put down old emotion] What else have you +that connects you with her? + +LARRY. Nothing. + +KEITH. In your rooms? + + [LARRY shakes his head.] + +Photographs? Letters? + +LARRY. No. + +KEITH. Sure? + +LARRY. Nothing. + +KEITH. No one saw you going back to her? + + [LARRY shakes his head. ] +Nor leave in the morning? You can't be certain. + +LARRY. I am. + +KEITH. You were fortunate. Sit down again, man. I must think. + + He turns to the fire and leans his elbows on the mantelpiece and + his head on his hands. LARRY Sits down again obediently. + +KEITH. It's all too unlikely. It's monstrous! + +LARRY. [Sighing it out] Yes. + +KEITH. This Walenn--was it his first reappearance after an absence? + +LARRY. Yes. + +KEITH. How did he find out where she was? + +LARRY. I don't know. + +KEITH. [Brutally] How drunk were you? + +LARRY. I was not drunk. + +KEITH. How much had you drunk, then? + +LARRY. A little claret--nothing! + +KEITH. You say you didn't mean to kill him. + +LARRY. God knows. + +KEITH. That's something. + +LARRY. He hit me. [He holds up his hands] I didn't know I was so +strong. + +KEITH. She was hanging on to him, you say?--That's ugly. + +LARRY. She was scared for me. + +KEITH. D'you mean she--loves you? + +LARRY. [Simply] Yes, Keith. + +KEITH. [Brutally] Can a woman like that love? + +LARRY. [Flashing out] By God, you are a stony devil! Why not? + +KEITH. [Dryly] I'm trying to get at truth. If you want me to help, +I must know everything. What makes you think she's fond of you? + +LARRY. [With a crzay laugh] Oh, you lawyer! Were you never in a +woman's arms? + +KEITH. I'm talking of love. + +LARRY. [Fiercely] So am I. I tell you she's devoted. Did you ever +pick up a lost dog? Well, she has the lost dog's love for me. And I +for her; we picked each other up. I've never felt for another woman +what I feel for her--she's been the saving of me! + +KEITH. [With a shrug] What made you choose that archway? + +LARRY. It was the first dark place. + +KEITH. Did his face look as if he'd been strangled? + +LARRY. Don't! + +KEITH. Did it? + + [LARRY bows his head.] + +Very disfigured? + +LARRY. Yes. + +KEITH. Did you look to see if his clothes were marked? + +LARRY. No. + +KEITH. Why not? + +LARRY. [In an outburst] I'm not made of iron, like you. Why not? +If you had done it----! + +KEITH. [Holding up his hand] You say he was disfigured. Would he +be recognisable? + +LARRY. [Wearily] I don't know. + +KEITH. When she lived with him last--where was that? + +LARRY. In Pimlico, I think. + +KEITH. Not Soho? + + [LARRY shakes his head.] + +How long has she been at this Soho place? + +LARRY. Nearly a year. + +KEITH. Living this life? + +LARRY. Till she met me. + +KEITH. Till, she met you? And you believe----? + +LARRY. [Starting up] Keith! + +KEITH. [Again raising his hand] Always in the same rooms? + +LARRY. [Subsiding] Yes. + +KEITH. What was he? A professional bully? + + [LARRY nods.] + +Spending most of his time abroad, I suppose. + +LARRY. I think so. + +KEITH. Can you say if he was known to the police? + +LARRY. I've never heard. + + KEITH turns away and walks up and down; then, stopping at + LARRY's chair, he speaks. + +KEITH. Now listen, Larry. When you leave here, go straight home, +and stay there till I give you leave to go out again. Promise. + +LARRY. I promise. + +KEITH. Is your promise worth anything? + +LARRY. [With one of his flashes] "Unstable as water, he shall not +excel!" + +KEITH. Exactly. But if I'm to help you, you must do as I say. +I must have time to think this out. Have you got money? + +LARRY. Very little. + +KEITH. [Grimly] Half-quarter day--yes, your quarter's always spent +by then. If you're to get away--never mind, I can manage the money. + +LARRY. [Humbly] You're very good, Keith; you've always been very +good to me--I don't know why. + +KEITH. [Sardonically] Privilege of A brother. As it happens, I'm +thinking of myself and our family. You can't indulge yourself in +killing without bringing ruin. My God! I suppose you realise that +you've made me an accessory after the fact--me, King's counsel--sworn +to the service of the Law, who, in a year or two, will have the +trying of cases like yours! By heaven, Larry, you've surpassed +yourself! + +LARRY. [Bringing out a little box] I'd better have done with it. + +KErra. You fool! Give that to me. + +LARRY. [With a strange smite] No. [He holds up a tabloid between +finger and thumb] White magic, Keith! Just one--and they may do +what they like to you, and you won't know it. Snap your fingers at +all the tortures. It's a great comfort! Have one to keep by you? + +KEITH. Come, Larry! Hand it over. + +LARRY. [Replacing the box] Not quite! You've never killed a man, +you see. [He gives that crazy laugh.] D'you remember that hammer +when we were boys and you riled me, up in the long room? I had luck +then. I had luck in Naples once. I nearly killed a driver for +beating his poor brute of a horse. But now--! My God! [He covers +his face.] + + KEITH touched, goes up and lays a hand on his shoulder. + +KEITH. Come, Larry! Courage! + + LARRY looks up at him. + +LARRY. All right, Keith; I'll try. + +KEITH. Don't go out. Don't drink. Don't talk. Pull yourself +together! + +LARRY. [Moving towards the door] Don't keep me longer than you can +help, Keith. + +KEITH. No, no. Courage! + + LARRY reaches the door, turns as if to say something-finds no + words, and goes. + +[To the fire] Courage! My God! I shall need it! + + + CURTAIN + + + + +SCENE II + + At out eleven o'clock the following night an WANDA'S room on the + ground floor in Soho. In the light from one close-shaded + electric bulb the room is but dimly visible. A dying fire burns + on the left. A curtained window in the centre of the back wall. + A door on the right. The furniture is plush-covered and + commonplace, with a kind of shabby smartness. A couch, without + back or arms, stands aslant, between window and fire. + + [On this WANDA is sitting, her knees drawn up under her, staring + at the embers. She has on only her nightgown and a wrapper over + it; her bare feet are thrust into slippers. Her hands are + crossed and pressed over her breast. She starts and looks up, + listening. Her eyes are candid and startled, her face alabaster + pale, and its pale brown hair, short and square-cut, curls + towards her bare neck. The startled dark eyes and the faint + rose of her lips are like colour-staining on a white mask.] + + [Footsteps as of a policeman, very measured, pass on the + pavement outside, and die away. She gets up and steals to the + window, draws one curtain aside so that a chink of the night is + seen. She opens the curtain wider, till the shape of a bare, + witch-like tree becomes visible in the open space of the little + Square on the far side of the road. The footsteps are heard + once more coming nearer. WANDA closes the curtains and cranes + back. They pass and die again. She moves away and looking down + at the floor between door and couch, as though seeing something + there; shudders; covers her eyes; goes back to the couch and + down again just as before, to stare at the embers. Again she is + startled by noise of the outer door being opened. She springs + up, runs and turns the light by a switch close to the door. By + the glimmer of the fire she can just be seen standing by the + dark window-curtains, listening. There comes the sound of + subdued knocking on her door. She stands in breathless terror. + The knocking is repeated. The sound of a latchkey in the door + is heard. Her terror leaves her. The door opens; a man enters + in a dark, fur overcoat.] + +WANDA. [In a voice of breathless relief, with a rather foreign +accent] Oh! it's you, Larry! Why did you knock? I was so +frightened. Come in! [She crosses quickly, and flings her arms +round his neck] [Recoiling--in a terror-stricken whisper] Oh! Who +is it? + +KEITH. [In a smothered voice] A friend of Larry's. Don't be +frightened. + + She has recoiled again to the window; and when he finds the + switch and turns the light up, she is seen standing there + holding her dark wrapper up to her throat, so that her face has + an uncanny look of being detached from the body. + +[Gently] You needn't be afraid. I haven't come to do you harm-- +quite the contrary. [Holding up the keys] Larry wouldn't have given +me these, would he, if he hadn't trusted me? + + WANDA does not move, staring like a spirit startled out of the + flesh. + +[After looking round him] I'm sorry to have startled you. + +WANDA. [In a whisper] Who are you, please? + +KEITH. Larry's brother. + + WANDA, with a sigh of utter relief, steals forward to the couch + and sinks down. KEITH goes up to her. + +He'd told me. + +WANDA. [Clasping her hands round her knees.] Yes? + +KEITH. An awful business! + +WANDA. Yes; oh, yes! Awful--it is awful! + +KEITH. [Staring round him again.] In this room? + +WANDA. Just where you are standing. I see him now, always falling. + +KEITH. [Moved by the gentle despair in her voice] You--look very +young. What's your name? + +WANDA. Wanda. + +KEITH. Are you fond of Larry? + +WANDA. I would die for him! + + [A moment's silence.] + +KEITH. I--I've come to see what you can do to save him. + +WANDA, [Wistfully] You would not deceive me. You are really his +brother? + +KEITH. I swear it. + +WANDA. [Clasping her hands] If I can save him! Won't you sit down? + +KEITH. [Drawing up a chair and sitting] This, man, your--your +husband, before he came here the night before last--how long since +you saw him? + +WANDA. Eighteen month. + +KEITH. Does anyone about here know you are his wife? + +WANDA. No. I came here to live a bad life. Nobody know me. I am +quite alone. + +KEITH. They've discovered who he was--you know that? + +WANDA. No; I have not dared to go out. + +KEITH: Well, they have; and they'll look for anyone connected with +him, of course. + +WANDA. He never let people think I was married to him. I don't know +if I was--really. We went to an office and signed our names; but he +was a wicked man. He treated many, I think, like me. + +KEITH. Did my brother ever see him before? + +WANDA. Never! And that man first went for him. + +KEITH. Yes. I saw the mark. Have you a servant? + +WANDA. No. A woman come at nine in the morning for an hour. + +KEITH. Does she know Larry? + +WANDA. No. He is always gone. + +KEITH. Friends--acquaintances? + +WANDA. No; I am verree quiet. Since I know your brother, I see no +one, sare. + +KEITH. [Sharply] Do you mean that? + +WANDA. Oh, yes! I love him. Nobody come here but him for a long +time now. + +KEITH. How long? + +WANDA. Five month. + +KEITH. So you have not been out since----? + + [WANDA shakes her head.] + +What have you been doing? + +WANDA. [Simply] Crying. [Pressing her hands to her breast] He is +in danger because of me. I am so afraid for him. + +KEITH. [Checking her emotion] Look at me. + + [She looks at him.] + +If the worst comes, and this man is traced to you, can you trust +yourself not to give Larry away? + +WANDA. [Rising and pointing to the fire] Look! I have burned all +the things he have given me--even his picture. Now I have nothing +from him. + +KEITH. [Who has risen too] Good! One more question. Do the police +know you--because--of your life? + + [She looks at him intently, and shakes her, head.] + +You know where Larry lives? + +WANDA. Yes. + +KEITH. You mustn't go there, and he mustn't come to you. + + [She bows her head; then, suddenly comes close to him.] + +WANDA. Please do not take him from me altogether. I will be so +careful. I will not do anything to hurt him. But if I cannot see +him sometimes, I shall die. Please do not take him from me. + + [She catches his hand and presses it desperately between her + own.] + +KEITH. Leave that to me. I'm going to do all I can. + +WANDA. [Looking up into his face] But you will be kind? + + Suddenly she bends and kisses his hand. KEITH draws his hand + away, and she recoils a little humbly, looking up at him again. + Suddenly she stands rigid, listening. + +[In a whisper] Listen! Someone--out there! + + She darts past him and turns out the light. There is a knock on + the door. They are now close together between door and window. + + [Whispering] Oh! Who is it? + +KEITH. [Under his breath] You said no one comes but Larry. + +WANDA. Yes, and you have his keys. Oh! if it is Larry! I must open! + + KEITH shrinks back against the wall. WANDA goes to the door. + +[Opening the door an inch] Yes? Please? Who? + + A thin streak of light from a bull's-eye lantern outside plays + over the wall. A Policeman's voice says: "All right, Miss. + Your outer door's open. You ought to keep it shut after dark, + you know." + +WANDA. Thank you, air. + + [The sound of retreating footsteps, of the outer door closing. + WANDA shuts the door.] + +A policeman! + +KEITH. [Moving from the wall] Curse! I must have left that door. +[Suddenly-turning up the light] You told me they didn't know you. + +WANDA. [Sighing] I did not think they did, sir. It is so long I +was not out in the town; not since I had Larry. + + KEITH gives her an intent look, then crosses to the fire. He + stands there a moment, looking down, then turns to the girl, who + has crept back to the couch. + +KEITH. [Half to himself] After your life, who can believe---? Look +here! You drifted together and you'll drift apart, you know. Better +for him to get away and make a clean cut of it. + +WANDA. [Uttering a little moaning sound] Oh, sir! May I not love, +because I have been bad? I was only sixteen when that man spoiled +me. If you knew---- + +KEITH. I'm thinking of Larry. With you, his danger is much greater. +There's a good chance as things are going. You may wreck it. And +for what? Just a few months more of--well--you know. + +WANDA. [Standing at the head of the couch and touching her eyes with +her hands] Oh, sir! Look! It is true. He is my life. Don't take +him away from me. + +KEITH. [Moved and restless] You must know what Larry is. He'll +never stick to you. + +WANDA. [Simply] He will, sir. + +KEITH. [Energetically] The last man on earth to stick to anything! +But for the sake of a whim he'll risk his life and the honour of all +his family. I know him. + +WANDA. No, no, you do not. It is I who know him. + +KEITH. Now, now! At any moment they may find out your connection +with that man. So long as Larry goes on with you, he's tied to this +murder, don't you see? + +WANDA. [Coming close to him] But he love me. Oh, sir! he love me! + +KEITH. Larry has loved dozens of women. + +WANDA. Yes, but----[Her face quivers]. + +KEITH. [Brusquely] Don't cry! If I give you money, will you +disappear, for his sake? + +WANDA. [With a moan] It will be in the water, then. There will be +no cruel men there. + +KEITH. Ah! First Larry, then you! Come now. It's better for you +both. A few months, and you'll forget you ever met. + +WANDA. [Looking wildly up] I will go if Larry say I must. But not +to live. No! [Simply] I could not, sir. + + [KEITH, moved, is silent.] + +I could not live without Larry. What is left for a girl like me-- +when she once love? It is finish. + +KEITH. I don't want you to go back to that life. + +WANDA. No; you do not care what I do. Why should you? I tell you I +will go if Larry say I must. + +KEITH. That's not enough. You know that. You must take it out of +his hands. He will never give up his present for the sake of his +future. If you're as fond of him as you say, you'll help to save +him. + +WANDA. [Below her breath] Yes! Oh, yes! But do not keep him long +from me--I beg! [She sinks to the floor and clasps his knees.] + +KEITH. Well, well! Get up. + + [There is a tap on the window-pane] + +Listen! + + [A faint, peculiar whistle. ] + +WANDA. [Springing up] Larry! Oh, thank God! + + [She runs to the door, opens it, and goes out to bring him in. + KEITH stands waiting, facing the open doorway.] + + [LARRY entering with WANDA just behind him.] + +LARRY. Keith! + +KEITH. [Grimly] So much for your promise not to go out! + +LARRY. I've been waiting in for you all day. I couldn't stand it +any longer. + +KEITH. Exactly! + +LARRY. Well, what's the sentence, brother? Transportation for life +and then to be fined forty pounds'? + +KEITH. So you can joke, can you? + +LARRY. Must. + +KEITH. A boat leaves for the Argentine the day after to-morrow; you +must go by it. + +LARRY. [Putting his arms round WANDA, who is standing motionless +with her eyes fixed on him] Together, Keith? + +KEITH. You can't go together. I'll send her by the next boat. + +LARRY. Swear? + +KEITH. Yes. You're lucky they're on a false scent. + +LARRY. What? + +KEITH. You haven't seen it? + +LARRY. I've seen nothing, not even a paper. + +KEITH. They've taken up a vagabond who robbed the body. He pawned a +snake-shaped ring, and they identified this Walenn by it. I've been +down and seen him charged myself. + +LARRY. With murder? + +WANDA. [Faintly] Larry! + +KEITH. He's in no danger. They always get the wrong man first. +It'll do him no harm to be locked up a bit--hyena like that. Better +in prison, anyway, than sleeping out under archways in this weather. + +LARRY. What was he like, Keith? + +KEITH. A little yellow, ragged, lame, unshaven scarecrow of a chap. +They were fools to think he could have had the strength. + +LARRY. What! [In an awed voice] Why, I saw him--after I left you +last night. + +KEITH. You? Where? + +LARRY. By the archway. + +KEITH. You went back there? + +LARRY. It draws you, Keith. + +KErra. You're mad, I think. + +LARRY. I talked to him, and he said, "Thank you for this little +chat. It's worth more than money when you're down." Little grey man +like a shaggy animal. And a newspaper boy came up and said: "That's +right, guv'nors! 'Ere's where they found the body--very spot. They +'yn't got 'im yet." + + [He laughs; and the terrified girl presses herself against him.] + +An innocent man! + +KEITH. He's in no danger, I tell you. He could never have +strangled----Why, he hadn't the strength of a kitten. Now, Larry! +I'll take your berth to-morrow. Here's money [He brings out a pile +of notes and puts them on the couch] You can make a new life of it +out there together presently, in the sun. + +LARRY. [In a whisper] In the sun! "A cup of wine and thou." +[Suddenly] How can I, Keith? I must see how it goes with that poor +devil. + +KEITH. Bosh! Dismiss it from your mind; there's not nearly enough +evidence. + +LARRY. Not? + +KEITH. No. You've got your chance. Take it like a man. + +LARRY. [With a strange smile--to the girl] Shall we, Wanda? + +WANDA. Oh, Larry! + +LARRY. [Picking the notes up from the couch] Take them back, Keith. + +KEITH. What! I tell you no jury would convict; and if they did, no +judge would hang. A ghoul who can rob a dead body, ought to be in +prison. He did worse than you. + +LARRY. It won't do, Keith. I must see it out. + +KEITH. Don't be a fool! + +LARRY. I've still got some kind of honour. If I clear out before I +know, I shall have none--nor peace. Take them, Keith, or I'll put +them in the fire. + +KEITH. [Taking back the notes; bitterly] I suppose I may ask you +not to be entirely oblivious of our name. Or is that unworthy of +your honour? + +LARRY. [Hanging his head] I'm awfully sorry, Keith; awfully sorry, +old man. + +KEITH. [sternly] You owe it to me--to our name--to our dead mother- +-to do nothing anyway till we see what happens. + +LARRY. I know. I'll do nothing without you, Keith. + +KEITH. [Taking up his hat] Can I trust you? [He stares hard at his +brother.] + +LARRY. You can trust me. + +KEITH. Swear? + +LARRY. I swear. + +KEITH. Remember, nothing! Good night! + +LARRY. Good night! + + KEITH goes. LARRY Sits down on the couch sand stares at the + fire. The girl steals up and slips her arms about him. + +LARRY. An innocent man! + +WANDA. Oh, Larry! But so are you. What did we want--to kill that +man? Never! Oh! kiss me! + + [LARRY turns his face. She kisses his lips.] + +I have suffered so--not seein' you. Don't leave me again--don't! +Stay here. Isn't it good to be together?--Oh! Poor Larry! How +tired you look!--Stay with me. I am so frightened all alone. So +frightened they will take you from me. + +LARRY. Poor child! + +WANDA. No, no! Don't look like that! + +LARRY. You're shivering. + +WANDA. I will make up the fire. Love me, Larry! I want to forget. + +LARRY. The poorest little wretch on God's earth--locked up--for me! +A little wild animal, locked up. There he goes, up and down, up and +down--in his cage--don't you see him?--looking for a place to gnaw +his way through--little grey rat. [He gets up and roams about.] + +WANDA. No, no! I can't bear it! Don't frighten me more! + + [He comes back and takes her in his arms.] + +LARRY. There, there! [He kisses her closed eyes.] + +WANDA. [Without moving] If we could sleep a little--wouldn't it be +nice? + +LARRY. Sleep? + +WANDA. [Raising herself] Promise to stay with me--to stay here for +good, Larry. I will cook for you; I will make you so comfortable. +They will find him innocent. And then--Oh, Larry! in the sun-right +away--far from this horrible country. How lovely! [Trying to get +him to look at her] Larry! + +LARRY. [With a movement to free 'himself] To the edge of the +world-and---over! + +WANDA. No, no! No, no! You don't want me to die, Larry, do you? I +shall if you leave me. Let us be happy! Love me! + +LARRY. [With a laugh] Ah! Let's be happy and shut out the sight of +him. Who cares? Millions suffer for no mortal reason. Let's be +strong, like Keith. No! I won't leave you, Wanda. Let's forget +everything except ourselves. [Suddenly] There he goes-up and down! + +WANDA. [Moaning] No, no! See! I will pray to the Virgin. She will +pity us! + + She falls on her knees and clasps her hands, praying. Her lips + move. LARRY stands motionless, with arms crossed, and on his + face are yearning and mockery, love and despair. + +LARRY. [Whispering] Pray for us! Bravo! Pray away! + + [Suddenly the girl stretches out her arms and lifts her face + with a look of ecstasy.] + +What? + +WANDA. She is smiling! We shall be happy soon. + +LARRY. [Bending down over her] Poor child! When we die, Wanda, +let's go together. We should keep each other warm out in the dark. + +WANDA. [Raising her hands to his face] Yes! oh, yes! If you die I +could not--I could not go on living! + + + CURTAIN + + + +SCENE III. + +TWO MONTHS LATER + + WANDA'S room. Daylight is just beginning to fail of a January + afternoon. The table is laid for supper, with decanters of + wine. + + WANDA is standing at the window looking out at the wintry trees + of the Square beyond the pavement. A newspaper Boy's voice is + heard coming nearer. + +VOICE. Pyper! Glove Lyne murder! Trial and verdict! [Receding] +Verdict! Pyper! + + WANDA throws up the window as if to call to him, checks herself, + closes it and runs to the door. She opens it, but recoils into + the room. KEITH is standing there. He comes in. + +KEITH. Where's Larry? + +WANDA. He went to the trial. I could not keep him from it. The +trial--Oh! what has happened, sir? + +KEITH. [Savagely] Guilty! Sentence of death! Fools!--idiots! + +WANDA. Of death! [For a moment she seems about to swoon.] + +KEITH. Girl! girl! It may all depend on you. Larry's still living +here? + +WANDA. Yes. + +KEITH. I must wait for him. + +WANDA. Will you sit down, please? + +KEITH. [Shaking his head] Are you ready to go away at any time? + +WANDA. Yes, yes; always I am ready. + +KEITH. And he? + +WANDA. Yes--but now! What will he do? That poor man! + +KEITH. A graveyard thief--a ghoul! + +WANDA. Perhaps he was hungry. I have been hungry: you do things +then that you would not. Larry has thought of him in prison so much +all these weeks. Oh! what shall we do now? + +KEITH. Listen! Help me. Don't let Larry out of your sight. I must +see how things go. They'll never hang this wretch. [He grips her +arms] Now, we must stop Larry from giving himself up. He's fool +enough. D'you understand? + +WANDA. Yes. But why has he not come in? Oh! If he have, already! + +KEITH. [Letting go her arms] My God! If the police come--find me +here--[He moves to the door] No, he wouldn't without seeing you +first. He's sure to come. Watch him like a lynx. Don't let him go +without you. + +WANDA. [Clasping her hands on her breast] I will try, sir. + +KEITH. Listen! + + [A key is heard in the lock.] + +It's he! + + LARRY enters. He is holding a great bunch of pink lilies and + white narcissus. His face tells nothing. KEITH looks from him + to the girl, who stands motionless. + +LARRY. Keith! So you've seen? + +KEITH. The thing can't stand. I'll stop it somehow. But you must +give me time, Larry. + +LARRY. [Calmly] Still looking after your honour, KEITH! + +KEITH. [Grimly] Think my reasons what you like. + +WANDA. [Softly] Larry! + + [LARRY puts his arm round her.] + +LARRY. Sorry, old man. + +KEITH. Tnis man can and shall get off. I want your solemn promise +that you won't give yourself up, nor even go out till I've seen you +again. + +LARRY. I give it. + +KEITH. [Looking from one to the other] By the memory of our mother, +swear that. + +LARRY. [With a smile] I swear. + +KEITH. I have your oath--both of you--both of you. I'm going at +once to see what can be done. + +LARRY. [Softly] Good luck, brother. + + KEITH goes out. + +WANDA. [Putting her hands on LARRY's breast] What does it mean? + +LARRY. Supper, child--I've had nothing all day. Put these lilies in +water. + + [She takes the lilies and obediently puts them into a vase. + LARRY pours wine into a deep-coloured glass and drinks it off.] + +We've had a good time, Wanda. Best time I ever had, these last two +months; and nothing but the bill to pay. + +WANDA. [Clasping him desperately] Oh, Larry! Larry! + +LARRY. [Holding her away to look at her.] Take off those things and +put on a bridal garment. + +WANDA. Promise me--wherever you go, I go too. Promise! Larry, you +think I haven't seen, all these weeks. But I have seen everything; +all in your heart, always. You cannot hide from me. I knew--I knew! +Oh, if we might go away into the sun! Oh! Larry--couldn't we? [She +searches his eyes with hers--then shuddering] Well! If it must be +dark--I don't care, if I may go in your arms. In prison we could not +be together. I am ready. Only love me first. Don't let me cry +before I go. Oh! Larry, will there be much pain? + +LARRY. [In a choked voice] No pain, my pretty. + +WANDA. [With a little sigh] It is a pity. + +LARRY. If you had seen him, as I have, all day, being tortured. +Wanda,--we shall be out of it. [The wine mounting to his head] We +shall be free in the dark; free of their cursed inhumanities. I hate +this world--I loathe it! I hate its God-forsaken savagery; its pride +and smugness! Keith's world--all righteous will-power and success. +We're no good here, you and I--we were cast out at birth--soft, +will-less--better dead. No fear, Keith! I'm staying indoors. [He +pours wine into two glasses] Drink it up! + + + [Obediently WANDA drinks, and he also.] + +Now go and make yourself beautiful. + +WANDA. [Seizing him in her arms] Oh, Larry! + +LARRY. [Touching her face and hair] Hanged by the neck until he's +dead--for what I did. + + [WANDA takes a long look at his face, slips her arms from him, + and goes out through the curtains below the fireplace.] + + [LARRY feels in his pocket, brings out the little box, opens it, + fingers the white tabloids.] + +LARRY. Two each--after food. [He laughs and puts back the box] Oh! +my girl! + + [The sound of a piano playing a faint festive tune is heard afar + off. He mutters, staring at the fire.] + + [Flames-flame, and flicker-ashes.] + +"No more, no more, the moon is dead, And all the people in it." + + [He sits on the couch with a piece of paper on his knees, adding + a few words with a stylo pen to what is already written.] + + [The GIRL, in a silk wrapper, coming back through the curtains, + watches him.] + +LARRY. [Looking up] It's all here--I've confessed. [Reading] + +"Please bury us together." +"LAURENCE DARRANT. +"January 28th, about six p.m." + +They'll find us in the morning. Come and have supper, my dear love. + + [The girl creeps forward. He rises, puts his arm round her, and + with her arm twined round him, smiling into each other's faces, + they go to the table and sit down.] + + The curtain falls for a few seconds to indicate the passage of + three hours. When it rises again, the lovers are lying on the + couch, in each other's arms, the lilies stream about them. The + girl's bare arm is round LARRY'S neck. Her eyes are closed; his + are open and sightless. There is no light but fire-light. + + A knocking on the door and the sound of a key turned in the + lock. KEITH enters. He stands a moment bewildered by the half- + light, then calls sharply: "Larry!" and turns up the light. + Seeing the forms on the couch, he recoils a moment. Then, + glancing at the table and empty decanters, goes up to the couch. + +KEITH. [Muttering] Asleep! Drunk! Ugh! + + [Suddenly he bends, touches LARRY, and springs back.] + +What! [He bends again, shakes him and calls] Larry! Larry! + + [Then, motionless, he stares down at his brother's open, + sightless eyes. Suddenly he wets his finger and holds it to the + girl's lips, then to LARRY'S.] + + [He bends and listens at their hearts; catches sight of the + little box lying between them and takes it up.] + +My God! + + [Then, raising himself, he closes his brother's eyes, and as he + does so, catches sight of a paper pinned to the couch; detaches + it and reads:] + +"I, Lawrence Darrant, about to die by my own hand confess that I----" + + [He reads on silently, in horror; finishes, letting the paper + drop, and recoils from the couch on to a chair at the + dishevelled supper table. Aghast, he sits there. Suddenly he + mutters:] + +If I leave that there--my name--my whole future! + + [He springs up, takes up the paper again, and again reads.] + +My God! It's ruin! + + [He makes as if to tear it across, stops, and looks down at + those two; covers his eyes with his hand; drops the paper and + rushes to the door. But he stops there and comes back, + magnetised, as it were, by that paper. He takes it up once more + and thrusts it into his pocket.] + + [The footsteps of a Policeman pass, slow and regular, outside. + His face crisps and quivers; he stands listening till they die + away. Then he snatches the paper from his pocket, and goes past + the foot of the couch to the fore.] + +All my----No! Let him hang! + + [He thrusts the paper into the fire, stamps it down with his + foot, watches it writhe and blacken. Then suddenly clutching + his head, he turns to the bodies on the couch. Panting and like + a man demented, he recoils past the head of the couch, and + rushing to the window, draws the curtains and throws the window + up for air. Out in the darkness rises the witch-like skeleton + tree, where a dark shape seems hanging. KEITH starts back.] + +What's that? What----! + + [He shuts the window and draws the dark curtains across it + again.] + +Fool! Nothing! + + [Clenching his fists, he draws himself up, steadying himself + with all his might. Then slowly he moves to the door, stands a + second like a carved figure, his face hard as stone.] + + [Deliberately he turns out the light, opens the door, and goes.] + + [The still bodies lie there before the fire which is licking at + the last blackened wafer.] + + +CURTAIN + + + + +End of this Project Gutenberg Etext of THE FIRST AND LAST (play) +by John Galsworthy. + diff --git a/old/flast11.zip b/old/flast11.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..495b46c --- /dev/null +++ b/old/flast11.zip |