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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4aa34ce --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #50601 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/50601) diff --git a/old/50601-0.txt b/old/50601-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index fba8891..0000000 --- a/old/50601-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,6642 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Landed Gentry, by W. Somerset Maugham - -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/license - - -Title: Landed Gentry - A Comedy in Four Acts - -Author: W. Somerset Maugham - -Release Date: December 3, 2015 [EBook #50601] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LANDED GENTRY *** - - - - -Produced by Chuck Greif and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images available at The Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - - - - _LANDED GENTRY_ - - _PLAYS BY W. S. MAUGHAM_ - - Uniform with this volume - - _JACK STRAW_ - _PENELOPE_ - _MRS. DOT_ - _THE EXPLORER_ - _A MAN OF HONOUR_ - _LADY FREDERICK_ - _SMITH_ - _THE TENTH MAN_ - - _CHICAGO: THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY_ - - - - - _LANDED GENTRY_ - - _A COMEDY_ - - _In Four Acts_ - - _BY W. S. MAUGHAM_ - - _CHICAGO_: - _THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY_ - - PRINTED BY - BALLANTYNE & COMPANY LTD - LONDON, ENGLAND - - This play was produced under the title “GRACE,” at the Duke of York’s - Theatre, London, October 15, 1910, with the following cast: - - - CLAUDE INSOLEY DENNIS EADIE - REV. ARCHIBALD INSOLEY LESLIE FABER - HENRY COBBETT ARTHUR WONTNER - GANN EDMUND GWENN - MOORE HESTON COOPER - GRACE INSOLEY IRENE VANBRUGH - MRS. INSOLEY LADY TREE - MISS VERNON OF FOLEY LILLAH MACCARTHY - MISS HALL MARY BARTON - EDITH LEWIS NINA SEVENING - MARGARET GANN GERTRUDE LANG - - - - - _LANDED GENTRY_ - - - - - _CHARACTERS_ - - - CLAUDE INSOLEY - REV. ARCHIBALD INSOLEY - HENRY COBBETT - GANN - MOORE - GRACE INSOLEY - MRS. INSOLEY - MISS VERNON OF FOLEY - MISS HALL - EDITH LEWIS - MARGARET GANN - - -_The Action takes place at Kenyon-Fulton, Claude Insoley’s place in -Somersetshire._ - -_The Performing Rights of this play are fully protected, and permission -to perform it, whether by Amateurs or Professionals, must be obtained in -advance from the author’s Sole Agent, R. Golding Bright, 20 Green -Street, Leicester Square, London, W.C., from whom all particulars can be -obtained._ - - - - - LANDED GENTRY - - - - -THE FIRST ACT - - - SCENE: _The drawing-room at Kenyon-Fulton. It is a handsome - apartment with large windows, reaching to the ground. On the walls - are old masters whose darkness conceals their artistic - insignificance. The furniture is fine and solid. Nothing is very - new or smart. The chintzes have a rather pallid Victorian air. The - room with its substantial magnificence represents the character of - a family rather than the taste of an individual._ - - _It is night and one or two electric lamps are burning._ - - MOORE, _an elderly impressive butler, comes in, followed by_ GANN. - _This is_ CLAUDE INSOLEY’S _gamekeeper, a short, sturdy man, - grizzled, with wild stubborn hair and a fringe of beard round his - chin. He wears his Sunday clothes of sombre broadcloth._ - -MOORE. - -You’re to wait here. - - [GANN, _hat in hand, advances to the middle of the room_. - -MOORE. - -They’ve not got up from dinner yet, but he’ll come and see you at once. - -GANN. - -I’ll wait. - -MOORE. - -He said I was to tell him the moment you come. What can he be wanting of -you at this time of night? - -GANN. - -Maybe if he wished you to know he’d have told you. - -MOORE. - -I don’t want to know what don’t concern me. - -GANN. - -Pity there ain’t more like you. - -MOORE. - -It’s the missus’ birthday to-day. - -GANN. - -Didn’t he say you was to tell him the moment I come? - -MOORE. - -I’ve only just took in the dessert. Give ’em a minute to sample the -peaches. - -GANN. - -I thought them was your orders. - -MOORE. - -You’re a nice civil-spoken one, you are. - - [_With an effort_ GANN _prevents himself from replying. It is as - much as he can do to keep his hands off the sleek, obsequious - butler._ MOORE _after a glance at him goes out. The gamekeeper - begins to walk up and down the room like a caged beast. In a moment - he hears a sound and stops still. He turns his hat round and round - in his hands._ - - [CLAUDE INSOLEY _comes in. He is a man of thirty-five, rather - dried-up, rather precise, neither good-looking nor plain, with a - slightly dogmatic, authoritative manner._ - -CLAUDE. - -Good evening, Gann. - -GANN. - -Good evening, sir. - - [CLAUDE _hesitates for a moment; to conceal a slight embarrassment - he lights a cigarette_. GANN _watches him steadily_. - -CLAUDE. - -I suppose you know what I’ve sent for you about. - -GANN. - -No, sir. - -CLAUDE. - -I should have thought you might guess without hurting yourself. The -Rector tells me that your daughter Peggy came back last night. - -GANN. - -Yes, sir. - -CLAUDE. - -Bit thick, isn’t it? - -GANN. - -I don’t know what you mean, sir. - -CLAUDE. - -Oh, that’s all rot, Gann. You know perfectly well what I mean. It’s a -beastly matter for both of us, but it’s no good funking it.... You’ve -been on the estate pretty well all your life, haven’t you? - -GANN. - -It’s fifty-four years come next Michaelmas that my father was took on, -and I was earning wages here before you was born. - -CLAUDE. - -My governor always said you were the best keeper he ever struck, and -hang it all, I haven’t had anything to complain about either. - -GANN. - -Thank you, sir. - -CLAUDE. - -Anyhow, we shan’t make it any better by beating about the bush. It -appears that Peggy has got into trouble in London.... I’m awfully sorry -for you, and all that sort of thing. - -GANN. - -Poor child. She’s not to blame. - - [CLAUDE _gives a slight shrug of the shoulders_. - -GANN. - -I want ’er to forget all she’s gone through. It was a mistake she ever -went to London, but she would go. Now I’ll keep ’er beside me. She’ll -never leave me again till I’m put underground. - -CLAUDE. - -That’s all very fine and large, but I’m afraid Peggy can’t stay on here, -Gann. - -GANN. - -Why not? - -CLAUDE. - -You know the rule of the estate as well as I do. When a girl gets into a -mess she has to go. - -GANN. - -It’s a wicked rule! - -CLAUDE. - -You never thought so before, and this isn’t the first time you’ve seen -it applied, by a long chalk. - -GANN. - -The girl went away once and come to grief. She wellnigh killed herself -with the shame of it. I’m not going to let ’er out of my sight again. - -CLAUDE. - -I’m afraid I can’t make an exception in your favour, Gann. - -GANN. - -[_Desperately._] Where’s she to go to? - -CLAUDE. - -Oh, I expect she’ll be able to get a job somewhere. Mrs. Insoley’ll do -all she can. - -GANN. - -It’s no good, Squire. I can’t let ’er go. I want ’er. - -CLAUDE. - -I don’t want to be unreasonable. I’ll give you a certain amount of time -to make arrangements. - -GANN. - -Time’s no good to me. I haven’t the ’eart to send her away. - -CLAUDE. - -I’m afraid it’s not a question of whether you like it or not. You must -do as you’re told. - -GANN. - -I can’t part with her, and there’s an end of it. - -CLAUDE. - -You’d better go and talk it over with your wife. - -GANN. - -I don’t want to talk it over with anyone. I’ve made up my mind. - - [CLAUDE _is silent for a moment. He looks at_ GANN _thoughtfully_. - -CLAUDE. - -[_Deliberately._] I’ll give you twenty-four hours to think about it. - -GANN. - -[_Startled._] What d’you mean by that, sir? - -CLAUDE. - -If Peggy isn’t gone by that time, I am afraid I shall have to send you -away. - -GANN. - -You wouldn’t do that, sir? You couldn’t do it, Squire, not after all -these years. - -CLAUDE. - -We’ll soon see about that, my friend. - -GANN. - -You can’t dismiss me for that. I’ll have the law of you. I’ll sue you -for wrongful dismissal. - -CLAUDE. - -You can do what you damned well like; but if Peggy hasn’t gone by -to-morrow night I shall turn you off the estate on Tuesday. - -GANN. - -[_Hoarsely._] You wouldn’t do it! You couldn’t do it. - - [_There is a sound of talking and laughter, and of a general - movement as the dining-room door is opened._ - -CLAUDE. - -They’re just coming in. You’d better hook it. - - [MISS VERNON _and_ EDITH LEWIS _come in, followed by_ GRACE. _For a - moment_ GANN _stands awkwardly, and then leaves the room_. MISS - VERNON _is a slight, faded, rather gaunt woman of thirty-five. Her - deliberate manner, her composure, suggest a woman of means and a - woman who knows her own mind._ EDITH LEWIS _is a pretty girl of - twenty_. GRACE _is thirty. She is a beautiful creature with an - eager, earnest face and fine eyes. She has a restless manner, and - her frequent laughter strikes you as forced. She is always falling - from one emotion to another. She uses a slightly satirical note - when she speaks to her husband._ - -EDITH. - -[_Going to the window._] Oh, what a lovely night! Do let’s go out. [_To_ -GRACE.] May we? - -GRACE. - -Of course, if you want to. - -EDITH. - -I’m perfectly sick with envy every time I look out of the window. Those -lovely old trees! - -GRACE. - -I wonder if you’d be sick with envy if you looked at nothing else for -forty-six weeks in the year? - -EDITH. - -I adore the country. - -GRACE. - -People who habitually live in London generally do. - -MISS VERNON. - -Aren’t you fond of the country? - -GRACE. - -[_Vehemently._] I hate it! I hate it with all my heart and soul. - -CLAUDE. - -My dear Grace, what are you saying? - -GRACE. - -It bores me. It bores me stiff. Those endless trees, and those dreary -meadows, and those ploughed fields. Oh! - -EDITH. - -I don’t think I could ever get tired of the view from your dining-room. - -GRACE. - -Not if you saw it for three meals a day for ten years? Oh, my dear, you -don’t know what that view is like at an early breakfast on a winter’s -morning. You sit there looking at it, with icy fingers, wondering if -your nose is red, while your husband reads morning prayers, because his -father read morning prayers before him; and the sky looks as if it were -going to sink down and crush you. - -CLAUDE. - -You can’t expect sunshine all the year round, can you? - -GRACE. - -[_Smiling._] True, O King! - -EDITH. - -Well, I’m a Cockney, and I feel inclined to fall down on my very knees -and worship those big trees in your park. Oh, what a night! - -MISS VERNON. - - In such a night as this, - When the sweet wind did gently kiss the trees - And they did make no noise.... - - [MISS VERNON _and_ EDITH LEWIS _go out_. GRACE _is left alone with - her husband_. - -GRACE. - -What on earth was Gann doing here? - -CLAUDE. - -I had something to say to him. - -GRACE. - -May I know what? - -CLAUDE. - -It would only bore you. - -GRACE. - -That wouldn’t be a new experience. - -CLAUDE. - -I say, you’re looking jolly to-night, darling. - -GRACE. - -It’s kind of you to say so. - -CLAUDE. - -Were you pleased with the necklace I gave you this morning? - -GRACE. - -[_Smiling._] Surely I said so at the time. - -CLAUDE. - -I was rather hoping you’d wear it to-night. - -GRACE. - -It wouldn’t have gone with my frock. - -CLAUDE. - -You might have put it on all the same. - -GRACE. - -You see, your example hasn’t been lost on me. I’ve learnt to put -propriety before sentiment. - -CLAUDE. - -[_Rather shyly._] I should have thought, if you cared for me, you -wouldn’t have minded. - -GRACE. - -Are you reproaching me? - -CLAUDE. - -No! - -GRACE. - -Only? - -CLAUDE. - -Hang it all, I can’t help wishing sometimes you’d seem as if--you were -fond of me, don’t you know. - -GRACE. - -If you’ll point out anything you particularly object to in my behaviour, -I’ll try to change it. - -CLAUDE. - -My dear, I don’t want much, do I? - -GRACE. - -I don’t know why you should choose this particular time to make a scene. - -CLAUDE. - -Hang it all, I’m not making a scene! - -GRACE. - -I beg your pardon, I forgot that only women make scenes. - -CLAUDE. - -I only wanted to tell you that I’m just about as fond of you as I can -stick. - -GRACE. - -[_Suddenly touched._] After ten years of holy matrimony? - -CLAUDE. - -It seems about ten days to me. - -GRACE. - -Good God, to me it seems a lifetime. - -CLAUDE. - -I say, Grace, what d’you mean by that? - -GRACE. - -[_Recovering herself._] Oughtn’t you to go back to the dining-room? Your -brother and Mr. Cobbett will be boring one another. - - [CLAUDE _looks at her for a moment, then rises and goes out_. GRACE - _clenches her hands, and an expression of utter wretchedness - crosses her face. She passes her hand across her eyes with an - impatient gesture, as if she were trying to shake herself free from - some torturing thought._ MOORE _comes in with coffee on a salver_. - -GRACE. - -Put it down on the table. - -MOORE. - -Yes, madam. - -GRACE. - -Miss Vernon’s in the garden with Miss Lewis. Will you tell them that -coffee is here? - -MOORE. - -Very good, ma’am. - - [_He goes out of one of the French windows into the garden. In a - moment_ MISS VERNON _comes in_. - -GRACE. - -Isn’t Edith coming? - -MISS VERNON. - -I sent her to get a wrap. We want to go down to the lake. - -GRACE. - -Will you have some coffee? - -MISS VERNON. - -Thank you.... I was trying to remember how long it is since I was here -last. - -GRACE. - -[_Pouring out the coffee._] It was before I was married. - -MISS VERNON. - -I’m devoted to Kenyon, I’m so glad you asked me to come and spend -Whitsun here. - -GRACE. - -My mother-in-law wrote and told us that you weren’t engaged. - -MISS VERNON. - -[_With a smile._] That sounds rather chilly. - -GRACE. - -Does it? - -MISS VERNON. - -[_Abruptly._] May I call you Grace? - -GRACE. - -[_Looking up, faintly surprised._] Certainly. If you wish it. - -MISS VERNON. - -My name is Helen. - -GRACE. - -Is it? - - [MISS VERNON _gives a slight smile of amusement, then gets up and - stands before the fire-place with her hands behind her back_. - -MISS VERNON. - -I wonder why you dislike me so much? - -GRACE. - -I don’t know why you should think I do. - -MISS VERNON. - -You don’t take much trouble to hide it, do you? - -GRACE. - -I’m sorry. In future I’ll be more careful. - -MISS VERNON. - -[_Rather wistfully._] I wanted to be great friends with you. - -GRACE. - -I’m afraid I don’t make friends very easily. - -MISS VERNON. - -We live so near one another. It seems rather silly that we should only -just be on speaking terms. - - [_A very short pause._ - -GRACE. - -They wanted Claude to marry you, didn’t they? And he married me instead. - -MISS VERNON. - -When I saw you at your wedding, I couldn’t help feeling I’d have done -just the same in his place. - -GRACE. - -[_With a twinkle in her eye._] And now they want you to marry his -brother Archibald. - -MISS VERNON. - -[_Smiling._] So I understand. - -GRACE. - -Are you going to? - -MISS VERNON. - -He hasn’t asked me yet. - -GRACE. - -Five thousand acres in a ring fence. It seems a pity to let it go out of -the family. - -MISS VERNON. - -It’s such a nuisance that a plainish woman of six-and-thirty has to be -taken along with it. - -GRACE. - -Did you ever care for Claude? - -MISS VERNON. - -If I did or not, I’m very anxious to care for his wife. - -GRACE. - -Why? - -MISS VERNON. - -Well, partly because I’m afraid you’re not very happy. - -GRACE. - -[_Startled._] I? [_Almost defiantly._] I should have thought I had -everything that a woman can want to make her happy. I’ve got a husband -who adores me. We’re rich. We’re--[_with a sudden break in her -voice_]--happy! I wish to God he had married you! It’s clear enough now -that he made a mistake. - -MISS VERNON. - -[_With a chuckle._] I don’t think it’s occurred to him, you know. - -GRACE. - -How many times d’you suppose his mother has said to Claude: Things would -be very different now if you’d had the sense to marry Helen Vernon. - -MISS VERNON. - -Yes, in that case I must say it’s not to be wondered at if you don’t -like me very much. - -GRACE. - -Like you! I hate you with all my heart and soul! - -MISS VERNON. - -Good gracious me, you don’t say so? - -GRACE. - -[_With a sudden flash of humour._] You don’t mind my telling you, do -you? - -MISS VERNON. - -Not a bit, but I should very much like to know why? - -GRACE. - -Because I’ve got an envious disposition and I envy you. - -MISS VERNON. - -A solitary old maid like me? - -GRACE. - -You’ve got everything that I haven’t got. D’you suppose I’ve lived ten -years in my husband’s family without realising the gulf that separates -Miss Vernon of Foley from the very middle-class young woman that Claude -Insoley was such a damned fool as to marry? You’ve got money and I -haven’t a farthing. - -MISS VERNON. - -Money isn’t everything. - -GRACE. - -Oh, don’t talk such nonsense! How would you like to be dependent on -somebody else for every penny you had? If I want to get Claude a -Christmas present I have to buy it out of his money.... It wouldn’t be -so maddening if I only had forty pounds a year of my own, but I haven’t -a penny, not a penny! And I have to keep accounts. After all, it’s his -money. If he wants accounts why shouldn’t he have them? I have to write -down the cost of every packet of hair-pins. [_With a sudden chuckle._] -And the worst of it is, I never could add. - -MISS VERNON. - -That, of course, must increase the difficulty of keeping accounts. - -GRACE. - -I’ve been an utter failure from the beginning. They despised me because -I was a nobody and not even a rich nobody; but I was a strapping, -healthy sort of young woman and they consoled themselves by thinking I’d -have children--a milch cow was what they wanted--and I haven’t even had -children.... - - [MISS VERNON, _not knowing what to say, makes a little gesture of - perplexity and helplessness. There is a brief pause._ - -GRACE. - -Oh! I’m about fed up with all the humiliations I’ve had to endure. - - [EDITH LEWIS _comes in with a wrap which she gives to_ MISS VERNON. - -EDITH. - -Will this do? - -MISS VERNON. - -Thanks so much. You’re a perfect angel. - -GRACE. - -You mustn’t stay out more than a few minutes. The men will be here in a -moment, and I want to play poker. When my mother-in-law comes we shall -have to mind our p’s and q’s. - -EDITH. - -You don’t like Mrs. Insoley? - -GRACE. - -Mrs. Insoley doesn’t like me. - -MISS VERNON. - -Nonsense! She’s very fond of you indeed. - -GRACE. - -I could wish she had some pleasanter way of showing it than finding -fault with everything I do, everything I say, and everything I wear. - -EDITH. - -She’s coming to-morrow, isn’t she? - -GRACE. - -Yes. [_With a quizzical smile._] She’ll thoroughly disapprove of you. -When I introduce you to her: This is Miss Lewis--she’ll look at you for -a moment as if you were a kitchen-maid applying for a situation and say: -Lewis. - -EDITH. - -Why? - -GRACE. - -Because, like myself, you’re not county. - -EDITH. - -Oh! - -GRACE. - -It’s all very fine to say: Oh! but you don’t know what that means. In -London, if you’re pretty and amusing and don’t give yourself airs, -people are quite ready to be nice to you; but in a place like this, you -can have every virtue under the sun, and if you’re not county you’re of -no importance in this world, and you’ll certainly be very uncomfortable -in the next. - -MISS VERNON. - -[_Smiling._] I think you’re extremely hard on us. If you have the -advantage of.... - -GRACE. - -[_Seizing the opportunity which_ MISS VERNON’S _hesitation gives her_.] -Middle-class origins? - -MISS VERNON. - -You needn’t grudge us the perfectly harmless delusion that there is a -difference between a family that has lived in the same place for three -or four centuries, with traditions of good breeding and service to the -country--and one that has no roots in the soil. - -GRACE. - -I seem to hear Claude’s very words. - -MISS VERNON. - -[_Good-humouredly._] Of course we have our faults. - -GRACE. - -You’re the first member of your class that I’ve ever heard acknowledge -it. - -MISS VERNON. - -[_Meditatively._] I wonder if you’d despise us so much if you had a -string of drunken, fox-hunting squires behind you. - -GRACE. - -Oh, my dear, when I was first married I used to lie awake at night -wishing for them with all my heart. When the neighbours came to call on -me I could see them obviously lying in wait for the aitches they were -expecting me to drop. A Miss Robinson, wasn’t she? Robinson! Are there -people called Robinson? Oh, how I wanted to scratch their ugly old -faces! - -MISS VERNON. - -How lucky I was abroad for so long! You might have disfigured me for -life. - -GRACE. - -I’ve often thought that if the Archangel Gabriel came down in -Somersetshire, they’d look him out in the “Landed Gentry” before they -asked him to a shooting-party. - -MISS VERNON. - -I don’t think you ought to judge us all on Mrs. Insoley. She’s a type -that’s dying out. - -EDITH. - -I don’t want to seem inquisitive, but if you don’t like Mrs. Insoley why -on earth d’you have her to stay here? - -GRACE. - -Simple-minded child! Because even in a county family money’s the only -thing in the world that really matters, and we’re penniless, while Mrs. -Insoley--[_with a quick, defiant look at_ MISS VERNON]--Mrs. Insoley -stinks of it.... Do I shock you? - -MISS VERNON. - -[_With a smile._] No, because I see you’re trying to. - -GRACE. - -Claude has nothing but the house and land and his principles. And if -we’re able to have the hounds and the shooting and a couple of cars, -it’s because Mrs. Insoley pays for it. - -MISS VERNON. - -[_Explaining to_ EDITH LEWIS.] Mrs. Insoley was an heiress. - -GRACE. - -She was a Bainbridge, and you’ll hear her thank God for it frequently. - - [ARCHIBALD INSOLEY _and_ HENRY COBBETT _come in_. ARCHIBALD _is a - pleasant, good-looking man of thirty-four, with a humorous way - about him, and a kindly expression. He holds the family living of - Kenyon-Fulton, but there is nothing in him of the sanctimoniousness - of the cloth._ COBBETT _is an agreeable youth of four-and-twenty. - They are followed by_ CLAUDE INSOLEY. - -COBBETT. - -[_Seeing_ EDITH LEWIS _at the window_.] Are you going out? - -EDITH. - -We were--but we won’t. - -GRACE. - -I’ve been preparing Miss Lewis for your mother’s arrival. - -EDITH. - -I’m beginning to tremble in my shoes. - -ARCHIBALD. - -Our mother is what is usually described as a woman of character. With -the best intentions in the world and the highest principles she succeeds -in making life almost intolerable to every one connected with her. - -CLAUDE. - -You won’t forget to send the carriage for her to-morrow, Grace? - -GRACE. - -I won’t.... Last time we sent the car by mistake, and she sent it back -again. - -MISS VERNON. - -Good heavens, why did she do that? - -GRACE. - -Mrs. Insoley never has driven in a motor-car, and Mrs. Insoley never -will drive in a motor-car. - -CLAUDE. - -[_Not unamiably._] I don’t think you ought to make fun of my mother, -Grace. - -GRACE. - -I wouldn’t if I could make anything else of her. - - [_As she says this she sits down at the piano and rattles her - fingers over the keys._ - -GRACE. - -Will you sing us a song, Mr. Cobbett? - -COBBETT. - -No, thank you. - -GRACE. - -I want to be amused. - -ARCHIBALD. - -How desperately you say that! - -GRACE. - -[_To_ COBBETT.] What will you sing? - -COBBETT. - -I’m afraid I don’t know anything that will fit the occasion. - -GRACE. - -I seem to have heard you warble a graceful little ditty about a top -note. - -COBBETT. - -Thank you very much, but I’m not fond of making a fool of myself. - -GRACE. - -Part of a gentleman’s education should be how to make himself ridiculous -with dignity. - -CLAUDE. - -[_To_ COBBETT.] You make more fuss about singing than a young lady at a -tea-party. - -GRACE. - -[_Looking at him with smiling lips but with hard eyes._] Let us have no -more maidenly coyness. - - [_She begins to play, and_ COBBETT, _shrugging his shoulders, - begins with rather bad grace to sing the song, “I can’t reach that - top note.” While they are in the middle of it the door opens, and - the_ BUTLER _announces_ MRS. INSOLEY _and her companion_. MRS. - INSOLEY _is a little old lady of some corpulence, shabbily dressed - in rusty black. She looks rather like a charwoman in her Sunday - best._ MISS HALL, _her companion, is a self-effacing silent person - of uncertain age. She is always very anxious to make herself - useful._ - -MOORE. - -Mrs. Insoley, Miss Hall. - -CLAUDE. - -Mother! - - [_The singing abruptly ceases. There is general consternation._ - MRS. INSOLEY _stops still for one moment, and surveys the party - with indignation. Then she sweeps into the room with such majesty - as is compatible with her small size and considerable obesity._ - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Is this a lunatic asylum that I have come into? - -GRACE. - -We didn’t expect you till to-morrow. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -So I imagined by the fact that I found no conveyance at the station. I -had to take a fly, and it cost me four-and-sixpence. - -CLAUDE. - -But why didn’t you let us know you’d changed your plans, mother? - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -I did let you know. I wrote to Grace yesterday. She must have got my -letter this morning. - -GRACE. - -Oh, how stupid of me! I recognised your writing, and as it was my -birthday I thought I wouldn’t open it till to-morrow. - -CLAUDE. - -Grace! - -GRACE. - -I’m dreadfully sorry. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -It was only by the mercy of Providence that I didn’t have to walk. - -GRACE. - -There are always flies at the station. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Providence might very well have caused them to be all engaged. - -GRACE. - -I don’t know why you should think Providence has nothing better to do -than to play practical jokes on us. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -[_Looking round._] And may I inquire why you have turned the house in -which your father died into a bear garden? - -CLAUDE. - -It’s Grace’s birthday, and we thought there would be no harm in our -having a little fun. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -[_Putting up her face-à-main and staring at the company._] I’m -old-fashioned enough and well-bred enough to like people to be -introduced to me. - -GRACE. - -Nowadays every one’s so disreputable that we think it safer not to make -introductions.... This is Miss Lewis. - -EDITH. - -How d’you do? - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Lewis! - -GRACE. - -[_With a little smile of amusement._] I think you know Miss Vernon of -Foley. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -[_Very affably._] Of course I know Miss Vernon of Foley. My dear Helen, -you’re looking very handsome. It wants a woman of birth to wear the -outrageous costumes of the present day. - -MISS VERNON. - -[_Shaking hands with her._] It’s so nice of you to say so. - -GRACE. - -I forget if you know Mr. Cobbett. - -COBBETT. - -How do you do? - - [_He bows slightly as_ MRS. INSOLEY _looks at him through her - glasses_. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Cobbett! - -COBBETT. - -[_With some asperity._] Cobbett! - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -[_Turning to_ MISS HALL.] We used to have a milkman called Cobbett, -Louisa. - -MISS HALL. - -Our milkman is called Wilkinson now. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -[_Very graciously._] You were singing a song when I came in. What was it -called? - -COBBETT. - -[_Rather sulkily._] “I can’t reach that top note.” - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -I wondered why you were trying.... Why are you hiding behind that sofa, -Archibald? Do you not intend to kiss your mother? - -ARCHIBALD. - -I’m delighted to see you, my dear mother. - - [_He kisses her on the forehead._ - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -I’m rather surprised to see a clergyman at a dinner-party on a Sunday -night. - -ARCHIBALD. - -I find two sermons a day excellent for the appetite. And the Bible tells -us that corn makes the young men cheerful. - -GRACE. - -[_Smiling._] Aren’t you dreadfully hungry? Wouldn’t you like something -to eat? - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -No, I shall go straight to my room. It always upsets me to drive in a -hired carriage. - -GRACE. - -I’ll just go and see that everything’s nice and comfortable. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Pray don’t put yourself to any trouble on my account. It would distress -me. - - [GRACE _goes out_. - -EDITH. - -[_Aside to_ MISS VERNON.] Don’t you think we might go down to the lake? - -MISS VERNON. - -By all means.... There’s nothing I can get you, Mrs. Insoley? - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -[_Graciously._] Nothing, my dear Helen. - - [MISS VERNON _and_ EDITH LEWIS _go out, and a moment later_ COBBETT - _slips out also_. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Claude, will you take Miss Hall into the dining-room and give her a -sandwich and a glass of port? - -CLAUDE. - -Certainly. - -MISS HALL. - -I don’t think I want anything, thank you, Mrs. Insoley. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Nonsense, Louisa! Allow me to know what is good for you. You’ll see that -she drinks the port, Claude. [_As they go out._] I want to talk to -Archibald. - -ARCHIBALD. - -My dear mother, I throw myself at your feet. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -[_With a chuckle._] I very much doubt if you could. You’re growing much -too fat. It’s quite time they made you something. - -ARCHIBALD. - -[_Smiling._] The landed gentry hasn’t its old power. Promotion in the -Church nowadays is given with new-fangled ideas about merit and -scholarship and heaven knows what. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -I hope you never eat potatoes or bread? - -ARCHIBALD. - -I fly from them as I would from temptation. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Nor soup? - -ARCHIBALD. - -It is as the scarlet woman to me. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -And I trust you never touch green peas. - -ARCHIBALD. - -Ah, there you have me. Even the saints had their weaknesses. I confess -that when green peas are in season I always put on flesh. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -You want some one to keep a firm hand on you. You must marry. - -ARCHIBALD. - -I saw you approaching that topic by leaps and bounds, mother. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -It’s a clergyman’s duty to marry. - -ARCHIBALD. - -[_Chaffing her._] St. Paul says.... - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -[_Interrupting._] I know what St. Paul’s views were, Archibald, and I -disagree with them. - -ARCHIBALD. - -[_Dryly._] I have every reason to believe he was of excellent family, -mother. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -[_Giving him a quick look._] We all know that it was a great -disappointment to Helen Vernon when--you know what I mean. - -ARCHIBALD. - -I can’t help thinking she showed bad taste in surviving the blow. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -It was a great disappointment to me. I had set my heart on joining Foley -to Kenyon-Fulton.... It wouldn’t be too late even now if you had the -sense to appreciate Helen Vernon’s affection for you. - -ARCHIBALD. - -My dear mother, I can’t persuade myself for a moment that Helen Vernon -has any affection for me. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -A woman of her age is prepared to have affection for any one who asks -her to marry him. - -ARCHIBALD. - -Even if he’s a poor country parson? - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -You’re a great deal more than a country parson, Archibald. It is -unlikely that Grace will have any children, so unless--something happens -to allow Claude to marry again.... - -ARCHIBALD. - -What d’you mean by that, mother? - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Grace is not immortal. - -ARCHIBALD. - -On the other hand, she has excellent health. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -There may be other ways of disposing of her. - -ARCHIBALD. - -What ways? - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -[_Looking at him calmly._] Since when have you laboured under the -delusion that I am the sort of woman to submit to cross-examination, -Archibald? - - [_The entrance of_ GRACE _interrupts the conversation_. - -GRACE. - -I hope I haven’t kept you waiting. I think you’ll find everything all -right. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -In that case I shall go to my room. Archibald, tell Louisa that I am -ready to go to my room. - -ARCHIBALD. - -Certainly. - - [_He goes out, leaving_ GRACE _alone with_ MRS. INSOLEY. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Who is the young lady you have staying with you, Grace? - -GRACE. - -Edith Lewis. She’s a friend of mine. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Ah! And who is this Mr. Cobbett? - -GRACE. - -He’s a friend of mine too. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -I didn’t imagine that you would invite total strangers to stay with -you. - -GRACE. - -I don’t know that there’s any other way of describing them. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -I dare say that is a sufficient description in itself. - - [MISS HALL _comes back with_ CLAUDE _and_ ARCHIBALD. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -I’m going to my room, Louisa. I shall be ready for you to read to me in -a quarter of an hour. - -MISS HALL. - -Very good, Mrs. Insoley. [_To_ GRACE.] I suppose you don’t have prayers -on Sunday night? - -GRACE. - -No, we read our pedigree instead. You’ll find the “Landed Gentry” in -your bedroom. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -[_Icily._] In my young days it was thought more important for a young -lady to be well-born than to be clever. - -GRACE. - -[_Chuckling._] The result has been disastrous for the present -generation. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Good night. - -GRACE. - -[_Shaking hands cordially with_ MISS HALL.] Be sure and let me know if -you’re not quite comfortable. I hope you’ll find everything you want in -your room. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Of course Louisa will find everything she wants. She wants nothing. -Come, Louisa. - - [MRS. INSOLEY _and_ MISS HALL _go out_. - -ARCHIBALD. - -I think I’ll be toddling back to my rectory. - -CLAUDE. - -Oh, all right. - -ARCHIBALD. - -Good night, Grace. - -GRACE. - -Good night. - -CLAUDE. - -[_To_ ARCHIBALD.] I talked to Gann about that matter. - -ARCHIBALD. - -I’m afraid he’s going to make rather a nuisance of himself. - -CLAUDE. - -I took a good firm line, you know. - -ARCHIBALD. - -That’s right. It’s the only way with those sort of fellows. Good night, -old man. - -CLAUDE. - -Good night. - - [ARCHIBALD _goes out_. - -CLAUDE. - -You were asking about Gann just now, Grace? - -GRACE. - -I was. - -CLAUDE. - -At first I thought I’d better not tell you anything about it, but I’ve -been thinking it over.... - -GRACE. - -[_Interrupting._] It was quite unnecessary. I’m not at all curious. - -CLAUDE. - -I think perhaps it would be better if I told you what I’d done. - -GRACE. - -I’m sure that whatever you’ve done is right, Claude. [_Smiling._] That’s -why you’re so detestable. - -CLAUDE. - -That’s all very fine and large, but I think I’d like to have your -approval. - -GRACE. - -We agreed very early in our married life that your acts were such as -must necessarily meet with my approval. - -CLAUDE. - -What’s the matter with you, Grace? - -GRACE. - -With me? Nothing. - -CLAUDE. - -You’ve been so funny lately. I haven’t been able to make you out at all. - -GRACE. - -I should have thought you had more important things to do than to bother -about me. - -CLAUDE. - -I’ve got nothing in the world to do more important than to bother about -you, Grace. - - [_She looks at him for an instant, with a catch in her breath._ - -GRACE. - -Don’t worry me to-night, Claude; my head’s aching so that I feel I could -scream. - -CLAUDE. - -[_With the tenderest concern._] My poor child, why didn’t you tell me? -I’m so sorry I’ve been bothering you. Is it very bad? - -GRACE. - -What a beast I am! How can you like me when I’m so absolutely horrid to -you? - -CLAUDE. - -My darling, I don’t blame you for having a headache. - -GRACE. - -I’m sorry I was beastly to you just now. - -CLAUDE. - -What nonsense! - - [_He tries to take her in his arms, but she draws herself away._ - -GRACE. - -Please don’t, Claude. - -CLAUDE. - -Why don’t you go to bed, darling? - -GRACE. - -[_With a cry of something like fright._] Oh, no! - -CLAUDE. - -Bed’s the best place for everybody at this hour. - -GRACE. - -I want to amuse myself. Go and fetch the others, they’re down by the -lake. And we’ll all play poker. - - [_He is just going to make an observation, but she bursts in - vehemently._ - -GRACE. - -For God’s sake do as I ask you. - - [_He looks at her. With a shrug of the shoulders he goes out into - the garden._ GRACE _gives a deep sigh. In a moment_ HENRY COBBETT - _enters_. GRACE _looks at him silently as he advances into the - room_. - -COBBETT. - -I’ve been waiting for the chance of speaking to you by yourself. - -GRACE. - -Have you? - -COBBETT. - -Why did you make me sing that idiotic song just now? - -GRACE. - -[_Her eyes cold and hostile._] Because I chose. - -COBBETT. - -You made me look a perfect fool. - -GRACE. - -That’s what I wanted to make you look. - -COBBETT. - -[_Surprised._] Did you? Why? - -GRACE. - -I have no explanation to offer. - -COBBETT. - -You know, I’m hanged if I can make you out. You’re never the same for -two minutes together. - -GRACE. - -[_Frigidly._] I suppose it is disconcerting. Claude complains of it too. - -COBBETT. - -Oh, hang Claude. - -GRACE. - -You’re growing more and more like him every day, Harry. - -COBBETT. - -I don’t quite know what you mean by that. - -GRACE. - -It seems hardly worth while to have--made a long journey to find oneself -exactly where one started. - -COBBETT. - -I never know what people are driving at when they talk metaphorically. - -GRACE. - -[_Looking at him deliberately._] I thought I loved you, Harry. - -COBBETT. - -You’ve said it often enough. - -GRACE. - -[_Slowly._] I wonder if I just said it to persuade myself. My heart’s -empty! Empty! I know now that it wasn’t love I felt for you. - -COBBETT. - -It’s rather late in the day to have found that out, isn’t it? - -GRACE. - -[_Bitterly._] Yes, that’s just it. It’s late in the day for -everything.... Here they are. - - [_A sound of talking is heard as_ EDITH LEWIS _approaches with_ - HELEN VERNON _and_ CLAUDE. - -CLAUDE. - -[_At the window._] I found them on their way back. - -GRACE. - -[_To_ COBBETT, _with a little bitter laugh_.] We’re going to play poker. - -END OF THE FIRST ACT - - - - -THE SECOND ACT - - - THE SCENE _is the same as in the preceding Act. It is evening, - towards seven o’clock, but it is still perfectly light._ GRACE - _and_ PEGGY GANN _are in the room, both standing_. PEGGY _is a - pretty girl, quite young, but very pale, with black rings round her - eyes. She is dressed like a housemaid in her going-out things._ - GRACE _is evidently much distressed_. - -PEGGY. - -You will try, mum, won’t you? - - [PEGGY’S _voice seems to call_ GRACE _back with a start from her - own thoughts_. - -GRACE. - -I ought to have been told before. It was wicked to keep it from me. - -PEGGY. - -I thought you knew, mum. I wasn’t to know that you ’adn’t been told -anything. - -GRACE. - -[_With a friendly smile._] I’m not blaming you, Peggy.... Mr. Insoley’s -out now, but I’ll talk to him as soon as she come in. You’d better go -home and fetch your father. - -PEGGY. - -You know what father is, mum. I’m afraid he won’t come. - -GRACE. - -Oh, but I think it’s very important. Tell him that.... - - [HENRY COBBETT _comes in, and she stops when she sees him_. - -COBBETT. - -Hulloa, am I in the way? Shall I go? - -GRACE. - -[_Passing her hand wearily across her forehead._] No. I’ve just -finished.... Try and get your father to come, Peggy. - -PEGGY. - -Well, I’ll do what I can, mum. - - [_She goes out._ GRACE _gives a little exclamation, partly of - distress, partly of indignation_. - -COBBETT. - -What’s the matter? You seem rather put out. - -GRACE. - -That’s the daughter of one of the keepers. She came to me just now and -asked me to beg Claude to give them a little more time. I hadn’t an -idea what she meant. Then she said Claude had told her father he must -send her away within twenty-four hours or lose his place. - -COBBETT. - -[_Flippantly._] Oh, yes, I know. She seems to be rather a flighty young -person. Claude and your brother-in-law were talking about it after lunch -in the smoking-room. - -GRACE. - -Why didn’t you tell me? - -COBBETT. - -Well, it never struck me you didn’t know. Besides--you haven’t shown any -great desire for my society the last day or two. - -GRACE. - -[_With a quick look at him._] I’ve had other guests to attend to. - -COBBETT. - -[_Shrugging his shoulders._] And it seemed rather a sordid little story. -I don’t think I can interest myself very much at this time of day in the -gamekeeper’s daughter who kicks over the traces. - -GRACE. - -[_Sarcastically._] It’s so devilish mid-Victorian, isn’t it? - -COBBETT. - -[_Surprised at her tone._] It’s not really bothering you, is it? - -GRACE. - -[_With a sudden vehement outburst._] Don’t you see that wretched girl -has done no more than I have? - -COBBETT. - -[_With a chuckle._] Great Scott, you haven’t produced an unexpected -baby, have you? - -GRACE. - -Oh, don’t, don’t. - -COBBETT. - -[_Coolly._] In point of fact she’s done a great deal more than you have. -She’s been found out. - -GRACE. - -How can you be so odiously cynical? - -COBBETT. - -I notice people always call you odiously cynical when you talk plain -horse-sense to them. - -GRACE. - -Can’t you realise what I’m feeling? She had excuses. She was alone, and -little more than a child; she had no education. How could she be -expected to resist temptation? - -COBBETT. - -It’s an absolute delusion that the lower classes are less able to resist -temptation than their betters. In the first place, they have a much more -systematic moral education, and then they’re taught from early youth to -look upon virtue as a valuable asset. - -GRACE. - -[_Going up to him suddenly._] Harry, would you mind very much if I -stopped the whole thing? - -COBBETT. - -Of course I should mind. - -GRACE. - -Oh, no, don’t say that because it’s the conventional thing to say. I -want you to be frank with me. - -COBBETT. - -[_Uneasily._] Why do you ask me now? - -GRACE. - -[_After a look at him, a little unwillingly._] I feel so horribly mean. - -COBBETT. - -Claude? - -GRACE. - -[_With a sort of appeal, as if she were excusing herself._] He’s so -awfully good to me, Harry. Every present he gives me, every kind word is -like a stab in my heart. I’m beastly to him sometimes, I can’t help it, -but nothing seems to make any difference to him.... Whatever I do, he -loves me. - -COBBETT. - -Are you beginning to care for Claude--differently? - -GRACE. - -Oh, it’s no use pretending. I never loved him as he loved me. I -couldn’t. I was bored by his love. Yes, all the time we’ve been -married.... It’s only lately.... - - [_She pauses abruptly._ COBBETT _gives her a sidelong glance_. - -COBBETT. - -Oh! - -GRACE. - -I don’t know what I feel or what to do. I’m so bewildered and -wretched.... He bores me still--oh, horribly sometimes. And yet at -moments I feel as though I were a good deal more than half in love with -him. It’s too absurd. With Claude--after all these years. Something has -changed me.... It’s the last thing that ought to have changed me towards -him. - - [_She flushes hotly, and again_ COBBETT _looks at her, and a rather - sulky expression comes into his face_. - -COBBETT. - -It’s not a very pleasant position for me, is it? - -GRACE. - -I shouldn’t have thought it ever had been a very pleasant position -considering what a good friend Claude has been to you. - -COBBETT. - -If you look at it in that way, I dare say it would be better to put an -end to the whole thing. - -GRACE. - -You have been rather a blackguard, haven’t you? - -COBBETT. - -No. I don’t pretend to be better than anybody else, but I’m quite -certain I’m no worse. I’m a perfectly normal man in good health. It’s -idiotic to abuse me because I’ve done what any other fellow would have -done in my place. - -GRACE. - -[_Suddenly understanding._] Is that all it was to you? - -COBBETT. - -What d’you mean? - -GRACE. - -Wasn’t I anything to you at all? Only a more or less attractive woman -who happened to cross your path? If I was only that, why couldn’t you -leave me alone? What harm did I ever do you? Oh, it was cruel of you. -Cruel! - -COBBETT. - -[_Quietly._] No man’s able to have an affair all by himself, you know. - -GRACE. - -What d’you mean by that? - -COBBETT. - -Well, most fellows are very shy, and they’re dreadfully frightened of a -rebuff. A man doesn’t take much risk until--well, until he finds there’s -not much risk to take. - -GRACE. - -D’you mean to say I gave you to understand.... Oh, how can you humiliate -me like that? - -COBBETT. - -Isn’t there a certain amount of truth in it? - -GRACE. - -[_Looking as it were into her own soul._] Yes.... Oh, I’m so ashamed. - -COBBETT. - -The world would be a jolly sight easier place to live in if people -weren’t such humbugs. - -GRACE. - -[_Hardly able to believe the truth that presents itself to her, yet -eager to probe it._] D’you think it was only curiosity on my side and -nothing more than opportunity on yours? - -COBBETT. - -That’s the foundation of nine love affairs out of ten, you know. - -GRACE. - -[_Trying to justify herself in her own eyes._] I was so bored--so -lonely. I never felt at home with the people I had to live with. They -humiliated me. And you seemed the same sort of person as I was. I felt -at my ease with you. At first I thought you cared for the things I cared -for--music and books and pictures: it took me quite a time to discover -that you didn’t know the difference between a fiddle and a jews’ -harp.... I wonder why you troubled to take me in. - -COBBETT. - -I naturally talked about what I thought would please you. - -GRACE. - -I remember at first I felt as if I were just stepping out of a prison -into the fresh air. It seemed to me as if--oh, I don’t know how to put -it--as if spring flowers were suddenly blossoming in my heart. - -COBBETT. - -I’m afraid you were asking more from me than I was able to give you. - -GRACE. - -Oh, I don’t blame you. You’re quite right: it’s I who am to blame. -[_With sudden vehemence._] Oh, how I envy that wretched girl! If she -fell it was because she loved. I asked her who the man was, and she -wouldn’t tell me. She said she didn’t want to get him into trouble. She -must love him still. - -COBBETT. - -[_Moved by the pain which he sees she is suffering._] I hope you don’t -think me an awful skunk, Grace. I’m sorry we’ve made such a hash of -things. - -GRACE. - -[_Going on with her own thoughts._] It would be horrible if that -wretched girl were punished while I go scot-free. I can’t let her be -turned away like a leper. I should never rest in peace again. - -COBBETT. - -Claude’s not very fond of going back on his word. He seems to have -delivered an ultimatum, and I expect he’ll stick to it. - -GRACE. - -It means so much to me. I feel somehow that if I can only save that poor -child it’ll make up in a way--oh, very little--for all the harm I’ve -done.... D’you think I’m perfectly absurd? - -COBBETT. - -Life seems devilish complicated sometimes, doesn’t it? - -GRACE. - -[_With a smile._] Devilish. - - [_The sound is heard of a carriage stopping outside._ - -COBBETT. - -Hulloa, what’s that? - -GRACE. - -It’s my mother-in-law. She’s been out for her drive. [_With a glance at -her watch._] Claude ought to be in soon. - -COBBETT. - -What are you going to do? - -GRACE. - -I’m going to use every means in my power to persuade him to change his -mind. - -COBBETT. - -You’re not going to do anything foolish, Grace? - -GRACE. - -How d’you mean? [_His meaning suddenly strikes her._] You don’t think I -might have to.... Oh, that would be too much to ask me.... D’you think I -might have to tell him? - -COBBETT. - -Whatever you do, Grace, I want you to know that if anything happens I’m -willing to do the straight thing. - -GRACE. - -[_Shaking her head._] No, I should never ask you to marry me. Now we -both know how things are between us--how they’ve always been.... - -COBBETT. - -I’m awfully sorry, Grace. - -GRACE. - -There’s no need to be. I’m glad to know the truth. There was nothing -that held us together before but my cowardice. I was so afraid of going -back to that dreary loneliness. But you’ve given me courage. - -COBBETT. - -Is there nothing left of it at all? - -GRACE. - -So far as I’m concerned nothing at all--but shame. - - [EDITH LEWIS _comes in_. GRACE, _recovering herself quickly, throws - off her seriousness and greets the girl with a pleasant smile_. - -EDITH. - -We’ve had such a lovely drive. - -GRACE. - -And d’you think the country’s as beautiful as ever? - -EDITH. - -[_Gaily._] Oh, I didn’t look at the country. I was much too excited. -Mrs. Insoley has been telling me the dreadful pasts of all the families -in the neighbourhood. It appears the further they go back the more -shocking their behaviour has been. - -COBBETT. - -I notice that even the grossest immorality becomes respectable when it’s -a hundred years old. - -GRACE. - -[_Ironically._] It’s very hard, isn’t it? Mrs. Grundy has no mercy. -She’ll take even you to her bosom before you know where you are. - - [_Enter_ MRS. INSOLEY, _followed by_ MISS VERNON _and_ MISS HALL. - MISS HALL _is carrying_ MRS. INSOLEY’S _lap-dog_. - -GRACE. - -I hope you enjoyed your drive. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -I didn’t go for my enjoyment, Grace; I went to exercise the horses. - -GRACE. - -[_Smiling._] Meanwhile, I hear you took the opportunity of enlarging -Edith’s young mind. - -MISS VERNON. - -[_To_ EDITH.] When you come to Foley you must remind me to show you the -portraits of my great-grandmother, Mary Vernon. She had a tremendous -affair with the Regent, you know. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -[_Pleasantly._] My dear Helen, I have the greatest affection for you, -but I cannot allow a statement like that to go unchallenged. There is no -evidence whatever of the truth of it. - -MISS VERNON. - -I don’t know how you can say that, Mrs. Insoley, considering that I have -all my great-grandmother’s letters to the Regent. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -[_With a chuckle._] Where are his letters to your great-grandmother? - -MISS VERNON. - -She gave them back at the time he returned hers, naturally. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -I can see her. If she had any letters she would have kept them. Any -woman would. - -MISS VERNON. - -[_Bridling a little._] I can’t imagine why you should suddenly throw -doubts on a story that the whole county has believed for a hundred -years. Every one knew all about Mary Vernon. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -[_Chaffing her._] I am aware that your great-grandmother was an -abandoned hussy, but that in itself is no proof that she ever had -anything to do with the Regent. - -MISS VERNON. - -You can’t deny that he slept at Foley, Mrs. Insoley. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Only one night. - -MISS VERNON. - -Well? - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -It’s notorious that at that very time he was on terms of the greatest -intimacy with Pamela Bainbridge. [_To_ EDITH LEWIS.] I am not an -Insoley, thank God; I am a Bainbridge. And whenever he came to this part -of the country he stayed with us. - -MISS VERNON. - -I know you’ve always flattered yourself that there was something between -them. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -[_With complete self-assurance._] And well I may, considering that I -still have a lock of hair which he gave my grandmother. - -MISS VERNON. - -Half the families in the country have a greasy lock of hair which they -tell you was the Regent’s. Personally, I think it’s rather snobbish to -make a claim of that sort unless one’s perfectly sure. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -[_Bridling in her turn._] I think you’re extremely rude, Helen. In the -presence of a man I can’t go into details, but I have proof of every -word I say. You know what I mean, Louisa? - -MISS HALL. - -I believed the worst from the beginning, Mrs. Insoley. - -MISS VERNON. - -I have no doubt you firmly believe what you say, Mrs. Insoley; but if -you don’t mind my saying so, one has only to look at the portrait of -Pamela Bainbridge to know the whole thing’s absurd. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -[_Frigidly._] We won’t argue the point, Helen; I know I’m right, and -there’s an end of it.... Put the dog on that chair, Louisa. - -MISS HALL. - -That’s Mr. Cobbett’s chair, Mrs. Insoley. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -[_Still a little out of temper._] Has Mr. Cobbett bought it? - -COBBETT. - -No, but Mr. Cobbett’s been sitting in it. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -And may no one use a chair that Mr. Cobbett has been sitting in? - -COBBETT. - -Certainly. But it so happens that Mr. Cobbett is just going to sit in it -again. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -[_With a grim smile._] Mr. Cobbett has legs. - -COBBETT. - -Only two, and if a merciful Providence had intended him to stand on them -it would undoubtedly have provided him with four. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Mr. Cobbett seems to be better acquainted with the designs of Providence -than I should have expected.... Louisa, give me the dog. He shall sit on -my lap. - -COBBETT. - -[_Chaffing her._] Ah, if you’d only told me that was the alternative, of -course I wouldn’t have hesitated for a moment. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -I think you are very vulgar, sir.... I’m surprised that you should laugh -at such an inane joke, Grace. - -GRACE. - -You forget that I have a naturally vulgar nature. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -I try to, but you take great pains to remind me. - - [CLAUDE _comes in with_ ARCHIBALD. - -CLAUDE. - -Well, did you enjoy your drive, mother? - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -I didn’t go for my enjoyment, Claude; I went to exercise the horses. - -ARCHIBALD. - -We’ve been to a parish meeting. - -CLAUDE. - -[_Rather peevishly._] It’s getting almost impossible to do anything for -these Somersetshire people. They’re such an obstinate, pig-headed lot. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -I prophesied it forty years ago. When they first introduced all this -nonsense about education, I said it was a serious matter. - -ARCHIBALD. - -[_With a twinkle in his eye._] Like all good prophets you apparently -took care to be rather vague about it, mother. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Considering you weren’t born I don’t see what you can know about it, -Archibald. I said this would happen. I said they would make the lower -classes so independent that no one would be able to do anything with -them. I went for a walk in the village this morning and nobody took any -notice of me. Isn’t that so, Louisa? - -MISS HALL. - -No, Mrs. Insoley. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -What do you mean by no, Louisa? - -MISS HALL. - -[_Hastily._] I beg your pardon. I mean yes, Mrs. Insoley. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -A few old men touched their hats, and one old woman curtsied, but that -was all. - -CLAUDE. - -[_With a little nod._] Of course it’s not important in itself, but it’s -the sign of a change. The long and short of it is that they don’t look -up to their betters as they used to. - -GRACE. - -[_Ironically._] Perhaps they’ve ceased to realise that we are their -betters. - -CLAUDE. - -It’s not too late to teach them their mistake. Personally I mean to be -master in my own house. - -GRACE. - -[_Abruptly._] Peggy Gann came to see me this afternoon, Claude. - -CLAUDE. - -Did she? - - [_There is a very short pause._ COBBETT _sees what is going to - happen and gets up_. - -COBBETT. - -[_To_ EDITH LEWIS.] Wouldn’t you like to come for a stroll in the -garden? - -EDITH LEWIS. - -Yes. - -GRACE. - -I’ve asked her to fetch her father. - - [COBBETT _and_ EDITH LEWIS _go out_. - -CLAUDE. - -[_Without waiting for the movement._] I’m sorry you did that, Grace. -I’ve got nothing to say to him. - -GRACE. - -[_To_ MRS. INSOLEY.] Do you know that Claude has threatened to dismiss -Gann if Peggy hasn’t gone by ten o’clock to-night? - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -For once in his life Claude has acted with spirit. He gave Gann -twenty-four hours to think it over. My father would have given him -fifteen minutes. - -GRACE. - -Why was it all kept from me? It seems that everybody knew but me. - -CLAUDE. - -Hang it all, Grace, I wanted to tell you last night and you wouldn’t let -me. - -GRACE. - -[_Startled._] Oh! Was it that? I didn’t know.... Claude, I want you to -be very kind and forgive that wretched girl. I want you to tell Gann -that she needn’t go. - -CLAUDE. - -[_Quite firmly._] My dear, I can’t do that. I’ve made up my mind and I -must stick to it. - -GRACE. - -Why? - -CLAUDE. - -Hang it all, what would happen to the discipline of the estate if I were -always shilly-shallying? Every one in the place knows that when I say a -thing I mean it. It’s an enormous advantage to all concerned. - -GRACE. - -[_With a coaxing smile._] It wouldn’t do any harm if you made an -exception just this once. - -CLAUDE. - -It’s a matter of upholding my authority. Gann refused to do what I told -him, and I had to threaten him with immediate dismissal. I couldn’t eat -my words now without looking a perfect fool. - -GRACE. - -Don’t you think it’s awfully unjust to send a girl away because she’s -got into trouble? - -CLAUDE. - -It’s a rule of the estate. I didn’t make it. - -GRACE. - -[_Turning to_ MISS VERNON.] Helen, you’re a woman. You must see how -cruel it is. Can’t _you_ say something to help me? - -MISS VERNON. - -I don’t know what else one’s to do. After all, we have the same rule at -Foley. - -CLAUDE. - -They have it on half the large estates in the kingdom. It’s absolutely -essential if one has any regard for decency. - -MISS VERNON. - -I don’t suppose it would be so common, and it certainly wouldn’t have -lasted so long, if there hadn’t been some good in it. - -GRACE. - -[_Violently._] Oh, it’s maddening. Always, always, there’s that stone -wall in front of me. Whatever is, is good. However cruel and unjust a -custom is, no one must touch it because it’s a custom. If a law is -infamous, does it become any less infamous because people have suffered -from it for a dozen generations? - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Perhaps you’re not very competent to judge matters of this sort, my -dear. - -ARCHIBALD. - -I’m afraid your sympathy is rather wasted in this particular case. Peggy -Gann isn’t a very deserving young woman. - -GRACE. - -If she were, there’d be no need for me to plead for her. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -On those lines the more of a hussy a girl is the more she’s deserving of -sympathy. - -GRACE. - -[_To_ ARCHIBALD.] You had nothing against her till this happened. - -ARCHIBALD. - -Nothing very definite. She was always rather cheeky, and she never came -to Sunday-school very regularly. - -GRACE. - -Is that all? - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -My own belief is that the Ganns are really Dissenters. - -GRACE. - -[_Impatiently._] Good heavens, they positively revel in going to church. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -That may be or it may not. But they give _me_ the impression of chapel -people. - -ARCHIBALD. - -Heaven knows, I don’t want to seem hard and unsympathetic, but after -all, you’re not going to keep people moral if you pamper those who -aren’t. - -GRACE. - -And what d’you think’ll happen to her if you make her leave here? - -ARCHIBALD. - -We’ll do our best for her. It’s not a pleasant position for any of us, -Grace. I’ve been wretched about the whole thing, and I’m sure Claude has -too. - -CLAUDE. - -Of course I have. But hang it all, in our position we can’t afford to -think of sentiment. Especially now that they’re attacking us all round -we’ve got to show them that we can keep a firm hand on the reins. - -ARCHIBALD. - -Do us the justice to see that we’re really trying to do what’s right. It -may be very wrong that we should be in our particular positions, and we -may be quite unworthy of them. But we didn’t make society, and we’re not -responsible for its inequalities. We find ourselves in a certain -station, and we have to act accordingly. - -CLAUDE. - -The long and the short of it is that it’s our duty to look after those -whom Providence has placed in our charge. And it’s our duty to punish as -well as to reward. - -GRACE. - -Oh, how hard you are! One would think you’d never done anything in your -life that you regret. [_With increasing violence._] Oh, you virtuous -people, I hate you. You’re never content till you see the sinner -actually frizzling. As if hell were needed when every sin brings its own -punishment! And you never make excuses. You don’t know how many -temptations we resist for the one we fall to. - -MISS VERNON. - -Grace! What are you saying! - - [GRACE, _almost beside herself, looks at her with haggard eyes. - Suddenly she gives a start, and stares at_ MISS VERNON _with - horror. She has realised that_ MISS VERNON _knows the relations - that have existed between her and_ HENRY COBBETT. _There is a - pause. The_ BUTLER _comes in_. - -MOORE. - -Gann and his daughter are here, sir. - -CLAUDE. - -Oh, yes, I’ll come at once. - -MOORE. - -Very good, sir. - - [_He goes out._ - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Why shouldn’t he come here, Claude? - -GRACE. - -Yes, let him come by all means. And then you can see for yourselves. - -ARCHIBALD. - -I’ll tell Moore, shall I? [_He goes to the door as he says this and -calls._] Moore. Tell Gann to come here. - -MISS VERNON. - -[_Rising._] I think I’ll leave you. This isn’t any business of mine. -[_To_ MISS HALL.] Will you come with me? - -MISS HALL. - -Do you want me, Mrs. Insoley? - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -No. You’ve had no exercise to-day, Louisa. You’d better walk three times -round the garden. - -MISS HALL. - -I’m not very well to-day, Mrs. Insoley. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Oh, nonsense! You’re in the best of health. And you can take the dog -with you. - -MISS HALL. - -Very well, Mrs. Insoley. - - [MISS VERNON _and_ MISS HALL _go out_. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Louisa’s very troublesome sometimes. She fancies she’s not feeling well. -But she’s twenty-five years younger than I am, and I’ve never had a -day’s illness in my life. - - [MOORE _opens the door for_ GANN, _who comes into the room, cap in - hand, and stands at the door awkwardly. He is in his working - clothes._ - -CLAUDE. - -Good afternoon, Gann. - -GANN. - -Good afternoon, sir. Peggy said you wished to see me, sir. - -GRACE. - -_I_ asked her to bring you here, Gann. I thought it would be better if -you spoke to Mr. Insoley. - -GANN. - -I’ve got nothing to say to Mr. Insoley, ma’am. - -CLAUDE. - -I was hoping to find you in a more reasonable state of mind, Gann. You -know, you can only hurt yourself by being pig-headed and stubborn. - -GANN. - -I didn’t know as how I was, sir. - -CLAUDE. - -[_To_ GRACE.] You see, the man doesn’t give me a chance. - -GANN. - -[_Making an effort on himself._] Please, Squire, I come to know if I’m -really to go to-morrow? I know you said you’d send me away, Squire. But -I couldn’t bring myself to believe you meant it. - -CLAUDE. - -I’m willing to listen to anything you’ve got to say. I want to be quite -fair to you. - -GANN. - -If I could only make you see as what you ask ain’t possible, I’m sure -you’d let us stay. There’s nowhere Peggy _can_ go to. - -CLAUDE. - -Hang it all, Mrs. Insoley’ll do all she can for her. You may be quite -sure that Peggy shan’t want for money. - -GANN. - -It isn’t money the girl wants. If I send ’er away she’ll just go to the -bad altogether. - -CLAUDE. - -You see, it’s a matter of principle, Gann. It would be devilish unjust -to make an exception in your favour. - -GANN. - -[_Stepping forward with surly indignation and facing_ CLAUDE.] I love -the girl and I can’t bear to part with ’er. She’s a good girl in her -’eart, only she’s had a misfortune. - -CLAUDE. - -That’s all very fine and large, Gann. But if she’d been a good girl, -hang it all, she’d have had power to resist temptation. - -GRACE. - -[_Terrified._] Claude, you don’t know what you’re saying. - -CLAUDE. - -I don’t want to rub it in and all that sort of thing, but my own feeling -is that if she came rather a cropper, it was because she was--if you -don’t mind my saying so--because she was that way inclined. I don’t -think anyone can accuse me of being a hard man, but I’m afraid I haven’t -much pity for women who.... - -GRACE. - -[_Interrupting._] Claude, don’t go on--for God’s sake. - -GANN. - -That’s your last word, Squire? If the girl don’t go, I must? - -CLAUDE. - -I’m afraid so. - -GANN. - -I’ve served you faithful, man and boy, for forty years. And I was born -in that there cottage I live in now. If you turn us out where are we to -go to? I’m getting on in years, and I shan’t find it easy to get another -job. It’ll mean the work’us. - -CLAUDE. - -I’m very sorry. I can’t do anything for you. You’ve had your chance and -you’ve refused to take it. - - [GANN _turns his cap round nervously. His face is distorted with - agony. He opens his mouth to speak, but no words come, only an - inarticulate groan. He turns on his heel._ - -CLAUDE. - -In consideration of your long service I’ll give you fifty pounds so that -you can tide over the next few months. - -GANN. - -[_Violently._] You can keep your dirty money. - - [_He goes out._ GRACE _goes up to_ CLAUDE _desperately_. - -GRACE. - -Oh, Claude, you can’t do it. You’ll break the man’s heart. Haven’t you -any pity? Haven’t you any forgiveness? - -CLAUDE. - -It’s no good, Grace. I must stick to what I’ve said. - -GRACE. - -It’s not often I’ve begged you to do anything for me. - -CLAUDE. - -Well, hang it all, this is the first time I’ve ever refused. - -GRACE. - -[_Bitterly._] I suppose because I’ve never asked you for anything before -that wasn’t absolutely trifling. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Why are you making such a point of it, Grace? - -GRACE. - -Is it very strange that I should feel sorry for anyone who’s in -distress? - -CLAUDE. - -I’ll do anything in the world to please you, darling, but in this case -you must trust to my better judgment. - -GRACE. - -How can you be so hard? - -CLAUDE. - -Come, Grace, don’t be angry with me. It’s bad enough as it is. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -I have no patience with you, Claude. When your father made up his mind -to do anything it was done, and it would never have occurred to me to -oppose him. - -ARCHIBALD. - -[_With a twinkle in his eye._] You forget, mother, that was because you -generally made up my father’s mind some time before he did. - -GRACE. - -[_To_ MRS. INSOLEY _and_ ARCHIBALD.] Will you leave me alone with -Claude. I must talk to him alone. - -ARCHIBALD. - -Come, mother. Let me take you for a stroll three times round the garden. - - [MRS. INSOLEY _and_ ARCHIBALD _go out_. - -GRACE. - -I couldn’t say it before them. They’d never understand. They’d only -sneer. But can’t you see, Claude, that it’s out of the question to drive -Gann away so callously? He loves the place just as much as you love -it.... In my heart I seem to feel suddenly all that his shabby little -cottage means to him--the woods and coverts and the meadows and the -trees. His life is bound up with Kenyon. His roots are in the earth as -if he were a growing thing. Can’t you see what it must mean to him to -leave it? - -CLAUDE. - -He only goes because he’s headstrong and obstinate. He’s the -Somersetshire peasant all over. You do your best for them and you get no -gratitude. You try to reason with them, but you can’t get a single idea -into their thick heads. - -GRACE. - -You can’t punish him because he’s stupid and dull. You’re throwing him -upon the world in his old age. It means starvation. - -CLAUDE. - -You must know that I’m only doing it because I think it’s my duty. - -GRACE. - -[_Impatiently._] Oh, men always talk of their duty when they want to be -odiously cruel. - -CLAUDE. - -Grace, how can you be so unkind to me? - -GRACE. - -Oh, Claude, if you love me at all, give in to me this time. You don’t -know what it means to me. I’ve often been horrible to you, but I’m going -to be different. I want to love you. I want to be more to you than I’ve -ever been. Claude, I implore you to do what I ask you--just because I -ask it, because you love me. - -CLAUDE. - -[_Withdrawing himself a little._] I could not love you, dear, so much, -loved I not honour.... - -GRACE. - -[_Interrupting passionately._] Oh, no, don’t, Claude; for God’s sake be -sincere and natural. Can’t you forget that you’re a landed proprietor -and a J.P. and all the rest of it, and remember that you’re only a man, -as weak and as--as frail as the rest of us? You hope to be forgiven -yourself, and you’re utterly pitiless. - -CLAUDE. - -My darling, it’s just as much for your sake that I’m firm. - -GRACE. - -[_Impatiently._] Oh, how can you make phrases! What on earth have I got -to do with it? - -CLAUDE. - -Hang it all, don’t you see that it’s because of you that I can’t give -way? It’s beastly having to say it. It makes me feel such an ass. - -GRACE. - -[_Beginning to be frightened._] What have I got to do with it? - -CLAUDE. - -Until I knew you I don’t suppose I had a higher opinion of women than -most men, but you taught me what a--what a stunning fine thing a good -woman is. - -GRACE. - -[_Hoarsely._] It’s perfectly absurd. It’s--it’s unreasonable. I’ve not -been.... Only the other day you said I was cold. And just now you told -me I was unkind. - -CLAUDE. - -I dare say that’s all my fault. I expect I bore you sometimes. After -all, I know you’re worth about six of me. I can’t expect you to love me -as I love you. - -GRACE. - -D’you mean to say that if I weren’t--what you think me, you wouldn’t -insist on that poor girl going away? - -CLAUDE. - -I don’t suppose I should feel quite the same about it. - -GRACE. - -[_Trying to keep back her sobs._] It’s so unreasonable. - -CLAUDE. - -Even if it weren’t for the rule of the estate, I couldn’t let her live -in the same place as you. I can’t help it. It’s just a sort of instinct. -It simply disgusts me to think that you may meet that--that woman when -you walk about, and her kid. - -GRACE. - -Oh, Claude, you don’t know what you’re saying. - -CLAUDE. - -When I heard she’d been here and you’d been talking to her, I felt -almost sick. - -GRACE. - -[_Breaking down._] Oh, I can’t bear it. - -CLAUDE. - -Come, darling, don’t let’s quarrel any more. It hurts me so awfully. - -GRACE. - -[_To herself._] Oh, I can’t. I can’t. - -CLAUDE. - -Say you forgive me, darling. - -GRACE. - -I?... If I weren’t what you.... Oh, it’s too much to ask anyone. Claude, -I beseech you to give way. - - [_He shakes his head. She falls back in despair, realising that - there is no way to move him._ - -GRACE. - -Oh, what a punishment! - - [_The sound of a gong is heard._ CLAUDE _looks at his watch_. - -CLAUDE. - -By Jove, I had no idea it was so late. There’s the dressing gong. You -must hurry up. - -GRACE. - -[_Looking at him vaguely._] What is it? - -CLAUDE. - -Time to dress for dinner, darling. You won’t be late, will you? You know -how mother hates to be kept waiting. - -GRACE. - -[_Dully._] No, I won’t be late. - - [_He takes her hand and presses it, then hurries out. She has given - him her hand inertly, and it falls heavily to her side as he drops - it. She remains standing where he left her. She tries to stifle the - tearless sobs that seem to choke her. The_ BUTLER _comes in_. - -MOORE. - -Peggy Gann wishes to know if you want to see her again, madam. - -GRACE. - -[_With a start._] Has she been waiting all this time? - -MOORE. - -Yes’m. She didn’t know as Gann had left. He never come back to the -servants’ hall. - -GRACE. - -Tell her to come here. - -MOORE. - -Very good, madam. - - [_He goes out. In a moment he opens the door for_ PEGGY GANN. - -GRACE. - -Oh, Peggy, how ill you look! I’ve been able to do nothing for you. - -PEGGY. - -[_With a cry of distress._] Oh, mum, I was hoping. You said you’d do -your best for me. - -GRACE. - -My dear, I’m so dreadfully sorry for you. - -PEGGY. - -It’s so ’ard on me, mum, and so ’ard on father. Wasn’t there something -more you could do, mum? - -GRACE. - -[_With a little gasp of anguish._] I did all I could. I couldn’t do -anything more. I couldn’t really.... [_Almost to herself._] It’s too -much to ask anyone. - -PEGGY. - -I’ve got to go then, and there’s an end of it. You won’t let father be -turned away, will you, mum? That’s all I care about now. It ’ud just -break his ’eart. - -GRACE. - -[_With a ray of hope._] D’you think he’ll let you go? I think it’s the -best thing after all, Peggy. I’ve done--I’ve done all I could. - -PEGGY. - -No, he won’t hear of it. But I shall go all the same--somewhere he can’t -find me. - -GRACE. - -[_Anxious now to make the best of it._] I dare say it won’t be for very -long, Peggy. Have you as much money as you want? I should like to do -something for you. - -PEGGY. - -I shan’t want anything, thank you, mum. And thank you for all you’ve -done. And if anything come to ’appen to me, you’d see as the baby wasn’t -sent to the workhouse, wouldn’t you, mum? - -GRACE. - -How d’you mean? I don’t understand. - -PEGGY. - -I’m not going to take the baby with me, mum. It would only be a -hindrance. - -GRACE. - -[_With a sigh of relief._] Oh, I was so afraid you meant.... - -PEGGY. - -Is there anything else you want me for, mum? - -GRACE. - -No, Peggy. - -PEGGY. - -Then I’ll say good evening, mum. - -GRACE. - -Good evening, Peggy. - - [_She watches_ PEGGY _go out, then she gives a little moan of - despair_. - -GRACE. - -No, I couldn’t, I couldn’t. - - EDITH LEWIS _comes in gaily_. - -EDITH LEWIS. - -There you are! I thought you were in your room. Your maid said you -hadn’t come up yet. - -GRACE. - -[_Wearily._] I was just going. - -EDITH LEWIS. - -[_With a smile._] I’ve got something dreadfully important to ask you. - -GRACE. - -[_Forcing a smile._] What is it? - -EDITH LEWIS. - -Well, I want to know if you’re going to wear the grey satin you wore on -Saturday. You see, I only brought three dinner dresses down with me, and -one of them’s a grey, only it’s much more slaty than yours, and it’ll -look so cold beside it. So I shan’t put it on if you’re going to wear -yours. - -GRACE. - -[_Dully._] No, I won’t wear my grey satin. - -EDITH LEWIS. - -What are you going to wear? - -GRACE. - -I don’t know. - -EDITH LEWIS. - -But you must know. - -GRACE. - -Does it matter? - -EDITH LEWIS. - -I don’t want to clash with you. - -GRACE. - -[_Clenching her hands to prevent herself from screaming._] I won’t put -on anything that’ll interfere with your grey. - -EDITH LEWIS. - -Thank you. Now I can be quite happy. I say, we shall be so late. - - [_She runs off._ GRACE _gives a little answering laugh to hers; and - as_ EDITH LEWIS _goes out, it lengthens into a mirthless, low, - hysterical peal, broken with sobs_. - -END OF THE SECOND ACT - - - - -THE THIRD ACT - - - [_The dining-room at Kenyon Fulton. It is a fine room with French - windows leading into the garden. On the walls are departed Insoleys - of the last two or three generations, stiff ladies and gentlemen of - the Victorian era, military-looking fellows in the uniform of the - early nineteenth century, and ungainly Georgian squires with their - wives in powdered hair. Between the windows, standing well away - from the wall, rather far back, is a round table laid out for - breakfast. On the Sheraton sideboard is a cloth, a stand for - keeping dishes warm, a large ham, and plates and forks and spoons. - Against the wall opposite the sideboard are a row of chairs, and - there are half a dozen chairs round the table. There are doors - right and left._ - - _It is the morning after the events which occur in the Second Act, - and when the curtain rises prayers have just finished._ CLAUDE _is - seated at the table with an immense prayer-book and a still larger - Bible in front of him. The rest of the party are rising to their - feet. They have been kneeling against various chairs. They consist - of_ MRS. INSOLEY, MISS HALL, _and_ MISS VERNON. _Well away from - them, emphasising the fact that even the Almighty must recognise - the difference between the gentry and their inferiors, have been - praying the servants. They have been kneeling against the row of - chairs that line the wall, according to their precedence, ranging - from the_ COOK _at one end to the_ BUTLER _at the other; and they - consist of the_ COOK, _obese, elderly and respectable_, MRS. - INSOLEY’S MAID, _two_ HOUSEMAIDS, _the_ KITCHENMAID, _the_ FOOTMAN, - _and_ MOORE _the butler. When they have scrambled to their feet - they pause for a moment to gather themselves together, and, headed - by the_ COOK, _walk out. The_ BUTLER _takes the Bible and the - prayer-book off the table and carries them away_. CLAUDE _gets up. - He takes up his letters and the_ Times, _which he puts under his - arm_. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -I didn’t see Grace’s maid, Claude. - -CLAUDE. - -I dare say Grace couldn’t spare her. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -If Grace were more punctual she wouldn’t be obliged to deprive her maid -of the pleasure and the duty of attending morning prayers. - -MISS HALL. - -I didn’t see your maid either, Miss Vernon. - -MISS VERNON. - -She’s a Roman Catholic. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -A Papist, Helen? Isn’t that very risky? - -MISS VERNON. - -Good gracious me, why? - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Aren’t you afraid she’ll corrupt the other servants? - -MISS VERNON. - -[_With a smile._] She’s a highly respectable person of well over forty. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -She must be very flighty. I would as soon have an atheist. - -MISS HALL. - -I would never dream of having a Romish maid myself. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Is there any likelihood of your having a maid at all, Louisa? - -MISS HALL. - -No, Mrs. Insoley. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -In that case I can’t quite see what is the use of your having an opinion -on the subject. - -CLAUDE. - -[_Looking up from his letters, with a smile._] Miss Hall was only making -a general reflection. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -I don’t like general reflections at the breakfast table. - - [_During the next few speeches the_ BUTLER _and the_ FOOTMAN _come - in with covered entrée dishes which they put on the sideboard, - coffee and milk in silver pots, and tea. They go out._ CLAUDE - _retires to the window to read his letters_. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -I suppose you have prayers at Foley, Helen? - -MISS VERNON. - -I’m afraid I don’t. It makes me feel rather shy to read them. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -I don’t see why it should. It doesn’t make me feel shy. - -MISS HALL. - -You read them so well, Mrs. Insoley. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -I never forget while I’m reading them that I’m a woman of birth and a -woman of property. - -MISS VERNON. - -And then I always think the servants hate them. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -The more they hate them, the better it is for them. That is life, my -dear Helen. It’s a very good thing to begin the day by making it -distinctly understood that masters are masters and servants are -servants. - -MISS HALL. - -And I think servants like that, Mrs. Insoley. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -It is not a matter of interest to me if they like it or not, Louisa. I -have the authority of my maker for it, and that is quite enough for me. - - CENTER - HENRY COBBETT _comes in_. - -COBBETT. - -I’m sorry I’m late. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -When breakfast’s at ten o’clock I cannot imagine why people shouldn’t be -punctual. - -COBBETT. - -Neither can I. [_Going to the sideboard._] Let’s have a look at the -food. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -See if there’s anything I’d like, Louisa. - -COBBETT. - -[_Taking off the covers._] There’s fried sole--eggs and bacon. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -The staple of every middle-class hotel in the kingdom. - -COBBETT. - -And devilled kidneys. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -I’ll begin with fried sole, and then I’ll have eggs and bacon, Louisa. - -CLAUDE. - -[_Coming forward._] Oh, I’m sorry. Is there anything I can get you? - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -[_Chaffing her fellow-guest._] And then, if Mr. Cobbett has left any, -perhaps I’ll see if I can eat a devilled kidney. - -COBBETT. - -[_With a chuckle._] Mr. Cobbett thinks he’ll have to look nippy to get -anything at all. - -CLAUDE. - -[_To_ MISS VERNON.] I wonder what I can tempt you with? - -MISS VERNON. - -I think I’ll have some fried sole. - -CLAUDE. - -That’s the beauty of the country. One does relish one’s breakfast, -doesn’t one? - - [_He hands a plate to_ MISS VERNON, _and sits down with another for - himself. As he does this he takes the_ Times _from under his arm - and sits on it_. - -MISS VERNON. - -[_With a smile at his peculiarity._] Is there anything in the _Times_, -Claude? - -CLAUDE. - -I haven’t read it yet. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -In some ways you’re much more of a Bainbridge than an Insoley, Claude. -My father used always to sit on the _Times_ so that no one should read -it before him. - -CLAUDE. - -I must say I don’t like to have my paper messed about by a lot of people -before I’ve had a chance of looking at it. Half the pleasure of reading -the _Times_ is reading it first. Besides, the _Morning Post_ and the -_Mail_ are on the sideboard for anyone who wants them. - - EDITH LEWIS _comes in_. - -EDITH. - -Oh, I know I’m dreadfully late. Everybody’s going to scold me. And I’m -so sorry. - -COBBETT. - -[_Imitating_ MRS. INSOLEY.] When breakfast’s at ten o’clock I cannot -imagine why people shouldn’t be punctual. - -EDITH. - -[_Smiling._] Isn’t Grace down yet? [_To_ CLAUDE, _who rises to give her -something to eat_.] No, don’t bother. I’ll help myself. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -When I was mistress of this house breakfast was served punctually at -eight o’clock every morning. - -COBBETT. - -[_Flippantly._] It must have seemed just like supper. Did you have it -the last thing before going to bed? - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -I made no exceptions. The day after my cousin James broke his neck in -the hunting-field and was brought to this very house on a stretcher, I -came down as the clock struck. And a very hearty breakfast I ate too. - -COBBETT. - -Perhaps he didn’t leave you anything. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -[_With a chuckle._] On the contrary, he left me all his debts. - - CENTER - _Enter_ GRACE. - -GRACE. - -Good morning. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Good afternoon, Grace. - -GRACE. - -Am I late? I think punctuality’s the most detestable of all the virtues. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -It’s a royal virtue, my dear. - -GRACE. - -In that case, as a member of the middle classes, it’s not surprising -that I don’t practise it. - -CLAUDE. - -What can I get you, darling? - -GRACE. - -Is there anything nice to eat? - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -[_With a grim smile._] That is a matter of opinion. - -CLAUDE. - -There’s fried sole and eggs and bacon. - -GRACE. - -Oh, I don’t think I’ll have anything. I’ll just have some tea and -toast. - -CLAUDE. - -My dear, you’re not off your feed, are you? - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Grace has probably been stuffing herself with bread and butter in her -room. I have no patience with the new-fangled custom of giving people -tea when they wake up. I never give it to my guests. - -COBBETT. - -Then don’t ask me to come and stay with you. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -[_Delighted with the opportunity he has given her._] It may surprise -you, but I have no intention of doing so. - -COBBETT. - -[_Cheerfully._] There now. And I thought I’d made such an impression on -you, Mrs. Insoley. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -That’s why I couldn’t risk asking you to stay with me. Perhaps at my age -I am safe from your blandishments, but Louisa is extremely susceptible. - -MISS HALL. - -Oh, Mrs. Insoley, how can you! Why, Mr. Cobbett must be ten years -younger than I am. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -I should put it at fifteen. - -COBBETT. - -Don’t dash my hopes to the ground, Miss Hall. I was flattering myself -you didn’t look upon me altogether with indifference. - - [ARCHIBALD INSOLEY _comes in from the garden_. - -ARCHIBALD. - -Ah, I thought I’d find you still at breakfast. - -CLAUDE. - -We’re a lazy lot. I suppose you’ve been up and about for the last two -hours. - -GRACE. - -[_Looking at him._] Is anything the matter? - -ARCHIBALD. - -Yes. - -CLAUDE. - -I thought you looked a bit odd. - -ARCHIBALD. - -A most awful thing has happened. I’ve only just heard of it. - -CLAUDE. - -[_Getting up from his chair._] What is it, old man? - - [_By this time the breakfasters are disturbed; there is a certain - embarrassment about them; they are suffering from the awkwardness - people feel when they see some one in a condition of distress, but - do not suppose it has anything to do with themselves._ - -ARCHIBALD. - -You’d better come along with me to the smoking-room. - -GRACE. - -It’s too late to make a secret of it, Archibald. You’d better tell us -all. - -CLAUDE. - -Fire away, old man. - -ARCHIBALD. - -[_After a moment’s hesitation._] Peggy Gann has killed herself. - - [GRACE _springs to her feet with a cry_. - -CLAUDE. - -[_Looking at_ GRACE.] My God. - - [GRACE _comes forward, horror on her face, and walks unsteadily to - a chair. She sinks into it and stares in front of her._ - -CLAUDE. - -Why on earth did she do it? - -GRACE. - -How horrible! - -CLAUDE. - -[_Going up to her, about to put his hand on her shoulder._] Grace. - -GRACE. - -[_With a shiver._] Don’t touch me. - - [_He stops and looks at her, puzzled and unhappy._ - -ARCHIBALD. - -You’d better come along. - -CLAUDE. - -[_With his eyes on_ GRACE.] I feel I ought to do something. I don’t know -what to do. - -ARCHIBALD. - -I’m afraid there’s nothing much that can be done. - -CLAUDE. - -I’d better go and see Gann, hadn’t I? - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Won’t you finish your breakfast before you go, Claude? - -CLAUDE. - -Oh, I can’t eat anything more. - - [_He goes out with_ ARCHIBALD. - -MISS HALL. - -What a dreadful thing. - - [GRACE _gets up and goes to the window_. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Where are you going, Grace? - -GRACE. - -[_Almost beside herself._] For heaven’s sake, leave me alone. - - [_She stands with her back to the rest of the party, looking out of - the window. There is a little awkward pause._ - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Louisa, get me some of those devilled kidneys that Mr. Cobbett has been -making so much fuss about. - -COBBETT. - -Let me. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Louisa will get them. She likes to wait on me herself. Don’t you, -Louisa? - -MISS HALL. - -Yes, Mrs. Insoley. - - [MISS VERNON _pushes back her chair_. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Have you finished, Helen? - -MISS VERNON. - -Yes. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -You’ve eaten nothing. - -MISS VERNON. - -I couldn’t. - - [MISS VERNON _looks as if she were going to speak to_ GRACE, _but - she changes her mind and merely sits down in another chair. Every - now and then she looks up at_ GRACE. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -I cannot imagine why anyone should be upset because an abandoned hussy -has been so wicked as to destroy herself. - -COBBETT. - -Well, it hasn’t taken my appetite away, at all events. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -If we were honest with ourselves, Mr. Cobbett, we should acknowledge -that nobody’s death is important enough to interfere with one’s -appetite. - -MISS HALL. - -Oh, Mrs. Insoley, how can you say such a thing? - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Louisa, I’ve been like a mother to you for ten years. Would you eat one -potato less for your dinner if I were found dead in my bed to-morrow -morning? - -MISS HALL. - -[_Taking out her handkerchief._] Oh, yes, Mrs. Insoley. I really, really -would. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -[_Touched._] You are a good girl, Louisa, and you may have that black -lace shawl of mine. If you mend it carefully, it’ll last you for years. - -MISS HALL. - -Oh, thank you, Mrs. Insoley. You are so kind to me. - -EDITH. - -D’you think I ought to offer to go away to-day? I was going to stay till -to-morrow. - -COBBETT. - -I was going to-day in any case. I’m due to stay with some people in -Wiltshire. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -You seem to be in great demand. - -COBBETT. - -I have a very pleasant fund of small talk. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -I’m afraid this is not an occasion upon which you’ll find it of any use. - - [_There is a moment’s pause._ - -EDITH. - -I’m going into the garden. - -COBBETT. - -Come on. I’m dying for a smoke. - - [_She gets up and walks out through the French windows._ COBBETT - _follows her_. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -[_Getting up from the table._] I think you should remember, my dear -Grace, that suicide is not only very wicked, but very cowardly. I have -no patience with the sentimentalities of the present day. Our fathers -buried people who were sinful enough to destroy themselves at the -cross-roads with a stake in their insides. And it served them right. - - [GRACE _does not answer_. MRS. INSOLEY, _with a shrug of the - shoulders, walks out of the room, followed by_ MISS HALL. _As soon - as_ GRACE _hears the door shut she turns round with an exclamation, - half-smothered, of impatient anger_. - -GRACE. - -Oh, did you hear? They have the heart to chatter like that when that -unhappy girl is lying dead. They haven’t a word of pity. It seems to -mean nothing to them that she sacrificed herself. If she died, it was to -save her father, so that he shouldn’t be thrown out of work in his old -age. And they call her wicked and sinful. - -MISS VERNON. - -But is that anything new to you? Haven’t you noticed that people always -rather resent the heroism of others? They don’t like the claim it makes -on _them_, and the easiest way to defend themselves is with a sneer. - -GRACE. - -I might have saved her life if I’d chosen, but I hadn’t the courage. - -MISS VERNON. - -[_Afraid that she is going to blurt out a secret which had much better -not be referred to._] Grace, don’t be stupid. - -GRACE. - -Once I suspected what she was going to do, but she was too clever for -me. I so wanted to believe it was all right. I wanted her to go away -quietly. - -MISS VERNON. - -[_Trying to calm her._] Lots of women have been in difficulties before, -and they haven’t killed themselves. There must have been some kink in -her nature. I suppose the instinct of life wasn’t so strong as it is -with most of us, and--and she would have committed suicide for almost -any reason. - -GRACE. - -There was only one thing to say, and I didn’t say it. I couldn’t. - -MISS VERNON. - -My dear, for heaven’s sake pull yourself together. - -GRACE. - -D’you know why Claude was so determined she should go? Because he -couldn’t bear that _I_ should come in contact with a woman who’d done -wrong. - -MISS VERNON. - -[_Looking down._] I had an idea that was at the back of his mind. - -GRACE. - -[_With sudden suspicion._] Why should you know what Claude feels better -than I do? - -MISS VERNON. - -[_Fearing she has given herself away._] It was a mere guess on my part. - -GRACE. - -[_With a keen look at her._] When I asked you the other day whether -you’d been very much in love with Claude, you wouldn’t answer. - -MISS VERNON. - -[_Smiling._] I really thought it was no business of yours. - -GRACE. - -[_Gravely._] Are you in love with him still? - - [MISS VERNON _is about to break out indignantly, but quickly - controls herself_. - -MISS VERNON. - -Yes, I suppose I am. - -GRACE. - -Much? - -MISS VERNON. - -_Hoarsely._] Yes. - - [_There is a pause._ - -GRACE. - -D’you know that my mother-in-law would give half her fortune to -know--what you know? She’s been on the look-out to trip me up for years. -It only wants a hint, and she can be trusted to make the most of it. - -MISS VERNON. - -My dear, I haven’t a notion what you’re talking about. - -GRACE. - -[_With a shrug of the shoulders._] How did you find out? - - [MISS VERNON _looks at her for a moment, then looks away in - embarrassment_. - -MISS VERNON. - -I suspected before. In those circumstances hardly any men seem able to -help a sort of proprietary air. He rather gave it away, you know.... And -then yesterday I felt quite certain. - -GRACE. - -I’m in your hands. What are you going to do? - -MISS VERNON. - -My dear, what can I do? Claude wouldn’t love me more because he loved -you less. - -GRACE. - -You must utterly despise me. - -MISS VERNON. - -No.... I feel awfully sorry for Claude. - -GRACE. - -[_Almost jealously._] Claude’s your first thought always. - -MISS VERNON. - -He’s been the whole world to me since I was a girl of sixteen. - -GRACE. - -Is that why you never married? - -MISS VERNON. - -I suppose it is. - -GRACE. - -I never dreamt that anyone could care for Claude like that. I suppose -you see something in him that I’ve never seen.... He has a hundred -different ways of getting on my nerves. - -MISS VERNON. - -You see, I’m not irritated by the mannerisms that irritate you. - -GRACE. - -[_Reflectively._] Real love accepts them, I suppose. - -MISS VERNON. - -It wants them even because it’s something individual to cling to.... And -then it laughs at them a little, and the best love of all includes a -sense of humour. - -GRACE. - -It’s made me feel so strange to know that you love him, Helen. It’s -given him something that he’s never had before. - -MISS VERNON. - -I don’t suppose any woman likes her husband less because she knows that -another woman is eating her heart out for him. - -GRACE. - -[_Slowly._] I wonder if I’ve misjudged him all these years.... D’you -think I found him shallow because there was no depth in me, and narrow -because I was narrow myself. - - [_Enter_ CLAUDE INSOLEY. GRACE _turns to him quickly_. - -GRACE. - -Did you see Gann? - -CLAUDE. - -[_Touching the bell._] No, he wasn’t at the cottage. I’ve sent for him -and told him to come here. - -GRACE. - -They know where he is then? - -CLAUDE. - -Yes, worse luck. He’s been soaking at the public-house since it opened. - -MISS VERNON. - -But when did it happen? - -CLAUDE. - -Peggy, d’you mean? She did it last night. - -GRACE. - -Last night? But why have we only just heard of it? - -CLAUDE. - -[_Deeply discouraged._] Because they don’t come to us any more when -they’re in trouble. They keep it to themselves. - - [MOORE _answers the bell_. - -CLAUDE. - -Oh, Moore, when Gann comes let me know. I’ll come and see him at once. - -MOORE. - -He’s here now, sir. - -CLAUDE. - -Is he? I didn’t expect him yet. All right. - -GRACE. - -Won’t you let him come here, Claude? I should like to speak to him too. - -CLAUDE. - -I don’t think you’d better see him if he’s been drinking. He may be -going to make himself rather objectionable. - -GRACE. - -I must say to him what I’ve got on my heart, Claude. - -CLAUDE. - -Very well. [_To_ MOORE.] Tell Gann to come here. - -MOORE. - -Very good, sir. - - [_Exit._ - -MISS VERNON. - -I dare say you’d like me to leave you. - -GRACE. - -You don’t mind, do you? - - [_With a shake of the head and a smile_ MISS VERNON _goes out_. - CLAUDE _looks a little uncertainly at his wife. He seeks for - something to say._ - -CLAUDE. - -What a nice woman that is! I can’t imagine why Archibald doesn’t hurry -up and marry her. - -GRACE. - -Perhaps he’s not in love with her. - -CLAUDE. - -Any man in his senses would be in love with her. - - [GRACE _does not answer, but she gives him a curious glance_. MOORE - _opens the door to show_ GANN _in_. GANN _is dishevelled and - untidy, his face haggard and drawn. He is not exactly drunk, but he - is stupefied, partly with liquor and partly with grief. He carries - his gun. He comes in, his cap on his head, and stands clumsily near - the door._ - -CLAUDE. - -Take off your cap, Gann. - - [GANN _looks at him unsteadily and slowly takes off his cap_. - -GANN. - -Did you want to speak to me, Squire? - -CLAUDE. - -I’ve just been round to your cottage, Gann. I saw Peggy.... I want to -tell you how awfully sorry I am for what’s happened. I can never forgive -myself. - - [GANN _steps forward with a lurch and faces_ CLAUDE. - -GANN. - -What d’you want me for? Couldn’t you let me be? D’you still want me to -go? - -CLAUDE. - -No. That’s what I wanted to tell you. - -GANN. - -Give us time and we’ll clear. We don’t want long. Give us time to bury -the girl. That’s all we want. - - [GRACE _gives an exclamation of horror_. - -CLAUDE. - -I hope you’ll stay. I want to do everything I can to make up for your -loss. I want you to know that I blame myself most awfully. - -GANN. - -Will that bring ’er back to life, d’you think? - -CLAUDE. - -I’d give anything for this horrible accident not to have happened. -[_With a look at Grace._] I’m afraid it’s my fault. - -GANN. - -She killed ’erself so as I shouldn’t be turned off. That’s why she -killed ’erself. You’re a hard master--you always was. She thought it was -the only way to save me from the work’us. - -CLAUDE. - -[_Very awkwardly._] In future I’ll try to be different. I didn’t think I -was hard. I thought I was only just. - -GRACE. - -It was a cruel rule. - -CLAUDE. - -I thought I was only doing my duty. - -GANN. - -She was a good girl, after all, Squire, a good girl. - -CLAUDE. - -I’m sure she was. - -GANN. - -It’s easy enough for you people to keep straight. You don’t ’ave -temptations like we ’ave. - -CLAUDE. - -No, that’s true enough. I suppose it’s not really very hard for us to be -moderately decent. - -GRACE. - -[_In a choking voice._] Where is the child now, Gann? - -GANN. - -[_Violently._] D’you want that too? Ain’t you satisfied yet? Has the -child got to go before I stay? - -GRACE. - -No, no. I only wanted to know if there was anything I could do. I wanted -to help you. - -GANN. - -I don’t want your ’elp. I only want you to let me work and earn my -wages. - -CLAUDE. - -That you shall do, I promise you. - -GANN. - -Can I go now? I’ve got a deal to do this morning. - -CLAUDE. - -Yes.... Will you shake hands with me before you go? - -GANN. - -What good’ll that do you? - - [CLAUDE _gives a gesture of discouragement_. - -CLAUDE. - -I can only repeat that I’m most awfully sorry. I’m afraid there’s -absolutely nothing I can do to make up for your great loss.... You can -go now. - - [GANN _turns to go, while_ CLAUDE _and_ GRACE _watch him silently. - Suddenly he comes back and thrusts his gun into_ CLAUDE’S _hand_. - -GANN. - -Look ’ere, Squire, you take my gun. I ain’t fit to keep it. - -CLAUDE. - -[_Sharply._] What the devil d’you mean? - -GANN. - -Last night when the liquor was in me I swore I’d blow your brains out -and swing for it. Don’t let me ’ave the gun. I’m not fit to keep it yet. -If I get on the drink again I’ll kill you. - -CLAUDE. - -What the dickens d’you mean by speaking to me like that! Of course you -must have your gun. I can’t allow you to neglect your work. - -GRACE. - -[_Almost in a whisper._] Claude, take care. - -CLAUDE. - -[_Looking at the lock._] Why isn’t it loaded? - -GANN. - -They took the cartridges out. I was about mad, and I don’t know what I -said. If I’d come across you then--you wouldn’t be standing where you -are now. - -CLAUDE. - -I suppose you take eights? - - [GRACE _and_ GANN _both look at him_. GRACE _gives a start when she - realises what he is going to do_. - -GANN. - -That’s right. - - [CLAUDE _nods and goes to the door. He hesitates, with a look at_ - GRACE. - -GRACE. - -I shall be all right. - - [_He goes out. In a moment he comes back with two cartridges. He - puts them in the gun, and hands it back to the gamekeeper._ - -CLAUDE. - -Here you are. I don’t think I’m afraid. I’ll take my chance of your -wanting to shoot me. - - [GANN _takes the gun, and his hands close round it convulsively. He - half raises it._ CLAUDE _goes to the door through which he has just - come, and closes it. Then, almost mastered by the temptation_, GANN - _pulls himself together and advances a step towards his master_. - GRACE _gives a stifled cry_. CLAUDE _turns round and faces the - man_. - -CLAUDE. - -That’ll do, Gann. I don’t think I have anything more to say to you. You -can go. - - [GANN _struggles to command himself. His fingers itch to shoot, - but_ CLAUDE’S _unconcern prevents him_. - -GANN. - -By God! - - [_He turns round to go, and flings the gun violently from him._ - -CLAUDE. - -[_Peremptorily._] Gann, take your gun. - - [_The man stops, looks at his master, and then, cowed, picks it up. - He lurches heavily out of the room. There is a pause._ GRACE _draws - a long breath_. - -GRACE. - -I’m glad you did that, Claude. - -CLAUDE. - -[_Thinking she refers to his attempts at apology._] It was very -difficult to know what to say to him. - -GRACE. - -I didn’t mean that. I meant, I’m glad you made him take the gun. - -CLAUDE. - -Oh! Hang it all, you didn’t think I was likely to be frightened of one -of my own servants, did you? - -GRACE. - -[_In a low voice._] I was rather afraid he was going to shoot you. - -CLAUDE. - -So was I. But I felt pretty sure he saw two of me, and I thought he’d -probably shoot at the wrong one. - -GRACE. - -You’re very plucky. - -CLAUDE. - -Rot! [_He hesitates for a moment._] Grace, I’m afraid you think I’ve -been an awful skunk. - -GRACE. - -[_With a quick look at him._] We none of us knew anything like this was -going to happen. - -CLAUDE. - -Will you forgive me? - -GRACE. - -[_Startled._] I? - -CLAUDE. - -I’ve been feeling such an awful cad. If I’d only done what you wanted me -to, this wouldn’t have happened. - -GRACE. - -That’s not _your_ fault. I didn’t say--what I should have said to make -you change your mind. - -CLAUDE. - -It rather put my back up that you should be so set on letting Peggy -stay. But it struck me afterwards, of course you couldn’t feel the same -about it as I did. I think if one’s awfully straight, one’s full of -charity, don’t you know. - -GRACE. - -My dear Claude, you talk as if I were a girl of eighteen. - -CLAUDE. - -I don’t suppose you remember, but when Archibald told us, I wanted to -say something to you.... - -GRACE. - -Yes, your first thought was for me, wasn’t it? - -CLAUDE. - -[_Going on._] And I came near you. And--and you sort of shuddered, and -said: “For God’s sake, don’t touch me!” - -GRACE. - -I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be unkind. - -CLAUDE. - -No, I know you didn’t. It just came out unawares. And--oh, Grace, I -couldn’t bear to think you--you couldn’t stick me, don’t you know.... I -suppose I’m a damned fool, but I haven’t made you hate and loathe me, -have I? - -GRACE. - -I’m not worth so much troubling about, Claude. - -CLAUDE. - -I can’t help it. You’ve just somehow got in my blood and bones, and if -it didn’t sound such drivel, I’d say you meant everything in the world -to me. Only you just laugh at me when I say things like that. - -GRACE. - -[_Explaining to herself rather than to him._] It’s very hard for all of -us to say what we mean. The words we use are so frayed. One ought to -guess at--at the soul within them. - -CLAUDE. - -I’ve been trying to think about Gann and his daughter, but I can’t -really think of anything but you. - -GRACE. - -You know, Claude, no one’s so wonderful as you think me. I’m no longer -so young as all that, and you’re the only person who ever thought me -very pretty. - -CLAUDE. - -I don’t mind. Sometimes, so that my love should mean more to you, don’t -you know, I’ve wanted you to get older quickly, and I’ve wanted you to -be plain. - -GRACE. - -[_With a little hysterical laugh._] Oh, my dear, what a horrible -prospect. - -CLAUDE. - -Don’t laugh at me now, Grace. - -GRACE. - -[_With tears in her voice._] I’m not laughing at you. God knows I’m not -laughing at you. - -CLAUDE. - -I’m such an ass at explaining myself. What I want to make you understand -is that I don’t love you for anything that other people could love you -for. I love you because you’re you, don’t you know. Because you’re so -awfully good and straight. And you know I respect you so awfully. - -GRACE. - -[_In a hoarse voice._] I’m not good, Claude. - -CLAUDE. - -If I didn’t believe it, I should think the world a pretty rotten place. - -GRACE. - -I haven’t been the sort of wife you wanted. I felt that always. - -CLAUDE. - -You’ve been the only woman in the world for me. Always. - -GRACE. - -[_Deeply moved._] Not many women can say that, can they? One ought to be -very grateful. - -CLAUDE. - -D’you remember the first time I ever saw you? - -GRACE. - -[_Looking away from him._] I wonder you didn’t marry Helen Vernon years -before you came across me. - -CLAUDE. - -Hang it all, why on earth should I have done that! - -GRACE. - -Your mother was very anxious that you should. - -CLAUDE. - -I was just as little in love with Helen Vernon as she was in love with -me. - -GRACE. - -I can’t help seeing that she would have made you a much better wife than -I have. She would have understood you. I don’t think I ever understood -you. I’ve been a wretched failure, Claude. - -CLAUDE. - -Darling, how can you talk such rot? - -GRACE. - -She might have had children. You wanted them so much, Claude, and I -haven’t given you any. - -CLAUDE. - -That’s been hard luck on both of us, darling. - -GRACE. - -[_With deep feeling._] It might have made all the difference. - -CLAUDE. - -If I wanted children it was chiefly because I thought you’d be happier. -You wouldn’t have minded the dull life down here then. And you might -have cared a bit more for me because I was their father. - -GRACE. - -It all comes back to me, doesn’t it? I’m in all your thoughts always. - -CLAUDE. - -D’you mind? - -GRACE. - -I’m so ashamed. - - [ARCHIBALD _comes in from the hall_. - -ARCHIBALD. - -Oh, Claude, I met the coroner’s officer on my way along here. He wants -to see you. - -CLAUDE. - -All right. I’ll come. Is he in the hall? - -ARCHIBALD. - -[_With a nod._] I told him you knew nothing more than I’d said. But I’m -afraid they’ll call you at the inquest. - -CLAUDE. - -The only thing’s to grin and bear it. - - [_They go out._ GRACE _sinks into a chair at the writing-table and - buries her face in her hands. In a moment_ HENRY COBBETT _enters. - She starts up when she hears his footstep on the gravel. He has his - hat in his hand and his coat over his arm._ - -COBBETT. - -I’m just starting. I was looking for you to say good-bye. - -GRACE. - -Is it time for you to go already? I didn’t know it was late. - -COBBETT. - -Thanks awfully for putting me up. It’s been perfectly topping. - -GRACE. - -It was nice of you to come. I hope you’ll run down again one of these -days. - -COBBETT. - -[_In a lower tone._] I suppose you never want to set eyes on me again. - -GRACE. - -Never. - -COBBETT. - -You’re not awfully unhappy, are you? - -GRACE. - -[_With something between a sob and a chuckle._] Awfully. - -COBBETT. - -I’m dreadfully sorry. - -GRACE. - -That doesn’t do me much good, does it? - -COBBETT. - -If there’s anything I can do, I’d like awfully to do it if you’d let me. - -GRACE. - -No, whatever happens no one can help me but myself. - -COBBETT. - -I shouldn’t have played the fool if I’d thought you were going to take -things so much to heart. - -GRACE. - -[_Ironically._] That’s the nuisance of women, isn’t it? They _will_ make -an affair of what’s really only an episode. - -COBBETT. - -You have a way of saying things that makes one feel an awful bounder. -After all, one can’t help falling in love, and one’s not a blackguard -because one falls out of it. - -GRACE. - -D’you remember asking me yesterday if I was beginning to care for Claude -differently? - -COBBETT. - -Yes. - -GRACE. - -I love him as I never thought it was possible to love. I don’t know why -I love him. It’s come to me suddenly. I--oh, I can’t tell you what it -is. It’s like hunger in my soul. And I’m frightened. - -COBBETT. - -I should have thought that made everything all right. - -GRACE. - -It’s come too late. I’m--soiled. Afterwards--you know what I mean, when -you and I--the first thing I felt was surprise because I found myself no -different. I thought when a woman had done that everything would seem -altered. But I felt just the same as before. It’s only now. It’s like -the stain of blood--don’t you remember--not all the perfumes of -Arabia.... - -COBBETT. - -[_Worried and moved._] You know, it’s absurd to take it like that. - -GRACE. - -[_With increasing agitation._] Oh, what have I done! If I’d only had the -strength to resist! It’s now that I see it all, the utter degradation of -it, the hateful ugliness. Oh, I loathe myself. How can I take my heart -to Claude when there’s you standing between us? - -COBBETT. - -I’m awfully sorry, Grace. - -GRACE. - -I’d give anything in the world if I hadn’t done what I have done. I -might be so happy now. I haven’t a chance. The fates are against me. -What’s the good of loving Claude now--I’m not fit to be his wife. - - [_She is beside herself._ COBBETT, _not knowing what to do, stands - looking at her. The sound is heard of a motor-horn blowing._ - -COBBETT. - -[_With a slight start._] What’s that? - -GRACE. - -It’s Rooney. He’s afraid you’ll miss the train. You’d better hurry up. - -COBBETT. - -I can’t leave you like this. - -GRACE. - -[_Ironically._] I shouldn’t like you to miss your train. - -COBBETT. - -I suppose you hate and loathe me. - -GRACE. - -I’d wish you were dead, only it wouldn’t do me much good, would it? - -COBBETT. - -[_Reflectively._] The fact is, only the wicked should sin.... When the -virtuous do things they shouldn’t they do make such an awful hash of it. - - [MOORE _comes in followed by the_ FOOTMAN. - -GRACE. - -What is it? - -MOORE. - -I was going to clear away, madam. - -GRACE. - -Oh, yes, I forgot. [_Holding out her hand to_ COBBETT.] You’ll have to -look sharp. - -END OF THE THIRD ACT - - - - -THE FOURTH ACT - - - THE SCENE _is the same as in the first and second Acts, the - drawing-room at Kenyon-Fulton_. - - _Two days have elapsed. It is about twelve o’clock in the morning._ - MRS. INSOLEY _is seated with her dog on her lap, and_ MISS HALL _is - reading the leading article of the_ Times _to her_. - -MISS HALL. - -[_Reading._] “ ... to whom it would give the suffrage are marked off -from all citizens who have ever and anywhere enjoyed the franchise in -great civil communities by physical differences which no legislation can -affect. Women, they insist, pay rates and taxes as men do, and -therefore, they argue, women ought to vote as men do. But rates and -taxes may be imposed or abolished by legislation. Men may become -ratepayers and taxpayers, or cease to be ratepayers and taxpayers. The -one thing that no enthusiasm, no reasoning, no eloquence, -demonstrations, or statutes can achieve is to make a woman a man.” - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -How true that is, Louisa. - -MISS HALL. - -I’ve always thought exactly the same myself, Mrs. Insoley. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -And there’s another thing, Louisa. No man can become a mother. - -MISS HALL. - -[_Reflectively._] No, I suppose not. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Have you any doubts on the subject, Louisa? - -MISS HALL. - -Oh, no, Mrs. Insoley. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -[_Ironically._] You may take it from me that no man can become a mother. -And apparently very few women either nowadays. - - [ARCHIBALD INSOLEY _comes in_. - -ARCHIBALD. - -Good morning, mother. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Good morning, my dear. - - [_He bends down and kisses her._ - -ARCHIBALD. - -Good morning, Miss Hall. - -MISS HALL. - -Good morning. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Louisa, you may read the rest of that article to yourself in the garden. - -MISS HALL. - -[_Getting up._] Very well, Mrs. Insoley. Shall I take the dog? - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -[_Handing it over._] Yes. And be very careful with him. He says he’s not -very well to-day. - - [MISS HALL _takes the dog and goes out_. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -I’m glad to have an opportunity of talking to you, Archibald. I’ve -fancied that you’ve been rather avoiding me the last day or two. - -ARCHIBALD. - -[_Cheerfully._] Oh, no, my dear mother. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -When I asked Grace to invite Helen Vernon to stay here for a few days, -it was in the confident hope that you would make her a proposal of -marriage. - -ARCHIBALD. - -I respect and esteem Miss Vernon, but I confess that no warmer feeling -has ever entered my bosom. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -It’s not necessary that warm feelings should enter a clergyman’s bosom, -Archibald. She’s of very good family indeed, and an heiress. Five -thousand acres and a house that’s only just been done up. - -ARCHIBALD. - -[_With a chuckle._] If there only weren’t a wife to be taken along with -the property! - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -[_With a twinkle in her eyes._] It shouldn’t be necessary for me to tell -a person of your profession that none of the pleasures of this world can -be had without some drawback. - -ARCHIBALD. - -What a pity it is you weren’t a man, mother. You would have made such a -bishop. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Are you trying to change the conversation, Archibald? - -ARCHIBALD. - -I don’t think it would be a bad idea. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Then I will only say one thing more. I am the meekest woman in the -world, and a lamb could lead me. But I should like to remind you that -the living of Kenyon-Fulton is not worth more than a hundred and seventy -a year, and if you can keep a curate and live like a gentleman it’s only -owing to my generosity. - -ARCHIBALD. - -I’m quite prepared to live on a hundred and seventy a year, mother. I -dare say it would have just as good an effect on my figure as matrimony. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -[_Rather crossly._] I don’t know what you’re talking about, Archibald. - -ARCHIBALD. - -I understood you to recommend marriage as a sort of heroic remedy for -corpulence. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -You have nothing against Helen, I presume? - -ARCHIBALD. - -[_Smiling._] I could have wished that fewer summers had passed over a -fringe which I shrewdly suspect to be artificial. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Of course it’s artificial, but you’re no chicken yourself, Archibald. - -ARCHIBALD. - -On the contrary, I’m much too old a bird to be caught by chaff. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -I’m sure we don’t want another flighty young thing in the family. - -ARCHIBALD. - -I don’t think Grace has been very flighty the last day or two. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -What’s the matter with her? She’s been going about with a face as long -as one of your sermons. - -ARCHIBALD. - -I’m afraid Peggy’s death upset her very much. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -[_Irritably._] That’s the worst of those sort of people, they have no -self-control. If she’s going to give way like this at the death of a -kitchen-maid, what on earth is she going to do at the death of a -duchess? - -ARCHIBALD. - -Is it a riddle, mother? - - [GRACE _comes in. She looks tired and worn. She is in a very - nervous state. She gives the impression that any folly, any - wildness may be expected from her._ - -GRACE. - -Good morning, Archibald. - -ARCHIBALD. - -Good morning. - -GRACE. - -I thought you’d be at the inquest. - -ARCHIBALD. - -No. There was no need for me to go. And Claude seemed to think he’d -rather I didn’t. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -What is this? - -ARCHIBALD. - -The inquest on Peggy Gann. - -GRACE. - -Have you seen Claude? - -ARCHIBALD. - -He looked in at the Rectory for five minutes. I’m afraid he’s awfully -worried. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -I have no patience with Claude. He should have more self-respect than to -let such a thing worry him. - -ARCHIBALD. - -He’s afraid he may be asked some very unpleasant questions. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -You seem entirely to forget the relative positions of the parties -concerned. If Claude doesn’t want to answer an impertinent question, -it’s the easiest thing in the world for him to fly into a passion and -refuse. Who is the coroner? - -GRACE. - -His name is Davies. He’s the local doctor. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -You’re not going to suggest that the local doctor would dream of asking -a question unless he was quite sure Claude was prepared to answer it? - -ARCHIBALD. - -Davies is an advanced Radical. I’m afraid he may take the opportunity to -have a fling at Claude. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -I’m all at sea. In my day we wouldn’t have stood a doctor for five -minutes who was a Radical. We’d have made life unbearable for him until -he became a Conservative or left the district. - -ARCHIBALD. - -[_With a shrug of the shoulders._] You’re looking rather dicky, Grace. - -GRACE. - -Oh, I’m quite well, thank you. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -Am I mistaken in thinking you have rouge on your cheeks? - -GRACE. - -I’ve not been sleeping very well, and I didn’t want to look ill. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -In my young days ladies did not paint their faces. - -GRACE. - -[_With suppressed rage._] We don’t live in your young days, and I’m not -a lady. - -MRS. INSOLEY. - -[_With a chuckle at the opportunity_ GRACE _has given her_.] As you are -my hostess, it would be insolent of me to contradict you, my dear Grace. - - [_Delighted with her repartee, she gets up and walks out of the - room._ GRACE _goes up to the looking-glass over the chimney-piece - and rubs her cheeks with a handkerchief_. - -ARCHIBALD. - -I wonder if you’d be very angry if I said something to you? - -GRACE. - -[_Icily._] Do you object to the way I do my hair, or is it the cut of -my skirt that doesn’t quite meet with your approval? - -ARCHIBALD. - -I was going to say something to you about Claude. - - [GRACE _gives a slight, an almost imperceptible start, but does not - answer or look round_. - -ARCHIBALD. - -You know how funny he is. He doesn’t say much when anything’s on his -mind. But if one knows him well it’s not hard to tell when something’s -bothering him.... He’s awfully worried about you. - -GRACE. - -[_Still looking in the glass._] I don’t know why I should worry him now -more than I usually do. - -ARCHIBALD. - -He’s afraid you blame him for Peggy’s death. - -GRACE. - -Why should I? - -ARCHIBALD. - -He feels it was his fault. - -GRACE. - -I suppose it was in a way. - -ARCHIBALD. - -He’s so fond of you he can’t bear to think that--that it’s made a -difference to you. - -GRACE. - -Has he said anything to you about it? - -ARCHIBALD. - -No. - -GRACE. - -Perhaps it’s only your fancy. [_Turning round._] Why are you telling me -now? - -ARCHIBALD. - -I’m afraid he’ll have rather a rough time at the inquest. I thought you -might say something to buck him up a little. A word or two from you -would mean so much. - - [_There is a short pause._ - -GRACE. - -I think it’s so strange that you should say all this to me now. It’s not -as if we’d ever been great friends, is it? - -ARCHIBALD. - -Our best friends are always those who put us in a good conceit of -ourselves. I always think it’s a dreadful thing when a man loses his -nerve.... You can do so much for Claude if you choose. - -GRACE. - -I think you exaggerate the influence I have over him. After all, he’s -always taken care to keep me and his life strictly apart. - -ARCHIBALD. - -I think you should remember that if he made a mistake it was an honest -one. He wouldn’t be human if he didn’t put his foot in it sometimes. - -GRACE. - -You speak as if I were perfection itself. - -ARCHIBALD. - -And then, if he was so determined not to break that particular rule of -the estate, it was partly for your sake, wasn’t it? Because he thought -it his duty to keep you from any possibility of contact with evil. - -GRACE. - -Did he tell you that? - -ARCHIBALD. - -No. It was not very difficult to guess. - -GRACE. - -I suppose not--for anyone who had eyes to see. - -ARCHIBALD. - -You will do your best, Grace? - -GRACE. - -What do you suggest I should do? - -ARCHIBALD. - -It’s very difficult for me to tell you. I think the chief thing is that -you should tell Claude--if you can--that you’re fond of him, and that, -whatever happens, you always will be fond of him. - -GRACE. - -[_Hoarsely._] That oughtn’t to be very hard. I love him with all my -heart and soul. - -ARCHIBALD. - -[_Smiling._] If you could only say that to him--just in that way, as if -you really felt it--you would make him so happy. - - [_There is a pause._ GRACE _puts her hands in front of her eyes, - and she keeps them there for a moment so that she should not see_ - ARCHIBALD _while she is speaking_. - -GRACE. - -Archibald, I want to speak to you for a minute--as a clergyman. - -ARCHIBALD. - -My dear Grace, you frighten me. - -GRACE. - -I’m sorry if I’ve been often bitter and unkind to you. I’m ashamed when -I think of all the silly, cruel things I must have said to you during -the ten years I’ve lived here. - -ARCHIBALD. - -[_Cheerfully._] Oh, what nonsense! You’ve got a clever tongue, and like -most people who have, you can’t resist saying a sharp thing when it -strikes you. - -GRACE. - -I’ve often set out to wound you. I’ve been fiendish sometimes. I’d like -you to know that I’m grateful to you for being so patient with me. It -wouldn’t be surprising if you loathed me. - -ARCHIBALD. - -Oh, I think I’ve always had a very great affection for you, Grace. I -know you’ve often found life down here rather dull. If any allowances -have been necessary, I’ve been perfectly ready to make them. - -GRACE. - -I expect I was often unjust to you. I sometimes felt you weren’t quite -sincere.... I thought you’d only become a clergyman on account of the -living and the house. - -ARCHIBALD. - -Yes, I felt that. But I couldn’t bear you any ill-will on that account. -It was true. - - [GRACE _turns and looks at him with startled eyes_. - -ARCHIBALD. - -I’m afraid I’m not much in the way of parsons. My class means so much -more to me than my calling. I know it’s a mistake, and yet I can’t help -it. I’m bound down by conventions that I haven’t the will to escape -from. The day’s past of the family living, the perquisite of a younger -son, and I’m out of place here. I can’t feel that the position is mine -by right as my Uncle Robert felt before me, and I haven’t the enthusiasm -which might make me feel I’d earned it by my own efforts. - -GRACE. - -I’m so ashamed of myself. Because people didn’t carry their hearts on -their sleeves I thought they had no hearts at all. - -ARCHIBALD. - -For three years after I was ordained I was a curate at Wakefield. I was -worked so hard that I never had a moment to myself. I think those were -my happy days. And that’s what I ought to do now. I ought to exchange -all this for some living in a city, and do some real work before it’s -too late. But I haven’t the courage. And then I should do no good, for I -haven’t conviction. That’s why I have no influence in the parish. They -come to me for beef-tea and for coal-tickets, but when it’s real help -they want they go elsewhere. All I’m fit for is to hold a family living -and dine with the neighbouring gentry. You summed me up with the utmost -precision. - -GRACE. - -I don’t think so any more. I have an idea that perhaps one sees people -most truly when one sees them charitably. - -ARCHIBALD. - -[_With a smile._] You said you wanted to speak to me, and I’ve been -talking only about myself. - -GRACE. - -I think you’ve made it a little easier for me, Archibald. It’s kind of -you. - - [_She pauses and there is a silence. She walks up and down the room - in agitation._ - -GRACE. - -[_With a series of little gasps._] Archibald, I’m dreadfully unhappy. -I’ve done something which I bitterly regret. I don’t know how to tell -you. But I must tell you.... I’ve been unfaithful to Claude. - -ARCHIBALD. - -Grace, you must be mad. You can’t mean what you say. It’s--it’s -impossible. - -GRACE. - -It’s torturing me. It’s torturing me. - -ARCHIBALD. - -But I don’t understand. You don’t mean that.... - -GRACE. - -[_Desperately._] Oh, yes, I mean exactly what I say. Please understand -me. - -ARCHIBALD. - -You said you were in love with Claude. - -GRACE. - -Yes. That’s why I can’t bear the agony of it. I’m so unhappy. I’m so -dreadfully unhappy. I want you to help me. I want you to tell me what to -do. - - [_There is a moment’s pause._ ARCHIBALD _is so bewildered that he - can find not a word to say_. - -GRACE. - -You can hardly believe it, can you? It sounds incredible. Sometimes I -can’t help saying to myself that it is not possible it should be true. - -ARCHIBALD. - -[_Trying to collect himself._] It’s come as a most dreadful blow. - -GRACE. - -Don’t reproach me. I’ve said all the obvious things to myself -already.... Oh, I hate myself. - -ARCHIBALD. - -I’m so bewildered. Why d’you tell _me_? I feel I ought to ask you all -sorts of questions, and I can’t bear to ask you anything. - -GRACE. - -I don’t think anything matters but that I’ve behaved odiously. Claude -was always very good to me, and I’ve deceived him. And every kindness, -every word of love he says to me is a reproach. And I love him with all -my soul, and there’s always the horror of what I’ve done between us. And -I can’t bear it any longer. - -ARCHIBALD. - -I’m so helpless. - -GRACE. - -Are you going to tell Claude? - -ARCHIBALD. - -I? You must be mad. - -GRACE. - -I thought perhaps you might feel it was your duty. You’re his brother. - -ARCHIBALD. - -It would never occur to me to betray the confidence you’ve put in me. - -GRACE. - -Then what shall I do? - -ARCHIBALD. - -I can’t advise you. I haven’t got the experience. I know so little of -the world. - -GRACE. - -You _must_ advise me. I’m at the end of my strength. I can’t go on like -this any more. - -ARCHIBALD. - -Is it all over between you and ... you know what I mean? - -GRACE. - -Yes, it’s all over. - -ARCHIBALD. - -I don’t know what to say to you. I’m awfully sorry. - -GRACE. - -[_Desperately._] Is there no one who can do anything for me? - -ARCHIBALD. - -I suppose nobody else knows? - -GRACE. - -Helen Vernon. She found out. But I can’t go to her for advice. I can’t. -I can’t humiliate myself. And the remorse is just killing me. - -ARCHIBALD. - -It’s so difficult for me to say things that won’t seem sanctimonious. I -don’t want to say a word that you can think is a reproach. - -GRACE. - -I don’t mind what you say so long as you help me. - - [_There is a moment’s pause._ - -ARCHIBALD. - -[_Hesitatingly._] We’re taught that there’s one course clear to the -sinner that repenteth. - - [GRACE _starts to her feet and looks at him wildly_. - -GRACE. - -You want me to tell Claude? - -ARCHIBALD. - -[_In a low voice._] I don’t see how there can be forgiveness till one -has confessed one’s sin. - -GRACE. - -[_With a deep, deep sigh._] Oh, if you knew what a relief it would be! -For days I’ve been fighting with the temptation to make a clean breast -of it. I’ve been trying to keep it from me, trying not to think of it. -But it meets me at every turn. It haunts me. It’s like an obsession, -and it’s stronger than I am. It’s driving me--driving me to confess. I -know I shall have to do it; I can’t help myself. I shall go mad if I -don’t tell him. - -ARCHIBALD. - -For goodness’ sake, calm yourself. - -GRACE. - -If I’d told him before, when I was trying to persuade him to let Gann -stay, that girl wouldn’t have died. I hadn’t the courage. I wouldn’t -sacrifice myself. It was too much to ask me. And since then I’ve been -tortured by remorse. They say she had the suicidal instinct, and would -have killed herself for almost anything. But I seem to see her lying -there reproaching me. Reproaching me. - -ARCHIBALD. - -Why don’t you go to Claude at once and get it over? - -GRACE. - -I’m frightened. I’m just sick with fear. A dozen times I’ve been on the -point of it--just to have done with it, to get rid of the agony that -burnt my heart--and at the last moment I couldn’t. But it’s like being -on a high place and looking down and holding on to something so that you -shouldn’t throw yourself over. Sooner or later I shall have to do it. -It’s the only way to get back my self-respect. It’s the only chance I -have of living at all. - -ARCHIBALD. - -I wish I could do more for you. - -GRACE. - -No one can do anything for me. Oh, it is cruel. And to come just now -when I love Claude! I didn’t love him at first. It came quite -suddenly--as if scales had been torn away from my eyes. And it wasn’t -till then that I saw the sin and the wickedness of it. Oh, it was so -much more than sin and wickedness. The filthiness. The only thing’s to -tell him and have done with it. You know he’ll divorce me, don’t you? - -ARCHIBALD. - -He loves you so much. - -GRACE. - -Even if it breaks his heart, he’ll force himself to divorce me. You know -what Claude is. He’ll think it’s his duty. He’ll do what he thinks he -ought to do even if it kills him. Oh, but if he’d only forgive me, I -would try to make amends. It’s so hard that I’ve only learnt how to be a -good wife now that I’m unfit to be his wife at all. - -ARCHIBALD. - -[_Deeply moved._] Be brave, Grace. - - [_She looks at him for a moment, then suddenly makes up her mind. - She takes a letter from her dress and sits down at the desk. She - puts it into an envelope on which she writes_ CLAUDE’S _name_. - -GRACE. - -Will you ring the bell? - -ARCHIBALD. - -[_Touching it._] What are you going to do? - -GRACE. - -It’s a letter that I had from--the other. It’s proof of everything. I -felt I couldn’t tell Claude. It was hopeless. And I thought I’d just -press it into his hand.... - - [_As she is speaking_ MOORE _comes in. She hands him the letter._ - -GRACE. - -Have that given to Mr. Insoley the moment he comes in. - -MOORE. - -Very good, madam. - - [_Exit._ - -ARCHIBALD. - -[_Startled._] D’you mean to say you’re going to tell him like that? - -GRACE. - -It’s the only way I _can_ do it. - -ARCHIBALD. - -[_Overcome._] Good God, what have I done? - -GRACE. - -He’ll read the letter, and then the worst will be over. I couldn’t have -told him--I couldn’t. - -ARCHIBALD. - -I hope you’ve done right. - -GRACE. - -Anyhow, it’s the end of everything--just when I might have started a new -life.... I wonder when I shall have to go away from here? - -ARCHIBALD. - -Don’t put it like that. - -GRACE. - -[_Looking out of the window._] I thought I hated the place. It’s bored -me to the verge of tears. And now I shall never again see the night fall -on the park slowly. And I feel ... and I feel that with me, too, those -great trees, and the meadows, and the cawing rooks have come to be part -of my blood and my bones. - - [_The door is opened, and_ GRACE _gives a start and a little - frightened cry_. HELEN VERNON _comes in_. - -GRACE. - -Oh, I thought it was Claude. - - [_She puts her hand to her heart and steadies herself against a - chair._ - -MISS VERNON. - -What on earth’s the matter? - -GRACE. - -[_With a gesture of the head towards_ ARCHIBALD.] I’ve told him about me -and.... - -MISS VERNON. - -[_In short exclamation, which does not interrupt_ GRACE.] Oh! - -GRACE. - -I’m going to tell Claude. It’s the only thing to do. - -MISS VERNON. - -[_To_ ARCHIBALD, _sharply_.] Is that your advice? You fool, Archibald! - -GRACE. - -I can’t bear the torture any more. - -MISS VERNON. - -I suspected you were thinking of something like this. But you wouldn’t -let me speak to you. - -GRACE. - -I’ve been struggling against it, and now I’ve made up my mind. - -MISS VERNON. - -My dear, there are three good rules in life. The first is--never sin; -and that’s the most sensible. The second is--if you sin, never repent; -and that’s the bravest. But the third is--if you repent, never never -confess; and that’s the hardest of them all. - -ARCHIBALD. - -I don’t think this is the time for flippancy, Helen. - -MISS VERNON. - -Good heavens, I’m being as serious as I possibly can. - -ARCHIBALD. - -D’you mean to say you think Grace oughtn’t to say anything? - -MISS VERNON. - -I think it would be monstrous of her to say anything. - -ARCHIBALD. - -If the sinner wants forgiveness, first of all he must confess his sin. - -MISS VERNON. - -You still look upon your God as a God of vengeance, who wants sacrifices -to appease Him. - -ARCHIBALD. - -“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our -sins.” - -MISS VERNON. - -That was said to a stiff-necked generation that wanted humbling. But no -one can want to humble us, surely. We’re so timid already. We’re so -unsure of ourselves. We’ve all got a morbid desire to unbosom ourselves. -The commonest ailment of the day is a vulgar feminine passion for -making scenes. Confession’s like a drug we fly to because we’ve lost the -last shadow of our self-reliance. - -ARCHIBALD. - -Don’t let her move you, Grace. I beseech you, for your soul’s sake. Be -brave. - -GRACE. - -I know that it’s my only chance of happiness. - -MISS VERNON. - -But who cares about your happiness? - -ARCHIBALD. - -Helen, how can you be so unkind? - -MISS VERNON. - -No one knows why we’ve been brought into the world, but it evidently -wasn’t for our happiness. Or if it was, the Being who put us here has -made a most outrageous mess of it. Put your happiness out of the -question. - -ARCHIBALD. - -[_Very earnestly to_ GRACE.] If the sinner repents, let him confess his -sin. That’s the only proof he can give of a contrite spirit. - -MISS VERNON. - -Nonsense. He can give a much more sensible proof by acting differently -in future. - -GRACE. - -That would be so easy now. - -MISS VERNON. - -But actions aren’t good because they’re difficult. - -GRACE. - -Part of my punishment is the feeling that except for this horrible -mistake we should both be so much happier than we were before. - -MISS VERNON. - -You love Claude now, don’t you? - -GRACE. - -With all my heart. - -MISS VERNON. - -I have an idea that it’s only your sin that has made your love worth -having. - -ARCHIBALD. - -[_Rather shocked._] Helen. - -MISS VERNON. - -You were rather hard and selfish before because you had nothing in -particular to reproach yourself with. Perhaps it was necessary that you -should step from the narrow path of virtue in order to become a virtuous -woman. - -ARCHIBALD. - -Helen, you can’t mean that. - -MISS VERNON. - -It’s very often only repentance that makes men and women human. - -ARCHIBALD. - -Repentance is useless without sacrifice. - -GRACE. - -Yes, I feel that. And the only sacrifice I can make is to lay bare my -soul before Claude and accept my punishment. - -ARCHIBALD. - -And then, I think Claude should be given the chance of deciding for -himself. It’s not fair to leave him in ignorance. - -MISS VERNON. - -[_To_ GRACE.] Don’t you know that Claude loves you, and trusts you, and -believes in you? - -GRACE. - -That is all my torment. I’m so unworthy. If I didn’t love him--if I -didn’t want him to love me so much--it wouldn’t be so dreadful.... I -can’t bear that there should be this secret between us. I know that he’s -not loving me, but some fancy of his own heart. And I’m jealous. I’m -jealous of the woman he loves who isn’t me. And I want him to love me as -I am, as I love him. - -MISS VERNON. - -Grace, don’t forget that I’ve loved him, too, hopelessly, without any -thought of a return. It gives me some claim, doesn’t it? - - [ARCHIBALD _looks at her quickly, with surprise, but does not - speak_. - -MISS VERNON. - -The only thing I care for is his happiness. And I beseech you to have -mercy on him. - -GRACE. - -What do you mean? - -MISS VERNON. - -If you destroy his belief in you he’ll have nothing left. He thinks he’s -strong, but he isn’t. He depends on a few simple principles, and some of -them are already giving way under his feet. He wants you now more than -ever. You can give him back his self-reliance. And you’re going to -humiliate him. Besides everything else, the misery and the grief, don’t -you see what a blow it’ll be to his vanity? I beseech you to have mercy. - -GRACE. - -You’re asking me to go on living the hateful lie. But I can’t breathe. -The air about me seems heavy with deceit. If Claude doesn’t love me for -what I am, what can his love be to me? - -MISS VERNON. - -My dear, it’s not for ourselves that our friends love us, but for the -grace and the beauty that they’ve given us out of their own hearts. And -the only way we can show them our gratitude is by doing all we can to -preserve those precious illusions they have about us. - -GRACE. - -I don’t want a love that’s based on illusion. At the back of my mind -there was the hope that if I told Claude, some day in the future he -might forgive me. And we could start fresh with mutual knowledge and -mutual confidence. But if I don’t tell him, we can never come together. -Even though we’re not separated for an hour, there’ll always be this -barrier between us. - -MISS VERNON. - -Then let that be your punishment. - -GRACE. - -[_Startled._] That! [_With a little laugh of scorn._] You don’t know -what you’re asking me to do. It’s because I love Claude so much that I -_can’t_ let him go on thinking I’m good and pure and chaste. - -ARCHIBALD. - -And how can good come out of a lie, Helen? - -MISS VERNON. - -Perhaps it wouldn’t be a lie always. Don’t you remember the Happy -Hypocrite? Love can work many miracles. - -GRACE. - -[_With a sort of gasp._] You mean--you think I might become really what -Claude thinks me? - -MISS VERNON. - -You might try. - -GRACE. - -D’you know that I should never have a moment’s peace? - -MISS VERNON. - -If you love Claude really, that mightn’t be too great a price to pay for -his happiness. - -GRACE. - -[_Vehemently._] Oh, it’s all very well for you to talk, but you don’t -know what this sense of shame is. It’s killing me. And the degradation -of being loved for what you’re not. And you want me never to escape from -it. Oh, you’re right. It would be a fiendish punishment. - -MISS VERNON. - -It’s the only return you can make for all the love that Claude has given -you. - -GRACE. - -[_Taking up the thought._] For his wonderful kindness, and all these -years of thought and loving tenderness. - - [_For a moment_ GRACE _stares in front of her as the words sink - in_. - -MISS VERNON. - -Grace, it’s I who ask you now to be brave. - -GRACE. - -[_With a great sigh._] I seem to see the chance of a greater sacrifice -than anything I’d ever dreamt of. I wonder.... I believe there’s a -chance.... [_With a sudden start._] Oh! listen. - - [_She has heard_ CLAUDE _come in. There is a sound of voices in the - hall._ - -GRACE. - -That’s settled it. It’s too late now to do anything. - -MISS VERNON. - -What is it? - -GRACE. - -Claude’s just come in. I heard him speaking to Moore. He’s been given -the letter. - -MISS VERNON. - -D’you mean to say.... [_Some part of the facts dawns upon her and she -bursts out violently._] Oh, it’s not that the human race are wicked that -I mind, or that they’re weak--you _can_ give them backbone; but what I -can’t get over is that they are such blooming fools. - -GRACE. - -Will you leave me, both of you? Claude had better find me alone. - -MISS VERNON. - -[_To_ ARCHIBALD, _after a glance at_ GRACE.] Come. - - [_They go out._ GRACE _is horribly frightened. She stands quite - still, pulling her handkerchief about._ CLAUDE _comes in_. _He has - a letter in his hand. He flings it on a table._ GRACE _sees with a - start that it is unopened_. - -GRACE. - -[_Forcing herself to seem natural._] Is the inquest over? - -CLAUDE. - -[_Sinking dejectedly into a chair._] They brought in a verdict of -suicide while of unsound mind. - -GRACE. - -That was what you expected, wasn’t it? - -CLAUDE. - -Yes. - -GRACE. - -You must be thankful it’s finished and done with. - -CLAUDE. - -[_With an effort._] The jury passed a vote of censure on me. - -GRACE. - -Claude! - -CLAUDE. - -Oh, if you’d only heard the questions they asked me! There were -reporters there, so it’ll be in the papers and you can read for -yourself. They made me appear a perfect brute. - -GRACE. - -I’m sure it wasn’t as bad as you fancy. - -CLAUDE. - -You see, I hadn’t a chance of defending myself. I wasn’t going to make -excuses to a parcel of Dissenting shopkeepers. It made me look as if I -hadn’t a leg to stand on. - -GRACE. - -After all, what can it matter what a dozen yokels think of you? - -CLAUDE. - -And afterwards when I came out--they had the inquest in that big room -upstairs at the Insoley Arms--there was a crowd outside, people I’d -known all my life, I suppose they’d been taking the opportunity to have -a good soak, and they hissed me as I passed. - -GRACE. - -Didn’t you say that you were going to abolish the rule? - -CLAUDE. - -Of course I’m going to abolish the rule. Hang it all, it’s caused -wretchedness enough. - -GRACE. - -I wish you’d had an opportunity of telling them. - -CLAUDE. - -[_Rather shamefacedly._] The coroner asked me what I was going to do -about it. I couldn’t knuckle under then with all those people round me. -I simply couldn’t, Grace. I was obliged to say that I meant to be master -in my own house, and I didn’t propose to let anyone dictate to me. - -GRACE. - -[_Putting her hand on his shoulder._] I’m afraid you’ve been awfully -worried, old man. - -CLAUDE. - -It’s given me a bit of a knock to find out that they--they just hate me. -I was rather fond of the people on the estate, and I thought they were -fond of me. When they’ve been in trouble I’ve done every damned thing I -could to help them. When times have been bad I’ve not bothered much -about the rents, and we’ve never been rich. Hang it all, I’ve given them -all my time and my thoughts for years, and the only result is that they -can’t stick me. They haven’t got any mercy if I’ve made a mistake. They -give me no credit for good intentions. - -GRACE. - -I’m sure you exaggerate, Claude. You fancy they feel more bitter than -they really do. - -CLAUDE. - -Oh, if you’d only seen them! The pleasure they took in having a dig at -me! I could see the hatred on their faces. Oh, I expect Archibald is -right. Our time down here is over. The only fellow they want in the -country now is the Jew stockbroker with his pockets full of money. - -GRACE. - -Darling, _I_ know that you’ve always acted for the best. _I_ know how -much you’ve done for the people on the estate. After all, it wasn’t for -their gratitude that you did it, was it? It was because it was your -duty. - -CLAUDE. - -[_Rising._] Oh, Grace, I don’t know what I should do without you. You’ve -been so awfully good to me through the whole thing. I’m so grateful to -you. - -GRACE. - -What nonsense! - -CLAUDE. - -I was so afraid it would make a difference to you, but it hasn’t, has -it? - -GRACE. - -[_Shaking her head._] No. - -CLAUDE. - -If I lost you, Grace, I couldn’t live. Without you--I can’t imagine life -without you. - -GRACE. - -How absurd you are, Claude. - -CLAUDE. - -I’m talking rot, aren’t I? - - [_He notices the letter, which he had put on the table, and picks - it up._ GRACE _catches her breath_. - -CLAUDE. - -Hulloa! I forgot to open this. Moore gave it me as I came in. [_With -surprise._] It’s your hand-writing. - -GRACE. - -[_Quite naturally, holding out her hand._] It’s nothing. I was afraid I -should have gone out by the time you came in, and I wanted to remind you -about the herbaceous border. It’s only a note. - -CLAUDE. - -[_Giving her the letter._] Are you going out? - -GRACE. - -I was going to motor to Wells with Helen Vernon. - - [_As she speaks she tears the letter into little bits._ - -CLAUDE. - -Don’t leave me to-day, Grace. I want you so awfully badly. - -GRACE. - -[_Sinking with exhaustion into a chair._] No, I won’t leave you ... if -you want me. - - [CLAUDE _kneels down by her side_. - -CLAUDE. - -I always want you, Grace. You’re so much to me.... After all, nothing -can really matter to me so long as I have you. It’s such a comfort to -think that I can trust you. And you’ll never round on me. I’m awfully -grateful for you, Grace. - - [_He buries his face in her lap, kissing her hands._ - -GRACE. - -[_In a trembling voice._] I can never be such a wife to you as you -deserve, Claude. But I can try. If you can believe in me always, Claude, -perhaps in time I can become what you believe me. [_He makes a -movement._] No, don’t look at me. I want you to know that I love you -with all my heart, I love you with my body, and I love you with my soul. -I want to forget myself and think only of you. What does my happiness -matter so long as I can make you happy? - - [_She bends down and kisses his hair._ - -THE END - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Landed Gentry, by W. 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Somerset Maugham. -</title> -<style type="text/css"> - p {margin-top:.2em;text-align:justify;margin-bottom:.2em;text-indent:4%;} - -.c {text-align:center;text-indent:0%;} - -.cb {text-align:center;text-indent:0%;font-weight:bold;} - -.cspoc {margin:2% auto 2% auto;font-size:80%;text-align:center;text-indent:0%;} - -.hang {text-indent:-2%;margin-left:2%;} - -.nind {text-indent:0%;} - -.persn {text-align:center;text-indent:0%;font-weight:bold; -margin-top:.5em;} - - @media print, handheld - {.persn - {page-break-after: avoid;} - } - -.r {text-align:right;margin-right: 5%;} - -.rt {margin:auto 8% auto 35%;text-indent:-2%;} - - h1 {margin-top:5%;text-align:center;clear:both;} - - h2 {margin-top:4%;margin-bottom:2%;text-align:center;clear:both; - font-size:120%;} - - hr.full {width: 50%;margin:5% auto 5% auto;border:4px double gray;} - - table {margin-top:2%;margin-bottom:2%;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;border:none;} - -.bl {border-left:1px solid black;} - - body{margin-left:2%;margin-right:2%;background:#ffffff;color:black;font-family:"Times New Roman", serif;font-size:medium;} - -a:link {background-color:#ffffff;color:blue;text-decoration:none;} - - link {background-color:#ffffff;color:blue;text-decoration:none;} - -a:visited {background-color:#ffffff;color:purple;text-decoration:none;} - -a:hover {background-color:#ffffff;color:#FF0000;text-decoration:underline;} - -.smcap {font-variant:small-caps;font-size:100%;} - - img {border:none;} - -.blockquot {margin-top:2%;margin-bottom:2%;} - -.blockquottt {margin:2% 16% 2% 16%;} - -.figcenter {margin-top:3%;margin-bottom:3%;clear:both; -margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;text-align:center;text-indent:0%;} - @media print, handheld - {.figcenter - {page-break-before: avoid;} - } - -div.poetry {text-align:left;margin-left:4%;} -div.poem {font-size:100%;margin:auto auto;text-indent:0%; -display: inline-block; text-align: left;} -.poem .stanza {margin-top: 1em;margin-bottom:1em;} -.poem span.i0 {display: block; margin-left: 0em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} -</style> - </head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Landed Gentry, by W. Somerset Maugham - -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/license - - -Title: Landed Gentry - A Comedy in Four Acts - -Author: W. Somerset Maugham - -Release Date: December 3, 2015 [EBook #50601] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LANDED GENTRY *** - - - - -Produced by Chuck Greif and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images available at The Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - -<hr class="full" /> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="341" height="450" alt="[cover -image not available]" /> -</div> - -<table border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td class="c"><a href="#CHARACTERS"><b>Characters</b></a><br /> -<a href="#THE_FIRST_ACT"><b>Act I</b></a><br /> -<a href="#THE_SECOND_ACT"><b>Act II</b></a><br /> -<a href="#THE_THIRD_ACT"><b>Act III</b></a><br /> -<a href="#THE_FOURTH_ACT"><b>Act IV</b></a></td></tr> -</table> - -<p class="cb"><i>LANDED GENTRY</i></p> - -<p class="cb"><i>PLAYS BY W. S. MAUGHAM</i></p> - -<p class="c">Uniform with this volume</p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td> -<i>JACK STRAW</i><br /> -<i>PENELOPE</i><br /> -<i>MRS. DOT</i><br /> -<i>THE EXPLORER</i><br /> -<i>A MAN OF HONOUR</i><br /> -<i>LADY FREDERICK</i><br /> -<i>SMITH</i><br /> -<i>THE TENTH MAN</i></td></tr> -</table> - - -<p class="c"><i>CHICAGO: THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY</i></p> - - - - -<h1> -<i><span class="smcap">Landed Gentry</span></i></h1> - -<p class="r"><i>A COMEDY</i><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-right: 2em;"><i>In Four Acts</i></span><br /> -<br /> -<i><span class="smcap">By W. S. MAUGHAM</span></i></p> - -<p class="nind"><i>CHICAGO</i>:<br /> -<i>THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY</i><br /> -</p> - -<p class="c"> -<span class="smcap">Printed by<br /> -Ballantyne & Company ltd<br /> -London, England</span><br /> -</p> - -<p class="nind">This play was produced under the title “<span class="smcap">Grace</span>,” at the Duke of York’s -Theatre, London, October 15, 1910, with the following cast:</p> - - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td>Claude Insoley</td><td align="right">Dennis Eadie</td></tr> -<tr><td>Rev. Archibald Insoley</td><td align="right">Leslie Faber</td></tr> -<tr><td>Henry Cobbett</td><td align="right">Arthur Wontner</td></tr> -<tr><td>Gann</td><td align="right">Edmund Gwenn</td></tr> -<tr><td>Moore</td><td align="right">Heston Cooper</td></tr> -<tr><td>Grace Insoley</td><td align="right">Irene Vanbrugh</td></tr> -<tr><td>Mrs. Insoley</td><td align="right">Lady Tree</td></tr> -<tr><td>Miss Vernon of Foley</td><td align="right">Lillah MacCarthy</td></tr> -<tr><td>Miss Hall</td><td align="right">Mary Barton</td></tr> -<tr><td>Edith Lewis</td><td align="right">Nina Sevening</td></tr> -<tr><td>Margaret Gann</td><td align="right">Gertrude Lang</td></tr> -</table> - - - - -<hr style="width: 65%;" /> -<h2><i>LANDED GENTRY</i></h2> - -<h2><a name="CHARACTERS" id="CHARACTERS"></a><i>CHARACTERS</i></h2> - - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> - -<tr><td><span class="smcap">Claude Insoley</span><br /> -<span class="smcap">Rev. Archibald Insoley</span><br /> -<span class="smcap">Henry Cobbett</span><br /> -<span class="smcap">Gann</span><br /> -<span class="smcap">Moore</span><br /> -<span class="smcap">Grace Insoley</span><br /> -<span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley</span><br /> -<span class="smcap">Miss Vernon of Foley</span><br /> -<span class="smcap">Miss Hall</span><br /> -<span class="smcap">Edith Lewis</span><br /> -<span class="smcap">Margaret Gann</span></td></tr> -</table> - - -<p class="c"><i>The Action takes place at Kenyon-Fulton, Claude Insoley’s place in -Somersetshire.</i></p> - -<div class="blockquottt"> -<p><i>The Performing Rights of this play are fully protected, and permission -to perform it, whether by Amateurs or Professionals, must be obtained in -advance from the author’s Sole Agent, R. Golding Bright, 20 Green -Street, Leicester Square, London, W.C., from whom all particulars can be -obtained.</i><a name="page_1" id="page_1"></a></p> -</div> - -<h1>LANDED GENTRY</h1> - -<h2><a name="THE_FIRST_ACT" id="THE_FIRST_ACT"></a>THE FIRST ACT</h2> - - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="hang"><span class="smcap">Scene</span>: <i>The drawing-room at Kenyon-Fulton. It is a handsome -apartment with large windows, reaching to the ground. On the walls -are old masters whose darkness conceals their artistic -insignificance. The furniture is fine and solid. Nothing is very -new or smart. The chintzes have a rather pallid Victorian air. The -room with its substantial magnificence represents the character of -a family rather than the taste of an individual.</i></p> - -<p class="hang"><i>It is night and one or two electric lamps are burning.</i></p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="smcap">Moore</span>, <i>an elderly impressive butler, comes in, followed by</i> <span class="smcap">Gann</span>. -<i>This is</i> <span class="smcap">Claude Insoley’s</span> <i>gamekeeper, a short, sturdy man, -grizzled, with wild stubborn hair and a fringe of beard round his -chin. He wears his Sunday clothes of sombre broadcloth.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Moore.</span></p> - -<p>You’re to wait here.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Gann</span>, <i>hat in hand, advances to the middle of the room</i>.</p></div> - -<p><a name="page_2" id="page_2"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Moore.</span></p> - -<p>They’ve not got up from dinner yet, but he’ll come and see you at once.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>I’ll wait.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Moore.</span></p> - -<p>He said I was to tell him the moment you come. What can he be wanting of -you at this time of night?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>Maybe if he wished you to know he’d have told you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Moore.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t want to know what don’t concern me.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>Pity there ain’t more like you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Moore.</span></p> - -<p>It’s the missus’ birthday to-day.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>Didn’t he say you was to tell him the moment I come?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Moore.</span></p> - -<p>I’ve only just took in the dessert. Give ’em a minute to sample the -peaches.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>I thought them was your orders.<a name="page_3" id="page_3"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Moore.</span></p> - -<p>You’re a nice civil-spoken one, you are.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>With an effort</i> <span class="smcap">Gann</span> <i>prevents himself from replying. It is as -much as he can do to keep his hands off the sleek, obsequious -butler.</i> <span class="smcap">Moore</span> <i>after a glance at him goes out. The gamekeeper -begins to walk up and down the room like a caged beast. In a moment -he hears a sound and stops still. He turns his hat round and round -in his hands.</i></p> - -<p>[<span class="smcap">Claude Insoley</span> <i>comes in. He is a man of thirty-five, rather -dried-up, rather precise, neither good-looking nor plain, with a -slightly dogmatic, authoritative manner.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Good evening, Gann.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>Good evening, sir.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Claude</span> <i>hesitates for a moment; to conceal a slight embarrassment -he lights a cigarette</i>. <span class="smcap">Gann</span> <i>watches him steadily</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I suppose you know what I’ve sent for you about.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>No, sir.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I should have thought you might guess without<a name="page_4" id="page_4"></a> hurting yourself. The -Rector tells me that your daughter Peggy came back last night.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>Yes, sir.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Bit thick, isn’t it?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t know what you mean, sir.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, that’s all rot, Gann. You know perfectly well what I mean. It’s a -beastly matter for both of us, but it’s no good funking it.... You’ve -been on the estate pretty well all your life, haven’t you?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>It’s fifty-four years come next Michaelmas that my father was took on, -and I was earning wages here before you was born.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>My governor always said you were the best keeper he ever struck, and -hang it all, I haven’t had anything to complain about either.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>Thank you, sir.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Anyhow, we shan’t make it any better by beating about the bush. It -appears that Peggy has got into<a name="page_5" id="page_5"></a> trouble in London.... I’m awfully sorry -for you, and all that sort of thing.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>Poor child. She’s not to blame.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Claude</span> <i>gives a slight shrug of the shoulders</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>I want ’er to forget all she’s gone through. It was a mistake she ever -went to London, but she would go. Now I’ll keep ’er beside me. She’ll -never leave me again till I’m put underground.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>That’s all very fine and large, but I’m afraid Peggy can’t stay on here, -Gann.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>Why not?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>You know the rule of the estate as well as I do. When a girl gets into a -mess she has to go.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>It’s a wicked rule!</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>You never thought so before, and this isn’t the first time you’ve seen -it applied, by a long chalk.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>The girl went away once and come to grief. She<a name="page_6" id="page_6"></a> wellnigh killed herself -with the shame of it. I’m not going to let ’er out of my sight again.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I’m afraid I can’t make an exception in your favour, Gann.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Desperately.</i>] Where’s she to go to?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, I expect she’ll be able to get a job somewhere. Mrs. Insoley’ll do -all she can.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>It’s no good, Squire. I can’t let ’er go. I want ’er.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t want to be unreasonable. I’ll give you a certain amount of time -to make arrangements.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>Time’s no good to me. I haven’t the ’eart to send her away.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I’m afraid it’s not a question of whether you like it or not. You must -do as you’re told.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>I can’t part with her, and there’s an end of it.<a name="page_7" id="page_7"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>You’d better go and talk it over with your wife.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t want to talk it over with anyone. I’ve made up my mind.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Claude</span> <i>is silent for a moment. He looks at</i> <span class="smcap">Gann</span> <i>thoughtfully</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Deliberately.</i>] I’ll give you twenty-four hours to think about it.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Startled.</i>] What d’you mean by that, sir?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>If Peggy isn’t gone by that time, I am afraid I shall have to send you -away.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>You wouldn’t do that, sir? You couldn’t do it, Squire, not after all -these years.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>We’ll soon see about that, my friend.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>You can’t dismiss me for that. I’ll have the law of you. I’ll sue you -for wrongful dismissal.<a name="page_8" id="page_8"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>You can do what you damned well like; but if Peggy hasn’t gone by -to-morrow night I shall turn you off the estate on Tuesday.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Hoarsely.</i>] You wouldn’t do it! You couldn’t do it.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>There is a sound of talking and laughter, and of a general -movement as the dining-room door is opened.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>They’re just coming in. You’d better hook it.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Miss Vernon</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Edith Lewis</span> <i>come in, followed by</i> <span class="smcap">Grace</span>. <i>For a -moment</i> <span class="smcap">Gann</span> <i>stands awkwardly, and then leaves the room</i>. <span class="smcap">Miss -Vernon</span> <i>is a slight, faded, rather gaunt woman of thirty-five. Her -deliberate manner, her composure, suggest a woman of means and a -woman who knows her own mind.</i> <span class="smcap">Edith Lewis</span> <i>is a pretty girl of -twenty</i>. <span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>is thirty. She is a beautiful creature with an -eager, earnest face and fine eyes. She has a restless manner, and -her frequent laughter strikes you as forced. She is always falling -from one emotion to another. She uses a slightly satirical note -when she speaks to her husband.</i></p></div> - -<p><a name="page_9" id="page_9"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Edith.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Going to the window.</i>] Oh, what a lovely night! Do let’s go out. [<i>To</i> -<span class="smcap">Grace</span>.] May we?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Of course, if you want to.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Edith.</span></p> - -<p>I’m perfectly sick with envy every time I look out of the window. Those -lovely old trees!</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I wonder if you’d be sick with envy if you looked at nothing else for -forty-six weeks in the year?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Edith.</span></p> - -<p>I adore the country.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>People who habitually live in London generally do.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>Aren’t you fond of the country?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Vehemently.</i>] I hate it! I hate it with all my heart and soul.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>My dear Grace, what are you saying?<a name="page_10" id="page_10"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>It bores me. It bores me stiff. Those endless trees, and those dreary -meadows, and those ploughed fields. Oh!</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Edith.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t think I could ever get tired of the view from your dining-room.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Not if you saw it for three meals a day for ten years? Oh, my dear, you -don’t know what that view is like at an early breakfast on a winter’s -morning. You sit there looking at it, with icy fingers, wondering if -your nose is red, while your husband reads morning prayers, because his -father read morning prayers before him; and the sky looks as if it were -going to sink down and crush you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>You can’t expect sunshine all the year round, can you?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] True, O King!</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Edith.</span></p> - -<p>Well, I’m a Cockney, and I feel inclined to fall down on my very knees -and worship those big trees in your park. Oh, what a night!<a name="page_11" id="page_11"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">In such a night as this,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">When the sweet wind did gently kiss the trees<br /></span> -<span class="i0">And they did make no noise....<br /></span> -</div></div> -</div> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Miss Vernon</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Edith Lewis</span> <i>go out</i>. <span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>is left alone with -her husband</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>What on earth was Gann doing here?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I had something to say to him.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>May I know what?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>It would only bore you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>That wouldn’t be a new experience.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I say, you’re looking jolly to-night, darling.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>It’s kind of you to say so.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Were you pleased with the necklace I gave you this morning?<a name="page_12" id="page_12"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] Surely I said so at the time.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I was rather hoping you’d wear it to-night.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>It wouldn’t have gone with my frock.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>You might have put it on all the same.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>You see, your example hasn’t been lost on me. I’ve learnt to put -propriety before sentiment.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Rather shyly.</i>] I should have thought, if you cared for me, you -wouldn’t have minded.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Are you reproaching me?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>No!</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Only?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Hang it all, I can’t help wishing sometimes you’d seem as if—you were -fond of me, don’t you know.<a name="page_13" id="page_13"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>If you’ll point out anything you particularly object to in my behaviour, -I’ll try to change it.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>My dear, I don’t want much, do I?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t know why you should choose this particular time to make a scene.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Hang it all, I’m not making a scene!</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I beg your pardon, I forgot that only women make scenes.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I only wanted to tell you that I’m just about as fond of you as I can -stick.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Suddenly touched.</i>] After ten years of holy matrimony?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>It seems about ten days to me.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Good God, to me it seems a lifetime.<a name="page_14" id="page_14"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I say, Grace, what d’you mean by that?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Recovering herself.</i>] Oughtn’t you to go back to the dining-room? Your -brother and Mr. Cobbett will be boring one another.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Claude</span> <i>looks at her for a moment, then rises and goes out</i>. <span class="smcap">Grace</span> -<i>clenches her hands, and an expression of utter wretchedness -crosses her face. She passes her hand across her eyes with an -impatient gesture, as if she were trying to shake herself free from -some torturing thought.</i> <span class="smcap">Moore</span> <i>comes in with coffee on a salver</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Put it down on the table.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Moore.</span></p> - -<p>Yes, madam.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Miss Vernon’s in the garden with Miss Lewis. Will you tell them that -coffee is here?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Moore.</span></p> - -<p>Very good, ma’am.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>He goes out of one of the French windows into the garden. In a -moment</i> <span class="smcap">Miss Vernon</span> <i>comes in</i>.</p></div> - -<p><a name="page_15" id="page_15"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Isn’t Edith coming?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>I sent her to get a wrap. We want to go down to the lake.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Will you have some coffee?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>Thank you.... I was trying to remember how long it is since I was here -last.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Pouring out the coffee.</i>] It was before I was married.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>I’m devoted to Kenyon, I’m so glad you asked me to come and spend -Whitsun here.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>My mother-in-law wrote and told us that you weren’t engaged.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a smile.</i>] That sounds rather chilly.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Does it?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Abruptly.</i>] May I call you Grace?<a name="page_16" id="page_16"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Looking up, faintly surprised.</i>] Certainly. If you wish it.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>My name is Helen.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Is it?</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Miss Vernon</span> <i>gives a slight smile of amusement, then gets up and -stands before the fire-place with her hands behind her back</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>I wonder why you dislike me so much?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t know why you should think I do.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>You don’t take much trouble to hide it, do you?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I’m sorry. In future I’ll be more careful.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Rather wistfully.</i>] I wanted to be great friends with you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I’m afraid I don’t make friends very easily.<a name="page_17" id="page_17"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>We live so near one another. It seems rather silly that we should only -just be on speaking terms.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>A very short pause.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>They wanted Claude to marry you, didn’t they? And he married me instead.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>When I saw you at your wedding, I couldn’t help feeling I’d have done -just the same in his place.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a twinkle in her eye.</i>] And now they want you to marry his -brother Archibald.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] So I understand.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Are you going to?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>He hasn’t asked me yet.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Five thousand acres in a ring fence. It seems a pity to let it go out of -the family.<a name="page_18" id="page_18"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>It’s such a nuisance that a plainish woman of six-and-thirty has to be -taken along with it.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Did you ever care for Claude?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>If I did or not, I’m very anxious to care for his wife.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Why?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>Well, partly because I’m afraid you’re not very happy.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Startled.</i>] I? [<i>Almost defiantly.</i>] I should have thought I had -everything that a woman can want to make her happy. I’ve got a husband -who adores me. We’re rich. We’re—[<i>with a sudden break in her -voice</i>]—happy! I wish to God he had married you! It’s clear enough now -that he made a mistake.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a chuckle.</i>] I don’t think it’s occurred to him, you know.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>How many times d’you suppose his mother has said to Claude: Things would -be very different now if you’d had the sense to marry Helen Vernon.<a name="page_19" id="page_19"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>Yes, in that case I must say it’s not to be wondered at if you don’t -like me very much.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Like you! I hate you with all my heart and soul!</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>Good gracious me, you don’t say so?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a sudden flash of humour.</i>] You don’t mind my telling you, do -you?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>Not a bit, but I should very much like to know why?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Because I’ve got an envious disposition and I envy you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>A solitary old maid like me?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>You’ve got everything that I haven’t got. D’you suppose I’ve lived ten -years in my husband’s family without realising the gulf that separates -Miss Vernon of Foley from the very middle-class young woman that Claude -Insoley was such a damned fool as<a name="page_20" id="page_20"></a> to marry? You’ve got money and I -haven’t a farthing.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>Money isn’t everything.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, don’t talk such nonsense! How would you like to be dependent on -somebody else for every penny you had? If I want to get Claude a -Christmas present I have to buy it out of his money.... It wouldn’t be -so maddening if I only had forty pounds a year of my own, but I haven’t -a penny, not a penny! And I have to keep accounts. After all, it’s his -money. If he wants accounts why shouldn’t he have them? I have to write -down the cost of every packet of hair-pins. [<i>With a sudden chuckle.</i>] -And the worst of it is, I never could add.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>That, of course, must increase the difficulty of keeping accounts.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I’ve been an utter failure from the beginning. They despised me because -I was a nobody and not even a rich nobody; but I was a strapping, -healthy sort of young woman and they consoled themselves by thinking I’d -have children—a milch cow was what they wanted—and I haven’t even had -children....</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Miss Vernon</span>, <i>not knowing what to say, makes a little gesture of -perplexity and helplessness. There is a brief pause.</i></p></div> - -<p><a name="page_21" id="page_21"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Oh! I’m about fed up with all the humiliations I’ve had to endure.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Edith Lewis</span> <i>comes in with a wrap which she gives to</i> <span class="smcap">Miss Vernon</span>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Edith.</span></p> - -<p>Will this do?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>Thanks so much. You’re a perfect angel.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>You mustn’t stay out more than a few minutes. The men will be here in a -moment, and I want to play poker. When my mother-in-law comes we shall -have to mind our p’s and q’s.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Edith.</span></p> - -<p>You don’t like Mrs. Insoley?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Mrs. Insoley doesn’t like me.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>Nonsense! She’s very fond of you indeed.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I could wish she had some pleasanter way of showing it than finding -fault with everything I do, everything I say, and everything I wear.<a name="page_22" id="page_22"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Edith.</span></p> - -<p>She’s coming to-morrow, isn’t she?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Yes. [<i>With a quizzical smile.</i>] She’ll thoroughly disapprove of you. -When I introduce you to her: This is Miss Lewis—she’ll look at you for -a moment as if you were a kitchen-maid applying for a situation and say: -Lewis.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Edith.</span></p> - -<p>Why?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Because, like myself, you’re not county.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Edith.</span></p> - -<p>Oh!</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>It’s all very fine to say: Oh! but you don’t know what that means. In -London, if you’re pretty and amusing and don’t give yourself airs, -people are quite ready to be nice to you; but in a place like this, you -can have every virtue under the sun, and if you’re not county you’re of -no importance in this world, and you’ll certainly be very uncomfortable -in the next.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] I think you’re extremely hard on us. If you have the -advantage of....<a name="page_23" id="page_23"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Seizing the opportunity which</i> <span class="smcap">Miss Vernon’s</span> <i>hesitation gives her</i>.] -Middle-class origins?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>You needn’t grudge us the perfectly harmless delusion that there is a -difference between a family that has lived in the same place for three -or four centuries, with traditions of good breeding and service to the -country—and one that has no roots in the soil.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I seem to hear Claude’s very words.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Good-humouredly.</i>] Of course we have our faults.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>You’re the first member of your class that I’ve ever heard acknowledge -it.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Meditatively.</i>] I wonder if you’d despise us so much if you had a -string of drunken, fox-hunting squires behind you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, my dear, when I was first married I used to lie awake at night -wishing for them with all my heart. When the neighbours came to call on -me I could see them obviously lying in wait for the aitches they were<a name="page_24" id="page_24"></a> -expecting me to drop. A Miss Robinson, wasn’t she? Robinson! Are there -people called Robinson? Oh, how I wanted to scratch their ugly old -faces!</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>How lucky I was abroad for so long! You might have disfigured me for -life.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I’ve often thought that if the Archangel Gabriel came down in -Somersetshire, they’d look him out in the “Landed Gentry” before they -asked him to a shooting-party.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t think you ought to judge us all on Mrs. Insoley. She’s a type -that’s dying out.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Edith.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t want to seem inquisitive, but if you don’t like Mrs. Insoley why -on earth d’you have her to stay here?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Simple-minded child! Because even in a county family money’s the only -thing in the world that really matters, and we’re penniless, while Mrs. -Insoley—[<i>with a quick, defiant look at</i> <span class="smcap">Miss Vernon</span>]—Mrs. Insoley -stinks of it.... Do I shock you?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a smile.</i>] No, because I see you’re trying to.<a name="page_25" id="page_25"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Claude has nothing but the house and land and his principles. And if -we’re able to have the hounds and the shooting and a couple of cars, -it’s because Mrs. Insoley pays for it.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Explaining to</i> <span class="smcap">Edith Lewis</span>.] Mrs. Insoley was an heiress.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>She was a Bainbridge, and you’ll hear her thank God for it frequently.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Archibald Insoley</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Henry Cobbett</span> <i>come in</i>. <span class="smcap">Archibald</span> <i>is a -pleasant, good-looking man of thirty-four, with a humorous way -about him, and a kindly expression. He holds the family living of -Kenyon-Fulton, but there is nothing in him of the sanctimoniousness -of the cloth.</i> <span class="smcap">Cobbett</span> <i>is an agreeable youth of four-and-twenty. -They are followed by</i> <span class="smcap">Claude Insoley</span>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Seeing</i> <span class="smcap">Edith Lewis</span> <i>at the window</i>.] Are you going out?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Edith.</span></p> - -<p>We were—but we won’t.<a name="page_26" id="page_26"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I’ve been preparing Miss Lewis for your mother’s arrival.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Edith.</span></p> - -<p>I’m beginning to tremble in my shoes.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>Our mother is what is usually described as a woman of character. With -the best intentions in the world and the highest principles she succeeds -in making life almost intolerable to every one connected with her.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>You won’t forget to send the carriage for her to-morrow, Grace?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I won’t.... Last time we sent the car by mistake, and she sent it back -again.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>Good heavens, why did she do that?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Mrs. Insoley never has driven in a motor-car, and Mrs. Insoley never -will drive in a motor-car.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Not unamiably.</i>] I don’t think you ought to make fun of my mother, -Grace.<a name="page_27" id="page_27"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I wouldn’t if I could make anything else of her.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>As she says this she sits down at the piano and rattles her -fingers over the keys.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Will you sing us a song, Mr. Cobbett?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>No, thank you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I want to be amused.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>How desperately you say that!</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Cobbett</span>.] What will you sing?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>I’m afraid I don’t know anything that will fit the occasion.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I seem to have heard you warble a graceful little ditty about a top -note.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>Thank you very much, but I’m not fond of making a fool of myself.<a name="page_28" id="page_28"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Part of a gentleman’s education should be how to make himself ridiculous -with dignity.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Cobbett</span>.] You make more fuss about singing than a young lady at a -tea-party.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Looking at him with smiling lips but with hard eyes.</i>] Let us have no -more maidenly coyness.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>She begins to play, and</i> <span class="smcap">Cobbett</span>, <i>shrugging his shoulders, -begins with rather bad grace to sing the song, “I can’t reach that -top note.” While they are in the middle of it the door opens, and -the</i> <span class="smcap">Butler</span> <i>announces</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley</span> <i>and her companion</i>. <span class="smcap">Mrs. -Insoley</span> <i>is a little old lady of some corpulence, shabbily dressed -in rusty black. She looks rather like a charwoman in her Sunday -best.</i> <span class="smcap">Miss Hall</span>, <i>her companion, is a self-effacing silent person -of uncertain age. She is always very anxious to make herself -useful.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Moore.</span></p> - -<p>Mrs. Insoley, Miss Hall.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Mother!</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>The singing abruptly ceases. There is general consternation.</i> -<span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley</span> <i>stops still for<a name="page_29" id="page_29"></a> one moment, and surveys the party -with indignation. Then she sweeps into the room with such majesty -as is compatible with her small size and considerable obesity.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Is this a lunatic asylum that I have come into?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>We didn’t expect you till to-morrow.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>So I imagined by the fact that I found no conveyance at the station. I -had to take a fly, and it cost me four-and-sixpence.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>But why didn’t you let us know you’d changed your plans, mother?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>I did let you know. I wrote to Grace yesterday. She must have got my -letter this morning.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, how stupid of me! I recognised your writing, and as it was my -birthday I thought I wouldn’t open it till to-morrow.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Grace!<a name="page_30" id="page_30"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I’m dreadfully sorry.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>It was only by the mercy of Providence that I didn’t have to walk.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>There are always flies at the station.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Providence might very well have caused them to be all engaged.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t know why you should think Providence has nothing better to do -than to play practical jokes on us.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Looking round.</i>] And may I inquire why you have turned the house in -which your father died into a bear garden?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>It’s Grace’s birthday, and we thought there would be no harm in our -having a little fun.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Putting up her face-à-main and staring at the company.</i>] I’m -old-fashioned enough and well-bred enough to like people to be -introduced to me.<a name="page_31" id="page_31"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Nowadays every one’s so disreputable that we think it safer not to make -introductions.... This is Miss Lewis.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Edith.</span></p> - -<p>How d’you do?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Lewis!</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a little smile of amusement.</i>] I think you know Miss Vernon of -Foley.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Very affably.</i>] Of course I know Miss Vernon of Foley. My dear Helen, -you’re looking very handsome. It wants a woman of birth to wear the -outrageous costumes of the present day.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Shaking hands with her.</i>] It’s so nice of you to say so.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I forget if you know Mr. Cobbett.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>How do you do?</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>He bows slightly as</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley</span> <i>looks at him through her -glasses</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Cobbett!<a name="page_32" id="page_32"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With some asperity.</i>] Cobbett!</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Turning to</i> <span class="smcap">Miss Hall</span>.] We used to have a milkman called Cobbett, -Louisa.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Hall.</span></p> - -<p>Our milkman is called Wilkinson now.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Very graciously.</i>] You were singing a song when I came in. What was it -called?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Rather sulkily.</i>] “I can’t reach that top note.”</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>I wondered why you were trying.... Why are you hiding behind that sofa, -Archibald? Do you not intend to kiss your mother?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>I’m delighted to see you, my dear mother.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>He kisses her on the forehead.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>I’m rather surprised to see a clergyman at a dinner-party on a Sunday -night.<a name="page_33" id="page_33"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>I find two sermons a day excellent for the appetite. And the Bible tells -us that corn makes the young men cheerful.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] Aren’t you dreadfully hungry? Wouldn’t you like something -to eat?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>No, I shall go straight to my room. It always upsets me to drive in a -hired carriage.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I’ll just go and see that everything’s nice and comfortable.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Pray don’t put yourself to any trouble on my account. It would distress -me.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>goes out</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Edith.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Aside to</i> <span class="smcap">Miss Vernon</span>.] Don’t you think we might go down to the lake?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>By all means.... There’s nothing I can get you, Mrs. Insoley?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Graciously.</i>] Nothing, my dear Helen.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Miss Vernon</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Edith Lewis</span> <i>go out, and a moment later</i> <span class="smcap">Cobbett</span> -<i>slips out also</i>.</p></div> - -<p><a name="page_34" id="page_34"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Claude, will you take Miss Hall into the dining-room and give her a -sandwich and a glass of port?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Certainly.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Hall.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t think I want anything, thank you, Mrs. Insoley.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Nonsense, Louisa! Allow me to know what is good for you. You’ll see that -she drinks the port, Claude. [<i>As they go out.</i>] I want to talk to -Archibald.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>My dear mother, I throw myself at your feet.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a chuckle.</i>] I very much doubt if you could. You’re growing much -too fat. It’s quite time they made you something.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] The landed gentry hasn’t its old power. Promotion in the -Church nowadays is given with new-fangled ideas about merit and -scholarship and heaven knows what.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>I hope you never eat potatoes or bread?<a name="page_35" id="page_35"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>I fly from them as I would from temptation.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Nor soup?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>It is as the scarlet woman to me.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>And I trust you never touch green peas.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>Ah, there you have me. Even the saints had their weaknesses. I confess -that when green peas are in season I always put on flesh.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>You want some one to keep a firm hand on you. You must marry.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>I saw you approaching that topic by leaps and bounds, mother.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>It’s a clergyman’s duty to marry.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Chaffing her.</i>] St. Paul says....<a name="page_36" id="page_36"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Interrupting.</i>] I know what St. Paul’s views were, Archibald, and I -disagree with them.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Dryly.</i>] I have every reason to believe he was of excellent family, -mother.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Giving him a quick look.</i>] We all know that it was a great -disappointment to Helen Vernon when—you know what I mean.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>I can’t help thinking she showed bad taste in surviving the blow.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>It was a great disappointment to me. I had set my heart on joining Foley -to Kenyon-Fulton.... It wouldn’t be too late even now if you had the -sense to appreciate Helen Vernon’s affection for you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>My dear mother, I can’t persuade myself for a moment that Helen Vernon -has any affection for me.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>A woman of her age is prepared to have affection for any one who asks -her to marry him.<a name="page_37" id="page_37"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>Even if he’s a poor country parson?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>You’re a great deal more than a country parson, Archibald. It is -unlikely that Grace will have any children, so unless—something happens -to allow Claude to marry again....</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>What d’you mean by that, mother?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Grace is not immortal.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>On the other hand, she has excellent health.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>There may be other ways of disposing of her.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>What ways?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Looking at him calmly.</i>] Since when have you laboured under the -delusion that I am the sort of woman to submit to cross-examination, -Archibald?</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>The entrance of</i> <span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>interrupts the conversation</i>.</p></div> - -<p><a name="page_38" id="page_38"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I hope I haven’t kept you waiting. I think you’ll find everything all -right.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>In that case I shall go to my room. Archibald, tell Louisa that I am -ready to go to my room.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>Certainly.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>He goes out, leaving</i> <span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>alone with</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley</span>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Who is the young lady you have staying with you, Grace?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Edith Lewis. She’s a friend of mine.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Ah! And who is this Mr. Cobbett?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>He’s a friend of mine too.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>I didn’t imagine that you would invite total strangers to stay with -you.<a name="page_39" id="page_39"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t know that there’s any other way of describing them.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>I dare say that is a sufficient description in itself.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Miss Hall</span> <i>comes back with</i> <span class="smcap">Claude</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Archibald</span>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>I’m going to my room, Louisa. I shall be ready for you to read to me in -a quarter of an hour.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Hall.</span></p> - -<p>Very good, Mrs. Insoley. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Grace</span>.] I suppose you don’t have prayers -on Sunday night?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>No, we read our pedigree instead. You’ll find the “Landed Gentry” in -your bedroom.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Icily.</i>] In my young days it was thought more important for a young -lady to be well-born than to be clever.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Chuckling.</i>] The result has been disastrous for the present -generation.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Good night.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Shaking hands cordially with</i> <span class="smcap">Miss Hall</span>.] Be sure<a name="page_40" id="page_40"></a> and let me know if -you’re not quite comfortable. I hope you’ll find everything you want in -your room.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Of course Louisa will find everything she wants. She wants nothing. -Come, Louisa.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Miss Hall</span> <i>go out</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>I think I’ll be toddling back to my rectory.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, all right.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>Good night, Grace.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Good night.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Archibald</span>.] I talked to Gann about that matter.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>I’m afraid he’s going to make rather a nuisance of himself.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I took a good firm line, you know.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>That’s right. It’s the only way with those sort of fellows. Good night, -old man.<a name="page_41" id="page_41"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Good night.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Archibald</span> <i>goes out</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>You were asking about Gann just now, Grace?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I was.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>At first I thought I’d better not tell you anything about it, but I’ve -been thinking it over....</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Interrupting.</i>] It was quite unnecessary. I’m not at all curious.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I think perhaps it would be better if I told you what I’d done.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I’m sure that whatever you’ve done is right, Claude. [<i>Smiling.</i>] That’s -why you’re so detestable.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>That’s all very fine and large, but I think I’d like to have your -approval.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>We agreed very early in our married life that your acts were such as -must necessarily meet with my approval.<a name="page_42" id="page_42"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>What’s the matter with you, Grace?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>With me? Nothing.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>You’ve been so funny lately. I haven’t been able to make you out at all.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I should have thought you had more important things to do than to bother -about me.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I’ve got nothing in the world to do more important than to bother about -you, Grace.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>She looks at him for an instant, with a catch in her breath.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Don’t worry me to-night, Claude; my head’s aching so that I feel I could -scream.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With the tenderest concern.</i>] My poor child, why didn’t you tell me? -I’m so sorry I’ve been bothering you. Is it very bad?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>What a beast I am! How can you like me when I’m so absolutely horrid to -you?<a name="page_43" id="page_43"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>My darling, I don’t blame you for having a headache.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I’m sorry I was beastly to you just now.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>What nonsense!</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>He tries to take her in his arms, but she draws herself away.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Please don’t, Claude.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Why don’t you go to bed, darling?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a cry of something like fright.</i>] Oh, no!</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Bed’s the best place for everybody at this hour.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I want to amuse myself. Go and fetch the others, they’re down by the -lake. And we’ll all play poker.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>He is just going to make an observation, but she bursts in -vehemently.</i></p></div> - -<p><a name="page_44" id="page_44"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>For God’s sake do as I ask you.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>He looks at her. With a shrug of the shoulders he goes out into -the garden.</i> <span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>gives a deep sigh. In a moment</i> <span class="smcap">Henry Cobbett</span> -<i>enters</i>. <span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>looks at him silently as he advances into the -room</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>I’ve been waiting for the chance of speaking to you by yourself.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Have you?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>Why did you make me sing that idiotic song just now?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Her eyes cold and hostile.</i>] Because I chose.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>You made me look a perfect fool.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>That’s what I wanted to make you look.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Surprised.</i>] Did you? Why?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I have no explanation to offer.<a name="page_45" id="page_45"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>You know, I’m hanged if I can make you out. You’re never the same for -two minutes together.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Frigidly.</i>] I suppose it is disconcerting. Claude complains of it too.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, hang Claude.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>You’re growing more and more like him every day, Harry.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t quite know what you mean by that.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>It seems hardly worth while to have—made a long journey to find oneself -exactly where one started.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>I never know what people are driving at when they talk metaphorically.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Looking at him deliberately.</i>] I thought I loved you, Harry.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>You’ve said it often enough.<a name="page_46" id="page_46"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Slowly.</i>] I wonder if I just said it to persuade myself. My heart’s -empty! Empty! I know now that it wasn’t love I felt for you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>It’s rather late in the day to have found that out, isn’t it?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Bitterly.</i>] Yes, that’s just it. It’s late in the day for -everything.... Here they are.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>A sound of talking is heard as</i> <span class="smcap">Edith Lewis</span> <i>approaches with</i> -<span class="smcap">Helen Vernon</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Claude</span>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>At the window.</i>] I found them on their way back.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Cobbett</span>, <i>with a little bitter laugh</i>.] We’re going to play poker.</p> - -<p class="cspoc">END OF THE FIRST ACT<a name="page_47" id="page_47"></a></p> - -<h2><a name="THE_SECOND_ACT" id="THE_SECOND_ACT"></a>THE SECOND ACT</h2> - - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="hang"><span class="smcap">The Scene</span> <i>is the same as in the preceding Act. It is evening, -towards seven o’clock, but it is still perfectly light.</i> <span class="smcap">Grace</span> -<i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Peggy Gann</span> <i>are in the room, both standing</i>. <span class="smcap">Peggy</span> <i>is a -pretty girl, quite young, but very pale, with black rings round her -eyes. She is dressed like a housemaid in her going-out things.</i> -<span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>is evidently much distressed</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Peggy.</span></p> - -<p>You will try, mum, won’t you?</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Peggy’s</span> <i>voice seems to call</i> <span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>back with a start from her -own thoughts</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I ought to have been told before. It was wicked to keep it from me.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Peggy.</span></p> - -<p>I thought you knew, mum. I wasn’t to know that you ’adn’t been told -anything.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a friendly smile.</i>] I’m not blaming you, Peggy.... Mr. Insoley’s -out now, but I’ll talk to<a name="page_48" id="page_48"></a> him as soon as she come in. You’d better go -home and fetch your father.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Peggy.</span></p> - -<p>You know what father is, mum. I’m afraid he won’t come.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, but I think it’s very important. Tell him that....</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Henry Cobbett</span> <i>comes in, and she stops when she sees him</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>Hulloa, am I in the way? Shall I go?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Passing her hand wearily across her forehead.</i>] No. I’ve just -finished.... Try and get your father to come, Peggy.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Peggy.</span></p> - -<p>Well, I’ll do what I can, mum.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>She goes out.</i> <span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>gives a little exclamation, partly of -distress, partly of indignation</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>What’s the matter? You seem rather put out.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>That’s the daughter of one of the keepers. She came to me just now and -asked me to beg Claude to<a name="page_49" id="page_49"></a> give them a little more time. I hadn’t an -idea what she meant. Then she said Claude had told her father he must -send her away within twenty-four hours or lose his place.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Flippantly.</i>] Oh, yes, I know. She seems to be rather a flighty young -person. Claude and your brother-in-law were talking about it after lunch -in the smoking-room.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Why didn’t you tell me?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>Well, it never struck me you didn’t know. Besides—you haven’t shown any -great desire for my society the last day or two.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a quick look at him.</i>] I’ve had other guests to attend to.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Shrugging his shoulders.</i>] And it seemed rather a sordid little story. -I don’t think I can interest myself very much at this time of day in the -gamekeeper’s daughter who kicks over the traces.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Sarcastically.</i>] It’s so devilish mid-Victorian, isn’t it?<a name="page_50" id="page_50"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Surprised at her tone.</i>] It’s not really bothering you, is it?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a sudden vehement outburst.</i>] Don’t you see that wretched girl -has done no more than I have?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a chuckle.</i>] Great Scott, you haven’t produced an unexpected -baby, have you?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, don’t, don’t.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Coolly.</i>] In point of fact she’s done a great deal more than you have. -She’s been found out.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>How can you be so odiously cynical?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>I notice people always call you odiously cynical when you talk plain -horse-sense to them.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Can’t you realise what I’m feeling? She had excuses. She was alone, and -little more than a child; she had no education. How could she be -expected to resist temptation?<a name="page_51" id="page_51"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>It’s an absolute delusion that the lower classes are less able to resist -temptation than their betters. In the first place, they have a much more -systematic moral education, and then they’re taught from early youth to -look upon virtue as a valuable asset.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Going up to him suddenly.</i>] Harry, would you mind very much if I -stopped the whole thing?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>Of course I should mind.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, no, don’t say that because it’s the conventional thing to say. I -want you to be frank with me.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Uneasily.</i>] Why do you ask me now?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>After a look at him, a little unwillingly.</i>] I feel so horribly mean.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>Claude?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a sort of appeal, as if she were excusing herself.</i>] He’s so -awfully good to me, Harry. Every present he gives me, every kind word is -like a stab in my<a name="page_52" id="page_52"></a> heart. I’m beastly to him sometimes, I can’t help it, -but nothing seems to make any difference to him.... Whatever I do, he -loves me.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>Are you beginning to care for Claude—differently?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, it’s no use pretending. I never loved him as he loved me. I -couldn’t. I was bored by his love. Yes, all the time we’ve been -married.... It’s only lately....</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>She pauses abruptly.</i> <span class="smcap">Cobbett</span> <i>gives her a sidelong glance</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>Oh!</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t know what I feel or what to do. I’m so bewildered and -wretched.... He bores me still—oh, horribly sometimes. And yet at -moments I feel as though I were a good deal more than half in love with -him. It’s too absurd. With Claude—after all these years. Something has -changed me.... It’s the last thing that ought to have changed me towards -him.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>She flushes hotly, and again</i> <span class="smcap">Cobbett</span> <i>looks at her, and a rather -sulky expression comes into his face</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>It’s not a very pleasant position for me, is it?<a name="page_53" id="page_53"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I shouldn’t have thought it ever had been a very pleasant position -considering what a good friend Claude has been to you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>If you look at it in that way, I dare say it would be better to put an -end to the whole thing.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>You have been rather a blackguard, haven’t you?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>No. I don’t pretend to be better than anybody else, but I’m quite -certain I’m no worse. I’m a perfectly normal man in good health. It’s -idiotic to abuse me because I’ve done what any other fellow would have -done in my place.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Suddenly understanding.</i>] Is that all it was to you?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>What d’you mean?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Wasn’t I anything to you at all? Only a more or less attractive woman -who happened to cross your path? If I was only that, why couldn’t you -leave me alone? What harm did I ever do you? Oh, it was cruel of you. -Cruel!<a name="page_54" id="page_54"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Quietly.</i>] No man’s able to have an affair all by himself, you know.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>What d’you mean by that?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>Well, most fellows are very shy, and they’re dreadfully frightened of a -rebuff. A man doesn’t take much risk until—well, until he finds there’s -not much risk to take.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>D’you mean to say I gave you to understand.... Oh, how can you humiliate -me like that?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>Isn’t there a certain amount of truth in it?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Looking as it were into her own soul.</i>] Yes.... Oh, I’m so ashamed.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>The world would be a jolly sight easier place to live in if people -weren’t such humbugs.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Hardly able to believe the truth that presents itself to her, yet -eager to probe it.</i>] D’you think it was only<a name="page_55" id="page_55"></a> curiosity on my side and -nothing more than opportunity on yours?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>That’s the foundation of nine love affairs out of ten, you know.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Trying to justify herself in her own eyes.</i>] I was so bored—so -lonely. I never felt at home with the people I had to live with. They -humiliated me. And you seemed the same sort of person as I was. I felt -at my ease with you. At first I thought you cared for the things I cared -for—music and books and pictures: it took me quite a time to discover -that you didn’t know the difference between a fiddle and a jews’ -harp.... I wonder why you troubled to take me in.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>I naturally talked about what I thought would please you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I remember at first I felt as if I were just stepping out of a prison -into the fresh air. It seemed to me as if—oh, I don’t know how to put -it—as if spring flowers were suddenly blossoming in my heart.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>I’m afraid you were asking more from me than I was able to give you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, I don’t blame you. You’re quite right: it’s I<a name="page_56" id="page_56"></a> who am to blame. -[<i>With sudden vehemence.</i>] Oh, how I envy that wretched girl! If she -fell it was because she loved. I asked her who the man was, and she -wouldn’t tell me. She said she didn’t want to get him into trouble. She -must love him still.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Moved by the pain which he sees she is suffering.</i>] I hope you don’t -think me an awful skunk, Grace. I’m sorry we’ve made such a hash of -things.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Going on with her own thoughts.</i>] It would be horrible if that -wretched girl were punished while I go scot-free. I can’t let her be -turned away like a leper. I should never rest in peace again.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>Claude’s not very fond of going back on his word. He seems to have -delivered an ultimatum, and I expect he’ll stick to it.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>It means so much to me. I feel somehow that if I can only save that poor -child it’ll make up in a way—oh, very little—for all the harm I’ve -done.... D’you think I’m perfectly absurd?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>Life seems devilish complicated sometimes, doesn’t it?<a name="page_57" id="page_57"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a smile.</i>] Devilish.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>The sound is heard of a carriage stopping outside.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>Hulloa, what’s that?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>It’s my mother-in-law. She’s been out for her drive. [<i>With a glance at -her watch.</i>] Claude ought to be in soon.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>What are you going to do?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I’m going to use every means in my power to persuade him to change his -mind.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>You’re not going to do anything foolish, Grace?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>How d’you mean? [<i>His meaning suddenly strikes her.</i>] You don’t think I -might have to.... Oh, that would be too much to ask me.... D’you think I -might have to tell him?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>Whatever you do, Grace, I want you to know that<a name="page_58" id="page_58"></a> if anything happens I’m -willing to do the straight thing.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Shaking her head.</i>] No, I should never ask you to marry me. Now we -both know how things are between us—how they’ve always been....</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>I’m awfully sorry, Grace.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>There’s no need to be. I’m glad to know the truth. There was nothing -that held us together before but my cowardice. I was so afraid of going -back to that dreary loneliness. But you’ve given me courage.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>Is there nothing left of it at all?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>So far as I’m concerned nothing at all—but shame.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Edith Lewis</span> <i>comes in</i>. <span class="smcap">Grace</span>, <i>recovering herself quickly, throws -off her seriousness and greets the girl with a pleasant smile</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Edith.</span></p> - -<p>We’ve had such a lovely drive.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>And d’you think the country’s as beautiful as ever?<a name="page_59" id="page_59"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Edith.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Gaily.</i>] Oh, I didn’t look at the country. I was much too excited. -Mrs. Insoley has been telling me the dreadful pasts of all the families -in the neighbourhood. It appears the further they go back the more -shocking their behaviour has been.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>I notice that even the grossest immorality becomes respectable when it’s -a hundred years old.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Ironically.</i>] It’s very hard, isn’t it? Mrs. Grundy has no mercy. -She’ll take even you to her bosom before you know where you are.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley</span>, <i>followed by</i> <span class="smcap">Miss Vernon</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Miss Hall</span>. -<span class="smcap">Miss Hall</span> <i>is carrying</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley’s</span> <i>lap-dog</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I hope you enjoyed your drive.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>I didn’t go for my enjoyment, Grace; I went to exercise the horses.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] Meanwhile, I hear you took the opportunity of enlarging -Edith’s young mind.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Edith</span>.] When you come to Foley you must<a name="page_60" id="page_60"></a> remind me to show you the -portraits of my great-grandmother, Mary Vernon. She had a tremendous -affair with the Regent, you know.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Pleasantly.</i>] My dear Helen, I have the greatest affection for you, -but I cannot allow a statement like that to go unchallenged. There is no -evidence whatever of the truth of it.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t know how you can say that, Mrs. Insoley, considering that I have -all my great-grandmother’s letters to the Regent.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a chuckle.</i>] Where are his letters to your great-grandmother?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>She gave them back at the time he returned hers, naturally.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>I can see her. If she had any letters she would have kept them. Any -woman would.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Bridling a little.</i>] I can’t imagine why you should suddenly throw -doubts on a story that the whole county has believed for a hundred -years. Every one knew all about Mary Vernon.<a name="page_61" id="page_61"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Chaffing her.</i>] I am aware that your great-grandmother was an -abandoned hussy, but that in itself is no proof that she ever had -anything to do with the Regent.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>You can’t deny that he slept at Foley, Mrs. Insoley.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Only one night.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>Well?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>It’s notorious that at that very time he was on terms of the greatest -intimacy with Pamela Bainbridge. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Edith Lewis</span>.] I am not an -Insoley, thank God; I am a Bainbridge. And whenever he came to this part -of the country he stayed with us.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>I know you’ve always flattered yourself that there was something between -them.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With complete self-assurance.</i>] And well I may, considering that I -still have a lock of hair which he gave my grandmother.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>Half the families in the country have a greasy<a name="page_62" id="page_62"></a> lock of hair which they -tell you was the Regent’s. Personally, I think it’s rather snobbish to -make a claim of that sort unless one’s perfectly sure.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Bridling in her turn.</i>] I think you’re extremely rude, Helen. In the -presence of a man I can’t go into details, but I have proof of every -word I say. You know what I mean, Louisa?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Hall.</span></p> - -<p>I believed the worst from the beginning, Mrs. Insoley.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>I have no doubt you firmly believe what you say, Mrs. Insoley; but if -you don’t mind my saying so, one has only to look at the portrait of -Pamela Bainbridge to know the whole thing’s absurd.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Frigidly.</i>] We won’t argue the point, Helen; I know I’m right, and -there’s an end of it.... Put the dog on that chair, Louisa.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Hall.</span></p> - -<p>That’s Mr. Cobbett’s chair, Mrs. Insoley.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Still a little out of temper.</i>] Has Mr. Cobbett bought it?<a name="page_63" id="page_63"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>No, but Mr. Cobbett’s been sitting in it.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>And may no one use a chair that Mr. Cobbett has been sitting in?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>Certainly. But it so happens that Mr. Cobbett is just going to sit in it -again.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a grim smile.</i>] Mr. Cobbett has legs.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>Only two, and if a merciful Providence had intended him to stand on them -it would undoubtedly have provided him with four.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Mr. Cobbett seems to be better acquainted with the designs of Providence -than I should have expected.... Louisa, give me the dog. He shall sit on -my lap.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Chaffing her.</i>] Ah, if you’d only told me that was the alternative, of -course I wouldn’t have hesitated for a moment.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>I think you are very vulgar, sir.... I’m surprised that you should laugh -at such an inane joke, Grace.<a name="page_64" id="page_64"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>You forget that I have a naturally vulgar nature.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>I try to, but you take great pains to remind me.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Claude</span> <i>comes in with</i> <span class="smcap">Archibald</span>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Well, did you enjoy your drive, mother?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>I didn’t go for my enjoyment, Claude; I went to exercise the horses.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>We’ve been to a parish meeting.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Rather peevishly.</i>] It’s getting almost impossible to do anything for -these Somersetshire people. They’re such an obstinate, pig-headed lot.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>I prophesied it forty years ago. When they first introduced all this -nonsense about education, I said it was a serious matter.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a twinkle in his eye.</i>] Like all good prophets you apparently -took care to be rather vague about it, mother.<a name="page_65" id="page_65"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Considering you weren’t born I don’t see what you can know about it, -Archibald. I said this would happen. I said they would make the lower -classes so independent that no one would be able to do anything with -them. I went for a walk in the village this morning and nobody took any -notice of me. Isn’t that so, Louisa?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Hall.</span></p> - -<p>No, Mrs. Insoley.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>What do you mean by no, Louisa?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Hall.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Hastily.</i>] I beg your pardon. I mean yes, Mrs. Insoley.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>A few old men touched their hats, and one old woman curtsied, but that -was all.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a little nod.</i>] Of course it’s not important in itself, but it’s -the sign of a change. The long and short of it is that they don’t look -up to their betters as they used to.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Ironically.</i>] Perhaps they’ve ceased to realise that we are their -betters.<a name="page_66" id="page_66"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>It’s not too late to teach them their mistake. Personally I mean to be -master in my own house.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Abruptly.</i>] Peggy Gann came to see me this afternoon, Claude.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Did she?</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>There is a very short pause.</i> <span class="smcap">Cobbett</span> <i>sees what is going to -happen and gets up</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Edith Lewis</span>.] Wouldn’t you like to come for a stroll in the -garden?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Edith Lewis.</span></p> - -<p>Yes.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I’ve asked her to fetch her father.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Cobbett</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Edith Lewis</span> <i>go out</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Without waiting for the movement.</i>] I’m sorry you did that, Grace. -I’ve got nothing to say to him.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley</span>.] Do you know that Claude has threatened to dismiss -Gann if Peggy hasn’t gone by ten o’clock to-night?<a name="page_67" id="page_67"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>For once in his life Claude has acted with spirit. He gave Gann -twenty-four hours to think it over. My father would have given him -fifteen minutes.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Why was it all kept from me? It seems that everybody knew but me.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Hang it all, Grace, I wanted to tell you last night and you wouldn’t let -me.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Startled.</i>] Oh! Was it that? I didn’t know.... Claude, I want you to -be very kind and forgive that wretched girl. I want you to tell Gann -that she needn’t go.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Quite firmly.</i>] My dear, I can’t do that. I’ve made up my mind and I -must stick to it.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Why?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Hang it all, what would happen to the discipline of the estate if I were -always shilly-shallying? Every one in the place knows that when I say a -thing I mean it. It’s an enormous advantage to all concerned.<a name="page_68" id="page_68"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a coaxing smile.</i>] It wouldn’t do any harm if you made an -exception just this once.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>It’s a matter of upholding my authority. Gann refused to do what I told -him, and I had to threaten him with immediate dismissal. I couldn’t eat -my words now without looking a perfect fool.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Don’t you think it’s awfully unjust to send a girl away because she’s -got into trouble?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>It’s a rule of the estate. I didn’t make it.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Turning to</i> <span class="smcap">Miss Vernon</span>.] Helen, you’re a woman. You must see how -cruel it is. Can’t <i>you</i> say something to help me?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t know what else one’s to do. After all, we have the same rule at -Foley.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>They have it on half the large estates in the kingdom. It’s absolutely -essential if one has any regard for decency.<a name="page_69" id="page_69"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t suppose it would be so common, and it certainly wouldn’t have -lasted so long, if there hadn’t been some good in it.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Violently.</i>] Oh, it’s maddening. Always, always, there’s that stone -wall in front of me. Whatever is, is good. However cruel and unjust a -custom is, no one must touch it because it’s a custom. If a law is -infamous, does it become any less infamous because people have suffered -from it for a dozen generations?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Perhaps you’re not very competent to judge matters of this sort, my -dear.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>I’m afraid your sympathy is rather wasted in this particular case. Peggy -Gann isn’t a very deserving young woman.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>If she were, there’d be no need for me to plead for her.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>On those lines the more of a hussy a girl is the more she’s deserving of -sympathy.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Archibald</span>.] You had nothing against her till this happened.<a name="page_70" id="page_70"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>Nothing very definite. She was always rather cheeky, and she never came -to Sunday-school very regularly.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Is that all?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>My own belief is that the Ganns are really Dissenters.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Impatiently.</i>] Good heavens, they positively revel in going to church.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>That may be or it may not. But they give <i>me</i> the impression of chapel -people.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>Heaven knows, I don’t want to seem hard and unsympathetic, but after -all, you’re not going to keep people moral if you pamper those who -aren’t.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>And what d’you think’ll happen to her if you make her leave here?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>We’ll do our best for her. It’s not a pleasant position for any of us, -Grace. I’ve been wretched about the whole thing, and I’m sure Claude has -too.<a name="page_71" id="page_71"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Of course I have. But hang it all, in our position we can’t afford to -think of sentiment. Especially now that they’re attacking us all round -we’ve got to show them that we can keep a firm hand on the reins.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>Do us the justice to see that we’re really trying to do what’s right. It -may be very wrong that we should be in our particular positions, and we -may be quite unworthy of them. But we didn’t make society, and we’re not -responsible for its inequalities. We find ourselves in a certain -station, and we have to act accordingly.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>The long and the short of it is that it’s our duty to look after those -whom Providence has placed in our charge. And it’s our duty to punish as -well as to reward.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, how hard you are! One would think you’d never done anything in your -life that you regret. [<i>With increasing violence.</i>] Oh, you virtuous -people, I hate you. You’re never content till you see the sinner -actually frizzling. As if hell were needed when every sin brings its own -punishment! And you never make excuses. You don’t know how many -temptations we resist for the one we fall to.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>Grace! What are you saying!<a name="page_72" id="page_72"></a></p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Grace</span>, <i>almost beside herself, looks at her with haggard eyes. -Suddenly she gives a start, and stares at</i> <span class="smcap">Miss Vernon</span> <i>with -horror. She has realised that</i> <span class="smcap">Miss Vernon</span> <i>knows the relations -that have existed between her and</i> <span class="smcap">Henry Cobbett</span>. <i>There is a -pause. The</i> <span class="smcap">Butler</span> <i>comes in</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Moore.</span></p> - -<p>Gann and his daughter are here, sir.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, yes, I’ll come at once.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Moore.</span></p> - -<p>Very good, sir.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>He goes out.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Why shouldn’t he come here, Claude?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Yes, let him come by all means. And then you can see for yourselves.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>I’ll tell Moore, shall I? [<i>He goes to the door as he says this and -calls.</i>] Moore. Tell Gann to come here.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Rising.</i>] I think I’ll leave you. This isn’t any business of mine. -[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Miss Hall</span>.] Will you come with me?<a name="page_73" id="page_73"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Hall.</span></p> - -<p>Do you want me, Mrs. Insoley?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>No. You’ve had no exercise to-day, Louisa. You’d better walk three times -round the garden.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Hall.</span></p> - -<p>I’m not very well to-day, Mrs. Insoley.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, nonsense! You’re in the best of health. And you can take the dog -with you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Hall.</span></p> - -<p>Very well, Mrs. Insoley.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Miss Vernon</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Miss Hall</span> <i>go out</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Louisa’s very troublesome sometimes. She fancies she’s not feeling well. -But she’s twenty-five years younger than I am, and I’ve never had a -day’s illness in my life.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Moore</span> <i>opens the door for</i> <span class="smcap">Gann</span>, <i>who comes into the room, cap in -hand, and stands at the door awkwardly. He is in his working -clothes.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Good afternoon, Gann.<a name="page_74" id="page_74"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>Good afternoon, sir. Peggy said you wished to see me, sir.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p><i>I</i> asked her to bring you here, Gann. I thought it would be better if -you spoke to Mr. Insoley.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>I’ve got nothing to say to Mr. Insoley, ma’am.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I was hoping to find you in a more reasonable state of mind, Gann. You -know, you can only hurt yourself by being pig-headed and stubborn.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>I didn’t know as how I was, sir.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Grace</span>.] You see, the man doesn’t give me a chance.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Making an effort on himself.</i>] Please, Squire, I come to know if I’m -really to go to-morrow? I know you said you’d send me away, Squire. But -I couldn’t bring myself to believe you meant it.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I’m willing to listen to anything you’ve got to say. I want to be quite -fair to you.<a name="page_75" id="page_75"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>If I could only make you see as what you ask ain’t possible, I’m sure -you’d let us stay. There’s nowhere Peggy <i>can</i> go to.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Hang it all, Mrs. Insoley’ll do all she can for her. You may be quite -sure that Peggy shan’t want for money.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>It isn’t money the girl wants. If I send ’er away she’ll just go to the -bad altogether.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>You see, it’s a matter of principle, Gann. It would be devilish unjust -to make an exception in your favour.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Stepping forward with surly indignation and facing</i> <span class="smcap">Claude</span>.] I love -the girl and I can’t bear to part with ’er. She’s a good girl in her -’eart, only she’s had a misfortune.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>That’s all very fine and large, Gann. But if she’d been a good girl, -hang it all, she’d have had power to resist temptation.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Terrified.</i>] Claude, you don’t know what you’re saying.<a name="page_76" id="page_76"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t want to rub it in and all that sort of thing, but my own feeling -is that if she came rather a cropper, it was because she was—if you -don’t mind my saying so—because she was that way inclined. I don’t -think anyone can accuse me of being a hard man, but I’m afraid I haven’t -much pity for women who....</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Interrupting.</i>] Claude, don’t go on—for God’s sake.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>That’s your last word, Squire? If the girl don’t go, I must?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I’m afraid so.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>I’ve served you faithful, man and boy, for forty years. And I was born -in that there cottage I live in now. If you turn us out where are we to -go to? I’m getting on in years, and I shan’t find it easy to get another -job. It’ll mean the work’us.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I’m very sorry. I can’t do anything for you. You’ve had your chance and -you’ve refused to take it.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Gann</span> <i>turns his cap round nervously. His face is distorted with -agony. He opens his mouth to speak, but no words come, only an -inarticulate groan. He turns on his heel.</i></p></div> - -<p><a name="page_77" id="page_77"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>In consideration of your long service I’ll give you fifty pounds so that -you can tide over the next few months.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Violently.</i>] You can keep your dirty money.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>He goes out.</i> <span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>goes up to</i> <span class="smcap">Claude</span> <i>desperately</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, Claude, you can’t do it. You’ll break the man’s heart. Haven’t you -any pity? Haven’t you any forgiveness?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>It’s no good, Grace. I must stick to what I’ve said.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>It’s not often I’ve begged you to do anything for me.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Well, hang it all, this is the first time I’ve ever refused.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Bitterly.</i>] I suppose because I’ve never asked you for anything before -that wasn’t absolutely trifling.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Why are you making such a point of it, Grace?<a name="page_78" id="page_78"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Is it very strange that I should feel sorry for anyone who’s in -distress?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I’ll do anything in the world to please you, darling, but in this case -you must trust to my better judgment.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>How can you be so hard?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Come, Grace, don’t be angry with me. It’s bad enough as it is.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>I have no patience with you, Claude. When your father made up his mind -to do anything it was done, and it would never have occurred to me to -oppose him.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a twinkle in his eye.</i>] You forget, mother, that was because you -generally made up my father’s mind some time before he did.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Archibald</span>.] Will you leave me alone with -Claude. I must talk to him alone.<a name="page_79" id="page_79"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>Come, mother. Let me take you for a stroll three times round the garden.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Archibald</span> <i>go out</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I couldn’t say it before them. They’d never understand. They’d only -sneer. But can’t you see, Claude, that it’s out of the question to drive -Gann away so callously? He loves the place just as much as you love -it.... In my heart I seem to feel suddenly all that his shabby little -cottage means to him—the woods and coverts and the meadows and the -trees. His life is bound up with Kenyon. His roots are in the earth as -if he were a growing thing. Can’t you see what it must mean to him to -leave it?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>He only goes because he’s headstrong and obstinate. He’s the -Somersetshire peasant all over. You do your best for them and you get no -gratitude. You try to reason with them, but you can’t get a single idea -into their thick heads.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>You can’t punish him because he’s stupid and dull. You’re throwing him -upon the world in his old age. It means starvation.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>You must know that I’m only doing it because I think it’s my duty.<a name="page_80" id="page_80"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Impatiently.</i>] Oh, men always talk of their duty when they want to be -odiously cruel.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Grace, how can you be so unkind to me?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, Claude, if you love me at all, give in to me this time. You don’t -know what it means to me. I’ve often been horrible to you, but I’m going -to be different. I want to love you. I want to be more to you than I’ve -ever been. Claude, I implore you to do what I ask you—just because I -ask it, because you love me.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Withdrawing himself a little.</i>] I could not love you, dear, so much, -loved I not honour....</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Interrupting passionately.</i>] Oh, no, don’t, Claude; for God’s sake be -sincere and natural. Can’t you forget that you’re a landed proprietor -and a J.P. and all the rest of it, and remember that you’re only a man, -as weak and as—as frail as the rest of us? You hope to be forgiven -yourself, and you’re utterly pitiless.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>My darling, it’s just as much for your sake that I’m firm.<a name="page_81" id="page_81"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Impatiently.</i>] Oh, how can you make phrases! What on earth have I got -to do with it?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Hang it all, don’t you see that it’s because of you that I can’t give -way? It’s beastly having to say it. It makes me feel such an ass.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Beginning to be frightened.</i>] What have I got to do with it?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Until I knew you I don’t suppose I had a higher opinion of women than -most men, but you taught me what a—what a stunning fine thing a good -woman is.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Hoarsely.</i>] It’s perfectly absurd. It’s—it’s unreasonable. I’ve not -been.... Only the other day you said I was cold. And just now you told -me I was unkind.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I dare say that’s all my fault. I expect I bore you sometimes. After -all, I know you’re worth about six of me. I can’t expect you to love me -as I love you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>D’you mean to say that if I weren’t—what you think me, you wouldn’t -insist on that poor girl going away?<a name="page_82" id="page_82"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t suppose I should feel quite the same about it.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Trying to keep back her sobs.</i>] It’s so unreasonable.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Even if it weren’t for the rule of the estate, I couldn’t let her live -in the same place as you. I can’t help it. It’s just a sort of instinct. -It simply disgusts me to think that you may meet that—that woman when -you walk about, and her kid.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, Claude, you don’t know what you’re saying.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>When I heard she’d been here and you’d been talking to her, I felt -almost sick.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Breaking down.</i>] Oh, I can’t bear it.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Come, darling, don’t let’s quarrel any more. It hurts me so awfully.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>To herself.</i>] Oh, I can’t. I can’t.<a name="page_83" id="page_83"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Say you forgive me, darling.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I?... If I weren’t what you.... Oh, it’s too much to ask anyone. Claude, -I beseech you to give way.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>He shakes his head. She falls back in despair, realising that -there is no way to move him.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, what a punishment!</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>The sound of a gong is heard.</i> <span class="smcap">Claude</span> <i>looks at his watch</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>By Jove, I had no idea it was so late. There’s the dressing gong. You -must hurry up.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Looking at him vaguely.</i>] What is it?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Time to dress for dinner, darling. You won’t be late, will you? You know -how mother hates to be kept waiting.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Dully.</i>] No, I won’t be late.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>He takes her hand and presses it, then hurries out. She has given -him her hand inertly,<a name="page_84" id="page_84"></a> and it falls heavily to her side as he drops -it. She remains standing where he left her. She tries to stifle the -tearless sobs that seem to choke her. The</i> <span class="smcap">Butler</span> <i>comes in</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Moore.</span></p> - -<p>Peggy Gann wishes to know if you want to see her again, madam.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a start.</i>] Has she been waiting all this time?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Moore.</span></p> - -<p>Yes’m. She didn’t know as Gann had left. He never come back to the -servants’ hall.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Tell her to come here.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Moore.</span></p> - -<p>Very good, madam.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>He goes out. In a moment he opens the door for</i> <span class="smcap">Peggy Gann</span>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, Peggy, how ill you look! I’ve been able to do nothing for you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Peggy.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a cry of distress.</i>] Oh, mum, I was hoping. You said you’d do -your best for me.<a name="page_85" id="page_85"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>My dear, I’m so dreadfully sorry for you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Peggy.</span></p> - -<p>It’s so ’ard on me, mum, and so ’ard on father. Wasn’t there something -more you could do, mum?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a little gasp of anguish.</i>] I did all I could. I couldn’t do -anything more. I couldn’t really.... [<i>Almost to herself.</i>] It’s too -much to ask anyone.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Peggy.</span></p> - -<p>I’ve got to go then, and there’s an end of it. You won’t let father be -turned away, will you, mum? That’s all I care about now. It ’ud just -break his ’eart.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a ray of hope.</i>] D’you think he’ll let you go? I think it’s the -best thing after all, Peggy. I’ve done—I’ve done all I could.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Peggy.</span></p> - -<p>No, he won’t hear of it. But I shall go all the same—somewhere he can’t -find me.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Anxious now to make the best of it.</i>] I dare say it won’t be for very -long, Peggy. Have you as much money as you want? I should like to do -something for you.<a name="page_86" id="page_86"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Peggy.</span></p> - -<p>I shan’t want anything, thank you, mum. And thank you for all you’ve -done. And if anything come to ’appen to me, you’d see as the baby wasn’t -sent to the workhouse, wouldn’t you, mum?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>How d’you mean? I don’t understand.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Peggy.</span></p> - -<p>I’m not going to take the baby with me, mum. It would only be a -hindrance.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a sigh of relief.</i>] Oh, I was so afraid you meant....</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Peggy.</span></p> - -<p>Is there anything else you want me for, mum?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>No, Peggy.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Peggy.</span></p> - -<p>Then I’ll say good evening, mum.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Good evening, Peggy.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>She watches</i> <span class="smcap">Peggy</span> <i>go out, then she gives a little moan of -despair</i>.</p></div> - -<p><a name="page_87" id="page_87"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>No, I couldn’t, I couldn’t.</p> - -<p class="c"><span class="smcap">Edith Lewis</span> <i>comes in gaily</i>.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Edith Lewis.</span></p> - -<p>There you are! I thought you were in your room. Your maid said you -hadn’t come up yet.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Wearily.</i>] I was just going.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Edith Lewis.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a smile.</i>] I’ve got something dreadfully important to ask you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Forcing a smile.</i>] What is it?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Edith Lewis.</span></p> - -<p>Well, I want to know if you’re going to wear the grey satin you wore on -Saturday. You see, I only brought three dinner dresses down with me, and -one of them’s a grey, only it’s much more slaty than yours, and it’ll -look so cold beside it. So I shan’t put it on if you’re going to wear -yours.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Dully.</i>] No, I won’t wear my grey satin.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Edith Lewis.</span></p> - -<p>What are you going to wear?<a name="page_88" id="page_88"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t know.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Edith Lewis.</span></p> - -<p>But you must know.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Does it matter?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Edith Lewis.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t want to clash with you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Clenching her hands to prevent herself from screaming.</i>] I won’t put -on anything that’ll interfere with your grey.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Edith Lewis.</span></p> - -<p>Thank you. Now I can be quite happy. I say, we shall be so late.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>She runs off.</i> <span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>gives a little answering laugh to hers; and -as</i> <span class="smcap">Edith Lewis</span> <i>goes out, it lengthens into a mirthless, low, -hysterical peal, broken with sobs</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="cspoc">END OF THE SECOND ACT<a name="page_89" id="page_89"></a></p> - -<h2><a name="THE_THIRD_ACT" id="THE_THIRD_ACT"></a>THE THIRD ACT</h2> - - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>The dining-room at Kenyon Fulton. It is a fine room with French -windows leading into the garden. On the walls are departed Insoleys -of the last two or three generations, stiff ladies and gentlemen of -the Victorian era, military-looking fellows in the uniform of the -early nineteenth century, and ungainly Georgian squires with their -wives in powdered hair. Between the windows, standing well away -from the wall, rather far back, is a round table laid out for -breakfast. On the Sheraton sideboard is a cloth, a stand for -keeping dishes warm, a large ham, and plates and forks and spoons. -Against the wall opposite the sideboard are a row of chairs, and -there are half a dozen chairs round the table. There are doors -right and left.</i></p> - -<p><i>It is the morning after the events which occur in the Second Act, -and when the curtain rises prayers have just finished.</i> <span class="smcap">Claude</span> <i>is -seated at the table with an immense prayer-book and a still larger -Bible in front of him. The rest of the party are rising to their -feet. They have been kneeling against various chairs. They consist -of</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley</span>, <span class="smcap">Miss Hall</span>, <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Miss Vernon</span>. <i>Well away from -them, emphasising the fact that even the Almighty must recognise -the difference between<a name="page_90" id="page_90"></a> the gentry and their inferiors, have been -praying the servants. They have been kneeling against the row of -chairs that line the wall, according to their precedence, ranging -from the</i> <span class="smcap">Cook</span> <i>at one end to the</i> <span class="smcap">Butler</span> <i>at the other; and they -consist of the</i> <span class="smcap">Cook</span>, <i>obese, elderly and respectable</i>, <span class="smcap">Mrs. -Insoley’s Maid</span>, <i>two</i> <span class="smcap">Housemaids</span>, <i>the</i> <span class="smcap">Kitchenmaid</span>, <i>the</i> <span class="smcap">Footman</span>, -<i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Moore</span> <i>the butler. When they have scrambled to their feet -they pause for a moment to gather themselves together, and, headed -by the</i> <span class="smcap">Cook</span>, <i>walk out. The</i> <span class="smcap">Butler</span> <i>takes the Bible and the -prayer-book off the table and carries them away</i>. <span class="smcap">Claude</span> <i>gets up. -He takes up his letters and the</i> Times, <i>which he puts under his -arm</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>I didn’t see Grace’s maid, Claude.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I dare say Grace couldn’t spare her.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>If Grace were more punctual she wouldn’t be obliged to deprive her maid -of the pleasure and the duty of attending morning prayers.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Hall.</span></p> - -<p>I didn’t see your maid either, Miss Vernon.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>She’s a Roman Catholic.<a name="page_91" id="page_91"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>A Papist, Helen? Isn’t that very risky?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>Good gracious me, why?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Aren’t you afraid she’ll corrupt the other servants?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a smile.</i>] She’s a highly respectable person of well over forty.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>She must be very flighty. I would as soon have an atheist.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Hall.</span></p> - -<p>I would never dream of having a Romish maid myself.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Is there any likelihood of your having a maid at all, Louisa?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Hall.</span></p> - -<p>No, Mrs. Insoley.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>In that case I can’t quite see what is the use of your having an opinion -on the subject.<a name="page_92" id="page_92"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Looking up from his letters, with a smile.</i>] Miss Hall was only making -a general reflection.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t like general reflections at the breakfast table.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>During the next few speeches the</i> <span class="smcap">Butler</span> <i>and the</i> <span class="smcap">Footman</span> <i>come -in with covered entrée dishes which they put on the sideboard, -coffee and milk in silver pots, and tea. They go out.</i> <span class="smcap">Claude</span> -<i>retires to the window to read his letters</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>I suppose you have prayers at Foley, Helen?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>I’m afraid I don’t. It makes me feel rather shy to read them.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t see why it should. It doesn’t make me feel shy.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Hall.</span></p> - -<p>You read them so well, Mrs. Insoley.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>I never forget while I’m reading them that I’m a woman of birth and a -woman of property.<a name="page_93" id="page_93"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>And then I always think the servants hate them.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>The more they hate them, the better it is for them. That is life, my -dear Helen. It’s a very good thing to begin the day by making it -distinctly understood that masters are masters and servants are -servants.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Hall.</span></p> - -<p>And I think servants like that, Mrs. Insoley.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>It is not a matter of interest to me if they like it or not, Louisa. I -have the authority of my maker for it, and that is quite enough for me.</p> - -<p class="c"><span class="smcap">Henry Cobbett</span> <i>comes in</i>.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>I’m sorry I’m late.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>When breakfast’s at ten o’clock I cannot imagine why people shouldn’t be -punctual.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>Neither can I. [<i>Going to the sideboard.</i>] Let’s have a look at the -food.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>See if there’s anything I’d like, Louisa.<a name="page_94" id="page_94"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Taking off the covers.</i>] There’s fried sole—eggs and bacon.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>The staple of every middle-class hotel in the kingdom.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>And devilled kidneys.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>I’ll begin with fried sole, and then I’ll have eggs and bacon, Louisa.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Coming forward.</i>] Oh, I’m sorry. Is there anything I can get you?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Chaffing her fellow-guest.</i>] And then, if Mr. Cobbett has left any, -perhaps I’ll see if I can eat a devilled kidney.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a chuckle.</i>] Mr. Cobbett thinks he’ll have to look nippy to get -anything at all.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Miss Vernon</span>.] I wonder what I can tempt you with?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>I think I’ll have some fried sole.<a name="page_95" id="page_95"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>That’s the beauty of the country. One does relish one’s breakfast, -doesn’t one?</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>He hands a plate to</i> <span class="smcap">Miss Vernon</span>, <i>and sits down with another for -himself. As he does this he takes the</i> Times <i>from under his arm -and sits on it</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a smile at his peculiarity.</i>] Is there anything in the <i>Times</i>, -Claude?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I haven’t read it yet.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>In some ways you’re much more of a Bainbridge than an Insoley, Claude. -My father used always to sit on the <i>Times</i> so that no one should read -it before him.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I must say I don’t like to have my paper messed about by a lot of people -before I’ve had a chance of looking at it. Half the pleasure of reading -the <i>Times</i> is reading it first. Besides, the <i>Morning Post</i> and the -<i>Mail</i> are on the sideboard for anyone who wants them.</p> - -<p class="c"><span class="smcap">Edith Lewis</span> <i>comes in</i>.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Edith.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, I know I’m dreadfully late. Everybody’s going to scold me. And I’m -so sorry.<a name="page_96" id="page_96"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Imitating</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley</span>.] When breakfast’s at ten o’clock I cannot -imagine why people shouldn’t be punctual.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Edith.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] Isn’t Grace down yet? [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Claude</span>, <i>who rises to give her -something to eat</i>.] No, don’t bother. I’ll help myself.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>When I was mistress of this house breakfast was served punctually at -eight o’clock every morning.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Flippantly.</i>] It must have seemed just like supper. Did you have it -the last thing before going to bed?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>I made no exceptions. The day after my cousin James broke his neck in -the hunting-field and was brought to this very house on a stretcher, I -came down as the clock struck. And a very hearty breakfast I ate too.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>Perhaps he didn’t leave you anything.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a chuckle.</i>] On the contrary, he left me all his debts.</p> - -<p class="c"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Grace</span>.</p> - -<p><a name="page_97" id="page_97"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Good morning.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Good afternoon, Grace.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Am I late? I think punctuality’s the most detestable of all the virtues.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>It’s a royal virtue, my dear.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>In that case, as a member of the middle classes, it’s not surprising -that I don’t practise it.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>What can I get you, darling?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Is there anything nice to eat?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a grim smile.</i>] That is a matter of opinion.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>There’s fried sole and eggs and bacon.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, I don’t think I’ll have anything. I’ll just have some tea and -toast.<a name="page_98" id="page_98"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>My dear, you’re not off your feed, are you?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Grace has probably been stuffing herself with bread and butter in her -room. I have no patience with the new-fangled custom of giving people -tea when they wake up. I never give it to my guests.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>Then don’t ask me to come and stay with you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Delighted with the opportunity he has given her.</i>] It may surprise -you, but I have no intention of doing so.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Cheerfully.</i>] There now. And I thought I’d made such an impression on -you, Mrs. Insoley.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>That’s why I couldn’t risk asking you to stay with me. Perhaps at my age -I am safe from your blandishments, but Louisa is extremely susceptible.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Hall.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, Mrs. Insoley, how can you! Why, Mr. Cobbett must be ten years -younger than I am.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>I should put it at fifteen.<a name="page_99" id="page_99"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>Don’t dash my hopes to the ground, Miss Hall. I was flattering myself -you didn’t look upon me altogether with indifference.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Archibald Insoley</span> <i>comes in from the garden</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>Ah, I thought I’d find you still at breakfast.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>We’re a lazy lot. I suppose you’ve been up and about for the last two -hours.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Looking at him.</i>] Is anything the matter?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>Yes.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I thought you looked a bit odd.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>A most awful thing has happened. I’ve only just heard of it.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Getting up from his chair.</i>] What is it, old man?</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>By this time the breakfasters are disturbed; there is a certain -embarrassment about them; they are suffering from the awkwardness -people feel when they see some one<a name="page_100" id="page_100"></a> in a condition of distress, but -do not suppose it has anything to do with themselves.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>You’d better come along with me to the smoking-room.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>It’s too late to make a secret of it, Archibald. You’d better tell us -all.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Fire away, old man.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>After a moment’s hesitation.</i>] Peggy Gann has killed herself.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>springs to her feet with a cry</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Looking at</i> <span class="smcap">Grace</span>.] My God.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>comes forward, horror on her face, and walks unsteadily to -a chair. She sinks into it and stares in front of her.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Why on earth did she do it?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>How horrible!</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Going up to her, about to put his hand on her shoulder.</i>] Grace.<a name="page_101" id="page_101"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a shiver.</i>] Don’t touch me.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>He stops and looks at her, puzzled and unhappy.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>You’d better come along.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With his eyes on</i> <span class="smcap">Grace</span>.] I feel I ought to do something. I don’t know -what to do.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>I’m afraid there’s nothing much that can be done.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I’d better go and see Gann, hadn’t I?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Won’t you finish your breakfast before you go, Claude?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, I can’t eat anything more.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>He goes out with</i> <span class="smcap">Archibald</span>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Hall.</span></p> - -<p>What a dreadful thing.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>gets up and goes to the window</i>.</p></div> - -<p><a name="page_102" id="page_102"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Where are you going, Grace?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Almost beside herself.</i>] For heaven’s sake, leave me alone.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>She stands with her back to the rest of the party, looking out of -the window. There is a little awkward pause.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Louisa, get me some of those devilled kidneys that Mr. Cobbett has been -making so much fuss about.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>Let me.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Louisa will get them. She likes to wait on me herself. Don’t you, -Louisa?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Hall.</span></p> - -<p>Yes, Mrs. Insoley.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Miss Vernon</span> <i>pushes back her chair</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Have you finished, Helen?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>Yes.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>You’ve eaten nothing.<a name="page_103" id="page_103"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>I couldn’t.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Miss Vernon</span> <i>looks as if she were going to speak to</i> <span class="smcap">Grace</span>, <i>but -she changes her mind and merely sits down in another chair. Every -now and then she looks up at</i> <span class="smcap">Grace</span>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>I cannot imagine why anyone should be upset because an abandoned hussy -has been so wicked as to destroy herself.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>Well, it hasn’t taken my appetite away, at all events.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>If we were honest with ourselves, Mr. Cobbett, we should acknowledge -that nobody’s death is important enough to interfere with one’s -appetite.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Hall.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, Mrs. Insoley, how can you say such a thing?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Louisa, I’ve been like a mother to you for ten years. Would you eat one -potato less for your dinner if I were found dead in my bed to-morrow -morning?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Hall.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Taking out her handkerchief.</i>] Oh, yes, Mrs. Insoley. I really, really -would.<a name="page_104" id="page_104"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Touched.</i>] You are a good girl, Louisa, and you may have that black -lace shawl of mine. If you mend it carefully, it’ll last you for years.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Hall.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, thank you, Mrs. Insoley. You are so kind to me.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Edith.</span></p> - -<p>D’you think I ought to offer to go away to-day? I was going to stay till -to-morrow.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>I was going to-day in any case. I’m due to stay with some people in -Wiltshire.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>You seem to be in great demand.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>I have a very pleasant fund of small talk.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>I’m afraid this is not an occasion upon which you’ll find it of any use.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>There is a moment’s pause.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Edith.</span></p> - -<p>I’m going into the garden.<a name="page_105" id="page_105"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>Come on. I’m dying for a smoke.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>She gets up and walks out through the French windows.</i> <span class="smcap">Cobbett</span> -<i>follows her</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Getting up from the table.</i>] I think you should remember, my dear -Grace, that suicide is not only very wicked, but very cowardly. I have -no patience with the sentimentalities of the present day. Our fathers -buried people who were sinful enough to destroy themselves at the -cross-roads with a stake in their insides. And it served them right.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>does not answer</i>. <span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley</span>, <i>with a shrug of the -shoulders, walks out of the room, followed by</i> <span class="smcap">Miss Hall</span>. <i>As soon -as</i> <span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>hears the door shut she turns round with an exclamation, -half-smothered, of impatient anger</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, did you hear? They have the heart to chatter like that when that -unhappy girl is lying dead. They haven’t a word of pity. It seems to -mean nothing to them that she sacrificed herself. If she died, it was to -save her father, so that he shouldn’t be thrown out of work in his old -age. And they call her wicked and sinful.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>But is that anything new to you? Haven’t you noticed that people always -rather resent the heroism<a name="page_106" id="page_106"></a> of others? They don’t like the claim it makes -on <i>them</i>, and the easiest way to defend themselves is with a sneer.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I might have saved her life if I’d chosen, but I hadn’t the courage.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Afraid that she is going to blurt out a secret which had much better -not be referred to.</i>] Grace, don’t be stupid.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Once I suspected what she was going to do, but she was too clever for -me. I so wanted to believe it was all right. I wanted her to go away -quietly.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Trying to calm her.</i>] Lots of women have been in difficulties before, -and they haven’t killed themselves. There must have been some kink in -her nature. I suppose the instinct of life wasn’t so strong as it is -with most of us, and—and she would have committed suicide for almost -any reason.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>There was only one thing to say, and I didn’t say it. I couldn’t.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>My dear, for heaven’s sake pull yourself together.<a name="page_107" id="page_107"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>D’you know why Claude was so determined she should go? Because he -couldn’t bear that <i>I</i> should come in contact with a woman who’d done -wrong.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Looking down.</i>] I had an idea that was at the back of his mind.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With sudden suspicion.</i>] Why should you know what Claude feels better -than I do?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Fearing she has given herself away.</i>] It was a mere guess on my part.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a keen look at her.</i>] When I asked you the other day whether -you’d been very much in love with Claude, you wouldn’t answer.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] I really thought it was no business of yours.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Gravely.</i>] Are you in love with him still?</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Miss Vernon</span> <i>is about to break out indignantly, but quickly -controls herself</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>Yes, I suppose I am.<a name="page_108" id="page_108"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Much?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p><i>Hoarsely.</i>] Yes.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>There is a pause.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>D’you know that my mother-in-law would give half her fortune to -know—what you know? She’s been on the look-out to trip me up for years. -It only wants a hint, and she can be trusted to make the most of it.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>My dear, I haven’t a notion what you’re talking about.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a shrug of the shoulders.</i>] How did you find out?</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Miss Vernon</span> <i>looks at her for a moment, then looks away in -embarrassment</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>I suspected before. In those circumstances hardly any men seem able to -help a sort of proprietary air. He rather gave it away, you know.... And -then yesterday I felt quite certain.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I’m in your hands. What are you going to do?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>My dear, what can I do? Claude wouldn’t love me more because he loved -you less.<a name="page_109" id="page_109"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>You must utterly despise me.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>No.... I feel awfully sorry for Claude.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Almost jealously.</i>] Claude’s your first thought always.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>He’s been the whole world to me since I was a girl of sixteen.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Is that why you never married?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>I suppose it is.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I never dreamt that anyone could care for Claude like that. I suppose -you see something in him that I’ve never seen.... He has a hundred -different ways of getting on my nerves.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>You see, I’m not irritated by the mannerisms that irritate you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Reflectively.</i>] Real love accepts them, I suppose.<a name="page_110" id="page_110"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>It wants them even because it’s something individual to cling to.... And -then it laughs at them a little, and the best love of all includes a -sense of humour.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>It’s made me feel so strange to know that you love him, Helen. It’s -given him something that he’s never had before.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t suppose any woman likes her husband less because she knows that -another woman is eating her heart out for him.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Slowly.</i>] I wonder if I’ve misjudged him all these years.... D’you -think I found him shallow because there was no depth in me, and narrow -because I was narrow myself.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Claude Insoley</span>. <span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>turns to him quickly</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Did you see Gann?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Touching the bell.</i>] No, he wasn’t at the cottage. I’ve sent for him -and told him to come here.<a name="page_111" id="page_111"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>They know where he is then?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Yes, worse luck. He’s been soaking at the public-house since it opened.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>But when did it happen?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Peggy, d’you mean? She did it last night.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Last night? But why have we only just heard of it?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Deeply discouraged.</i>] Because they don’t come to us any more when -they’re in trouble. They keep it to themselves.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Moore</span> <i>answers the bell</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, Moore, when Gann comes let me know. I’ll come and see him at once.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Moore.</span></p> - -<p>He’s here now, sir.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Is he? I didn’t expect him yet. All right.<a name="page_112" id="page_112"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Won’t you let him come here, Claude? I should like to speak to him too.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t think you’d better see him if he’s been drinking. He may be -going to make himself rather objectionable.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I must say to him what I’ve got on my heart, Claude.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Very well. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Moore</span>.] Tell Gann to come here.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Moore.</span></p> - -<p>Very good, sir.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>Exit.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>I dare say you’d like me to leave you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>You don’t mind, do you?</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>With a shake of the head and a smile</i> <span class="smcap">Miss Vernon</span> <i>goes out</i>. -<span class="smcap">Claude</span> <i>looks a little uncertainly at his wife. He seeks for -something to say.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>What a nice woman that is! I can’t imagine why Archibald doesn’t hurry -up and marry her.<a name="page_113" id="page_113"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Perhaps he’s not in love with her.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Any man in his senses would be in love with her.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>does not answer, but she gives him a curious glance</i>. <span class="smcap">Moore</span> -<i>opens the door to show</i> <span class="smcap">Gann</span> <i>in</i>. <span class="smcap">Gann</span> <i>is dishevelled and -untidy, his face haggard and drawn. He is not exactly drunk, but he -is stupefied, partly with liquor and partly with grief. He carries -his gun. He comes in, his cap on his head, and stands clumsily near -the door.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Take off your cap, Gann.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Gann</span> <i>looks at him unsteadily and slowly takes off his cap</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>Did you want to speak to me, Squire?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I’ve just been round to your cottage, Gann. I saw Peggy.... I want to -tell you how awfully sorry I am for what’s happened. I can never forgive -myself.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Gann</span> <i>steps forward with a lurch and faces</i> <span class="smcap">Claude</span>.</p></div> - -<p><a name="page_114" id="page_114"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>What d’you want me for? Couldn’t you let me be? D’you still want me to -go?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>No. That’s what I wanted to tell you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>Give us time and we’ll clear. We don’t want long. Give us time to bury -the girl. That’s all we want.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>gives an exclamation of horror</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I hope you’ll stay. I want to do everything I can to make up for your -loss. I want you to know that I blame myself most awfully.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>Will that bring ’er back to life, d’you think?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I’d give anything for this horrible accident not to have happened. -[<i>With a look at Grace.</i>] I’m afraid it’s my fault.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>She killed ’erself so as I shouldn’t be turned off. That’s why she -killed ’erself. You’re a hard master—you always was. She thought it was -the only way to save me from the work’us.<a name="page_115" id="page_115"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Very awkwardly.</i>] In future I’ll try to be different. I didn’t think I -was hard. I thought I was only just.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>It was a cruel rule.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I thought I was only doing my duty.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>She was a good girl, after all, Squire, a good girl.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I’m sure she was.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>It’s easy enough for you people to keep straight. You don’t ’ave -temptations like we ’ave.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>No, that’s true enough. I suppose it’s not really very hard for us to be -moderately decent.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>In a choking voice.</i>] Where is the child now, Gann?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Violently.</i>] D’you want that too? Ain’t you satisfied yet? Has the -child got to go before I stay?<a name="page_116" id="page_116"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>No, no. I only wanted to know if there was anything I could do. I wanted -to help you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t want your ’elp. I only want you to let me work and earn my -wages.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>That you shall do, I promise you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>Can I go now? I’ve got a deal to do this morning.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Yes.... Will you shake hands with me before you go?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>What good’ll that do you?</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Claude</span> <i>gives a gesture of discouragement</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I can only repeat that I’m most awfully sorry. I’m afraid there’s -absolutely nothing I can do to make up for your great loss.... You can -go now.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Gann</span> <i>turns to go, while</i> <span class="smcap">Claude</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>watch him silently. -Suddenly he comes back and thrusts his gun into</i> <span class="smcap">Claude’s</span> <i>hand</i>.</p></div> - -<p><a name="page_117" id="page_117"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>Look ’ere, Squire, you take my gun. I ain’t fit to keep it.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Sharply.</i>] What the devil d’you mean?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>Last night when the liquor was in me I swore I’d blow your brains out -and swing for it. Don’t let me ’ave the gun. I’m not fit to keep it yet. -If I get on the drink again I’ll kill you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>What the dickens d’you mean by speaking to me like that! Of course you -must have your gun. I can’t allow you to neglect your work.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Almost in a whisper.</i>] Claude, take care.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Looking at the lock.</i>] Why isn’t it loaded?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>They took the cartridges out. I was about mad, and I don’t know what I -said. If I’d come across you then—you wouldn’t be standing where you -are now.<a name="page_118" id="page_118"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I suppose you take eights?</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Gann</span> <i>both look at him</i>. <span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>gives a start when she -realises what he is going to do</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>That’s right.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Claude</span> <i>nods and goes to the door. He hesitates, with a look at</i> -<span class="smcap">Grace</span>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I shall be all right.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>He goes out. In a moment he comes back with two cartridges. He -puts them in the gun, and hands it back to the gamekeeper.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Here you are. I don’t think I’m afraid. I’ll take my chance of your -wanting to shoot me.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Gann</span> <i>takes the gun, and his hands close round it convulsively. He -half raises it.</i> <span class="smcap">Claude</span> <i>goes to the door through which he has just -come, and closes it. Then, almost mastered by the temptation</i>, <span class="smcap">Gann</span> -<i>pulls himself together and advances a step towards his master</i>. -<span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>gives a stifled cry</i>. <span class="smcap">Claude</span> <i>turns round and faces the -man</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>That’ll do, Gann. I don’t think I have anything more to say to you. You -can go.<a name="page_119" id="page_119"></a></p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Gann</span> <i>struggles to command himself. His fingers itch to shoot, -but</i> <span class="smcap">Claude’s</span> <i>unconcern prevents him</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Gann.</span></p> - -<p>By God!</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>He turns round to go, and flings the gun violently from him.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Peremptorily.</i>] Gann, take your gun.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>The man stops, looks at his master, and then, cowed, picks it up. -He lurches heavily out of the room. There is a pause.</i> <span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>draws -a long breath</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I’m glad you did that, Claude.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Thinking she refers to his attempts at apology.</i>] It was very -difficult to know what to say to him.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I didn’t mean that. I meant, I’m glad you made him take the gun.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Oh! Hang it all, you didn’t think I was likely to be frightened of one -of my own servants, did you?<a name="page_120" id="page_120"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>In a low voice.</i>] I was rather afraid he was going to shoot you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>So was I. But I felt pretty sure he saw two of me, and I thought he’d -probably shoot at the wrong one.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>You’re very plucky.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Rot! [<i>He hesitates for a moment.</i>] Grace, I’m afraid you think I’ve -been an awful skunk.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a quick look at him.</i>] We none of us knew anything like this was -going to happen.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Will you forgive me?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Startled.</i>] I?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I’ve been feeling such an awful cad. If I’d only done what you wanted me -to, this wouldn’t have happened.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>That’s not <i>your</i> fault. I didn’t say—what I should have said to make -you change your mind.<a name="page_121" id="page_121"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>It rather put my back up that you should be so set on letting Peggy -stay. But it struck me afterwards, of course you couldn’t feel the same -about it as I did. I think if one’s awfully straight, one’s full of -charity, don’t you know.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>My dear Claude, you talk as if I were a girl of eighteen.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t suppose you remember, but when Archibald told us, I wanted to -say something to you....</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Yes, your first thought was for me, wasn’t it?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Going on.</i>] And I came near you. And—and you sort of shuddered, and -said: “For God’s sake, don’t touch me!”</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be unkind.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>No, I know you didn’t. It just came out unawares. And—oh, Grace, I -couldn’t bear to think you—you couldn’t stick me, don’t you know.... I -suppose I’m a damned fool, but I haven’t made you hate and loathe me, -have I?<a name="page_122" id="page_122"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I’m not worth so much troubling about, Claude.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I can’t help it. You’ve just somehow got in my blood and bones, and if -it didn’t sound such drivel, I’d say you meant everything in the world -to me. Only you just laugh at me when I say things like that.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Explaining to herself rather than to him.</i>] It’s very hard for all of -us to say what we mean. The words we use are so frayed. One ought to -guess at—at the soul within them.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I’ve been trying to think about Gann and his daughter, but I can’t -really think of anything but you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>You know, Claude, no one’s so wonderful as you think me. I’m no longer -so young as all that, and you’re the only person who ever thought me -very pretty.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t mind. Sometimes, so that my love should mean more to you, don’t -you know, I’ve wanted you to get older quickly, and I’ve wanted you to -be plain.<a name="page_123" id="page_123"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a little hysterical laugh.</i>] Oh, my dear, what a horrible -prospect.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Don’t laugh at me now, Grace.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With tears in her voice.</i>] I’m not laughing at you. God knows I’m not -laughing at you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I’m such an ass at explaining myself. What I want to make you understand -is that I don’t love you for anything that other people could love you -for. I love you because you’re you, don’t you know. Because you’re so -awfully good and straight. And you know I respect you so awfully.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>In a hoarse voice.</i>] I’m not good, Claude.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>If I didn’t believe it, I should think the world a pretty rotten place.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I haven’t been the sort of wife you wanted. I felt that always.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>You’ve been the only woman in the world for me. Always.<a name="page_124" id="page_124"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Deeply moved.</i>] Not many women can say that, can they? One ought to be -very grateful.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>D’you remember the first time I ever saw you?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Looking away from him.</i>] I wonder you didn’t marry Helen Vernon years -before you came across me.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Hang it all, why on earth should I have done that!</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Your mother was very anxious that you should.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I was just as little in love with Helen Vernon as she was in love with -me.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I can’t help seeing that she would have made you a much better wife than -I have. She would have understood you. I don’t think I ever understood -you. I’ve been a wretched failure, Claude.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Darling, how can you talk such rot?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>She might have had children. You wanted them so much, Claude, and I -haven’t given you any.<a name="page_125" id="page_125"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>That’s been hard luck on both of us, darling.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With deep feeling.</i>] It might have made all the difference.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>If I wanted children it was chiefly because I thought you’d be happier. -You wouldn’t have minded the dull life down here then. And you might -have cared a bit more for me because I was their father.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>It all comes back to me, doesn’t it? I’m in all your thoughts always.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>D’you mind?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I’m so ashamed.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Archibald</span> <i>comes in from the hall</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, Claude, I met the coroner’s officer on my way along here. He wants -to see you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>All right. I’ll come. Is he in the hall?<a name="page_126" id="page_126"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a nod.</i>] I told him you knew nothing more than I’d said. But I’m -afraid they’ll call you at the inquest.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>The only thing’s to grin and bear it.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>They go out.</i> <span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>sinks into a chair at the writing-table and -buries her face in her hands. In a moment</i> <span class="smcap">Henry Cobbett</span> <i>enters. -She starts up when she hears his footstep on the gravel. He has his -hat in his hand and his coat over his arm.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>I’m just starting. I was looking for you to say good-bye.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Is it time for you to go already? I didn’t know it was late.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>Thanks awfully for putting me up. It’s been perfectly topping.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>It was nice of you to come. I hope you’ll run down again one of these -days.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>In a lower tone.</i>] I suppose you never want to set eyes on me again.<a name="page_127" id="page_127"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Never.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>You’re not awfully unhappy, are you?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With something between a sob and a chuckle.</i>] Awfully.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>I’m dreadfully sorry.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>That doesn’t do me much good, does it?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>If there’s anything I can do, I’d like awfully to do it if you’d let me.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>No, whatever happens no one can help me but myself.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>I shouldn’t have played the fool if I’d thought you were going to take -things so much to heart.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Ironically.</i>] That’s the nuisance of women, isn’t it? They <i>will</i> make -an affair of what’s really only an episode.<a name="page_128" id="page_128"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>You have a way of saying things that makes one feel an awful bounder. -After all, one can’t help falling in love, and one’s not a blackguard -because one falls out of it.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>D’you remember asking me yesterday if I was beginning to care for Claude -differently?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>Yes.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I love him as I never thought it was possible to love. I don’t know why -I love him. It’s come to me suddenly. I—oh, I can’t tell you what it -is. It’s like hunger in my soul. And I’m frightened.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>I should have thought that made everything all right.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>It’s come too late. I’m—soiled. Afterwards—you know what I mean, when -you and I—the first thing I felt was surprise because I found myself no -different. I thought when a woman had done that everything would seem -altered. But I felt just the same as before. It’s only now. It’s like -the stain of blood—don’t you remember—not all the perfumes of -Arabia....<a name="page_129" id="page_129"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Worried and moved.</i>] You know, it’s absurd to take it like that.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With increasing agitation.</i>] Oh, what have I done! If I’d only had the -strength to resist! It’s now that I see it all, the utter degradation of -it, the hateful ugliness. Oh, I loathe myself. How can I take my heart -to Claude when there’s you standing between us?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>I’m awfully sorry, Grace.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I’d give anything in the world if I hadn’t done what I have done. I -might be so happy now. I haven’t a chance. The fates are against me. -What’s the good of loving Claude now—I’m not fit to be his wife.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>She is beside herself.</i> <span class="smcap">Cobbett</span>, <i>not knowing what to do, stands -looking at her. The sound is heard of a motor-horn blowing.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a slight start.</i>] What’s that?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>It’s Rooney. He’s afraid you’ll miss the train. You’d better hurry up.<a name="page_130" id="page_130"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>I can’t leave you like this.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Ironically.</i>] I shouldn’t like you to miss your train.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>I suppose you hate and loathe me.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I’d wish you were dead, only it wouldn’t do me much good, would it?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Cobbett.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Reflectively.</i>] The fact is, only the wicked should sin.... When the -virtuous do things they shouldn’t they do make such an awful hash of it.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Moore</span> <i>comes in followed by the</i> <span class="smcap">Footman</span>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>What is it?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Moore.</span></p> - -<p>I was going to clear away, madam.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, yes, I forgot. [<i>Holding out her hand to</i> <span class="smcap">Cobbett</span>.] You’ll have to -look sharp.</p> - -<p class="cspoc">END OF THE THIRD ACT<a name="page_131" id="page_131"></a></p> - -<h2><a name="THE_FOURTH_ACT" id="THE_FOURTH_ACT"></a>THE FOURTH ACT</h2> - - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="hang"><span class="smcap">The Scene</span> <i>is the same as in the first and second Acts, the -drawing-room at Kenyon-Fulton</i>.</p> - -<p class="hang"><i>Two days have elapsed. It is about twelve o’clock in the morning.</i> -<span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley</span> <i>is seated with her dog on her lap, and</i> <span class="smcap">Miss Hall</span> <i>is -reading the leading article of the</i> Times <i>to her</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Hall.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Reading.</i>] “ ... to whom it would give the suffrage are marked off -from all citizens who have ever and anywhere enjoyed the franchise in -great civil communities by physical differences which no legislation can -affect. Women, they insist, pay rates and taxes as men do, and -therefore, they argue, women ought to vote as men do. But rates and -taxes may be imposed or abolished by legislation. Men may become -ratepayers and taxpayers, or cease to be ratepayers and taxpayers. The -one thing that no enthusiasm, no reasoning, no eloquence, -demonstrations, or statutes can achieve is to make a woman a man.”</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>How true that is, Louisa.<a name="page_132" id="page_132"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Hall.</span></p> - -<p>I’ve always thought exactly the same myself, Mrs. Insoley.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>And there’s another thing, Louisa. No man can become a mother.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Hall.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Reflectively.</i>] No, I suppose not.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Have you any doubts on the subject, Louisa?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Hall.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, no, Mrs. Insoley.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Ironically.</i>] You may take it from me that no man can become a mother. -And apparently very few women either nowadays.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Archibald Insoley</span> <i>comes in</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>Good morning, mother.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Good morning, my dear.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>He bends down and kisses her.</i></p></div> - -<p><a name="page_133" id="page_133"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>Good morning, Miss Hall.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Hall.</span></p> - -<p>Good morning.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Louisa, you may read the rest of that article to yourself in the garden.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Hall.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Getting up.</i>] Very well, Mrs. Insoley. Shall I take the dog?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Handing it over.</i>] Yes. And be very careful with him. He says he’s not -very well to-day.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Miss Hall</span> <i>takes the dog and goes out</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>I’m glad to have an opportunity of talking to you, Archibald. I’ve -fancied that you’ve been rather avoiding me the last day or two.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Cheerfully.</i>] Oh, no, my dear mother.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>When I asked Grace to invite Helen Vernon to stay here for a few days, -it was in the confident hope that you would make her a proposal of -marriage.<a name="page_134" id="page_134"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>I respect and esteem Miss Vernon, but I confess that no warmer feeling -has ever entered my bosom.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>It’s not necessary that warm feelings should enter a clergyman’s bosom, -Archibald. She’s of very good family indeed, and an heiress. Five -thousand acres and a house that’s only just been done up.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a chuckle.</i>] If there only weren’t a wife to be taken along with -the property!</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a twinkle in her eyes.</i>] It shouldn’t be necessary for me to tell -a person of your profession that none of the pleasures of this world can -be had without some drawback.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>What a pity it is you weren’t a man, mother. You would have made such a -bishop.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Are you trying to change the conversation, Archibald?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t think it would be a bad idea.<a name="page_135" id="page_135"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Then I will only say one thing more. I am the meekest woman in the -world, and a lamb could lead me. But I should like to remind you that -the living of Kenyon-Fulton is not worth more than a hundred and seventy -a year, and if you can keep a curate and live like a gentleman it’s only -owing to my generosity.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>I’m quite prepared to live on a hundred and seventy a year, mother. I -dare say it would have just as good an effect on my figure as matrimony.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Rather crossly.</i>] I don’t know what you’re talking about, Archibald.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>I understood you to recommend marriage as a sort of heroic remedy for -corpulence.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>You have nothing against Helen, I presume?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] I could have wished that fewer summers had passed over a -fringe which I shrewdly suspect to be artificial.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Of course it’s artificial, but you’re no chicken yourself, Archibald.<a name="page_136" id="page_136"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>On the contrary, I’m much too old a bird to be caught by chaff.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>I’m sure we don’t want another flighty young thing in the family.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t think Grace has been very flighty the last day or two.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>What’s the matter with her? She’s been going about with a face as long -as one of your sermons.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>I’m afraid Peggy’s death upset her very much.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Irritably.</i>] That’s the worst of those sort of people, they have no -self-control. If she’s going to give way like this at the death of a -kitchen-maid, what on earth is she going to do at the death of a -duchess?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>Is it a riddle, mother?</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>comes in. She looks tired and worn. She is in a very -nervous state. She gives the impression that any folly, any -wildness may be expected from her.</i></p></div> - -<p><a name="page_137" id="page_137"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Good morning, Archibald.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>Good morning.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I thought you’d be at the inquest.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>No. There was no need for me to go. And Claude seemed to think he’d -rather I didn’t.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>What is this?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>The inquest on Peggy Gann.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Have you seen Claude?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>He looked in at the Rectory for five minutes. I’m afraid he’s awfully -worried.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>I have no patience with Claude. He should have more self-respect than to -let such a thing worry him.<a name="page_138" id="page_138"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>He’s afraid he may be asked some very unpleasant questions.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>You seem entirely to forget the relative positions of the parties -concerned. If Claude doesn’t want to answer an impertinent question, -it’s the easiest thing in the world for him to fly into a passion and -refuse. Who is the coroner?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>His name is Davies. He’s the local doctor.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>You’re not going to suggest that the local doctor would dream of asking -a question unless he was quite sure Claude was prepared to answer it?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>Davies is an advanced Radical. I’m afraid he may take the opportunity to -have a fling at Claude.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>I’m all at sea. In my day we wouldn’t have stood a doctor for five -minutes who was a Radical. We’d have made life unbearable for him until -he became a Conservative or left the district.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a shrug of the shoulders.</i>] You’re looking rather dicky, Grace.<a name="page_139" id="page_139"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, I’m quite well, thank you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>Am I mistaken in thinking you have rouge on your cheeks?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I’ve not been sleeping very well, and I didn’t want to look ill.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>In my young days ladies did not paint their faces.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With suppressed rage.</i>] We don’t live in your young days, and I’m not -a lady.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Insoley.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a chuckle at the opportunity</i> <span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>has given her</i>.] As you are -my hostess, it would be insolent of me to contradict you, my dear Grace.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>Delighted with her repartee, she gets up and walks out of the -room.</i> <span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>goes up to the looking-glass over the chimney-piece -and rubs her cheeks with a handkerchief</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>I wonder if you’d be very angry if I said something to you?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Icily.</i>] Do you object to the way I do my hair, or<a name="page_140" id="page_140"></a> is it the cut of -my skirt that doesn’t quite meet with your approval?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>I was going to say something to you about Claude.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>gives a slight, an almost imperceptible start, but does not -answer or look round</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>You know how funny he is. He doesn’t say much when anything’s on his -mind. But if one knows him well it’s not hard to tell when something’s -bothering him.... He’s awfully worried about you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Still looking in the glass.</i>] I don’t know why I should worry him now -more than I usually do.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>He’s afraid you blame him for Peggy’s death.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Why should I?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>He feels it was his fault.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I suppose it was in a way.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>He’s so fond of you he can’t bear to think that—that it’s made a -difference to you.<a name="page_141" id="page_141"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Has he said anything to you about it?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>No.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Perhaps it’s only your fancy. [<i>Turning round.</i>] Why are you telling me -now?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>I’m afraid he’ll have rather a rough time at the inquest. I thought you -might say something to buck him up a little. A word or two from you -would mean so much.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>There is a short pause.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I think it’s so strange that you should say all this to me now. It’s not -as if we’d ever been great friends, is it?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>Our best friends are always those who put us in a good conceit of -ourselves. I always think it’s a dreadful thing when a man loses his -nerve.... You can do so much for Claude if you choose.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I think you exaggerate the influence I have over him. After all, he’s -always taken care to keep me and his life strictly apart.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>I think you should remember that if he made a<a name="page_142" id="page_142"></a> mistake it was an honest -one. He wouldn’t be human if he didn’t put his foot in it sometimes.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>You speak as if I were perfection itself.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>And then, if he was so determined not to break that particular rule of -the estate, it was partly for your sake, wasn’t it? Because he thought -it his duty to keep you from any possibility of contact with evil.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Did he tell you that?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>No. It was not very difficult to guess.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I suppose not—for anyone who had eyes to see.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>You will do your best, Grace?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>What do you suggest I should do?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>It’s very difficult for me to tell you. I think the chief thing is that -you should tell Claude—if you <a name="page_143" id="page_143"></a>can—that you’re fond of him, and that, -whatever happens, you always will be fond of him.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Hoarsely.</i>] That oughtn’t to be very hard. I love him with all my -heart and soul.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] If you could only say that to him—just in that way, as if -you really felt it—you would make him so happy.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>There is a pause.</i> <span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>puts her hands in front of her eyes, -and she keeps them there for a moment so that she should not see</i> -<span class="smcap">Archibald</span> <i>while she is speaking</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Archibald, I want to speak to you for a minute—as a clergyman.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>My dear Grace, you frighten me.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I’m sorry if I’ve been often bitter and unkind to you. I’m ashamed when -I think of all the silly, cruel things I must have said to you during -the ten years I’ve lived here.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Cheerfully.</i>] Oh, what nonsense! You’ve got a clever tongue, and like -most people who have, you can’t resist saying a sharp thing when it -strikes you.<a name="page_144" id="page_144"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I’ve often set out to wound you. I’ve been fiendish sometimes. I’d like -you to know that I’m grateful to you for being so patient with me. It -wouldn’t be surprising if you loathed me.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, I think I’ve always had a very great affection for you, Grace. I -know you’ve often found life down here rather dull. If any allowances -have been necessary, I’ve been perfectly ready to make them.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I expect I was often unjust to you. I sometimes felt you weren’t quite -sincere.... I thought you’d only become a clergyman on account of the -living and the house.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>Yes, I felt that. But I couldn’t bear you any ill-will on that account. -It was true.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>turns and looks at him with startled eyes</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>I’m afraid I’m not much in the way of parsons. My class means so much -more to me than my calling. I know it’s a mistake, and yet I can’t help -it. I’m bound down by conventions that I haven’t the will to escape -from. The day’s past of the family living, the perquisite of a younger -son, and I’m out of place here. I can’t feel that the position is mine -by right as my Uncle Robert felt before me, and I haven’t the enthusiasm -which might make me feel I’d earned it by my own efforts.<a name="page_145" id="page_145"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I’m so ashamed of myself. Because people didn’t carry their hearts on -their sleeves I thought they had no hearts at all.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>For three years after I was ordained I was a curate at Wakefield. I was -worked so hard that I never had a moment to myself. I think those were -my happy days. And that’s what I ought to do now. I ought to exchange -all this for some living in a city, and do some real work before it’s -too late. But I haven’t the courage. And then I should do no good, for I -haven’t conviction. That’s why I have no influence in the parish. They -come to me for beef-tea and for coal-tickets, but when it’s real help -they want they go elsewhere. All I’m fit for is to hold a family living -and dine with the neighbouring gentry. You summed me up with the utmost -precision.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t think so any more. I have an idea that perhaps one sees people -most truly when one sees them charitably.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a smile.</i>] You said you wanted to speak to me, and I’ve been -talking only about myself.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I think you’ve made it a little easier for me, Archibald. It’s kind of -you.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>She pauses and there is a silence. She walks up and down the room -in agitation.</i></p></div> - -<p><a name="page_146" id="page_146"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a series of little gasps.</i>] Archibald, I’m dreadfully unhappy. -I’ve done something which I bitterly regret. I don’t know how to tell -you. But I must tell you.... I’ve been unfaithful to Claude.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>Grace, you must be mad. You can’t mean what you say. It’s—it’s -impossible.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>It’s torturing me. It’s torturing me.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>But I don’t understand. You don’t mean that....</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Desperately.</i>] Oh, yes, I mean exactly what I say. Please understand -me.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>You said you were in love with Claude.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Yes. That’s why I can’t bear the agony of it. I’m so unhappy. I’m so -dreadfully unhappy. I want you to help me. I want you to tell me what to -do.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>There is a moment’s pause.</i> <span class="smcap">Archibald</span> <i>is so bewildered that he -can find not a word to say</i>.</p></div> - -<p><a name="page_147" id="page_147"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>You can hardly believe it, can you? It sounds incredible. Sometimes I -can’t help saying to myself that it is not possible it should be true.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Trying to collect himself.</i>] It’s come as a most dreadful blow.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Don’t reproach me. I’ve said all the obvious things to myself -already.... Oh, I hate myself.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>I’m so bewildered. Why d’you tell <i>me</i>? I feel I ought to ask you all -sorts of questions, and I can’t bear to ask you anything.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t think anything matters but that I’ve behaved odiously. Claude -was always very good to me, and I’ve deceived him. And every kindness, -every word of love he says to me is a reproach. And I love him with all -my soul, and there’s always the horror of what I’ve done between us. And -I can’t bear it any longer.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>I’m so helpless.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Are you going to tell Claude?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>I? You must be mad.<a name="page_148" id="page_148"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I thought perhaps you might feel it was your duty. You’re his brother.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>It would never occur to me to betray the confidence you’ve put in me.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Then what shall I do?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>I can’t advise you. I haven’t got the experience. I know so little of -the world.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>You <i>must</i> advise me. I’m at the end of my strength. I can’t go on like -this any more.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>Is it all over between you and ... you know what I mean?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Yes, it’s all over.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t know what to say to you. I’m awfully sorry.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Desperately.</i>] Is there no one who can do anything for me?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>I suppose nobody else knows?<a name="page_149" id="page_149"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Helen Vernon. She found out. But I can’t go to her for advice. I can’t. -I can’t humiliate myself. And the remorse is just killing me.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>It’s so difficult for me to say things that won’t seem sanctimonious. I -don’t want to say a word that you can think is a reproach.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t mind what you say so long as you help me.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>There is a moment’s pause.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Hesitatingly.</i>] We’re taught that there’s one course clear to the -sinner that repenteth.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>starts to her feet and looks at him wildly</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>You want me to tell Claude?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>In a low voice.</i>] I don’t see how there can be forgiveness till one -has confessed one’s sin.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a deep, deep sigh.</i>] Oh, if you knew what a relief it would be! -For days I’ve been fighting with the temptation to make a clean breast -of it. I’ve been trying to keep it from me, trying not to think of it. -But it meets me at every turn. It haunts<a name="page_150" id="page_150"></a> me. It’s like an obsession, -and it’s stronger than I am. It’s driving me—driving me to confess. I -know I shall have to do it; I can’t help myself. I shall go mad if I -don’t tell him.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>For goodness’ sake, calm yourself.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>If I’d told him before, when I was trying to persuade him to let Gann -stay, that girl wouldn’t have died. I hadn’t the courage. I wouldn’t -sacrifice myself. It was too much to ask me. And since then I’ve been -tortured by remorse. They say she had the suicidal instinct, and would -have killed herself for almost anything. But I seem to see her lying -there reproaching me. Reproaching me.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>Why don’t you go to Claude at once and get it over?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I’m frightened. I’m just sick with fear. A dozen times I’ve been on the -point of it—just to have done with it, to get rid of the agony that -burnt my heart—and at the last moment I couldn’t. But it’s like being -on a high place and looking down and holding on to something so that you -shouldn’t throw yourself over. Sooner or later I shall have to do it. -It’s the only way to get back my self-respect. It’s the only chance I -have of living at all.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>I wish I could do more for you.<a name="page_151" id="page_151"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>No one can do anything for me. Oh, it is cruel. And to come just now -when I love Claude! I didn’t love him at first. It came quite -suddenly—as if scales had been torn away from my eyes. And it wasn’t -till then that I saw the sin and the wickedness of it. Oh, it was so -much more than sin and wickedness. The filthiness. The only thing’s to -tell him and have done with it. You know he’ll divorce me, don’t you?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>He loves you so much.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Even if it breaks his heart, he’ll force himself to divorce me. You know -what Claude is. He’ll think it’s his duty. He’ll do what he thinks he -ought to do even if it kills him. Oh, but if he’d only forgive me, I -would try to make amends. It’s so hard that I’ve only learnt how to be a -good wife now that I’m unfit to be his wife at all.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Deeply moved.</i>] Be brave, Grace.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>She looks at him for a moment, then suddenly makes up her mind. -She takes a letter from her dress and sits down at the desk. She -puts it into an envelope on which she writes</i> <span class="smcap">Claude’s</span> <i>name</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Will you ring the bell?<a name="page_152" id="page_152"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Touching it.</i>] What are you going to do?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>It’s a letter that I had from—the other. It’s proof of everything. I -felt I couldn’t tell Claude. It was hopeless. And I thought I’d just -press it into his hand....</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>As she is speaking</i> <span class="smcap">Moore</span> <i>comes in. She hands him the letter.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Have that given to Mr. Insoley the moment he comes in.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Moore.</span></p> - -<p>Very good, madam.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>Exit.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Startled.</i>] D’you mean to say you’re going to tell him like that?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>It’s the only way I <i>can</i> do it.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Overcome.</i>] Good God, what have I done?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>He’ll read the letter, and then the worst will be over. I couldn’t have -told him—I couldn’t.<a name="page_153" id="page_153"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>I hope you’ve done right.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Anyhow, it’s the end of everything—just when I might have started a new -life.... I wonder when I shall have to go away from here?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>Don’t put it like that.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Looking out of the window.</i>] I thought I hated the place. It’s bored -me to the verge of tears. And now I shall never again see the night fall -on the park slowly. And I feel ... and I feel that with me, too, those -great trees, and the meadows, and the cawing rooks have come to be part -of my blood and my bones.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>The door is opened, and</i> <span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>gives a start and a little -frightened cry</i>. <span class="smcap">Helen Vernon</span> <i>comes in</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, I thought it was Claude.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>She puts her hand to her heart and steadies herself against a -chair.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>What on earth’s the matter?<a name="page_154" id="page_154"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a gesture of the head towards</i> <span class="smcap">Archibald</span>.] I’ve told him about me -and....</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>In short exclamation, which does not interrupt</i> <span class="smcap">Grace</span>.] Oh!</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I’m going to tell Claude. It’s the only thing to do.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Archibald</span>, <i>sharply</i>.] Is that your advice? You fool, Archibald!</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I can’t bear the torture any more.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>I suspected you were thinking of something like this. But you wouldn’t -let me speak to you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I’ve been struggling against it, and now I’ve made up my mind.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>My dear, there are three good rules in life. The first is—never sin; -and that’s the most sensible. The second is—if you sin, never repent; -and that’s the bravest. But the third is—if you repent, never never -confess; and that’s the hardest of them all.<a name="page_155" id="page_155"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t think this is the time for flippancy, Helen.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>Good heavens, I’m being as serious as I possibly can.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>D’you mean to say you think Grace oughtn’t to say anything?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>I think it would be monstrous of her to say anything.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>If the sinner wants forgiveness, first of all he must confess his sin.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>You still look upon your God as a God of vengeance, who wants sacrifices -to appease Him.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our -sins.”</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>That was said to a stiff-necked generation that wanted humbling. But no -one can want to humble us, surely. We’re so timid already. We’re so -unsure of ourselves. We’ve all got a morbid desire to unbosom ourselves. -The commonest ailment of the day<a name="page_156" id="page_156"></a> is a vulgar feminine passion for -making scenes. Confession’s like a drug we fly to because we’ve lost the -last shadow of our self-reliance.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>Don’t let her move you, Grace. I beseech you, for your soul’s sake. Be -brave.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I know that it’s my only chance of happiness.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>But who cares about your happiness?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>Helen, how can you be so unkind?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>No one knows why we’ve been brought into the world, but it evidently -wasn’t for our happiness. Or if it was, the Being who put us here has -made a most outrageous mess of it. Put your happiness out of the -question.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Very earnestly to</i> <span class="smcap">Grace</span>.] If the sinner repents, let him confess his -sin. That’s the only proof he can give of a contrite spirit.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>Nonsense. He can give a much more sensible proof by acting differently -in future.<a name="page_157" id="page_157"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>That would be so easy now.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>But actions aren’t good because they’re difficult.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Part of my punishment is the feeling that except for this horrible -mistake we should both be so much happier than we were before.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>You love Claude now, don’t you?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>With all my heart.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>I have an idea that it’s only your sin that has made your love worth -having.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Rather shocked.</i>] Helen.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>You were rather hard and selfish before because you had nothing in -particular to reproach yourself with. Perhaps it was necessary that you -should step from the narrow path of virtue in order to become a virtuous -woman.<a name="page_158" id="page_158"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>Helen, you can’t mean that.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>It’s very often only repentance that makes men and women human.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>Repentance is useless without sacrifice.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Yes, I feel that. And the only sacrifice I can make is to lay bare my -soul before Claude and accept my punishment.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>And then, I think Claude should be given the chance of deciding for -himself. It’s not fair to leave him in ignorance.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Grace</span>.] Don’t you know that Claude loves you, and trusts you, and -believes in you?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>That is all my torment. I’m so unworthy. If I didn’t love him—if I -didn’t want him to love me so much—it wouldn’t be so dreadful.... I -can’t bear that there should be this secret between us. I know that he’s -not loving me, but some fancy of his own heart. And I’m jealous. I’m -jealous of the woman he loves who isn’t me. And I want him to love me as -I am, as I love him.<a name="page_159" id="page_159"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>Grace, don’t forget that I’ve loved him, too, hopelessly, without any -thought of a return. It gives me some claim, doesn’t it?</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Archibald</span> <i>looks at her quickly, with surprise, but does not -speak</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>The only thing I care for is his happiness. And I beseech you to have -mercy on him.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>What do you mean?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>If you destroy his belief in you he’ll have nothing left. He thinks he’s -strong, but he isn’t. He depends on a few simple principles, and some of -them are already giving way under his feet. He wants you now more than -ever. You can give him back his self-reliance. And you’re going to -humiliate him. Besides everything else, the misery and the grief, don’t -you see what a blow it’ll be to his vanity? I beseech you to have mercy.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>You’re asking me to go on living the hateful lie. But I can’t breathe. -The air about me seems heavy with deceit. If Claude doesn’t love me for -what I am, what can his love be to me?<a name="page_160" id="page_160"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>My dear, it’s not for ourselves that our friends love us, but for the -grace and the beauty that they’ve given us out of their own hearts. And -the only way we can show them our gratitude is by doing all we can to -preserve those precious illusions they have about us.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I don’t want a love that’s based on illusion. At the back of my mind -there was the hope that if I told Claude, some day in the future he -might forgive me. And we could start fresh with mutual knowledge and -mutual confidence. But if I don’t tell him, we can never come together. -Even though we’re not separated for an hour, there’ll always be this -barrier between us.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>Then let that be your punishment.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Startled.</i>] That! [<i>With a little laugh of scorn.</i>] You don’t know -what you’re asking me to do. It’s because I love Claude so much that I -<i>can’t</i> let him go on thinking I’m good and pure and chaste.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Archibald.</span></p> - -<p>And how can good come out of a lie, Helen?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>Perhaps it wouldn’t be a lie always. Don’t you<a name="page_161" id="page_161"></a> remember the Happy -Hypocrite? Love can work many miracles.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a sort of gasp.</i>] You mean—you think I might become really what -Claude thinks me?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>You might try.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>D’you know that I should never have a moment’s peace?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>If you love Claude really, that mightn’t be too great a price to pay for -his happiness.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Vehemently.</i>] Oh, it’s all very well for you to talk, but you don’t -know what this sense of shame is. It’s killing me. And the degradation -of being loved for what you’re not. And you want me never to escape from -it. Oh, you’re right. It would be a fiendish punishment.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>It’s the only return you can make for all the love that Claude has given -you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Taking up the thought.</i>] For his wonderful kindness,<a name="page_162" id="page_162"></a> and all these -years of thought and loving tenderness.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>For a moment</i> <span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>stares in front of her as the words sink -in</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>Grace, it’s I who ask you now to be brave.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With a great sigh.</i>] I seem to see the chance of a greater sacrifice -than anything I’d ever dreamt of. I wonder.... I believe there’s a -chance.... [<i>With a sudden start.</i>] Oh! listen.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>She has heard</i> <span class="smcap">Claude</span> <i>come in. There is a sound of voices in the -hall.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>That’s settled it. It’s too late now to do anything.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>What is it?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Claude’s just come in. I heard him speaking to Moore. He’s been given -the letter.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>D’you mean to say.... [<i>Some part of the facts dawns upon her and she -bursts out violently.</i>] Oh, it’s not that the human race are wicked that -I mind, or that they’re weak—you <i>can</i> give them backbone;<a name="page_163" id="page_163"></a> but what I -can’t get over is that they are such blooming fools.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Will you leave me, both of you? Claude had better find me alone.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Miss Vernon.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Archibald</span>, <i>after a glance at</i> <span class="smcap">Grace</span>.] Come.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>They go out.</i> <span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>is horribly frightened. She stands quite -still, pulling her handkerchief about.</i> <span class="smcap">Claude</span> <i>comes in</i>. <i>He has -a letter in his hand. He flings it on a table.</i> <span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>sees with a -start that it is unopened</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Forcing herself to seem natural.</i>] Is the inquest over?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Sinking dejectedly into a chair.</i>] They brought in a verdict of -suicide while of unsound mind.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>That was what you expected, wasn’t it?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Yes.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>You must be thankful it’s finished and done with.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>With an effort.</i>] The jury passed a vote of censure on me.<a name="page_164" id="page_164"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Claude!</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, if you’d only heard the questions they asked me! There were -reporters there, so it’ll be in the papers and you can read for -yourself. They made me appear a perfect brute.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I’m sure it wasn’t as bad as you fancy.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>You see, I hadn’t a chance of defending myself. I wasn’t going to make -excuses to a parcel of Dissenting shopkeepers. It made me look as if I -hadn’t a leg to stand on.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>After all, what can it matter what a dozen yokels think of you?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>And afterwards when I came out—they had the inquest in that big room -upstairs at the Insoley Arms—there was a crowd outside, people I’d -known all my life, I suppose they’d been taking the opportunity to have -a good soak, and they hissed me as I passed.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Didn’t you say that you were going to abolish the rule?<a name="page_165" id="page_165"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Of course I’m going to abolish the rule. Hang it all, it’s caused -wretchedness enough.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I wish you’d had an opportunity of telling them.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Rather shamefacedly.</i>] The coroner asked me what I was going to do -about it. I couldn’t knuckle under then with all those people round me. -I simply couldn’t, Grace. I was obliged to say that I meant to be master -in my own house, and I didn’t propose to let anyone dictate to me.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Putting her hand on his shoulder.</i>] I’m afraid you’ve been awfully -worried, old man.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>It’s given me a bit of a knock to find out that they—they just hate me. -I was rather fond of the people on the estate, and I thought they were -fond of me. When they’ve been in trouble I’ve done every damned thing I -could to help them. When times have been bad I’ve not bothered much -about the rents, and we’ve never been rich. Hang it all, I’ve given them -all my time and my thoughts for years, and the only result is that they -can’t stick me. They haven’t got any mercy if I’ve made a mistake. They -give me no credit for good intentions.<a name="page_166" id="page_166"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I’m sure you exaggerate, Claude. You fancy they feel more bitter than -they really do.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Oh, if you’d only seen them! The pleasure they took in having a dig at -me! I could see the hatred on their faces. Oh, I expect Archibald is -right. Our time down here is over. The only fellow they want in the -country now is the Jew stockbroker with his pockets full of money.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>Darling, <i>I</i> know that you’ve always acted for the best. <i>I</i> know how -much you’ve done for the people on the estate. After all, it wasn’t for -their gratitude that you did it, was it? It was because it was your -duty.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Rising.</i>] Oh, Grace, I don’t know what I should do without you. You’ve -been so awfully good to me through the whole thing. I’m so grateful to -you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>What nonsense!</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I was so afraid it would make a difference to you, but it hasn’t, has -it?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Shaking her head.</i>] No.<a name="page_167" id="page_167"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>If I lost you, Grace, I couldn’t live. Without you—I can’t imagine life -without you.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>How absurd you are, Claude.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I’m talking rot, aren’t I?</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>He notices the letter, which he had put on the table, and picks -it up.</i> <span class="smcap">Grace</span> <i>catches her breath</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Hulloa! I forgot to open this. Moore gave it me as I came in. [<i>With -surprise.</i>] It’s your hand-writing.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Quite naturally, holding out her hand.</i>] It’s nothing. I was afraid I -should have gone out by the time you came in, and I wanted to remind you -about the herbaceous border. It’s only a note.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Giving her the letter.</i>] Are you going out?</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>I was going to motor to Wells with Helen Vernon.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>As she speaks she tears the letter into little bits.</i></p></div> - -<p><a name="page_168" id="page_168"></a></p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>Don’t leave me to-day, Grace. I want you so awfully badly.</p> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>Sinking with exhaustion into a chair.</i>] No, I won’t leave you ... if -you want me.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<span class="smcap">Claude</span> <i>kneels down by her side</i>.</p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Claude.</span></p> - -<p>I always want you, Grace. You’re so much to me.... After all, nothing -can really matter to me so long as I have you. It’s such a comfort to -think that I can trust you. And you’ll never round on me. I’m awfully -grateful for you, Grace.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>He buries his face in her lap, kissing her hands.</i></p></div> - -<p class="persn"><span class="smcap">Grace.</span></p> - -<p>[<i>In a trembling voice.</i>] I can never be such a wife to you as you -deserve, Claude. But I can try. If you can believe in me always, Claude, -perhaps in time I can become what you believe me. [<i>He makes a -movement.</i>] No, don’t look at me. I want you to know that I love you -with all my heart, I love you with my body, and I love you with my soul. -I want to forget myself and think only of you. What does my happiness -matter so long as I can make you happy?</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p class="rt">[<i>She bends down and kisses his hair.</i></p></div> - -<p class="c">THE END</p> - - - -<hr class="full" /> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Landed Gentry, by W. 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