Pb 3537 M89 B6 THE BOOMERANG W. Smith , . THE BOOMERANG BY C Smith and Victor Mapes FRENCH5 STANDARD SAMUEL FRENCH, 25 West 45th St., New York PRICE 904 THE BOOMERANG in Ubree Bets BY WINCHELL SMITH and VICTOR MAPES 1915, BY WlNGHELL SMITH AND VICTOR MAPES ALB RIGHTS RESERVED CAUTION": Profesionals and Amateurs are hereby warned that "The Boomerang," being 1 fully protected under the copyright laws of the United States and Great Britain, is subject to a royalty and a.ny one presenting the play without the consent of the authors or their authorized agents will be liable to the penalties by law provided. Application for the amateur acting rights must be made to SAMUEL FRENCH, 25 West 45th Street, New York, N. Y. Application for the professional acting rights must be made to DAVID BELASCO, Belasco Theatre, New. York City, N. Y. New York: SAMUEL FRENCH Publisher 25 West 45th Street London : SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd, 26 Southampton Street Strand BOOMERANG ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Especial notice should be taken that the possession of this book without a valid contract for production first having been obtained from the publisher, confers no right or license to professionals or amateurs to produce the play publicly or in private for gain or charity. In its present form this play is dedicated to the reading public only, and no performance, representation, produc tion, recitation, or public reading, or radio broadcasting may be given except by special arrangement with Samuel French, 25 West 45th Street, New York. This play may be presented by amateurs upon payment of a royalty of Twenty-Five Dollars for each perform ance, payable to Samuel French, 25 West 45th Street, New York, one week before the date when the play is given. Whenever the play is produced the following- notice must appear on all programs, printing and advertising for the play: "Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French of New York." Attention is called to the penalty provided by law for any infringement of the author's rights, as follows. "SECTION 4966: Any person publicly performing or rep resenting any dramatic or musical composition for which copyright has been obtained, without the consent of the proprietor of said dramatic or musical composition, or his heirs and assigns, shall be liable for damages thereof, such damages, in all cases to be assessed at such sum, not less than one hundred dollars for the first and fifty dollars for every subsequent performance, as to the court shall appear to be just. If the unlawful performance and representation be wilful and for profit, such person or persons shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be im prisoned for a period not exceeding one year.'WIJ. S. Revised Statutes : Title 60, Chap_. 3. THE BOOMERANG. Produced in New York at the Belasco Theatre, August 10, 1915, with the following: CAST. DR. GERALD SUMNER, age 32 ARTHUR BYRON BUDD WOODBRIDGE, age 24. .. .WALLACE EDDINGER PRESTON DE WITT, age 28 GILBERT DOUGLAS EMILE RICHARD MALCHIEM HARTLEY WILLIAM BOAG MR. STONE JOHN CLEMENT VIRGINIA XELVA, age 21 MARTHA HEDMAN GRACE TYLER, age 22 RUTH SHEPLEY MARION SUMNER, age 24 JOSEPHINE PARKS GERTRUDE LUDLOW, age 22 DOROTHY MEGRUE; MRS. CREIGHTON WOODBRIDGE, age 50 MRS. HARRIET O. DELLENBAUGB GUESTS AT PARTY SYNOPSIS. ACT I. A Doctor's office* ACT II. A living room. ACT III. Same as ACT L PLACE: Hartford, Conn. TIME: Early autumn. THE BOOMERANG ACT I. SCENE: A handsomely furnished physician's con sulting room, with doors down R. up R. and up L. Large window up c. showing view of house extension up L. and a tree or two and distant view of other houses and lawn. Door down R. leads to waiting room. Door up R. leads to small retiring room. Door up L. leads to the interior of the house. There is a large handsome desk c. with series of drawers with desk telephone, writing ma terials, electric light, etc. L. of desk is a doc tor's chair this chair is large and luxurious. A smaller chair R. of desk. Another chair R. c. Another chair down R. Below door L. a handsome glass cabinet filled with instruments. Below this cabinet an elec tric heating apparatus^ for sterilising instru ments. L. c. a nickel-finished operating chair with white-covered cushions. An elec tric light with reflector near this chair. Be tween doors R. a large handsome book-case filled with medical works. Up c. a small solid table, on which stands microscope and "box of glass slides, etc. In upper L. corner, a good 3 4 THE BOOMERANG. sized medicine cabinet, fully stocked. Under* neath medicine cabinet a wash-stand, towel rack, towels. A refuse receptacle with auto matic cover down L. below electric heater. On walls, handsome pictures. Over instrument cabinet, are three framed diplomas. Hard wood floors with handsome rug. At rise, stage empty. After a moment, door up L. is opened and GERALD (DR. SUMNER) enters, humming a song. He closes door. GERALD is a well-dressed, attractive young man of about thirty-two. He wears straw hat and gloves and carries a stick. Crosses down L. of operating chair, goes to desk c., idly picks up and glances at two or three letters, tosses them back on desk. Crossing up R. puts down hat and stick, takes off gloves, looks out of window, looks front, slight pause yawns crosses left of desk, sits, takes out cigarette case. It is empty. Unlocks drawer of desk, takes out large box of cigarettes, throws three or four on desk, lights cigarette, leaves open cigarette case on desk yawns, picks up medical book, turns to marked place, reads a moment, dis gustedly throws down book, swings discon tentedly in chair, takes pack of cards from drawer of desk and begins playing solitaire. Knock on door up L. after three cards have been dealt. GERALD starts half guiltily, throws away cig arette, puts cards back in drawer, picks up medical book. GERALD. Come in. (Enter up L. MARION (GERALD'S sister) closing door. She is a pretty girl in the early twenties, THE BOOMERANG. 5 dressed stylishly in light spring gown, ivithout hat or gloves. She crosses c. back of desk.) MARION. {Mockingly) Ah! Dr. Stunner's in! GERALD. Oh, it's you MARION. {Coming L. c.) I'm sorry if I'm in terrupting your office hours brother dear! GERALD. I wish something would interrupt brother dear's office hours ! I thought it was the governor Watson said he came home to lunch. MARION. Father came home because he wasn't feeling well. GERALD. (Rising) That so? Where is he? MARION. Gone to see a doctor. (GERALD glances at her) Not altogether complimentary to you is it? GERALD. That's all right. (Picks up medical book and puts it in book-case R.) It's what I was going to advise him to do. MARION. He couldn't have consulted you, if he'd wanted to. You weren't here. Your office hours are supposed to begin at two. It's after three now. GERALD. (R.) I hear enough of that sort of thing from the governor. (During followng speech, he saunters back to desk, lights fresh cigarette and fills cigarette case, sits R. of desk) MARION. (L. c.) But, Jerry, you don't seem to realise how much you mean to Father. If you could have heard him planning for you, months and months before you finished your studies in Europe you must have the very best office in town and all the finest things to work with the largest medical library so much depended on the right start. Then when he got ihe idea of building this addition on to the house for your office, you should have seen the way he watched over it why, Jerry, he came home two or three times a day, to 6 THE BOOMERANG. see how it was getting on he was so afraid it wouldn't be all finished before you got back. GERALD. (Lightly) And I'm a complete failure! Back from abroad and practicing med icine for two whole weeks and not a patient to practice on. MARION. Oh, no one can blame you for not having patients yet. The trouble is, Jerry, you don't seem to care. (Sits L. of desk) GERALD. (After a moment's thought) By Jove, for once, I believe you're right. MARION. That's not what I came for (Turn ing to him) GERALD. Oh ! Well, what did you come for ? MARION. Preston De Witt wants you to play golf this afternoon. GERALD. (Rising) Ah that's different! Who's Preston De Witt? MARION. You met him at the club, last Saturday don't you remember? GERALD. Oh, yes ! MARION. He and Grace Tyler were having tea with me. He's a splendid player about the best in the club. GERALD. Yes, I remember he admitted that. I'm afraid he's too good for me. (Turns up R.) MARION. Nonsense. Anybody who's won a cup abroad GERALD. But I haven't had a club in my hand since I left Edinboro. (Coming down R. c.) MARION. That's nothing. Besides it's to be a foursome GERALD. (Face falling sits again R. of desk) Oh MARION. You and I against them. GERALD. Who's " them ?" MARION. Why, Preston De Witt and Grace Tyler the girl who was with him at tea. THE BOOMERANG. 7 GERALD. Oh, that peach ! What kind of a game does she play? MARION. She's very good but I beat her four down yesterday. GERALD. (Hesitating) WellI suppose it won't hurt us to try. MARION. (Rising) That's fine. Grace is com ing here. (Starts for door up L.) I'll call Preston up and ask him to take us all over in his car. You'll be ready after your office hours? GERALD. I'm ready now. (Rising) MARION. (Turning at door) You're a great doctor. (Exit MARION up L., closing door) (GERALD, left alone, takes out Ms watch, sighs, puts it back again. Then, with sudden thought takes off coat, goes out up R., returns without coat, brings back a large golf bag filled with clubs and a smaller golf bag empty leans them both against lower end of desk selects brassie from larger bag and places it in small bag takes driver about to place it in small bag stops handles it swings, then puts it in small bag draws out three iron clubs to gether places them in small ban then takes out two putters of distinctly different type looks them over, one in each hand puts them on desk takes two golf balls from pocket of large bag takes ash-tray from desk places it down L. c. places balls on floor down R. c. Putts one ball to ash-tray. While he is thus engaged, EMILE (the DOCTOR'S French valet) enters R V stops in astonishment on seeing DOCTOR.) EMILE. Oh I thought you have not come back ! (GERALD pays no attention takes deliberate aim and putts second ball watches ball with tn terest t till it stops.) 8 THE BOOMERANG. GERALD. (Not looking at him) I came in through the house, Emile [pronounced "ay- meal"] (Prepares to putt again) EMILE. (Excitedly) But I do not know that! GERALD. What of it? (Turns and looks at him seeing E MILE'S air of excitement) What's the matter? Has anything happened? EMILE. (Nodding his head excitedly) Oh, oui, monsieur (Speaks loud enough to fear he is being overheard checks himself turns back to door R. and closes ii softly, GERALD watching him with much interest) Outside, is a patient ! GERALD. (With mock seriousness) No! EMILE. Yes! She wait now for some time. GERALD. She ? EMILE. Oui, oui! I show her in. (Starts for door) GERALD. No hold on ! Get my coat ! And put these away ! (Indicating clubs. EMILE hastily gathers clubs and bags and puts them in room up R. while GERALD picks up golf balls and ash-tray. Puts ash-tray on desk and balls in draiver. EMILE returns with GERALD'S office coat which is more dignified than the one he wore on his first entrance. He helps GERALD on with it. GERALD seats him self, with air of importance, in chair L. of table takes up pen and pretends to be writing. EMILE R. of desk facing DOCTOR) Now, Emile. EMILE. Oui, monsieur. (Opens door down R. and speaks off R.) The Doctor should see you now, please \hnter VIRGINIA down R. Exit EMILE down R., closing door very softly. VIRGINIA is a girl of about twenty extremely winsome, simply but attractively clad, with a touch of the for eign in her looks and dress. She comes R. c. stops and stands waiting. GERALD does not look up for a moment, but pretends to be bus- THE BOOMERANG. 9 ily writing. He then glances at her, about to rise is struck by her appearance, and remains an instant gazing at her t then assuming profes sional air rises and bows.) GERALD. (Indicating chair R. of desk) Won't you be seated (VIRGINIA slowly goes to desk and sits, not taking her eyes from him. When she is seated, GERALD resumes his seat, opens drawer in desk and takes out index card placing it on table, takes up pen) Your name, please? VIRGINIA. Virginia Xelva. GERALD. (Writing) Address? VIRGINIA. (Smiling and shaking her head) I haven't any. GERALD. (Giving her a look) You must live somewhere. VIRGINIA. Just now Pm at a boarding-house. GERALD. (A trifle disappointed) Oh VIRGINIA. It's three streets down (Pointing and looking off R.) then that way. GERALD. On Willow Street? (She nods he writes it down) I know the place married? VIRGINIA. Oh, no! (GERALD writes) GERALD. Children? (VIRGINIA laughs he looks up) No, of course pardon me National ity? VIRGINIA. My father was Swiss, but my mother was an American. I was born in Lucerne. GERALD. Indeed! A charming spot isn't it? VIRGINIA. Have you been there? GERALD. I put in most of my summer there last year VIRGINIA. Really ! GERALD. (Resuming professional air consulting card) Now, let's see parents living? VIRGINIA. No I lived with my aunt, until well until she got married. GERALD. Oh I see That makes a difference 10 THE BOOMERANG. doesn't it? (With a smile of understanding. Reading card) Cause of Father's death cause of Mother's death can you tell me? VIRGINIA. My mother died of a fever, when I was a baby. My father was killed in an accident four years ago GERALD. Have you any relatives, or friends here ? VIRGINIA. No. I came to find my grandmother, but but GERALD. But she's not living here ? VIRGINIA. She's not living anywhere. When I arrived, I found she'd been dead for years. GERALD. (Leaning forward slightly over desk) Then you're here in this country all alone? (VIRGINIA nods) Indeed! (Pause resumes professional attitude and refers to card) Let's see what's next? (GERALD reads to himself half audi bly, several questions from index card, without putting them to VIRGINIA : " Color age occupa tion; " writes answers as he goes along) There that'll do for that (Putting down pen leaning slightly over table, with hands clasped before him) Now suppose you tell me what seems to be the trouble ? VIRGINIA. (Perplexed) Trouble ? GERALD. Yes the nature of your ailment? VIRGINIA. (Suddenly comprehending and laugh ing in spite of herself) Oh! You ask me all these questions because you think I am sick? GERALD. (Flabbergasted) What?! VIRGINIA. Oh, no, I came from the agency GERALD. What agency? (VIRGINIA takes letter out of hand bag and hands it to him. He looks at the envelope) Oh the Employment Bureau! (Pauses sits back looks at her) Do you know you're a great disappointment! VIRGINIA. (Starting to rise) You don't think I'd suit ? THE BOOMERANG. II GERALD. No no I meant, I thought at last I had a patient! (She gives him a puzzled look) You see, I'm a very distinguished doctor and I've got a fine new office but up to the present time, I haven't had any patients! VIRGINIA. No patients? GERALD. Not one single, solitary patient not so much as a sick cat ! VIRGINIA. (After a pause rising, crossing to R. c.) Then, of course you'd have no need for me. GERALD. (Quickly Crossing back of desk to L. of VIRGINIA) Oh, wait a minute. I asked the agency to send me some one (She looks at him not understanding) As long as I've got an office I ought to have somebody to look out for it. My man is filling the position temporarily, as a favor but it's a little out of his line. VIRGINIA. I didn't understand what it was you wanted. I thought I might have a chance to get ex perience as a nurse. GERALD. (Crosses to desk) Oh you'd like to be a nurse? VIRGINIA. (Fervently) Yes ! GERALD. Ever tried it? VIRGINIA. Only at home. But to take care of the sick has always made me happy. GERALD. That's all very fine but when it comes to spending your entire life in a sick room VIRGINIA. I'd love it if I only knew how ! It's always seemed to me that a great doctor does the noblest work of all GERALD. (Looking at her reflectively) Humph I wish I could feel that way (Crossing to VIRGINIA) Then, you wouldn't care to consider this office work? VIRGINIA. If there were only some way I could learn nursing GERALD. Well possibly I could help yot VIRGINIA. Oh do you think you might ? 12 THE BOOMERANG. GERALD. I don't see why not. I'll make in quiries. I suppose there is no great hurry about it ? VIRGINIA. (With a smile) Well I've got to earn my living GERALD. Oh, then, I suppose I Sit down. (Both sit he after her, VIRGINIA R. of DOCTOR. His chair now faces VIRGINIA) Well, in that case, suppose I offer you this position here with me for the present and we can be on the lookout for the sort of thing you're after ? What do you say ? VIRGINIA. I'd like to try very much if you really think I am I am GERALD. (Looking her over) Ob, yes ! I think you are! VIRGINIA. But, at the agency, they told me you would probably require references. GERALD. Yes. VIRGINIA. Well, when I came to this country I had no idea that I I I mean I haven't any references. GERALD. Oh? That's all right I haven't any either. We'll both take a chance, eh ! VIRGINIA. (After a little laugh) You're you're very kind. GERALD. 'Nothing of the sort. (Rising, places chair a little up-stage near desk) All I want is to have someone here and if that's any service to you, I'm only too glad VIRGINIA. Thank you GERALD. Well then we'll call it settled! Oh, as to terms VIRGINIA. (Smiling) I don't suppose I'm really worth anything GERALD. Til give you twice that! VIRGINIA. Then I'd rather leave the terms to GERALD. Good!- When would you like to be gin? THE BOOMERANG. 13 VIRGINIA. I'm ready any time. GERALD. Want to begin now? VIRGINIA. Why, yes. GERALD. All right. (Crossing front of desk, presses button on desk, VIRGINIA rises) You can put your things in there. (Opens door up R. VIRGINIA, who has followed him up c., passes out up R. with a slight glance of the eye at the DOCTOR. This is the beginning of their love affair) VIRGINIA. (As he passes out) Thank you. (EMILE enters down R., as VIRGINIA exits, in an swer to bell and stands down R.) GERALD. (Turning to him. He has crossed to L. of desk, well up) Don't you know a patient when you see one? EMILE. (A little puzzled) No, monsieur GERALD. Well, neither do I. That young wo man was looking for a job and what's more she got it. She's going to take charge of the office. (EMILE grins) You like that, eh? (EMILE nods) I thought you would! (VIRGINIA enters up R. She has removed her hat) Emile, this is Miss Xelva. (EMILE bows) Straighten up the desk for her out there. (Indicating off down R.) and show her where things are kept. EMILE. Bien, monsieur (Goes off down R. The door stays open for a moment, then is closed softly) GERALD. Now, Miss Xelva, don't hesitate to let me know if there's anything at all you want. VIRGINIA. (With hesitancy crossing to R. of desk) Well when you have time, if you could give me an idea of what I am to do? GERALD. Oh I hadn't thought of that. Let me see Do you ever play solitaire? (She looks sur prised) or how about reading? I've got plenty of books. I'll tell you what (Going to book-case, R.) There's a fine book here on nursing. I'm 14 THE BOOMERANG. sure that would interest you! (He takes book from book-case) VIRGINIA. But will there be no work ? GERALD. I hope so but I don't see any im mediate prospects. No patients, no work. VIRGINIA. (Suddenly interested) Is there no way to get patients? GERALD. I can't think of any! If you can, I'll divide with you! In the meantime, if you'll just be here from ten till five so that you're on hand, in case anyone does come take any messages- answer the telephone (Telephone bell rings on desk c.) Speaking of telephones, there we are now! Perhaps that's a patient ? (Goes to re ceiver, checks himself) This is your department! Suppose you see VIRGINIA. (Taking up receiver GERALD crosses to L. of desk) Hello yes Yes, the Doctor's in GERALD. (Taking golf balls from drawer of desk) But, very busy, at present. (VIRGINIA glances at him) We must always try to make it look as if I had a lot to do. (He exits up R. and comes back, closing door. He carries small golf bag which he places below book-case returns above desk L. of it) VIRGINIA. He's very busy But if it's important Oh, no wait a minute I'll get him to speak to you Oh, please don't ring ofi (GERALD laughs) Won't you give me the name? About who? A dog? Oh, about a dog? Well, what seems to be the matter with it? (Her expression changes sud denly face falls) Oh, just a minute, please (Puts hand over receiver, to GERALD) It's a man who wants to sell a dog GERALD. (Eagerly) Oh, that setter! Let me speak to him (Takes receiver from her) Hello that you, Tim? You landed him, eh? Good! Phew! That's a pretty stiff price! I guess I'd THE BOOMERANG. 15 better look him over first ! He is, eh ? Well, keep him there will you? I'll be right down! (Hangs up receiver, goes quickly up R. and gets hat, speaking meanwhile) I've got to run out for a few minutes. If there's a rush of patients while I'm gone, I count on you to hold 'em. If they're in a hurry, prescribe for them yourself. (Exit GERALD up L. VIRGINIA left alone, glances about office curiously. Crosses L. to instrument cabinet, peeps in looks at sterilizer looks about crosses R. front of desk to R. of desk. Sees book on nursing, which GERALD has left there takes it up eagerly as knock on door down R. VIRGINIA looks up. EMILE enters, closing door) EMILE. (In a low tone) Where is the Doctor? VIRGINIA. Gone out. EMILE. Out ! Oh ! That's too bad ! VIRGINIA. Why? It isn't a patient, is it? EMILE. (Nodding) Two (Hesitates, then starts for door down R.) I'll tell them he is out VIRGINIA. (Stopping him) No no they might go away. Did they come together? EMILE. (Nods) Just now. VIRGINIA. We must get the doctor back EMILE. Where did he go ? VIRGINIA. He went somewhere to buy a dog. EMILE. (Breaking in) Ah I know where it is! VIRGINIA. Do you? (He nods excitedly) Could you go there and tell the doctor? EMILE. Oui, mademoiselle! VIRGINIA. Then try to get him back quickly I And show them in here! (She crosses to desk gets L. of it) EMILE. (Willing) Oui, mademoiselle (He goes to door R. and opens it, passing out) this way, please. (After a moment, enter MRS. WOOD- BRIDGE, followed by BUDD. MRS. WOODBRIDGE is a 16 THE BOOMERANG* well-bred, sweet looking woman of fifty, with a decided motherly air. BUDD is about 24, nice look ing and well dressed ^3; and retiring in manner, over-sensitive quaintly polite, but very genuine and sincere. EMILE closes door after them. MRS. WOODBRIDGE goes to chair R. of desk. BUDD stops front of chair R. c.) VIRGINIA. (Trying to recall GERALD'S manner at the moment of her own first entrance) Won't you have seats, please MRS. WOODBRIDGE. (About to sit glancing about in search of DOCTOR) Isn't the Doctor here? VIRGINIA. (After hesitation) He'll be disen gaged very soon. (MRS. WOODBRIDGE still un decided whether to sit, looks at BUDD) Won't you take this chair? (Indicating chair R. of desk) MRS. WOODBRIDGE. (Still undecided) Thank you. (Sits. BUDD sits resignedly R. c. VIRGINIA hesitates, between BUDD and MRS. WOODBRIDGE, looks first at BUDD, then at MRS. WOODBRIDGE) VIRGINIA. (With sudden thought, half to her self) Oh (She goes out quickly down R., back of BUDD, leaving door open. A long pause. No action attitude of waiting) BUDD. Mother (Rising, crosses to MRS. WOOD BRIDGE) MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Yes, dear? BUDD. Couldn't we come back later? MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Why we've come at a very lucky time There's evidently no one anead of us. BUDD. But they'll be waiting for you at Aunt Jennie's. MRS. WOODBRIDGE. (Decidedly) I want to make sure you see him now that I've managed to get you here. (BUDD sighs and gives it up. Crosses back to chair and sits. Re-enter VIRGINIA down R. She THE BOOMERANG. 17 carries a number of magazines, newspapers and periodicals.) VIRGINIA. (Going to MRS. WOODBRIDGE) Would you like to look over any of these MRS. WOODBRIDGE. No, thank you. VIRGINIA. (Going to BUDD) Would you? BUDD. (Taking the magazine on top) Thank you, very much. (Puts it on his lap, without look ing at it) MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Do you think the Doctor will be very long? VIRGINIA. Oh, no! I I hope not MRS. WOODBRIDGE. I suppose there is no way you could find out? VIRGINIA. (With hesitation) Well I MRS. WOODBRIDGE. You couldn't interrupt him, of course (VIRGINIA crosses up c. puts down magazines.) BUDD. (Rising placing magazine on chair turning to VIRGINIA) My mother is rather pressed for time if you could make an appointment? VIRGINIA. (Quickly down to BUDD) I should advise you not to go now and you really won't be wasting time, because the card must be filled out and (Crossing L.) I can do that (Goes to DOCTOR'S chair, opens wrong drawer looking for index card, then opens right drawer, looks in right corner, finds it in left corner, looks at it puzzled, takes up pen) The first question is your name? MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Mrs. Creighton Wood- bridge VIRGINIA. (Filling out card) Address? MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Harrison Avenue. VIRGINIA. Age ? MRS. WOODBRIDGE. (Stiffening slightly) I'm 18 THE BOOMERANG. not the patient. It's my son, Mr. Budd Wood- bridge. VIRGINIA. Oh, I beg your pardon. (Tears up card and takes another one) BUDD. (Coming to MRS. WOODBRIDGE) What's the use of your waiting, Mother? MRS. WOODBRIDGE. I want to explain your case to the Doctor myself. BUDD. But you did explain to our Doctor and he couldn't find anything. MRS. WOODBRIDGE. It may be different with Dr. Sumner. He's modern! You know what Mrs. Ludlow said about his studying with all those great men abroad BUDD. If you don't mind, I'd rather see him alone. MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Of course I won't stay if you'd prefer not to have me. BUDD. I would. MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Very well. (Rising and crossing R.) And after you've seen him, you'll come right over to Aunt Jennie's and let me know what he says? BUDD. All right, I'll do that. MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Don't think I'm silly, Budd but I can't help feeling anxious. BUDD. Now, please don't worry. There's noth ing the matter with me. MRS. WOODBRIDGE. That's what you always say. BUDD. I'll put you in the car. (Goes out down R., MRS. WOODBRIDGE foil wing hir.i) MRS. WOODBRIDGE. I'll bend it back for you (They exit down R. MRS. WOODBRIDGE stopping in door) And, Miss eh I didn't get your name. VIRGINIA. (Rises) Xelva. (MRS. WOODBRIDGE crosses R. c. VIRGINIA, who has picked up card f crosses to her.) THE BOOMERANG. 19 MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Miss Xelva, would you please be sure to tell Dr. Sumner VIRGINIA. I'll write it down. (MRS. WOODBRIDGE looks R.) MRS. WOODBRIDGE. That I'm afraid my boy is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. BUDD. {Off R.) Come along, mother MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Yes, dear. (Starts for door R., speaking as they exit} And, Miss Xelva if you'd tell Dr. Sumner that he was so highly rec ommended to me by Mrs. Ludlow (VIRGINIA makes note on index card. MRS. WOOD- BRIDGE and VIRGINIA are now off R. and the door down R. closes. After a moment's pause, knock on door up L.) MARION. (Off L., speaking as she knocks. She now wears golf clothes) Jerry (Opens door) May we come in the girls want to see your office. (Enters) Jerry (Crossing c. looking around, sees that room is empty) Well I never (Cross ing up L. c.) Come in, girls. (GERTRUDE LUDLOW enters from L. GERTRUDE carries a new novel, box of bon bons, small hand bag.) GERTRUDE. Oh! So this is it. (Looking at office, moving as she speaks in front of MARION to R. of desk places candy and book on desk) MARION. Yes, this is it. (Looking off) Come along, Grace. (GRACE enters carrying parasol, crosses L. c., stands a moment, sees instrument cabinet. Crosses to it around operating chair.) THE BOOMERANG. GERTRUDE. Where's your brother, Marion? MARION. (Leans on back of DOCTOR'S chair) Don't ask me ! His office is the one place where he's not to be found during office hours i How do you like it? GERTRUDE. (Down R. c. looking about, back to audience) Peachy, isn't it? GRACE. It gives me the creeps ! I hate a doctor's office. GRACE. Whenever I see barbarous things like that, I don't get over it for a week. (Etc. ad lib.) MARION. I suppose I'm used to it Together I've been in here so much. GERTRUDE. Oh, I don't! I've always thought I'd like to be a doctor's wife. (Etc., ad lib.) GRACE. A doctor's wife would you really? I can't imagine anything more dreadful. (Crossing upc.) MARION. (Down around operat ing chair leans on it L. c.) wouldn't mind it a bit, if he was the right kind of a man. (Etc., ad lib.] GERTRUDE, (c. below desk) 1 don't feel that way at all. I think they lead such interesting lives ...Together (Taking a piece of candy, crossing over to book-case, looking at books] GRACE. Never knowing where your husband's going to be never being able to make an engagement (Etc., ad lib.) GRACE. (Above desk) Speaking of engage ments, I suppose your brother's forgotten all abou* our golf match? THE BOOMERANG. 21 MARION. Oh, no he'll be back after office hours! They seem to bore him to death. GERTRUDE. Then why does he have them? MARION. Because Father had it put on his shingle Office hours 10 to 12 and 2 to 4. (GERTRUDE laughs and examines book in lower case.) GRACE. (Sits in chair R. of desk) I always thought your brother was practicing abroad MARION. (Crossing to L. c.) No. He was studying abroad or supposed to be he's been studying for ages in Paris, Berlin, Geneva, Edin- boro and Heaven knows where else! Why he hasn't laid eyes on Hartford for eleven years. GERTRUDE. (Crossing to R. of GRACE) Eleven years ! Is it that long? MARION. (Crossing to desk, leans on desk front of chair) I don't think he'd ever have come home if Father hadn't made him. (GRACE picks up clock casually holding it so GERTRUDE can see time) Why, Father wrote him that if he didn't hurry up he'd be in his second childhood before he began practicing. GRACE. Why should he practice if he doesn't want to? Goodness knows, he doesn't need the money ! GERTRUDE. Need the money ! I should say not ! O look at that clock I'd love to meet him, but I really mustn't wait. (Picks up book and candy crosses up R. above desk) MARION. Why can't you come with us? GRACE. Do ! We'd adore having you. GERTRUDE. Thanks, but I couldn't possibly. I've simply got to go to Mrs. Stuyvesant. I told her I'd pour for her. (Crossing L. to MARION) She's such a nice old thing! 22 THE BOOMERANG. MARION. And isn't it marvelous to see her dance ! GERTRUDE. Isn't it ! I Togethet GRACE. I should say so ! | GERTRUDE. Just what I was thinking last night. MARION. (To GRACE) Why weren't you there, Grace? GRACE. (Crossing R., taking magazine from chair R. c.) I was going, but I didn't feel quite up to it. How was it? Any fun? MARION. (Crossing to L. of operating chair) Yes rather nice. GERTRUDE. Oh, I thought it was deadly! MARION. Did you ? GERTRUDE. The only decent dance I had was with Budd Woodbridge. MARION. Was Budd there? I didn't see him. GERTRUDE. No wonder! I must have had an awful effect on him. He didn't say two words- then left me flat, and cleared out, as soon as our dance was over! MARION. (Slyly, with a glance at GRACE) By that time, I suppose he'd found out Grace wasn't coming. GERTRUDE. Oh that was it! (Crossing to L. of desk, leans over it) GRACE. Marion don't be silly. (Puts magazine on desk) MARION. You know perfectly well Budd's crazy about you. GRACE. (With a touch of sincerity) I'd feel very much flattered, if he were. (Turns to MARION) Budd's a fine fellow. MARION. (Laughingly) Yes Budd's a fine fellow but, oh, you, Preston De Witt (Door down R. opens on the last words and Budd appears m doorway. MARION takes a step back in surprise) THE BOOMERANG. 23 Budd! Where in the world did you come from? (With a glance of understanding from BUDD to GRACE) Oh ! Now I see, you found out Grace was here (GRACE turns up R. c.) BUDD. I I am waiting to see your brother. MARION. I didn't know you'd met him You don't know where he is do you ? BUDD. He's engaged with a patient. MARION. (With amazement) A patient! (Crosses up L. c.) Did you hear that, girls? My brother has a patient! (To BUDD) Are you sure? BUDD. I was told so. MARION. I've a good mind to call up Father! (Turns to GERTRUDE) BUDD. (Going to GRACE with meaning ) I'm glad to see you're feeling better to-day. GRACE. Much better, thank you. GERTRUDE. Well, it's time for me to skip. I know I'll be awfully late. (Starts to door L.) MARION. (Going with her) If you must GERTRUDE. Oh, I can find the way. MARION. Oh, no I'll go with you. (GRACE turns to go with them) You wait here, Grace. (Exchanges a sly glance with GERTRUDE) GERTRUDE. Sorry I can't see the match but good luck to all of you. (Exit GERTRUDE up L. accompanied by MARION. GRACE and BUDD are left alone. BUDD stands nervously and ill at ease. GRACE feels this without looking at him.) BUDD. You've got a golf match on? (Crosses R. of desk puts hat on desk) GRACE. (Strolling about L. c. looking at instru ment case) Yes. With Marion and her brother that is it's a foursome. BUDD. Oh (Pause) Who's the fourth? 24 THE BOOMERANG. GRACE. (Casually back turned to BUDD) I'm playing with Preston De Witt (An expression of pain comes over BUDD'S face. He sinks into chair, as if overcome by sudden weakness, then as GRACE turns to him, he rises, making great effort to pull himself together) Oh, Budd those bridge scores were just the kind I meant. Where did you manage to find them. (Sits on arm of chair L. of desk) BUDD. I sent to New York. GRACE. Oh ! Thanks so much. I hear you left the party early last night BUDD. Yes. GRACE. Wasn't it amusing? BUDD. I I thought you were going to be there (Turns to GRACE) GRACE. Yes, I was! Your flowers were lovely. BUDD. But you didn't come ? GRACE. No somehow, I didn't feel quite up to it. BUDD. (Turning away) "Somehow!" GRACE. What do you mean by that ? BUDD. (Looks at GRACE) I passed by your house on my way home GRACE. That isn't on your way home! BUDD. I went around that way to to ask if you were ill GRACE. (Crosses front of desk) Did you come to see me, last night ? BUDD. I didn't stop because I saw you were engaged. (GRACE gives him a look) His run about was outside. GRACE. Well what of that? BUDD. Nothing. Only then I knew why you hadn't come to the dance. GRACE. I'd given up the dance long before Preston called. I hadn't the slightest idea he was coming ! BUDD. (R. of desk,) But he must have known you'd given it up THE BOOMERANG. 25 GRACE. (Showing exasperation, crossing R.) Now you're beginning again ! BUDD. (Turning to GRACE) I didn't mean to say anything GRACE. You may not mean it, but you always do ! And I tell you, once more, that I won't have it! I've a perfect right to do what I please and go where I please ! You said you understood that. BUDD. I do. But lately you seem to be with De Witt all the time GRACE. That's not true! And if it were, it's entirely my own affair! And it's too awfully ex asperating to have you always reproaching me and making scenes and (Enter MARION up L.) MARION. (At door up L.) Grace here's your partner! (Turns and speaks off L.) Come in, Preston (Enter PPESTON DE WITT, a stylish young man in very natty golf clothes. He enters quickly, goes down L. c., R. of operating chair.) PRESTON. (Meeting GRACE and shaking hands) Ah partner! Ready for the battle? GRACE. Yes rather! (After shaking hands, GRACE is L. of desk, front of desk chair) PRESTON. (Sees BUDD) Ah Woodbridge! BUDD. (With effort in unnatural voice trying to be easy) How do you do? (Crosses up R.) MARION. Isn't Jerry through with his patient yet? GRACE. He hasn't been in here PRESTON. (Leans against operating chair) Well, we'll wait for him but I was in hopes we could get an early start. GRACE. Why, you're not thinking of going, now? 26 THE BOOMERANG. MARION. Yes as soon as Jerry's ready. GRACE. But I've got to go home first. MARION. What ! GRACE. (Referring to her clothes) I can't play in these things! MARION. Oh then you'll be forever! GRACE. No I can change in a jiffy ! PRESTON. Can't I be of assistance? GRACE. Just how do you mean? PRESTON. I'll run you over to the house GRACE. Is your car here ? PRESTON. Yes ! (GRACE crosses up L.) MARION. Then, for heaven sakes, hurry up! (GRACE turns as if to speak to BUDD) You'll ex cuse us, won't you, Budd? (Exeunt MARION and GRACE up L.) PRESTON. (Crossing up c.) Shall we see you at the club, Woodbridge, BUDD. No, I don't think so PRESTON. Sorry. GRACE. (Off L.) Preston. PRESTON. So long. (As he exits) Yes, Grace. GRACE. (Off) May I drive your car? PRESTON. (Speaking off) Why, of course; I'd love to have you, etc. (Exits L. closing door) (BuDD looks after them, sinks into chair, R. of desk, head in hands. He holds this position a moment, when door down R. opens quietly and VIRGINIA enters, with index card in her hand. She stops suddenly on seeing BUDD and stands looking at him f with sympathy.) VIRGINIA. (Quietly) Mr. Woodbr idge-~-( BUDD rouses himself) The Doctor will be here in just a THE BOOMERANG. 27 moment. (BUDD rises quickly) Oh, don't get up! BUDD. I'm all right, thank you. VIRGINIA. Please sit down. (BUDD sits. She goes up quickly to carafe and pours water in glass, comes to him, offers water.) BUDD. I'm not thirsty, thanks. VIRGINIA. I thought you seemed a little faint (Enter GERALD L. leading setter dog on leash. He is surprised to find BUDD there. He has his hat on and carries stick) Here's the doctor now! (BUDD rises) GERALD. How do you do! (VIRGINIA goes to him L. c. and relieves him of his hat and stick. To VIRGINIA) Thank you (She takes them to room up R.) Just a moment. (Pushes button on desk, pats dog EMILE enters from down R. GERALD crosses with dog to R. speaking in French) GERALD. Voila, Emile, je 1'ai achete ! EMILE. A la bonheur! GERALD. (Handing leash to EMILE) Mettez-le au garage EMILE. (Starting R. with dog) Tres bien, monsieur ! GERALD. Emile il s'appelle " Challenge." EMILE. (Repeating) " Challenge " Compris, Monsieur. GERALD. Gardez-le bien EMILE. Fiez-vous a moi GERALD. Depechez-vous ! GERALD. (Exit EMILE down R. closing door. GERALD turns and assumes professional air) Have a seat, Mr. (GERALD doesn't know name. Starts up L. to wash his hands) BUDD. Woodbridge GERALD. Mr. Woodbridge I'll be with you in just a minute. (Buoo sits R. of desk. GERALD washes hands. While drying hands) Beautiful 38 THE BOOMERANG. day isn't it? (Pause) Yes (Throws towel in receptacle) There we are. Now (Takes out index card and sits L. of desk) VIRGINIA. (Entering up R. and coming down to above desk c. t picks up index card which she has left there, before getting water) Here's the card, Doctor. GERALD. (Looking at it with surprise) Ah you took the history for me? VIRGINIA. Yes Mrs. Woodbridge gave it to me. GERALD. (To BUDD) Your wife ? VIRGINIA. Mr. Woodbridge's mother she wanted to see you but she couldn't wait. (Picks up glass from desk c. and places it up c.) BUDD. Doctor there isn't a thing the matter with me (VIRGINIA stops and turns, listening) GERALD. Good ! Then you've come to the right man. BUDD. I had to promise I'd come and be ex amined. GERALD. Cheer up we may be able to find something the matter. BUDD. You won't, I'm sure. (VIRGINIA takes an undecided step toward desk. GERALD notices it.) GERALD. (Politely) That's all, thank you, Miss Xelva VIRGINIA. (After a second's hesitation) Ex cuse me, Doctor, but I have a message for you GERALD. Ah? Who from? VIRGINIA. (Hesitates and glances at BUDD) Mrs. Woodbridge GERALD. (Inquiringly) Well ? What was it? VIRGINIA. (Coming to above desk c.) Mra* THE BOOMERANG. 29 Woodbridge asked me to be sure and tell you that her son is in an extremely nervous condition (As if trying to remember details) He doesn't sleep has no appetitie no interest in anything he's completely different from what he used to be and that he'd promised to put himself in your hands, if you thought you could help him. GERALD. (Looking at her nodding his head) Thank you, very much. (VIRGINIA starts R. As she reaches door, GERALD stops her) Miss Xelva (She turns. He eyes her with mock serious ness) No more appointments, until to-morrow, please. (VIRGINIA restrains an impulse to laugh and exits quickly R., closing door. GERALD picks up index card and scrutinises it carefully. BUDD twists in seat uncomfortably, wipes perspiration from his face. GERALD, looking up from card, watches BUDD for a moment, in silence) So, you're off your feed, eh? and can't sleep? BUDD. I've been a little nervous lately, that's all. GERALD. Mm any special cause for it? (Buoo, hesitating and shifting his gaze with increased ner vousness, after a pause, shakes his head) Mm have you any idea whether you've been running a temperature ? BUDD. (A trifle hang-dog, looking at Doctor after slight pause) No, sir. GERALD. Never conscious of feeling a little feverish ? BUDD. (Looking away) Sometimes. GERALD, Feel feverish now? BUDD. (Looks at Doctor) Why? GERALD. Your face looks a trifle flushed (Rises, takes thermometer from desk, shakes it) Well, let's see. (Goes around above desk and comes down on BUDD'S right, looks at thermometer inserts it in BUDD'S mouth looks at watch) Will you unbutton your waistcoat, please (GERALD goes up c., pours water into a glass, goes to cabinet 30 THE BOOMERANG. up L. puts antiseptic from bottle into glass BUDD watches him nervously ovet his left shoulder. He comes down between the desk and BUDD, placing glass on lower end of desk touching BUDD'S arm motions him to rise, picks up sounding hammer from desk) BUDD. (Talking indistinctly, with thermometer in his mouth) There isn't the slighest use of all this. GERALD. I know but it won't do any harm. (Proceeds to tap him on the chest listening closely. At the third tap, BUDD gives a nervous twitch. GERALD taps harder in same spot. BUDD repeats twitch) Is that sensitive? BUDD. (Shaking head) No. GERALD. It's just because you're nervous? BUDD. (Indistinctly) I suppose so. (After a few more taps, GERALD pauses, puts ham mer on desk, looks at watch, then removes thermometer from BUDD'S mouth, examines it, shakes it down, places thermometer in glass on desk and crosses to L. of desk.) GERALD. (During the above business pleas antly) No alarming symptoms, so far (Buoo takes hat from desk and starts for door) Just a moment BUDD. Any thirg more? GERALD. Oh, I haven't hilf earned my fee yet! Would you mind removing your coat and waist coat (Goes to instrument cabinet opens door picks up a saw which is over stethoscope) BUDD. (Removing co t and waistcoat, placing them on chair L. of desk hat on desk) What are you going to do ? GERALD. (Coming back with stethoscope) Kindly get into this chair (Indicates operating chair. BUDD gets into chair. GERALD flattens out THE BOOMERANG. 31 chair. He puts the back down first. BUDD looks around. Then GERALD raises the front part of chair and pushes BUDD back into a reclining position. BUDD lies face up. GERALD puts stethoscope to ears and applies it to BUDD'S chest) Now take a deep breath again once more Now, exhale again once again Now fill the lungs hold it (Telephone rings on desk c. GERALD puts stethoscope on desk, takes up receiver, puts it back, glances at BUDD who has started to get up) No no stay where you are Miss Xelva is answering it. (Comes back to BUDD. Now, turn over, please (Buoo does so. GERALD places handkerchief on BUDD'S back) Now say, " Ah-h " BUDD. (Lifting head) What? GERALD. Say "Ah-h" (Buoo does so. GERALD applies ear to BUDD'S back) Again once more Now say one, two, three (Buoo says "one two three") Again (BUDD repeats) Now keep it up- BUDD. One, two, three, four, five, six GERALD. No, no Just say one, two, three one, two, three (BUDD keeps repeating "One, two, three, one, two, three" GERALD drops foot-piece and raises head-piece of chair. BUDD quickly rises, puts on waistcoat and coat, buttoning up waistcoat Crosses R. of desk as he does so. GERALD writes notes on index card L. of desk, then crosses R. of BUDD) Now sit down and let's have a little chat. (BUDD sits resignedly R. of desk. GERALD draws up chair on BUDD'S R.) Have you lost any weight lately? BUDD. A little. GERALD. How much? BUDD. Oh, about ten pounds. GERALD. (With slight exclamation, taking out watch) Pbew! Ten pounds since when? BUDD. The last month or so. GERALD. How about the pulse ? 32 THE BOOMERANG. BUDD. (Wearily holding out hand) Oh, my pulse is all right everything's all right GERALD. (Holding BUDD'S pulse) I'll have to admit I haven't found anything BUDD. I was sure you wouldn't ! (GERALD holds BUDD'S pulse, consulting watch, as knock on door R.) GERALD. Come (Enter VIRGINIA R.) VIRGINIA. Excuse me, Doctor, but Miss Tyler is on the wire she says that she and Mr. De Witt have been delayed and she wishes to know whether they'll meet you at the club or call for you here? (On the word "delayed" GERALD raises his eyes and looks front with an expression of great surprise. After VIRGINIA finishes speaking, a pause; GERALD'S manner showing as far as possible, that BUDD'S pulse has become very rapid. He steals a surprised glance at BUDD.) GERALD. (After pause) Who did you say? VIRGINIA. Miss Tyler (GERALD looks at watch) What shall I tell her, please? GERALD. (Preoccupied) Say I'll be ready when they call. (VIRGINIA exits R. closing door. GERALD still holding BUDD'S pulse, eyes him curiously) I've got a golf match on, this afternoon BUDD. Yes, I know GERALD. (Showing surprise then, with mean ing, to watch the effect) Oh then you are a friend of Preston De Witt's? (GERALD looks at watch, then raises his eyes and stares front sug gesting that BUDD'S pulse is thumping) BUDD. (Very quietly after long pause) I know him. GERALD. (Convinced, lets go of BUDD'S wrist THE BOOMERANG. 33 and pockets watch) Know what sort of a game he plays ? BUDD. Very good GERALD. (Watching BUDD) I'm afraid my sister and I will be snowed under. (Buoo hesi tates, then, zvithout a word, rises, picks up his hat and crosses to door R.) You're not going? BUDD. (Near door R.) You've finished with me, haven't you and found there was nothing the matter GERALD. (Rising) Nothing the matter ! You've lost ten pounds in one month you have insomnia your appetite's gone you're so nervous you can't keep still a moment and you say there's nothing the matter ! BUDD. (Looks at GERALD a moment, then drops his eyes and fingers hat nervously. Speaks with change cf tone) Well at least there's no help for it nothing a doctor can do, I mean. GERALD. You think so, eh? (Crosses to L. of desk) BUDD. Why, Doctor, I'm positive no treatment could do me the slightest good. GERALD. Like to make a little bet on that ? BUDD. Then you think there is? GERALD. I'm willing to risk money on it. BUDD. You'd lose, Doctor. You can't do any thing for me. GERALD. Very well. If you feel that way, why there's the end of it. (BUDD starts R. hesitates near door R. GERALD waits. Pause.) BUDD. (Turning) The trouble is I promised my mother GERALD. Oh, yes, you promised your mother you'd put yourself in my hands if I thought I could help you BUDD. Yes. 34 THE BOOMERANG. GERALD. Well, how are we going to get around that? BUDD. I hoped you'd see there was nothing you could do. GERALD. And unfortunately for you I think I can do a great deal. BUDD. Then, I suppose, I'm in for it. (BUDD puts down hat on book-case) GERALD. Good ! BUDD. What kind of treatment do you think I need? GERALD. (Crosses to him) Well that depends. First, I shall have to ask you a few questions. You may find them a trifle embarrassing (Sits L. of BUDD. BUDD gives him a look and sits) But, they're necessary. Will you answer them? BUDD. Certainly. GERALD. (Pause) How long have you been in love with Grace Tyler? (Buoo looks at him stupe fied, rises) You said you'd answer you know (BuDD sits again then speaks with effort) BUDD. (Looking front) Ever since I met her GERALD. When was that? BUDD. Last year the 24th of August. GERALD. Love at first sight, eh? Does she love you? BUDD. Is that question necessary ? ^ GERALD. I shouldn't dream of asking it, other wise. BUDD. I I think she did. GERALD. But her love's grown cold. (Buoo gives him a look) Does your mother know about this? BUDD. Certainly not. I've never mentioned it to anyone. GERALD. Good for you. Now, Preston De Witt (BUDD shudders) Is he attentive to Miss Tyler? BUDD. I'd rather not speak about that! I THE BOOMERANG. 35 (Rises very agitated yet suppressed crosses quickly up to window an instant's pause, starts down for hat: as he reaches out for it, GERALD speaks) GERALD. (Looking at him, with sympathetic smile chuckling) It's hell, isn't it? (Buoo stops and gives him a look. GERALD rises and speaks as he goes to him) Oh, I know how you feel, old man, and exactly what you're going through but you mustn't let it get the best of you. BUDD. (Breaking out violently) Doctor, it has got the best of me! GERALD. (Putting hand on his shoulder) Non sense! That's not the way to go on! BUDD. (Drawing away from him slightly) Do you think I don't know that ? Pve said it to myself a thousand times! She knows how I feel toward her and if she doesn't care for me any more, I ought to be man enough to let her alone But I can't ! (He crosses to up L. c.) GERALD. (Sits R. of desk) When did you find out she's stopped caring for you. BUDD. I don't know but I've felt it ever since he began coming around. I didn't think much of it at first and then then they were together more and more and after a while, she seemed to prefer him to me. I made up my mind over and over again that the only decent thing for me to do was to get out of her way ! But I couldn't help hanging around, just the same. Why, I keep telling myself I won't go near her, while I'm on my way to her house. And all the time I know perfectly well what an idiot I'm making of myself. And when I am with her my attempts to conceal this this damned jealousy to appear light-hearted and be jolly (With gesture of derision, then to GERALD with quiet intensity) And now little by little in spite of myself, I've begun to hate him! No matter how I fight against it, I can't keep him out of 36 THE BOOMERANG. my mind ! / 1 times, I imagine I see him somewhere alone standing and waiting and I try to hold back and keep from springing on him and then she's there coming down a path and before I know it I have him by the throat, strangling the life out of him strangling strangling! (All at once he becomes conscious of GERALD, gathers himself with an attempt at a sickly smile) That's the kind of a fool I am! (He sinks into chair L. of desk and buries his face in his hands) (A pause. GERALD looks at him sympathetically then goes to him and puts hand on his shoulder.) GERALD. It's tough awfully tough however, if you will fall in love, you've got to be prepared for such things. But there's no need to call yourself names. Under the circumstances, you've behaved remarkably well BUDD. (With a gesture of disgust) I know how I've behaved! Snivelling like a school-boy! Why, if I were any good, do you think I'd have told you all this ? GERALD. You didn't tell me you only answered my questions. I'd already found out what the trouble was. (Leans against operating chair) BUDD. How could you find out? (Rises and goes to him) Who told you? Preston De Witt? GERALD. No you did. BUDD. (Incredulous) I did!? GERALD. Yep. By your manner. (Buoo gives him a startled look) Why, anybody with half an eye could see what's the trouble with you. BUDD. (Flabbergasted) Good Lord! Do you mean to say I've been going around, making an ex hibition of myself! Letting everyone know! What I need is a nurse! (Sits. A pause. GERALD, with a sudden thought, looks front then looks to ward door down R.) THE BOOMERANG. 37 GERALD. It's quite likely we shall require the ser vices of a nurse. BUDD. Why don't you give me a rattle and a baby carriage and a bottle? GERALD. (After a little laugh) No I'm seri ous BUDD. Now, that you know what my trouble is you don't mean to say you still think you can cure me? GERALD. I've already told you that. BUDD. I don't believe it but I wish something could cure me ! GERALD. Are you willing to place yourself in my hands for one month? BUDD. Yes. GERALD. And for one month, you'll do exactly as I say, whether you agree with me, or not? BUDD. I'll do anything! GERALD. All right. (Goes to medicine cabinet, gets graduated glass and bottle of colorless liquid / places them on stand down L. zvhich holds electric heater. Note: Phial of colorless liquid medicine dropper and intrument tongs are already on this stand) Then we'll begin now. I'll give you your first treatment. (Goes to instrument cabinet gets hypodermic syringe pretends to un screw needle and to drop it in electric heater turns on electricity) BUDD. Treatment! Do you think medicine is going to cure love and jealousy? GERALD. I think it 13 going to cure you. (He pours a little liquid from bottle into graduated glass) Love and jealousy isn't the root of your trouble. BUDD. Then what is? GERALD. Bugs. BUDD. Bugs. GERALD. Bugs! Germs! Microbes 1 Your Nervous system is being shattered by them. You 38 THE BOOMERANG. imagine jealousy is causing your nervousness. No nervousness is causing your jealousy. (Puts bottle and glass back on stand. BUDD sits staring at him blankly a moment, then bursts out laughing. This laughter continues until it becomes uncon trollable and ends in a hysterical sob. GERALD goes to him with great sympathy) You see what your nerves have brought you to. BUDD. It was the idea of my being full of germs ! GERALD. (Returning to stand down L.) Every body's full of 'em most of them are harmless you've got some bad ones (Picks up medicine dropper and fills it from phial) But we're going to knock 'em out! Why, we'll have you in such shape that you won't know what trouble looks like ! BUDD. (After a pause shaking his head) I wish I could believe it. (GERALD drops three drops from medicine dropper into graduated glass) GERALD. You'll see it's going to be a little hard for you especially as first ! BUDD. The harder the better! (With instrument tongs, GERALD pretends to take needle from heater and to screw needle on to syringe. As he opens heater, steam issues forth.) GERALD. Do you drink ? BUDD. Not much. GERALD. Smoke ? BUDD. Yes quite a little. GERALD. You must cut them out. (With hypo dermic syringe he draws up liquid from graduated glass) You mustn't even look at a high-ball Why, one teaspoonful might spoil the whole valu/* of these microbes (Holding up syringe) BUDD. You're going to put microbes in me? THE BOOMERANG. 39 GERALD. Billions of 'em to fight your nerve bugs! BUDD. (After a pause meekly) All right. GERALD. The next thing is exercise. (Goes to BUDD, syringe in hand} You must be up every morning at six rain or shine, and take half an hour's run, at a brist dog trot. Then a cold shower and breakfast. In the forenoon, two hours in a gymna sium and no loafing about it. After lunch, a nice long stroll six or seven miles in the evening, if you feel up to it, a short go at the punching bag. In other words, all the exercise you can stand and for one month, no social engagements whatever! Do you know what I mean by that? BUDD. (Looking at DOCTOR) Keep away from her? GERALD. (Looking front) Yes and all your friends. Last, and most important of all, this serum (Holding up syringe) once every day. Now, if you'll (Going to him, suddenly stops and thinks) Oh, just a moment (Goes to desk and presses button. Door down R. opens almost im mediately and enter VIRGINIA) Come in, please, Miss Xelva (VIRGINIA comes to R. of desk) Will you take off your coat, Mr. Woodbridge ? (GERALD goes up to medicine cabinet, gets bottle of alcohol and absorbent cotton comes doivn L. of operating fhair puts hypodermic syringe on stand down L.) BUDD. (To VIRGINIA as he takes off coat and places it on desk) Pardon me GERALD. Sit down, please (Indicating operat ing chair) And roll up your sleeve (Buoo, after glance at VIRGINIA, rolls up right sleeve sits ir. operating chair) Miss Xelva (VIRGINIA crosses to R. of operating chair) I want you to do this so you'll know how to give Mr. Woodbridge his treat ment when I'm not here. First, saturate this (Handing her cotton) with the alcohol (Handing her bottle. VIRGINIA does so. He gets hypodermic 40 THE BOOMERANG. from stand. VIRGINIA rubs arm with cotton) Now, take hold of the arm and press it tight (VIRGINIA, after a glance at him, does so, shyly and with right hand. Taking cotton from her) No the other hand (She changes hands) That's the way! Next, take the syringe and hold it so (Illustrates. VIRGINIA, a little frightened, takes hypo and holds it as he did) That's right 1 Now, jab it in ! VIRGINIA. Oh GERALD. Let me tell you (He illustrates with out the syringe) Give a quick push with the needle like this then press the thumb-piece down slowly. Then, twitch it out. Now let's see you do it. Hold the arm tight and then it won't hurt (VIRGINIA gives BUDD a frightened look, then glances at GERALD, nerves herself, takes hold of OUDD'S arm squeezes it violently BUDD winces) Not too hard just firmly. Now VIRGINIA. (Rather breathlessly. To BUDD) I hope it won't hurt you. BUDD. I don't mind. GERALD. [You won't hurt him if you jab it quickly. (VIRGINIA, after some hesitation, sets her jaw and pushes needle into BUDD'S arm.) VIRGINIA. {Excitedly. To BUDD) Was it very bad? BUDD. I didn't feel it. VIRGINIA. Very nice of you to say so. GERALD. Come along press down slowly! Give it time. That's the way ! splendid. Now, out quick! (VIRGINIA pulls out needle) Very neatly done (He wipes BUDD'S arm with cotton) Now, rub it with the palm of your hand (He takes syringe from her. She proceeds to rub BUDD'S arm gently. GERALD drops cotton into refuse receptacle THE BOOMERANG. 41 then puts hypo on stand then picks up gradu ated glass and the two bottles. VIRGINIA gets BUDD'S coat) Feeling a little dizzy? BUDD. I don't thirk so. (GERALD takes glass and bottles back to medicine cabinet. BUDD goes to VIRGINIA a little up L. c.) You will but it will pass off presently. BUDD. (As VIRGINIA helps him on with coat, L. of desk) Thank you, very much. GERALD. (Turning and seeing them suddenly) Here I wouldn't try to stand up just yet ! (VIR GINIA quickly catches BUDD by the arm GERALD crossing to L. of BUDD) BUDD. (Looking with surprise from VIRGINIA to GERALD) I feel all right. (To VIRGINIA) You're very kind but you needn't trouble. (VIR GINIA lets go of his arm. GERALD takes hold of him quickly) GERALD. You should always lie down for five minutes after each treatment there's a couch in there Miss Xelva (Indicating up R. VIRGINIA opens door up R.) Try to lie quietly, until I let you know BUDD. Funny but I don't feel anything at all GERALD. Splendid! (Exit BUDD up R. GERALD comes down L. of desk. VIRGINIA closes door up R. and comes down facing GERALD R. of desk)> Well, you've landed my first patient for me ! VIRGINIA. I had nothing to do with it! You were recommended because you're a modern doctor ! GERALD. Anyhow, it's our first case, and to gether we've got to make a success of it ! VIRGINIA. (After a little laugh) Have you found out what the trouble is? GERALD. (With mock seriousness) I have. VIRGINIA. Oh good ! GERALD. Eh ? 42 THE BOOMERANG. VIRGINIA. Mrs. Woodbridge said the family physician hadn't the faintest idea what it was. GERALD. (With playful contempt) Oh well of course the family physician what can you expect ? VIRGINIA. (Apprehensively) Do you think you can cure him ? GERALD. I'm going to try but it's an awful disease. VIRGINIA. Could you tell me what it is? GERALD. Jealousy. VIRGINIA. Jealousy ! GERALD. Plain, old-fashioned jealousy. (She looks at him with an incredulous smile) Oh, I mean it. And here's a great opportunity for you. (Both come down front of desk) VIRGINIA. Me ? GERALD. Yes. (Impressively) He needs a nurse! (VIRGINIA gives him a look) You want to be a nurse don't you? You said you were dying to be VIRGINIA. I am but not that kind of a nurse ! (Laughing) Trying to cure a man of jealousy. GERALD. (After a pause) Have you ever been in love? (She looks at him, smiles and shakes her head) Then you don't know anything about jeal ousy? VIRGINIA. I didn't know it could be treated by a doctor. GERALD. Not by the family physician! But a modern doctor can treat anything VIRGINIA. But if it's only jealousy why did you put that medicine in his arm? GERALD. That was pure distilled water with three drops of pure distilled water added to it. Now don't think I'm not taking this case seri ously I am. This boy's in a dangerous condi tion. He's right on the brink of a nervous collapse and all because he's got girl on the brain. THE BOOMERANG. 43 So you and I have got to get her off. And the first thing to do is to give him something else to worry about. Now I'm trying to transfer his at tention from love to microbes. And there's where nurse comes in. He must be made to believe she's keeping a strict record of his condition. And, all the time, she must be doing her best to amuse him and keep his mind constantly occupied. And, be lieve me, that's just as worthy and difficult a task as nursing a patient through typhoid. (Gets chart out of drawer) VIRGINIA. Then I'd love to try it! GERALD. That's fine. (Knock on door down R.) Come in (EMILE enters down R.) EMILE. Excuse, please, but the Doctor's sister say that Miss Tyler and Mr. De Witt are waiting now, some time, outside, in the automobile. GERALD. Oh! Tell 'em I won't be able to go (EMILE starts to exli down R. GERALD crosses to EMILE) Hold on! (EMILE stops. To VIR GINIA) Miss Tyler's the girl he's in love with and De Witt's the one he's jealous of VIRGINIA. Oh GERALD. (Thinking half to himself) I'll be through here in a moment and it might be useful to get acquainted with Miss Tyler and De Witt. (To EMILE) Oh, Emile, say I'll be there in two minutes EMILE. Bien, monsieur (VIRGINIA goes up to window and looks off) GERALD. And Emile throw my golf clothes in a bag and put them in the car and get my cap (EMILE exits, closing door) Now, Miss Xelva, I'll show you how to keep a chart. (VIRGINIA sits R. of desk) The date goes here the hour, here do you know how to take a pulse ? 44 THE BOOMERANG. VIRGINIA. (Nodding) Yes. GERALD. Good ! Temperature ? VIRGINIA. I'm not sure GERALD. (Taking thermometer from glass) 111 show you you put this under the tongue and leave it there a minute, then, look at it shake it and write down 99 (Indicating place on chart) VIRGINIA. Yes, sir (GERALD puts thermometer back in glass then goes up and opens door up R.) GERALD. (Speaking off R.) Will you come in now, Mr. Woodbridge ! (After a puase, BUDD ap pears in the doorway) Has the dizzy feeling passed off yet? BUDD. I don't think I've had any GERALD. Good! (Crosses down R. of BUDD. To VIRGINIA) Make a record of that on the chart. (VIRGINIA writes on chart) I think you're going to be able to stand the treatment very nicely. Oh, let me present you to Miss Xelva (They bow BUDD solemnly VIRGINIA, with a curious smile) Miss Xelva is going to look after your case. BUDD. (His face falling) How do you mean GERALD. You've got to have a nurse, you know. BUDD. (Very forlornly) Have I ? GERALD. Oh, that's absolutely essential. But no one need to know anything about it. In fact it's better that no one should suspect that you are ill. Except, of course, your mother. BUDD. I should prefer that. GERALD. (Going between them) Now, let's *ee^Miss Xelva, you will go to Mr. Woodbridge's at eight to-night. If you find him at all restless well, 111 give you full instructions later. THE BOOMERANG. 45 VIRGINIA. Oh, then I won't GERALD. Oh that won't interfere with your work here you'll be here every day, during office hours and the balance of the time with your patient (To BUDD) Remember, to-morrow morn ing, you'll be called at six after your gymnasium, you'd better drop in here we'll make it eleven- thirty ? BUDD. Any time GERALD. (To VIRGINIA) Try to squeeze Mr. Woodbridge in at 11:30. (VIRGINIA writes it down) That's all for to-day, Mr. Woodbridge (Goes above desk hearing voices, watches BUDD. BUDD starts to go R., reaches out for hat but does not take it) PRESTON. (Off up R.) I say, Doctor, has your watch stopped? GRACE. (Off up R.) Don't Preston (Laughs) He'll come as soon as he can. (Buoo quickly gets hat, starts to open door R.) GERALD. Oh, Mr. Woodbridge one minute (To VIRGINIA) Before he goes, Miss Xelva, take his pulse and temperature to see if there's any reaction MARION. (Off down R.) Jerry! Jerry! GERALD. Yes ? MARION. Do come on GERALD. I'm coming (Picks up golf -bag. To BUDD) Excuse me for running away but I've got an important operation these are my instruments f (Exits down R.) MARION. (Off R. indistinctly) It's a shame to keep us all waiting like this. It'll be dark before we get half way around! etc. PRESTON. (Off up R. calling) Grace Grace GRACE. (Off up R. calling) Preston may I turn the car around? 46 THE BOOMERANG. PRESTON. You can try! (Pause) Look out! Grace ! Grace ! GRACE. Oh! (Laughingly) I nearly hit the lamp-post! (Laughs harder) PRESTON. The best way for you to turn is to go around the block ! GRACE. Then get in with me and I'll give you a ride! PRESTON. Right o! We'll face death to gether ! (GRACE laughs. As soon as GERALD exits and GRACE'S voice is heard, BUDD goes up to win dow and looks out off R. VIRGINIA looks at him, sympathetically; gets thermometer rises, crosses R. c.) VIRGINIA. Mr. Woodbridge Mr. Woodbridge BUDD. Excuse me VIRGINIA. May I take your temperature now? (BuDD comes down and sits R. c., looks at her and opens his mouth. She puts in thermometer^ holds out her hand for his pulse. He extends hand she takes pulse.) GERALD. (Off) Where are they? MARION. (Off ) Here they are. GRACE. (Off) Hello did you think we'd gone? MARION. (Off) Where were you? GRACE. I've been turning the car around I'm going to be the chauffeur, Dr. Sumner GERALD. Then, I'll walk. DEWiTT. All aboard {Auto door slams.) THE BOOMERANG. 47 GRACE. You ride in the front seat with me, Preston (VIRGINIA stands holding BUDD'S wrist, looking down at him sympathetically BUDD slowly looks at her she smiles encouragingly) (MEDIUM CURTAIN.) ACT II. SCENE: A living room at MRS. WOODBRIDGE'S. Fire pace down R. A French window (prac tical) above it doors up c., up L. c. and larger double door down L. Table c. Settee up L. c. with work table in front of settee, work basket j piece of embroidery, silk yarn, thread, etc. Above settee a standing lamp, back of settee and against scene L. a small table with telephone up R. c. against scene another small table with lamp and small vase of flowers. Up in BUDD'S den off up c. desk with writing pad, blotters and three magazines, one The Archi tectural Record. A large easy chair up R. c. A collapsible card table down R. c. with chair R. of it and chair L. of it. On card table a lighted lamp score card and pencil. Cards arranged for Ruhm seven cards for VIRGINIA Jack, Queen, King of Clubs three ID'S, and odd card rest of pack half with faces exposed. A footstool under this card table. The fender at the fireplace is upholstered on top so that it can be used to sit on. Chandelier and wall brackets on table c. is a small medicine bag, absorbent cotton, alcohol bottle, syringe and themometer two account books and fountain pen; medical chart in little book. All doors 48 THE BOOMERANG. closed at rise except double doors on veranda, which are slightly open. TIME : About 9 p. M. One month later than Act, DISCOVERED.ViRGiNiA, in white nurse's cos tume, with cap, is seated L. of card table BUDD, in every day sack suit, is seated R. of card table. They are playing cards. MRS. WOODBRIDGE is seated on settee L. c. em- broidering. One pack of cards lies face down on card table ready -for next deal the other pack is in play. VIRGINIA has a score pad and pencil beside her. She and BUDD have each seven cards in their hands. The pack they are playing with lies face down in c. of table, with one card, face up beside it. VIRGINIA takes card from deck and then plays a card from her hand, face up. BUDD draws card from pack plays three cards discards one. VIRGINIA. What ! Already ! BUDD. Yes, you'd better hurry up. (VIRGINIA draws card from deck and throws it dozvn dis gustedly. BUDD draws card from deck and plays one card on the three he had previously played) That closes those (Gathers up the four cards played and places them c. then discards one) VIRGINIA. (After hesitating) I think I'll take that (She takes it and discards the 10 of Spades. BUDD, without drawing, lays his three cards down) BUDD. (Laughs) Out ! VIRGINIA. Oh, dear! (Counting cards in her hand) Forty-eight that's game! (Puts cards in center of table. She writes on pad) You've won seven times in succession ! BUDD. (Looking at her and shaking head as he shuffles cards) Lucky at cards THE BOOMERANG. 49 VIRGINIA. (With a warning gesture) Now now BUDD. All right (HARTLEY enters up c. with photograph album.) HARTLEY. (Bringing album to VIRGINIA) Is that the one, Miss ? VIRGINIA. (Taking it turning over pages) Yes this is it Thank you, Hartley (HARTLEY exits up c.) There that's the Inn (BuDD takes book and looks at pictures.) MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Doesn't it look attractive, Budd? BUDD. Yes fine ! VIRGINIA. Oh you'd love it I'm sure! It's so quaint and primitive and far-away! BUDD. When were you there? MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Virgie was there winter be fore last with her aunt. VIRGINIA. (Turning over pages) That's the Funicular and here's the little post-office and here's the market and the cunning little Alpine shop! MRS. WOODBRIDGE. If we decide to take a trip, I think it would be just the place for us don't you, Budd? BUDD. Yes. And let's decide right away. (MRS. WOODBRIDGE laughs: BUDD turns pages of album) VIRGINIA. Is it my deal? BUDD. (Assenting) M'm m'm (She begins dealing. He looks at another picture) What place is this? VIRGINIA. That's my aunt's villa at Lucerne. (Looking across at it) BUDD. By Jove ! Quite a place ! 50 THE BOOMERANG. MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Yes. Isn't it charming! And that's Virgie on horse back ! BUDD. (Surprised to VIRGINIA) Is that you? (VIRGINIA nods) MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Doesn't she look smart in her riding habit! BUDD. I should say so! (Clock on mantel strikes nine) VIRGINIA. Oh nine o'clock! (Gathering up cards) Now for your punching bag! (Places chair L. of table c., cards and pad in drawer) BUDD. (Rises) Time to go to work again (VIRGINIA goes up c. presses button and turns up light of chandelier. BUDD places lamp from card table on mantelpiece, turns it out after chandelier is lit, then folds up card table) MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Budd, I should think you would be ready to drop! BUDD. Why, I am not a bit tired. (He folds up card table) MRS. WOODBRIDGE. I hope you are not over doing it. VIRGINIA. The doctor always wants him to take a little exercise just before his treatment. (Moves other chair to R. of table c.) MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Yes, I understand, that's the regular routine but it does seem as if you might make an exception to-day. VIRGINIA. Oh, no! With the treatment, birth days are no different from other days. BUDD. (Card table is folded he starts up c.) Oh, it's just the thing for me ! Makes me feel fine and sleep ! MRS. WOODBRIDGE. You really do feel like your old self? BUDD. Of course. MRS. WOODBRIDGE. And you've had a happy birthday? THE BOOMERANG. 51 (VIRGINIA sits R. of table and begins working on account books.) BUDD. Why, yos and a great birthday dinner! It's going to be an awful blow to you, mother, when you realize that I am well and you can't worry about me any more, (Exits up c. with card table) MRS. WOODBRIDGE. If anyone had told me, a month ago, that my boy could stand such terrific exercise from morning till night ! VIRGINIA. But see the results ! MRS. WOODBRIDGE. I know it. And those nerve hypodermics! Well! When I looked at Budd to night, across the table, and saw him peaceful and contented, enjoying his birthday dinner, with his face lighted up by those little birthday candles, I could hardly believe it was the same boy that I took to Dr. Sumner's office a month ago ! Oh, I realize what the Doctor's done, and I can never be grate ful enough to him. VIRGINIA. And the Doctor feels he can't be grateful enough to you Just think of all the patients you've sent him! MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Oh, he's bound to get patients! Why everyone who goes to him sends somebody else. VIRGINIA. Yes, and he is beginning to like his work so much ! ( Takes open book to MRS. WOOD- BRIDGE) Look! He made all these calls to-day (Telephone rings. MRS. WOODBRIDGE goes to it) And this afternoon we had five people in the wait ing room at one time. MRS. WOODBRIDGE. (At phone L.) Hello yes hold the wire it's for you Virgie from Dr. Sumner's office (She holds receiver for VIRGINIA to take) VIRGINIA. (Crossing above sofa to phone. Taking receiver) Thank you (In phone) Is 52 THE BOOMERANG. that you, Emile? (MRS. WOODBRIDGE crosses up to work table. Puts her sewing away) Oh, yes- it's that package on my desk And, oh, Emile, let me speak to her, please Good-evening, Mrs. Webster have you got the medicine? yes just as he told you (MRS. WOODBRIDGE goes up and closes window) and Mrs. Webster, the Doctor paid for it I say he paid for it ninty cents (HARTLEY enters up L. c. with telegram on tray brings it to MRS. WOODBRIDGE up R. c. MRS. WOODBRIDGE motions HARTLEY to remove work table which he places R. above fireplace also moves arm-chair dozvn R. of stool. During this MRS. WOODBRIDGE has opened telegram, shows pleased surprise, glances over at VIRGINIA curiously hesitates) Yes Oh, Emile will get it changed for you How is he to-night? That's good Oh, there is no need of that till morning. I'll stop on my way to the office and show you not at all good-bye (VIRGINIA comes L. of table c.) MRS. WOODBRIDGE. (Up R. c.) Hartley that gentleman who called to-day wasn't Mr. Grant, was it? HARTLEY. (Trying to remember) Mr. Grant? MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Yes, Mr. Theodore Grant, the lawyer ? HARTLEY. Oh, no, ma'am. (HARTLEY exits up L. c.) MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Well, he'll probably be here later in the evening Virgie ! VIRGINIA. (Looking up at her) Yes ? MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Perhaps I'd better not tell you now but when Mr. Grant comes I may have some good news for you ! VIRGINIA. Oh, how nice! (HARTLEY opens doors does not enter. MARION enters up L. c. HARTLEY closes doors.) THE BOOMERANG. 53 MARION*. Good-evening ! MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Marion ! What a stranger you are (Meets MARION and kisses her down R. c.) MARION. Why, Miss Xelva (VIRGINIA nods in acknowledgment. MARION turns to MRS. WOOD- BRIDGE) Is anybody ill? MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Oh, no! MARION. I thought seeing Miss Xelva here MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Oh, I see Miss Xelva and I are greU: friends! (Crossing around arm-chair sits MARION near and to L. of her. VIRGINIA sits L. of table c.) MARION. Really? Where's Budd? MRS. WOODBRIDGE. He's in his den with his punching bag ! MARION. Punching bag! (She looks up c. Bag is punched three times very loud, then de- cresendo and stops. She turns back to MRS. WOOD- BRIDGE, after a slight pause) Why er oh? Was the punching bag a birthday present? MRS. WOODBRIDGE. What? Oh, no, he's very fond of exercise nowadays ! VIRGINIA. He'll be through in a few minutes. MARION. (Places chair and sits L. of MRS. WOOD- BRIDGE, slightly above her) Well, I must tell you before he comes back ! A few of Budd's friends are going to give him a birthday surprise to-night! We are all coming together at just ten o'clock (VIRGINIA is busy with account book again.) MRS. WOODBRIDGE. (Rising) Oh, no! I am afraid that wouldn't do it wouldn't do at all. (Looks front hesitates then turns to MARION impressively) Marion you must make some ex cuse and stop them from coming! MARION. Why? J4 THE BOOMERANG. MRS. WOODBRIDGE. We've kept it a secret from everybody, but Budd hasn't been at all well. MARION. Oh I didn't know that I am so sorry MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Oh, he's greatly improved! .But your brother's given positive orders that Budd must be kept from all excitement MARION. {Amazed) My brother! MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Yes Budd's been under his care and he's done wonders for him! MARION. Well I can't understand that. MRS. WOODGRIDGE. Why, Marion ! MARION. I don't mean it that way But the sur prise party was Jerry's idea! MRS. WOODBRIDGE. What! MARION. Yes he got up the whole thing and told me just who to invite! (MRS. WOODBRIDGE looks at MARION) VIRGINIA. Oh, yes, Dr. Sumner's (MRS. WOODBRIDGE crosses to VIRGINIA R. of table c. MARION crosses front of arm-chair) had this in mind for a week he thinks it is just what Mr. Budd needs now. MRS. WOODBRIBGE. Well, of course, I have every confidence in Dr. Sumner MARION. He was coming over to tell you about '*t himself but he had an emergency call ( VIR GINIA shows interest) just as we were sitting down to dinner, so he asked me to tell you and to say that he'd be here before the crowd came and to keep Budd occupied so he wouldn't suspect. (MARION sits in arm-chair) MRS. WOODBRIDGE. It seems dreadfully sudden! I do hope it won't be too much of a shock for Budd. VIRGINIA. Oh, the Doctor knows best about that! MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Of course, it will be lovely, if Budd can have a little fun again poor boy (Looking at MARION) he hasn't seen any of his THE BOOMERANG. 55 friends for nearly a month Iand he's never com plained about it! VIRGINIA. He never complains about anything. MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Perhaps you've had some thing to do with that MARION. Why have you been taking care of Budd, MissXelva? MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Has she? (Back of VIR GINIA'S chair a little to R.) Why, your brother says that Virgie's done more for Budd than he has! VIRGINIA. Did he? Really? MRS. WOODBRIDGE. He told me that Budd sim ply couldn't get on without you and that Ad couldn't either. VIRGINIA. That was one of his jokes. MRS. WOODBRIDGE. (Crosses to arm-chair. MARION rises) Marion, you know this a secret and you mustn't mention it. MARION. You mean about Budd? MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Yes and why Miss Xelva's here or any of it! Your brother's very partic ular that no one should know! MARION. (Crosses to up L. c. front of MRS. WOODBRIDGE) Of course, I won't! Not a word! Well, I must get back (Turning) Oh we've some music coming couldn't Hartley be on the lookout for the men? (Crossing back R. c.) MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Certainly! MARION. I'll bring everybody out there (In dicating window tip R.) on the veranda and we can sneak in through the windows MRS. WOODBRIDGE. All right! I'll leave it un bolted. (Turns up to window and unbolts it) VIRGINIA. Miss Sumner Did you say the Doctor hadn't had any dinner? MARION. Yes he was called away, just as (BUDD enters up c. He wears rubber-soled tennis shoes flannel trousers athletic shirt with 56 THE BOOMERANG. short sleeves a jersey coat, unbuttoned, end boxing gloves.) BUDD. Why good-evening Marion (Goes to shake hands, then removes right hand glove shakes hand MARION draws him a step down R. c. MRS. WOODBRIDGE crosses to door up L.) MARION. I haven't seen you for ever so long! How wonderfully you're looking! BUDD. Yes I'm fine thanks how are you? MARION. Why, I oh I just came over on an errand and I must hurry back. (Starts up L. c VIRGINIA rises) BUDD. Are you going home alone ? MARION. (At door L. c.) Oh, no I came in the motor. (To MRS. WOODBRIDGE) Oh, please don't bother ! MRS. WOODBRIDGE. (Standing in open door) I want to ask you something MARION. Oh! Good-night. (Exits up L. c. after MRS. WOODBRIDGE who closes door) VIRGINIA. Good-night. \ Spoken together BUDD. Good-night. (BuDD. (As door up L. c. closes) Marion looks natural what brought her over? (Crosses to R. of table takes off gloves) ^ VIRGINIA. (Sitting L. of table -taking out chart) She came to see your mother what was the weight to-night? BUDD. (Crossing back of table to L. of table throws gloves on settee) Seven and three-quarters. (Taking off jersey-coat) VIRGINIA. Another half pound. I'm proud of you Now your exercise. Before breakfast? BUDD. Three miles. VIRGINIA. Gymnasium ? BUDD. Same as usual two hours and a half. VIRGINIA. Afternoon ? BUDD. I walked over the mountain to-day. [THE BOOMERANG. |7 VIRGINIA. (Rises gets thermometer from bag on table c. BUDD puts coat on settee) You really enjoyed your birthday dinner to-night didn't you? BUDD. Wasn't it funny that one candle didn't blow out (VIRGINIA comes to him) that's sup posed to mean I'm going to get married. VIRGINIA. (Putting thermometer in his mottth quickly) That's a dangerous subject we're not to talk about Miss Tyler, you know! (Goes back to table saturates cotton with alcohol brings cotton and filled hypodermic to BUDD gives him treat ment as indicated in ACT I in a very matter of fact way. Takes thermometer out of his mouth looks at it shakes it) BUDD. Ninty-nine again? VIRGINIA. M'm (Writes on chart. MRS. WOODBRIDGE enters up L. c. VIRGINIA puts syringe in case) BUDD. Come in, mother we've finished. (Takes up coat and gloves from settee and starts VpC.) MRS. WOODBRIDGE. But you are not going out, Budd ? (Sits on settee L. c.) BUDD. (At door up c.) I've got to lie down for five minutes you know (Buoo exits up c. HARTLEY enters up L. c. with card on tray which he brings to MRS. WOODBRIDGE. VIRGINIA takts up medicine case) MRS. WOODBRIDGE. (Looking at card) Is it Mr. Grant? HARTLEY. No, madam, Mr. De Witt MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Mr. De Witt? VIRGINIA. (With sudden anxiety) Preston DC Witt? MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Why do you know him? VIRGINIA. No. (Pauses glances at 4&er where BUDD has gone off) But I know wko be 58 THE BOOMERANG. MRS. WOODBRIDGE. He probably wants to sec Budd. VIRGINIA. Oh, that wouldn't do! I mean Mr. Budd ought not to be disturbed while he is lying down! HARTLEY. Mr. De Witt asked to see you, ma'am. MRS. WOODBRIDGE. To see me? Why, what in the world ? Show him into the library. VIRGINIA. (Stopping HARTLEY) No! No! (To MRS. WOODBRIDGE) Mr. Budd's lying down in there. MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Very well' I'll see him in here. (HARTLEY exits up L. c. leaving doors open.) VIRGINIA. (Going to door up c.) Mrs. Wood- bridge it's just as well if Mr. Budd doesn't know that Mr. er anyone is here. (HARTLEY appears in doorway to usher DE WITI in.) MRS. WOODBRIDGE. What? ( PRESTON enters up L. c. VIRGINIA exits up c.) PRESTON. Good-evening. (HARTLEY moves standing lamp at end of settee to L.) MRS. WOODBRIDGE. (Shaking hands) How do you do, De Witt Won't you sit down? (He sits in chair L. of table she sits again on settee. An embarrassed pause. With sudden thought) Oh! You've come for Budd's surprise party ! PRESTON. Have I? MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Well don't you knew? THE BOOMERANG. 59 PRESTON. I don't know exactly what it is ? MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Why, it's Budd's birthday and a few of his friends are coming over to sur prise him but they won't get here till ten o'clock PRESTON. Oh then I'd love to join them! MRS. WOODBRIDGE. That's awfully nice! And Budd will be so pleased! PRESTON. (Uncertainly looks front) Urn yes ! The fact is I haven't seen anything of your son for quite a while. I've wondered what had be come of him MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Why he er he's been de voting nearly all of his time lately to athletics! PRESTON. Athletics ? What for ? MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Oh, just training, you know (Looking away from DE WITT so's not to see his look and rise) PRESTON. (Rising* with look of anxiety takes two or three steps down-stage) Oh! MRS. WOODBRIDGE. (After a pause) Am I to flatter myself that this call was meant for me? PRESTON. Well, I I think so. (Sitting again) I really don't know what it's about, but I am here in place of Mr. Grant MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Oh! How stupid of me I You're in Mr. Grant's office, of course ! PRESTON. Well I am a member of the firm in a way MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Indeed! PRESTON. Oh, yes and er Mr. Bruce Gordon wired us this afternoon to call here about some thing or other naturally any word from Mr. Gordon is of the utmost importance to us so I imagine Mr. Grant thought best to place the matter in my hands. MRS. WOODBRIDGE. (Looks at PRESTON. tak ing up telegram) I received this telegram from Mr. Gordon, not half an hour ago (Handg it to him} 6o THE BOOMERANG. PRESTON. (After reading it) What docs it mean? MRS. WOODBRIDGE. It means that I have found his niece. PRESTON. His niece! I didn't know he'd lost one. MRS. WOODBRIDGE. (Smiles) Did you never hear of Mr. Gordon's sister? PRESTON. Oh, yes there was some scandal about Mr. Gordon's sister, wasn't there? She eloped with someone or other and the family dis owned her and all that sort of thing! MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Well, her daughter is here! PRESTON. In Hartford? MRS. WOODBRIDGE. In the next room! She's been Budd's that is our guest for some time I met her through Dr. Gerald Sumner Oh, he is such a wonderful man, Mr. De Witt if you are ever ill you really must go to him! Well, Virgie's studying in his office to be a trained nurse. PRESTON. Oh MRS. WOODBRIDGE. And it was only the other day, by the merest accident, that I found out who she was ! PRESTON. Pardon me just what did you find out? MRS. WOODBRIDGE. I found out she came here in search of her grandmother PRESTON. Old Mrs. Gordon why, she's been dead for years. MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Yes, but Virgie didn't know that. And she knew nothing else about the family ! Why, when I asked her why she hadn't gone to her uncle, she said fcne didn't know she had one! PRESTON. She'd never heard of Bruce Gordon! MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Never! I was on the point of telling her when I remembered about her mother so instead, I wrote to Mr. Gordon! TKat telegram is in reply to my letter. THE BOOMERANG. 61 PRESTON. And you believe this story? MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Oh, there is no doubt about it! I noticed a family resemblance the moment I found out who she was! PRESTON. My dear Mrs. Woodbridge if you'd knocked about as much as I have, you'd know the world is full of people who make a business of trumping up claims against men of wealth MRS WOODBRIDGE. Oh, you wouldn't say that if you knew her. PRESTON. {Rising and indicating telegram going to MRS. WOODBRIDGE) You see Mr. Gordon wants her to come to New York only on condition that she is able to bring substantial proof of her identity. MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Which she can of course. PRESTON. (Laughing) I must be the judge of that. (Backing up-stage a couple of steps) MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Would you like to see her? PRESTON. Naturally. MRS. WOODBRIDGE. She's in the library with Budd. I'll call her in. PRESTON. (Crossing down L.) Good! And we'll find out whether her story's straight once I ask her a question or two, believe me. MRS. WoorsRiDGE. (Opening door up c. and calling off) Virgie oh, you're alone! VIRGINIA. (In BUDD'S den) Yes Mr. Budd's taking his shower. MRS. WOODBRIDGL\ Will you come in here a minute, please? (Crossing a little down R. c. Enter VIRGINIA up c. PRESTON is struck by her appearance MRS. WOODBRTDGE goes to VIRGINIA) Mr. De Witt this is Miss Xelva. PRESTON. (With entire change of manner, going to her, shaking hands. MRS. WOODBRIDGE moves down R. c. a step) Delighted Miss Xelva delighted ! You're quite right, Mrs. Woodbridgc 02 THE BOOMERANG. there is a resemblance undoubtedly! Miss Xelva, I hope you will consider me as a friend 1 VIRGINIA. (Surprised then with a touch of sarcasm) Indeed! PRESTON. I assure you I am going to do all in my power to be of assistance. VIRGINIA. (Looks at him puzzled then glances at MRS. WOODBRIDGE. To PRESTON) I'm afraid I don't quite understand PRESTON. Oh I am here as a representative of Mr. Bruce Gordon. MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Your uncle. * (VIRGINIA goes to MRS. WOODBRIDGE.) VIRGINIA. Oh? The one you told me about MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Virgie, we've glorious news ! I have been dying to tell you all the evening! Your uncle wants to see you! VIRGINIA. (Laughs) Well that's awfully nice of him but I don't see MRS. WOODBRIDGE. She doesn't know who Mr. Gordon is ! PRESTON. Doesn't know VIRGINIA. (To MRS. WOODBRIDGE) I know you said he was my mother's brother PRESTON. Why, my dear Miss Xelva, he's one of the greatest financial powers in the country- worth millions and millions ! VIRGINIA. Oh MRS. WOODBRIDGE. And you're his nearest rela tive ! Virgie, just think of it ! VIRGINIA. I'm trying to MRS. WOODBRIDGE. You'll be a great heiress! Won't she, Mr. De Witt? PRESTON. It certainly looks that way! (Takes three steps backwards down-stage L. c.) THE BOOMERANG. 63 VIRGINIA. I I should say it was glorious news PRESTON. Of course, Miss Xelva, it will first be necessary to establish your claim VIRGINIA. (Crossing down R. of table. During scene MRS. WOODB RIDGE keeps R. of and slightly below VIRGINIA) My claim? PRESTON. That's what I am here for, you know. VIRGINIA. So you want to find out if I'm a humbug. PRESTON. I've no fear of that, now I've seen you, but er VIRGINIA. But you must have proof ! MRS. WOODBRIDGE. And then Mr. De Witt will take you right on to New York ! VIRGINIA. (With sudden change of expression) New York? MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Yes to Mr. Gordon! Oh, Virgie, his house is well it's really more like a palace, and he lives there all alone! But now now it will be your home, too! VIRGINIA. Oh, no MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Of course it will! He'll want you to live with him I'm sure! VIRGINIA. But I couldn't leave here you see, it wouldn't be fair to Dr. Sumner MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Dr. Sumner wouldn't stand in your way, for a moment ! Why, he won't think of allowing you to stay, wh~n he knows ! (VIRGINIA looks at her, crosses . MRS. WOOD- BRIDGE crosses to L. of table.) PRESTON. (Crosses R. c.) Of course he won't. Don't concern yourself about that in the least ! And now, if you'll answer me a few questions (She sits R. c. in arm-chair MRS. WOODBRIDGE sits L. of table. PRESTON takes chair R. c. with a quick glance to see if MRS. WOODBRIDGE has a chair, and places 64 THE BOOMERANG his chair L. of VIRGINIA sits) Can you toll me any of the circumstances connected with your parent's marriage? VIRGINIA. That was before my time, PRESTON. Quite soyou see, 1 must have some thing to establish the identity of your mother VIRGINIA. Oh must you? PRESTON. Now, you probably have a picture of her? (She shakes her head) No old photograph? (She shakes her hc*d) Well, have you any of her letters or papers or documents that would show her handwriting? VIRGINIA. (As before) No PRESTON. Nothing at all to substantiate your claim ? VIRGINIA. I haven't made any claim PRESTON. (Rises puts chair back of arm chair) But, my dear Miss Xelva. I'm trying to help you and I must make a report to Mr. Gor don what can I say? VIRGINIA. You can say I haven't given you any proof at all and that I'm not going to make any claim ^VIRGINIA rises -MRS. WoorwRino.E r:s t \<} MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Virgie (VIRGINIA looks at her) Surely you don't realize VIRGINIA. Oh, yes yes, I realize (Crosses to fireplace) PRESTON. And you really wish me to send that message to Mr. Gordon? VIRGINIA. If you will, please PRESTON. (After a pause) Very well. (To MRS. WOODBRIDGE) I'm afraid there's nothing more I can do VIRGINIA. Thank you so much for all the trouble you've taken. PRESTON. Not at all! I can only say I I'm sincerely sorry. (Shakes hands ?c;//; MKS. ^OOP- BRIDGE to whom he says) Good-bye. Of course - this is only an au revoir. I shall be back shortly for THE BOOMERANG. 65 the -er surprise party (To VIRGINIA) Good- evening. (MRS. WOODBRIDGE crosses to R. c. PRESTON starts for door up L. c. stops and turns at door, speaks to VIRGINIA who has crossed L. of arm-chair) Oh until I communicate with Mr. Gordon May 1 ask that you both treat this matter in confidence (VIRGINIA and MRS. WOODBRIDGE bow) Thank you. Good-evening. (Exits up L. c., closing door) (MRS. WOODBRIDGE stands staring at VIRGINIA who returns her look.) VIRGINIA. You wrote to my uncledidn't you? (MRS. WOQDBRIDGE crosses down R. and sits m >K ** ann-chair.) \ MRS. WOODBRIDGE. I thought it was my duty. VIRGINIA. (Sitting on foot-stool beloiv MRS. WOODBRIDGE taking her hand) Please don't think I'm ungrateful But but MRS. WOODBRIDGE. But, Virgie, it was such a wonderful opportunity! Why in the world you want to throw it all away I can't imagine. ( Turn- itnj way from VIRGINIA) VIRGINIA. You said, if Dr. Sumner knew, he wouldn't let me stay. MRS. WoormRiDGE. Dr. Sumner? (She looks nf> olanccs at VIRGINIA, then looks front) Oh- i (Stniles understandingly) VIRGINIA. Mrs. Wpodbridge I don't want to live in New York I just want to go on with my work ! MRS. WOODBRIDCE. (Smiles with understand ing) And have Dr. Sumner say he couldn't get along without yon? VIRGINIA. I'd rather have that than the other 66 THE BOOMERANG. MRS. WOODBRIDGE. (Looks at her with sym pathy smiles, puts arm about her) Then I won't say another word about it ! VIRGINIA. (Archly) Not even to the Doctor 3 MRS. WOODBRIDGE. (Smiling) Not even to the Doctor VIRGINIA. (With a sigh of relief) That's all right (Rises and puts foot-stool above fireplace. Enter BUDD up c.) BUDD. Where's Doctor Stunner? MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Dr. Sumner ? BUDD. I thought I heard him (To VIRGINIA) You said he was coming over to-night (Crossing to settee L.) VIRGINIA. (Crosses c. above table) Yes, and he ought to be here very soon now and, oh Mrs. Woodbridge his sister said he hadn't had any dinner ! (BUDD sits on settee L.) MRS. WOODBRIDGE. (Crosses to VIRGINIA) Well why not tell Hartley to have some sand wiches ready for him? VIRGINIA. May I? MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Of course! VIRGINIA. Thank you I'll tell him now (Exits ttf L.) MRS. WOODBRIDGE. (After VIRGINIA has closed door with mystery, R. of BUDD) Budd I've just made a discovery I think Virgie has fallen in love ! BUDD. In love poor girl ! (Rises) What make you think that? MRS. WOODBRIDGE. I'm sure of it! BUDD. Who is she in love with? MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Dr. Sumner! BUDD. (Crossing to L. of table sits) Ofe * that's too bad THE BOOMERANG. 67 MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Why, Budd! I (Enter VIRGINIA down L. with envelope in her hand. MRS. WOODBRIDGE motions to BUDD to say nothing about it.) VIRGINIA. Mrs. Woodbridge, Hartley would like to see you MRS. WOODBRIDGE. (To VIRGINIA) Did you tell him about the sandwiches for Dr. Sumner? VIRGINIA. Yes thanks (To BUDD) This just came for you by messenger (Hands him envelope then goes to above table c. and gathers up books back of table) (BuDD opens envelope.) MRS. WOODBRIDGDE. (L. of BUDD) A birthday card? May I see it? (Buoo looks at it shows agitation hands it to her) From Grace Tyler! (VIRGINIA looks at BUDD quickly) That's awfully sweet of her when you think of how she's been neglected ! BUDD. Eh ? MRS. WOODBRIDGE. Why you haven't seen her for ever so long! VIRGINIA. He hasn't seen any of his friends MRS. WOODBRIDGE. (Handing card back to BUDD) But it's different with Grace (Sighs crosses L.) Poor girl I'm afraid you don't care about her as much as you used to. (Exits down L. closing doors) BUDD. (With a sickly smile VIRGINIA stands R. of him) That's funny but I'm glad she doesn't know (Looks at card nervousness increases reading card) May joy and love 68 THE BOOMERANG. In your life ne'er cease But grow and grow As your years increase. (Repeating bitterly) Joy and love! (He stares at card) VIRGINIA. (Reaching out her hand) You'd better let me take that (He looks at her hands her card) Now, let's talk of something else! (Takes chair from R. c. and places it R. of table) BUDD. (Rises and crosses to fireplace) If I could only be sorry that she sent it ! VIRGINIA. Why, it's nothing but a printed birth day card that doesn't amount to anything (Sits R. of table placing card on lower end of table) BUDD. I've got to acknowledge it haven't I? VIRGINIA. The Doctor will tell you what to say just as he a/ways does BUDD. That's what I'm afraid of VIRGINIA. What do you mean ? BUDD. Do you know the replies he made me send to the two letters I got from her? VIRGINIA. No you never showed them to me BUDD. Would you like to see them? VIRGINIA. Why, yes if you want me to (BuDD unbottons waistcoat and takes two creased and well-worn letters from inside pocket of it next to heart.) BUDD. (Handing her one) This was the first one it came two weeks ago (He sits in arm chair R. c.) VIRGINIA. (Reading) " Dear Budd Where are you keeping yourself? BUDD. No See, she's got a line under the " are " it's " Where are you keeping yourself " like that VIRGINIA. (Continuing her reading) " I've THE BOOMERANG. 69 been afraid you were ill and was so "(Hesitates trying to decipher word) " So BUDD. (Without looking at letter) " Glad " " I've been afraid you were ill and was so glad to hear you were out walking yesterday VIRGINIA. (Continuing) "I'm giving a Bridge Party, Thursday evening, and you must come. As ever, Grace." BUDD. (Rises goes to her and turns over page of letter) There's some more VIRGINIA. Oh (Reads) " P. S. Come early "(Hands letter back to BUDD smiles) BUDD. This is the answer the Doctor made me send (He recites from memory) "Grace dear: So nice to hear from you don't count on me for Thursday, but you know I'll come, if I can Aw fully busy. Affectionately and hurriedly Budd." Then the day after the party he made me write her " Awfully sorry I missed party can you for give me? Terribly ashamed forgot all about it." Imagine what she must have thought! (He crosses L. ) VIRGINIA. Did you tell the Doctor you didn't want to send it ? BUDD,, Yes of course. But he told me I'd promised to do anything he said. I didn't think she'd write again, after that, and I suppose that's what he thought but she did a week later this came (Takes out another letter reads) " My dear Budd you're a bad boy and I'm dread fully angry with you But, for once, I'll forgive you just because you've asked me to isn't that good of me? If yoa ve nothing better to do, drop in to-morrow f ^r tea Grace " Be here at four some people are f -ming at five " Then, the Doctor made me call her up, when he knew she was out and leave word that I couldn't manage to get there, and that I'd explain later. But he never let 70 THE BOOMERANG. me do anything more about it (He sees card tn table, slowly picks it up and looks at it) And now she's sent me a birthday card (Crosses R. to fire place) Of course it doesn't mean anything to her but every time I hear from her it brings it all back again VIRGINIA. (Rises, crosses a step R.) Then you must try not to think about it. BUDD. Not think about it! Hm You don't know what love is ! (Sits in arm-chair) VIRGINIA. (Trying to pacify him) Oh, yes, I do. (BUDD pauses looks at her.) BUDD. Oh ! then then it's true ? VIRGINIA. What? BUDD. That you're in love with Dr. Sumner? VIRGINIA. (Aghast) Oh! BUDD. (Rising) I didn't mean to say that I'm sorry I know how it makes you feel to have any body speak about it But it's only me and I'd never tell anybody any more than you would you don't mind my knowing, do you? VIRGINIA. But but what made you think ? BUDD. Isn't it so? (VIRGINIA looks at him about to deny it can't bear to lie to him drops her eyes ' sits R. of table. BUDD speaks with great sincerity) I'm awfully sorry VIRGINIA. (Looking at him with surprise) Sorry? BUDD. Oh you mean he cares for you? VIRGINIA. He doesn't know anything about it and he never will if he ever found out, I'd die I'd just die ! BUDD. He's bound to find out VIRGINIA. Oh no BUDD. Yes he will you make up your mind you'll never let him know then then, you cas'f Kelp yourself I've been all through it and I know (Crosses down a bit then back to her) There's THE BOOMERANG. 71 only one thing to do only one and you ought to do it go away (VIRGINIA gives him a look) That's what I'm going to do VIRGINIA. Oh, no. BUDD. Yes I've made up my mind. The Doctor's month is up Sunday and I'm going Mon day morning. VIRGINIA. Could you go away from the one you love? BUDD. Why there's no hope of my getting her. VIRGINIA. There are lots of things in the world we love but can't have That's no reason why we should run away from them BUDD. (Looking at her) Is that the way you feel about Dr. Sumner? VIRGINIA. (After pause, nods head) Um-hum. BUDD. How can you? (Goes to arm-chair and sits) VIRGINIA. Why, to be near him hear his voice just to know he's under the same roof gives me a feeling of peace and contentment like like birds singing (Puts hand to her breast) Can't you understand that? BUDD. Birds? (Putting hand to heart) In here? (Shaking his head) Bugs! It makes me feel like like (Pauses looks at her rises goes to her) Have you ever heard of people dying of thirst? How they beg for water and go mad thinking about it? How they imagine they see it, just beyond their reach? And stretch out their arms towards it and then find there isn't any there? Now, suppose you were dying of thirst, what would you think, if someone came to you with real water fresh, pure water, and said : " Now you mustn't drink this, but just to have it near you ought to give you a feeling like birds singing! (Crosses to fireplace) VIRGINIA. But but I'm not thirsty (Rises and stands at R. corner of table) 72 THE BO'OMERANG. BUDD. (Turning) I am (Enter GERALD up L. He wears evening clothes. HARTLEY closes door after him.) GERALD. Hello this looks cosy (Nods to VIRGINIA comes down R. of arm-chair) How are you to-night, young fellow? BUDD. (Holding out birthday card) I just got this (Handing it to GERALD) GERALD. (Taking it and looking at it) M'm (Glances at VIRGINIA) Pretty isn't it? (Sees letters in BUDD'S hand) Those came with it? BUDD. No they're her letters (Starts to put them back in pocket) GERALD. (Taking them from him) I didn't know you were keeping them (He turns to fire place tears them up throws letters and card into fire) VIRGINIA. Oh ! (BuDD sinks into arm-chair, watches letters burn GERALD, noticing him, steps between him and fire. BUDD slowly looks up into his face.) BUDD. (Speaks timidly) What shall I do about the card? GERALD. Nothing (A pause he looks at his watch) Just you get into your evening clothes quick BUDD. Evening clothes? (Rises) GERALD. Yes you and I are going to have a great time to-night How long will it take you to dress ? BUDD. Ten minutes. (Starts up c. near his door) GERALD. Make it nine and a half. (Clock now 9 14$.) THE BOOMERANG. 73 BUDD. (At door) Are we going out? GERALD. I'll explain everything later. (BuDD exits up c. opening door just wide enough to let himself through. GERALD stands a moment look ing at him, thinking, then turns to VIRGINIA) Has he been that way long? (Comes to R. of VIR GINIA) VIRGINIA. Only since he got that birthday card. GERALD. Too bad ! I wanted to have him in good shape to-night (HARTLEY enters up L. with tray, containing sand wiches, knife, fork small decanter of claret and wine glass.) VIRGINIA. Mrs. Woodbridge was afraid the party would be too much for him. GERALD. That's all right! I've just had a talk with her and convinced her it's a fine idea! (Turns up R.) HARTLEY. Beg pardon but (Sets tray on table VIRGINIA scans tray. To VIRGINIA) Mrs. Woodbridge thought you'd like it in here, Miss VIRGINIA. Thank you, Hartley You've for gotten the English mustard HARTLEY. Oh beg pardon (Exits up L.) GERALD. Haven't you had your dinner? VIRGINIA. (Places chair R. of iable for DOCTOR) Yes I have, but you haven't. Sit down. GERALD. How in the wcdd did you know that? VIRGINIA. Your sister told me GERALD. (Goes up to window opens it looks out for guests) But I haven't time now. I've got to be on the look-out for the guests. VIRGINIA. Why they won't be here for fifteen minutes yet. You have plenty of time sit down. GERALD. Well this is thoughtful of you! I'd forgotten all about it! (Sits and takes napkin) 74 THE BOQMEKANG. VIRGINIA. (Pours wine) But you shouldn't forget all about it. GERALD. I had to get through with my calls early to-night anyhow so I could be here (Cuts food and takes bite) VIRGINIA. Where's the list? (GERALD take* slip of paper from pocket, hands it to her) And you've been to all these places? (Sits L. of table and takes up her small blank book) GERALD. (With mouthful) M'm m'm ail of them VIRGINIA. (Looking over list) How was the little Smith girl? (Begins checking off list) GERALD. Took the cast off to-night VIRGINIA. Splendid! What about this con sultation with Dr. Griggs? GERALD. Oh, that's not until ten-thirty at the hospital. (HARTLEY enters with pot of mustard from up L.) We'll be through here, by then. VIRGINIA. Did you think to order the car? GERALD. (Looking at her and smiling) No I didn't (VIRGINIA smiles at him as if it pleased her) By Jove, I was hungry ! (Drinks) (HARTLEY places mustard on table.) VIRGINIA. Oh, Hartley, will you please call up Dr. Sumner's garage and tell them to have his car here at quarter past ten HARTLEY. (Repeating) Quarter past ten Very good, Miss (Exits up L.) VIRGINIA. (Referring to list) John Hull he's a new one ? GERALD. Don't charge that he paid me cash! (Takes bank note out of pocket and hands it to her) VIRGINIA. (Taking money and opening another book) Oh good ! We must try to hold on to him (Makes entry in book and puts bank note in it) THE BOOMERANG. 75 GERALD. (Chuckling and eating) Now let's talk about your patient. VIRGINIA. I've just been talking with him. GERALD. Well? VIRGINIA. (With mock seriousness) Bad news! Poor fellow! He's as much in love as ever! GERALD. (Eating) That's no news at all! I decided, a week ago, we'd never get him over that VIRGINIA. Then, I suppose it's no news that he's going to leave us ? GERALD. (Looking at VIRGINIA) What? VIRGINIA. So he said as soon as the month is GERALD. Don't let that worry you. I think he'll change his mind after he's seen Miss Tyler. VIRGINIA. (Quickly) Oh! Is Miss Tyler coming to his party to-night ? GERALD. Yep. VIRGINIA. ^ You told me she refused to fcome * when your sister asked her. GERALD. That's right (Looks at VIRGINIA) First she said she couldn't but then she said she would telephoned Marion this afternoon. VIRGINIA. Don't you think seeing, her again is going to set him back? "' GERALD. I think it's going to set him back for life. That's what I'm counting on, anyway if he can't be happy without her, the next best thing is to see if he can be happy with her. (Eats) VIRGINIA. But I thought she was in love with Mr. De Witt GERALD. I don't believe it. VIRGINIA. (Incredulously) You surely dont believe she cares for Mr. Woodbridge? GERALD. I don't believe she thinks she does now but I believe she used to, and if she did, she can be made to again VIRGINIA. Made to? 76 THE BOOMERANG. GERALD. Yes. Made to. VIRGINIA. If she's that kind of a girl, I think he's better off without her. (Puts paper in book) GERALD. She's not that kind of a girl. She's an awfully nice girl. (VIRGINIA looks at him) Oh - yes, she is! VIRGINIA. (Puts book down) Then how could she have treated him so? GERALD. Don't blame her it really wasn't her fault. VIRGINIA. It certainly wasn't his! GERALD. Yep. The fault was Budd's. (Drinks) VIRGINIA. Oh you can't mean that! Why his devotion to that girl is perfectly beautiful. GERALD. Yes. And see where it's landed him. So, you've got those high-falutin notions, too. They're attractive and romantic, I know. The trouble is that, some day, you may be unlucky enough to fall in love yourself (VIRGINIA laughs) You don't think that's possible, I suppose. VIRGINIA. It might be. GERALD. Then you ought to know the truth, (Eats) VIRGINIA. I'd like to. GERALD. \Vell, the truth is it's a game. VIRGINIA. A game? GERALD. Yes that's what love is a game! Not the beautiful, heaven-sent blessing we're told it is but a mean, selfish, rotten game! (VIRGINIA bursts out laughing) You don't believe it? VIRGINIA. Believe it! Humph! It's too ridic ulous ! GERALD. It may be ridiculous, but it's a fact And as soon as you fall in love, the game begins and you've got to play it whether you want to or not. Only most people play it without knowing it like BtMd and get the worst of it Now, why not play it with your eyes open? (Eats) THE BOOMERANG. 77 VIRGINIA. I don't think I'd care to play it at all. GERALD. (Leaning toward her) If you were in love, wouldn't you like to know how to bring your victim to your feet? How to make him adore you believe you're the most charming and wonder ful woman in the world? Make him hope for nothing, think of nothing, dream of nothing, but you? VIRGINIA. Could you tell me how I could do that? GERALD. (Takes a drink looks front) I'll guarantee it You've only to avoid all the blunders Budd made. VIRGINIA. What were they? GERALD. Well in the first place he showed her that he loved her honorably, devotedly and ex clusively exclusively! That's enough to queer anvone. VIRGINIA. (After laughing heartily) You mean he shouldn't have told her? GERALD. On the contrary ! He should have told her, whenever he got the chance! Instead, he probably didn't tell her at all, but let her see it, by everything he did. That's the first rule of the game. If you fall in love, say so as often as you like, but never let the loved one be quite sure you mean it Budd's next blunder was being too good to her (VIRGINIA laughs) Yes he paid her too much attention, hung about her incessantly, until his visits became about as exciting as the milkman's. Another rule: swear you're the original, devoted slave, but don't always be on hand. Under those circumstances, it was only natural for her to take notice of somebody else. Then along came jealousy. It's next to impossible to keep jealousy out of a love affair. But there's hardly a case where both people get it. One is jealous and the other isn't Rule number three : be sure to get your opponent a little 78 THE BOOMERANG. jealous or you'll get it yourself. And in Budd|s case, after jealousy, came desperation, then despair then Doctor VIRGINIA. Well, I can't say I think it's a very nice game ! GERALD. I told you that. But it's justified. Be cause if you fall in love with a man and you let him see your devotion is so great you can't think of anything else curiously enough, he'll begin to care less and less about you. VIRGINIA. Will he? GERALD. Every time. Well, if ever I fall in love, you can bet I'm going to play it ! VIRGINIA. You are? GERALD. To the limit ! VIRGINIA. (Takes up decanter about to pour) Have some more wine. GERALD. No thank you. I've finished. (He rises and goes R. c. VIRGINIA goes up rings bell and comes back to him) Why there are thousands of poor creatures all over the world whose lives have been ruined, just because they loved too much and didn't know it was all a game ! And that's what may happen to Budd, unless we prevent it. VIRGINIA. And you think you can prevent it? GERALD. If my theories are any good, I can. You see, when Miss Tyler found out a month ago that Budd was keeping away, it puzzled her. Those let ters she wrote prove that. And the answers I made him send puzzled her all the more. Her deciding to^come here to-night, proves that. I only got up this party because I felt sure she'd come. And now, as usual, I'm depending on you to help me. Will you? VIRGINIA. Of course! What do you want me to do? GERALD. I want you to be in love I mean, pre tend to be in love. THE BOOMERANG. 79 VIRGINIA. Oh you want Miss Tyler to think I am in love with Mr. Woodbridge? GERALD. You've hit it the first time! I want her to think you and Budd are crazy about each other ! VIRGINIA. (Laughing) You'll never get Mr. Woodbridge to consent to that ! GERALD. I'm not going to try. All I want is to have Miss Tyler see Budd laughing and jolly and have you make her believe Budd belongs to you. Do you think you can? VIRGINIA. (Laughing) Do you think he can? GERALD. Oh I'll brace him up give him a slap on the back and a good stiff drink ! (Enter HARTLEY up L.) VIRGINIA. You may take the tray, Hartley. (She crosses R.) (HARTLEY takes tray.) GERALD. Oh, Hartley could you bring some brandy and soda ? (Clock strikes 10.) HARTLEY. Very good, sir. GERALD. Thank you. (Crosses to VIRGINIA. HARTLEY exits up L.) Let's see. Of course you're to be one of the guests. Have you got something you can wear? (Start murmur of voices off R.) I want you to look as pretty as you can ! VIRGINIA. I'll do my best ! (MARION raps on window up R.) GERALD. By Jove, there they are! (Voices louder but low) Keep watch and see that Budd doesn't come in here, for a moment. (VIRGINIA 8o THE BOOMERANG. exits up c. GERALD opens window. Guests entei \ wearing wraps, etc. MARKDN first) Hello Come along, everybody. MARION. Where is he? GERALD. He's all right! Show them where to leave their wraps, Marion. MARION. In here this way. (She crosses to up L. c. the other guests following, giggling and whispering) GERALD. (Going to window speaking off) Come in, Miss Tyler GRACE. (Entering by window) Is Budd here? GERALD. He will be presently. They're all in there (Pointing up L. c.) GRACE. (Laughing) I'm so excited! (Runs off up L. MARION who has followed her, closes door behind her. VIRGINIA enters quickly up c.) VIRGINIA. He's coming down the stairs! (Crosses down to tab! GERALD. Let him come! (Closing window) VIRGINIA. Will I have time to change my gown ? GERALD. Take all the time you need I don't want them to see you till the dancing's going on. Come in here and I'll send Budd for you. (VIRGINIA opens door up c. Enter BUDD, up c. VIRGINIA exits quickly c. closing door. BUDD is now in full evening dress, with silk hat, white gloves, overcoat, muffler and stick. Crosses to L. of table c. GERALD turns and sees him. Enter HARTLEY up L. directly after BUDD, with decanter of brandy, siphon and tall glasses, on tray which he sets on table c. GERALD, pouring out brandy and soda) Hartley, take Mr. Budd's coat and hat. (BuoD looks at GERALD, then allows HARTLEY to help him off with coat: gives him hat, stick and muffler. GERALD looks BUDD over critically) And, oh, Hartley, bring his dressing gown in here, will you? THE BOOMERANG. 8l (HARTLEY turns and glances at GERALD. BUDD gives GERALD a look of astonishment.) HARTLEY. Very good, sir (Exits up c.) GERALD. (Behind table) Sit down (Buno sits L. of table) We're going to celebrate to-night! (Holds out drink to him) Here! BUDD. But won't that interfere with GERALD. (Stands above table) It won't inter fere with anything now ! (Pours drink for him self) We're all through with your treatment! BUDD. You mean I'm cured? GERALD. (Heartily) That's the idea, exactly! (BuDD gives him a look places glass back on table f zvithoitt drinking looks front) Now you can have all the fun you want see all your friends again BUDD. (Looks at him shows excitement) Then the first chance I get, I'm going to tell Grace Tyler the truth about those letters. (GERALD gives a start of alarm.) GERALD. In Heaven's name, what for? BUDD. Because I don't want to lie to her. (GERALD looks at him picks up glass and drinks crosses to R. a little, then back to table thinking suddenly makes up his mind turns to BUDD.) GERALD. I thought you'd given up hope that Miss Tyler would ever care for you again? BUDD. I have. That's all over. But her opinion of me matters just the same and always will. GERALD. Then you didn't mean what you said about wishing her joy and not wanting to stand in her way ? BUDD. Yes, I did mean it every word of it! 82 THE BOOMERANG. GERALD. Not if you tell her about those letters-^ you didn't! BUDD. Why? GERALD. Why ? Do you know the reason I got you to send them? BUDD. I thought it was to offend her so she wouldn't write me any more. GERALD. Offend her ! Why, it was for her sake entirely. (Buoo looks at him) Don't you see that if you let her know you're going on, suffering and hopeless, loving her always, she cai '* h~lp being unhappy and miserable it's bound to make her feel that she is the cause of wrecking your life! BUDD. You think that she ? GERALD. Why, of course! She's still worrying about you her birthday card shows that ! Now if you really mean what you say and want to make her happy, there's just one thing to do the big, generous thing the noble thing the heroic thing ! BUDD. What is that? GERALD. Sacrifice your own feelings for her ! BUDD. How? GERALD. Show her that she hasn't wrecked your life. Let her believe your jealousy is all gone that your mourn fulness is gone and that your love is gone That's the thing to do! BUDD. Is it? GERALD. Certainly! (Getting above table) Make her happy by showing her you are happy ! BUDD. I think I see, now what you mean GERALD. That's the boy (Crosses L. of BUDD) I thought you would Now I'll tell you something: the reason I asked you to dress up, is because you're going to have a little party to-night a birth day surprise-*- ( BUDD looks at him) Some of your guests are in the next room, now BUDD. Who? GERALD. Grace Tyler, for one THE BOOMERANG. 83 BUDD. Grace? Here? (GERALD nods. BUDD stares at himstarts to rise stops, looks front, with expression of alarm, eye catches glass of brandy, picks it up and drinks.) GERALD. (Taps him on shoulder) Now, there's nothing to be frightened about here's your chance to show her you're happy chat, laugh, and be merry BUDD. I don't know how (Rises crosses R.) GERALD. (Up c.) Make a bluff wear a smile look as if you were enjoying everything have a good time if it kills you. Will you do that for her ? (Re-enter HARTLEY, up c., with dressing gown.) BUDD. I'll try GERALD. Good. Here, put this on, quick. (Tak ing gown quickly from HARTLEY. BUDD nervously removes coat. HARTLEY takes it. GERALD helps BUDD on with dressing gown) Take that coat, and throw it on that sofa and push the sofa back against the wall. (HARTLEY takes coat, puts it on sofa L. pushes sofa well back goes to door up c. stands there with door opened until dismissed by GERALD) BUDD. What's that for? GERALD. You've got to be surprised. Now sit here have a cigarette! (GERALD throws case on table. BUDD sits above table) You must be work ing at something what can it be ? (Sees magazines in room up c.) Ah! (Goes into room, picks up magazines, three in number together with writing pad and ink and blotter, places them on table c. front of BUDD. As he re-enters} That will do, Hartley. (HARTLEY exits, closing door which he has held opened) You can be answering ads. in a magazine S4 THE BOOMERANG. Oh Here we are! Just the thing! The Archi tectural Record! (Pulls out plan, spreading it bt- fore BUDD throws all the magazines on settee) You're thinking of building a house and you're studying these plans Be so busy with them that you don't see us when we come in. Understand ? BUDD. Got a match? GERALD. (L. of BUDD giving him match box) When we yell at you, jump up and be surprised laugh and shake hands with us be cordial to Grace tell her how glad you are to see her but don't shake hands with her first, or last. Now, I'll go out and join them. (Starts for door up L. c.) Oh Miss Xelva will be one of the guests she doesn't know the others so make it a point to be nice to her very nice to her, won't you? BUDD. Yes, of course! GERALD. (At door up L. c.) All right now remember mournfulness gone jealousy gone love gone! (Exits up L. c. quickly closing door after him) (BuDD puffs cigarette nervously feels for hand kerchief in pocket of dressing gown says "mournfulness gone, jealousy gone love gone --handkerchief gone " picks up blotter, presses it to forehead, turns towards door GERALD enters cautions him BUDD puts down blotter faces front studies plans puffs cigarette as guests enter on tip toe GRACE, MARION, GERTRUDE, extra men, and extra girls followed by MRS. WOODBRIDGE who stands in door-way. GERALD, with finger to lips, cautions them not to make a sound. BUDD, frightened pretends not to be aware of their presence. Guests form semi-circle behind BUDD At a signal from GERALD, all scream at once. GRACE down L.) AUL. Happy Birthday! (This is followed by THE BOOMERANG. 85 laughter and hand clapping, as BUDD rises, with as sumed surprise. He looks bewildered a:\d all be come quiet) BUDD. (Looking about as if dosed) Well well well this is great I don't know what (His eyes rest on GRACE. He stops and stands staring at her. After a moment's pause, GERALD comes to him, swings him toward R. shaking hand) GERAL&. Congratulations old chap! GERTRUDE. (Shaking BUDD'S hand) Many of 'em! 3RD YOUNG MAN. And mine! 2ND YOUNG MAN. And mine! (GERALD swings BUDP around, facing GRACE.) BUDD. (Going to GRACE) Hello, Grace (Holds out hand) Awfully nice of you to come. (Enter PRESTON throught window R. He crosses down R. c.) GRACE. (Shaking hands) Many happy returns BUDD. Thank you (Turns to MARION) MARION. (Shaking hands) Same here! IST YOUNG MAN. Happy New Year! GERALD. (Who is up L. of table, sees DE WITT) De Witt ! (ALL become quiet and look at him BUDD faces him an awkward pause. Suddenly BUDD laughs loud and nervously and holds out his hand to PRESTON.) PRESTON. Happy Birthday! MRS. WOODBRIDGE. And your Mother? (Kiss&s him joyously as dance music starts up with sudden bang off L.) GERALD. Come along everybody ! Take your 86 THE BOOMERANG. partners! (Offers arm to MRS. WOODBRIDGB. Couples follow, chattering and laughing. PRESTON and MARION go off last, PRESTON glancing back at GRACE. GRACE remains with BUDD who has to change coat, HARTLEY enters, as music begins helps BUDD change coat then takes tray and exits up L. BUDD offers arm to GRACE) BUDD. Now (He laughs loud and nervously, as they exit down L.) (GERALD re-enter s immediately down L. looks about to see if VIRGINIA has appeared, then goes to door down L. and stands looking off, watching dancing. Door up c. opens, VIRGINIA enters and comes down R. c. She wears even ing gown, the contrast with her previous ap pearance being as striking as possible. She assumes aristocratic attitude. GERALD, who has been looking off L. chuckles then laughs heartily, but quietly.) VIRGINIA. Dr. Sumner I believe (GERALD turns, looks at her tvith astonishment, stands dazed gazing at her, as she smiles at him.) GERALD. (After a pause) By Jove I wouldn't have known you VIRGINIA. What were you laughing at? GERALD. (Still looking her over) Laughing ? Oh, oh yes look (Indicating off L. She crosses him to L.) They're dancing together. (Both look off through door L. DR. behind VIRGINIA) VIRGINIA. (Looking off) Is that Miss Tyler? GERALD. (Looking off) Yes that's your rival watch Budd ! See him laugh ! Nothing love sick about that ! Gad, he's a little wonder ! If he can keep this up, it's a cinch 1 THE BOOMERANG. 87 VIRGINIA. (Turning to him) Did you tell him to dance with her? GERALD. (Looking at her) Why you're what did you say ? VIRGINIA. Did you make him dance with her? GERALD. No, I didn't have to (She turns and looks off again) VIRGINIA. She's trying to talk to him GERALD. (With satisfaction) Next, she'll get him off into a dark corner. See if she doesn't. We've got you guessing, young lady! Now, what do you think of the love game? And when I spring you on her! Oh, there's nothing to it. (Crosses R. around table and up L. c.) VIRGINIA. (Suddenly) Look! They've stopped! (GERALD looks) she's limping she's sprained her ankle ! GERALD. Ten to one, it's a bluff ! VIRGINIA. They're coming in here ! GERALD. What did I tell you let's give them a good chance. Go in here quick. (Indicating up c. opening door. She hurries out c. He presses electric button by door, snapping out most of the lights then draws back behind door up c. leaving it slightly open. Enter GRACE down L. limping, clinging to BUDD'S arm) BUDD. Does it hurt very much ? GRACE. No it really isn't anything! It'll be gone in just a moment. I wrenched it the other day, and the least little thing brings it back (GRACE has been aiming straight for the fireplace BUDD helps her to sit in arm-chair. Music stops.) BUBD. (L. of her. Anxiously) I'll get Dr. Sumner GRACE. Oh no please don't. Just let me sit here and you go and dance (Rubs her ankle. 8 THE BOOMERANG. BUDD hesitates, thinks turns as if to go L.) I mean of course ( BUDD stops and turns to GRACE) don't go unless you want to (Buoo hesitates) It's right here (Indicates spot on ankle) I don't think it's swollen any do you? (A pause. BUDD, frightened, finally gets up enough courage to touch ankle, then quickly turns up.) BUDD. I I I don't know I'll turn up the light! GRACE. Oh, no it's much nicer this way (GERALD appears from behind door warns BUDD not to turn up light) What were we talking about ? (GERALD motions BUDD to laugh. BUDD does so.) BUDD. (Sits on fireplace fender, lower end) Your ankle. GRACE. I mean when we were dancing. Oh, I remember you were going to tell me what was keeping you so busy BUDD. (Laughs) Yes and then you sprained your ankle ! GRACE. Well, whatever you've been doing, it's agreed with you I never saw you looking so well ! BUDD. (With great sincerity) That's what I always think about you. Every time I see you, you look more beautiful than you ever did before (GERALD catches BUDD'S eye and motions him to laugh. BUDD laughs.) GRACE. Why, Budd, you certainly have changed but you must have a flower for that pretty speech (Looks at him coquettishly, picks out a florver from bunch which she wears. BUDD faces front, fighting to control his emotions) Come here (He rises* she makes him stoop over till his THE BOOMERANG. 89 face is close to hers, then fastens flower in his but tonhole) There BUDD. Thank you (He returns quickly to fender and sits) GRACE. Now this is a splendid chance for you to tell me what you've been up to this last month (GERALD motions BUDD not to tell.) BUDD. I'm sorry but I can't (Pause. She looks front, annoyed, then turns to him) GRACE. Budd aren't we still friends? BUDD. (With a laugh) Why of course GRACE. Then why can't you tell me what's happened ? Why you've kept away from me ? It's worried me dreadfully BUDD. Worried you? Why? GRACE. For fear it was on account of something I had done you may not believe it, but I've never done anything to hurt your feelings intentionally I wouldn't for the world. And the thought of it has made me perfectly miserable (She looks into fire. Dance music starts. BUDD hesitates, think ing, glances about, catches sight of GERALD, who nods as much as to say "What did I tell you?" and signals him to do his duty) BUDD. Then I'll tell you something that'll make it all right so you won't ever have to worry about me again (GERALD signals BUDD to laugh and be gay. BUDD laughs) I'm not a bit the same, any more (He laughs) Everything is just as it should be (He laughs) I mean, I'm all over it - (He laughs) my ridiculous jealousy has all gone my mourn fulness has gone my my love- has has (His tone changes his voice breaks. GERALD quickly turns electric button light full on as GRACE jumps up. BUDD jumps up crosses back of GERALD to L. of table c.) 90 THE BOOMERANG. GERALD. (Feigning surprise) Oh here you are! (To BUDD) All your guests are wondering what's become of you. BUDD. Miss Tyler sprained her ankle GERALD. Oh ! How fortunate for me ! GRACE. (Smiling) I'm sorry. But it isn't seri ous at all ! It only pained a minute. (GERALD signals VIRGINIA to come in. She enters up c. He greets her.) GERALD. (Shaking hands) Ah Good-evening, Miss Xelva VIRGINIA. Good-evening, Doctor (To BUDD, putting her left hand in his) I am so sorry to be late! (BUDD looks at her in blank surprise.) GERALD. Miss Tyler have you met Miss Xelva? GRACE. (Acknowledging introduction) How do you do VIRGINIA. (Crossing R. of table c.) Ah Miss Tyler I have heard much of you GRACE. Indeed VIRGINIA. Why is it that none of you are danc ing? GERALD. I'm going to look after Miss Tyler. (VIRGINIA, crossing front of table, takes BUDD'S arm, holds him closely takes him off L.) VIRGINIA. (Talking glibly as they cross) Then come along oh, I am dying to dance with you once more and this is the first time I have (They are off L.) GERALD. (Watches GRACE a moment she is looking off after BUDD and VIRGINIA in amazement ~-then he speaks quickly, crosses to arm-chair.) THE BOOMERANG. 91 Now we'll take a look at that ankle. (Music stops) GRACE. Oh, it isn't anything at all really (Glances off down L. after BUDD) GERALD. (At fireplace) Which one? GRACE. Why the er this one (She sits in arm-chair R. c., extends first one foot, then the other he kneels down R. of GRACE, picks up foot, puts it on his knee and takes off slipper) I can't even feel it now (GERALD feels of ankle care fully) What a pretty girl Miss Xelva is GERALD. Yes isn't she? GRACE. Awfully er a friend of yours? (Looking toward ball room and back) GERALD. Oh, yes that is I know her You've seen her before, haven't you? GRACE. Why no. GERALD. Really ? GRACE. Why? Has she been in town long? GERALD. Oh, a month or so. GRACE. A month GERALD. Just about I should say. (GRACE glances off L. again) GRACE. Stopping with friends? GERALD. (Looking at her with a laugh) Don't you know where she's stopping? GRACE. No. GERALD. (Turning away, examining foot again) Why, she's visiting here at the Woodbridge's (GRACE gives a little start and looks off L. again) Did that hurt? (Looks at GRACE) GRACE. Why just a little. GERALD. (Putting on slipper) It doesr't amount to anything. Might try a hot compress on it before you go to bed. Curious you hadn't heard of Miss Xelva (Rising) I thought everybody knew about that affair (Turns to mantelpiece and looks at picture) GRACE. (Starts, looks off L. then toward* DOCTOR) Affair ? 92 THE BOOMERANG. GERALD. Yes she and young Woodbridge looks like a desperate case together the whole blessed time since she came I've been expecting every day to see their engagemnt announced. (Music begins louder than before) Do you think the ankle could stand a dance? GRACE. (Rising) Thank you but I really ought to go home I I have a wretched headache. GERALD. Oh that's too bad (Looks at watch) Then, can't I take you? GRACE. Oh, no I wouldn't think of dragging you away GERALD. I've got to go appointment at the hospital GRACE. Oh GERALD. Just a moment I'll see if the car's come (Exits up L. c.) (GRACE, left alone, stares front, with a half -dazed expression, then face turns slowly L. and she looks toward ball-room. Slowly and uncon sciously she moves c. below table eyes riveted on BUDD and VIRGINIA off L. Looks front again f ace <$ alls expression forlorn and mis erable again turns L. and slowly goes to ball room door gazing off with sudden revulsion of feeling, turns away and attempts to saunter belozv table c. as if trying not to care stops c. turns front and in spite of herself again looks off L. gives a little sob turns R. sobs again crosses to arm-chair R. buries head in arm, sobbing. BUDD enters down L.' to explain to GRACE about Miss XELVA.) BUDD. (with a little laugh) Grace I want to (Sees her stops short then goes close to her, gas- ing at her. GRACE sobs hysterically. BUDD softly and unsteadily) Grace ! Grace ! (GRACE lifts her head pauses makes a great effort to control THE BOOMERANG. 93 herself rises slowly) Why what's the matter? You've been (Suddenly puts arm about her tenderly She tries to push him off, with an out raged exclamation. Her face is close to his and, wildly, he kisses her full on the lips, a long kiss ) GRACE. (Struggling) Let me go! Let me go! (BuDD, swept by fierce emotion, kisses her cheek f repeatedly, holding her tight.) (Enter PRESTON with MARION down L. Stops short L. c. GERALD enters up L. c.) PRESTON. (With amused amazement) Good God! (All stand staring. GRACE frees herself, gives a wild look about, rushes off up L. c. BUDD, half dazed by the enormity of what he has done, sees PRESTON sees GERALD then rushes out c. slamming door behind him. MARION takes PRESTON'S arm and draws him off into ball room. GERALD looks off after GRACE then turns, looks off after BUDD, makes a move, as if to follow him then faces front in great amazement a moment's pause he suddenly bursts out laughing.) CURTAIN. ACT III. SCENE: Doctor's office same as ACT I. Operat ing chair moved L. close to instrument cabinet. Small package from druggists on desk, down stage. Large book on desk. TIME: Morning (About 9.30.) 94 THE BOOMERANG. DISCOVERED: At rise, stage empty. Door up I* opens. GERALD enters, stops abruptly as ij surprised at finding office empty goes to desk sees mail unopened and unopened package from druggist. GERALD. Humph (Goes to door up R. and looks off, comes back and presses button on desk. EMILE enters down R.) What are you doing here, Emile? Where's Miss Xelva? EMILE. She telephone she should be late. GERALD. (A little anxiously) She's not ill, is she? (Crosses R. below desk) EMILE. She say someone come to see her but he be here before office hours. GERALD. (Starts L.) Oh that's all right EMILE. Mr. Woodbridge out there (Indicating down R.) All the time, he walk up and down and up and down up and down GERALD. (Going to door down R. speaking off) Hello, young fellow. Come in (Buoo enters down R. crosses GERALD to R. c. He carries traveling bag. EMILE exits down R. closing door. GERALD, indicat ing bag) What's the idea? BUDD. Doctor I want you to tell my Mother that you've ordered me to take a trip. GERALD. What for? BUDD. For my health. GERALD. Where am I sending you? BUDD. New York. GERALD. That's a great place to go for health. How soon are you leaving? BUDD. By the next train GERALD. (Taking bag from him, placing it on floor R. c. with initials toward front) Sit down Now, what's it all about? BUDD. (Sitting L. of desk) You ought to know you were there. GCIIALD. Ok tHa* last night ? Btrro. Yes. THE BOOMERANG. 95' GERALD. What the deuce became of you, after wards ? BUDD. I went out. GERALD. Out where? BUDD. I don't know. GERALD. Did you see her again ? BUDD. No. GERALD. Good ! BUDD. I just walk:d and walked and at last I walked home. Then I wrote to her. GERALD. What did you write? BUDD. Everything ! GERALD. Great Scott ! Did you tell her you love her still? BUDD. Yes. GERALD. That you'd never love anybody else? BUDD. Yes. GERALD. (With sudden thought) You didn't tell her about me, did you ? BUDD. Yes, that too (With a gesture of disgust GERALD swings up R. c.) And that you'd kept me away from her and made me write those letters and all the rest ! but it hadn't done any good. I'm worse than ever. What I did last night proved it! But that was no excuse for me and she wouldn't be annoyed any more because I'm going away and she'll never see me again ! GERALD. Did you send it? BUDD. Yes. GERALD. You idiot ! BUDD. I know I am (Picks up bag and starts for door down R.) GERALD. (Coming down R. c. grabbing bag and setting it down again , R. c.) Here hold on! You're making a pretty mess of it! Now let me fet things straight That er strangle hold we ound you two in last night how did that happen ? After you'd told her you didn't love her any more! 96 THE BOOMERANG. Everything was working beautifully up to then. Why in the world BUDD. I don't know. I found her crying and it made me feel I can't tell you how but all of a sudden, I had her in my arms and she was strug gling to get away and I couldn't let her go! And I kissed her a lot of times and then you were all there and she was gone and it was terrible! terrible! (He crosses to L. c. and up) GERALD. I should say so! BUDD. (Coming down L. of desk) And there's one thing more terrible still much more I can't help feeling glad I did it! That's why I've got to go! GERALD. To New York? BUDD. What else can I do ? GERALD. (With amusement) After last night the honorable thing to do is to marry her (BUDD glares at him, menacingly) Now, seriously what I mean is, you ought to see her right away and propose to her. BUDD. (Stares at him a moment then slowly shakes his head) You can't mean no, I mustn't ever see her any more. GERALD. Why not? BUDD. I might forget myself again GERALD. Oh! (He laughs) Well now that she knows about my part of it, perhaps I'd better see her? I've got plenty of time before office hours (Crosses front of BUDD and goes up L.) BUDD. Why should you see her ? GERALD. (Coming down L. c.) Because I shan't forget myself. And I know what made her cry last night. BUDD. You do? GERALD. Yes. BUDD. What? GERALD. Jealousy ! BUDD. (Incredulous) Jealousy? THE BOOMERANG. 97 GERALD, Why not? It's made you cry hasn't it? BUDD. But what could make her jealous? GERALD. Miss Xelva BUDD. Miss Xelva? Miss Xelva! Good heavens, I believe that's it! (Sits L. of desk) GERALD. Well, then don't you see that shows she cares for you! (He starts up L.) BUDD. Oh, no ! It's Preston De Witt ! GERALD. (Turning to BUDD) How do you make that out ? BUDD. Why because she thinks Miss Xelva is taking De Witt away from her. GERALD. What are you talking about ? (Coming down) Miss Xelva doesn't know De Witt BUDD. Oh, yes, she does ! But I only just found it out, myself GERALD. Found what out? BUDD. Why about him De Witt was with her, last night, before the party and he was with her again this morning, and he's probably with her yet. I don't know how long it's been going on, but Grace must have found it out, somehow GERALD. Why oh, it's damn nonsense! (He crosses R. to door) BUDD. I wouldn't have thought anything about it, if it hadn't been for Mother GERALD. Your mother ? BUDD. Yes. I didn't know he was there this morning until she stopped me from going into the library. GERALD. (Coming back to R. of desk, leans over it) What did she say? BUDD. She said Virgie was a very lucky girl and that there'd be a great surprise when it came out. GERALD. She she I don't believe it ! ( Walks up to window looks off) BUDD. When are you going to Miss Tyler's? GERALD. (Turning) What? (Goes to door up 98 THE BOOMERANG. L.) Oh, I'm going now (Stops, comes down to BUDD) What time did De Witt call on her this morning ? BUDD. It must have been early. (GERALD starts {or doer down R.) Perhaps I'd better go with you. f you were there I wouldn't forget were there I wouldn't forget GERALD. ^(Breaking in) No! Go take a walk! Come back in fifteen minutes. (Buoo picks up bag GERALD takes it) Leave that there (Sets it R. C.) BUDD. You'll tell her how awfully I feel GERALD. (Breaking in again) Yes yes yes get out ! (Exit BUDD down R. GERALD closes door, stands thinking looking front dismisses thought with a laugh and goes above desk stops laughing, suddenly stands looking -front again then quickly picks up phone as if to call up the WOODBRIDGE'S thinks better of it angry with himself slams down phone calls "Emile" forgetting to press button) Emile! (Presses button on desk) Emile! (Door down R. opens and VIRGINIA appears. She is dressed in dark traveling costume and has medical bag) Oh VIRGINIA. Good morning - (He does not answer but stands looking at her fixedly she stops and looks at him notices his expression with growing surprise.) GERALD. (After a pause quietly) Is my car outside ? VIRGINIA. (Surprised by his manner) Yes GERALD. I've got to make a call before office hours (He starts for door up L. EMILE enters down R. carrying a lady's traveling bag, marked V.X.) What's that? (VIRGINIA places medical bag on chair up &. THE BOOMERANG. 99 EMILE stops and looks at him.) VIRGINIA. (Turning) It's mine. Leave it there, please, Emile. (Picks up package from desk) EMILE. Bien, mademoiselle (Sets bag L. of BUDD'S and exits down R.) VIRGINIA. (Coming to GERALD down L. c. picks up wrapped bottle) I've got to ask you to let me go away for a few days GERALD. When would you like to go ? VIRGINIA. The train leaves at 11.40. GERALD. Oh You're going to New York, too? VIRGINIA. Yes Emile will be able to look after things. I can show him. GERALD. You needn't trouble. VIRGINIA. You're not angry with me? GERALD. Why should I be? (She looks at him, wonderingly.) VIRGINIA. I shouldn't think of leaving suddenly like this but it's it's something so very im portant GERALD. Humph ! Really ! VIRGINIA. Yes and it's something (Attempt ing to smile) I'm well; I'm afraid to tell you about , GERALD. I haven't asked you have I? I've no desire to pry into your affairs. You're at perfect liberty to go as soon as you like, and stay as long as you like VIRGINIA. (Making an effort to control herself looks at him reproachfully) Thank you (VIRGINIA goes to medicine chest up L. unwraps bottle GERALD crosses R. c. stands thinking a moment, turns and watches her taking out pocketbook, takes out one note. Walks toward k#r stops takes out another note goes tq her.} loo THE BOOMERANG. GERALD. Youyou'd better take this (HoWl out two notes) VIRGINIA. Oh I shan't need any money, thanks GERALD. It's coming to you your month is up. VIRGINIA. (Taking it) Thank you. (Looks at it) Oh, this is too much! GERALD. That's all right you've earned it. (He comes down L. of desk) VIRGINIA Thank you. GERALD. (Pause. Plays with ash receiver-* turns it around two or three times plays with button on end of desk) Do you expect to come back? VIRGINIA. (Coming down L.) Do you want me to? GERALD. (With effort) This place will be open for you always. And whatever it is that's taking you away I hope it will bring you happiness. (He swings up R. c. Enter BUDD down R.) BUDD. (Seeing VIRGINIA) Good-morning. (Going to GERALD, anxiously up R. c.) Well ? GERALD. (Swinging around) Well? BUDD. Haven't you gone yet? GERALD. (Gives him a look controls himself) I'm going now. (Faces VIRGINIA, then goes to door L.) Wait here (Exits up LO Pause. BUDD and VIRGINIA looks at each other.) BUDD. He's gone to see Miss Tyler I wrote to her I was going to get out of the way. And when I told the Doctor, he called me names. VIRGINIA. (Relieved) Oh that's why he was so angry BUDD. But I'm going just the same. (Coming down R. c.) I'm going to take the next train to New York. THE BOOMERANG. 101 VIRGINIA. (Crossing down L. c.) Why so am BUDD. You ? What reason have you ? Oh (With understanding) Are you going with Preston De Witt? VIRGINIA. (Comes to L. of desk) How did you know that? BUDD. I just thought it (Looking at her re proachfully) I can't understand you, at all if you meant what you told me about you and the Doctor how can you think of marrying Preston De Witt? VIRGINIA. (Amazed) Marrying! (She bursts out laughing) How perfectly ridiculous! BUDD. You wouldn't go away together without being married would you? (VIRGINIA laughs louder.) VIRGINIA. (Laughing) Mr. De Witt is only taking me to someone who wants to see me on on business. BUDD. Oh! Then that's why he's been calling on you ! (Pauses looks at her f goes to her, offering hand) VIRGINIA. Yes. BUDD. I thought forgive me (VIRGINIA takes his hand, smiling. Door down R. opened by EMILE. Enter GRACE. EMILE exits, closing door. BUDD and VIRGINIA stand in surprise, still holding hands. GRACE stops short on seeing them. Pause.) VIRGINIA. (Dropping BUDD'S hand) Good- morning did you want to see the Doctor? GRACE. (Icily) He's not here? VIRGINIA. He went to your house he aught to 102 THE BOOMERANG. be back any minute (GRACE hesitates) Woitff you wait? GRACE. (Icily) Thank you. (Turns to go down R.) VIRGINIA. (Going above desk to door up R.) Will you come this way, please other patients will be waiting out there (Indicating down R.) and I'm sure the Doctor would like to see you first GRACE. Thank you (She turns, about to go up, catches sight of two bags, bends do n vn a little, notic ing initials, then straightens up indignantly) BUDD. (Who has not seen her examine bags catches her eye) Grace ? (GRACE looks at him coldly, then, without reply, exits stiffly up R. VIRGINIA holds door till GRACE is out then closes it after her. BUDD, forlornly sitting R. of desk) She'll never forgive me VIRGINIA. (Back of BUDD'S chair R.) Why not ask her? (Buoo looks at VIRGINIA shakes* his head) Oh do! (Door down R. opened by EMILE.) EMILE. A gentleman to see you, Miss- (Enter PRESTON down R. EMILE exits, closing door. BUDD rises.) PRESTON. (As he enters) I have some news for you, Miss (Sees BUDD, stops short) Ah Wood- bridge (Crosses to him) I couldn't find you after your surprise party last night you disappeared BUDD. De Witt, I don't want you to think that Miss Tyler PRESTON. Oh don't try to explain! I only wanted to apologize for my unintentional intrusion at such a (Glances at VIRGINIA and smiles) a THE BOOMERANG. 103 romantic moment and to oiler my congratulations ! (Extends hand to BUDD) BUDD. (Not taking hand) But you're entirely wrong PRESTON. Not a word ! What I mean to say is that you both have my best wishes! BUDD. You don't understand at all! Do you want to talk to Miss Xelva ? PRESTON. (Groses L. below desk) If you don't mind ? BUDD. Certainly. (Starts for door down R.) VIRGINIA. (Going to door up R. opens it and steps back) Mr. Woodbridge ( BUDD stops down R.) This way please (BUDD looks at her hesitates looks defiantly at PRESTON, then braces himself and goes into room up R. VIRGINIA closes door after him PRESTON goes toward her below desk) PRESTON. What I said to young Woodbridge may have sounded peculiar unless you understand that Miss Tyler and I were were VIRGINIA. (With a smile) But I do under stand and what you said sounded extremely magnanimous (She crosses down to L. of desk) PRESTON. (Shrugging his shoulders) You do me too much credit! Woodbridge has really rendered me a service VIRGINIA. A service? PRESTON. How great a service, I've only begun to realize since meeting you VIRGINIA. What ? PRESTON. Oh, I shouldn't have said that. For give me. But perhaps, some day when you know me better VIRGINIA. Did you let my uncle know I was com ing to-day ? PRESTON. (Turns R. c.) Oh! that's what I l