I PLASTER SAINTS BY ISRAEL ZANGWILL PLASTER SAINTS A HIGH COMEDY IN THREE MOVEMENTS BY ISRAEL ZANGWILL LONDON : WILLIAM HEINEMANN 1914 9 TO MY FRIEND AND MANAGER GASTON MAYER IN RECOGNITION OF HIS GALLANT FIGHT FOR ART Copyright, London, by William Heinemann, and Washington, U.S.A., by the Macmillan Company THE CAST [As first produced at the Comedy Theatre, Saturday, May 23, 1914.] Rev. Dr. Rodney Vaughan Edward Sass Sir John Archmundham, Bart. Clifton Alderson John Archmundham, M.D., D.Sc, M.A. Harold Chapin Purvis H. K. Ayliff Hannah Vaughan Grace Lane Elsie Vaughan Ernita Lascelles Amy Archmundham Gillian Scaife Mrs. Morrow Inez Bensusan The Hon. Mrs. Anon Gwt;ndoline Hay The action passes in the Minister's study at Midstoke, between tea and dinner in the beginning of October, 191 2.] [The rights of performing or publishing this play in any country or language are strictly reserved by the author, from whom the stage-text, slightly curtailed towards the end of the second movement, together with complete stage-directions, can be obtained by lessees.] 325171 First Movement HANNAH VAUGHAN, a -provincial lady, with the beauty of a benign middle age, and the eyes of a mystic, is sitting in the study of her husband, the rev. DR. RODNEY VAUGHAN, Sorting old letters and papers at his writing-table and throwing some into the waste-paper basket. It is a solid room in a solid city, meant for solid work, comfortably done. Its outstanding impressions, besides the book-lined walls, are this large many-drawered writing-table along the right of the back wall, getting its light from the ceritral French window, which leads to the garden. By the left wall is a small bureau sustaining a belly two photographs of young women in standing frames, and a plaster bust of Purity. At back a large gaily- cushioned divan, strewn with large envelopes of varying colours. Near the table an arm-chair, by right wall library steps. The door near the steps leads to hannah's room, the door in the left wall to a passage. As hannah works with precise masterful movements, she has that air of arranging other peopWs lives natural to a female saint who is also a clergyman's wife. The clamorous continuous sound of a gong comes from the passage. She looks up, as if surprised at the flight of time, then goes on with her work. A moment later, purvis, an old family factotum of somewhat dour aspect, side- whiskered and wearing an old-fashioned morning coat and black tie, enters, carrying a little tray with tea and bread-and-butter. PURVIS Fve brought it In, mum. Dr. Vaughan and the lassie isn't back from the garden-party. HANNAH I know. Then why all this gong-beating ? PURVIS Habit, mum. It overcomes us — like sin. [He sets down the tray by her side.] Eh, but they'll get a grander spread at the Lord Mayor's. [He begins to go, but finding she ignores the tea he turns back.] Dusty work, redding up th' measter's papers. M'appen yo'U be glad o' yor tea. HANNAH Thank you. [Ignoring it still.] PURVIS [Choking and coughing] Makes a man feel like th' serpent. HANNAH [Absently] What serpent ? PURVIS [Amazed] There's only one serpent, mum. Him that beguiled th' woman and was doomed to eat dust a' the days of his life. [Coughs again.] z HANNAH Ah, yes — you'd better open the window. [Drifiks the tea as purvis throws open the French window, exhibiting a stretch of garden, and begins to go.] You can take it away. Crumble the bread for the birds. PURVIS [Feeding birds and then taking tray] Thy there's no ravens here. I always feel we owe 'em for feeding Elijah. [Js he goes out through the door elsie vaughan, the minister'' s daughter, dashes in through the window, putting down her parasol. She is still in her teens, with a strong face, both beautiful and intellectual, and is tastefully but economically clad. Behind her looms a young man, and behind him another girl^ ELSIE [Impetuous in speech as in movement] Oh, mother, you ought to have come. Fancy mugging indoors this divine day of Indian summer. The whole Church Conference was there. HANNAH I had my stock-taking. You know I count my year by the Conference. [Becoming vaguely aware of the others] Have you brought some of our clergy — ? [amy archmundham, the girl at the back, laughs as she lowers her parasol. She is older than elsie and more richly dressed ; pretty but pale, with a passionate and high-strung look.] AMY Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Oh brother John ! Fancy you being taken for a minister ! [jOHN ARCHMUNDHAM, M.D., D.SC, M.A., with d warning "5/6 / " to his sister hastens to greet mrs. VAUGHAN. He is a good,-looking youth of twenty- five, superior afid condescending in manner, and the mock-earnestness of his tone penetrates to Elsie's ears, despite his obvious desire to stand well with her mother.^ JOHN Sorry I only represent Science, Mrs. Vaughan. How do you do ? HANNAH [Surprised'] Mr. Archmundham ! JOHN Yes. We drove your daughter home, so dropped in to see you. HANNAH That was doubly kind of you. How do you do, Miss Archmundham ? [Shakes her hand. Then turns to elsie] But what have you done with father ? ELSIE I lost him in the squash. JOHN And our father has nobly driven back for him. 4 HANNAH That was very kind of Sir John. [To elsie] Don't say squash. [To the others'] Won't you sit down ? JOHN [Suavely defending elsie's slang\ Well, Mrs. Vaughan, the garden-party did suffer from jestion. [Sits.] AMY [Dropping on the divan] But not of the brain. It was simply black with shovel-hats. JOHN [Placating mrs. vaughan] Not so black as you paint it, Amy. Why, our own father's hat was white. ELSIE And think of the Mayoress's picture-hat ! Giant as the gourd that came up over Jonah. AMY Yes, and her Pompadour gown — quite the Scarlet Woman ! HANNAH You shouldn't jest children, with sacred things. AMY The Mayoress sacred ! 5 JOHN [PFarningly] Sh! HANNAH The Mayor and his wife have spent time and money in honouring our Church Conference. They are entitled to equal honour from us. JOHN A sentiment the more unimpeachable, Mrs. Vaughan, inasmuch as you personally do not appear to favour this mingling of gaiety and the Gospel. ELSIE [Flashing a resentful glance at him] Dad did thank them, mother. HANNAH I am very glad. And you ought to have kept close to him. AMY She couldn't, Mrs Vaughan. Dr. Vaughan was positively surrounded with palpitating parasols. JOHN [Blandly soothing] So many ladies took the opportunity of greeting the President of the Conference. [Diverting attention to the large envelopes on the divan] I wonder you sort your letters in that old-fashioned way. You want a proper file, such as I use for my potato-experiments. 6 ELSIE [Rising and pulling amy up\ Yes, and we had better leave mother to her stock- taking. Suppose we sit in the summer-house till your carriage comes back. HANNAH But wouldn't they like some tea ? AMY Tea ! After strawberry ices ! Oh, Mrs. Vaughan, you shouldn't jest with sacred things. JOHN [Hastily^ Good-bye Mrs. Vaughan. Ices always go to Amy's head- [Hurries her out by the window, elsie is following.'] HANNAH [A large envelope in her hand] One moment, Elsie. ELSIE Yes, mother ? HANNAH What is the matter with Miss Archmundham ? ELSIE So flippant you mean ? HANNAH So feverish. Her hand was burning. And her eyes were too brilliant. 7 ELSIE I have been feeling something's wrong. ... I wonder ... HANNAH Poor Amy ! She shall have my prayers. Such a nice girl, usually. ELSIE A perfect brick ! HANNAH [Rebuking the slang] Elsie ! ELSIE Well, when a girl's so beastly rich and yet so genuine — HANNAH I'm sure, dear, your slang sounds disrespectful to your father's position. ELSIE Why, dad uses slang himself ! HANNAH He catches it from you. That is why you should be particularly careful — especially with London members here, who may one day give him the longed-for call to the capital. I sometimes think, daughter, you don't quite appreciate that your father is one of the great spiritual figures of our Communion. 8 ELSIE Oh, yes I do, mother. But I don't see why one shouldn't be spiritual and slangy, too. HANNAH Can you imagine the Fathers of the Church using slang ? ELSIE But they weren't fathers at all, were they ? They don't seem hum.an. And father is so very human. That's the secret of his influence. I sometimes think, mother, you don't quite appreciate that your husband is one of the great human figures of our Communion. HANNAH [Wistfully] I appreciate that you are making fun of me. ELSIE Dear old mother Superior ! \Jhey embrace tenderly, john re-affears at the garden window. They move apart.] JOHN I'm so sorry to worry you, Mrs. Vaughan, but my sister seems to have a bad headache. Perhaps you've got something. HANNAH Certainly ! Poor girl ! Just what I feared. I'll get my salts. [Hurries to the door on the right, elsie is moving towards the garden.] 9 JOHN [Coming in] Best let her be, Miss Vaughan. ELSIE I thought something had upset her. JOHN Too many ices, I daresay. ELSIE Don't be so brotherly. . . . It's some mental trouble. JOHN Is it ? ELSIE Don't pretend. Perhaps I can help her. JOHN I can't give away Amy's secrets. ELSIE [Dropping on divan] Then we'll change the subject. . . . Did you know Hubert Morrow is of! to Australia ? JOHN [On arm of armchair] You . . . diplomatist ! ELSIE [Smiling] Then I've guessed it. There zvas something between your sister and Hubert Morrow. 10 JOHN There will be — the ocean. ELSIE They've quarrelled ? JOHN You really ought to have gone to the Bar. [mrs. vaughan passes through with smelling- salts. '[ She's in the summer-house. HANNAH Clear the couch ! [Exit to garden] [elsie and john collect the envelopes and heap them on the armchair, while talking.] ELSIE They must have quarrelled if she lets him go to Australia. JOHN How can she stop him ? They're not engaged. ELSIE Then why doesn't she propose ? JOHN [Shocked, dropping the envelopes] You'd consider that womanly ? ELSIE And if it's manly ! . . . Queen Victoria proposed. II And your sister is as rich as a queen compared with Hubert Morrow. JOHN [Sitting on table] You're all at sea. Hubert proposed. ELSIE And your sister refused ? JOHN No— father refused. There ! You've got it out of me. ELSIE Your father rejected him ! But why ? JOHN [Uneasily] I'd rather not go into it. ELSIE But why don't they marry without his consent ? JOHN And what has Hubert Morrow got to marry on ? Unpublished symphonies ? ELSIE He's got your sister's money to marry on. JOHN No — it's only hers at marriage if father consents. Same with mine. That's where the old generation's got us in its grip. ELSIE Well, I call it beastly — just because the man's poor, he must be robbed of your sister, too. JOHN It's not because he's poor. ELSIE [Hotly] What other excuse can your father have ? Aren't the Morrows a fine old family, finer even than yours ? And the way Hubert Morrow gave up Germany and music for an office-stool when his mother lost her money ! JOHN Was more virtuous than my giving up my medical practice to wallow in theory — I know. But the fact remains that my father is right ... for once. ELSIE Sir John is right ? JOHN Accidents will happen. ELSIE I call it wicked of him, not right. And you know it is. You are only laughing at him. JOHN I assure you 13 ELSIE As you laughed at my mother. JOHN I ? Why, I was as solemn as the Church Conference. ELSIE That's what I mean. You weren't real with her. JOHN Is she real ? I beg your pardon, but I mean, all her generation. Did they ever see things with their own eyes, feel things with their own nerves ? Can one fancy them in love ? Or fighting for some live ideal ? They seem merely . . . theological. ELSIE We can't all be bio\og\cd\. We can't all potter over potatoes. JOHN [^Rising indignantly'] That's your conception of my research work ! The potatoes I breed tell me more of life and death than all the theologies. ELSIE I don't mean to question the value of your experi- ments. But you're so hard on the old people. JOHN Hard ? What are they ? Marble ! H ELSIE Dad isn't marble. JOHN No, he^s a bit plastic, perhaps. But my father and your mother — what a blessing they didn't marr^. By- all the laws of Mendel, they'd have had a family of statues. HANNAH [Outside] Do, dear ! I'm sure you'd be better lying down. ELSIE That doesn't sound like marble. {Enter UAnnAKfrom the garden, supporting amy.] HANNAH And Dr. Vaughan has the most comfortable couch in the house. [Places AMY on it.] And it doesn't mind boots. [Puts amy's feet up. elsie adjusts cushions and takes amy's hat.] AMY [Feebly] You are very kind. [hannah tenders salts, amy waves them back.] No, not again, please — ^they're so strong. Haven' you got some eau-de-cologne ? HANNAH I'm afraid we never have that ! 15 ELSIE Oh yes, mother, there's some In the bureau. HANNAH In father's bureau ? ELSIE When I was looking for sealing-wax yesterday, I came upon a bottle — buried under old shorthand notes. [Goes to bureau, layi?ig down amy's hat on it.] HANNAH Ah, of course. Felicia Morrow must have left it. JOHN [Startled] Felicia Morrow ! [Recovering himself with a smile] Oh — in the days when she was Dr. Vaughan's secre- tary. HANNAH Yes. She had headaches, poor girl — I remember her once putting some on his forehead, too. ELSIE [Triumphantly producing a small bottle] There ! Just a wee drappie. HANNAH [Taking it] How providential ! [To amy] Will you have it on your handkerchief ? i6 AMY [Clutching at the bottle] Thank you. / can do it. [She fours some on her handkerchief and applies it to her forehead.] I feel much better. [Surveys bottle lovingly] Felicia Morrow's, did you say ? I daresay her brother brought it back from Germany. JOHN [Smiling] Rather a far-fetched hypothesis, isn't it ? HANNAH I'm afraid Dr. Vaughan worked her too hard — and himself too. Her shorthand made his brain act twice as quickly, he said, but I'm sure it was the beginning of his insomnia. He's never been the same man since Felicia came. ELSIE [Sitting with legs tucked under her] It can't be the shorthand, mother, for he's slept worse since Felicia left. JOHN Because now he feels short-handed. ELSIE] AMY J Oh! Oh! [amy pretends to throw the bottle at him. He laughingly tries to take it from her but she clutches it tightly.] 17 B AMY Let it be ! JOHN But it's empty. AMY [Blushing] There's the picture of Cologne Cathedral— reminds me of our one jaunt abroad. HANNAH [Misreading the blush] It's given her quite a colour again. [Enter purvis.] PURVIS A lady for Dr. Vaughan, mum. HANNAH But he's not back yet. What name ? PURVIS Didna give a name. Said she'd met Dr. Vaughan at th' garden-party and he asked her to call. HANNAH [Who has dropped into an armchair] H'm. [To elsie] Another secretary at last, I'm afraid. [Sighs] I wish shorthand wasn't so difficult. PURVIS [Grimly] Dunnot look a likely secretary. i8 HANNAH Eh ? What then does she look like ? PURVIS More like Lady Macbeth. JOHN What ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Then you did go to Mac- heth ? PURVIS {Flustered A man canna help seeing th' posters ! JOHN \Laughingly\ Come now. Wasn't my father right ? You and our coachman PURVIS \_^ullenly\ The scandal folk will tell behind a man's back. HANNAH Never mind that now, Purvis. Is the lady old or young ? PURVIS I have my doubts. JOHN Shall / go and report on her ? HANNAH Why should we trouble you ? Elsie can go. That'll do, Purvis. \Ex\t PURVIS, ELSIE starts going!\ 19 JOHN I think a joint report would be safer. \_Starts to follow elsie.] ELSIE [Discouraging hini] I am not going to report. I shall either send her away or let her wait in the drawing room. [Exit.l JOHN But I'm sure Amy wants to be left with her kind nurse. \_FolloZVS ELSIE.] HANNAH How thoughtful your brother is ! . . . Perhaps you'd like me to go too, while you have a nap. AMY No, I can sit up now. There ! [Puts the cushion at her hack and sits up\ Do tell me more about Felicia Morrow. HANNAH About Felicia ? But you knew her before she went to London. AMY Yes, of course. Sweetly pretty, wasn't she ? HANNAH And most useful. That packet in her writing [Points to a large fink envelope on the armchair^ 20 includes reports on chanty cases, accounts, abstracts of serm ■ AMY [Impatiently] Yes, yes, but did her brother ever come when she was working here ? HANNAH Hubert ? He may have come once or twice in the winter evenings to see her home. Why ? AMY And did he look tired after all that horrid ofhce-work ? HANNAH I'm afraid I didn't notice. Of course he was sad at having had to give up his studies in Germany. Though why music is German I never could make out. You're crying again ! AMY No, I'm not. HANNAH I wish you would let me help you, Miss Archmundham. AMY You have helped me. HANNAH [Sitting down by her] Only physically. After all a motherless girl like you might talk to a woman old enough to be her mother. 21 AMY How do you know I could have talked to my mother ? HANNAH What are you saying ? AMY Don't be alarmed ! I only mean there's a gulf between my generation and yours. It's too wide to talk across. One can only shout. HANNAH What gulf, my dear ? What gulf is there that love cannot bridge ? AMY [Jumping up fretfully] Love ? Whose love ? HANNAH Your father's — to begin with AMY Father's ? [Laughs hysterically] Ha ! Ha 1 Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! HANNAH [Rising and going to her] Now do control yourself, dear. AMY I told you we could only shout. HANNAH You surely don't doubt your father loves you ? AMY And his love blights my womanhood as his religion blighted my childhood ! HANNAH [Frightened rather than shocked'] Do, do be calm. AMY How can I be calm when Hubert is sailing to Australia ? HANNAH [Astounded] Felicia's brother — and you ! [amy sobs] Oh, my dear ! [Gathers her to her arms.] AMY Just because he's got no money, father [Breaks down.] HANNAH But this is dreadful — putting money before everything. And so unlike your father. Are you sure it's that ? AMY A Morrow is no match for my daughter — that's all I can get out of him. And what else can he mean ? Oh, do you think you could speak to him ? 23 HANNAH I ? {Shrinks hack, releasing amy] What right should / have to interfere ? AMY You go round to the poor s^ck enough, telling them their duty. Why should the rich never hear ? [A burst of laughter from two men is heard from the garden.^ HANNAH [Relieved] There's Dr. Vaughan. Perhaps he'd have more authority. AMY No, no, not a man . . . [Hysterically] Please tell John I've gone home. [Abrupt exit to passage, still clinging to the eau- de~ cologne bottle.] HANNAH [Following her] But Amy ! [amy disappears, her sobs are heard.] Yes, yes, I will speak to your father. . . . My poor Amy ! [Exit.] [The genial stentorian laughing voice of the rev. DR. RODNEY VAUGHAN is heard from the garden^ 24 DR. VAUGHAN [From without] Good-bye, Judson. Good-bye, O man of little faith ! \l^he smilijig faces of dr. vaughan and sir john ARCHMUNDHAM becomc vistble at the o-pen French zvindozv. The minister, though of a narrow sect, suggests a Broad Churchman, both -physically and spiritually. His clerical costume and white tie only accentuate the sunniness of a full-blooded personality, whose magnetism is potent for men as well as women. But underneath there are signs of strain ; at times the eyes are haggard, he has almost a haunted look. Evidently a man cast in a large mould, for good or evil. SIR JOHN, the lay head of the congregation, has also an imposing personality — the provincial Puritan millionaire, hearty, portly, honest afid grey- whiskered. His white top-hat makes a sharp contrast with the clerical shovel hat. SIR JOHN Rather rough on Judson. Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! {fThey step in.] DR. VAUGHAN All treasurers are croakers, Sir John — especially when one proposes to enlarge the work. 7'ou were the only ideal treasurer we ever had. SIR JOHN [Dropping into the chair by the bureau] What's your definition of an ideal treasurer — a cheerful spender ? 25 DR. VAUGHAN [Placing both their hats on table] A cheerful giver, I'm afraid. Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! The ideal treasurer is the man who donates the fund which he administers. SIR JOHN Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! But that's just why I resigned. A wealthy treasurer makes everybody else so slack. DR. VAUGHAN That's true. And Judson's croakings do stiffen up the stingy. SIR JOHN Poor old Judson ! You must admit that these crusades you've preached us into will play the dickens with his surplus. DR. VAUGHAN On the contrary, Sir John. Our campaigns against the African atrocities and the White Slave Traffic will touch every heart and every pocket. SIR JOHN Well, don't overwork, dear friend. I don't like your not sleeping. DR. VAUGHAN So long as I keep my congregation awake ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha! \T^urns to divan.] 26 Why, who has been lying on my bed ? said the big bear. SIR JOHN I'm serious, Doctor. Remember you are Judson's greatest asset. DR. VAUGHAN This won't be work. This'll be the joy of battle. Great God ! to think of all that villainy ! [Clenches hisjist] Every nerve in me tingles for the fight with these fiends. If we can't bring God's kingdom on earth yet awhile, at least we may destroy the Devil's kingdom. SIR JOHN God grant it ! [Rising] But I must collect my chicks. Thank you for making me stretch my legs. DR. VAUGHAN Thank you for keeping my legs company. It's my best chance of sleep. I'll get your children. [Rings the bell on the bureau.] SIR JOHN [Looking out with unconscious patronage] Your garden's a tidy size. DR. VAUGHAN [Joining him at windozv] Yes, that's the advantage of moving a bit out. 27 SIR JOHN You won't get such a garden in London. DR. VAUGHAN [Eagerly] In London ? Am I to be called to- SIR JOHN [Evasively] Who knows ? Some day, I suppose . . . after your brilliant handling of the Conference. I remember when this quarter was all garden. Old Cobb, the Quaker, it was who first saw the town would grow this way. Picked up three hundred acres for an old song and built a meeting-house to attract his fellow fanatics. How such a clever man could be a Quaker — ! DR. VAUGHAN The spirit moved him, I presume. SIR JOHN The spirit of crankiness ! Every man his own minister indeed ! The meeting-house still exists, I suppose ? DR. VAUGHAN As a cinematograph-hall. SIR JOHN Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Serve the cranks right. [Enter purvis, carrying a set of pyjamas.] 28 PURVIS [Perceiving sir john, mutters] Holy Moses ! [Retreats hastily and exit.] SIR JOHN What's the mountebank up to ? DR. VAUGHAN Ha! Ha! Ha! [Ri?igs the bell again] He was bringing in my pyjamas — I left them in the bath room, I suppose — and he didn't want you to know I sleep on this divan. SIR JOHN Do you ? DR. VAUGHAN When I can't sleep. But that's a bull. Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! I mean, not to disturb my wife. And there's the books to browse on. Those cushions turn into snowy pillows. [Lifts up cover and reveals pillow-cases.] SIR JOHN [Laughingly] Whited sepulchres ! Who would think anything in your house ever led a double life ? DR. VAUGHAN [JVith sudden gravity] Yes, who ? [His face grows haggard, he turns away. Enter PURVIS.] 29 SIR JOHN Ah, there you are again, you old rapscallion — looking as if butter wouldn't melt in your mouth. Mr. John and Miss Amy are here, I suppose. PURVIS Ay, Sir John. SIR JOHN And my carriage ? PURVIS No, Sir John. SIR JOHN No ? When we have walked 1 Why what's the rascal up to ? DR. VAUGHAN \S>mmng[ We've walked too fast — we've upset his calculations. SIR JOHN Dropped in to a music-hall, eh Purvis ? PURVIS Impossible, Sir. First house dunnot begin till 6.45. SIR JOHN You seem very well up in it all. And yet you deny the pair of you went to Macbeth I 30 PURVIS Always raklngs-up here — dust and dust. [Exit with dignity.'] DR. VAUGHAN [Smilingly] Oh well, Sir John, it was only Shakespeare. SIR JOHN Only the devil ! Shakespeare's the thin end of the wedge. I sometimes think Satan never did a better day's work than when he wrote Shakespeare. DR. VAUGHAN Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Not Bacon but Satan. Well, I'm afraid you'll have to wait for your coachman. Won't you browse a bit ? [Indicates books] Keep off that corner — William Satan ! SIR JOHN You may laugh, but if we had weeded our Training College Library of love-poetry, we might have escaped that student scandal. I think I'll go across and buck up Judson. His house is opposite, isn't it ? DR. VAUGHAN Three doors to the right. SIR JOHN [Taking his hat from the table] Good ! I'll see my carriage coming. [Goes right and -puts his hand on the door.] 31 DR. VAUGHAN [Laughifigly'] Whoa ! I didn't say 07ie door to the right. That's my wife's room. SIR JOHN I beg your pardon. My bump of locahty- [Smilingly goes out by the other door.] DR. VAUGHAN Ha! Ha! Ha! [As the door closes on sir john, his laughter ceases. His eyes wander uneasily round the signs of clearing up. Then he stoops to get his slippers under the table. As he rises, he catches sight of the pink envelope and reads the superscription.] " From FeHcia Morrow ! " [He drops the slippers in agitation and with every symptom of nervous apprehension rufis hastily through the cofite?its, his face relaxing as he nears the end, till at last he heaves a great sigh of relief as he stuffs them all back into their envelope.] Thank God ! [As he is putting the envelope hack, he suddenly alters his mind and tears the whole fiercely to pieces] Let it all be blotted out ! \H.e throws the fragments into the waste-paper basket and falls on his knees] The peace of Thy forgiveness, Lord, the peace of Thy forgiveness ! [fie remains on his knees, praying silently as in bitter remorse. Enter hannah from the passage. 32 She looks at him. reverently and turns to go. But he hears her and looks round with a guilty start and is about to rise.] HANNAH Don't let me disturb you, dear. We have much to thank God for. DR. VAUGHAN [Rising] I was just finished. How long have you been here ? HANNAH Only this instant. What have you done with Sir John ? I must speak to him about his daughter. DR. VAUGHAN He went across to Judson's — he'll be back. Such a pity, Hannah, you didn't come ! HANNAH After this morning's revelations about white slaves and black slaves, I didn't feel like garden-parties. DR. VAUGHAN So you said. But brooding over horrors won't mend them. And we must seek God in joy as well as in gloom. [Mystically] He smiles as well as scourges. I tell you, Hannah, looking at all those happy groups in a sort of Paradise, 33 c I had a sudden sense of the meaning of that verse in Genesis : " The Lord God was walking in the garden." HANNAH I daresay you are right, Rodney. But God has given me joy enough all this godly week — pure, heavenly J07. DR. VAUGHAN [Lightly^ Even in that infernal debate over the Training College? HANNAH Weren't you presiding over it ? And to see you in the Chair — Captain of the hosts of the Lord — wasn't that my lifelong dream ? DR. VAUGHAN You haven't known me all your life. LIANNAH Don't tease. You know my girlish dream was to marry a servant of God. DR. VAUGHAN Who should also be a master of men, eh old wench ? [Strokes her cheek/\ HANNAH A schoolmaster. The teaching priest ! Isn't that the design on your betrothal ring ? \Takes his handJ] 34 DR. VAUGHAN Dear queer old ring. [She kisses it J He draws his hand azuay.'\ I wish, Hannah, you wouldn't make me out such a . . . plaster saint ! I grow so afraid HANNAH Of losing your humility ? Never ! DR. VAUGHAN Afraid of hurting you — if ever I — you know, dear — • even the saints were always being tempted of the devil. HANNAH Yes, and your temptation is always to depreciate yourself [She smiles^ to hint at the seven deadly sins — for fear I should get too proud of you, I suppose. Oh Rodney, what have I done to deserve you ? DR. VAUGHAN [Pained] Don't, Hannah. [Withdraws his hand and turfts away.] You've certainly left nothing undone. HANNAH [With sudden recollection] Oh, haven't I ? Why, I've forgotten the lady ! DR. VAUGHAN What lady ? 35 HANNAH In the drawing-room. I do hope you're not thinking of her for a secretary because according to Purvis — I haven't had time to see for myself — she's a most unsuitable person — very different from Felicia. DR. VAUGHAN No lady is suitable for a secretary — except you. \_^akes her hand again.] HANNAH Dear Rodney ! You really are satisfied without shorthand ? DR. VAUGHAN Haven't I got along all these months ? What I gained in time I lost in style. HANNAH I'm so glad. Now I can confess that useful and delightful as Felicia was, it wasn't pleasant to see her take my place. DR. VAUGHAN [Starting] Take your place ? HANNAH Getting to know your books and sermons before I did. DR. VAUGHAN I assure you the poor girl was much too pre-occupied 36 with the shorthand to think of the sense. Besides, it was you that originally suggested her. HANNAH Of course I wanted her to earn some money when her poor mother DR. VAUGHAN [Fidgeting towards the door] I know, but this unsuitable person, hadn't I better get rid of her ? HANNAH Just a moment, dear. She's got Elsie and young Archmundham to entertain her. I want to tell you about Amy Archmundham. It was she drove the lady out of my head. DR. VAUGHAN What about Amy Archmundham ? [A knock at the door.] Come in ! \Enter john.] JOHN Ah, Doctor, you're back. I was sent to scout. Then may I send you down a beautiful lady who insists on seeing you ? DR. VAUGHAN [Smiling] If she insists ! 37 HANNAH Not with those slippers showing ! [Hides them.] JOHN But where's my father ? He did find you, I hope. DR. VAUGHAN Oh yes — he's only at Judson's, waiting for his carriage. JOHN Why, where is the carriage ? DR. VAUGHAN Hasn't got here yet. You see, we walked. Ha ! Ha ! Ha! JOHN Then I'll send you the lady. Good-bye. HANNAH Not good-bye to me. I shall be joining you and Elsie in the drawing-room. JOHN [His face falling] How delightful ! [E^:it.] HANNAH What a nice boy John is growing up ! 38 DR. VAUGHAN Is he ? Yes, I suppose he is an improvement on the medical student we used to hear tales of. HANNAH [Putting envelopes from chair on table] I never did believe the tittle-tattle about his frequent- ing playhouses. DR. VAUGHAN [Dropping into arm-chair'] His potatoes seem certainly to have steadied him. I shouldn't wonder now if he marries Lady Muriel as Sir John would like. HANNAH And a very proper match — with the two estates join- ing ! But I wish I could understand about these potatoes. What does he do with them ? DR. VAUGHAN What we've just been talking about. He marries them. A potato parson ! HANNAH Don't jest, dear. [^akes up books to replace tidily on shelves.] DR. VAUGHAN I'm not jesting — in fact it was a pious old priest that began it, the Abbe Mendel. You study the laws of heredity with pigs or fowls or strawberries — what- ever you please. Mendel did it with peas. Our young friend prefers potatoes. When two sorts are 39 blended, the type that triumphs in the issue is called the dominant. You, for example, are the dominant. HANNAH [Who has hee?i a hit shocked by all this] Me dominant ? Oh Rodney ! DR. VAUGHAN Why, only think of Elsie's good looks ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha! [Enter purvis, announcing] PURVIS The lady, sir ! HANNAH Oh, and I haven't told you about Amy ! [J lady, the flush of whose youth and beauty is only accentuated by her heavy veil enters, parasol in hatid. She is exquisitely gowned and of fashion- able manners, but evidently -passing through an emotional crisis. She bows, but looks constrained at the sight of hannah, who returns her bow.] HANNAH Don't shut the door, Purvis. [hannah goes, ?iot without having scrutinized the visitor. PURVIS closes the door upon himself.] DR. VAUGHAN [Who has risen] Won't you sit down ? 40 LADY [Ignoring the chair ; throwing back her veil] You don't remember me — at the garden party — you said I might come. DR. VAUGHAN Oh, ah, yes. But I thought you meant next week. LADY Next week? Next week I shall be back in London. Next week the impulse may be dead. DR. VAUGHAN You wish to consult me ? LADY If you will forget all I say. DR. VAUGHAN I will try. I have certainly forgotten your name. LADY I am so glad. I knew I could count on you. I knew it the moment you stepped on the platform amid that thunder of cheers. I knew then, that Providence, not chance, had led me to your strange smoky town. DR. VAUGHAN [S7niling] Oh, we are proud of our town. Do sit down. LADY Thank you. [She sits by the side oj his table, he at itJ] 41 You are the first man I ever felt could be a priest to me. [She struggles with her emotion.'] DR. VAUGHAN Shall I get you a glass of water ? LADY You give me the living water. . . . But turn your face away. . . . Thank you. [She bows her head.] There is a sin on my soul . . . the sin that in Christ's day was punished with stoning. . . . But nobody knows . . . least of all, my husband. . . so I go unpunished. \She wrings her hands.] DR. VAUGHAN [^urns back to her] Unpunished ? WTien you sit like that ? To go un- punished is, perhaps, the deepest punishment of all. LADY Is it ? My husband's love, my children's reverence, the world's respect, wealth, station — all are mine. For ironic cHmax I bear the title " Honourable." Where is the punishment ? DR. VAUGHAN You are enduring it now. LADY But I was learning to forget. It was only your eyes, your words, that pierced through. 42 DR. VAUGHAN The episode is closed, then ? LADY Absolutely. ... A brief madness. . . . He pur- sued me until I — Oh, how could I ? How could I ? DR. VAUGHAN Calm yourself. LADY [Sobbing] I had no excuse. My husband was always so good to me. DR. VAUGHAN But suddenly — as under the spell of Satan — you seemed to see a world of beauty you had missed in the humdrum of duty and domesticity. LADY Yes, yes. DR. VAUGHAN And in that strange transfiguration, when all the world grew golden, under the glamour of witchcraft, the sin seemed not in the loving, but in letting the love goby. LADY Ah, how you understand women ! 43 DR. VAUGHAN Because women are human. Because we are all sinners. LADY Please, please, not these fly-blown phrases. I came to you for real words. DR. VAUGHAN [Resentfully] And how could I give you real words unless I too were a sinner ? LADY [Turning to him apfealingly] You shall not put me off with phrases. It is for your sinlessness that I come to you — for the great white light that shines out from you, showing up all my evil. DR. VAUGHAN [Who has risen agitatedly] But surely you remember that no man dared cast the first stone, that only our Lord was sinless. LADY You are a parrot like the others. I'm sorry I troubled you. Good-bye. [She goes angrily towards the door, then turns] Oh, forgive me ! But don't you think I've read the passage in St. John a hundred times ? And where is the comfort of finding that some men are as bad as I ? There are plenty of good men, too. Suppose our Lord had bidden you cast the first stone ? 44 DR. VAUGHAN But our Lord himself said, " Neither do / condemn thee. Go and sin no more." LADY But did she tell her husband ? DR. VAUGHAN Tell her husband ? LADY Yes, unless she told her husband, she was surely un- purged of her sin. DR. VAUGHAN [Dropping back into his seat] I see. You feel you ought to tell your husband. LADY How could I not feel it ? But I haven't the strength to speak. DR. VAUGHAN Has he the strength to hear ? LADY It would shatter his hfe. DR. VAUGHAN He is wrapped up in you ? 45 LADY To absolute blindness. To worship. I often sit and look at him as he sits so secure DR. VAUGHAN {Continuing eagerly] In the peace of love, in the happiness of the quiet evening, and you feel like a dynamiter w^ho with one spark could bring the whole house tumbling down with a hideous roar. LADY [Excitedly returning to him and her seat] Ah, you understand ! How you understand ! DR. VAUGHAN And in those grim moments, although you know the consequences, the ruin and the chaos, and although you still love the companion of your home LADY With all the passion of remorse DR. VAUGHAN With all the passion of remorse — yet your conscience pricks and urges you to speak the word that blasts LADY And you drop hints which are received with a worship- ful smile DR. VAUGHAN Until you can hardly keep from shrieking it ! 46 LADY Until it tears at your lips like a beast in a trap ! DR. VAUGHAN And in the night you dread lest it escape in your slumber ! LADY No — that was only at first. Not now. I told you I was learning to forget. DR. VAUGHAN [Rising] Then you are fortunate. Complete your education. LADY What ! You tell me to forget ! DR. VAUGHAN [Striding about the room] Is it a good conscience that tempts us to torture those we love ? No, it is an evil conscience, I say. We must trample on it. LADY [Amazed, rising] You, a man of God, say that ! DR. VAUGHAN [Turning on her] Yes, I, a man of God, say that — to you, a woman of God. Conscience was given us to keep us from sin, to scourge us after sin, not to dynamite the innocent. LADY Then I am — not to confess — ? 47 DR. VAUGHAN It would only be a second sin on top of LADY And you are a priest ! DR. VAUGHAN Come ! Come ! You say no cant, and when I give you real words LADY But is it not said, " If we confess our sins He will cleanse us from all unrighteousness ? " DR. VAUGHAN Assuredly. If we confess to ourselves ! That is what the Apostle is thinking of. For he goes on : " If we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us." Deceive ourselves^ you see. That is where the real horror lies — in saying we have no sin. But you and I LADY \Pu'LzXed'\ You and I ? DR. VAUGHAN You and I might deceive others. But our conscience could never deceive itself. And so the truth would still be in us. LADY \_mowly\ Then I have the truth in me ? 48 DR. VAUGHAN I say again, " Go and sin no more." [Hypnotised by his words she turns to go, then turns fiercely upon him.] LADY No ! No ! No ! It's not true ! There is no truth in me ! Every time my husband smiles at the child of sin, he seems to brand " Liar" all over my flesh. DR. VAUGHAN [In a strange half -whisper] There is a child ! ! LADY You are shocked at last. DR. VAUGHAN [Masterifig himself] No, no, only startled. . . . Then your husband does not suspect anything in the child ? LADY No — ^it has my colouring, my features DR. VAUGHAN [Muttering] Ah, the dominant. LADY What do you say ? DR. VAUGHAN Nothing . . . just thinking. 49 LADY But the child — don't you see that that makes my life a daily lie ! DR. VAUGHAN And would you gain truth at the child's cost ? Brand the innocent babe as a ? LADY [Covering her eyes] Don't ! DR. VAUGHAN Rather be thankful that you can protect it — give it the same home influence as your other children. [In low tones as if staring at an unseen vision] Think of a girl-mother condemned to secrecy in her agony ! LADY I should envy her — at least she'd have no husband to betray. DR. VAUGHAN And no husband to make reparation to. You must make yours the happier for your sin, not the more miserable. LADY You change things so wonderfully, the monstrous blackness seems lifting. 50 DR. VAUGHAN And what's the use of living in a fog ? Either die or be happy. LADY You give me fresh Hfe. DR. VAUGHAN Then use it more w^isely. LADY Ah, you beheve with Tennyson " That men may rise on stepping-stones Of their dead selves to higher things ! " DR. VAUGHAN I do. The fire that does not destroy us purifies us. Go then and purify others. LADY / purify others ? But how ? DR. VAUGHAN In the atmosphere of your London circle there is levity towards the deeper things of the race. Rebuke it by the radiance of your purity. LADY My -purity ! Oh, I am re-born ! [Bursts into tears.] 51 DR. VAUGHAN And re-baptized in your tears ! LADY My deliverer ! I could kneel to you. [Is sinking at his feet.] DR. VAUGHAN [Perturbed] No, no, -please. [Raising her] Who am I ? LADY One who speaks as no man has spoken before. DR. VAUGHAN Nonsense ! Read the eighteenth of Ezekiel : " When the wicked turneth away from his wickedness he shall save his soul alive." I only say what many have said. LADY No — you speak as one at the heart of things. DR. VAUGHAN It is you that are at the heart of things. That is the only profit of our sins — to touch reality. [He rings, then opens the door.] Good-bye. [Holds out his hand.] LADY [Seizing and kissing it] Good-bye. . . . God bless you. [Exit.] 52 DR. VAUGHAN I need His blessing, indeed ! [H^ covers his eyes as in 'prayer and deep emotion. Enter hannah.] HANNAH Well, and what did the creature — what's the matter DR. VAUGHAN That poor woman ! HANNAH Why, she looked quite elated. DR. VAUGHAN Because I helped her, thank God for that ! HANNAH Past helping she looked to me — a weak, neurotic — ugh ! [She shudders.^ DR. VAUGHAN Don't be such a Pharisee, dear. She's in great distress. HANNAH There's distress nearer home. DR. VAUGHAN [Alarmed] Nearer home ? 53 HANNAH Amy Archmundham — I've been trying to tell you — she's at a nervous crisis. DR. VAUGHAN Miss Archmundham ? Why, at the garden-party she looked brilliant. HANNAH [Sinking into the armchair] Men can never tell the difference betv^een the hectic and the healthy — any more than between the vicious and the deserving — she's really in a pitiful state. DR. VAUGHAN But what's the matter with her ? HANNAH I've persuaded her to lie down in the spare room. DR. VAUGHAN [Sitting on the table] But what's the crisis about ? HANNAH It's all through Hubert Morrow. DR. VAUGHAN Hubert Morrow ? HANNAH Yes, Felicia's brother. He and Amy are in love. 54 DR. VAUGHAN Is it possible ? HANNAH It's all that's possible. That's why Hubert is going to Australia. Sir John won't give his consent, and Hubert, being as proud as he's poor, puts the globe between himself and Amy. DR. VAUGHAN Poor things ! HANNAH It's no use saying " poor things ! " We must do something. DR. VAUGHAN But what can tve do ? We can't find Hubert money. We haven't got enough of our own. HANNAH No, but we can make Sir John think less of money. DR. VAUGHAN I never found Sir John a Mammon-worshipper. HANNAH We never saw him tested. He can have nothing else against young Morrow. DR. VAUGHAN [Uneasily] How can you be sure ? Many parents shy at musicians. 55 HANNAH But Hubert hasn't had a thing published yet, not even his setting of Elsie's verses. And everybody knows how^ strictly Mrs. Morrow has brought him and Felicia up. She may be a little unchristian with her family pride but even that one forgives her, now the poor thing has nothing else. DR. VAUGHAN Well, anyhow, it's not our business. HANNAH It's my business. DR. VAUGHAN [Alarmed] Yours ? HANNAH Amy begged me to- \Enter purvis.] PURVIS Sir John Archmundham is in his carriage and wanting his childer. DR. VAUGHAN You'll find them upstairs. [puRVis turns to go.] HANNAH Ask Sir John to oblige me and come in for a moment. 56 PURVIS Ay, mum. [Exit PURVIS.] DR. VAUGHAN You don't really mean to HANNAH I must, dear. I promised Amy. DR. VAUGHAN Sir John will be very angry. HANNAH Do you think I have no tact ? I must tell him about Amy's illness — that gives me an opening. DR. VAUGHAN Dearest Hannah, I seldom exercise my authority, but I feel so sure that harm will come of your meddling that HANNAH Please, please, don't make me break my promise. I feel so sure I shall make these two young people happy that I [Enter purvis, announcing] PURVIS Sir John Archmundham. [Enter sir john.] 57 SIR JOHN [Shaking hands with hannah] Ah, Mrs. Vaughan, we missed you at the garden- party. HANNAH It's a pity you took your daughter. She's quite ill. SIR JOHN 111 ? Poor chick ! I thought she was off her feed. Where is she ? HANNAH Lying down. SIR JOHN I'll 'phone to Dr. Terrltt. HANNAH It isn't a doctor she wants. SIR JOHN Not a doctor ? You haven't joined the faith-healers ! HANNAH [Annoyed'] Of course not. I mean you know quite well how to cure her yourself. SIR JOHN Feed her up, d'you mean ? Roast-beef ? HANNAH [Disgusted] Roast-beef ! Don't pretend you 58 DR. VAUGHAN [Hurriedly] Talking of roast-beef, how are John's potatoes ? SIR JOHN [Incapable of the swift transition] Eh? DR. VAUGHAN Oh, I hope it isn't still a sore subject. SIR JOHN John's potatoes ? Not at all. I've quite turned round about John's potatoes. HANNAH [Snatching at her opportunity] Then perhaps you'll turn round too about DR. VAUGHAN Do let us get to the end of this, Hannah. Why have you turned round about John's potatoes ? SIR JOHN Because they put such a stopper on all the silly new sex-theories. HANNAH We are talking of your daughter DR. VAUGHAN My dear ! You are interrupting Sir John's explana- tion. They put such a stopper on ? 59 SIR JOHN All that newfangled nonsense about love being every- thing. As if rotten tubers could yield prize potatoes I Freethinkers and Freelovers may spout and scribble but the grand old laws of God go on inexorably. HANNAH And one of those laws is DR. VAUGHAN I'm afraid my wife hardly follows science. [Takes SIR john's arm and draws him doorzvard.] Shall we go and collect your children ? SIR JOHN Yes, I've just robbed them of ten thousand pounds. Ha! Ha! Ha! DR. VAUGHAN Doesn't sound a laughing matter. [Gets to door.] SIR JOHN Promised it to Judson for our crusades. Half for the African atrocities and half [Is going out with dr. vaughan.] HANNAH [Desperately] Sir John, you are positively heartless 1 DR. VAUGHAN Hannah ! 60 SIR JOHN [Frozcfi] Eh? HANNAH Talk of African atrocities ? The way you let that poor girl pine and fret when you're simply rolling in money ! SIR JOHN [Coldly] I beg your pardon. DR. VAUGHAN Hannah ! For heaven's sake ! HANNAH It is for heaven's sake. Is our Church Conference nothing but a babble .? Is everything to be meted with the measure of worldliness ? SIR JOHN I'm afraid I can't follow you. HANNAH Oh yes, you can. Better than I can follow science. Why is your daughter ill ? Why is Hubert Mor- row ? DR. VAUGHAN I forbid this. Come, Sir John, she's been upset by your daughter's illness. 6i HANNAH You may stop my speaking openly to Sir John — you won't prevent other people speaking behind his back. SIR JOHN And pray, ma'am, what will they be saying ? HANNAH That your Mammon-worship broke your daughter's heart. SIR JOHN The devil they will ! Pardon me, Doctor, my one oath. DR. VAUGHAN People will say nothing of the kind, Hannah. They will believe in the righteousness of Sir John's motives. SIR JOHN Thank you, Dr. Vaughan. I wish, madam, you had a little of your husband's Christian charity. DR. VAUGHAN Mammon-worship, forsooth ! \^TTLen Sir John has just given ! HANNAH Charity begins at home. SIR JOHN And Christian charity abroad ! 62 DR. VAUGHAN Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! A Roland for an Oliver. [Links his arm in sir John's.] Come along ! HANNAH If Sir John has anything against Hubert Morrow's character, I will beg his forgiveness — and God's ! SIR JOHN [Tur?iing to face her] I have nothing against Hubert Morrow's character. HANNAH Well, then ! DR. VAUGHAN Hannah, we have not the right HANNAH The girl has no mother. Somebody must stand up for her ! DR. VAUGHAN [Drawing sir john again doorzcard] Not against a father so honoured and loved. HANNAH " As many as I love I rebuke." That's in Revelation. SIR JOHN [Feerifig round and breaking away] Revelations, ma'am. If it's revelations you want — ■ — ! 63 DR. VAUGHAN Don't be profane, Sir John. SIR JOHN [Angrily] I'm not profane. But deuce take it, revelations you shall have. DR. VAUGHAN [Again trying to take his arm] We don't want them. Come, Sir John, take your daughter home. SIR JOHN The fact is, Mrs. Vaughan, I'm as sorry for Hubert Morrow as you are. It's his sister ! HANNAH [Startled] Felicia ! DR. VAUGHAN [Dropping into burean-chair with a murmur] Miss Morrow 1 SIR JOHN I couldn't tell Amy because I wanted to protect her innocence, I couldn't tell Hubert because it's for his mother to do that. And I couldn't tell my old friend [Lays his hand on dr. vaughan 's shoulder] because I hate spreading scandal — especially about his former secretary. HANNAH Scandal ! Scandal against Felicia ! I'll not believe it. 64 SIR JOHN At any rate let it go no further. You know that after leaving your husband Felicia Morrow went to London. DR. VAUGHAN Pardon me. She was at another post in between. SIR JOHN What does that matter ? DR. VAUGHAN I merely recall that last Christmas she took a country post — for the sake of her health. SIR JOHN But the point is that in June she went off to London, away from all who knew her. HANNAH To take the secretaryship of a nursing home. SIR JOHN To take the services of a nursing home ! She went to have a child. HANNAH Felicia ! O my God ! DR. VAUGHAN [With ashen Up] It's not possible ! 65 B SIR JOHN It was a bold stroke of concealment — a flash of genius almost. DR. VAUGHAN That simple sweet girl ! SIR JOHN Had an affair. Precisely. While she was still your secretary ! HANNAH An affair ! O Rodney, say you don't believe it ! DR. VAUGHAN [As from a dry throat] I cannot find words. ... So that's why she left me . . . HANNAH [Her hand caresshigly on his shoulder'] But she was the flower of your flock. You knew her — how gentle and God-fearing. No, no. Sir John, this is some terrible mistake. How do you know ? Who told you ? SIR JOHN John told me. DR. VAUGHAN John ? HANNAH And who told John ? 66 SIR JOHN The doctor at the nursing home was his old fellow- student. They still correspond. The doctor tells him anything of interest bearing on birth-problems. Eugenics, they call it. And this child had — er — some Frenchman's finger. HANNAH Had what ? SIR JOHN A bend in his little finger called after the French surgeon who first cured it, I suppose. DR. VAUGHAN [Shuddering] Loathsome ! SIR JOHN Not at all. A mere contraction of the skin. Quite a fine little chap, John said, though rather under weight. DR. VAUGHAN I mean the callousness of this cold-blooded science ! HANNAH And on this hearsay, Felicia's character is to be ruined, your daughter's life spoilt ! How did John know it was Felicia ? SIR JOHN Why, the brazen hussy gave her own name ! 67 HANNAH Precisely. A brazen hussy who had stolen Felicia's name. SIR JOHN ISarcastically] And who when they mistakenly thought she was dying stole Felicia's mother. HANNAH You mean, they wired here for Mrs. Morrow ? SIR JOHN [hnitating her] Precisely. HANNAH And Mrs. Morrow went ? SIR JOHN So it seems. HANNAH Now I know it is false. How could Mrs. Morrow hold up her head if it was true ? Why, she was at the Conference. She spoke against the new crusades — only this morning — don't you remember ? She feared they would divert us from our mission work. No, no, it is all some ridiculous blunder. DR. VAUGHAN And even if it were true, aren't you visiting the sins of the sister on the brother ? 68 SIR JOHN I knew you were drifting to this modern sentimen- tality — you with your Shakespeare ! I've felt it in your sermons this last twelvemonth ! But I stick to my Old Testament. The sinner shall be cut off root and branch. Even John's potatoes preach that. DR. VAUGHAN Never mind John's potatoes. Mendelism is not yet proved, and if it were, there's no proof that — that what cropped out in Miss Morrow will crop out in her brother. SIR JOHN It may in his progeny. John tells me that traits may skip a generation and re-appear in the next — Hkc this finger possibly. DR. VAUGHAN Come ! Come ! You're not really thinking of here- dity — ^you're afraid of a scandal in your family. SIR JOHN And what if I am ! Our record is clean, thank God. Why should Amy marry a man who brings nothing to the cupboard except a family skeleton ? DR. VAUGHAN [Risingl Ah, my wife is not so wrong — you are thinking of his poverty. 69 SIR JOHN No, by God I'm not — forgive me, but you DR. VAUGHAN But if the skeleton is safely buried ! SIR JOHN If it were buried as deep as the seducer's wickedness, I'd rather see Amy die than marry into diseased stock. HANNAH [Sinking on the divan] Oh, it is all a nightmare ! DR. VAUGHAN But one may recover from disease — even the disease of sin. God forgives. SIR JOHN But He cannot forget. Consequences are conse- quences. That's what you preachers ought to insist on most to-day when the air reeks with romantic pestilence. All these little poets v^th their soul- struggles and love-lyrics that end in hospitals or lunatic asylums. And these hysterical boys and girls with their problem-plays. DR. VAUGHAN What do you know of problem-plays ? You won't eren read Shakespeare. SIR JOHN One can't escape the newspapers. Problem-plays 70 indeed ! Silly refusals to look life in the face — plays about marriage with the first cause for which matrimony was ordained left out ! DR. VAUGHAN You mean the child ! SIR JOHN Of course I mean what the marriage-service means. There are delicate fools who'd have even that touch of reality cut out. But the Almighty has given me a brave ancestry and with His blessing my grand- children shall carry no tainted blood. Good-bye, old friend. [Claps DR. vaughan's shoulder] I didn't mean to preach to you but the day England forgets her Puritanism she'll go down like a rotten ship. DR. VAUGHAN I quite agree. SIR JOHN I knew you'd come round. Good-bye, Mrs. Vaughan. Sorry I had to quote my Revelation. HANNAH I don't believe your Revelation. SIR JOHN That doesn't make it less gospel. I'll go up and get Amy, if I may. [mrs. VAUGHAN makes a move as if to rise] 71 No, don't trouble. Thank you for being so kind to her. HANNAH She's welcome to stay on. SIR JOHN I'll see how she is. Thank you again. [Exit. Door closes.] DR. VAUGHAN I told you not to interfere ! HANNAH [Rising aiid moving to bureau] It cannot be true. [She rings.] DR. VAUGHAN What are you going to do ? HANNAH I cannot accept such a ridiculous story without evidence. DR. VAUGHAN You will meddle again ? Rake up more dust, as Purvis says ? HANNAH I shall lay this dust. Frenchman's finger^ forsooth ! I'm not going to stand by and see all these lives ruined — FeHcia, Amy, Hubert, Mrs. Morrow 72 DR. VAUGHAN Take care you don't ruin more. HANNAH How can I ruin ? [Enter purvis] Ring up Mrs. Morrow, and if you get her, let me know. PURVIS Yes, mum. [Exit.] DR. VAUGHAN [Walking up and down] But this is more mischievous than ever ! To stir up a mother's agony. HANNAH There's no agony, I tell you. It's all a mare's nest. We'll save her the agony of parting with Hubert. DR. VAUGHAN You're not going to discuss it by telephone ! HANNAH Of course not. I shall ask her to come about the mission-work. DR. VAUGHAN And if she refuses ? HANNAH I shall go to her. 73 DR. VAUGHAN Hannah — ^let it alone — for God's sake. HANNAH I cannot, dearest. I can't rest till I know the truth. DR. VAUGHAN You seem to me driven along by some demon. HANNAH And I feel it is the guidance of God. [Enter purvis] PURVIS Mrs. Morrow is holding the line. HANNAH Thank you. \She follows PURVIS. The door closes^ dr. vaughan collapses on the divan.~\ DR. VAUGHAN [In an awed whisper'] The guidance of God ! [The Action Pauses.] 74 Second Movement Presently purvis enters^ hearing the -pyjamas afresh^ hut seeing dr. vaughan is sunk upon the divan, his head huried i?i his hands, he remains in comic perplexity. He turns to go as if baffled again, then, with a sudden resolution, he steals cautiously forward, lifts the covering and slips the pyjamas noiselessly beside the pillow-cases. Then, his harassed face relaxing, he ventures to cough, dr. vaughan looks up.'\ DR. VAUGHAN What is it ? PURVIS [With bowed head of contrition'] Now you're alone, doctor, I'd like to tell you about Macbeth. DR. VAUGHAN About Macbeth ? PURVIS Yes, sir. You see, Sir John's coachman DR. VAUGHAN Not now, please. Another time. [purvis, with a sigh, turns to close the French window] No, no, it's so hot. [As PURVIS is going out silently, with still-bowed head, hannah re-enters] Well ? 75 HANNAH Mrs. Morrow can't come to- night — it's her last night but one with her boy. DR. VAUGHAN [Relieved] Ah! HANNAH But he's out this afternoon — so she'll come as soon as all the boarders have had their tea. DR. VAUGHAN [Perturbed] Oh, indeed ! [Takes his hat and goes towards garden.] HANNAH Where are you going ? DR. VAUGHAN I can't stand another of your scenes. HANNAH You needn't be present, dear — I'll see her in the drawing-room. DR. VAUGHAN With the Archmundhams about ? You see you drive me out of my own house ! HANNAH But, dearest, Felicia's good name ! [Exit DR. VAUGHAN into the garden, hannah 76 sighs, then sits at his table, and gets his pass-hook and cheque-book from a drawer, -pulls out the paid cheques and sets to work, checking the entries. After a moment elsie C07nes in.] ELSIE Will it disturb you if I look at the rhyming dictionary ? HANNAH No, dear. But why not keep it in. your loom. ? You're the only poet in the house. ELSIE [Smiling as she motmts the library-steps'] Am I ? Are you sure you know all father's secret sins ? WTiere is he, by the way ? HANNAH Gone for a stroll. Have you left the Archmundhams alone ? ELSIE Amy's got up now. I thought three was family and four society. [Consults book from her perch on top of steps.] HANNAH You were quite right, dear — there is a ... a domestic difhculty. ELSIE I know. [Reading] Haven, craven, shaven 77 HANNAH You know ? ELSIE About Amy ? Of course — Raven, graven — father trying to spoil her life. The old story. HANNAH [Wincing] You're not quite fair to Sir John. ELSIE That's what his son says — haven and graven, splendid ! [Shuts book and replaces it on shelf] But if it's not a money question, what other objection can the old growler have ? HANNAH Never mind — I've got a money-question of my own. Trying to check father's pass-book. . . . Perhaps we can dispose of Sir John's objection. ELSIE [Coming towards table] Oh, wouldn't that be ripping — ^jolly, I mean ! But how ? HANNAH Wait a bit. . . . Come here, you know father's writing — ^read me this counterfoil. ELSIE [Looking over her shoulder] Binks, Forty Pounds . . . 78 HANNAH But who is Binks ? ELSIE Haven't an idea. Wlaere's the cheque ? June 20. HANNAH Here it is. But that's pay " Self " and he's endorsed it. Look ! ELSIE [Studying counterfoil, carries it to window-light'] Perhaps it's Barks — or Borks. No, Books ! That's what it is — two o's. HANNAH [Taking it from her as she returns to table] Ah, of course ! That forty pounds he spent on books when I wanted money so badly for your clothes ! ELSIE [Smooths her frock] But you see we managed all right, mother — my little verses, and your embroidery work HANNAH Yes, but because I asked him to state on the counter- foil what the cheque was for, whenever he drew on "Self," he states what it's for but forgets " Self." ELSIE [Smiling] But isn't that what he preaches — to forget Self ? 79 HANNAH If vou had to clear up his muddles, you wouldn't find them so laughable. Here's a counterfoil not filled up at all ! ELSIE Only one ? HANNAH [Taki?ig it over to bureau] Go on laughing at me. ELSIE I'm laughing at him. If you would marry a genius — Don't look so tragic over trifles. HANNAH It's not about the cheques — it's because you make me afraid. Oh Elsie ! [Embraces her with sudden passion] You don't feel there is a gulf between us ? ELSIE Between you and father ? HANNAH Between you and me ! A great gulf fixed — as between Lazarus and the rich man ? ELSIE What do you mean, mother ? 80 HANNAH A gulf you have to shout across ? ELSIE What an idea ! HANNAH But that's what Amy Archmundham said — and it's been weighing upon me. You do love me ? ELSIE Darling mother ! [Kisses her as she sinks on the divan.] HANNAH And I could die for you ! . . . I wish God had let me die for your sisters. But His wisdom knew best. [Breaks down.] ELSIE [Kneeling on divan to embrace her] Don't cry, darling. They died, doing their duty. Look at their faces ! [Points to -photographs on bureau] One would say, they were smiling with pride. HANNAH I could bear Mary's death in the Red Cross Army, and Ruth's among her slum-people. But to lose a living daughter ! ELSIE [Rising and holding both her hands] Please don't talk so dreadfully. 8l F HANNAH Ah, daughter, perhaps you'll realise it yourself some day. It seems so strange to remember you that tiny — so frail and helpless — sleeping at my breast — and to see you growing up tall and superior and aloof ELSIE [Sinking against her knees to embrace her] Oh never, mother, never ! I never did feel like Amy Archmundham. Besides, she has no mother. HANNAH And you do love me ? And you'll never feel I want to spoil your life ? And you'll always come to me, even if I don't always understand your little poems ? ELSIE [Smiling as they both rise] Always, mother. HANNAH Always, you said, remember. Even when you are gone from me ! ELSIE Oh, mother, you know I shall never leave you ! [They embrace more closely. There is a sound, at the door, they stand apart. It opens, revealing JOHN.] HANNAH Ah, you are going ! [She advances, holding out her hand.] 82 JOHN Not yet, please. Amy's bad again. HANNAH Oh dear ! JOHN Yes, father poured oil on the troubled flames — ^he told her he'd proved to you he's in the right. HANNAH That remains to be seen. Oh, do you think I could be of any use ? JOHN You are the one person who could [Makes way as for her exit.^ HANNAH Your poor sister ! [Exit. JOHN closes the door.] JOHN [Hastening towards elsie] At last we can go on with our talk ! ELSIE How can you think of yourself — with Amy In that state ? JOHN Perhaps I'm in that state too. 83 ELSIE What's the matter with you ? Potatoes diseased again ? JOHN Don't be so heartless. ELSIE Heartless ? When I pity your potatoes more than you pity your sister ! JOHN Who said I didn't pity Amy ? ELSIE You aren't half as concerned as that time your potatoes went bad. JOHN It wasn't their going bad— it was their having the wrong disease. ELSIE Are there right diseases, then ? JOHN Naturally — the ones I infect them with. If only they develop them properly — that is the real anxiety. ELSIE It must be very wearing for you. 84 JOHN All right, scoff away. But science is above sneers. ELSIE I'm not sneering. It quite touches me to think of you watching tenderly over your sick tubers. JOHN Go on ! [Folds his arms] This, I suppose, is payment in kind for my unreal remarks to your mother. ELSIE My remarks are real. Your superiority to humanity overawes me. But to think of you at a sick bed — if it's only a potato bed ! JOHN [Jpproaching her] You know I'm only too human [Re-enter hannah.] HANNAH She won't even have me in the room. Elsie, you are of her own generation. Perhaps ELSIE I'll try, mother. [Exit through open door, closing it.] HANNAH [Turning on john] I'm afraid this is all your fault. 85 JOHN Mine ? HANNAH If you hadn't told your father that ridiculous story about the Frenchman's finger ! JOHN Dupuytren's finger ? But the child did have it — my friend actuaUy operated for it, which Dupuytren himself couldn't have done at that age. Yes, and I only wish my friend could have settled the point whether it's hereditary or not. But though he took a scientific squint at the father's hand HANNAH The father's hand ? JOHN A burly clean-shaven man who came to see Miss Morrow the day after. HANNAH And how did he know it was the father ? JOHN Oh well — ^he naturally assumed HANNAH Assumed ! Just as you assumed it was FeUcia. And what foreigner's finger did the father have ? 86 JOHN Oh, there was nothing abnormal about his hand — except a queer signet-ring. But of course its heredi- tariness being dubious, that doesn't prove ! HANNAH I should think not indeed ! And on this basis of hearsay and guess-work your father — oh I have no patience with either of you ! JOHN Would you marry your daughter into a disgraced family, with a nameless brat hanging around ? I wouldn't — at least \Smiling\ I wouldn't marry my father^ s daughter into it. No, nor his son, either. HANNAH I dare say not. But you beg the question. It's your friend I consider disgraced. I always thought doctors had a code of honour — not to tell professional secrets. JOHN My friend only told me professionally — as a student of eugenics. And of course father and I won't blab, if you don't. HANNAH How can I blab as you call it, when I don't believe there's one iota ? ^ [sir JOHN opens the door, leading amy.] 87 SIR JOHN May the little penitent come to apologise ? HANNAH What for ? AMY For turning you out of your own room. I forgot I wasn't at home. [Goes towards her] Do forgive me ! And thank you for trying HANNAH [Looking defiantly at the meni I haven't given up AMY [Eagerly] Then father didnH convert you ? HANNAH Wait ! Trust in God ! [Kisses her and leads her to the window] See what a sunset He has sent us. AMY [Vaguely comforted}^ And what a fairy moon ! [Becomes absorbed in skyscape. Telephone rings without.] SIR JOHN Never mind the moon, Amy — get on your things. John'll take you home. 88 JOHN Aren't you coming ? SIR JOHN You know I have to be back here at seven — don't look so horrified, Mrs. Vaughan, you shouldn't have such a popular husband. Now I've been kept so late, I'll ask Judson for a game of chess rather than drive to and fro. HANNAH Is it a committee meeting here ? SIR JOHN [Emharrassed]^ A sort of committee meeting. HANNAH My husband never mentioned it. SIR JOHN [Smilingi He didn't know. JOHN [Smiling from his -perch on the table] And there are people who call him a prophet ! HANNAH But suppose he's not back. SIR JOHN Has he gone out ? My gracious ! And our Lon- doners must catch the dining-train ! HANNAH He must be back for his own dinner. SIR JOHN That's what we reckoned on. Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! JOHN You might let Mrs. Vaughan into the secret. SIR JOHN Well, if she'll keep it from her husband HANNAH Oh, I can't do that. Rodney and I have never had a secret from each other. SIR JOHN Well, anyhow, you mustn't tell him that we \Enter purvis.] PURVIS Please, mum, Mr. Hubert Morrow has telephoned [amy turns sharply at the name\ to say he was sorry he was out when Dr. Vaughan called just now HANNAH \pa7Le^ When Dr. Vaughan called just now ? PURVIS Ay, mum, I wrote it down — like a text. \Reads jrom a pafer^ 90 " And he begs to thank Dr. Vaughan for his kindness in coming to say good-bye." AMY Good-bye ? [Sways at window.'] SIR JOHN [Catching her] Steady, old girl. HANNAH [Recovering composure] Thank you, Purvis. [puRVis goes again to shut window.] AMY Don't shut out the sunset ! . . , [Turns to hannah] I beg your pardon, I'm always forgetting I'm not at home. HANNAH Leave it, Purvis. [puRVis goes out silently.] If you'd rather wait here, Sir John, I'll have the fire lit in the drawing-room. SIR JOHN Oh, I couldn't trouble you HANNAH No trouble — it's laid. [Enter elsie with a newspaper] 91 And here comes the " Evening Sentinel." l^^akes it from elsie and hands it to sir john.] SIR JOHN Thank you ! Amy, put on your things. JOHN I don't think Amy is fit to drive home yet. AMY What nonsense ! JOHN {Fitfjily'] Well, I won't take the responsibiHty — all alone. I'd rather v^ait with you, father. HANNAH It might be better for Amy — put a light to the drawing- room fire, Elsie. [elsie goes to the door.^ JOHN Here's matches ! [Produces a box and hastens after elsie. Exeunt.'\ HANNAH [fo SIR john] And you won't want to keep your coachman an hour on the box. SIR JOHN No, of course not. Judson has stables — he'll let us put up. I'll go and tell my rascal. 92 HANNAH Please, leave it to me. I want to give him some tea — he must be quite faint. [Goes to door.] SIR JOHN [Sinking on divan and unfolding news- -paper] Don't worry too much over that scallawag. . . . Bless my soul ! here's an account of the garden-party already ! AMY [In a hollow voice from the zvindozv] Written yesterday ! HANNAH [Jt door] You can't read by that light ! [Turns up electric lights.] SIR JOHN You brighten up everything ! [Exit HANNAH. SIR JOHN redds aloud] " Under the genial auspices of Sol and the Lord Mayor and his charming consort, all the beauty and fashion of Midstoke with all that is most distinguished in " — won't you catch cold ? AMY I hope so. [sir JOHN throws down paper, jumps up and draws her within.] 93 SIR 'JOHN Why, now I see you In the light, you look like a ghost. AMY I am a. ghost. SIR JOHN Then I'll lay it. [Puts her on divan] There, dear ! You'll soon get over this, I tell you . . . \She turns her head from him] Look here, lassie — you shall have your dream. I'U take you to Italy — if you won't expect me to do the Popish churches with you — I don't know which is worse, the Papists with too many priests and cere- monies or the Quakers with none at all. To Italy, do you hear ? AMY I don't want to go to Italy. SIR JOHN [Taken aback] Not to Italy ? Well, wherever you like ! AMY Then I'll go to Australia. SIR JOHN I meant this side of the globe. AMY This side is empty to me. 94 SIR JOHN It will fill up again. Nature abhors a vacuum. You are so young. AMY Young ? I'm a hundred ! SIR JOHN Older than her dad, eh ? The little puss ! AMY Don't talk baby-talk to me ! SIR JOHN Oh well, if you really are a centenarian, that's all right. It's the young man who'll cry ojff. He's only a quarter of a century. AMY Hubert will never cry off. SIR JOHN Then why doesn't he take you to the Antipodes ? I can't stop you. AMY I wanted to go. SIR JOHN So you just intimated. But he has more sense, eh ? 95 AMY He wouldn't drag me down to poverty. SIR JOHN That's decent of him. AMY Decent ? He's a Bayard and a genius. And if you had let me have my money, he could have stayed here, writing his symphonies without sordid cares. SIR JOHN [Per flexed, sits beside her] You must trust me, my child. You must trust my love. AMY I cannot trust you. You are cruel — cruel [She sobs"} [dr. vaughan comes in through the zoindow-l DR. VAUGHAN [Drawing back] Oh, I beg your pardon. SIR JOHN No, no, we mustn't drive you out of your own den. So glad you're back. Come, Amy ! [He tries to lift her Jrom the divan, but she sobs on] Perhaps you can help me to soothe this wild young thing. DR. VAUGHAN WTiat could / do ? 96 SIR JOHN We know your influence over the lambs of your flock. DR. VAUGHAN Miss Archmundhara — Amy AMY I don't want your soothing syrup. SIR JOHN Don't be rude ! You think I'm cruel. Do you think Dr. Vaughan is ? AMY He is a human being. SIR JOHN {With a grimace] Oh, indeed ! Very well, then ! If Dr. Vaughan assures you that my objection is not a mere abuse of paternal power, will you give me back your trust ? AMY Dr. Vaughan will say what pleases you. SIR JOHN Will he, by George ! I only wish he made a practice of it. Come, Amy ! Don't wriggle out of it. AMY Then on his honour as a human being 97 G SIR JOHN Dr. Vaughan ! You know the reason that compels me to reject Hubert Morrow. DR. VAUGHAN I know what you told me. SIR JOHN Quite so. And is this reason weighty ? Or capri- cious ? DR. VAUGHAN Certainly not capricious. SIR JOHN There ! AMY But would you act like that in papa's place ? DR. VAUGHAN [Hesitates] I_I AMY On your honour ! DR. VAUGHAN No! AMY Oh, you human being ! [Springs up and hugs him.] SIR JOHN Why, Doctor, you told me not twenty minutes ago that you agreed with me. DR. VAUGHAN You misunderstood — you were saying that without Puritanism England would go down like a rotten ship. That's what I agreed with. AMY So that's it ! Hubert isn't Puritan enough ! Because he's musical ! Because God has given him the gift of melody ! Because SIR JOHN Don't be silly, Amy. Who was more musical than Milton ? Don't I take you to Oratorios ? AMY But Hubert writes love-music — that's what's the matter ! Love-music, and you all hate everything but your gloomy conventicle ! I wonder you don't pull that moon down out of heaven and turn it into a church lamp. But you shall hear Hubert's music — I'll give it you now ! [Runs out through the door] SIR JOHN Gloomy conventicle, indeed ! [Follows her.] That girl will die a Papist. 99 DR. VAUGHAN Don't stop her singing or strumming — it'll work off the hysteria. SIR JOHN Deuce take it all ! I wish the fellow had never come back from Germany ! [Exit.'] DR. VAUGHAN O God, when will this coil of consequence end ? [He picks up the newspaper and looks at it dis- tractedly. Enter hannah.] HANNAH Sir John told me you were back. DR. VAUGHAN Has Mrs. Morrow been ? HANNAH Not yet. She can't afford taxis like you. DR. VAUGHAN [Flushing'] What do you mean ? HANNAH You must have taken a taxi straight to her. DR. VAUGHAN Eh ? What makes you think that ? 100 HANNAH You didn't go to her ? DR. VAUGHAN Why should I go to her ? HANNAH [Horrified'] Rodney ! I know you went to her. DR. VAUGHAN I went to Hubert — to say good-bye. HANNAH Forgive me ! Yes, that's what he said. . . . He 'phoned to thank you. DR. VAUGHAN Ah! HANNAH [Rememberittg] But I told you he was out — why did you go ? DR. VAUGHAN I hoped he'd be back. And you see he was — almost immediately. HANNAH You didn't really rush there to stop Mrs. Morrow coming here ? DR. VAUGHAN [Slowly] I don't say if I'd found Mrs. Morrow in I shouldn't lOI have tried to stop her — indeed, the more I think of it, the more dreadful it seems to me to let you hurt her feelings as you hurt Sir John's. HANNAH I know I lost my temper with Sir John. I haven't got much Christian patience, have I, dear ? DR. VAUGHAN I'm afraid not, darhng. Nor pagan tact, either. [Enter purvis.] PURVIS Mrs. Morrow for you, mum. Where shall I show her ? DR. VAUGHAN In here. HANNAH But I don't want to turn you out — there's the dining- room. DR. VAUGHAN Show her in here, Purvis. PURVIS Yes, sir. [Slow exit. As the door closes on him, dr. vaughan turns swiftly and masterfully to hannah and takes her smilingly by the shoulders.^ lot DR. VAUGHAN It's you that must be turned out, dear. HANNAH But surely she and I — two women — DR. VAUGHAN You forget that as her pastor I shall seem less intrusive. HANNAH Perhaps you are right. DR. VAUGHAN [Forcing her smilingly towards the garden'] Of course I'm right — one folly a day is all I can allow you. HANNAH Poor Rodney — I do bring troubles on you. [Kisses him and is pushed through the window as PURVIS ushers in mrs. morrow, and closes the door. MRS. morrow, a lady still with the traces of beauty and prosperity in her sorrowful face and shabby^ well-cut clothes, enters with a proud bearing.] DR. VAUGHAN [With his massive cordiality] How do you do, Mrs. Morrow ? Didn't see you at the garden-party. MRS. MORROW No. 103 DR. VAUGHAN You'll find that most comfortable. [Indicates chair.] MRS. MORROW Thank you. [Sits.] DR. VAUGHAN [Fetching chair and sitting beside her] And what's the news of your dear daughter ? Still in London ? MRS. MORROW Still in London. DR. VAUGHAN And getting on well in her post, I hope — let me see, a hospital, wasn't it ? MRS. MORROW No, not exactly. [Uneasily] Isn't Mrs. Vaughan in ? DR. VAUGHAN She thought /'d best discuss the matter with you. MRS. MORROW But it isn't only the mission-work — I want to ask her something. 104 DR. VAUGHAN Can't you ask me ? MRS. MORROW \}Vith a faint smile'] It's hardly your department. DR. VAUGHAN [With a broader smile] Well, she intrudes enough on mine. MRS. MORROW It's about Felicia. DR. VAUGHAN \_Eis smile checked] About your daughter ? MRS. MORROW Yes — she is coming to-morrow. DR. VAUGHAN [Startled] Really ? Any particular reason ? MRS. MORROW To say good-bye to Hubert. DR. VAUGHAN Ah yes. But doesn't he sail from London ? MRS. MORROW No, from Plymouth . . . it's a cheaper line. Besides, / get a glimpse of Felicia, too. 105 DR. VAUGHAN That's true. Quite a while since you've seen her, I suppose ? MRS. MORROW Well, you know when she left here — ^last Christmas. DR. VAUGHAN Dear me, how time flies ! And she's feeling better, I hope. . . . Let me see, didn't she go to some little country place for her headaches ? MRS. MORROW Yes, Pinfold something — I never can remember. DR. VAUGHAN And you didn't go and see her there ? MRS. MORROW [Curtly] I told you I haven't seen her since Christmas. DR. VAUGHAN [Relieved] So you did . . . [More cheerfully] And so she's coming back. MRS. MORROW Only for the night. She goes with Hubert as far as Plymouth — thence straight back to her London work. But [Embarrassed] the fact is, now I've had to take boarders, there's io6 scarcely room for her to-morrow night. So, coming along, it occurred to me that perhaps you DR. VAUGHAN [Startled again] MRS. MORROW You and Mrs. Vaughan — you see Hubert's cab passes here on the way to the station — and with all you dear people it would be homelier for her than at an hotel DR. VAUGHAN [Perturbed] I'm afraid that is Mrs. Vaughan's department. [He goes to the door and opens it and calls] Purvis ! [amy's voice is heard from above in Hubert's setting of " I arise from dreams of thee "] Purvis ! Ah, there you are. Ask Mrs. Vaughan to come in. AMY [Heard singing from the drawing-room] And a spirit in my feet Hath led me — who knows how ? To thy chamber window, sweet ! [dr. vaughan stands listening as if hypnotised, till HANNAH comes in and closes the door.] HANNAH So good of you to come, Mrs. Morrow. [Shakes ha?ids.] 107 DR. VAUGHAN Mrs. Morrow asks if her daughter may sleep here to- morrow night. HANNAH [Startled] FeHcia ? MRS. MORROW You see we've let her room, and I thought she'd be less unhappy here than at HANNAH [Suspiciously] Less unhappy ? MRS. MORROW About Hubert's going to Australia. HANNAH Ah yes — and it must be a great wrench for you. MRS. MORROW He was all I had left — I mean at home. But God does all things for the best. HANNAH [Impulsively] But we mustn't always let Him, Mrs. Morrow. MRS. MORROW [Shocked] What do you say ? io8 DR. VAUGHAN [With a forced smile] My wife expresses herself badly. She means, you ought to make an effort to keep your boy at home. HANNAH Yes, indeed ! I'm so glad you've mentioned Felicia because — but perhaps, Rodney, you have already disposed of that. DR. VAUGHAN No. Under the new circumstances I left it for you. MRS. MORROW [Rising uneasily'] What is it about Felicia ? HANNAH Her staying here will be just splendid ! MRS. MORROW Oh, thank you. [She sits down in relief.] DR. VAUGHAN [Perturbed] But, Mrs. Morrow, have you asked your daughter if she'd like to stay here ? MRS. MORROW I took it for granted. . . . She [Flushing] . . . she doesn't know I've had to let her room. 109 HANNAH You have been keeping the boarders from her ? MRS. MORROW It would only have added to her ... I mean, she's so proud . . . And sometimes they . . . they ring for me ! Oh, do you think I've done wrong ? DR. VAUGHAN Certainly not, Mrs. Morrow. Why make unnecessary pain ? HANNAH Well, it's got to come out now. Even white lies turn black by keeping. . . . But, anyhow, her staying here will be a splendid answer to Sir John ! MRS. MORROW [Half-rising] Why, what has Sir John ? DR. VAUGHAN [Waving her down] Dear Mrs. Morrow, do try to be patient. Nobody knows better than I the blameless reputation of your family. HANNAH But there's a miserable scandal afoot MRS. MORROW [Jumping up indignantly] A scandal against Felicia ? no HANNAH Of course we none of us believe it. MRS. MORROW I have no patience even to hear it. HANNAH Then it isn't true ? MRS. MORROW It's an abominable lie. HANNAH What did I tell you ? [She rings. '[ DR. VAUGHAN What are you ringing for ? HANNAH Sir John shall hear this denial. DR. VAUGHAN Why, you haven't even told Mrs. Morrow what she's to deny ! MRS. MORROW I don't care what it is — there is nothing against Felicia ! Ill DR. VAUGHAN Nevertheless, before you face Sir John, you had better be prepared for what he may say. The accu- sation MRS. MORROW Accusation ? DR. VAUGHAN Ridiculous, perhaps, but there it is. Tell her, Hannah ! [Retires to divan-seat.^ HANNAH They say she has had a child. MRS. MORROW [5/^^^m] my God ! And who dares ? [Enter purvis. amy's -passionate music swells out.] HANNAH Ask Sir John Archmundham to step down. PURVIS Ay, mum. [Exit PURVIS, shutting out the music] MRS. MORROW 1 will not meet Sir John. [Goes towards garden.] . 112 HANNAH But, my dear Mrs. Morrow, you must ! MRS. MORROW Why must I ? What have I to do with Sir John ? HANNAH Don't you love Hubert ? Don't you want him to be happy ? MRS. MORROW What has that to do with it ? HANNAH That is why Sir John objects to the match. MRS. MORROW What match ? HANNAH You don't know Hubert is leaving England because he's not allowed to marry Amy Archmundham ? MRS. MORROW [Dazed] No — I know nothing — my children are always so reticent. O my poor Hubert. So that's it ! My poor martyred boy ! HANNAH But don't you see he needn't be martyred ? You've only got to show Sir John the story is false. "3 H MRS. MORROW I will not meet Sir John. If my family is not good enough [puRvis o-pens the door for sir john who comes through and bows coldly to mrs. morrow. She^ with a stiff return bow, tries to pass him and escape.'\ HANNAH [Firmly closing the door] Dear Mrs. Morrow, surely you wish to keep your boy — to make him happy — — SIR JOHN I see, Mrs. Vaughan you still doubt my revelation. HANNAH Not if she is silent. Mrs. Morrow, don't torture me like this ! MRS. MORROW [Fiercely] What torture is it of yours ? HANNAH What torture ? To think of Felicia sunk to that ! Look at my husband — don't you see it is torturing him, too ? Come, Mrs. Morrow . . . [mrs. morrow looks round with the hopeless eyes of a trapped animal] Why don't you speak ? MRS. MORROW O my God, why am I scourged thus ? [She breaks down in hysteric sobs.] 114 DR. VAUGHAN [Risitig and pressing her into chairl My poor Mrs. Morrow ! Calm yourself. SIR JOHN My poor Amy ! [He goes out sorrowfully.] MRS. MORROW Oh, you don't know what it has been ! She never said a word. When — to hide from you and me what must have happened here, she took that post at Pinfold — thirty miles away [Breaks down, choked with emotion.] HANNAH Pinfold ? — I thought my husband said Craddock. MRS. MORROW [Struggling for composure] Craddock — yes, that's the part I can never remember. DR. VAUGHAN [With forced lightness] Just as I can never remember the Pinfold part. HANNAH But if it's Pinfold Craddock, you went there this Spring ! DR. VAUGHAN [After an appreciable pause] So I did ! To take a funeral for old Rogers when he had the flue. A fearful cross-country journey ! "5 MRS. MORROW Yes, she always said she had no time or money to come and see me — and then she wrote she had a new post in London — at a private nursing home — and then — end of June — a wire — she was dying ! So at least they thought. HANNAH [Stonily] And she wanted you to look after the child of sin. MRS. MORROW Don't look at me so pitilessly. I had to lie. HANNAH Nobody has to lie. MRS. MORROW I had a husband, money, children— now there is nothing. HANNAH There is always God. DR. VAUGHAN [Eagerly] But the little boy [Correcting himself] the child — has it lived ? Is it well ? MRS. MORROW It was rather small and had a bent finger, but other- wise [She falls fainting on her chair.] ii6 DR. VAUGHAN You are too cruel to her. HANNAH I'll get my salts. [She rushes into her room. In the silence amy's renewed love- song faintly penetrates.] DR. VAUGHAN [Murmuring] Love ! Love ! The great romantic cheat ! — O God ! Must I go on lying or must I break Hannah's heart ? [Re-enter hannah.] HANNAH I must have left the bottle in here. She's not come to ? DR. VAUGHAN No. But w^hen she does, pray remember it is for such crises wq are Christians. HANNAH [Finding the bottle on the divan] Ah, here it is ! I know I was harsh, dear, [She applies the salts to mrs. morrow] But you spoil me for people of this sort. DR. VAUGHAN [Turning away in bitter shame] We are all God's creatures. HANNAH I know, dear, but it's not so easy to copy your loving- kindness to liars and sinners. 117 MRS. MORROW [Opening her eyes] I will not meet Sir John ! HANNAH No, he is gone. Dear Mrs. Morrow, [Raising the -patienfs head^ you are all right again. MRS. MORROW Oh my poor children ! HANNAH [To her husband] Sir John's carriage must take her home. MRS. MORROW No, no — nothing of Sir John's I [She staggers to her feet] I can walk. DR. VAUGHAN That's nonsense — I'll get you a cab. MRS. MORROW You know I cannot take cabs. DR. VAUGHAN [Recovering his bluff geniality] You can take one from me ! MRS. MORROW I can quite well walk. [Moves proudly] There ! ii8 DR. VAUGHAN How unkind you are to me ! MRS. MORROW You shall give the fare to the mission-fund — in my name. [Turns toward door. dr. vaughan precedes hereto open it.^ HANNAH One moment, Mrs. Morrow. You may rely on our spreading the sad story no further. But MRS. MORROW But you can't have Felicia sleeping here — I know. Forgive me for trying to protect her. HANNAH It's my duty to forgive you. And perhaps it's my duty to have her here — more than ever. I will think. I will let you know. But that's not what I was going to say. DR. VAUGHAN [In renewed torture] Need any more be said ? Mrs. Morrow is so tired. [Puts his hand on the door-knob.] HANNAH Still, before we dismiss the subject for ever, oughtn't we to ask Mrs. Morrow the name of the man ? 119 MRS. MORROW But I don't know the name of the man. DR. VAUGHAN And what good would revenge do ? HANNAH Who's thinking of revenge ? Reparation. DR. VAUGHAN Reparation ? HANNAH Marriage ! Why should he not marry her ? MRS. MORROW [Clasping her hands'] Oh, if I could live to see it ! HANNAH [Eagerly] And then, perhaps. Sir John would relent ! DR. VAUGHAN But — but the man may be married. HANNAH Then he can be divorced. DR. VAUGHAN I thought you were against divorce. 12:} HANNAH I never realized that it might be the smaller of two evils. And the fifth of Matthew permits it ! DR. VAUGHAN But there's his present wife to consider HANNAH If there is a wife, she couldn't possibly live with him any longer. He belongs to Felicia — and Felicia's child. MRS. MORROW You will never get Felicia to give his name. Not if you cut her to pieces. HANNAH But surely you have some idea ? Nor you, Rodney ? DR. VAUGFIAN [Desperately defensive] Who was the man she worked for at Pinfold, what-is- it ? HANNAH Pinfold Craddock. MRS. MORROW It wasn't a man — it was an old lady, all but blind. DR. VAUGHAN Ha ! Blind ! The easier then 121 HANNAH [To her husband] But how do you know it zvas an old lady — ? DR. VAUGHAN Mrs. Morrow says so. HANNAH Blind, yourself, dear. Don't you see Mrs. Morrow had only Felicia's letters to go by ? DR. VAUGHAN That's true. Talk of the wisdom of the serpent ! HANNAH And when you saw Felicia in the nursing home, Mrs. Morrow, wasn't there any clue to the man ? DR. VAUGHAN You really mustn't exhaust Mrs, Morrow HANNAH No picture ? No keepsake ? MRS. MORROW Nothing ! DR. VAUGHAN There ! She's quite worn out. Purvis must get a cab. HANNAH No letter came while you were with her ? 122 DR. VAUGHAN Really, Hannah ! Why should you try to ferret out Felicia's secret ? HANNAH For Felicia's salvation. He must marry her. MRS. MORROW I did take an opportunity, when she was under a drug, of opening her locket. HANNAH [Tensely] Well ? MRS. MORROW There was nothing. DR. VAUGHAN [Relieved] Ah! MRS. MORROW Only the pictures of her mother and her pastor. HANNAH Of my husband ? MRS. MORROW [With a faint smile] Felicia was always a hero-worshipper. [Tragic again] If she had only listened to your teachings instead ! 123 DR. VAUGHAN Yes. I hope the other young ladies who carry me about do better. HANNAH But how could she get a miniature ? I thought / was the only person who had one. DR. VAUGHAN I suppose she got my photograph reduced. And, by the way, Lovell the bookseller has been telling me what a run there's been on it during the Conference. Like an actor's, he said — and then he begged pardon, poor man. Ha! Ha! Ha! HANNAH Rodney, when you went to Pinfold Craddock, did you call on Felicia ? DR. VAUGHAN [Slozvly] Did I call on Felicia ? HANNAH No — I forgot — you didn't even know it was an old lady she was with. But I should have thought you'd have taken the opportunity of seeing how she was getting on. DR. VAUGHAN Yes, but — but, you see, I met her — by chance- post-office. HANNAH And didn't you notice anything ? 124 -at the DR. VAUGHAN I noticed she was looking pretty. HANNAH Is that all ? DR. VAUGHAN Didn't you say we men can never tell the difference between anything and anything ? HANNAH And you saw no clue to the man ? Nobody was with her ? DR. VAUGHAN [With a ghastly smile] I was with her — and a venerable gaffer drawing his old-age pension. MRS. MORROW But when exactly did you see her ? DR. VAUGHAN [Smiling] I never was good at dates. HANNAH The day you went to take the funeral was Mayday. I remember it because of the contrast of death and the Spring. DR. VAUGHAN That thought struck me — the world In bridal white and the tragedy lurking 125 MRS. MORROW But by that date, Dr. Vaughan, you could surely see — Why anybody but the blind woman must have seen HANNAH [Paling with a now irresistible suspicion] My husband is right. This is fatiguing you inexcusably. Do let me get you a cab. MRS. MORROW Thank you, no. [dr. vaughan hurriedly throws open the door.] HANNAH Why not ? You were ready to let me entertain Felicia. MRS. MORROW I have entertained Elsie. Good-night. {Exit.] DR. VAUGHAN Good-night. [Follows her out in optimistic relief] Things will brighten — never lose hold of the goodness of God ! [hannah looks round wildly, her hands tremble. Mastering herself with a great effort, she sits down again to the pass-book. After an instant of quiet work she clutches suddenly at the salts, smells them then resumes work. Re-enter dr. vaughan.] 126 DR. VAUGHAN Well, dear [Touches her hair. She shudders and shakes off his hand.] HANNAH Don't — I want to finish your pass-book. DR. VAUGHAN [Smilingly at ease again] So the old wench is afraid of being scolded, eh ? But there ! I won't say I told you so. HANNAH [Passionately] Yes, yes, scold me — I've had evil thoughts — silly, shameful thoughts. . . . You were right — I should have minded my own business. DR. VAUGHAN Never mind, dear — go on minding mine. Have I been making great muddles ? [Befids over pass-book.] HANNAH [Smiling] Well, you forgot to fill in the . . . a — a — a — ^li ! [Screams suddenly.] DR. VAUGHAN You frighten me ! What is it ? HANNAH Those forty pounds — those mysterious forty pounds ! 127 DR. VAUGHAN [Looking over her shoulder in re- newed torment] That's filled in all right. Books ! HANNAH But where are the books ? DR. VAUGHAN Oh, all about. , HANNAH I don't see any new books. DR. VAUGHAN I never said new. It's the old editions that cost the money. You see, not having got anybody to replace Miss Morrow, I thought I could afford HANNAH But coming just at that time ! DR. VAUGHAN What time ? HANNAH Felicia's time. [Points distractedly to the cheque."] DR. VAUGHAN I don't understand you. 128 HANNAH And you went to London that June morning — I remember now. DR. VAUGHAN To buy the books. HANNAH And you would go in mufti. DR. VAUGHAN It was too hot for black. HANNAH And the time I found you all smelling of eau-de- cologne ! You said Felicia had given it you for your headache. DR. VAUGHAN And what else would she give it me for ? HANNAH And the burly, clean-shaven man ! God, how it all flies together ! DR. VAUGHAN [With a desperate effort at self-comman