it'^- Hubert Henry Davies MRS. GORRINGFS NECKLACE A COMEDY IN FOUR ACTS Walter H. Baker 6 Co., Boston ^rice, 50 Centre? (Cad^ TIE AMAZONS ^•'c^^Thre^AcU. Seren males, five females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, not dlffloult. Plays A fall erening. THE CABINET MINISTER ^^°®*^^o«r-^ct8. Ten males, nine females. Ck>8tume8, modern society ; •oenery, three Interiors. Plays a full erenlng. DANDY DICK ^^^^ ^ Three Acts. Seren males, four females. Costumes, modem ; scenery, two interiors. Plays two hours and a half. TBE fiAY LORD ODEX C<*™®<*y"^^*>^'A^ct8. Four males, ten " females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, two interiors and an exterior. Plays a full evening. HIS flODSE IN ORDER <^o™®<^yi"^ourActs. Nine males, four females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, three Interiors. Plays a full evening. THE HOBBY HORSE ^^™®^y ^^ Three Acts. Ten males, five females. Costumes, modern; scenery easy. Plays two hours and a half. IRIS ^'''"^^ ^^ Five Acts. Seven males, seven females. Costumes, modem ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. LADY BOUNTIFUL ^^^ ^^ ^^^^ ^^^^' -^^^^ males, seven fe- males. Costiimes, modern ; scenery, four in- teriors, not easy. Plays a full evening. I ITTTV Drama in Four Acts and an Epilogue. Ten males, five fe- ^ males. Costumes, modem ; scenery complicated. Plays a full evening. Sent prepaid on receipt of price by wmtt i^* :Ba6er & Company No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Mrs. Gorringe's Necklace A PLAT IN FOUR ACTS By HUBERT HENRT DA FIRS All rights reserved under the International Copyright Act. Performance forbidden and right of representation reserved. Application for the right to produce this play may be made to Charles Frohman^ Empire Theatre^ New York. BOS TO N^ WALTER H. BAKER &- CO. LONDON WILLIAM HEINEMANN MCMX MRS, GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Copyright, 1910, by HUBERT HENRY DAVIES All rights reserved PLEASE READ CAREFULLY The acting rights of this play are reserved by the author. Performance is strictly forbidden unless his express consent or that of his agent has first been obtained, and attention is called to the penalties provided by law for any infringe- ment of his rights, as follows : — " Sec. 4966 : — Any person publicly performing or renre- sentinp: any dramatic or musicnl comnosition for which copyright has been obtained, without the consent of the proprietor of said dramatic or musical comnosition. or his heirs and assisms. shall be liable for damaees therefor, such damages in all cases to be asspss^d at such sum. not less than one hundred dollars for the first and fifty dollars for every subsequent performance, as to the court shall annear to be iust. If the unlawful performance and representation be wilful and for profit, such person or persons shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction be imprisoned for a period not exceeding one year." — U, S. Revised Statutes, Title 60, Chap. S. The right to perform this play professionally may be ob- tained by addressing Charles Fkohman, Empire Theatre, New York. MRS, GORRINGE'S NECKLACE CAST OF CHARACTERS Captain Mowbray, retired Colonel Jardine, retired Lieutenant David Cairn Mr. Jernigan, a detective inspector Charles, a footman Mrs. Jardine ^ Isabel Kirke K •, ,, \ her daughters Vicky Jardine > Miss Potts Hrs. Gorringe The scene of the play is laid in the library in Colonel Jardine's house. ' The following is a copy of the play-bill of the original performance. Cdyndbam's Cbeatrc Tuesday f May 12th, 1903, and every evening at S.^^S will he presented A NEW AND ORIGINAL PLAY IN FOUR ACTS ENTITLED )VIr9* Gorringc's j^ccklace By HUBERT HENRY DAVIES Captain Mowbray, retired Charles Wyndham Colonel Jardine, retired Mr. Alfred Bishop Lieutenant David Cairn Mr. Leslie Faher Mr. Jernigan, a detective inspector Mr. Eille Norwood Charles, a footman Mr. Reginald Walter Mrs. Jardine Miss Marie Illington Isabel Kirke > Miss Mabel Terry-Lewis Vicky Jardine ) Miss Lettice Fairfax Miss Potts Miss Ethel Marryat and Mrs. Gorringe Miss Mary Moore The scene of the play is laid in the Library in Colonel Jardine's House. The action takes place near a Garrison Town at a little dis- tance from London, and covers a period of about twenty hours. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE THE FIRST ACT SCENE. — The library of Colonel Jardine's house, situated near a garrison town in the south of England. The library is much used by all the family as a sitting-room. Opposite the audience there is a Fre-hch window afford- ing a view of a large well-kept garden. On one side of the stage there is a fireplace, and in the wall opposite, a door. There is an electric bell beside the fireplace and a switch for turning on the electric \ight beside the door. The room is well furnished with book- shelves, a large writing table, two or three smaller tables, a sofa, chairs, etc., etc., pre- senting a comfortable and homelike appear- ance. Near the fireplace, and in full view of the whole audience, there is an ornamental bowl, standing on a high pedestal and containing a flowering plant. It is the late afternoon of a summer day. 1 2 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Mrs. Jardine^ a well-dressed, middle-aged woman, is lying asleep on the sofa. Enter Mrs. Gorringe, a younger woman^ always elaborately hut never vulgarly dressed. She wears a handsome house dress and no hat. She appears restless and preoccupied all through her scene with Mrs. Jardine. When Mrs. Gorringe closes the door, Mrs. Jardine wakes with a start, hlinhs and looks up with' out taking her feet down, Mrs. Jardine. Oh! Is that you, Mrs. Gorringe? Mrs. Gorringe. I hope I haven^w disturbed you. Mrs. Jardine. No. It must be about my waking-up time. Mrs. Gorringe. It's after five. Mrs. Jardine. Then they'll be home soon. I thought you had all gone to watch the polo. Mrs. Gorringe. Yes, but I left the ground early. \_Sits and gazes at the fireplace,'] MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 3 Mrs. Jardine. How was the game going? Mrs. Gorringe. I don't know. As soon as anyone explains to me how the score stands, they always go and change the board. Mrs. Jardine. Was anyone hurt ? Mrs. Gorringe. No. Mrs. Jardine. That's a mercy. Every time they play, I have visions of my husband being borne home mangled on a shutter. I was so wrought up over the idea this afternoon, it took me several minutes to drop asleep. Mrs. Gorringe. Colonel Jardine was umpiring to-day. Mrs. Jardine. Oh, yes. Who played for our side? Mrs. Gorringe. Captain Mowbray, and Mr. What's-his-name, and that Mr. Thingamy with the white eyelashes and someone else — I forgot who. 4 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Mrs. Jakdine. Sounds like a very strong team. I suppose Cap- tain Mowbray carried all before him as usual. Mrs. Gorringe. [Gazing at the fireplace, and not attending.'] Yes. Mrs. Jardine. I'm glad Isabel was there to see his triumph. I really believe he's been in love with her evej since he first met her, when he came home a few years ago. And now that he has made this enormous fortune in South Africa, I see no obstacle to a marriage. There used to be some goings-on be- tween Isabel and David Cairn, but I hope that's all blown over. He has no money, you see, so of course it's no good — [Looks towards Mrs. Gor- ringe and sees she is not attending.^ I'm afraid I bore you. Mrs. Gorringe. [Starts and turns to her.'] Oh, no, indeed — you talk so interestingly about polo. Mrs. Jardine. [Surprised.l Polo? What's the matter, dear; aren't you well? Mrs. Gorringe. [Nervously.] I'm a little upset. In fact — very much upset. I've lost something. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 5 Mes. Jardine. Oh? Mrs. Gorringe. Yes — a — a — diamond necklace. Mrs. Jardine. [7/1 consternation.'] A diamond necklace I Mrs. Gorringe. With a pearl clasp. Mrs. Jardine. But how — How could it have happened? Mrs. Jardine. [Rises.] I don't know. I can't think. [SpeaTcs volubly as she moves about describing the scene.] I went to my room when I came in. You know how the dressing-table stands — as if it were there. [Points to a table.] And the door of course is like this. [Indicates the door, goes towards it, opens it, goes just outside and then comes in again.] Well, I came in at the door just as I'm coming in now. Of course I had my hat on. I closed the door. [Closes the door and walhs to- wards the imaginary dressing-table, talking all the time.] Then I crossed over to the dressing- table in quite an ordinary manner. Just as I'm doing now. [Stands before the imaginary dress- ing-table.] Well, I looked into my jewel-case. e MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE I wanted to get some rings. These rings, in fact. [Bends her hand to show her rings.^ I thought it looked different from usual. I couldn^t think what it was at first, but I remember saying to myself," " Well, that's funny ! " Then all at once it flashed across me and I clasped my hands and exclaimed — [clasps her hands dramatically'] " Great heavens, my diamond necklace has gone ! " [Drops the dramatic pose anU tone.] Just like that. Mrs. Jakdine. What a terrible situation for me. To think it should be lost in my house. Mrs. Gorringe. My necklace. Mrs. Jardine. It must be one of the servants. We haven't had Pipkin long, and she's always looking out of the window. I shouldn't wonder if she stole it. [Mrs. Jardine's attention is attracted to the window as Isabel^ Vicky and Miss Potts pass without, dressed in their outdoor clothes. Isabel is a hand- some, independent girl of twenty-five; Vicky a giddy creature of fifteen with a plait coming un- done. Miss Potts an unimportant spinster.] Here are the girls. Don't say a word about it. Mrs. Gorringe. No. It's better not. I told my maid to stay in MRS, GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 7 my room and guard the rest of my jewels. [Sits, gazing in front of her, and sighs.] [Isabel enters, followed by Vicky and Miss Potts. Isabel. [Coming forward as she spealcs.'] We've brought Miss Potts to tea. [Rings the bell beside the fireplace.] Mrs. Jardine. [Shaking hands with Miss Potts.] Did you enjoy the polo ? Miss Potts. Oh, exceedingly. Isabel. We won. Four to three. Mrs. Jardine. Hurrah ! [Mrs. Jardine and Miss Potts sit on the sofa conversing together. Vicky. And we had such fun coming home. We all squashed into the cart and sat on each other's laps. Mrs. Jardine. [Remonstrating.'] Oh, Vicky, dear. 8 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Vicky. Not Isabel. [With meaning.'] David wasn't there. Isabel. Vicky, don't you think you'd better go and do your hair ? It looks as if you'd been sweeping the field with it. Vicky. Will you do it, Mrs. Gorringe? [Produces a ribbon from her pocket and gives it to Mrs. Gorringe as she speaks. Mrs. Gorringe starts from a reverie when addressed. Vicky kneels beside Mrs. Gorringe's chair while she plaits her hair and whispers to her. Miss Potts and Vicky. [Together.] Oh ! Lor ! [They both turn to Isabel. Miss Potts and Vicky. [Together.] Isabel, Mrs. Gorringe has lost her diamond necklace. Mrs. Jardine, Mrs. Gorringe and Isabel. [Sharply together.] Sh ! [They say ''Sh!'' because Charles, a young footman, enters ivith a tea-tray. As they say *'Shf Mrs. Jardine seizes MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 9 Miss Potts so suddenly by the arm that she utters a little scream^ while Mrs. GoRRiNGE pulls Vicky hack hy her plait. They remain silent, watching Charles as he arranges the tea-table. As soon as Charles goes out they all begin talking at once until Charles returns with a teapot, which he places upon the table. There is dead silence from the moment Charles enters unPil he goes out again, closing the door after him. Then Isabel speahs. Isabel. Your diamond necklace? Mrs. Gorringe. AVith the pearl clasp. Isabel. How very dreadful. Mrs. Jardine. We aren't saying anything about it at present. Isabel. How very silly. Mrs. Gorringe. Is it ? I don't know what we really ought to do ; you see, I never lost anything of any value before I came to stay with you. 10 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Mrs. Jardine. And we never lost anything at all before you came to stay with us. Mrs. Gorringe. If Pipkin really stole it — Isabel. [Interrupting Mffs. Gorringe.] Who says Pipkin stole it? [Mrs. Gorringe looks a^ Mrs. Jardine. Mrs. Jardine. I only said she might have done. You know ehe is always looking out of the windows, and she lived with a French family before she came to us. Vicky. [Giggling.'] Oh, isn^t that just like mother? Isabel. [Pausing as she makes the tea to say thought- fully.'] That's rather queer. [They look towards Isabel.] Do you remember that story Captain Mowbray told at luncheon yesterday about a man who stole a woman's bracelet and had it copied in paste ? Vicky. Oh, yes, and she never knew the difference. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 11 Mrs. Jardine. He lived on the bracelet for years. Miss Potts. The villain ! Vicky. And she'd never have found out, only he con- fessed on his death bed. Miss Potts. How very singular. Isabel. Whenever he wanted money he took a diamond from the setting and sold it. Vicky. How he must have hurt his nails. Mrs. Jardine. Don't be silly. Mrs. Gorringe. [Plaintively.'] But what's all that got to do with my necklace? Isabel. One can't help recalling it now because, you know, you said you hoped nothing like that would 12 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE happen to you, and that you always leave your jewel-cases lying about on your dressing-table. Mrs. Jardine. Yes, I remember thinking at the time how fool- ish it was of Mrs. Gorringe to say that. Mrs. Gorringe. I thought I was quite safe to say it here. Let me see. Who was at luncheon yesterday? Isabel. We were all there. Miss Potts. [Emphatically. '\ I wasn^t. I assure you this is all news to me. Vicky. [Giggling.] Poor Potty, she thinks we suspect her. Isabel. [Seriously to Vicky.] This isn't a joke. Mrs. Gorringe. No. Isabel. I mean all the family and the people staying here, Mrs. Gorringe, Captain Mowbray and David. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 13 Mrs. Jardine. [With sudden excitement.} And Pipkin was waiting at table. Isabel. No, mother, Charles was. Mrs. Jardine. The same thing. He's probably in love with her — she has quite a tolerable figure. And I bet you anything you like he went straight from the table and told her. Isabel. You've no right to accuse the servants in that general way. Mrs. Jardine. Well — what else would you do ? Isabel. Send for a detective. Mrs. Gorringe. Of course. [Rising and going eagerly towards Isabel.] And I'll run down to the Post Office and give them a description of my necklace. Isabel. Why the Post Office? 14 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Mrs. Gorringe. I thought that was the kind of place one would go to in a case of this sort. [Colonel Jardine is heard talking and laughing boisterously without. Colonel Jardine. By jove, Mowbray, I never saw you in better form. Ha — Ha — Ha — ! Mrs. Jardine. Your father! All sit down and pretend noth- ing has happened. [They all sit down with the exception of Mrs. Gorringe. Mrs. Gorringe. If we pretend nothing has happened I shall never get my necklace back. Mrs. Jardine. Hush ! [Mrs. Gorringe sits down reluctantly. Miss Potts. I think I should tell Colonel Jardine. Mrs. Gorringe. Yes. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 15 Mrs. Jardine. Not till after dinner. That's the best time to tell him things. His temper's so uncertain. [Colonel Jardine is again heard laughing without. Vicky. He sounds in a good temper now. Mrs. Jardine. His good tempers are more trying to put up with than his bad ones. Colonel Jardine. [Without, laughing boisterously as he speaks.'] By jove, yes. Hottest finish I ever saw. [Colonel Jardine enters explosively. He is a rubicund, excitable, middle-aged man. He wears plain riding clothes. When he speaks, Mrs. Jardine lays her cup on her lap, closes her eyes and con- tracts her face as if in intense suffering. Colonel Jardine. [Rubbing his hands together.'] Well, well, well. We beat 'em — four to three. Close score, eh, girls? [Claps his hands together and laughs, pokes Mrs. Jardine in the back.] D'you hear that, mother — four to three? 16 MRS, GORRINGE'S NECKI^ACE Mrs. Jardine. [Bows her head, her eyes still closed as if suf- fering.} I hear. Colonel Jardine. [Shaking hands with Miss Potts.] How d'you do, Miss Potts? You saw the game. As I was just saying to Mowbray, " Hottest finish I ever saw.^^ Mrs. Jardine. [As before.'] We heard you. Colonel Jardine. Mowbray saved the day. We put him on the last minute, when David didn't turn up. Shot three goals himself. I believe he would have shot another, but just then the bell went — [Imitat- ing gong.] " Wang-wang-wang-wang-wang ! " Mrs. Jardine. [Putting her fingers in her ears, exclaims loudly.'] Christopher! Please confine yourself to speech and laughter. Isabel. Tea, father? Colonel Jardine. Tea, tea, tea ? Yes. Give us some tea. [Turn- ing to the tea-table, he faces Mrs. Gorringe.] MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 17 Why, Mrs. Gorringe, what's the matter? You look as doleful as I don't know what. Mrs. Gorringe. So would you. [To Isabel.] I'll go and put on my hat and wait for you in the hall. Isabel. All right. Mrs. Jardine. [To Mrs. Gorringe, as she goes towards the door.] Are you going to send the h'm h'm about the h'm h'm? Mrs. Gorringe. H'm h'm. Colonel Jardine. What's h'm h'm and h'm h'm? Mrs. Jardine. - Something you don't know about. Don't tell him, girls. Colonel Jardine. I insist on knowing. I won't have this talking in hieroglyphics before me. Isabel. He'll have to be told soon. Colonel Jardine. Told, told what? 18 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Mrs. Jaedine, Miss Potts, Isabel and Vicky. [Together.] Mrs. Gorringe has lost her dia- mond necklace. Mrs. Gorringe. [Speaking with the others.l Fve lost my dia- mond necklace. Colonel Jardine. [Unable to hear a word.'] What! Don't all shout at me like that. Mrs. Gorringe. My diamond necklace — Colonel Jardine. Well — well. What about it? Mrs. Gorringe. It's lost. Colonel Jardine. [Excitably.] The devil it is. By Jove ! Some- thing must be done. Isabel. [Gomes to Colonel Jardine, lays her hand on his arm and says quietly.] We are going to wire to Scotland Yard. [To Mrs. Gorringe.] We might write the telegram here. [Takes a sheet of paper from the paper-rack MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 19 and a pencil from the pen-tray and lays them on the writing-table, Mrs. GoRRiNGE sits down and writes. Miss Potts rises and takes leave of Mrs. Jardine. Vicky. Going, Potty? Mrs. Jardine. [Sharply.'] Vicky, don't be impertinent. ViOKT. I'll go with you. Isabel. Now Vicky and everybody, please don't tell any- one we are going to have a detective in the house. The servants aren't to know who he is. Mrs. Jardine. Especially Pipkin. Vicky. All right. Come on, Potty. Mrs. Jardine. Vicky! [Vicky and Miss Potts go out 20 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Isabel. Is your telegram ready, Mrs. Gorringe? Mrs. Gorringe. How will this do? [Looks round at the others before she begins to read gravely^ in a clear, high voice.] " Lost, a beautiful diamond necklace. Five large drops in front. One pearl clasp behind.^' [Isabel goes into a fit of laughter and turns away. Mrs. Gorringe looks at her in surprise.] What's the matter with it? Colonel Jardine. [Fussily.] You don't need so many words. See. Let me cross some of them out. [He signs to Mrs. Gorringe to get out of her chair and let him sit there. She rises and stands beside him, watching him as he hastily crosses out words.] Say, " Lost, beautiful diamond necklace ! " You don't need to say " a " beautiful diamond neck- lace. Never use the articles " a," " an " and " the " in a telegram. You don't even need " beautiful " or " diamond." [Crossing out words.] Just say, " Lost necklace." Mrs. Gorringe. But they might think it was nothing but a string of imitation pearls, and that wouldn^t be worth sending a detective for. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 21 Colonel Jardine. Well, leave " diamond '^ in if you like. [Puz- zling over paper,] What^s the next? I can^t read your writing. Mrs. Gorringe. [Bends over him.'} " Five large drops in front." Colonel Jardine. You can save three words there. Just say " Drops front " and — [Pouncing on words with his pencil and crossing them out.] " Clasp be- hind." Mrs. Jardine. [Watching them with contempt from her chair.] If they know anything at all at Scotland Yard the/11 know the clasp wouldn^t be in front and the drops behind. Colonel Jardine. Yes, that^s true. We can save two more words. [Crossing out words.] Just say — " Drops — clasp." Mrs. Jardine. That's not sense. Mrs. Gorringe. No. That's what I think. 22 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Colonel Jardine. [^Getting confused between them.^ Well, just say " Drops front, clasp hind." Mrs. Jardine. [Snapping him up.] Hind! Hind isn't a word. Colonel Jardine. [Getting angry.] You^re getting me so mixed up I don't know what I'm doing. [Puzzles over the telegram.] Mrs. Jardine. Well, send them something they can understand. I'm sure I shouldn't know what to make of it if I received a telegram that said " Drops front — clasp hind." I should suppose Front and Hind were two men, shouldn't you, Mrs. Gorringe? Mrs. Gorringe. Yes, I should. Colonel Jardine. [Angrily.] Oh, well, if you think you can do it better yourself. [Rises, throws his pencil on the table, muttering as he goes towards the door.] What's the good of trying to be business-like with a pack of women ? [Colonel Jardine goes out fuming. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 23 Mrs. Gorringe. [Nearly crying as she looks at the ruins of her telegram.] Oh, isn^t it too bad? And the thief may be bargaining with the pawnbroker at this very moment, and here's my telegram worse than not begun. [Isabel takes the pencil, turns the paper < over, scribbles a few words and then gives the paper to Mrs. Gorringe. Isabel. Let us go and send that. Mrs. Gorringe. [Reading the paper.] But you've said nothing about my necklace. • Isabel. It's so unnecessary. [Captain Mowbray enters. He is a strong, self-reliant man, about forty-five, grizzled and tanned with hard out-door life. Mrs. Gorringe. [All smiles.] Oh. Here's Captain Mowbray. Mrs. Jardine. Captain Mowbray! Isabel shall give you tea before she goes and sends the — [to Isabel] you know what. 24 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Mowbray. [Smiling at Isabel.] Yes, do stay and give me tea before you go and send the — you know what, I don't. Isabel. [Regretfully.] I'm sorry, but it's very urgent. Mowbray. I'm sorry. Mrs. Gorringe. But still, there is no need for us both to go, is there, Isabel? Isabel. [Intending to stay, and offering the telegram to , Mrs. Gorringe.] No. Mrs. Gorringe. [Sweetly, to Mowbray.] So Fll stay and give you your tea. [Seats herself at the tea-table and begins to make Captain Mowbray's tea. Isabel looks annoyed a moment, then goes out with the telegram. Mrs. Gorringe. I feel so relieved now my telegram has nearly started. MRS, GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 25 Mrs. Jardine. You'd better be careful, Mrs. Gorringe, or you'll let the cat out of the bag. [Mrs. Jardine goes out. Mowbray. [Sitting at the tea-table with Mrs. Gorringe.] Have you got a secret, Mrs. Gorringe? Mrs. Gorringe. Yes. Does that make me very interesting? Mowbray. Not unless you tell it. Mrs. Gorringe. [Pretending to he annoyed.'] Oh. How un- gallant you are. Mowbray. To suggest you don't need a secret to make you interesting ? Mrs. Gorringe. [Smiling with pleasure at the compliment.'] Now, Captain Mowbray, I believe you're making fun of me. It's very naughty of you. [Giving him his tea.] There! [Archly.] You don't deserve it. 26 MRS, GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Mowbray. Aren't you going to give me something with it ? Mrs. Gorringe. [Smiles and drops her eyes.'] How dare you! Mowbray. I mean to eat. Mrs. Gorringe. [Slightly confused at her mistahe.'] Oh. [Of- fers him cahe and hread-and-hutter with both hands.] Cake or bread-and-butter? Mowbray. Cake, please. [Puts out his hand to take a piece of cake.] Mrs. Gorringe. [Playfully snatching the cahe plate away and offering him only the hread-and-hutter.] No, you must have bread-and-butter. Good little boys al- ways begin their tea with a piece of bread-and- butter. Mowbray. [Taking hread-and-hutter.] I'm so hungry, I'll take what I can get. Mrs. Gorringe. [Relenting, offers him the cake and says in MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 27 baby language.'] Poo' ickle sing. Then it s'all have its cake. [Lays down the plates] . Now, Fm not going to let you talk any more nonsense. [Turns seriously to him.] Tell me all about your- self. Mowbray. All? Mrs. Gorringe. Yes. Begin at the beginning. Mowbray. Well — in the first place — I was born — shall we say — forty-two years ago ? Mrs. Gorringe. Oh. Just Mr. Gorringe's age. Go on. Mowbray. Do you want the poor but honest parents? Mrs. Gorringe. [Coquettishly.] Kow, you're making fun again. I shall get up and go out of the room if you aren't sensible. [Serionsly.] I want to hear about your travels and experiences. It seems to me as if your life must have been quite a panorama of romances and adventures. • Mowbray. I suppose I have knocked about a good bit. 28 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Mrs. Gorringe. I judged so from things Vyq heard you drop at meals. Mowbray. [Protesting humourously.'] I never drop things at meals. Mrs. Gorringe. [Playfully threatening to slap him.'] Oh, now, I mean remarks, silly. Mowbray. Oh. Mrs. Gorringe. [Resting her cheeh on her hand, and looldng at him with serious interest.] You know, I could picture you in a storm at sea — standing daunt- lessly on the poop — or single-handed cutting your way through an army of Dervishes with the col- ours, or rescuing a Spanish girl or — things of that sort. Mowbray. [Amused.] You'll make me feel quite a hero if you go on. Mrs. Gorringe. [Making eyes at him.] I think you are a hero. Mowbray. Oh, dear no. I\e always been a most ordinary MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 29 person. I went into the Army because my father did. I left because it cost too much. I went to South Africa because I couldn^t think of any- where else to go. I made a fortune because I had good luck. You can't make a hero out of that. Mrs. Gorringe. When the war broke out you offered to lay down your life for your country. Mowbray. Oh, well — you see I happened to be on the spot and I knew the country and that sort of thing, so I wrote to the War Office and asked them if they wanted me. Mrs. Gorringe. Yes. Well, now tell me about the women. Mowbray. [Surprised at her abrupt change.l What women ? Mrs. Gorringe. Which do you like the best — foreigners or us ? Mowbray. I like women individually — not geographically. Mrs. Gorringe. Of course, but I never can see how an English- 30 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE man could bring himself to fall in love with a brown woman. Mowbray. If we^re talking of love — \_Pauses.'\ Mrs. Gorringe. [Seizing her chance.'] Now I suppose you are going to tell me you are in love. Mowbray. [Seriously.'] Have you noticed it? Mrs. Gorringe. [Archly.] With someone you met in this house, no doubt. Mowbray. You have noticed it. Mrs. Gorringe. [Smiling coyly.] Wretch. Mowbray. Has she? Mrs. Gorringe. Don't be absurd. Mowbray. Do tell me. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 31 Mrs. Gorringe. I shan't. [Enter Colonel and Mrs. Jardine. Mrs. Gorringe is visibly annoyed with this inter' ruption and says under her breath.l Bother ! Mrs. Jardine. Still here, Mrs. Gorringe? We are going to take a turn in the garden before we dress for dinner. Mrs. Gorringe. That will be nice. [Rises and goes to Mrs. Jardine.] Captain Mowbray has been telling me such interesting stories — all about his life in South Africa. Mowbray. Mrs. Gorringe was trying to make me out a hero, so I had to confess I'm really only an adventurer. Colonel Jardine. [Laughing.] Come, come, come! That's a pretty name to call yourself. [Colonel Jardine and Captain Mowbray converse together. Mrs. Jardine. [Glances at Captain Mowbray, then drops her voice to speah to Mrs. Gorringe.] Did he say anything about his passion? Mrs. Gorringe. [Coyly.] How did you guess? 32 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Mrs. Jardine. From the way he looked at her when she went out. Mrs. Gorringe. [Puzzled.] Who? Mrs. Jardine. Surely you noticed. He^s over head and ears in love with Isabel. Mrs. Gorringe. Oh, indeed. If you think that I^m afraid you'll find yourself very much mistaken. [Mrs. Gorringe goes out. Mowbray. [Calling off from the open window.] David! We're in here! [David Cairn enters. He is a handsome young officer ah out twenty-seven. His demeanour is depressed, though he tries to conceal this under an off-hand man- ner. Colonel Jardine. [Fussily.] 0, David, why didn't you turn up for polo? David. I missed my train. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 33 Colonel Jabdine. You ought to have wired. David. Yes. I didn't think of it. And I knew — [indicating Mowhray} Frank would play if I didn't turn up. Colonel Jardine. That doesn't excuse you. Mowbray. [Good-naturedly.'] Let him off this time, Colonel. I suppose he has a lot of things to attend to before he sails. David. Yes, and we never know what day we may get our marching orders. Colonel Jardine. I know. I know. But when you went to London yesterday you said you'd come back to- day by the two o'clock train. David. I told you I missed it. Colonel Jardine. Have you just come now by the five o'clock? 34 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE David. Yes. Mrs. Jardine. I really don't think it's of so much importance how many trains he missed. Colonel Jardine. But still he ought to have wired. It doesn't take long to write a telegram — if you don't have a lot of women buzzing round you. [Colonel and Mrs. Jardine go out into the garden. David sits at the tea-table and helps himself to tea during the fol- lowing scene. David. I say, who was that girl watching the polo with Isabel and Vicky? Mowbray. A Miss Potts. Why? David. Oh. I thought it looked like someone else. Mowbray. [Puzzled.'] Looked? How did you see her? I thought you'd only just come from the station. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 35 David. [Confused.'] Yes, but I saw them for a min- ute — from a distance — on my way up. Mowbray. I don^t see how you could possibly have seen them from anywhere between the station and the house. You can only just see the polo ground from the upstairs windows. David. I was in my room for a minute — just now. That^s how I saw them. Mowbray. But we'd finished playing more than half an hour before your train came in. You said you'd come by the five o'clock. David. Yes, but — I made a mistake. Mowbray. I do wish you'd learn to be straightforward. [He emphasizes this remark hy clapping David on the shoulder. David, in his nervousness, lifting his cup to his lips, spills some tea on his hnee. 36 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE David. Damn it, IVe spilt my tea — I haven't a hand- kerchief. [Feels for a handkerchief, and finds he hasnt one. Mowbray hands him his, David scrubs his knee with it as Mow- BEAY speaks, Mowbray. You never seem to think it matters if you fib or not, if it saves you the trouble of a little expla- nation. Keally, old man, it won't do. There, I'm not going to preach to you again. [Charles, the footman, enters to clear away the tea things, Mowbray lights a cigarette, David. [To Charles] All right, I've finished. [Look- ing at the handkerchief as he goes towards Mow- bray.] I've made rather a mess of it. I'll put it in my wash. [Puts handkerchief in his pocket. He has no ulterior motive in doing this. Charles goes out, having cleared away the tea things,^ Mowbray. David, I need a confidant. David. Well. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 37 Mowbray. Now look interested. David. I am — awfully interested. Mowbray. You see, I've finished fighting and knocking about, and I've made my pile, and I think it's getting about time I settled down. David. Mowbray. David. And married? Bright boy. Who? Mowbray. You're not as bright as Mrs. Gorringe. She said she'd noticed it at once. And I thought I'd displayed such wonderful reserve. We always do, you know. David. I've noticed that you seem rather fond of being with — a certain person. Mowbray. A certain Miss — ? David. Isabel. 38 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Mowbray. [Smiling.] Isabel! I wonder how soon / shall call her Isabel. I really think she rather likes me, don't yon? David. I know she likes you very much, but I don't know that it's anything more. Mowbray. Well, my dear fellow, I don't see how you should know. It's what Fve got to find out. David. I wouldn't say anything yet. Mowbray. [A little surprised and amused.'] Why not? David. Because — I wouldn't. Mowbray. But I feel in great form for saying something now, — since Mrs. Gorringe made me out such a hero. And if you've noticed, and Mrs. Gor- ringe has noticed, she must have noticed herself. [Sees Isabel from the window.] By jove, there she is! MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 39 David. [Uneasily.] But, Frank, I really don't think this is a good moment. Mowbray. Eubbish, David; it's an ideal moment. Get- ting dusk; everybody out of the way till dinner — except you, — can't you get out of the way till dinner-time? [Isabel enters. Isabel. David! Do you mind ordering the cart to meet the seven twenty-five? The new groom is so stupid, he never gets a message right, or I wouldn't ask you to do it. David. That's all right. [He hesitates.'} Isabel. Now, please, or he'll have gone home. [David looks at Mowbray^ then at Isabel, and goes out rather reluctantly. Isabel watches him till he is out of sight. Isabel. Is anything the matter with David? Mowbray. Not that I know of. 40 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Isabel. I want to talk to you about him. [Sits on the sofa. Mowbray. I want to talk to you about myself. [Sits near her.l Isabel. Afterwards. [Throughout the following scene her manner is nothing more than friendly. She does 7iot think Mowbray is in love with her. His tenderness and earnestness do not make the impression on her that they might at another time, as she is now absorbed in thoughts of David.] I shouldn't say what Fm going to, only I trust you more than any man I know. Mowbray. You've made me feel prouder than I ever felt before. Isabel. I'm glad you're so fond of — David. [He be- trays disappointment tvhen she names David.] I've often wondered why it is. You are so dif- ferent. Mowbray. Are we? Isabel. Oh, yes — in everything. The way you play polo, for instance. You are so terribly in earnest. MRS. GORRmGE'S NECKLACE 41 I was watching you this afternoon. Your whole life seemed to depend on winning the game. And when David plays, I can't help seeing that he always knows what a good picture he makes. [Mowbray laughs. Smiles at him.'] He does look very nice, doesn't he? MOAVBRAY. I rather like his little vanities. He wouldn't be so — so David without them. Isabel. He is forgiven many things just because he is David. Mowbray. A charming personality covers a multitude of sins. Isabel. Everyone likes David,# but — What do you think of him? Mowbray. I never think what I think of people I like. Isabel. Do you think I oughtn't to have asked you? Mowbray. Oh, no. Because I know you like him too. 42 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Isabel. Yes. But a girl can know so very little about a man's real life. You see David as one man of the world sees another; that's why I ask you what you think of him. Mowbray. When I first met David — I thought him a charming fellow with a weak character. Now — several years later — I think precisely the same thing. Isabel. Yes. I know, he isn't bad — but, oh, so weak. Mowbray. But not so young. Isabel. No. • Mowbray. And if a man doesn't check the weaknesses that are part of his youth, they become part of his character. Isabel. I'm afraid that's true. Mowbray. He is one of those people who are so absorbed in the present that they learn nothing from the past and prepare nothing for the future. Of MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 43 course, he is always resolving to spend his time more profitably, — but somehow he never does, — and he mistakes these good resolutions for practical virtues. Whenever he yields to tempta- tion he promptly suffers remorse. He considers remorse is a virtue and sufficient penalty for his sin. Then instead of principles he has a few nice, gentlemanly instincts — and these I think constitute his whole chance of scraping through life respectably. He has no conception that char- acters are built and don't grow. It's pitiful, isn't it ? I know so many men like him — wasters and drifters — and the very best company in the world. Isabel. They need someone strong to guide them. MOWBEAY. Unless it's in the wrong direction — and then, — anyone will do. Isabel. I had to ask you, I must know. And there is no one else in the world I can ask. [Pauses before she says, simply.'] We have been engaged for three years. Mowbray. [Concealing his disappointment with diffi- culty.'] Oh, I didn't know. I shouldn't hav€ said that if I'd known. 44 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Isabel. I'm grateful to you. You have only put into words what I couldn't help feeling was true. I think if we could be married soon I might help him to be the man I used to hope he would be of himself. But I don't see how we can be. David has nothing but his pay. I have a home here, but that's all. Mother and I lived almost on charity after my father died, till mother mar- ried Colonel Jardine — so I have no money of my own. That's why we have had to keep our engagement secret. When David asked to be engaged to me three years ago, they wouldn't hear of it. They think it is all over between us now. But it's far from all over. M0V7BRAY. Do you still love him? Isabel. [Earnestly.'] Yes, yes. I do love him. But love like mine is such tyranny that sometimes I have almost prayed to escape from it. Mowbray. [Tenderly.'] Poor child. I know you are brave and self-reliant. [Trying to force a lighter tone through his emotion.] You are the general of this household. Anyone can see that. [His emotion getting the better of him.] But it is MRS, GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 45 hard to always have to brace yourself to be a prop to the weak. I know you must often grow weary, and long to lean on someone strong. Isabel. [Half-sohhing.'] Don't — don't say that. [Trying to smile through her tears.l I have to go on — being the prop. Mowbray. If we could bear one another's burdens, but we can't carry them far. We all live our inmost lives alone. [Enter David.] Ah, David, — fin- ished your stroll? I'll go and take mine. [Captain Mowbray goes out. David. [With a genuinely generous impulse.'] Isabel. I'll go away. I'll set you free if you like. Isabel. [Taken aback.'] David. David. Am I standing between you and him? Isabel. How can you say that ? Captain Mowbray and I have never been anything more than friends. 46 MRS, GORRINGE'S NECKLACE David. I thought — [Takes her hy the arm and turns her towards him, looking in her face.] What has he been saying to you? Isabel. [Simply.} We were talking of you. I told him of our engagement. David. I thought you were beginning to care for him more than you used, and — [Hesitates, drops his hold of her and turns away.] Fm so unhappy. [He sits down and buries his face in his hands. She stands looking at him with mournful resig- nation, waiting for him to continue.] You don't know what I've been through this last week. I felt as if I should go mad, I was so angry and jealous — seeing how you seemed to care for him, and how he cared for you and knowing how un- worthy I am. I thought you were slipping away from me. The other day I thought I'd make one last effort to keep you — so I went and got that. [He takes a marriage license from his pocket and shows it to her. She perukes it before she speaks.] Isabel. You went to the Eegistry Office and got a license ? David. I realised what a mad thing it was to do as MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 47 soon as I saw you. You were talking to him. I daren^t show it to you, so I went away. That was yesterday. When I left here I fully deter- mined never to come back. I made up my mind to write and tell you you were free and that I'd gone away for ever. Isabel. [Calmly; returning the license to him,^ Why did you come back ? David. When I got to London I took all my money out of the Bank. You know it isn't much, but I thought it would be enough to get me abroad somewhere. I wanted to get out of it all. I was desperate; then, all at once, I thought I'd give my luck one last chance. I went to a place I know and gambled. I thought perhaps I'd win — win a lot, so that I could come back and ask you to marry me at once. [Despondently.'] Of course I lost everything. [Bitterly.'] That's why I came back. Isabel. 0, David — and you promised me you wouldn't gamble again. • David. Do you want me to set you free? I will, if you want. 48 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Isabel. Vwe been thinking it might be wiser. [He turns away.] Suppose we do set each other free. What will become of you? David. It wouldn^t matter much what became of me then. Isabel. It would matter a great deal to me. 0, David, I've been very loyal to you these three years, but when you disappoint me so and break your prom- ises — you make it very hard for me. You seem to have no ambition and no sense of responsibil- ity. You show so little moral force in every way that I really can't see what makes you stop short of crime. David. I've tried to keep straight for your sake. Isabel. But I want you to do right because it is right. David. That's the way Frank talks to me. He's strong — so are you. You both have a lot of what you call moral force. That's why you can't under- stand us who have hardly any. Frank was born to rise. He can do it alone. But I'm what the woman I love makes me. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 49 Isabel. You make me so afraid. David. I suppose I'm not worth saving. It's wasting your good life to try and make something of mine. You'd better give me up. Isabel. How can I ? Suppose you loved a bad woman ? David. Well? , Isabel. How could I bear to see you dragged down by a bad woman, knowing that I might have saved you? [Goes to him with sudden impulse, kneels beside him and puts her arms about hi7n.'\ David ! David! You must try — try hard — for my sake. David. [Holds her in his arms, spealcs brokenly.'] Don't let me go. It's only you can save me. I'll try to be different. I can't do it alone. But I'll try to be what you want me to be ; I'll begin again — where we began three years ago. You trusted me then. I'll try to make you proud of me again. Isabel. [Half -crying, as she leans against him.l I was 50 MRS. GOBRINGE'S NECKLACE SO proud of you then. You will try, dear — won't you? Oh, you will try. [He takes her in his arms and kisses her. Then she rises, still hold- ing his hand.] It will be hard work, David. We shall need all our courage. [Vicky enters with an open telegram in her hand. Vicky. Isabel. [Isabel goes towards her. David re- mains seated and doesnt hear what they say.] Here is a telegram from the detective. He'll be here on the seven twenty-five. Isabel. [Reading the telegram.] Oh, then I'll go down and meet him. I can tell him all about it on the way up. Vicky. Well, you'd better hurry up or you'll be late for dinner. Mother and Mrs. Gorringe have gone up to dress already. [Vicky goes out. Isabel. David. [David looks towards her.] I have to go and meet the seven twenty-five. Will you drive me to the station? David. {Smiles.] Yes. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 51 Isabel. Wait here while I put my things on. [Isabel goes out. It is now dusk. David takes the diamond necklace from an inner pocket and looks at it, his face expressing mental agony. He closes his hand over it. David. [Praying earnestly.'} Lord, I repent. Help me to restore it. Help me, dear Lord. Don^t bring disgrace upon me now. Isabel. [Calls without.} David ! [Re starts violently, taking his handkerchief from his pocket, and wrapping it round the necklace.} David! [He looks about distracted, rising with his hand rest- ing on the pedestal for support as Isabel enters. She wears her hat and jacket and turns on the electric light as she enters.} I'm ready. [He hesitates, his hand still resting on the pedestal, which is hidden from her by his body.} Aren't you coming? [He still hesitates. She betrays a little disappointment as she says} I thought you'd like to come with me. David. [He drops the handkerchief and the necTclace m the bowl, then goes to her.} Yes. 52 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Isabel. [Affectionately,'] Let it be like the old times, David. Shall it? David. [With a breaking voice.'] Yes, dear. It shall be, — like the old times. [They go out together. CURTAIN. THE SECOND ACT SCENE : — The same as Act I. It is the even- ing of the same day. Enter Isabel, David Cairn^ and Jernigan, a detective in plain clothes. He is a tall, grave man, approaching middle-age. His manner is always formal and professional. He is never amused by anything the other characters do or say. Isabel and David are dressed as at end of Act I. All the charac- ters who enter later wear dinner dress. Isabel. [Entering.'] I suppose they are at dinner. [To Jernigan".] Colonel Jardine will see you here when he has finished. Have you dined yourself ? Jernigan. Yes, thank you. Isabel. You might like to go to your room now. [She rings the hell beside the fireplace, then comes to Jernigan", speaMng so that David, who is '' standing at a little distance, does not hear her.] 53 54 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Of course, none of the servants know that you are a detective. I thought it better not to tell them. Jernigan. Certainly. [Charles, the footman, enters. Isabel. Show Mr. Jernigan his room, and see that he has everything he wants. Charles. Yes, Miss. [Holds the door open for Jerni- gan.] [Jernigan goes out. Isabel. Charles. Are they still at dinner? Charles. TheyVe almost done, Miss. Isabel. Mr. Cairn and I will dine when they have fin- ished. Charles. Yes, Miss. [Charles goes out and closes the door after him. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 55 David. [Glances at the howl and says to himself.'] Now. If I could get it back while they are all at dinner! Isabel. What are yon saying, David? David. [Turns to her.~\ Nothing. Isabel. [Comes to him.] Don't be too down-hearted, dear. I feel sure you are going to conquer, and I'm going to help you. And it isn't as if you'd done something really bad. Now, I'd better go and dress f o^r dinner — so had you. David. Yes, I'll go directly. I shan't take as long as you. [Mrs. Jardine enters. Mrs. Jardine. What's made you so late, Isabel? WeVe fin- ished dinner. Isabel. The train was late. Mrs. Jardine. I wonder they don't make the railway guides 56 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE an hour later, then one would know what^ time to expect the trains. Did you bring the detective ? [David is startled at the mention of a detective, hut conceals his dismay from the others, Isabel. [To David.] I didn't tell you Mr. Jernigan was a detective. David. What do you want a detective for? Isabel. Mrs. Gorringe has missed her diamond neck- lace, and we think it may have been stolen. David. Oh, I hope she'll find it. [Colonel Jardine enters. Colonel Jardine. Oh, my dear Isabel, we've finished dinner, and you've not changed. Isabel. I shan't be long. [Isabel goes out Colonel Jardine. Are you going to sit here, Emily? MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 57 Mrs. Jardine. [Who has taken a magazine from the table and seated herself in an armchair,] You can't expect me to sit in the drawing-room and watch Mrs. Gorringe making sheep's eyes at Captain Mow- bray. I can't say I enjoyed my dinner. The fish was burnt, and I never did care for meringues. And the way that woman cackled about her diamond necklace was enough to — Well, I'm sick of the whole thing before we've even begun to look for it. [Peruses her magazine. David goes out. Colonel Jardine paces moodily up and down with his hands in his pockets. Mrs. Jardine casts impatient glances at him. He does not notice her. She endures a few moments before she speaks.] I have quite enough to bear, without seeing you sulk. Colonel Jardine. I'm not sulking. Mrs. Jardine. You are. You haven't said a word since the roast left the table. You know how you annoy me when you sulk. [She perukes her magazine a moment, then glances at him impatiently as before.] I wish you'd stop waddling about like that. Can't you see I'm on the verge of hysteria ? [Jernigan" enters. He pauses on the threshold, Mrs. Jardine stares at him.] Who's this? 58 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE [Colonel Jardine goes to meet Jernigan. His manner is more restrained before Jernigan than when he is alone with his family. Mrs. Jardine, too wrought up to heed the conventions, puts no con- straint upon herself. Jernigan. The servant said you would like to see me. Colonel Jardine. Ah, yes. How d'you do? [Going to Mrs. Jardine.] Emily, this is Mr. Jernigan, the detective. Mrs. Jardine. [Aside to her husband.] Ought I to shake hands ? Colonel Jardine. [Aside to her.] No. [Turns to Jernigan.] My wife, Mr. Jernigan. [Mrs. Jardine and Jernigan bow stiffly to each other.] Now, I suppose you want to ask me a lot of questions. [Sits on sofa, signing to Jernigan to be seated.] Well — fire away. Jernigan. [Remains standing.] Do you suspect any par- ticular person of having taken this necklace ? Colonel Jardine. No. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 59 Mrs. Jardine. We suppose if s one of the servants. Colonel Jardine. My dear — we don't know. Mrs. Jardine. Who else would steal it? Colonel Jardine. My dear — Mrs. Jardine. [To her husband.'} Allow me to speak, please. [To Jernigan.] I strongly suspect one of the housemaids, called Pipkin. Jernigan. May I ask why you suspect Pipkin? Mrs. Jardine. There's something I don't like about her eyes. I didn't like them from the first, and I'm never mistaken in eyes. Then, she's always looking out of the windows, and— ^ oh, several things. Jernigan". I see. [Taking out a note-hook.'] I suppose you keep a large staff of servants? 60 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Mrs. Jardine. [Smiling conceitedly.'] Oh, very large. I be- lieve I have more servants than anyone in this neighbourhood. Jernigan. Were they all in the house when the robbery was discovered? Colonel Jardine. No. Some of them were watching the polo. Mrs. Jardine. I'll ring and find out which of them were in. [Rings the hell hy the fireplace.] Jernigan. [To Colonel Jardine.] You have several guests staying here, I think ? Colonel Jardine. Three. Jernigan. All of them people you know well, and trust? Colonel Jardine. Oh, certainly. Mrs. Jardine. I wouldn't be too sure. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 61 Colonel Jardine. [Remonstrating.'] My dear. Mrs. Jardine. You'll never get at it if you are so afraid to suspect anyone. I am trying to help Mr. Jerni- gan with a few suggestions. [Sits down again in Tier armchair.'] [Charles enters. Colonel Jardine. Oh, Charles, I want you to tell me which of the servants went to watch the polo this after- noon? Charles. All of us, sir. Mrs. Jardine. Do you mean to say I was left asleep in an empty house? Charles. Oh, no, ma'am, I was forgetting. One of the maids stayed in. Colonel Jardine. Which one? Charles. Pipkin. 62 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Mrs. Jardine. [Springing up excitedly.] There! I said all along it was Pipkin. [To Jernigan.] YouM better go straight to the kitchen and arrest her. Have you got the handcuffs? Jernigan. [Quietly and politely.^ One moment, please. [To Charles.] You are quite sure that no one else was in the house this afternoon^ besides the housemaid Pipkin ? Charles. Only the mistress, sir. Jernigan. [To Mrs. Jardine.] Oh, were yow at home? Mrs. Jardine. [Reluctantly.'] Yes. [She glances uneasily at the other three.] I hope you don't suggest that I stole it. Colonel Jardine. [Going towards her, to restrain her.] My dear Emily. Mrs. Jardine. This is a pretty pass you've brought things to, bringing your detectives into the house, and turning the library into a police court. I sup- MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 63 pose you know I^m as good as committed to appear at the next Petty Sessions. Jernigan. When was the necklace last seen? Mrs. Jardine. [Crossly.^ I don't know. Colonel Jardine. [To Charles.] Ask Mrs. Gorringe to come here. [Charles goes out. Colonel Jardine turns to Jernigan.] Shell be able to tell us that. Mrs. Jardine. [To Jernigan.] You see, Mr. Jernigan, if Mrs. Gorringe had locked up her jewels properly, as she ought to have done, all this would never have happened, and we might now be playing bridge as usual. Jernigan. Yes. [Mrs. Gorringe enters, followed by Vicky, who sits in the window, Mrs. Gorringe comes forward, smiling, and evidently pleased with the importance of her situation. Colonel Jardine. Mrs. Gorringe, this is Mr. Jernigan, the de- 64 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE tective. [Mrs. Gorringe hows to Jernigan.] Now, he's going to put some questions to you, and you must be very exact in your replies. Think you're in court, you know. Mrs. Gorringe. I understand. [Takes up a conspiciwits position: very self-conscioiLS from being the centre of interest. Jernigan. I didn't quite catch the name. Mrs. Gorringe. [Pronouncing very distinctly,"] Gorringe. Jernigan. Mrs, Gorringe. Mrs. Gorringe. Yes, I married Mr. Gorringe in the year ninety-five. Before that I was a Miss Eose Pilkington of Ipswich. Is it necessary to give the age? Jernigan, Oh, no, thank you. Mrs. Gorringe. Thank you. I have had three children — MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 65 Jernigan. [Interrupting her.] Yes, but it's not neces- sary to give these details now. Mrs. Gorringe. Oh, I see. Jernigan. You've lost a diamond necklace? Mrs. Gorringe. Yes. It had a pearl clasp. Mrs. Jardine. [Impatiently.'] Oh ! Jernigan. When did you last see it? Mrs. Gorringe. Last night, when I went to bed. Jernigan. Did you wear it last evening? Mrs. Gorringe. No, I wore turquoise. Jernigan. But you remember seeing the necklace when you went to bed? 66 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Mrs. Goeringe. Yes, I had it on. Jernigan. When you went to bed? Mrs. Gorringe. No, before. Jernigan. You had it on after you went to your room, and before you went to bed? Mrs. Gorringe. Yes. Jernigan. Was anyone else in your room? Mrs. Gorringe. Oh, no. I was quite alone. Mr. Gorringe is at home in Croydon. Jernigan. Were you wearing any other jewelry at the time? Mrs. Gorringe. [Reluctantly.'] Yes. Jernigan. I should like to know exactly what other jewelry you had on then. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 67 Mrs. Gorringe. Some bracelets and rings and pins, three neck- laces, and some hair ornaments. Jernigan. Had you these ornaments on separately or at one time? [Mrs. Gorringe hesitates, glances uneas- ily at Mrs. Jardine, who is staring at her mercilessly. Mrs. Gorringe. I prefer not to answer that question. Jernigan. I am trying to find out if it is not possible that someone saw you last night with your neck- lace on. Mrs. Gorringe. [Frightened.'] Oh, no, I^m sure no one saw me. Jernigan. As you have not lost any of the other orna- ments, I want to know if you had them on sep- arately or at one time. Mrs. Gorringe. [Reluctantly, after loohing aslcance at Mrs. Jardine.] I had them all on together. I 68 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE [Mrs. Jardine looks at her husband. VigKY puts her hand over her face. Jeenigan is unmoved. Nobody laughs. Jernigan. Had you any particular reason for wearing them then? Mrs. Gorringe. Yes. Jernigan. What? Mrs. Gorringe. I wanted to see how I should look as an Orien- tal. Jernigan. Ah, I understand. Then you don't remember this diamond necklace more particularly than the other jewelry? Mrs. Gorringe. Yes, I do. Because when I took it off I exam- ined it to see if the drops were quite firm. I ought to tell you first that it has ^Ye drops in front which come off and make into a tiara — Jernigan. [Trying to restrain her."] Yes, yes. And now how did you come to discover the diamonds were missing ? MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 69 Mrs. Gorringe. Well, I went up to my room when I came in from the polo match, and suppose the dressing- table to be there — [points to Vicky] where Miss Jardine is. And the door where this one is. [Points to the door.'] I came, in at the door something like this — [Goes to the door, opens it, goes just outside and comes in again.] I closed the door. [Closes the door, and goes to- wards Vicky as she says.] Then I crossed over to the dressing-table in. quite an ordinary manner, just as I am doing now. [When she has nearly arrived at Vicky she stops suddenly.] Oh, no. I've made a mistake. The dressing-table, of course, would be there. [Points towards Mrs. Jardine.] I was thinking of the one at home. [8he pauses a moment undecided, then says:] I must come in again. [She then runs to the door, opens it, goes just outside, closes it, opens it again and puts her head just inside to say,] Now you are to suppose I didn't come in before. [Takes her head hack, and closes the door.] Mrs. Jardine. [Scarcely ahle to restrain her impatience.] I shall scream in a minute. [Vicky begins to shake with laughter, putting her handkerchief over her mouth. The others watch Mrs. Gor- RiNGE gravely. Mrs. Gorkinge enters and closes the door. 70 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Mrs. Gorringe. I crossed over to the dressing-table — which, of course, is here now. [Points to a spot near Mrs. Jardine^ walks towards it, and stands still.'] I opened my jewel-case. I don't know what made me do that then. I suppose I must have had a presentiment. Oh, no. It was to get these rings. [Bends up her hand to shew her rings.~\ I thought it looked different somehow, and what was it I said to myself? [Frowns as she thinks a moment.] Oh, yes. I remember saying to myself, '' Well, that's funny ! " Then all at once it came across me like a flash of lightning and I clasped my hands and exclaimed: [Clasps her hands dramatically.] " Great heavens, my dia- mond necklace has gone ! " [Drops her dramatic pose and tone.] Just like that. Jernigan. [Gravely.] I see. [Vicky, screaming ivith laughter, and *• holding her handkerchief over her mouth in a vain attempt to smother the sound, rushes out. Shrieks of hysterical laugh- ter are heard from without. Mrs. Gor- RiiSTGE is very much hurt and annoyed. Colonel Jardine. Vicky, hush, hush. [Shuts the door after Vicky, then goes to Mrs. Jardine, 05 he says.] My dear, that child is becoming intolerable. MBS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE . 71 Mrs. Gorringe. [Almost crying with indignation, drawing Jernigan towards the sofa.] Mr. Jernigan, I want to speak to you privately a moment. [They sit down.] Now, — I want the house thoroughly searched for my necklace. Jernigan. Certainly. Mrs. Gorringe. I want everything done. [Looks towards Col- onel and Mrs. Jardine to see if they are listen- ing, then moves nearer to Jernigan.] I never saw such indifference as they all show about my loss. This afternoon I could scarcely get them to send for you. They just dawdled over their tea — and Mrs. Jardine didn't want me to say anything at all about it. The way she went on you'd think my diamonds were only paste. Jernigan". I will do everything in my power to recover your jewels. Mrs. Gorringe. Thank you. It's a most valuable necklace. A lapidary once told me that the middle pendant — I think I told you there were five drops in front — is as large as a roc's 72 . MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Jernigan. A roc's egg? Mrs. Gorringe. Was it a roc or a pigeon? I forget, but it was some sort of egg. Jernigak. Will you take me to your room? Mrs. Gorringe. [Misunderstanding him, rises indignantly.'] Certainly not. I couldn't think of such a thing. Jernigan. If you want me to trace your necklace, I must visit your room first. Mrs. Gorringe. [Seeing her mistake, smiles confusedly.] Oh, I see. -Excuse me. [Addresses Colonel and Mrs. Jardine.] Mr. Jernigan and I are going upstairs to my room for a few minutes. [They stare hlanhly at her. She explains hastily.] Anyone can come with us. Come, Mr. Jernigan. This way, Mr. Jernigan. [Mrs. Gorringe goes out, followed hy Jernigan. As soon as the door is closed after them, Mrs. Jardine rises and walks about, giving vent to her sup- pressed irritation. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 73 Mrs. Jardine. How I'm to bear the rest of Mrs. Gorringe's visit I don't see. She's only been here three days, and she came for a week, and she's just one of those women who if she came for a week would stay for a week, — whatever happened. I sup- pose she'll never see what inconvenience she's put us all to by having her necklace stolen. Every- one in the house suspected, — especially me, it seems. • Colonel Jardine. That's nonsense, Emily. Mrs. Jardine. I never liked Mrs. Gorringe. I don't see how I ever came to invite her here — [Colonel Jardine mahes a movement of irritation.'] You needn't do that. Colonel Jardine. Do what? [She imitates the movement of irritation he has just made. Mrs. Jardine. Why, that ! I suppose there'll be no bridge this evening. Colonel Jardine. Why not? 74 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Mrs. Jardine. Well, who^s to play? You know we can't make a four without Mrs. Gorringe, — not that she's such a good player. Colonel Jardine. We can get someone else. Mrs. Jardine. And how do you expect me to keep my mind on the game with the house in such a state of uproar? I never can settle properly for the night if I don't have a game of cards. [Takes her patience-hoard and cards from a table near the window and brings them to the writing-table.] I suppose I must content myself with patience. [Sits at the writing-table, opens her patience- hoard, and lays out her cards. Mowbray enters.] Mowbray. I didn't know Mrs. Gorringe was expecting her husband. Colonel Jardine. She isn't that I know of. Mowbray. Oh, I thought that must be Mr. Gorringe who went into her room with her. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 75 Mrs. Jaedine. I suppose she won^t be satisfied till she makes a scandal in the house. [Vicky enters, mimicking Mrs. Gorringe as she moves about. Vicky. I came in at the door something like this. I closed the door. I crossed over to my dressing- table in quite an ordinary way, just like this, to get some rings. Then I said to myself, ^^ Great heavens, my diamond necklace has gone ! " Just like that. [The others watch her, amused, then Mrs. Jardine laughs heartily. She becomes quite amiable in seeing Mrs. Gorringe derided. Mrs. Jardine. Excellent, excellent ! Mrs. Gorringe to the life ! Mowbray. What's that? Vicky. [Becoming suddenly serious. 1 Oh, you don't know. Mrs. Jardin"e. You may as well. [Addressing Mowbray.] Mrs. Gorringe has lost a diamond necklace. 76 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Mowbray. Not the one with the pearl clasp and five drops in front? Mrs. Jardine. [Laughing.} Yes — [Serioiisly.] Really, some women are peculiar. Mowbray. Now I see why she talked about it all through dinner and asked me to repeat the story I told you about the fellow who stole a bracelet. Mrs. Jardine. And that was a detective. Mowbray. Oh, not the father of her three children? [Mrs. Gorringe enters. Mrs. Jardine betrays her irritation as soon as Mrs. Gorringe speaks and begins packing up her patience-hoard. Mrs. Gorringe. [To Colonel Jardine.] He^s going to ques- tion the servants now. And he wants to know if you'll go. Colonel Jardine. Yes, yes, certainly. [Colonel Jardine hustles out. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 77 Mrs. Gorringe. [Looking archly at Captain Mowbray.] Have you been wondering where I'd run away to for so long? Mowbray. I am always wondering about you. Mrs. Jardine. Vicky! [Vicky comes to her, Mrs. Jardine gives her her patience-hoard, and cards.} Carry that into the drawing-room for me. I feel as if I couldn't sit in the same room with that woman. [Mrs. Jardine goes out. Vicky follows her, carrying the patience-hoard. Mowbray. I'm sure I hope you'll soon find your necklace. Mrs. Gorringe. [Sighing.^ Thank you, I hope so. [Archly.l And until I do I shall expect my friends to do all they can to console me. [Sits on the sofa.} Now, amuse me. Mowbray. Shall I sing or recite? Mrs. Gorringe. What a tease you are. We were having a de- lightful talk about something at tea this after- 78 MRS, GORRINGE'S NECKLACE noon, when the others came in and interrupted us. [Pretending to forget.'] What were we talking about? Mowbray. Polo? Mrs. Gorringe. [Still as if trying to remember,'] I don't think it was polo. Mowbray. Heroes ? Mrs. Gorringe. [Annoyed at his ohtuseness.] Oh, no — something interesting. Mowbray. Love? Mrs. Gorringe. [Archly.] For shame. [Sits with her bach to him, playfully severe.] I won't speak to you if you're going to be naughty. Mowbray. I remember. You said you noticed — Mrs. Gorringe. [Turning to him, playfully indignant.] I'm sure I never said anything so forward. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 79 Mowbray. That I was in love with some one I met in this house. Mrs. Gorringe. [Coyly dropping her eyes.] You're incorrigi- ble. Mowbray. It's all off now. I've withdrawn. Mrs. Gorringe. [Showing the disappointment she feels in this sudden end to her flirtation.~\ Oh ! [As he wan- ders away — she looks after him, then says archly,'] I think I shall have to call you Captain Faint Heart. Mowbray. [Turning to her.] But if I can't honourably make love to the lady. Mrs. Gorringe. [Cooingly.l Isn't all fair in love? Mowbray. It's love itself that's so unfair. It's a field in which merit doesn't count. Incompetence as often wins. The ckampions must have bright eyes, smooth cheeks, and charming ways. That's air they need. An old stager is too heavily handi- capped when he has to run against a youngster. 80 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Mrs. Gorringe. [Enjoying herself immensely again,'] So there's a youngster in love with your fair lady too! This is most interesting. [Laughs.'] Mowbray. [Grimly.] Quite laughable, isn't it? Mrs. Gorringe. Poor Captain Faint Heart. But I dare say the lady would listen to you before the young- ster. Mowbray. [8ays earnestly.] Oh, do you think so? Mrs. Gorringe. I didn't say she'd listen to either. [Mowbray moves away. Mrs. Gorringe looks after him in mild surprise.] I declare, I believe you're quite in earnest. Mowbray. [LooJcing at her.] In earnest? Did you sup- pose I was flirting? Mrs. Gorringe. [Smiling pensively.] I thought there might be just a soupgon of reality in it. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 81 Mowbray. [Sighing half -humorously.'} Just a soupgon — eh? Mrs. Gorringe. [Coming towards him.} How could I believe you meant more? [With a touch of reproach in her tone.} Did you think I should have let you go on if rd known your heart was involved? Mowbray. You knew all along it was hopeless? Mrs. Gorringe. [Sentimentally.'] Yes. It is hopeless. Fm not angry with you. Mowbray. [Puzzled.] Angry ? Mrs. GoRRiisTGE. Perhaps I'm even a little proud of my con- quest. Mowbray. Your conquest? Mrs. Gorringe. But I hope I shall never forget my duty to Mr. Gorringe and the children. [The shock of surprise is so great to Mow- 82 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE BRAY that he laughs. Mrs. Gorringe looks extremely hurt, and seeing she has made a mistake hurries towards the door, Mowbray. [Trying not to laugh.'] I beg your pardon, Mrs. Gorringe — but there must have been a mis- take. [Mrs. Gorringe does not quite go out of the door, hut stands with her hand on the handle, considering a moment. She then hreahs into forced laughter and comes towards Mowbray. Mrs. Gorringe. [Pretending to he in fits of laughter, which are ohviously forced.] So you thought — that I thought — you meant me. What a trick I played on you! It was too bad of me. But, oh, what fun it was! I took you in so beautifully. You ought to have seen your face. It was fun — such fun — oh, what fun ! [Finding her vocab- ulary exhausted, and as Mowbray doesn't help her, hut only watches her, she goes towards the door, still laughing. As she does so Mowbray turns away. She stops laughing suddenly when she reaches the door, smothers an angry exclama- tion and goes out in a huff. Mowbray. [Chuckling to himself.] Mr. Gorringe and the MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 83 children. What a morass that woman's mind must be. [David enters, dressed in his evening clothes. David. Where are the others? Mowbray. Hunting for Mrs. Gorringe's necklace with five pearl clasps and a drop in front. It's a great secret. Everybody's talking about it. David. Oh, I didn't hear them, but I've been dining alone with Isabel. Mowbray. [LooJcing earnestly at David.] David, be very good to that girl. David. I did offer to let her off. I told her if she thought she could be happier with you — Mowbray. What did she say? David. She said you'd never been any more than 84 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE friends. I don't think she ever thought of you any other way. Mowbray. [Slowly, with a sigh.'\ No, I don't think she ever did. She doesn't think every man is in love with her — like some people. She can be a friend. It's a wonderful thing in a woman. David. [Trouhled.li I know it's not right that a bungler like me should stand between you and Isabel. Mowbray. [Generously,'] You aren't to blame. Nobody is. It's just one of those damned things that can't be helped. And you must try not to be a bungler. And I must try what my philosophy is worth. David. You always had lots of philosophy, hadn't you ? Mowbray. Oh, lots — to give awa}^ It's so easy to be a philosopher in one's unimpassioned moments. [With conviction. 1 But I believe in my philoso- phy all the same, and when I've had time to re- member that I'm only one man in a big world, with no special license to have everything my own way, I shall find there are still a few things worth living for. But I must be alone. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 85 David. Shall I go? Mowbray. No, I didn't mean that. But I can't stay in this house now. It's an impossible situation — so I think I shall just pack my things and go up to London to-night. David. How are you going to explain it? Mowbray. [Meditating.] Yes — that's awkward. I don't want to explain it. I'll leave a note and say I was called away, and you can back me up in the morning. David. I'm awfully sorry. Mowbray. That's all right. And we're just as good pals as ever, aren't we, old boy? [Mowbray goes out. David stands still a few moments, expressing trouble and anxiety in his face. He glances at the howl. David. No one has guessed yet. Shall I never get a chance of taking it back? 86 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Isabel. [Heard outside.'] I suppose we can't do any- thing more to-night. [Enter Mrs. Jardine, Mrs. Gorringe and Isabel, now wearing an evening dress. Mrs. Jardine. I can't say I think much of your detective, Mrs. Gorringe, spending a whole evening ransack- ing the house and then finding nothing. Isabel. It may not be in the house. Mrs. Gorringe. [Mournfully.] No. Most likely at this very moment they're boiling it down in some thieves' kitchen. Oh, dear! [Nearly cries.] [Isabel comforts her. Mrs. Jardine. [Turns to Isabel.] I suppose you've heard the latest? Isabel. No — what ? Mrs. Jardine. They accuse me. Isabel. [Laughing incredulously.] Oh, mother! MRS, GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 87 Mrs. Jardine. You weren^t here when he cornered me in his nasty police court way and forced me to admit I was alone in the house with Pipkin. Isabel. What did he say? Mrs. Jardine. It wasn^t what he said. It was the look he gave me. You know I^m never mistaken in eyes. Isabel. We are all equally under suspicion; everyone who was in the house since Mrs. Gorringe saw her diamonds. Mrs. Jardine. [With scarcely veiled contem'pt.'] Yes — since you dressed up in all your jewels, Mrs. Gorringe — to see how you would look as an Oriental. [Pauses before she adds,] That only lets David off. [David starts slightly, unnoticed by the others.] It's a lucky thing for you, David, that you had to go away yesterday. You are the only person in the house who couldn't have stolen Mrs. Gorringe's necklace. [An expression of re- lief passes over David's face for a moment, then he looks gloomy again. Yicky enters.] 88 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Vicky. IWe come to say good-night. Good-night, Mrs. Gorringe. [Kisses her,'] Mrs. Gorringe. [Sadly.l Good-night, dear. Vicky. [Kissing her mother.'] Good-night, mother. Mrs. Jardine. I suppose it's nearly time for us all to retire; not that we shall sleep, but it's been such a dreadful day we may as well finish it as soon as possible. Mrs. Gorringe. I feel so timid about going to bed in that room. Isabel. David has the room next yours, and you can have a bell by your bed if you like. Mrs. Gorringe. But suppose the thief should enter in the dead of night and should seize my hand before I could grasp the bell, thinking to find rings upon it, or my throat before I could scream, thinking to find a necklace there. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 89 Isabel. Would you like to share my room? [David listens intently for the answer. Mrs. Gorringe. [Eagerly.'] Oh, thank you, yes. I'll go and take my things there. I think we'd better put what's left of my jewelry under our pillows. Isabel. Won't that be rather uncomfortable? Mrs. Gorringe. I'll give you the flat cases and take the lumpy ones myself. Good-night, Mr. David. [Goes to Mrs. Jardine^ offering to kiss her.] Good-night, Mrs. Jardine! Mrs. Jardine. [Embracing Mrs. Gorringe and hissing her affectionately on each cheek.] Good-night, dear Mrs. Gorringe. Sleep well. [Mrs. Gorringe goes out.] What a woman! [Mrs. Jardine and Vicky go out.] David. Isabel. [She comes to him.] I am going to try and be worthy of you. Isabel. You're beginning to be hopeful. 90 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE David. Yes. Isabel. You looked so depressed I was almost sorry for what I said. David. You did me a world of good. I think you saved me. [Colonel Jardine enters, drawing Mow- bray by the arm. Mowbray wears an overcoat and carries a suit-case in his hand. Jernigan follows them and stands near the door. Colonel Jardine. [In his most jovial manner, laughing and draw- ing Mowbray along.] What do you think I found this rascal doing? Sneaking out of the house to get the last train without saying a word to any of us. Mowbray. [Embarrassed.] I was called away. I left a note and asked David to explain. Isabel. [Seeing Mowbray is embarrassed, goes towards him to help him out.] Father, Captain Mowbray may be going on important business. Don't make him miss his train. MBS, GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 91 Jernigan. [Comes forward.'} Excuse me. [They all looJc towards Jernigan.] No one ought to leave the house to-night if it can possibly be avoided. [David turns away to conceal his alarm from the others. Mowbray. [Readily.'] Certainly. [Puts his suit-case on the floor.] Jernigait. [Naturally, — not at all suspicious of Mow- bray.] Just while this enquiry is going on. Mowbray. Yes, I see. I didn^t think of that. 1^11 stay. [Stoops to pick up his suit-case.] Colonel Jardine. Don't you bother about that, the servant will take it up. Mowbray. Thank you. Colonel Jardine. [To Jernigan.] Now, I'm thinking of going to bed. Do you want me for anything more to- night ? Jernigan. No, I can get on all right. I may look about 92 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE the house after you have retired, but I shan't dis- turb anyone. [Colonel Jardine and Mowbray and Jernigan go out Isabel. Now I must rush up and help Mrs. Gorringe to install herself in my room. She's, sure to bring about a dozen dressing-gowns and little jackets. You wait here and then I'll come back and say good-night to you properly. [Goes out quickly, smiling hack at David. David. [With decision.] Her room is empty and next to mine. I'll take it back now. [He crosses quickly to the howl, looks hastily towards the door, then dips his hand in the howl. Mowbray strolls in. He has taken off his overcoat. He pauses and looks at David. He shows plainly that his curiosity is aroused. He closes the door. Hearing the door close David takes his hand quickly from the howl, turns round and sees Mowbray. He is uncertain ivhether Mowbray has no- ticed anything or not. He comes to- wards him with an assumption of ease. David. Hullo, Frank. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 93 Mowbray. Hullo. David. It's awfully hard lines to have to stay when you're feeling so bad about it. Mowbray. [Searching the hoolc-shelves and the writing- table.] Yes, but it can't be helped. David. [After a slight pause.] Aren't you going up? Mowbray. Not yet. I shall stay here awhile. I was look- ing for something to read, but I can't find any- thing I want. [Sees his suit-case.] Oh. [Pulls it towards him and unstraps it as he spealcs.] I have a book here that I took to read in the train. [Opens the suit-case and takes out a hooTc, lets the lid of the case fall down without shutting it.] If they aren't coming back, we may as well make ourselves comfortable. [Puts his feet up on the sofa, facing David, opens the booh and h-eads. David loolcs at him undecidedly, then strolls towards the window. When his bach is turned, Mowbray glances up from his book and watches David. When David turns towards him he pretends to be absorbed in his booh.] 94 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE David. I say, Frank, Isabel asked me to wait for her here. Mowbray. [Without looking up.] Did she? David. She's coining back to say good-night to me. MOWBRAT. \_As before,'] Oh. David. We can't very well say good-night with you in the room. Mowbray. Then say it in another room. [Continues read- ing.'] David. Well, how long are you going to stay here? Mowbray. [Without looking up.] An hour or two. [David goes out into the garden reluctantly, look- ing hach at Mowbray from the window. Mow- bray appears to he absorbed in his booh. As soon as David is out of sight, Mowbray throws down MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 95 his hook, jumps up, goes quickly to the howl, dips his hand in, takes out the necklace wrapped in the handkerchief, unwraps the handkerchief and discovers the necklace.} Good God! [Isabel enters. Mowbray. Look here, I know I can trust you; I\e found the necklace. [She looks at the necklace with great sur- prise. Isabel. Where? Mowbray. In that howl. [Indicates the howl.l Take it back to her room — and say — [Jernigan enters. Jeristigan". I beg your pardon. I have just come in to make a thorough search here — [Points to the necklace in Isabel^s hands.} May I see what you have there? Isabel. The necklace. Captain Mowbray has just found it in that bowl. [Isabel looks at Mowbray. He nods. She gives the necklace to Jernigan". 96 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Jernigan. 1^11 take charge of it. Isabel. I'll go and tell her it's found. IGoing towards the door.'] Mowbray. [Going towards the garden entrance.] I must go and see David. [Isabel goes out. Jernigan. It's a most unpleasant duty, but I am bound to ask if you wish to make any explanation. Mowbray. [Hesitates a moment.] I? None. Jernigan. Do you mind telling me what made you look in there? [Indicating the howl.] Mowbray. I'd rather not say anything yet. It's a little late to disturb the household. You and I will see the Colonel in the morning. [Mowbray goes out into the garden. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 97 Jernigan. [Looks after Mowbray, then looTcs into the howl. Next he examines the handkerchief to see if it has a name on it. He then kneels heside the suit-case, opens it, finds another handkerchief, compares the two and exclaims.'] Mowbray! CURTAIN. THE THIED ACT SCENE: — Same as Acts I and 11, It is after breakfast the next morning. David and Isabel are standing, looking in each other^s eyes, holding each other's hands. Isabel is dressed to go out. Isabel. I shall tell them I'm going to do my shopping, and you follow me in a few minutes. David. Yes. [Mowbray enters from the garden, Mowbray. Are you going out? Isabel. Yes. I'm going into the town. [Isabel goes out, Mowbray. Last night when I came to tell you where I found Mrs. Gorringe's necklace, I couldn't get much out of you. d8 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 99 David. I felt awfully sleepy. Mowbray. I suppose you're wide awake this morning. David. [Smiling — uneasily.] Yes — why ? Mowbray. It was seeing you take your hand out of that bowl that made me look there afterwards. David. I remember you saying that. Mowbray. I've been wondering ever since what you could have been looking there for? David. Oh — for matches. They sometimes keep a box there. ' Mowbray. It was funny that when you were looking for the matches you didn't see the necklace. David. Yes. I don't know how it was. 100 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Mowbray. H'm. [David turns away.'\ Is that all you've got to say about it? David. .[Trying to bluff Mowbray.] You trust my word — don't you ? Mowbray. [LooJcs at him sorrowfully, goes to Mm and lays his hand on him as he says.'\ My dear old boy, I'm the best friend you have. David. [Uneasily.'] I know that. Mowbray. [LooTcing at his face.] Have you nothing more to tell me? David. [Glances uneasily at Mowbray before he an- swers.] No. [Moves away.] [Colonel Jardine enters. Colonel Jardine. David, I hear you've got your marching orders. David. Yes. We sail on Friday. I must join to- night, so I shall have to leave here this morning. MRS, GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 101 Colonel Jardine. We shall be sorry to lose you. David. Thank you. [Tahes up a newspaper and pre- tends to read it, as he listens anxiously to the other two.} Colonel Jardine. Well, now, Mowbray, what would you do about Mrs. Gorringe^s necklace, if you were in my place ? Mowbray. [Deliberately.l Nothing. Colonel Jardine. [Surprised.'] Nothing? Pooh, nonsense! Must do something. It's only fair to Mrs. Gor- ringe. Mowbray. Mrs. Gorringe has got it back. Colonel Jardine. Yes, but — it was a very awkward thing, you know, her losing, it in our house. We ought to go to the bottom of this. Mowbray. I should think, as she is a visitor here, she'd be very unwilling to make any trouble about it. 102 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Colonel Jakdine. But still, you know — it makes me feel very insecure. If one of the servants is a thief, I want to know which it is. Mowbray. It never seems quite fair to suppose that it's one of the servants just because youVe no evidence that it isn't. Colonel Jardine. It can't be one of us. Mowbray. [Spealcs very earnestly, aiming his words at David as well as at Colonel Jardine.] It may be someone who fell suddenly in a moment of over- whelming temptation. This may be the first and last crime of someone — going about the house this morning showing an inscrutable face but hiding a heart that's quivering with shame and terror. If you track him with detectives you'll make a criminal of him; you'll push him into that damning underworld of society which is the only one open to the gaol-bird.* If you let this thing rest now — persuade your detective it was a mistake, — say the necklace was only mislaid, and send him away — you may save a man. [He stands watching the effects of his words on Colonel Jardine. David MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 103 watches them furtively with painful anx' iety. Colonel Jardine. You make me extremely uncomfortable. It's taking such a responsibility either way. Mowbray. Give him the chance. Colonel Jardine. But — he may be a regular thief — or he may be she. Mowbray. Then give her the chance. Colonel Jardine. I don't know that it's quite fair to Mrs. Gor- ringe not to sift this thing to the bottom. Mowbray. But, Colonel — if you take away a man's last chance of turning honest — think how uncom- fortable you'll feel for the rest of your life. Colonel Jardine. I am thinking of that. Mowbray. Never to know another good night's rest. 104 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Colonel Jardine. Stop that, Mowbray. Mowbray. Colonel, you used to be the best-hearted man in your regiment. Your only fault, as a soldier, was that you were a bit too kind, but it's a fault that becomes you now you've retired. Colonel Jardine. [Smiles, well pleased with himself.'] Oh, my dear fellow — what nonsense. Mowbray. Live up to your reputation! Colonel Jardik^e. Well, perhaps we'd better let this thing slide now. Mowbray. Shall I tell the detective? [About to go and do so. Colonel Jardine stops him.] Colonel Jardine. No. I'll tell him. I shall have to give him something for himself. Mowbray. Then we may consider it settled? MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 105 Colonel Jardine. Yes. [David cmi scarcely conceal his relief. He lays down his paper and goes out. Colonel Jardine. [Still smiling under the influence of Mow- BRAY^s flattery.] I suppose I am a soft-hearted old duffer, but you know I'm a happier man for it. Mowbray. Of course you are; and what a rare combina- tion that is. A soft heart and a hard brain. Colonel Jardine. [Delighted.^ You've noticed the working of my brain ! * Mowbray. With amazement. [Mrs. Gorringe enters from the garden. Mrs. Gorringe. [Cordially greeting Colonel Jardine.] Good morning. Isn't it a lovely day? Mowbray. [Cheerfully.'] Good morning, Mrs. Gorringe. Mrs. Gorringe. [Bows coldly.] , Good morning. 106 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Colonel Jardine. So yoTi\e got your necklace back. Mrs. Gorringe. II n an aggrieved tone,'] That detective won't give it me. He says he is going to keep it him- self. Mowbray. Only during the investigation. Mrs. Gorringe. That's what he says. How do I know he won't keep it altogether. I should never have sent for him if I'd known he was going to behave like that. Mowbray. [Amused.] Did you tell him so? Mrs. Gorringe. Not in so many words. But when he refused to give it up, I couldn't help saying " Oh ! " Mowbray. By jove! that was severe. Colonel Jardine. Let me explain it to you. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 107 Mrs. Gorringe. I don't want explanations. I want my neck- lace. Mowbray. You'll get it back at once — [Mrs. Gorringe turns quickly to Mowbray.] — If you persuade the detective you mislaid it. Mrs. Gorringe. But I didn't mislay it. Mowbray. Couldn't you stretch the truth just about a quarter of an inch? Mrs. Gorringe. Why? Mowbray. To make it meet charity. Say you put your necklace there yourself. [Points to the bowl.'] Mrs. Gorringe. He would think me a silly woman. Colonel Jardine. You see, Mrs. Gorringe, we don't want to prose- cute anyone if we can avoid it. It has just oc- curred to me that the thief may be some poor fellow who wants to turn honest — so give him a chance. 108 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Mowbray. Don't trample on the Coloners generous im- pulses. Mrs. Gorringe. But what about my other jewels? Colonel Jardine. Good gracious! You haven't lost anything else? Mrs. Gorringe. Not yet. But if I give him a chance I shall. He might take my rubies next, or my emerald lizard. Colonel Jardine. [Becoming uncomfortable.'] To be sure, we might all lose our valuables. It wasn't entirely my suggestion to let the matter drop. In fact, it was Mowbray's. Mrs. Gorringe. > [With marhed disapproval.l Then I consider that Captain Mowbray took a great deal upon himself. MOV^BRAY. Don't trample on my generous impulses. Mrs. Gorringe. It's all very well for gentlemen to talk about being generous to thieves. They never have any MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 109 jewelry to speak of. [Turns her hack on Mow- bray.] Colonel Jardine. Mrs. Gorringe is very wise to think about her other jewels. Mrs. Gorringe. Yes, am I not wise? Mowbray. I don't think the emerald lizard is in danger, as, after this, Mrs. Gorringe is sure to be more careful what she leaves about. Mrs. Gorringe. I shall do exactly as I please about locking up my jewelry. Mowbray. [Persuasively, to Mrs. Gorringe.] Though our generous impulses don't move you, I'm sure, from what I know of you, your own will. Mrs. Gorringe. [Trying to he dignified and firm.'] I beg you will not try to flatter me again. I don't like it. If Mr. Gorringe were here, I should certainly speak to him about it. [Moves away from him.] Colonel Jardine. Of course, Mrs. Gorringe must keep the detec- tive if she wants to. 110 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Mowbray. [Calculating the effect of his words on Mrs. GrORRiNGE.] I supposG theie^s nothing for it but to find the thief and try him — while Scotland Yard keeps the necklace. Mrs. Gorringe. Eh! — [To Colonel Jardine.] How long will that take ? Colonel Jardine. Oh — a few weeks. Mrs. Gorringe. [In dismay,} Weeks! Mowbray. Months — more likely. Mrs. Gorringe. Months ! Colonel Jardine. Now, what shall we do? Mrs. Gorringe. I don't care what you do, as long as I get my necklace back. I must say I think the whole affair looks extremely fishy. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 111 Colonel Jardine. Well, let's go and interview this fellow Jernigan. [Goes towards the door, then stops.] But you know, I don't like this tarradiddling with Scotland Yard, Mowbray. [Seriously.'] Nor do I, I don't like it at all. [To Colonel Jardine.] But, believe me, it's for the best. [Colonel Jardine goes out.] Be- lieve me, Mrs. Gorringe, it is for the best. [Mrs. Gorringe tosses her head, takes up a newspaper and turns her hack on Mow- bray. Mowbray goes out.] Mrs. Gorringe. [With the newspaper in her hand.] Just be- cause he has been out to South Africa, he thinks he can teach us everything. They are so deter- mined to hush it up, I suppose there'll be nothing about it in the paper. [Mrs. Jardine enters.] They aren't going to try and find out who stole my necklace. Mrs. Jardine. It seems funny you should know that, Mrs. Gorringe. I have not been consulted yet. Mrs. Gorringe. Captain Mowbray has persuaded Colonel Jar- dine to send the detective away. 112 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Mrs. Jardine. Since when did Captain Mowbray become the mistress of this house? Mrs. Gorringe. That's what I felt inclined to ask. I never met such a forward busybody as he is. Mrs. Jardine. [Bridling quickly. 1 I'm sorry you don't like our guests, Mrs. Gorringe. Mrs. Gorringe. I don't blame you, dear Mrs. Jardine — not for anything. I'm sure you had no idea — when you invited me — that my necklace would be stolen. And I shan't let it make any difference between us. I shall still stay my week out. Mrs. Jardine. [After a moment of dismay, says very politely.'\ Of course, if you prefer to curtail your visit, I shall quite understand. Mrs. Gorringe. Oh, no, dear. I really have no ill feeling about it, but I suppose I shall never convince you if I don't stay on, so I'll even extend my visit a little if you like. [Sits smiling an the sofa.'] MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 113 Mrs. Jardine. [With a forced smile.] Oh, I hope you will. Mrs. Gorringe. [Cheerfully.'] Of course I will. [Vicky enters^ followed by Colonel Jar- dine with the necklace, which he gives to Mrs. Gorringe. Vicky. • Here it is ! Mrs. Gorringe. Oh, thank you. [Purrs over her necklace.] Vicky. Let me see it. [Tries to take the necklace in her hands. Mrs. Gorringe draws it away and holds it up for her to see at a safe distance. Vicky touches it with her finger as she says.] There they are ! There are the five drops in front and there's the pearl clasp. Mrs. Jardine. Christopher, have you sent the detective away? [Holds up her hand to prevent him answering.] Wait! Before you tell me, perhaps you'd better go and ask Captain Mowbray's permission. Colonel Jardine. [Good-naturedly.] Nonsense, Emily! I told 114 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Jernigan if he'd like to stay till noon I'd show him round the place. Mrs. Jardine. A very superfluous attention. Colonel Jardine. [Smiling conceitedly.] Oh, well. It never does us any harm to be good-natured; we feel all the happier for it. He'll be so pleased he won't expect a present. Mrs. Gorringe. [Purring over her necklace.'] I do wish I knew who stole you. Mrs. Jardine. [With decision.] There isn't any doubt at all in my mind. Colonel Jardine. Who? , Mrs. Jardine. Pipkin. Nothing will ever convince me other- wise. Colonel Jardine. [Unconscious that he is quoting Mowbray. He thinks it is his own sentiment.] It never seems quite fair to suppose it's one of the servants just because you've got no evidence that it isn't. MRS, GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 115 Mrs. Jakdine. [Obstinately.'} I shall certainly discharge Pip- kin. Colonel Jakdine. We have no proof against her. Mrs. Jardine. I have all the proof I want. [Turns to the others and spealcs as if she were delivering a strong argument.'] If she had no motive for concealing the necklace, she'd have found it when she did the room. That proves that if she is innocent — she doesn't do the rooms. Vicky. [Giggling.] Oh, mother, you are so funny. Colonel Jardine. [Thoughtfully.] In spite of what Mowbray said, I think we ought to get to the root of this matter. * Mrs. Gorringe. So do I. Colonel Jardine. If Isabel had left it to me, instead of sending for a detective on her own account, I've no doubt I could have sifted this thing down myself. It only needs a little cross-examination. [He sets about his cross-examination in a quick, alert way 116 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE which he thinks is 'business-like and penetrating, Mrs. Gorringe pays the deepest attention. Mrs. Jardine superciliously ignores them. He ad- dresses Mrs. Gorringe, speaking rapidly.'] Now, you say you saw the necklace for the last time the night before it was lost, but you didn't see it in the morning. No. You saw it again in the after- noon — that is, you saw it wasn't there in the afternoon. Is that right ? Mrs. Gorringe. Yes. Colonel Jardine. [Without waiting for Mrs. Gorringe to say more, shoots his next question at Mrs. Jardine.] Now, then, where were you? [Waits for her to reply. She ignores him by turning her chair with its back to him.] Mrs. Gorringe. Mrs. Jardine was here. Colonel Jardine. [Turns quickly to Mrs. Gorringe.] Oh, she was here. Mrs. Gorringe. Yes. On this sofa. [Pats the sofa."] Colonel Jardine. [Addressing Mrs. Gorringe in the same alert MRS, GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 117 manner.'] Oh — well, now. You didn't see it practically all yesterday, so it might have been taken any time yesterday up to the time you found it was taken. You can't tell. [Dwells on next line as if he were making an important point.] But you did see it the night before ? Mrs. Gorringe. [Deeply impressed.] Yes. Colonel Jardine. Well, now — we've got that far. [Turns sud- denly to Mrs. Jardine.] When did you last see it ? [She still ignores him.] Emily, when did you last see Mrs. Gorringe's necklace ? [She slowly changes her position, elaborately ignoring them.] Mrs. Gorringe. [After a pause, during which she and Colonel Jardine both watch Mrs. Jardine.] Please say when you last saw it. [A look of irritation passes over Mrs. Jar- dine's face when Mrs. Gorringe speaks. Colonel Jardine. Emily, we are trying to sift this thing down. I want you to say when you last saw Mrs. Gorringe's necklace. Mrs. Gorringe. We can't go on till you do. 118 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE [A long pause, during which Colonel Jar- dine and Mrs. Gorringe watch Mrs. Jardine, waiting for her reply. She shows signs of growing impatience. Colonel Jardine. Emily. [Mrs. Jardine begins to writhe with an- noyance. Mrs. Gorringe. Please say, Mrs. Jardine. Mrs. Jardine. [Unable to curb herself any longer, rises and rounds on Mrs. Gorringe.] Hold your tongue. [Mrs. Gorringe utters a scream of surprise and indignation. Then there is dead silence, during which they all remain perfectly still, no one looking at anyone else. Isabel enters, looks round in sur- prise. They all remain still as waxworks. Isabel. Wliafs happened? Mrs. Jardine. Your father thinks he was cut out for a detec- tive, and as if I wasn't on the rack long enough yesterday, he must begin goading me with ques- tions again this morning. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 119 Mrs. Gorringe. I'm sure Colonel Jardine didn't mean to goad you. Mrs. Jardine. [Turning angrily to Mrs. Gorringe.] If you'd lock your things up properly, instead of letting them lie about all over the house, we should have been saved all this turmoil. [They are all shocked as before. Mrs. GoRRiNGE utters another scream. Isabel tries to calm her mother. Isabel. Mother ! Mrs. Jardine. [Refuses to he calmed.} Yes, I mean it. My house was a happy home till she came. Now I can't tell it from a police court. [Mrs. Gorringe screams again. The other three all remonstrate at once with Mrs. Jardine. Isabel and Vicky. [Together.] Mother ! Colonel Jardine. My dear! Mrs. Jardine. I was surrounded by a loving family, and now 120 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE see them turn on me. [To Mrs. Gorringe.] And it's all you I Mrs. Gorringe. [Wildly.} Do you know what you are saying? Isabel. [To Mrs. Jardine.] Don't say any more. Mrs. Jardine. Oh, of course, you all take Mrs. Gorringe's side and turn on me. That's just what I should have expected of you. Mrs. Gorringe. [Rises and tries to assume dignity as she ad- dresses Mrs. Jardine.] I could say a good deal. I might say how unsympathetic you have been all along about my necklace, but I think it would be more dignified simply to draw my visit to a close. [Goes out. Mrs. Jardine. [Muttering after her.'] About time, too. Isabel. [To Vicky, as Mrs. Gorringe goes out.] You go with Mrs. Gorringe. [Vicky goes out after Mrs. Gorringe. MRS, GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 121 Isabel. Now, mother, do pull yourself together and apologise to her. Mrs. Jardine. Apologise? She'll want to stay her week out. Isabel. You're breaking all the laws of hospitality. Mrs. Jardine. Whoever made the laws of hospitality didn't know Mrs. Gorringe. I'd believe anything of that woman. I'd like to know what she was before Mr. Gorringe married her — if they are married. Isabel. [Protesting.'] Mother ! Colonel Jardine. She said she was a Miss Rose Pilkington of Ipswich. Mrs. Jardine. [Derisively.'] Ipswich ! A shop-keeper's daughter, I suppose. Chemist, I should think. Can't you see the sign over the shop door, " Pilk- ington. Chemist" ? Gold letters on a black ground. [Having really convinced 'herself that Mrs. Gorringe was a chemist's daughter.] That accounts for her lack of breeding. No lady would 122 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE quarrel with her hostess. But I suppose she can't be expected to know better — poor thing — with her upbringing. [Vicky enters quickly. Vicky. Mrs. Gorringe says she won't stay another minute. [Mrs. Gorringe enters. Her only change of dress is that she now wears her hat. Mrs. Jardine turns her back on Mrs. ' Gorringe. Mrs. Gorringe. No, I couldn't think of it. I flew upstairs and opened the wardrobe and simply snatched the first hat I saw. I didn't even stop to get a veil. Then I flew down again, and, now, though it's damp under foot this morning, I'm going out in my house shoes. [Goes to Colonel Jardine^ extend- ing her hand cordially.] Good-bye. [Shakes hands cordially with Isabel.] Good-bye. Isabel. But you aren't going to the train that way. Mrs. Gorringe. [Pleasantly.] Oh, no; I'm only going to Miss Potts'. [Mrs. Gorringe and Mrs. Jardine look at each other, up and down; then turn MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 123 away contemptuously. Mrs. Gorringe goes out, followed by Vicky. Mrs. Jardine. Now, let us breathe again. I feel as if we'd had some infectious disease in the house. [Mrs. Jardine goes out. Isabel. How did it all begin ? Colonel Jardine. [Scratches his head, puzzled.^ I hardly know. Your mother is so uncertain. She answered the detective's questions all right. I don't see why she wouldn't answer mine. I was just trying to sift this thing down with a little cross-examination. You know I think we ought to find out who took that necklace. Isabel. So do I. [Jernigan enters. Jernigan. I'm ready to be shown round, if it's convenient to you. Colonel Jardine. Oh, yes. Sit down a minute. [Jernigan and Colonel Jardine sit on the sofa. Isabel at a 124 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE little distance.^ I was just saying I think I ought to know who took that necklace. Jernigan. [Surprised.'] I understood you to say it was only mislaid. Colonel Jardine. Oh, yes — so I did, didn't I? But my wife doesn't agree with me. She still believes that the housemaid. Pipkin, is the culprit. She's going to discharge her. Jernigan. [Deliberately.'] If it was stolen — I don't think it was by one of your servants. Isabel. Mr. Jernigan evidently suspects someone. Colonel Jardine. Then speak out. Jernigan. All the evidence I have been able to gather points against one of your guests. Isabel. Oh! Colonel Jardine. Good gracious ! But we only have — well. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 125 there's David Cairn — we've always known him; besides, he was away when it was stolen. Jernigan. I don't suspect Mr. Cairn. Colonel Jardine. It couldn't be Mrs. Gorringe. She wouldn't steal her own necklace. Jernigan. You have one other guest. Colonel Jardine. You can't mean Mowbray. Jernigan. Last night Captain Mowbray attempted to leave the house quietly with a bag. Soon afterwards he was found in this room alone with the necklace in his hands, wrapped in a handkerchief, the dupli- cate of which was in his bag, and that was open. Isabel. But he found the necklace in that bowl. Jernigan. [Looking at Isabel.] Did you see him take it out? 126 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Isabel. Of course I know that in your work you have to judge by external evidence, but in this case I am sure it has misled ypu. Captain Mowbray is an old friend of ours. Colonel Jardine. Wait a minute, Isabel. This is certainly very strange. Isabel. But, father — youVe. known him for years. Colonel Jardine. Yes, but — he's been at me just now, urging me with all his might to send you [looking at Jer- nigan] away and have no more enquiry. Jernigan. H'm. That doesn't improve his case. Isabel. What motive could he have for stealing jewelry? He's a rich man. Colonel Jardine. [To Isabel.] How did he become rich ? Isabel. [Uncertainly.'] Mining — didn't he? MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 127 Colonel Jardine. I don^t know. [To Jernigan.] A few years ago he K^d nothing. Then he went to South Africa and came back rich. It was only yesterday after- noon he called himself an adventurer. Isabel. A good proof that he isn't one. Jernigan. Mrs. Gorringe told me she knew something against him. When I questioned her, she refused to say what it was. But she admitted that since an interview she had with him last evening her opinion of him had undergone a change. Colonel Jardine. She seemed very huffy with him just now. Isabel. [Losing her temper,'] Mrs. Gorringe is a fool. Colonel Jardine. That's no way to argue, Isabel. You women are so emotional. You won't stop and reason. Jernigan. Do you know when Captain Mowbray discovered you had a detective in the house ? 128 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Colonel Jardine. Yes, it was after dinner. I heard my wife tell him. And — yes — [turns excitedly to Jerni- gan] it was immediately after that I caught him escaping. Isabel. [With a smothered exclamation of indignation, which attracts their attention.} Oh ! Colonel Jardine. [Turning to Isabel.] Do you know why he wanted to leave in such a hurry — without a word to any of us? Isabel. No. But I think it's shameful to make such charges against a man like Captain Mowbray. Colonel Jardine. I'm not going to make a charge against him. Isabel. Then you ought to, and give him a chance to clear himself. Colonel Jardine. Ko, no. Better to hush it up. I don't want to do him any harm, and he'd find it very difficult to explain away so much evidence. Isabel. What's evidence when you hnow a man ? MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE . 129 Colonel Jardine. You argue just like your mother. Isabel. Mother's going to discharge Pipkin. If only to stop that you ought to tell Captain Mowbray what you've been saying, and if you don't, I shall. [Mowbray enters. Colonel Jardine. [Nodding awkwardly and trying to appear friendly.'] Hello, Mowbray. [Quickly, to Jer- NiGAN.] Now, if you're ready I'll show you round the place. Jernigan. [Rising, as lie says aside to Colonel Jardine.] I should like to question you further about Captain Mowbray. Colonel Jardine. [Urging Jernigan towards the window.] Yes, outside. She'll get me into trouble with him if I stay here. [Colonel Jardine and Jernigan go out hurriedly into the garden, Isabel. Can you tell me why you wanted to leave us so suddenly last night? 130 . MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Mowbray. Didn't you guess ? Isabel. [Innocently. Ji No. Mowbray. Then I mustn't tell you. Isabel. I only ask you because — well, nobody seems to know — only they suspect — oh, dreadful things. Mowbray. Who do? Isabel. Father and that detective. I may as well tell you at once. You know you went to father this morning and urged him to send the detective away, and you were found with the necklace last night, and so they think you — [Halts, not knowing how to express herself inoffensively.'} Mowbray. [LooTcs at her, then says deliberately.'] They think / stole it? [Isabel nods. He looks away from her slowly, stands still, looking very grave. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 131 Isabel. [Watches him anxiously before ^he says.^ You know I don^t believe a word of it. Mowbray. [Presses her hand gratefully, not looking at her as he says.] What do they say? Isabel. You know the way men argue. MOWBEAY. Yes, yes ! Isabel. They go by little bits of evidence — pocket- handkerchiefs and bags and things of that sort, instead of by what they know. They've piled up a whole mountain of what they call evidence — things youVe said and done at different times, probably without thinking — and when I tell them it's all ridiculous, they call me emotional. Oh, I'm glad I'm not a man ! Mowbray. Are they going to take any sort of proceedings ? Isabel. I don't know. But you will clear yourself, won't you ? 132 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Mowbray. I must. Isabel. I can't bear to hear such things said of you. MOWBEAY. I will clear myself. Isabel. That's right. [Moves away.] Then there's another thing. [He looks askance at her,'] Mother's going to discharge one of the maids. Mowbray. Oh! Isabel. There's no evidence against her. It's all so silly. Father suspecting you, and mother. Pipkin. Aren't people dreadful? [David enters. Isabel turns to him, smil- ing affectionately. Isabel. Well, David, have you finished packing ? [Turns to Mowbray.] Now, do go and see them. They are somewhere in the garden. Mowbray. [Quietly, hut ftrmly.} I want to speak to David first. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 133 Isabel. No, afterwards. David and I haven't long to be together. He'll have to go to his train soon. Mowbray. I must speak to David now. David. Won't it do afterwards, Frank? M0V7BRAY. [With authority.'] No, now. Isabel. [Impressed with the authority of his tone,] If it's so important. Don't keep him long. [Goes out.] Mowbray. Since you went out they've been trying again to solve the mystery of who stole the necklace. David. [Trying to conceal his dismay.] I thought they were going to let it drop. Mowbray. Mrs. Jardine is going to discharge one of the maids. David. Oh, I'm sorry. 134 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Mowbray. [^Carelessly, to put him off his giuirdJ] Why are you sorry ? David. Well — if she's innocent. MOWBEAY. I didn't say she Was. [Goes nearer to David.] I suppose you don't know if she's innocent or guilty ? David. Of course not. How should I? Mowbray. Then you couldn't be blamed for letting her go away with a ruined character ? David. [Uneasy under Mowbray's gaze.l Of course I couldn't. I say, you must excuse me. Isabel is waiting for me. [Goes towards the door.} Mowbray. The Colonel suspects someone else. David. [Stopping at the door."] Who? Mowbray. Me. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 135 David. [Talcen ahach.'} You ? But — [coming to- wards Mowbray] can't you clear yourself ? Mowbray. How do you know I'm not guilty? David. That's absurd. Mowbray. You say you don't know how the necklace got in that bowl? David. I said I didn't know it was there. Mowbray. I did — according to circumstantial evidence. You'd think me rather a cad if I said nothing and let the poor girl be ruined — wouldn't you? David. [Reluctantly.'] Yes. Mowbray. When I saw you looking there — for matches — By the way, what did you want a match for? David. To light my cigarette. 136 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Mowbray. You hadn't got one. David. I was getting a match first. Mowbray. I never heard of anyone getting his match before he got his cigarette. David. I can't explain the reason for every little thing I do. Mowbray. [Assuming an easy manner, to put David off his guard.'] If they come and ask me awkward questions, I suppose you wouldn't mind me telling them why I looked in the bowl. David. [Uneasily.'] No — only — [Pauses,] Mowbray. Only what? David. I was only thinking it might make it look a bit queer for me. Mowbray. Why ? Even if you'd been found with the neck- MBS, GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 137 lace in your hands, as I was, you^d be beyond suspicion. David. Yes — I hope so. Mowbray. Yes, because you left the house before it was last seen, and didn^t come back till after it was stolen. David. Yes — I know. Mowbray. [Sternly.l You told me you were in the house yesterday afternoon when there was nobody about. David. \TaJcen aback, hut still trying to hlujf.] Well? Thaf s no proof of anything. Mowbray. I'm not going to have my character blackened for something I didn't do. David. But I shouldn't think they'll charge you with it ? Mowbray. They'll gossip about it. I may have to bring an action for slander. 138 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE David. I shouldn't do that. V Mowbray. You'll be abroad when I do. David. What have I got to do with it ? Mowbray. I thought I might count on you to vouch for my good character. David. Yes — of course. Mowbray. Then let us go out and see the detective now. [Goes towards the window, then stops and turns to David.] Will you come? David. No. Mowbray. Why not? David. You needn't take any notice of this. They won't do anything, and it'll all die down soon. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 139 Mowbray. [LoolMng steadily at David.] Are you quite satisfied to have the maid discharged ? David. [Losing his self -control.'] Why do you look at me like that? You keep your eyes on me every minute — as if you suspected me. Mowbray. YouVe denied all knowledge of it. David. Isn't that enough? Mowbray. Have I always found you so truthful ? [David quails before him, then sinks into an arm-chair.'] David, if you confess to me now anything that incriminates you — 1^11 do what I can to shield you. Unless these charges increase till I'm forced to defend myself before the world, I'll take no no- tice of them, although Isabel has urged me to dis- pel them, and God knows what she'll think of me if I don't. Now, although they may have enough evidence to arrest me, they'll need a good deal more to convict me. This will be a big case, — the kind of case the whole country watches and reads about. You'll be drawn into it, because I shall be compelled to explain why I looked in 140 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE that bowl. It will not be difficult to find witnesses to testify what train you came down by yesterday — not t'he one you said. It may not be hard to find someone who saw you enter the house while we were all out, for I shall not scruple to say in my own defence that you had told me you were here then, knowing that if you are innocent you have nothing to fear. Then they^U look into our past lives — mine and yours. They^ll examine your* record to see if you have a reputation for truth and honesty- — David. [Completely hreaking down.'] Frank! Don't go on ! I did it. Oh, why did you tell that story ? It was that made me think of it — that story about a man who stole some diamonds and was never found out. It stuck in my mind so. I'd gone to pieces anyway. I'd been drinking and lost all my money — and I was so jealous of you and Isabel. When I came in yesterday I could see you both from my window — laughing together. When I came out of my room I passed Mrs. Gorringe's door. It was open a little way, and I remembered her saying how she left her things about, and that story about the man who was never found out came back and possessed me. When I pushed the door I could see the things lying there — and it seemed so easy. [He covers his face with his hands, then proceeds more calmly.] I came to my senses as soon as I saw you all. I thought I could get it back without anyone knowing. I prayed for MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 141 the chance to put it back. I promised Isabel I'd make a fresh start — and I will — I will, — if you won't tell. Mowbray. I'll shield you on one condition. You must give up Isabel. David. [Suddenly scared, says hurriedly.'] I can't. Mowbray. You can't marry her now. David. She won't know — no one will know. Mowbray. That's not it. Whether you and I know or whether the whole world knows — you fell because you are dishonest. That is why you must give her up. David. I know I'm unworthy of her, but — I'm not all bad. Mowbray. I know that. I don't ask you to be perfect. We all have our faults. But it isn't the number of his sins that mark a man — it's the kind. 142 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE David. [Humhlt/.'] Don^t you think — with this ex- perience — I can be different ? Mowbray. The curse of degeneracy is always there, in your mind and in your heart. It's like a taint in the blood. It warps your Judgment, poisons your impulses, lures you into constant danger. David. But with Isabel to help me — Mowbray. To help you — she — to give up her life to you who bring her only shame and sorrow — to expose her sweet nature day after day to your contamina- tion — to make her the mother of your children. No, it's not to be thought of — you must not marry her. David. I can't give her up. Mowbray. Then she must know the truth. If you don't break your engagement before you leave this house I shall tell her that — Isabel. ICalls outside,'] David I MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 143 [Isabel enters. Mowbray breaks off sud- denly in his sentence as she enters. Mowbray. [LooJcs at Isabel, then says to David.] Tell her. [Mowbray goes out into the garden. Isabel. David, it's nearly time for you to go. [David goes towards Isabel, looks at her, breaks down and sinks on the sofa, sobbing. Isabel comforts him.^ Don't, dear, don't. We shan't be parted very long. Colonel Jardine. [Knocks on the door and calls without.} David! It's time to go. Isabel. They're calling you. Colonel Jardine. [Knocking and calling as before.'] You'll miss the train. [Isabel draws David gently towards the door. He folds her in his arms in a long embrace. David. Isabel I 144 MBS, GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Isabel. Good-bye ! [He goes out; she goes towards the window, looking after him and crying.'] [Mowbray enters quietly. She does not see him. He stands and watches her sor- rowfully as she waves her handkerchief out of the window, trying ta smile. She turns from the window and sees Mow- bray. Isabel. [Drying her eyes."} I'm glad you know about David and me. I can talk to you about him. It's so terrible to say good-bye. [Dries her eyes and recovers her composure gradually.'] But it's only for a little while. If they keep him long out there I shall go to join him. [Mowbray betrays in- creasing dismay as she continues.] I feel content about him now. I think it's going to be all right. [Jernigan enters, with an open letter in Ms hand, Jernigan. I've just received this letter from Mrs. Grorringe. She desires me to continue my investigation. Mowbray. [To Jernigan.] I hear you have circumstan- tial evidence against me. MRS, GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 145 Isabel. I'm glad you have this chance to clear yourself. [Goes towards the door.^ Jernigan. [To Isabel.] Please don't go. Mowbray. I don't wish to explain before her. Jernigan. I need her evidence. [To Isabel.] If this matter is brought into court you will be the most important witness. Please remember this, and answer me now as carefully as if you were on oath. Isabel. Yes. Jernigan. What is your Christian name ? Isabel. Isabel. Jernigan. Single? Isabel. Married. Mowbray. [Startled,] Married? 146 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Isabel. I was married this morning at the Kegistry Office to David Cairn. Jernigan. Last evening when I came into this room and saw you receiving the stolen necklace from Cap- tain Mowbray, did you see him take it from that bowl ? Isabel. No. Jernigan. Thank you. [To Mowbray.] What is your explanation ? Mowbray. [Loohing at Isabel.] Married! [To Jerni- gan.] I — can't explain — Jernigan. I must press you to do so, or it will be my pain- ful duty to take you into custody. Mowbray. [To himself.'] Married! [Turns to Jerni- gan.] I decline to explain. CURTAIN. THE FOUETH ACT SCENE. — The same as Acts I, II and III, About one minute has elapsed since Act III. Isabel is alone, distracted with anxiety. She draws her hand across her eyes, rings the hell, goes to the writing -tahle, sits and writes a note, places it in an envelope and seals it. [Charles enters. Isabel. [Addressing the envelope as she speaJcs.} Take this to Mrs. Gorringe at once. She's at Miss Potts' — just over the way. [Gives the letter to Charles.] Charles. Yes, miss. [Charles goes out with the letter, holding the door open as he goes to allow Col- onel and Mrs. Jardine to enter. Their faces express solemn amazement. Mrs. Jardine. W-e've just heard. You could knock me down with a feather. [She looJcs at the others.] Hasn't anyone anything to say? 147 148 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Colonel Jardine. [In a superior tone.'] Vm. not as surprised as you are. I suspected it was Mowbray for some time. Mrs. Jardine. You always did know before hand — when it's all over. You weren't the only one who suspected, either. Don't you remember me saying the day he came, " There's something I don't like about that man's eyes"? Colonel Jardine. No; I don't remember you saying anything of the kind. Mrs. Jardine. Well, I thought it. I've heard of people enter- taining angels unawares, but I never heard of any- one entertaining a thief and a chemist's daughter unawares. Colonel Jardine. I wonder what we'd better do. Mrs. Jardine. There's nothing for us to do. I suppose Black Maria will call for him in the usual way. Isabel. Father, I've just sent a note to Mrs. Gorringe to ask her not to prosecute him. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 149 Colonel Jardine. Do you think she won't want to now? Isabel. I hope she won't. We shall find out when she comes. Mrs. Jardine. When who comes? Isabel. Mrs. Gorringe. Mrs. Jardine. I'm liot going to have that woman coming here. Isabel. Mother, this is no time to think about trifles. Mrs. Jardine. Trifles ! Do you call it a trifle when a shop- keeper's daughter insults your mother? Colonel Jardine. My dear, you don't Jcnow that she's a shop- keeper's daughter. Mrs. Jardine. You don't know what she isn't. 150 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Isabel. Captain Mowbray will be taken away by the detective directly. If you don^t care about him, I suppose you don't want to be mixed up in a public scandal. It rests with Mrs. Gorringe to prevent that. [Charles enters. Charles. [Announcing.'] Mrs. Gorringe. Mrs. Jardine. Not at home. [Charles turns to go. Colonel Jardine. Wait a minute, Charles. [Goes to his wife."] My dear, Mrs. Gorringe knows something else against Mowbray. Now we ought to find out what it is, so I think you'd better apologise. Mrs. Jardine. I shall not apologise. Colonel Jardine. We shall never find out what she knows if you don't. Mrs. Jardine. [After a momenfs reflection says to Charles.] At home. [Charles goes out. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 151 Colonel Jardine. As it may be something of a private nature, I'll leave you and Isabel to get it out of her — [Colonel Jardine goes out into the gar- den. Enter Charles. Charles. Mrs. Gorringe. [Mrs. Gorringe enters, a little nervous as to how she will he received. Charles goes out. Mrs. Jardine. [Meeting Mrs. Gorringe with great cordiality.] Dear Mrs. Gorringe, I told Isabel to ask you to come so that I might tell you how much I regret our quarrel. Mrs. Gorringe. Dear Mrs. Jardine, it was all my fault. Mrs. Jardine. No, no. I was entirely to blame. Mrs. Gorringe. Oh, now, I won't hear you say that. Mrs. Jardine. You must try to forgive me. 152 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Mes. Gorringe. Indeed, it is you who must try to forgive me, may I say Emily? Mrs. Jardine. I wish you would — er — [Puzzles a moment,] What's your name? Mrs. Gorringe. Rose. Mrs. Jardine. What a pretty name! [Sits on the sofa, draw- ing Mrs. Gorringe down heside Jier.] Now, Eosie — what's the other thing you know against this Captain Mowbray ? Mrs. Gorringe. [Verging on a nervous breakdown throughout the scene.] I'll tell you presently. Isabel. Are you going to prosecute Captain Mowbray? Mrs. Gorringe. I'll come to that directly. I can't tell you what I felt when I got Isabel's letter. My head all went dizzy and my heart fluttered like a bird. MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 153 Mrs. Jardine. You can't have been surprised to hear this man Mowbray had been arrested, after what you knew, Mrs. Gorringe. I\e hardly had time to realize if I was sur- prised or not. My knees are quivering like aspen leaves. Isabel. But you won't prosecute, will you ? Mrs. Gorringe. Give me a little time to get over the shock. I was in a state of palpitation anyway, — after the words we had. [Mrs. Jardine pats Mrs. Gor- RiNGE forgivingly.'] I'd run all the way to Miss Potts's — perhaps not quite all the way — but most of the way — in nothing but my house-shoes and a hat. Oh, dear! It's beginning again. [Puts her hand to her heart and closes her eyes.] Isabel. The salts. [Tahes a bottle of salts from a table.'] Mrs. Gorringe. [Recovers in a moment and goes on volubly.] When I got to Miss Potts's I rang the bell. Jane came to the door, or was it Minnie? My head's going round and round so I can't even remember who came to the door. 154 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Isabel. {Exasperated.l Never mind who came to the door. Mrs. Gorringe. Oh, don't say that, Isabel. My nerves are so upset. There! You've made it begin again. [Closes her eyes and lays her hand on her heart.'] Mrs. Jardine. We shall never find out what Mowbray did, at this rate. [Isabel applies the salts to Mrs. Gor- ringe's nose so suddenly that Mrs. GoRRiNGE screams. Mrs. Gorringe. Thank you, dear. I believe I should have swooned if I hadn't had that sniff. Mrs. Jardine. Now, tell us about Mowbray. Mrs. Gorringe. Yes. Where was I? Oh. After I'd written that letter to Mr. Jernigan we went upstairs. Mrs. Jardine. Who? You and Mowbray? MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 155 Mrs. Gorringe. No. Miss Potts and I. Miss Potts poured out some water and said, " There, dear, bathe your eyes.^' And I said, " Thank you, dear, and if you could lend me a comb I should be so grateful, as Vve brought nothing with me.'^ Isabel. [Exasperated.'] Mrs. Gorringe! Mrs. Gorringe. Don't interrupt me, dear; I shall lose the thread. Isabel. There's no time to waste. Are you going to prosecute or are you not? Mrs. Gorringe. Now I've lost it. I don't know where I was. Mrs. Jardine. You were in Miss Potts's bedroom. Mrs. Gorringe. Yes. And while I was trying to make myself fit to be seen — all of a sudden — Mrs. Jardine. Mowbray came in. 156 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Mrs. Gorringe. No — not Mowbray. Mrs. Jardine. [Exasperated.'] Well, where does Mowbray come in? Mrs. Gorringe. I'll tell you presently. I can't speak more than one word at once. Minnie or Jane, or whichever of them it was, came in with Isabel's letter. I can't tell you what I felt. My head went all dizzy and my heart fluttered like a bird. Mrs. Jardine. Yes, yes. [Losing her temper.'] And your knees quivered like aspen leaves. Oh — [Moves away from Mrs. Gorringe. Isabel. FU get the detective to her. [Isabel goes out quickly. Mrs. Gorringe. [Loohing after Isabel.] I'm afraid Isabel doesn't like me. [Rising.] I really must go to the chemist and get a nerve tonic. Mrs. Jardine. [Pricking up Iter ears.] The chemist? MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 157 Mrs. Gorringe. Yes. I wonder which is the best one to go to. Mrs. Jardine. I should have thought you could tell me that. Mrs. Gorringe. Why? Mrs. Jardine. Kever mind the chemist; let us prepare a little statement for the detective. [Sits at the writ' ing-tahle, takes a pen and paper,} Mrs. Gorringe. Oh no, no. If I have to undergo any more of those searching questions, I shall lose my rea- son. Mrs. Jardine. It won't take long. [Writing as she speaJcs."] Birthplace Ipswich. [Turns to Mrs. Gor- ringe.] Father's name? Mrs. Gorringe. Arnold Pilkington. Mrs. Jardine. Occupation ? [LooJcs searchingly at Mrs. Gor- RliTGE.] 158 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Mrs. Gorringe. [Losing her head,'] What do they call them? — Che — Che — Mrs. Jardine. Chemist? Mrs. Gorringe. [On her dignity.'] No. County Councillor. Papa's the Mayor of Ipswich. [Isabel enters, followed hy Jernigan. About the same time. Colonel Jardine enters from the garden, Isabel. [To Mrs. Gorringe.] Please tell Mr. Jemi- gan if you intend to prosecute or not. Mrs. Gorringe. Of course I don't want anyone to go to prison. Isabel. [To Jeenigan.] There! You see! She won't ! Jernigan. [To Mrs. Gorringe.] In your letter you in- structed me to arrest whomever I suspected. Mrs. Gorringe. Yes — because — [Laughing as she goes tO' MRS, GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 159 wards Mrs. Jardine.] You know you said they suspected you. Mrs. Jardine. [Indignantly.] Me? What next! Mrs. Gorringe. [Laughing as she explains to Jernigan.] I ought to tell you that Mrs. Jardine and I had a tiff this morning, and — well, I was so put out I felt ready to do anything to annoy her. [Turns to Mrs. Jardine. They laugh together. Mrs. Jardine's laughter is a good deal forced.] Jernigan. This question of prosecution doesn't affect Mrs. Jardine, but Captain Mowbray. Mrs. Gorringe. Ah! He was very rude to me. Mrs. Jardine. [Eagerly.] Ask her what he did, Mr. Jerni- gan. Jernigan. What is it you know against him? Mrs. Gorringe. Well — we were standing about there — no, there. [Points to the carpet near her feet,] 160 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Mrs. Jardine. Wlio? You and Miss Potts? Mrs. Gorringe. No. Captain Mowbray and I. Mrs. Jardine. We^ve come to Mowbray at last. Colonel Jardine. Don't interrupt her. Now, what did he say? Mrs. Gorringe. You promise you won't tell Mr. Gorringe? Mrs. Jardine. [Wheedling Mrs. Gorringe.] Now, Eosie — trust Emily. [Mrs. Gorringe pats Mrs. Jardine on the cheek. Mrs. Jardine is intensely annoyed hy this familiarity. Mrs. Gorringe. Well — Colonel Jardine. Out with it. We're all waiting to hear what he said. Mrs. Gorringe. I don't remember what he said, but I said — MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 161 Omnes. Yes — yes — well ? Mrs. Gorringe. "I hope I shall never forget my duty to Mr: Gorringe anS the children." [^Draws herself up and looks round at the others, very well satisfied with herself. Mrs. Jardine. [Eagerly. 1 What had he done? Mrs. Gorringe. Nothing. Mrs. Jardine. Well — what did he do ? Mrs. Gorringe. Nothing. Mrs. Jardine. Is that the whol^ story? Mrs. Gorringe. Yes. Mrs. Jardine. [Turning angrily from Mrs. Gorringe^ and marching towards her hushand.'] And you made me apologise to her to hear that. [All their hacks are turned to Mrs. Gor- 162 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE RiNGE^ hut she does not perceive this as she rambles on. Mrs. GrORRINGE. That shows you the kind of a man he is — He^s the sort of man to lead a woman on and make her say things that — well, I don't think I know you well enough to explain — [She looks at the others and sees that no one is paying any attention to her.'] If you've all done with me, I'll go. Colonel Jardine. Don't go, Mrs. Gorringe. Now that you and Emily have kissed and made friends, why don't you stay and finish your visit? Mrs. Jardine. [Pulls the Colonel's coat-tails, as she interposes herself between him and Mrs. Gorringe.] Chris- topher! How inconsiderate of you! Of course, dear Eosie, we should love to have you with us, but I^m sure you'd have hysterics all night long in that room. Mrs. Gorringe. Oh, I know I should. Did I ever tell you how I came in and closed the door? It's as if the dressing-table were there — [Points to the window.'] No, there. [Points somewhere else.] And the door — [Coming towards the door.] MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 163 Colonel and Mrs. Jakdine. \jQuiclcly, together.'] Yes, you showed us. Mrs. Gorringe. Oh, of course. You were in the room when I was telling Mr. Jernigan. Good-bye. [Shakes hands with Mrs. Jardine.] Mrs. Jardine. Good-bye. Mrs. Gorringe. Good-bye. [Shakes hands with Colonel Jar- dine.] Colonel Jardine. Good-bye. Isabel. Are you going back to Miss Potts? Mrs. Gorringe. Oh, no, dear. I'm going back to Mr. Gorringe and the children. [Mrs. Gorringe goes out. Mrs. Jardine. v Come, Christopher, let us speed the parting guest. [Mrs. Jardine goes out after Mrs. Gor- ringe. 164 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Colonel Jaedine. Certainly. You always were a model hostess. [Colonel Jardine goes out after Mrs. Jardine and Mrs. Gorringe. Jernigan". I must go back to Captain Mowbray. Isabel. As Mrs. Gorringe knows nothing against him, and won^t prosecute — you can release him, can't you? Jernigan. If she won't prosecute — I must. Isabel. Oh, no. Jernigan. I believe a felony has been committed. Cap- tain Mowbray has practically confessed. It is my duty to arrest him. Isabel. But you'll ruin him — you will, indeed. I know he didn't do it. The necklace is found. There's no harm done. Jernigan. [Unmoved, hut not harshly.'] My work accus- MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 165 toms me to scenes like this. I have seen so many women weep and pray for mercy that I have become hardened. [Turns to the door.] Isabel. [Quietly.] I would like to speak to him be- fore you go — only a few words, but alone. Please don't refuse me that. It's only to say good-bye. Jernigan. It's a violation of my duty, but I feel I can trust you. [Jernigan goes out. Isabel. What can we do? [Enter Captain Mowbray.] I'm so sure this is all a mistake. Can't you tell me? I'll keep your secret. Mowbray. It's best as it is. Isabel. But if they send you to prison. Oh, think — [She is overcome with emotion.] Mowbray. They won't send me to prison. There'll be a trial, most likely, but I think I shall get off. 166 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Isabel. Then you admit it's a mistake. Mowbray. {Momentarily confused.] I — I — You said yesterday you trusted me. Isabel. More than any man. Mowbray. Then — trust me still. Isabel. I do. But you leave me so in the dark. I thought you'd explain it to me, — just me. [He turns silently away.] If you can't — [Giving vent to her emotion.] Oh, I can't bear it. To see you taken away like a criminal, if they'd only take me instead of you! If only I could bear the shame we've somehow brought on you to- day — [Falters.] my wedding day. [Brealcs down,] Mowbray. [Comes towards her, speaking tenderly and sor- rowfully.] Yes, poor child, your wedding day, but brighter days will come, and soon you'll for- get that your wedding bells never rang. MRS, GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 167 Isabel. [Brokenly.} It isn't that 1 care about. Mowbray. No. I know, but Fd pictured your wedding day so differently. Isabel. You know why I married David, — you, only you. You know I don't regret it, and I think he's going to turn out well now. But I can't realise that we are married. We spoke a few hurried words in the Eegistry Office — that was all. It hasn't made any difference to me yet. And David isn't in danger and you are. I must place you first now. [Seeing his emotion as she loohs into his eyes.'] Do I make ii harder for you? Mowbray. [With exaltation.] Ko — no — so much easier. Isabel. [Innocently.] How can I make it easier? Mowbray. Because whatever my life is now — and it's likely to be lonely — I shall always remember that for one moment you placed me first in yours. 168 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Isabel. [Innocently, putting her face near to his.l Will that make it easier? Mowbray. [Looks into her face, then draws hach sud- denly.] Don't tempt me. You know what I mean. Fve wasted the best years of my life — an exile — working to grow rich — for you. And then — when I thought Fd won you — to see you snatched from me — by a boy. [She turns away.] Forgive me. Don't make me feel ashamed of myself. [She gives him her hands.] If ever we meet again we shall both be loyal to David. And if we never meet — perhaps the pain will grow less in time — and I shall be glad to think you know how sweet your memory will be to me. I shall often see your kind eyes smil- ing — and hear your voice, — Good-bye. Isabel. Good-bye. [Isabel goes out slowly, closing the door after her. David enters suddenly from the garden. His face is drawn and white. He seems on the verge of ner- vous prostration. David. Frank I MRS, GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 169 Mowbray. David! David. You mustn't do this for me. Mowbray. . Why are you here? David. To give myself up. Mowbray. How did you hear about it? David. The servant said you'd been arrested. Mowbray. But why did you come? David. Because I'm not fit to be in the army. I'm not fit to look the other fellows in the face. I thought they could all see it in my face. Isn't it there? Can't everyone see it? Mowbray. [Laying his hand firmly on David.] David, you've got to think of Isabel. 170 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE David. Isabel! ISinhs into a chair sohhing,'] Mowbray. [Firmly.] Pull yourself together, man. She mustn't see this. David. She's got to know the truth. Mowbray. She must never know it. Forget the past. David. I can't. Mowbray. You must. Brand yourself, you dishonour her. Think what that means, some of her friends shun- ning her, some pitying her — all humiliating her. If you confess now, she will have to live in the glare of your crime. Don't bring her to that. Think man, think — Grip hold of yourself and think. David. I can't let you suffer for me. Mowbray. Don't think of me. Think of the girl you mar- ried this morning. She placed all her life' in your keeping. Oh, take care of it, take care of it. MRS, GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 171 David. It's too late. Mowbray. It's not too late. You're a boy yet. You've made a bad start, but you can get over that. Begin again, your life is before you. The past is only to warn you, not to make you despair. Begin again, say, " I will conquer," and you can. No man succeeds by accident. It's by faith and self-control, and hard work, and it's worth it. It's worth everything to be your own master and not your own slave. Begin again, at once, and don't delay. That's why people fail, because they put off making that first big effort. Make yours now. Be strong. [David breaks down.'] She mustn't see you like this, I'll detain her while you pull yourself together. Look forward, lad — there's always hope ahead. You repent, there's hope in that, and you're not going out alone; you're going to face the world with a true woman. And with youth, and hope and faith, and Isabel — why, damn it, you can triumph over every- thing. [Mowbray goes out. David. [Hopelessly.'] The curse is always there in my mind and heart. I'm tainted — Oh ! Isabel ! [Rises with determination.] I won't bring her dishonour, I'll set her free. There's only one way — I'll do it — I'll do it. [Ooes to the 172 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE writing-tahle, sits down, and writes a letter in feverish haste. His voice breaks as he says.] And now, good-bye — Isabel. Good-bye. [Puts the letter in the envelope, addresses it.~\ For Isabel. [Charles enters as if looking for someone. David. Who are you looking for? Charles. Miss Isabel, sir. David. Here. [Charles comes to David, who hands him letter.'] Give her that — in five minutes. Charles. [Takes the letter.] I'll give it to her now, sir. David. [Angrily.] Not now. Have you so sense? Charles. Beg pardon, sir. In five minutes. [Turns to the door.] David. Charles. [Charles comes to him.] I didn't mean to speak angrily to you. I mean, — I don't want those to be my last words. Here — MRS, GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 173 [Feels in his pockets, takes out some coins and gives them to Charles.] Charles. [Taking the money. 1 Thank you, sir. David. [Puts his hand on Charles' shoulder as he speaks.'] Don't make a mess of your life, Charles. [Charles goes out and closes the door. David takes a revolver from his pocket, examines it, then goes out into the gar- den. Enter Isabel and Captain Mow- bray. Isabel. I thought you said David was here. Mowbray. I left him here. [Isabel rings the hell. Isabel. But why should he come back? Mowbray. He's awfully broken up about me. Isabel. How could he know? It all happened after he left. Mowbray. He knew the suspicion was on me. 174 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Isabel. [As if struch by an inspiration.l Oh ! [Goes quickly to Mowbray.] Are you doing this to shield — anybody ? [Charles enters, holding the letter. Mowbray. Where is Mr. Cairn? Charles. He was here just now. Mowbray. Did he say anything about going away? Charles. No, sir. Isabel. [Noticing the letter in Charles' hand.] What's that letter? Charles. He said I wasn't to give it you for five min- utes. It must be five minutes now. [Hands the letter to Isabel.] [Charles goes out. Mowbray. [Trying to stop her opening it.} Don't read it! MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 175 Isabel. I must. Mowbray. Isabel. Yes, I begin to see. [Opens the letter and reads aloud.'] " I stole the necklace when you were all out yesterday afternoon — If you don^t believe this, I dare say you can find out at the station what train I came by — when I came to the house about three o'clock, the gardener saw me." [Her face expresses horror. Then she looks up and says firmly.] They must all see this. Mowbray. No, destroy it. Isabel. Oh, how could he let you take it on yourself? Mowbray. I made him do it. I shall get off all right, but he wouldn't. He'd be ruined. [Trying to take the letter from her.] Destroy it. Isabel. Wait. There's more yet. [Turns over the page and reads.] " Frank loves you — " [Stops short, reading the rest to herself, her horror giving way to alarm.] Oh! [Drops the letter.] [Mowbray picks it up and reads it. 176 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE Mowbray. " Frank loves you. I hope you will marry him some day. When you get this letter you will he free, so it will be no use to try and stop me. I know now that you will only find happiness after my death/^ [Runs to the window. Jerni- GAN meets Mowbray at the window and whispers to him.] Dead ! ! [ Jernigan disappears.] Oh, poor David! curtain. THP MAfilSTPATF ^^^^^ ^^ Three Acts. Twelve males, four lUC iUAUlJlAiliC females. Costumes, modern; scenery, all interior. Plays two hours and a half. THE NOTORIOUS MRS. EBBSMITH ^^/.riL; 'r/en.^::. Costumes, modern ; scenery, all interiors. Plays a full erening. THF PRflFI IfiATF Play in Four Acts. Seven males, five females. IUI4 rnurMUAlL. gcenery, three interiors, rather elaborate; costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. TRC CrHAAl MICTDCCC Farce in Three Acts. Nine males, seven laC MnUUtraiMKtiS ^^^^^^^^ costumes, modem; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. TBE SECOND MRS. TANQUERAY ^^^^.^l tumes, modern ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. SWFFT T AVFNDFR comedy in Three Acts. Seven males, four JTTCCl J^ilTU^ULA females. Scene, a single interior; costumes, modem. Plays a full evening. THF TIMFS Comedy in Four Acts. Six males, seven females. Scene, a single interior; costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. THF WFAKFR SFY Comedy in Three Acts. Eight males, eight 1 UD IT CAIVCa JCA f eniales. Costumes, modern ; scenery, two Interiors. Plays a full evening. A WIFE WITHOUT A SMILE '^SZ::^^2.X.^ZZ modern ; scene, a single interior. Plays a full evening. Sent prepaid on receipt of price by Salter i^* TBafeet & Company No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts UNIVERSITY OF CARIFORNIA LIBRARY, 1 BERKELEY THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE LAST DATE STAMPED BELOW Books not returned on time are subject to a fine of 50c per volume after the third day overdue, increasing to $1.00 per volume after the sixth day. Books not in demand may be renewed if application is made before expiration of loan period. (on ,^vi lg152e »8, four ery, va- 1. Cos- vening. smales. vening. four fe- , of the renteen jtumes, Scen- 3 a lull Bmales, Plays a Fifteen ery va- n Five males, >lay8 a 25»?-7.'25 isetts No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachu I PAT.JAI. 21, 190» VB 3;s?;