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 Lavender 
 
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 THE PLA YS OF ARTHUR W. PINERO 
 
 Paper cover, is. 6d. ; cloth, as. 6J. each 
 
 THE TIMES 
 
 THE TROFLIGATE 
 
 THE CABINET ^MINISTER 
 
 THE HOBBY-HORSE 
 
 LADY BOUNTIFUL 
 
 THE ^MAGISTRATE 
 
 'DANDY 'DICK 
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 THE SCHOOLMISTRESS 
 
 THE WEAKER SEX 
 
 THE AMAZONS 
 
 THE SECOND <&fRS. TAN^UERAY 
 
 THE NOTORIOUS cMRS. SBBSMITH 
 
 THE BENEFIT OF THE <DOUBT 
 
 THE PRINCESS AND THE BUTTERFLY 
 
 TRELAWNY OF THE "WELLS" 
 
 THE GAY LORD $UEX 
 
 IRIS 
 
 THE PINERO BIRTHDAY BOOK 
 
 Selected and arranged by MYRA HAMILTON 
 With a Portrait, cloth extra, price 25. 6d. 
 
 \LONDON; WILLIAM HEINEMANN
 
 TtOMSSTIC <DRAMA 
 
 In Three tActs 
 
 By ARTHUR W. PINERO 
 
 LONDON: WILLIAM HElNEMANN
 
 COPYRIGHT, NOVEMBER 1891 
 
 All rights reserved. 
 Entered at Stationers' Hall. 
 
 Entered at the Library of Congress, 
 Washington, U.S.A. 
 
 FIRST IMPRESSION ; September 1893 
 
 NEW IMPRESSIONS ; October 1895, November 1896, August 1898, 
 June 1899, October 1900, March. 1902, October 1903
 
 INTRODUCTORY NOTE 
 
 " SWEET LAVENDER " must be regarded as one of the 
 most successful stage-plays of modern times, and there 
 can be no question that it has proved so far the most popu- 
 lar of Mr. Pinero's works. Its representations may be 
 counted by the thousand, and its popularity has extended 
 over many latitudes. The reason of this is not far to 
 seek ; it proclaims itself in the gentle humanity and 
 genial humour of the play, and the lovable creation of the 
 golden-hearted, weak-natured, down-at-heel Dick Phenyl. 
 The very simplicity and unpretentiousness of this domestic 
 comedy have apparently disarmed any antagonistic criti- 
 cism which might have been expected from those critics 
 of cynical temper and pessimistic mood who are wont to 
 look for the stern realities of life even in the most purposely 
 genial of theatrical entertainments. And if these, in view 
 of the preponderance of kindly human nature in the play, 
 elect to regard " Sweet Lavender " as a sort of modern 
 fairy-tale rather than an actual and realistic study of life, 
 certainly no one would be more ready to agree with them
 
 vi INTRODUCTORY NOTE 
 
 than Mr. Pinero himself. He avowedly designed the 
 piece as a pleasant entertainment, and the proof that he 
 accomplished his purpose is the fact of the phenomenally 
 successful career of the work all over the world. Had Mr. 
 Pinero in the early months of 1888 written a play of the 
 order of " The Second Mrs. Tanqueray " for Terry's 
 Theatre, the result would in all probability have been 
 disaster. 
 
 " Sweet Lavender " was produced on Wednesday even- 
 ing, March 2ist, 1888, and was from the first received 
 with so much enthusiasm that at once the playgoing public 
 began to flock to Terry's Theatre. Mr. Pinero's comedy, 
 in fact, drew the town, Mr. Edward Terry's Dick Phenyl 
 became almost a household word, and the play held its 
 place in the programme continuously until January 25th, 
 1890, by which date it had been performed as many as 
 683 times. But this was not the end of its career at 
 Terry's Theatre, for, after Mr. Edward Terry's holiday 
 trip to India, the actor-manager signalised his return by a 
 revival of "Sweet Lavender'' on October 4th, 1890, and 
 between that date and November 26th of the same year, 
 54 performances were given, bringing the number of 
 representations at this house up to 737. 
 
 The following copy of the first night programme of the 
 original production at Terry's will be interesting for 
 future reference :
 
 INTRODUCTORY NOTE vii 
 
 TERRY'S THEATRE, 
 
 105 & 106 STRAND. 
 SOLE LESSEE AND MANAGER, MR. EDWARD TERRY. 
 
 WEDNESDAY, MARCH ai, 1888, 
 
 FOR THE FIRST TIME, 
 
 An Original Domestic Drama, in Three Acts, entitled 
 SWEET LAVENDER, 
 
 BY 
 
 A. W. PINERO. 
 
 MR. GEOFFREY WEDDERBURN (of 
 Wedderburn, Green & Hoskett, 
 Bankers, Barnchester) . . . Mr. BRANDON THOMAS. 
 
 CLEMENT HALE (his adopted Son, 
 studying for the Bar) . . . Mr. BERNARD GOULD. 
 
 Dr. DELANEY (a fashionable Phy- 
 sician) Mr. ALFRED BISHOP. 
 
 DICK PHENYL (a Barrister) . . Mr. EDWARD TERRY. 
 
 HORACE BREAM (a young American) Mr. F. KERR. 
 
 MR. MAW (a Solicitor) . . . Mr. SANT MATTHEWS 
 
 MR. BULGER (Hairdresser and Wig- 
 maker) Mr. T. C. VALENTINE. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN (a Widow Mr. 
 Wedderburn's Sister) . . . Miss M. A. VICTOR. 
 
 MINNIE (her Daughter) . . . Miss MAUDE MILLETT. 
 
 RUTH ROLT (Housekeeper and 
 Laundress at 3 Brain Court, 
 Temple) Miss CARLOTTA ADDISON. 
 
 LAVENDER (her Daughter) . . Miss NORREYS.
 
 viu INTRODUCTORY NOTE 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 NOBODY'S BUSINESS. 
 Morning. 
 
 INTERVAL OF TEN MINUTES. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 SOMEBODY'S BUSINESS. 
 Evening of the next day. 
 
 INTERVAL OF TWELVE MINUTES. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 EVERYBODY'S BUSINESS. 
 A week afterwards. 
 
 Scene: Chambers of Mr. Phenyl and Mr. Hale, 3 Brain Court, 
 
 Temple. 
 
 SPRINGTIME THE PRESENT DAY. 
 
 SCENE DESIGNED AND PAINTED BY T. W. HALL. 
 
 Mr. T. W. Robertson, who, as a manager and actor of 
 considerable provincial experience, was prompt to recog- 
 nise the certain popularity of " Sweet Lavender" with the 
 immense playgoing public outside the metropolis, at Christ- 
 mas 1888 commenced a series of provincial tours with
 
 INTRODUCTORY NOTE be 
 
 Mr. Pinero's play, and these tours lasted until November 
 5th, 1891, 697 performances having been given in the 
 meanwhile. Since then other travelling companies have 
 performed the play many hundred times all over the 
 United Kingdom, and it finds a continuously appreciative 
 public. 
 
 In America Mr. Pinero's famous comedy has become a 
 stock piece, and its representations have been countless 
 since Mr. Daniel Frohman first produced it at the Lyceum 
 Theatre, New York. Australia has also taken very 
 kindly to the play, which was first introduced to Antipo- 
 dean audiences by Mr. Frank Thornton, and, during 
 Mr. Edward Terry's recent visit to the colony, " Sweet 
 Lavender '' was naturally expected from him as its original 
 producer, and it was received with enthusiasm at his 
 hands. In South Africa it has also enjoyed frequent 
 representation ; in the West Indies it has been much in 
 favour ; and Mr. Thornton will shortly take the play to 
 India. 
 
 But " Sweet Lavender," like " The Profligate " and " The 
 Magistrate," has appealed beyond the English-speaking 
 body of playgoers to those of the Teutonic and Italian 
 tongues. It has been very frequently performed in Ger- 
 many in an adaptation which eliminates the sentimental 
 interest to a large extent and lays greater stress on the 
 comic ; while the Italian stage knows it also by a version
 
 T INTRODUCTORY NOTE 
 
 from the pen of a well-known Italian writer. Further- 
 more, " Sweet Lavender " was recently acted in Russia 
 by a company organised for the purpose of presenting 
 English plays in that country. 
 
 MALCOLM C. SALAMAN. 
 October 1893.
 
 TH8 TB^ONS OF THB 'PLAT 
 
 MR. GEOFFREY WEDDERBURN (of Wedderburn, 
 Green & Hoskett, Bankers, Barnchester) 
 
 CLEMENT HALE (his adopted Son studying fox 
 the Bar) 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN (a Widow Mr. Wedderburn's 
 
 Sister) 
 
 MINNIE (her Daughter) 
 
 RUTH HOLT (Housekeeper and " Laundress " at 
 3 Brain Court Temple) 
 
 LAVENDER (her Daughter) 
 
 DICK PHENYL (a Barrister) 
 
 HORACE BREAM (a young American) 
 
 DR. DELANEY (a fashionable Physician) 
 
 MR. MAW (a Solicitor) 
 
 MR. BULGER (Hairdresser and Wigmaker)
 
 THE FIRST ACT 
 
 NOBODY'S BUSINESS 
 (MORNING) 
 
 THE SECOND ACT 
 
 SOMEBODY'S BUSINESS 
 (EVENING OF THE NEXT DAY) 
 
 THE THIRD ACT 
 
 EVERYBODY'S BUSINESS 
 (A WEEK AFTERWARDS)
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 THE FIRST ACT 
 
 The scene is the shabbily furnished sitting-room of 
 some barristers 1 chambers at 3 Brain Court, 
 Temple. On the spectator's left and right are 
 tlie doors leading respectively to the bedrooms of 
 RICHARD PIIENYL and CLEMENT HALE. At the 
 further end of the room, on the left, is a curtained 
 opening leading into a passage, where a butler's 
 tray stands, and facing the outer door of the 
 chambers. The corresponding part of the room, 
 where the windows look on to the Court, forms a 
 kind of recess curtained off from the rest. 
 
 It is a bright spring morning. 
 
 HUTH HOLT, a slim, delicate-looking woman of about 
 35, with a sweet face and a sad soft voice, humbly 
 but very neatly dressed, is laying the breakfast 
 things upon the table. 
 
 BULGER, a meek bald-headed man, carrying a little old 
 leather bag, a brass pot of hot water, and some 
 clean towels, enters quietly. 
 
 BULGER. 
 I've give Mr. 'Ale a nice sdiave, Mrs. Bolt clean
 
 2 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 and quick. Water's 'ot enough for me jist to tun 
 over Mr. Phenyl's face if 'e's visible. 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 I'm afraid Mr. Phenyl isn't well enough for you 
 this morning, Mr. Bulger. 
 
 BULGER. 
 Not one of 'is mornin's, hey ? 
 
 [Ruth goes to the right-hand door and knocks 
 sharply. 
 
 KUTH. 
 
 [Catting.] Mr. Phenyl ! Mr. Phenyl ! The 
 barber. 
 
 BULGER. 
 
 [Mildly, behind his hand.] 'Airdresser. 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 Hairdresser. [With a mournful shake of the head] 
 No use. 
 
 BULGER. 
 
 Well, Mrs. Rolt, I do wonder at a sooperior young 
 gentleman like Mr. 'Ale stoopin' to reside with one of 
 Mr. Phenyl's sort. 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 [Firing up.] What do you mean? One of Mr. 
 Phenyl's sort ! 
 
 BULGER. 
 
 I mean a person who's seen staggerin' 'ome with 
 uncertain footfalls at all hours of the mornin', and 
 can't 'old up his 'ead for shavin' more than twice a 
 week.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 3 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 I shouldn't wonder if Mr. Hale finds something to 
 like, something to respect in Mr. Phenyl, with all his 
 faults. 
 
 BULGER. 
 
 P'raps so. But to reflect that Mr. 'Ale used to be 
 such a swell, as the sayin' goes, over in Pear Tree 
 Court ; and then, three weeks back, to come 'ere and 
 take up with the untidiest chin in the Inner 
 Temple it's bewilderin'. 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 [Impatiently.] Oh ! [Walks up to the window, 
 where she stands waiting for BULGER to go.] 
 
 BULGER. 
 [With a sigh.] Good mornin', Mrs. Rolt. 
 
 RUTH. 
 [Without turning.] Good morning. 
 
 [BULGER, on his way to the door, pauses, 
 deposits his brass pot and towels on tJie 
 table, then opens his bag mournfuUy. 
 
 RUTH. 
 [Turning with surprise.] Mr. Bulger I 
 
 BULGER. 
 I'm still 'oping, Mrs. Rolt. 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 It's good to be hoping for something in this world. 
 Mr. Bulger.
 
 4 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 BULGER. 
 
 [Taking a piece of paper out of his bag and advancing 
 towards RUTH.] My affection for you has now took 
 poetic form, ma'am. Will you accept the hearliest 
 effort? 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 No, thank you. I 
 
 BULGER. 
 
 Think, Mrs. Rolt. When it comes to poetry it 
 comes to something. I, Edmund Bulger, widower, 
 have loved you, Mrs. Ruth Rolt, widow, ever since 
 you fust set foot in the Temple, fifteen years ago, 
 a-bearing your two-year-old baby in your arms, 
 ma'am. 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 [Pained.] Don't don't. 
 
 BULGER. 
 
 I was the fust wot ever put scissors to your little 
 Lavender's silky head, Mrs. Rolt. 
 
 RUTH. 
 Yes, I know that. 
 
 BULGER. 
 
 And I've had the 'andlin' of your tresses too ay, 
 and the singein' of 'em till I found I loved you too 
 fond to do your 'air what I call justice. [Goomily 
 offering his verses.] And now it's come down to 
 poetry. 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 [Turning away.] It's no good, indeed.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 5 
 
 BULGEB. 
 
 [Surveying the paper doubtfully.] It ain't much 
 good, but intellectually it's my all, ma'am. You 
 won't ? 
 
 KUTH. 
 
 No, Mr. Bulger, please. 
 
 BULGEB. 
 
 [Putting away the paper and taking up his things .1 
 Adjourned sine die, ma'am. [Turning solemnly.] I 
 take leave for to mention that Mr. Justice Tyler's 
 noo wig which I sent 'ome yesterday nips him at the 
 nape o 7 the neck. Also that I cut Mr. Pritchett, 
 the emment Q.C.'s chin, in his own chambers yester- 
 day ; a mole as I've skipped over these ten years like 
 a gladsome child. I don't want to make a mountain 
 out of a mole, Mrs. Holt, but these facts denote the 
 failin' 'and, ma'am. Good mornin'. 
 
 [As BULGEB is going there is a knock at the 
 outside door, which he opens, and admits 
 Dr. DELANEY, a genial old Irish gentle- 
 man with silvery-grey hair and whiskers. 
 
 DB. DELANEY. 
 
 Thank ye I'm much obliged to ye. I'm calling 
 on Mr. Hale. [BULGES goes out.] Is it Mrs. Rolt ? 
 
 RUTH. 
 Yes, sir. 
 
 DB. DELANEY. 
 
 I'm Doctor Delaney. I've just had the pleasure of 
 seeing your daughter downstairs in the kitchen in 
 the basement.
 
 6 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 RUTH. 
 My daughter? 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 
 The fact is I'm a friend of Mr. Hale's, and when I 
 met him a night or two back at a little party, he 
 told me that the child of his laundress of the lady 
 who moinds the house where he has chambers was 
 looking a little peaky, and that if ever I was near 
 
 the Temple 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 Oh, how good of Mr. Hale ! 
 
 DR. DELANET. 
 Oh, deloightful of him. 
 
 RUTH. 
 [Gratefully.'] And you too, Doctor. 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 
 [Taking her two hands in his for a moment.] Don't 
 speak of it not a bit. Mr. Hale isn't out of his bed 
 yet, I take it ? 
 
 RUTH. 
 Yes, D octor, he'll breakfast in a minute. 
 
 [She goes to a door and knocks. 
 
 DR. DELANET. 
 
 [To himself.] Now I wonder whether this boy is 
 smitten with the bit of a girl downstairs. Ah ! thank 
 goodness, it's no business of mine ! 
 
 RUTH. 
 [Knocking again.] Mr. Hale !
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 7 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 \In his room.] Yes ? 
 
 EUTH. 
 Dr. Delaney, please. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [Calling.'] Oh, thank you. I'm coming. 
 
 [Ruth continues laying the table, 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 
 [To himself.] It would be a great disappointment 
 to Wedderburn the banker if the lad he's adopted did 
 anything absurd. But, thank goodness, it's no busi- 
 ness of mine. 
 
 KUTH. 
 
 Don't you think my girl is looking very pale, 
 Doctor? 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 
 Ah, don't worry yourself now. It's the air of the 
 Temple. She's a white chrysanthemum instead of a 
 pink one. Your daughter's strong enough. 
 
 EUTH. 
 
 Bless you for telling me that ! My sweet 
 Lavender 1 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 
 You're a little pale yourself now. 
 
 EUTH. 
 7 oh, I've had trouble.
 
 8 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 DE. DELANET. 
 Ah, you're a widow, I'm sorry to hear, Mrs. Holt. 
 
 RUTH. 
 Yes, Doctor. 
 
 DE. DELANET. 
 
 [To himself J] And you're right about the trouble 
 you've, had if I'm any judge of faces. [Sadly.'] 
 Thank goodness, it's no business of mine. [To fiuth.\ 
 Have you been alone a long while ? 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 [Coldly.] I lost Lavender's father before she was 
 born. 
 
 DE. DELANEY. 
 
 Ah, that's a pity now. 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 And she's all I have in the world, Doctor. In fact, 
 she's myself. At times I think she's as old as I, or I 
 as young as she. I feel her smile on my face, and 
 the pains and aches I suffer go to her young bones. 
 When she is poring over her lessons at night I am 
 sure my eyes smart for it 
 
 DE. DELANEY. 
 Her lessons ! What lessons are those ? 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 She's a little backward, and works hard with her 
 books in the evening ! Mr. Hale has been good 
 enough to help her.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER g 
 
 DB. DELANEY. 
 
 Oh, has he ? And she's very fond of her books 
 liave ye noticed ? 
 
 RUTH. 
 Yes, very. 
 
 DE. DELANEY. 
 
 Then the only thing I've got to recommend is this 
 that ye'll put a stop to the lessons for six months 
 or so. 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 Very well, Doctor. Poor Lawy 1 
 
 DK. DELANEY. 
 
 [To himself."] I've hit it. Oh, thank goodness, this 
 is no business of mine ! 
 
 CLEMENT HALE enters. He is a handsome boyish 
 young man of about three and twenty, immacu- 
 lately attired in a fashionable dressing-suit.] 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Dr. Delaney ! 
 
 DB. DELANEY. 
 Mee dear boy I 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 They call you a fashionable physician, and you're 
 found in the City at ten in the morning. 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 
 Mee dear boy, I'll let you into a secret we can't 
 get human ailments to keep fashionable hours.
 
 10 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Leading him over to the armchair.] Best-hearted 
 and best-humoured creature in London, sit in the best 
 chair. 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 [To Clement.'] Dr. Delaney has seen Lavender. I 
 I can't thank you. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Smiling.] Please, don't. [With assumed careless- 
 ness, to DELANEY.] What do you think of the child ? 
 
 DB. DELANEY. 
 
 [Hesitatingly.] Oh she's been increasing her know- 
 ledge a little too rapidly, that's all. 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 Lavender has to give up her lessons for six months, 
 the Doctor says. Isn't it a pity, Mr. Hale ? 
 
 [RUTH goes out. 
 CLEMENT. 
 Give up her lessons ? 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 
 Now, it's no good overloading the brain of a young 
 girl. Now, is it ? 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [Carelessly turning away.] No, no. 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 [To himself.] No, nor the heart neither. Good
 
 SWEET LAVENDER tl 
 
 gracious ! Here's poor Wedderburn travelling abroad 
 in happy ignorance, and it's nobody's business to look 
 after the boy he loves like a son. Well, it's not my 
 business at any rate. [There is the sudden sound of 
 the fall of some heavy object in the adjacent room.] 
 What's that now ? 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 That? Oh, that's Dick. 
 
 DB. DELANEY. 
 Dick, is it ? 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Mr. Richard Phenyl, barrister-at-law. I share his 
 chambers. Dick's dressing. 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 Dropped his waistcoat. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Poor Dick ! If you saw him I dare say you'd be 
 shocked at my making a companion of a man like 
 Dick Phenyl. 
 
 DB. DELANEY. 
 Dear me ! 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 But I know what good there is in old Dick, and 
 how the good burns clearer and brighter in his 
 slovenly person than in many who've had luck and 
 love and luxury in their lives which Dick hasn't. I 
 shall pull him round yet. Like to know him ?
 
 I a SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 I loike to know everybody. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Opening the door slightly.'] Dick ! [To DELANEY.] 
 You won't see him to advantage. I was busy last 
 night, and he ran off the rails a little. Dick ! [Turn- 
 ing away from the doorl\ All right. 
 
 DICK PHENYL enters and walks unsteadily towards 
 CLEMENT. DICK is a shattered and dissolute- 
 looking man of about five-and forty, with shaggy 
 iron-grey hair and ragged whiskers a pale a- id 
 cadaverous face, and a suggestion of redness about 
 the nose. He wears the wreck of a once gaudy 
 smoking jacket, which hangs loosely upon him, 
 and he has generally a down-at-heel appearance. 
 But, with all, he presents the remains of a gentle- 
 man, and after he has recovered himself 
 his manner, though eccentric, is refined and good- 
 humoured. 
 
 DICK. 
 Clemen', my boy good mor'ing. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Reproachfully.] Hallo, Dick, hallo t 
 DICK. 
 
 I know wha' you infer, Clemen'. I'm a little late 
 in falling I mean, in rising, this mor'ing. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [With mock severity^] A little early in going to bed 
 this morning, Mr. Phenyl.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 13 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Clemen', my boy, you're so unreasonable. I had 
 an imporrant appointment at the " Steak and Turbot," 
 in Flee' Street a very old-established inn, Clemen' 
 Doc'or Johnson and all that sor' o' thing. I'm none 
 the worse for it, Clemen'. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Are you any the better ? 
 
 DICK. 
 I'm about the same, Clemen*. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Let me introduce my friend, Doctor Delaney. 
 
 DICK. 
 Wha' nonsense Doc'or Johnson. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Doctor Delaney. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [To DELANEY.] I beg your par*on I didn't per- 
 ceive you when I firs' came in. 
 
 [He walks rather unsteadily to DELANEY, 
 shakes hands with him, then sits on the 
 sofa. 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 
 Delighted to make your acquaintance, Mr. Phenyl. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Than'g you. Were you here when you heard that 
 noise in nex' room ?
 
 14 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 DB. DELANEY. 
 I heard a noise. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 The pattern on my berrom carpet dam' 'noying. 
 I had that carpet turned las' week, borrom upwards 
 still dam' 'noying pattern. Different pattern, but 
 pattern. Trip up anybody. 
 
 DK. DELANEY. 
 
 [To CLEMENT.] I happen to have a little something 
 in my pocket that'll puU him together. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Give it him, for heaven's sake. 
 
 DK. DELANEY. 
 I want a tumbler. 
 
 DICK. 
 Tum'ler ! Tum'ler ! 
 
 [DiCK goes rapidly to the sideboard and fetches 
 a tumbler and a decanter of spirits. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [Quietly, .] Look out. 
 
 [DELANEY takes the tumbler and decanter from 
 DICK, and hands the decanter to CLEMENT, 
 who replaces it on the sideboard. Re- 
 taining the tumbler, DELANEY measures 
 into it some drops from a phial he has 
 taken from his pocket. 
 
 DICK. 
 [Mystified.] Perfec' conjuring trick.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 15 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [Offering a carafe of water.] Water ? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Quickly.'] Yer' little ! 
 
 [DELANEY pours some water into the tumbler, 
 then gives it to DICK. 
 
 DH. DELANEY. 
 Swallow that, now. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Not spirits, I hope at this hour o' the mor'ing ? 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 No, no. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Annoyed.] Why not ? 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 
 That's a blessed antidote to the voilest poison the 
 devil ever put his red seal on I allude to Scotch 
 whiskey, not Irish. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Wha' nonsense blessed anecdote. 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 Come, come, drink my health, sor. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Thickly.] " The Queen ! " 
 
 [DiCK drinks the contents of the tumbler, then 
 coughs and splutters.
 
 16 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 How's that, now. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Wants keeping another year at least. Oh ! 
 
 [DiCK writhes a little as if in pain, then sits 
 on the sofa and buries his head in his 
 hands. 
 
 DK. DELANEY. 
 He's all right. I'm off. 
 
 RUTH enters with a tray. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 You won't breakfast with us, Doctor Delaney ? 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 
 God bless ye for asking me, but I'm very busy over 
 this new hobby of mine. You've heard of it ? " The 
 Home of Forgetf ulness ! " 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 " The Home of Forgetfulness ! " What's that ? 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 
 Its a new home I've endowed for a hundred soft- 
 hearted women who are willing to put themselves at 
 my beck-and-call to nurse the sick and the ailin', 
 rich and poor. I shall be the commander-in-chief 
 with a trained army at my own barracks. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 And you do all this alone ?
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 17 
 
 DR. DHLANEY. 
 
 Ah, why not? Some of us so-called fashionable 
 physicians have made so much money out of those 
 who haven't anything the matter with 'em that its 
 hard if we can't do a little for the benefit of those 
 who have. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 But why " The Home of Forgetfulness ? " 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 
 Because its only by a bed of sickness that many a 
 woman can forget the trouble and pain and dis- 
 appointment this wurrld has brought her. [Taking 
 CLEMENT'S hand.] God bless ye, mee boy. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 God bless you, Doctor Delaney ? I wish more of 
 us were like you. 
 
 DE. DELANEY. 
 
 Go along, now. Good-bye. [Looking at CLEMENT, 
 then at DICK.] Ah, its no business of mine. 
 
 [He bustles out, brushing past RUTH, who has 
 been listening. 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 [Under her breath to DELANEY as he passes her.] 
 Doctor ! 
 
 [He passes through the passage. Shefollowing 
 him. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Catting after DELAXEY.] Good bye/ 
 
 ft
 
 18 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 DB. DELANEY. 
 
 [In the distance.] Good-bye. 
 
 [DiCK having roused himself with a shake and 
 a shiver, looks up, blinking his eyes, his 
 drunkenness gone. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Clem [going to the table and lifting up the dish- 
 cover] sweetbread we haven't had 
 breakfast. [Calling.] Clem ! 
 
 [CLEMENT closes the passage door, and, draw- 
 ing the curtain over the opening, comes to 
 the table. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Hallo ! 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Severely.] You're always late for breakfast, 
 Clement. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Putting his hand on DICK'S shoulder and surveying 
 him] Delaney understands your case, evidently. 
 
 DICK. 
 Delaney ? 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 That was Cormack Delaney, the dear old doctor of 
 Wigmore Street. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Oh ! I wish you had introduced me. Shall we 
 toss for the arm-chair as usual ?
 
 SWEET LAVENDER ig 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Oertainly. [CLEMENT tosses a coin and catches it 
 on ike back of his hand, covering it.~\ Call 1 
 
 [DiCK throws his coin in the air it falls 
 many yards away from him, but covers 
 the back of his hand as if he had caught 
 the coin. CLEMENT laughs. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Uncovering his hand, disappointed.] Oh, never 
 mind woman 1 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Yours. 
 
 [DiCK sits in the armchair. CLEMENT helps 
 DICK to sweetbread, then pours out tea. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 No appetite, I suppose ? 
 
 DICK, 
 
 [As if with a disagreeable taste in his mouth.] H'rn ! 
 I fancy my liver isn't as it should be. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Ah ! Dick, Dick, you've broken your word to me 
 again. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Cheerfully,] The last time, Clement, my boy the 
 last time.
 
 20 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 It's always the last time, Dick. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Making a clatter with his knife andjork, irritably.] 
 Don't talk childishly. Last night was the last time 
 it will be the last time. You're invariably finding 
 fault, Clement its discouraging. Blame, blame, 
 blame ; but praise oh dear, no 1 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Praise for what ? 
 
 DICK. 
 [Bitterly.] It is hardly for a man of my age to 
 
 indicate to a boy the particular qualities [Appeal- 
 
 ingly.~\ Clem, Clem, I'm sorry there. I apolo- 
 gise. Never again. [Holding out his hand.] Friends, 
 Clement, my boy ? Word of honour, my boy ? 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [Gripping his hand.'] Word of honour, Dick. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Vigorously.] Done, But do try to commend a little 
 more, Clement to praise, to encourage. Much may 
 be done by kindness. [Cheerfully.] Sweetbread ? 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [A bsently.] No, thanks, Dick. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Off your feed ? Spoonful of whiskey in your tea 
 tone to the stomach. 

 
 SWEET LAVENDER 21 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Dick, Delaney says that little Lavender Rolt ought 
 to discontinue her studies. 
 
 DICK. 
 Oh! 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Leaving the table.] Confound it! When she is 
 making such progress. 
 
 [CLEMENT sits with his elbows on the writing- 
 table and his head resting on his hand. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Hallo, Clement, my boy ! [Going over to CLEMENT 
 8y*npatheticallg.] This won't do. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 What won't do ? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Clem, no man is quite so sober as the individual 
 who is occasionally otherwise. All his acuteness is 
 concentrated upon his brief lucid intervals, and in 
 those intervals his acuteness is devilish. [Laying his 
 hand on CLEMENT'S shoulder.] Clement 1 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Dick I 
 
 DICK. 
 
 When you took compassion upon a worthless, 
 broken-down reprobate I allude to the gentleman 
 now honoured with the attention of the House you 
 did a fine thing ; but don't spoil it, Clement, my 
 boy I
 
 22 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 What do you mean ? What is there to spoil ? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Your career. D'ye think I haven't seen this 
 coming" on your giving little Lavender hints in 
 grammar and composition, and buying her Boyle's 
 Arithmetic, and explaining the difference between a 
 Cape and an Isthmus in the dusk by that window ? 
 No, no, Clement, my boy, it wouldn't answer for the 
 sake of her peace of mind and your future, pull up 
 before the mischief's done ! 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Taking DICK'S hand.] You're too late, Dick. I 
 love her. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Spluttering with anger, and shaking his fist at 
 CLEMENT.] Out of my chambers 1 This is gratitude. 
 This is how you profit by the counsel and companion- 
 ship of a man double your age 1 I've done with you. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Very well, Dick. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Rushing at him.] Clement, my boy, I'm a little 
 angry now [tearfully] but I shall work round, 
 Clem. You haven't breathed a word to the poor 
 child, have you ? 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Not a word, Dick.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 23 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Thank you, Clem. Lavvy must be sent into the 
 country for the benefit of her health, and then 
 there'll be an end of it. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Dick ! Why should there be an end of it ? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Don't talk to me, sir, like that ! Haven't you been 
 adopted by a Mr. What's-his-name, a banker, sir ? 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Well? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 If a banker would adopt me, you'd see something 
 like behaviour, sir. Why, if you offend your father, 
 as you call him, you'll be a pauper ; you'll be like 
 Richard Phenyl, Esq., of the Inner Temple 1 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Why should I offend Mr. Wedderburn by loving a 
 girl who is simple and honest and generous and 
 courtly ; whose only vice is that she is not dressed by 
 a Bond Street milliner ? 
 
 DICK. 
 Don't come to me when you're starving, that's all. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Nonsense, Dick. At the worst I shall have my 
 profession.
 
 24 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Profession ! What good is my profession to me ? 
 [Snatching a dirty pipe from the mantelpiece savagely .] 
 Besides, ain't you engaged to a beautiful a Miss 
 Thing-a-my Mr. Wedderburn's niece. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Mrs. Gilfillian's daughter and I were thrown 
 together as children, and I believe there was some 
 idea 
 
 DICK. 
 Ha I You believe ! 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 But I'm sure that Minnie Gilfillian troubles her 
 pretty head very little about me. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Hadn't you better wait till Miss Gilfillian and 
 Mrs. Gilfillian and Mr. Wedderburn bring their 
 three pretty heads back to England. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Wait ! I can't stop the beating of my heart, Dick 
 and it beats Lavender, Lavender, Lavender, every 
 moment of the day. [He buries his head in his Jwnds. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 One last word, Clement, my boy. [Slowly and care- 
 fully filing his pipe.~\ The story of Cinderella hasn't 
 been properly told yet. There was no pumpkin and 
 no fairy. The carriage came from Windover's and
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 95 
 
 the pair of bays from Tattersall's, at the young 
 gentleman's order. The girl was pretty and good, 
 and he loved her, Clement, but the time arrived 
 when the slippers wore down at the heel and had to 
 be replaced by a size larger. And, by and bye it's 
 a sad story he noticed that her little sharp elbows 
 didn't get whiter, poor thing ! and that she mixed up 
 the first and third person in accepting Lady Mont- 
 morency's kind invitation to dine. And one day a 
 carriage and pair were for sale, Clement as good as 
 new the property of a gentleman leaving England, 
 who was no longer answerable for the debts contracted 
 by Cinderella, his wife. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 The hero of your story was a cad, Dick ! 
 
 DICK. 
 
 The hero of any story generally is. There take 
 my sermon or leave it. But it's because I love you, 
 and because this poor woman, Ruth Holt, has been 
 for fifteen years a good friend to a shaggy worthless 
 cur, that I won't let you and her child make each 
 other wretched without raising my bark against it. 
 A .men, Clement, my boy Amen ! 
 
 [He drops into the armchair facing the fire 
 and lights his pipe. There is a low knock 
 from the other side of the curtained 
 opening. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 There's that man of mine, Jenks he gets later 
 and later every morning.
 
 26 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Growling.'] Learn to dress yourself. / dress 
 myself. [The knock is repeated. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [Angrily.] Come in ! 
 
 LAVENDER, a slight pretty girl, about seventeen, 
 shabbily dressed, draws the curtain and enters 
 the room. Her voice is sweet and gentle, and her 
 movements are graceful and refined. She carries 
 some school-books, an " exercise " book, and a 
 small tray. 
 
 LAVENDEB. 
 
 [Standing unnoticed timidly.] May I clear the 
 table, please ? 
 
 DICK. 
 [Turning in his chair.] Hallo ! 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Jumping up.] Good gracious! We thought you 
 were Jenks. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 [Taking a little crumpled note from her pocket.] 
 Jenks has just left this note downstairs, Mr Hale. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Heading.] "Henry Jenks present his respectful 
 
 compliments, but I am not coming any more has I " 
 
 H'm. Hand that to Mr. Phenyl, Lavender. 
 
 [LAVENDER gives the note to DICK,
 
 SWEET LAVENDER V] 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Reading.] "I am not coming any more has I 
 can't stand the carryings on of that awful Mr. 
 Phenyl." [Indignantly.] Well I 
 
 \_He screws up the note vindictively and 
 throws it into the fire ; then turning, he sees 
 LAVENDER and CLEMENT close together. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 ^Giving the books to CLEMENT, reluctantly '.] You 
 won't look at my exercise till I've cleared the break- 
 fast table and gone right out of sight, will you ? 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Why? 
 
 LAVENDER, 
 It's so blotty. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Fidgeting] H'm ! Clement, my boy 1 [Admonish- 
 ing CLEMENT by waving his pipe] 
 
 [LAVENDER goes to the breakfast table and 
 begins removing the things. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [Angrily] Don't interfere, Dick. 
 
 DICK. 
 Thank you, Mr. Hale. [Stalking away indignantly. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [To himself] Confound Dick's cynicism, How
 
 28 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 sweet she is. [To LAVENDER.] May I help in some 
 way ? [He takes up the teapot. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 No, thank you. [Taking the teapot from CLEMENT 
 and looking at his empty plate.] Poor Mr. Phenyl 
 hasn't eaten any breakfast. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Ah, poor Mr. Phenyl ! 
 
 [She carries some of the breakfast things out 
 into the passage and puts them on the 
 butler's tray. CLEMENT hesitates a moment, 
 then snatches up an egg-cup and goes 
 after her. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Looking round.] Where, where ? [Going to 
 the curtained opening] Ah, Clement, my boy. 
 
 CLEMENT returns to the room, glaring at 
 DICK, and stands sulkily before the fire. 
 LAVENDER goes on clearing the table, DICK 
 throws himself on the sofa, opens the news- 
 paper, and eyes CLEMENT and LAVENDER 
 from behind it. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Do you know that your books are to be closed, 
 Lavender ? 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 [Starting.] My books !
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 29 
 
 CLIMENT. 
 
 Pounds, shillings, and pence are to be withdrawn 
 from your mental banking account ; the intricate 
 verb will torture you no longer ; and the mountains 
 of this world will have to settle their relative height 
 amongst themselves. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 \Falteringly. .] I was afraid I was becoming too 
 troublesome to you, Mr. Hale. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 My dear child, it's not my doing, but Doctor 
 Delaney's. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 Oh, how cruel ! He doesn't know how ignorant 
 and stupid I am ! 
 
 [She returns to the passage in tears. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [Savagely to DICK.] There ! 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Think of your health, Lavvy. Health should be 
 the first consideration with us all. 
 
 [LAVENDER returns, wiping her eyes, to brush 
 away the crumbs. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 But I've a capital notion. If you may not read, 
 there's nothing to prevent your being read to.
 
 30 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Eh? 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 And so, Lavender, every evening for a couple of 
 hours I'll grind out some sound instructive work, and 
 you shall sit and listen to me, 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 \GratefuUy, .] Oh, Mr. Hale ! how good you are ! 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 I'll lay in a stock of books this morning. We'll 
 begin on " Frederick the Great," by Carlyle. 
 
 DICK. 
 Twenty-one volumes ! 
 
 [LAVENDER having cleared the table, now re- 
 moves the white doth and begins to fold it, 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [Advancing.] Allow me ? 
 
 LAVENDEB. 
 Thank you, Mr. Hale. 
 
 [CLEMENT takes an end of the tablecloth 
 opposite LAVENDER. DICK savagely screws 
 the paper into a ball and flings it away. 
 T/iere is a sharp rat-tat-tat at the outer 
 door. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Taking LAVENDER'S end of the tablecloth from her.] 
 Go to the door Lavvy.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 31 
 
 [CLEMENT folds the cloth angrily with DICK. 
 LAVENDER opens the door and admits 
 HORACE BREAM, a good-looking, well- 
 dressed fair-haired young American. 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 [A t the door.] Thank you Mr. Hale ? Thank you, 
 [Advancing and looking from CLEMENT to DICK.] 
 You'll excuse me, I hope, but being rather in a hurry 
 [to DICK] Hale? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Dropping his end of the tablecloth.] No Phenyl 1 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 [To CLEMENT.] Mr. Hale, I am perfectly delighted 
 to make your acquaintance. Permit me to carry this 
 through with you. 
 
 [Placing his hat and stick on the floor, he picks 
 up the end of the tablecloth and folds it 
 with CLEMENT, who glares at him in 
 annoyance. DICK sits on the sofa, chuck- 
 ling. LAVENDER is seen from time to time 
 in the passage taking away the breakfast 
 things. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Really, I haven't the pleasure of 
 
 HORACE 
 Horace Pinkley Bream. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Well, but
 
 3 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 HOKACE. 
 
 I have the honour to be a great personal friend of 
 your aunt, Mrs. Gilfillian, and her daughter Minnie. 
 [Warmly.] Sir, most charming ladies. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Oh, pray sit down. 
 
 HORACE. 
 [Sitting.] I'm in a very great hurry. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Have you any message from 2 
 
 HORACE. 
 [Unconcernedly.] No, sir, I have not. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Commanding himself^] Then would you mind telling 
 
 me ? 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 [Looking at Ms watch.] Certainly. The fact is, 
 your party picked me up in Paris two months ago. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 What party ? 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 Mr. Wedderburn, his sister, Mrs. Gilfillian, and her 
 daughter. Sir, charming ladies ! From Paris we 
 travelled to Marseilles ; from Marseilles to Cannes ; 
 Cannes to Nice. They just stuck to me right through. 
 [Looking round.] Sir, I am delighted with your 
 apartments.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 33 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [To himself.] An intrusive table d'hote acquaintance. 
 [To HORACE.] You left my friends at Nice, I presume? 
 
 HORACE. 
 No, sir j we are home. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Home I 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 I brought Mrs. Gilfillian and her daughter right 
 through to London yesterday. Charming ladies. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [To himself .] Hallo! 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [Under his breath.] Confound it 1 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 We left Wedderburn in Paris, buying things. An 
 exceedingly pleasant gentleman. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Distractedly.] And where are Mrs. Gilfillian and 
 her daughter now ? 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 That's my difficulty where ? I lost 'em at Charing 
 Cross station last night. Having heard them fre- 
 quently talk about you, I dug up your old apartments 
 in Pear Tree Court, where I found your notice of 
 removal. You have not seen Mrs. Gilfillian yet ? 
 
 o
 
 34 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 No, sir. 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 Thank you ; good morning. [Presenting a card 
 to CLEMENT.] You have not been on our side, pro- 
 bably ? 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 No. 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 Sir, you'll just love N'York. [Shaking hands with 
 CLEMENT warmly. ,j I regret that I am rather in a 
 hurry. [Handing a card to DICK, and shaking hands.] 
 Sir, good morning. You'll hear from me the very 
 moment I've discovered these charming ladies. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 But pardon my putting it so plainly, perhaps they 
 don't want you to discover them. 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 [Looking at his watch.'] Sorry I can't discuss that 
 question just now. I'm rather in a hurry. 
 
 [He goes out quickly. 
 DICK. 
 
 Clement, my boy ! Mrs. Gilfillian and her daughter 
 are in London ! The hand of Fate ! 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [With determination.'] I shall be happy to see them, 
 Dick, and to shake the hand of Fate. If I'm not in 
 when they call, say I'll be back in half-an-hour.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 35 
 
 DICK. 
 
 I don't like your look, Clem. What are you 
 going to do ? 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Do, Dick ! I am going out to buy " Frederick the 
 Great," by Carlyle. 
 
 [He goes into his bedroom. LAVENDER 
 appears in the passage. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Calling after CLEMENT.] Leave my chambers to- 
 day ! I've done with you ! [To himself. J If Ruth 
 could only afford to send little Lavvy away for the 
 benefit of her health, what a solution it would be. 
 I think I could contrive it if I had a few pounds to 
 spare. But if I had a few pounds to spare, I couldn't 
 spare 'em. Lavender! [LAVENDER takes the folded table- 
 cloth from tlie table and puts it away in the sideboard.] 
 [Thinking.] Cripps has a fellow reading with him 
 who wants to buy a little library. [Looking towards 
 the bookshelves] There's my little library; the last 
 
 remainder of the time when If Cripps's pupil is 
 
 good for fifteen pounds, I'll lend 'em to Ruth Rolt, and 
 Lavvy shall leave town. [Eyeing LAVENDER.] Brighton 
 into fifteen quid won't go. Broadstairs into fifteen 
 quid, four weeks and one day over. [Shaking his fist 
 at the books] Come on ! [Taking down the books, 
 savagely] I'll teach you to remind me of the time 
 when I was a promising lad like Cripps's pupil ! 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 [Watching him in surprise] May I help you, 
 Mr. Phenyl?
 
 36 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 [DiCK drops a book and looks guiltily at 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 For sale, Lavvy library of Richard Phenyl, 
 
 Esquire, of the Inner Temple, Barrister-at-law 
 fifty volumes. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 [Sympathetically.] Oh ! [Laying her hand on his 
 arm.] Must you ? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Hesitatingly."] Well I [Looking at Lavender, 
 
 then towards CLEMENT'S door stroking her hair.] I 
 think I'd better, Lavvy. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 Poor Mr. Phenyl ! Shall I hand you the books ? 
 DICK. 
 
 [To himself.] She makes me feel guilty. [Tenderly.] 
 Lavvy, if your mother could afford it, would you like 
 three or four weeks in the country ? 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 Oh, no 1 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Sharply.] No? 
 
 [She hands him volume after volume from 
 the bookcase; after looking at the title- 
 pages he throws them on to the floor. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 The Temple is the country we have trees and 
 grass, and birds and flowers.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 37 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Seaside, then? 
 
 LAVENDEB. 
 
 No, we have a river with boats on it, 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Pooh, Lawyl Think of fresh air, fresh eggs, 
 fresh milk from the cow. We are all apt to under- 
 rate the importance of milk from the cow. 
 
 LAVENDEB. 
 No. I'm happy here so happy 1 
 
 DICK. 
 [To himself.] Thinking of him I Thinking of him ! 
 
 LAVENDEB. 
 Why do you look at the title-pages ? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 I'm sorting my property from the other young 
 gentleman's, Mr. Hale's. 
 
 LAVENDEB. 
 
 [Eagerly.'] Oh, let me do it! I'll look for Mr. 
 Hale's name 1 I'll take care you don't sell any of his. 
 May I? 
 
 DICK. 
 Very well, Lawy. 
 
 [She takes a quantity of books from the shelves, 
 places them on the ground and kneels 
 amongst them.
 
 38 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [To himself.] It's like setting her to sign her own 
 death-warrant. Cripps is in court to-day in the 
 Baxter case ; I'll run over and see him. [He goes 
 quickly to the outer door, opens it, then returns, leaving 
 the dow slightly open.] Going out without dressing ! 
 I'm upset feel I'm doing a mean thing. [Looking 
 towards LAVENDER tearfully.] Poor Clem poor 
 Lawyl 
 
 [He goes into his bedroom. LAVENDER 
 examines the books and makes a neat pile 
 of them as she hums a song happily. 
 CLEMENT, fashionably dressed for walking, 
 enters, unheard by LAVENDER, and watches 
 her. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [To himself.] She makes a room seem like a garden. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 [Taking up a book] " Smith's Leading Cases." 
 [Opening it] Looks rather dry no conversation. 
 
 [She puts it aside. 
 CLEMENT. 
 [To himself.] Why should I hold my tongue ? 
 
 [He silently draws the curtain over the open- 
 ing, without noticing that the door leading 
 on to the outer passage is open, 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 [Talcing up another book.] "Benjamin on Sates." 
 Biblical. Richard Phenyl.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 39 
 
 [CLEMENT goes to DICK'S door, listens, and 
 then quietly turns the key. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 [With another book.] "Williams on the Law of 
 Real Property." Clement Hale. Ah ! [She opens 
 the middle of the book] " Incorporeal Heredita- 
 ments." What a beautiful book ! 
 
 [She settles herself a little nearer the window 
 and reads earnestly. CLEMENT comes and 
 sits upon the pile of looks beside her. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [Softly] Lavender. 
 
 [With a low cry of fright she turns slowly and 
 looks at him. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 What are you doing there, Mr. Hale ? 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 I've come to sit with you in the garden. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 The garden ! 
 
 [Staring at him, she tries to rise ; he stretches 
 out his hand and takes hers. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 \ Under her breath.] Mr. Hale I
 
 40 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Drawing her down near him, and looking into her 
 face earnestly.'] I love you Lavender, with all my 
 heart. Will you be my wife ? [She shrinks away, 
 still staring at him.] Speak to me. You don't mean 
 no! 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 [Faintly. ,] I don't know what I mean. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Tenderly."] Think about it. Think about it 
 here. 
 
 [He gently draws her to him and clasps her 
 in his arms. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 [Half crying.] You you oughtn't to love me 1 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Why? 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 You know, I'm not a lady. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 My dear Princess. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 I work. Ah, how red my hands are I 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Because your blushes run down into tKem. When
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 41 
 
 you're accustomed to being my wife, they'll grow 
 quite white. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 But look at me my frocks can't keep secrets if I 
 can ; I'm very poor. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 I'll be poor with you, if it comes to that. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 [Looking up into his face.] Are you poor ? 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 I've nothing of my own but my profession, 
 [Thought/ "ully] I may become very poor. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 [Rising quickly.] Oh ! 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [Retreating a little] Do you like me less for that ? 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 [Going towards him] Less! [Checking herself] 
 I I haven't said I like you at all, but if I ever did 
 like you, it would be because I know how to be poor, 
 and could teach you the way to bear it. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [Drawing her to him] My sweet, sweet Lavender 1
 
 42 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 [In a whisper.'] Clement. You know how pale I've 
 been looking lately. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Yes ! that's why I asked Delaney to call. 
 
 LA VENDEE. 
 
 Foolish boy ! I shall have red cheeks to-morrow. 
 I I've been thinking so much about you, Clement. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [Laughing .] Lavender! 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 Ah, don't laugh at me ! 
 
 \She sits upon the sofa, hiding her face. He 
 goes to her and kneels by her side. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Why were you sitting amongst those books ? 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 Mr. Phenyl is obliged to sell them. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 He shan't do anything of the kind. We'll stick to 
 old Dick, won't we ? 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 Always. And we won't let mother work any more, 
 will we ?
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 43 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Never. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 [Happily.] Ah ! 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Tell me again you love me. 
 
 LAVENDEK. 
 
 I never will. You make me say things and then 
 you laugh at me. [Bending her head to his.] I love 
 you. 
 
 The curtain over the doorway is pushed aside, and 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN enters followed by MINNIE. 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN is a sedate aristocratic-looking 
 woman about fifty, with a lofty forehead and 
 side curls. MINNIE is a handsome, lively young 
 woman. Both are fashionably dressed. On dis- 
 covering CLEMENT at LAVENDER'S feet MRS. GILFIL- 
 LIAN clutches MINNIE by the arm, and takes her 
 out ; CLEMENT and LAVENDER, with their heads close 
 together, being unconscious of interruption. There 
 is then a loud rat-tat-tat at the outer door. 
 CLEMENT and LAVENDER rise quickly, she dropping 
 among the books, while he goes and draws the 
 curtain and discovers MRS. GILFILLIAN and 
 MINNIE. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 My dear aunt. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN enters the room followed by MINNIE. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 [Much disturbed, giving CLEMENT two fingers.] We
 
 44 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 found your door open, Clement, but I preferred 
 knocking. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Unhappily.] Delighted, aunt. [MRS. GILFILLIAN 
 walks straight across to LAVENDER, looking down 
 upon her through her pince-nez. To MINNIE.] Minnie. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [Demurely.] Well, Clem. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [Hesitatingly.] This is a jolly surprisa. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [Looking at LAVENDER.] 'M yes. 
 
 [LAVENDER having pushed the books out of the 
 way, goes out of the room, MRS. GIL- 
 FILLIAN looking after her. MINNIE takes 
 up one of the books, looking at it inquisi- 
 tively. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Those are the books we slave at, Minnie. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Glancing at him shyly.] Don't you overdo it, 
 Clem. 
 
 MRS. GlLFILLIAN. 
 
 [Looking after LAVENDER.] That's a wicked young
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 45 
 
 woman! [She shuts the door, and joins CLEMENT, cts 
 MINNIE looks round the room.] We left Nice on 
 Tuesday, Clement. Minnie and I came straight 
 through, but Mr. Wedderburn prefers to dwadle for 
 a week in Paris. [Handing CLEMENT a packet of 
 cabinet photographs.] He sends you those portraits, 
 done by Grotz of Monte Carlo. [Nervously.] Minnie, 
 don't pry. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Looking at the photographs.] Dear old guv'nor! 
 [Reading the superscription on one of the portraits.] 
 "For my boy from Geoffrey Wedderburn." [To 
 MBS. GILFILLIAN.] The fact is, aunt, I've already 
 heard of your return from a gentleman who was good 
 enough to call on me. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 Not Mr. Bream ! 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Horace Pinkley Bream ! 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 [Sinking into armchair.] Oh ! 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [Sitting on sofa.] Oh, ma ! 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 We shall never shake him off. He saved Minmie's 
 life in Paris by pulling her from under a tramcar in 
 the Avenue Mirabeau.
 
 46 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 \ 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Good gracious 1 
 
 MES. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 So careless of her to get there ! I closed my eyea 
 and in imagination heard the cracking of her bones. 
 This person rushed forward and restored her to the 
 side-walk, as he will persist in calling the pavement. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 I should like to thank him. 
 
 MES. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 Don't ! He'll never leave you if you do. I thanked 
 him although he's not at all the young man I would 
 have selected to rescue a child of mine. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [Uneasily.] In London for long, aunt ? 
 
 MES. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 The season. We have rooms at the Metropole, but 
 we shall eat at these new coffee establishments in 
 Regent Street. Oh, will you oblige me by taking a 
 shilling cab to the hotel, and asking my maid, Bodly, 
 for my vinaigrette ? 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Certainly. 
 
 [He lays the photographs on the table and 
 takes up his hat and umbrella. 
 
 MES. GILFILLIAN. 
 You lunch here ?
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 47 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 It's sent in at one o'clock. 
 
 MBS. GILFILLIAN. 
 We could remain, if 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [BlanUy.} Delighted. 
 
 MRS. GlLFILLIAN. 
 
 [To herself.] He must never be left again. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [Banging his hat on his head] Confound ! 
 
 [He goes out. MKS. GILFILLIAN looks to see 
 that the door is closed, then rises, and 
 crosses to MINNIE. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 [With a gasp.] Minnie, my poor child ! You saw 
 that young woman ? 
 
 MINNIE. 
 I'm afraid I did, mamma. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 What were they doing? I have never felt my 
 near sight so keenly. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Clement was kneeling, mamma in an ordinary 
 way. And I think he was holding her hand.
 
 48 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 f*r 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 Ah, I saw that 1 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 And she was looking down in an ordinary way. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 [Pacing to and fro.] In the very room in which 
 we are asked to take luncheon. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Don't be cross, ma, dear. She is very pretty and 
 innocent-looking. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 Innocent-looking ! Do you think I will have my 
 plans my plans and my brother's frustrated by a 
 girl with ulterior motives and eyes like saucers? 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Look here, ma, darling. Clement is grown up now 
 and may do just as he pleases. I am quite fond of 
 Clem, always was, and if he asked me to be his 
 wife well, I should want to know all about that 
 young woman. But I don't care a pin for Uncle 
 Geoffrey's plans, and if Clem doesn't take to me 
 as I'm sure he ought to why, bless him, I'll be his 
 wife's bridesmaid and her friend into the bargain. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 [Indignantly.] Minnie ! [Suddenly.] Hush ! 
 
 [The handle of the door of DICK'S room. 14 
 rattled from the inside.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 49 
 
 MBS. GlLFILLIAN. 
 
 [With horror.] Minnie ! There's somebody else in 
 that room ! 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Retreating.] Oh, ma ! 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 And this is the Law ! 
 
 DICK. 
 [From within.'] Clement ! Clement 1 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 [Listening.] It's a man's voice or a deep con- 
 
 tralto. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Still unthin] Locked in, Clement, my boy. 
 
 [MRS. GILFILLIAN turns the key in the door, 
 and retreats. DICK enters in the old and 
 worn wig and gown of a barrister. 
 
 DICK. 
 Thank you. [Enquiringly.] To see Mr. Hale ? 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 Oh, I have seen Mr. Halo. May I ask ? 
 
 DICK. 
 Richard Phenyl. Hale and I live together. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 [Eagerly.] Dear me 1 I wish to speak to you 
 
 D
 
 50 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 immediately. Mrs. Gilfillian. [Introducing MINNIE.] 
 My daughter. 
 
 [MINNIE laughs behind her handkerchief at 
 DICK'S appearance. 
 
 DICK. 
 [Politely,] Heard of you. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 [Quietly to MINNIE.] Go away. Go away ! Per- 
 haps this gentleman will allow you to try the piano. 
 [MINNIE, with a toss of the head, goes to the piano.] 
 [To DICK.] Mr. Funnel, I have just received a great 
 shock. [MINNIE plays a sentimental air.] Who is 
 the young woman who frequents these rooms ? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Young woman ? 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 We came in suddenly. A girl was seated on that 
 sofa. Ugh ! Clement was on his knees before her, 
 Mr. Funnel. 
 
 DICK. 
 [To himself] He's done it ! He's done it ! 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 Minnie got me away somehow, unheard by either 
 jt them ! But my poor child. Mr. Funnel [tear- 
 fully\ the blow has fallen there. [MINNIE strikes in 
 suddenly with a very lively air. Minnie 1
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 51 
 
 [MINNIE stops playing, and MRS. GILFILLIAN 
 goes to her, remonstrating. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [To himself.] We're in for it. We've made our 
 choice. We prefer linsey and a linen collar to satin 
 and Valenciennes. Very well ! Now it's come to it, 
 I'll stick to you, Clement, my boy 1 [Arranging his 
 wig and gown, and striking a forensic attitude.] For 
 the defendant ! 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 [Returning to DICK.] What you tell me is in perfect 
 confidence. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Not at all necessary, m'm we court inquiry. The 
 young lady is the daughter of Mrs. Holt, who resides, 
 to put it plainly, in the basement. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 A low woman ? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Pointing downwards.] Geographically not other- 
 wise. [MINNIE resumes playing softly. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 Nonsense, sir. These people attend upon you. This 
 girl's mother is what you call a common servant. 
 
 DICK. 
 No, ma'am she is what I call a lady,
 
 52 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 MRS. GlLFILLIAN. 
 
 A lady ? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Madam, Mrs. Holt has been a kind, faithful friend 
 to me for fifteen years. If I have the privilege of 
 knowing you for that length of time nothing will in- 
 duce me to speak ill of you. 
 
 RUTH enters, and stands in the opening to passage. 
 
 MBS. GlLFILLIAN. 
 
 I'll see Mrs. Holt at once. Kindly ring the bell. 
 [DICK moves towards the bell-handle and sees 
 RUTH. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Here is Mrs. Rolt. 
 
 RUTH. 
 [Announcing.] Mr. Bream, please. 
 
 HORACE enters quickly, DICK speaks to RUTH. 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 [With outstretched, hands.] My dear Mrs. Gilfillian 1 
 [MINNIE stops playing suddenly, and rises. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 Oh! 
 
 MRS. GlLFILLIAN. 
 
 [In consternation,] Mr. Bream 1
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 53 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 [Excitedly. } Lost you at the Custom House counter 
 last night saw you in a hansom this morning never 
 meant to rest till I'd found you. 
 
 [HORACE goes to MINNIE. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 [Helplessly sinking into a chair.} Oh, dear me 1 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 [To MINNIE, taking her hand.} My dear Miss Gil- 
 filliant 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Distractedly.} Oh, how do you do, Mr. Bream ? 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 [Quietly to MRS. GILFILLIAN.] You wish to speak 
 to me, ma'am ? 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 [Rising.} Mrs. Bolt ! 
 
 RUTH. 
 Yes. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 I have discovered that there have been some 
 love passages, between Mr. Hale and your daughter. 
 I I 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 Yes. My daughter has just told me that Mr. 
 Hale has offered her marriage.
 
 54 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 Marriage. [Checking herself.] Don't you under- 
 stand that this is a terrible shock to Mr. Hale's friends ? 
 
 EUTH. 
 
 [Tearfully.] I understand that it is a terrible shock 
 to me to lose my child. 
 
 [RUTH turns away, and leans faintly on the 
 back of a chair. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 To lose y&ur child. I see. [To herself.] Its serious ; 
 I'll telegraph at once to brother Geoffrey. 
 
 [MRS. GILFILLIAN seats herself at writing 
 table and begins writing rapidly. RUTH'S 
 eye falls upon the photographs lying on 
 table ; she stares at them for a moment 
 blankly. 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 [Commanding herself going a step or two towards 
 DICK.] Mr. Phenyl. [Pointing to the photograph.] 
 Who who is that ? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Mr. Wedderburn, I think. 
 
 RUTH. 
 [With a start.] Wedderburn 1 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Banker at Barnchester Mr. Hale is his adopted 
 son.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 55 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 In indeed. [After a pause, she goes quickly to 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN, and whispers.] Madam ! Madam ! 
 [MRS. GILFILLIAN turns] You you -have misunder- 
 stood me. I I give you my word my daughter shall 
 never marry Mr. Hale. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 {Rising, with the written telegram in her hand.] 
 Whatl 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 [Glancing round] Hush 1 
 
 [LAVENDER enters the passage, and takes up 
 the tray from, the butler's stand. CLEMENT 
 follows and stands whispering to her. 
 MINNIE and HORACE are in close con- 
 versation. 
 
 END OF THE FIRST ACT.
 
 THE SECOND ACT 
 
 The scene is the same as in the first act. A day has 
 passed, and ii is now evening. 
 
 DICK, looking somewhat neater than before, is sitting 
 in an armchair, smoking his pipe thoughtfully. 
 RUTH enters quietly, carrying a, tray with, tea- 
 things and a letter. 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 A cab has just brought this letter for Mr. Hale, 
 I'll place it here. 
 
 [She lays the letter on one of the teacups ; 
 DICK rises, and intercepts her as she is 
 going out. 
 
 DICK. 
 How's Lawy to-night any better ? 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 [Tremblingly.] N no No better. 
 
 CLEMENT, in walking dress, and carrying a handsome 
 basket of flowers, enters hurriedly.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 57 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Any good news, Dick ? 
 
 DICK. 
 [With a grunt.] No. 
 
 [DiCK walks to and fro moodily. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 How is she, Mrs. Rolt ? 
 
 1 RUTH. 
 I fear just the same. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 May I not see her for a moment call to her at her 
 door ? I'll be quiet enough. 
 
 RUTH. 
 No, no not yet. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Not yet, Mrs. Rolt. Still not yet. Oh, you 
 mothers ! 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 [Bitterly.] Ah we mothers 1 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Handing her the basket of flowers.] Give her these 
 
 flowers with my Say I You know. 
 
 [He drops disconsolately into the armchair. 
 
 RUTH. 
 [Calmly.] Thank you. They are very beautiful. 
 
 [She goes out ; CLEMENT^ then rises impa- 
 tiently.
 
 58 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Dick, Dick 1 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Clement ! 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 The idea tortures me that something is being kept 
 from us ! By Mrs. Bolt's manner there's a mystery, 
 Dick! 
 
 DICK. 
 
 You're right, Clement, my boy. By some in- 
 definable instinct I feel we are being done, sir ! 
 
 [DiCK hurls his pipe furiously into the grate, 
 and sits in the armchair. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Lavender loves me I'll never doubt that. 
 
 DICK 
 
 Oh, she loves us right enough we needn't distress 
 ourselves on that score. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 But this illness ! " I shall have red cheeks to- 
 morrow," she said, Dick meaning that she was well 
 and happy ; and then, an hour afterwards ill ! Too 
 ill to be seen, too ill to send me a word of comfort. 
 Last night worse. This morning worse. To-night 
 no better. Dick, its unendurable. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Rising with judicial solemnity, and warming himself 
 by the fore.] Well, you know, Clement, my boy, we may
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 59 
 
 be unduly distressing ourselves I say ourselves, be- 
 cause in this case Mr. Richard Phenyl is with you. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Bless you, Dick ! 
 
 DICK. 
 
 We should remember that we are youngsters at 
 this sort of game ; that this is, in point of fact, the 
 first time we have offered ourselves in marriage. For 
 all we know, the prospect of an alliance with us would 
 set up a condition of cerebral excitement in any young 
 lady. [Taking up the poker to aid him in his argu- 
 ment.] No, no, Clement my boy, it isn't Lavvy's illness 
 that puzzles me 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 What then, Dick ? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Why, the sudden, self-satisfied, affability of our 
 aunt, Mrs. Gilfillian. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Ah! 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Flourishing the poker.] There's an unpleasing air 
 of truculent triumph in our aunt's demeanour that I 
 resent, Clement, my boy ! 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 And I too, Dick ! And the incessant civility and 
 attention I'm in duty bound to show Mrs. Gilfillian 
 drives me mad. Good gracious, Dick ! she and Minnie 
 never leave me for a moment I
 
 60 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Our aunt is undoubtedly a barnacle, Clement, my 
 boy. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 They lunched here yesterday you know. 
 
 DICK. 
 / know. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Afterwards dragging me to the Park for two hours 
 in a ridiculous hired landau, and ending by carrying 
 me off to a classical concert in the evening. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 I feel for you, Clement, though I was at a smoking 
 concert myself last night. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 This morning, didn't they breakfast with us ? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Our forthcoming weekly bill will testify that they 
 did! 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Then we went shopping in Bond Street, asked the 
 price of everything, and had little cold veal pies for 
 luncheon at a ladies' confectioner. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [With a ivryface.] Oh, don't, Clem, don't 1 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 After that we visited picture galleries till I lost all
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 61 
 
 patience, declared I was neglecting my studies, and 
 rushed away to buy a few flowers for my dear one. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Well, Clem, perhaps it enables you to forget for a 
 minute or two the poor little sick girl downstairs. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Ah, Dick, that's unworthy of you! Why, every 
 street to me is "Lavender Street"; the newsboys 
 shout nothing but " Lavender ! " " Evening Laven- 
 der 1 " and the flower girls sell only sweet Lavender 
 from their baskets. The whole world is perfumed 
 with Lavender ; and yet she and I seem so far apart, 
 Dick so very far apart. 
 
 [There is a rat-tat at the outer door. 
 
 DICK. 
 A visitor. Can it be our aunt ? 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Wearily.] Open the door, Dick, like a good fellow. 
 [DiCK opens the door, MINNIE is outside. 
 
 DICK. 
 Miss Gilfillian ! 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Yes. May I see Clement, Mr. Phenyl ? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 I don't wish to dazzle you, Miss Gilfillian, but you 
 may see both of us. Come in.
 
 62 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 MINNIE enters. She is handsomely dressed for the 
 theatre. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Why, Minnie ! Are you alone ? 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Don't scold me, Clem. [Quietly to him.\ I've some- 
 thing I must say to you in secret. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 But where's aunt ] 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Laughing.] I've given poor mamma what we 
 children used to call the slip. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Ah ! [With a chuckle] Ha ! ha ! [MINNIE turn$ 
 to DICK, he pokes the fire.] I beg your pardon. 
 
 [CLEMENT assists MINNIE to take of her cloak. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 I'm afraid you're dreadfully shocked, Mr. Phenyl. 
 
 DICK. 
 No no. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 While mamma was dressing for the theatre I stole 
 away in a hansom. I've left a note for her on my 
 table. [Laughing.] Ha, ha !
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 63 
 
 DlCK. 
 [Joining in the laugh.] Ha, ha ! 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [Suddenly serious.] It's awfully wrong. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Seriously.] Yes, it'll vex our aunt Mrs. Gil- 
 filliaru 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [To CLEMENT.] But mamma will call for us here at 
 half-past eight, Clem dear. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 For us! 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Why, haven't you received her letter ? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Dear me, quite forgot letter for you somewhere, 
 Clem . [Arranging the armchair for MINNIE.] Miss 
 Gilfillian, toss for the armchair ? I mean, try the 
 armchair. 
 
 [CLEMENT finds the letter on the teacup and 
 opens it. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Reading the letter disconsolately.] " We have a box 
 for four persons for the Cabinet Theatre to witness 
 the new play about which people talk so much ' The 
 Sealskin Jacket.' I hear it described as a salutary 
 lesson to young men. We shall fetch you at half-
 
 64 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 past eight." [Quietly to DICK.] Dick ! I'm getting 
 desperate ! 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Under his breath, grasping CLEMENT'S hand.] 
 Bear up. We must continue to hold a candle to to 
 aunt. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Why shouldn't you join us, and help me through 
 the evening ? The box holds four. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 I know. Our aunt spread out in front and the 
 rest looking at her hair-pins. No. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Dick, you're unkind. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Unkind ! [In a whisper.] Clement, my boy, have 
 you seen my evening clothes ? 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 No, Dick. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Thought not. The coat and waistcoat are in fair 
 preservation, but the rest of it has been attending 
 funerals for years. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Tapping her foot impatiently.] Clement ! 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 I beg you pardon, Minnie.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 65 
 
 [MINNIE eyes DICK, and looks at CLEMENT 
 significantly. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [In an undertone.] Clement Mr. Phenyl ! 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Ohl yes. [Trying to attract DICK'S attention.] 
 Dick! 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Sitting at table] No, no. 
 
 CLEMENT 
 Dick! 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Kather busy to-night, Clement, my boy. 
 
 [CLEMENT makes signs to DICK to depart, 
 while DICK, thinking that CLEMENT is 
 renewing his persuasions with regard to 
 the theatre, shakes his head. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [Impatiently.] Dick ! [Whispers to him. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Oh ! [Shaking CLEMENT'S hand] My dear 
 Clement ! 
 
 [He snatches up a book from the sofa, a 
 newspaper from the table, and a pipe and 
 tobacco jar from the mantelpiece, and goes 
 to the door of his own room.
 
 66 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Innocently.] Can you spare me for ten minutes, 
 Clement ? 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Certainly, Dick. 
 
 DICK. 
 Thank you. 
 
 \He goes into his room. MINNIE watches to 
 see the door close, then lays her hand upon 
 CLEMENT'S arm. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Softly.] Clem, dear, I've come to see you alone 
 because I must put myself right with you. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Isn't it I who should put myself right with you, 
 Minnie ? 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Don't be polite, Clem ; and unless you tell me you 
 hate me I shall cease to respect you. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Hate you I 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Why, look how mamma and I torture you all 
 day by carrying you about with us ! Aren't you in 
 agony, sir, the whole time ? What do you think you 
 looked like this afternoon in Macnab's picture gallery 
 in the Haymarket. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 I I was so horribly anxious, Minnie, about
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 67 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 About your studies. Come, Clem. [She takes his 
 hand and places him on the sq/a, then sits on the Jiead 
 of the sofa looking down upon him.] Let us be fogies 
 for a moment. You know we were very fond of each 
 other as children, weren't we ? 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Yes, Minnie, and 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Hush ! Well, then, dear, as we grew up we grew 
 out of our love, as boys and girls outgrow their 
 clothes. Your love, as it were, got too short in the 
 waist, and mine wouldn't meet at the buttons. And 
 at last, one fine day we yawned, Clem, and the seams 
 of our affection parted. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Taking her hand, embarrassed.] My dear 
 
 Minnie 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Sitting beside him.] Ah, Clem, don't let us 
 mourn for it ; we're lucky to have yawned in time, 
 dear. And so I want you to understand that I 
 won't help to mend and patch an old attachment ; I 
 won't put an extra flounce or a new set of hooks and 
 eyes on a garment a couple of children wore to rags 
 years ago. There ! That's what I call putting 
 myself right with you. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Tenderly taking her hands.] My dear sister, 
 how compassionate you are to me I
 
 68 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Smiling. "\ And so you were on with the new love 
 before you were off with the old you bad boy ! 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 I I can't help loving her, Minnie. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 And you're quite sure there's plenty of devotion 
 turned up at the edge, in case you haven't done 
 growing ? 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Ah, Minnie, I'm not so bad as that 1 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 I've no faith in you monster. But, Clem, I'm 
 dreadfully afraid mamma still thinks we shall make a 
 match of it. [Laughingly.] "Whenever mamma is 
 triumphant her curls are always rigid, and to-day 
 they're like little telescopes. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Angrily."] Whatever happens, Minnie, I resent 
 Aunt's interference. I am a man now ! 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Oh, yes, anybody can see that by the way you jilt 
 people. But, Clem dear, I wish you'd do something 
 to please me. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 I'll do anything !
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 69 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Anything but marry me. Well, don't wait for 
 Uncle Geoffrey's return, but write to him to the 
 Hotel Rivoli in Paris, and tell him how you adore 
 my hated rival. Uncle Geof. is a bachelor, but 
 married men and bachelors are manufactured by the 
 same process love, Clem and he'll understand. 
 Tell him all, and say that the girl you have lost your 
 treacherous heart to has won one staunch friend 
 Minnie Giliilliaii. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 My dear sister, I'll write directly I get back from 
 the theatre. [Putting his hand to his breast.] Shall 
 I send him her portrait ? 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [Pointing] You've got one there I 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 How did you guess ? 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 You silly boy ? Show it me. [She sits in the arm- 
 chair ; he takes a small photograph }rom his pocket and 
 hands it to her. She leans back, scrutinising the 
 portrait with a great air of indifference.] So this is 
 the little lady I saw yesterday, in her best frock, 
 is it? 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Yes I stole it from Dick Phenyl's album.
 
 70 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 A thief as well as a heart-breaker. And you con- 
 sider her really pretty ? 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Say what you think, Minnie I don't mind. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Why she has only two eyes, as I have ; and one nose 
 and mouth, just like me. Now, I wonder why you 
 jilted me for Lavender. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 You're only teasing me, aren't you ? 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Oh ! I don't condescend to tease bad men. And what 
 a very little girl she is. I see, it's economy ; when 
 you're married you'll only keep a goat chaise. 
 [Returning the photo.] She can't weigh much, Clem. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Less than my heart does to-night, Minnie. She is 
 ill suffering. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Compassionately] Poor boy ! She'll be well to- 
 morrow. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 If anything happened to part us, Minnie ! If 
 I lost her 1
 
 SWEET LAVENDER Ji 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Hush, Clem! [Taking his hand.] I'll tell you. 
 When a girl knows she is loved by the man she loves 
 she has a charmed life her heart can't stop. If 
 ever the elixir vitce is discovered, Clem, it'll turn out 
 to be a bottle of something to keep a man and a 
 woman in love with each other. There, run along 
 and put its pretty things on for the theatre ! [He 
 kisses her hand, and goes into his bedroom. [Seeing 
 the tea-things] Tea ! [Putting her hand on the teapot.] 
 Hot ! I must take to tea violently, now I'm going 
 to be an old maid. To-morrow I'll buy a kitten. 
 [There is a rat-tat at the outer door.] Mamma ! What 
 a scolding's in store for me 1 Oh, dear ! 
 
 [She goes to the door and opens it. HORACE 
 BREAM is outside ; lie is in evening dress, 
 and carries a cane. 
 
 HORACE. 
 Mr. Hale ? 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Startled] Oh ! [She leaves the door in a flutter.] 
 Horace Bream 1 How awkward ! 
 
 [HORACE closes the door and follows her into 
 the room. 
 
 HORACE. 
 My dear Miss Gilfillian 1 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [Uneasily.] I daresay you're surprised to meet
 
 72 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 me here. I have missed mamma somehow. 
 Perhaps you will call again. 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 Very likely. If you remember I was here yes- 
 terday. 
 
 MINNIE, 
 
 [Embarrassed."] I mean, Mr. Hale may be quite ten 
 minutes. 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 I shall be perfectly charmed if he's twenty. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Coldly.] If you decide to wait, Mr. Hale would 
 like you to sit down, I'm sure. 
 
 HORACE. 
 [Bowing.] I'm sure he would. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Pointing to a chair.] D don't mind me, please. 
 [She twrns away abruptly, and sits at the writing-table 
 with her back towards HORACE. To herself.] A man's 
 the last creature to recognise the possibility of his 
 being de trop. 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 [Moodily, to himself, as he sits on the arm of the 
 armchair] Well, the formality of an unmarried lady 
 in England is perfectly chilling. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [To herself.] What does he think of my being here ?
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 73 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 [To himself.] I can't I can't endure this a minute 
 longer. 
 
 [He crosses to the sofa, where he sits watching 
 MINNIE. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [To herself.] How embarrassing ! I wish I was 
 buried ! 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 [To himself] If this continues for another five 
 seconds 1 shall shriek aloud. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 I'll put a bold face on the matter an American 
 girl would be equal to twice this. [Looking angrily at 
 the back of the armchair, in which she supposes HORACE 
 to be, while he watches her with curiosity] Bother 1 
 [HORACE rises in surprise, and MINNIE, peeping over 
 the back of the chair, finds it empty and turns, facing 
 HORACE with a gasp ] Oh ! [In confusion.] Pray 
 excuse my having left you for a moment. Will you 
 have some tea 1 [Sitting. 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 [Resuming his seat] I shall be perfectly delighted. 
 [To himself.] In English society while there is tea 
 there is hope. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 Sugar? 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 Thank you. [Cheerfully to himself] We have fairly 
 started.
 
 74 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 MINNIE. 
 And milk ? 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 [After bowing assent.] We are a perfect Congress. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [To herself.] I wonder what he wants with Clem. 
 [To HORACE.] So glad you called to consult Mr. 
 Hale. 
 
 HORACE. 
 Consult ? 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Holding him a cup of tea] He's studying for the 
 bar, you know. I thought perhaps 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 Oh, yes, certainly. I require his opinion on a 
 matter of extreme delicacy. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [Looking away chitted.] Oh ! 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 [Watching her over his cup] Congress has risen. 
 [Leaning towards her] Will you permit me to 
 acquaint you with my delicate business ? 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [Very coldly] Oh, really, Mr. Bream, I I think 
 
 HORACE. 
 Miss Gilfillian, you are my delicate business.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 75 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [Rising quickly and haughtily.] Indeed ! 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 [Contemplating her.~\ Now, how thoroughly charac- 
 teristic that is of this old country. [Rising with his 
 hat and cane] Miss Gilfillian. [He goes to her she 
 moves away. He retreats, carefully choosing his position 
 by selecting a particular spot in the pattern of the carpet 
 with the end of his cane.] Miss Gilfillian, the time I 
 have spent in your society and in that of your delight- 
 ful mother has been extremely fascinating to me. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Distantly] Oh, thank you. [Advancing a step or 
 two.] I need not say I shall always remember 
 gratefully the service you rendered me in Paris. 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 Pray don't allude to that. I [He goes towards 
 
 her ; she retreats to her former position. After a slight 
 pause, he identifies his particular spot on the carpet and 
 returns to it] But, Miss Gilfillian, I cert'nly did 
 hope that those enchanting moments in Nice and in 
 Monte Carlo, where I had the honour of instructing 
 you in Trente et Quarante, might be continued in this 
 dear old country. And that's why I'm here to 
 consult my friend Hale. 
 
 it? 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [Firing up.] Pray, what has Mr. Hale to do with
 
 76 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 Miss Gilfillian, you drove in the park yesterday- 
 with my friend Hale. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Certainly. 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 I was there hanging on to the railings. You 
 were at Cristofaro's concert in the evening with my 
 friend Hale. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 {Haughtily .] I was. 
 
 HORACE. 
 I was there half over the balcony. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Really I 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 This morning you were in and out all the stores in 
 Bond Street I was balancing myself on the curb. 
 You had luncheon at a restaurant in Piccadilly, 
 where they sell flies and other candies. It was there 
 I partook of a last season's ice. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [Losing her temper.] Oh ! 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 I followed you to every picture gallery within a mile 
 of the Burlington, in the dark rooms of which I had 
 a peaceful time. In fact, Miss Gilfillian, I have the 
 honour to be always with you.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 77 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [Angrily.] I never see you, sir. 
 
 HORACE. 
 I trust I know better than to intrude. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 Where do you learn our movements. 
 
 HORACE. 
 At the hotel. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [Indignantly.] You present yourself at our hotel 1 
 
 HORACE. 
 You are staying at my hotel. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 Oh 1 On the same floor, I presume. 
 
 HORACE. 
 No. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Sarcastically.] Thank you. 
 
 HORACE. 
 I occupy the room immediately beneath your own. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 To listen to my movements 1
 
 78 SWEET LAVENDER I 
 
 HOEACE. 
 
 To enjoy the consolation of conjecture. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 Oh ! I can't tell you how indignant I am ! 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 [To himself.] Well, I never thought a man could 
 enjoy so much conversation wich a young unmarried 
 lady in this old country. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 Oh 1 May T ask where you're going to-night ? 
 
 HORACE. 
 I have a stall at the Cabinet Theatre. 
 
 [With a blank look MINNIE sinks upon the 
 sofa. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 I shall tell Mr. Hale. 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 Ah, if you will allow me, /will tell Mr. Hale. I'm 
 here for that purpose. I'm here to ask my friend 
 Hale whether he's fortunate enough to be engaged to 
 the most fascinating lady I have ever known : and if 
 he says Yes, I start for N' York on Saturday. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [Horrified.] But if he says No I
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 79 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 Then I shall ask permission to rejoin your most 
 delightful party. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Oh! y 
 
 CLEMENT enters, dressed for the theatre. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Half-past eight. 
 
 [MINNIE, much disturbed, runs up to him. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 Clement, here is that Mr. Bream. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Eh ? [Seeing HORACE and nodding distantly.] How 
 d'ye do ? 
 
 [HORACE returns CLEMENT'S salutation with 
 a genial wave of the hand. 
 
 HORACE. 
 How are you ? 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Softly to MINNIE.] What's he doing here ? 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [To CLEMENT.] Just what he does everywhere. 
 He's the original little old man of the sea ! [Stamp- 
 ing her foot.} He he must be awfully fond of 
 mamma I 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [To himself.] We can't snub him after his splendid
 
 8o SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 behaviour in Paris. Poor fellow 1 I wonder if he 
 would join our theatre party. [To HORACE.] 
 We're going to the Cabinet Theatre, Mr. Bream. I'm 
 sure my aunt will be very pleased to see you in her 
 
 box, if you 
 
 MINNIE. 
 Oh! 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 It holds four. 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 [Shaking hands with CLEMENT.] Sir, it shall hold 
 one who is eternally obliged to you. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [Distractedly.] It's Fate ! 
 
 Enter DICK, in dilapidated evening dress, old opera 
 hat and seedy gloves. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [Surprised.] Why, Dick I 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Hadn't the heart to disoblige you, Clement, my 
 boy. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 I have just asked Mr. Bream to take the fourth 
 seat in the box. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 I'm sure Mr. Bream will see that Mr. Phenyl lias 
 the first claim.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 81 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 [Sowing.] Oh, cert'nly. [To himself] That's 
 just cruel, anyway, 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Clapping his hat on the mantelpiece and hastily 
 removing his gloves.] Couldn't think of it ! Happy 
 release for all parties. 
 
 HORACE. 
 [Throwing his hat in the air and catching it.] Ha ! 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [To herself.] It is Fate ! 
 
 [There is a very pronounced rat-tat-tat at 
 the outer door. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 My mamma ! 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 [To himself.] And, I hope, mine. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [To DICK.] That's aunt, Dick. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Auntie, undoubtedly. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [Hesitatingly.] Will you er ? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 No, Clement, my boy. I opened the door last 
 your turn.
 
 82 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 [DICK joins HORACE and MINNIE. CLEMENT 
 goes to the door and opens it. MRS. GIL- 
 FILLIAN is seen outside, dressed for the. 
 theatre. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 Clement ! Is Minnie here ? 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Yes, aunt. Won't you come in ? 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 Come in? Of course I'll come in. [Entering.] 
 Minnie ! 
 
 MINNIE. 
 Mamma I 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 [Indignantly .] Don't speak to me! A young 
 girl ! You who taught in a Sunday-school at Barn- 
 chester. Don't speak to me ! What have you to say 
 for yourself ? 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Arranging the armchair for her.] My dear 
 
 aunt 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 Go away, Clement. [Breathlessly , sinking into the 
 armchair] How did you get here ? 
 
 MINNIE. 
 A hansom, mamma. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 How dare you ! An unmarried girl in a hansom.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 83 
 
 MINNIE. 
 They're quicker than four-wheelers, mamma. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 Quicker I They're faster. I never drove in 
 hansoms alone till I was thirty-three, and then I 
 made the driver promise not to look at me through 
 the roof. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 They never do that when you're alone. Mamma 
 [coaaswg] I'm very sorry. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 Sorry! 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 I wanted to speak to Clement just by ourselves 
 there ! 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 You haven't quarrelled 1 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Quarrelled! No. We understand each other 
 better now than we have ever done. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 [Patting MINNIE'S cheek approvingly.'] Perhaps 
 I've been a little too cross with you [In a whisper.] 
 But you must tell me everything to-night before you 
 close your eyes. Mind everything ! 
 
 MINNIE : 
 Yes everything ! *,
 
 84 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 MRS. GlLFILLIAN. 
 
 [Triumphantly, to herself.] It's settled ! I'm sure 
 of it! 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Looking at his watch.'] Shall we start, aunt ? 
 
 MBS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 [Looking at him beamingly, and boxing his ears 
 playfully with her fan.] The carriage is waiting. 
 You bad boy ! 
 
 [Unnoticed, DICK stands looking on. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 I hope you'll torgive me, aunt, for providing a 
 fourth occupant to your box. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 Not that Mr. Funnel ! 
 
 DICK. 
 No. 
 
 MRS. GlLFILLIAN. 
 
 [Turning.] Oh ! [To DICK apologetically] I^> 
 
 really I 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Mr. Bream, aunt ! 
 
 MRS. GlLFILLIAN. 
 
 [Turning round and coming face to face with 
 HORACE.] Mr. Bream I
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 85 
 
 [HORACE talks to MRS. GILPILLIAN, DICK 
 chuckling at them. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Quietly to CLEMENT.] Clem, I must ask your advice 
 about Mr. Bream, directly. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Delighted. [Assisting MINNIE to put on her mantle.] 
 Bream, will you drive on with my aunt to the theatre? 
 Minnie and I want to walk up to Brigg's, the florist's 
 by Middle Temple Gate. We'll follow you in a cab. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 [To herself.] They have settled it I [Shaking her 
 fan at CLEMENT] Ah h h ! you sly boy. [Good- 
 humouredly taking HORACE'S arm.] We're encum- 
 brances. Come along, Mr. Bream 1 
 
 HORACE. 
 [Ruefully to himself.] Damn ! 
 
 [He takes MRS. GILFILLIAN out, leaving the 
 door open. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Good-night, Dick. [ Warningly] Word of honour, 
 as usual I 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [To CLEMENT, loftily.] Word of honour, as usual, 
 Clement, my boy.
 
 86 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Good-night, Mr. Phenyl. So sorry you are not 
 coming with us. Is the florist's far ? 
 
 DICK. 
 Two minutes. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 "We can make it ten by going round. It's a fine 
 night. 
 
 [As MINNIE and CLEMENT go out, BULGER 
 passes tJiem and enters hastily. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [Outside.] Ah ! Mr. Bulger. 
 
 [CLEMENT closes the door. DICK turns and 
 almost catches BULGER in his arms. 
 BULGER, who is dressed in his best, is very 
 agitated. 
 
 BULGER. 
 Mr. Phenyl ! 
 
 DICK. 
 What's the matter ? 
 
 [BULGER drops faintly into the armchair, 
 and wipes his brow with a coloured hand- 
 kerchief. 
 
 BULGER. 
 Excuse me for setting, sir ; oh ! Mr. Phenyl. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 I wish you wouldn't look as if you expected mo to 
 shave you, Bulger. You're not ill. I hope ?
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 87 
 
 BULGER. 
 
 You and me has known Mrs. Rolt the same len'th 
 o' time, Mr. Phenyl. 
 
 DICK. 
 What of her ? 
 
 BULGER. 
 
 There's no need for secrecy no longer, sir. I 'ave 
 regarded Mrs. Rolt very deeply for years, sir. 
 
 DICK. 
 Bulger I 
 
 BULGER. 
 
 Ridickleous it seems, most likely I don't deny it. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Of course its ridiculous. 
 
 BULGER. 
 
 [Angrily.] I tell you I don't deny it, sir ! But it's 
 'ard to keep our place in this world when the place is 
 a mean small one, and I 'ave so far forgot myself con- 
 cerning Ruth Rolt as to drop into poetry. 
 
 \_He produces a folded paper from his hat. 
 DICK shrinks away. 
 
 DICK. 
 No! 
 
 BULGER. 
 
 Don't fear, sir. But this ev'ning while 'anging 
 about the railin's downstairs more like a thief than 
 an old-established hairdresser 'oping for a chance to
 
 88 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 slip this into Mrs. R.'s 'and, I I saw what's brought 
 me up to you, Mr. Phenyl. 
 
 DICK. 
 What have you seen, Bulger ? 
 
 BULGEE. 
 
 Peerin' over the top of the blind I see her little 
 hornaments vanished from the mantelpiece, sir, and 
 her few pictures took down and and 
 
 DICK. 
 Bulger ! what does it mean ? 
 
 BULGER. 
 
 It honly means one thing to my mind, Ruth 
 Rolfs a-goin', Mr. Phenyl. 
 
 DICK. 
 Going 1 Going away ? 
 
 BULGEE. 
 
 [Pacing distractedly up and down the room.] Goin', 
 after all these years. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 "Wait ! [DicK runs excitedly up to the outer door t 
 opens it and goes out. He returns directly, drawing 
 the curtain over the passage opening.) Bulger ! 
 [Pointing to the door of his bedroom.] Get out of the 
 way 1 Wait in that room.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 89 
 
 [BULGER goes into DICK'S bedroom. The 
 curtain is then pushed aside, and RUTH, 
 in outgoing attire, looks in. 
 
 RUTH. 
 Mr. Phenyl 1 
 
 DICK. 
 [With assumed lightness.] Ah, Ruth I 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 I've seen Mr. Hale go out with his friends; is 
 there any chance of his returning till late ? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 They're off to the play. He won't be back till past 
 eleven. [She drops the curtain. 
 
 DICK. 
 What's this ? What's this ? 
 
 RUTH. 
 [Outside, calling softly.'] Lavender ! Lavender 1 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Lavender! [Rurn pushes aside the curtain and 
 enters with LAVENDER, who is also dressed for going 
 out, while her face is pale, her eyes red with weeping.] 
 Why, Lawy I
 
 -,* > 
 go SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 [Pressing LAVENDER to her.] Don't speak to her. 
 she can't bear it. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Ruth, what are you doing ? 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 Running away, people will call it ; but we're out of 
 debt, so that doesn't matter. We've come to say- 
 good-bye, Mr. Phenyl. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Good-bye, Ruth ! Not good-bye ! 
 
 [LAVENDER gives a little cry of pain ; RUTH 
 places her in the armchair, then speaks to 
 DICK apart. 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 You've been a kind friend to us for fifteen years, 
 Mr. Phenyl, but I'd have gone without troubling you, 
 because you won't understand. But Lavvy begged 
 so hard to look at this room once more, and I trust 
 you not to hinder us ; I know I can trust you. 
 
 [She leaves him and leans her head on the 
 back of the chair t weeping. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 You're not going to hide yourselves away from 
 Mr. Hale ? [LAVENDER starts up with a cry. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 Oh, yes, yes !
 
 SWEET LAVENDER gi 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 Mr. Hale ! Why did he ever come here to bring 
 this sorrow on me to rob me of my little girl's love ? 
 What is Mr. Hale to me ? I was rich before he 
 came, because of her. My poor rooms were warm 
 and well-furnished all because of her. Yesterday 
 any grand lady might have envied me because of 
 her. [Indignantly.] Mr. Hale, indeed ! 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 Mother! I'm doing what you ask mo, without 
 complaining. But don't don't speak against Mr. 
 Hale any more. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Fiercely.] Speak against Mr. Hale ! Who does ? 
 Ruth, who's at the bottom of this ? I'll know I'll 
 know, before I let this boy's heart be broken as well 
 as Lavvy's ! 
 
 [LAVENDER goes to DICK and lays her head 
 upon his shoulder, sobbing. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 Oh, Mr. Phenyl ! Will it break his heart ? Will 
 it will it ? 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 [To DICK, despairingly] You'll undo all I've done. 
 Don't! don't! 
 
 DICK puts LAVENDER from him gently. She 
 goes and sits weeping on the window seat. 
 
 DICK. 
 Now, look here, Ruth Rolt I
 
 93 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 RUTH. 
 Husn I Mr. Phenyl, I'm deceiving her ! 
 
 DICK. 
 Deceiving her ? 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 I'm forcing her to do this ! I've begged to her, 
 gone down on my knees to her, made her promise not 
 to forsake me. I've told her that if Mr. Hale married 
 her, his rich friends would turn their backs on him, 
 and that he'd soon weary of a wife who'd brought 
 him only poverty. I've taught her that a true woman 
 best proves her love for a man by thinking of his 
 future. But, Heaven forgive me, that's not why I'm 
 doing this that's not why ! 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Then there's no reason at all, Ruth, and you shan't 
 do it 1 I say, you shan't do it I 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 Oh, pity me I I'll tell you ! If Lavender ever 
 married Mr. Hale she would have to be told the 
 secret of my life. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [In a whisper.] The secret, Ruth I 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 Yes. I pray for all women who hug such a secret 
 to their bosom as I have always with me to keep me 
 company. It would have worn me out years ago but 
 for one blessing, one consolation my child's respect
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 93 
 
 for her mother. I've no right to it, but it has made 
 my life endurable, even happy, and imagine what 
 it would be for me to lose it now 
 
 [DiCK holds out his hand; she turns and 
 takes it 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Falteringly.] Ruth, did I speak crossly to you? 
 Ruth, did I ? I I'm sorry ; Lord forgive me what 
 a trouble and a worry I've been to you these fifteen 
 years 1 
 
 [Ruin leans upon the armchair, weeping. 
 LAVENDER comes to DICK. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 [Faintly, .] Mother, may I sit with Mr. Phenyl, if 
 he'll let me, till it's time for us to start ? 
 
 DICK. 
 [Patting her head.] Of course, Lavvy of course. 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 [In a whisper to DICK.] Oh, tell her that what I 
 do is right. I know she'll never love me again 
 as she has loved me; but be my friend and defend me, 
 Mr. Phenyl. [To LAVENDER, as she is going towards 
 the door.] In ten minutes, Lavender. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 Yes, mother. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Following RUTH.] You won't confide in me where 
 you're going, Ruth 't
 
 94 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 Don't ask me even she doesn't know yet. Good- 
 bye. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Taking heir hand.] Ah, Ruth fifteen yeai-s 
 fifteen years. 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 [Tearfully. ] I remember many, many kindnesses to 
 me and my little one. [Raising his hand to her lips.] 
 Good-bye, Mr. Phenyl. [She goes out. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 (To himself, as he goes to the armchair and sinks 
 into it.] Good-bye, Ruth, good-bye. Fifteen years! 
 Fif t-een years ! 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 Mr. Phenyl ! 
 
 DICK. 
 Lavender 1 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 Is it true, Mr, Phenyl ! 
 
 DICK. 
 Is what true ? 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 Mother says that Mr. Hale's friends would turn 
 against him if he married me ; would they ? She 
 says that he'd doat on me for a time, and treat me 
 as a child does a doll, and then he'd grow tired of 
 me and fret for what he'd lost by choosing a toy- wife 
 instead of a lady. Is that true, Mr, Phenyl ?
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 95 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Distressed.] Lawy, you do ask such questions ! 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 You know him very well ; perhaps he's talked to 
 you a little about me. I'll believe you if you tell me 
 I'm not fit for him. Is it true, Mr. Phenyl, is it 
 true? 
 
 [She breaks down, and sinking on her knees, 
 bows her head on the arm of the chair, 
 and sobs. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Hesitatingly.] Lawy I 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 [Crying.] Oh, it's not true, is it ? 
 
 DICK. 
 [With an effort] Yes, Lawy, it's true. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 [Faintly] Oh! 
 
 DICK. 
 
 It's the way of the world for poverty to make us 
 sour and unjust ; and if Clem came to grief he might 
 lay it at the door of the little doll's house which con- 
 tained the little doll he'd married. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 [Rising, and drawing back.] Oh, I don't believe 
 that of Clem.
 
 $6 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 DICK. 
 [Starting up and following her.] No nor I ! 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 Ah! 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Checking himself.] But your mother knows better 
 than we do ! your mother knows better than we do! 
 So you must go downstairs now, Lavvy. It's quite 
 time you went downstairs to your mother. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 I wanted you to let me write a letter here, just 
 saying good-bye to Clement ; but now you send me 
 downstairs. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Not looking at her.] Be quick, then, be quick. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 Yes, I'll be quick. 
 
 [She goes to the writing -table, and sits writing. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Eyeing LAVENDER, guiltily.] I'm behaving remark- 
 ably well to Clement, I am. I'm a valuable friend for 
 a young gentleman to board with and confide in, I 
 flatter myself ! Ugh I 
 
 LAVENDEB. 
 
 [Writing.] " My dear my dear " [To herself.] 
 
 How can I call him my dear ; he's not my dear 1
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 97 
 
 [She sobs. DICK hears her and starts, put- 
 ting his fingers in his ears. 
 
 DICK. 
 [Helplessly.] Why did I promise to help Ruth ? 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 Oh, Clement, Clement ! 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [To himself.] Poor Clem ! I shall never be able to 
 look him in the face again. I I 
 
 [He works his mouth as if his tongue were dry, 
 then desperately looks into the teapot. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 [Writing.] " It's for your good I'm going away." 
 [With another sob.] Ah I 
 
 DICK. 
 [Shutting the lid of the teapot.] Empty. 
 
 [He starts up, looks round quickly, then goes 
 to the sideboard, stooping down and open- 
 ing the cupboard, while he glances over 
 his shoulder at LAVENDER. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 [Resting her head upon the table] Oh, I can't, I 
 can't. 
 
 [DiCK takes a decanter of whiskey and the 
 carafe and tumbler from the sideboard 
 and brings them to the table. 
 
 a
 
 9 8 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [To himself.] The last time, Clement, my boy 
 the last time. [He pours some whiskey into the 
 tumbler and gulps it. It makes him cough: he 
 looks round at LAVENDER guiltily, then draws the left 
 side of the large curtain over the opening to the further 
 room.] Only a thimbleful, Clement, my boy. 
 [Pouring out more whiskey and drinking it; then 
 sitting and staring at the tumbler], I I've broken 
 my word to Clement. [Drinking] If Clem were to 
 
 come back now by chance he'd see me [Suddenly] 
 
 He'd see her Oh ! [Re drains his glass and 
 
 rises excitedly] Clemen', my boy ! Why shouldn't 
 you come back now by chance ? [He goes to the 
 table and scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, 
 which he hastily encloses in an envelope] Bulger ! 
 Where did I put Bulger ? [Recollecting^ Bulger ! 
 [Going hastily to the door of his bedroom, opening 
 it, and calling in a whisper] Bulger ! [BULGER 
 appears in the doorway. DICK seizes him and gives 
 him the note] Run up to Brigg's, the florist. If 
 you catch Mr. Hale there, give him that. Run, 
 Bulger, run run ! [He hurries BULGER out] Now, 
 I've broken my word to poor Ruth. [Weakly] 
 Bulger! [Going to the door again, opening it, and 
 calling, faintly.] Bulger ? Don't run walk ! 
 
 MR. MAW, a white-haired old gentleman in an Inver- 
 ness cape, with a crisp, dry manner of speaking, 
 appears outside. 
 
 MAW. 
 
 Oh, I'm lucky, Mr. Phenyl. May I speak to you 
 on a matter of great importance ?
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 99 
 
 DICK. 
 [Closing the door.] Mr. Maw, I think ? 
 
 MAW. 
 
 Yes. I am very late in leaving my office to-night, 
 
 and seeing your light in your window [Staring 
 
 at DICK.] I hope you're well? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Drawing himself up with dignity.] Qui' well, 
 than'g you. Take a chair. 
 
 MAW. 
 
 [Sitting to himself.] This man is in his usual 
 condition, I'm afraid. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Drawing the right side of the large curtain to meet 
 the left side, completely hiding the further room from 
 view.] Excuse me, Lavvy two minutes two 
 minutes. 
 
 [He walks with rather uncertain steps to a 
 chair and sits, mixing some whiskey and 
 water. 
 
 MAW. 
 
 [Taking some papers from his pocket eyeing DICK.] 
 Well, well, perhaps it's better I I really pity him. 
 
 DICK. 
 [Drinking] Broken my word to Ruth. 
 
 MAW. 
 
 [Selecting from his papers a letter with a deep 
 mourning border] Mr. Phenyl.
 
 100 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [With a wave of the hand towards the decanter.] 
 Join me ? 
 
 MAW. 
 
 [Sharply.] No, thank you. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 No. [Getting quite muddled.] If you don't take 
 weak drop whiskey an' wa'er after the labours of the 
 day, when do you take weak drop whiskey an' wa'er ? 
 
 MAW. 
 
 Never, sir. Mr Phenyl, your late mother's 
 brother, Mr. Yipont 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Uncle George. [Snapping his fingers indignantly. ] 
 I washed my han's of him twen'y years ago on 
 account of his habits. I should say my habits. 
 
 [Drinking again. 
 MAW. 
 
 If you'd kindly postpone your supper till I've 
 gone I should feel obliged. Mr. Phenyl, you will 
 regret to hear that Mr. Vipont is dead. 
 
 tDiCK has his glass to his lips he replaces it 
 upon the table. 
 
 DICK 
 
 [Whimpering.] Poor uncle George ! A violent- 
 tempered man, Mr. Maw all blame, blame; but 
 praise, oh dear, no ! [JFiA a hiccough.] Much might 
 have been done by kindness.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER IO1 
 
 MAW. 
 
 [Shortly} Whatever lack of toleration your uncle 
 displayed towards you, Mr. Phenyl, he neglected to 
 destroy a will made years ago entirely in your favour. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Rising unsteadily.'] My fav'ah! Will in my 
 f avah ! My ! 
 
 MAW. 
 [Raising his hand.'] But, Mr. Phenyl 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Swaying to and fro over MAW.] But ! Oh, I 
 p'ceive. My poor uncle resembled his poor nephew 
 never thought of the rainy day when he'd want a 
 pound or two to die with. 
 
 MAW. 
 
 I beg your pardon. I have a schedule here of 
 bonds and other easily negotiable securities, deposited 
 with his bankers, of the value of twenty-five thousand 
 pounds. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [ With his hand to his head.} Wai' ! Wai' ! Twen'y- 
 
 five thousan' 
 
 MAW. 
 
 Beyond that I trace a further fifteen thousand 
 entrusted to these bankers for investment at their 
 discretion. 
 
 [DICK falls into his chair and gulps at his 
 drink.
 
 102 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Incoherently. ,] Twen'y-five thousan' fifteen thou- 
 san' for'y thousan' 
 
 MAW. 
 But, Mr. Phenyl, I've not yet told you everything. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Waving him away.] For'y thousan' that's suffi- 
 cient ! 
 
 MAW. 
 
 I've told you that Mr. Vipont's fortune was in the 
 hands of his bankers. 
 
 DICK. 
 [Drinking.] Long life to the bankers ! 
 
 MAW. 
 
 It is the old tale, sir over-speculation, temptation, 
 false balance-sheets. To-day the doors of the bank 
 to which Mr. Vipont entrusted his fortune have been 
 finally closed. 
 
 DICK. 
 Broke ! 
 
 MAW. 
 
 [Producing a telegram] This telegram informs me 
 that two of the partners have absconded. It's a bad 
 business, Mr. Phenyl. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Blankly ] Flight of for'y thousan' partners ! 
 [Taking the telegram from MAW and looking at it 
 stupidly.] Uncle George's fortune. [Rustling the tele-
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 103 
 
 grarrt and looking through it as if it were a bank- 
 note.] Largest bank-note I've ever had in my life. 
 
 [Sticking the telegram in his waistcoat pocket, 
 DICK staggers across the room as the door 
 opens and CLEMENT enters with DICK'S 
 note in his hand.] 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [Breathlessly.] Dick ! 
 
 DICK. 
 Clemen', my boy ! 
 
 [CLEMENT comes upon DICK who w sitting 
 helplessly on the arm of the chair. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [Starting back.] Dick ! You've been drinking I 
 
 DICK. 
 No. [Pointing to MAW.] My s'litor, Mr. Maw. 
 
 MAW. 
 
 [Brusquely.] Mr. Phenyl is'nt very well, I'm 
 afraid. 
 
 DICK. 
 [To MAW.] The spirits are with you, Mr. Maw. 
 
 MAW. 
 I'll see Mr. Phenyl in the morning. 
 
 [MAW goes out and shuts the door.
 
 104 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Pulling DICK up.] Dick speak to me ! What's the 
 meaning of this note ? 
 
 DICK. 
 Ban'g note, Clemen'. For'y thousan' pounds, 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Shaking DICK'S arm.] Dick ! there's no bad news 
 of Lavender. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Slightly reviving.] Lavender ! Oh I remember. 
 [Pointing toward the curtains..] Impor'ant letter 
 from Lavender in the nex' room. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 A letter I Thank you for sending after me, but I 
 wouldn't have come back to see you like this, not 
 even for a letter from Lavender. Dick, I'll never 
 trust you again ! 
 
 [He goes through the curtains, closing them 
 after him. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Piteously.] Oh, do forgive me, Clemen' 1 do over- 
 look it ! 
 
 LAVENDER 
 [On the other side of the curtains.] Ah, Clement I 
 
 DICK. 
 [2/istening.] Ah 1 you'll forgive me now, Clemen',
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 105 
 
 won't you ? It's Ruth who'll never forgive me. I'll 
 hide from Ruth ! I can't face Ruth ! [Taking up 
 the decanter and tumbler and crossing to the door of his 
 bedroom.] The las' time, Clemen', my boy the las' 
 time ! 
 
 [He stumbles out, as CLEMENT comes through 
 the curtains supporting LAVENDER. He 
 places her gently upon the sofa. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [In a whisper.] Dick I didn't mean what I said. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 [Opening her eyes.] Clement I 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [Sending over her.] Lavender I 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 The letter the letter I was writing to you 1 
 Fetch it. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 The letter ! 
 
 [He disappears through the curtain. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 He musn't find out to-night that mother is taking 
 me away ! 
 
 CLEMENT re-enters with the letter. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Won't you give it to me ?
 
 106 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 By-and-bye ! by-and-bye 1 
 
 [He gives her the letter she thrusts it into 
 her pocket with a sigh of relief. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 My poor little sweetheart, are these the red cheeks 
 you promised ? Is this how you keep faith with 
 me? 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 I meant to keep faith with you always, Clement. 
 
 [Covering her face with her hands. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Ah, I'm not scolding you. How brave of you to 
 struggle up all these stairs to ease my suspense. But 
 won't you say that you're better a little better 
 for seeing me ? 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 \Falteringly.'] Yes; I I But you startled 
 
 me so, Clement ! 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Putting his arm round her.] Why, what a delicate 
 little flower it is, and how I shall have to tend it and 
 nurture it all my lif e 1 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 All your life 1 All your life 1 
 
 [She takes his hand from her shoulder and 
 throws it almost roughly from her then 
 rises in agitation.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER loj 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [SiartledJ] Lavender ! 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 [Under her breath, clasping her hands.] Mother ! 
 don't take me away ! Don't, don't take me away ! 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Lavender ! You're angry with me. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 [Pointing to the clock.] No; but I'd forgotten 
 Mother is waiting for me. Good-night, Clement. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Ah, no not yet. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 I must I I promised. And, Clement, you have 
 been very troubled about me, the few hours we've 
 been separated, haven't you ? 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Troubled ! If you only knew ! 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 Well, then, dear, I want you to remember, if ever 
 we're parted again 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 No not again, Lavender.
 
 roS SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 I mean, if ever you have to go upon a journey, or 
 I have to go a journey I want you to bear in 
 mind that my thoughts are true and faithful and 
 loving to you. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 My sweet Lavender ! 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 And though I'm a poor commonplace girl, and 
 you're far above me, my prayers for you are just as 
 good as any lady's, and they shall never cease, night 
 or morning never, dear, never, not as long as I live. 
 [Taking the letter from her pocket, and giving it to him 
 timidly.] There's the letter I wrote to you. You 
 must give me your word you'll not open it till the 
 morning. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 I do give you my word. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 Let me see you hide it away somewhere : in the 
 next room, or 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [With a smile.] Certainly. I'll lock it up there. 
 [Going to the writing-table, and unlocking the drawer, 
 he puts the letter away, talking, while his back is 
 turned towards LAVENDER.] There ! When I open this 
 drawer to-morrow these old bills will have doubled 
 themselves with pride. What have they done to de- 
 serve such sweet company ?
 
 SWEET LAVEtiDEb log 
 
 [Seizing her opportunity, with a last look at 
 CLEMENT, she goes softly up to the outer 
 door. As she reaches it there is a loud 
 rat-tat-tat, and, with a cry, she comes 
 back into the room. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 Clement I 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Turning.] Hullo ! A caller for Dick, I expect. 
 Whoever it is, he doesn't come in. 
 
 [He goes up to the outer door and opens it. 
 Mr. GEOFFREY WEDDEEBUEN is outside. 
 
 WEDDEEBUEN. 
 [Heartily.] Clement, my dear lad 1 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Father 
 
 a low cry, LA VENDEE disappears 
 through the curtain, as WEDDEEBUEN 
 enters, while CLEMENT, having closed the 
 door, looks around for her. GEOFFEEY 
 WEDDEEBUEN is a handsome, well-pre- 
 served man of about fifty, with a ruddy 
 face, a bright cheery voice with a slight 
 burr in it, and the air and manner of a 
 prosperous country gentleman. He is 
 dressed in tweeds and an ulster, as if 
 from a journey He throws his hat and 
 gloves upon the sofa, then turns to 
 CLEMENT with open arms.
 
 I io SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 WEDDEEBUEN. 
 
 Come here ! [Affectionately.] Lord, how glad I am 
 to see you ! 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Taking his hand.] Ah, father, now that I hear 
 your kind voice I feel how neglectful I've been. You 
 look well. 
 
 WEDDEEBUEN. 
 
 Look well ! Ha, ha ! [Playfully.] I haven't a 
 little love affair on hand, you villain ! 
 
 [Throwing his ulster upon the sofa. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Dad, you know 
 
 WEDDEEBUEN. 
 
 Know ! A 11 the world knows when a terrible chap 
 like you is in love. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Embarrassed] I was going to write to you to- 
 night. 
 
 WEDDEEBUEN. 
 
 Don't you trouble yourself, Clem. [Taking a 
 bundle of letters and papers from his pocket] Your 
 Aunt Clara's telegram gives a few interesting par- 
 ticulars. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Mrs. Gilfillian's telegram 1 
 
 WEDDEEBUEN. 
 
 Why, what dy'e think has brought me from Paris 
 in such a deuce of a hurry eh ?
 
 SWEET LAVENDER III 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 And you're not angry, father ? 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 
 Angry. Now, have I ever been angry with you, 
 my boy ? 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 No, dad never. 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 No, and a plague of a child you've been, too. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [Laughing.] Ha, ha ! 
 
 "WEDDERBURN. 
 
 [Taking CLEMENT'S hand and looking into his face.] 
 But the only time you really hurt me, Clem, was 
 when you had the fever years ago, and I sat by your 
 bedside through some dreadful nights and you didn't 
 know me when I spoke to you. Ah, Clem ! 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Putting his hand on WEDDERBURN'S shoulder.] Ah, 
 dad! 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 
 However, confound that ! [Selecting a telegram 
 from among his letters and looking at it through a gold- 
 rimmed eye-glass.] And so she's the daughter of the 
 laundress of these new chambers of yours, is she, 
 Clement?
 
 it* SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [Biting his lip.] Yes, father, but 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 But she's very beautiful, hey ? 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 She's very sweet, very good 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 
 [Reading the telegram.] Oh, I know, my dear lad 
 I know. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Father, would you like to see her this evening ? 
 
 [WEDDERBURN returns his papers to his 
 pocket and rises, putting his arm round 
 CLEMENT'S shoulder. 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 
 Now, my dear Clement, why on earth should I see 
 her? 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Under his breath] Father I 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 
 Come, come, we'll have a bit of a jaunt together, 
 you and I. They don't want me at the bank I'm 
 only a name there nowadays ; but for form's sake 
 we'll run down to Barnchester in the morning, and 
 then we'll cut away North and be lazy and happy. 
 Look sharp; tell your man to throw a few things
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 113 
 
 into a portmanteau, and come back with me to the 
 hotel to-night. [Taking up his hat and coat. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Dad ! You you don't understand. I can never 
 leave here until Father, Lavender is to be my wife 1 
 
 [WEDDERBURN stands for a moment thought- 
 fully, then throws down his hat and coat 
 and crosses to the fireplace, taking a 
 cigar from his cigar-case t while CLEMENT 
 watches him. 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 
 Clement, my dear boy, my son, when I was a 
 young man old enough to know better, but a young 
 man I fell in love with a woman just as enchanting, 
 I dare swear, as this Miss Lavender, as you call 
 her. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Well, father ? 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 
 She was a woman in humble life but I loved her 
 dearly. But just as I was on the point of marry- 
 ing her, Clem, my hard, old-fashioned common-sense 
 pulled me back. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Ah, sir! why? 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 
 Why ? Why, my lady would have been all elbows, 
 as we say, among the starched gentlefolks of Barn- 
 chester. She would have been mercilessly cut by tlie 
 whole county, Clement. 
 
 H
 
 114 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Then confound the whole county, sir. 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 
 Oh, by all means. But the neglect would have 
 soured her and made me cross, and it would have been 
 a damned wretched marriage. That's all, my boy. 
 [Taking CLEMENT'S hand.] But Clem, it nearly broke 
 me up at that time, and to find some corner to hide 
 my love in, I made a son of the child of a dear dead 
 schoolfellow of mine. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Sir, I can't ever repay you. 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 
 Yes, you can all the payment I want you can 
 make me to-night. What I did for common-sense 
 years ago you must do for me at this moment. So 
 put on your hat and come along. 
 
 [Goes to the sofa and takes up his coat and 
 hat. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 I I can't, father. 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 [Sharply.] You you won't, you mean ? 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Father 1 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 She or I which is it ?
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 115 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 God bless you for all your goodness to me, sir ; but 
 she is to be my wife. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Catting from his room.] Clemen', my boy ! 
 Clemen' ! 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 What's that ? 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Going towards the door of DICK'S room.] Hush, 
 Dick! " 
 
 [The door opens, and DICK staggers on, flourish- 
 ing the telegram which MAW has given him. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Clemen' ! Look here ! This telegram to my 
 s'licitor ! Look ! 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Trying to silence him.] Be quiet, Dickl Mr. 
 Wedderburn ! 
 
 DICK. 
 Wedderburn 1 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 May I ask the name of your friend ? 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Richard Phenyl. We share these rooms together. 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 
 [Angrily, to DICK.] Then, sir, I congratulate you 
 on acquiring the undivided companionship of Mr.
 
 n6 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 Clement Hale, who can now accompany you to the 
 gutter with all possible speed. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Indignantly."] The gurr'er 1 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 
 The gutter, sir which I take to be your destina- 
 tion. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 The gurr'er ! [Handing him the telegram."] Then 
 we can give you a lift, Mr. Wedderburn. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Dick, be silent ! 
 
 WEDDERBURN'. 
 What's this mean ? [Taking the telegram, 
 
 DICK. 
 
 It means that Wedderburn, Green, and Hoskett, 
 bankers, of Barnchester, have s'spended paymen' ! 
 Broke, sir, to atoms I 
 
 [There is a knocking at the outer door. 
 DICK staggers up to it. CLEMENT goes to 
 WEDDERBURN, who stands gazing steadily 
 at the telegram. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Father ! You know better than to believe this. 
 [The knock is repeated. WEDDERBURN is silent.] 
 Father I
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 117 
 
 [DiCK opens the door and admits MRS. GIL- 
 FILLIAN, MINNIE, and HOEACE. The two 
 former, seeing WEDDERBURN, go to him, 
 while HORACE speaks rapidly to CLEMENT. 
 DICK, leaving the door open, joins them. 
 
 MRS. GILFILHAN. 
 Geoffrey ! 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Uncle ! Uncle ! [Putting her arm round his neck.] 
 There's some dreadful news in the paper about the 
 bank, Uncle Geoffrey. 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 The paper send for it ; let me seo it. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 Geoffrey, it isn't true. 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 
 [With an effort] Show me the paper. [Hearing 
 a movement, he turns sharply and sees CLEMENT reading 
 from a newspaper which HORACE holds.] You have 
 it there give it me. [MRS. GILFILLIAN sits weeping 
 on the sofa; MINNIE stands bending over her con- 
 solingly. CLEMENT gives WEDDERBURN the newspaper. 
 After looking at the paper for a moment, WEDDERBURN, 
 with a groan, bows his head upon the mantelpiece. In 
 a smothered voice] The villains ! Dishonour I Dis- 
 honour 1 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 [Calling softly outside] Lavender 1 Lavender ! [She 
 enters hurriedly] Lavender 1 [To CLEMENT, seeing
 
 n8 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 all but WEDDERBURN.] Where is she ? I want my 
 daughter. 
 
 [CLEMENT disappears through the curtains 
 WEDDERBURN, hearing RUTH'S voice, 
 turns, and he and RUTH come face to 
 face. 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 [In a whisper.] Ruth ! 
 
 [They stand staring at each other. LAVENDER 
 comes through the curtains. With an 
 effort RUTH seizes her and goes out with 
 her quickly. As they disappear WED- 
 DERBURN puts his hand to his eyes and 
 staggers, and CLEMENT, re-entering at that 
 moment, catches him as he drops into 
 the arm-chair fainting. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Father ! Father 1 
 
 END OP THE SECOND ACT.
 
 THE THIRD ACT 
 
 The scene is the same as before, but the time is a week 
 later. 
 
 CLEMENT, looking weary and downhearted, comes from 
 his bedroom. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [As he closes the door.~\ Father, I shall be with you 
 in half-an-hour. 
 
 [He takes up his hat, as DICK, improved in 
 appearance, but without his coat, and 
 wearing a housemaid's apron, and carry- 
 ing a long carpet-broom, a dustpan, and 
 a hand-broom, enters the room from the 
 passage. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Going out, Clement, my boy ? 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Why, what are you doing, Dick 2 
 
 DICK. 
 I've had a fierce, a terrible, altercation with Mrs
 
 120 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 McOstrich, the new woman downstairs ; really a dis- 
 graceful row on her part especially. She said if I 
 hadn't been a man, she'd have struck me. Oh, what 
 a change ! 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Despondently.] Change ! The house seems a 
 hundred years older, now Lavender has gone. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Yes, and a thousand years dirtier, now Ruth is 
 gone. [Cheerfully .] However, poor Mrs. Gilfillian 
 and Minnie shan't be put about, and so I rise to the 
 occasion. [Placing the dustpan and hand-broom on 
 the sofa, and proceeding to turn up his shirt-sleeves.] 
 I've an excellent notion of thorough housework, 
 Clement, my boy. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Dick, I'm ashamed of myself wher I think what a 
 splendid chap you've been all through this dreadful 
 week. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Good-humouredly.] Pooh ! Don't talk to me, sir ! 
 I certainly did prepare Mrs. Gilfillian's and Minnie's 
 breakfast this morning ; I don't deny that. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 You! 
 
 DICK. 
 
 My dear Clem, a man who is on familiar terms with 
 every grill in Fleet Street ought to know something 
 about cooking. [Resting his broom against the arm- 
 chair, he takes up a covered dish from the table.] I
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 121 
 
 don't wish to put side on over a few paltry foolish 
 kidneys, but [raising the dish-cover] -confound it, 
 they haven't looked at 'em. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Inspecting the dish with DICK.] I'm afraid they 
 have, Dick. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Indignantly.] Of course ! Go on ! Blame, 
 blame ; but praise oh dear, no ! [He takes up the 
 teapot, and begins to sprinkle the tea-leaves on the floor 
 angrily.] If you're going out, I'll not detain you. 
 I am nervous when watched. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Not heeding him.] I have to meet Mr. Maw at 
 half-past ten to hear the result of the meeting of the 
 bank creditors at Barnchester yesterday. 
 
 DICK. 
 Oh! 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 But the ship's hopelessly aground, Dick, and we 
 shall never get her off again another bump or two 
 and she breaks up ; a few spars float out seaward in 
 the shape of poor ruined depositors, and there's an 
 end. And what an end ! Driven on to the rocks by 
 a couple of rogues while the skipper is asleep below. 
 There's a moral in it all, Dick. 
 
 DICK. 
 [Sprinkling the tea-leaves.'] There is, Clement, my
 
 boy. The moral will possibly assume the curt and 
 abbreviated form of sixpence in the pound. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Ah, you're thinking of old Mr. Vipont's fortune, 
 Dick your fortune. 
 
 DICK. 
 No, I'm not ! Don't be so unjust, Clem. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 You'd have been a rich man. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Clement, my boy, it would have been the ruin of 
 me ! There is an appropriateness about a poor vaga- 
 bond, but a wealthy vagabond is an outrage to 
 society. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Society makes forty thousand excuses for forty 
 thousand pounds while it lasts. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 It wouldn't have lasted. It might have induced 
 me to keep a cellar. Don't be sorry for me, Clem ! 
 Be sorry for yourself, and for your people, but not 
 for a chap like me ! 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Wringing DICK'S hand.] Bless you, Dick ! [DiCK 
 continues sprinkling the tea-leaves.] I'll hurry back 
 with the result of yesterday's meeting, good or bad. 
 
 [CLEMENT goes to the outer door where he 
 pauses.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 123 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Exultingly.] I think the news will be a little 
 better than you expect, Clement, my boy ! [Singing, 
 with a few steps of a dance.] La-d-diddle ! La-d- 
 diddle ! La-di-diddle-da ! 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [Returning.] Oh, Dick ! 
 
 [DiCK checks himself suddenly, and comes 
 down, letting the tea run out of the spout 
 of the teapot. 
 
 DICK. 
 [Enquiringly.] Clement, my boy ? Oh ! 
 
 [Replacing the teapot on the table and talcing 
 up the broom. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Taking a slip of paper from his waistcoat pocket.] 
 I think you ought to know that I'm going to leave 
 this at the newspaper office for insertion in to-mor- 
 row's paper. [Reading.] " Sweet Lavender." [Show- 
 ing him the paper.] See Dick ? The first and last 
 letters all the rest stars. 
 
 DICK. 
 Very ingenious. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Reading.] " R. P." (I've ventured to use your 
 initials, old fellow.) "R. P. entreats his old friend 
 and her daughter to communicate with him without 
 delay. R. P. is distracted at their absence."
 
 124 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 DICK. 
 [Dubiously, taking up the long broom.] R. P. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 I make you figure in it, Dick, to avoid distressing 
 Mr. Wed der burn while he's ill. You see, nobody 
 can possibly object to your being distracted. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 No, no certainly not. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Whereas my poor Lawy will understand, if ever 
 she sees this, that it's I who am suffering. You don't 
 mind, Dick ? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 My boy, delighted. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Producing LAVENDER'S letter.] I read her letter 
 every hour of the day. To think that she imagined 
 my love burnt so feebly that time or trouble could 
 blow it out ! 
 
 DICK. 
 [Sweeping uncomfortably.] Ah'm I 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Indignantly] But it's so unlike her, Dick. I 
 feel sure the confounded worldly philosophy was 
 crammed into her dear little head by others.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 125 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Sweeping wildly.] Oh ! 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 My aunt declares it is all Mrs. Holt's doing. [Re- 
 turning the letter to his pocket fiercely.] I hope so, for 
 
 if I ever find out to the contrary [DICK sweeps 
 
 up against CLEMENT violently.] Confound you, Dick ! 
 What are you doing ? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 You're hindering me ! You're delaying the house- 
 work! Go out ! 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Don't be angry with me. I'm going. 
 
 [CLEMENT goes out. 
 DICK. 
 
 [Wiping his forehead] Phew ! "When he breaks out 
 like that, I I always break out like this. If he 
 only suspected that I assisted at the cramming of the 
 philosophy ! 
 
 [ME. BULGEK comes from CLEMENT'S room 
 carrying shaving paraphernalia. 
 
 BULGER. 
 
 [Very dejectedly] Good morning, Mr. Phenyl. I 
 rather fancy as Mr. Wedderburn is a trifle better this 
 morning. He demanded to be shaved up, sir always 
 a sign of vitality in a gentleman. 
 
 [He goes to the door of Dick's bedroom, and 
 has his hand on the handle, when DICK 
 starts up with a cry of horror.
 
 126 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 DICK. 
 Where are you going ? Come back ! 
 
 BULGER. 
 
 Good gracious, sir ! I understood I was to go once 
 over Mr. 'Ale's chin. I perrysoom he is sharing your 
 room? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 O lor', Bulger ! While Mr. Wedderburn is here 
 nursed by his relatives, Mr. Hale and I billet our- 
 selves at Chorley's Hotel, in Surrey Street. We've 
 handed that room over to Mrs. Gilfillian and her 
 daughter. You should be more careful, Bulger. 
 
 BULGER. 
 
 I'm extremely sorry ; though, at the worst, I dare- 
 say, as an old family man, I could have passed it off 
 with a pleasantry. 
 
 [There is a rat-tat at the outer door. 
 
 DICK. 
 The doctor, / know. 
 
 BULGER. 
 I'll go, sir. No noos of Mrs. Holt, Mr. Phenyl ? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Taking off his apron and putting on his coat.] No, 
 Bulger. 
 
 BULGER. 
 [Sighing .] Ah ! 
 
 [BULGER opens the door and admits DR. 
 DELANEY, then goes out.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 127 
 
 Dn. DELANEY. 
 
 [As Tie enters."] Thank ye, thank ye. [Shaking 
 hands with DICK.] It's Mr. Phenyl. And how's our 
 friend Wedderburn this delightful morning ? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Urn pretty well for a man who appears to grow 
 a year older every day. 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 You don't say that ? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 I do. It seems to me, Dr. Delaney, that your 
 patient is ageing on the tobogganing principle. 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 [Thoughtfully.] Ah urn ! 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Enthusiastically] But the ladies, doctor 1 They 
 come out gloriously. 
 
 DB. DELANEY. 
 Bless 'em, they always do. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 I wouldn't have believed it of aunt Mrs Gilfillian 
 But she seems to have bought the goodwill and 
 fixtures of the business formerly carried on by Miss 
 Nightingale. 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 
 My dear Mr. Phenyl, all ladies are aloike when
 
 128 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 trouble takes their hair a little out of curl. It's 
 vanity and self-consciousness that sp^il a woman, sir ; 
 but when once she says to herself, " I don't care a 
 pin how I look," Heaven takes care that she shall 
 look like an angel. However, that's no business of 
 moine. I'll see Wedderburn. 
 
 DICK. 
 Oh, Doctor Delaney ! 
 
 DB. DELANEY. 
 What is it ? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Do you observe any marked improvement in me f 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 
 Ah, I'm forgettin' you entirely, [feeling DICK'S 
 pulse.] What news ? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [In a whisper .] Not a drop for seven days. That's 
 a fearful drought, eh ? I hesitate even at gravy. 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 And how do ye feel ? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 A little weak, doctor a little diluted. But I'm 
 firm. 
 
 DR DELANEY. 
 
 Ah, you'll do very well. Mind, now, don't think 
 about it and take plenty of exercise. 
 
 [DELANEY raps at the door leading to CLEMENT'S 
 room then opens it, and goes out.]
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 129 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Exercise ! [Removing his coat, then seizing his broom 
 and sweeping violently J\ Exercise ! [Wiping his brow 
 again.] Phew ! This is rather dry and dusty for my 
 complaint. [Sweeping.] But it's exercise. 
 
 [MINNIE, simply dressed and wearing a pretty 
 white apron, comes Jrom Dick's room. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 Oh, Mr. Phenyl, what are you doing ? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Panting.'] Making up Doctor Delaney's prescrip- 
 tion. Please return to your room for a quarter of an 
 hour, Miss Gilfillian. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Retreating.] Oh, the dust ! [Taking up the hand- 
 broom and dustpan from the sofa.] And look here ! 
 
 [DiCK sweeps again. MRS. GILFILLIAN, 
 plainly dressed and without her curls, 
 comes from CLEMENT'S room. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 Mercy on us 1 What's this ? 
 
 [She throws open the window. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [Laughing.] Mr. Phenyl is sweeping, mamma. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 Sweeping 1 Where's that woman McOstrich ? 
 
 i
 
 1 30 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 DICK. 
 
 I regret to say that Mrs. McOstrich is in a con- 
 dition of matutinal inebriation. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 Ugh, how horrible ! 
 
 MINNIE. 
 Oh, ma, how shocking 1 
 
 DICK 
 
 Ah ! ladies, it is far more shocking to one who may 
 claim some affinity with the misguided person now 
 occupying the basement. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 Ah'm! 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [Kindly.] Oh, Mr. Phenyl ! [To herself.) Poor man 1 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 But this isn't sweeping, Mr. Phenyl this is stir- 
 ring up. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Penitently.] No, Mrs. Gilfillian, it is sweeping. It 
 is a shame-faced effort to sweep away a peculiarly 
 useless and discreditable career. It is also an attempt 
 to throw dust in the eyes of two good-natured 
 ladies that being the only method by which I can 
 hope to obtain their good opinion.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 131 
 
 MRS. GlLFILLIAN. 
 
 Bless the man ! Take his broom away, Minnie 
 take his broom away ! 
 
 [MINNIE takes the broom from DICK and goes 
 out with it. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 I wonder if I can guess what you allude to, 
 Mr. Phenyl. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Resuming his coat.'] Ah'm ! I'll allow you three 
 guesses, ma'am. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 On the night we heard of our misfortune we saw 
 you rather at a disadvantage. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Done, first time. I suppose I presented a shocking 
 spectacle. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 H'm ! Well, that's a week ago, Mr. Phenyl. Now, 
 Rome wasn't built in a day, but you can make a new 
 man out of unpromising material in a week and a 
 new woman too sometimes. Mr. Phenyl, I'm not 
 the woman I was a week ago am I ? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Hesitating.] Well 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 [Sharply.] Am I, sir ?
 
 132 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 DICK. 
 No. 
 
 MRS. GlLFILLIAN. 
 
 I'm sure I'm not. Now I've lost all my money by 
 the failure of the Barnchester Bank, but somehow 
 I've felt in a kinder temper the last week than I have 
 for years. So I think, Mr. Phenyl, to some natures 
 even bankruptcy may be a blessing. 
 
 DICK. 
 Well, they both begin with a B. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 As for you, my poor brother likes you says you 
 read the paper to him so intelligently. [Holding out 
 her hand to him.] And / like you. There, sir ! 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Taking her hand gratefully."] My dear aunt! I 
 beg your pardon my dear Mrs. Gilfillian. 
 
 MINNIE enters carrying two dusters. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 So well forget a week ago, Mr. Phenyl, for good. 
 And if at any time you feel you want a cup of cocoa, 
 I know an old nurse who'll make it for you. [Taking 
 a duster from MINNIE.] Come, child, let's get rid of 
 some of Mr. Phenyl's dust. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [To himself.] Aunt ! Who'd have thought it ? 
 Aunt I [There is a rat-tat-tat at the outer door.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 133 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 [In a whisper.] We're not visible, Mr. Phenyl, to 
 anybody. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Going.] No, certainly not. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [In a whisper.] We're out, Mr. Phenyl shopping. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 \Drawing the curtain over the opening ] I should 
 rather think you were. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [To DICK.] Hush ! 
 
 [DiCK disappears behind the curtain and 
 opens the door, while MBS. GILFILLIAN 
 and MINNIE stand listening. 
 
 DICK. 
 [At the door.] How d'ye do ? How d'ye do ? 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 [To MINNIE, in a whisper.] Who is it ? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Out of sight.] No went out shopping about ten 
 minutes ago. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [To MRS. GILFILLIAN.] I don't know.
 
 134 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 DICK. 
 
 You'll find them both in the Lowther Arcade. 
 Oh! 
 
 The curtain is pushed aside and HORACE BREAM 
 enters. 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 [As he enters.] Smoke a cigar with you, Mr. 
 Phenyl, till they return. 
 
 MINNIE and MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 Oh 1 [MINNIE throws away her duster. 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 [Seizing their hands.] My dear Mrs. Gilfillian ! My 
 dear Miss Gilfillian ! 
 
 [DICK returns much discomposed, gesticu- 
 lating to MRS. GILFILLIAN and MINNIE. 
 
 DICK. 
 [Helplessly.] Would come in ! 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 I am perfectly delighted to find that my friend 
 Phenyl was mistaken. I'm much earlier to-day than 
 usual. 
 
 [MINNIE embarrassed, shakes her head at 
 HORACE. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 Earlier than usual !
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 135 
 
 ! HORACE. 
 
 [Not seeing MINNIE'S signs.] Yes. I invariably call 
 to inquire after Mr. Wedderburn during the after- 
 noon. 
 
 MINNIE 
 
 [Turning away] Oh ! 
 
 HORACE. 
 I shall be here again this afternoon. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 I haven't heard of your calling at all ! 
 
 MINNIE. "] 
 
 [Confused.] Oh, yes mamma, Mr. Bream has made 
 the usual inquiries during the week, generally 
 while you have been resting. His cards are some- 
 where. 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 Oh, yes ; my cards are somewhere. 
 DR. DELANEY enters. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 [Angrily to herself, at HORACE.] Oh, this man I 
 
 [She goes to DELANEY and they talk together. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Eyeing]HoRA.CE.] Oh ! now he knows that mamma 
 didn't know. [To HORACE with dignity] I hope, 
 Mr. Bream, that you will forgive Mr. Phenyl's lack
 
 136 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 of candour in telling you that mamma and I were out 
 shopping. 
 
 DICK. 
 [To himself.] Oh! 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Perhaps it would have been better if he had ex- 
 plained that we don't receive visitors at this time of 
 trouble and anxiety. 
 
 DICK. 
 [Aghast.] I why, you I mean There now. 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 [Surprised, to MINNIE.] Why, Minnie [She 
 
 draws herself up and looks frowningly.] Miss Gilfillian, 
 I never suspected that the happy hour we have passed 
 together every afternoon this week, has been on my 
 part an intrusion and on yours a 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Oh I I've made every excuse for you knowing 
 that you're an American. In trying to avoid for- 
 mality, perhaps I've a little a little a little 
 
 HORACE. 
 [Reproachfully.'] Well, a little 
 
 DB. DELANEY comes over to MINNIE. 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 
 [Quietly to MINNIE.] I've a word or two to say to 
 Mr. Phenyl. I don't want your dear mother to hear.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 137 
 
 [MINNIE nods to DR. DELANEY, and goes to 
 where MRS. GILFILLIAN is sitting, HORACE 
 following her. 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 [Tapping DICK on the shoulder.] Mr. Phenyl. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Looking up] Eh ? 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 
 [Bending over him] I fancy there's something 
 worrying Mr. Wedderburn. 
 
 DICK. 
 Well, I should think so ! 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 What is it? 
 
 DICK. 
 Sixpence in the pound. 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 
 Ah, I mean something not connected with divi- 
 dends at all. [Drawing DICK a little nearer] Mr. 
 Phenyl, I hear that Wedderburn has been rambling 
 a little about the woman who used to live downstairs 
 talking about her in his sleep. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Ah, I dare say. His boy is in love with her 
 daughter, and that troubles him. 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 
 So Mrs. Gilfillian explains. But, Mr. Phenyl, 
 doesn't it strike you as rather odd that Mr. Wedder-
 
 138 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 burn should dream less of his bankruptcy than of the 
 woman whom I hear he happened to meet in this 
 room a week ago, and who disappeared immediately 
 afterwards ? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Startled.} Eh ? Why, what ? 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 Be quiet ! 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 [Rising} Minnie, I mustn't waste my time any 
 longer. 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 
 [Turning to the others} One moment, one moment ! 
 I've got another patient here. Mr. Phenyl has as 
 much right to be ill as any of ye. 
 
 DICK. 
 [To himself} What's he driving at ? 
 
 [MRS. GILFILLIAN, MINNIE, and HORACE 
 continue talking. 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 
 Now, mee dear Mr. Phenyl, you have been 
 acquainted with this Mrs. Bolt for many years. Do 
 you know her history, sir ? 
 
 DICK. 
 [Agitatedly} No yes a small portion of it. 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 Thank ye. The small portion of a woman's his-
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 139 
 
 tory which she confides to another is generally the 
 Index. Now may I ask if the Index in your pos- 
 session goes down to the letter " W " ? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Sinking into the armchair with his hand to his 
 forehead.] Wedderburn ! Good gracious 1 The possi- 
 bility never struck me ! Oh I 
 
 DK. DELANET. 
 But you perceive the possibility ? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Don't pump me, Dr. Delaney, please ! Confound 
 it, you wouldn't ask me to betray a woman's confi- 
 dence by even a hint ! 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 
 Not for the worrld ! [Taking DICK'S hand.~\ Besides, 
 afther all, perhaps this is no business of moine. Good 
 morning Mr. Phenyl. [To himself, as he takes up his 
 hat.] Now, if my theory is correct, I wonder if I could 
 contrive to do a little good to a miserable man and 
 an unhappy woman by a bold stroke ? I'm inclined 
 for the experiment. Mrs. Gilfillian 
 
 MKS. GILFILLIAN. 
 Yes, Doctor? 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 
 [Taking her hand] I've been thinking I shall have 
 you and your pretty daughter on my hands if I don't 
 take better care of ye.
 
 I 4 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 There, there Minnie shall go into the Park every 
 afternoon. 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 
 Yes, and Minnie's mamma too. And so I've 
 arranged to send ye one of the dear good ladies from 
 my beautiful new Home. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 Now, Doctor Delaney, I've told you-^ 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 
 [Persuasively .] Ah, now, just to enable you to get 
 the amount of fresh air which every woman in her 
 prime requires. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 Well, do as you like, Doctor. 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 [Shaking hands.] I'll do that. Good morning. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN, MINNIE, and HORACE. 
 Good morning. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 [Going to Dick.] But your nurse won't get a very 
 cordial reception here, I'm afraid. 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 
 [To himself.] Now that's just the point I'm a little 
 curious about. [He bustles out.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 141 
 
 MRS. GlLFILLIAN. 
 
 I'll go to a Registry Office at once and hire a handy 
 girl, if there's one in London. I won't have that 
 degraded woman McOstrich in these rooms again. 
 [Turning sharply, she sees MINNIE and HORACE close 
 together.] Minnie! 
 
 [HORACE leaves MINNIE quickly, and thrusts 
 himself half out of the window. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 Mamma ! 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 [Severely.] When Mr Bream has terminated his 
 visit, perhaps in this hour of emergency you will 
 remember there is such a place as the pantry. 
 
 [MRS. GILFILLIAN goes into DICK'S room, 
 which she is now occupying. MINNIE 
 looks towards HORACE, whose body is 
 half out of the window, then at DICK, 
 then at her hands. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Sighing.'] Washing up is awfully trying for one's 
 hands. 
 
 DICK. 
 I'll help shall I ? 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 What a good-natured man you are, Mr. PhenyU 
 I'm so sorry I scolded you. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Delighted.
 
 142 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 But it was quite necessary to read Mr. Bream a 
 lesson. 
 
 DICK. 
 Oh quite. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 But I couldn't think cf allowing you to assist to 
 wash up. I've got to be domesticated now, and I'd 
 better begin at the degrading part. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Well, look here let's halve it. One of us will 
 wash, the other will wipe. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Glancing towards HORACE, abstractedly.] It's very 
 thoughtful of you. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Not at all I take it for exercise. But mind, I'm 
 only an amateur. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Not letting anything drop is the great secret. 
 Which will you do, wash or wipe ? 
 
 DICK. 
 I'll do the wettest that is, the wetter of the two. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 You are good-natured but both are equally un- 
 pleasant. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Let's nutter for who does which.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 143 
 
 MINNIE. 
 Flutter ! 
 
 DICK. 
 Toss up a coin. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Glancing towards HORACE with dignity] Oh no, 
 thank you, I couldn't do that. [Seeing HORACE is 
 still leaning out of the window.] Be quick, I don't 
 mind. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Producing a penny.] Now, then. Britannia washes, 
 and the Queen wipes. [Throwing up a coin, and 
 catching it smartly to himself] I'm really very much 
 better. [To MINNIE.] Miss Gilfillian sudden death 
 you cry. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 What? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Solemnly] Sudden death you cry. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Oh, how unkind of you to suggest such things 
 when Uncle Geoffrey is so unwell. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 You misunderstand me ! I mean, you guess head 
 or tail. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [With dignity.] Oh, head, please. 
 
 DICK. 
 [Referring to his coin.] Woman you wash.
 
 144 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 r 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [Disappointed.] The other is a little drier. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Very well, just as you like. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 You are a good-natured man. [Looking towards 
 HOEACE.] Mr. Bream is oblivious of everybody's ex- 
 istence. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Knowingly.] He doesn't know that aunt that 
 Mrs. Gilfillian has gone. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 Mr. Phenyl ! 
 
 DICK. 
 
 I didn't tell tales about you, did I ? 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Keally, Mr. Phenyl, I wish you wouldn't make such 
 inferences. I won't trouble you, thank you. 
 
 [She goes out indignantly.] 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Catting after her, penitently] I beg your pardon, 
 Miss Gilfillian. [Disconsolately.] I'm always putting 
 my foot in it. [Snatching up a ball of wool from the 
 work-basket on the table, and hurling it at HORACE'S 
 back] It's his fault 1 [Following MINNIE.] Miss 
 Gilfillian. 
 
 [DICK goes out, HORACE leaves the window 
 and picks up the ball of wool.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 145 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 Hallo ! Why, she must have thrown this ! Ah, 
 how playful she is at times. I bear no ill-will towards 
 Mrs. Gilfillian, but what a gay, high-spirited girl 
 Minnie would be if she were a thoroughly quali- 
 fied orphan. [Looking round.] I guess she's hiding 
 around here somewhere. 
 
 [MINNIE appears in the passage opening, 
 wiping a cup. She peeps into the room 
 and conies face to face with HORACE. 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 [Triumphantly holding up the ball of wool.] Ha! 
 Ha! You imagined I didn't see you throw this, 
 but I did. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Coldly.] 1 1 Really, Mr. Bream ! Excuse me, I'm 
 occupied in the pantry. 
 
 HORACE 
 May I join you in the pantry ? 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Oh, no, certainly not; but if you'll wait here, 
 mamma won't be long. 
 
 [She retires, drawing the curtain over the 
 opening. 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 [Angrily] Mamma ! Mamma ! I am becoming 
 desperate. I can't sleep I can't eat I can't live on 
 anything but hope, and this girl is just starving me. 
 
 K
 
 146 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 [Sitting disconsolately, and looking up as 
 MINNIE draws aside the curtain and 
 enters. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Ah ! \Demurely.~\ Excuse me, I've come to fetch 
 something. 
 
 [He rises. She goes right round tha room to 
 the table. 
 
 HORACE. 
 Minnie ! 
 
 MINNIE. 
 Mr. Bream 1 
 
 [She takes up the tray with the breakfast 
 things and he intercepts her. 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 I think you are the cruellest girl in this old 
 country. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 When one meets reverses and becomes poor, one 
 must expect to lose the good opinion of friends. 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 [Taking the other side of the tray and holding it with 
 his hands over hers.] I don't call myself a friend, 
 Minnie. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Sarcastically.] Indeed ? Of course one doesn't 
 know who are one's friends. Oh, you are hurting 
 my hands, Mr. Bream. 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 [Earnestly.] You have never permitted me to be 
 a friend. But you know perfectly well I aro a
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 147 
 
 MINNIE. 
 An acquaintance. 
 
 HORACE. 
 No a lover. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 Mr. Bream sir ! 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 [Emphatically.] I repeat, a lover a lover a lover. 
 There, I've said it. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Having said it, will you allow me to carry out the 
 tray? 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 Permit me ? [He takes the tray and places it on the 
 table. She passes him, and is going out when he turns 
 quickly, and taking her hand draws her back into the 
 room.] That's not fair. You must say Yes to-day, 
 
 or I 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Or you start for New York next Saturday I 
 know. You were going to start for New York next 
 Saturday when we first met you, months ago, if you 
 remember. 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 Remember 1 My heart keeps a diary in red ink. 
 Why don't you like me, Minnie ? 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 How unjust ! I like you as much as I can ever 
 like any foreigner. 
 
 HORACE. 
 Foreigner 1
 
 I 4 8 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 MINNIE. 
 I am essentially English, you know. 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 Oh, yes. The Wedderburns were originally Scotch, 
 I Lelieve. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Yes, T know, but 
 
 HORACE. 
 And your father was an Irishman. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 I know certainly but 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 But you're essentially English. Ah, don't make 
 this an international question. If you marry me, I'll 
 wear Scotch tweed, and you'll never find out the 
 difference between-^ 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Oh, thank you. I'm deeply sensible of the honour 
 you pay me, but I really could not marry an 
 American. 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 Why, you don't mind flirting with one, 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [Indignantly.] Oh ! 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 You know you're a very different girl on the 
 8tairs while your mother is asleep on this sofa.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 149 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 And this is my reward for not disturbing mamma ! 
 Only an American would throw stairs in a girl's face. 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 Miss Gilfillian, you are like the typical English 
 gentleman who says, " Give me a home-made watch " 1 
 Nobody does give it to him, but he pays sixty 
 guineas for one, has his crest carved on it, and is 
 borne down on one side with the weight of it for 
 years. When it is not being cleaned, it enables 
 him to lose his train. At last it is stolen from him 
 in a crowd so he swears a little, buys a cheap 
 American timepiece, and lives happily. Miss Gil- 
 fillian, perhaps some day when you have won and 
 worn your home-made husband you'll give a thought 
 to the cheap but reliable American who has now the 
 honour to wish you good-bye. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 I I shall not say good-bye, or anything, after 
 such unkindness. To to to be called a flirt ! A 
 flirt 1 Oh, dear, it's so hard I 
 
 [She takes up the tray from the table and 
 backs towards HORACE, who suddenly puta 
 his arm round her waist. 
 
 HORACE. 
 Ah, forgive me ! 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Forgive you ! After such a cruel charge ! "Remove 
 you arm, Mr. Bream I
 
 ISO SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 HORACE. 
 I Clasping her to Mm.] I can't, Minnie, I can't. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 And you know / can't drop the tray. [Strug- 
 gling slightly.] Oh, how un-English ! [Calling.] Mr. 
 Phenyl ! 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Outside] Yes! 
 
 [DiCK enters wiping a plate, and HORACE 
 retreats hastily. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 Take this, dear Mr. Phenyl. 
 
 DICK. 
 [Taking the tray.] With pleasure. 
 
 [MINNIE looks indignantly at HORACE. MRS. 
 GILFILLIAN enters, dressed for going out. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 [Looking from one to the other.] Minnie 1 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Embarrassed.] I I'm teaching Mr. Phenyl how 
 to wash up, mamma. 
 
 DICK. 
 [To himself] Oh, I like that I 
 
 [DiCK carries out the tray.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 151 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN, 
 
 [To herself.] That young man still here. [To 
 HORACE.] Mr, Bream, I shall be much obliged if 
 you'll give me your arm across the Strand. 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 Certainly ! It will be the last opportunity I shall 
 have of rendering you even so slight a service. 
 
 [MINNIE turns, listening. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 Indeed 1 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 I start for N' York [emphatically] on Wednes 
 day. [MINNIE gives a stifled exclamation 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 We're very sorry though, perhaps, you have been 
 wasting your time rather sadly. 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 That notion has just struck me. Please say fare- 
 well for me to everybody. [MINNIE looks at him 
 wistjutty.] And tell Mr. Wedderburn that I have 
 called every day this past week [looking at MINNIE] 
 solely to inquire after him. 
 
 [MINNIE retreats to the window-seat. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 [Dubiously.] Um ! I'm quite ready, Mr. Bream. 
 
 [She goes out.
 
 152 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 [Bowing profoundly to MINNIE.] Good-bye, Miss 
 Gilfillian. 
 
 [She rises with downcast eyes, and makes 
 him a stately courtesy. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [In a low voice.] Good-bye, Mr. Bream. 
 
 [She resumes her seat, looking out of the 
 window. He goes to the door. 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 [To DICK, shaking hands.] Good-bye, Mr. Phenyl : 
 shan't see you again on this side, sir. 
 
 [He fottows MKS. GILFILLIAN ; DICK closes 
 the door after them. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Tearfully. ] Oh, I didn't mean it ! I didn't mean 
 it ! Oh, come back, Horace ! Horace ! 
 
 [She sits at the writing-table, and writes 
 rapidly. DicK comes into the room, 
 polishing a teaspoon. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Eyeing MINNIE.] Nice girl but I am both wash- 
 ing and wiping. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [Writing.] " Never start for New York with-
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 153 
 
 out me Horace." [Rising with the note in her hand.] 
 Give me something heavy, to weight this ! [Snatch- 
 ing the spoon from DICK.] That'll do. 
 
 DICK. 
 Eh? 
 
 [She screws up the spoon in the paper and 
 runs up to the window. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Looking out of the window.] Ah ! [Calling 
 softly.] Horace 1 Horace ! 
 
 [She throws out the spoon and paper. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [To himself.] That spoon belonged to my poor 
 mother. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Withdrawing from the window hastily] Oh I 
 Mamma's got it. 
 
 DICK. 
 Glad to hear it. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Oh, Mr. Phenyl, run after Mr. Bream 1 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Catching up his hat.] Certainly. [Giving her the 
 cloth he carries] You go on with the wiping* What 
 shall I say ? 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Say I want him to inquire after Uncle Geoffrey as 
 usual.
 
 i54 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Opening the door.] I know half-past three on the 
 landing. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 No, no ! Mr. Phenyl ! How dare you ! [DicK 
 returns, leaving the door open.] You needn't go, thank 
 you. [Returning to the window-seat.] I won't 
 humble myself ! I won't ! 
 
 LAVENDER appears outside the door. She 
 peeps in, then comes into the room, and, 
 seeing DICK, utters a cry and advances 
 towards him. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 Mr. Phenyl I 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Embracing her.] Lawy ! [Excitedly.] Why, 
 Lavvy, where have you come from ? where are 
 you going to ? what are you doing ? where's your 
 mother ? Why don't you answer me, Lavvy ? Here 
 what oh ! 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [Coming from the window.] Lavender ! 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 [Going to her.] Oh, Miss Gilfillian I Miss Gilfillian 1 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [Taking LAVENDER in her arms to DICK.J Shut
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 155 
 
 the door ! [DICK goes to the door and closes it. 
 MINNIE places LAVENDER in the armchair, and re- 
 moves her hat.] Oh, poor Clement ! How happy he 
 will be ! How happy he will be ! 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Returning breathlessly .] I was about to put a ques- 
 tion to you, Lawy. Where have you come from ? 
 Where are you 1 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Oh, hush, Mr. Phenyl! Lavender will teLl me. 
 [Tenderly.] Where have you come from, dear? 
 
 DICK. 
 My question ! 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 [Faintly.] I've come from Miss Morrison's School 
 at Highgate, where mother took me when we left 
 here. I I've run away, Miss Gilfillian. 
 
 DICK. 
 Run away ! 
 
 MINNIE. 
 Hush, Mr. Phenyl ! 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Yes, but run away ! 
 
 MINNIE. 
 Be quiet ! 
 
 DICK. 
 Run away 1
 
 1 56 SWEET LAVENDEK 
 
 MINNIE. 
 Hush! 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Well, but run away. That's pretty serioua 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 I've seen a newspaper with something in it about 
 a great misfortune happening to Mr. Wedderburn's 
 bank, and how his partners have cheated and ruined 
 him. And I know that if Mr. Wedderburn is poor, 
 Mr. Hale is poor ; and I can't rest till I've found out 
 if it's true. Is Mr. Hale poor, Miss Gilfillian ? 
 
 MINNIE. 
 Yes, we're all poor now, Lavvy. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 Oh, Clement ! 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Even I do the work your little hands used to do. 
 
 DICK. 
 / wash up. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Hush, Mr. Phenyl, please. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 But why didn't you drop a line to me quietly 
 Lavvy ? There'll be awful trouble over this. 
 
 LAVENDER 
 I began a letter to Clement yesterday, and the girl
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 157 
 
 who lent me the paper and the envelope told Miss 
 Morrison, who scolded me dreadfully. But I got out 
 of the house. If it had been a prison, Miss Gil- 
 fillian, I should have got out, now that Mr. Hale is 
 in trouble. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Here's a pretty kettle o' fish ! You know you'll 
 have to be sent back, Lavvy. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 Nothing of the kind. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 I'll go back when I've seen him for five minutes. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Indignantly.] Mr. Phenyl, you're positively heart- 
 less! 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Piteoiisly.] Heartless ! / heartless ! You don't 
 know what I know. I mean, I'm a man ; you're only 
 a couple of girls a girl and a half I may say. [With 
 his hand to his head.] Oh ! where's Ruth's secret 
 going to now ! 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 I admire your spirit, Lavender, if Mr. Phenyl 
 doesn't. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 Ah, I've no spirit at all, Miss Gilfillian. [MINNIE 
 takes her in her arms and caresses her.] But mother 
 hid me away because I was too poor and humble 
 for Mr. Hale and so I was a week ago. But now
 
 I S 8 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 everything's changed, and it would be dreadful if he 
 said to himself: "Lavender was taken from me 
 because I was rich, yet she can't find her own way 
 back now that I'm in need." 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Enthusiastically.] Clem shall hear that from your 
 lips within an hour! 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Sharply.] No, he shan't. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [Hotly] He shall, Mr. Phenyl. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 "Why, Mr. Phenyl, you used not to be unkind 
 to me. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Falteringly] No, Lavvy, -but neither of us is your 
 mother. We must always consult our mothers. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [Glaring at DICK.] Where is your mother, Lawy ? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Glaring back at MINNIE.] Another of my ques- 
 tions! 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 I mustn't tell anybody I've promised. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Very well. All you require in this matter is a 
 friend.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 159 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Putting his arm round LAVENDEK.] I quite agree 
 with you, Miss Gilfillian a friend. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [Putting her arm round LAVENDEB.] A protector. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Yes, somebody who wasn't born two or three weeks 
 ago. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 I'm of age. 
 
 DICK. 
 Well, look at me. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 But you're not a woman ! 
 
 DICK. 
 As it happens as it happens ! 
 
 [A gong bell is heard striking twice. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [To DICK, triumphantly.] Ha ! ha ! Uncle Wedder- 
 burn's bell twice ! It's for you to read the news- 
 paper. 
 
 LAVENDEK. 
 
 [Frightened .] Is Mr. Wedderburn here ? 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Gaily.] Yes, we're all here. Run along, Mr. 
 Phenyl.
 
 160 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Enraged,"] Miss Gilfillian, you will regret this 
 interference. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [With her arm round LAVENDER'S waist, saucily.] 
 Regret is a woman's natural food, Mr. Phenyl she 
 thrives on it. 
 
 DICK. 
 Till it becomes remorse, Miss Gilfillian. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 Which is only a mild form of indigestion. 
 
 DICK. 
 [Furiously.] Oh! 
 
 [He goes into CLEMENT'S room. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Triumphantly.] Ha, ha! [Assisting LAVENDER 
 to put on her hat.] Now for poor Clem. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 Oh, yes where is he ? 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Gone to the lawyer's. We'll run out and meet 
 him on his way home, and then we'll sit down in the 
 gardens. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 What makes you so kind ?
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 161 
 
 MINNIE. 
 A fellow-feeling. I'm unhappy in my love, too. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 [Putting her a/rms round MINNIE'S neck.] Oh ! Tell 
 me. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 He's Mr. Bream. I said "No" to him, and he 
 believed me, in a foolish American way he has. 
 
 LAVENDEE. 
 
 Oh, we ought always to speak the truth. Why, 
 directly Clement asked me, I said " Yes." 
 
 MINNIE. 
 Well, Lawy, at a big dinner the sweets are always 
 
 brought round twice, and I thought I thought 
 
 [Whimpering .] I'm a wretched girl. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 [Affectionately.] Don't cry ! Don't cry ! 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 I forgot that if the sweets do come round again, 
 other ladies have been digging spoons in. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 Is he far away ? 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Yes he's in the Strand now. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 Let us go after him with Clement.
 
 162 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 MINNIE. 
 But wouldn't that look as if- ? 
 
 LAVENDEB. 
 Yes, it would rather look as if 
 
 MINNIE. 
 Oh, then, I couldn't. 
 
 LAVENDEB. 
 Yes, but if we met him we could walk past. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Hugging LAVENDEB.] Oh, you darling ! I'm so 
 fond of you. 
 
 The door of CLEMENT'S room opens, and GEOFFBEY 
 WEDDEEBUBN enters, followed by DICK, carrying 
 some books and newspapers under his arm. 
 WEDDEBBUBN looks much older than before, hi 
 hair being gray and his voice and manner feeble. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [To LAVENDEB.] Uncle Geoffrey 1 
 
 LAVENDEB. 
 [Clinging to MINNIE.] Oh ! 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [To himself.] Oh, dear ! 
 
 [DICK waves the girls away. WEDDEBBUBN 
 walks slowly.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 163 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 [Seeing MINNIE.] Ah, Minnie, my dear 1 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [Going to him.] Why, uncle 1 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 
 [Patting her cheek.] Ah, I can't submit to be 
 nursed and cosseted any longer. I I shall go 
 down to Barnchester to-morrow to face the people, 
 and and to see about other things. [Seeing 
 LAVENDER.] Who's that young lady, my dear 't 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Bringing LAVENDER forward.] This is a friend of 
 mine, uncle. 
 
 [WEDDERBURN holds out his hand. LAVENDER 
 puts her hand in his, timidly. 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 I'm very glad to see Minnie's friend. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 [With a curtsey] Thank you, sir. 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 
 I've been rather ill, my dear, but the doctor says I 
 may go into the gardens while the sun is out. Will 
 you walk on one side of me, with Minnie on the 
 other ? 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 I I would, sir if my mother would let me.
 
 1 64 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 
 Your mamma will let you if she's a kind mamma. 
 If not, I shall have to put up with Mr. Richard. 
 [DICK assists WEDDERBURN into the arm-chair. 
 Gratefully to DICK.] And Mr. Richard's a dreadful 
 fellow such a bear. Aren't you, Richard eh? 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [In a whisper to LAVENDER, pointing to the door of 
 DICK'S room.] That's my room, now. Come with 
 me. [The two girls go out quietly. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [To himself, looking after MINNIE and LAVENDER.] 
 Girls will do anything. I begin to have a better 
 opinion of myself, now that I've mixed more with 
 girls. 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 Now, then, Mr. Richard. 
 
 DICK. 
 [Taking up a newspaper .] What'll you have, sir ? 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 
 Anything referring to the failure of Wedderburn's 
 bank? 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Opening the paper uncomfortably. To himself.] 
 Ahem ! This daily invention of favourable comments
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 165 
 
 on Wedderburn's neglect of his business rather taxes 
 my imagination. Beady, sir ? 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 Yes, yes, Mr. Kichard. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 H'm ! [To himself.] Hallo 1 Here is a short leader. 
 [Reading.] " It will not be difficult to find an excuse 
 for Mr. Wedderburn's ignorance of the affairs of the 
 bank." 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 [Eagerly.] Ah ! That's good that's just. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [To himself.'] It will be difficult, they say here. 
 Wonderful what a word does. [There is a rat-tat-tat 
 at the outer door. Laying down the paper.] Excuse 
 me. 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 
 [To himself] It will not be difficult to find an 
 excuse for Mr. Wedderburn an excuse for Mr. 
 Wedderburn. 
 
 [DiCK opens the door. DR. DELANEY and 
 RUTH, dressed as a nurse, but veiled, are 
 outside. 
 
 DR. DELANBT. 
 
 Thank ye, Mr. Phenyl. Thank ye. [Cheerily, 
 pointing to WEDDERBURN.] Come, now, look at that !
 
 1 66 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 That's the sort of constitution that's the ruin of 
 my profession. 
 
 [DICK closes the door. RUTH touches his a/rm. 
 
 RUTH. 
 \In a, whisper, ,] Mr. Phenyll 
 
 DICK. 
 Ruth! 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 
 Wedderburn, I've brought ye a lady from my 
 new Home, just as a companion for your sister and 
 Minnie. I've told ye about my beautiful Home. 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 Thank you, Delaney, but I'm quite strong now. 
 
 DR. DELANET. 
 
 I know that but it's you strong chaps that require 
 looking after. Think of the ladies they're getting 
 as white as the ceiling ; and poor Mr. Phenyl, who's 
 hoarse with reading aloud to you. Mr. Phenyl. 
 
 [Beckoning to DICK. 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 
 [Feebly to RUTH.] I hope I wasn't discourteous, 
 ma'am. Every one is very good to me very good 
 to me. 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 [In a low voice.] Mr. Wedderburn. 
 
 [WEDDERBURN starts and looks up
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 16? 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 [In a whisper.] Who is it ? 
 
 RUTH. 
 Ruth. 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 Ruth Ruth ! 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 I am the nurse that Dr. Delaney speaks of. Do 
 you wish me to remain, Mr. Wedderburn ? 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 [With an effort, in a low voice.'] Yes, Ruth. 
 
 [He sinks back into his chair, staring forward. 
 She removes her bonnet and cloak. 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 
 [Softly to DICK.] That's all right. [Aloud] I'll 
 be with ye again in ten minutes, Wedderburn. 
 [Nudging DICK.] A delicate, but successful experi- 
 ment. Come, I'll tell ye how I put the pieces of the 
 puzzle together. 
 
 [DiCK and DELANEY go into the other room. 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 If Mr. Phenyl was reading to you, shall I take his 
 place ? 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 
 [Passing his hand across his brow.] You are merci- 
 ful to me, Ruth. You come to me when I am ill, 
 broken, in misfortune.
 
 168 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 BUTH. 
 
 It is my calling now to soften pain, to try to 
 banish suffering. 
 
 WEDDEEBURN. 
 
 But I I ruined your life for you. Do you forget 
 that? 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 No I remember it. A week ago I had every 
 reason to fly from this house, where I had lived 
 undisturbed and peacefully for so many years ; but 
 when the good doctor told me you were lying here, 
 stricken down, I remembered I remembered. 
 
 [Covering her face with her hands. 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 Ruth, my girl. 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 [Recovering herself, and laying her hand upon his 
 arm ] Ah, I am forgetting why I am here. The 
 doctor will scold me. 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 
 For what ? For helping to ease my heart ? Ruth, 
 I have suffered. I have stared the world in the face 
 as if I were an honest man, and bragged of my 
 shrewdness and hard common sense. I have only 
 been playing a loud tune to drown my conscience. 
 I I have suffered. 
 
 RUTH. 
 Hush, Mr. Wedderburn, hush ! Not now ! 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 Ruth, I have never forgotten the woman I
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 169 
 
 betrayed and broke my promise to, eighteen years 
 since. I have never forgotten the time when you 
 asked me if I was ashamed of the poor girl who 
 hung upon my arm in the lanes about Barnchester, 
 and the answer I gave you. Your look of shame 
 and reproach as you left me has been always with 
 me, and it was the ghost of that look which struck 
 me down here, a week ago. 
 
 [Burying his face in his handkerchief. 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 You've been too hard upon yourself, Mr. Wedder- 
 burn. You were right I was not a fit wife for you. 
 And now we are growing old I Forget it and suffer 
 no more. 
 
 [She breaks down and leans her head upon 
 the back of the chair, weeping. 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 
 But why talk of my sufferings, Ruth ? What 
 have yours been ? 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 Less than I deserved because you know, sir, 
 Heaven had mercy upon me, and consoled me. 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 
 Ah ! I remember. They call you Mrs. Rolt here 
 you were Ruth Rawdon at Barnchester. You are a 
 widow, with a daughter whom Clement has become 
 attached to. I remember. 
 
 [She goes back a step or two, staring at him.
 
 170 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 [Under her breath.] Mr. Wedderburn I am not a 
 widow I have never married. 
 
 WEDDERBUBN. 
 Never married. 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 [With a low cry.] Oh, Mr. Wedderburn ! I call 
 myself a widow to keep my child ignorant of my 
 disgrace. It would kill me for her to know. [In a 
 whisper] But Lavender is more than seventeen 
 years old. 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 
 [Repeating the words to himself.] More than seven- 
 teen years old. [Looking at her for a moment, then 
 stretching out his arms appealingly.] Ruth 
 Ruth ! Tell me ! 
 
 [She slowly sinks on her knees beside him. 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 Geoffrey, I thought you guessed I had been faith- 
 ful to my first love. I took my secret with me from 
 Barnchester because I was too proud to beg for 
 compassion ; but when you found mother and child 
 here, you might have guessed the truth. [Turning 
 away, weeping] Ah, how lightly you've always 
 thought of me ! 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 
 [Taking her hand] Ruth, I am utterly bankrupt. 
 I have lost strength, fortune, comfort all that makes 
 age endurable. But what I've lost now is little com-
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 171 
 
 pared to what I flung away eighteen years ago the 
 love of a faithful woman. 
 
 LAVENDER enters with MINNIE, both dressed for 
 going out. 
 
 RUTH. 
 Lavender ! 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 [Going to RUTH.] Mother, dear mother, don't be 
 angry with me ! Mother ! 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 
 [In a whisper to himself, sinking into the arm- 
 chair.] My child ! 
 
 CLEMENT enters hurriedly. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 [Running up to him.] Clement ! Look here ! 
 
 [LAVENDER goes to CLEMENT and clings to 
 him. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 Lavender ! Mrs. Rolt ! 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 Ah, Clement ! 
 
 DICK and DR. DELANEY enter. 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 [Passionately.] Mother! I read that Mr. Hale 
 had become poor, and I came here this morning to
 
 172 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 ask if it was true. It is true ! There's no reason 
 for separating us now. Clement, no one shall take 
 me away again if you wish me to stay. I'll be poor 
 with you. I'll share all your struggles. I'll slave 
 for you, I'll be a true patient companion. And if 
 ever you're rich again, and tire of me, as they say 
 you will, I'll remember the days when you loved 
 me, and won't complain I promise. Mother, you 
 mustn't treat me as a child any longer I'm a woman. 
 I can't go back to Miss Morrison's I I won't ! 
 Clement, keep me with you ! Keep me with you ! 
 Keep me with you 1 [There is a knock at the door. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [Putting his arm round her.] For ever, Lavender, 
 for ever. Father, you hear ! Father ! 
 
 [LAVENDER sits in the window recess with 
 CLEMENT, and they are joined by DICK 
 and DR. DELANEY. There is another knock 
 at the door, MINNIE opens it, and MRS. 
 GILFILLIAN enters, followed by HORACE. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 Mamma I Oh, look here I 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 Mrs. Kolt ! 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [Seeing HORACE.] Oh, Horace ! Horace I 
 
 [She embraces HORACE impulsively.
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 173 
 
 MBS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 Good gracious me ! Why, Mrs. Rolt, you're surely 
 not the nurse Dr. Delaney promised us ? 
 
 Da. DELANEY. 
 
 [Going to MRS. GILFILLIAN and taking her hands] 
 Mee dear lady, with the acuteness which is your cha- 
 racteristic, you've hit it. Mrs. Rolt came into my beau- 
 tiful Home a week ago. She didn't wish it known, and 
 it was no business of moine to divulge it. But when 
 I wanted to preserve the roses in your own cheeks, 
 ma'am, it was Mrs. Rolt who volunteered to help in 
 a work for which all humanity should be grateful. 
 
 MKS. GILFILLIAN. 
 
 [To RUTH, shaking hands with her.] Well, I'm 
 sure I'm much obliged to Mrs. Rolt. [Looking 
 round and discovering LAVENDER.] Why, here's your 
 daughter ! 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 
 Oh, yes, ma'am, we allow beautiful flowers in a 
 sick room [pointing to the window] if you keep 
 the window open. 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 [Falteringly.] I I did my best. Lavender has 
 been away at school. 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 
 But the poor little thing chirrups for her mother 
 hen and chick, ma'am.
 
 174 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 MRS. GlLLFILIAN. 
 
 [Dubiously] Urn and she follows you here. A 
 coincidence. 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 
 [Stroking his chin.] Coincidences occur in the best 
 regulated families. The most delightful part of 
 this one is that Mrs. Holt happens to be an old 
 acquaintance of Mr. "Wedderburn's. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 Old old acquaintance ? 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 
 Yes, Clara, an old acquaintance. [He rises, sup- 
 porting himself upon RUTH'S arm.] Clement Laven- 
 der! 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 [Softly to WEDDERBURN.] My secret, my secret! 
 You'll not 
 
 [CLEMENT and LAVENDER come to them, 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 
 [Falteringly.] Clara. My dear boy, and you, my 
 dear girl, it is quite true. I knew Mrs. Rolt years ago, 
 whenshewas unmarried. This lady did me the honour 
 to believe in me, to love me, until, very wisely, she 
 perceived that I was not worth her devotion and 
 we parted. But, Clement, you are wiser, better, 
 braver than I was. Boy as you are, you have secured 
 the prize I missed, by discovering that the only rank 
 which elevates a woman is that which a gentle spirit
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 175 
 
 bestows upon her. Lavender, my dear, come here. 
 [Taking her hand as she comes to him timidly.] Laven- 
 der, you will be my boy's wife, so you must try to 
 forgive my old unkindness to your mother, and learn 
 to call me father. 
 
 [He draws her to him and kisses her. Then 
 RUTH takes LAVEKDEK aside. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 [To WEDDEBBUBN.] Ah, dad, didn't I describe her 
 faithfully ? Isn't she sweet and good ? 
 
 "WEDDEEBUBN. 
 
 Yes, Clement ; but, Clara, what are we to say to 
 Minnie ? 
 
 MBS. GlLFILLIAN. 
 
 [Testily.] There, don't talk about Minnie ! I wash 
 my hands of her and everybody else. It appears I 
 know nothing about anyone or anything. I ought 
 to have been buried years ago. As for my daughter, 
 she throws a letter out of a window addressed to a 
 gentleman it falls into my hands, and I, having left 
 my spectacles at home, actually ask that very gentle- 
 man to read it. Don't talk to me, anybody. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 Don't be sorry about me, Uncle Geoffrey. Of 
 course, I've been very fond of Clem for many years, 
 but I'm engaged to Mr. Bream now. 
 
 WEDDEBBURN. 
 To Mr. Bream ?
 
 i;6 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [looking towards HORACE.] Horace ! Advance I 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 And how long has this been going on ? 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 "Well, it has been going backwards and forwards 
 and all round for some months, but it has only been 
 going on for about 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 For about ten minutes ! 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 [To DICK.] Mr. Phenyl. [Returning the teaspoon.] 
 I am eternally obliged to you your property, I 
 believe. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Oh, thank you. [Looking at the spoon.] Bad omen ! 
 Dented ! 
 
 [There is a rat-tat at the door. CLEMENT 
 opens the door and admits MR. MAW. 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 Dad, here's Mr. Maw with the news ! 
 
 MAW. 
 
 [Breathlessly going to WEDDERBURN and shaking 
 hands with him.] Mr. Wedderburn, I am pleased, I 
 am delighted to acquaint you with the result of the 
 private meeting of the creditors of the Barnchpster
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 177 
 
 Bank. [To DICK, who is walking away.] Ah, don't 
 go, Mr. Phenyl, please ! 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Coming to MAW, uneasily.] Awfully busy back 
 in five minutes. 
 
 MAW. 
 
 [Holding his arm.] No, no. The principal creditors, 
 animated by the example of one of their number, 
 have resolved to put Wedderburn's Bank upon its 
 legs again with every prospect of restoring confi- 
 dence, sir, and discharging its old responsibilities. 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 Mr. Maw 1 
 
 MAW. 
 
 And who do you think has turned the tide of 
 Barnchester opinion in your favour, sir ? [Pointing 
 to DICK.] Mr. Phenyl, who has formally acquitted 
 the Bank of the liability of the amount of the late 
 Mr. Yipont's fortune. 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 
 Richard ! [DICK comes to WEDDERBURN, who takes 
 his hand, and sinks back into the armchair. RUTH 
 comes quickly to WEDDERBURN.] 
 
 MRS. GlLFILLIAN. 
 
 [Throwing her arms round DICK'S neck.] Oh, Mr. 
 Phenyl ! 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Uncomfortably.] Thank you thank you.
 
 178 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 MRS. GlLFILLIAN. 
 
 Oh, what a lot of good there is in you ! [Still 
 clinging to DICK.] Be quiet ! Let me have my cry 
 out. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 [Quietly to CLEMENT.] Clement, my boy Aunt ! 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 [To LAVENDER.] What did I always say Dick was ! 
 
 HORACE. 
 Mr. Phenyl, you are worthy of our side. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 [Impulsively kissing DICK.] Dear Mr. Phenyl. 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Thank you thank you. [Leading her across to 
 HORACE.] I beg your pardon. 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 
 Mr. Phenyl Eichard you will not, I hope, refuse 
 to make your home with us at Barnchester. We 
 live to repay you for your sacrifice, and we shall never 
 cease to point to you as our best friend, 
 
 DICK. 
 
 Thank you, Mr. Wedderburn, but I've no fancy 
 for the searching light of the country. Notwith-
 
 SWEET LAVENDER 179 
 
 standing some slight moral repairs, the seams of my 
 coat are prematurely white, my character radically 
 out at elbow. If you choose to continue my acquaint- 
 ance, you will find me here ; and if you'll be seen 
 with me abroad, why, we'll walk down Fleet Street. 
 
 HORACE. 
 
 I share your devotion to this old city, Mr. Phenyl. 
 London has given me the most fascinating companion. 
 
 DR. DELANEY. 
 
 London, sir ! Why London contains the largest 
 number of patients of any civilised city in the world. 
 
 MRS. GILFILLIAN. 
 And the best-hearted doctors in the world. 
 
 MINNIE. 
 
 It is always very full of Americans. [Putting her 
 hand in HORACE'S.] And some people like Americans. 
 
 WEDDERBURN. 
 
 Yes, yes, well speak well of London. For in this 
 overgrown tangle some flowers find strength to raise 
 their heads the flowers of hope and atonement. 
 [Taking RUTH'S hand and holding it. To LAVENDER.] 
 What do you think, my child ? 
 
 LAVENDER. 
 
 I think, sir [going towards CLEMENT] whatever 
 Clement thinks, always.
 
 180 SWEET LAVENDER 
 
 CLEMENT. 
 
 And I agree with you father-London is a most 
 beautiful garden. [Taking DICK'S hand.} Hasn't it 
 grown Dick here? [Drawing LAVENDEB ft, Wjw i 
 And ah, dad ! you can even pluck sweet Lavender in 
 
 THE END. 
 
 frintal by BAI.LANTYNE. HANSON ft COk 
 iwwfwi Edinburgh.
 
 UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 
 
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