LO^^t'S CARNIVAL OTTO ERICH HARTLEBEN THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES LOVE'S CARNIVAL ■jai!^ 1^-mi^ &iio fccTd aC(\niU{Hi. Lore's C./n(p{iv^AL A TLAT In Five Actt rRANSLATED FROM OTTO ERICH /HJRTLE'BEN'S ORIGINAL PLAT ''ROSENMONTJG" Br RUDOLF BLEICHMJNN IVITH A PORTRAIT OF THE AUTHOR CHICAGO ; rilE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY Printed m England ST. JAMES'S THEATRE KING STREET, LONDON, S.W. Mr. George Alexander r / Sole Lessee and Manager On Thursday Evening, March 17TH, 1904, at 8.15 WILL be acted H 1^5 HIF LOVE'S CARNIVAL An English Version in Five Acts by Rudolf Bleichmann of Otto Erich Hartleben's original play " Rosenmo«tag Ferdinand von Groiiitzsch Hugo von Marschall Harold Hofmann Peter von Ramberg Paul von Ramberg Hans Rudorff moritz dlesterberg Benno VON Klevvitz Franz Glahn Brothers Mr. E. Lvall Swete First Mr. H. R. Hignett Lieuts. Mr. Ernest Leicester Mr. M. Elphinstone Mr. King Fordham Mr. George Alexander Second I Mr. Gerald Jerome Lieuts. I Mr. Gregory Scott Mr. Stuart Dennison Fritz von der Lehen, Ensign (last joined) . Mr. Reginald Dane Dr. Meitzen, Regimental Surgeon Mr. Dermot Fitz-Gibkon Tiedemann, A Sergeant .... Mr. Ernest Grifi-in Drewes, An Orderly . ... Mr. James Annanu Heinrich Nettelbusch, Rudorff's Servant Mr. E. Vivian Reynolds Josef Becker, Glahn's Servant . . Mr. Frank Elton August ScHMiTz, A Banker .... Mr. Richard Dalton Else Reimann Miss Lilian Braithwaite Officer.s, Non-commissioned Officers, Orderlies, etc. The action of the Play takes place in a Prussian Garrison Town Time : The Present i''62524 - Bvotlid CHJRJCTERS OF THE PUT Fekdinand von Grobitzsch . > Hugo von Marschall Harold HofmANN . . . - First Lieutenants Peter von Ramberg Paul von Ramberg J Hans Rudorfe . MOBITZ Diesterberg ... I Second Benno von Klewitz Lieutenants Franz Glahn Fritz von der Leiien, Endyn (last joined) Dr. Meitzen, licf/ivicntal Sim/con Tiedemann, a h'cryeant Drewbs, an Orderly HEiNRlCii NETTELiiUSCli, Rudor jf' s sv riant Josef Becker, Glahn's servant August Schmitz, a Banher Else Reimann Ollicens, Non-uomiuissioned 01Hcoi>, Orderlies, etc. yiCT I OFFICERS' MESS ROOM IN BARRACKS Acr II RUDORFF'S ROOM IN BARRACKS, A WEEK LATER lO 30. P.M. ACT III THE SAME. THE FOLLOWING EVENING ACT IV THE SAME. THREE DAYS LATER. SUNDAY AFTERNOON IN CARNIVAL WEEK ACT V SAME AS ACT I. EARLY DAWN OF SHROVE TUESDAY MORNING LOVE'S CARNIVAL THE FIRST ACT Scene. — The Officers' Mess Room in Barracks. A large room — half panelled in dark oak. G, a big horse- shoe table, at which some tioenty or more Officers are seated. Back 'oduces a fiat jmckage in many wrappings of paper. Hans. \Seizing if.] Give it here! [//e rends the parcel open hnrriedhj, scattering the paper broadcast.^ And clear up this confounded litter ! Look sharp ! , [Heinrich laboriously collects it. Hans meantime carefidly jjldces the picture on the easel, goes back a few steps con- sidering it, then moves it into a better jjosition ; then goes up to stove. Out — of course ! ! . . . Heinrich, here — light this instantly. [Shivering.^ The cold in this room's too damnable ! . . . And when you've got a real good fire on, — go to the Mess and fetch a couple of dozen bottles of beer. . . . Understand ? . . . Heinrich. Yes, — si)-. Hans. Halt ! Glasses ? . . . How many are there ? Heinrich. One, — sir. LOVE'S CARNIVAL 43 Hans. Gad! 07ie . . .! Oh, then you must get hold of the caterer and ask him to lend me a dozen, that's all. . . . And, — look alive, man ! ! I'll be hack directly. [//e hurries out again, Heixrich. [With a portentous yaivn and stretch, potters up to stove and opens it.\ Look alive ! — always the same story, — shoved 'ere, driven there. . . . [Josef Becker's Jiead appears in doorway. Josef. 'Ello ! Why— Ptudorft— whafs up ? Heinrich. Bloomin' stove out, — o' course ! . . , Glad to see you — Glahn ! . . . Hay, have you got a bit o' lire still goin' in yours ? Josef. You bet ! We're up all night now, — readin' ; — sweatin' for our next exam. Heinrich. Well, bring us a shovelful along then, will you? I'm off for beer an' glasses. . . . Pa-in-law as is to he's goin' to give us a look in directly. . . . Josef. Lord ! . . . Well, — as it's obligin' yov, Rudorff, I don't mind. Heinrich. Quick as you can, then. 44 LOVE'S CARNIVAL Josef. Kighto ! . . . I'm ofi^ ! [He hurries out. Heinrich yawns and shakes himself, then sinks heavily on to sofa again in an inert heaj). Josef re-enters ivith a shovelful of ylowing coal, which he puts into stove. Josef. Well, — you're in a bloomin" 'any, anyway ! Heinrich. Well, if yoiid been kicked up outer your beauty sleep . . . Josef. [Busy with stove.] 8ay, Rudorti", what price the pa- in-law ? What sort ? . . . Heixricu. Whaat ? [Yai07is.] . . . Gawd knows! — same as the resht of 'em, — I s'ppose . . . [There is a sudden sound of approaching music in the distance. [Starting violently.] Good Lord ! — here they are ! [He goes out quickly. [The 3lusic {the '■'■ Radetzky March") ap- p'oaches sloioly. Josef hurries across to door and stands rigidly at attention, avmiting the arrival of the Officers. Peter Von Hamuerc enters first carrying the big drum, follovied by Paul ivith cymbals. Then several others. They place themselves in a line. LOVE'S CARNIVAL 45 Hans enters iinmediately after, arm in arm )rith August Schmitz, a stout, genial, grey-haired man of sixty. They stand C, whilst Benno, Von Marschall, Moritz, Harold, Glahn, and one or two more enter behind them in single file, all carrying torches decorated loith gay multi- coloured ribbons. Von Marschall, after marking time a moment till some order is established, solemnly marches in time to music j)(^^i Hans and ScHMiTZ, saluting them with his torch; the others all follow suit immediately, with same business. Hans. [Signing for the music to cease.'\ Halt ! Sound " the Officers' Call ! " [2'hey surround Hans and Schmitz ivith a general salute of raised torches. Gentlemen! Gentlemen! [General silence.'\ . . . Gentlemen — I'm proud to express to you to-night, — on behalf of my most honoured father-in-law elect, — his complete satisfaction with all he's witnessed and experienced to-day ! . . . Thanks moreover to Lieutenant Von Marschall and his admirable arrange- ments, lies seen everything, — and he assures me the day has proved for him as instructive as enjoy- able. . . . Heinricii re-enters, his basket laden toith beer bottles and glasses ; he is greeted rvith cheers arid laughter, and instantly surrounded. Gentlemen ! ! . . . Gentlemen ! ! . . . He thoroughly appreciates the excellence of our Mess ! — in fact [turning to ScHMiTZ, half -chaffing , half-affectiomi,te\ 46 LOVE'S CARNIVAL I may say that all "expectations'* have been ful- filled ? [HciiMiTZ nods in emphatic corroboration. . . . For the rest, gentlemen, — I thank you, grate- fully, with all my heart ! . . . ^All salute, and then simultaneously raid the table where the beer stands. All talk, laugh and drink, unth the exception of Peter and Paul, loho remain vnth Hans and ScHMiTZ. Benno ! I say ! Beer ! ! ... bring us some beer !!!... Klewitz. Apologies, old boy ! . . . Herr Schmitz, youi- health ! . . . \IIands glasses to Hans and Schmitz.] As a good old college pal of mine used sagely to remark — the only civilians with whom a soldier may safely foregather in perfect intimacy — are — [icith a mock salute] fathers-in-law prospective . . . and the dear girls — pardon ! — ladies, — ahem ! — ladies I Schmitz. [Laughs and drinks.] Bravo, Herr Yon Klewitz ! — the Carnival spirit's abroad — and has touched us all in the blood a bit, eh ? Klewitz. I believe you, sir ! It's in the air ! ! . . . Hans. But, my dear Herr Schmitz, please do sit down,- — won't you ? LOVE'S CARNIVAL 47 SOTIMITZ. [Slightl}/ hesitating.] Thanks, — but if you'll bear with ine a minute, — I'd like to say two words to you all, first ? Hans. Delighted ! ! Sound "Attention," will you ? [It is sounded. . . . Gentlemen ! — one moment ? SCHMITZ, [Earnestly, cordially and, diffidently.] My dear Lieutenants, my most kind and honoured hosts, — I, alas ! know little or nothing of a soldier's life, — never having served myself, but such an open-hearted courteous welcome as you've accorded me to-day has deeply gratified me, — -and entirely won my heart. I thank you all sincerely, and am proud to think of my prospective son-in-law, my dear Hans here, as one of you ! . . . Rest assured I shall never forget this day, and the charming hospitality you've shown me ! And whenever you may chance to find yourselves in Cologne, — any one of you, — I trust you'll remember me, and not pass my door without looking me up ! [Subdued ajipUmse. [He continues with increasing tvarmth.] Aye — indeed ! and as long as our Army can boast such oflicers, — as smart, as keen^ as chivalrous, — patriots and soldiers, — to the core — there's little fear for the future of our Country. . . . [Lorid applause. . . . and in this connection — will you allow a civilian, — a mere man of business, to propose a toast? ... To our glorious Army ! . . . May it ever prosper 48 LOVE'S CARNIVAL in the future, — as to- day ! ! ! Hoch ! Hoch ! ! . . . Hoch ! ! ! \_AU cheer, — and join enthusiastically in the three-fold " Hoch ! " Heinrich filh glasses. Hans. My dear father-in-law, — you — you positively put us to the blush ! What must you think of all our tomfoolery — and rot ? SCHMITZ. My dear boy, — why, it's delightful ! . . . By the way, though — what's the real time ? Hans. [Looking at watch.] Oh, quite early. No eai'thly hurry. SCHMITZ. But I must be getting back to my hotel. . . . And then, I'd like just two words with i/ou, my boy, before I go : but you've your rounds at twelve, eh ? Yon Marschall. Must you really return to-night, Herr Schmitz ? SCHMITZ. Yes, I'm sorry to say. "We business men have our ties and duties too, — worse luck! Yon Marschall. Well then — we must give you a proper " envoi," Herr Schmitz ; ... a correct send-ofi' ! ! . . . Anyway, we'll have the pleasure of seeing you again soon — shan't we ? On Shrove Tuesday ? LOVE'S CARNIVAL 49 [Peter hastily invests Klewitz icith the drum, ivhile Paul thrusts the cymbals upon Glahn. SCHMITZ. 8hrove Tuesday ? Ah ! yes — of coui-se ! . . . My little Kiithie and her mother are bound to be at the ball, — and I too, if I can get away. Haxs. [Eayerli/.] Oh, but you viust ! My dear Herr Schmitz — such an important occasion ! . . . You must come ! And then [lawjhiny^ — you'll really see us as we are ! SCIIMITZ. Well, well . . . I'll do my best. [Shaking hamds ivith Von Marscuall.] Good-bye, — or rather, " Au revoir," and many thanks Von Marschall. *' Au revoir " then, Herr Schmitz ! Play up the band ! Quick march ! [All ivho have not already shaken hands loith Schmitz salute, and Jile oat behind the music; Heinrich followiny with basket. Peter and Paul remain. Hans. [Shouting after the)n.] Harold! . . . Moritz ! . . . I say ! . . . you're coming back, aren't you ^ I )uu't foi-get I've got my rounds . . . ! Harold and Moritz. All riiiht ! All right ! 50 LOVE'S CARNIVAL [The rmisic gradually dies away in the distance. Peter. [ To ScHMiTZ.] Well, Herr Schmitz, now you've made acquaintance ^vith our modest existence, and have experienced some of its simple charms ! . . . You see we try to keep up our spirits, and lead a wholesome peaceful life SCHMITZ. [Laughing.^ Well, as for the peace Peter. Sometimes we're a trifle noisy, I admit . . . but, what d'you think of Hans ? Isn't he fit ? — a positive transformation ! . . . I'm sure you're as pleased as we are, to see him taking up the old life again, con amore ? SCHMITZ. Indeed 1 am ! . . . And unless I'm much mistaken, it's mainly thanks to you, Herr Von Ramberg ? You — and youi' brother have been vqsX friends to him, — I know Peter. [Ilvrriedly.] Oh — that's nothing to do with it, — I assure you ! . . . Hans is a born soldier, — and a good soldier too, — and noAv he's back in his true element. [Raising his voice, to Hans.] Aren't you, — old boy i Hans. [Absently, lookhig np from a letter he has just opened.] I, . . . what i LOVE'S CARNIVAL 51 Peter. I was just saying,— you're as completely in your element in barracks as a buck rat in a barn ? Hans. [With a slight Imigh.'] Rather! ... Of course I am ! Only [indicating room] . . . the barn might be more spacious. SCHMITZ. [Taking him '■'■ au jned de la lettre."] Ah, my dear boy, but you won't be loughing it in bachelor dis- comfort much longer. Later on you'll have nothing to complain of. Hans. [^'miling.] Oh- — I wasn't in earnest ! . , . Peter. Well now, — Herr Hchmitz, you and Hans want a word — together, in peace, I know, — so we'll remove ourselves ! Come on, Paul ! . . . Good night, — and au revoir at the Regimental Ball . . . next Tuesday? bCHMITZ. Good-bye, Herr Von Ramberg, and once more heart- felt thanks — [meaningly] — for everything I . . . Petek. You'll give our best respects to your family, won't you ; and if you should come across the grandmother, —my love to her. Paul. And mine ! Good-bye, Herr Schmitz ! 52 LOVE'S CARNIVAL [The brothers shake hands vxirmhj ivith SCHMITZ. SCHMITZ. Good-bye. [Paul goes met. Peter. [2\i7-ns at door, ivaves to Hans and calls back.] I'll look in again. [Exit. Hans. [Shouts after him,] All right ! Do ! [He is at piano, absently lookiny throwjh some sheets of manuscript music. SCHMITZ. [Genialljj.] Well, now, my dear Hans . . . I'll sit down if I may, — here, on your nice big sofa. [Unsus- pecting its amazing hardness, he sinks douju upon it.] Oh! — h! . . . [Rises with rueful 2>recipitation. Hans. [Quickly to him, laxtghing, hut apologetic] My dear father-in-law. . . . Yes, — it zs a revelation, isn't it? A tine old genuine ciusted specimen of Clovernment upholstery. Look hei-e, — this is really too uncomfort- able for you ? . . . Shall we go back to the Hotel ? — This dog kennel isn't fit SCIIMITZ. [Imperturbahly good-humoured, seating himself] Nonsense ! It's charming, and I'm peifectly content ! Why — I can go to hotels any day, — but this is the first time in my life that I've been entertained in an LOVE'S CARNIVAL 53 officer's room in barracks. And I find it most interesting ! Hans. Do you ? . . . SCHMITZ. Anyway, Hans, let's have a few minutes' chat. [Hans throws himself wearily into a chair. [^Producing a leather cigar-case, and offering it.'\ . . . But first of all, have one of these, won't you ? They're the same Upmanns you liked the other day Hans. (^h, thanks. SCHMITZ, I'll send you a couple of boxes from Cologne, — soon as I get back. [They both light and begin smoking. [Sudde7ily.] By the way, where d'you sleep ? Hans. Well, my night quarters ai'en't palatial, somewhat primitive in fact. This is my bedroom. [He rises and goes to bedroom door, opening it.^ It's a stuffy little hole — and as dark as a vault ; in fact the only light and air it gets at all, comes from this window. ... I keep it open day and night — of course. [He shuts door again and corning dotvn re-seats himself^ . . . but after all — [xoith a half-triste langh^ — after all . . . as you've just said — it isn't as if I had to spend my life here — . . . SCUMITZ. Certainly not. [Meditatively.] It's a queer world — 54 ■ LOVE'S CARNIVAL . . . and, . . . but — [fiuddenh/ checks himself] . . . tell me now — those cousins of yours, the Von Ram- bergs — . . . fine fellows, eh ? — the real right sort- — / should say ? Hans. [Apatheticalli/.] Oh — yes. SCHMITZ. Your grandmother, — what a wonder she is, — . . . your grandmother simply raves about 'em Hans. I know : . . . they ^they've always managed to do the right thing— somehow ? Even in their nursery days they were always patterns of perfection. [He laughs.] But, — and do forgive my asking — , . . , why did you thank ihem so particularly — when you said good-bye ? . , . SCHMITZ. [Slightly confiised.] I ?— Oh,— I— well ... I felt somehow that you'd been their protege — in a way, so long, and Hans. [Quickl//.] Their prot6g6 ? — How — ? SCHMITZ. Well, well, — they're your relations — and Hans. Certainly ; but as for my being their protdge, I— I don't quite follow you. [There is a brief jiatise ; Schmitz uncomfort- ably conscious of having said the wrong thing. LOVE'S CARNIVAL 55 SCHMITZ. [BreakiiKj tlw silence.'] I must say, Hans, KUthie's portrait looks uncommon well there — eh ? Hans. Doesn't it? . . . Only, frightfully out of keeping with its surroundings. . . . SCHMITZ. Out of keeping ? — why ? Hans. I don't know, . . . but [loith a constrained laicgh] . . . it does seem incongruous — somehow, — doesn't it? SCHMITZ. Perhaps, — but . . . [//e smokes thojuihtfuUy for a jnoment in silence, then suddenly.] Look here, Hans, — there's just one thing I want to get straight between us . . . I — I loathe mentioning the matter, but — your grandmother made me promise — . . . She- she hinted something about a girl that you — that — well. ... — ... Good Lord ! we've all been young once, — more or less ; . . . and every man that's worth his salt is bound to have lived, — ^one time or another, — and sown a peck or two o' wild oats, here and there ! . . . [//e pauses and looks at Hans, w/to leans hack iinpassiveli/ smoking, his eyes on the ceiling.] . . . And so [resumiiig with effort] — but for heaven's sake don't think I'm setting up to preach to you— and sit in judgment ... — ... — God forbid! ... — ... all I do ask is this ... Is it all over noio ? . . . entirely over? You know what I mean — ? . . . Can you give me your word — on this ? 56 LOVE'S CARNIVAL HaN8. [With averted face. ^ Yes. Everything's over, every- thing. — ... I swear it. SCHMITZ. [With a long sigh of relief. '\ Thank Heaven ! ! . . . Well then, — that's done with and dismissed for ever. Upon my soul, I can't imagine, now 1 think it over, why the old lady was so persistent about my asking. But the dear '■^ good" women do take these trifles so damn'd seriously ! [Chuckling^ Personally, 1 admit it — dear boy, — when she told me, — I simply said to myself, " Bah ! a good-looking smart young officei', . . . like yourself, — and — . . . why — it's an every day occurrence "... Haxs. [Suddenly springing to his feet.l No, no ! . . . It wasn't the least like that. ... It was different, quite different. SCHMITZ. [Puzded.] Different? . . . Hans. [Suddenly confronting Mm, sirenuou.'i, steadying his voice vnth difficulty. '\ Yes ! . . . This is the first time and the last that she, — that this, — shall be mentioned or discussed between us. . . . But now, — you must know all, the whole truth, for I owe it to you. — I'll have no secrets from you, — no dark places I'm afraid of you exploring : . . . only — I want you — to realise that this wasn't a vulgar ordinary intrigue, ... a common thing : — no, no ! ! [passionately] . . . but an " episode " — . . . that all but killed me — ! ! . . . LOVE'S CARNIVAL 57 SCHMITZ. [Disconcerted.] But, Hans, surely Hans. [Unheediiig.] Let me finish . . . listen ! . . . A year ago last summer, I saw her for the first time, — coming out of Churcli. . . . I'd taken the Company to the morning service ... it was a Sunday, a June day. ... 7 knew the moment I set eyes on her, that it must go further. — Her name was Else, — Else Reimcann ; her people quite poor folk ; — in fact she'd only her mother left, — an invalid, — whom she sup- ported, — and with whom she lived. . . . — [He pauses, then goes on.] Well, I own — at first I treated our — . . . our intimacy as lightly as is usual in such cases. That was at the beginning. But very soon I realised what I possessed in her, and thei'e grew up between us such a sympathy, devotion, — mutual trust and con- fidence, as is, 1 believe, unique — in such conditions. And I was happy, in so far as I'm a judge of happi- ness,— . . . and it never even occurred to me there could be "si«," so-called, — in our great love. We lived in a dream-world of our own, and we'/.] Never, — thank Cod ! Not once ! — ... If you knew the effect it had on me : . . . the mad, sick, helpless rage and misery ; . . she cut deep ! ... I tried to strangle it, — to forget things ... in the usual " young man's " consolations. — ... I got into debt for the first time in my life, — neglected regimental duties, — went almost to the devil, soul and body. . . . Then my health l)roke down — ; that was the saving clause perhaps ? . . . The rest you know . . . [There is a longish silence. SCHMITZ. \Gently.^ My dear Hans, you've nothing more you wish to say — ? Hans. Nothing, 8CHMITZ. Well, dear boy, shake hands ! I'm thankful we've talked this matter over — and had it out between us, — man to man. ... I must say I'd never imagined it like — that ! I'd only formed my own conclusions from fragments of your cousins' letters — to your Grand- mother : . . . " thank heaven he's quit of her at last " . . . and so forth. — . . . Hans. [Starting. 1^ The Ilambergs' letters ? To my Grand- mother ? . . . ScnMiTZ. Yes. Of course I'd not the faintest notion it was so serious. This makes me all the more grateful, 6o LOVE'S CARNIVAL Hans, for your frank and generous confession. . . . And, so far from having injured yourself in my eyes, — why, T think twice as much of you ! [ With a deep sigh of infinite relief.^ And one can but congratulate you on being well quit of a dangerous little baggage who Hans. Dangerous ? ... If you'd seen her . . . SCHMITZ. Yes, yes, I know ! All very fine — but she'd have been a millstone round your neck to the end o' time. . . . Girls of that class, who take up with young men above their own station, men who can't marry 'em, and who make no pretension of intending to, — aren't worth consideration ! Granted they've all sorts of charming superficial qualities, — at bottom they're all of a piece. . . . You've had your experience — . . . anyway. Hans. [ With a triste smile.] Yes ; — I've had my — ex- perience. SCHMITZ. Come now, — let's change the subject, and talk of pleasanter things. . . . You don't know how I've enjoyed my day, — Hans. . . . By Jove ! — I'd no idea one could have such good times in barracks ! Hans. [A hsently, fidgeting with thiiigs on writing tahle.\ Oh, yes: , . . sometimes . . . yes — it's very [ There is a knock at door. Come in ! LOVE'S CARNIVAL 6i Enter Moritz. MORITZ. [In cap cloak, d-c, sedates.] Beg pardon ! Awfully sori-y ! . . . Am I in the way ? . . . SCIIMITZ. By no means ! . . I expect you've come to do the rounds with Hans ? . . . and anyway, far as I'm concerned it's high time I made a move. [Glanci7ig at watch.] My word ! . . . I must get a few hours' sleep after all my dissipation, and my train goes at 5 a.m. Well, my dear Hans, I'm ofl"! Good-bye. . . . Hans. My dear father-in-law, what are you thinking of ? Why, of coui'se I'll see you to the hotel. . . . I'm so vexed I can't come to the station. . . . Schmidt. Nonsense ! I know my way, and it's only a step ; . . . besides, you mustn't leave your friend — . . . MOEITZ. Oh, don't con.sider me, please ! . . . [Pointing to piano.] I'll strum a bit meantime. The others are bound to look in presently. Hans. He's our regimental baritone. I wish you could hear him sing. [Taking cloak from icardrobe, puts it on. SCIIMITZ. Yes, yes, so do I, — but I'm afiaid i can t now. 62 LOVE'S CARNIVAL Well, — Good-bye again — Herr Diesterberg, and please convey to all your brother officers repeated thanks for the delightful day you've given me. MOKITZ. [Salutmy.] The pleasure was ours, sir. Hans. You left your things at the Mess ; we'll go back that way. . . . Shan't be long, Moritz ! [He links his ann affectionately in, Schmitz's.] [Exeunt both. Moritz. [ Wanders up to picture of the fiancee and contemplates it with modified approval.] H'm, plenty of gilding — anyway ! [lie goes to piano, sits, plays a few vagrant chords, then sings the first lines of Lassen s ^^ Aller- tSeelen".] " Lay by my side your wreath of purple heather, Your crimson asters, fading with this day ; — Let's sit and dream, and speak of love — together, As once in May, — as once in May ! " [2'he Ramberg Brothers enter quietly during the song and join boisterously in the refrain, " Js once in May " the second time. [Wheeling round irately on music stool.] Damnation! — Never one moment's peace ! ! . . . Why the blazes couldn't you come in ten minutes later ? — I'm in re- markably good voice to-night — too — . . . Peter. All the better ! Strike up then, and oblige with " Two Grenadiers." LOVE'S CARNIVAL 63 Paul. " To France returned two Grenadiers, In Russia they'd been captured." . . ! MoRITZ. Goth ! . . . you've as much music in your composi- tion as a bull elephant ! . . . \^Vith ■} nock melodrama. '\ You've no aspirations, no souls for anything — above the sordid gratifications of a base materialism ! . . . Now — Hans — and / — . . . Peter. [Interruptincj.] Why the deuce don't you collaborate and do an opera, ? You'd knock creation — between you. — He'd supply libretto and " sentiment " galore, warranted cheap : and you could weigh in with the " chunes," eh ? If that didn't fetch 'em — nothing would ! Enter Harold precipitatehj . Harold. [^Brusqaely.^ 'Evening! Where's Hans ? Isn't he back i MORITZ. No ! He's only just gone ! Peter. By the same token, what d'you think of Pain-law elect ? Harold. [6'Kri///.] I like him. Good sort ; no humbug. 64 LOVE'S CARNIVAL MOIUTZ. Pleasant, sociable old chap — I consider . . . I'll bet he proves a godsend to the regiment ! By the way — I suppose you've met the girl ? . . . I hear she's extremely musical — ? Paul. . . . They've a confoundedly good cook, — anyway. Peter. Yes, — I must say, they do one awfully well. V\'e know Fraulein Kiithie — of course. Very pretty, but uninteresting ; a bit superficial. She's always been a special pet of the Grandmother's — somehow Paul. Very carefully brought up ! I'd have gone in for her myself — but I'm assured she's adored Hans from her perambulator — and — onwards . . . MORITZ. [Fretfidl)/ .] I fail to see that's any reason for sitting here parched Paul. [SpringiiKj icp.^ Sorry, old boy ! . . . There's heaps of beer still, but nothing else ! But that's part of the game, of course ... to kid old Schmitz with the idea that he's a prodigy of economy, etc. [He lauyhs, and raises his glass.] Prosit ! . . . evei'ybody. Peter. [Reflectively.] Gad ! yes ! . . . Some people have LOVE'S CARNIVAL 6':, the devil's own luck ! Hans always falls on his fi'^t. He's a " Sunday's child," if ever there was one ! Harold. Oh, come ? — Peter. You can't deny it. There he was for instance, not a cent to his name — over head and ears in debt. . . . Now [toaving towards the jncfiire] . . . this . Paul. [Laughing, pours out heer.] Prosit ! little brother ! . . . here's to you — and luck to the pair of us ! Peter. [Touching glasses ivith him.^ Yes — by Jove ! . . . and when I think what damn good chaps we are — we two, 'pon my soul, we deserve it ! . . . Harold. Deserve what ? Peter. Why — luck of course ! It's been the dream of the Grandmother's life that Hans and the little Schmitz should make a match of it. Harold. [Impatientli/.] GoodJ-iordl . . . that etei-nal Grand- mother ! . . , Saving your presence I'm sick of her very name ! You talk as if she were a sort of Provi- dence Peter. Well, so she is, m a way. She knows what she wants, and when she's set her heart on anything, she generally gets it in the end . . . 66 LOVE'S CARNIVAL Paul. Far bettei' for Hans if she'd sent him early to the Militnry College, like ourselves Hauold. [Gric0y.] I don't see that. Hans is all right as he is. — I know him as well as you do, — and understand him too, — better than the whole pack of you put together. Paul. Tiens! . . . Peter. No need to lose your temper — old man. All I say is this. — -Hans is a born dreamer, — in some things even a bit of a fantastic . . . too ; ... he always has been. . . . Paul. Certainly. And if he'd still been saddled with that little baggage, the Reimann creature, there'd have been no question to-day of an alliance with the omnipotent, august Schmiiz and Co. Harold. [^Irritated.'] Naturally! Any fool knows fAai .' But what's all this to do with your blessed Grandmother ? I don't see the connection. Moreover, I've a bone to pick with you on this score. For some days past the slighting, sneering tone you've both taken about Hans, has thoroughly annoyed me ! — ... I tell you, in the course of all my service — . . , I've never met a man, — I take' my oath, — as clean, as true, as all-round straight, as Hans ! . . . LOVE'S CARNIVAL 67 MORITZ. \Approvingh/J\ Bravo ! old Hty^-old ! ! . . . Peter. \Suavehj.'\ Who denies it ? Harold. [Ignorint/ them.] But damn it all — he's had no luck ! . . . Everything's been dead against him : — . . . this wretched love affiiir, — good Lord ! — getting left like that, — shamefully sold ! It cut him cursed deep, — to the very core — ! . . . But she must have been a bad sort. So perhaps it's all for the best as it is. . . . Though where you and the Grandmother come in, — beats me altogether. Paul. We " come in" — rather conspicuously, ... as it happens. . . . [He laughs.] Harold. How ? Paul. Naturally — because Peter. Shut up ! . . . What's the use Harold. [Imjjeraiively.] No ; go on ? Paul. Why not ? Now the whole thing's turned up trumps, why shouldn't he know ? After all — tiiis glorious finale's purely thanks to ns ! 68 LOVE'S CARNIVAL Harold. You ? ? . . . Why, what d'yoii mean ? Paul. What I say — . . . Peter. \ Impatiently.] Oh, .stow it, aul Paul. [Quietly insistent.] No, I'm going to tell him. — Look here, it's simple enough. When Hans went ofl' to Erfurt for his Company training, his re- lations with this girl had, as you know, reached a pitch of — of — well — enthtmasm — let's call it — that boded inevitable disaster. I believe the fool seriously contemplated marrying her ! . . . This being out of the question, and in the interests of the family, and his career, we decided that drastic measures of some sort must be resorted to, immediately, — to save — and free him. . . . Harold. You . . . decided ...??? Peter. [Complacently.] Of course. Who else ? It was the only cousinly — and only friendly course open to us. — We'd no option ! Paul. We knew it was hopeless, and our hands tied, — so long as Else stuck to him, and he was sure of her fidelity. So — it became our painful duty, in the interests of the family . . . LOVE'S CARNIVAL 69 Harold. [A,j/msi.] The . . . family . . . ?? Paul. Of course, ... to free him from the toils of a common adventuress. Hakold. "Common!" "Adventuress!" . . . [ControUiny himself with difficulty.^ Goon! . . . Paul. Well, — we schemed a bit, and ... to put it plainly, lied a bit. . . . Faked up a splendidly dramatic " be- trayal," . . . antl, well, voila ! . . . That's all. [Serenely.] D'you take us — now ? Harold. [Staring at him blankly.] No. MORITZ. /do! . . . Paul. Good Lord ! you must be dense — then ! Harold. [Incredulously.] D'you — d'you actually mean to tell me you — you threw hei- and Grobitzsch together . . . to that end ? Paul. Why, certainly! [Laughing.] And/m- reputation is enough to dairin nny woman. When Hans left he commended tlie lady to our special caie. Well, — we couldn't have i-ewarded his confidence in a spirit of 70 LOVE'S CARNIVAL truei' friendship, coulil we ? To-night you see the admirable results. Harold. \^jlfter a brief siU/nce, springing up, choked loith con- flicting emotions.^^ Great heavens ! A pretty story, — very ! . . . You're a nice pair ! ! — Your cousin, . . . and brother officer. . . . Peter. What more could you ask ? Harold. And, — and Grobitzsch — he stood in with you then, and ? Peter. Well, Grobitzsch , . . [Checks himself aivkioardhj as JlAys suddenl// re-enters. Hans. [J 10 dooriva>/.] What about Grobitzsch ? Peter, Nothing. — I — I was merely — merely Hans. You were merely ? . . . [There is a constrained silence. [Gailij.] Why, what's up with you all, — sitting there like images ? I suppose you're " out " with me for keeping you waiting. Eh ? Awfully sorry, boys, — but positively couldn't help it ! The old man had to be considered first. A propos of Grobitzsch, though, LOVE'S CARNIVAL 71 I can't imagine what's come to him these last days : — he's been so damned civil ! [i/e lauyhs. [J'b one responds. Why, — what on earth's wrong with you all to-night ? Is the beer finished ? Paul. [Glad of tlte diversion, jumps up and fills a glass, handing it-l No. Here you are ! Hans. Thanks, dear cousin ; you're an angel ! Prosit ! Upon my sovd, you are a cheerful lot ! [i/e drinks. ^^ Anybody got a cigarette I . . . [Peteu hands him his own cigarette case. By the way, boys, my pa-in-law prospective sends you all his love and duty; [to the Rambergs.] specially to you two ! You quite took him by storm ; . . . he's raved about- you ever since ; — Rambergs this and Rambergs that ; and, don't mind me saying it, but you both seem to take my new happiness so — so personally, somehow ? You almost make me feel as if I owed my engagement to you. . . . Harold. [Unable to contain hionself.] Yes ! — [Long 2)ause.] And so you do ! . . . You'd better thank them. Peter, [Horrified.^ Harold — [Iiisingi\ Harold. [Rabidly. ^^ You shut up ! . . . I'm not your acooui- 72 LOVE'S CARNIVAL plice. ... It makes me lage ! ! The whole thing's too revolting ! Hans. [Has Q'isen, and stands mystified, looking from one to the other.] Harold ! What is it ? What's the matter ? . . . Peter. [^^otto voce, throvyh clenched teeth.] You know what you're risking ? Harold. [Ragi7i(j.] I do ! . . . but I'd be a skunk and a scoundrel if I didn't speak ! Your charming cousins here — the Rambergs, betrayed your trust shamefully, and simply threw Else into Grobitzsch's way. Lite- rally flung them together Peter and Paul. Liar ! ! ! Harold. Yes, flung them together, Grobitzsch and Else, I tell you, — delibei-ately, — cold-bloodedly, — in order to " free " — i/oii, — as they put it, — and hurry on this engagement ! That's what's the matter ! And they — they're proud of it . . . they boast of it — . . . God ! ! — . . . [He turns aivai/ brusquely.] [ There is a brief tense silence ; then Hans goes a few steps nearer the Rambergs and stands staring at them speechless, as if transfixed. Hans. [At length, in, a tirained staccato voice.] I — I don't understand . . . LOVE'S CARNIVAL 73 [The7'e is a hurried knock, and before he can reply, Heinrich enters with helmet, stvord-belt, d-c. What d'you want ? Heinrich. Just on time for your rounds, sir. Hans. [Looking at his watch.] It is. . . . Look sharp ! [//e begins dressing inechanically, as if in a dream, loith Heinricii's aid.] Peter. [Tentatively.] My dear Hans, do be i-easonable! What we've done, we've done from the best motive — and with your interests at heart Hans. Wait! [To Heinrich.] Leave that! Get to bed ! . . . [Heinrich salutes and goes out. Now explain ! . . . What have you done to — what have you done to— with — . . . Else ? Paul. [Hotly.] First of all we demand Harold's withdrawal of his oftensive accusation. — Are ive responsible for Grobitzsch's amours ? Hans. You remember : — I committed Else to your care. You swore to me you'd look after her. By God ! if in the face of that 74 LOVE'S CARNIVAL Peter. We merely Paul. ... A trifling quibble, — a white lie Hans. Stop ! Not another word, to-night, — I've my duty now, — my rounds. But . . . to-morrow — at all costs, I'll have your — your explanation f [lie is yoimj. Harold. I'm coming with you. \^IIe puts on his ccq), and strides out in front o/Hans. Hans. [Vei'ij tvhite, stern, and collected, turning in doonoay, looks back at the Brothers.] Till ■ — to-moi^row, — then ! , . . \Ue goes out. [17ie Rambergs stand staring at each other in silence. CURTAIN. THE THIRD ACT ScEXE. — The same as Act II. The followhtj eveniny. Ahoi(,t 6.30 ^A??i. Hans enters almost immediately in unifortn, cloaked, dv, Ilejlings his cloak aside. Hans. Heinrich ! ! [Heinrich begins helpimj Hans out of his things. \_Goes into bedroom, slbouts.^ My jacket ! [Heinrich takes jacket from wardrobe a7id goes into bedroom. [hi bedroom.^ The lamp ! , . . [Heinrich re-enters and lights lam]) on writing-table. Has anybody been, or asked for me ? Hkixricii. No, sir ; but there's a letter. [7'akes it from table and goes to bedroom door. Hans. Where from i 76 LOVES CARNIVAL Heinrich. [Exaviining post-mark.] Cologne, — sir. Hans. Put it down ; — I'm coming. [Heinrich replaces letter on loriting-table. Hans re-enters in mess jacket, d'c. lie looks ill, and is overiorought and nervous. Heinrich takes up two unconi}n'omisi7ig- looking obvious business letters, — and smiles dubiously. What the devil are you grinning at — you old fool ? Heinrich. Bills, sir. — Two more. \_Cheerfally.'\ They keep comin' in. Hans. Stow 'em away ! . . . You know where they go. [Heinrich opens a draw, flings them hi. Order-book in yet ? . . . Heinrich. No, sir. Hans. Any idea what's on, — to-morrow ? Heinrich. Parade at six-thirty, sir . . . Rout march at seven. Hans. Divine ! ! , . . Look sharp ! . . . get me some coffee ! LOVE'S CARNIVAL 77 [Heinrich proditces coffee-machine — and puts it on a table. [Hans, at vjriting -table, has opened letter ; he glances at it, a7id throivs it aside wearihj.^ (iive me a Cognac, — too ! [Heinrich takes some from Tantalus — and hands it. [Whimsicalli/, — taking it.] Dissipation's a fraud — Heinrich — , . . and Virtue its own reward ! . . . D'you know that . . . ? Heinrich. [Stricthj 2^'>'f''Ciical, — ignoring remark.] Are you goin' out again, — sir ? Hans. Wait and see. . . . Who knows ? [A knock. Come in ! [An Orderly e7iters, salutes, and stands in doorioay. Heinrich goes to him — takes Order-book and hands it to Hans at table. Well, then — Heinrich — . . . to-morrow morning, — six o'clock sharp. . . . [lie glances at orders, signs book, — and hands it back to Heinrich. Heinrich returns it to Orderly, v)ho salutes and goes out. Hans. Look here ! What are the three cardinal virtues of a good servant — eh ? , . . Sobriety — ? Heinrich. .Sobri(>ty, — punctuality, — . . . yS LOVF/S CARNIVAL Hans. Well—? . . . Heinrich. Knowin' when to hold your tongue, — sir ? Hans. Precisely: specially number three. Listen! [danc- ing at his loatch.^ It's about six-thirty now. . . . Sharp at seven I'm expecting a young lady — . . . Heinrich. Very good, sir. Hans. She doesn't know my room : she's never been in baiTacks in her life. [Heinrich imperceptibli/ raises an eyebrow. Therefore — you'll be on the look-out for her, — at the side entrance, — a few minutes before seven. Put your cap on. . . . D'you take me ? Heinrich. Yes, — sir. Hans. And when you see her coming, go up to her — and ask her, — civilly, — mind, — if by any off chance she wants Lieutenant Rudorff ... — ... If she says " Yes," bring her in the shortest way. . . . Don't on any account announce her ; simply open the door and show her in : . . . you understand ? Heinrich. [Stolidly, — handing coffeeJ] Yes, — sir. LOVE'S CARNIVAL 79 Hans. Well then, — go over it. What are you to do? Heinrich. ^Mechanically .^ A few minutes before seven — Hans. . . . And if necessary you'll wait till seven-thirty — Heinrich. ... A few minutes before seven I'm at the side entrance waitin' for your young lady ■ Hans. \_Hastihj.'\ She's not my lady — idiot ! . . . I said — " a " lady' , . . Heinrich. Beg pardon, sir. [^Resuming parrot-ioise]. . . . I'm waiting for " a " lady, — which, soon as I spots 'er, I bi'ings along, — quick as I can, — an' shows 'er in 'ere, without knockin' . . . Hans. Good! That's near enough! [lie laughs.] And — don't forget vour cap,— or she won't recognise you from my description ! . . . OS you go ! ! [Heinrich salutes and goes out. Hans takes up the letter again, reads a few lines, then tosses it aside, and loith a Imig sigh of utter tceariness leans his head on his hands. There is a sudden knock : he starts. [Jtesig7tedly.] Come in ! ! IJnter Harold, 8o LOVE'S CARNIVAL Harold. [TTew^////.] Good evening — Han.s ! . . . Hans. \^Kising.'\ 'Evening — old man. Well ? Harold. [^Ile flings himself into a chair, '\ Well — ?? . . . Hans. . . . Cigar? . . . Harold. Thanks. [Hans offers cigar-box and matches ; then retiirns to loriting-tahle — and takes up letter loith a distrait air. [^Lighting cigar.'] . . . From the bride elect — ? Hans. [Nodding.'] H'm. . . . Harold. [Leaning hack, considering him inquiringli/.] D'yoiT write to each other often — ? Hans. [Absently.] So so. [He glances over the letter from end to end, then suddenly reads aloud.] " And then, — dear thing, — don't forget to say if I'm to bring the little vieux-rose frock you liked so much the other night, — to be photoed in ? . . . Dad wants me to have large ones — this time ; — the ' extra-size bou- doir' shape, — you know, — that's so fashionable? LOVE'S CARNIVAL 8i Isn't it sweet of him ? . . . Forgive this hurried scrawl, — but the Meyers have a tennis party, — and I must fly and change for it ...".. . [He pauses — and looks across at Harold— . . . ? ? Harold. Well ? . . . Good Lord, man, what d'you expect ? Remember what a child it is, still . . . Hans. M'yes ... of course. . . . Harold. [Suddenly andj bluntly.^ Look here — Hans . . . I've come to beg your pardon, — -and say how sorry I am for what occurred last night. Hans. My pardon ? . . . Yoit . . . ? ? Harold. Yes. I was wrong — quite wrong . . . I'd no right to give your cousins away, so long after the event. What's done — is done. . . . But upon my soul I was, — momentarily, — so — so utterly disgusted with the whole job, — that my temper fairly mastered me. . . . Hans. Momentarily?!? Why — (Jood heavens! aren't you infinitely moi'e disgusted now ? [J^Jxcitedly.] Surely you've not come here to defend them, — have you? I'm not to be deceived in you too, — Harold, — am I ? F 82 LOVE'S CARNIVAL Harold. Me ? Good Lord ! ... if you know everything about me — old boy Hans. God forbid ! Harold. . . . And the mischief of it is, — one's always doing it ! . . . But there ! . . . Any one else, — we two excepted, would have been only too glad to get the thing hushed up — at any price — . . . Hans. Pardon me ; then, " any one else " must be an infernal cad. . . . Once a suspicion lays hold of me that I've done some one, — unwittingly, — a grievous wrong, — and I suddenly realise that what I imagine to be " destiny," — [he lauyhs hitterly\ the destiny that so neai- did for me, — was merely a complicated hideous practical joke, — then [passionately \ everything within me, — every fibre of my manhood, — rise in revolt ! ! . . . But, 1 mean to have the truth, — and I will have it too— at any price ! [He paces up and dov)n.^ . . . I've already been round to see Gro- bitzsch — . . . Harold. [Sp'inginy U2).~\ Hans ! ! . . . Are you otf your head ? — What's gained by it ?. . . Hans. The truth ! I'm not a puppet to be wirepulled at their pleasure ; hocussed, — and stabbed in the dark by unknown enemies ! I mean to live my own life in my own way, — and if LOVE'S CARNIVAL 83 Harold. But what did Gvobitzsch say — ? . . , He was out. Hans. Harold. 80 then — . . . ? Hans. I left word with his man that I must see him instantly, — on urgent business. D'you suppose he'll come ? ... Harold. He's bound to ? . . .So you really mean to risk raking this whole thing up again ? — and — in the tirst weeks of your engagement ^— . . . Hans. Most assuredly ; — I've no option. Yes, I mean to get this thing straight, — and be at peace with myself. I mean to be able to look my Jlancee in the eyes on Shrove Tuesday, with a clean conscience, and a quiet mind ! . . . That's what / mean ! ... So now you know. Harold. (ireat heavens! . . . and this is my doing! — Positively, only one thing's wanting to complete it all. Hans. And that is ? Harold. That you should see Else again, — and have a scene ! . . . [Hans bursts into mirthless laiKjlder. Why d'you laugh ? 84 LOVE'S CARNIVAL Hans. Because I have seen her — my good man ! Only an hour since — I saw her. ... I was coming from the butts, and suddenly met her, — face to face ... If you knew what I felt, . . . Harold. [llelplessi/.] Hans ! ! . . . Hans. Well — what of it ? — 1 was only too thankful for the opportunity. — . . . Don't glare like that ! . . . Harold. Did yovi speak to her ? . . . Hans. What d'you suppose? — [Composedlj/ looking at ivatch.l^ And — I'm going to speak further, — by your leave. . . . She'll be here, — directly. Harold. [Aghast.] Wha-at?? . . . Here?? ... In Bar- racks??? . . . Hans, I hope so. Of course, we couldn't be seen talking in the street, — so we'd only a hurried word, ... In fact I'm not sure if she spoke at all, — I can't say : — I was too knocked over to notice. . . . Any way, I asked her to come here — this evening — and she looked, "Y^es."'— ! . . . \Defia'idl!j.\ And damn it all — why not ? — I'm my own master here — , . . . and Ileiniich's as true as steel. . , . LOVE'S CARNIVAL 85 Harold. It's . . . insanity ! ! . . . Hans. What is ?— . . . Harold. Why — seeing her again, — of course ! . . . Hans. I must ! . . . It's inevitable. Harold. [Desperately.^ Rot ! ! . . . sAe's got over the whole thing, — months ago, — you bet ! Hans. Not she ! [S■nliUng.^^ . . . You forget, I've seen her. — ... No, no ! I'm going to have it out with her. I ought to have done so — at the very first. Harold. It's insanity, I tell you ! — Granted the Rambergs' share in the matter was indefensible, and Grobitzsch the most infernal cad unhung. — . . . Please remem- ber, — she was seen leaving his house at five o'clock in the morning. . , . Hans. [Violently .'\ Well — and if she was!? . . . I know I'm doing the right thing — . . . the only thing ! . . . Day and night I'm haunted by this one horrible thought, this obsession, — that — that somehow it's all a delusion, — a monstrous lie, — and she — the thing I love beyond very Life itself, — the innocent victim of 86 LOVE'S CARNIVAL it ! ..." A mere white lie," Paul Ramberg called it ! — . . . [Passio7iately.^ Where can I turn for tnxth ? ? . . '. To whom but her ? I know the Rambergs' version, — so do you. — But she, . . . my little Else, . . . never lied to me in the past ! . . . Why should she notv ? . : . You'd better go, — old mnn ! — . . . Harold. No, — I'm not going ; not like this. Hans — think of your word of honour to the Colonel — . . . ? Hans. [Facing him squarely.'] I do think of it ! ... I gave him my word, — ... as soldier — and as gentle- man, . . . that all was over between us — . . . Harold. Well ...?... Hans. Well, — so it is ! And so it'll remain, notn, — naturally ! Even if she were as innocent as a cliild — noio. . . . [Checking himself ahrupth/.] But neither the Colonel nor any living soul on earth has the right to come between me and my conscience ! . . . Harold. [Strenuously.] I deny that ! The Colonel's free to forbid you anything, — and me too, ... if it seems good to him! Above all [this mad resumption of relations with a girl who- — — Hans. Who spoke of " resumption '" ? LOVE'S CARNIVAL 87 Harold. [Entreatinybj.] Hans — lad, — don't play the fool ! — Don't risk it ! . . . Can't you see the rocks ahead ? , . . You knoio the old love's still aching in your blood ; . . . you know it ! . . . that nothing's really changed — as far as you're concerned ? . . . Be on your guard — dear boy ! — Be on your guard ... I do be- seech of you — . . . ! ! [The door behind them is opened quietly — and Heinrich admits Else Reimann, — imme- diately closing it again. Both men turn quickly. Else starts on seeing Harold — and remains embarrassedly at the door. Hans. [Going toher, — gently.^ Else, — FrJiulein Ileimann. — You— you remember Harold Hofi'man — don't you ? He's an old friend, — a real friend, — so you won't mind meeting him, like this ? ? . . . Please come in ! . . . [Else slowly and diffidently comes dotvn. She is a refined-looking, beaiitifid, dark- haired girl of about two-and-tiventy, dressed very simply and neatly in deep mourning. Her face is shadowed by a little crape veil. Harold. [Going to her, — 7)ery simply and cordially.] Friiulein Reimann, — 1, — -well, — I hope you'll believe Hans when he calls me an old fiiend ? . . . Won't you shake hands with me ? [He takes her hand in both his; then, — rather unsteadily, — lookiii,g down at her.] And — therefore . . . forgive me! — but yow won't be . . . his 88 LOVE'S CARNIVAL enemy — will you?? ... Can you undei'stand ? . . . Don't be his enemy ! ! . . . Good-bye ! . . . Good- night, Hans. [lie turns ahrwptly — mid (joes straight oiit. There is a long, sti'ained pause. Hans. [Shyh/.^ Won't you sit down . . . ? Else. [Veri/ r/uietly.] No, thank you: ... I must be going. Hans. At least you'll stay foi- a few minutes, — . . . won't you ? Else, [Coming a little fvrther — cenire — puts ujj her veil ; she is pale, and looks very tired.] Thank you : . . I oughtn't to have come at all — ... I'm ashamed of myself for it, — but [looking him straight in the face] . . . but as you really seemed to wish it [She suddenly notices the picture — and almost involimtarily goes over to it. Hans. It's all horribly comfortless and bare here, — but Else. [Turning to him, from picture.] Is this , . . forgive me, . . . the lady you're engaged to ... ? Hans. Yes. LOVE'S CARNIVAL 89 Else. \Ttiimi7ig again to it — i^i absorbed admi7'ati07i.] I see. . . . [ib'oftli/.] i'm glad 1 know — now, what she's like. . . . Han.s. [IIurriedlT/.] Oh, please ... we won't waste time discussing. . . . [^Sicddenly pausing ^ ^JZ6~;:;?ecZ.] . . . But how did you know I was engaged — ? ? Else. [^Ast07iished.'\ How did I know? Hans. Yes ? [ Vexedly ] . . . I wasn't aware it was common talk yet ! . . . Else. Common talk ? . . . Not that 1 know of. — But then I nevei' see any one. . . . Hans. How did you know it, — then ? Else. Your cousins, the Herrn von Ramberg — told me. Hans. How 'i — When did they tell you ? Else. [W^ith a pitifid little sonile.^ Oh ! — ... a long, long time ago ! Hans. A long time ? Impossible ! Why — I've not been back ten days. Have you — met them since ^ ? go LOVE'S CARNIVAL Else. Of course not. How should I meet them ? Hans. [I7iaistently.] Then how could they tell you ? . . . Did they lorite it ? . . . Else. No ! — oh no ! ... They'd told me long before that ... Hans. [Almost roughly.^ When ? ? . . . Else. Last summer, — in July, — while you were at Erfurt. . . . On your birthday. — . . . Hans. While I was ... at Erfurt ? . . . But, my God ! ! . . . — I wasn't engaged then, — nor dreaming of it ! . , . Quite the'reverse, — for then . . . Else. Ah ! ! . . . but why trouble to deny it oiow ? It was all . . . unbearable enough then, — your having hidden it from me, — I mean Hans. [Losing control.^ Hidden it from you? I/// Else! . . . — Quick, — tell me what you mean ? . . . Did the R-ambergs actually tell you then ... I was — engaged ? . . . LOVE'S CARNIVAL 91 Else. [Quite quietly l\ Of course. On your birthday, . . . which we kept at Lieutenant Von Grobitzsch's house . . . [Hans, perfectlij rigid and speechless, stands staring at her. [^Lifting her eyes to his.~\ I'm sure you didn't mean them to, — but there it was . . . Only, — [with a sud- den flash of hitter scorn and resentme7it] — one thing I want to ask you, — and that's the sole reason Avhy I'm here to-night. — I want to know, — d'you think, honestly ... it was fair to me ? . . . Had I deserved that . . . ?f Hans. Else!! . . . Else. I'd been so faithful to you ! ... I'd so clung to you ! . . . No, no ! ... it wasn't fair !— - . . . I've no " rights " — I know — ; I never wanted any ; . . . but 1 didn't deserve that .' . . . If you'd only come to me, — yourself, — and told me it was all over, — and — you wanted to be free of me, — I could have borne it ! [Hans sinks doion, his face hidden on his arms, — his frame shaken tvith suppi'essed sobs. [>She hesitates a moment — then goes quickly to him and strokes his hair— almost timidly.^ . . . Hans ! ! . , . Don't ! — Don't ! . . . You mustn't, dear ! . . . Why worry, now ? . . . It's all past and over . . . Only, — [almost inandihly'\ ... at first ... it hurt . , . 92 LOVE'S CARNIVAL Hans. [>Siartin(j to his feet.] No! . . . it's not over! . . . Oh, those curs ! Those cursed lying hounds ! [Going to her.] Else — look at me ! Look me in the eyes straight ! Listen ! My cousins lied to you, hellishly, infamously ! . . . I wasn't engaged, then : — no such idea had even crossed my mind ! . . . Do you believe me — Else agne.^ Never mind it ! Come on ! . . . Harold. [Coming to him, portentous, as if having made an important discovery.] . . . There are two dominoes — there ? Hans. [Laughi7ig.] Not really ? ! . . . Well, — is that so astounding, on Carnival Sunday ? . . . Harold. [Gravely.] You don't mean to say you're going to Hans. [Quickly.] Yes, — I do ! . . . [Mimicking Harold's serious manner.] I'm probably very much " going to " ! . . . And why not ? — there's a masked ball to-night at the Roman Emperor : — everybody'll be there, — even my dear cousins. And it'll be a splendid Il8 LOVE'S CARNIVAL opportunity in the crowd for a few moments' " un- restricted conversation " with them. Harold. I see. And you'll wear two dominoes ? Hans. [Laughing, mischievous.] Perhaps! . . . Well, not exactly, but it isn't over hilarious going alone, — and so — bi;t chuck this confounded crohs-questioning — and drink with me instead ! . . . "What's the toast to be ? . . . Stay — I know : . . . "to our hearts' honour . . . and — and desire !!..." Harold. [Puxzled.] What d'you mean ? Haxs. Don't you know ? Really ? . . . don't you ? Why, good heavens, can't you see? . . . How can the heart's honour be divorced' from its desire ? Man ! — ! Man ! — to love where one's beloved ! . . . there lies the whole scheme of living ! To the heart's honour ! ! and may we hold it sacred to the end ! ! Prosit ! ! ! [He drains his glass. Harold. Prosit, Hans ! ! [He does the same, then rising, goes to Hans, concentrated and very earnest.] Listen, Hans, — you're all to pieces again : you look to-night as you did before your illness. You must positively see the Doctor at once. I'll get him to report you ill, . . . and then — you must take a good pull, you must, Hans, — and have rest,— or you'll break up ! . . , LOVE'S CARNIVAL 119 Hans. ^Indifferent.^ Yes . . . T know, Harold. [^Persisting ^^ But will you do it ? ! Hans. [Smiling.'] Of course, if it makes you happy : / don't care. Harold. [With a long breath.] Good! . . . And then, . . . when the Carniv^al is over Hans. [With a triste laiigh.] " Wlien the Carnival is over " — ? . . . Yes . . . well ? . . . Harold. [With increasing earnestness. J When it's over . . . you must go straight to the Colonel, Hans . . . it's the only way, and tell him everything : — ereri/thing, — right from end to end, — and how you stand — now, [Ferventlg.] You know as well as I do what a good sort he is, , , . the straightest man alive. He'll understand ! [ There is a slight pause. Hans. [Sits perfectljf irresponsive — looking straight bejore him, then sloivlj/ and, iiufh 2Jecidiar emphasis.] No ! I shan't go — to the Colonel , . , Look here, [7\f.ki7ig a letter from his breast pocket.] . . , Lieutenant You Gi'obitzsch has saved mo the trouble of any " explana- tions" , . . [Glancing at letter.] " Begs to inform me 120 LOVE'S CARNIVAL he's considered it his painful duty" — "under the circumstances" — to "inform the Colonel," &c. &c., . . . that " a young woman," &c., &c. . . . and " in barracks," &c. . . . but there — [With a short laugh, tossing it over to Harold] — read it yourself ! Harold. [Betiveen his teeth.] His " duty " ! . . . Curse him ! Hans. [Shrugging his shovders.] " Duty," — yes ! It's an elastic word, — sometimes, — isn't it ? . . . And so — you see Harold, But this doesn't alter the case the least ! It's all the more urgent that you must positively see the Colonel to-morrow, — and lay the whole thing before him, Hans, [Shaking his head.] It's too late. . . . Harold. It's never too late ! , . . Tell the Colonel the whole timth : . . . how you were driven into a corner, and were forced to see the girl herself, to get at the real facts — . . , and that you've nothing to be ashamed of , . , [Hans remains silent, loith averted face. . . . Why don't you answer ? , . . Hans, I tell you, — it's . . . too late, [Patise. LOVE'S CARNIVAL 121 Harold. [With a sharp note of anxiety in his voice.] Hans ! — . . . You don't mean it — ? ? . . . Hans. [Turning towards him — looking him straight in the eyes, nods slightly.] . . . Yes. — Harold. [Pretending m,iscomj)rehension.] I've never heai^d a word . . . [Suddenly, urgently.] My God ! . . . but, . . . does anybody know . . . ? Hans. What?. . . [Then, firmly and proudly. ]M.yn?iX!ixQ' a Rudorfi' : . . . my grandfather's picture hangs in the Mess-room : — what does it matter now . . . whether people " know," — or not ? — . . . Even if no such things as Colonels, regiments, and "Codes of Honour " existed in the world — I'd not deny it. — Harold ! . . . don't judge me ! ! ... I've behind me days of misery unspeakable, — conscious-torn and tortured, — . . . yet full of infinite divinest bliss. . . . Harold. [Facing him.] Then — go your way ! . . . We've done with each other ! ! . . . Hans. [Quietly.] I knew it. . . . That was why — why I so wanted you to drink one little last toast with me. . . . and — and to have the chance of thanking you for — all your priceless friendship, — till this hour — 122 LOVE'S CARNIVAL You've borne with me so long, — old boy, — but — now the time's come for you to drop me, — with all the rest, — with all my " world." . . . Now — I belong to "Destiny" — and Fate and I must tight it out. . . . I don't ask for pity- — heaven forbid ! . . . Only — Harold, if — if you could have stuck to me — without lowering yourself, I mean — just a little longer . . . things — that must be — would have been easier. [Ife pauses momentarili/, — theyi firmly and tensely.^ After all, the chief sins I've committed have been the out- come of my being deceived, — betrayed, in my most sacred trust. . . . Only I thought ... I hoped — somehow . . . yovJd understand, — even if you couldn't forgive. Harold. \Who has listened to him loith half-averted head, turns to him : he is silent a moment, then tvith a sudden great loave of ]nty.] Come ! ! . . . Change, and come with me . . . Hans. With you ? . . . Where to ? Harold. To my rooms. I — we — I'll give you we'll have a talk . . . — and then — you must clear out of this ! As soon as possible . . . to-night ! Why, [Bltistering, to conceal his feelings^ instead of all this cursed pro- crastination — you should have Hans. [Withstidden comprehension ?\^ You mean to give me — money .' I LOVE'S CARNIVAL 123 Harold. Oh ! you know how I live ; my wants, outside the regiment, are nil. There was a time, when . . . but now . . . [Smiling.] . . . surely you can't mind taking it from me ? Come — change your things. Hans. [Brokenli/.] No ! my dear old man, — I thank you, . . . with all my heart — I thank you, . . . but truly ... I sha'n't need it — now. Harold. [Practically ] We'll discuss that later. Only — come ! Hans. I can't. I must stay here. Harold. Must ? . . . You're expecting somebody ? Hans. Yes. Her? Yes. Here? Yes. Harold. Hans. Harold. Hans. Harold. And, you mean to — to — show yourself, with her, to-night ? 124 LOVE'S CARNIVAL Hans. Yes// . . . \They confront each other in dead silence for a longish moment, — then Harold tu?'ns sharp on /lis heel. Harold. [Striding out.] Good-b3'e ! [Uxii. [Hans remains standing in the same jwsition, then half mechanically ta/ies oiU Grob- itzsch's letter and re-reads it. MoRiTz and Benno von Klewitz, in tmiform, sud- denly appear at the loindow ; — t/iey lean on t/ie sill and glance round inquiringly. Bot/i /lave distinctly " /uul enough^'' though neit/ier is actually drun/c. Catc/dng sig/it of Hans, t/tey burst into strident /itimming, — a /lideous street air. Hans starts and turns : they yell wit/i laug/der. 'Morning! . 'Morning ! ! MORITZ. Klewitz. Hans. Morning ! . . . Just out of bed, you debauchees, — what ? MORITZ. Rather ! Neither of us being strong, we've been taking it a bit easy ... in view of forthcoming exertions ! I say, Hans — are you going to show to- night ? — at the Roman Emperor, I mean ? LOVE'S CARNIVAL 125 Hans. Of course ! . . . MORITZ. There's nothing new on the bazaars, — except that dear old Marschall's off his head ! . . . The silly fool's called a dress rehearsal of the blooming theatricals for four o'clock on Tuesday moining, if you please ! ! D'you ever hear such rot ! . . . Klewitz. " Four o'clock ? " ! ! ! MORITZ. [Laughing inanehj.'] An' then — he tells me Itzen- plitz has chucked, an' I've got to play the lion ! — ...//... I ask you ! . . . My dear fellow . . . simply r'diculous ! Why, I've not even undersh — under-studied it, . . . Klewitz. [To Hans.] Well, you re all right anyhow, — you lucky swine ! ! . . . Congratulations ! ! . . . Hans. Thanks, dear boy : — but why specially to-night ? [They start haiittiiing the mine idiotic refrain.^ Charming ! . . . quite charming . . . but Klewitz. What price the Villa Bauden ? . . . Look at his smug face, — pretendin' ho dont know a word about it ! . . . lAicky devil ! 126 LOVE'S CARNIVAL MORITZ, Positive fact, Hans. We've just heard on the best authority that Pa-in-law concluded the deal last night. Benno oughtn't to have blabbed, o' course, but he's always so cursed indiscreet ! . . . Anyway — con- gi-atulations ! ! — [They hum again. Hans. [ With hands to ears.] For heaven's sake, stop that infernal din ! Who told you ? MORITZ. Rambergs, of course ! Bar humbug, Hans, they seemed awf'lly pleased ! . . . By the way, I hope your mutual misunderstanding's all right now ? Hans. Of course ! It was nothing. MORITZ. But why d'you never show your face at the Mess now ? . . , Hello there ! What's that on the horizon ? , . . two seductive bottles — ? ? — Klewitz. Chammy ! .... by all that's holy ! So he has his drinks on the sly, does he ? ? . . . Greedy pig ! ! MORITZ. Why don't you .ask us in — ?I [Bei/lns trying to climb in — assisted Jrono fiehind by Klewitz,] We'll come and cheer you up . . . for a bit. LOVE'S CARNIVAL 127 Hans. [Laufjhiu'j, mahjre liii, pushing him backS\ Many, litany thanks, but I wouldn't impose on your good nature for the world ! Kleavitz. Well, of all the Hans. Honestly, boys, I'm busy. I've a pile of letters to write. We'll meet to-night in any case, — and make up for it then !— We'll drink the Pa-in-law, — the aunts, and all the cousins, — not forgetting the Villa Bauden ! . . . Klewitz. Divine ! ! — Hans. Well — ofl' you go ! Good-bye, or rather — an revoir ! ! MORITZ. yShakiny his fist at hiin.\ Triple anathema on you if you don't show more hospitality to-night ! ! Klewitz. Bewai'e our curse ! ! ! ! . . . I They suddenl;/ dehuje Jdiii vrilh a shoioer of confetti — and go of laughing, singing the same air. Hans. ^Laughing, brushing the confetti from his coat,^ Confound you ! ! [//e leans out of the windotv, shout- ing after thein.^ I say — half a moment. . . . D'you know if the Ramborijs aii! going to-night, and Grobitzsch ? 128 LOVE'S CARNIVAL MORITZ. UShouts back.] Can't say! . . . Probably! Hans. Thanks. [As he turns from the window he sees Else standing in the doorway. She has entered noiselessly during the latter part of the, pi'evious scene. She vjears a quaint little grey frieze dress. She runs straight to Hans — clasping him ivith an inarticulate c>'l/ of joy. [After a long kiss, — holding her hands.] Why, — you slipped in like a little gi'ey mouse ! . . . Else. [Stroking his Ibair.] Ugh ! your horrid long stone passages ! [ With a little shiver.] So cold and dark ! — ... I was glad when I'd got !-:afe thi'ough ! . . . Heinrich wasn't there, — dear. . . . Hans, [Still holding her.] No ; I gave him the night off, — so that he too might have his carnival. . . . Come over here ! [He draws her gently towards the table.] Else. D'you like him ? He's not half so nice as VVilhelm though, — is he ? Our dear old Wilhelm ! [Resting her cheek against his shoulder.] Hans. What . . . Wilhelui ? D'you mean to say you still remember him — ? LOVE\S CARNIVAL 129 Else. [Gaili/.] I sliould just think I did ! . . . The way- he used to bi-ing your letters . . . with such a friglit- fully solemn face ! ... it was too comic ! [She laui/hs, vnth genuine infcct'was tnirili.^ 1 can see him now ! . . . But what's become of him — ? Hans. [Suddenh/ looking an^ay.^ T — I don't know. I've lost sight of him. \]Vilh forced gaieti/.^ But see here, child . . . here's some wine — in your honour. . . . Come ! ! — let's be happy, and have a good time together, and enjoy ourselves — . . . [He h'eaks ojf, and busies himself pouring out the ivine.] [Sicddenb/ a distant bugle-call is heard, — vibrating across the breadth of the Bar- rack Square. Hans starts, and jntts doion the glass he was about to hand to Else. Else. What is it? Hans. [Smiling.'] Nothing ! . . . Why ? Else. You started ? [ The call is 7'epeafed. Hans. D'you hear? Else. Yes : what is it ? Hans. Pon't you know ? . , . It's the " Reveille,"' our first 1 I30 LOVE'S CARNIVAL call, to rouse us. Wlien they sound it in the mornings it means ... a new day in barracks has begun . . . [77/e callis repeated. Else. [Softli/ and suddenli/.^ Hans, — have you ever thought how good it >\ould be to sleep ... a long, long dreamless sleep . . . from which one needn't wake . . . [The call is repeated. Hans. [Giving her a sioift look, surjirised, — goes up to window.'\ Confound the boy ! . . . I can't think what's taken him, practising his calls on a Sunday evening . . . [Irritahhj.^ ... It gets on my nerves ! . . . [Else steals up heJiind him, and slips her Juind into his ; half itnconsciously he jnits his arm round her ; the two stand together thus, in the sunset, looking out. [Sudde7ili/.] . . . Don't be vexed with me, sweet- heart . . . but that call ! these last few mornings, it's been like a dagger-blow ! . . . [Very gentb/.] You see, dear one, — it used to be very late, — or rather, . . . very early, — when we parted, and I'd only a few short hours' sleep when I got in. . . . Then always — always, — that call . . . new dawn, — new day, — new duty, — ... — ... Child ! — Can you understand ? . . . [Else nods, and with a long sigh, touches his hair softhj : her head sinks on to his shoulder. Tlcere is a pause : then he sud- denly rouses himself. Come ! . . . it's getting dark and cold ! Let's shut the window — and light up! \IIe closes the wiiidow, LOVE'S CARNIVAL 131 Else. [Falling instantly into his mood.] Yes ! and we'll be snug and jolly, — won't we ? — and have a good time, as you said ? . . . You know what you promised me ? That this last evening should be mine, — . . . mine altogethei'. . . . That wed be quite wholly happy . . . just once more, — we two, — . . . and not think of anything sad, . . . any tiresome things that might happen to-morrow . . . ? Hans. Of course ! . . . And I'm going to keep the promise. — Come along ! — help me with this thing, will you ? [He points to laiiip on writing table. [>She takes matches and busies herself lighting it; — he meantime lighting candles on 2nano, d'C., then draivinq the curtains. There ! Else. [At loriting table.] Oh, tohat a fat letter! . . . [Turning it over.] And such a great big seal ! . . . Hans. Leave it alone ! Else. [Pretending curiosit]/, half -teasing.] Oho ! — to your grandmother — ? . . . You must have a lot to say to her! . . . [Tappi^ig it.] All this — ? Hans. It's a business letter : — a — a — well, a kind of . . . statement of my accounts — and things . . . [With a faint hint of irritation. \ Do put it down, — dear ! 132 lovf:s carnival Else. [Hastily putting it Joivn.] Does she still do all her business — herself, — ... at her age ? Hans. [Half -absently.] Yes : . . . all her business. Else. How old is she ? Hans. Eighty-two ; but she'll see us all under. . . . Her sight and hearing are getting dim now — of course, but no single family event takes place without her know- ledge, and consent. She's an extraordinary woman, and with a will of steel — I tell you ! . . . She's lost all who were dearest to her . . , the gi-andfather at Mars-la-Tour ; — my father — killed in a duel ; — then my mother, who died at my birth ; . . . but yet she lives on. Else, — and rules the whole family, with an iron hand . . . Else. [Fidgeting with things on writing -table, takes up a loose sheet of paper.^ Oh! What's this? . . . Hans. [Quicklr/.] It's nothing ! Leave it alone — ! . . . Else. [Persistent.'] It isn't nothing ! . . . It's a poem ! Oh, Hans ! — I'm so glad you're writing verses again Hans. [Trying to snatch it.] Don't be so silly, — Else ! It's rubbish, I tell you ! . . . Give it me ! LOVE'S CARNIVAL 133 Else. [.ivoidiny kiin, slips behind table, and reads aloud quickhjj\ '• On Roseniiiontag morn, tog'ethei' sleeping . . . Theii- cold hands locked, — in dying breath, — Lie two — ..." Hans. \_Snatcltviiy the papier from Iter, thriists it into his pocket.] I tell you it's rubbish, — silly doggerel ! . . . Else. [With a little shudder, lookimj at him strangelij, rejoeats.] " On Rosenmontag morn, together sleeping — lie two . . . ? " Hans. [Clasjnny her — strokiny her hair.] Nonsense, child ! I'm an ass ! . . . It's nothing ! . . . only — an idiotic i-hynie I — . . . [With an unsteady laugh.] Call nie an ass, do ! Like you used to ! Why don't you ? . . . I say, d'you remember the first time you did ? . . . You called me a " silly ass " — the first time — in Pauli's garden — . . . at the beginning: . . . you for- get, of course! — but T remember! - . . . I'd iust ••11 screwed up courage to convey to you, in a singularly roundabout way, — that I wms horribly ])Oor ! . . . \]Ic l(iv,y]hs and siyhs.] Ah me ! . . . But they were good times, those, . . . wer-en't they ... all the same ? . . . [lie fills a ylass — touches it with his lips, and hands it to her.] Drink ! ! . . . 1^4 LOVE'S CARNIVAL Else. [Pniitiuj her lips to it, yently wave^ it aicay, her eyes fastened on his face.] Hans, — what — do you mean to —do? . . . Hans. [With feigned niisimdersta'itdimj.] ... To do ^ How ? . . . Else. [Insistent.] What — are you going to do ? Hans. My dear child, — why, you know . . . Else. What? . . . Hans. Haven't we discussed it all — already ? . . , This is — our last little fete together . . . our Carnival, — veritably our Carnival! [Very i/ently.] . . . And then, to-morrow, [trying to speak 'naturally and matter -of factly] . . . why — to-morrow ... at dawn, we shall part, — quite quietly . . . you and I ... as we mu.st . . . You'll go back home, of course. . . . and I — to Bari'acks . . . Else. And then ? Hans. We shan't say good-bye — of course ; we couldn't. There's no good-bye between as : — we part, — . . . that's all . . . [Repeating mechanically.] And you'll go back home — of course, — and I, to Barracks . . . here. LOVE'S CARNIVAL 135 Else. And tlien .? Hans. Then ? — What a little inquisitor you are ! ! . . . Then — life'll go on, and — . . . on, — as usual, — of course . . . Else. [With (luich iidstrust.] No, no ! ! . . . it Haxs. [Strenuous! I/. ^ Yes .'..." The feast to-morrow follows hard upon the feast of to-day "... Theres the Regimental ball, — . . . and my bride elect's coming with her people [Else starts. — and — and then theres the play, you know : — the boys are doing (Schiller's "Glove" . . . Von G rob - itzsch plays the tiger . . . and my cousins the leopards ; . . . it'll be great fun — I expect . . . Else. [Sloivli/.] And d'you mean you . . . you're going to take part in it — all ? . . . Hans. How can i help it — ? — . . Else. I — J don't see how you can ? How can you — ? Hans. [Feigniny impatience to hide his (jroioiwj ayitation.] Well, well ! — don't keap on worrying j'ourself about 136 LOVE'S CARNIVAL to-moirow ! / don't ! . . . [lie hands her her glass and takes his: — they touch glasses and pledge each other.^ Child ! — these wonderful last days ! . . . My love, — no one can ever take thai from us — can they? . . . Else. [Kisses hhn passionately, and dz-ojjs on to her knees beside him.] No one ! . . . ever ! [The// are silent, he stroking her face, — she looking iij) at him in heart-searching ques- tioning and doubt ; then, very slowly — each word weighed and emjyhasised. Hans ! , . . you'd not do that . . . without me . . . ? Hans. [Pi'ttivg her almost roughly away from him, starts u]x] " That "— ? — How do you mean ? . . . What ? ? ... I don't understand you . . . Else. [Starting to her feet.] Yes, yes ! — you do, Hans ! . . . [With agonised entreaty.] But not without me .' — If you, — to-night, — this very instant, — said to me " Come ! " — I'm ready ! . . . Only God knows how ready ! ! . . . It's only the passing throvigh the dark gate . . . We must all pass through it some time, — . . . and then together, — . . . together, . . . Hans, - for all Eternity ! ! . . . [She stretches oitt her liands to him in supplication. Hans. [Taking her hands, striving to p)acify her.] Hush, hush ! ! dear ! — . . . Else ! . . . don't ! . . . [Forcibly LOVE'S CARNIVAL 137 himself to smile. ^ This is all nonsense, — pure imagina- tion ! Else. \_Unheediii(/, Judf-frienzied, cliii(/in(/ to Ai«t.] Hans! . . . you'd not go alone ? . . . That v^ould be sin, — against us both ! . . . Hans. [JJi'ttioiuy her to him, infiititehj i/entle.^ But, — foolish one ! . . . who's thinking of such a thing, — or even dreaming of it ? Nonsense ! Poor little child . . . Hush ! . . . dear heart ! . . ; [As she still clings to him,, shaken with sobs, the door 02)ens qidethj and six inen in weird black masks and dominoes creep stealthily into the room ; one remains in the doorway, the other five glide doivn, toith a kind of grotesque dancing step. Else. [jVoticing them first, vnth a sharp scream of terror, clutching Hans.] . . . What's that ? ? . . . Hans. [Turns, gently frees himself from her, and goes to them, sternly.] . . . What's this ? ^ . . . [The Masks silently surround him, with fan- tastic gestures ; some beckon to Else, who shrinks behind the table. Cut this fooling short ! . . . What dyou want ? Masks. \Jiaisin(/ their arms sinndtaneuiisli/.] . . . Hush — sh ! ! ! ' 138 LOVE'S CARNIVAL [At a siulden siynal the;/ begin jigging round him, chanting an inane gutter-rhjjnie to the same air lyreviouslj) sung Inj Moritz and Klewitz. " A gay Lieutenant bold Would wed a sweet young thing, . . . But hangs on with the old love — For a second string ! . . . If he — poor devi! — dared — Away he'd go to Church . . . ' No fear ! ' says Number One, 80 now he's in the lurcli !!..." lief rain. If he — poor devil — dared — ttc. &c. \^As they sing the refrain, they dance ivildly round, laughing, gesticulating, and pelt- ing hita imth confetti and paper roses. Hans. [Trembling iiuth anger and disgust.] Hold your filthy tongues ! . . . You've come to the wrong room ! . . . Get out ! [The Masks burst into renewed frenzied laughter aud antics ; Else meantime has sunk doum on the sofa — her face hidden. Get out of this ! — Curse you ! . . . I'll meet you all later — when and where 1 shall be at your disposal ! And if you come across my charming cousins, — the distinguished Herrn V^on E-amberg, — give them my respects — and advise them to avoid me, — for the present ! . . . And now — get out of my sight — you hon-ible ill-omened spectres ! ! . . . LOVKS CARNIVAL 139 [The Masks, iv/io have listened silently, sloivb/ fall hack — retiring face towards him, irith renewed mvckiny signals; at the door they all turn and slither out, ivhistling the same air, with the exception of the one figure, who has remained grim and motionless at the door tJie whole time. \To the figure?^ And you??-. . . Why don't you go? . . . Get out ! ! . . . Harold. [Tahing a step for loard, grips Ids arm and wliispers.^ Hans ! Hans. [Starting ciolently.] Harold !!...?... Harold. [Rapidly — sotto rocr.] Hans, you must go ! ! You must get out of this . . . instantly, . . . this very night ! . . . You know it ...?.. . Hans. [Glancing round at the sofa, lays liis finger on his lips:\ 'Ssh ! ! . . . Harold. . .". Take her with you . . . and go out into the wide world together ! . . . [He tries to thrust a leather portefeuille into Hans' hand.'\ Take this! . . . You know I don't need it! . . . 'J'ake it, Hans!! . . . [Hans shakes his head. Hans ! ^ . . . I40 LOVE'S CARNIVAL Hans. I thank you — ... I do thank you . . . Harold, — but desert the (Jolours ! . . . No ! [Harold yives him a last lonij look, then turns silently and goes out. [^Looks wistfulhj after him a moment, then shuts the door, and crosses sloioly to Else. Bending over her he touches her hair.'\ Dear love ! . . . They've gone ! . . . The ghosts have all gone. Stupid fools ! . . . Else. [Raising her head, distraught.^ Hans . . . I . . . Vve brought all this misery upon you ! Hans. [Putting his arm round her.] No, child : — there you're wrong. — You've given me, — you alone, the only few hours of perfect happiness I've ever known ; — and your love has been the revelation of a pui-er higher world beyond ... to which . . . Why . . . even in childhood, a little forlorn unwelcomed child, pushed about from pillar to post, always among strangers, — I knew, I always knew — I wasn't pre- destined for much " luck " in this life ! . . . But I don't suppose any one of God's creatures had ever starved for a little love . . . and understanding . . . as I had starved, Else . . . till I found yow .' — . . . Happiness ? ? . . . One mustn't be ungrateful. . . . I only know that now, — at this moment — holding you close like this, . . . we two together, — you, and — . . . I — I'm happy . . . blissfully utterly happy. [Laying his cheek against hers.] Are . . . you??. . . LOVE'S CARNIVAL 141 [;S7ie looks at him speecldrss, sonilviKj t1irov(jh tears, — and nods. Come ! ! [ With deliberate change of mood — springing up yaib/]. . . . We'll have no other thought than that, now, — . . we two ! . . . Why ! what a funny little figure it is, isn't it ? [^/folding her at amis length.^ Is it the hair shirt of repentance ? ! Ugh ! . . . Wait ! ! [Zfe flings one of the crimson dominoes over her shoulders.^ There ! ! . . . You look glorious ! ! . . . And now . . . now — we must make ready for our fete, — for our carnival ! . . . Carne Vale ! . . . . Else! . . . [lie goes hack from her, considering Aer.] Love — ! . . . you're so sweet, so beautiful, and . . . good . . . that all mankind should worship you ! ! ! . . . [TFtfA a choking laugh that is more than half sob he flings his arms about her. CURTAIN. THE FIFTH ACT Scene. — The same as in First Act. It is the early morn- ing of Shrove Tuesday . The Mess-room is vaguely lit by a curioiis meJly of lamps and candles, — tlte general effect being that of quasi-dimness and strong shadows. Through the toind,ows at back thi and frigidly interrupting. \ Hei'i'n von Rambei-g — I must request you in the future to adopt a less familiar tone towards me. ... 7 shall do the same. [The Brothers look at him apjyrehensively. Yes, gentlemen, — [ivith a sho7't laitgh] once bit twice shy ! — and if — in the past, there's been an intimacy of sorts — between us, I can only say — for the future, it will exist for me merely as a painful and hateful memoi-y, which a man would do his best to forget. . . . Yes, — and I say it now deliberately, and before all present, — you, — and you only, ai'e responsible for this faked-up plot against poor Rudorfi'; — this con- spiracy ! Yes, and I — /, was actually tricked into being the tool . . . the catspaw — of these ^^gentle- men " ! . . .1 ought to have realised this when I saw that girl's face in the grey dawn, — the look she gave me, — when she staggei'ed up — and left my house. As regards my own life,— how I live it, and my "code" with women, -that's my atfair. ... I take life as it comes, blest with a healthy appetite and good diges- tion. And so — J suppose that's why they selected me LOVE'S CARNIVAL 149 as the obvious stalking-horse to mask their enter- prising schemes in tlie intei-ests of " morality," and their family traditions I l>ut— there are limits, and for the future, I, for one, shall certainly decline the honour of your acquaintance. . . . Jjong before that prattling young gentleman [(/lajiciii;/ coiitemptaonsly at Fritz] gave away this latest development, I knew your cousin to be, as far as the Regiment's concerned, a dead man ! It was my painful duty to report him to the Colonel, — as having broken his word of honour to him, by renewing relations with the girl in question. So, — if he's gone under now, liopelessly gone under, — you've yourselves to thank, not me ! . . . I wash my hands of it. For the rest, I see no reason for taking it so tragically ! . . . We needn't all be officers ; — there's an increased demand for shop-walkers. — . . . Good morning, gentlemen ! [//e turns abruptly on his heel and goes straight out. Peter and Paul, utterly annihilated, have sank doion on chains at the table. Klewitz. [JiOtcsed by the energy o/'({robitzsch's last words, has staggered up, and stands clutching the back of his chair ; hazdji — to the conipany in general.^^ Enormous ! ! MOKITZ. [Grimly, to Fritz, tvho is laughing foolishly.] Now then — " young gentleman," good-night ! — . . . [Fritz, half sobered by his tone, and the loioering faces of Glahn and the Ham- bergs, turns and, goes out, utterly crest- fallen. 150 LOVE'S CARNIVAL MORITZ. \^After mi uncom/ortahle jxiuse, empli/iiig his glass.] Too — damnable ! Klewitx. \]Vith maudlin yravity.] H'm ! . . . Awf'lly sad, — 'pen me word ! . . . Devilish mishtake ! . . . What "11 become of Villa Bauden, now ? MORITZ. And Kathie Schmitz — ?— — po'r little girl f . . . Glahn. The person Fm sorry for's the father ! . . . Poor Schmitz ! such an open-handed old chap, too ! Peter. ^Rising, 7mth a kind of sttppressed groan, ~\ Paul — ! — let's get out of this ! — Paul. [^Starting w;?.] Yes ! ! — As they turn to go out, Hans suddenly confronts tliem in the doonnay, — having come, Wee Fritz, straigJtt from the Ball. He is perfectly soher, — h^l■t vio- lently excited and over-wrought. His domino is open, — his coatfront underneath bedizened vnth all manner of garish Carnival badges and cotillon favours. Hans. Hurrah ! . . . Bravo ! ! 80 hei-e you are at last ! . . . I've been hunting you — half the night ! \To MoRiTZ and Klewitz.] And you two champions ! ? . . . How are ;vo?t .? . . . (Jloing it as regardlessly asever — oh '^. No 'I ? Why, — . . . you look as hang-dog as LOVE'S CARNIVAL 151 a brace of mntes ! . . . What's up ? ? And my friend Glahn too ? Glahn. l^Rismg precipilatelt/ without lookhtg at Hans, hrlefly to the others.^ 1 — er — Good-night ! [//i? goes ovt hnrriedly, Hans. [^Looking after him vnth an enigmatic smile — sotto voce.^^ Aha ! So — it's come to that, . . . already ! . . . [//e turns sharply to the Ramberos.] And now — for yon ! At last we'ie face to face — and I'm going to have a final word with you — "in confidence." \Looking fixedly at themP^ J)'you know what you ai*e, — you two 1 1 Yow Peter. [Rising, vnth 2}ained protest.^ Hans ! . . . ^Vo .' . . . Not like this! — Think of the step you're taking ! — Think ! ! — You're chucking us all, — breaking with us, — deliberately. So now — as far as we're concerned — you're Hans. [Impassively.] Wiped out ? I understand. Peter. Hans, — let me say one last word, — without boat or pi'ejudice! You regard us Ijoth now as enemies, — scheming to defraud you of your happiness, and to I'uin j^our career? . . . And yet — since we three weie boys together, we've always tried, — always, — to do our veiy best for yoiu' ... so far as we under- stood 152 LOVE'S CARNIVAL ilANS. ^Bitterly scoriifid.^ So far as you — " understood! "? Uutil at last the day and hour came — when — you — didnt . . . understand ? . . . Peter. [^Desperately.'] Perhaps ! We — we're all liable to make mistakes sometimes, — and you do us a cruel wrong in trying to shift the blame, — the responsibility for youi' future on to our shoulders. Hans. " Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.'' friend ! . . . Peter. You've let a base passion enslave you, — ruin you. Haxs. And you — have lied ! Lied, — and lied, — and on your lies hangs all that is ! — past, present, — . . . what must be ! . . . But — you did right ! . . . You, — with your hopeless, pitiful " good intentions "' ! ! . . . Yes, yes ! You meant it for the best ! . . . Wire to the Grandmother that — you've been right — all through ! . . . I'm disarmed now ... I can injure you no further, nor . . . you — me ! . . . [He looks fixedly at them a moment, dispassionately , as if they loere complete slrati//ers.] 80 now, we part. Paul. [Perplexed, hi ttei-ly.'] Yes; that's exactly what we — what we — meant . . . [He glances helplessly at Peter, who shrugs his shoulders.] [With a last look at Haxs, the Brothers turn silently, and go out. LOVE'S CARNIVAL 153 [Hans follows them with his eyes, faintly smiling. Moritz mid Klewitz, vho have been distressed spectators dvring the foregoing scene, rise simnltaneon sly , and wring his hand, in silence. He returns their hand.-clasjis livgeringly ; then both go out. Hax8. ]^Stands a moment absorbed in his own thoughts ; — then suddenly looks round, vagii,ely, — inquiringly, as if lost. His eyes fall upon the portrait of the Grandfather between the ioindou;s, which show the growing shimmer of dawn. lie goes nearer to the picture ; then tur^ts, takes a lamp from the table and, throws the light fidl on it. He stands quite motioidess thus, a fev) minutes ; — then, quietly and tensely. 1 No, no ! ! . , You ! ! don't be afraid ! ! . . . All that I can do — now . . . I'll do ! [Else suddenly bursts in, distraught, breath- less, heedless of all siirroundings. Hans. [^Turning at the sound of her hurried footsteps.^ What! You? [Harshly.] What d'you want? Why are you here ? ? Else. [Half frenzied.] I — I've been searching for you . . . everywhere ! ! . . . Now at last I've found you ... I saw you standing tliere . . . with the lamp . . . Hans. [7?i the same pitiless, inflexible tone.] Didn't I tell you — How" dare you follow me ? . . . What do yon mean by it ? How d.are you — ? ? 154 LOVE'S CARNIVAL Else. [^Stretching out her hands iinploriwily.^^ Hans !!...? Hans. [With groiving agitation.] Yes, yes! — you hunt me ! You pursue me ! What did I tell you, — over and over again ? that you were to go, — to go ... to GO / . . . Else. [Hurt to the qii,ick, vnth swift avger.~\ Remember — ... to whom you speak ! . . Hans. [Turning on her, half-hrutalised by his own anguish.] Yes ! — to you — ! ! Certainly- to you ! ! I know you ! I . . . I've ruined your life, — haven't I ? . . . made }ou what you are, — . . . outcast and by- word ! . . . And now I fling you aside — ? That's what I am ! . . . So ^o .' . . . Shun me ! — hate me ' — hate and curse me ! . . . you've the fullest right to I [There is a brief pause. Else. [Controlling herself, gently.] You can't deceive me, Hans — . . . Hans. Deceive you ? What d'you mean ? Wasn't it agreed between us, — solemnly, sacredly agreed, that to-night we were to part, — silently, — without mean- ingless good-byes ? . . . You — to your home, — and I to -here ? Weren't you resolved that that was the only way — ? But now — [losing all centrol] — you break your word, — you follow me, and spy on me, — against my will, — my entreaty, — . . . my — com- mand . . . ! LOVE'S CARNIVAL 155 Else. Hans, — I know what's in your mind Hans. My mind—? How ? Else. Yes. Wliat you intend doing, — noio, — this very hour . . . That's why I won't leave you ! . . . You would be guilty of a great sin — ! . . . Hans. Sin ? . . . What sin ? . . . I know of no sin . . . I'm doing what — I — m,i('St do ! ! . . . Else. [^Clinging to himi, distracted, supplicating ^^ Hans ! .... don't . . . don't do it ! ! Hans. \Trying to repulse her.^^ . . . T don't know what you mean ! Else. But if — if you must, then — take me too ! ? [Hans malces a gestttre of re2Judiatio7i. What—? ?— . . . . without vie— ? ? Would it be as great a sin — vnth me ...??... God is great . . . and merciful ! . . . But — alone — . . . that would he a deadly sin ! ! . . . [^Breaking out vjildly.'\ . . . It's a betrayal ! . . . shameful — ! cruel ! What wrong have I ever done you ? I've given myself to you, soul and body, — my life itself — my all ! I've thing it beneath your feet that you miglit take it and do with it as you would ! . . . Hut to be .spurned by you, — flung aside — coldly, indifferently — like tliis . . . You're a cowaid, Hans ! . . . a coward ! 156 LOVE'S CARNIVAL [J Jans starts at the last loords, and stands transfixed^ looking into Iter eyes. Yes — Kans ! a coward ! Isn't it cowardice to hide from me, to steal away from me '^ Take me! . . . take me with you ! . . . don't look at me like that ! . . . I'm yours — all yours ! . . . How can you deny it ? And d'you dare deny also — now — . . . that you mean to — DIE . . . to-day, . . . this very hour, — . . . perhaps ? ? \_There is an intense silence between them, each meeting the other^s gaze. Hans. [Quietly, concentrated! I/. ] Else — listen ! 1 alone am guilty . . . I've betrayed and shamed an honourable family, — an innocent girl, — and her father . . . I've broken my word of honoui- to my Colonel. But with- out all that, it isn't one thing more than another ! — it's everything! — I can't go on living in this world . . . — . . . I can't, — and so — . . . But the name at any rate — [Glancing at the 2)icture.'\ . . . Ah — love ! . . . believe me, / know why — yes — tvhy ... it must be so ! — . . . But you — you — . . . Else, [Passionately.] No ! I'm a thousandfold more guilty ! I've degraded you, — the best — the truest man alive, — and turned you from your duty ! In my sinful passion I forgot all — all, — but the fact of my possession of you — how I might be yours — and hold you onine ! . . . And now what am I ? [She flings herself at his feet.'] Don't leave me, Hans ! . . . don't leave me alone ! ! — . . . I've no life — no being, . . . without you ! ! [She clasps his knees, sobbing, imploring. LOVE'S CARNIVAL 157 Hans, [Dragging her forcihlij on to her feet, — struggling to free himself from her dinging armsJ\ Else ! . . . Else!! . . . Else. \^Frenzied, irrestling 'with him.^^ I won't leave you ... I won't leave you — ! ! Hans. Else— listen !!—... Else. No more ! — no moi-e ! ! — . . . you've had it in your mind before . . . you've thought it all out, long long ago ! — Last night — those verses — that I found— . . . " On Rosenmontag morn, together sleeping . . . ? " Hans. Folly !!...! played with the thought . . . just merely — played with it . . . Else. Don't dare say that ! . . . not played ! . . . Your heart, youi' innermost conscience tells you — it must be — like this ! — that — you mustn't leave me ! — | With a convulsive shudder.l Tell me, — what d'you suppose would come to me, — if — if you went without me — anShe clasps her anas about his neck, blind ivith tears. [As they stand, locked in a last long silent etreinte — suddenly tJte Bugle Call [as in Act IV.) is heard,, —vibrant, strident, in the Barrack Sqimre. It is three times repeatedj, — each successive time nearer and louder. Hans. [Starting, thrilling through every nerce at the Jirst ■notes of the Call.] Hush ! — Listen ! ! d'you hear ? . . . That's it ! ! . . . That's— Zi/e I . . . The new Life ! ! . . . Come ! ! ! — . . . LOVE'S CARNIVAL 159 [ With his arm roivtid her, straininy her close, he Imrries her out. [There is a brief iitteuse 2^(ii('Se, — i^e« Hein- RiCH enters, perturhed and uneasy, carry- ing a small lantern. Heinricii. \^Peeriny roaud, turning the light into the coriLers.\ Uh ! — My God ! . . . but — but . . . some one was here . . . [Josef has followed him in. Josef. Yes : — . . . there's a lamp still bvirnin'. — They said he was here — ! he mast be ? Heinrich. [^Distractedly ^^ But where ? ? — [He goes to one door, ojiens it and looks in.\ Herr Lieutenant ? Josef. Nobody ? Heinrich. . . . Not ;i soul ! . . . Josef. [Pointing to the other door.\ Tiy there ? — Heixricji. [Tries to open it andjiiids it locked ; Ite knocks loudly.^ Herr Lieutenant ! ! . . . [Bending, he puts his ear to the keyhole and listens intently, — the'}t knocks again — louder.] Herr Lieutenant ! ! — Josef. What can he have locked it for i . , . Heinrich. Herr Lieutenant ! ! ... Sir ! . . . It's i^ettin' i6o LOVE'S CARNIVAL late ! . . . — ... What am I to do — Sir ? It's just on time for parade . . . ! ! [He shakes the door and heats ii/pon it violently. [Harold, in uniform, hurries in — and crosses straight to Heinrich. Harold. What ? . . . Locked ? !— Clear out ! ! . . . [Josef salutes and goes oiit. [ Vehemently, to Heinrich.] Go on — man ! ! Put your shoulder to it ! ! . . . [Flinging his own full iveight and strength against the door. [The door gives, and flies open ; Harold goes in, followed hy Heinrich. The stage remains empty a moment. Then suddenly, — livid, terrified, distraught, — Heinrich totters in, and up to the window, — throw- ing it open. Heinrich. [Half- frenzied, the vjord strangled in his throat.^ . . . Help!!! . . . [He gesticidates wildly to those without in the Jlarrack Yard, as the hoarse cry dies on his lips. CiURTAIN. Printed by Bali antvne, Hanson 6^ Co. London &= Edinburgh UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. / PLEA^f: DO NOT REMOVE THJS BOCK CARD ■J ? 1- » m Uriivf^i'c.i^v Reseorch ! ibrary -^j M. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This hook is DUE on the last date stamped below. i^ov 2 d 1982 315 II iiiii III mil 1 III I nil nip I iiiiiiii|i|| 158 00817 2974 t6 yC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY AA 000 970 186