A LONDON LIFE

FRANK J. MORLOCK

  • Act I
  • Act II
  • This Etext is for private use only. No republication for profit in 
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    http://www.cadytech.com/dumas/personnage.asp?key=130
    
    Etext by Dagny
                                   C 1985
     
                         From a story by Henry James
    CHARACTERS
    
    Laura Wing
    Lady Davenant
    Lionel Berrington
    Selina Berrington
    Mr. Wendover
    
    Three women, two men
    
    
    
    PERIOD: London in the 1880s
    

    Act I

    Scene I. Lady Davenant's drawing room.

    It is a charming, light room, but the occupant, Lady Davenant, is old. She is seated at a table working on her books, cutting the pages in fact and receiving her friend, Laura Wing, a young woman barely twenty.

    Lady Davenant
    And what is going on chez vous--who is there and what are they doing?

    Laura
    There isn't anyone but me and the children--and the governess.

    Lady Davenant
    No parties--how do you live?

    Laura
    Oh, it doesn't take so much to keep me going. I believe there were some people coming on Saturday, but they have been put off so they can't come. Selina has gone to London.

    Lady Davenant
    And what has she gone to London for?

    Laura
    Oh, I don't know. She has many things to do.

    Lady Davenant
    And where is Mr. Berrington?

    Laura
    He has been away somewhere, but I believe he is coming back tomorrow-- or the next day.

    Lady Davenant
    Or the day after? Do they never go away together?

    Laura
    Yes, sometimes--but they don't come back together.

    Lady Davenant
    Do they quarrel on the way?

    Laura (somewhat despondent)
    I don't know what they do, Lady Davenant. I don't understand. I don't think they are very happy.

    Lady Davenant
    Then, they ought to be ashamed of themselves. They have got everything so comfortable--what more do they want?

    Laura
    And the children are such dears.

    Lady Davenant
    Certainly--charming. Does the governess look after them properly?

    Laura
    Oh, yes. She's very good. But I think she is unhappy too?

    Lady Davenant
    Bless us! What a house! What is her problem?

    Laura
    She wants Selina to appreciate--to be there and see.

    Lady Davenant
    And Selina isn't. Hmmm. I hope she hasn't wept and told you so. You know they are always crying, these governesses. Whatever line you take, you shouldn't draw them out too much. They are always looking for a chance. She should be thankful to be let alone. You mustn't be too sympathetic. It's mostly wasted.

    Laura
    Oh, I see too much about me that I don't sympathize with to be sympathetic.

    Lady Davenant
    Well, you mustn't be an impertinent little American either.

    Laura
    Ha, ha. In Selina's set people only harry each other from morning till night with extravagant accusations.

    Lady Davenant
    You must learn how to live with fortitude.

    Laura
    That's why I come to you.

    Lady Davenant
    It's the only thing that counts in the long run. Don't feel too much. And how is your sister bearing it?

    Laura
    Oh, Lady Davenant!

    Lady Davenant
    Have you spoken to her?

    Laura
    Spoken to her?

    Lady Davenant
    About her behaviour. I daresay you haven't. You Americans have such a lot of false delicacy. I suppose Selina wouldn't speak to you if you were in her place--and yet she is capable of-- (not finishing her thought) It's a bad house for a girl.

    Laura
    It only gives me a horror.

    Lady Davenant
    A horror of your sister? That's not what one should aim at. You ought to get married--and the sooner the better. My dear child, I have neglected you dreadfully.

    Laura
    Much obliged. But if you think marriage looks like a happy state to me after what I see!

    Lady Davenant
    You ought to get out of your situation.

    Laura
    Leave Selina altogether? That would be cowardly. I can't abandon her.

    Lady Davenant
    It isn't the business of little girls to serve as parachutes for fly away wives! Let her go!

    Laura (horrified)
    Let her go?

    Lady Davenant
    Or, let her stay, then. Only get out of that house. You can come to me whenever you like. I don't know another girl I would say that to.

    Laura (bursting into tears)
    Oh, Lady Davenant!

    Lady Davenant
    Don't cry, child, or I shall take back my invitation. Don't feel bad about what I have said about Selina. We shouldn't feel more for people than they feel for themselves. She has no tears.

    Laura
    Oh, she has, she has.

    Lady Davenant
    Then she's worse than I thought. I hate sentimentalists.

    Laura
    She's so changed--so changed.

    Lady Davenant
    No, no. It's a new birth. The butterfly has emerged from its cocoon. Or is it a wasp?

    Laura
    You never knew my mother. When I think of my mother----

    Lady Davenant
    I daresay she was very nice. It would take that to account for you. Such women as Selina are always easily accounted for. I didn't mean it was inherited--that sort of thing skips about.

    Laura
    Everything is so changed--you don't know. And now to be so dependent, so helpless, so poor.

    Lady Davenant
    Have you nothing at all?

    Laura
    Only enough to pay for my clothes.

    Lady Davenant
    That's a good deal for a girl. You are uncommonly dressy, you know.

    Laura (abashed)
    I don't want to look that way at all.

    Lady Davenant
    American's can't help it. But I admit you're not as smart as Selina.

    Laura
    Yes, isn't she splendid. And the worse she is, the better she looks.

    Lady Davenant
    Oh, my child, if the bad ones looked as bad as they are.

    Laura
    It was the last thing I expected--that I should be ashamed.

    Lady Davenant
    Oh, keep your shame till you have more need for it.

    Laura
    If anything were to happen publicly, I should die.

    Lady Davenant
    It would be very bad, I daresay, but it wouldn't prevent me from taking you in.

    Laura
    To come to that!

    Lady Davenant
    Ha, ha.

    Laura
    I feel your kindness--but I hate the idea of having to be protected.

    Lady Davenant
    Most women are only too thankful--and I am bound to think you are hard to please. Only you must stop this crying--this isn't a crying country.

    Laura
    No, one must have courage here. To marry a man under these circumstances would take a great deal of courage.

    Lady Davenant
    Any reason is good enough that keeps a woman from being an old maid. Besides, you will like him.

    Laura
    He must like me first.

    Lady Davenant
    There's the American again! It isn't necessary. You are too proud, too romantic. You expect too much.

    Laura
    I'm too proud for what I am--that's certain. But I don't expect anything. That's the form my pride takes. Please give my love to Mrs. Berrington. I am so--so sorry.

    Lady Davenant
    She wishes it had been you. I happen to know that.

    Laura
    I don't understand.

    Lady Davenant
    That you, rather than Selina, had married her son.

    Laura
    I wouldn't have married him.

    Lady Davenant
    Don't say that, or it won't be easy to help you. I depend on you not to refuse anyone so good.

    Laura
    If he were good, Selina would not be this way. She would be better.

    Lady Davenant
    Very likely. And, he would be better if you had married him. Lionel is an idiot, but you're clever enough for two.

    Laura
    And you for fifty, dear Lady Davenant.

    Lady Davenant
    What is it your clothes cost you?

    Laura
    I don't know exactly. It takes almost everything that is sent from America. I am a wonderful manager and Selina does want one to be dressed.

    Lady Davenant
    Doesn't she pay any of your bills?

    Laura
    Why? She gives me everything I need.

    Lady Davenant
    Does she ever give you any money?

    Laura
    I wouldn't take it. They need everything they have. Their life is tremendously expensive.

    Lady Davenant
    That I'll believe! What has happened to Selina's money?

    Laura
    Selina brought Lionel a very considerable fortune. And every penny of it was paid.

    Lady Davenant
    Yes. I know it was. Mrs. Berrington told me it was most satisfactory. That is not always the case with the fortunes you young ladies are supposed to bring.

    Laura
    Why do your men marry for money?

    Lady Davenant
    Why, indeed, my dear? And before your troubles what did your father give you for personal expenses?

    Laura
    He gave us everything we asked--we had no particular allowance.

    Lady Davenant
    And I daresay you asked for everything.

    Laura
    No doubt, we were every dressy.

    Lady Davenant
    No wonder your father went bankrupt--for he did, didn't he?

    Laura
    He was protecting others.

    Lady Davenant
    Well, I know nothing about these things. And after their "reverses" your parents lived, I think, only a short time?

    Laura
    It was a short time, but it seemed long and painful.

    Lady Davenant
    I feel as if I were cross questioning you, which God forbid! But, there is one thing I should like to know. Did Lionel help you?

    Laura
    They sent us money repeatedly. It was her money.

    Lady Davenant
    If you have been poor you know what poverty is. Has it made you afraid to marry a good but poor man?

    Laura
    I'm afraid of so many things this morning, I don't know where my fears end.

    Lady Davenant
    I have no patience with the highstrung way you take things. But, I have to know, child.

    Laura
    Don't try to know any more horrors.

    Lady Davenant
    I think you will fidget me. (pause) Mind what I tell you, my dear. Let her go. You can't save her.

    Laura
    I must.

    BLACKOUT

    Scene II. A room in Lionel Berrington's house.

    Laura is sitting by herself when Lionel, who is a good looking man, enters.

    Lionel
    I didn't expect to see you here.

    Laura
    I suppose you know Selina is away.

    Lionel
    Oh, yes--I know where Selina is. Selina's in Paris, my dear, that's where Selina is.

    Laura
    In Paris?

    Lionel
    Yes, in Paris, my dear. God bless her! Where else do you suppose?

    Laura
    Did she write you?

    Lionel
    Write me? When did she ever write to me? No. I saw someone who came over last night. That's how I know my wife's in Paris.

    Laura
    I suppose it's a pleasant season there.

    Lionel
    I daresay it's very pleasant indeed--I daresay it's awfully amusing. Would you like to run over with me for a few days, Laura? Just to have a go at the theatres? I don't see why we should always be moping at home. Now, who do you suppose is with Selina in Paris? Who do you suppose she was seen with?

    Laura
    Wouldn't you rather have some tea downstairs?

    Lionel
    No, no. I want to stay here. I like this place. It's the prettiest room in the house. What does she want to go to Paris for when she has got such a charming house? Now, can you answer me that, Laura?

    Laura
    I suppose she has gone to get some new clothes, her dressmaker lives in Paris, you know.

    Lionel
    Dressmaker? Clothes? Why, she's got whole rooms full of clothes. Hasn't she got whole rooms full of them?

    Laura
    Speaking of clothes, I must go and change mine.

    Lionel
    Now, I want you to guess who she's in Paris with.

    Laura
    She has many friends. I couldn't possibly.

    Lionel
    Oh, she has many, many "friends" as you so delicately put it. It's the ruin of any woman, you know. I can't think what she has got in her head. She used to be so discreet. My dear girl, she's with Lady Ringrose. What do you say to that?

    Laura
    With Lady Ringrose?

    Lionel
    They went over on Tuesday and they are knocking about there alone.

    Laura
    I don't know Lady Ringrose.

    Lionel
    I rather hope not--I promise you she has never put her foot in this house! If Selina expects to bring her here, I should like a half hour's notice. Yes, half an hour would do. She might as well have been seen with-- She has at least fifty lovers.

    Laura
    I don't understand you, let me alone, please.

    Lionel
    I have something very particular to say to you.

    Laura
    I'd rather not.

    Lionel
    I never know how to talk to you. You're not a child any more--and you're very good which makes it very difficult. I wish Selina had been a little more like you.

    Laura
    I don't care for any compliments at my sister's expense.

    Lionel
    You know what you sister is as well as I do.

    Laura
    I know you don't love each other. It's too dreadful.

    Lionel
    Love each other! She hates me as she'd hate a hump on her back. She never opens her mouth but she insults me.

    Laura
    Is that what you wished to say to me?

    Lionel
    Don't pretend it's my fault-- I've given her everything.

    Laura
    Everything but an example. You don't care for anything in the world but to amuse yourself. No more does she--but it's worse in a woman.

    Lionel
    I put up with it, Laura. Do me justice.

    Laura
    You are all blind and senseless. There is a curse on you and there will be a judgement.

    Lionel
    What do you propose--that I stay home and read the Bible while she--?

    Laura
    It wouldn't hurt you--once in a while.

    Lionel
    There will be a judgement on her--that's very sure, and I know where it will be delivered. Have I done the half to her that she has done to me?

    Laura (impatiently)
    I don't know what she's done.

    Lionel
    That's exactly what I want to tell you. She's doing it now.

    Laura
    You should make yourself respected.

    Lionel
    What has Selina to do with respect? You know all about her--you see everything--you're not so green as that comes to.

    Laura
    Is there any use in my sitting up and listening to this?

    Lionel
    I want you to help me.

    Laura
    To help you--how?

    Lionel
    I'll tell you. I'm sorry, I've been drinking. I beg your pardon. I won't do anything unspeakable.

    Laura
    You're naturally upset that Selina is in Paris.

    Lionel (bitterly)
    I hope she'll stay a month.

    Laura (bewildered)
    I don't understand you.

    Lionel
    I think you do. It suits my book! You know yourself--he's not the first.

    Laura
    What are you talking about?

    Lionel
    Charlie Crispin, that's who.

    Laura
    What has he to do?

    Lionel
    He has everything to do. Isn't he there with her?

    Laura
    How should I know? You said Lady Ringrose.

    Lionel
    Lady Ringrose is merely a beard--and hardly a good one. Charlie is Selina's lover. And, he isn't the first. Good ole Charlie.

    Laura
    Why do you call him Charlie?

    Lionel
    Doesn't he call me Lion? He's a dear friend, is Charlie.

    Laura
    You're the most extraordinary people. I suppose you have a certain amount of proof before you say such things to me?

    Lionel
    Proof! I've oceans of proof. And, not only about Crispin--but about Deepmere.

    Laura
    And, pray, who is Deepmere?

    Lionel
    Never heard of him? He's gone to India with a broken heart and many fond memories of Selina. He's my dearest friend. I have so many touching friends. They've all been touching my wife, though. Strange. I don't say this for my pleasure, Laura.

    Laura
    Don't you indeed! I thought you were so glad just now.

    Lionel (with feeling)
    I'm glad to prove it, but not to tell it. I want to finish it. There's nothing you can't find out today if you go to the right places. Well, it's no matter what measures I've taken. But she's up a tree if ever a woman was. Now we'll see.

    Laura
    It's not true, it's not true, it's not true.

    Lionel
    If she could get off by your saying it--

    Laura
    Get off--what do you mean?

    Lionel
    Why, what do you suppose I'm talking about? I'm going to haul her up and have it out.

    Laura
    You're going to make a scandal!

    Lionel
    I'm going to put a stop to a scandal.

    Laura
    You won't do anything so horrible.

    Lionel
    Horrible--but less so that going on this way.

    Laura
    It's not true, it's not true, it's not true.

    Lionel
    I wish it weren't, Laura. I really do. Of course, you stand up for your sister. But you ought to have some sense of justice. It's gone beyond what I can stand.

    Laura
    Be quiet, be quiet, and leave her to me. I will answer for her.

    Lionel
    Answer for her? You?

    Laura
    She'll be better--she'll be more reasonable--there'll be no more talk of these horrors. Leave her to me. Let me take her away somewhere.

    Lionel
    Take her away. You wouldn't come within a mile of her if you were my sister.

    Laura
    Oh, shame, shame!

    Lionel
    Laura, I've swallowed all I can swallow.

    Laura
    You want me to help you against my own sister?

    Lionel
    It's an accident of birth. Why jump in the mud to save her? It is mud, my dear.

    Laura
    Then, you have no proof!

    Lionel
    What?

    Laura
    If you want me to come forward, you have no proof.

    Lionel
    I have ample proof. I'm just giving you notice. I don't want you to get hurt more than can be helped. You had much better think of protecting her children than protecting her. She's finished.

    Laura
    Oh, Mother, Mother.

    (Laura pushes past him, crying.)

    Lionel
    Selina, what a bitch you are.

    BLACKOUT

    Scene III. The same, a few days later.

    Laura
    Are you telling me the perfect truth when you say Captain Crispin was not there?

    Selina
    The perfect truth! My poor child, the things you do say! However, as it is only you, I don't mind satisfying your clumsy curiosity. I haven't the least idea whether Captain Crispin was in Paris or not. I know nothing of his movements--he doesn't keep me informed of his whereabouts. As far as I am concerned he might as well have been at the North Pole. I neither saw him nor heard of him. I didn't see the end of his nose.

    Laura
    I wish I believed you.

    Selina
    I never heard of such a thing, my dear, you have emancipated yourself from all civilized conventions, and I suppose I must congratulate you.

    (Laura says nothing in reply and stares at her sister.)

    Selina
    And pray, if he was in Paris, what is there so monstrous? He is in London when I am in London. What is so awful?

    Laura
    Awful, awful, too awful.

    Selina
    My dear, you do indulge in a style of innuendo for a respectable woman! You have ideas that when I was a girl--

    Laura
    Don't talk about my innuendoes and my ideas--I've heard you indulge yourself fully. What ideas did I ever have till I came here? Don't pretend to be shocked, Selina, that's too cheap a defence. If one talks about your affairs, my dear, one mustn't be too particular.

    Selina
    To be insulted by one's little sister. Merciful heavens!

    Laura
    Selina, Selina, what are you doing to us?

    Selina
    Us? Are you in league with my husband?

    Laura
    Lionel spoke to me. He told me he knows for sure. He has proof.

    Selina
    Lionel spoke to you? And what is it he knows?

    Laura
    That Captain Crispin was in Paris and that you were with him.

    Selina
    He said this to you?

    Laura
    Yes, and much more. I don't know why he should make a secret of it.

    Selina (enraged)
    The disgusting beast! To talk to you in such a way.

    Laura
    It wasn't what he said. It was the fact he believed it. That made an impression on me.

    Selina
    Did it indeed? I'm infinitely obliged to you! You are a tender, loving, little sister.

    Laura
    Yes, I am. If it's tender to have worried myself over your affairs till I'm blind and sick. I hope you are prepared to meet him. He's going to make such a scandal!

    Selina
    Divorce?

    Laura
    Yes, and he'll try to keep the children. I know it.

    Selina
    Well, you are a poor dear innocent after all. Lionel would be about as able to divorce me--even if I were the most abandoned of my sex, as he would be to swim the Channel.

    Laura
    I know nothing about that.

    Selina
    So I perceive. But you must shut your eyes very tight. Would you like to know why his hands are tied?

    Laura
    Not in the least.

    Selina
    Just a few of the reasons--heaven forbid I should attempt to go over them all--there are millions!

    Laura
    What's the use?

    Selina
    His own life is too base for words--his talking about me would be sickening if it weren't grotesque. Should you like me to tell you to what he has stooped--to the very gutter--to the charming history of his relations with--

    Laura
    No--I don't want to hear it. Especially as you were just now so pained by license of my own allusions.

    Selina
    You listen to him then. But it suits your purpose not to listen to me. Are you in love with him?

    Laura
    Oh, Selina, Selina!

    Selina
    Where have your eyes been? You can be clever enough when it suits you. And now, perhaps, the carriage is ready, you'll let me go about my duties.

    Laura
    Will you swear?

    Selina
    Will I swear what?

    Laura
    That you didn't lay eyes on Captain Crispin in Paris?

    Selina
    You are really too odious. But I will swear--to get away from you. I never laid eyes on him.

    Laura
    By our parent's memories.

    Selina
    So be it. And by any other member of the family you like. (going) I suppose it's no use if you care to drive with me?

    Laura
    No, thank you. I don't care to. I shall walk.

    Selina
    I suppose from that, that your friend Lady Davenant has gone.

    Laura
    No, she's still here.

    Selina
    That's a bore.

    BLACKOUT

    Scene IV. The same, late, late at night.

    Laura has been waiting for Selina to return.

    Selina
    Has Lionel come in?

    Laura
    No.

    Selina
    Ah!

    Laura
    I have sat up on purpose. I want particularly to speak to you.

    Selina
    Ah! Your behaviour is too monstrous What on earth do you want to make the servants suppose?

    Laura
    As if one could put my thoughts into their heads that are not there already! Your maid has outlived surprises!

    Selina
    Will you be so good as to inform me if you are engaged to Mr. Wendover?

    Laura
    Engaged to him? I've only seen him three times.

    Selina
    And that is what you usually do with gentlemen you have seen three times?

    Laura
    So, you don’t' pretend it wasn't you we met?

    Selina
    Hardly--although I denied it to my friend. For your sake. If Lionel were to know it, he wouldn't tolerate it--so long as you live with us.

    Laura
    I shall not live with you long. You are horrible! I wouldn't have believed it that you are so bad.

    Selina
    It's different for a married woman--especially when she's married to a cad. It's in a girl that such things are odious--scouring London with strange men. I am not bound to explain to you--I have my reasons--I have my conscience. It was the oddest of all things, our meeting in that place--I know that as well as you. But, it was not your finding me that was out of the way. It was my finding you with your remarkable escort! That was incredible. I pretended not to recognize you so that the gentleman I was with shouldn't see you, shouldn't know you. He questioned me and I repudiated you. You may thank me for saving you. You had better wear a veil next time--one never knows what may happen.

    Laura
    That's advice you ought to take yourself. You lied to me. You said you were going to visit Lady Collingwood.

    Selina
    I met an acquaintance at Lady Collingwood's and he came up to town with me.

    Laura
    I suppose it was your eagerness to save your companion the shock of seeing me in my dishonor that led you to steal our cab?

    Selina
    Your cab?

    Laura
    Your delicacy was expensive for you.

    Selina
    You don't mean you were knocking about in cabs with him?

    Laura
    Oh, stop it, Selina. You don't really mean a word of what you're saying about me--though that doesn't make it any less unspeakably base.

    Selina
    Oh, let me alone! (going out)

    Laura
    Where are you going, where are you going, where are you going?

    Selina
    I don't pretend to be better than other women--but you do.

    Laura
    What do you intend to do? I have a right to know that.

    Selina
    To do? I shall do as I have always done--not so badly as it seems to me.

    Laura
    I need to know what is likely to happen so that I can think of my own situation. If anything is going to happen, I want to be out of it.

    Selina
    What are you talking about? What do you allude to as happening?

    Laura
    Why, it seems to me there's nothing left for you but to run off with him. If there is a prospect of that insanity--

    Selina (crying)
    Go away, go away, leave me alone!

    Laura
    Of course I infuriate you. But I can't watch you rushing to your ruin without trying to drag you back.

    Selina
    Oh, you don't understand anything about anything. Staying here is my ruin.

    Laura
    I certainly don't understand how you can give such a tremendous handle to Lionel.

    Selina
    I give him no handle and you don't know what you are talking about! I know what I am doing, and what becomes me, and I don't care if I do. He is welcome to all the handles in the world for all that he can do with them!

    Laura
    Think of your children!

    Selina
    Have I ever thought of anything else? Who has made them what they are? Is it their lovely father? Isn't it only for them that I am trying to keep myself alive?

    Laura
    Die for them--that would be better.

    Selina (icily)
    Don't interfere between me and my children. And for God's sake, cease to harry me!

    Laura
    I don't know what has become of your mind.

    Selina (suddenly collapsing in tears and clutching her sister)
    Forgive me, help me, help me. I won't see him again, I swear.

    BLACKOUT

    CURTAIN

    Act II

    Scene I. The same, a few weeks later.

    It is early afternoon. Laura is seated when Lady Davenant slowly, but surely, enters.

    Laura (rising)
    This is an unexpected pleasure.

    Lady Davenant
    Now and then I pay a visit to prove I am not too old. Besides, you haven't been to see me in some time.

    Laura
    I knew that you were almost always out of town and we've been away a lot, too. And then, I've had my hands full. I've been a great deal with my sister, more than before.

    Lady More than before?

    Laura
    Well, a kind of estrangement we had about a certain matter.

    Lady Davenant
    And now you have made it all up?

    Laura
    Well, we've been able to talk about it--and that has cleared the air. We have gone about together a good deal. She has wanted me constantly with her.

    Lady Davenant
    That's very nice. And where has she taken you?

    Laura
    Oh, it's I who have taken her.

    Lady Davenant
    Where do you mean? To say her prayers?

    Laura
    Well, to some concerts and the National Gallery.

    Lady Davenant
    My dear child, you are too delightful. You are trying to reform her? By Beethoven and Bach, by Rubens and Titian?

    Laura
    She is very intelligent about music and pictures--she has excellent ideas.

    Lady Davenant
    And you have been trying to draw them out. That is very commendable.

    Laura
    I think you are laughing at me, but I don't care.

    Lady Davenant
    Because you are succeeding in raising her tone?

    Laura
    Oh, Lady Davenant, I don't know, and I don't understand anything anymore--I have given up trying.

    Lady Davenant
    That's what I recommended to you to do before.

    Laura
    You told me to let her go.

    Lady Davenant
    Evidently you haven't taken my advice.

    Laura
    How can I, how can I?

    Lady Davenant
    Of course, how can you? And if she doesn't rub off, it's so much gained. But even if she should, won't that nice young man remain? I hope Selina hasn't taken him away from you or you from him.

    Laura
    You mean Mr. Wendover?

    Lady Davenant
    Yes, he's a nice boy. You brought him to see me.

    Laura
    Yes, he is nice. Selina introduced me to him. She said he was a bit of a dose. He is, but I like him. But what nice young man would look at me if anything should happen?

    Lady Davenant
    Humph! That won't prevent him. It isn't for your sister that he loves you, is it?

    Laura
    He doesn't love me at all.

    Lady Davenant
    Ah, then he does! Doesn't he come to the house? Doesn't he say anything?

    Laura
    He comes to the house very often.

    Lady Davenant
    And don't you like him?

    Laura
    Yes, very much. More than I did at first. But he is a dose as Selina said.

    Lady Davenant
    A dose.

    Laura
    He's a bore. He comes from Plymouth, you know. We call him Plymouth Rock.

    Lady Davenant
    Well, if you liked him well enough to bring him straight to see me--I suppose that means you now are highly pleased with him.

    Laura
    He's a gentleman. And very reliable.

    Lady Davenant
    So he seems to me. But, why then, doesn't he speak out?

    Laura
    Maybe he doesn't love me.

    Lady Davenant (shrewdly)
    Is he in love with your sister?

    Laura (evenly)
    I sometimes think so.

    Lady Davenant
    And does she encourage him?

    Laura
    Hardly. She detests him.

    Lady Davenant
    Oh, then, I like him. I shall immediately write to him to come to me. I shall appoint an hour and give him a piece of my mind.

    Laura
    If I believed that, I should kill myself.

    Lady Davenant
    You may believe what you like, but I wish you didn't show your feelings so in your eyes. When I was young, I managed to be happy whatever happened, and I am sure I looked so.

    Laura
    For you it was different. You were safe.

    Lady Davenant
    I don't know. Some of us were very wild. So was I, for that matter. But I didn't cry about it. If you will come and stay with me tomorrow, I will take you in.

    Laura
    I'm doing some good here. You know how kind I think you--but I have promised Selina not to leave her.

    Lady Davenant
    Don't trust her. She's spiteful.

    Laura
    I know, I know.

    Lady Davenant
    And what is Lionel doing?

    Laura
    I don't know. He's very quiet.

    Lady Davenant
    Doesn't it please him--his wife's improvement? Of course, if you really are protecting her, I can't count on you--

    Laura
    Selina, I'm afraid, can protect herself very well, if she doesn't lose her head.

    Lady Davenant
    Oh, by the way, his address--you must tell me that.

    Laura
    His address?

    Lady Davenant
    Your young man, Mr. Wendover. But, it's no matter. I still have his card.

    Laura
    Lady Davenant, you won't do anything so loathsome.

    Lady Davenant
    Why is it loathsome if he comes so often? It's rubbish his caring for Selina when you are there.

    Laura
    Why is it rubbish when so many people do?

    Lady Davenant
    Oh, well, he's different.

    Laura
    He likes to observe--and he thinks Selina is very interesting.

    Lady Davenant
    In spite of her dislike of him?

    Laura
    Oh, he doesn't know that.

    Lady Davenant
    Why not? He isn't a fool.

    Laura
    Oh, I've made it seem--

    Lady Davenant
    Mercy--how fond of him you must be!

    BLACKOUT

    Scene II. Lady Davenant's house.

    Laura enters with Lady Davenant.

    Lady Davenant
    Is it very bad?

    Laura
    Have you heard already?

    Lady Davenant
    I haven't heard anything. Is it very bad?

    Laura
    We don't know where Selina is--and her maid's gone.

    Lady Davenant
    Lord, what an ass! And whom has she persuaded to take her, Charles Crispin?

    Laura
    We suppose, we suppose.

    Lady Davenant
    And he's another.

    Laura
    It's all a black darkness--

    Lady Davenant
    My dear, it's a blessing. Now you can live in peace.

    Laura
    In peace! With my wretched sister leading such a life?

    Lady Davenant
    I am very sorry to say anything in favor of such things, but in the end it makes things easier. Don't worry, you take it too hard. She has gone abroad.

    Laura
    I don't know anything about it. I only know she is gone. I was with her at the Opera and she left me there with Mr. Wendover--without a word.

    Lady Davenant
    Well, that's better. I hate 'em when they make parting scenes--it's too mawkish.

    Laura
    Lionel is watching them. Agents, detectives. I don't know what. He's been at it a long time. I didn't know it.

    Lady Davenant
    What is the use of detectives now? Isn't he satisfied to be rid of her?

    Laura
    He wants everyone to know it.

    Lady Davenant
    And, has he told his mother?

    Laura
    I think so. He went to see her as I was coming here. She'll be overwhelmed.

    Lady Davenant
    Overwhelmed! Not a bit of it! When did anything overwhelm her?

    Laura
    Lionel expects news tonight. As soon as I know where she is, I shall start.

    Lady Davenant
    Start--for where?

    Laura
    To go to her--to do something.

    Lady Davenant
    Whatever can you do? Bring her back?

    Laura
    Lionel won't take her back. He wants his divorce.

    Lady Davenant
    Yes, and she wants hers. I would think they're both happy.

    Laura
    It's awful, awful, awful.

    Lady Davenant
    Tell him to come and see me.

    Laura
    You won't be able to influence Lionel.

    Lady Davenant
    Perhaps. But, my dear child, come and stay with me.

    Laura
    Oh, I can't desert her. I can't abandon her.

    Lady Davenant
    What a way to put it. Hasn't she abandoned you?

    Laura
    She has no heart.

    Lady Davenant
    I though that was established long ago. I've had a room prepared for you. When did she leave you?

    Laura
    We went to the Opera together last night. With Mr. Wendover. Then she excused herself and she didn't come back. Then something dreadful happened.

    Lady Davenant
    Did he kiss you?

    Laura
    Goodbye, I'm going, I'm going. I've got to get away--to get away.

    Lady Davenant
    From me, or Mr. Wendover?

    Laura
    I begged him to marry me. To save me.

    Lady Davenant
    Dear, dear.

    Laura
    And he wasn't in the least interested. I was totally mistaken. I thought he liked me. When I realized that Selina had run away, when I felt sure she wasn't coming back, I wanted protection--so I asked him.

    Lady Davenant
    You are ill.

    Laura
    He didn't want me at all. He never even thought of me that way.

    Lady Davenant
    You are in a fever.

    Laura
    Yes, I am ill.

    Lady Davenant
    And what did he say to you?

    Laura
    He behaved like a perfect gentleman.

    Lady Davenant
    The brute!

    Laura
    It was all my fault.

    Lady Davenant
    I wish I could give him a piece of my mind.

    Laura
    Pleas, please.

    Lady Davenant
    You are going to bed--now!

    (Lady Davenant leads the feebly protesting Laura away as the lights dim.)

    BLACKOUT

    Scene III. The same, later that day.

    Mr. Wendover, a mild mannered New Englander enters rather awkwardly.

    Lady Davenant
    Sit there. No, not that one. Come nearer. We must talk low. My dear sir, I won't bite you.

    Wendover
    This is very comfortable.

    Lady Davenant (moves in on him)
    You ought to have come before, you know.

    Wendover
    This was the first opportunity.

    Lady Wendover Never mind. That isn't why I sent for you. I have something very particular to say to you. Do you know what a fine girl she is?

    Wendover (clearing his throat)
    Laura?

    Lady Davenant
    Certainly. She is upstairs in bed.

    Wendover
    Upstairs in bed!

    Lady Davenant
    Don't be afraid--I'm not going to send for her. She has not the least idea that I sent for you. She wouldn't like it. You must promise me never, never, never, to let her know. It is quite my own idea. Besides, I am very clever about people--and I liked you that day she brought you over here.

    Wendover
    You do me great honor.

    Lady Davenant
    I'm glad you're pleased! It doesn't matter much--but have you any money? Are you rich?

    Wendover
    A little. Not much.

    Lady Davenant
    Well--she'll probably like you the better for it. Americans are so strange.

    Wendover
    I really don't understand.

    Lady Davenant
    She told me what happened between you last night at the Opera.

    Wendover
    I wish someone would tell me what happened. She began asking the strangest questions. Then she insisted on leaving by herself.

    Lady Davenant
    Surely, you understood her?

    Wendover (honestly)
    No. I'm not sure I did. She was hysterical, I thought.

    Lady Davenant
    She says your behaviour was perfect.

    Wendover
    She turned against me. She said she never wanted to see me again.

    Lady Davenant
    And you would like to see her?

    Wendover
    Ah, Lady Davenant, you must leave that to me.

    Lady Davenant
    Don't be afraid to tell me. I'm meddling, of course. I'm meddling. I sent for you here to meddle. Who wouldn't for that creature? She makes one melt.

    Wendover
    I don't know what she thinks she said.

    Lady Davenant
    She thinks she asked you to marry her.

    Wendover
    She doesn't really? She asked some very confused and confusing questions, that's all.

    Lady Davenant
    And do you?

    Wendover
    Do I wish to marry her? Truthfully, I hadn't given it a thought before last night.

    Lady Davenant
    We have different ideas over here. Why did you go to her so much?

    Wendover
    For company.

    Lady Davenant
    Do you know Selina has bolted?

    Wendover
    Bolted?

    Lady Davenant
    I don't know what you call it in America. She's run off.

    Wendover
    She has left her husband?

    Lady Davenant
    Neither more nor less. With a fellow named George Crispin. She did it last night.

    Wendover
    I saw something was wrong when she didn't return. But I was at a loss --I'm not very quick at these things.

    Lady Davenant
    Your state is more gracious--but certainly you are not quick if you could call so often and not see through Selina. Selina doesn't bother too much about conventions.

    Wendover
    Mr. Crispin, whoever he is--was never there.

    Selina
    Oh, she was a clever hussy.

    Wendover
    She was fond of amusement.

    Lady Davenant
    That's a pretty phrase. Laura knew it was coming. That's what makes her sick now. She is afraid people will associate her--

    Wendover
    Miss Wing isn't associated-- I'm extremely sorry to hear of Mrs. Berrington's misconduct.

    Lady Davenant
    It will all come out.

    Wendover
    How dreadful.

    Lady Davenant
    Laura has too much family feeling. She exaggerates the badness of it, the stigma of her relationship. Good gracious--at that rate where would some of us be? But those are her ideas and they are absolutely sincere.

    Wendover
    I am very sorry for her.

    Lady Davenant
    But not in love with her?

    Wendover
    I don't say that. But she drove me away from her with a kind of ferocity. I will never see her again.

    Lady Davenant
    Gammon!

    BLACKOUT

    Scene IV. The same, later that day.

    Laura is lying down. She sits bolt upright when Lionel enters.

    Lionel
    Well, you don't look so good, I'm sorry to say.

    Laura
    You know where she is?

    Lionel
    Oh, yes. She left a clear trail.

    Laura
    I've got to know.

    Lionel
    I know why you want to know, and I'm not going to help you make a fool of yourself.

    Laura
    Please, Lionel.

    Lionel
    If you want to help, you can stay and take care of the children. The governess has given notice.

    Laura
    Selina will try to get them.

    Lionel
    Let her try, let her try.

    Laura
    You must tell me, or I'll kill myself. I give you my word.

    Lionel
    That's the tone Selina used to take. Surely you don't want to imitate her? I haven't the least objection to telling you what you want to know. I have made my arrangements and very soon you will be subpoenaed.

    Laura
    Subpoenaed?

    Lionel
    As a witness.

    Laura
    On your side?

    Lionel
    You are on my side. You tried to help.

    Laura
    Can they force me to come?

    Lionel
    Unless you leave the country.

    Laura
    That's exactly what I want to do.

    Lionel
    That won't help Selina.

    Laura
    Where is she, where is she?

    Lionel
    They're at Brussels--at the Hotel de Flandres. They appear to be very happy.

    Laura
    Are you telling me the truth?

    Lionel
    I do many things, but I don't lie. It's a mistake to go to her.

    Laura
    I won't see her with him.

    Lionel
    If you're ready for perjury--

    Laura
    I'm ready for anything.

    Lionel
    I think I've been good to you--kind.

    Laura
    Certainly you have been kind to me.

    Lionel
    If you want to defend her, it's best to keep away from her.

    Laura
    It's my duty to go to her. You don't understand. I owe it to my father and mother.

    Lionel
    What about the children?

    Laura
    Oh, the children will be all right. Say you won't, Lionel.

    Lionel
    I won't what?

    Laura
    Do the awful thing you say.

    Lionel
    Divorce her! The devil I won't!

    Laura
    Then why do you speak of the children? You have no pity for them.

    Lionel
    You, yourself, just said they'll be all right. Dear Laura, don't go. If you'll stay quietly here, I'll--I won't call you. I promise you. I give you my word I won't.

    Laura
    I must.

    Lionel
    But, honestly, do you suppose I'll ever let her in the house again?

    Laura
    I must, I must, I must.

    Lionel (turning and with finality)
    Well, then, goodbye.

    BLACKOUT

    Scene V. The same, next morning.

    Wendover enters, and as Laura sees him, she turns away.

    Wendover
    Don't turn away. Do see me, do see me! I asked for Lady Davenant--they told me she was at home--but it was you I wanted. You look very ill.

    (Laura tries to rush past him but ends up crushed against him.)

    Wendover
    If you would let me tell you what I want to say--

    Laura
    Let me go--you persecute me.

    Wendover
    You aren't being fair.

    Laura
    Let me go, let me go.

    Wendover
    Where are you going? Can I go with you?

    Laura
    Never, never, never. I am going to my sister.

    Wendover
    Give it up. Stay here and let me talk to you.

    Laura
    What have you to say? It's my own business! Go away, go away, go away.

    Wendover
    Do you suppose I would speak this way if I didn't love you?

    Laura
    What is there to care about? If I don't go to her--where else shall I go?

    Wendover
    Come to me--you are ill, you are mad!

    Laura (rushing out)
    If you follow me, I will kill myself.

    Wendover (hesitating as Lady Davenant enters)
    What shall I do?

    Lady Davenant
    Follow her, but be patient, very patient.

    CURTAIN