615 /'(■.; ;.;n/ T/? G03.S CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY THE ANNA S. GURLEY MEMORIAL BOOK FUND FOR THE PURCHASE OF BOOKS IN THE FIELD OF THE DRAMA THE GIFT OF William F. E. Gurley CLASS OF 1877 1935 ^m DATE DUE PB6025 „ers«vU*>"'^ ■^*''°\;.a.e-,-*'?^ acts,' The original of tliis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31 92401 3652551 Green Stockings BY A. E. W. MASON S^5i» FRENCH, 28-30 West 38th St., New York GREEN STOCKINGS B ComeDe in Sbtee Sets BY A. E. W. MASON Copyright, 1910, by Louis Nethhbsom. Copyright, 1912, by Margaret Anolin Hniiin Copyright, 1911, by Mar6Ari:i AngIiIN BuiiL. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED CAnTIO>.'~AU persons are hereby warned that " GBEBN STOCKINGS," bein£ Inlljr protected nnder the oopyriAht laivtf oi the United States, fa subieot to royalty* and any one presenting the play vrithout the consent of the o-wner or her anthorized agents vriXl be liable to the penalties by lavr provided. Application for the amatenr acting rights mnst be made to SAMUEL, FRENCH. 28-30 WEST 38tb St., Ne-w Torh. Applioatiom for the professional aotinft rights must be made to ALICE KAUSER, 1402 Broad way, Neur Torh. New York SAMUEL FRENCH PUBLISHEK 28^30 WEST 38th Stbebt London SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd,, 26 Southampton Stbbbt STRAND \<:- /\U/Jff Especial notice should be taken that the possession of this book without a valid contract for production first having been obtained from the publisher, confers no "^ght or license to professionals or amateurs to produce the play publicly or in private for gain or charity. In its present form this play is dedicated to the reading public only, and no performance of it may be given except by special arrangement with Samuel French, 28-30 West 38th Street, New York. Section 28— That any person who wilfully or for profit Bhall infringe any copyright secured by this act, or who shall knowingly and wilfully aid or abet such infringement shaU be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by imprisonment for not exceeding one year, or by a fine of not less than one hundred nor more than one thousand dollars, or both, in the discretion of the court. Ad oS March 4, 1909, *' GREEN STOCKINGS ' DESCEIPTION OF CHAEACTEES. Admieaii GrEicB. (Eetired) A testy old gentle- man of about 65, with tlie manner of an old sea dog, of ruddy complexion, with white hair and whiskers. William Faeadat. A well preserved man of about 65. Fashionable, superficial and thoroughly selfish. Colonel Smith. A dignified, dryly humorous man of military bearing, about 40 years old. EoBEET Taevbe. An empty headed young swell. Henet Steele and Jambs Ealeigh. Two young men of about 30 and 35 respectively. Maetin. a dignified old family servant. Celia Faeadat. An unaffected woman of 29, witH a, sense of humor. Madge (Mes. Eockingham) and Eveltw (Lady Teen-chaed). Handsome, well-dressed, fashionable women of 35 and 27 respectively. Phyllis. The youngest sister, a charming and pretty, but thoughtlessly selfish girl of 20. Mes. Chisolm Faeadat, of Chicago. (Aunt Ida)' A florid, quick-tempered, warm-hearted woman of 50 or thereabouts. Act I. Eoom in Mr. Faraday's House, February 11th, Evening. Act II. Same as Act I. Eight months later. About 6 o'clock. Act III. Morning foom. in Mr. Faraday's house. Evening, same day. 8 « GEEEN STOCKINGS. LIGHT PLOT, ACT I. ^ At rise, footlights and first border white and aniber full up. Four table lamps on stage alight. In card room u. L. chandelier; and amber bunch off. In morning room v. e. lamp on table; and amber hunch off. At exit of Phyllis and Evelyn on cue " I think they do " — from Phyllis, PSyllis switches off lights V. E. and Evelyn puts out lamp in morning room. All lamps go out leaving only chandelier in card room alight. First border to one quarter. White foots out and amber foots to one quarter. When Evelyn puts out lamp in morning room, put out bunch in same. When Celia turns up switch on cue " Oh, ifs you. Aunt Ida," all lights on stage full up as before except lunch and lamp in morning room. Electric switch v. e. on set to e. morning room door. Bell push V. L. c. to E. card room door. Amber No. 32 in fire-place on knife switch to. be flickered when Celia throws letters and army list into fire. Bed bunch in fire-place. ACT IL Amber bunch in room e. Light amber on tacking card room. Bed glow from fire-place. On cue " other fish in the sea " from Geioe, amber on backing, (hang- ing to dark amber very slowly and then out. On cue "Beady, Delia, ready" from Paeaday, comes up slowly to moonlight blue. When amber change is made on backing foots and borders down about 5 points. When Phyllis lights lamp on table e. c. on cue "Oh, there's a message "—foots and borders full up as beJorOr GEEEN STOCKINGS. S. ACT in. Foots and first "border full up amber and white. Blue bunch in conservatory left. Blv£ bunch and moonlight spots in window E. Spot to be directed on chair left of upper doors. Bed glow up and off E. to suggest fire as in Act I. Also amber No. 32 as before to be fiichered when Smith " burns " Army List. Two candles on table c. lighted. On cue — " Damn, 'Wobbles, I am going because" — from Col. Smith, white third border full up a moment after Evelyn exits put third border out. On cue — " Then let me sit like this in the dark" from Celia, — Celia switches off light v. l. All lights on stage out, except red glow and lights on baching and blue spot on Celia. On cue — "Army Lists don't bu/rn so sud- denly as that" — from Celia, Aunt Ida turns up switch, lights full up as before. Bell push V. L. c. L. of center doors light sivitch to L. of this, PEOPEETY PLOT. Set Peopeeties Act I. A medium-sked table L., on it, a book slide eon- taioing books and Army list, lamp, se'wing bag, silver purse contaioiag coin money. To right of table, arm-chair with cushion. At head of table, a single chair. Left of table, a single chair. Cabinet above door L. against wall, on it, a vase of flowers, photograph frames. A small grand piano at back with drapery, on it, lamp, bowl of flowers, some photograph frames. Long narrow table right, an arm-chair with small cushion to l. of it. Waste paper basket under it. 6 GREEN STOCKINGS. Stool below it. On it, a table cover, EnglisK periodicals at each end, railway guide at upper end, a lamp, silver cigarette box, a paper knife, letters, vase of tulips, calendar, match holder, ash tray. R. table a large sofa with cushions. Against fire-place, large mantel, on it, three vases. Against mantel, a club fender. Below mantel, arm-chair. A small writing table tr. a., on it, small lamp, a; small vase of flowers, blotting pad containing p'enSji ink, paper and envelopes. In card room u. t,., card table and four chairs. On table, two packs of cards, pencUs, bridge markers, ash tray. In morning room, small table, two chairs. On table, lamp, ash tray, match holder^ vase cf flowers. ACT II. Same as Act I, and table h. c, and chairs moved to c. R., nearer center. On it, tea tray laid for five people, pliun cake on plate. Arm-chair moved to l. of table and plain chair moved to r. of table. Muffin stand placed lower end of cabinet. On it, muffins, cakes, etc. Throat spray behind vase on table R. c, for Phyllis. Remove waste paper basket. Embroidery on table r. c, for Phyllis. Election address on cabinet l., for Tarver. Close table in card-room — rearrange chairs and draw curtains. Replace all flowers with autumn flowers. GEEEK STOCKINGS. % ACT III. A small round dinner table center, two chairs E. and L. of it. Oa table, lace cloth. Candles and flowers at back. In center, basket of fruit, almond dish with burnt almonds, large silver cigarette box, silver cigarette lighter, two ash trays, plates and finger-bowls, fruit knives and forks, napkias, nut crackers. A small sewing-table u. k. To K. of it, a high-backed winged arm-chair. L. of it, a square arm-chair. On table, a lamp. E. of center doors a small table, on it, silver serr- ing tray, small tray with brandy decanter, two liquor glasses, desk and chair L. On desk, pens, ink, paper and envelopes. Couch with cushions L. desk. China closets ia first L. flat containing bric-^-brac. In conservatory palms and flowers. L. of center doors — chair. In room it. c. off stage cabinet of Act I — stable and arm-chair. On table book-rack with army list as seen in Act HAND PEOPEETIES OFF STAGE. ACT I. Off E. 3, cigars for Paeadat and Admibal. Coins for Ealeigh. Off l. 1, oilskin coat, and hat, and travelling bag (all wet) for Celia. ACT II. Off E. 3, tonic bottle for Taetee. Clothes-brush for Taevee. Off L. 1, English Times and periodical with mailing wrapper on it — on salver for Maetin". 8 GEEEN STOCKINGS. flvo boxes wrapped in tissue paper for Celia. Card on salver for Mabtiit. Pin and large heavy-faced open ■watch and chain and cigarette case for Col. Smith. Army list on salver for Maetin. Off k. 3, atlas for Taevee. (Set of chimes and door-beU off !.)_ ACT III. Off E. 1, tray with coffee-pot, two demi-tasse, and sugar bowl and one cigarette, for MAETiif. Smart motor wrap, muff, bonnet, and traveling bag belong- ing to Celia. Large heavy ulster, furs, and bonnet (for Aunt Ida) (for Maetin.) Large covered box tied with pink ribbon and small box supposed to con- tain watch and pin for Celia. Army list partly burnt, in tongs, off K. 3, for Celia. "GREEN STOCKINGS" ACT I. ScEJTE: — A room in Me. Paiudat's country house; at the upper left corner , a little room is recessed, in which is ajolding card table and four chairs. Windows at iach. On table are two decks of cards, an ash tray and two bridge marlcers and pencils. Hanging over table, a shaded electrolier. There is no door, but people sitting at the card table are practically off the stage, though they can be seen and heard. At right corner balanc- ing left corner exactly is seen a portion of the morning room {baching used is part of 3 Act set) directly against bach is a small table, be- tween two chairs, both of which are facing it. On table, a lighted lamp and an English periodi- cal, also an ash tray and a vase of spring flowers. Note: All flowers used in this set are spring flowers. Between card room and morning room on bach flat, a tapestry is hung, against flat a Baby Grand piano, hey-board facing right up and down stage; on piano are a scarf, photo- graph frames, vase of flowers and a lamp. In the center of the left wall of the room proper is hung a large picture; beneath this stands a large cabinet on which is formal garniture. Below this is a door (l. 1) which leads into the hall; above door and to left center, a table on which is a sliding booh rach, holding several hooks and 9 10 GREEN" STOCKINGS. an English army list (see illustration) Also, a shaded lamp, a purse for Lady Tkenchaed to left of table, and a sewing bag for Aunt Ida to right of table. In E. 1 is a door balancing that in L. 1. It leads to hall. Above door e. is a large mantle. Above this is hung a large picture, balancing that on left wall. On mantle, a formal garniture of vases; against mantle, a club fender with upholstered top, fire irons inside fender, grate with lighted coal fire; below fender, facing sofa, an arm-chair. Opposite and facing the fender and about three feet from it is a large comfor- table sofa, with a number of cushions; against the bach of this, a long magazine table. On this are, beginning at upper end, an English time- table, a large shaded lamp, large cigarette box containing cigarettes, ash tray, match holder, vase of tulips, photo frame, and at extreme lower end of table seven or eight English periodicals. On these, a large blue linen envelope, unsealed, flap being turned in. This contains a few spring fashion plates. With this are four ordinary letters, containing circulars {all of these letters are important). Below table, a square tapestry stool, left of table an arm-chair, under table a waste paper basket. Between piano and en- trance to morning room is a small light writing table. On this, a small lamp or a pair of shaded candles, a blotting pad with paper, envelopes, inh and pens. Above this a chair. Off l. a door bell and set of chimes. Electric light switch on E. wall to E. of morning room opening. Bell push on 1. of bach flat. The entire room should convey the impression of quiet, dignified, taste- ful elegance. Complete darhness at windows, suggesting a rainy night. On rise of curtain, all lamps are lighted and fire aglow. Before curtain rises, Phyllis plays for a mo- GEEEK STOCKINGS. 11 ment or two; at rise discovered: — Phyllis at piano playing. Lady Teenchaed seated at uf- • per end of sofa, smohing a cigarette and reading a periodical. Madge writing a letter at writing table up stage. Aunt Ida seated in arm-chair at K. of table l. Tcnitting. The girls and Aunt Ida are in evening dress. Phyllis continues to play softly under conversation, something cheer- ful but not too fast. The opening scene should be played brightly and quicMy. Madge. (Rises. Brightly) Oh, Evelyn Evelyn. Yes, Madge. Madge. (Coming down to chair l. of table H. with letter in hand) I do want this letter to my husband to catch the Indian mail. Do you know anything about the postal service in this benighted village? Evelyn. (Continuing to read and speaking ovet Tier magazine) No, Madgie, I don't, Celia always attends to those things — Sh^s away. Eing for Martin. (Madge goes to bell in upper flat l. rings it, and then comes L. c.) Aunt Ida. (Without looTcing up from her Tcnit- ting) Haa anyone gone to the wharf to meet Celia? Evelyn. (Indifferently) Why, no, she's coming home to-night, isn't she ? Aunt Ida. (Vehemently) You got her telegram. Madge. (Unconcerned) What time is her boat due? Aunt Ida. At eight, and now it's nearly nine. (Enter Maetin e. 1 e. and stands) Aunt Ida. (Continuing) She'll have been wait- ing for an hour on that dreadful wharf. Evelyn. (Still reading and speaMng over her 13 GREEN STOCKIITGS. booh) Oh, Martin, the motor must go at once to the wharf to fetch Miss Celia. Maetin. Yes, Your Ladyship, but hadn't I bettet send down some extra wraps, if s a very wet night. Evelyn. {Looking up for a moment) Wet? Dear me, is it raining? Aunt Ida. Cats and dogs. Evelyn. {Returning to her reading)' Oh, very. Well, then, Martin, attend to it at once. Maetin. {Turns to go to door e.) Yes, your Ladyship. Madge. {From l. c.) Attend to me first, Martin, if you please. Maetin. {Turns lack) Yes, Madam. Madge. How late can I post in order to catch the the Indian mail ? Maetin. Up till 10 o'clock. Madam. Madge, {Going lack to desk) Oh, then I havi time to write a longer letter. (Maetin exits e. 1.) Aunt Ida. {Looking around at girls, who are all occupied and quite olliviouc of Celia's discomfort. With a deep sigh and shaking her head) Poor Celia. Phyllis {Gives a slight bang on the piano, rises and comes quickly down center. Indignantly) Poor Celia. Well, she's coming back home, just at a moment that's going to complicate — the — whole — ^ situMion. Evelyn. Why, what do you mean ? Phyllis. {Addressing Evelyn) Well, you know how father feels about lettiag me get married — ^While Celia is settling down day after day into a permanent old maid-^-If she'd stayed away a little longer, he might forget for a while, but here she's turning up just this very night, just as Bobby has gained courage enough to take the bull by the horns and beard the lion sulking in his tent. GEEEN STOCKINGS. 13 (Enter Taever m evening dress, 'dejectedly, B. tr. coming down center.) Aunt Ida. What an extraordinary proceeding. Phyllis. {Bunning up to Bobby and taking him hy the arm) Oh! Bobby, Bobby! What news? Taevee. Well, I'm afraid its hopeless, though I spoke with singular force, (Sits in chair Left of Table h) Phyllis. (Stands l. of Chair l. of Table E.) Oh, Bobby, how splendid of you ! How did you put it? Taever. In the form of a question. I said to your father, " Are you aware. Sir, that I love your daugh- ter and wish to make her mine?" Evelyn. What did Father say ? Taevee. Oh, he said, "Has it escaped your ob- servation. Sir, that I still have two marriageable daughters ? " Phyllis. (Protestingly) But he hasn't, he hasn't. Aunt Ida. Eh? Phyllis. You know what I mean. Aunt Ida. I'm marriageable, but €elia — ^well — Celia's just — unma/r- ried. Evelyn. (With smiling sarcasm) And very likely to stay so. Aunt Ida. (Grunts) Huh! Taevee. That's just it, but tell me, what is your father's dearest wish in life? Phyllis. To get rid of us both, of course. Aunt Ida. Phyllis Faraday! Evelyn. (Putting magazine on sofa and putting out cigarette on ash tray) Yes, so that he can give up this house to live at his elub, but he promised poor mother to wait till we were aU married Taevee. Yes, and he knows there's a better chance of getting CeHa off his hands as long as Phyllis is about, because people will go on talking of her and 14 GEEEN STOCKINGS. Celia as the two Faraday gwls, and lumping good old Celia into the girl division just out of hahit. He won't risk letting Miss Celia put on a third pair of green stockings. (Taetek loo%s around for ash tray, sees one on upper end of table, rises, goes to upper end of talle, flicks ashes on tray and strolls down right of sofa and sits lower end of fender) Aunt Ida. Eh. WiU you tell me what all this has to do with CeHa's stockings? (Phyllis sits m chair l. of table e.) Evelyn. (Rising leisurely, going to lower end of table, taking her fan and crossing to Atjnt IdAj speak- ing' as she goes) Not Celia's stockings. Aunt Ida, her green stockings. Aunt Ida. Eh? Evelyn. Why, yes. Have you never known of the old country custom which requires an elder sister to wear green stockings at the wedding of her younger sister, if that younger sister has captured a husband first f Aunt Ida. (Turning her bach to Evelyn with disgust) No, I never heard of such rubbish. Evelyn. (Patronizingly) (Crossing to head of table E. and speaking as she crosses) And poor old Celia has had to put them on twice already. Once for Madge and once for me and now comes Phyllis. (Puts her hand on Phyllis's shoulder) Phyllis. And if I have to wait to be married until Celia is out of the way — (Sighs. Evelyn moves above table and down e. of sofa) Oh, couldn't we think of anybody who might marry Celia? Evelyn, do you think you could do anything about it with Henry Steele or Jimmie Ealeigh ? Taevee. (With a brilliant inspiration) If it comes to that, why shouldn't Admiral Grice be got to marry Miss Celia ? (Everybody exclaims and throws up their hands in hprror)^ GEEEIT STOCKINGS. M (Evelyn sits on sofa) Phyllis. (Horrified) Oh, Bobby. Takvee. Yes, Griee. (ThougMfully, strolling center helow table) Isn't half a bad idea, come to think of it. I'd like to get even with Grice. (Aunt Ida gives a grunt of disgust) The way he keeps roar- ing questions at me all day about my election, and neither he nor Miss Celia are what you might call — > in the first bloom of their youth. Aunt Ida. (Interrupting sharply) Mr. Tarver, my niece. Miss Celia Earaday, is a dear, delightful young woman, still under thirty. Eyelyn. (Again with smiling sarcasm)' Yes, but how much under. Aunt Ida ? Taevee. Yes, as Lady Trenchard says, how mucTi is Miss Celia Earaday under thirty? Thirty-two is freezing point, remember. (Phyllis laughs). Aunt Ida. Tcha. (Pichs up knitting and goes on with it angrily) Taevee. ( ChucJcling to himself and strolling right to foot of table) Jimmie Ealeigh said a very true thing about her. He said, " Whenever I talk to Miss Faraday, I'm warranted to stay cold for days — like a Thermos bottle. (Sits on stool) Phyllis. Oh, Bobby. Aunt Ida. Oh, Mr. Tarver. (Smiling with sup- pressed fury) I should like to have you in Chicago for a week. Tahvee. (Talcing her seriously) Oh, thanis aw- fully. I dare say some day, after my election, I shall have to look up America. Just at present, though, I have too much on my mind. Aunt Ida. Shouldn't overburden the weak, Mr. Tarver. Phyllis. (Showing resentment) Oh, Aunt Ida ! ,16 GEBEN STOCKINGS. (Evelyn laughs)] Taeveh. (Rises, gives Atjitt Ida a resentful look, turns up E. by fender and addresses Evei-tn) But the great thing now is to get old Griee to propose to Miss Celia. EvELTir. (Very patronizingly) Why, yes, Bobby, then out of gratitude she might go out and canvass for you. Taevee. (Doubtfully) Ye-es, that would be very nice, of course (Rises enthusiastically) but fascinating girls are what is needed at a time like this, like you. Lady Trenchard, and Phyllis and Mrs. Eockingham. (He bows to each as he addresses them. Going up to Madge at deslc e.) I say, when is your husband coming back from India ? Madge. Not till Christmas. (Rises) Taevee. Then you can spend all your time can- vassing for me, can't you ? Madge. (Patronizingly) Oh, of course, Bobby. Taevee. (Crossing l. to c.) Thanks awfully. And you two girls can do the same. But your sister — well (Madge comes to head of magazine table.) Attnt Ida. (Turning on him quickly) Well, what, Mr. Tarver? Taevee. (Very diffidently) Well I'm afraid she wouldn't be of much use — ^you see she's rather dif- ficult — ^isn't she? Aunt Ida. Difficult ! Taevee. (Seeing he has made a break, tries to re- cover himself) Well, not quite the sort of person to make friends for one, don't you know? Aunt Ida. (Growing more and more enraged^ rises and faces him) Mr. Tarver! Taevee. (Now thoroughly frightened) Well, shall we say a, — a — a trifle cold? Aunt Ida. " (Baching him across stage to foot of GEBEF STOCKINGS. If talle E.) Yes, and wlio has made her a trifle cold (Imitating Taeveh) and difficult? You and your Henry Steeles and Jimmy Baleighs. All the Girls Together. Aunt Ida 1 Tarver. Oh, I say ! Aunt Ida. Yes, where is she now, I would like to know? Freezing for an hour on an open wharf in the pouring rain three miles away, because nobody took the trouble to think of her. Madge. (Coming center. Protestvngly) Oh, Aunt Ida, I heard the motor leave not two minutes ago. Aunt Ida. Yes, just about two hours too late. (Madge goes above talle and joins girls, who with Tarver are evidently alarmed under Aunt Ida's attack and express it in a murmur. Tarver sits) Oh, if only she doesn't get tired of waiting before the motor can get there. Tarver. (To girls) Don't worry. Don't worry. Why should she get tired ? It would look like a lack of confidence in you if she stopped waiting. Aunt Ida. Yes, and Celia is certainly accustomed to waiting for and on every one of you. Girls and Tarver. Now, you know, — Oh, I say. (Madge turns up to piano.) Aunt Ida. (Continuing) She is a baclE number. Thaf s your constant suggestion, and because she hasn't found a Jim Ealeigh to love her, she is on the shelf — (Disgustedly) a Jim Ealeigh. (Tarver and Phyllis rise and she consoles him.)] Ealeigh. (Entering gayly through morning room) Hello, what's that about me ? (Go.es directly to Aunt Ida. They turn to talle l.) (Aunt Ida flustered and exclaiming. Immediately 18 GEEBN STOCKIlSrGS. following Raleigh are Fabadat, Grice and Steele in the foregoing order. They are chat- ting and smohing and are aU in evening dress.) Faraday. (Cheerily) You don't mind, girls, if we bring in our cifl^ars ? Madge and Evklyn. Not at all. Father. (Faeadat crosses immediately to card table and looks it over.) Gkicb. (Coming down E. of sofa. Oruffly to Taetee) Tarver, I want to ask you a question. Tarvee. (Going reluctantly to him) Yes, sir. (Phyllis looles reproachfully at Geice and sits again in chair L. of table e., swinging her foot and watching Tarvee and Geice. Steele goes to head of sofa and talks with Lady Teenchaed. Madge remains by piano, turning over music. Ealeigh crosses to left of table, above table, still talking to Aunt Ida. All of this business occurs almost simultaneously and quickly.) Faeaday. {Coming out of card room. Irritably^ Madge, where are those new markers? Madge. I don't know. Father. Celia attends to ieverything. I7AEADAY. (Coming down center. Testily) Well, 'God bless my soul, where is Celia? (Madge gradually comes down c, e. of Faraday.)" Aunt Ida. (Facing him. Vehemently) Ccd bless your soul, William Faraday, down on the wharf in the pouring rain Faraday. Whafs that? Aunt Ida. (Continuing) Frozen to death by this time. Faraday. God bless my soul! GEBEN STOCKINGS. 19 Aunt Ida. (Continumg) For all any one cares. Faeadat. But I need her. She must be sent for at once. {Door opens suddenly. Cblia in dripping oil skins and drenched veil, carrying a soaking wet travel- ing 'bag, enters and crosses immediately from L. 1 B. to E. 1. All give start of surprise.) OVLKES. Celia ! Miss Faraday — etc. Aunt Ida. Darling! Madge. {As Celia gets center. Coming down center) We did send the motor for you, Celia, only it was too late. Celia. {Pausing at door) Yes, I know, Madgie, but when I met him, he wouldn't stop. He took me for the fish-monger — {Exit quickly e. 1 e.) Faeadat. Fish-monger ! God bless my soul ! Madge. {Idiotically to girls) She must have walked. Evelyn and Phyllis. Why, yes. Aunt Ida. Well, she could hardly sleep on the wharf, could she? Geice. {To Steele) What an unfortunate way that poor woman has of doing things that make everyone feel uncomfortable. Steele. {To Geice) Yes, the idea of her walk- ing up here alone in the rain ! Evelyn. {To girls) Wherever did she get the clothes ? Celia. {Off stage) Martin, send to the station at once for my hat and coat and return these things to Wilson. He borrowed them from the pilot. Geice. Wilson ? Evelyn. {Patronizingly) He is the man at the station. Ee's Celia's slave. CCelia re-enters without oil skins and stands at door E. She is in a simgle traveling dress.\ ?0 GEEBN' STOCKINGS. Fahaday. {From center of stage) God bless my soul, Celia, where have you been ? Celia. Why, I've been away, Father, for a week. Perhaps you haven't noticed it. Faeadat. Not noticed it? I have missed you very much. I never get all the right things for breakfast when you're away ! Celia. Sorry, Father. (Celia crosses quickly td Aunt Ida, who is in the center of the stage, Faraday having turned and gone up into the card room. Celia nodding as she crosses, to the Admiral and the girls) Good evening. Admiral. Well, girls. (Admiral acTcnowledges her greeting with a grunt, Steele with a stiff low, and the girls say, "Good evening, Celia") Celia. Well, Aunt Ida. Aunt Ida. {Kissing her on loth cheeks) Dear child! '(Celia passing l. over to Me. Raleigh, who is left of table L. Celia offers him her hand, which he takes with a very bored air. Meanwhile, the groups break up after Celia has passed. Lady Teenchard joins the Admiral and Steele at upper end of sofa. Phyllis joins Taevee; they sit at lower end of fender, Phyllis sitting in chair below fender. Aunt Ida joins Madge and they all talk in dumb show during Celia's scene with Ealeigh.) Celia. Mr. Ealeigh, how are you? Ealeigh. I am very well, thank you. {Pause) Yes. Celia. Yes? Ealeigh. {In a bored monotone, looking straight in front of him) Yes. I hope you enjoyed yourself, Miss Faraday. You were in London ? GEBEN STOCKINGS. 21 Celia. No, at Southampton. Ealeigh. Oh, yes — er — all amongst the ships' and things. Celia. Yes. Ealeigh. Yes. Celia. Won't you sit down, Mr. Ealeigh? Ealeigh. No thanks. I never sit down. Cella. Eh? Ealeigh. After dinner. Celia. Oh. Ealeigh. You have heen away quite a long time. Miss Faraday? Celia. Yes, for me. Ealeigh. Yes, I mean for you. Well — nothing much has happened. Celia. Well, one hardly expects much, does one? Ealeigh. No. Oh, Manners has got himself en- gaged. Celia. Eeally? To Jennie Woodcote, I suppose? Ealeigh. Yes; they were all saying it was her last chance. Celia. Yes, they would. Ealeigh. Of course, thaf s all nonsense. Now- adays, there's no — a Celia. Age limit? Ealeigh. Exactly! (Then catching himself up in great confusion) No, no. Good Lord, no! I didn't mean Faeaday. ('Coming forward l. c.) Well, we might as well have some bridge. (Murmurs of " Oh, splendid ") Ealeigh. (y7ith a shout of relief lachs away from Celia toward card room) Bridge, oh splendid! (EvELTiir and Steele go slowly ta card room. Tarveh starts l.) Geice. (QuicTcly) JTarver, I have another ques- tion to ask you. 22 GEEEN STOCKINGS. Taevbk. (To Faeadat, enthusiastically) Ad- miral Griee plays a ripping game. Paeadat. (Oayly) Come along, Admiral. Come along. Geicb. ('Grossing left. Faraday takes him iy the arm. They go up to card room together, chatting gayly) Not bad. Not bad. (These last few lines are played very quickly. Cblla has remained in chair E. of l. table after Ealeigh has gone to card room. Atjnt Ida and Madge are standing up stage and those who have gone into the card room seat themselves in the following fashion, after the settling of partners in dumb show. Raleigh is seated down stage, his bach to the audience, IiADT Teenchaed to his right, Paeadat to Ms left, and Admiral Geicb opposite him. They begin their game of bridge. Taevbe has gone up h. of sofa, getting a cigarette at head of table. Phyllis throws herself lightly on the sofa on her Tcnees, gathering up Cblia's letters and flourishing them at her.) Phyllis. Celia, here are some letters for you. Celia. (Crossing to chair l. of table e. and sit- ting) Letters for me? Phyllis. One is a big one. (Gives Celia letters, Jcneeling on sofa) Celia. I don't suppose any of them are very important. Phyllis. (Pityingly) No, I don't suppose so. Celia. (Looking at letters) Circulars. Cir- culars. (Tears open one envelope and takes out cir- cular letter. Then seeing big envelope, says brightly as she picks it up and draws out fashion plates) Oh, spring fashions. Phyllis. (With an air of superiority) Oh, you don't want those. Give them to me. GEBEN STOCKINGS. 23 (Celia suhmissively hands ihem over, leaving large blue envelope on table. Phyllis takes them and sits on sofa with T-Ahtbe, who has come down after lighting his cigarette. They hold hands, hachs to Celia, looTcing at fashions.) Celia. (Beading letter that she Tias opened) "Dear Sir or Madam: Having secured our un- paralleled stock of sherry wine on a falling market— r" (Drops envelope and opens another. Beads)' " Dear Madam : You are cordially invited to attend our spring opening of tousehold linens " Paeadat. (Coming from card room) Madge, you ■will play? Madge. No thanks, I'll finish my letter. (Whci has been talking to Aunt Ida, goes bach to writing table up E. and resumes writing) Faeaday. (Disappointedly) And Phyllis doesn't. Aunt Ida. Well, there's Celia. Faraday. (Coming down to Celia)' God bless my soul ! Of course, why did I forget? Celia. Oh — ^thafs all right. Father. (Cheer- fully opening her letters) If s being done, you know. Faeaday. (To Taetee and Phyllis, who a/re seated on sofa, holding hands) Now, then, you two, none of that! No holding hands! (They rise quickly, looking embarrassed and facing father) You iare not engaged yet, you know. Celia. (Happily) Engaged? Phyllis and Mr. Tarver ? Faeaday. (Beassurmgly) No, no, certainly not. Nothing of the kind. Cheer up, my dear. (Patting Celia on the shoulder) You don't suppose I would allow a chick like Phyllis to marry with you on mj hands stUl ? Aunt Ida. (Who has Veen watching him and listening to him)^ William! (She takes him bg ihe arm and they go up to the card room tegeihei') 24 GEBEN STOCKINGS, (There are now in the card room Geice, Fakadat, Steele, Raleigh, Lady Tebnchaed and Aunt Ida. Aunt Ida is out of sight. Ealeish, Lady Teenchaed, Geice and Paeaday are playing, Steele is circulatwig about above table. Taeveb goes up in the morning room, sits left of table, and reads a magazine. Celia rises and goes to Phyllis, who. meets her below sofa.) Celia. PhyUis- Phyllis. (Eagerly) Oh, Celia, you dou't really mind, do you? Just because you can't — ^I mean, be- cause you don't want to — get married, you won't try to stop Bobby and me, will you? Celia. (In a hurt tone) Phyllis — dear Phyllis. (Believed) I knew you wouldn't. I told Bobby ! Celia. And do you mean to say that Mr. Tarver — (Controlling herself tvith effort) Phyllis, dear — You ought to know — ^by now — ^there isn't anything I wouldn't do to make my littlest sister happy. (Pat- ting Phyllis on cheeh) Phyllis. (Ca/relessly engrossed in her ovm af- fairs) Oh, of course, I hnow that. But, Celia, you're quite mistaken and unjust about poor Bobby. Celia. (Smiling, rather bitterly) Oh — ^I hope not, Phyllis. I — can't stand— injustice ! Phyllis. (Kneeling on stool e. c.) But yo» are! In spite of all his worries and preoccupations about his election, Bobby takes the greatest interest in you, Celia Celia. (Grosses c. Smiles ironically) Yes? Phylms. I tell you he does! (Forgetting herself in her zeal) As soon as he has time, i>obby means to do everything he can to get Admiral Orice to ptQ- pose to you! Celia. (Recoiling) What ! ! Phyllis. (Crestfallen) Oh — ^I oughtn't to have Jpld you, I supBQse. But if s frae, all the sa,me. {Ba» GEBEN STOCKINGS. 25 proachfully) You don't appreciate Bobby's nolle nature, Celia. You don't biow how Bobby realizes your — your loneliness, Celia. TTnless you could hear him talk about you, you'd never guess how much darling Bobby pities you. Celia. {In a changed voice) Phyllis. One mo- ment, please — {With an effort at calm) Do you mean to say that you and — and Mr. Tarver have been ■ — been discussing — me — ? Oh! {Clenching her handkerchief) Phyllis. Not discussing — {Self-righteously) Bobby would not discuss anybody. But — ^you see, Celia, we were all — Aunt Ida and all of us — ^talking, just in fun, about your having to wear Green Stock- ings once more at my wedding, and Bobby — {Laughs to herself) Darling Bobby, is so witty — ■ — ! Celia. Oh, yes — Go on, Phyllis. Phyllis. {Injured) Well, but he is. Celia. Oh yes — ^yes Phyllis. And so Bobby was just being most awfuUy sweet and sympathetic about your — youi'j position. Celia. My position — ! {Between her teeth) My — ^position ! And so Mr. Eobert Tarver was kind enough to express concern, was he — ^because there was no possible chance of any decent man ever want- ing to marry me? Phyllis. {Ealf frightened) Oh, Celia ! {Bises) Celia. And he makes jokes about my stockings. (Goes L. to chair e. of table L. and stands ieside it) I can hear his jokes ! Phyllis. Oli, Celia ! Bobby is witty. Celia. {Ironically) Yes, very. Paeaday. {In ca/rd room) I don't think much of that Admiral. Geicb. {In card room) You don't? What's the matter with it? {These, last two, lines are spoken hurriedly, almost 26 GREEN STOCKINGS. together in card room, as Celia's expression con/- veys to the audience her sudden determinatiori to invent her story.) Celia. (With entire change of manner) Call him down here, Phyllis, please, and tell him I want to epeak to him. Phyllis. Celia! {Crossing to center) But why? Celia. Oh, nothing. I only want to thank him, you know, about old Admiral Grice, and tell him that he need no longer complicate his anxiety about his election with worries about me or the color of my stockings. Phyllis. (Startled) Why, Celia — ^what do you mean? Celia. Well, you see (Laughs) I am not quite ac- customed to announcing — my engagement. Phyllis. (With undisguised amazement. Halt- ingly) Your engagement? Why — it's — impossible, Celia. Yes, that's what Mr. Tarver says. Well, now suppose we call him down here, Phyllis, and tell him he is mistaken. Phyllis. Oh — Ce — ^lia! (Embraces Celia gush- ingly. Rushes up to Taevee and calling) Bobby, Bobby, Bobby, Bobby ! (Tarvek drops his magazine, Phtdlis drags him down B. of Celia. He is right of Phyllis)' What do you think? Celia's engaged to be married. Taetee. (Loohs at her, greatly astonished, drop- ping his eye-glass) Never ! Celia. (Sarcastically) Thanks so much, Mr. Tarver, for your kind congratulations. Phyllis. (Who has run up to card room, calliMg) Aunt Ida, Aunt Ida! (Tarvee pauses a moment and then goes E., loohing over at Celia incredulously as he go.es. He finally sits on fender.). GEEEN STOCKINGS. ^7 Celia. (Calling up to Phyllis) Oh, Phyllis, I only meant to tell you and Mr. Tarver. Phyllis. (Excitedly. Bringing down Aunt Ida extreme l.) Aunt Ida! Celia is engaged to be married. Aunt Ida. (Coming down left of table and be- low table to Celia. Smiling happily) Darling — at last — (Kisses Celia) Phyllis. (Dances across to center) I can be married now. I can be married now. (Runs across to Madge and sits on piano stool) Aunt Ida. I knew that this would happen, Celia. Did you. Aunt Ida ? (These last two lines spo]cen hurriedly and together.) Phyllis. Madge, what do you think? Celia is engaged. Madge. (Rises, drops Tier pen in hJanJc surprise) Not really! (Phyllis runs to Bobby who is on fender and they sit together, talking excitedly, and looJcing at Celia.) Faraday. (Entering from card room. Testily) Now then, now then, can't you girls make a little less noise ? Madge. Oh, Father ! (Rushes to him, Irings him c. She is right of him\_ What do you think has happened? Celia is engaged to be married. (Pauses a moment to listen to ensuing dialogue and then runs up to card room and in dumb show tells others of Celia's engagement. They also in pantomime ex- press surprise and incredulity. They come slowly out of card room) Fabaday. God — ^bless — ^my — soul ! (A broad grin Irealcs slowly on his face) Celia — engaged? Celia. Why yes, Father, if you have no objection to the prospect of my leavjng you. 28 GREEN STOCKINGS. Eaeadat. Objection? (Joyfvlly) Why, I'm de- lighted, my dear girl, delighted. (Aunt Ida and Celia exchange glances and Aunt Ida, disgusted at Pakaday, goes up to card room and talhs to Evelyn.) Celia. Yes, Father, I thought you would be pleased. Faraday. Pleased? (With mocJc sentiment) I hope I show a father's feelings when his eldest daughter proposes to — er — desert the home-nest. (Murmurs up in card room. Reverting to his former attitude of enthusiasm) And who is he? Whaf s the d-e-a-r fellow's name? Eh Celia? (Evelyn comes down extreme left. Ealbigh, Geice and Steele up l. c. Aunt Ida comes hack of chair, E. of table L. Phyllis Teneels on sofa, facing Celia. Taevee comes and sits in chair ielow fender.) Madge. (Coming down e. c.) Yes, Celia, tell ub all about him. Who is he ? (Sits L. of table E.) Celia. (Standing ly chair e. of table L, Slowly) Well — ^he is in the army. Ealeigh. (Quichly to Steele) A soldier, eh? Evelyn. Whafs his rank? Celia. He's a cap — a colonel — dear — a colonel, (Faeaday center, Geice up l. c, Ealeigh and Steele up l c. Evelyn l. of table l.) Faeaday. Colonel? What's his name ? Celia. (Pause) Smith. (They all show pained surprise.^ Faeaday. Smith? GREEN STOCKINGS. »9 Celia. Yes, John Smith. Eabadat. Smith — ^Huh — {Genially)' Well, of course, the dear fellow isn't to be held responsible for that. Eh, Admiral? {Joins Aunt Ida and Grice up c.) Geice. {To Faradat. Coming down e. c.) Miss Earaday engaged? You might knock me down with a feather. My dear, I congratulate yo — him, my dear, him. Celia. {Smiling and shalcing hands with Grice) Thank you, Admiral, thank you. Ealeigh. {Up L. c. to Steele) Engaged! Steele. By George! {They contemplate Celia from a new point of view.) Paeadat. {TJp E. c. with Aunt Ida. Smiling hroadly and rubhing his hands together) Good — old — John — Smith! Evelyn. {Patronizingly) Well, father,, he m^y be one of the good Smiths, you know. Madge. {From chair e.) If Celia would only stop being such a clam, and tell us. Celia. But, Madge dear, I have told you. Faraday. {Comes down stage to e. of Celia) Well, Celia, I suppose he will be coming to see us soon? Celia. Oh, yes — ^father — after the war. {Lean- ing hack on chair E. of table l.) Phyllis. {QwicMy) Thq war? {All show surprise and interest.) Celia. Yes, you see he sailed this morning On board a troop ship, for Somaliland. It was just within an hour of his leaving that he — spoke to me. Paeadat. But during that hour, he might have told you something about himself. Phyllis. Oh, father! How absurd! On occa- 30 GREEN" STOCKINGS. sions of that kind, an hour passes very quickly. {Turns to Tabtbe and smiles) (All loMgh.) Faeadat. Well, I remember that when I proposed to your mother, I told her my life history three times over in the first hour. (Goes up stage) BvELTK. (Deprecatingly) Oh, father! (To Cblia) Whafs his regiment? Celia. Oh, it is a very good one, Evelyn dear. It's one of the West African ones, you know. It has green thing-a-majigs all down the front. (Evelyn goes up l, and crosses e.) Tarvee. It sounds like a garden party. Madgb. Well, but — Celia. (Rises, comes to Celia and offers hand and passes Celia in front of her to chair l. of table E.) Phyllis. Oh, yes, do tell us. Celia. (Sitting l. of table e. Eagerly, to get rid of the questions) But there is very little to tell. (Ealeigh and Steele drop down e. c. Evelyn joins them. Aunt Ida is back of Celia. Geicb is c. Madge l. of Celia. Faeaday drops down behind Celia's chair to e. of Aunt Ida. They are now all grouped about Celia's choM-, except Taevbe, who is in chair below fender. They all show smiling interest.) Celia. Well, you see, we had been together in the house all the week — and — er — ^this morning I was in the garden — alone — and — and he joined me. (PoMse) And — er — ^it was then. (Covers her face in mock confusion) (All laugh sympathetically.) GEEBN STOCKINGS. 31 Phyllis. (From sofa) What did he say ? Cblia. (LooTcs at Tahvbr and Phyllis and wav- ing toward Taetee) Oh, you know. (All laugh.) Phyllis. And — are you happy f Celia. {LooTcing at group bending over her) Well, I really believe that this change will make a very great difference in my life. Paeaday. {Patting Celia on shoulder) Well, I hope so, my dear child, I hope so. Now, let's go back and finish our rubber. (There is a general bright buzz of conversation, such as "By jove," "I'll bet it does/' "Why, yes, Celia," " Well, I should think it would," " Indeed it will," etc. Faeaday goes up to card room with Evelyn, Geicb, and Aunt Ida. They resume their bridge game in former positions. Madge catches Taevee's eye and they join each other up E., evidently talking about Celia's engage- ment. Phyllis stops on sofa, talking across to Celia, as Celia glances over the remaining envelopes and slips them into the large blue envelope, in view of audience.) Raleigh. (To Steele l. c.) Ifs obvious that Smith didn't find it difficult. Steele. (Who is e. of Ealeigh. Looking thoughtfully at Celia) No, he didn't. Perhaps, we have all been mistaken. You know she isn't so bad looking — if you look long enough. (Steele starts to cross to Celia. Raleigh stops him and goes over himself. Steele comes back of chair l.) Raleigh. Miss Faraday, 1 haven't congratulated you yet. I hope you won't go off to Southampton soon again. We all missed you dreadfully when you >tere a,way. 32 GEEEN STOCKINGS. (Steele shows impatience at Ealeigh's talking to Gelia.) Celia. I'm sure you did. My coming back as I've done seems to have made a very great difference. Ealeigh. Oh, Great. Believe me, great. Well, you've every good wish of mine. ( Gushingly extend- ing his hand, which Celia takes amusedly) Celia. (Warmly) I am sure I have, Mr. Ealeigh. Paeadat. (From card room) Come, Ealeigh. Ealeigh. (Over his shoulder) But you threw down your cards. Paeadat. "Well ! I'm going to take them up again. Geice. {Impatiently) Come along! Ealeigh. Steele. {Triumphantly motions Ealeigh tack to card room and eagerly takes his place beside Celia's chair) What Ealeigh has just said, I most warmly echo, my dear Miss Faraday. (Ealeigh returns and takes Steele by the arm.) Ealeigh. You are wanted over here, Steele. (Celia watches them with amusement.) Steele. But I am cut out. Ealeigh. (Taking Steele lack to card room) Well, you can cut in again. (Steele goes reluctantly bach to card room, protest- ing to Ealeigh and looking back over his shoulder at Celia, as he goes. Those in card room resume former positions and go on with bridge game.) Madge. (Coming down to Celia^owJ putting her arms around her) Celia ! (Taetbe strolls up to morning room and sits right of table and begins reading agam.) GEEEK STOCKIKGS. 33 Celia. Yes. Madge. The Indian Mail goes out to-night — ^via Brindisi and Port Said. Celia. Well? Madge. Port Said. Thafs where- letters to Somaliland will be transferred. (Celia is startled.) Phyllis. Oh, of course, you must write to him. (Jumps up, runs up to writing table E. C, brings blotter from table, containing sheets of paper, envelopes, pens and inh, and puts them on magazino table, stands above and to the R. of Celia) Celia. (Protestingly) But it's too late. Madge. No, the post doesn't go until ten. You have just time. Phyllis. (Opening blotting pad and ink weZZ)], You must, if it is only a note. He will be expecting something. Celia. Oh, I couldn't write in such a hurry. Phyllis. (Forcing pen into Celia's hand) You must. Celia. (Laughingly) "Well, I can't write with you two at my elbows, you know. (Madge goes slowly up into card room, turning and jmiling at Celia, as sh,e goes.) Phyllis. (Running up and around and down to foot of sofa) I shan't look. (Kneels on ^Chesterfield sofa, facing Celia) What do you call him? Celia. (At a loss) I don't know. Phyllis. (Surprised) You don't know? Celia. (Recovering herself) I mean, dear, I use a pet name. Phyllis. Oh, lovely, what is it? Celia. Eeally, if s too absurd, you know, Phyllis. It's— it's— Wobbler 34 GBEEN STOCKmGS. Phtilis. (Laughing and surprised) Wobbles ! Celia. Yes, dear. Everybody calls him — ^Wobbled Phyllis. (Laughing) Celia, ifs delicioiwi. Fancy your being married to a man called Wobbles ! (Pretending to write in the air) " My darling Wobbles." (Laughs and runs up to Tahveh, who is seated reading in the morning room, saying as she goes) Bobby, what do you think? (She tells Taevee the name of Celia's fiance in dumb show as she sits opposite him) CELLi. (Writing) "My darling Wobbles." (Tabvbk laughs. Laugh in card room.) Celia, (Looks around to see that no one is over- looking or watching her. Writes) " I hardly know how to write you. It all seems too hauntingly beauti- ful to be true. I see your face everywhere — ^Wobbles. The very tulips have a look of you. Oh, dearest, don't get wounded in the war." (Leans hack, and laughs to herself) Good Heavens, when I got up this morning, did I ever think that I should be doing anything like this? (Resumes writing) " This is my very first love letter. Wobbles, but even I know how it ought to end. Crosses, Wobbles, crosses. One, two, three, four, five, nought, nought, nought, nought, nought. To be taken as required. Thine forever. Celia Faraday." (Phyllis comes to right of sofa and hands envelope to Celia) Thank you, dear. (Tabvee strolls down center, look- ing at Celia. Celia turns letter face down on blotter to prevent its being seen by Phyllis. Then seeing that she is being scrutinized by Taetek and Phyllis, she takes envelope from Phyllis, places letter in it, addresses it and seals it. Addressing letter) Colonel Smith, Field Force, Somaliland, Africa. Taevee. I say. Miss Faraday. Celia, Yes. 6EBEN STOCKINGS. 35 Tabvee. I hope awfully that you will Help me in my election. Eaieigh. {Speaking from card room, turning in his chcdr and holding card aloft) Yes, it's just girls like yoTi, Miss Faraday^ who win the day. Taevee. Eighto 1 ! Geice. (Thumping the talle) Have you none of that suit, sir? Ealbigh. (Whirling around and playing) Oh, yes, I beg your pardon. (Madge comes to desTc, gets her letter, goes down to foot of sofa and hands it to Phyllis. Steblh sees that Celia has finished letter and comes slowly down c.) Celia. Of course, I will help you, Mr. Tarver, It's awfully nice to have you ask me for help, you know. Taevee. Oh, thanks awfully. (Goes up and around to Phyllis, who is on sofa, talks to Madge and Phyllis) Steele. You have finished, Miss Faraday? Celia. Yes. Steele. May I put that letter in the box for you? Celia. No thanks, I will see to it. Steele. WeU — ^wouldn't you like to come and play a game of billiards ? Celia. No, thank you. I really must go and change my shoes. (Indicating her feet) You can eee that these are quite damp. Steele. (Most graciously) I can't be expected to see things so small as that. But — (Getting chair, from left) Won't you let me talk to you for just a, minute ? Celia. (Rising) I really must go and change. (Steele disconsolately and slowly puts back chairs, 86 GEBEN STOCKIlSrGS. leaving it turned on stage. He stands watching Celia for a moment, then walks up l. of tahle L., looking at tig picture on left wall, as he goes. Note: — Evelyn should give him a signal when Celia exits.) Madge. I will go with you, dear. (Goes to door E. 1 and takes the knoi in her hand) (Taever sits on fender, leans over and talks intently to Phyllis.) Cella. No, don't bother, Madgie. Madge. If s no bother. I have a lovely new frock I want to show you. You might want to copy it for your trousseau. {Exit e.) Celia. (Puzzled) My trousseau? (Recovers herself) My trousseau, oh, yes, yes, my trousseau. (Looks quickly and vainly about for some place to hide letter, either in her dress or under the table. No, ine is looking at Celia during this business. She sees large blue envelope in which she has already 'placed two unopened letters. Note: — The flap of this large envelope must be turned in. She quickly holds it up and slips the letter to Smith inside and hides it between the periodicils on lower end of table. She then looks around to see that no one has observed her and exits quickly r.) (Phyllis beckons to Taevbe and he sits beside her on sofa. Immediately Celia exits, Steele staHs after her. When he gets down e. c, Ealeigh rushes after him, carrying a ca/rd.) Ealbigh. Where are you going? Steele. I thought perhaps Miss Faraday might Jet me put on her slippers. Ealeigh. (Taking Steele by the arm) Well, Bhe is not going to put them on in the hall. She has gone to her room. You come back here. GEEEN STOCKINGS. 37 Geiob. {Shouts loudly and hwngs table and jumps up) Ealeigh!. Faeaday. Is this a game of bridge or a game of tag? Ealeigh and Steele. I beg your pardon ! (They rush bach to card room and Ealeigh plays card that he has carried away) Faeaday. There now, he has revoked too, and that's game and rubber. (Steele strolls down extreme l., goes e. a few steps and stands watching door, where Celia has made her exit.) Ealeigh. (Coming down e. c, also looTcing to- ward door K. 1) Do I owe anything? (Faeaday goes c. up stage. Grice comes c. down stage. Evelyn comes e. of l. table with a bridge score in her hand.) Geice. (Coming down center above and to the L. of Ealeigh) Do you owe anything ? You have re- voked, lost the rubber, played the worst game I havei ever seen, and now you ask if you owe anything. Yes, you owe Lady Trenchard three and six. (Ealeigh turns l. to Evelyn and pays her.) Faeaday. (Moving k. towa/rd morning room) Come and have a whiskey and soda. Taevee. Whiskey and soda. What ho! (He rises) (Geice, Faeaday and Tarvee exit through morning room. Enter Maetin l. 1 with salver. Steele starts for door e. 1 and gets to door. Ealeigh goes up to morning room. Just as he gets to the door, he sees Steele, who is about to exit after Celli.) 38 GEBEN STOCKINGS. RiiBiGH. No, you don't, Steele. You come along here. (Steele goes up E. of sofa and exits with Ealeigh, protesting. There is a general lively subdwd conversation during these exits.) Maetikt. (When only Phyllis and Bveltn are left on the stage) It is time for the letters, your Ladyship. Eyeltn". {Goes l. above table, adding up her bridge score and deferring the matter to Phyllis) Oh, Phyllis. Phyllis. (Crossing to Maetin with letter that Madge has given her) Here's one of Mrs. Eock- ingham's. (Martin comes c, takes it and turns to door l. Phyllis turns back e. Stopping) Oh, Martin. (Maetin stops at table E.) Has Miss Paraday given you one? Maetin. No, Miss. Phyllis. I will call her — Wait a minute — ■ Perhaps she left it here. (Warn electrician for lights out. Phyllis looks about on table and writing desk, then returns to table. She aimlessly rummages through pile of periodicals at foot of table, knocking them off on the floor. In replacing them, she comes across blue envelope and in picking this up by one corner, the letters that Celia has put in it, including the Smith letter, fall to the floor. She goes to re- place the letters, sees the Smith letter, and speaks) Oh, here it is. (Beads address) Colonel John Smith, Somaliland. (Grosses and gives letter to Maetin and he exits l. 1. She returns to table, places two of the magazines back on it, then the large blue envelope in which she has replaced other letters and then the rest of the magazines on top of these. All this should be done quickly and unconsciously. Phyllis humming while she is doing it) Evelyn, (After Phyllis has replaced magazines, GEBEN STOCKINGS. 39 I wonder who he is. Oh, lef s look him up in the army list. (Gets army list from booh slide, table l.) Phyllis. Oh, let's. {Crosses to Evelyn and together they turn over the pages to the S's. Bead- ing) " Smith— Smith— Smith— Smith "—Oh, here it is. " J. N. Smith, D. S. 0." Evelyn. (With mild surprise) Distinguished Service Order. Phyllis. (Reading) "West African Rifles." Evelyn. (Grossing e. to morning room) I sup- pose that's the man. Phyllis. It must be. (Replaces army list in booh slide and runs after Evelyn toward mornmg room to electric light switch by door) The Eifles wear green thing-a-majigs on their tunics, don't they? Evelyn. Yes, I think they do. (Phyllis switches off light and then Evelyn puts out lamp in the morning room as they exit chat- ting. The room is lighted now only by the fire light and light in card room. As soon as the stage is clear, Celia enters cautiously. She goes to table E., loohs for large envelope, finds it and throws it quichly into the fire, not loohing at its contents. She stands thinking a moment, then goes to table l., looks at booh rach, snatches out army list, crosses and, after mahing sure that it is the army list by loohing at it in the fire light, throws it into the fire. Note: — The electrician should at this point flash on and of a 32 amber lamp in the fire-place to give the impression of the burning of the envelope and army list that Celia has thrown into the fire. Aunt Ida, who has remained out of sight in the card room, enters as Celia crosses to fire with booh.) Aunt Ida. Why, Celia. Celia. (Turris around, startled. Goes to light 40 GEEEN STOCKINGS. switch up K. and turns on lights) Oh, it's you. Aunt Ida. Aunt Ida. (Comes down and crosses to center and sees hooh vn flames) Celia, what was that? Cblia. {Sitting on fender and swinging her foot) That? The army list. Aunt Ida. The army list? And you burned it? Celia! Celia. Well, Aimt Ida. Aunt Ida. (Beside chair l. of table E. In low voice, almost tearfully) Celia, darling, have you been doing something — foolish? (Celia laughs) Is there — is there — ^anything peculiar about — Colonel Smith? Celia. (Smiling) Wliat would you call — ■ peculiar. Aunt Ida? Aunt Ida. (With great gentleness, hut evidently distressed) Forgive me, dearest. It is — ^is there any- thing about Colonel Smith you don't want the family to know? Celia. Yes, (Going to Aunt Ida above chair E. Laughs) There is — something — about Colonel Smith — I don't want the family to know. (Laughs) Aunt Ida. Why, isn't he — ^what you said? Celia. (Lophing at Aunt Ida and laughing) He is not. Aunt Ida. (Timidly) No — ? Celia. He is — ^not!! (Celia above chair e. swings Aunt Ida into it) Aunt Ida. Mercy, child ! Don't drive me crazy 1 He is not — ^not what? Celia. Not at all. (Looks at Aunt Ida and be- gins to laugh irrepressihly) Aunt Ida. Celia! Celia. (Bends above Aunt. Ida, putting her arms about her from back and kissing her neck) Hush — listen, dear — Will you swear you won't betray me? Aunt Ida. But — Celia! Celia. Will you promise. Aunt Ida? I know I GEEBN STOCKINGS. 41 can trust you if you will only really promise never to breathe a word of what I am going to tell you to any living being? Aunt Ida. Well — ^but — ^I am not sure. Celia. Oh, very well then — ^if you don't want to know — {Crosses to chair e. of table l. and sits) Aunt Ida. ISTo, no, Celia, I promise. There now, I have promised. Celia. Very well then. {Slowly and emphatic- ally) There — isn't — any — Colonel Smith. Aunt Ida. {Helplessly) There — ^isn't — any— Colonel ? Celia. None. Aunt Ida. Then who is he ? Celia. He isn't. I invented him. Aunt Ida. {Rising) But, Celia — ^your engage- ment? Celia. Well, naturally I invented that too. Aunt Ida. Celia Faraday, you are not telling the truth. Celia. {Shaking her head) No. Aunt Ida. {Going towards Celia) You are de- ceiving everybody. Celia. Yes. Aunt Ida. You are being frightfully immoral. Celia. Yes. Aunt Ida. {Startled) And how on earth are you going to keep them from finding out? Celia. {Taking Aunt Ida's hand) Well, first of all, dear, a regiment did sail for Somaliland this morning. Aunt Ida. Yes, but regiments sail back. Celia. Wobbles won't. Aunt Ida. Wobbles? Celia. {Laughing to herself) Isn't that a heavenly name. Aunt Ida, — ^Wobbles? Aunt Ida. {Turning away from Celia reproa- ingly) Celia ! Celia. {Still seated, throwing out her arms with a 42 GEEEN STOCKINGS. iig gesture) Oh, the difference that dear, dear man is going to make in my life. Oh, the difEerence. Aunt Ida. (Going bach to Celia and putting her hand on her shoulder) Oh, my dearest child. Do give up this mad scheme and come back with me and be happy in Chicago. Celia. Oh, I couldn't give it up now. It's going to be too much fun. Now be a dear and stand by me through this and then I'll go to Chicago and stay there forever, but first let me have this one mad ex- perience, do let me enjoy my blushing triumph as a brave and absent soldier's adored fiancee. (Crosses to table E. and straightens writing things) Do you know, Aunt Ida, I just loved writing that first love letter to him just now. Aunt Ida. But Celia, your letter ! ! Celia. That is all right, dear. I burned that. Do you know what I am going to do. Aunt Ida? (Suddenly throwing herself in chair L. of table E.) Aunt Ida. What? Celia. I am going to make it a point now to shut myself alone in my room every afternoon for hours-^ let someone else look after the house and the servants while I correspond with Wobbles., (Aunt Ida laughs) I am going to give myself a chance at last. I'm going to do all sorts of wonderful things. Aunt Ida. (Down c.) What? Celia. (Rising and coming to her) 1 don't know what, but I'm going to do them. One day I'U wear a haunted look in my eye as I gaze sadly toward Somaliland. I wonder where it is. (Loolcs around) The next, I'll have a merry laugh or else a mocking smile. By day, I'U wander through the woods and think of him. By night, I'll sit before the fire and dream of him. Aunt Ida. Celia! Celia! Celia. Oh, I know I'll be a perfect fool, but I'll be the only one who will know it, and if one little fib can turn this household upside down, I am going to GEEBN STOCKINGS. 43 keep it there now just as long as it pleases me„ (Saunters right) Aunt Ida. (Frightened) Celia, suppose you are found out! CBLiA. (Coming back c.) Now, what should I do ? My heroio Wobbles — ^my beloved Colonel Smith will die — in SomalUand. (Going to magazine table, get calendar, comes down c. to Aunt Ida and runs over leaves) Now, let me see when — ^when will he die? (Stops at a leaf) On October 11th. There now, it is all arranged. (She replaces calendar on table) After eight brief months of the most perfect understanding, I shall lose — ^Wobbles. After eight toonths, I'll write out a notice of his death and you will send it to the Times. Aunt Ida. (Slowly) To The Times? I? Celia. Yes. Aunt Ida. Never. (Sits e. of table l.) Celia. What? Not if I promise to go with you to Chicago? (Aunt Ida shahes her head) And you know how much you always wanted me to do that. Oh, yes, you will. Aunt Ida. ( Goes to her) I'll buy the tickets to-morrow. You shall have the very nicest cabin on the whole ship. On October 11th, we will kill off the Colonel and the very next day, we will sail away, we'll sail away. (Crosses e. gayly) Aunt Ida. I tell you, I will not help youj,. If s too immoral. Celia. Oh, very well then. Have I, or have I not, proved now that I can help myself? Aunt Ida. (Rising and coming c. Half angry, half laughing) Are you, or are you not, ashamed of yourself, Celia Faraday? Celia. Ashamed? I? Why, no, not the least little bit in the world. I don't believe I was ever so happy in all my life. Aunt Ida. Oh, oh ! Celia. It's all very well, dear, for you to " Oh, ph " at me, but I ask you. Aunt Ida, have you ever 44 GEEElSr STOCKmGS. been pitied and patronized as I was here to-night, as I have been all these years, and looked upon as old and ugly and dowdy and dull. Aunt Ida. (Sympathetically) Not that, Celia, not that. Celia. Oh, don't think I don't know those things about myself. I do, but I don't like to hear them all the time, just the same. Have you ever been a wall-flower at every ball you have gone to, while all the other girls danced and had a perfectly lovely time ? Have you ever been seated next to the oldest, deafest members of the community at every dinner party you have gone to? Positively, Aunt Ida, I've grown so now that I can't talk at a dinner party except through an ear trumpet. (Goes k. and then returns) And, if that Tarver creature or a Jim Ealeigh or that old fossil of an Admiral or any other mortal trouser- wearing remnant of humanity had ever condescended to propose to me, there isn't a man or woman in this entire household, beginning with Martin and the boot boy, who wouldn't respect me and treat me quite dif- ferently in consequence. Aunt Ida. Yes, I know it. Celia. Oh, don't I know it ? Aunt Ida. Yes, it has been jDretty well rubbed in. Celia. Yes, I should say it has. Well, it has just been rubbed in so hard to-night that, as Phyllis would say, the straw has broken the worm's back and the worm has turned at last. Never, never, never again will I be content to be what I have been all these years, " Good old Celia." (WalMng e.) Yes, " Nice old thing." {Walking to 0.) Celia who doesn't want things and Celia who looks after things and Celia who doesn't mind things and Celia who attends to things. Well, Celia who attends to things is dead. Now everything attends to Celia. (Warn curtain. From now on, gay and laughing and walking to and fro across stage with Aunt Ida, slowly, her arm wound Aunt Ida's waist) When the day begins and GREEN STOCKINGS. 45 Father shouts, " God bless my soul, what's the matter with this eoSee?" {Turns right) I'll be upstairs in bed, drinking chocolate. And then, when the even- ing comes and Martin says, " Beg pardon, Miss, but the whiskey is out," I'U say, " I don't care. Colonel Smith doesn't drink." {Turns L.) Instead of keep- ing house accounts, I'm going to write my love letters and instead of ordering groceries, I'm going to order frocks, and wait until you see the frocks I'm going to order. {They stop walJcing) I'm going to be a blazing dream. I'll be younger than the youngest of them, gayer than the gayest, and what do I care now what any of them say or do or think about me? I'll wear just as many green stockings as they wish at as many weddings as they please, and I'll laugh and I'll sing and I'll dance them into holes, because why? Well, I'll have a sweetheart of my own, don't you see? /'ZZ be the lady love of — Woibles. {Waves her 'handkerchief in the air and she and Aunt Ida embrace, laughing heartily) QUICK CURTAIN. {Running time, 30 to 35 minutes, depending on laughs.) ACT II. Scene : — Same as Act I. There is a slight rearrange- ment of furniture and addition of properties. Table and chairs l. c, moved 12 inches nearer center. Arm-chair put left of table and plain chair right of table. The lamp has been moved from table to top of cabinet L., making room for teor-tray laid for five people. Also on the tray, is a plate containing plum cake, a three-shelf muffin stand or curate, containing cakes and 46 GREEN STOCKINGS. sandwiches is placed Mow cabinet. Sewing lag, purse and a/rmy list have been removed. Throat spray for Phyllis behind vase on table e. A medicine bottle in room off e. Embroidery on table E. for Phyllis. Election speech (a roll of foolscap paper) on cabinet L. for Taevee. Waste paper basket removed. The curtains are drawn closer than in Act I amd ca/rd table has been folded and placed against baching and chairs distributed against backing of card room. The ladies are in afternoon house dress and Paeaday in frock or morning coat. All the flowers a/re changed and autumn varieties replace those of spring. It is eight months later in the late after- noon. Half way through the act, it grows darker and lights are required, though lights are full up to commence. As curtain rises, Phyllis is seated on sofa E., doing some embroidery, Evelyn is toying with a book, seated l. of table E. Madge is at the head of the tea table, pouring tea. Paeaday stands to left of table. Paeaday. (Running over the books in book slide) Where is that army list? It's a great nuisance, not a sign of the army list. The army list has disappeared again. I wanted to write to General Partington this morning and I couldn't find out whether he was a K. C. B. or a K. C. S. I. (Aunt Ida enters through card room in out-door dress and comes directly down L. c. She should show signs of nervous apprehension all through the opening of the Act.) Madge. Tea, Aunt Ida ? Aunt Ida. Please. {Nervously) What's the matter, William? Paeaday. The army list has disappeared again. I haven't seen one for months. Phyllis, will you ask Celia to order another new one ? {Sits left) GEEEN STOCKINGS. 47 Phyllis, I do. Father, every time, but Celia always forgets it. Aunt Ida. {Sits on edge of ckavr, e. of table L. On tenter hoohs) Has the Times come yet? Taeaday. No. Aunt Ida. It's very late. Eaeadat. (Getting up and getting muffin stand from below cabinet, sets it between his hnees) It is always very late. I eat much too much tea every day, waiting for that Times. It's not good for me. (Selects a big muffin from stand) Evelyn. But, Father, couldn't you make up your mind to restraiu yourself? (Enter Maetin through card room.) Faeaday. I can make up my mind all right, but I can't restrain myself. (Bites into the muffin) Maetin. (Announcing) Admiral Grice. (Enter Geice through card room. Maetin comes down L. of table to door. Geice comes down to table.) Faeaday. How do you do, Grice, have some tea. (All greet Admibal in casual tones.) Geice. Thanks. (Madge pours him a cup of tea. He takes it and crosses and shakes hands with Lady Teenchaed and Phyllis, then goes and stands below fender.) Faeaday. (Stopping Martin at door l.) And Martin, see that another army list is bought. Send in to Lumley at once. Maetin. AnofAer army list, sir? Yes, sir. (Exit L. 1 E.'^ ^8, GKBEN" STOCKINGS, Gbice. (In an injured tone) Celiacs not here ! Phyllis. She has gone to see old Wilson, young Wilson's father. There is a rumor that he's wavering. Faeadat. Wavering! Wilson? He has some in- fluence, too. I do hate a station master who can't stick to his political principles. Gkice. What's Wilson's trouble? Evelyn. Compulsory vaccination. He can't spell it, so he's against it. Geicb. Silly ass ! Well, if anyone can settle him, it will be Celia. Phyllis. Yes, isn't she splendid ? I believe Celia could make anybody do anything. Aunt Ida. Have you just discovered that ? Geicb. I don't think that's much of a discovery. Aunt Ida. Nor I. Madgb. Yes, but Aimt Ida, you never really knew Celia before. Aunt Ida. Before what ? Madge. (Enthusiastically) Before she was en- gaged. Before she let herself go, before she showed us all the Celiaishness of Celia. Geicb. There isn't a finer girl in England. (Puts tea cup on mantel) No, nor a finer dinner than the one I'm giving her to-night. (Enter Takvee l. 1, elaborately dressed and spattered with mud. He leans against jamb of door weakly. Everyone but Aunt Ida starts in surprise at sight of Taevee. Note: — Aunt Ida does not participate in this scene, being wholly engrossed in the matter of the Times.) Phyllis. (Starting up, goes toward Taevee a few steps) Bobby ! ! ! ! Taevee. (Leaning weakly against door) I'm dead to the world. Evelyn. What has happened ? Taevee. The most awful thing. GEEEN STOCKINGS. 49. Phyllis. It was that dreadful ordeal of laying the corner stone, I suppose. Geice. (Contemptuously) They asked ^om to lay a corner stone? Taevee. They had to have a personage. Omnes. a personage ! Takvee. You see, the beastly ground was fuU of puddles and, just as I stepped forward with a trowel in my hand, I sHpped, and Geice. And sat down in one of them, I suppose. Taevee. Thaf s exactly what I did do. Oh ! How they all yelled. (All laugh, Admieal loudest. Coming c. and limping) If s all very well for you to laugh, Admiral, but that puddle may cost us the seat. Paeadat. Tarver ! Geice. Tarver! Bring a trowel and a pail of mortar to my garden to-morrow morning at 11 o'clock sharp. I'll teach you Aow) to lay a comer stone. {Gets Tiis cup, goes up and crosses above sofa to tea table, and puts his cup down) (Phyllis comes c. to Taevee.) Takvee. Oh, Phyllis, where are my voice lozenges? Phyllis. {Talcing his arm sympathetically) They're all gone, Bobby, but Celia said she wotdd fetch you some. Taevee. That's kind of her. My throaf s awful. Where's the spray? (Phyllis runs up and around to e. of sofa, getting spray. Taevee sits on stool below sofa and Phyllis comes down to e. of him.) Phyllis. {Spraying his throat) Never mind, Bobby, there are only ten days more. Takvee. (Choices) 1 don't think I can last out the ten days. When that bench broke last night in the middle of my speech, I really thought it was my Hervous system gone at last:. 50 GEEEN STOCKINGS. Ghice. {Thunderously. Coming c.) Tarver! Taktee. (Jumps) Oh, Admiral, don't speak to me like that or I shall cry. (Phyllis sits on foot of sofa, her arm on Taeves's shoulder.) Geicb. You made a mista,ke last night. Canada is hot to the North of Alaska. Taevee. Did I say it was ? (FilylIjIS shahes her head. LooJcs toward Phyllis) Oh, how awful! Geicb. Tarver, you are dining with me to-night. Taevee. Yes, sir. Geice. Bring your Atlas. We will go slowly through the countries of the world in my study after- wards. Phyllis. (Rises quickly) Oh, but you can't. Admiral. There's the Philharmonic concert after your dinner party, and we all have to go to it. Taevee. Yes, and my opponent is going to be there. Phyllis. If Bobby were late, it would produce a bad impression. Geicb. Then come before dinner. Taevee. (Rising) But, Admiral, I haven't written a word of my election speech yet except " Gentlemen " and that's a lie. Geicb. (Threataningly) Tarver! Wilson is not the only elector in the Lumley division who is waver- ing. Phyllis. (8ta/rts) Oh, Admiral! Faeaday. (Seated l.) You, Grice, you? Phyllis. Oh, you couldn't vote against Bobiy! Geicb. Perhaps not, but I might try. Taevee. Oh! I'll bring my Atlas! (Speaks despairmgly. Turns up e. looking for tonic) Phyllis. (Running to Admibal) Oh, yes, Bobby will be delighted to bring his Atlas. Geicb, Bobby wiU be delighted to take away his GEBEN- STOCKIITGS. 51 Atlas. (Maetikt enters L. 1 with copy of the "London Times" and a small folded periodical on salver) Tarver, geography, 8 o'clock sharp. Dinner 8:15. (^Twrns to table) Maetin. The Times, sir. Faeadat. At last. Geice. Ah, the Times! Aunt Ida. (Rising in alarm and baching up stage from chcdr. Geicb tahes her place in chair) Oh, lie Times, the Times! Tarvee. Oh, Phyllis, where is that bottle of Gufa tonic ? Phyllis. It is out here, Bobby. (Exit in the morntng room) Taevbe. (Following her) Thanks awfully. I needed it badly. (Madge takes periodical and hegins to read. Faea- DAT takes the outer sheet of the Times, pulls it off, and throws it across table. It falls to floor B. of table. Geice stoops to pick it up. Evelyh takes it from his hand as he rises, saying, " Thank you, Admiral." Geice looks at her disgustedly and sits twiddling his thumbs. Fote: — The outer sheets of the Times must he stuck together in order to have them fall properly. Note: — The birth, marriage and death column of the Times is in the upper left hand corner of the first page. Evelyn, Madge and Faeaday have become absorbed in their papers. Geice looks about him and then, ex- asperated, seizes a book and sits n. of table L. reading it.) Faeaday. (After a pause) I never saw a paper like this. (Strikes paper with back of his hand)' There is absolutely nothing in this paper. (Taevee and Phyllis re-enter, go to fender and sit. Takvee has had his clothes brushed.) 53 GEEEN STOCKINGS. Geicb. I never saw a paper with anything in it. (Pause) How about the bye-elections? Faeadat. (Grunting, absorbed in his paper)] Huh ! (Long pause) Evelyn. (Reading front page) Oh, Madge, Elsie Hardiman is engaged. Madge. Not really? Aunt Ida. (From up stage, comes slightly E. c. Uneasily and anxiously watching Etblyn) Isn't there — isn't there any other news, Evelyn? Evelyn. No, dear. Aunt Ida. Anybody married? Evelyn. No one we know. Aunt Ida. (With a forced attempt at cheerful- ness) Or dead? Evelyn. (Absently. Loohing over paper) No, dear. Ab — ^so — lutely noth — (Her eye suddenly lights on Smith's death notice. She reads it in pantomime. A look of horror comes over her face and she utters a shrill scream) (All rise hastily with exclamations.) Faeaday. (Jumping to. his feet) God bless my soul, what's the matter, whafs the matter? Taevee. Great Scott! What's the matter? Madge. What is the matter, Evelyn? Geicb. (^Coming center) Eeally, Lady Trenchard, you ought not to startle people like that. It's selfish. (Goes to her, takes paper from her limp hand and comes down stage) What's the news, eh? Faeaday. (Talcing paper from Geice with im- portance, and crossing L.) I'll tell you. Evelyn. (In hushed whisper) Father, the deaths, the deaths! (During the following scene, Geice is fairly danc- ing with impatience.) GEEEN STOCKINGS. 58 Earaday. {Reads death notice and dts heavily^ extreme l. with a sigh) Poor girl! Madge. (From above table) Father. (Fakaday hands paper to Madge saying, "Bead, read.") Phyllis. (After a slight pause runs across stage to Madge) What is it, Madge? Madge. Oh, Phyllis. Phyllis. (Stands by Madge, tahes paper and reads) That does seem cruel, doesn't it? Gkice. Why do people want to keep the news to themselves? (Talces paper away from Phyllis and comes down c. He reads) Whew ! (Stands ruminat- ing) Well, well, well, well! (Holds paper to him) Taevek. (Seated in chair below fender. Plain- tively) Will somebody kindly tell me what's hap- pened ? Geice. Always thinking of yourself, Tarver. (Beads slowly and impressively) " On October the 11th — of wounds — at Berbera — Somaliland — Colonel Smith." Taever. (Feeling that he must say something)] On October the 11th — that is tough, isn't it ? Faraday. Yes, it's hard. Fve been inquiring about rooms at the Club. I didn't expect this. Phyllis. (At head of table) Ifs more terribly and cruelly hard on 'Cejia than it would be upon arty other woman. Grice. (Putting paper on table) Why? Phyllis. Because — (Breaks off) Don't you re- member the night when she told us of her engage- ment eight months ago. She said then that her, betrothal would make an extraordinary difference in her life. (Beady door hell.) Evelyk. Then she wasn't happy. Now she is. M GEEEN STOCKINGS. Madge. And when she is, this blow falls without even a telegram to break the force of it. Phyllis. It is too horrible. Nothing but an announcement in the Times sent by Post. (Note: — The voices in each succeeding line should descend in scale.) Madge. On October the 11th — ■- — Taevee. Of wounds Faraday. At Berbera Evelyn. Somaliland Geice. Colonel Smith- Taevek. {Rising and coming L. to stool helow table) By Jove! If Celia withdraws from the core- test, I'm done. {Door hell rings of l. Taevee sits on stool. ) Geice. {Alarmed) Wasn't that the front door bell? Madge. {Coming down stage) Who is to break the news to her? Geice. {Pauses, loohs around and suddenly points to Taevee) Tarver. Taevee. {Springs to his feet in horror) Me? No, no. I think it needs a woman's voice. {Waving his hands feebly up and down in front of him) A woman's gentle fingers. Faeaday. God bless my soul ! It isn't going to be broken to her in the deaf and dumb alphabet. EvTELYN. Let's lea,ve Father to break the sad news to her. Faraday. Mel No, no. I might break down. Someone outside the family would have more com- mand over their emotions. Some old, warm-hearted friend. {Pause, while Geice shows alarm) Grice, for instance. Gbice. Mel N04 no. Ahl I have an idea. GEEEN STOCKINaS. 55 (Comes down stage and PaeAdat, Madge, Eveltit and Tae-tee gather about Urn, Faraday l., Madgh i.'o., Geioe c, Eteltn- e. 0., Taetee e. Slowly, seriously and impressively) Let us all break it to her — ^gently — when she comes into the room. I'll give the signal — one, two, three and then we'll all say together and very gently, " Colonel Smith is dead." (Looks for approval and they all turn away ir^ disgust) (Eaeaday goes extreme l., Madge hack to. head of table L., Taeyee extreme e, and Bveltut to chair, B. C.) Aunt Ida. (Coming down stage)] Hada't jpu better leave it to me? (All show tremendous ^eUef.)] Madge, Of course. Faeadat. You are the very person. Geice. Hush I Now everybody try to be quite cabn and natural and act as though nothing whatever had happened. Oh ! ! 1 Jhe^Times 1 (All rush for the Times. Geice seizes outer sheet of Times and looks wildly about for some place to hide it. In desperation, he thrusts it up his coat at the lack. Phyllis seizes a sheet, runs up and hides it under piano cover. Madge also seizes a sheet and hides it behind curtain of card room. Geice sits e. of l. table. Everyone as- sumes strained positions with set grins on their faces. Enter Celia, l. 1 entrance. She brings, with her two small packages wrapped in tissue paper. She is dressed elaborately in out door, costume and carries a light muff.), pELiA. {Brightly) fiood aftemoffli, evesjiwdy. 56 GEEEF STOCKINGS. (All give a short, nervous giggle, pause and then swy together, " Good afternoon, Gelia." Celia crosses to chair L. of table.) Fakadat. (Coming down L. of Celia, offering to take her muff) Allow me, dear. Celia. (Giving it to him) Oh! Thank you, ■Father. (Faraday holds loth his hands in muff. Phyllis solicitously takes Celia's gloves.) Madge. (In a "bereaved tone, offering her a cup of tea) Celia, dear, have some tea ? (Faeaday goes up and a/round to bach e. c.) Celia. No thanks, Madgie. I've been having tea with the Duchess. Oh, how do you do. Admiral. (Shaking hands across table with Geice) You don't know how I'm looking forward to your dinner party to-night. (Sits L. of table l. unwrapping two small parcels and placing tissue paper on book slide) Geice. ( Very gloomily) It was a good dinner. I suppose that now — — (Faeaday coughs and all in a strained whisper say, "Admiral!.") Taetee. (Rising and coming c.)' Did yon manage to catch Wilson ? (Taevee's question shocks fill) Phyllis. (Trying to hush him) Bobby! Evelyn. (In a hoarse whisper) just at this time, too. Celia. No, Bobby, he was out, but see what I brought you — some throat lozenges and a box to keep them in. J'aevee. (Comes to her at foot of table and take§ GREEN STOCKINGS. 57, hoxes from her. Lugubriously) It's awfully good of you to think of me, Celia. (Crosses bach to L. c.) Just at this timCj too. (Evelyn pulls Taevee violently a/round e. He staggers across stage and falls in chair extreme B.) Omnes. Hush!!! (Geice glares at Taetbe, Phyllis and Madge offer Celia tea, Paeaday, the muffin stand, and Geice offers her the plate of calce. All this is done quichly and simultaneously.) Phyllis. You had better have some tea^ Celia. Geice. (Smiling at her) Cake, with plums in it. Celia. (Laughing) You are all very kind to me this afternoon. (They all turn away hurriedly, quichly putting down the things thc'H have been offering Celia and laughing nervously.) Omnes. Not at all dear, not unusually so, not a bit, etc., etc. Geice. Cake, with plimis ia it. Celia. (Exchanges loohs with Aunt Ida, who has worhed down l. after Paeaday has gone up c. Aunt Ida nods her head. Indifferently) Any news in the Times ? Omnes. The Times? The Times? Why, no, I don't imagine so. Have you seen the Times? Now where has Martin put that Times, etc., etc. (Note: — • This should come to a crescendo and then die down) Evelyn. (In a loud, hoarse whisper to Taeteie) Oh, say something. Taevee. (Very nervously) No, I don't tiiink there was anything, was there, Admiral? 68 GEEEIT STOCKINGS. Geice. (Mournfully, staring straight ahead of Mm) Nothing veiy lively. Omnes. (In a strained whisper) Admiral ! Faraday. (To relieve situation. Oayly) Now where has the Times got to ? (Taevee rises and looJcs in fire-place, muttering to himself.) Phyllis ontZ Madge. Where is the Times ? Have you seen the Times? I wonder what could have happened to it, etc. (Geice rises and turns h. and starts up stage. The Times falls out from his hack. There is general consternation.) Celia. (Seeing Times on floor) Why, there it is, isn't it? Faeaday. (In moclc, great surprise) God bless my soul I So it is. (Taetee sinTes down on fender.) Geice. (Coming down stage and picking up }paper) Now, how did that get there? Celia. May I see it, if everyone has quite finished? (Holds out hand for paper. Geice reluctantly gives paper to her. She opens' it and reads. All watch her, strained and anxiously. Cheerfully) Births, mar- riages, deaths. I always look first at that column, you know. (After a ipause. LoMghing a little) How very amusing ! Omites. Amusing? Celia!! Great Scott! God bless my soul ! Celia. (Reading) "On October, the 11th, ■ EvELYif. (Almost with a sol) Eleventh ! Celia. Elsie Hardiman to Alfred Bryce. (^11 give tremendous sigh of relief. Looking GEEEN STOCKINGS. 59 Why didn't somebody tell me Elsie Hardiman was engaged ? Paeadat. (Comes to chair E. of l. table and lays muff down on booh rack) I wouldn't go into that, CeHa. I wouldn't pursue that line of inquiry any further if I were you, my dear. {Tries to take paper) Celia. (Retaining her hold on paper) I just want to see if anybody is dead, Father. (Puts out a hand surreptitiously and pulls Aunt Ida near her. Whey all watch her with tragic anxiety. She sees notice, reads it, and utters a long, low cry of grief, then lets paper drop on table and with another long moan, rises and buries her face in Aunt Ida's shoulder) (Taevbe curls up in chair extreme e., pulling 7i.w moustache.) Phyllis. (Making sympathetic motion forward) Celia — darling. Aunt Ida. (Waving her handkerchief up and down) Sh — sh — sh — sh! (They stand m grief- stricken attitudes, comtemplating her) Paeadat. (Brokenly) Celia — ^my child Aunt Ida. (Waving her handkerchief up and down) Sh — sh — sh — sh ! Evelyn. Poor Celia! Aunt Ida. Sh — sh — sh — sh ! (Pause) I think — she will — say something soon. Celia. (Raising a flushed, quivering face frorri Aunt Ida's shoulder) So you were all — ^trying t9 keep this — from .me? Geice. (Coming down n.) God help us, we vffVfc. (Takes off his glasses and wipes his eyes) Phyllis. Ah — Celia. Aunt Ida. (In same queer, choked way) Wouldn't it be better if you all left her alone — with me ? Faeaday. (Much relieved) Quite so. Quite so. fJomCj children, (firgsses q, few stejjs wg ami tight. 60 GEEEN STOCKINGS. The girls, with Phyllis first, Madge, then ErELTiT form a line and, with bowed heads and folded hands, walk across the morning room door. Taevek rises and walks mournfully up to door) Come, Adiniral. Geioe. (Crossing up n.) lHo, Faraday. I'll tak9 my leave from, this house of grief. ■ (Exits through card room) CELLi. (Comes Jj. c.) "Wait, Father. (The'gvrls halt in door-way, Takvee above sofa) I only want to say that I don't intend to let this news make any difference — outwardly. You see you never knew what I knew — about him, so I can't expect you to realize all that I've lost. I don't see what's to be gained by any parade of grief, so I'll go to this dinner party to-night and try to act as though nothing whatever had happened. Taetek. (Beaming) Thafs splendid of you, Celia. It's much the wisest not to give way to sorrow. But you will get those votes you promised me, won't you? Faeabat. Take him away. Take him away. (Evelyn whirls Taeves around and hands him un- ceremoniously off the stage. Faeaday exits. There is a pause, then Aunt Ida and Celia burst into hearty laughter. Attnt Ida crosses to table E., sits, and Celia sits on the arm of her chair.) Celia. Oh, Aunt Ida. Didn't we get through that splendidly? (Geicb re-enters through card room. They quickly turn their laughter into sobs and bury their faces in their handkerchiefs.) Geice. (Coming down G.) 1 have been lingering, my dear Miss Faraday, just to grasp your hand and whisper a word of cheer. Keep up your heart, my clear. Keep up your~heart. Remember there ar^ GEEElir STOCKINGS. 61 other fisH in the sea — ^big fish. (Bows and elaborately exits through ca^d room) Celia. Old fool ! — Isn't it a mercy I'm going to escape that sort of thiag? There'd be a dozen more if I gave them a chance, but instead of that I'm going with you to Chicago to live and die a spinster with an un'awakened soul. Aunt Ida. (In a high tragedy tone) Celia, I have a queer feeling we're not done with this thing yet. Celia. Why, of course we are, you dear; the steamship tickets are up in my room and I'm going with you to-morrow when you leave on the noon train. What a brick you've been through it all, Aunt Ida, what a brick ! Aunt Ida. (Laughing^ then recovering herself and endeavoring to he moral. Crossing l.) You — ^you — you must never do it again, Celia. Celia. Well, if s hardly the sort of thing one can do very often. Aunt Ida. (Seriously) I never would have helped you send that notice to the Times, Celia, if — if — oh dear. (Breaks down and laughs. Severely) Oh, but I consider your whole attitude most immoral. Celia. (MeeTcly) Yes, Aunt Ida. I admit my behavior has been shocking and what a contrast to his. (Laughs) Aunt Ida. (Reprovingly) Celia! Celia. Poor Colonel Smith 1 What harm has he ever done? Was ever a career more blameless? He lifted me down from the shelf. Dear Colonel Smith! He died just at the right moment. Bear Colonel Smith. Oh, you know he was a true soldier. He did his work in silence. Well, peace to his ashes. Dear Colonel Smith! Good gracious, dear, it's get- ting late. It's time to dress for dinner. (She seizes Aunt Ida hy the arm, gayly whirls her around, crosses and gets her muff from table) 62 GEEEN STOCKINGS. (Enter Phyllis through morning room e. Buns down E. of sofa, calling, " CeUa." They resume attitudes of grief. Aunt Ida exits through morning room, holding her handkerchief to her, eyes.) Phyllis. (Comes c. to Celia) Celia! Celia. Yes, dear. Phyllis. I want you to help me. Bobby is frightfully tired. Don't you think that he and I could cut the Admiral's dinner party and dine quietly at home here ? You could make it all right with the Admiral, Celia. (Enter Maetin, with salver and card, l. 1 b., leaves door open.) Celia. I'll try, dear. Martin, there will be two for dinner after all. Phyllis. And may we dine in the little morning room here ? (Indicating morning room) Celia. In the morning room? Phyllis. It will be more snug. Celia. Oh, very well then, Martin, dinner in the morning room. (Martin offers card to Celia) I haven't time to see anyone now. (Crosses E. to door) Who is it? Maetin. Colonel James Nugent Vavasour. He was sure that you would consent to see him. Miss, when you saw this card. Celia. Vavasour? Vavasour? Ifs some election business, of course. Phyllis, ifs your affair, after all. Attend to it for me, won't you? Phyllis. Very well. (Celia exits e. Maetin Irings the card over to Phyllis. Phyllis talces card, reads it and utters a cry) Colonel Smith! Then, then — then? (Bewildered) Then he is not dead. Ifs a mistake. (Buns to door E. as if to rescall £!elia) GEBEF STOCKINGS. 63 Maetin. It is Colonel Vavasour who has called. Miss. {Goes up to tea-table, gets tray and dishes) Phyllis. But ifs Colonel Smith's card, {Turns card over suddenly) Oh, it is a message. {Goes to l. of table E., sits and turns up the lamp) Written in a failing hand. {Beads) " Good-bye. Be kind to my friend, James Nugent Vavasour. {To Martin, whh has by now collected the dishes on tray and is below table E.) Show Colonel Vavasour in and then ask Miss Faraday to come down as quickly as she can. Just say that it really is important. Maetin. Yes, Miss. (Phyllis comes l. o. quickly and tsrranges her hair, etc. Maetin re-enters, announcing Colonel Vavasoue. Colonel Smith enters and stands, Maetin closes door quietly, goes up l., crosses it back, turns on lamp on piano and exits through morning room.) Smith. {Bowing) 1 am speaking to Miss Celia Faraday? Phyllis. {Holdi/ng card in her hand) Oh, no. I'm her much younger sister, but I have sent for her. Won't you sit down, Colonel Vavasour? {Sits e. of L. table. Smith sits l.) The card which you sent me proves that your errand is a sad one. I want to ask you to be very gentle in delivering your message to Celia. The news of Colonel Smith's death was first conveyed to her in to-day's " Times." Smith. I am not very surprised to hear that. Phyllis. {Melodramatically) The bolt fell from a clear sky. She received no telegram, no letter to warn her of the impending destruction of her happi- ness. {Places card on table) Smith. {Meaningly) No, indeed. How could, she? Phyllis. She was happy. She loved and was loved. (Smith turns and looks at her) And then, in a second comes Fate with its cruel shears 64 GEEBN STOCKINGS. Smith. (Interrupting her) Excuse me, but do you write for the Sunday papers ? Phyllis. No, but I have been listening lately to a great number of election speeches. Smith. I quite understand. From them those flowers of eloquence were culled. Please go on. Phyllis. Celia bore the blow with remarkable courage. But now comes your visits which will upset her even more than the news of Colonel Smith's death itself. Smith. Yes, Miss Faraday, I am quite sure that it will do that. You have made an appeal to me to deliver my harrowing message as delicately as I can. You can help me not to make mistakes. Phyllis. How ? Smith. By telling me where the lovers met, when they became engaged — and how it all happened. Phyllis. But you came with Colonel Smith's card and words of recommendation written upon it by his failing hand. Didn't he tell you? Smith. Well, you see, he was one of those great- hearted men who never speak about themselves. And towards the end, when he might have spoken, he was BiQgularly comatose. Phyllis. (Sympathetically) Poor fellow! Smith. Oh, ifs dreadful — dreadful! I suppose your sister was very devoted to him? Phyllis. She adored him ! ! Smith. Yes. That's the part I understand best. Phyllis. But Celia's engagement meant more to her than it would to most women. Smith. (Recoils slightly^ Why? Phyllis. It had somehow got into everybody's head that Celia didn't (Looks around room) attract people. Poor old Celia. (Smith turns uneasily in chair) Of course, her engagement altered the whole position. Smith. Oh, I begin to see. Phyllis. It was the night that I had just GEEEN STOCKINGS. 6§ aimoTiaced my engagement to Mr. Tarrer, — Bobby was so witty about poor old Celia baving to wear another pair of Green Stockings at my wedding ' Smith. Ah — ^b — Then there are other sisters? Phyllis. Yes, there's Madge. She is between Celia and myself. Smith. Engaged? Phyllis. More than engaged — married. And then comes Evelyn. Smith. Married ? Phyllis. Much more than married. (Smith stares) A widow. Smith. And Miss Celia is the eldest of you all ? Phyllis. Oh, yes. Well, the moment after Celia was told of m,y engagement, she announced hers. Smith. To Colonel Smith. (Turns away from her with sudden understanding) I see. Phyllis. (More melodramatically) You know she had met him at Southampton. (Smith loolcs at her) For a week they had been together. (Smith turns in her chair) Only that morning he had told her of his love. An hour later he was steaming down Southampton Water to leave his neglected bones on the arid wastes of a Smith. (Interrupting her) Ahem! You'll ex- cuse me Phyllis. I beg pardon. He was on his way to Somainand. She wrote to him that night. Smith. (Slowly) Yes, the letter reached him. (Tapping his pocket) I have it here. Phyllis. {Sentimentally) He kept it? Smith. Yes, he kept it. He used to sit and study It by the hour. Phyllis. How truly beautiful. Oh, you must tell Celia that. You mustn't rob her of any of her grief. Smith. No, that would be too bad. So there was no opportunity for Smith to come and make your acquainta,nce ? 66 GEBEN STOCKINGS. Phyllis. No, but I have heard so much of him from Celia that I could almost believe I see him. (Sta/res dreamily at Smith. Smith rises slowly, a little disconcerted. Phyllis rising and moving e.) I'll go and send Celia to you. (Maetin enters through morning room.) Smith. Thanks. Now I know where I am. Maetin. {Stands up k.) Miss Faraday is coining down, Miss. {Grosses and exits l., lighting chandelier in card room) Phyllis. Very well, Martin. Then I'll leave you to deliver your message alone. {Crosses to door k. and opens it, then turns) You have brought, I hope, one or two mementoes from him. — Smith. {Puzzled for a moment) I beg your pardon ? Phyllis. Little things that Celia can treasure. Smith. Oh, yes, yes. A few small things — ^trifles ;which Smith habitually wore. Phyllis. {Sentimentally) Just what she will value most. {Exits e. 1 e.) (Smith chuckles. Se looks at his ring, but can't get it off, then at his knife. That won't do. Then at his cigarette case. That will not do. Also at his bunch of keys. That won't do. Se reluctantly takes watch and chain from his waistcoat and looks about for something to wrap it up in. He sees the tissue paper which Celia has left on book slide, gets it and wraps watch and chain up in it, putting it in his pocket. He takes out his scarf pin, looks at it, starts to replace it in tie. He reconsiders and wraps that up too, putting it in his pocket. He hums a snatch of song for Celia's entrance. Celia enters in evening dress E. Gomes e. c. Smith does not look up.) Celia. Colonel Vavasour. {She speaks briskly. :geebn stockings, , ei having no suspicion of his "business. Smith hows al- most reverentially, sighs deeply. LooTcs as if about to speak, is silent. His head is bowed. Impatiently) I am told that you wish to see me on important busi- ness. (Smith nods head sadly. He looks up and, on seeing Cblia, starts with pleasurable surprise for a moment.) Smith. Upon important and lugubrious business. Cblia. Oh — ? Don't tell me there's some new difficulty about Mr. Tarver's election? Smith. I have come to speak to you about one who is dearer to you than all the world. (Celia is perplexed) As soon as I read the announcement in the " Times " this morning — I felt that I must come to you at once. Cblia. (Pause) The announcement! — in the " Times ! " (She is startled. Stares at Smith) Smith. Of the death of Colonel Smith. (Cblia is amazed, turns away quichly.)' Celia. You will forgive me, I am sure. Colonel Yavasour, but the news of my loss is so recent that you will understand my reluctance to discuss it with a stranger. (She moves up toward morning room as though to exit) Smith. Don't go, please. (Celia turns back) It was your sister who took the card which introduces me. (He takes up card from table l.) See! (Cblia advances l. of table e. and takes card.) Cblia. " Colonel Smith." But there wasn't any — ■ I mean — (Sits in chair) Colonel Vavasour, I am a little overwhelmed. Smith. (Sympathetically) I was afraid you would be. 68 GEBEN STOCKINGS. Celia. (Staring at card) Colonel SmitH! Smith. I bring to you his last dying messag*. Cilia. You — ^knew — ^him ! Smith. (Comes to her) Turn that card over and read the last words written by his failing hand. (Celia turns card over.) Celia. "Good-bye." Smith. Yes. (Sniffs. Very sadly) " Good-bye." Cema. " Be kind to — my friend Smith. " James Nugent- " Celia. " Vavasour " Smith. Col. Smith was my dearest friend. And knowing myself as I do, I can safely say that no one else will ever take his place in my affections. Celia. How extraordinary — (Smith looks at her) I mean — ^how very unselfish of you. Smith. Ah, yes. He compelled one's love. I can appreciate possibly better than anyone else how great must be your grief. (Celia agrees mournfully and regards him with ludicrous suspicion. Goes to table L. and sits l. of it) Before coming here, I went to see his dear old people. He had never told them of his engagement, but he was always secretive. Celia. Yes, very secretive. Smith. His dear little Aunt Mary was very fond of him. Celia. Oh ! Little Aunt Mary ! Smith. And when I told her of your engagement, she was most anxious to meet you. Celia. Yes, that would be very delightful — ^but not just yet, please — not just yet. Smith. Not just yet, of course not just yet. But possibly when time has reconciled you to your loss. She expressed the hope that some day — ^but not just yet, of course, you and she might journey together to Somaliland with a wreath. Celia, Yes. (Choking and turnmg away het] GHEBN STOCKINGS. 69 head) That's a very sweet idea. We might go out for the Xmas holidays. Smith. Oh ! I know. I can gauge, Miss Faraday, the measure of your grief by my own. But there is just one alleviation which I am very glad to bring to you. Celia. What is that, please ? Smith. When Colonel Smith died — of wounds — at Berbera, he died without any pain. Celia. (Rising, alarmed) It is very good of you. Colonel Vavasour, to have come all the way from London to tell me this. {Starts as if to exit, holding out her hand to Smith) (Smith also rises, takes her hand and detains her o.) Smith. This — and more. I was with him at the last. How well I remember the scene. He used to lie on his sick bed — gazing across the thatched roofs of Berbera to the Arab dhows riding at their anchors in the sea. (She turns away e.) And he gave into my hands a few small things to bring you. (Celia turns away horrified) Trifles which he habitually wore. Here are a few of them. (Brings out packages containing watch and pin, from pockets) Celia. Heavens ! 1 No ! — I couldn't think of tak- ing them. Smith. (In surprise holding them towards Celia) They were Smith's, and you couldn't take them ! Ah, I understand. You had quarreled. (Puts things into pockets) Celia. No, we never quarreled. There was never one harsh .word spoken by me to him or by him to me. Smith, (l. c. standing) Then why refuse his gifts? Celia. (Goes to table R. At a loss) Well — ^you see — he had never given me anything. Smith. (Suddenly smiles and brings out parcels »gan.n) How like Smith 1 How very like him ! Evs!^ 7Q :gEEEN STOCKIITGS. lie had his failings. But we, who knew him so well, can afford to speak of them frankly. Cblia. I don't think you vinderstand, Colonel Vavasour. Gifts would have been impossible in such an engagement as that which existed between him and me. Smith. (Severely) Let Smith be the judge of that. (Goes a step toward her) Perhaps he is in this room now watching you refuse his gifts. (Cblia moves E. uneasily looking tack over her shoulder. Sternly) Watching you with the pain he didn't feel when he died of wounds at Berbera. (He follows her and forces her to take the watch. She gingerly takes it and unwraps it, letting the watch fall out and hang hy the chain, which she holds. It is a large, heavy gold watch of the " turnip " variety) His watch and chain. (She lifts it up and down to show its weight) He bids you wear it always on your bosom. (She re- coils. Pleadingly) To ;^ease Smith, whom we both loved. (She looks helplessly about for a moment and then in essaying to hang the watch about her neck, it slips and falls' down inside her dress. They turn away front each other with varying emotions. Turning hack) By Jove ! I say that's ripping of you. Celia. I beg your pardon, sir ! Smith. (Solemnly) I am thanking you in my dead comrade's name, my dearest friend. (Bows his Jiead) Celia. (Crossing him to L.) Oh, I didn't under- stand. Smith. (Unwraps second parcel and follows her across the stage) With this. Smith pinned his tie — a curious jewel. He was very fond of it. I trust you will treasure it. (Cblia tries to refuse pin, but Smith forces it upon her. Goes through and empties ate his pockets, offering cigarette case, knife, keys, etc.) And here I have a few more things. Celia. (With a gesture of horror, retreats up stage^ GEBEN STOCKINGS. ,n to card room) No, no, no, no, please ! I don't want them. I (Takveb enters through morning room in dinnef jacket. He shows surprise at seeing Smith. Smith replaces articles in his pockets.) Taever. {At door e.) Oh, I am so sorry. I didn't know you were engaged. I think I left my election speech somewhere. Celia. (^Eagerly coming down o.) That's quite all right, Bobby. We have finished our business. Good-bye, Colonel Vavasour. It is extremely kind of you to have taken all this trouble for a stranger. (Crosses down E. a^ though to exit) (Taeviie crosses to cabinet L. and gets his speech.)] Smith. (Follows Celia to l. c.) But I haven't delivered a single word of the message I am pledged to deliver. Taevee. (Picks up speech and comes down t. of table to L. of Smith) I'm just going. Smith. Don't let me drive you away, Mr. — ^Mr.— (Looks to Celia to introduce him to Taeyee) (Celia has turned and walked up stage.) Taevee. Oh, my name is Tarver. Smith. And mine is Nugent Vavasour. How do you do ? I am delighted to make your acquaintance. (Shakes hands with him warmly) I have just met Miss Phyllis Faraday. i Taevee. Oh, have you? Smith. Yes. I am just back from Somaliland. Taevee. Are you ? I say ! I don't suppose you could stay a little longer and help me with my eleef tion, could you? 78 GEBBN STOCKINGS. (Celia in alarm, rushes to head of table and seizes railway gmde.) Smith. (Enthusiastically) Of course, I could, my dear fellow. Why didn't you mention it before? Taevee. Well, I haven't waited very long. Celia. (LooMng at railway guide) Bobby, we couldn't think of ma,king such a demand upon Colonel [Vavasour's time. Taevee. Well, if s touch and go with me, you know. Smith. And I know a great deal about elections. Taevee. (fo Cblia) There! Smith. Yes. I was once on the Committee of a Club. (Taevee looTcs puzzled.) Celia. (Loolcing at guide. Firmly) There's an excellent train leaving at 8 : 30. (Lays down guide, pushes cha/i/r aside and walks down e. c. between chair and table) ■ Smith. I shall pe most happy if I can catch it, but I should be false to my friend if I went without delivering his last dying message. Taevek. Tou can't deliver it to-night, for Celia is going out to a dioner party. (CeliA gives Bobby a swift, furious glance behind Smith's bacTc.) Smith. (Shoched) To a dinner party? Taevee. Why, yes, and on to a concert after- wards. Celia. (With great dignity) If s a classical con- cert. (Pause) By the Local Philharmonic Society, and Admiral Grice, with whom we are all dining, is the most important person in the constituency. Smith. (Sternly) So you are all going out to ^lujoy jojuselvea. GEBEN STOCKINGS. 73 Taevbe. {Crossing e. and up stage) Oh, they are. Phyllis and I for once are going to stay at home and dine quietly. Smith. {Turns toward Taevee and stops him at door) But is it wise for you, Mr. Tarver, to stay at home at this very critical time? I should have thought, knowing as much as I do ahout elections, that it was bad policy to offend so important a person as Admiral Grice. Tarvbb. {In door-way) Oh, thafs all right. Celia can twist him around her little finger. He simply worships ■ (Celia, who has made a tall of the tissue paper on the table, throws it at Bobby, who exits hur- riedly without Smith's seeing this.) Smith. {Sternly. Going to her) You never loved him. Celia. {Indignantly. Moving e.) Oh ! Smith. On the evening of the very day which brings you news of his decease, you are dressed to conquer and allure. Celia. {More indignant) Colonel Vavasour! Smith. You know as well as I do how at all times Smith disapproved of a decoUette gown. Bom and brought up in a rigid and unbending family, he never quite emancipated himself from the principles of Calvinism. You know that? {He waits for her to answer) Celia. {WeaTcly. Sinhs on stool at bottom of sofa) Yes. Smith. {LooTcs at her) And ifs not even black — ! A dinner party vsdth an amorous Admiral. After the dinner party, the wildest gaieties! {Ooes L.) Celia. Do you call a classical concert by the Local Philharmonic Society "Jhe! wildest gaiety?" You never heard one. U GEBEN STOCKINGS. Smith. (Beproachfully. Coming lack to CiLiAy You know what a low opinien Smitli had of all forms of music. Dangerously sensuous. How often have I heard him breathe those words when the regimental band struck up thetune of " Auld Lang Syne." {SJie rises, goes e.) You never loved him. Give me back the watch and chain. Cblia. {Confused) I can't — You utterly fail to understand the situation. Colonel Vavasour. All the help that any of us can give is needed at this election. To-night is particularly important. The two candidates are to meet on neutral ground. Smith. Then certainly Mr. Tarver ought to go — n©t you. Celia. But I ask you, would Colonel Smith have wished me at a time like this to shut myself alone in my room with nothing but his memory for my companion ? Smith. He'd have loved it. Fabadat. {Entering through morning room in evening dress, carrying coat and hat) Eeady, Celia, ready! (Celia and Smith separate. Smith going well L. Paeadat putting coat and hat on piano stool, comes down c.) Aren't the others down yet? Celia. Father, this is Colonel Vavasour. Faraday. How do you do ? {They shake hands.) Smith. How do you do? I have just returned from Somaliland. Fabadat. Oh! Then you knew (Smith nods, drops his head.) Smith. My dearest friend. Fabadat. Poor fellow! Poor fellow! (Smith looks up) Oh, not for that reason — ^not for that reason, of course. (Ladt Teewchaed, Madge and Phyllis enter, in evening dress, followed by Taevee) GEBEN STOCKINGS. 75 My daughters, Colonel Vavasour. We are only wait- ing for your aunt, now. (Lady Tkenchaed shakes hands gushingly, crosses to Smith and sits k. of table l., drawing on her gloves. Madge merely bows as she crosses and joins Evelyn. Phyllis crosses, and joins them. Smith goes e. c. Faeaday has gone l. at back and comes doivn stage l. of table L. Takvek goes directly and sits on fender.) Pakaday. (Continuing) Sorry we can't keep you to dinner. Celia. (Sits on lower end of sofa) That's quite all right, father. Colonel Vavasour is obliged to return to London to-night. There is an excellent train at 8 :30. Smith. (Takes up railway guide, which Celia has left open on table and reads) " Stops at every station, has a two hours' wait at Bletehley, and arrives in London at 3:30 in the morning." (Looks at Celia) An excellent train. The express goes at ten. Faeaday. Then of course you'll stay and dine here first. Martin shall look after you. Smith. I shall be most happy. (At Celia) I have brought a message for Miss Faraday and I shall be unable to deliver it if she goes out to dinner. Celia. (Speaking over her shoulder) Father, you know I promised you this afternoon that I should not let this news interfere Faeaday. But, my dear child, thinking it over, we can't expect such a sacrifice. Phyllis. (In a whisper to Madge) But she must go. There's only dinner for two. Faeaday. Dinner for two ! What two ? Taevee. (Coming down E. to door) Well, you see, I am worn to a shadow, and Phyllis and I thought 1t6 GEEEN STOCKINGS. Paeadat. {Coming c.) Oh, you did! Did you? You get elected first, my lad, and think afterwards, Taevee. Oh, I say! Faeaday. Phyllis and Tarver shall dine with Admiral Grice. Phyllis. But, father • Paeaday. Celia and Colonel Vavasour shall stay behind and eat their dinner. Taevee. You don't know how I need a rest. Celia. Yes, Father, Bobby is very tired. Smith. As for myself, and I know a great deal about elections, I think it would be extremely prej- udicial, if Mr. Tarver didn't go. Paeaday. Then, that settles it. (Taevee exits e. 1 e., loohing hack helligerently at Colonel Vavasoue. Evelyn in dumb show tells Phyllis to get her wraps and Phyllis flounces out through morning room.) Maetin. {Entering L. 1 and announcing) Mr. Steele and Mr. Ealeigh. (Ealeigh comes c. quickly to Paeaday. Steele, shaking hands first with Evelyn, then stepping lack and shaking hands with Madge, speaks from L. of Madge near door.) Steele. How do you do, Mr. Paraday? Paeaday. Good evening, boys. Steele. We have both, I believe, arrived with the same idea. We are all going to the dumer party, aren't we ? I have my mother's brougham and, since you are rather a large party, {Looking across at Celia) I thought I might be allowed to give someone a lift. Ealeigh. I have come in my own motor car, and since you are rather a large party, {Also looking pointedly at Celia) I thought I might be allowed ia jfive someone a lift. GEBBN STOCKINGS. n rAEADAY. It is very kind of you boys to think of us. We shall be a little bit squeezed. We are rather a large party, though Celia is not going. Steele and Ealeigh. (Disappointedly) Not going? Faeaday. No. Colonel Smith is dead. (Steele and Raleigh turn away and a slow smile ireaks over their faces) This is Colonel Vavasour. (Steele and Ealeigh eye Smith with interest) He knew Colonel Smith. Smith, (l. of table e.) His dearest friend. I bring his last dying message. (Celia rises from sofa, glances at Smith and goes up to doorway e.) He used to lie on his sick bed, gazing across the thatched joofs of Berbera to the Arab dhows riding at their anchors in the sea. (Celia comes down s. of sofa.) Steele. I am sure that must be very affecting, but it will be extremely bad for the cause, if Miss Faraday stays at home to-night, and this is a time when it doesn't do for any of us to be selfish. You'll come, won't you. Miss Faraday? Faeaday. (c.) Certainly not. Smith, (e. c.) It would really be almost indecent to press Miss Faraday to go. (Smith and Faeaday turn up stage) Steele. (Slightly piqued) Oh, very well. Then as I can't do anything for anyone, I suppose I had better be getting along. (Exits l. 1 e. and leaves door open) Ealeigh. How that fellow Steele does give him- self away. Silly ass! (Goes e. to Celia) I must say. Miss Faraday, that I think you are absolutely right to stay away from the Admiral's. The way that old man dogs your footsteps is positively revolting, but — (With insinuating smile, kneeling on stool be- low sofa, fatuously) — ^But, you might come on to Y8 GEEEN STOCKINGS. the Philharmonic Concert afterwards. Don*! yaa think so? {Laughs idiotically) Don't you think so? Celia. (ShaTcing her head sadly) Not to-night, Mr. Ealeigh. Not to-night. (Exits E. 1 e.) Ealeigh. Oh, very well, if s ahout time for me to he getting alone. (Crosses quickly to door L.) I shaU see jou all at the Admiral's. (Exits quickly, closing door) Fakadat. God bless my soul ! I thought he came to give some of us a lift. Madge and Evelyn. Why, yes, (Aunt Ida enters quickly through morning room and comes down E. c.,' looking about her.) Aunt Ida. (Gayly) Hope I am not last. Faraday. Well, you are. (Phyllis and Taevee enter, Taevee in evening dress with his hat and overcoat and atlas. Phyllis with her wraps. Taevee goes to head of table E. and studies his atlas. Phyllis sits on fender.) Aunt Ida. (Looking about and fastening her. gloves) Well, Celia is not down yet. Madge. Celia isn't coming. Aunt Ida. What ! (Smith comes down stage to l. of Aunt Ida.)' Faeaday. (Coming down Jj.c. with ^MiT^) Ida, this is Colonel Vavasour. My sister-in-law, Mrs. Chisholm Faraday. (To Smith) Who has been, I may say, more than a mother to our poor Celia through all this, more than a mother. Smith. I am delighted to make your acquaintance. (Shakes her wa/rmly by the hand) Friends of Miss Faraday have a claim upon me, which can never be obliterated from my mind. GREEN STOCKINGS. U Aunt Ida. (Briskly) I am sure it is very pleasant to know that. But, why? (Smith c, Aunt Ida to his right.)' Paeaday. Colonel Vavasour has just returned from Somaliland. Aunt Ida. (In horror) What!! Madge. Erom Somaliland. Aunt Ida. (Involuntarily) But why did he do that? (Smith looks at Eaeadat.) Paeaday. Eh? — I don't think you understand, Ida. Colonel Vavasour is here — I may say — on an errand of mercy. He brings us news of oui poor — ; gallant — lost friend — Smith. Aunt Ida. S-S-Smith— ? Paeaday. Colonel Smith. Madge. Celia's Colonel Smith. Taevee. ('Coming c. at lack with atlas, beckoning to Paeaday, who joins him, and together they look over the atlas, Paeaday explaining something to Taevee) Colonel Vavasour knew him quite well. Aunt Ida. (In awe-struck voice) You — ^knew — ■. the— Co— Co— Colonel ? Smith. My dearest friend. I bring to Miss Paraday a few trinkets he habitually wore and his last dying message. Aunt Ida. (Wildly. Stands rigidly, staring at Smith) Trinkets!! A message!! (During the fol- lowing speech. Aunt Ida gradually becomes more and more hysterical, culminating in a series of wild shrieks of hysterical laughter and grotesque movements of her arms and lady) Smith. A long message. He used to lie in his sick bed, gazing across the thatched roofs of Berbera to the Arab dhows, riding at their anchors in thg sea. and — ■. — 80 GEEEN STOCKINGS. (Aunt Ida, iy now, is sKriehing wildly and waving her arms above. Madge runs frightened across the L. of Aunt Ida and Phyllis runs down from fender to e. of Aunt Ida, and together they help her into chair to l. of table k. Taktek and Faraday look up suddenly, startled. Smith goes up L. 0., concealing laughter. Phyllis stands e. of chair below sofa, trying to hold Aunt Ida's hand. Evelyn runs excitedly and aimlessly about, looking for smelling salts. Faeaday runs up and down extreme l., waving his arms. Madge above chair, fanning Aunt Ida. Taeviir c, fanning Aunt Ida with atlas. He kneels and fans her more vigorously. They all talk excitedly to each other, such as, " What has happened to your Aunt Ida?" " God bless my soul, can't you do something for your Aunt ? " " She is having a fit," " Oo for a Doctor," " Fan her, fan her," " Get some water," etc., etc. Dur- ing all this. Aunt Ida is still shrieking.) Phyllis. {At a signal from Aunt Ida) The Bhock has been too miaeh for her. Madge, She's so devoted to Celia. (Aunt Ida whoops.) Faeaday. Get some vinegar. (Aunt Ida whoops.y^ Evelyn. Ko, smelling salts. (Aunt Ida whoops.) Taevee. {Rising) Oh, hold it upside down! Faeaday. Nonsense, that's for drowning. Taevee. Here, I know a remedy. GBEBN STOCKINGS. 81 (Madge takes Taevee's place at l. of chair and Takvee goes up above chair, gets s^ray fronp table, leans over Austt Ida's shoulder and sprays her forehead.) Smith. {Comes down c.) Slap her hands hard. (That always brings them to. (Phyllis and Madge slap Aunt Ida's hands vigorously.) Aunt Ida. {Pushing them away) It doesn't do anything of the kind. (Madge goes l. c. and helps Evelyn: on with evening s.) Smith. There, what did I tell you? {Goes up stage and to table l.) (Taeveb goes k. above sofa. Phyllis goes e. be- tween sofa and fender.) Aunt Ida. {Rises weakly)' Oh — oh — oh — oh — oh — oh ! This must be broken to Celia. Paeadat. ( Going up and getting his coat and hat from piano stool) Celia already knows. Phyllis. {Pouting) She and Colonel Vavasour are going to stay home and dine together. ( Goes up to Taevee and talks) Aunt Ida. {Gasping) Dine together!! And discuss S-S-Smith!! (Celia enters in mourning, — black shawl and dress — door e. 1. She closes door, comes a few steps on stage and stands with folded hands and downcast eyes. Aunt Ida is now thoroughly bewildered) Celia, you're in black ! {Waves her hand up and down weakly) Celia. Yes, dear. I made a mistake when I said I shouldn't allow this news to interfere. I was wrong. 83 GEEEK STOCKIFGS. Colonel Vavasour has shown mc how deeply he wan grieved by my neglect of the trappings of distress. (Note: — The bodice of the Hack dress Cblia wears, which is completely hidden hy the hlach shawl, should le of some bright color, to be disclosed in, Act III.) Aunt Ida. (With a long wml) WiU somebody pinch me, please? (Sits) Taetee. (^Coming to foot of sofa and kneeling) Let me do it for you, won't you? (Martin enters through L. 1 with army list on tray. Comes to Faeaday.) Aunt Ida. Certainly not. Taevee. (Rising and going hack to head of sofa) So sorry. Maetin. The wagonette is at the door, ,sir. (Evelyn and Madge cross to door l., bidding good- night to Colonel Smith and exit.) Faeaday. Very well, what have you got there, Martin? Maetin. Another army list, sir. Smith. (Above table l. c. Seeing army list) Oh, damn ! Faeaday. All right, put it on the table. (Maetin futs army list on table, crosses e. and exits through morning room, turning on lights in morning room) Now then, ofE we go. (Counting) One, two, three, four. (To Phyllis and Taevee) No hanging be- hind, you two. (Taetee and Phyllis cross quickly L. to door) Got your atlas, Tarver? Taetee. Yes, sir. (Phtllis and Taetee exit, nodding good-night to Colonel Smith.}: GEEEN STOCKINGS. 83 Faeadat, "Then, ofE we go. (Coming 'down to Aunt Ida's chair, helping her up and suf porting her. Aunt Ida, who is now in a thoroughly demoralized condition, weakly and iroJcenly, emits little gasps. The feathers in her hair have fallen over one eye. She also shows other traces of her recent fit. Faeadat lifts her up, puts his arm around her waist and leads her across the stage, Faeaday alove her. Celia fol- lows her as far as chair e. of table l., where she re- mains) Come along, Ida. This has been a little too much for you. Nothing like fresh air for an attack like yours. You will be all right when you get out in the fresh air. (Aunt Ida crosses with him quickly, hut haltingly, still emitting little gasps. When she gets almost to the door, she looks lack at Cblia's dress and with a final hurst, exits. Faeadat at door) My daughter will appreciate these quiet, I may say, these holy hours — ^with you. Colonel Vavasour. Smith. {Gomes down l. c.) I appreciate them, sir. (Faeadat exits l. 1 b., closing door after him. Maetin enters through morning room.) Martin. Dinner is served. Miss. {Exits through morning room) {'Clock off L. Upper, chimes eight.) Smith. Eight ! Celia. And your train goes at ten. Smith. Yes. We shall have two long hours to talk of Smith. {Offers Celia his arm. Celia takes it and they go slowly up to morning room) QUICK CUKTAIN". 84 GEEEN STOCKIIS'GS. ACT m. Scent; : — It is two hours later in the morning room. At center bach are large recess double doors with muslin curtains on lower half and chintz curtains on upper half. When the doors are opened, a portion of the room of the preceding acts Can be seen. Directly at back is seen the table, on which stands the booh slide, containing the army list. The table runs across stage. Behind and to the E. of this and against the bach drop is seen the cabinet of the preceding act. Directly behind table is a chair. The fire glow comes from the E, The bach drop should be that portion of the L. wall of the preceding set, showing large picture ■ hung as before. At the left of the set proper, reaching from the floor almost to the ceiling, a semi-circular conservatory window curves out into the room. In this are palms and flowers, with a greenery baching. Recessed into L. fi/rst flat is a china close! , containing china and hric-a- brac. Balancing ihis ',n e. 1, is a door leading to the hall. Balancing the conservatory is a large recessed window, muslin curtains on the lower sash ano chintz curtains on the upper. Damash hangings over window and also over doors c. All of these hangings are looped bach. In the window is set a window box containing flowers. In the center of the window is a small sewing table. Below it and facing it, a winged a/rm-chairj above it and facing it, another small arm-chair. On the table are a lamp and some flowers. Against bach flat and to left of umdow is a small serving table, on which are an empty silver serving tray, a small tray and a small decanter of brandy and two liquor glasses on it. GKEEN STOCKINGS. 85 To left of double doors is a chair, e. of con- servatory, a chintz-covered stool. Below con- servatory, a three-winged, chintz-covered screen. Below this and about three feet from l. fiat is a desk, running up and down stage; the lower end being slightly more on stage. On this, on the extreme upper end, is a telephone. Also on the desk are ink well, pens, paper and envelopes. On the elevated portion of the upper end is a lamp. Below desk, a waste paper basket. In the center of the stage and well down is a small, round dinner table, with cloth. On the table are a cigarette box, a cigarette lighter, {burning) two ash trays, plates, doilies and finger bowls con- taining water, fruit knives and forks, a nut- cracker, and an almond dish. Directly in the center of the table is a fruit basket, containing apples, grapes and peaches. One peach should be easily accessible, it being used by ColoneIi Smith. At the upper end of table are two shaded, lighted candles, between these a vase with flowers. At Celia's place to the e. is a claret glass, stained at the bottom to represent a residue of wine. At Smith's place, are a clean claret glass and a high-ball glass, contain- ing a small quantity of whiskey and soda. On either side of the table are chairs. On the back flat, to each side of the doors, are candle brackets. Before curtain rises, the clock off stage (same as used in previous act) chimes ten. Curtain rises on the first stroke, after the usuxil West- minster prelude. Dinner is over. The lamps are lit and doors at back closed. Celia sits to E. of table, dipping her fingers in finger bowl. She is in the black dress and shawl of the preced- ing act. Smith is to the left. Me is intent upon explan,nn,ng something to Celia, and she is listen- ing with most apparent interest. At rise of curtmn. 86 GEEEN STOCKINGS. Smith. (Continuing Ms description) It was the usual sort of formation when a small force gets caught in the open — a square with the maxims at the comers. We had only two, — one — ^here — at the tip of the nut- crackers, and the other here — at the end of a knife- handle. (He has made a square witJi dessert knives and nutcrackers on the table-cloth. To illustrate the position of the maxims he uses nuts) Cblia. Only two ! Smith. We should have liked some more, of course. But we'd have gotten along all right if this fellow here — (Touching one of the nuts) hadn't jammed. Celia. Oh ! What happened then ? Smith. The Somalis at the corner charged. From here, from here, from here, others swept round and flung themselves upon the back of their com- panions. Imagine a huge wedge and an enormous hammer pounding behind it. They split our ranks in a second. It was a surprise that took you by the throat. You heard the maxim talking to 'em like a father, and, by George, there they were in the hollow of the square, stabbing at our backs. Celia. (With much admiration) Oh — and where were you? Smith. (In square) Here. Celia. There? Smith. Yes. (He takes a peach) Thafs me. (Places it in the squa/re) Celia. Ah! There! Fom were there? Smith. Oh, I was all right. We faced the rear ranks about and drove 'em out of it. It was messy. You see, we could only use the bayonet inside the square. In a little while we got the maxim going again and made 'em respectful. However they hung around us and we couldn't move along very fast. That was our trouble. For we had to move along, we were short of water a,nd a day's march froni the wells. GEEEN STOCKINGS. 8% Celia. Oh ! Smith. So, yoii see, it was necessary that as soon as night came, someone should get through and bring relief. Celia. (With much appreciation) I know what happened. I know ! — You volunteered Smith. {Looks at her; his eyes accept her homage and thank her. He laughs happily) Yes. Between you and me — it was safer outside the square. Celia. (Reproachfully) Oh — ! Smith. Well — I wasn't in command. So I could volunteer. Celia. And got the D. S. 0. in consequence. Smith. And a drink a day before the others. I'll get a step, too, I think. Celia. Then you'll be general, won't you? Smith. Brigadier Celia. (Smiling at him admiringly) You can't know what it means to a woman who has lived always in a little out-of-the-way place like this, where only the same ordinary things happen day after day, to hear of wonderful deeds like these — ^from a man who's done them ! (Speaks earnestly, without gush' ing) (Smith teams, moves his chaUr slightly towards her.) Smith. Oh, yes. "We are getting along together capitally, aren't we? And you can't know how all this — (Moves his hand to include the room) appeals to a man who finds the skirmish and the camp a bit of an old story, and realizes that this — ^the quiet, well-ordered household — ^the home — and the home- maker — is after all, what is really worth fightiag for. Celia. (Leans forward, listening) But — surely you have a home ? Smith. I have a house — ^By Jove ! Now I have iwfi houses! Cella. (Interested) You have just bought an- other glace? 88 GKBEN STOCKINGS. Smith. Inlierited it. An old Abbey about the size of Trafalgar Square on a wet day — and not as cheerful. Cblia. But you mustn't let yourself be lonely. You ought to marry. Smith. (Moves his chair closer to Celia) Thaf s what I begin to think. (Maetik enters e. with tray. On it, two small cups, small sugar howl and a coffee pot, also one cigarette for Celia.) Celia. (Seeing Maetin) Won't you have a cigarette? (Offering Smith cigarette box) Smith. (Takes cigarette and moves hacTc) Thank you. Maetik. (Placing coffee on the table) CofEee, Miss. Celia. Sugar? Smith. Thanks, yes. Maetin. (Has taken up Celia's plate and finger iowl in right hand and now takes Smith's plate and finger bowl) Old brandy, sir ? Smith. Old brandy! By George, yes! (Lights [^(Maetin" goes up to small serving table e. of door and puts plates and finger bowls on tray and gets brandy tray which he brings d^wn to table and pours out one glass, leaving brandy on table. He takes the napkins, goes up, puts them on tray with other things and exits with tray e. 1.) Celia. (While Maetin is serving) I asked Martin to serve coffee here, because I thought it would be cosier, you know. (Having poured Smith's coffee, she passes cup to him) Smith. (Taking cup slowly from her) Much— much cosier; though, for both of us to-night, (Celia GEEEN STOCKINGS. 89 fills her cup) our one idea of cosiness must be the grave. (Celia drops pot on tray.) Celia. (Leans forward, takes cigarette from coffee tray and lights it) The grave ! Then, tell me of it, won't you? Where does it lie? Smith. (Openly perplexed, sees Celia smohing and attempts to use this as a means of extricating himself. Pretending to be shocked) Oh ! the grave 1 oh . Celia. Whaf s the matter ? (Puffs her cigarette)'. Smith. (Shrugging his shoulders) Oh, nothing, nothing. Celia. Do you object to women smoking? Smith. I? Not at all. Ifs companionable, but Smith — (Celia choices on cigarette) would Smith , have liked to see you smoking a cigarette ? Celia. (Annoyed, pauses) Perhaps not — ^to-night. Smith. Not to-night and not any night. (Celia viciously presses cigarette down on ash tray and puts it out. Reprovingly)^ We both know how strongly he disapproved of the modern latitude of women's manners. (She turns away) You know I'd fancy the man who could make you care for him would be quite different from Smith. You haven't his little shut-in way of looking at life. You have such a splendid imagination. Celia. (Nervously) Yes, and I'm beginning to think I need one. _Smith. Did you really love each other ? Celia. (Takes up- her coffee cup) I can't answer for Colonel Smith — who was a man you know. But for myself, I can truthfully say that I have thought of him every day for eight months. Thought of him — Yes ! And written to him too. Smith. (Startled) Written to him! By Jove then I WhereareiAose letters? You can't let things 90 GEEEN STOCKINGS. like that go astray. Letters from you — ^knocking loose about a camp ! {He is upset and disturbed) Celia, (Smiling to herself) Why should you imagine — ^my letters never reached him ? Smith. {Smiling reminiscently) Because I was with him — ^when he got the first one. Celia. (Very agitated. Puts her cup sha/rply on saucer) You — ^you — ^you don't mean to say a Colonel Smith ever received — Oh — ^no gentleman could have shown my letter. Smith. (Sincerely) Shown it? Oh, Miss Faraday, you can't know what that letter of yours means to Celia, (Turning on him quickly) I beg your pardon. Smith. I mean did meant — I mean did mean — to good old Smith. (Leaning forward with a smile. Moves his chair helow table a little closer to hers) I say, I've an idea. Let's forget Smith for five minutes and talk of something else. Celia. (Forgetting herself) Oh, yes ! Do let's. Smith. What shall we talk about? Celia. (Very engagingly) You. You have hardly said a word yet about yourself — and — naturally I am interested. (Speaks with a smile. Face on l. hand) (Smith edges toward her, delighted, E. elbow on table, face on hand.) Smith. I was born — guess when ? Celia. Thirty years ago. Smith. (Holding out box) Have a cigarette? Celia. No, thank you. I'd rather not. Do you think Smith would have liked me to smoke? Smith. Ah, you see, we can't get away from him. He dominates us. Living or dead, his imperious nature will not be neglected. He sits at the tabl« here between you and me. (Designates a spot between. GREEN STOCKINGS. 91 them on table) To satisfy him, we've got to talk about him. Celia. What is there to say? Smith. What is there to say! And you've told me nothing about the Smith you knew. Celia. (Surprised) The Smith I knew? (Re- covering herself) Oh, yes, of course. Smith. Yes — ^you see I know him only as the soldier — the man of action — ^the fighting man — ^but you Celia. But there is nothing to tell. Smith. (Strongly) You mean there is nothing you wish to tell. Celia. (Defiantly) Certainly not. What is it you wish to know ? Smith. Let us compare our pictures — ^mental of course — of the man. (With solicitude) Celia. Oh, no — ^not at all. Not at all. Smith. Theli you describe Smith as you saw him, and I'll tell you if I agree with you. Celia. Of course, you know our descriptions won't be alike. No two people's description of anyone ever would be. Smith. Of course not — except in the definite facts. — His eyes, for instance Celia. His eyes — ^his eyes were not definite. Smith. Not definite? Celia. Their color, I mean it varied. Emotion kindled them — apathy dulled them. Sometimes they were light and again they were very, very dark. Smith. That's funny. I never saw them dark. To me they always wore light, like bottle glass. Celia. Eeally? Possibly you were not very, observing. Smith. (Acknowledges the point with a touch of impatience) Possibly not. But his hair? Surely we can't differ as to that? Celia. His hair — ^you mean did it curl or was it Straight? 93 GREEN STOCKINGS. Smith. Yes — and its color. Celia. His hair — ^I hardly know how to describe his hair, because his hair was — . It was like no hair that I ever saw. Smith. {Laughs) Thaf s a splendid description of a bald man. That always was a great grief to Smith, his baldness; his head was so very bald and bumpy. Celia. Oh, yes. Smith. (Puts his hand to his head) What! (Recovering himself) Oh, yes, yes. ( Growing more and more determined to trip her and more and more interested in and appreciative of her attractiveness)' Now his mouth Celia. Well. His mouth was peculiar Smith. Peculiar ? Celia. Yes, you see it broadened when he smiled. Smith. (Laughing) Oh — did he smile for you? Celia. Oh, often, very often. Smith. Yes, we all do — don't we? What would you say of his voice? Celia. It was kind, always kind. Smith. (Shalces head) Gruff and commanding. Celia. (Insinuatingly) Naturally — not to me. (Her hand rests on the table) Smith. (Slowly covering her hand with Ms) No, no — ^how could it be? Celia. (Looking over their hands to the spot that Smith has indicated earlier) Do you feel he's sitting there still ? Smith. (Leaning towards her) You're surely not afraid of — Wobbles? Celia. (Pushes chadr bach, sliding with it as far up stage as possible. Faintly) Did you say — Wobbles? Smith. (Briskly) You surely knew his nick- name? Celia. (Openly perplexed) But I — I called him ^-Wobbles. (Stares at Smith), GEEEN STOCKINGS. 93 Smith. Why! All the Army called him — Wobbles. Celia. (In dry, queer voice) I didn't know that, (BEADY 3ed BORDER.) Smith. He was the most popular fellow — ! You won't go to a dance or a garden party for the rest of your life — ^there won't be a town in the United Kingdom, Miss Faraday, where you won't meet some- body, some old school-fellow, some brother-officer, who knew him — ^who will understand your loss and tell you new details of Wobbles. (Rises) Cilia. (Rises and comes down stage) Not if I know it! (Smith stores a/ Tier. Returning, getting her chair and replacing it at table) Colonel Vavasour — I mean it will be quite impossible for me — ^to indulge myself in any such fashion. Because just as soon as possible, I'm sailing for America. Smith. (Dropping below table) America? Why, Smith has — four brothers ranching there. And five — I mean three — sisters-in-law. I congratulate you. Miss Faraday. (Offers Celia Ms hand. Celia tahes if limply and he shalces it) You are going to the very heart of poor Wobbles' family. Shan't I cable them to meet you at the dock? (They are both now in front of table.') Celia. (Withdrawing her Jiand) No — ^no — ^no- no please don't do anything like that. Smith. Why not? Celia. Well, I don't know, but I— 'I might get off the ship before it reaches New' York. At all events I am going where no one can ever find me. Smith. (Quichly, but quite seriously) Then — • by Jove — I'm going there too. (Tahes her left hand tenderly and leans forward. They look straight into each other's eyes for a moment) Celia. (Draws herself up) Aren't you forgetting 94 GEEElSr STOCKIFGS. yourself, Colonel Vavasour? (With an irresisiibh impulse of mischief) Or are you only forgetting Wobbles? (Grosses c. to table. Loohing back at spot on table) (TRIED BOEDER FULL UP.) (A gay chatter is heard off l. of party returning from concert.) Smith. (Not hearing it) Oh, damn Wobbles. (Crosses l.) I'm going because — (The center doors open quicJcly. Geice, Steele, Piradat, Takvee and Phyllis, Evelyn, Ealeigh and Aunt Ida are in the door-way, having come from the left. Conscious of the presence of returning party. Smith reverts to his tone of solemnity and Cblia bows her head with grief. Paeaday, in door-way, hearing Smith, turns and raises his hands to quiet the party. Geice and Aunt Ida have drifted down l. ahead of the others. Aunt Ida sinks wearily into chair by desk) Hour by hour, he lay on his sick bed, looking out across the — thatched roofs of Berbera to the Arab — (Geice sneezes loudly. Turning) Good Lord, "whafs that? (The others come down in the following order. Steele, Ealeigh and Evelyn come down e.; Phyllis and Taevee up c; Paeaday to e. of Celia ; Madge by Aunt Ida's chair. Geice has gone down L. c. 8ome of the party are carrying programs. The doors are left open) In the midst of our sad communings, how strangely out of place are these revelers. Onnes. Eevelers ? Smith. They come flushed with new wine. Geice. New wine ? They dined with me, sir. Celia. (Turning to Faeaday) Was the concert a success? Eaeaday. Of course, it was. We were there. (Goes up stage) Geice. (Plaintively) We missed you, Celia. GEEEN STOCKINGS. 95, Smith. Miss Faraday coiildn't go witliOTit hear- ing Colonel Smith's last message. (Aunt Ida laughs hysterically.) Faeadat. ('Crossing to Aunt Ida. Sternly) Not again, Ida, not again. (Aunt Ida relapses into a state of serni^ohlivion.) Smith. It's not nearly ended yet. Steele. Well, she has had over two hours to hear it in. Smith. (Scornfully) Two hours? ItwasaZo^i^r message. He lay for weehs on his sick-bed gazing across the thatched roof of Berbera to — watching Ealeigh. Oh, yes, watching the Arab cows feed- ing at their anchors. Smith. Dhows, man, dhows! Eaieigh. Well, dhows or cows, I don't care. And as for Smith I tell you, I am fed with the fellow. (Celia explodes into laughter, covers her face with handkerchief, and sits e. of table.) Steele. (Thinhing Celia is crying) You brute! You — You blundering idiot ! Taevek. (Coming down K. of Celia) Even now he's dead, he's kept you from the concert to-night. My agent told me that we just shouldn't do it. He expects I will lose by a hundred votes. Faeaday. How's that? Celia. (LooTcing up quickly) Oh, no, Bobby, it's not too late, we'll help you. (Rises and crosses to Smith, who is e.) SMim. I am at your service. Miss Faraday. Taeyee. (To Smith, eagerly) And you're some good — aren't you? (Goes up to Phyllis lack o.) 96 GEEEN STOCKIlfGS. Faeadat. We may call on you later. Vavasour. Smith. Do. Do. Fakadat. {Taking Admiral hy the arm and going) Come along, Admiral. Come and have a cigar, and we'U talk it over. {Spoken off stage E.) Smith or no Smith, we must win this seat. Taevek. {Taking Phyllis' arm) Madge — • Evelyn. Let's go and count the names of the hun- dred beasts who won't vote for me. (Phyllis and Taktbe and Madge move to door c. and exit E.) Evelyn. {Who has moved up to door, turns in door. Coquettishly to Steele and Ealeigh) I'm afraid I can't count — without some big, strong man to help me. Ealeigh. {Looking round) Ask Steele. He took aU the 'rithmetic prizes at his kindergarten. Steele. {Looking round) FU come in one minute, Lady Trenchard. There's something on my program, I mu^t show to Miss Faraday. {Indicating program) Evelyn. {At door) Well — ! When Celia has jquite done with all of you — {Exit rapidly) [(dock chimes half hour. A moment after Ettelyn has gone off, she presumahly switches off lights in room off c. — then 3rd border is put out and no light except glow from fire remains. The doors remain wide open.) Kaleigh. Half past ten! I thought Colonel [Vavasour's train left at ten. Miss Faraday. Celia. {Confused) Oh, did it? Smith. {Coolly) Well, didn't it? And in any case, Mr. Faraday's clock is wrong. Steele. {Taking out his watch) Wrong? Not i bit of it. GEEEN STOCKINGS. 92 Ealbigh. (Also takes out Ms watchj I mal?e it 10 : 32. (Ironically) Perhaps your watch will cor- rect me, Colonel Vavasour. Smith. (Crosses k. o. Absent-mindedly feels fof his watch and sta/rts as he realizes his mistake. Celia sees this and the true situation flashes on her. 'She swings up stage for a moment to cover her shock and embarrassment and then returns and faces Smith, as she leans against the chair l. of table. Ealeigh and Steele have turned to each other and are discussing the situation, for the moment ignoring Celia and Smith. As Celia faces Smith, he flounders through his explanation) Well, you see, I — I — I — I — I left my watch in town to he cleaned. It ran too fast. Celia. (Sarcastically) Like the iaventive genius of ils owner, perhaps, and your scarf pin; no douht, you've taken advantage of this period of mourning to have all your jewelry attended to. (Turns away R.) Smith. Miss Faraday, please Celia. (Turning back) Colonel Vavasour, I think you said your name was. You will allow me, won't you, to lend you the watch you so kindly brought from poor Colonel Smith. Otherwise, you know, you might be a very long time without your own, and since your grief must now be lessened, by having shared it with me, perhaps you might be induced to mitigate your mourning and wear his pia. Do let me send them to you. And FU include a little nursery fable which perhaps you know, called, " The Tortoise and the Hare," because I think — I've eaug'ht up. Now, I'll say good-night to you. Colonel Vavasour, and good-bye. Smith. (Seriously) Good-bye? Celia. (Moving to c. and speaking to Baieigh)] There is a midnight train to town? Ealeigh. Oh^ yes. 98 GEEBN STOCKINGS. Celia. (To Smith) I'm quite sure that Mr., Steele and Mr. Ealeigh will be happy to drop you a*, the station on their way home. Steele. Delighted ! Celia. {To Raleigh, shaking hands) So sorry to hurry you away. Ealeigh. Oh, I shall see you to-morrow. Miss Faraday. Celia. Yes, do. {Nods good-night to Steele) Aunt Ida. {Who is still at desh, her head rest- ing wearily on her handS. Sleepily) Everybody going? CELLi. {Crosses l.) Yes, dear. Colonel Vavasour is. {Crosses to Aunt Ida) Smith. Is there nothing left unsaid? Is there nothing left for me to say but good-bye? Celia. {Over her shoulder) Nothing. Smith. {Bows. Speaks in a brisk, matter-of- fact way, as he crosses o. d.) Well, since you two fellows are kind enough to offer me a lift. {Exits, followed hy Ealeigh and Steele, who go off, chat- ting ad. lib. and closing door) {Warn electrician for lights out.) Celia. {Tearing off her black shawl, waving it in the air, and throwing herself in the chanr L. of table, Tier back to the audience, disclosing her gay a/nd decollete bodice) Oh— h-h-h-h! Oh— h-h-h-h! Oh— h-h-h-h! Oh— h-h-h-h! Aunt Ida. {Going to Celia) Celia, what have you been up to, now? Celia. Oh, when I think of it. Aunt Ida ! " The Arab dhows riding at their anchors," and how I told him — Oh, Heavens — ^how I told him he ought to marry. Oh — ^h-h-h-h ! Oh— h-h-h-h ! Aunt Ida. Celia Faraday! {Goes up to her 'and catches her by both shoulders) Are you mad? I vow I've a great mind to shake you. GREEN STOCKINGS. |_9 Celia. I wish you would, Aunt Ida. I wisE you Vould. {Loolcvng towa/rd door E.) I don't believe it. I don't believe it. I don't believe what I do believe. Por Heaven's sake, dear, go and fetch me the army list, so that I may make sure of what an awful fool I've been, and if what I believe is true, let me sit like this in the dark. (Goes up and presses switch and sits in chair L. of door. Lights out) — ^AU the rest of my life and blush and blush and blush until toy cheeks drop o£E from blushing. XAuNT Ida comes l. of Celia's chmr. There is only the moonlight now in the morning room, with a shaft of moonlight shining through window E. on Celia. The library, seen through the wide open doors, is lit up hy the glow from the fire.) Aunt Ida. Are you mad? (Starts to exit to get army list. Sees Smith and draws away e.) Hush ' — sh-sh-sh. (Smith in an ulster is seen to cross cautiously at hack to table. Me lights two or three matches at once and loohs through booTc-slide for army list. Finding this, he takes it and smiles in a satisfied manner, and holding the match to the list, moves off stage e. Celia and Aunt Ida peer after him. A picker is seen on the walls