Cornell University Library The original of tinis 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/cu31924013536788 CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Joseph Whitmore Barry dramatic library THE GIFT OF TWO FRIENDS OF Cornell University 1934 A. W. PI NERO^ S PLAYS. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. The acting rights of the following plays have been reserved by the author. Performance is strictly forbidden unless the express consent of the author's agents has first been obtained; and attention is called to the penalties provided by law for the infringement of his rights, as follows : " Sec. 4966 : Any person publicly performing or representing any dramatic or musical composition, for which copyright has been ob- tained, without the consent of the proprietor of said dramatic or musical composition, or his heirs or assigns, shall be liable for dam- ages therefor, such damages in all cases to be assessed at such sum, not less than one hundred dollars for the first and fifty dollars_ for every subsequent performance, as to the court shall appear to be just. If the unlawful performance and representation be wilful and for profit, such person or persons shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction be imprisoned for a period not exceeding one year." — U. S. Revised Statutes, Tiih 60, Chaf. 3. Permission to perform these plays privately and by amateur players may be obtained from the publishers on payment, in advance, of a royalty of $10.00 for each performance. Persons wishing to present them professionally and for a number of per- formances should apply to Mr. Dan'l Frohman, Lyceum Theatre, New York, for such permission and for terms. Tlie Amazons. The Notoriotts Mrs. Ebbsmitlu The Gibinet Minister. The Profligate. Dandy Dick. The Schoohnistress. The Hobby Horse. The Second Mrs. Tanqoeny. Lady BoontifuL Sweet Lavender. The Magistrate. The Times. The Veaier Sex. A ny 0/ the ahove sent, post paid, on receipt of price (50 CHHTS bach) hy BAKER, 5 HAMILTON PLACE, BOSTON. THE WEAKER SEX A CQMEDY IN THREE ACTS BY ARTHUR W. PINERO All rights reserved under the International Copy- right Act. Performance forbidden, and right of representation reserved. Application for the right of performing the above piece must be made to the publishers. BOSTON WALTER H. BAKER & CO. 1901 THE FIRST ACT RIGHTS AND WRONGS At Mrs. Boi/le-Clieirtoii's ; Regent's Park. THE SECOND ACT THE LOVE THAT LIVES At Lord tiiUiiiijlKtiii's ; Keiislnyton. THE THIRD ACT MOTHER AND DAUGHTER At Mrs. Boyle-Chewton's again. Copyright, 1894, by A. W. Pineeo. All rights reserved. 'THE PERSONS OF THE PLAY. Ira Lee. Lady Vivash. Sylvia (her daughter). Dudley Silchester. Mrs. Boyle-Chewton. KiioDA (her daughter). Mk. Bakgus, M.P. Lord Gillingham. Lady- Gillingham. Lady' Liptrott. Hon. George Liptrott. Mr. Hawley Hill. Mrs. Hawley Hill. Mr. Wade Green. Fetch (servant at Mr«. Boyle-Chewton's). Spencer (servant at Lord Gillingham' s). IIsrTRODUCTOEY XOTE Altuouoii "The Weaker Sex" was produced in London but a month before "The Profligate" first saw tlie liglit, and just a. year after " Sweet Lavender," it really belongs to an earlier period of Mr. Pinero's work ; indeed, its composition may be said to date between '' Lords and Commons " and the Court series of farces. It was this play, as I have stated elsewhere, that ilr. Pinero offered to Mr. John Clayton and Mr. Arthur Cecil when in the winter of 1884 they appealed to him in their sore need for a piece, their management of the Court being at that time in anything but a flourishing condition; and it was only Mr. Clayton's uncertainty about " The Weaker Sex" that led to Mr. Pinero offering "The Magistrate" in its place, a turn of events which proved most fortunate for the Court management. Meanwhile, " The Weaker Sex " was laid by for about four years, when Mr. and Mrs. Kendal secured the rights of the play, and produced it tentatively at the Theatre Royal, Manchester, on Septem- ber 28, 1888. The result was so encouraging that when, after their tour, Mr. and Mrs. Kendal arranged with Jlrs. 6 INTRODUCTORY NOTE John Wood to take the new Court Theatre for a season in the spring of 1889, they signalized tlieir reappear- ance in town by the production of Mr. Pinero's comedy. It was on Saturday, March 16, 1889, that this play was first seen in London, but it must be noted that it was not presented here exactly as it had been in Manchester; for after the provincial trial Mr. Pinero abolished the con- ventional "happy ending" he had originally contrived, which was found to be unsatisfactory, and printed the play as it is now printed. The following is a copy of the " first night " programme at the Court Theatre, London: — INTRODUCTORY NOTE ROYAL COURT THEATRE. Undke the Management of Mks. John Wood. APPEARANCE OF MR. AND MRS. KENDAL. ON SATURDAY, MARCH 16, AT 8..30, AND EVERY EVENING, Will be Performed an Original Modern Play in Three Acts, Entitled THE WEAKER SEX, BY A. W. FINERO. Lord Gillingham . . Hon. George Liptrott . Mr. Bargus, M. P. . . Captain Jessett . . . Dudley Silchester . . Ira Lee Mr. Hawley Hill . . Mr. Wade Green . . Spencer (servant at Lord Gillingham's) . . . Lady Gillingham . . Lady Liptrott . . . Lady Struddook . . . Mr. A. W. Denison. Mr. E. Allan Aynbsworth. Mr. Edward Righton. Mr. A. B. Francis. Mr. W. H. Vernon. Mr. Kendal. Mr. W. Newall. Mr. Eric Lewis. Mr. H. Deane. Miss Violet Vanbrugh. Miss Patty Chapman. Miss E. Mathews. INTRODUCTORY NOTE Ladv Vivash . . SvLViA ( her daughter) Mks. Hawley Hti.i. . Mks. Bovle-C'iiewton Rhoda (her daughter) Miss Cahuei.lok . Petcii (servant at JIrs Boyle-Chewton's) . Mrs. Kendal. Miss AxNiE Hughes. Miss Trevor Bishop. Miss Fanny Coleman. Miss Olga Brandon. Miss Bi,AN( he Ellice. Miss C. Lucie. ACT I. RIGHTS AXU WKOXGS. At Mrs. Boyk-Chini-tnn's, liei/enl's Park. ACT II. THE LOVK TH.AT LI\T.S. At Lurd (jHlliiii/liinii'.'i, Kanshvjton. A( r III. MOTHER AXI1 DAUGHTER. At ilr.i. lioyle-t'heutnn'if again. The New Sceneky by Mb. Thomas W. Hall. INTRODUCTORY NOTE 9 The success achieved in London was fair, though not great, and after a satisfactory run of some weeks the play was withdrawn; but on tlieir provincial tours Jlr. and Mrs. Kendal have always found " The Weaker Sex " received witli marked favor, while in America they have played it continuously with very great success, and it still holds its own. Malcolm C. Salaman. September, 1894. THE WEAKER SEX THE FIRST ACT The scene is the library in Mrs. Boyle-Chewton's house in Sussex Gardens, Regent's 'Park, the windows opening- on to the garden, and giving a view of the ornaTnental water beyond. The room lis handsomely but rather gloomily fur- nished, and books and neivspapers are scattered everywhere, the luhole place wearing a busy aspect. Chi one ivall is a large printed poster, as foUoivs : — UNION OF INDEPENDENT WOMEN. A GREAT PUBLIC MEETING Under the auspices of the Union, will be held at the ST. SIMON'S HALL, PICCADILLY, On MONDAY, MAY 5th, Having for its Object a Demonstrative Assertion of the Rights of Women to share the Privileges and Penalties of the other Sex in all Spheres of Life. II 2 THE WEAKER SEX The Cliair will be taken at X o'clock by Mus. B. BOYLE-CHEWTON, M.L.S.B. Tlie following Speakers will address tlie Mi'eting: — I.ADV ViVASlI ; Miss Anna W. Perkyji, from Montreal; Mrs. McOstrieli; MissAwke; Mrs. Clymper-Buosliy ; and Ml!. Bahgus, M.P. for Skipping-Molton, Wlio will take tbi.s opportunity to deelare his adherence to A MIGHTY AXD IRRESISTIULK MriVEMEXT. All are invited ! Women ! bring Decent, Rational Thinking Mefl. No IXFANTS. THE WEAKER SEX 13 Mrs. Boyle-Chewton, a woman of about forty, with a not unpleasing face, but a rigid persoii- nlitij, her hair worn straight and short, and her costume severe, dowdy, and ungainly, sits writ- ing at one end of a writing-table ; while at the other her daughter Rhoda, a pretty girl of about nineteen, dressed in the same fashion, dozes with a pen in her hand, but hidden from, her mother by the stationery cabinet. Mrs. Boyi.e-Chewtox. [^Taking up the letter slie has been, writing and suroeying it critically.'^ I think I make myself understood. Listen, Rhoda. I have thought it expedient to adapt myself to this pugilistic per- son's phraseology. [Reading.'] "Mrs. E. Boyle- Chewton accepts the offer of Mr. Robert Saunders of Endell Street, Bloomsbury, to supply her with four ' chuckers-out ' for the great meeting to-night at the St. Simon's Hall." A chucker-out, my dear Rhoda, is Mr. Saunders's definition of a person who ejects disorderly characters. [Resuming.'] " Mrs. Boyle-Chewton does not think ' five shillings a nob^ at all exorbitant, but must decline the prof- fered services of Mrs. Robert Saunders; for vi^hile fully grasping Mr. Saunders's assurance that his wife is ujpon a physical equality vfif^a. ' ten men and a boy,' Mrs. Boyle-Chewton doubts whether this particular branch of enterprise should be included in woman's furthest ambitions." TJm — yes — that provides for any fractious opposition, I think. [Enclosing and addressing th&. l/eMM.'] Have you 14 THE WEAKER SEX copied the plan of to-night's proceedings ? \Im- patiently.'] Rhoda ! \_Discooering that Rhoda is asleep.'] Good gracious ! Rhoda, you're asleep. Rhoda. [ Waking with n stai't.] Oh ! I — I must have closed my eyes. Mes. Boyle-Chewton. I am ashamed of you ! Rhoda. I beg your pardon, mamma. It is the heat, I think. Mrs. Boyle-Chewton. Heat ! It will be hotter at the meeting ! You've no enthusiasm ! Rhoda. I have been sitting since eight o'clock this morn- ing. I gobbled my breakfast. \_Thvmping her chest.'] 1 can feel it here now. Mrs. Boyle-Chewtox. I'm not surprised — you had four cutlets. / have been sitting upon two eggs. Rhoda. [Giving Mrs. Boyle-Chewtox n paper.] There, the plans are finished. Fetch, a middle-aged icnman-servant, grim and shapeless, enters the room. THE WEAKER SEX 15 Fetch. Mr. Silchester! Mks. Boyle-Chewton. [^Impatiently.] Oh, dear ! oh, dear ! Dudley Silchester, a fashionably dressed handsome-bearded man of about forty, enters breezily. Dudley. \_Kissing Mrs. Boyle-Chewton. J Good-morn- ing, Edith. Mrs. Boyle-Chewton. Good-morning, brother Dudley. Dudley. [Kissing Rhoda.J Well, Ehoda dear ? E.HODA. Well, Uncle Dud ? Mrs. Boyle-Chewton. [Giving letter and plan to Fetch. j That letter by cab to Endell Street. Lay the paper on the Committee Room table. [Fetch goes out. Dudley. [To Rhoda.J You look tired. Rhoda. Hush! 1 6 THE WEAKER SEX Mrs. Boylk-Chewtox. I dare say we (ill look tired, ])u(lley. You know what to-night is ? Dudley. I think — Monday night. Mrs. Boyle-Chewton. [ JVarin// her hand tairards the hUL'\ The night of our great meeting. Dudley. \_Lookinrj at the bill.'] Oh, yes, of course, our great meeting. Sorry an old engagement to play whist at the dub will prevent my — It suggests the circus. Mrs. Boyle-Chewtox. I call those names. Dudley. Yes — I dare say other people will call them names in the course of the evening. Mrs. Boyle-C'iiewtox. It will be a monster meeting. Dudley. AVhat's thiit — meeting;' of monsters ? Mrs. Boyle-(;hewtox. Dudley ! If you come to my house merely to — THE WEAKER SEX 17 Dudley. Beg pardon, Edith. ^Proditchig a letter.'] I dropped in to show you this. Mks. Bovlk-Chewton. \_Openln.g the letter.] lihoda, your uncle is offered the appointment of t.'onsiil at Palermo ! "What a very excellent thing I Through whom '! Dudley. Lord Gillingham, I fancy. Mks. Bovlk-Chkwtox. Ah, Lady Vivash, dear Mary, must have gained his influence for you. B,H0DA. Oh, I'm so glad. Uncle Dud — and so sorry ! Mks. Bovle-Chev»'ton. £600 a year — that's more than your services are worth, ])vidley. Dudley. Yes — or ever will be. Mrs. Boyle-Chewton. Why, you're surely not going to — Dudley. Accept it ? Certainly not. 1 8 THE WEAKER SEX Mrs. Boyle-Chewton. Eefuse it! When you've never done a real stroke of work in your life. Dudley. Never had anybody to work for. Mrs. "Boyle-Chewton. You've had yourself. DtjDLEV. Oh, everybody's had mt at one time or another. I don't reckon myself. Mr.s. Boyle-Chewtox. The epitaph of every wasted career. Why not go to Palermo '.' Dudley. Can't get away just now. Mrs. Boyle-Chewtox. You've nothing to do in London. Dudley. That's it — if I had I should be glad to go to Palermo. .Mrs. Boyle-Chewton. I know. I can read you like a book, brother Dudley. THE WEAKER SEX 19 Dudley. I'm sure you can, sister Edith. The intelligent world has read me like a book at least for the last quarter of a century. It has read me, thumbed me, cut me, — ah, yes, cut me, — and made brutal marginal notes ujjon me, until I am the soiled, dog-eared volume so out of keeping with your immaculate library. jVIks. 15oylk-Chewtox. Rhoda, leave me with your uncle for a few moments. Rhoda. Yes, mamma. Dudley. Have mercy, Edith. [To Rhoda. J Keep within earshot in case I shriek for assistance. [Rhoda goes oat info the (jarden, where for a while she is seen at intervats troUdiig to and fro reudintj.^ Mks. Boyle-Chewton. Dudley, you will decline to go to Palermo because you are still hankering after your old sweetheart, Lady Yivash. If I'm wrong say No. [Dudley refffts fir <(■ moment, smilingly looks at Mrs. Hovle-Chewtox, iiiid then without a icord drops into nil iiriii-rhitir.^ Ah, I thought so! Dudley, of all the extravagant, hopeless passions man ever had for woman, your attachment to my old school- fellow and present colleague, Mary Vivash, is the most senseless my mind can grasp ! 20 THE WEAKER SEX DlDLKV. My dear Edith, a respectful affection, which commenced on my side for your scluiolniatc, ^Mary Norbury, as she then was, about twenty years ago, is hardly deserving of such severe stricture. It has at least the merit of antiquity : give it as much respect as you would afford an Anglo-lioman tumulus or an ancient Greek coin. iMks. Boyle-Chewtox. It began most absurdly. Dudley. It began by my bringing English toffee to the little 7je«stoM at Bruges, where you were monitress, and Mary Norbury, a child of fifteen, was fourth scholar. Mrs. Boyle-Chewtox. I thought it was ridiculous tlu'ii! Dudley. You took your share of the toffee; ;nid, oh, what toff'ee ! Life has given me since nothing so sweet as that cooked sugar we portioned out twenty years ago on the side-paths of those old canals. Mrs. Boyle-Chewtox. And then, Dudley, after all — Dudley. k\\ that toffee — tons of it. THE WEAKER SEX 21 Mrs. Boyle-Chewton. After all — she refused yoii ! Dudley. Um — ill favor of a brighter, better, cleverer fellow — my friend, Philip Lyster. Mk.S. lioYLE-Ol-lEWTOX. And Philip Lyster she quarrelled with — marry- ing old Lord Vivash a month afterwards in a fit of mad rage. Dudley. jye'.s- gone — thank goodness ! Mrs. Boyle-Ciiewtox. Yes : and she's had enough of marriage to last her a lifetime. Dudj.ey. She hasn't told me that. Mrs. Boyle-Ch kwt( )X. My dear brother, even if she did think of marry- ing again, her mind would go back — to whom do you imagine ? Dudley. I thought perhaps to — Mrs. Boyle-Chewton. To you ! Fiddlesticks ! To her only real love, Philip Lyster, whose heart she broke. 22 THE WEAKER SEX Dudley. "Where is he ? In heaven, for all we know. Mrs. Boyle-Chewtox. Nonsense, you men don't go there so surely. You see, my dear Dudley, you haven't a ghost of a chance. Besides, your conduct is cruel to me. Dudley. My dear Edith ! Mrs. BoYLE-CHEWTOif. You know what I have at heart, — the Advance- ment of Women from the Rear to the Van ! Dudley. \Nervously ■putting on his (/locen.] Yes — I think, Edith, you've before explained — Mrs. Boyle-Chewtox. Our recruit, Lady Vivash, supplies the impetus this great movement requires. She is now a strong, self-reliant, fine-minded creature. Dudley. She is. Mrs. Boyle-Chewtox. She is still young, brilliant, and enthusiastic — Dudley. That's true ! THE WEAKER SEX 23 Mrs. Boyle-Chewto.v. With beauty and a title — which oughtn't to count, but it does ! Dudley. I should think so. Mrs. Boyle-Chewtox. Since she has thrown her soul in with us we have not only doubled our women supporters, but we are securing fickle, fluctuating, flabby men ! Dudley-. Are you ! Mrs. Boyle-Chewton'. And now when she has taken up her abode un- der my roof, and is a necessity to our cause, to see you idling here — nursing your old affection like a dilettante with a cracked china jar ! — it must be most distracting to her, as it is annoying to me. Dudley. Cracked jar ! You are right, it Is cracked ! only the scent of the roses or the smell of the ginger, or whatever was in it, will linger — dash it! it will linger. Lady Vivash, a beautiful woiiian. nf about thirty- fi'e, dressed with the most rirjid slnipHcity, but without any sacrifice of (jrare or diijnity, enters ijuii-ldy front, the (jurden. 24 THE WEAKER SEX Lady Yivash. At what time is the committee, dear? \_Gu-w(j her hand pleasantlif tn Dudley.] How do you do, Mr. Silchester? We are gloriously busy. You have come to scoff, of course. Mrs. Boyle-Chewtox. Committee at one ; there's half an hour yet. Lady Yivash. Have any of our ladies arrived '! Dudley. I think so. Lady Yivash. Indeed ? Dudley. I saw some goloshes in the hall as I came in. Lady Yivash. / wear goloshes in the damp weather. Perhaps they are mine. Dudley. Perhaps; 1 didn't know at tirst ivhrtlmr they were goloshes. Lai>v Yn'ASH. AVhat did you take them for ? Dudley. Gondolas. THE iVEAKER SEX 25 Lady Vivash. Oh! \_Writ[nargus is the new member for the Skipping- ]\rc>ltoii Division of Cuddleford. We have secured him. Dudley'. Secured him '.' Is he a very violent M.F. '! THE WEAKER SEX 27 Mrs. Boyi.e-("hewtox. He is young — as a politician, a mere infant. "We have undertaken, as it were, to nurse him — to form his ideas. Dudley. Kind of political baby-farmers. Lady Vivash. As you please. We women need help in the House. Dudley. Wouldn't a charwoman — Lady Vivash. In the House of Commons. We want a lever to raise the mountain of prejudice. We looked about us, and our eye rested upon — upon — Mrs. Boyle-Chewtox. The member for the Skipping-Molton Division of Cuddleford. E,H0DA eaters quiekhj, thinking Dudley is alone. Rhoda. Uncle Dud, here's that ridiculous little Bargus ! Mrs. Boyle-Chewton. Rhoda ! Ehoda. 28 THE WEAKER SEX Mrs. Boyle-Chewton. Ridiculous Bai-gus ! To whom do you allude ? E.HODA. T am af i-aid I meant Mr. Bargus, mamma ; I — I hftve taken rather a — not a fanoy to Mr. Bargus. [Fetch announces " Mr. FUrgus." Bar- gus enters. Be is a cliubhy little gentle- man of ahont forty, irlfJi a foolish face and a. large derelnpment of forehead, and Jiis fair hairvorn in tight little curls all over his head, giving him, the appearance of a middle-aged Cupid. ~\ Mrs. Boyle-Chewton. My dear Mr. Bargus, your name was on our lips. Bargus. Very gratified. Mrs. Boyle-Chewtox. Are you armed for the fray to-night ? Bargus. I think so. I rehearsed my speech yesterday to an invalid cousin with most gratifying results. Good-morning, Lady Vivash. Good-morning, Miss Chewton. [^Catching Dudley's ei/e and hoicing.'] An enthusiast, I hope ? Lady Vivash. Mr. Silchester — Mr. Clarence Bargus. THE WEAKER SEX 29 Dudley. How d'ye do ? Baegus. How d'ye do? Dudley. You're nervous about to-night — this big meet- ing, eh ? Funkey, just a little ? Bargus. It's an ordeal. A friend of mine, interested in women, had two reticules and a vinaigrette thrown at him last week, at Barnchester. \_Dahhing his hrow with his liandkerehief. Lady Vivash. [To Dudley.] Great head, isn't it? Dudley. Big head — one of the biggest I've ever seen. Lady' Vivash. He's tlie son of Bargus, the large weaver. Dudley. Ldrqe weaver — that accounts for it. Lady Vivash. Of course he's timid and provincial at present, but he'll float. 30 THE WEAKER SEX Dudley. That head ought to keep him up. Couldn't you get a more imposing champion ? Lady Vjyash. We have others who are — different looking. But Mr. Bargus is all our own. \_Joins Mrs. Boyle-Chewto.x and Bargus. Dudley. Oh, / don't want any. \^To Rhoda.J So you don't cotton to the political baby, Rhoda ? Rhoda. No. You won't say anything if I tell you some- thing funny about him, will you. Dudley. Honor bright. Rhoda. Do you know, that when mamma and Lady Vi- vash are not looking, little Bai'gus — he -^ he — Dudley. Well ? Rhoda. He does his best to flirt with me. Dudley. Oh, the forward infant ! I should like to do my best to slap him. THE WEAKER SEX 31 Rhoda. Oh, no; don't. I hate little Bargus, but I'm wretchedly dull here ! Nobody ever comes to the house but gentlemanly women and zoblogical-look- ing men — even Bargus is a relief. Bakgus. [To Lady Vivass and Mrs. Boyle-Chewton.J I have plunged into this great subject of Womfln after anxious deliberation. I looked about me in the House, and I saw every man metaphorically waving a banner. One member is for everything — another is against everything. One is for open- ing everything on a Sunday — another is for clos- ing everything always. I said to myself, " Bargus, what are you going to do to repay the confidence of 8,570 constituents of the Skipping-Molton Di- vision of Cuddleford?" And in answer came the flapping of wings, and your voices, ladies, saying, " Inscribe the word Woman upon your banner, and march forth ! " Mrs. Boyle-ChEwton. Mr. Bargus, are you going to say anything like that to-ijight ? Bargus. \_Dabbing his forehead. '\ Well, that's a little bit out of what I am going to say to-night. Ehoda. \_To Dudley, pointing out of window.] Why, look at those Gibson girls out there, playing lawn tennis ! 32 THE WEAKER SEX Dudley. They have spotted noses. Rhoda. I know — but I envy them the frocks they wear, the partners that feed them with strawberries and cream, the dances, the theatres, everything ! They lead girls' lives ! Dudley. Tush ! Your turn will come. Ehoda. Will it ! What about Lady Vivash's child, Sylvia, who is younger than I, and travelling in Italy with Lady Gillingham ? Italy ! Fancy ! Is her turn to come ? Without ever having seen Sylvia Vivash, I detest her ! Dudley. Hush ! She's a mere child. Rhoda. Which I've never been ! I've always been a woman with rights ! Uncle Dudley, I've a big right — to be very, very miserable ! Fetch enters. Fetch. The committee's here, — Mrs. McOstrich, Mrs. Boosby, and Miss Awke. THE WEAKER SEX 33 Mes. Boyle-Chewton. Thank you, Fetch. Mr. Bargus, pray follow ^ Lady Vivash, please ! Rhoda, bring the ..mute-book into the Committee Room. [Fetch goes out, then Mrs. Boyle-Chewton. Rhoda is folloioing with an Immense hook n^hlch she has taken from tlie ivrit- iDiJ-fd.IiIe, irlii'H BakgUS stops hei'.'] Babgus. Miss Chewton — will you allow me ? \_TaMng the book from her. Rhoda. Oh, thank you, Mr. Bargus ! Baegus. \_In ,an undertone.] May I ask you if you are fond of flowers, Miss Chewton ? If so, I should much like — Rhoda. I'm very fond of them ; but mamma says wear- ing flowers is frivolous and unhealthy. Bargus. Oh, then, Miss Chewton, if to-night my speech happens to develop some trifling little oratorical blossoms, will you wear them in your memory, Miss Chewton? 34 THE WEAKER SEX Dudley. [ Watching them.] H'm ! Getting over that nervousness, Mr. Bargus ? Bargus. Fairly, sir, thank you. Dudley. Thought so. [Bargus goes ovt, followed by Rhoda. Lady Vivash, wlio has been looking into the gardmt, crosses to the door.] Lady Vivash. Good-by, Mr. Silchester. Dudley. Lady Vivash, will you. spare me a moment ? Lady Vivash. You won't ask me for more, will you ? Dudley. \^Handing her the letter which Mes. Boyle- Chewton had read.] I think I have to thank you for that. Lady Vivash. \_Reading the letter.] Oh, the offer of the Con- sulship at Palermo. I am so glad. \_Retuming him the letter.] 1 did, indeed, suggest to Lord THE WEAKER SEX ^ Gillingham that if he knew of anything that would — that would — Dudley. That would get an idle, troublesome old friend out of your way — Lady Vivash. I am sorry I have hurt you, Mr. Silchester. Dudley. You do want me to go, then ? Lady Vivash. I think it would be better for you. Dudley. I couldn't go — alone. Lady Vivash. Isn't Griggs with you still ? Dudley. My servant ? Yes. But somehow when Griggs has brushed my coat and my hat, and played with my boot-trees for half an hour every morning, there's still a sense of loneliness in life. \_Sli6 turns away from him, leaning against the mantel- piece.] Mary ! Mary ! Lady Vivash. [^Afier a pause."] Yes. 36 THE WEAKER SEX Dudley. Come with me to Palermo. Laijy Vivash. Thank you very much, but your sister Edith and I are so engrossed in our work here that we can't take a holiday just now. DUULKY. It isn't a part of my suggestion that we should disturb Edith. Lady Vivash. I think I must go into the Committee Koom. Dudley. \_St((iidhi(j before lier, clnsjiiii;/ liix ]i(iii(h.'\ !Mary, do — do marry me. I have '\^■aited. I am your oldest friend — make me your newest love. For the sake of your little Sylvia, whom I will cherish as if she were my own, be my wife ! For your sake, be my wife ! For my sake, be my wife ! Lady Vivash. I am very sorry, Dudley, but — I cannot. Dudley. Cannot give Up this life you have chosen ? Mary, what a mistake — what a waste ! Lady Vivash. A mistake, perhaps. I may be too weak a woman, mind and body, to tight the great battle THE WEAKER SEX 37 for my sisters. But a waste — no ! "Why, if I dropped in tlie effort to raise those who are slighted, ignored, misunderstood, the effort to put upon a conspicuous pillar intellects whose light would illumine the whole world, if I dropped in my struggle to do this, it would be a sacrifice — not a waste ! Dudley. A woman's only battles should be those of her husband, the intellects she should develop are those of her children. Ah, all you find in this new" life is mere buzz and noise — forgetfulness of the wretched years of your mistaken marriage. Lady Yivash. Mr. Silchester! DUKLEY. If the task you have undertaken is so fit and so noble, why isn't your daughter Sj'lvia by your side to share it ? Lady Vivash. Sylvia! my dear little Sylvia ! Dudley. Why isn't she under your wing '! Lady Vivash. I think a young girl needs a different atmos- phere. I mean. Lady Gillingham was going to Italy, and offered to — I thought it best that Lady Gillingham should — Oh, Sylvia has no troubles to forget ! 38 THE WEAKER SEX Dudley. I am right, then ! Lady Vivash. And if you are — - if what I am searching for is but a sort of intoxication, an oblivion — how could you, with your reminder of the past, help me ? DUDLFA'. By devoting myself to you — by loving away the memory of your misfortunes. Lady Vivash. \^After hiding her face for a Tnoment.^ Dudley ! [i/e stands by her side; she looks up to him and takes his kand.^ Thank you, dear old friend. But — it is so impossible. Dudley. Don't you love me at all ? Lady Vivash. Yes, I do love you; but don't you guess that I can't forget — Dudley. Philip Lyster ! Lady Vivash. Philip Lyster. Ah, Dudley, — brother, if you will be that, — it is years ago, but I loved Philip so ^\'ell ! Eighteen years ago, and, oh, the fresh- ness of it all to-day ! THE WEAKER SEX 39 Dudley. You parted not friends. Lady Vivash. A boy-and-girl quarrel, with the girl in the wrong. He was tender, chivalrous, sensitive ; I, wilful, capricious, cruel ! Dudley. He left England ? Lady Vivash. I heard so. And then came my sin. Heaven forgive me ! Marrying another to spite the man my temper had driven away from me. Dudley. You suffered ! Lady Vivash. I deserved it. Child as I was, I deserved it. But he, so beyond me ; why should I have ruined his life ? There, Dudley, is the misery that de- stroys my peace. The news of my marriage must have reached him in some foreign country. I can see it coming to him, without a word of warning, through some newspaper. I can hear his bitter cry of contempt for the girl he had loved. Some- times I think he must be dead, and I picture him ■ dying, lonely, uncared for. And sometimes I think he lives on, old, broken, a misanthrope, the name of woman the only jest to draw a smile from him. \Sh6 turns away crying. 40 THE WEAKER SEX Dudley. Ah — so that's your answer, Mary. My old friend Philip still stands between you and me. Lady Vivash. Still — always — Enter Pktch ir'ith ingham. He's most anxious to do everything hi forma — wliat is it? Not putiperls — proprietas ; in fornid [iroprletds. See him, and accept him or re- ject him. [Sylvia, Khoda, and Dudley appeal' out- side the windoiv.^ 52 THE WEAKER SEX Lady Vjvash. Reject him — yes. But Sylvia '.' Lady Gillixcii am. Why, at the worst, it is only a child's first love — nothing uiore. Lady Yivasii. It need be Jiothing more. Ah, I know what the child's first love means to the grgwn Avonian ! Sylvia i-i'-enfrnt fin' raoni. Sylvia. Mamma, won't you — \_Sli<; stops suddenhj. lookinrj into Lady Vivash's /«ce.j Lady Gilling- ham has been sj^eaking to you about me ! Lady Vivash. Yes, dear. Sylvia. I — I am so sorry, mamma. Lady Yivash. Sorry ? SYl,^"IA. So sorry that — that Air. Lee cannot get to Lon- don until Wednesday. [Ladv Gillingham ijoi's to Ehoda and Dudley, oiitsirinill//.j The question is in a nutshell. Of what is woman capable ? "Woman is — Dudley. [ lJ'/)'i has hfpti o^junivg and ri'ading his letters.'^ Good heavens! \_To Bargus.] I beg your par- don — allow me, one moment! Mrs. Boyle-Chewtox. Really, Dudley ! Dudley. {_S'iftli/, f(i Lady Vi vash, irho has dvopped thought- full g into (I chair.] Lady Vivash — jNfary ! I'm a ](oor unlucky devil, but I'm not so wrapped up in myself that I can't feel glad at bringing you this good news. Lady Vivash. Good news ! THE WEAKER SEX 59 DUDI-EV. Strange news ! Philip Lyster is living. Lady Vivas h. Living ! DUDLFA'. And in England — or will be almost directly. \^H(tndiiiinoHiicinf/.] Mr. Silchester. Enter Dudley Silchester. Lord Gillingham. [To the Hills.] Ah, there she is !' Me. and Mrs. Ha.wley Hill. My dear Lady Gillingham — [TAey go out. 68 THE WEAKER SEX LuRlJ GiLLIXGIlAJI. \_Si'i-'ui(j DuiJLE-i'.J You'i-e not goiug, are you? Lady Gillinghiim has been looking for you ; there's some music in there. Dldley. Just come ! How are you ? Lord (tillingham. Ah ! How are you ? Mr. Silchester, isn't it ? Dudley. How's Lady Gillingham ? Lord Gii.i-inoham. Very well. She's better than I am at a party — I get dazed. Lady (iillingham is a wonderful woman. 1 was born too long ago for her. That's my great fault. Dudley. \_Si/niiiiittii'ttr(ilhi.'\ Ah ! Lord Gii.linchajt. Yes. \_T/ii'i/ stiiml sldi- hij sidr tjii iJie heurth-ru;/. Dudley'. Fine May ! Lord Gillinuham. Very. Very fine May. Dudley. One of the finest Mays I remember. THE WEAKER SEX 69 LOBD GiLLIXGHAM. English Mays. Dudley. I mean English Mays. LoilU trILLIX(;HAM. May is a tine month abroad. DUDLKY. Yes — sometimes. LOKD GiLLIXCJHAM. Ah, I mean sometimes. [Thfy turn tlieir Imuds from enrli other aiid gape. Dudley. Is Lyster here '' LdKD Gilli.\(;ham. What Lyster is that '.' Dudley. Philip Lyster — Gerald Lyster's sou. Went away suddenly years and years ago. Lord Gillixgham. Don't know hiln. Dudley. He wrote to tell me he'd be here to-night. 70 THE WEAKER SEX LOKD GiLLINGHAM. Oh, very likely, very likely ! There are a great many people here I don't know. A friend of my wife's, perhaps. Come along. [Lady Gillingham, richly dressed, enters. Lady Gillixgiiam. \_Shaking hands with Dudley.] How do you do ? So pleased ! \_Surpr'tsing Lord Gillixg- ham in the middle of a gape.'] Theodore! people are looking for you. You're horrid. \_To Dud- ley.] He leaves everything to me. Dudley. I wish he'd leave something to me. I mean I wish I might assist you. [To himself.] Con- found it ! what a stupid thing to say ! [Sylvia e^iters u-itli the Hox. George Lip- TitOTT. Slie is dressed s'unphj but cliarm- iiiglij in vli'de ; slie greets Dudley, .(ir.'\ Here are those people — Mary's friends — the strong-minded ladies — and Mr. Bargus. Mrs. Boylb-Chewton, Rhoda, and Mr. Bargus enter, the ladies dressed very plainly in sombre silks. 72 THE WEAKER SEX Lady Gillixuham. How do you do ? How do you do ? So de- lighted ! \_lntroducin(j.'] Lord Gilliiigham L \_T() Mrs. Boyle-Chewton.] Is Mary with you'/ MkS. licn'LE-CllEWTOX. \_Gruidy.'\ No. I left Lady Vivasli dep]j]y en- gaged with Madame Lisette, the dressmaker. LOKD GiLLIXIiHAM. [TV) Uaiicus.J Certainly; very interesting — very interesting. Baucls. My lord, it is a great question in a nutshell ! The position of Woman — LoKU Gili,tx(:ha:m. Quite so ; yesterday's ])aiier reported your speech very fully. [Lajjy LlPTiiOTT ri'-eiifi'i's, ((H)/ is udrodKccd to Mks. ])()Yi,i;-('hewt().\.] Lai>y Gillixijham. [?''( Rhoda.J There is Sylvia. [Rhoua (joes to Sylvia, (cho rises to meet )ier. SvL\ ia. Oh, I 'm so glad ! Has mamma come '' Khoba. No. THE WEAKER SEX 73 Sylvia. How late she is ! Do sit by me for a moment. \_lliey sit side by side. Rising, George finds E.HODA ni'xt to him, instead of Sylvia.] Georgk. Haw! I think I'll just — if you don't mind — I'll look for my mother ! \_To himself.'] What a dowdy girl ! Lady Liptkott. \_To Geokge, as theij meet.] George, look at that extraordinarily dressed person ! Geokge. Yes. I've just seen anothah! Lauy Liptkott. Ugh ! how women can so disfigure themselves I can't imagine. Let us retain the soft docdlity and gentle exterior which are Heaven's gifts, or let us die. Give me some air outside. [^Thei/ go into thf, garden. Lady Gillixgham. We mustn't miss Bandinelli, the new violinist. [Bargus bobs and bows iieruouslij ; Lord Gillingham gallantlij escorts Mr.s. Boyle-Che WTON.] Mrs. Boyle-Chewtox. \2'o Lord Gillingham.] Why don't you be- 74 THE WEAKER SEX Lord Gillingham. Madam, I am all yours. Mrs. Boyle-Chewton. Join our Union. Lord GiLLixciHAM. Ah, I haven't thought about it. Mk.s. Boyle-Chewtox. Why can't women vote ? Lord GiLLiN(iHA:vr. They can — they tell the men how to. Mrs. Boyle-Chewtox. Why can't women sit ? Lord Gillixgham. \Puzzled.'\ They can — can't they ? Mrs. Boyle-Ghewton. I mean in the House of Commons ! Rhoda ! Khoda. Yes, mamma. [Bargus and Lady Gillixg- HAM, Lord GiIjLingham, and Mrs. Boyle-Chew- TON go into the drawliuj-roonis. Rhoda rises.'] I suppose 1 must go, but I hate it. Sylvia. Hate it ! THE WEAKER SEX 75 Ehoda. I'm not dressed very nicely ; people stare so. Sylvia. \-Futting her arm, around her waist.'] Shall I come with you ? [Rhoda disengages herself, looking at Syl- via's dress and then at her own. Rhoda. Oh, no ; please don't ! Besides, you will want to get rid of me directly Mr. Lee arrives. Sylvia. Mr. Lee ! Rhoda, dear, who told ygu ? Rhoda. Nobody. I heard Lady Vivash telling mamma. Sylvia. \_Taking Rhoda's hand.] Oh, I'm glad you know; for I do want to talk about him so much. He's dark, you know, and is a poet ; they call him the "Poet of the Prairies," in his own country. He's an American, with a soft, low voice. We've only seen each other three times and a little bit. We met in Florence. Do you think it's romantic ? You can buy his poems at the railway station. They're a shilling. Look ! \_Taking from her •pocket a little volume bound in red silk.] There they are. I put them in that bright cover. I did say he was dark, didn't I? Oh, aren't I telling you all about him ? 76 THE WEAKER SEX Rhoda. \_Svperrili(in.dii.'\ Yon are, rather. SyJjVIA. "S'ou're not ta-oss, are you ? I do hope you'll be engaged soon. Rhoda. \_Blt(ng her lips.] Do you ? Thank you. Per- haps I'm as much engaged as you appear to be. Sylvia. Oh, I'm so glad ! Tell me who it is — oh, do ! • Rhoda. If I choose, it is Mr. Bargus. Sylvia. IHori-ified.] Mr. Bargus ! Oh, don't ! Rhoda. [7re a rage.] I don't know why you should make that face. Mr. Bargus is a member of Par- liament. A member of Parliament ranks higher than a poet. Sylvia. Oh, I don't think that's a nice thing to say ; and Lady Gillingham has told me that there are mem- bers u'ihI members. Besides, a man isn't born a member of Parliament. Mr. Lee was born a poet. THE WEAKER SEX 77 Ehoda. Indeed ! He'd better go back, then ; they're do- ing away with hereditary privileges in this country. Servant. [_Announciii//.] Mr. Lee ! Sylvia. Oh! Ira Lee enters. He is /i fall, handsome man of about thirty-seven, with a yentle, self-con- tained manner. Lee. \_Advanciny to Sylvia with a ijleasant smile.] Miss Vivash. Sylvia. \_H(ingiafj her head."] Mr. Lee. [Rhoda stares at Lee, then turns to go as Bargus enters."] Bargus. Miss Chewton — Rhoda. Your mamma has dele- gated me to fetch you. [Rhoda stares contemptuously at Lee and Sylvia, and, seizing Bargus's arm, goes out with him,.] Lee. I didn't reach London until five o'clock this afternoon. 78 THE WEAKER SEX Sylvia. You must be very vs^eary. Lee. Of being parted from you — ah, yes. Is Lady Vivash here '' Sylvia. Not yet. Lee. Will she be very angry ? Sylvia. I think she will be a little angry if you stay with me now. Lee. Very well, then ; I'll go and find Lady Gilling- ham. \_Taking her hand.'] Suppose your mother, for some reason, dislikes me exceedingly. Sylvia. C)h, don't, please ! What is there not to like ? Lee. So much. Why, look at your little hand in mine ; it's like a rosebud on an old Delft plate. I have lived twice as long as you. Sylvia. You are a poet; you always will. Besides, I think mamma will like you for being rather old ; when she married my papa he was three times her age. THE WEAKER SEX 79 Lee. No — was he ? Sylvia. \_&urprised.'\ Didn't you know? Lee. Certainly not. You and I have never had time to talk of anything but the future — and the weather. Sylvia. Oh, you're not curious, like women ! You could have found out all about mamma — who she was, whom she married, when she married, when I was bor — everything. You ought to be curious about me. 1 have read your poems. Lee. I don't want to know more than that you are sweet and gentle, with a voice that has the mean- ing of truth in it. Sylvia. But my mamma ? Lee. Oh, I have imagined her — a woman with eyes like yours, only sadder ; lips like yours, only paler ; a voice like yours, only deeper ; a woman whose task in life it is to show her child how to grow old beautifully ! Sylvia. Thank you. Now go and find Lady Gillingham. \_He raises her hand to his lips tenderly. 8o THE WEAKER SEX Lee. Why shouldn't you show me the wa3' to her ? SVLVIA. It is such a little way. Lee. Isn't there a longer way to Lady GilHngham ? Sylvia. Oh, yes — through the garden ; only it's much longer. Lee. Take me the much longer way. \_Theij u-alk a titep or ia-o towards the icimlotr : lie stops and pohits to the book s/ie still carries.'] May I carry that ? Sylvia. Oh! \_Han(Hn(j him the haul-, irhlch he opens.] Do you think me veiv silly ? Lee. I think you ought to be ordered a course of sounder reading. Sylvia. AVrite your name there, please. Lee. \_Hesit(itiiii;/ frniii his hmd.] ISTot allow my affeu — my aft' — ! I beg your pardon ! Mks. Boylk-Chewtox. Vou know what I hint at. You won't take me away for our honeymoon till Parliament has risen? THE WEAKER SEX 91 Babgus. [ Wildly. \ Mrs. Boyle-(?hewton ! [Dudley (dkI Rhoda come from the draw- liig-rooni together.'] Mks. Boyle-Chewtox. Hush! don't kneel! [Bisiii;/ and looking around the corner.] Dudley ! Dudley. Oh, are you there, Edith ? Mks. Boyle-Chewtox. [//J a childish voice.] Yes! \_She approaches them, trying to conceal Baegus, v}ho sinks hack.] Baegus. \_To himself, with horror.] I see it! It's all in a nutshell. The mother has taken it to herself. Oh, I've gone into the wrong lobby ! Mes. Boyle-Chewton. ^Pointing to the recess.] I think Mr. Bargus is there. Dudley. Is he? [To himself] Oh, yes: there's the in- fant. [Baegus advances falteringly.] How d'ye do ? [Bargus nods, hut cannot speak. 92 THE WEAKER SEX Mes. Boyle-Chewtox. Dudley dear — Rhoda — we three are of one family. I — 1 think Mr. Bargus has something to tell you. Dudley. iTideed ! Mrs. Boyle-Chewtox. Something I hope most interesting to Ehoda — my child. Ehoda. mamma ! Mrs. Boyle-Chewton. Already united to us by ties of sympathy, Mr. Bargus asks that he may be allowed to add one more link to the chain by becoming — Khoda's father. Rhoda. \_Clenching her hands.'\ Oh ! Dudley. Good gracious ! \_He turns and looks at Rhoda i?t blank aiiiaznnpvt.'j Bakgus. [To Mrs. Boyle-Chewton.J He doesn't like it. I can see he doesn't like it. Shall we, for the present — that is, temporarily, you know — a year or two — yield to him ! THE WEAKER SEX 93 Mks. Boyle-Chewton. Doesn't like it ! When did I receive sympathy from my brother Dudley ? Mr. Bargus, we will take the air before returning to the heated rooms. Your arm. Rhoda, please follow. \_She takes Babuus's arm, and leads him across to the window ; us he passes Rhoda he gives her a piteous look ; his month m.oves without any sound, and he shakes his head violently. She turns from him co7itemptuously. The three disappear into the garden, leaving Dudley, with his hands in his pockets, transfixed.'] Dudley. Good gracious ! The infant has grown out of all knowledge. Confound it ! Edith ought to have known better. I'll go up to the club and drop a line to Bargus. If the babe doesn't listen to reason I'll choke him with his own coral. A Servant enters. Sekvant. Here is Mr. Silchester, my lady. Dudley. Eh? Lady Vivash enters ; her manner is now quite com- posed, but her step is heavy and slow, and her face pale. 94 THE WEAKER SEX Lady Yivash. Mr. Silchester ! Dudley Lady Vivash ! Lady Vivash. Will you find Sylvia for me ? I think she must be in the garden. Her young American must pay the penalty of being late ; I am going to take his sweetheart home. Dudley. She'll be a little disappointed. Lady Vivash. \To herself.'] She knows her lover will call to- morrow ! Disappointed ! I could teach her what that means. [^Sinking wearily into a chair. Dudley. You look very tired. Lady Vivash. The rooms are hot — or cold — or something. Find Sylvia, and let me go. \_The Servant has drawn the curtains orer the icindow and retired. Dudley is go- ing into the garden.] Lady Vivash. \_Calling.'\ Dudley! Isn't it curious about — no Mr. Lyster ? THE WEAKER SEX 95 Dudley. It is quite a mystery. You saw his letter ? Ladt Vivash. I didn't scrutinize it. I suppose it was his handwriting ? Dudley. T suppose so. I have it with me. \_Tahing the 'letter from his pocket and readinff.] "Next Wednesday night at a party at Lord Gilling- ham's." They don't know him. Do you recog- nize the writing ? Lady Vivash. Lend me the letter ; I'll glance at it when I get home — if I have time. Dudley. Certainly. \_Giving her the letter ; her hand trem- bling as she takes it.'] I shall call at his hotel to-morrow. Lady Vivash. You — you are not looking for Sylvia. Dudley. I beg your pardon. [iJe goes out through the curtains into the garden.'] Lady Vivash. ILooMng at the letter.] The handwriting! Know it ! Philip ! you taught it to me too 96 THE WEAKER SEX well years ago ! " At Lord Gillingliam's.'' He must have written tliat name for some other. I'll find out to-morrow — early to-morrow. \_Shi' folds the letter, looks aromid, then tovrhes her lips irlth. the pope I- and slips it into her ho(liee.~\ "Where is Sylvia ? Why doesn't she come ? 1 can't endure this place now. \_She crosses to the nuiains and holds tlievi. opien, lookin;/ vjt.] How bright! It was moonlight when I sent him away from me. What a mockery it is to-night! \^S]te goes tlirougli the cnrtalns as Ladv GiLLixGHAM enters with Ika Lee. At the same moment the Servant crosses the rooin.'\ Lady Gillingham. [To the Seevastt.J Lady Vivash has not gone, Spencer ? Sekvaxt. I believe not, my lady. [^The Servant goes out. Lady Gillingham. [To Lee.] I am sure Lady Vivash is most anxious to see you. She must be in the rooms. ^Vait here ; I'll find her and bring her to you. Lee. You are very kind to me, Lady Gillingham. Lady (Jillixgham. I am afraid I am. Ah, ^Nlr. Lee, lovers are too troublesome. THE WEAKER SEX 97 Lee. \Tahing Iter hand and hendiiuj over it.'] Ah, Lady Gillingham, women are too beautiful. [Lady Gil- MNGHAM sill lies, mid goes out.'] Wait here! wait here ! to be approved of — or otherwise. To have every gray hair in my head counted, every furrow in my face measured, every pound in the bank weighed. After all, a man on the right side of forty isn't so very old — not so very old'. I am only old for Sylvia. Ah, if they don't inspect me quickly I shall be an octogenarian. [His foot touches a little plain gold bracelet ivliicli is lying upon the tiger-skin before the fireplace.'] AVhat's that ? \_Picking it up carelessly.] A bracelet. [JTe is about to place it on the miinteljnere when he catches sight of an in.^cription upon it.] Great Heaven ! \_Re(.iding the inscription.] " Philip Lyster to Mary Xorbury. For ever and ever." \_The curtains are pushed aside, and Lady ViVASH enters, clasping her wri.its.] Lady Vivash. My bracelet ! I have lost my bracelet ! \^He rises; they come face to face.] Mr. Lyster ! Lee. [^Quietly handing the bracelet.] Are you look- ing for this ? I found it on the ground there. Lady Vivash. \_Taking the bracelet from him, and trying to command herself] Thank you. Mr. Sileli«ster 98 THE WEAKER SEX mentioned to me that you were thinking of re- turning to England after — rather a long absence. \_Offcrniii her lunid.'] How do you do '.' \_He takes her liiiiid reapeetfiiUi), (nid hoirs irithoiit speaking.'] I did ask about yoti early in the evening when I first came, but p(jor Lord Gillingham was more than usually oblivious. He is much changed. We are all very, very miudi changed. Lk.k. Naturally. . Lady Yivasii. \_Liy]ttIy.] I think I should have known you anywhere. You wouldn't, of course, have recog- nized me if I — if I had not — if — Lee. Oh, yes — don't mistake me — I should, indeed. \_Their eyes meet : she hangs her head and moves a step or tvo from hi'm.~\ Lady Vivash. Old friends ought to feel interested in one an- other. Have you prospered abroad ? Are you — unmarried ? Lee. Yes ; I am unmarried. Lady Vivash. \_Sflfiing II erg.] Oh ! THE WEAKER SEX 99 Lee. Yes, old friends ought to ffeel interested in one another. Pardon me — have you prospered at home ? Are you — unmarried ? Lady Vivasij. Don't you know ? Lee. Know what ? Lady Vivash. Of my marriage — after — you — left England ? Lee. No. How soon after I left England ? Lady Vivash. Philip ! Ah, don't think more hardly of me than you can help. I was mad — I didn't know what I was doing. Heaven pitied me, and gave me strength to do my duty ; but you, a man, can't think leniently. I know — I know. \_She covers her eyes with her hands. He turns from her respectfully. The ciiv- tains itiooe, and Rhoda is about to enter ; seeing LadY Vivash, she stops qidcMy, and draws bach, listening, closing the curtains carefully. '\ Lee. \_After a, pause.] You have not told me — how soon after I left England. 100 THE irEAKKR SEX Lady Yivasii. I can't — I daren't. If you Lad come back it would have been different. Why didn't you come back '! Lee. ~\\'hy ':' Ha ! Because I was a foolish, senti- mental lad, with au ideal which y(ni had shattered. Because I was smarting under the charges of mi- faithfulness you had brought against me. Lady Yivash. False charges ; they were false, and I knew it. I tortured you with doubts and accusations for the sake of hearing you tell me how deejjly you loved me. I quarrelled for the luxui'y of reconciliation — stabbed for the sake of healing! And you couldn't ccm2)rehend a woman's nature. Lee. No ; beca\ise I forgot that it was the patrician ladies who cried '^Habet" loudest at the Roman circus. I discovered that you had meant to tor- ture me in jilay. and I left you, from that moment never to glance back. I made a new man of myself, shunning all chances of hearing of you or reading of you, never letting myself even wonder about you. I was unmanly, you say '! Well, men have their excuses even for that — if women are unwomanly. Lady Vivash. But now — we are older, wiser. THE WEAKER SEX loi Lee. Xow ! Oh, it can't matter to either of us >wir. Lady Vivasii. Xot matter I Philip, you don't know uic. Lis- ten — you must. If you wish it, you shall never see me again after to-night — to-night, the cross- road of our later life. But hear me before we part! While you Avere shutting your heart upon me in some far-away spot, tinj heai't was bleeding for you ; my eyes ever looking, my ears ever lis- tening for you ! Lee. Hush ! Lady Yivash. I shock you. A married woman! Yes — but one cruelly treated by her husband. A generous husband might have taught me to forget ; as it was, my love for you was tlve light I burnt to keep me from stumbling. A little child came ; to hush it to sleep I cried liy its cradle the story of my love for you. I prayed for you night and morn- ing ; perhaps my J)rayers have kept you out of danger ! Lee. Hush, Mary I Lady Vtvash. [ Under her breath.'] What have I said ? 102 THE WEAKER SEX Lee. \Taking her hand firmly.] You have said rightly — this is the cross-road of our lives, and we part. Good-by ! Lady Vivash. Oh! Lee. Il must be. Because, Mary, both of us are not i'lee. Lady Vivash. Not free! Not free! Ah, I' haven't told you, Philip I Yes, I was married — wretchedly mar- ried ; but now it is past. I am — I am alone again ! \_Sh6 totters towards him ; he recoils. Lee. Mary ! [Lord and Lady Gillixgham enter with Sylvia, who runs down with a glad cry. Lady Vivash. [^Hysterically.] Sylvia ! Sylvia. Oh, I am so glad I Lady Vivash. Glad ! Sylvia. That you know each other. THE WEAKER SEX 103 Lady Vivash. Know — whom ? Sylvia. Mamma dear ! \Fointing to Lee.] Mr. Ira Lee ! [Lee staggers back with a cry. Lady Vi- vash stands for a rmoment as if turned to stone ; then Dudley, ivho has entered from the garden, comes quickly to^ her, and catches her as she is falling. Rhoda, Mrs. Boyle-Chewton, and Mk. Bargus appear in the window as the curtain descends."^ END OF THE SECOND ACT. THE THIRD ACT. llie .icfiif l.s f/ie lihrarij (It jSIus. ]>(iYT.E-('nKwr'()x".s, (IS III tlie First Act, thc^ moni'mij after Laky (ilLLINGHAM's 'pdrtlj. Mks. ]■)(.! VLK-t'HEWT(iN ciitcrs fraiii the (/((rdcii. ii-ith II hiiiiiUi; (if floircrs, irh'ii-h slic siirrci/s sciitl- mentuUij. ^Iks. I'kiyle-Ciikwtox. Flowers! I feel I have l)eeii a litllc nblivious of the beauty of flowers. This raorniii;.;' I seem to have learnt their language. That little hunch is for me, and that little bunch is for Clarence. Sylvi.v ciiti'rs ill II pri'tti/ iiKiriiinij-drcss and ijurdiiii-hdt. Sylvi.v. Good-morning ! Mrs. Boyle-Chkwtox. How is mamma '! 104 THE WEAKER SEX 105 Sylvia. Oil, almost quite well, and laughing at herself for giving way to the heat last night. Mrs. Boyle-Chewton. The heat ! Then she hasn't told you of the strange — \_Stopping in confusion.'] Ah'm ! Sylvia. Not told me — what, dear Mrs. Chewton? Mrs. Boyle-Chewtox. Of — of the strange sensations in her head. \_To hersi'lf.] I forgot that Rhoda learnt the affair by accident, and that I am supposed to know nothing. \_Slii' sits, arranijinrj the Jiowers <(s Kiioda e/iti'rs.] Rhoda. [ Su Ik ill/. J Good-morning. Sylvia. Good-morning. IVIjts. Boyle-Chewton. [^Chiklis/i/t/.] Good-morning, little one. Rhoda. [^Angrily to herself.'] Oh ! when I was a child I was treated like a woman; now I seem to have suddenly become a baby ! io6 THE WEAKER SEX \_She sits at the table, and takes up a news- paper ; Mks. Boyle-Chewton hums a tune, at which Rhoba stamps her foot and clutches the piaper in a rage. Syl- via looks from one to the other, quite mystified.^ Ehoda. Mamma! [To herself.^ Mamma never could sing. [Mrs. Boyle-Chbwton conditues huiinning iinconsciously.'] Sylvia. \^Quii.'fh/ to Rhoda.J Ehoda dear, I am afraid I lost my temper last night, and was very unkind^ Will you forgive me ? Ehoda. Oh, certainly — of course ! Sylvia. Thank you. And now I'll say what I ought to have said when you told me about Mr. Bargus. I congratulate you with all my heart ! Ehoda. ^Looking to/cards her mother.] Hush! Be quiet! Sylvia. \^Si(7-prised.] Don't you want me to congratulate you r THE WEAKER SEX 107 Rhoda. [Under her breath.] No — no — there's nothing to congratulate me upon. I mean — I — I — How is Lady Vivash this morning ? Sylvia. Quite well ; it was only the heat of the room. Ehoda. The heat of the room ! Then you don't know — Mrs. Bpyle-CheWton. [ Who is now listening. J Hush, Ehoda ! Sylvia. Don't know — what ? Ehoda. Oh, nothing! Sylvia. \_Looking froTn one to the other.] Oh, I am afraid there is something you are keeping from me ! You don't think mamma is really ill, do you ? You would tell me if you thought so ! Mrs. Boyle-Chewton. Of course ! Lady Vivash is in most excellent health. Why, look at her ! [Lady Vivash enters ; her face is pale, but otherivise she is quite herself.] io8 THE WEAKER SEX Lady Vivash. Good-morning. Rhoda a-nd Mes. Boyle-Chewton. Good-morning ! Mrs. Boyle-Chewton. We axe so glad you are better, Mary. Lady Vivash. Thank you. Till last night I had not fainted for years. It was very foolish of me. Did you — did you feel the heat ? Mes. Boyle-Chewtox. No ; not particularly. Lady Vivash. Did you, Rhoda ? Rhoda. [ With meaning, eying Lady Vivash. j No. I was outside the room in which you fainted — out- side, by the window. Lady Vivash. By the window ? Oh, of course ; it was cooler there ! Rhoda. Yes : much cooler. THE WEAKER SEX 109 Lady Vivash. [To herself. '\ She couldn't have heard ! Sylvia. [To Lady Vivash.] Mamma, dear, come into the garden, and watch for Mr. Lee. Lady Vivash. \Startuig.'\ ]Mr. Lee ! Sylvia. He said he would be here very early in the morning. He was so anxious about you. Do come ! Lady Vivash. For a few minutes, darling ; I must be very busy to-day. [ JV; Mks. Boyle-Chewton, as Sylvia runs up to tlm window.'] Edith, dear, what with Sylvia's return, and — and the party last night — and — and one thing and another, I have neglected the work which is so near to your heart and mine. But my mind shall never wander again, dear. Forgive me, and let us make up for lost time to-day. Mes. Boyle-Chewton. IBashfuUi/.] Um. I don't feel very much in- clined for work to-day. Lady Vivash. You — not inclined to work ! no THE WEAKER SEX Mks. Boyle-Chewton. No. Lady Vivash. But we have a Finance Committee at four o'clock. Mrs. Boyle-Chewton. Oh, bother the Finance Committee ! Lady Yivash. Edith ! Dudley enters quickly. Dudley. Good-morning. I am' a little early, Edith — but the fact is — Mrs. Boyle-Chewtox. You are fortunate. By being early you stand a chance of meeting Clarence — Mr. Bargus. I'm on the lookout for him. \_Going to the window and looking out. Dudley. \_To himself.'] Oh, if she only knew that the in- fant is now on the premises, waiting to tell her of the dreadful mistake he has made ! Fhew ! and there she is — on the lookout for him. How can I break it ? [Lady Vivash eomes to Dudley's side. Lady Vivash. [Sfiffli/ to him.] Dudley. THE WEAKER SEX iii Dudley. Are you better ? Lady Vivash. Quite well. Dudley, Ira Lee — Philip Lyster — is coming here this morning. I have thought over everything, and I have decided. Dudley, the knowledge that he was once my lover must be kept from Sylvia. Dudley. But, my dear Mary — Lady Vivash. Oh, where would be the good ? It was years ' and years ago, and is done with. The secret is quite our own. She loves him dearly ; I know him to be a good man. Would you set me, her mother, up between them ? Oh, it would be cruel ! Dudley. But is he sure his old affection is quite extinct, with a decent, respectable, and heavy monument upon it ? Lady Vivash. Sure ! My Sylvia is what I was — of course he loves her. Dudley. And you, Mary — Sylvia's mother ? [.S/ie starts and trembles, and her eyes droop for a moment.^ 112 THE WEAKER SEX Lady Vivasij. I love only Sylvia. \_Shejutns Sylvia at the window. Mrs. Boyle-Chewtox. [^Lookliig at the clock.] Rhoda, didn't Mr. Bar- gus say he would be here at ten o'clock ? Dudley. ^yervoiisli/.] Oh, my dear Edith, that reminds me. Ah — um — Mr. Bargus is here. Mrs. Boyle-Chewton. Here ! and I not informed ! Dudley. Well, the fact is, my dear Edith, he — he's sitting in the Committee Room. Mrs. Boyle-Chewton. Sitting in the Committee Room ! He can't be a committee all by himself. . Dudley. No ; he realizes that. He will be all right in a minnte. .\hM. r>OYLE-CHEWT0.\. He is not well! I see it in your expression; Mr. Bargus is indisposed ! THE WEAKER SEX ns Dudley. "Well — yes — that's it. Bargus is a little iudis- posed. Mes. Boyle-Ciikwton. Oh! Dudley. He came to me very early this morning, before I ■was up, in fact, to — to make some explanations. And having had a bad night lie asked me to bring him along. ]Mrs. Koyle-C'hewton. A bad night ! Oh, dear ! oh, dear ! [/S7;« riiiga the. hell. Dudley. Stop! Edith! I think — I fancy he wishes to see you alone. Mrs. Boyle-Chewton. Of course he does. But I must present him to Mary in his proper light. Mary ! Dudley. No, no ! No, no ! I've something to tell you ! Mrs. Boyle-Chewton. I will have no secrets. Mr. Bargus and I have nothing to be ashamed of. Dudley. Yes, you have — I mean, he has. Oh, wait ! wait! 114, THE WEAKER SEX Mrs. Boyle-Chewton. Wait ! I ought to have told Mary the first thing this morning. Mary ! Dudley. Oh, here it goes ! Mes. Boyle-Chewtox. jNIary, you will be surprised to hear that Mr. Bargus and I are engaged to be married. Lady Vivash. Edith ! Sylvia. Rhoda ! [RjHODA turns away with a cry of rage. Mrs. Boyle-Chewton. It will take Mr. Bargus's eloquent tongue to tell you our reasons for changing our condition. But the Ca^se, dear Mary, the great Cause shall not suffer. Fetch mtm-s. Mrs. Boyle-Chewtox. Fetch, Mr. Bargus is in the Committee Room — beg him to come here. [Fetch goes nut. DUDLB-Y. [To himsi'lf.'] Foor devil ! What a muddle Tve made of it ! THE WEAKER SEX ilj Lady Vivash. My dear Edith ! \Kiss'mg 7ie/-.J I hope you will be very happy. Sylvia. And so do I, dear Mrs. Chewtoii, indeed. Ehoda has been having such fun with me ! Rhoda. [Aiiffrili/.] Oh! Sylvia. Yes ; Rhoda told me last night that Mr. Bargus — Rhoda. [^Furiously.] Miss Vivash ! [Rhoda goes out into the garden as Fetch enters.'] Fetch. Mr. Bargus ! [Bargus enters ; he is pale and dejected, with a H'i/d look in his ei/es, and his appear- ance generallij disordered. Fetch goes nut.'] Bakgus. Oh, good-morning ! Lady Vivash. Mr. Bargus, I have just heard some news which gives me very great pleasure. Let me be among the first to congratulate you warmly. [She takes his hand. ii6 THE WEAKER SEX Bakgus. [ Wmkhj.\ Oh ! Lady Vivash. Come, Sylvia, dear. [Lady Vivash und Sylvia rjo out by the irindo/r.'j ]>AK(iUS. Mr. Silchester, why have you done this? Dudley. I'm desperately sorry — upon my soul I am. Mrs. Boyle-Chewtox. [To Bargus.] They tell me you are not Avell. [Bargus shakes Iiis liedd hdplesshi ; slic ijices him the hunch ofJio(r('rs.'\ Those are for you. \_He takes then, and sinks into a chu/ii; she regardinij him fondly.'] Bargus. \_AppeaIinyhj.'\ Mr. Silchester. Dudley. My dear Edith, it is of no use to beat about the bush any farther. The fact is, ^Iv. Bargus,' who mistrusts his own strength of mind, has begged ine to be his spokesman. Edith, Mr. Bargus continues to entertain the highest admiration, the most pro- found respect for you, but — but — THE WEAKER SEX 117 Mrs. Boyle-Chewton. But ! but what, Dudley ■' Dudley. But he feels it due to himself and to you to say that the events of last night were based upon an entire misunderstanding. ^Ii;s. Boyle-Chewton. The events urijiii.(j his face in his hands. Lady Vivash. Convince her that your love for her is the real love of your life ; declare to her that your old boy- ish infatuation was nothing but a flame which you smothered with a stamp of your foot. You must win back her trust and confidence. You must make her happy again. I'ou hear me — you tuitst — you must. Lee. And then, Lady Vivash ? What then '' Is there no future to reckon for ? Are there no ghosts to rise, no seeds of distrust to break their husks, spring up, and bear fruit ? What of the future ? Lady Viva.sh. The future! Listen, Philip Lyster. I. love my child. She is all I live for now. But if I could know she was happy, I could be content to live out the rest of my life away from her ; never to disturb her ; never to break in upon her peace ; never by sight of my face, to make her think. Lee. Lady Vivash ! Lady Vivash. You understand what I mean ? If you can make her happy, I will go away from you both. 130 THE WEAKER SEX The man she loves is more to a girl than the mother who loves her, and I will pay a mother's penalty; a little heavier than most mothers pay — but — I will pay it to the full. \Fabitly clutching at the, hack of a chair, then recovering herself, and holding out h(,r hand to Lee.] Philip Lyster, won't you help me ? Lee. \_Looking at her distractedly and irresolutely, then taking her hand.'] Yes, I will help you. Lady Vivash. Ah, you will do your utmost ? Lee. I will do my utmost. I promise. Lady Vivash. Oh, I thank you ! Lee. Hush ! hush ! Lady Vivash. Yes, I thank you. I bless you. May I go and find Sylvia now ? Lee. Yes, yes. Lady Vivash. Wait, then, wait. \_Goliig sloirly to the ichidow, and catching at the curtalit, she sees the bracelet on THE WEAKER SEX 131 her wrist ; then turning to look at Lee, who stands staring forward, she removes the bracelet, and creeps towards him.'] The bracelet. [Lee looks up with a start, and takes the bracelet which she hands him, with ^averted face, then she goes out.] Lee. [Seeing Dudley outside.] Dudley ! [Dudley approaches.] Give me your hand. \_They grip hands.] Old friend, say good-by to me. Dudley. Philip ! What are you going to do ? Lee. My utmost to heal the sorrow I have brought upon Mary and Sylvia. I have come into their lives to their cost — to my cost I will go out of their lives to-day as if I had died at this very hour. Dudley. Does Mary know ? Lee. Hot yet. Tell her, Dudley, that I have kept my promise — that I have done my utmost. Dudley. Philip, is there no way but this ? 133 THE WEAKER SEX Lee. None. You know it, Dudley. Once my shadow is taken from the lives of these two women, there will be light again. I pray to time to do the lest. Time will bless some worthier man than I with Sylvia's sweet companionship, and tlfen the first laugh from Sylvia's lips will waki^ ^laiy from her long dream. You will be near them still, Dudley, — always '! Dudley. Always. I am too old a watch-dog to know any voice but Mary's. \_Tliv(/ shake hands. Lee. God bless you ! This is the only ^\■ay. \_Bijivs his head on Dl'dley s shoulder. Dudley. They are coming. Lee. [ rr^V// I'Dtofloii.] Let me see them once more' together. Let me see them when they know that I have gone. Tell them. [Lee t/oes out of mii' iriinloir, us Lady Vi- A'ASH mid Sy'LYIA I'lifer of oiiotlifi; irit/i- oiit seeiii;/ huii.'\ Lady' Vivash. [^Quleth/ to Dudley.] Dudley, Philip has some- thing to tell Sylvia which I want her to hear from THE WEAKER SEX 133 his lips al'one. Where is he ? Let us find him. Come. \_Gn%ng iinrnvih the door. Dudley. [^Stopping her.] Mary — Sylvia. Lady Vivash. Dudley Dudley. I have some news to break to you. "We shall see Philip no more. He has gone. [Lady Vivash a^id Sylvia mfrt each other's eyes with a fixed look.'] Mary, Philip asks me to tell you that he has kept his promise. He has done his utmost. [Lady Vivash goes to Sylvia, and they tenderly embrace. Dudley goes to the windov and looks out; then Lee re- enters silently, looks ttt the tiro women, grips Dudley's hand, and disappears.] THE END. I I is The Plays of Henrik Ibsen. Edited^ with Critical' and ]^j^f«.i>hical Introductiotv by ED MUNP q OSSE. Tills series is offered to meet a growing demand for the plays of this well- ahused and hotly-^Hscussed writer; whose tnflaenoe pfeir the eontemporary drama Is enormons even if his vogue . in the American theatre be stlU regrettably small. These plays are }nteiided for the rea^ng pu^Ue, bllt are recouuneiided for the use of literary societies and reading clubs, ta\i sOmewhaf: diffidently auggested to dramattoolubs, as providing unconveatton^ »Ut vigorously acta- hie material. Aa a dramatist Ibsen is absoIotWy " aetor-tlght," and has written ijiore successful parts and inspired more " hits " than any of his more pupnlar contemporaries. This edition Is printed in lai^e, clear type, well anlted for the use of reading elhbs. ^hefoUpwing titles are ready. ATVM T ^C Wr»TTW; I A PiiATiirTn»EiACTS. Translated by Wii^ Uyjl^l-,. O JTlVwac.! Li^j, 4.BCBBB. . Three male, four female char- ' - " aoters, and three children. J>rlee, !8S cents. THE PILLARS OF SOCIETY. I female characters. A' Plat is Four Acts. Translated by Wilua3i 4'IKHJEIt. Ten male, nine Price, J9S ceat*. I k m nWrt^IX^ I r4. Dbawa m Tsbmb Acts. 'Translated by WiujAX ^fi.v/>9J.o. - AfecHEB. Three male, two feiudflcharactttrs. ' • " " ' price, iiS tonta. T3<\'!lUnn?^WOT IW I ■* Db*ma tir Foitr ^m||('. %""''***"! ^y M. KSJOiyiCtS^nsJUyU \ OABWiOHAiat,. ronrMu^tiS^femaleeharae- ij-jW'-Prioo, 85 cent*. A hkiMA. JH fiVB Acts. TrauBl4tedDyClJiBAB£U.. Klve m^% three female 'X'l'Ioe, 25 cents. ters. LADY FROM THE SEA. characters. AN ENEMY OF SOOETY. ters. THE WILD DUCK. A PI.AT IN FiTK ACTS. Trans- Iiated by William Abchek. Klne^ue, two female oharao- Prtce, SS cents. A Draua. i» Five Acts. Translated by E. M. AvBUSO. Twelve male, three female characters. Price, 2S c«ttts. THE YOUNG MENfS LEAGUE. I ^,SitU'' ^T«„^«'v ^- ' nAoft-pAnpineir. ' Twnlvn roal4 six female ohataoter*. CAJtSTARPR^. Twelve Price, 85 cents. OBAHA IV WtTB AcM. Translated by ITSPTirkA <^ARTTn? I A OBAHA IK 1*02 AcM. Translated by nrdJLUX