'4 "«■• ;:' library! ANNEX ^■lii 1^ M:^ M>^€^m>^i.k^ CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY THE Joseph Whitmore Barry dramatic library THE GIFT OP TWO FRIENDS OF Cornell University 1934 Cornell University Library PR 4827.M4 1909 The masqueraders; a play in four acts, by 3 1924 013 489 491 Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924013489491 THE PLAYS OF HENRY ARTHUR JONES The MASQUERADER3 B l|Ma^ in four Bete BY HENRY ARTHUR JONES AUTHOR OP "THE UABS,"" MICHAEL AND HIS LOST AMOEL,"" THE TEMPTER,' "THE CRUSADERS," "JUDAH," "THE CASE OP REBELLIOUS SUSAN," "THE DAKCme GIRL," "THE MIDDLEMAN," "THE ROGUE'S COMEDY," "THE TRIUMPH OF THE PHILISTINES," "THE MASQUESADERS," "THE MANCEUVRES OF JANE," "CARNAC SAHIB," "THE GOAL," "MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE," "THE LACKEY'S CARNIVAL," "THE PRINCESS'S NOSE," ETC. Copyright, 1909, by Hekry Arthur Jones PRICE 50 CENTS NEW YORK SAMUEL FRENCH I rUBUIHIK a4 WiiT 2ZD Stmit LONDON SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. a6 Southampton St., Stkano THE MASQUERADERS A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS BY HENRY ARTHUR JONES COFYRIGHV, 1909, BY HENRY ARTHUR JONES NEW YORK SAMUEL FRENCH PUBLISHER 26 WEST 22D STREET LONDON SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 26 Southampton Street STRAND " I think we had better not tell this story in England, for no one would believe it. — I myself was close to the squadron, and distinctly saw what happehed." Lord Roberts, Forty-one Years in India. Copyright in the United States. My Dear George Alexander, This is one of the many original plays of English authorship that you have successfully produced during your long and honoured management of the St. James' Theatre. May I gratefully recall our pleasant association during its production, and your striking performance of David Remon, by asking you to accept its dedication in its present form ? Gratefully yours, HENRY ARTHUR JONES. Produced by Mr. George Alexander at the St. James's Theatre on 28th April 1894. PERSONS REPRESENTED David Remon. Sir Brice Skene. Montagu Lushington. Eddie Remon. The Earl of Crandover, Master of the Crandover Hunt. Hon. Percy Blanchflower. Sir Winchmore Wills, M.D. George Copeland. Fancourt. Carter. Randall. Rodney. Sharland. Jimmy Stokes, an old huntsman. Brinkler, proprietor of " The Stag." Thomson. DuLciE Larondie. Helen Larondie, her sister. Charley Wishanger, afterwards Lady Shalford. Lady Clarice Reindean, Lord Crandover's daughter. Lady Crandover. Guests, Dancers, Fox-hunters, Hotel Servants, and Waiters. ACT I Scene — The Courtyard of the Stag Hotel and Assembly Rooms at Crandover. (Four years pass.) ACT II Scene — Drawing-Room at Lady Skene's. {Nine months pass^ ACT III Scene — Private Sitting-Room at the Hotel Prince de Galles, Nice. ACT IV. Scene — The Observatory on Mont Garidelli, Maritime Alps, near Nice. The following is a copy of the original play-bill of " TAe Masqueraders^'' ST. JAMES'S THEATRE. Sole IfCSsee and Kanaeer . . . Mr. GSORGS AIiSXANDBR. To-night, Saturday, 28th April, 1894, and every evening at eight o'clock, 21 new and ociflinal modern plas, in tout Bets, By henry ARTHUR JONES, entitled THE MASQUERADERS. David Remon Mr. George Alexander. Sir Brick Skene Mr. Herbert Waring. Montagu Lushington . _. . Mr. Elliot. Eddie Remon Mr. H. V. Esmond. Lord Crandover (Master of the Crandover Hunt). . Mr. Ian Robertson. Hon. Percy Blanchflower Mr. A. Vane-Tempest. Sir Winchmore Wills, M.D. Mr. Graeme Goring. George Copeland Mr. Ben Webster. Fancourt Mr. Arthur Royston. Carter Mr. Guy Lane-Coulson. Randall Mr. J. A. Bentham. Rodney Mr. F. Kinsey Peile. Shaeland Mr. A. Bromley-Davenport Jimmy Stokes (an old whip). Mr. William H. Day. Brinkler (proprietor of " The Stag ") Mr. Alfred Holies. Thomson Mr. F. Loftus. A Servant Mr. Theo Stewart. THE MASQUERADERS 9 DuLCiE Larondie Mrs. Patrick Campbell. Helen Larondie (her sister) Miss Granville. Charley Wishanger (after- wards Lady Shalford) . . . Miss Irene Vanbrugh. Lady Clarice Reindean (Lord Crandover's daughter). Miss Beryl Faber. Lady Crandover Mrs. Edward Saker. Guests, Dancers, Fox-hunters, Hotel Servants, and Waiters, THE PRESENT DAY. ACT I. Scene — The Stag Hotel and Assembly Rooms at Crandover. (Four years pass.) ACT II. Scene — Drawing-Room at Lady Skene's (Nine months pass.) ACT in. Scene — Private Sitting-Room at the Hotel Prince de Galles, Nice. ACT IV. Scene — The Observatory on Mont Garidelli, Maritime Alps, near Nice. THE MASQUERADERS ACT I Scbne: — The old courtyard of the Stag Hotel and Assembly Booms at Crandover, roofed in to form a hall. Along right is a har-counter, surmounted by a glass casement and windows, which open and shut down on to the counter. In the middle of the counter is a lid, which lifts up and forms door- way. At the back are steps leading to the Crandover Assembly Rooms. On the left the large old-fashioned gateway of the Inn. Running all round are the old galleries remaining from coaching times. Plants and banners hung about the hall. On the outside of bar is hung a subscription list, in which the words " Widow and Orphans " and " Dick Ramsden " are discernible. Dancing in the rooms beyond. Amongst the company are Lord Ceandovee, Lady Ceandovee, Lady Claeice Reindeaw, Chaeley Wishangee. Montagu Lttshington, a modern young man, is coming downstairs.^ LoED Ceandovee [4 jovial English aristocrat of about fifty speaks to Beinklee.] Devilish rum start this of Miss Larondie's, Brinkler. BEiiir. IWith a grin.'] Yes, my lord, II General call. Lord Cran., tiody Cran., Clarice, Mon- ty, Charlie, ^aiKourt, Sharland, Rodney, Randall, Brinkler, Sir Brice and guests. ' WTien curtain rises Mon- tagu and Charley are seated on stairs l. Fancourt and Shar- land stand. ing by barrel, four men are playing cards in fur. ther room. Brinkler is vjith them, ffe comes out, and goes down B. Lord and Lady Crandover enter from ball-room and go c, fol- lowed by Rodney and Lady Cla- rice, who are followed by Randall. Orchestra at back begins playing a polka just oefore rise of curtain. ACT I THE MASQUERADERS Where is she? ' Montagu and Charley move down L. c ; Bodnejf goes up^ R. and joins Ban^ doll. ' Guests from halWoom come on in couples and disperse R. anal.. LoED Oban. Beik. [Pointing off into the bar, i-.] In the bar there. l_They all look off, and show great interest. Mon- tagu Ltjshington joins the group.^'\ Chae. [A very fast, mannish little woman, to Montagu.] ITot bad, eh ? MON. Exquisite. That divine poise of the arm as she draws the handle of the beer machine is really quite priceless. LoED Cean. Does she bring you much business, Brinkler? Bkin. Well, she's brought me two good customers, my lord. LoED Cean. Who are they? Bein. One of them is Sir Brice Skene, my lord. [Ladt Oeandovee exchanges a look with Lady Claeice.] Lady Cean. Is Sir Brice often here ? ^ [Lady Claeice is showing interest.^ Bein. He's almost lived here lately, my lady. Lady Clae. [To Lady Oeandovee, aside, bitterly.] What did I tell you ? LoED Cean. Who's the other customer? 12 THE MASQUERADERS ACT I Bbin. That mad gentleman that lives at Gerard's Heath, Mr. Eemon. There he is in the bar now. [_They all look off, and show great interest.l MoN. That pale individual who is dallying with claret in the corner? Beiw. Yes; that's sixty-nine Mouton Rothschild. I get it specially for him. Fancy drinking Mouton Roths- child! Chab. The man's looking at us. [SiE Bbice enters from ball-room, comes down gradu- ally to group."} LoED Cean. He's an astronomer, isn't he? Bein.* I believe he is something in that line, my lord. And he's got a little brother who is likewise touched. Mow. [With the stars, or the barmaid? Bein. Miss Larondie isn't exactly a barmaid, is she, my lord? LoED Cean. ItTo; her mother was distantly related to the Skenes. Her father came of a good old French family.* * Lady Ceaw. The girl might have done well for herself. We used to receive her family at the Qourt and when her father died I interested myself to get her a situation as a governess in a Christian family. But she be- haved very badly. 13 * JU'un'e eeiuu. * Call. Eddie — CopeHand— Dulcie (key)y David {can- dle and ring\ warn band. * Lord Cran. movet up L. c. ACT I THE MASQUERADERS Mow. When one is a governess in a Christian family, one is compelled to behave badly for the sake of the higher morality. Lady Cean. Miss Larondie has thoroughly lost caste. And I should take it as a great favour if Mr. Brinkler would see that she has no chance of — of misconduct- ing herself with ^ [SiE Beige has come up, and Lady Oeandovee stops embarrassed when she sees him.^ Sib Beige. With whom ? Is Miss Larondie about to misconduct herself, Brinkler? Bein. No, Sir Brice, I trust not. SiE Beige. [To Lady Ceandovee.] Have you any reason for supposing that Miss Larondie is about to misconduct herself, Lady Crandover? Lady Cean. * Lady Cran. moves L. c. The four card players enter and join guests. ^Embarrassed.^ I — I am surprised. Sir Brice SiE Beige. Have you any reason for supposing that Miss La- rondie is about to misconduct herself? No. Lady Cean. SiE Beige. ^Politely.'] Thank you. [Goes off into the bar. In crossing the bar he has to pass Lady Ci.aeice, he bows to her with extreme politeness, she bites her lips, and returns his bow. Exit Sib Beige into bar.'\ 14 THE MASQUERADERS ACT I Lady Ciae. [To her mother, aside.] Oh, I can't bear it! ^ Lady Cean. Hush! Lady Clab. He has gone to that girl. [TAe next dance begins. The stage gradually clears.] Ohab.2 Our dance, Monty. MoN. lOiving arm.] So your vestal self is dedicate to matrimony and Sir Digby Shalford ? Chab. Yes ; he's a trifle washed out ; but we are frightfully hard up, and you didn't ask me; Mow. My dear Charley, marriage is the last insult one offers to a woman whom one respects. Love if you please Chab. Thanks. We'll think about it. By the way, you'll * Mttsic in ball- room begins — general exit begins. Brinleler fol- lows Sir Brice off ; ladies and gentlemen claim part- ners and move off B. Bodney exit with Lady Clarice. BandaU with Lady Cran., Lord Cran. exit with the others. • Goes c. stand a chance with Clarice now Sir Brice has cut her. Her connections would l?e useful to you.* Moiir. What would Orandover settle on her? Chab. Not much. Clarice would tell me. I'll ask her. What would you do it for ? A thousand a year ? Mow. [^Reproachfully.] My dear Charley, don't hurt my self-respect. [They go into the ball-room.*] [Enter Eddie Eemon, a delicate boy of about twenty, highly refined, overstrung, unbalanced. He is followed by Geoegb Copeland, a bearded, athletic man about forty.] 15 ■ Fan. and Shar. follow the others off. * Bell rings u. An ostler comes down steps L. and (mens gate. When Eddie and Cope- land have parsed through he shuts gate and exit up steps. Eddie runs across to stairs r. CopelandfoU lows. ACT I THE MASQUERADERS Cop. But what's he doing here ? Eddie. Sun-gazing. Cop. Sun-gazing ? Eddie. Yes. Look! Here's his sun. She's dragging him through spac^ and •where the devil they're going to, I don't know. [Enter Dulcib Labondie from har.^'\ Dni-. [Speaking off into the outer bar. She has a large hey in her hand."] I've forgotten the candle. Sir Brice, would you mind bringing me that candle ? [David Bemo«^ enters from bar, with the lighted candle in his hand. He is a man of about forty, pale, studious, philosophic-looking. Sie Beige follows quickly, and the two men stand facing each other.l Sie Beige. Give me that candle. David. Miss Larondie ' Dulcie goes up c, atands foramoment looking off n. Ernie and Copeland stand aside vpR. • Uusic ceases. [Appealing to Dulcie. J DUL. [Stands coquettishly looking at both of them.] That one shall light me to the cellar who makes him- self the most ridiculous over it. David. [Coming towards her.] That will be myself. Sie Beige. Give me that candle. DuL. Sir Brice, Mr. Kemon will make himself far more ridiculous than you.* i6 THE MASQUERADERS ACT I • Warn band. Sib Beicb. Then let him light you. lExii into bar. Remon is carrying the candle per- fectly straight in his hands. Dulcie turns to him.'\ DUL. You're carrying that candle on one side ; you're drop- ping the grease. [He looks at her, holds it much on one side, and drops the grease.'^ That's better. [She stands a moment or two looking him up and down with comic inspection.^ Yes, I think that will do. You look very well. Would you mind waiting here till I come back ? * [Gravely blows out the candle, and exit l. David stands there. Pause. Copeland comes behind him, claps him on the shoulder. "] Cop. Davy! David. [Turns round, cordially.^ My dear fellow! [Very warm hand-shaking.] You're coming to stay ? ^ Cop. "No, to say good-bye. I catch the night mail back, and to-morrow I'm off to Alaska. I'm sick of this nineteenth-century civilisation. I must do a bit of climbing, and get myself re-oxidised. David, What is it this time? Cop. Mount Saint Elias, 18,000 feet high, and snow at the sea-level. Eddie. Davy, your bottle of claret is here in the bar. David. But Miss Larondie has not come back from the cellar. 2 17 ^ David movet down L. c, and puts candle on table. Cope- land follcnvt and stands c. Eddie looks after Duleie, then goes to bar. ACT I THE MASQUERADERS * Musicbegins. • Copeland goes L. Eddie. She came up the other stairs. She's in the bar talk- ing to Sir Br ice Skene.* ^The band strikes up a very hrigM dance-tune. Eddie puts his fingers in his ears.^ Oh! oh! oh! Those wretdhed musicians! Cop. What's the matter? Eddie. They are playing horribly in tune, as if the world were full of harmony. I must get a tin kettle and put them out. [David goes up to the bar, shows intense mortifica- tion, conquers it. Exit Eddie into ball-room. David calls " Beiitklee."^] Beinklee enters with a bottle and glasses. David. Brinkler, my claret here. [Beinklee brings bottle in cradle and two glasses, puts them down on the other side of stage.'] Beiit. Mouton Eothschild, sixty-nine. David.^ So I'm mad to drink the finest vintages, eh Brinkler ? [Behitklee loohs surprised.] I heard you say so. BEi]sr. Well, it is unusual, sir. David. You're right. A man must be mad who drinks the rarest wines when he can get salted beer and doctored gin. Still, you must humour me, Brinkler. [Beinklee seems puzzled.] Though what's the good of climbing Mount Elias, I don't know. [Turning to Copeland.] Cop. To get the top of it.* • David goes c. Brinkler be- gins to pour out the wine very care- fully. David sits L. c. • Copeland sits L. THE MASQUERADERS ACT I David. But what's the good of getting to the top of it ? Cop. What's the good of getting to the top of anything? You've spent the last dozen years of your life and nearly blinded yourself to solve the mystery of sun- spots. David. But sun-spots are practical. Cop. Practical ? David. Who solves the mystery of sun-spots may show the way to control the future harvests of the world ; and who controls the harvests of the world will provide cheaper swipes and smaller beer for Brinkler's grand- children, eh, Brinkler ? Bein. [^Comes forward.^ Sir? David. I was saying that the elect of the earth, and by the elect of the earth I mean every man who has a vote, may get cheaper swipes when I have solved my prob- lem of sun-spots. Bein". Sir? David. Your grandchildren shall be amply provided for, Brinkler. [Turns to Copelawd.] Drink. [Exit Beinklee puzzled.'] A prosperous voyage and a safe return, old fellow. IDrinJcs.] I've drunk to your folly, now drink to mine. Cop. Tell me all about it, Davy. It is folly, then ? David. ITo, if folly is happiness, folly is the greatest wisdom. 19 ACT I THE MASQUERADERS Cop. You are happy, then ? David. l_Nods.] Yes. And wretched, beyond all telling. Cop. Why? David. I shall never win her. She'll never be mine, Greorge. And if she were, — that might be the saddest thing of all. Cop. How? David. When the desired one becomes the possessed one, her beauty fades. I love her, George, and I want to keep on loving her. [Copeland laughs.l Laugh at me ! I laugh at myself. I was forty-two last August. You know pretty much what my life has been. Drink one glass, old boy, to the days when we were twenty-five, and to our old loves. Cop. [DrinJes.'] Our old loves. Your last one, Davy? David. Ah ! She soured me, but she didn't break my heart. And she drove me to my sun-spots. So God bless her ! God bless them all I Whatever I've been in practice, George, in theory I've always had the most perfect loyalty to womankind of any man that ever breathed. [Copeland laughs.^ Don't laugh, you rascal! I meant it! I've always kept my reverence for them, and I've always known that some day or the other I should meet one who would make me worship her with the purest devotion a man can feel for a woman. Cop. And you have met her ? 20 THE MASQUERADERS ACT I David. [Nods, looking towards har.'\ She's in there, flirting with the choicest blackguard in England. Cop. You poor dear fool ! You always would pay half-a- crown for anything you could get for twopence. David. Yes, but I always knew what a fool I was. Do you think I don't know what a fool I am now ? George, it's not any empress, not any goddess, but just that girl in the bar there that owns me body and soul.^ Cop. Pack up your traps and come to Alaska and forget her. David. [Hand on his heart. '\ She's packed herself here, and here she'll lie snug and warm till all grows cold.* [Looking over to bar.] And that blackguard is talk- ing to her ! Cop. "Who is he ? David. Sir Briee Skene.^ Cop. The racing man? Yes. He's rich. If he— what? David. George, if he Cop. David. He shook hands with her last night.* When his finger-tips touched hers, I felt I could kill him, George. And if he — if he — No, I wrong her ! She'a a good woman. And yet, damn him, he has twenty thousand a year 21 * Rising and going L. c. t Music ceases. ' Moves downn. ' Betums c. Warn band. ACT I THE MASQUERADERS ' Taking up wine. Cop. Is it a question of money? David, What do you mean ? ^ Cop. I've not a single near relation in the world. My father left me, I suppose, from two to three hundred thousand pounds. {_Holds out hand.^ Davy, say the word David. 'No, George. Cop. Why should you hesitate ? David. I don't want it. I've just enough for my wants. I've only Eddie to provide for. And I've only one extravagance. [Tapping the hottle.] I love good wine, and plenty — ^not too much — of it. Cop. But if you were rich — ^perhaps she — David. Thanks, George ; I won't buy her.^ Cop. You're welcome. David. I know it. Cop. By Jove, I've only just time to catch the mail. Good- bye, Davy. [They stand hand in hand for some moments.^'] I've left a couple of thousand at Coutt's in your name. David. * David goes a • Cop.rises and goes B. c. The ostler comes down stejis and waits by gate. Music begins. I shan't use it. As you please. Cop. 22 THE MASQUERADERS ACT I David. How long shall you be away? Cop. I shan't come back till I've stood on Mount Saint Elias. Can I do anything for you ? ^ David. Yes. Tell me the quality of the moonshine on the top. Cop. The same quality as your moonshine here, and just as real, David. Is anything real? {Looking at the fox-hunters and dancers.'} I've lived so long alone with only Eddie that the world has grown quite spectral to me.^ Look at these phantoms ! {Pointing to the fox-hunters and dancers.'] Is anything real, George ? Cop. Yes; that two thousand at Coutts'. David. And friendship. Friendship is real, isn't it ? {Shak- ing hands.'] God bless you, George. I'll come to the station with you. (As he is going off Dulcie enters from iar, Sie Bbice Skene following her.] David. {Sees her.] "Rol {Shakes, hands.] Don't break your neck over Mount Saint Elias ! Cop. Don't break your heart over a woman! David. Yes, I shall. 'After all I'm only playing at life, and BO I'll break my heart over her — in play. Cop. Stick to your sun-spots ! {Exit.^] 23 * Dulcie and Sir Brice ap- pear in bar ; she is wiping glasses. * Moves up c. ' L. Ostler closes gate and goes up steps. ACT I THE MASQUERADERS 'l.o/l.c. *a6!e. SiE Beige. [^Catching sight of the suhscriptihn list.'] What a confounded lot of widows and orphans there are in the world! David. {^Sitting on the other side.^] Miss Larondie is an orphan. DUL. Yes, or I shouldn't be here. I wonder why all we superfluous women were sent into the world! SiE Beige. [^Leaning on the har.] You are not superfluous. You are indispensable, DUL. To whom ? SiE Beige. To me, Dttl. [Makes a profound mock curtsy.'] You do me proud. [Calls to David."] Mr. Kemon, can you tell me why I was sent into the world ? David. To be indispensable to Sir Brice Skene. Sie Beige. [Aside to Dulgie. J Why do you talk to that fellow ? DUL. [Aside to SiK Beige.] Oh, he amuses me. I can make such a fool of him, and — I'm so sick of this. Sie Beige. I'll send you my new mare on Friday. Come to the meet, DUL. I daren't. What would everybody say? Sie Beige. What does it matter ? I'll send you the mare. 24 • Dulcie moves c. THE MASQUERADERS ACT I * Dulcie crosses down R, DUL. No. They'd all cut ^e. Would your sister chaperon me ? You know she wouldn't. Sir Bkicb. My dear — ^you've made an awful mistake. DuL. Don't call me your dear.^ I won't have it. SiE Brice. \_With a little laugh.] My dear, you've made an awful mistake, and there's only one way out of it. DuL. I don't wish to get out of it. Let them laugh at me, and cut me. I can hear it. Sir Beicb. Don't he a fool. If I were to offer you [Zn a low voice.] DUL. [Stops him.] "No. Pray don't. I shan't take it. Sib Brice. \_Bending nearer to her?] But if I were to offer you David. [To Sir Brice.] Will you give me those matches, please ? Sir Brice. Take them.' [Enter Jimmy Stokes, an old huntsman in an old hunting suit.] DuL. Oh, Jimmy Jimmy Stokes, I'm so glad to see you! How are you, Jimmy Jimmy Stokes ? Jimmy. [Beaming old fellow of about seventy.] Oh, I'm just tol-lol, miss, for a hold 'un. How's yourself, miss? 25 * David rise* and crosses to c. • Sir Brice goes up c. David takes matches^ walks back to table and seats himself at it ; lights a candle and reads. Bell ringiu. Ostler enters^ opens gate. Jim- my Stokes en- ters^ shakes hands with Ostler, crosses c. and shakes hand with Dulcie. ACT I THE MASQUERADERS 1 Sir Brice comes and sitsuc. DuU cie goes to bar and pours out gin. * Dulcie is add' ing water. DUL. Oh, this isn't myself, Jimmy. Myself's dead and buried, and when I come back to life I shall find this queer creature has been playing all sorts of mad pranks in my absence. Sit down, Jimmy Jimmy Stokes, and put a name on it. Jimmy. Well, just a little wee drop of gin, miss, if I ain't intruding. DUL. Intruding, Jimmy? You ought to be welcome at any meet of the Crandover.^ Jimmy. Head whip five-and-thirty years, I was. And thinks I, I'll look in to-night. So I washes myself up, pull's on my old whip's coat, and here I be as bold as brass. You see, miss, I be a privileged party, I be. Thank you, miss — Woa, woa, miss — ^woa ! " [SiE Beice and David have been sitting at table, looking at each other.J Sib Beice. You spoke? David. lS[o. [The look is continued for some moments.*^ SiE Bbice. \_Folds his arms over the table, leans over them to David. J What the devil do you mean ? David. \_Folds his arms over the table so that they meet Sib Beige's, leans over them so that the two men's faces almost touch.] I mean to kill you if you dishonour her. SiE Beice. • CdH-Fan. Shar.^ Bod.^ Ban,, Carter. You'll kill me? I'U kill you. David. 26 THE MASQUERADERS ACT I SiE Beice. I'll have her one way or the other. David. You're warned. [SiE Beice riseSj goes towards Dulcie^ is about to speak to her. David turns round and loolcs at him. SiE Beice stops, calls out to Dulcie, who is talking over the bar to Jimmy Stokes.J SiE Beice. Miss Larondie, I'll send you the mare on Friday. [DuLciE shakes her head, Sie Beice Zooi;s at David and exit.^ Jimmy. Well, here's luck to you, miss, and I wish I could see you going across the country with the C. H. as you used — that's all the harm I wish you, for you was a sweet, pretty figure on horseback, you was, and you rode straight, you and your father, wire and all — ^you rode straight. DuL. Don't remind me of old times, Jimmy.^ [^Turns to David mischievously.] Mr. Eemon, it's getting late. Isn't it time you were going ? * David. [iEises.] Good-night." Dot,. Good-night. \^As he is passing out to door she calls out to him again.] Mr. Kemon David. [Stops.] DuL. I've something to say to you. David. [Coming to her.] What is it ? 27 ' Dvlde crosses to c. en (hand- bag.) ■ David moves up Jj. ACT I THE MASQUERADERS * Points to papers* Music ceases. [Tapping her forehead impatiently.'] It's gone! Would you mind 'waiting there till I think what it is ? David. Certainly. DUL. That's so good of you. \_LooJcs him up and down a little while mischievously.] Can I give you a book while you wait ? Here's " Bradshaw," the " Turf Guide," this week's " Sporting Times." ^ David. I shouldn't understand it. I'll look at you, DtJL. Do you understand me ? David. Perfectly. DUL. I don't understand you. David. You will some day. l_The dance has finished, and a crowd of young men dancersj Fancotjet, Oaetbr, Eandall, Rodney, .Shaeland, come chattering and laughing to the bar, and shout for drinks together.^] Fan. I say, Miss Larondie, I'm dying for a whisky and soda. Cak. Lemon squash. Ran. A baby bottle of jump. Rod. Brandy and soda. Fan. Don't serve him. Miss Larondie. He's three parts squiffy already. Rod. Shut up, Fan. 28 THE MASQUERADERS ACT I Shab. A gin cocktail, Miss Larondie, and I'll show you how to mix it. Ean. Don't trust him, miss. He wants to sneak a sample of your sgirits for the public analyst. Rod. Serve me first, Miss Larondie, and I'll give you a guinea for Dick Eamsden's widow. \_General hubbub and clatter.} DUL. Order, order, gentlemen! Jimmy Stokes, take this gentleman's guinea and go round with this list, and see what you can get for poor Dick's family. [Jimmy taJces the subscription list, and is seen to go round with it to several of the bystanders, and talk to them in dumb show.^} Fan. I'll go behind and help you. Miss. [Lifts up the lid of the counter, and tries to push in.] EOD. [Pushing him bach.] Sling, you animal! I'm going to be under-barmaid here. [They both push in behind the bar.] Faw. No, you don't. I^ow, gents, your orders, and no larking with us poor unprotected females. [Putting his arm round Dttlcie's waist.] [Helew Laeondie enters and stands watching DULCIE.] DuL. [Indignantly to Fancoukt,] How dare you? EOD. [On the other side, puts his arm round her waist — to Fancoubt.] How dare you? 29 ^Bell ringt L. Ostler opena gate. Jim. my, having been rouml group, Hts b. ACT I THE MASQUERADERS * Brinkler en- ters R. Stands smil- ing at them. DUL. [Disengaging herself indignantly.] Pass out! Do you hear ? Pass out ! ^ [Showing them the way out. Sees Helen standing there j shows great shame.] I^ell! Fan. [Seizes Rodney hy the collar and runs him out."] Pass out ! Do you hear ? Pass out ! [Buns him out of the bar.] Bein. Gentlemen ! Gentlemen ! If you please ! gentlemen ! If you please! DUL. Mr. Brinkler, my sister has come for me. Would you mind waiting on these gentlemen? [They clamour round Beinklee, repeating their orders for drinks. Dttlcie goes to her sister.] DuL. JSTell! [Kisses her.] Helen. My dear. DuL. Come and talk to me. [TaTces her up to where David is standing. She catches sight of David^ who has been watching the scene with a mixture of bitter- ness and amusement. Seeing David.] Mr. Kemon — I had forgotten you. David. ^ You had such pleasant companions. DuL. I have v?asted your time. David. It's of no value. DUL. But I'm afraid I've made you rather foolish. 30 * Comet down L. THE MASQUERADERS ACT I ' Ostler opens gate. * David exit through gate. Ostler goes up steps and off. * Warn band. David. In a world of fools it's a distinction to play the fool for you. In a world of shadows, what does it matter what part one plays ? Good-night.^ DUL. No, come again. David. It's nearly closing time. DUL. But we shall be late to-night. Come again by and by. David. By and by. lExit.^] Helen. Who is that? DtTL. His name's Kemon. He has haunted the place for the last month. He's in love with me. I can make him do any foolish thing I please.* [Bkinklek serves the young men with drinks. The music strikes up again,, and they gradually go off, leaving the stage with only Dulcie and Helew on it.'} Nell, I'm so glad — ^what makes you come so late ? Heleist. [A soft-voiced, gentle woman of about thirty, in a nurse's dress.} I've just had a telegram to go and nurse a typhoid case at Moorbrow, so I shan't see you for a few weeks. You still like it here ? * DUL. [Bather defiantly}. Yes. It's livelier than being a governess, and it isn't so horrid as nursing typhoid. Helew. ISmiling.} Dear, there's nothing horrid about nurs- ing. It's just like a mother and her baby. DUL. How awful sweet that must be. [Looking at her sister.} How patiently you take our comedown, 31 ' Sitsi,.c. right of Dulcie. ACT I THE MASQUERADERS Nell. Instead of rebelling and hating everybody as I do, you've just gone and nursed all these dirty peo- ple and made yourself quite happy over it. Helen. I've found out the secret of living. DUL. "What's that ? Heleet. Forget yourself. Deny yourself. Renounce your- self. It's out of the fashion just now. But some day the world will hear that message again. DUL. [^Looking at Helen with admiration.'^'\ I wish I was good like you, Nell. No, I don't. I don't want to deny myself, or renounce myself, or forget myself. I want to enjoy myself, and to see life. That's why I screwed up my courage and answered Brinkler's advertisement, and came here. ' Kneeling by her. * Muaic begins. I wish I was a Why should they Helen. And are you enjoying yourself ? * DUL. \_Defiantly']. Yes, after a fashion, man, or one of those girls upstairs. have all the pleasure and happiness of life ? Helen. You're sure they have all the pleasure and happiness of life? DuL. At any rate they've got what I want. Oh, how I long for life! How I could enjoy it! Hark! [Dance music swells.'] Isn't that dance maddening ? I must dance! [Begins.} *0h, Nell, I was made for society! Oh, for London! for pleasure! To be somebody in the world ! How I would worship any man who would raise me to a position! And wouldn't I repay him ? "What parties I'd give ! I'd 32 THE MASQUERADERS ACT I * Oeneral call. have all London at my feet ! I could do it ! I know I could ! Oh, is there anybody who will take me out of this dead-alive hole and give me the life I was made for ? * {^Flings herself wildly round, half dancing, and drops her head into Helen's lap sobbing.'\ Helen. IStrohing Dulcie's hair very softly.'] My poor Dulcie ! I knew you weren't happy here. DUL. I hate it ! I hate it ! Nell, don't be surprised if I do something desperate before long. Helen. Dulcie, you'll do nothing wrong. [^Lifting up Dulcie's head, looking keenly at her.'} DuL. What do you mean? Nell, you know I wouldn't. Kiss me, ducky. Say you know I wouldn't. Helen. {^Kisses her.] I don't think you would, but — ^when I came in and saw those two men DuL. \^Quickly.] Boys. They meant nothing. One has to put up with a good deal here. Men aren't nice creatures.* Helen. Dulcie, you must come away from this. DuL. Where? What can I do? I wish somebody would marry me. What wouldn't I give to cut Lady Clarice as she cut me to-night ! Helen. Did she cut you ? DuL. Yes. She gave me one look — Nell, if she looks at 3 33 ' Dulcte rues. ACT I THE MASQUERADERS • Ooes R, u. ■ Helen rises and joins Dulcie. me again like that, I don't care what happens, i shall box her ears.^ Helen. Dulcie ! DUL. But if she cuts me, Sir Brice has cut her. And he pays me no end of attention.^ Helen. You're not growing friendly with Sir Brice? DUL. N"o — ^yes — he's always paying me compliments, and asking me to take presents. Helen. You haven't taken his presents ? DuL. No. Don't fear, Nell, I'll take nothing from him except — if he were really fond of me, I'd marry him, Nell. Helen. No, dear, no. He's not a good man. DuL. Nell, there ain't any good men left in the world. The race is extinct. I daresay Sir Brice is as good as the rest, and if he were to ask me I should say " yes." [Helen shakes Tier head.*'\ Yes, I should, Nell. And I should make him a good wife, Nell, for there are the makings of a good wife in me. I should say "yes," and oh, wouldn't I like to see Lady Clarice's face when she hears the news. Helen. I hope he won't ask you, Dulcie. DuL. Stranger things have happened. Helen. I must be going. I've to watch a fever case to-night. 34 * Music ceases. THE MASQUERADERS ACT I ' Laugh off. DtTL. [Twining Helen's arms round her neck.'] I wish I could have a fever. Helen. Dulcie ! DUL. It would be so lovely to he nursed by you. [Hug- ging her."] I shall never love a man as I love you, Nell. But I suppose that's a different kind of love. [Helen sighs.'] What makes you sigh? Helen. Good-bye, Dulcie. DuL. Good-bye, you dear, nice, soft, warm, comforting thing. You're as good as a boa, or a muff, or a poultice to me.^ I'll let you out this way. It's nearer for you. [Exeunt Helen and Duloie through bar.] [SiK Beige enters from halWoom, followed by Lady Ceandovee, Lady Claeice following. Lady Olaeice goes and sits down quite apart.] Lady Cean. Sir Brice ! ^ [SiE Beige turns, stops.] Lady Cean. [Somewhat embarrassed]. Do you know what peo- ple are saying of you ? ■SiE Beige. I haven't an idea. But whatever it is, don't stop them. Lady Cean. Sir Brice. All through the season you haVe paid the most marked attention to Clarice. SiE Beige. I admire Lady Clarice immensely. I have a very in- 35 ' Lady Cran. going down c. Sir Brice going down L. c. Quests follows slota' ly on and move down R. and L. A lady and gentleman enter from up R., on gallery^ and go L, c. ACT I THE MASQUERADERS ' Ooe» L. with Clarice. genuous nature, and perhaps I allowed it to become too apparent. Lady Ckan. You allowed it to become so apparent that every one in the county supposed as an honourable man — Sir Brice. Ah, that's a nice point, isn't it ? If Crandover thinks I have behaved dishonourably, the Englishman's three remedies are open to him^— he can write a letter to the " Times," or he can bring an action, or — he can horsewhip me. Personally, I'm indifferent which course he takes. Excuse me. ^Goes off into the bar.] Ladt Cean. '[Enraged and almost in tears, goes to Clarice]. My dear, he's a brute ! What an awful life his wife will have I ^ Lady Clah. Then why did you run after him ? Why did you let me encourage him ? Lady Cean. Clarice, he has twenty thousand a year. Lady Clae. But everybody says he'll run through it in a few years. He lost fifty thousand on the Leger alone. Lady Cean. I know. Oh yes, he'll soon get through it. Well, now you've lost him, it's a great comfort to think what a perfect brute he is. You've had a lucky escape. DuLCiB re-enters from bar. Jimmy re-enters with subscription list.^ Lady Clae. [^Watching Dulcie.J Yes, but I don't like being thrown aside for that miss there. 36 * Laugh off r,, Jimmy Stokes is run onc.by Fan.t Shar.t Rod. and Ran. Jimmy has the list and is seen expostu- lating with them.. Mon., Char, and Lord C. fol- low. THE MASRUERADERS ACT I What luck, Jimmy? [^SJiaJces his head.^ DUL. Jimmy. DUL. {Takes the subscription list from him.'] Oh, Jimmy Jimmy Stokes, when we keep a Punch and Judy show, I'll never send you round with the hat.^ Jimmy. Ah, miss, we know how you could get a peck of money for 'em — don't we, Mr. Pancourt? 'Fas. By Jove, yes. Jimmy has made a splendid sugges- ton, Miss Larondie. The only question is, will you agree to it ? DuL. What is it, Jimmy? Jimmy. You back me up, miss, that's all, will you ? ^ DuL. Certainly. Anything to keep Mrs. Ramsden and her chickabiddies out of the workhouse.* I always feel, you know, Jimmy, that it was through me that Dick was killed. Faw. Through you. Miss Larondie ? DuL. I was leading across Drubhill. I took the drop into the road. Dick was next behind. His horse stumbled and ^shudders'] they picked him up dead. {^All the young fellows have crowded round and listen.^'] Jimmy.* 'Twas me as picked him up if you remember, miss, and took him home, I did, ah, it's three years ago 37 ■ ' Returns list to him. • Three other guests enter from up R. on gallery and join people over oar. * Call David. ' Charley comes down R. * During speech^ all laugh or a4> quiesce as required. ACT I THE MASQUERADERS ' Sod. and Ban, urge Jimmy on. last February, yes, and I broke the news to his wife, I did, and what's more, I helped to lay Dick out, I did, and I says to his wife, " Don't take on now, you foolish woman," I says, " why," I says, " it might have been felo-de-se." But it were a nasty drop jump, miss, a nasty drop jump. DUL. And if I hadn't taken it, perhaps Dick might have been alive now. Jimmy. Not he, not he. Dick'd have drunk himself to death before this. He was a royal soul, Dick was. And if you'll only back me up, we'll raise a little fortune for Mrs. Eamsden in no time. DUL. Very well, Jimmy. But what is this plan, eh, Mr. Fancourt ? Fak. Tell her, Jimmy. You started it.^ Jimmy. Well, miss, seeing all these young gents here, it struck me as, human nature being what it is, and no getting over it, no offence I hope to anybody, but if you was to offer to sell one, mind you, only one, of your kisses to the highest bidder DuL. [Indigantly.] What? MoN. * Mon. has come dovm, to B. of DuU cie. Three guests leave the court- yard and go into gallery 1,. Following them appears a housemaid L. ,' and a lit- tle later the ostler and two parlour maids enter on gallery from R. A very excellent and original suggestion ! ^ DuL. The idea ! What nonsense ! Faw. Nonsense ? I call it a jolly good idea. Shae. Splendid ! By Jove, we'll carry it out too. 38 THE MASQUERADERS ACT I DUL. Indeed we "won't. Jimmy, give me that list. [Tahes the subscription list from Jimmy.] Mr. Fancourt will give me something, I'm sure. Yan. I should be delighted, but [nudging Shaeland] fact is, I've promised Sharland I wouldn't give any- thing except on the conditions Jimmy Stokes has just laid down. Dtjl. Mr. Sharland. Shae. Very sorry. Miss Larondie, but fact is [nudging Faij^codet] I've promised Fancourt I wouldn't give anything except on the conditions Jimmy Stokes has laid down. [DuLciE turns away indignantly, sees Lady Cean- DOVEE and Lady OlaeicEj hesitates a moment, then goes somewhat defiantly to them,.} DuL. Lady Crandover, may I beg you for a small subscrip- tion to Dick Eamsden's widow and children ? Lady Cean. [Very coolly.} I always leave such things to Lord Crandover. [Turns away.} DuL. Perhaps Lady Clarice Lady Cean. I thought I heard some one propose a way in which you could raise some money. SiE Beige. [Coming from iar.} Eaise some money? What's the matter here? Faw. Jimmy Stokes has just proposed that Miss Larondie 39 ACT I THE MASQUERADERS should benefit the Dick Eamsden fund by selling a kiss by auction. SiK Beige. What does Miss Larondie say? DuL. Impossible ! MoN. Not in the least. If you will allow me, gentlemen, I will constitute myself auctioneer. [To Dulcie.] I beg you will place yourself entirely in my hands, Miss Larondie.^ Trust to my tact to bring this affair to a most successful issue. After all, it's not so indelicate as slumming. DUL. 'No, no! Moif.2 * Lady Cran. rises— Carter moves a chair li. Lady Cran. sits. Clarice stands below her^ Carter above. ■ Rodney sits on barrel be- low Monty and prepares to record bids. Wlien Monty a^ks for hammer, Randall , who has mov- ed over to bar gets mal- let, hands it to Jimm-y, who passes it to Monty. Monty coughs with mock deference and every- body ap- plauds. He then says *'' Ladies and gentlemen ; ' Jimmy rhmits "■ Hear, hear!'''' He is quieted by Rodney — Monty pro- ceeds. ■ During this speech all ap- plaud, or laugh or agree as oc- casion de- mands. * Dulcie ap- peals to Mon- ty and Jim- my in turn. Allow me. A rostrum. Rodney, you are my clerk. That wine case. [A wine case is brought forward from sideJ^I And that barrel, if please. A ham- mer. [A large mallet, such as is used for hammering bungs in beer barrels is given to him.~\ Thank you [fl"e mounts.~\ Ladies and gentlemen. [Chorus of '' Hear, hear.'' ^] We must all admit that the methods of raising the wind for all sorts of worthless persons and useless charities stand in need of entire revision. Fancy fairs, amateur theatricals, tableaux vivants, and such grotesque futilities have had their day. In the interests of those long-suffering persons who get up charity entertainments, and those yet more long-suffering persons who attend them, it is high time to inaugurate a new departure. \Ories of '^ Hear, hear/'~\ Ladies and gentlemen, there are three questions I take it which we ask ourselves when we raise a charitable subscription. Firstly, how shall we. advertise ourselves, or amuse ourselves, as the case may be? Secondly, how far shall we be able to fleece our friends and the public? Thirdly, is the charity a deserving one ? — The only really vital ques- 40 THE MASQUERADERS ACT I tion of the three is " How shall we amuse ourselves in the sacred cause of charity ? " [^Cries of " Hear hear."} Ladt Ceait. Lushington, stop this nonsense before it goes any further ! Do you hear ? MoiT. Ladies and gentlemen, I am in your hands. Shall I go on? [Loud cries of " Yes, yes — Go on — Oo on, Monty — Oo on, Lushington/'l LoED Cean. [To Ladt Ci-aeice.J Now she'll disgrace herself. Sib Bbice. [Having overheard.'] What did you say, Lady Crandover ? Lady Ceaw. Nothing, Sir Brice. SiE Beice. I understood you to say that Miss Larondie would disgrace herself. DUL. [With shame.] Oh, Sir Brice, please let me go!^ David Eemow enters. Dulcie going off comes face to face with him — stops. SiE Beice. No, stay. Don't take any notice of what has been said. David. What has been said ? ^ SiE Beice. What business is it of yours? Miss Larondie is a connection of my family. Go on, Lushington — Go on. We'll have this auction — it's in the cause of charity, isn't it? Goon! 41 ^ Dulcie goes over to Sir Brice, • Dulcie comes back to Jim- my, who after a while jpufs a stool in c. of stage, upon which Dulcie sits. ACT I THE MASQUERADERS David. \_To MoNTAGr.J What auction? What charity? MoN. \^SootMngly.] Grentlemen, gentlemen, we are taking this far too seriously. Pray be calm and allow me to to proceed. [Cries of "Hear! Hear! — Go on, Monty !."'[ In an age -when, as all good moralists lament, love is so often brought into the market, the marriage market — and other markets — and is sold to the highest bidder, it would, I am convinced, require a far more alarming outrage on propriety than that which we are now about to commit, to cause the now obsolete and unfashionable blush of shame to mount into the now obsolete and unfashionable cheek of modesty. Gentlemen, without further ado I offer for your competition — one kiss from Miss Larondie. [Movement on the 'part of David. Sir Beige and he stand confronting each other.'] One kiss from Miss LarOndie. What shall I say, gentlemen? A sovereign. Fan. Mow. A sovereign is offered. I will on my own account advance ten shillings. Thirty shillings is offered, gentlemen. Shak. Thirty-five shillings Mow. I cannot take an advance of less than ten shillings on this lot. Shall I say two pounds ? [Shakland nods.] Sir Brice. A fiver. [David steps forward towards Sir Brice.] MoN. Thank you. A fiver. You are trifling, gentlemen. 42 THE MASQUERADERS ACT I Fan. Six. Mow. Six guineas — ^guineas only. Six guineas is offered. Gentlemen, if you do not bid up, in justice to my client I must withdraw the lot. Shae. Seven. Ten. Snt Beige. Mow. Ten guineas, guineas for desirable^ Gentlemen, only ten guineas — only ten this rare and genuine, this highly David. Twenty guineas; Mow. Twenty guineas. Thank you, sir. This gentleman. sees the quality of the article I am submitting SiE Beice. Thirty.^ MoK. Thirty guineas. Gentlemen, is the age of chivalry dead ? Mr. Fancourt, you are credited with some small amount of prowess among helpless ladies Shae. Cut in, Fan. Fan. Thirty-one. MoN. Cannot take advances of less than five guineas. Thirty-five guineas. Gentlemen, will you force me to expatiate further on this exquisite David. Forty, Sib Beige. Fifty. 43 * Advancing to c. ACT 1 THE MASQUERADERS [David and Sie Beige are getting nearer to each other. '\ Lord Cean. Lushington, this is enough. This is getting beyond a joke MoN. ' Oeneral laugh. SlE Beice. Then it's the only thing in life that ever did, so we'll continue. '^ Bid up, gentlemen, bid up. I am assured, gentlemen, by my client, the vendor, that on no account will this lot ever be duplicated. I am therefore offering you a unique opportunity of pur- chasing what I will venture to describe as the most David. Sixty. Seventy. LoED Cean. Enough — enough! Stop this jest. Mojsr. Jest ? I presume you are in earnest, gentlemen, about the purchase of this lot ? David. I am. Sie Beige. Go on, go on. MoN. Seventy guineas, seventy guineas. Gentlemen, you have not all done? Mr. Fancourt, faint heart Shae. Have another shy, Fan. Fan-. Seventy-five. Mow. Seventy-five. Going at seventy-five guineas — ^the only chance ; going at seventy-five guineas. 44 THE MASQUERADERS ACT I David. [^Loohing at David.] SiE Beice. [Getting close to David.] David. SiE Beice. Fan. I say, Bricey, don't let me in. SiE Beice. Eighty. Ninety. A hundred. Two hundred. Three hundred. LoED Ceaw. Skene, come away, do you hear? Come away. [Trying to drag Sie Beice away.'] Sir Beice. Let me be. What's the last bidding, Lushington ? Mow. Three hundred guineas. Sie Beice. Five.^ A thousand. Fifteen hundred. Two thousand. David. Sie Beice. David. Sie Beice. Three, and [growling] be damned to you ! [Pause.] Knock it down. Lushington.* [Long pause. David shows disappointment.] MoN. Three thousand guineas is offered, gentlemen. [Pause.] No further bid ? Going at three thousand. Going, going. [Knocks it down.] Sir Brice, the lot is yours at three thousand guineas. 45 • Dvlcie rUes and stands between tliem. * Warn band. Call Eddie. ACT I THE MASQUERADERS ' Brinkler turns to bar counter^ gets vjriting things, then takes out pocket-book a-fid gets stamp. Sir Brice sits at R. c. to write cheque — reads out : — ^^ National Provincial Bank,Cran- dover, pay Montagu Lushington, Esq., three thousand guineas.''^ Brinkler affixes stamp. Sir B. rises and hands cheque to Monty, who has come down B. Sib Beice. Brinkler, pens, ink, and paper and a stamp. [^Stepping towards barrel. David comes to him.} You've no further business here.* David. Yes, I think. [Pens, ink, and paper are irought to Sir Beice ; Jie hastily dashes off the cheque, gives it to Mon- TAGtr.] Mow. Thank you. Miss Larondie, a cheque for three thou- sand guineas. You have secured an annuity for your protegees. DUL. [Refusing the cheque.} l^o, SiK Bkice. Miss Larondie. [David looks at him.} It will per- haps save any further misconstruction if I tell these ladies and gentlemen that an hour ago I asked you to do me the honour to become my wife. [General surprise.] DuL. Sir Brice SiE Beice. Will you do me the favour to take that cheque for your charity, and the further favour of becoming Lady Skene? [MoNTAGtr offers the cheque. A pause. Dttlcie looks round, looks at Lady Olaeice, takes the cheque.} * DuL. Thank you. Sir Brice. I shall be very proud. [David shows quiet despair. Ooes to back. Half the guests crowd round Sie Beice and Dulcie, congratulating. The others show surprise, interest, and amazement.] 46 ♦ Mu-tic begins. THE MASQUERADERS ACT Lady Oban. [In a very loud voice.] My carriage at once. Lord Ceaw. lln a low voice to her.] We'd better stay and make the best of it. Lady CEAif. No, my carriage. Come, Clarice. [Ooes off. A good many of the guests follow her.] [Exeunt Lady Claeice and Loed Ceandovee.^] SiE Beice. [To Faitcottet.J The Crandovers have.gone off in a huff. Bet you a tenner they'll dine with me before three months. Fain-. Done! SiK Beige. [To Dtjloie.J If you will allow me, I will place you in my sister's care. She's in the ball-room. DUL. [Looking at her dress. J No, Sir Brice, not yet. I've one of my old evening dresses upstairs. May I put it on ? SiE Beige. Yes, if you like, I'll wait for you 5t the ball-room door. DUL. I won't be a moment. [Running off up stairs with great excitement and delight] Mow. [To SiK Beige.] Congratulate you heartily, Sir Brice. [Offering hand.] SiE Beige. [Talcing it.] Oh, I suppose it's all right, 47 * A general exit begins- people on gallery exit R. and Ij. those on stage go off into ball- room. ACT I THE MASQUERADERS Shae. [To Sir Beige.] Your wooing was charmingly fresh and original, Sir Brice. SiE Beige. Think so ? ^ Chae. • Turn* aaay and lights cigarette. ' L. through gate. • David rises^ comes down to table L. c puis out can' die. cross to R. table, throws down pen. aits R.c. ; tries to read but breaks down. Eddie enters from ball-room and goes to him; [To Monty.] What on earth does he want to marry the girl for? MoN. Somebody has bet him a guinea he wouldn't [Exeunt Ohaeley and Montagu into the hall-room.'] Fan. Bravo, Bricey, my boy! This'll make up to you for losing the Leger. SiE Beige. Think so? I'll go and get a smoke outside [Exit at gates."] Shae. [To Fancouet.] Just like Bricey to do a silly fool's trick like this. Fan. I pity the girl. Bricey will make a sweet thing in husbands. Shae. By Jove, yes. Her life'U be a regular beno, and no mistake. [Exeunt^ David is left alone sitting at hack.^] [Enter Eddie. David drinks and laughs rather bitterly to himself.] Eddie. What's gone wrong, Davy ? David. Miss Larondie is going to marry Sir Brice Skene. 48 THE MASQUERADERS ACT I Eddie. Oh, then the solar system is all out of joint! Poor old big brother ! David. I won't feel it,' Eddie, I won't feel it. Eddie. Yes, you will, Davy. Yes, you will. "Why weren't you tumbled into Mars, or Jupiter, or Saturn, or into any world but this? David. Why? Eddie. This is the very worst world that ever spun round, for a man who has a heart. Look at all the heartless and stupid people ; what a paradise this is for them ! David. I'll forget her and plunge into my work.^ There are millions of new worlds to discover. Eddie. Yes, but are they all like this? because if they are, what's the use of discovering millions more of them ? Oh, Davy, isn't there one perfect world out of all the millions — just one — ^where everything goes right, and fiddles never play out of tune ? David. There isn't one, Eddie, not one of all the millions. They're all alike.^ Eddie. And breaking hearts in all of' them? Oh, let's pretend there's just one perfect star somewhere, shall we? David. Oh, very well ; let's pretend there's one in the nebula of Andromeda. It's a long way off, and it does no 4 49 > Rises and goes c— Ed- die sits R. on table. ' Returns to him. ACT I THE MASQUERADERS harm to pretend. Besides, it makes the imbroglio of the universe complete if there is one perfect world somewhere in it.-^ * Moves down L. and stands with back to audience- Music ceases. ' Goes up R, c. Eddie stops him. ' Moves down L. c. Eddie follows c. * Warn band — warn cur- tain. « DpL. ^ David goes up c. Mo- tions Eddie away. ° Dulcie crosses c. David re- mains L. c. * Music begins. SiE Beice enters smohing, throws away his cigarette, loohs at David rather insolently, goes into the hall- room. David.^ If he doesn't treat her well — what does it matter? It's all a farce, but if he doesn't treat her well, I feel, Eddie, I could put a murder into the farce, just for fun.^ Eddie. Come home, Davy.* David. Let me be, my boy. It's only a pinprick. I shall get over it. Eddie. I wish I could bear it for you, Davy. David. That would only mean your heart breaking instead of mine. Eddie. Don't you think I'd break my heart for you, Davy ? DUL. [^Her voice heard off.^'\ Thanks ! I can't wait ! Sir Brice is waiting for me ! ® Eddie. Poor old big brother! \_Exit. i.] [^Enter Dulcie down the stairs in evening dress, ex- cited, radiant. ^1 DuL. [Seeing David.] I thought you'd gone. Did you hear ? I'm to be Lady Skene. Do I look nice ? * {Very excited.'] I beg your pardon — I don't know 50 THE MASQUERADERS ACT I • Dulcie crosses "what I'm saying. [Looks round.'] I wish there "was a looking-glass here.-^ I "wonder where Sir Brice is — I'm to be Lady Skene — ^won't you congratulate me? David. I hope you will be happy. DuL. No, congratulate me. David. I hope you will be happy. DuL. 'Ah, you think I shan't be happy? Then I will, just to spite you ! ^ David. Ah, do spite me and be happy. DuL. [Fidgeting with her dress.] I'm sure my dress isn't right. Wasn't that a jest about the kiss? David. A great jest. DuL. You wouldn't have really given two thousand guineas for a kiss from me? David. [Nods.] Why not? Sir Brice gave fifty thousand for the pleasure of losing the Leger. Dttl. But he stood to win. David. So did I. DuL. What? David. The kiss. ' Dulcie crosses R. ACT I THE MASQUERADERS DUL. But you wouldn't really have given two thousand guineas for it? David. [Nods.'] I think highly of women It's a pleasing delusion of mine. Don't disturb it. DuL. \_LooJcing at him, after a little pause.] You are the strangest creature, but what a splendid friend you'd make! I'm keeping Sir Brioe waiting. [Turns round, sees that the lace on the skirt of her dress is > hanging loose.] Look at that lace! What can I do ? [ Giving him a pin.] Would you mind pinning that lace on my skirt ? David. [TaJees the pin, Jcneels, and pins the lace, unseen hy DuLciE, kisses the skirt.] Will that do? DuL. Thank you so much. Do I look nice ? [He looks up at her imploringly, like a dumb creature; she glances swiftly round to see that they are alone, suddenly bends and kisses him; runs up the ballrroom steps. A burst of dance-music.*] [Three years and a half pass between Acts I. and II.] * Mtaic ceases. 52 ACT II. ScENiE. — Beceptioivroom at Lady Skene's. A great crowd in farther room. Discover Ladt Cean- DOVEBj Lady Olaeice, Chaeley Wishangee [now Lady Shalfoed,] Montagtj, Fancotiet, SHABLAiiTD, and the young men of the first Act. Among the guests in farther room Sie Winchmoee Wills and the Hon. Peecy Blanchflowee. Lady Cean. Chae. It's astounding. What is ? Lady Oean. The way every one runs after this woman. She's got everybody here again to-night. Lady Clae. Professor Eawkinson and the Bishop of Malmesbury were fighting to get her an ice. Ohae. What is the secret of her popularity? MoN. Why did you come here to-night? Ohak. I ? Oh, I came because everybody else comes. Why did you ? MoN. Because everybody else comes. Do we ever have any S3 General call. Song with piano accom- paniment heard off l. When song nearly fin- ished, cur- tain rises. At end of song all ap- plaud ; then Lady Cran- dover speaks. Lady Cran- dover and others are dovm, c. ; guests up c. andiM ACT II THE MASQUERADERS other reason for going anywhere, admiring anything, saying anything, or doing anything? The secret of getting a crowd to your room is, " Entice a bell- wether." The flock will follow. Chab. Who was bell-wether to Lady Skene ? Mow. The old Duchess of Norwich. Lady Oean. I suppose the duchess knows all about Lady Skene's antecedents ? Mow. What does it matter about anybody's antecedents to- day? Lady Cean. We must draw the line somewhere. \ MON. On the contrary, my dear Lady Crandover, we must not draw the line anywhere. We have yet got to learn what democracy means. Lady Clab. What does democracy mean? MoK. That there is no line to be drawn, either socially, morally, pecuniarily, politically, religiously, or any- where. Lady Clae. How horrid ! ^ MoiT. [^Continuing. '\ Who are the interesting people here to-night? Of course there's a crowd of respectable nonentities — ^But who are the attractions? Attrac- tion number one : ^ a financier's wife — ^the most charm- ing jfoman in the world — gives the very best dinners 54 * Bises and moves up r. » The lady men- Honed enters from, R. and joins other guests. THE MASQUERADERS ACT II in London — ^had an extensive acquaintance amongst the officers at Aldershot fifteen years ago. [The How. Peect Blanohflowee, a fussy, huzzy, mincing, satirical little creature, vnth a finicking, feminine manner and gestures, has overheard, comes up to the group.'] Blan.i What's this ? — eh ? — ^hum ? No scandal, I trust ? MON. 'No, Blanchflower ; ^ no scandal — only the plain, unvarnished truth about all our friends. Blan. Ah, then I'll stay and listen.' Go on! Mow. Attraction number two: leading temperance and social purity orator * — can move an audience of ten thousand to tears — ^leads the loosest of lives — and is suspected of having poisoned his wife. Blan. But she had a fearful cockney accent. And he's very kind to his aged aunt and pretty niece — eh ? — hum ? Give him his due. Mow. My dear Blanchflower, I'm not blaming the man for poisoning his wife. It may have been a necessity of his position ; and if she had a cockney accent, it was a noble thing to do. Attraction number three : ^ pretty little lady who has just emerged triumphantly from the Divorce Court, without a spot upon her pretty little character. Attraction number four * [Lady Olabicb rejoins the group-l Blaw. [Interrupting. "] No\ !No! Skip number four! We know all about her. Attraction number five. 55 * B. of Monty. * Moves L. u. and sits. • Sits between Char, and LadyC. * The gentle- man indicat- ed enters with a lady fromiu. They move slowly up stage and tmk to others B The lady al- luded to en- ters from L., accompanied by a Bishop, Jney move upc. * Warn band. ACT II THE MASQUERADERS And mind, I stall thoroughly scold you all — when Lushington has got through his list. Mow. [Proceeding.'l Attraction number five : ^ impres- sionist artist, novelist, and general dirty modern dabbler — is consummately clever — a consistent scoundrel in every relation of life — especially to women — a liar, a cheat, and drunkard — and a great personal friend of my own. Blak. This is really too * The gentle- man describ- ed enters from L. Lady Crandover. Lady Cean. Oh, we are all to blame for lowering the moral tone of society as we are doing. BtAiir. Oh, my dear Lady Crandover, please, please, please, do not make things unpleasant by dragging in morality. But where is the astronomer ? — eh ? hum ? * 58 We are actually We ought to be THE MASQUERADERS ACT II Eddie. My brother -will be coming by and by. he's wanted here. I'll tell him [Exit. Blanchflowee loohs aghast and stares round at all the rest, who show some slight discom- fiture. Fancouet and Shaeland join the group."] Elan. Dear me! That's the astronomer's brother. Have we said anything ? — hum ? eh ? Mow. My dear Blanchflower, what does it matter what lies we tell about each other when none of our friends think any the worse of us if they are true ! Blan. Oh, but it's very wrong to tell lies, very wrong indeed. I've not seen Sir Brice to-night. Where is he ? eh ? Fan. Bricey doesn't generally stay very long at his wife's receptions. Shab. Bricey's latest little hobby is teaching the girls at the Folly Theatre to box.^ Fan. Tes. Last Tuesday he was in great force at the Ducks and Drakes Club egging on Betty Vignette to fight Sylvia Vernon. Shab. Oh, that's coming off — ^two hundred a side, on Sunday night week Fan. [Cautiously winking at Shaeland, in a warning way.] I say, old chap, keep it quiet. I wonder where Bricey is to-night.* MoN. [What does it matter whether he is playing baccarat 59 ' Lady Clarice goes tUmily up R. to door. Carter take* Lady Cran. upc. • Fan. crouea front of mfa to c. Blan.^ Shar., Sir W. and others form a group behind sofa. ACT II THE MASQUERADERS with the pot-boy at the corner, or clandestinely taking his nurse-girl to the Alhambra on the pretence that it is a missionary meeting? We may be quite sure that Bricey is doing something equally vicious, stupid, disreputable, and — original. Ohae. [To Monty.] Come here, you monster. Have you heard the news? [During the conversation of Ohaelet and Monty the other group put their heads together and whisper.] MoN. What? Chak. Sir Joseph is going to leave the Marchmoore estates to Clarice. MoN. [Glancing at Lady Clarice.] Sure? Chae. Fact. The will is to be signed in a few days. Clarice told me so in confidence. MoN. Thanks. [Strolls cautiously up to Lady Claeice, hovers about her till he gets a chance of speaking to her. A general laugh from the group.] Blan. [Who has teen in centre of group.] Oh, this is very shocking ! ^ We are actually talking scandal about our host. And he has his good points. He hasn't strangled his baby, has he, Sir Winchmore ? SiE Win. Sir Brice has the greatest consideration for the wel- fare of his offspring. [Duloie comes from other 60 > Breaks away and moves L.C. THE MASQUERADERS ACT II * Call Sir Brice. room magnificently dressed, restless, pale, nervous, excited.^ He never goes near it. [An awJcward little pause as they see Dttlcie. Lady Olaeice goes up to Aer.] Lady Clae. "What a lot of interesting folks you always have, dear. Who is that lady in pale blue ? DuL. Mrs, Chalmers. Lady Clae. The lady who has figured so much in the newspapers lately ? What a singular gift you have of attracting all sorts of people, dear.* DuL. Have I ? That's sometimes a misfortune. Lady Clae. Yes, it does involve one in undesirable acquaintances and relationships. DuL. Still it must l^e rather annoying to be without it. \^Goes restlessly to Sie Whstchmoee. Lady Claeice shows slight mortification. Monty, who has been watching the scene, goes up to her-l MoK. Lady Clarice, let me give you some supper.^ DuL. [Talcing Sie Wikchmoee a little aside.} Sir Winch- more — so kind of you to come. [In a half whisper.] That sleeping draught's no use — ^you must send me a stronger one. Sie Wiw. [Shakes his head.] Lady Skene DuL. [Impetuously.] Yes, yes, please — I must have it- I've not slept for three nights. 6i ' Takes her off K., Shar. and Lady Cran. follow them. Blanch, moves up L. c. ACT n THE MASQUERADERS * Blanch, moves dovm c. SiK Win. Lady Skene, let me beg you DUL. "No, no, no, — you must patcli me up and keep me going somehow till the end of the season, then you shall do what you like with me. SiE Win. But, Lady Skene Dtjl. [Intense suppressed nervousness.^ But ^ [Im- ploringly.'] Oh, don't contradict me. — When any one speaks to me I feel I must shriek out " Yah, yah, yah ! " [Blanchflower has overheard the last speech. Dulgie sees that Blanchflowee is looking at her, controls herself after an immense effort, puts on society smile. To Blanchflowee.] The bishop was talking to me just now about his mission to convert the West End of London, and I could scarcely keep from shrieking out to him " Yah, yah, yah ! " Isn't it strange? Blan. ITot at all. Clergymen always produce that effect upon me.* DuL. [Turning to Sib Winchmoee.] Sir Winchmore, you'll run up to the nursery and see Rosy before you go, won't you ? SiE Win. What's the matter ? DuL. Nothing, only a little tumble and a bruise. My sister Nell is with her, but you'll just see her ? SiK Win. Certainly. DuL. I'm so foolish about her. [Imploringly.] She is strong and healthy, isn't she ? 62 ' JkfoveiR. THE MASQUERADERS ACT 11 Sib .Win. lA! magnificent child. [Sib Beicb has entered through other room. He loohs coarser and more dissipated than in first Act, and is more hrutalised. There is a slight movement of all the guests away from him. Shaeland enters b.J DUL. \_Not seeing Sie Beige. To Sie Winchmoee.] Eeally? Eeally? Sib Win. Really. Sir Brice and you may well be proud of her. [Sib Beige's entrance has caused an awTcward pause amongst the guests.^ Sib Win. We were talking of your youthful "daughter, Sir Brice. Sie Beige. I hate brats.^ ^Momn.. [^Another awkward pause.'] DuL. I [To cover it, rattles away with forced gaiety."] We shall see you at Ascot, of course, Mr. Blanchflower. — Sir Winchmore, what are these frightful new waters that you are sending all your patients to? — That reminds me. Lady Shalford, how is Sir Digby's gout? [^Slight continued movement of the guests away from .Sie Beige.] ChAB.^ ' -fiocfc of sofa Terrible. I pack him off to Aix on Thursday. DuL. \_8ame tone.] So sorry he couldn't come to-night. Chae. My dear, I'm very glad, and so I'm sure is everybody 63 ACT II THE MASQUERADERS who knows him. If Aix doesn't cure him, I shall try something drastic. * Crosses to her, and stands l. of sofa. • Moves L. 0. with Sir W. • Call David. SiK Beice.^ Serve him as I did my trainer Burstow. DUL. [Noticing the guests' repulsion, slightly frowns at SiE Beice unobserved hy the guests, and goes on spehking to change the subject.] We shall go to Homburg again ' SiE Beice. [Speaks her down. To Chaelet.J Burstow had the gout. I treated him myself. [Coarse little chuckle.] * I gave him a bottle of port, champagne at intervals, and brown brandy ad lib. A tombstone now marks Burstow's precise position, which is longi- tudinal. I wrote his epitaph, but the vicar wouldn't pass it. So the vicar and I have a law-suit on. [Another coarse little chuckle. Another awkward little pau^e.] Dtjl. [To cover it, continues.] Mr. Fancourt, did you make inquiries about the house-boat for us ? SiE Beice. We shan't go to Henley. DuL. [To Fakcouet.J Then of course you needn't make inquiries. 'Fan. But I've arranged it. My brother will be awfully delighted if you'll accept the loan of his for the Henley week. You and Sir Brice will be awfully pleased with it. SiE Beice. [More decidedly.] We shall not go to Henley. 64 THE MASQUERADERS ACT II ' They move up * Sharland moves doton B. of him,. DXJL. \_Another covered frown at Sib Bkice, again con- trolling herself with immense effort and speaking very calmly. '\ Will you thank your brother and say we shall not be going. ^ \_Awkward paiise. Sib Beige puts his hands in his pockets and yawns. Dulcie engages the group in conversation, and they crowd round 7ter.] SiK Beice. Percy,* come and have a little game of poker in the smoking-room. Shae. Very sorry, Bricey, haven't so much as a fiver with me. SiE Beige. You can borrow. Can't you borrow, eh ? Shae. Very sorry, dear old chap; never borrow or lend. {Exii.^ SiE Beige stands and yawns, looks sulky and vicious, then calls out.'] SiE Beige. Fancourt. [Fangouet glances hut does not come.'} Fan — Fan, I say [At length Fancoubt comes.*] We're getting up a little hand at poker just to wind up this infernally dull evening. Fan. [Shakes his head and laughs.] Not good enough, Bricey — not good enough. [Eemoh" enters l. At his entrance guests show marked interest, and the conversation stops. Sib Beige watches with a sulky expression. Dttlcie shows great pleasure, goes to meet Eemon.J I'm so glad you've come. You have so many engage- ments. [Shakes hands.] 5 6s ' Shar. goes off L. * Fan. com.es down on Sir Brice^s R. They move l.. where Sir Brice sits : Fan. stands behind him. ACT II THE MASQUERADERS I Moves front of sofa to c. David. None more pleasing than this. Elan. I insist on knowing Mr. Kemon — somebody introduce me — introduce me.-^ DUL. Mr. Remon; — Mr. Percy Blanchflower. Elan. I'm so delighted to know you. We want to look at Venus through that large telescope of yours. David. It's in the South of France. Blait. I go there every winter. We were talking about your wonderful discoveries — hum ? eh ? We want to know all about them. David. Oh^ spare me, or rather, yourselves.^ [Sib Eeice laughs.] Fan. You seem to have got something good all to yourself, Ericey. SiE Eeioe. Yes, I have. [Laughs.] Elan. \_Aside, to Sie Winchmoee.] What is Eemon's discovery? eh? SiE Win. • David turns to group c ; some of whom are in- troduced to him. — In a moment or so they move away, and another group takes their place and waits to be intrO' duced. ' Sits on sofa. Haven't the least idea — something about Saturn, I fancy. Elan. [Buzzes up to Eemon.] Your last discovery now — about Saturn, wasn't it — hum ? eh ? ^ 66 THE MASQUERADERS ACT II [^All through David's conversation with the guests, he adopts the same light, frivolous tone throughout, and speaks without the least suggestion of serious- ness. This gives a contrast to the scenes with DtTLCIE.] David. \^Anmsed, very light and chaffing tone.'] About Saturn? Oh yes. My conjecture is that bad folks when they die are sent to Saturn to study current theology, and if at the end of five hundred years they know anything about it, their probation is complete. [^General laugh. David turns to group. Sib Beige laughs.'\ Fak. What is it, Bricey ? Sir Beige. Lady Skene is making a howling fuss with all of you to-night. She'll make a howling fuss of another kind next week. I can't stand that astronomer fellow.^ Blait. But do tell us, Lady Skene, what is Mr. Eemon's great speciality — ^hum ? eh ? DUL. I believe Mr. Eemon has devoted a great deal of time to the study of sun-spots.^ Blaw. Oh — ah, yes — ^hum. Now [to David] what is the special function of sun-spots — ^hum? eh? What do they do ? David. [Still amused, chaffing, mysterious.'] I've long had a suspicion that there is a very subtle connection between sun-spots and politics — in fact, I am convinced that the present decadence of political manners and morals is entirely caused by the persistence of a certain sun- spot. As soon as we can remove it, the natural in- 67 1 Fan. moves up and over * Back of 80f(u ACT II THE MASQUERADERS grained honesty and patriotism of our politicians will reassert themselves. [General laugh.^2 Sir Bkice. ' Blanch, goes R. and joins group there > Sir Brice rises and goes c. 'Joins group r. • Violin and piano off li. \_Pushes a little forward with a rather insolent manner to David.] My character is always puzzling me. Can you tell me whether its present development is due to sun-spots ? David. [Is about to reply rather angrily, is checked hy a looTc from Dtjlcie, speaks very politely.'] You might not think me polite, Sir Brice. SiK Beige. [Persisting.] I should like to have a scientific ex- amination made of my character. David. [Still controlling himself.] I fear I should not make a sympathetic operator.* SiB Brice. [Still persisting.] But DUL. [Who has been watching very apprehensively, to Sie Beige. J My dear, Lady Franklin wants to ask you something about a horse for Ascot. She was here a moment ago. [Looking around, drawing Sie Beige away from the group, who close up round Remon. DuLciE is getting Sie Beige away.] For God's sake keep away from us! [A guest is just passing, DuLGiE turns to her with a forced society smile and manner.] How do you do? What a sweet frock! [Shakes hands with guest, who passes on.] Sie Beige. [Sulkily.] What's the matter ? [Approaching her.] Dtjl. Don't go near any one You smell of brandy.* 68 THE MASQUERADERS ACT II \_All this under breath with great terror and apprehension.^ SiK Beige. [Getting a little nearer her.'] I rather like the smell of brandy. DUL. \Terrified, under breath.] Keep away — keep away — if you come a step nearer to me I shall shriek out before everybody. You nearly drove me out of my mind this morning. Oh, for Heaven's sake — do go — do go! Sib Beicb.-^ Well, as it's infernally slow here I will go — but — you may as well know, there will be no Ascot, no Henley, no Goodwood, no Homburg, no anything. We shall be sold up within a month. DuL. [Is staggering for a moment.} Sib Beice. Ta ta ! — ^my blessing — I'm going to the Club. [Exit L. DuLCiE stands overwhelmed for a moment, tries to pull herself together, staggers a little. David, who has been watching her and Sib Beice, leaves the group and comes to her, speaks with great feeling, very softly, his tone and manner to her in great contrast to his tone and manner with the guests.] David. Lady Skene, you are in trouble — ^you are ill.* DuL. [Again with the forced society smile.] No, only the fatigue of the season, and the rooms are so crowded, aren't they ? * [A group of guests begin little gestures and signifi- 69 * Crossing h. * Oeneral exit of guests off R. Blanch.^ Sir W.t Fan. Charlept move up c. Thomson enters l., and goes vp c. onto balcony. ■ Crossing r. c, and sitting. ACT II THE MASQUERADERS cant glances and whispers, watching David and DULCIE.J [Eddie re-enters, and unnoticed looks from one group to the other^l David. • Making asiif to speak to David, goes back of sofa to R. I'll tell Sir Wmchinore. DUL. 1^0, don't take any notice. If I can only get through this evening! [^With a sudden instinct, appealing to him with great entreaty.] Tell me something that will carry me through this next hour till they have all gone. Give me that sort of medicine! David. [With the utmost tenderness and feeling, in a low voice, bending over her. The glances and whispers continued.'] Your trouble isn't real. This society world of yours isn't a real world. There's one little star in Andromeda where everything is real. You've wandered down here amongst these shadows when you should have stayed at home. DUL. \_Pleased, lending herself to his suggestions.] Aren't these real men and women? David. ISTo. They are only masquerading. Good God, I think we are all masquerading t Look at them! If you touched them with reality they would vanish. And so with your trouble of to-night. Ely back to An- dromeda, and you will see what a dream all this is. Dttl. How strange! I was half dead a moment ago, and you've made me so well and happy. But you — do you belong to Andromeda, — or to this world ? [Eddie has been watching and comes down near to them.] 70 THE MASQUERADERS ACT II 1 Eddie leans over sofa. Dvlcie rises and goes r. Thomson comesfrovfi c. She directs him offR.j and follows him. David. To both. But the little star in Andromeda is my home. I'm only wandering with you amongst these phantoms. > [They have hecome for the moment quite absorbed. Eddie, who has been watching the whispers and smiles, comes up to them, speaks rather sharply.^~\ Eddie. Lady Skene — ^that lamp-shade — [Pointing off.'] Won't it catch fire ? [Taking David's arm, drag- ging him away.} I want to talk to you, Davy. [DuLciE turns to manservant, points to the lamp- shade, and gives him directions concerning it.} David. [Turns savagely on Eddie, growls.] Why the devil did you come between us ? Eddie. Don't you care for her, Davy ? David. Care for her ? [DuLciE having given manservant instructions, goes to guests.] Eddie. Do you know what these folks are saying ? That .Sir Brice is ruined, and that you have lately come into a fortune.^ David. Well? Eddie. And that she continues her parties, her dresses, her house, because you ' Monty and Lady Clarice enter from R., ana stand talking in doorway. Dulcie re- enters and joins them. [Stops, looks at David. J David. [Looks around at guests savagely. Stands for a mo- 71 ACT II THE MASQUERADERS ment or two reflecting, his face then assumes a look of great resolve.l Eddie. [Watching him.^ I was right to tell you, Davy ? David. [Shakes Eddie's hand in reply. Another little pause.] Go and tell her, Eddie, that I must see her for a few minutes by and by — to-night — ^when every- body is gone. Eddie. What are you going to d6, Davy? David. We'll get away south to-morrow, old boy. The observatory's nearly finished, and — there's no tittle- tattle between the snows and the stars. Go and tell her I must see her, and bring me back her answer.-^ Eddie. [To Dulcie.] You've not been down to supper. Lady Skene. DUL. I really don't want any. Eddie. But I've a message for you. DuL. A ^message? Eddie. From Andromeda. [Exeunt Dulcie and Eddie.] * Lady Clak. You are really too dreadful.^ Blan. [Buzzing round Kemon.] That's a charming theory of yours about the effect of sun-spots on morality. 72 ' Eddie goes to Dulcie who is talking to guests up r, David moves up to Blanch, and CTiarliCf ifho rise from so/a and come doum c. * Violin and and piano cease. Warn band. 2 Goes into bal- cony c, and talks to Sir W. Mon. goes doton back of sofa. THE MASQUERADERS ACT II ' Lady Cran. ana Carter enter b. and go into bal- cony c. T?iey are followed by a laxly and gentleman. Two others come on and cross to sofa Upji. * Orchestral selection on stage. David. Yes. It isn't true, but it's very consoling. That's why I invented it.* MoN. If it's charming and consoling, why should it be true? David. Why should it ? and put everything else out of focus. Blan. Out of focus! Ah! I'm afraid you're a dreadful, dreadful pessimist. David. No ; but I'm as willing to play that part as any other, since it's only in jest.* Chae. In jest ? What do you mean ? David. I have to spend so much time alone amongst the stars, that when I come back into the world I am quite at a loss. I find myself amongst crowds of shadows — very charming shadows they are — ^playing at money- making, playing at religion, playing at love, at art, at politics, at all sorts of odd games, and so for the time, I join in the game, and pretend to take an in- terest in it ; and a very pleasant game it is, so long as we don't mistake it for reality. Chab. But surely we are realities ! David. With the profoundest respect in the world. Lady Shalford, I cannot bring myself to believe that you are. Still, I won't spoil your game by staying out." Blan. \_With a little affected, mincing earnestness.'] Oh, but surely, surely there is Something real Somewhere. 73 *Sitsjj. Of her. ACT II THE MASQUERADERS Oh, yes — surely, surely — ^we must believe that there is — hum ? eh ? — a Kind of — eh ? — a Sort of a Some- thing — Somewhere, eh? David. If you like to believe there is a kind of a sort of a something — somewhere — and you find it consoling, I'm as willing to pretend to believe that as anything else. Blaw. \^8till with the same affected earnestness.'] Oh, but surely, when you look into your own heart — hum? eh?i David. ' Moves L. c. ' Biset and moves Xi. Monty takes place vacated oy David. Sir W. bids good night to lady and gentle' men up l. and exit b. • Eddie enters K., and goes over to David. Lady Clarice and Carter come doton from, balcony and govt. I always wear a mask over my heart. I never dare look into it.^ Mow. I find this world a remarkably comfortable and well- arranged place. I always do exactly as I like. If I want anything I buy it, whether I pay for it or no. If I see a woman I admire I make love to her, whether she belongs to another man or no. If a lie will answer my purpose, I tell it. I can't remember I ever denied myself one single pleasure in life ; nor have I ever put myself out to oblige a fellow-creature. I am consistently selfish and I find it pays; I credit everybody else with the same consistent selfishness, and I am never deceived in my estimate of character. These are my principles, and I always act up to them. And I assure you I find this world the pleasantest possible place. David. A fairy palace ! An enchanted spot ! Only take care ! While you are dancing, there may be a volcano underneath. Mow. If there is, surely dancing is the pleasantest prepara- tion for the general burst-up.^ 74 THE MASQUERADERS ACT II Eddie. Davy- David. [Goestohim.^ Well? Eddie. She'll see you to-night. Come back here when they've all gone. BrAN. \_To MoNTT.] How charmingly frank you are, Monty. Mow. "Why not ? ^ We have one supreme merit in this generation — we have ceased to render to virtue the homage of hypocrisy. David. And our moral evolution is now complete. Good- night ! ^Exeunt David and Eddie.^ *] MoiiT. {^Coming down with Lady Claeice.J Of course I know there is something wretchedly philistine and provincial about marriage, but I will take care this aspect of it is never presented to you. Lady Clae. I wonder what makes marriage so unlovely and so iminteresting ? Mow. The exaggerated notion that prevails of its duties and responsibilities. Once do away with that, and it be- comes an ideal state. Lady Clarice, you'd find me the most agreeable partner in the world. Lady Clae. You'd be like most other husbands, I suppose. 75 ^ Rising. * Music ceases. " Fan. and Char, go up stage to haU cony. Lady andgentle- man rise from sofa up I., and exit R. Lady and gentleman on balcony bid good night to Fan. and Char, and exit L. Lady Clar. sits on sofa R. Monty sits L. of her. ACT II THE MASQUERADERS MON. No; I should be unique. Husbands, as a rule, are foolish, jealous brutes, who insist that men shall have all the rights and women all the duties, — men shall have all the sweets and women all the sours of the marriage state. We would start on an entirely new plan. The sours we would naturally equally avoid, and the sweets, — if there are any, — ^we would naturally do our best to secure. Lady Olab. Separately, or together? MOH". According to our tastes. If you do me the honour to accept me, I pledge you my word I will never have the offensively bad taste to speak of a husband's rights. There shall be no " lord and master " nonsense. Lady Clae. It sounds very well in theory. I wonder how it would work. MON. Let us try. If we succeed we shall solve the vexed question of the age, and make ourselves happy in showing mankind the road to happiness. Lady Clak. But if we fail ? MoN. We shall have sacrificed ourselves for the benefit of our species. But we can't fail, the plan is perfect. Lady Clae. If I spoke of rights and duties — if I were jeaV ous MON. Ah! then you would be departing from the plan. Its charm is that it is a patent, self-adjusting, self- 7^ THE MASQUERADERS ACT II • Call. Helen. Baby. repairing, safety-valve plan, with double escapement action suited to all climates and dispositions.* 'Ho rights, no duties, no self-assertion, no quarrels, no jealousy. Lady Clab. And no love? i MoN. Love is a perverted animal instinct, which is really a great bar to solid happiness in marriage. Believe me, you will like me and respect me in the end for not pretending to any such outworn impulses. You see I am frank. Lady Clak. You are indeed. [Loohing at Jiim very closely, watching him.] You know — \_Pause.'\ — ^my father cannot make any great settlements, and — [^Watching him closely-l I have no expectations. MON. [Stands it without flinching.'] So I am aware. I'm frightfully in debt, and I have no expectations. But there is a house in Grosvenor Place — it would suit us exactly. Lady Clak. [Watching him.] But — ^without money? MON. I cannot afford to be economical. I have acted on that principle throughout life, and I have always had the very best of everything. I do not see we need change it. Lady Clak. You are perfectly atrocious — I don't care for you in the least^ MoN. ["With great politeness.] adapted to such cases. My plan is precisely * Carter and Lady Cran. enter from H. Cross stage to downh. 77 ACT II THE MASQUERADERS ' Charlie and Fan. rise arul enter from balcony. Fan. bids Charlie good night and and exit B. Lady Cean. Come, Clarice— everybody is going. I shall call on Lord Crandover to-morrow. You don't speak. Does silence give consent ? Lady Clae. I can't help your calling. \_Exit. Monty stands in slight deliberation. Chaeley comes out from the conservatory behind him. She has been watching the last part of the scene from the conservatory.'] Chae. Well? MOBT. Landed, I think. You're sure about Sir Joseph and the estate? Chae. Quite. But it's not to be known yet. I'm a pet, ain't I ? Mow. You are. l_Kisses her hand.] Chae. I must be going. That creature at home will be raising furies. MoK. When do you pack him to Aix? Chae. Thursday, praise the Lord! Mow. When shall I call? Chae. Friday ? 78 THE MASQUERADERS ACT II What time? Come to lunch ? Yes. MON. Chae. Mow. Ceab. Friday at two. ^Exchange looks full of meaning.] Bye-bye. Mow. Bye-bye.^ Chae. Oh dear, am I the last? Good-bye, dear \^Kisses DuLciB.] Monty, come and see me to my carriage.^ MoN. Good-bye, Lady Skene. DUL. Good-bye. [Exit MoHTY with Chaeley.^] DXJL. [To Servant.'] Thomson, I expect Mr. Kemon. Show him in here.* Seev. Yes, my lady.^ [Exit. Helem" appears at e. door still in nurse's costume.^] Helen. [Peeps in.] They have all gone, dear. DUL. I've got such a fever, iN'ell. Put your nice cold hand on my forehead. That's right. Hold it tight — ^tight. Why didn't you dress and come into my party ? Helen. I was so tried and bored at the last, and I wanted to be with Kosy.'^ 79 ^iHUcie enters B. Charley hurriedly drops Mon- ty^s hand and goes up to Dulcie. ' Goes down L. Monty joins Dulcie. • Thomson has followed Dul- cie on and is releasing curtains at door B. *. Lime offn. is turned out. " Crosses and exiti^. • Joins Dulcie who is seated on sofa B. ^ Leaning over sofa. ACT II THE MASQUERADERS DUL. She's all right? Helen. Yes. She was awake a moment ago. DUL. [Suddenly.'] Fetch her! I must see her! Oh, you're right, Nell; it's been a hateful evening, with only one bright spot in it — when he came and whispered something so sweet. Heleit. ^Suddenly.'] Dulcie, you're sure of yourself? DuL. I'm sure of him. Helen. He has never spoken — of — of— — DuL. Of love ? Never. What does that matter ? I know he loves me. Helen. Dulcie, you shouldn't say that — even to yourself.^ DuL. Oh, that's all nonsense, ISTell ; as if there was ever a woman in this world that didn't know when she was loved ! Helen. Dulcie ! DuL. [Provokingly.] He loves me! He loves me! He loves me, and I'm not ashamed of it, and I don't care who knows it. [Throwing her arms round Helen's neck.] Nell, I'm so happy. Helen. Why? 80 •ffiisB. o/Dijl- cte. THE MASQUERADERS ACT II DUL. He's coining, he's coming. Brice says we are utterly ruined. We're ruined, but I won't feel it to-night. I'll feel it to-morrow. I'll be happy for one minute to-night. He is coming. Helen. Mr. Kemon? DUL. Yes. Don't look shocked, 'Nell. Listen ; this is true. Mr. Remon and I have never said one word to each other that all the world might not have heard. [^Pause.] I'm glad all the world hasn't heard it though. [Thomson comes in, announces Mb. Remon.] Dttl. [To Helen.] Go and fetch Rosy. Yes! Yes! [Exit Helen. David has entered; Servant has gone [To David.] I'm so glad you've come. I want you to see Rosy. She's awake. You've never seen her. [All this very excitedJ] David. I shall be very pleased. [Looking ai her. J DUL. You're thinking about me. David. I was thinking that a mother is the most beautiful thing on earth. DuL. Oh, you don't know! You can't imagine! She's over two years old, and I haven't got over remember- ing that she's mine. Every time I think of her I feel a little catch here in the very middle of my heart, a delicious little stab, as if some angel came behind 6 8i ' After Thom- son has gonCy chandelier off L. is turn. €d out and with it the lime light. ACT II THE MASQUERADERS me and whispered to me, " God has made you a present of ten hundred thousand million pounds all your own." Oh, she makes up to me for everything. [David is approaching her with great tenderness when Helem" enters with Eost, the two-year-old baby, in her arms in nightclothes.^ DXJL. [Bushes to Helen.] There! There! You may look at her! Helen. Hush! She's asleep! DUL. I must kiss her if it kills her ! [Hugging the baby, hisses her, lifts the nightgown, kisses the baby's feet, croons over it — points her finger mockingly at Eemoit in childlike mochery and laughter.'] There! There! There, Mr. Philosopher from Andromeda! You can't say a mother's love isn't real ! David. I never did. It's the one thing that shows what a sham the rest of the world is. That little star in Andromeda is crowded with mothers. They've all been there once in their lives. [Bends over the baby for a moment.] DuL. [Exited, feverish.] Nell, Mr. Eemon has an odd notion that this world isn't real. Helen. The cure for that is to earn half-a-crown a day and live on it. David. Oh yes, I know. Work is real. [Bends over the baby.] DuL. [To David.] "What are you looking at ? [Scrutinises 82 THE MASQUERADERS ACT W Yes — ^yes. I never use the word " honour " ahout my conduct, because every scamp has used it until it's the most counterfeit word in the language. But I've 83 • Sits on sofa him carefully; then suddenly, with savage earnest- ness, half despair, half entreaty. 1 She's like me? She's like me!! {crescendo, tigerish, fremied.J Say she's like me!!! David. [Very quietly."] She is like you. {Kisses the child reverently.] She is wholly like you! Dfl. {Stands absorhed, very quietly.] Take her back again to the nursery, Nell.^ Helen. Good-night, Mr. Eemon. David. Good-night. {Goes towards the door with her.] Helen. {To David, smiling.] I've just remembered some- thing else that is real. David. What's that? Helen. Duty. {Exit with hahy. A summer sunrise shines pink through the conservatory, and lights up the room with summer morning light. David returns to DuLCiE, who sits absorbed.^] David.^ Lady Skene, I asked to see you because — it is neces- sary for me to leave England very soon. DUL. No — ^no! David. ' Limes on bal- cony slowly charge from blue to yellow. ' Coming down to back of sofa. ACT II THE MASQUERA6eRS ■ Sits R. of her. Call Sir Brice. just learned that if I stay in England I shall injure very deeply a friend of mine, so naturally I'm going away. DUL. But — ^tell me — [Pause.] — ^what David. If I stay I cannot continue an honest man. Will you let it rest there? DuL. If you wish David. l_After a little pause} with some embarrassment.'] I have just heard — I scarcely know how to mention it — ^that you may he placed in a position of some difficulty. DuL. You mean that Sir Brice is ruined. In one way it's a relief, because at any rate it will break up this life, and I'm so tired of it. David. Yet you thought you would like it on that night of the Hunt Ball. DuL. , Yes. I longed for it. Is life like that all through ? David. Like what ? DuL. To long for a thing very much and to find it worth- less, and then to long for something else much more — to be sure that this is worth having — ^to get it, and then to find that that is worthless too. And so on, and so on, and so on ? David. I'm afraid life is very much like that on this par- ticular planet. 84 THE MASQUERADERS ACT II DUL. Oh, but that would be awful if I found out that [Stops.'] David. What? DuL. Nothing. Tou remember that night of the Hunt Ball? David. \_Nods.] It was the last time I saw my friend George Copeland. He died in Alaska six months after. DuL. And you went away for over a year. David. ITo — only for a few weeks. After Copeland's funeral I went to the Mediterranean to choose a site for my observatory, and I was back in England within less than three months. DuL. But we never saw you till last season. Where were you? David. When you were in the country, I was there; when you were in town I was in town too. I have never been far away from you. I have kept an account of every time I have seen you for the last three years. DuL. [Looks at him as if suddenly struck with a thought.'] Tell me — where were you two years ago last March ? David. At Gerard's Heath — ^near you. DuL. [Suddenly.] Did you — the night Kosy was — I mean the night of the second — it was a dreadful snow- storm 85 ACT II THE MASQUERADERS ^ BiseSt goes to door R. * Ooei) down B. 0/ sofa. > Sits on sofa. I remember. David. DUL. One of my nurses said she saw some one in the garden. [Loolcs at him.'} David. It was I. Your life was in danger. I passed those two nights outside your window. [DuLciE, with great affection, involuntarily puts her hand on his arm. He raises her hand and is about to kiss it. Helen re-enters. David rises.] Helen. Sir Brice has just come back and is in the smoking- room downstairs. DuL. [Turning.] Look! It's morning.^ David. Good-bye. DuL. [Suddenly.] 'No — I must have another word with you. Wait here a moment. Here is Sir Brice. !Nell, take Mr. Kemon on to the balcony for a minute or two and wait there with him till Sir Brice has gone upstairs. [Exeunt David and Helen through conservatory and on to balcony.] [SiE Beice enters, loohing a little flushed and dissi- pated.^] SiK Beice. [Staring at Dulcie ; after a pav^e.] Well ? DuL. Well? SiE Beice. [Drops into a chair; whistles.] Got rid of your friends ? ' 86 THE MASQUERADERS ACT II ^ Rises and goes round sofa l. DUL. All except Mr. Eemon. He's on the balcony with Nell. Sir Beige. Oh! l^Pause. Whistles; takes some change out of his pocket — three shillings and threepence j places the coins very carefully and elaborately in a longi- tudinal position on the palm of his left hand, arrang- ing the three shillings and the three pennies in a line, whistling carelessly/] That's our net fortune, my girl. [Holding them up under her face.] That is our precise capital — ^three shillings and threepence. [Whistles.] ITot another farthing. And some thou- sand pounds' worth of debts.^ [Unconcerned.] Indeed. SiE Beige. [With a sudden little hurst of brutality — not too marked.] Look here! can't you get some money ? DUL. What do you mean? SiE Beice. Get some money! That's plain English, isn't it? Dur. I don't understand you. • SiE Beige. This fellow Kemon is devilish fond of you. Can't you get some money from him? DUL. Hush ! Borrow money from him ! SiE Beige. [Suggestively.] You needn't borrow. [Dtjlcie looks at him inquiringly.] Now can't you get some ? [DuLCiE looks at him for a moment; she raises her 87 ACT II THE MASQUERADERS fan to strike him; sees David, who has entered from conservatory. Helen stands at conservatory door.'] David. • Comes c. ' Helen comes down R. c. • Crosses h. Lady Skene, ^ I have been obliged to overhear what has just been said. To-morrow morning I leave for the South of France, and I shall be quite inaccessible for some years. My bankers will have orders to send you a cheque-book and to honour your signature to any extent that you are likely to require. [Dulcie makes a protest.'] If you please — if you please. As I shall be away from England there cannot be the least slur upon you in accepting it. Miss Larondie, you will be with your sister, always.^ She will be in your care — always. [Shakes hands with Helen.] Be very kind to her. ifTever leave her. Good-bye.* D0L. But I — cannot — take David. [Silencing her.] If you please — It is my last request. Good-bye. [SiE Bbice, who has 'been sitting all the while, listening, rises.] David. [Looks at him, for just "half a moment; looks at Dulcie.] Good-bye. [Exit, l.] [Nine months pass between Acts II. and III.] 88 3 til (Z? R ACT III. Scene. — Private sitting-room at the Hotel Prince Be Galles, Nice. A rather handsome modern room furnished in French hotel fashion. Two long windows, right, curtained. Door at hack. Door left. Small card table down stage, left, with several packs of cards loosely on it. The whole floor round the table strewn with cards. Discover Sie Beicb in evening dress seated left of table, aimlessly and mechani- cally playing with the cards. After a few seconds DuLCiE, in dinner dress, enters from door at hack, crosses to the ivindow and stands looking out, hav- ing taken no notice of Sie Beicb. As she enters he leaves off playing with the cards for a moment, looks at her. Sie Beige. [7n rather a commanding tone, a little hrutal.^ Come here.* [DuLciE takes no notice. A little pause.] , Sie Beice. ILouder.] D'ye hear? Come here. [DuLciE comes down to him, does not speak. He looks up at her. Her face is quite blank, looking indifferently in front of her.] Sie Beice. [Begins playing with cards again.] I've lost over fiix hundred pounds. [Dulcie takes no notice.] 89 CcM. Dulcie, Sir Briery Servant (salver and letter). * Mutie to take up curtain. ACT III THE MASQUERADERS SiE Beice. [Dashes the pach of cards under his feet, stamps on them.] Damn and damn the cards ! [DuLCiE takes no notice. Slight pause.] SiE Beice. [Boars out.] The hotel people have sent up their bill again with a request for payment, [Slight pause. Dulcie goes bach to the fvindow, stands there loohing out. Pav^e.] SiE Beice. [Boars out furiously.] Why the devil don't you get something for that deafness of yours ! [Suddenly jumps up, goes up to her, seizes her hands, turns her round.] 'Eovf look here Hotel Servant enters, left, with letter on tray. Sie Beice desists. The Hotel Servant hrings the letter to DuLciE, who crosses and takes it. Exit Servant. DuLciE opens letter, reads it.^ * Crosses to fireplace. Here. Sie Beice. Dtjl. / Sie Beice. Well? [J)vj.cm rings hell] Well? [Servant enters L.J DUL. [In cold equable tone, to Sie Beice.] Mr. Edward Eemon wishes to see me. He asks me to excuse his being in fancy dress. He's going to the Opera Ball. Shall I see him here or in the hall? [To Servant.^ Show Mr. Eemon here. [Exit Servant, i..] 90 THE MASQUERADERS ACT in SiE Beige. [To DuLCiE.] Where's his brother, the astronomer? DUL. At his observatory, I suppose. I've not seen him since the night we began to live upon him.^ [Hotel Servant opens door l., announces Mb. Ed- ward Kemoit. Eddie enters, dressed as Pierrot for the fancy dress hall. Exit Servant.^2 Eddie. [All through the Act very excited.'] How d'ye do ? [To Dulcie; shakes hands with her. To Sie Beige.] How d'ye do? Sie Beice. How d'ye do ? * [LooJcs meaningly at Dulcie and exit left.] Eddie. So good of you to excuse this dress.* * DuL. Your brother ? Eddie. He's down in the town with me to-night. We've been dining at the Cafe de Paris. I've taken three glasses of champagne — anything more than a spoonful makes me tipsy, and so, with that and this dress, and our journey to Africa, I'm quite mad to-night. DuL. Africa ! Eddie. We start early to-morrow morning to the deadliest place on the West Coast. Not your brother ? DuL. 91 • Cross B. c ' Sir Brice moves up to fire. * Crossing bach of table to down L. ' Sits so/a R. * Call Mon- tagu. Aci ai THE MASQUERADERS Eddie. Yes. We're going to watch the transit of Venus, and as there was a jolly lot of fever there all the other astronomers rather funked it. So Davy has fitted out an expedition himself. [Dulcie shows great concern. Eddie rattles on.] I'm going tb have a spree to-night. I've never been drunk in my life, and I thought I should like to try what it's like — because — [tossing up a coin'] it's heads we come back alive and prove Davy's theory about sun-spots — and it's tails we leave our bones and all our apparatus out there. It's tails — we're as dead as door-nails. [Sees Dulcie's pained face.} Lady Skene — I'm so sorry DUL. We've been three weeks in Mce. Why hasn't your brother come to see me i Eddie. A mistaken sense of duty.^ Davy has the oddest notions about duty. He thinks one ought to do it when it's unpleasant. So do I when I'm in my right clothes, and my right senses, but now I'm half tipsy, and have got a fool's cap on, ^ I can see quite plainly that duty's all moonshine. Duty is doing exactly what one likes, and it's Davy's duty to come to you. And the fool is just breaking his heart for a sight of you.* Shall I find him and bring him ? 1 EcUie kneels beside her and puts cap onK.c. chair. ' PUiks v,p cap. ' Runs over to li. c, then round table to back of sofa B. Where is he? DuL. Eddie. He's in the tovni getting everything ready for to- morrow. Shall I find him? DuL. [Lopking at her watch.'] be alone in half an hour. Quarter to eleven. I may Yes, bring him to me here. 02 THE MASQUERADERS ACT III ■ Buns across arut opens doorii. ' Moves R. • Call. Lady Clarice — Charley. Eddie. Hurrah ! — 'Au revoir.^ [Sib Bbice appears at the same door, looks after Eddie, who exits, saying " Adieu." Sib Bbice shuts door J enters.^ Sib Ebicb. [To DiTLCiE.] Well? [DuLCiE does not reply, goes to her room at hack. Sib Bbice follows her, the door is closed in his face and a lock is heard to turn. Sib Bbice shakes the door handle, kicks the door, looks vicious and spiteful, comes down a step or two, kicks a hassock.^2 [^Servant enters, z,., announcing Me. Ltjshington. Enter Monty, Sib Bbice nods."] MoN. Well, dear chum! ^Looking round at the cards on the floor. 2 Did you give Fancourt his revenge ? Sib Bbice. Damn the cards. Mow. By all means. How's Lady Skene ? Sib Bbice. IMutters.] — mn Lady Skene. MoK. By all means. Sib Beige. You're married, Lushington ^ Mow. I am three months a bridegroom. SiE Bbice. Why the devil did you get married ? 93 ' Moves to him. ACT III THE MASQUERADERS > Sits. *SiU L. of table. Mow. Because I ascertained that my wife would have seven thousand a year. Why did you? Sir Bkice. Because I was a silly fool. MoN. Well, there couldn't he two better reasons for getting married. SiK Beige. [Furious with his cards.] — mn everything and everybody.^ MoN. By all means. And now we've reached finality and are utterly the sport of destiny, will you do me a good turn ? 2 Sir Beice. What? Mow. I'm going to take a lady to the Opera Ball, and I fear Lady Clarice will be dull, or I should say restless, in my absence. I know you will be going to the Cercle d'Amerique to wreck your farthing chance of eternity at poker, SiE Beige. Well? Mow. It would momentarily reinstate your celestial hopes if you would tell Lady Skene that I'm going to the club with you, and persuade her to spend the lonely hours of her widowhood with Lady Clarice in number one-four-three. They will doubtless tear our charac- ters to rags, but that will keep them from the worse mischief of interfering with us. SiE Bkioe. Will you do me a good turn ? 94 THE MASQUERADERS ACT III * Hising and crossing R. MON. Anything in my power. SiE Beice. Lend me a couple of hundred pounds. Moir. My dear Bricey. If my I. O. U., or my name, or my presence, is good for anything at the Cerele d'Amerique, you're welcome to it. Sib Beice. Will you come with me and set me afloat for a quarter of an hour? Mow. Certainly.^ SiE Beice. I'll ask Lady Skene. l_Goes up to the door at hack, raps-l Are you there? [A little louder.'] Are you there ? Mow. Throw in a " my dear," Bricey, or some such trifle. Its effect will be in proportion to its scarcity. SiE Beige. My dear [Rapping still.^ Mr. Lushington has called. [Bapping.'l Do you hear, my love ? [With a grim sneer on the last word. The door is a little opened.] [SiE Beice forces his way in.] Lady Clarice wants to know if you will go and sit with her while \_The remainder of sentence is lost by the closing of door after him.] [Lady Olaeice enters door, left/' with opera cloak.] Mow. [Showing surprise, which he instantly checks.] Where so gay and free, my love ? 95 * Leaves door open. ACT III THE MASQUERADERS Clab. [Looking him straight in the face very determinedly.'] To the Opera Ball. MoN. Oh. Clae. You're going to take that woman. MoN. I know many ladies, but no women. Char. [Her voice heard outside.'] Yes. See if Mr. Lushington is there, and say a lady is waiting for him in the hall — oh, he's in there ; I'll go in. [Monty is going. Lady Clakice mahes a little movement to intercept him.] MoN. [In a low voice.] Don't be foolish. Char. [Rer voice at door, outside,] Aren't you nearly ready, Monty? [Appears at door, sees Lady Clarice takes in the situation at a glance, has a slight shock, but instantly recovers herself. Runs to Lady Clarice brimming with affection.] Darling, are you going too ? So pleased ! So charmed ! How sweet of you! [Offers to kiss Lady Clarice.] Clae. »CroMe»B. [Indignantly.] How dare you 1^ MoN. [Stepping between them.] Hush! [To Claeioe.] What's the use of having a row here, or anywhere ? For Heaven's sake, do be a good sensible girl, and don't shatter the happiness of our married life before — ^before we know where we are. Charley and I are going to the Opera Ball, will you come with us ? 96 THE MASQUERADERS ACT ni CliAB. J^Indignant.^ What ! Mow. Or go by yourself. Or go with any one you please. Or go anywhere or do anything in the world you like. Only don't make a scene here. Clab. My father shall know. Mow. Very well. Very well. We'll discuss that by and by. But do recognise once and for all the futility of rows. You'd better come with us. \^Enter Sie Bkioe o.]' Come with you ? ^ Clae. Chae. \_Begins.^ My dear Clarice, I assure you ■ Mow. \_8tops Chaeley with a warning look.'] For Heaven's sake, Clarice, whatever we do, do not let us make ourselves ridiculous. [Monty snatches up Lady Claeice's arm. She reluctantly allows him to do so.*'\ All right, Bricey. Sorry I can't come with you to the club — but I've persuaded Lady Clarice and Lady Shalford to come to the Opera Ball with me. Bye, bye, dear crony, our love to Lady Skene. Hope you will have as pleasant an evening as we shall— Ta! Ta! \Exit 1 with great animation. Lady Claeice holding reluctantly and aloof on one arm, Chaeley more affectionate on the other. Sie Beige goes to Dttlcie's door, throws it wide open, stands hacJc, adls.] 7 97 * Sir Brice goeo downR. * Call. Helen. ' JExit door t. Sir Brice fol lows them — Shuts door and goes up c. ACT III THE MASQUERADERS 1 Dulcie goes down R. and Hta on sofa. ' Sits R. of table. ' Crosses n. sits on sofa. SiE Brice. Now, will you let us understand each other once for all? [Dulcie enters, looks at him without speaking.^] SiE Beige. I want some money. This fellow Kemon has offered you his purse to any extent. Get a few hundreds for me to go on with. DUL. SiK Beige. You won't? Then why did you begin to take his money ? ^ DUL. Because I was weak, because you bullied me, and because I knew I was welcome.* SiE Beige. Very good. The same reasons continue. You're weak, I'm a bully, and you're welcome. Aren't you welcome, eh? Aren't you welcome? DUL. I believe I am welcome to every penny he has in the world. SiE Beice. He loves you? DUL. Yes. SiE Beige. And you love him ? DXTL. [Looking straight at Sie Beige very fearlessly and calmly. '\ With all my heart. Sie Beige. And you aren't ashamed to tell me ? 98 THE MASQUERADERS ACT III ♦ Call Blanch- flower. DUL. Is there anything in your past life that you have taken the trouble to hide from me ? * Have you ever openly or secretly had an attachment to any living creature that does you as much credit and so little shame as my love for David Eemon does to me ? Sib Bbicb. All right. Oo on loving him. You needn't hesitate. He expects a fair exchange — if he hasn't already got it. DUL. [Very calmly J^ That's a lie, and you know it is. Sib Bbice. Very ■well. It's a lie. I don't care one way or the other. Get me some money. DUL. You have had the last farthing that you will ever touch of David Kemon's money. Sib Bbice. All right, [/ifrnps up very determinedly.'] Then you've seen the last you will see of your child for some years to eome.^ Dttl. {^Aroused.] child!'' What! you will hit me through my Sib Bbice. I think my child's health requires a change for a few years — a different climate from you and myself.* We will go upon a little tour by ourselves, shall we ? to — where the devil shall we go ? I don't care. I shall send Eosy away to-morrow morning. D'ye hear.* Dtjl. I hear. 99 * Mmiet L, * Rises, ' Returns to her. ' Crosses to doorij- ACT III THE MASQUERADERS * Qoes down r. of table and litt. * Moves down B. o/ her. Sib Beice. If I don't see you again to-night, get her ready by to-morrow morning. \_Exit. l.] Dtjl. ^Stands for a moment or two quiet, then bursts into a fit of ironic laughter.'] Nell! [Goes to the door at hack, calls ouJt.l Nell ! Nell ! Come here ! ^ [Helek enters c.j Helen. What's the matter ? " DUL. Nell, old girl, have you got such a thing as a Church Service about you ? Helen. Church Service? Dttl. I want you to tell me the end and meaning of marriage. There's something about it in the Church Service, isn't there? I did go through it once, I know, but I've forgotten what it's all about. What does it mean? Helen. Marriage ? DUL. Yes. Oh, I know ! It's one of Mr. Kemon's games. Helen. Games ? ^ DlTL. Yes. He says men and women are playing a lot of queer games on earth that they call religion, love, politics, and this and that and the other — ^marriage must be one, and it's the funniest of them all! It's a two-handed game like — like cribbage, or tossing up. You choose your partner — head's he's a good 'un, then you're in clover ; tails he's a bad 'un, then, it's purgatory and inferno for you for the rest of your 100 ' Sitting on tofa. THE MASQUERADERS ACT III life, unless you're a man. It's all right if you're a man. The same, game as before, choose your partner — heads she's a good 'un, then you're in clover ; tails she's a bad 'un, then you cut her, and toss up again and again, until you do get a good 'im. That's the game — ^that's the game — and it's a splendid game for a man. [Blanchfloweb, in evening dressj pops in l.] Blak. How d'ye do. Lady Skene ? Am I in the way, eh ? DUL. Enter! Enter! Enter! You're just in time. Help us solve this mighty question. Blan. Something important, eh ? ^ Dttl. 'No, only marriage. Blait. What about it ? Dtil. Well — ^what about it? Give us your opinion. There's something mystical about it, isn't there? Nell, where's that Church Service? Something mystical ? BLAIf. Well, yes; and — ^hum? eh? {happy thought} — some- thing ideal DuL. Mystical and ideal. Go on, Nell. Helen. I'd rather not. I don't like to hear you mocking at marriage. DuL. [Laughing.] Mocking at marriage! Oh, my God! is it women who have married bad men that mock at lOI ' StU L. of table. * Call. David, Eddie, Ser- vant. ACT III THE MASQUERADERS marriage Make haste, make haste! [Dashing her hands on the chair.] Marriage is a mystical, ideal state — isn't there something in the Service about physical ? Go on, Nell, go on — ^help us out. Go on ! What have we left out? The wife's duty. Helen. DUL. Yat. Yah. Yah. [This is very quiet and calm, with a pause between each Yah, very different from the excited Yah! Yah! Yah! Yah! of the second Act."] Helen. To her husband to keep her vows. To herself to keep herself pure and stainless, because it is her glory, as it is a man's glory to be brave and honest. DtTL. [Sams position, same tone.] Yah. Yah. Yah. Helek. And to society, to her nation, because no nation has ever survived whose women have been immoral. DuL. [Suddenly springing up, sitting up upright in the chair.] And the men ? Helen. I don't know whether it's a man's duty to be moral. I'm sure it's a woman's. DuL. Oh, then marriage is a moral state, eh — at least for women, eh, Mr. Blanchflower? Blan. [Who has shown symptoms of great discomfort through the interview.] Ye — es — decidedly mar- riage is — or — a — should be a moral state. 1 02 THE MASQUERADERS ACT III DUL. \_Jumping up vigorously.'] Ah, now we've got it! Now we can go ahead! Marriage is a physical, mystical, ideal, moral game. Oh, I hate these words, moral, ideal.^ How if it isn't ideal? Suppose it's horribly, horribly real! How if it isn't moral? Suppose it's horribly, horribly immoral! Moral! Moral ! ! Moral ! ! ! Is there anything under God's sun so immoral, ah — guess it — guess it — to be married to a man one hates! And you go on plastering it and poulticing it and sugaring it over with " moral " and " ideal " and respectable," and all those words that men use to cheat themselves with. It isn't moral to be married to a man one hates! It isn't ideal ! It isn't mystical ! It's hateful ! It's martyr- dom ! \^A long pause?] Blait. [^Calm, with a real touch of feeling."] My dear Lady Skene, I won't pretend to offer you advice \Has recovered from her outburst, now speaks in a very calm, indifferent, matter-of-fact tone.] It doesn't matter. You're going to the ball ? ^ Blan. I was going — ^but if I can help you in any • SiU B. a. * Call Sir Brice, ACT III THE MASQUERADERS DUL. But can't you go some other time ? David. I must be at my post, especially as it is a little dangeiv ous, — that makes it the post of honour. I've delayed everything till the last moment that I might be near you till the very end. DUL. The end ! Then this is the end ? I shall never see you again. David. Yes. When I return. DuL. [^Shaking her head.'] You will not return. \LooTe- ing at him very keenly and closely.] Tell me, in your heart of hearts do you not know that you will never come back? [David is about to speak.] DuL. Ah no — tell me the truth ! David. [Slowly and fatefully.] I wonder how it is that when one has carefully weeded out all the old superstitions from one's mind, a crop of new super- stitions springs up more foolish than the old ones. I've lived up there so long I've grown morbid. I've an attack of the eilliest form of superstition — a presentiment. DuL. Ah, I knew it! David. We will laugh at « Bitet—Ooes L, o. DuUsie met. In six months I shall laugh at it.^ it together. DuL. [Determinedly.] You shall not go I io8 THE MASQUERADERS ACT III » Betumt c. David. I must. I'm working with my comrades all over the world. I've undertaken this part of the work. If I don't carry it out I break faith with them and spoil their work too.^ All the good fellows who are going with me and sharing in my dangers are waiting for me at Marseilles. I can't leave them in the lurch — I can't — you would not have me do it! Say you wouldn't have me stamp m;^self a coward, a deserter. DUL. 'No, no. Am.] But I don't want you to go. {^Approaching If I asked you to stay ■ David. You will not — {Going towards her."] You will not [a little nearer'] ask me to stay. {She looks at him — gradually they go closer to each other, and his manner changes from a calm, dreamy, fateful tone to a fierce, hoarse, passionate tone.'] Do you know what it means if I stay? Dulcie! DuL, You never called me that before. David. {Clasping her.] -I've never been so near to you. Dulcie! {With sudden, mad abandonment, clasp- ing her passionately.] Yes, I'll stay! I'll stay! Tell me to stay because — ^because — ^you love me, DuL. Stay — because — ah, you know I love you ! David. Eddie's right. Let's be fools to-night! Let's live to-night ! I'm hungry for you ! Dulcie, tell me once again that you love me. Dttl. No — no. Forget it. What have I said? What shall we do ? 109 ACT III THE MASQUERADERS David. I don't know. What does it matter ? We will go to this ball — anything — anywhere! Our lives are in our own hands. Come with me. SiE Beige enters r.. He shuts the door, stands against it, his feet a little sprawling, his hands in his pockets, looJcing at them maliciously. Long pause. Helekt enters at the other door. Another pause. She hechons Dulcie. Helew. Dulcie! [^Indicates the inside room. Dulcie goes up to her.'] [Exit Helen, o. Dulcie at the door looTcs at the two men. Exit Dulcie. The two men are left alone. Another slight pause. Sie Beice walks very deliberately up to David. The two men stand close to each other for a movnent or two.] Sie Beice. You've come to settle your little account, I suppose ? David. I owe you nothing. Sie Beice. But I owe you six thousand pounds. I haven't a, penny in the world. I'll cut you for it, double or quits. David. I don't play cards, Sie Beice. You'd better begin. \_Bapping on the table with the cards.'\ David. [Very firmly.] I don't play cards with you. Sie Beice. And I say you shall. no THE MASQUERADERS ACT III Datid. \^Very stern and contemptuous.] I don't play cards "witli you. [Going towards door.] You refuse ? ' I refuse. SiE Beige. David. SiE Beige. Once for all, will you give me a chance of paying back the six thousand pounds that Lady Skene has borrowed from you ? Yes or no ? David. No. Sie Beige. 1^0? David. [Very emphatically.] No. {^Goes to door, suddenly turns round, comes up to him.] Yes. [Comes to the table.] I do play cards with you. You want my money. Very well. I'll give you a chance of winning all I have in the world. Sie Beige. [After a look of astonishment.^] Good. I'm your man. Any game you like, and any stakes. David. [Very calm, cold, intense tone all through.] The stakes on my side are some two hundred thousand pounds. The stakes on your side are — ^your wife and child. Sie Beige. [Taken aback.] My wife and child ! David. Your wife and child. Come — begin ! [Points to the cards.] Ill ^ standing B. of table. = Over table. ACT III THE MASQUERADERS ' Sweepg card* from, table. SiE Beige. [Getting flurried.'\ My wife and child? {^Puts his hands restlessly through his hair, looks intently at David. Pause.} All right. \_Pause. Cunningly.'] I value my wife and child very highly. David. I value them at all I have in the world. [^Pointing to,cards.'] Begin! ^ SiE Beice. Tou seem in a hurry. David. I believe I haven't six months to live. I want to make the most of those six months. If I have more I want to make the most of all the years. Begin ! ^ SiE Beice. [Wipes his face with his handkerchief.'] This is the first time I've played this game. .We'd better arrange conditions. David. * BreaTa pacTe. ' Breaks pack. > Shufflet. There's only one condition. We play till I'm beg- gared of every farthing I have, or till you're beg- gared of them. Sit down ! SiE Beice. [Sits down.] Very well. [Pause.] What game ? * David. The shortest. SiE Beice. Simple cutting? David. What you please. Begin ! SiE Beice. There's no hurry. I mean to have a night's fun out of this.4 112 THE MASQUERADERS ACT in ' Puts cards on table. David. Look at me. Don't trifle with me ! I want to have done with you. I want them to have done with you. I want to get them away from you. Quick ! I want to know now — ^now — ^this very moment — whether they are yours or mine. Begin.^ Sib Bbice. \_8huffles the cards.'] All right. What do we cut for? David. Let one cut settle it. SiE Beice. 1^0. It's too much to risk on one throw. One cut. Begin. David. Sib Bbice. It's too big. I can't.^ I like high play, but that's too high for me. [David remains at table, very calm; does not stir all through the scene j ^ Sib Beice walk- ing abouf] No, by Jove! I'll tell you what I'll do. Three cuts out of five. Damn it all ! I'm game ! Two out of three. By Jove, two out of three ! Will that do ? David. So be it! Sit down! Shuffle. [SiE Beice sits down; begins shuffling the cards. All through the scene he is nervous, excited, hysteri- cal, laughing. David as cold as a statue.*'\ SiB Bbice. ^Having shuffled.] 'Now then. Who cuts first? [The two men stare fixedly at each other.] [DtTLCiE enters at bac]c.] DXTI,. ISurprised.] Mr. Eemon! No! No! Not that! Not that! 8 "3 ' Rises— goes down L. and bach. ' David L. of table. Sir Brice R. of table. * David sits L. of table. ACT III THE MASQUERADERS David. [Coming down, warning her off with a motion of his hand.^ If you please. Stand aside for a moment. [Offers the cards to Sik Beice to cutJ] * Sweeps cards from table. * Tied light- Warn cur- tain. SiK Bkice. Ace counts lowest. David. As you will. Cut. [Sir Beige cuts.'\ Sik Beice. King! By Jove! King! Out! [David cwfs.] SiE Beice. Nine!^ One to me! By Jove! one to me! [To DtjI/Cie. J Give us up some of those cards, will you ? [David hy a gesture stops her; takes up the pack that SiE Beice has broken and shuffles them.'] SiE Beice. Shuffle up. By Jove ! if I win Dtjl. Mr. Remon, you'll not play any more ? David. [Very gently.] Stand aside, please. SiE Beice. No. Let her shuffle for us. She's in it, isn't she ? Dttl. What do you mean ? What are you playing for ? SiE Beice. You'd like to know, would you ? What are we play- ing for? I'll tell you. We're playing for you and your child ! * 114 THE MASQUERADERS ACT III DUL. \_8uddenly.] What? [Shows great horror and as- tonishment.'] Mr. Eemon ! It's not so ? It's not so ? [To David.] What are you playing for ? David. He has said. For you and your child. If I win, will you abide by the bargain? \Yery long pause — she looks from one to the other.] DuL. Yes. David. [Puts cards on table.] Cut. [They both shuffle cards.] Sir Beige. [Very excited, laughing, nervous.] You've got to win both now. You know that ? David. I know. Sir Beige. [Cuts.] Ten. E^otbad. You've got to beat it. Cut! [David cuts.] SiE Beice. Queen ! One each ! ^ Now for the final, d'ye hear ? This is final. If I win [Walking about excitedly; pours out a glass of brandy — drinks.} I'll cut first! E^o! Damn it all! you cut first! [Holding cards. David cuts.] Six. [To David, suddenly.] Sup- pose I win — ^you'll pay me ? You mean to pay me ? David. I shall pay you every farthing. SiE Beice. What security do you give me ? "S ' Swe^s cards from table. David breaks another pack, shnjffles and puts them on table. ACT III THE MASQUERADERS * Sir Brice risca^ moves chair^ then goes to small table s. and drinks brandy. ' Sinks into chair. David. My word in the presence of the woman I love. SiK Brice. [Walks aboui.l Let me be a moment.^ David. Cut. SiK Beice. [To DtTLCiE.] You're anxious, are you? I'm going to win ! I mean it ! I'm going to win ! [To David.] ISTow ! [David holds cards; Sik Beice cwfe.] My God! I've lost !» David. [Throws down the card-table; leaps at him; catches hold of him by the throat.^ Yes, you've lost! She's mine! [Gets him down on his knees.^ You've cheated me of her all these years ! You've cheated me of her love, cheated me of the fatherhood of her child, you've dragged her down, you've dishonoured her! She's my wife now — ^my wife and child ! Take your oath you'll never lay claim to them again ! Swear it ! [Shaking him.] SiE Beice. She's yours! Take her! I'll never see her or her child again ! I swear it ! Take them ! David. Dare to break your word — dare to lay a finger on her or her child — dare to show your face in the home that my love shall give to her — and whatever laws men have made to bind you and her together, I'll break them and rid her of you ! D'ye hear ? She's mine ! She's mine! She's mine! [Throws Sie Beice back on the floor. To Dulcib.] My wife! My child! Come ! You're mine ! [David seizes Dulcie in his arms and falls against l. door. Curtain begins to descend when Sie Beice thrown down,] u6 swot AUps ACT IV. Scene — The Ohesrvatory on Mount Garidelli in the Maritime AlpSj near Nice. !zi door, right. A large fireplace, with pine cones and pine logs ready laid, above door, right. At the hack, seen through a large curtained doorway, is the circular Observatory with large telescope. This room is vaguely seen, the telescope being lighted by a shaft of moonlight at the beginning of the Act. On the left side, slant-wise, a large window, with terrace outside, giving scenery of the Maritime Alps. A large armchair above the fireplace. On table and scattered about the room are a number of scien- tific books and astronomical instruments and ap- paratus. The window is .curtained with Eastern curtains. As curtain rises the whole scene is dark except for the shaft of moonlight that falls on the telescope. l_Enter David and Dulcie.^] David. Come in ! Come to your home ! M.j wife ! DUL. [^Cold, shuddering."] Ah no — don't call me that — at least not yet. David. You're shivering! Let me give you some wine. l^Goes to cupboard, brings out bottle and glass, which he fills, places them on table.] "7 * David comes on from r. door^ carry- ing lighted lantern which he hangs on a hook c. Takes off hat and cloak and puts them on a chair up l., returns to door and leads in DuU cie. ACT IV THE MASQUERADERS ISTo, no, tell me- * As fire burns upj one am- ber line comes on from L, stielf, and one from fire-place ; both shine on arm-chair. DUL. -'[Goes to him, looks into his face.'\ David. [With great tenderness.] Dulcie! Dulcie! What is it, dear? How cold you are. I'll light the fire. [Lights fire, which is already laid with large pine cones and logs and quicMy Mazes up.*] I'm your servant now. I've nothing to do all my life but wait on you. We shall soon have a Maze with these pine logs. My servants left me last night. I thought I should have no further use for them. I thought my life here was ended. Ended ! My life has only be- gun this last hour. [Clasping her.] Dulcie! Do you know where you are? You are in your home. Take oJ0F your hat and cloak, dear. [Gently removes her cloah and puts it on chair.-f] There ! [Seats her at the fire in large chair.] This is your own. hearth, dear, your own fireside. You are my bride! No bride was ever so welcome as you.-*^ Poor hands so cold. [Takes her hands in his, rubs them; as he does so they both at one moment see her wedding-ring. Dulcie withdraws her hand in shame. They look at each other horrified. A pause.] Give me your hand. [She holds it out. He takes off the ring, goes to win- dow, draws aside the curtains, opens window, throws away the ring, comes back to her. The dawn outside begins and gradually rises into a full sunrise during progress of Act'S^.] DuL. [As he returns to her.] Oh, you'll be very kind to me ? David. I have no life, no ambition away from you. The world has gone from me. This journey to Africa — it was the object of my life— it's less than nothing to me now.^ I've thrown .it^away,^I!Ye_forgotten it, be- t Floats slowly up. • Kneels L. of her. X When cur- tains are drawn bat- tens and pros, gradu- ally up. > Moves B. of her and leneels. cause you ask'ed^me. ms THE MASQUERADERS ACT IV DUL. Ah no, you mustn't do that. Oh, I'm selfish to take you from your comrades, from your work. You must go and make this great discovery. David. I've made the one great discovery there was to make. It's the cunningest of them all. We astronomers have been puzzling all our lives to find out what gravi- tation is. I've found it out. Gravitation is love. It's love that holds together all this universe. It's love that drives every little atom in space to rush to every other little atom. There's love at the centre of the system. There's love at the centre of all things. 'No astronomer ever made a discovery equal to that! Dulcie, look at me ! What ails you ? What are you thinking of ? * DuL. Nell and Eosy. They'll be here soon. David. Yes. They can't be long. Don't think of them. Think only of ourselves. DUL. Why wouldn't you come with me to Beaulieu and bring them up here ? David. I was afraid your sister would take you from me. I wanted to have you all to myself. When she comes here I wanted her to find you already in your home. DuL. It's so strange. What is strange ? To be here with you- David. DuL. -^alone. David. It's not strange to me. You've been here so often | 119 * Umeg hejtore and behind transpar- ency slowly change from blue to rose. ACT IV THE MASQUERADERS already. In my loneliness I've pictured you here hundreds of times. I at my work in there, you in this chair by the fire, Eosy playing about the floor. Eosy. David. ' Gets up and goes c. ' Rises. * Call Eddie, Helen. She is my child now, as you are my wife.^ Dulcie, say you know we have done right. DUL. l_Disiracted.'\ Eight! Yes — yes — I suppose so! What else could we do ? What else could I do ! David. Say you know we have done right. DuL. Yes — yes — I can't think now. [^Returning and throw- ing her arms round him.] I only know I love you. David. [Clasping her madly.] Dulcie, this is your home, this is our wedding-day. My bride ! DuL. [Tearing herself from him.*] No, no — not now — ^not yet ! My promise to iSTell — I promised her I would take no step till I had seen her. David. [Pursuing her, fiercely clasping her.] You've taken the step. You're mine DuL. No, no. [Repulsing him again.] Let me think. Wait till Nell comes. Ah, don't think I don't love you. There's nothing I wouldn't do or suffer for you. There's not a thought in my heart that isn't yours. Say you know it ! Say you know it ! David. I know it. What then? Tell me what's in your heart. 1 20 THE MASQUERADERS ACT IV Dtjl, I can't. Can't you guess ?i ^ Moves i^o. David. Guess — ^what ? Duii. Oh, it was horrible with him. There was no home, no family, no love. It seemed like a blasphemy of home to live with him. But this — I can't tell you how I feel — I don't think any man can understand it. It's only a woman, and not all women — not many women perhaps — ^but I feel it. I can't get rid of it. To live with you seems more horrible than the other. I cannot ! I cannot ! I cannot ! David. \_Very calmly, very sweetly, very soothingly.'] Dear- est, you mustn't talk like this. Heaven bear me wit- ness you will come to me as pure as if I took you from your mother's side, as pure as if you had never known any kiss but your sister's. \_Attempting to embrace her.} DUL. Ah! [Shrinking from him.] Don't I tell you, a man can't understand my feelings. [Loohs at him half-loving, half -horrified; stands look- ing at him. A little pause.] David.^ \^Same soft, tender tone, very persuasive, very low, very sweet.] Dulcie, in a very little while you will grow to think of me as if I were your very husband — as I shall be; and with you, and your sister, and Eddie, and Kosy, we shall make one happy, one united family. [Approaching her.] DUL. Ah! that's it. I feel 121 ■ Hrossing to hvr Ktnd ge^ ting L. cifhet ACT IV THE MASQUERADERS David. IClasping her again.'] What ? Dtjl. We can't be a family that way. There's only one way of being a family.^ David. And that ? DuL. By the marriage and love of husband and wife. David. <■ Going B. * Limei tlowly change from rose to amber everything goesfvUup. It is marriage I offer you. Dulcie, you must see there's no future for you away from me. Say you'll give yourself to me willingly. [Pause.] I will not take you else. Give yourself to me ! DuL. [After a patise.'] I am yours. David. ^0. Give yourself to me — ^wholly, freely, willingly. DUL. Oh! don't you see? I would give you myself — a thousand selves if I could. What is there in me that is worth giving, or worth your taking now ? David. Everything, everything. Give yourself to me ! If I give you myself I give you the last four years with me. They are part of me. I shall only feel that I can never get rid of them. I cannot get rid of them. Every time you kiss me I shall see him beside us! I cannot! I cannot! I cannot! I cannot! [Pause. Eddie looks in at window.*] Eddie. Ho, ho, Davy ! Ho, ho ! Here we are 1 122 THE MASQUERADERS ACT IV '■Off up u DUL. {^Goes to window, goes up to him.'] My sister and Rosy, are they with you ? Eddie. {Pointing down helow.'] Quite safe. Here they are. Look alive, Davy ! We've no time to waste, I shall be ready in a twinkling, I'm half a fool, and half a wise man just now. In two minutes I shall be in my right senses — or in as many as I've got — and then [Passes hy.^] David, [To DiTLCiE.] Dulcie, your sister is here. Tell her that henceforth you are my wife, Dtjl, I am your slave, your dog, your anything ! ^ Take me if you will — take me ! But kill me after. If you don't I shall kill myself, [Hblew enters at door, e. stands for a moment look- ing at one and then at the other.] Heleiit, Dulcie. [Dulcie goes to her, saying, " Nell."] DUL, Rosy — ^where is she ? ^ Helen, [Pointing off.] She's there, [Dttlcib is going. Helen stops her.] Let me look at you, [Dulcie looks frankly at her. Helen smiles, kisses her.] Go to your baby, [Exit Dulcie, Helen- shuts the door after Dulcie,] You've taken her from him ? [David nods.] Helen, For good and all ? David. 'Goe»c. David clasps her in his arms. At end of speech, the staggers back from him. ' David moves L. For good and all. 123 ACT IV THE MASQUERADERS Helen. Why have you. brought her here? David. To make her my wife. Helen". Your wife? That is impossible unless David. Unless ? Helen. Unless her husband divorces her and takes her child from her. David. • Goes o. • Moves to her. Eddie calls off, "Davy/" then enters up B. David goes L. • Eddie goes to chair up l., an,dputs cloak on it. I've won her from him, her and the child. Don't come between us. Give them to me ! ^ Helen. [Stops him.] She is not mine to give. She is not yours to take. Your brother tells me you're going on this expedition to Africa this morning. David. I'm not going. Helen. 'Not going? But you have looked forward to ij all your life ! David. I've wasted all my life in such dreams and shadows as work and duty. What has it availed me ? ISTow I see one chance of happiness before me, don't take it from me ! ^ Give them to me ! [She stops him.] I will have them ! [Eddie enters dressed ready to start.] Eddie. Davy, old boy, look alive ! The men have got every- thing on the mules. We've not a moment to waste.* 124 THE MASQUERADERS ACT IV ■ Movet down to David, and apeales very earn- estly, after' wards movet up and Hands on balcony out- side window L. David. I'm not going. Eddie. Not going? But they are all waiting for us.^ If we don't go, all the expeditions everywhere will be a failure. Davy, you aren't going to sell them all like a — like a — They'll call you a — ^will, you fill in the word. David. I'm not going, Eddie. But what excuse can we make ? David. Any excuse you like — I've changed my mind.^ HELEIf. \W'iih quiet sarcasm.'\ Is that a good excuse for a soldier to make just as he's ordered into battle? David. I'm not a soldier. Helen. Yes, you are. We are all soldiers on this earth, bound to be loyal to every one of our comrades, bound to obey the great rules of life, whether they are easy or hard. Yes, and all the more bound when they are hard, when they may cost us our very life. You'll go — ^you'll go, and leave her to me and Kosy ? David. I love her ! I love her ! Helen. Then save her for her child. Save her to be a good mother to that little helpless creature she has brought into the world, so that when her girl grows up and she has to guide her, she'll not have to say to her child, " You can give yourself to this man, and if you don't like him you can give yourself to another, and to I2S ' Going c. ACT IV THE MASQUERADERS another, and so on. It doesn't matter. It was what I did!" David. \_8ame tone.'\ I love her! I love her! I love her! You shan't reason me out of my happiness ! Heleu. [Stopping him.'] I can't reason at all. I can only feel, and I know my instinct is right. I know the woman who gives herself to another man while her hushand is alive betrays her sex, and is a bad woman. David. I love her! I love her! [Going towards door.'] Helew. [Stopping Jiim.] Then make your love the best thing in her life, and the best thing in yours. You have loved her so well. You have made so many sacrifices for her. Make this one last sacrifice. Keep her pure for her child.* ^ Eddie. • Ked light to curtain, ^ David re- mains c, back to audi- ence. Eddie watches from window. ' Goet to her. • Dulcie goet L. c. Helen goes to fire- place. That's God's voice speaking to you now, Davy. [Dulcie enters e. very quietly, looTcing off. DUL. [To David.] She's asleep. Go and look at her. [Exit David, e. Dulcie is about to follow. Helen stops her.] Helen. Dulcie. DuL. WhatP Helen. He's given his word to his comrades. Don't make him play the coward.' [David re-enters, much calmer.] 126 THE MASQUERADERS ACT IV David. Miss Larondie, I'll write to you from Marseilles. I have left everything in order for her. If by any chance I should not return DUL. Ah! lOoes to him.'] David. Take care of her v^hile I'm away. DuL. But if you do not return ? David. [Very calm, very bitter, very tender, with a little smile.] Then — we shall have played our parts well in this little puppet-show, shall we not? Don't cry, my dear, why should you ? If I were a soldier, you would tell me to go. We shall not be absent from each other long. Don't cry, dear. It's my duty to go, Dulcie. Be brave. Tell me to go. DuL. \_Bows her head.] Go. Go.^ David. \_Ooing from her some steps.] I've played this great game of love like a fool, as men would say. Perhaps I've played the great game of life like a fool, too. If we are sacrificing ourselves for a shadow we are only doing what earth's best creatures have done be- fore us. If duty is reality, we have done right. Eight — wrong — duty — they may be all shadows, but my love for you is real. [Dulcie is sobbing, he comes to her.] Hush! Hush, dear! We shall never know satiety. Our love will never grow stale and commonplace, will it ? Dulcie, we've only thrown away the husks. We've kept the immortal part of our love — if there is an immortal part. Look! this is my mother's wedding ring. [Taking a very thin 127 * She turns her hack to audi- ence and leans against cliair. David crosses front of her t as if to go to win' dow ; then turns to her. ACT IV THE MASQUERADERS gold ring from his little finger.'] She gave it to me as she was dying. It has never left my finger since. I give it you in exchange for the one I took from you. Give me your hand. [Dulcie gives it.] With this ring I thee wed. As she that bore me was pure, so I leave you pure, dear. Kiss me once — I've held * Takes glaaa of wine he has previously poured out and left on table up L. and gives it to her. • Eddie hands cloak. you sacred! IShe hisses him.] Good-bye. No, stay.-*^ l^Pours out a glass of wine, gives it to her.] Drink with me. [She tahes the glass, drinks some of it. He tahes it from her, drains it, dashes the glass on the floor, where it is shivered to atoms; he then turns very brightly and gaily to Eddie.] Now Eddie — our work ! Eddie. Heady, big brother ! ^ David. [_To DuLciE.] In six months from now, come to meet me, my wife, and bring our child. Or, it may be a little later — but come and meet me — ^my wife — a little later. DuL. Where? David. In that little star in Andromeda. All's real there. [Exeunt Eddie and David through window.] OuETAIIir. If curtain is called up, show a picture of David outside the window, in the full morning sunlight, the mountains covered with snow behind him; Eddie is beside him drawing him away. 128 ACT I. Time op Bbpresbntation— Thirty-eight minutes. Hand Propektibs. — Claret-tray, and glasses; pockethook and stamps for Brinkler; key and glass cloth for Dulcie; candle for Remon ; cooper's mallet for Kandall. Furniture. — Small rustic table and two chairs l.c. ; long table, form, and chairs R. ; ban-el and stool up l.c. ; form up c. ; table and form chairs in back room. Other Properties. — Writing materials and railway guides outside bar ; ' ' Sporting Times " and matches on R. table ; bottle of gin, water jug, glasses, pewter, etc., inside bar; newspapers on L. 0. table ; candlestick, etc., in further room; bell hanging l. ; appropriate articles to dress scene. Light. — Everything full up during act; tee-pendant in bar; burners and consumers over doors and openings; chandelier in room up c. ; two amber limes l. shelf; ditto r. ; four other limes, one R. fly, one l. fly, two outside gates. ACT II. Time op Representation — Thirty -two minutes. Hand Properties. — "Wedding ring for Dulcie; coins for Sir Brice. Furniture Used. — Sofa r.c, small table r. of it; sofa up i,. ; chair down l. ; basket chairs off c. Other Properties. — Flowers, palms, ornaments, etc. Lights. — Everything full up during Act; lighted sconces and chandeliers; two amber limes l. ; shelf ditto r. shelf; one off down L. ; ditto up r. ; two blue limes off c. ; change to yellow at cue. ACT III. Time op Representation — Twenty-eight minutes. Hand Properties. — Salver and letter for servant. Furniture Used. — Sofa r. small table above it ; armchair front of fireplace ; writing desk and chair up L. ; chair down L.; card table C, armchair either side of it; dressing-table and chair off up C; cabinet off L.; carpets, rugs, etc. 9 129 130 THE MASQUERADERS. . Other Properties. — Decanters and glasses, bell push i,.; loose cards on floor and table, also half dozen broken packs. Lights. — Everything three-quarters up through act, lighted sconces, fire and chandelier, two pale blue limes off R., one amber lime at fireplace, one open lime behind trans. C, two amber limes L. shelf, ditto R. shelf. ACT rv. Tbue of Refresentatiox. — Fifteen minutes. Hand Properties. — Lighted lantern, hat and cloak for Dayid, cloak for Dulcie, rings used this act. Furniture. — ^Table and chair down L. ; table up c. ; cup- board up R.C.; table down B.; armchair front by fire ; chair up L. Other Properties.— Decanter and glasses in cupboard, matches on mantel ; telescope down l. Lights. — When curtain rises, everything to be as low as possible, at cues everything to go gradually up, fire ready to be lighted, amber limes L. of shelf, ditto at fireplace, both to come on when fire is lighted ; one special blue lime from l. fly to shine on telescope at back ; three limes front of trans- parency, two behind ; these change colors at once. Music. — For rise of curtain to continue till David speaks. PROPERTY PLOT. ACT I. Rustic table L. C. with chair either side. Long plain table R. Chair L. of it, form R. of it. Four chairs and a table in room up C. Form outside window. Three chairs on gallery R. over bar. Wine barrel up L. C, stool beside it. Two pails down L, Shrubs in boxes about Scene. Rope mats at doors. Carpets and rods to stairs. Mats to doors on gallery, curtains to windows. Flower boxes on balustrade, flower-pots over bar. Flags and wreathing hanging from roof. Clock in C. of bal- cony. Spring bells on Scene L. Special one by stair- case. Coaching pasters about Scene. Cards, matches, pipes, etc., on table in further room. Railway guides and subscription lists hanging on bar window. Writing materials and newspapers outside bar. Inside bar, jugs, glasses, pewters, beer engine, men, etc. Matches and " Sporting Times " on R. table. Newspaper on L. C. table. Wedding ring and lighted candle off R. for David. Key and glass cloth for Dulcie. Bottle of claret on cradle. Tray and two glasses for Brinkler; also pocketbook and stamps, handbag for Helen, cooper's mallet in bar for Montague. ACT II. Handsome drawing-room furniture, sofa R. C. Small table below it, chair R, of table. Table down R., vase below it, chair above it. Pedestal up R., small cabinet beside it. Pedestal up L., small table beside it. Sofa up L., cabinet behind chair, below two handsome pedestal 131 132 THE MASQUERADERS lamps R. and L., small table down L. Chair above. Table and settee and piano off L. Table off R. Arm- chair, two duet seats and small table on balcony C. Palms and floral decorations to lavishly dress Scene. Three handsome hanging baskets of flowers from ceiling. French square C. Rugs to openings. Coffee cups on table up C. Wedding ring for Dulcie. Coins for Sir Brioe. ACT III. Handsome sitting-room furniture. Sofa R., chair be- low it, small table above. Armchair and footstool front of fire. Table above it. Writing-desk and chair L. of C. door. Settee up L. Chair down L. Round card- table C. Chair either side. Cabinet off L. Dressing- table, armchair and settee off C. Carpets off C. and off L. Rugs to fireplace, window, and C. door. Carpet square C. Fender and fireirons. Handsome mirror, clock and candelabra on mantelshelf. Palms and flowers on balcony. Decanter and glasses on small table R. Bell push L. of fire. Mirror, hairbrushes, combs, lighted candles, etc., on dressing-table off C. Loose cards on floor and on table, and a half dozen in broken packs. Salver and letter for servant. ACT IV, Good plain furniture. Small table down R., ditto above R. door. Armchair front of fire ; table above. Cupboard up R. C. Long table up C, chair L. of it. Table and armchair down L. Telescope on tripod L. C, Mariner's compass beside it. Sextant, quadrant, orrery and various astronomical appliances about Scene, also globes, books, maps, charts, etc. Box of matches on mantel, log basket R. of fire. Rugs to hearth and doors and openings. Lighted lantern off R. ACT I. Courtyard of Old Coaching Inn. R. is a built out semicircular bar, with windows, shelves and counter, in the middle of bar is a casement to slide up, a practical half door and a counter flap. Beyond bar narrow door next to which is an opening with corridor backing. At right angles to opening is a short staircase with small platform and dummy door. Above that is another open- ing. C. is a large bow window beyond which is a bar parlour with door at back. L. of window is a door. And L. of door is an opening. Below that is a short staircase with platform and practical interior backed door. L. of staircase is a narrow opening with steps beside is a booking oflSce, below are two high gates fastened with iron bar supported by stout pillars. A balustraded gallery runs round Scene, and supported by further pillars a glass roof covers the whole courtyard. Leading into gallery are seven doors 3 C, 2 R., 2 L., also there are 6 windows at regular intervals. Behind gallery is a strong platform with practical steps. Sand and stone stage cloth. ACT II. Handsome green and gold drawing-room opening with corridor backing up R. Opening with balustrade and illuminated house backing C. Opening with corridor backing down L. Parquet stage cloth, handsome ceiling. ACT III. Good papered chamber with plain ceiling to represent sitting-room in French Hotel. Door with corridor back- ing down L. Door with practical lock C. Beyond it a 134 THE MASQUERADERS dressing-room. Fireplace up R. Down R. are French windows with balustrade and illuminated backing show- ing seashore at Nice by night. ACT IV. Dark wooden chamber with ceiling to match. Door with interior backing down R., above that a built out fireplace, above fireplace a door, At right angles to that an opening showing semicircular observatory with large profile telescope. L. of Scene is a wide opening with French windows outside which are a balustrade and a long panorama transparency showing view of Alps. GAS AND LIME PLOT. ACT I. Chandelier in room up C. Lamp over bar R. Another up stairway L. T pendant and two brackets in bar. Burners over opening R. and door up C. and in room up C. Globes and consumers to same. All of the above to be lighted. Everything except batteries full up during Act. Four amber limes. 2 R. shelf, 2 L. shelf. Four blue limes. 2 outside gateway L., i from R. flies, i from L. flies. ACT II. Lighted Sconces up and down L. Ditto R. Hand- some chandelier off L. The whole Scene to be bril- liantly illuminated. Six amber limes — 2 R. shelf, 2 L. shelf. I off up R., I off down L. Two blue limes on backing up C. Change at cue to yellow. ACT III. Chandelier from ceiling C, sconces up L. and R. and down L. Three light brackets off L. Fife up R. All of white lime behind transparency up C. ACT IV. Log fire R. to be lit at cue. When curtain rises every- thing to be down as low as possible. At cues everything to go gradually up. Two amber limes, i from L. shelf, 1 through fireplace, both to come on slowly when fire burns up. One special blue lime from L. fiy to shine on telescope. Three limes in front of panorama cloth and two behind. These must be fitted with long glasses stained blue, red, yellow consecutively to admit of gradual change of colour at cues. '*^M^-;: ^*N^.*.,..V- \Wi ^: -W -^t. 'M^> .^m* m--i m • ,■ ■ T^'f^ 1 y *Mi\^^ ■ , r'^i^i' 'W^ 'fr.r^ ^'j^. p%^^^ ?w&^