Class I^Rg^QOT Book .Z5 6A -X- Gopyri^htN^ 1Q>|Q COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT; 7rf V ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY ALL - OF - A - SUDDEN PEGGY A Light Comedy in Three Acts By ERNEST DENNY Author of "Man Proposes," etc., etc. Copyright, 1910, bv Samuel French, Ltd New York SAMUEL FRENCH Publisher 28-30 WEST 38TH STREET London SAMUEL FRENCH Ltd 26 Southampton Street STRAND ,Ku.n, \'^ IB Any costumes or wigs required in the performance of " AU-of-a-Sudden-Peggy " may be hired or pur- chased reasonably from Messrs. C. H. Fox, Ltd., 27, WelHngton Street, Strand, London. Arrangements for scenery can also be made with this firm. CI.D 22409 Originally produced at the Duke of York's Theatre, London, on Tuesday, February 27, 1906 ; and afterwards at the Bijou Theatre, New York, on Monday, February 11, 1907. The following is a copy of the first night's programme : — On Tuesday Evening, February 27, at 8.30 o'clock, Charles Frohman will present " All-of-a-Sudden Peggy," a Comedy in Three Acts. By Ernest Denny. Anthony, Lord Crackenthorpe . Mr. Eric Lewis. (Fellow of the Entomological Society) The Hon. Jimmy Keppel .... Mr. Gerald du Maurier . (his Brother) Major Archie Phipps (retired) . . 3Ir. Alfred Bishop. (Lady Crackenthorpe's Brother) Jack Menzies Mr. Charles Bryant. Parker Mr. Clayton Greene. (Footman at Hawkhurst) Lucas Mr. Richard Haigh. (Manservant at Jimmy's Flat) Lady Crackenthorpe Miss Kate Serjeantson. (Lord Crackenthorpe's Mother) The Hon. Millicent Keppel . . Miss Beatrice Beckley. The Hon. Mrs. Colquhoun . . . Miss Ethel. Matthews. Mrs. O'Mara Miss Florence Wood. (Widow of Professor O'Mara, F.R.S.) and Peggy Miss Marie Tempest. (her Daughter) Act L " The Suddenness of Peggy." The White Hall at Hawkhurst, Lord Crackenthorpe' s Country House. Act IL " The Suddenness of Consequences." At Jimmy Keppel' s Flat in London, a week later. Act IIL " The Consequences of Suddenness." The White Hall at Hawkhurst, on the evening of the same day. The original cast of the American production of the play at the Bijou Theatre, New York, on Monday, February 11, 1907, was as follows : — Anthony, Lord Crackenthorpe . Ernest Stallard. The Hon. Jimmy Keppel .... Frank Gilmore. Jack Menzies Addison Pitt. Parker C. A. Chandos. Lucas Jph^i Marble. Lady Crackenthorpe Kate Meek. The Hon. Mellicent Keppel . . Jane Marbury. The Hon. Mrs. Colquhoun . . . Ann Warrington. Mrs. O'Maea Ida Waterman. and Peggy . . Henrietta Crosman. ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY ACT I. The Scene is the Hall at HaivJchurst, Lord Cracken- thorpe's Country House, in Surrey. Backing of trees seen through window. Door i I I Window I Archway under Balcony under Balcony Balcony Archway Stairs I [chair I Piano Door n-1 Chair Chair n Table n O n Door Chair Chair Fire- place Hat- stand Sofa O Footstool ^ n Chair Plan of Scene for Acts I. and III. N.B. — The above Staircase and Balcony are not essential, and for Amateur performances one simple archway opening at back can be substituted, with narrow platform (two steps up from stage) to suggest landing, with exits R and L as below : — Window Exit Platform Steps J Door Archway Opening Furnitm-e Arranged as above ; Exit Fire Place < 8 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. The Hall is furnished comfortably like a room, with antique furniture. Folding doors into outer lohhy, R. Big old-fashioned fireflace, l. (with high fender), over which is a long shelf of old books. The staircase curves round, as shoivn in sketch, and ends in land- ing, from which there is an exit through an archway. A big mullioned window, with leaded 'panes, on land- ing, and another under landing, which lights the Hall itself. On both are stained-glass armorial bearings. A back-cloth of trees and garden are seen through these windows. Rugs and skins on the floor, and a suit of armour at foot of stairs. Settee and table, c. {When the curtain goes up. Lady Ceackenthoepe is- discovered nodding, on the settee. She is a severe, elderly lady with white hair and a prominent " Duke of Wellington " nose, and a hard, haughty, unsym- pathetic manner. Enter Millicent Keppel through folding doors, e. She is a fresh, healthy -looking girl of 20. She has a bag of golf clubs.) Millicent {as she bursts into the hall) Has Jimmy come yet ? {she goes up and throws her golf clubs down with a clatter in corner up n.) Lady Ceackenthoepe. [waking with a start and looking round at Milly) Good gracious ! Millicent. {still up stage pulling off gloves) Why, mother, you don't mean to say you actually dared to go to sleep ? {Enter Parker through upper door, l. He is in livery and carries a silver tray, on ivhich is a plate covered Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 9 ivith a silver dish cover. He crosses r. to stairs, in front of Milly.) MiLLiCENT. {coming down c. arid 'pointing) Why, where are you taking that, Parker ? Parker, {stopping r. near foot of stairs and turn- ing) To his lordship's study, miss. Lady Crackenthorpe. {rising) Oh, there must be some mistake, Parker. Lord Crackenthorpe can't have ordered anything to eat at this time in the afternoon. Parker, {stiffly) Beg pardon, my lady, but this is not anythink for 'is lordship to eat,— leastwise, I presoom not, my lady. Lady Crackenthorpe. Then why that dish cover ? MiLLiCENT. {crossing r. to Parker and going to lift cover) Yes, what's underneath ? Parker, {with an immovable face) A spider, miss. (Lady Crackenthorpe and Millicent both give a startled cry.) Millicent. A spider ? {shrinking back) Ugh ? Take it away ! Take it away ! Lady Crackenthorpe. A spider ? . . . There ? . . . What's the meaning of this, Parker ? Parker. The under 'ousemaid found it in 'er second 'elping of pudding in the servant's 'all, my lady. This is 'er plate, my lady. 10 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. Lady Crackenthorpe. What ? . . . Then take it back to the kitchen at once. Parker. Beg pardon, my lady, but we 'ave strict orders to take all spiders we find to 'is lordship's study, my lady, an' this is an unusual large one, my lady, otherwise the under 'ousemaid might have swal — er — mightn't 'ave noticed it, my lady. (Millicent laughs and turns up, and takes off her hat and jacket and puts on table at back.) Lady Crackenthorpe. (with a slight shudder) Oh, very well, if those are Lord Crackenthorpe's orders, [sits on settee, l.) Parker. They're his strict orders, my lady. {He goes up the stairs with great dignity, holding the silver tray and contents in front of him, crosses land- ing at head of stairs and exit l.) Lady Crackenthorpe. {irritably) Oh-h-h ! An- thony and those wretched spiders of his ! What possessed him to take up such a weird hobby ? He'd never have got into the clutches of these O'Mara people, if he hadn't. Millicent. {coming down to table c, suddenly) By the way, I suppose Anthony's alone, mother ? Lady Crackenthorpe. Oh yes, he's safe, for the moment. Millicent. Oh, then Peggy O'Mara's out ? {sits sideways on table c.) Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 11 Lady Crackenthorpe. Yes, thank Heaven, and her mother too. Do you think I should have ven- tured to go to sleep if they were in ? {groaning) Oh, it's like living on the edge of a volcano. MiLLiCENT. (laughing) It's more hke sitting on the top of one, to prevent it going off. Lady Crackenthorpe. {groaning) Since those awful O'Maras came to stay in this house, I— well, I can't breathe properly, in anything but a tea-gown, {rises and crosses agitatedly to fireplace) MiLLiCENT. {sliding off the table) Well then, I should have a couple of frocks let out a bit, if I were you, mother, — just for days when the " volcano " is unusually fizzy, don't you know. Lady Crackenthorpe. {turning sharply) Milli- cent, how can you be so flippant when any moment I may be — be turned into a dowager, (groaning) Oh, if only Anthony had been a girl ! MiLLiCENT. (ivith a ivicked little chuckle) Yes, he'd never have known the difference, (shaking her head at Lady Crackenthorpe) It was really rather careless of you, mother, (she turns and goes up to window at hack) Lady Crackenthorpe. (severely) Millicent ! MiLLiCENT. (looking out of windoiv) Oh, here's Uncle Archie, (laughs and turns) He doesn't seem to object to Peggy O'Mara. You should have seen him with her on the golf links this afternoon. Lady Crackenthorpe. Wliat ? (indignantly) And he was supposed to be keeping his eye on An- 12 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act L thony. Oh-h-h ! There's no trusting Arcliie where there's a petticoat. MiLLiCENT. {coming down, laughing) Oh, he'lt make out that it was {imitating) " all for the good o* the fam'ly," just you see if he doesn't. {Enter Major Archie Phipps through door down l. He is a tall, ivell-preserved, aristocratic ex-cavalry officer of 5b. He has a prominent " Wellington '* nose, and wears a white drooping cavalry moustache, and his grey hair is distinctively thin on the top and carefully arranged to cover as much as possible. He is smartly dressed in tweeds, a tightly fitting tail coat, rather tight trousers, and ivears lohite spats, a single eyeglass, and a square-topped grey felt hat. He has been a " dog " in his day, and still is jaunty and rakish.) Archie, {looking round) Oh ! so Jimmy's not turned up yet. {^putting hat and stick on hatstand doivn R.) No fresh developments while I've been off duty, — what ? MiLLiCENT. {leaning over table c, quizzically) " 0§ "duty, Uncle Archie, you looked as though you were on duty, with Peggy O'Mara, this afternoon. Archie, {completely taken aback) Eh — what ? Lady Crackenthorpe. {severely) How could you go out with that girl, Archie ? Archie, {taking cheroot from case, a little confused and guilty) Eh — what ? . . . W-well, dash it all, Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 13 I— er — well, — it was all for the good o' tlie fam'ly, Charlotte, 'pon my soul it was. MiLLiCENT. {laughing and clapping her hands) Ha ! ha ! ha ! What did I say ? Lady Crackenthorpe. (sharply to Archie) Kub- bish ! How could it be ? Archie, (lighting cheroot) Why, don't ye see, I — I was just keepin' her out of Anthony's way, until Jimmy came. Abs'lutely part of our plan o' cam- paign. Millicent. (sharply) Why, what's that ? . . . What's Jimmy got to do with Peggy O'Mara ? (Archie and Lady Crackenthorpe exchange glances and at that moment the " toot " of a motor-horn is heard, off.) Archie. Hello, by Jove ! That'll he Jimmy, I should think. (Millicent turns and runs to tvindow at hack, followed hy Archie.) Millicent. (at windoiv, looking out) It is, on Jack Menzies' motor. (She ivaves her hand, and rushes across and off through hall door r.) (Lady Crackenthorpe sits on settee.) Archie, (glancing at door, and coming down to Lady Crackenthorpe) I say, I suppose you'll tackle Jimmy about this, Charlotte ? Lady Crackenthorpe. Well, seeing it was your 14 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. idea, Archie, I think it would come best from you. Besides, — well, this is not a very nice scheme of yours, you know. Archie. Eh, what ? Oh, come, Charlotte, when we're in a tight place like this, we can't stick at trifles ; besides, well — it's all for the good o' the fam'ly. Lady Crackenthorpe. {drihj) Not forgetting yourself, Archie. Archie. Eh ? {fulling his moustache) Yaas, yaas, of course, {hastily glancing at door) By the way, speakin' of myself, Charlotte, you don't happen to have a spare fiver about you, do you ? Lady Crackenthorpe. What, again, Archie ? {sighing) What is it now ? Archie. Well, ye see, I want to run up to town this afternoon — to {he avoids her eye, and puffs his cheroot) — to see my — er — my dentist. Lady Crackenthorpe. {sceptically) H'm I That's the third visit to your " dentist " in a fortnight. (Archie avoids her eye, coughs and puffs his cheroot furiously.) Lady Crackenthorpe. {ivarningly) You'd better persuade Jimmy to help us, Archie. If that O'Mara girl does catch Anthony, it's good-bye to Hawkhurst for both you and me, and then you {drily) well, you'll have to find a less expensive — dentist. {Motor is heard fust outside r. and Parker enters l. and crosses to folding doors r., and goes out, and voices are heard in the hall, off R.) Act I.] ALL OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 15 Jimmy, {off) Yes, that's my bag, Parker — come in, Jack. {Enter Jimmy Keppel, he is a bronzed, good-looking tnan of about 35. He is tvearing a tweed suit and a light overcoat and cap, and is very dusty. He is foUoived by Jack Menzies, a young man about Jimmy's age, who comes in talking to Millicent. Parker follows carrying suit-case, tvhich he places on chair l. of writing-table at back.) Archie, {cheerily to Jimmy) Hullo, had a good run down ? {shakes hatids with Menzies) Jimmy, {taking off overcoat and giving it to Parker) 'Bit too much dust, {crosses and kisses Lady Crack- enthorpe lightly) Well, mater, here I am, according to orders, {the^i crosses to Millicent above table and kisses her) Well, Milly, old girl, how are you ? (Jack Menzies crosses l. to Lady Crackenthorpe.) Jack. How d'you do, Lady Crackenthorpe ? {shakes hands) Jimmy, {putting his foot on chair l. of table c. and dusting his boot) Well, what's all this about Anthony, mater ? (Archie and Lady Crackenthorpe exchange hasty glances, and Archie looks up at ceiling and either sings, softly, or whistles, a snatch of a song.) Lady Crackenthorpe. {hastily turning the con- versation) Oh — er — how's your uncle, Mr. Menzies ? Jack. Just about the same, thanks. 16 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. Jimmy, {dusting his clothes) He always is, worse luck! MiLLiCENT. Jimmy, you mustn't say such dread- ful things. Jimmy. You'd say a long sight more dreadful things if you'd to chuck away your best years on a rotten tea plantation in Ceylon, as I have, when I might have a comfortable shop at home here, but for that miserly old Lady Crackenthorpe. Hush, Jimmy ! Archie, {to Jimmy) Buck up, my dear feller, Jack'll see you get that land-agent's billet, all right. Jack, {crossing r. to Jimmy and fatting him on hack) Jimmy knows that. Directly I come into the property, I'll cable for him to come the next day. {Slight pause, Archie sings — or ivhisiles — again and looks at ceiling.) Jack, {looking round) Well, I'll be movin'. {to Lady Crackenthorpe) Just goin' to motor over and see the old man as I'm so near, Lady Cracken- thorpe ; and, besides, I see you all want to talk. Omnes. {in polite protest) Oh, no, no ! Archie. Not a bit, my dear feller, don't hurry, — {moving hastily to door r.) — er — shall I let you out ? Jack, {crossing r.) No, don't move anybody, I'm coming in on my way back. Shan't be long. Jimmy. Good man ! (Jimmy follows him to door, and exit Jack after a general nod to everybody. Jimmy stands watching Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 17 him off at o-pen door. Archie crosses to hack of table c.) Lady Crackenthorpe. {turning to Jimmy) Well, so you got my letter, Jimmy ? /iMMY, {turning, laughing) 'Should think I did. 'Funniest thing I've heard for a long time. (Lady Crackenthorpe starts and frowns at him in sur 'prise.) Lady Crackenthorpe. {coldly and severely) Did you read all my letter, James ? Jimmy. Lord, yes. {chuckles again and sits on chair r. of c. table) Lady Crackenthorpe. Then can't you realize what is taking place ? Jimmy. Well, I can't realize it, but you say this Miss What's-her-name — Peggy O'Mara, is running old Anthony to earth, — what ? MiLLiCENT. {sitting on table above Jimmy) No, Jimmy, it's her mother who's doing it, I say. Jimmy. But, look here. I'm a bit puzzled. Anthony doesn't usually allow women within ten feet of him. Archie. Ah, but that's the danger ; these are scientific women, my dear feller, that's the devil of it. Jimmy. Where did he pick 'em up? . . . Who asked 'em down here ? Lady Crackenthorpe. Anthony invited them, himself, and as it's his house, I had to back up his B 18 ALL-OF A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. invitation, of course, — besides, I'd never seen them, and now Archie. They're here, and {spreading out his hands) — here we are ! Jimmy, {ironically) Jove ! How you do grasp things. Uncle Archie. (Archie glares at him through his eyeglass and turns up stage, huffily.) Jimmy, {rising and crossing to Lady Crackex- THORPE and laying his hand on her shoulder) Well, of course it's jolly rough on you, mater, having to clear out, but — men will marry. There's no stopping 'em. Lady Crackenthorpe. But Anthony is not hke other men. Jimmy, {chuckling) No, by Jove, you're right there. Anthony— well, Anthony's unique. {Enter Anthony on landing at back. He is a man of about 40, tvith an odd, lanky, awkward figure, a pale, gaunt face, and a touzled head of mouse-coloured hair — one tuft sticking straight up behind. He ivears pince-nez, and an extraordinary mixture of clothes, altogether presenting a grotesque figure. He cocks his head at an angle, comically, as he peers through his glasses, and has an abruptly jerky manner of speaking, and an occasional, sudden, unexpected laugh.) Anthony, {excitedly, calling over banisters) Is Miss O'Mara there ? Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN' PEGGY. 19 {They all turn and look at him.) Jimmy. Hullo, Anthony, old chap ! {crosses to foot of stairs r) Anthony. Oh, is that you, James ? {he crosses and shambles jerkily down the staircase tvith a bundle of papers in his hand, talking as he comes) Has any one seen Miss O'Mara anywhere ? MiLLiCENT. {getting off table and looking up at Anthony) No, she's out. Anthony. Out? . . . {fretfully) Tut, tut! Then, where's {Abruptly snatching Jimmy's hand, giving it one brief shake, and then dropping it, and turning with a jerk) — where's her mother ? Millicent, Mrs. O'Mara's out, too. Anthony, {fretfully) Tut, tut ! I particularly wanted to consult them about a title for my book. {he sits R. of table c. and sorts his papers) Jimmy, {coming down to r. of Anthony) Hullo, been writing a book, Anthony ? Anthony, {turning and speaking over his shoul- der) Er — well, not yet, but I'm going to. On " Spiders " — for the people. Cheap and quite " popu- lar," of course. And as Miss O'Mara writes herself, I Lady Crackenthorpe. Oh, | only stories and things, — not " spider " books, Anthony. Anthony, {turning sharply on Lady Cracken- 20 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. THORPE) What of that ? — what of that ? Miss O'Mara and her mother understand spiders. They seem instinctively drawn to spiders. Lady Crackenthorpe. {grimly, ivith an angry ■sniff) H'm ! Naturally ! I'm not surprised. A fellow feehng, of course. Anthony, {draiving himself up, glaring at Lady Crackenthorpe) Mother ! MiLLiCENT. {hastily to Anthony) Mother only meant that people who've lived among spiders, I mean people who must have had to swallow spiders at every meal Jimmy, {startled) What ? " Swallow spiders " Anthony, {interrupting) Er — conversationally — merely conversationally. Millicent. I meant that, of course. Living with a man like the Professor, they'd have to. Anthony, (beaming delightedly) The Professor ! Ah, that reminds me. {turning to Jimmy) Are you aware that we have the widow of the celebrated Pro- fessor O'Mara, F.R.S., under this very roof ? . . . It may seem incredible to you, but it's a fact, {turn- ing to Lady Crackenthorpe) Isn't it, mother ? Lady Crackenthorpe. {with a groan) Oh yes, it's true enough. Anthony, {turning proudly to Jimmy) There ! Think of^ that ! And — {impressively) — his daughter sitting in my study. Lady Crackenthorpe. {starting up, with an alarmed cry) What ? . . . I thought she was out. Act L] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 21 Anthony, {irritably) Tut, tut ! I meant this morning, mother. (MiLLiCENT crosses to Lady Crackenthorpe and stands at end of settee) Lady Crackenthorpe. {subsiding into her seat with a relieved sigh) Oh-h-h ! Anthony, {to Jimmy) Miss O'Mara helped the Professor with his book on spiders. She's been at work with me, all this morning. She gave me every encouragement. Lady Crackenthorpe. {grimly) I can imagine it. She ivould! {through her clenched teeth) Oh, the little (Millicent tries to 'pacify her.) Anthony, {to Jimmy) It's an exceptional oppor- tunity, the chance of a life-time. Even you must see that, mother ? Lady Crackenthorpe. {ivith suppressed anger) Oh yes, I can see it, plainly enough, {in a loioer tone) So can she. {under her breath) Little cat ! (Archie tries to pacify her.) Anthony, {peering at his papers and not hearing this) Oh, well, I must go. {abruptly turning to Jimmy) You staying ? Jimmy. Just for the week-end. Anthony. Oh, then we can talk at dinner, {im- portantly) My time is precious, {rising abruptly and shambling up the staircase, talking as he goes) 22 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I Let me know as soon as either Mrs. O'Mara or her daughter come in. (lie suddenly stops and gives a cry) Ah ! Excellent ! (They all turn and look at Anthony, who looks over banisters, beaming through his spectacles.) I've got my title ! As it's to be a " popular " book, I might call it The Autobiography of a Spider, eh ? {There is a moment's silence. Jimmy turns and ex- plodes into his handkerchief. Archie grins and pulls his moustache to hide it, and crosses to fireplace and stands with his back to it.) MiLLiCENT. {controlling her amusement) How awfully good ! Anthony, {ivith his sudden, short laugh — com- placently) Yes, I really think it sounds attractive, eh ? . . . Don't you think so, mother ? (MiLLiCENT nudges Lady Crackenthorpe.) Lady Crackenthorpe. {hastily) Eh ? Oh yes, I think it sounds most amusing. Anthony, {his whole expression changing — aghast) " Amusing ? " {outraged) " Amusing ! " (angrily) I see it's useless discussing some matters with any one but the O'Maras. {tvith a snort of disgust) " Amus- ing ! " Ptcha ! {He goes off l. muttering, " So like mother.'''' Exit l. through archway on landing.) [They all turn and look at Jimmy.) Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 23 Lady Crackenthorpe. {to Jimmy) There ! You can see for yourself. Jimmy, {shahing his head) By Jove ! They do seem to have got hold of him. It's those confounded spiders. That's their strong card. Archie, {coming forward to foot of settee) Course it is ! Don't ye see, they're the only women he's ever met who haven't loathed spiders. That's the devil of it. Lady Crackenthorpe. {irritably) I can't see why on earth spiders were ever invented. They're no earthly use to anybody. Jimmy, {shaking his head) Oh, aren^t they ? {drily) You ask the O'Maras. They look Hke being jolly useful to them, {he goes up, opens his suit-case, on chair near writing-table, and takes out cigarette case) Lady Crackenthorpe. {stamping) Then we must prevent it. Jimmy. That's all very well, mater — but — how ? {shutting up hag again) (Archie looks inquiringly at Lady Crackenthorpe and she motions for him to begin.) Archie {bracing himself) How ? Well, — {laughs nervously and comes to table c.) — that's where you come in, my dear feller. Jimmy, {coming down to table c, half puzzled and half amused.) I ? . . . How ? What do you want me to do ? . . . Kidnap Anthony, or marry the girl myself ? 24 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act 1. (Archie and Lady Crackenthorpe stare at him in astonishment and exclaim together) Archie. \ Well, bless my soul ! and [{together) Lady C) How did you guess it ? Jimmy, (looking at them in astonishment) What ? ... I was only rotting, (lights a cigarette) Why, good lord, you're not both of you serious ? Archie. By Jove, we are, though, dead serious ; — ain't we, Charlotte ? So ivill you, my dear feller ? Jimmy, {chaffifigly) Will I what ? Kidnap An- thony, spiders and all, and cart him out to Ceylon ? {sits on chair R. of table c.) Archie, {impatiently) No, my dear feller, no \ Jimmy, {half laughing) Well, you can't mean marry the girl ? Archie, {tugging at his moustache, nervously) Well, no, my dear feller, you needn't marry her — unless, of course, you want to. Jimmy, (ironically) Oh, don't consider me,. Uncle Archie, (lie turns to Lady Crackenthorpe) What's he getting at, mater ? Lady Crackenthorpe. Well, it's no use beating; about the bush, we want you to make up to this O'Mara girl, and distract her attention from iVnthony. MiLLiCENT. {who has been a puzzled listener until now — indignantly) Mother ! So this is your Lady Crackenthorpe. {severely) MiUicent. Hush! (Archie also " hushes " Millicent). Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 25 Jimmy, {quietly) Oh, so it's a case of drawing a red herring across the trail, and I'm to be the red herring, Uncle Archie — what ? Archie, {coughing, awkwardhj, and puffing at his cheroot) No, no, dash it all ! You — well, it's all for the good o' the fam'ly, and so — well {breaks off in confusion and smokes furiously) LadyCrackenthorpe. {anxiously) Well, Jimmy ? Archie, {anxiously) Yes — yes, — what d'ye say, my dear feller ? Jimmy {turning) Say ? {he rises and, with a half -laugh, says contemptuously) Rot ! {turns and strolls across r., smoking) (MiLLiCENT looks fleascd and sits on chair below fireplace.) Lady Crackenthorpe. {aghast) What ? Archie, {folloiving Jimmy a step) Here, I say, dash it all, my dear feller, don't talk like that. What's to become of me — er— I mean, think of your mother. Think of the fam'ly. You're our sheet anchor. Jimmy, {turning) Oh ! I was the family red herring a minute ago — I'm getting on. Lady Crackenthorpe. {rising — indignantly) Do you mean you'll actually see your brother trapped, and your mother turned out of her home here, with- out raising a finger to prevent it ? Jimmy {with a troubled face) I'd do a good deal to prevent it, but when it comes to hoodwinking a girl who's never done anything to me 26 ALL OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. Lady Crackenthorpe. But she's doing things to me, and to Anthony. Archie. Yes, by Jove, to all of us, my dear feller. Jimmy, {turning to Millicent) You're keeping very quiet about it all, Milly. What do you say ? Millicent. {rising and coming to l.c.) Well, if you want my honest opinion, I think Peggy O'Mara's not half a bad sort. She's a bit harum-scarum, of course, but I rather like her. Of course, I don't believe she cares a scrap about Anthony. Jimmy. No, no, we'll let her off that. The point is — is she an outsider ? (Archie and Lady Crackenthorpe are both about to reply to Jimmy ivhen Mrs. O'Mara's voice is heard off R. calling.) Mrs. O'Mara. (off) Peggy ! Peggy ! Archie, {quickly to Jimmy) H'st ! Look out. Here's the mother. Lady Crackenthorpe. Now you can see for yourself, {she sits down on settee again.) {Enter Mrs. O'Mara l. through door r. She is a plump Irishwoman of about 45. In reality a pleasant-looking woman, but on this, her first en- trance, she is at her ivorst, being terribly untidy, her hair tumbled and coming down, an " impossible " hat, tilted over one eye, a short skirt and mackintosh, sufficiently short to disclose a clumsy pair of walking boots, very muddy. She looks " impossible " and out of place in her surroundings, and adds to this Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 27 impression hy speaking ivitli a pronounced Irish brogue. She carries a large pocket-handkerchief — with the corners tied to form a bag — carefully, as though something precious ivere inside.) Mrs. O'Mara. (as she enters) Aw, what's got the gyurl, now ? (she stops dead on seeing the family gathered together) 'Deed an' I didn't know annybody was here, (backs to door again.) MiLLiCENT. (coming forward) Come in, Mrs. O'Mara. Mrs. O'Mara. Aw now, I know I'm lookin' horrud. But ut was in the cause of science, anyhow, an' brains were made before bonnets, as the Professor used to say. If I'd known ye'd visitors, now (looking at Jimmy) MiLLiCENT. Oh, this is only my other brother — Jimmy, (to Jimmy) This is Mrs. O'Mara, Jimmy. (Jimmy comes doivn towards Mrs. O'Mara, and bows to her.) Mrs. O'Mara. (with a smiling nod) Sure an' I'd have known ye annywhere from yer hkeness — (Jimmy smiles)— to your brother. Jimmy, (his face falling) What ? (stiffly) Oh ! Really ! (he turns and looks annoyed) Mrs. O'Mara. Have ye seen Peggy annywhere. Miss Milhcent ? MiLLiCENT. No, I thought she was out with you, Mrs. O'Mara. 28 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN-PEGGY. [Act I. Mrs. O'Mara. 'Deed, no. Then where'll I be finding his lordship, now ? MiLLiCENT. Anthony's in his study. Mrs. O'Mara. Then I'll be goin' there, if ye'll excuse me. Maybe Peggy'll be there, too. {turns to staircase) Lady Crackenthorpe. {sharply) Indeed she's not. Mrs. O'Mara. {resignedly) Aw sure, that gyurl's never where she should be. Lady Crackenthorpe. {rising and advancing a step — getting angry) I can't see the slightest neces- sity for your daughter to be in my son's room. (Archie and Millicent attempt to suppress Lady Crackenthorpe . ) Mrs. O'Mara. Aw, but " necessity " is only an- other name for inclination, where two young people are concerned, Lady Crackenthorpe. {goes upstair- case) Lady Crackenthorpe. {frigidly) I don't under- stand you. Mrs. O'Mara. {turning, sweetly) Aw now, is ut so long since ye was young yerself, that ye've for- gotten the way av ut ? Lady Crackenthorpe. {turning away indig- nantly) Oh-h-h ! Mrs. O'Mara. {pausing on staircase to peep intO' her handkerchief) Aw, look at that now, I've lost me spider. Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 29 MiLLiCENT. {crossing to foot of stairs) You don't mean you were carrying a live spider in your handker- chief ? Mrs. O'Mara. (kneeling on landing and looking about) 'Deed an' I was — a beautiful trap-door spider, too. {rising) Aw well, Peggy must go back and catch another for his lordship. He'd rather she gave it him than me, I'm thinkin'. {calling down) Don't ye think so. Lady Crackenthorpe ? Lady Crackenthorpe. {turning and sneaking tartly) No ! I think your inference is distinctly premature. Mrs. O'Mara. {crossing landing at top and speaking down) Aw well, ut's well to be on the safe soide. If ye're not premature nowadays, ye're anticipated. {She nods and smiles and exits l.) Lady Crackenthorpe. {turning to Jimmy, chok- ing with indignation) There ! {sits down on settee) Archie. There ! {coming doivn to table c. and waving his hand towards Mrs. O'Mara's exit) What d'ye make o' that, my dear feller ? Jimmy, {crossing slowly l. to fireplace, and stand- ing ivith his back to it) She certainly means business, there's no doubt about it. {to Millicent) I say, Milly, is this girl — Peggy, anything like — that ? {he jerks his head towards staircase.) Millicent. {sitting on end of settee) Oh, no, not a scrap. 30 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. Lady Crackenthorpe. Ptcha ! Not noiv, but it's only a question of time. Archie. But at present, there's no denyin' she's devihsh pretty. Lady Crackenthorpe. {severely) Archie ! Archie. {hastily) Er — unfortunately ! That's what I meant, Charlotte — " unfortunately." Jimmy. Oh well, I want a bit of sugar on the pill. {They all look at Jimmy curiously.) Archie, {starting forward) By Jove, that means you will help us ? Jimmy. Well, it's a bit of a facer to think of people like that getting hold here. Archie, {leaning across table c.) Then why hesi- tate so, my dear feller ? Jimmy, {uneasily) Well, it doesn't seem quite cricket. Archie. Why ! Dash it all, you needn't commit yourself, you've only got to sorter dazzle the girl, that's all. (Jimmy grins in spite of himself.) Lady Crackenthorpe. Yes, once I get them out of the house, you can leave the rest to me. Jimmy. Oh, then the programme is—/ dazzle the girl, and you do the rest, what ? {thinks a ininute and then shrugs his shoulders) Oh well, somebody'' s got to do something ; I suppose I'll have to have a shot at it. Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 31 (Lady Ckackenthorpe and Archie both give audible sighs of relief.) Archie, {coming to him, slapping him on back) Bravo ! Good man ! Lady Crackenthorpe. {tvith a sigh of relief) Ah — that's all right. Jimmy, {shaking his head and crossing sloivly to l.) Oh, don't you be so sure. Goodness only knows how it'll turn out. {At this moment Mrs. O'Mara's voice is heard off upstairs.) Mrs. O'Mara. {off) Peggy ! Where in the wurrld have ye been, now ? (Peggy's voice is heard off through open windoiv at the back.) Peggy, {off — laughs lightly and then calls) I daren't shout it all, come down, and I'll tell you. Jimmy, {turniyig quickly to Archie) Is that ? Archie, {nodding) Peggy. {He goes up to the window, followed by Jimmy.) Archie, {pointing out of windoiv) There she is, — look. Jimmy. By Jove ! She is a pretty girl, {sud- denly backing out of range of window) She's coming in. {he turns c. hastily ayid crosses to staircase) Here, where's my kit ? {He snatclies up his suit-case, which is standing where he left it, and begins to spring up the staircase three 32 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. stefs at a time. They all turn and call up, in sur- prise, to him.) Lady Crackenthokpe. Jimmy, don't go. Archie. Here, dash it all ! What are you goin' to do? Jimmy, {from landing, speaking down) What am I going to do ? Why, I'm going to wash. I couldn't dazzle that girl with a grimy face. {He dashes off r. and exits.) (MiLLiCENT goes up to windoiv at hack and looks off.) Archie, {pulls his moustache complacently) Well, I've pulled it off for you, Charlotte, so, if you could put your hand on that fiver, I really must go up to town to-day — er — my dentist — y'know. (He slowly makes his way round to fireplace during the next few sentences.) {Re-enter Mrs. O'Mara do^vn the staircase. She has changed her dress, and smartened herself generally, and now looks quite presentable.) Mrs. O'Mara. {as she comes doivn) Hasn't Peggy come in ? I've just been speaking to her, and {As she reaches the bottom, the door under gallery at back bursts open and enter Peggy. She is a bright, pretty, impulsive girl, ivho looks about 25. She is simply dressed on her first entrance, in a blue serge skirt and a blouse, and a simple hat. She looks full of health and high spirits, and speaks impulsively and frankly, ignoring all conventions and proprieties Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 33 in a perfectly simple and ingenuous way. She is — in short — a perfectly natural, unspoiled, and slightly ivild Irish girl. She only uses a touch of the hrogue, very occasionally, and as a joke, her speech ordinarily being quite pure. The moment she appears Mrs. O'Mara begins to speak reprovingly.) Mrs. O'Mara. {shaking her finger) Peggy ! Peggy, {cutting in and shaking her finger at her mother, in comic imitation of the severe parent) Mother ! Now, where have you been ? Mrs. O'Mara. {with a helpless gesture to Archie) Aw, listen to that, now. Taking me very wor-rds off me lips. Peggy, {mischievously, and dropping into the brogue like her mother) Sure, an' where else would I take them from, mother darlin' ? But there, now, I'll put something better in their place, {she runs across, gives her mother a hug and kisses her affection- ately.) Mrs. O'Mara. {smiling, and giving her a little push) Aw, git along with yer coaxing ways, an' tell me what ye've been doing ? {Re-enter Anthony down the stairs. He joins the group.) Peggy, {her eyes dancing ivith mischief) Well, I've had such a queer (breaking off) Oh, but perhaps the others are not interested, mother. Anthony. On the contrary, we are intensely c 34 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. interested ; — [turning to Lady Crackenthorpe) — aren't we, mother ? (Lady Crackenthorpe turns her hack, and Archie soothes her.) MiLLiCENT. {trying to cover her mother^s attitude) Have you had any tea, Miss O'Mara ? Peggy, {sitting down on l. of c. table) Well, no, it was — {with a wicked glance at Lady Cracken- thorpe) — ginger beer. (Lady Crackenthorpe turns sharfly and stares at her.) MiLLiCENT. {blankly) Ginger beer ? {incredu- lously) Ginger beer ? Anthony, {turning sharply on Millicent) Why not ? Why not ? Archie, {vastly tickled) Haw ! haw ! (Lady Crackenthorpe looks at him severely and he hastily turns his laugh into a cough and strolls to fireplace. Anthony is above table c. and Millicent sitting on arm of settee.) Lady Crackenthorpe. {frigidly) Ginger beer ? {closing Iter eyes) How utterly impossible ! Mrs. O'Mara. {sitting on chair r. of c. table, blandly) Aw, nothing's impossible where Peggy's concerned, when she's in one of her wild moods, Lady Crackenthorpe. Peggy, {taking off her gloves) Mother, I'm sur- prised at you. I've only been — paying a call. Lady Crackenthorpe. {again rising to the bait) y Act L] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 35 I wasn't aware that you knew any one in this part of the country. Peggy, {innocently) I don't. Lady Ceackenthorpe. Then how have you— who did you ? Peggy. Well, you see, I just — dropped in. Mrs. O'Mara. Dropped in ? Where, Peggy ? Peggy, {demurely) Into the trout stream, mother, Anthony, {concerned) Good gracious ! (Archie is again enormously tickled and chuckles. Lady Crackenthorpe turns and looks at him and he stops.) Mrs. O'Mara. Aw, lave off yer humbugging,, Peggy. What'll his lordship be thinkin' of ye t What's the truth av ut, annyway ? Peggy. Oh, it is nothing. I was hunting for some trap-door spiders, on the banks of the trout stream, and I slipped in, that's all. Anthony, {alarmed) Dear me ! Not in the deep part, I hope. Peggy. On no, I only went up to here, {points to her knees) Mrs. O'Mara. Peggy ! {starting forward) An' you sitting there talking in yer wet {kneeling and grasping Peggy's skirt below the knees and then sits hack on her heels on -floor). Why, ut's dry ! Peggy. Of course it is dry, now, — that's where my afternoon call comes in. Well, when I'd scrambled out. I started to walk back 36 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. MiLLiCENT. Like that ? Why, it's four miles. Peggy. Yes, and with my shoes full of water, and my skirt — well, perhaps you've none of you ever tried to walk four miles in a soaked skirt. Anthony, {'perfectly seriously) No, no, never ! Never ! (Archie chuckles behind his hand, again.) Peggy. Well, don't. After the first mile I gave it up, and that's where the call came in. (Anthony goes to assist Mrs. O'Mara to rise, hut she pushes him into her chair r. of table, while she remains sitting on her heels on the floor.) Lady Crackenthorpe. Where could you think of caUing, in that state ? Peggy. It was a cottage. Lady Crackenthorpe. (sneering) Oh, you said an " afternoon call " ! Anthony (turning sharply on Lady Cracken- thorpe) Don't interrupt, mother, (to Peggy) Yes ? Yes ? Yes ? Peggy. Well, I went up, and I knocked till I was tired, but no one came. Well, the door was only closed, so I pushed it open and called out, " Hullo," just like that. Not a sound, so I — well, I was feeling desperate by this time, and I walked in. Lady Crackenthorpe. (disapprovingly) You walked in ? Anthony, (turning sharply to his mother and jerking out) Why not ? Why not ? Act I.] ' ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 37 Peggy. There wasn't a soul in the place, but there was a nice fire in the kitchen, so after I'd looked round and made quite sure there was no one about, I went into the kitchen and slipped off my skirt Lady Crackenthorpe. {scandalized and gasping) You slipped off your skirt ? {She half rises, and Millicent and Archie pacify her) Peggy, {innocently) Well, there was no one there. If you'd felt as uncomfortable as / did, I'm certain you^d have done the same. Lady Crackenthorpe. {scandalized) I ? . . . In a strange place like that, {turning indignantly to Archie) Really, Archie ! Anthony, {sharply to Lady Crackenthorpe) Why not ? Why not ? Archie. Er — h'm ! {He chokes another laugh into a cough and tries to pacify Lady Crackenthorpe in dumb show) Mrs. O'Mara. Aw, but supposin' annybody had come in, now, Peggy ? Peggy. What is the good of supposing things that don't happen, before they do ? Anthony. Absolutely useless. Millicent. Well, it certainly was rather a risky thing to do. Peggy. Oh, I never thought about that. I was only too glad to get that horrid wet skirt off, and hang it before the fire. J 38 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. Mrs. O'Mara. But, sure, Peggy, your — {her eye catches Anthony and she stops) — er — well, more than yer skirt must have got wet, annyway ? Peggy. Oh yes, my shoes and stockings, of course, but I took those off first. Lady Crackenthorpe. {rising) You needn't go into any further details, please. Anthony, {turning sharply on Lady Cracken- thorpe as before) Why not ? Why not ? (Archie simply explodes and turns his back.) Peggy, {innocently) Oh, there were no other details — I mean I had no other^ — {pulling up hastily) — er, well, it was a hot day, and I — I was dressed for walking. Lady Crackenthorpe. Oh-h-h ! Mrs. O'Mara. But did ye never think that one of the inhabitants might have been a man ? Millicent. {coming and sitting on back of c. table) Yes, perhaps a rough man, too. Peggy. Oh no, he was a gentleman, I'm sure. Mrs. O'Mara. Then there was a man ? Peggy, {cheerfully) Oh, yes. I saw all his pipes and fishing rods and things. Archie, {fixing in his eyeglass) But why were you so cock-sure he was a gentleman. Miss O'Mara ? Peggy, Why, he had almost as big a collection of actress's photographs as you have, Major Phipps. Archie, {taken aback) Eh — what ? {turning away) Er — h'm-m ! Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 39 Lady Crackenthorpe. {to Peggy) You found out all this, and still stayed ? Peggy. Well, blue serge takes such ages to dry. That's when I saw the things. You see, I had to wander about a bit, to kill time. Lady Crackenthorpe. {collapsing in her chair again) " Wander about " with only your Oh-h-h-h ! {she sits, inexpressibly shocked) Peggy, {unable to see Lady Crackenthorpe's grievance) But — he was out. Lady Crackenthorpe. {wheeling round) Then may I ask who gave you {bitingly) the " refresh- ment " you spoke of ? Archie, {trying to get level) Yes, what price the ginger beer, eh ? Peggy, {easily) Oh, I forgot about that. I was awfully thirsty, and there were some bottles of stone ginger beer on the table, so I opened one, — that's all. Mrs. O'Mara. Aw, Peggy, that reely was takin' a liberty, now. Peggy. Oh, I left twopence by the empty bottle, mother. Lady Crackenthorpe. {sarcastically) Dear me. How very punctilious of you. Peggy. Oh, Lady Crackenthorpe, you don't mean to say you'd have stolen it ? Anthony, {jerking round abruptly on Lady Crackenthorpe) Really, mother, you surprise me. (Lady Crackenthorpe turns once more to Archie for sympathy) \/ 40 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN" PEGGY. [Act I. Mrs. O'Mara. An' is that all, Peggy ? Peggy. Oh, yes. I put on my dry things, left a little note explaining what I'd done, and where I was staying Lady Crackenthorpe. {starting violently, and almost shrieking as she echoes Peggy's ivords) Where — you — were — staying ? {closing her eyes and gasp- ing) Oh ! — my salts. Get me my salts. Archie, {looks round) Where is that confounded bottle, Milly? (MiLLY looks round and then runs upstairs and off.) Peggy. Well, it would have been rather horrid of me to have left without thanking my host, wouldn't it, Lord Crackenthorpe ? Anthony, (beaming at her) Charming of you to think of it. Lady Crackenthorpe. {sharply) Nonsense, An- thony. You must forgive my saying, Miss O'Mara, that I consider that the whole incident was indiscreet to a degree. Mrs. O'Mara. Aw, but that's just Peggy all over, Lady Crackenthorpe. Peggy, {indignantly) Mother ! Mrs. O'Mara. I mean ye never look before ye leap until after ut's over. Ye must admit it now, Peggy. Peggy, {smiling) I'm afraid I never look even then, I leave other people to do that. Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 4B (MiLLiCENT enters l. on landing ivith smelling bottle and crosses k.) Lady Crackenthoepe. {tartly) And what if the " other people " misconstrue things, Miss O'Mara ? Peggy, {lightly) Oh well, — {shrugging her shoul- ders) — as we say in Ireland, " harm to them that thinks it." (MiLLiCENT suddenly stops on small landing with a shriek.) MiLLiCENT. {looking at her feet) Oh ! What an awful spider, {she gathers up skirts.) Anthony. {excitedly) A spider ? Where ? Where ? {He hurries up to landiyig afid drops on his hands and knees.) Mrs. O'Mara. {suddenly) Sure, an' it'll be the same I lost, {she hurries up the stairs after Anthony) Anthony, {going flat on his body on landing, in the excitement of the hunt, and rising ivith spider between finger and thumb, triumphantly) Ah-h-h ! {he pulls out his pocket lens and examines it) Mrs. O'Mara. {joining him and examining it) Sure, ut's the very same, indeed. (MiLLiCENT crosses round behind them, and comes down with smelling bottle.) Anthony, {gloating over spider and calling down to Peggy) A quite exceptional specimen ! Miss O'Mara, — look here. 42 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. (Peggy runs up the staircase and she, Mes. O'Mara and Anthony all stand on landing examining the spider in dumb show. Lady Crackenthorpe, Archie and Millicent form another group down stage l. and talk in rapid undertones.) Lady Crackenthorpe. {sniffing smelling bottle — irritably) It's monstrous ! Why wasn't Jimmy here, he'd have seen for himself {her voice rising) what an impossible Millicent. {glancing at group on stairs) Mother ! Hssh ! Please ! Lady Crackenthorpe. {stamping her foot) I tvill not " shish." She's absolutely shameless. Is Jimmy never coming down ? Archie, {in a loiv voice) Here, dash it all, do keep hold of yourself, Charlotte, or you'll spoil every- thing. I'll go up and rout Jimmy out, and send him down. {He crosses r. and goes up stairs and off l.) Millicent. Let us leave them, and go into the drawing-room, mother. Lady Crackenthorpe. Oh, very well. {she crosses l. ivith Millicent, giving one vindictive glance at group on stairs and protesting in dumb show as she exits, l., with Millicent) Anthony, {examining spider through pocket lens and speaking to Peggy) Well, you may be right. We'll examine the bristles under the microscope. Peggy, {turning) Yes, that'll prove it. {she Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 43 runs down the stairs into hall, leaving Anthony and Mrs. O'Mara on landing — calling hack as she de- scends) There's a diagram of it in papa's book. Anthony. Is there ? Excellent ! It's in the study, we'll look it up. {jerks abruptly round and walks L., saying excitedly) Come along, come along. Mrs. O'Mara. {signalling significantly to Peggy to come upstairs again and rejoin them) Come up, and go with his lordship, Peggy darlin' ! Peggy, {standing c, back to audience) Oh no, it's you he wants, mother, {she sits down at piano) (Anthony stops and looks from one to the other.) Peggy, {calls up to him from the piano) I'm no use to you, Lord Crackenthorpe ; it was mother, there, who helped papa with that section of the book. {she plays a feiv bars of " La Mattchiche ") Anthony, {turning and eyeing Mrs. O'Mara delightedly) Really ? How very interesting, {turn- ing L., excitedly) The microscope's quite ready in the study, so if you wouldn't mind assisting me • {moving l.) Mrs. O'Mara. {fairly caught) Oh, I shall be delighted, {she turns to follow him) But, — Peggy'd best come, too. Anthony. Eh ? {carelessly) Oh ! — by all means, if she wishes. Peggy, {still playing piano soflty) I — I'll follow you, mother. Anthony, {absently, absorbed ivith the spider) / 44 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. Yes, — yes, — you needn't hurry. So long as Mrs. O'Mara will come, {moving l. to Mrs. O'Mara) So kind of you to {he goes through archway, and the remainder of his seritence is lost as he exits l.) Mrs. O'Mara. {crossing landing after him and leaning over banisters after his exit, and calling doicn in a loud ivhisper) Peggy, if ye don't come soon, I'll Anthony, {off) This way, Mrs. O'Mara, come along. (Peggy plays on gaily.) Mrs. O'Mara. {throivs up her hands in despair, and then shakes her fist at Peggy) Oh-h-h ! {Exit after Anthony l., leaving Peggy in the hall below alcove.) Peggy, {turning laughingly c, clapping her hands triumphantly, she then, humming gaily, takes off her hat, throivs it on the table, then crosses l. to ingle nook, and dragging a big old chair to wall, stands on seat, and looks at row of old books, on high book-shelf, selects one, and takes it out, exclaiming) Phugh ! How dusty ! {she bloivs dust off top of book ayid tvithout getting off chair, sits on back, with her feet resting on seat, and turns over the pages) {Re-enter Jimmy on landing, r., ivith Archie, who points down to Peggy.) Archie, {sotto voce, to Jimmy) There she is, now go in and — " dazzle her." Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 45 (Jimmy laughingly fushes Archie o-ff r. and then crosses landing to stairs. He 'puts his tie straight, settles his collar and linen, pulls down his waistcoat, and then descends ivith the air of a conqueror. Peggy has her hack to him and doesn't see him, and is too much engrossed in her hook to hear. As he comes down she changes her volume for an'tther , ivhich is also dusty, and just as Jimmy crosses to her chair, she turns sharply, and, before she sees him, blows a cloud of dust from to]) of book all over him. Jimmy, {falling back a step, his eyes full of dust and coughing) Ugh ! . . . Pff ! . . . H'm ! Peggy, {standing on armchair) Oh, I am so sorry. I never heard any one come in, I hope I haven't made you very dusty. Jimmy, {coughing a bit) Ugh ! Oh, no ! {cough) Not the least bit — {coughs) — thanks. Peggy, {looking) Why, your coat's simply cov- ered, {she throws book down) I'll get a clothes-brush {she jumps doivn impulsively, looks about, and goes up to hall table at back and fetches a clothes-brush) Jimmy, {protesting) No, really — please, {dust- ing himself with handkerchief) Peggy. I insist, {coming back ivith clothes-brush and giving it to him) It was awfully stupid of me, blowing all my dust over you like that. Jimmy, {gallantly — brushing himself at random) Not at all, awfully stupid of me to — to get in the way of your dust, don't y'know. 46 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act 1. Peggy, [ivatching him critically) You know, you're not brushing anywhere near the dust, {im- pulsively) Oh, let me. {she seizes the brush and begins to brush his shoulder) There ! Now, turn round. (Jimmy turns, and Peggy vigorously dusts his shoulders and back.) Jimmy, {over his shoulder) I say, really, I can't let you Peggy, {intent on her tvorJc) Oh, please stand still, your back's awful. Those books can't have been dusted for years, {she steps back and surveys him) There ! You're all right now. Jimmy, {turning) Awfully good of you, really. Perhaps I ought to introduce myself. Peggy, {starting and turning face to audience) Oh ! Good gracious ! I forgot about that. What will you think of me ? Jimmy. How d'you mean ? ' What's wrong ? Peggy. Why, to be talking to you, and — {she suddenly begins to laugh) — thumping your back like that, when I don't even know your name. Jimmy. Oh, that's nothing. It seemed the most natural thing in the world. Peggy. Yes, that's just it. I'm always being " natural," that's where I'm always getting into trouble. Being natural seems against the rules, but it's so hard to remember, {looking at brush) Espe- cially with a clothes-brush ! Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 47 Jimmy, Why with a clothes-brush in particular ? Peggy, (leaning against settee) Why, haven't you noticed ? It's almost impossible to brush any one down, without a sort of feeling that you've known them for years. Jimmy. I suppose that cuts both ways. I feel — {he comes forward and looks straigJit into her eyes) — as though I'd known you, all my life. Peggy, {freezing, and dropping clothes-brush into his hand and speaking tartly) Oh, then I'm sure you must be simply aching to get away from me. I think you'll find Lady Crackenthorpe and Miss Keppel in the drawing-room, {sits on settee) Jimmy, {throwing clothes-brush on table) Oh f I've seen both Milly and the mater, thanks. Peggy. {turning sharply, surprised) " The mater " ? . . . Why, who Jimmy, {crossing round top of settee and standing facing her) Oh, I forgot. I'm Jimmy, you know, — Jimmy Keppel. I thought you'd have spotted the family likeness. Peggy. Who to ? Jimmy. Well, to — {he pauses, ivith a self-satisfied grin) — to my brother Anthony, for instance. Peggy. Oh, that's absurd. Jimmy. Awfully nice of you to say so. Peggy. Nice of me, — how ? Jimmy. Well, Mrs. O'Mara said she'd have known me from my likeness to him, anywhere, {he grins again complacently) 48 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. Peggy. {taking his measure) Oh, but you mustn't believe Mrs. O'Mara ; she always flatters everybody. {With this parting shot, Peggy turns, picks up her hook and sits ivith her hack half -turned to him, read- ing it. Jimmy stands, a hit shaken hy his first tumhle, wondering what to do next. Peggy peeps round at him over the top of her hook, mischievously. He turns sharply and she ducks behind her book. Jimmy turns away again thinking, and then he smiles to himself, evidently having got another plan of attack. He adjusts his tie, touches his collar, and pulls down his unistcoat as before, and strolls across to Peggy) Jimmy, (innocently) I say, forgive me for inter- rupting you a minute, but you haven't by any chance seen Miss O'Mara anywhere about, have you ? {he looks about as if in search of her) Peggy, {turning sharply) What c?o you {she .checks herself suddenly, and playing up to him, says) Why ? Do you want to see her ? Jimmy, {emphatically) Awfully. Peggy, {amused) Really ? Why ? Jimmy. Eh ? Oh, I've heard such a lot about her, don't you know, and I'm awfully keen on having a look at her. Peggy. Well then, I should advise you to — " have a look," that's all. {she turns and pretends .to read her book) Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 49 Jimmy, {looking about room) Look ? . . . Where ? Peggy, {dropping into the brogue) Sure, I was thinkin' ye'd be knowin' me, from me likeness to me mother. Jimmy, {falling back with mock astonishment) What? Peggy. Well, Lady Crackenthorpe says she''d have known me from my likeness to mother, — any- where. Jimmy, {with mock incredulity) No, you can't mean that you are Miss O'Mara ? Peggy, {laughing) Of course I am. Jimmy, {dropping into a chair as though absolutely overcome) Good Lord ! I — I'd no idea — I should never have guessed — I never dreamt — why, you're {he jumps up and shakes her hand) By Jove, I really am awfully glad to meet you, — really. Peggy. Gracious ! — did they make me out as bad as all that ? Jimmy, {going nearer) I don't believe they've ever seen you, — properly ! Peggy. Perhaps you haven't. You see, I began by " throwing dust in your eyes," didn't I ? Jimmy, {sittitig doivn on settee near her) I begin to see great possibilities in dust. Peggy. Yes, so do I, so I think we'd better — let it rest. Jimmy, {leaning towards her) I'm jolly glad you didn't. D 50 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. (Peggy rises quickly and goes to firejylace, leaving Jimmy on settee — pause.) I say, you know, you're not a bit like other girls, Peggy. Oh, so Lady Crackenthorpe told you that, did she ? Jimmy, {impatiently) Oh, never mind what the mater says. Peggy. I never do, — that's what annoys her so. Jimmy. No, no, listen. What I mean is — you're not like any woman I've ever met. Peggy. Oh, what very funny people you must associate with. No wonder your mother shakes her head so, whenever your name is mentioned, [she turns her hack to him) Jimmy, {rises and crosses to her, trying another tone, very seriously) Miss O'Mara, I've only known you five minutes, is it too soon to ask a great favour ? ... I want Peggy, {deliberately misconstruing his meaning) To smoke ? Do ! I don't mind a bit, you'll find The Field and Punch on the table there. I'm going to read, too. {She comes back to settee and settles doivn to her book again, leaving Jimmy baffled and speechless. There is a slight pause. Then Jimmy lights a cigarette, picks up "■ Punch ^^ from table, glances at it, but evi- dently without reading it. He then glances round at Peggy, and then again scratches his head in a puzzled fashion and thinks. Suddenly he smiles as Act L] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 51 though a fresh idea had struck him. He throws down his 'pafer, settles his tie again, pulls down his waistcoat, with the old confident air, then sighs and mutters gloomily) Jimmy, {with mock dejection) Ah, well. Just my luck ! Jolly hard lines, though. Peggy, {turning, politely) I'm sorry. I was reading. What did you say ? Jimmy. Oh, nothing, nothing. I was only think- ing, {he thrusts his hands in his pockets, and stares at the ground despondently) Peggy. Do you always think out loud, like that ? Jimmy. Yes, often — {sighs heavily) — often, {sits dejectedly on table c.) Peggy. What's the matter ? Jimmy. Oh, I was only thinking that it was awfully rough on me, for my people to have " put you ofE me " as they seem to have done. I mightn't have struck you as a bad sort of chap, if they hadn't. Peggy, {hiding a smile) Oh, it wouldn't have made any difference, really, — I always judge for myself. Jimmy, {ignoring this " dig ") You know, no- body has ever understood me. Peggy, {consolingly) Oh, perhaps they did, but didn't like to hurt your feelings by saying what they really thought about you. Jimmy, {ivincing a hit, hut sticking to it) All I want is a little sympathy. That's all, — just a little sympathy. S2 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. Peggy. Oh, if that's all you want, — / can promise jou that. Jimmy, {springing up and coming to back of settee) By Jove, do you mean you'll let me talk to you, and Peggy. Oh, much better than that. If you really want sympathy and all that (confidentially), — you go into the conservatory after dinner to- night Jimmy. (leaning towards her, eagerly) Yes, yes ? Peggy. — And have a nice, long, quiet talk with — mother. Jimmy, {his jaw dropping) What ? . . . Well, I'm {sits completely baffled and speechless) (Enter Butler carrying salver on which is package, ^ he comes to Peggy.) ARKER. {coming down to back of settee and holding out salver) This has just come for you, miss. (Peggy takes it, and Parker exits at back.) Peggy, {excitedly) Oh, it's the first ten chapters of my novel from the typist's, {she opens and begins to feverishly turn over the sheets) JTimmy. Really, I'd no idea that Peggy, (breathlessly, without looking up) Oh, do keep quiet for a minute, please. Jimmy. Oh, I'm sorry, (he walks away r. and then turns and watches her, puzzled, as he smokes between table c. and settee) Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 53 Peggy, {disgustedly, as she reads) Oh, it looks worse than ever in type. This won't do a bit. {looking up — irritably) Men simply drive me frantic.. They ivonH talk. Jimmy. I'm sorry, but I thought you asked me not to talk. Peggy, {impatiently) Oh, I didn't mean you.. I was thinking about my novel. Jimmy. Oh, so I'm talking to a lady novelist, am I? Peggy. There ! {stamping her foot) That's ex- actly what I don't want people to find out. I can manage the women all right, but when it comes to' the love scenes, my men are simply silly. Jimmy. Well, that sounds all right. There's nothing much wrong with that. Peggy. No, no, I'm not joking, really. I simply can't g^t this bit right, {springing up impulsively and sitting up on end of settee and saying all in a breath) Oh, how does a man begin to make love to a girl he's fallen in love with at first sight, when he's never seen her in his life before ? Jimmy, {putting his hand to his forehead, puzzled,, staring at her) What was that ? Peggy, {impatiently) Well, you ought to know. Jimmy. / ? Peggy. Yes, you're a man. Besides, I'm per- fectly certain, after the last half-hour, that you've made love heaps of times. Jimmy, {protesting) Here, I say 54 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. Peggy. Oh, don't waste time. Now, supposing you were in this man's shoes, how would you begin ? Jimmy. How should I begin— — {He stops short as a thought strikes him, then puts down his cigarette, smiles, puts his tie straight, pulls down his waistcoat as before — and then turns to Peggy with an intensely serious expression) Jimmy. Well, — I think I should begin by saying : " I've been looking for you for years." Then I should take hold of her hand, like this (He takes hold of Peggy's hand, but she pulls it away sharply.) Peggy, {shaking her head, knowingly) No, thank you. I know that way. In another minute you'll be calling me " Peggy," and pretending you'd " lost yourself in your part." In five minutes you'd be No, thank you, let's try another way. Jimmy, [giving it up and becoming quite natural and serious) What an extraordinary girl you are. Peggy. Yes, but about this man. Now, he's fallen in love at first sight Jimmy. Ptcha ! There isn't such a thing. Peggy. What ? But, this man {tapping her manuscript) has fallen in love at first sight, so there must be. Jimmy. What I mean is, it isn't love at " first sight," it doesn't begin then. What a chap feels about a girl, has been there all the time. It's only Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 53 been waiting until the right woman comes along, to bring it out. Peggy, {clapping her hands) Oh, that'll do beautifully. Jimmy, (puzzled) Do ? What for ? Peggy, For my book. Do lend me a pencil. Jimmy, {hunting in his pockets) 'Fraid I haven't got one. Peggy. Bother, I wanted to make a note of it, before I forget it. I shall let my man say that to the girl. It's a lovely idea, {suddenly springing up impulsively and scattering her MSS. on the floor) Oh, I wonder if you'd mind helping me with another man, who's worrying me ? Jimmy. 'Course I will. Trot him out. Peggy, {jumping up impulsively) He's in an- other story — I'll go and get the manuscript. It's in my room, {she crosses R. in front of table and runs to the staircase, talking as she runs) I won't keep you a minute, I know exactly where to put my hands on it, — don't go, — I'll be back directly {She runs off talking, through archway l. on landing.) (Jimmy watches her off and then turns c. with a puzzled froivn on his face, and stands thinking. Enter Millicent through door, or archivay l.) Millicent. {looking round) Oh ! Are you alone, Jimmy ? I thought Miss O'Mara was here. Jimmy, {shortly) She was a minute ago. {he 56 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. turns away l. with his hands in his 'pockets, and crosses to fireplace, where he hicks a footstool viciously up stage) MiLLiCENT. {leaning hack of settee) What's the matter ? Wasn't she " dazzled " ? Jimmy, {wheeling round angrily) Look here, stop that, Milly, I — I — well, stop it ; — that game's off. MiLLiCENT. "Off"? Do you mean she ? Jimmy, {decidedly) I mean I'm not going on with it. It's off, I tell you, and I'd like to kick myself for ever listening to it, for a minute, {he flings himself down on settee, angrily) MiLLiCENT. (backing a few paces) Jimmy, you don't mean to say she saw through it ? Jimmy, {twisting round and facing her) Good Lord, no ! She's much too decent a girl to see through a shabby scheme like that, thank goodness. Wliy the deuce did you all let me in for it, by making me think she was a regular wrong 'un ? MiLLiCENT. / didn't. Jimmy, {indignantly) No, but the others did. You might have given me the tip. Why, she's — well, all I can say is, if Anthony can get a girl like that to marry him, he'll be a jolly lucky beggar, — and you can tell the mater so, from me. MiLLiCENT. {alarmed) I shall do nothing of the kind. I've had an awful time with mother, lately. Don't say anything like this to her, or Jimmy, {starting up) Well then, where's Uncle Archie ? Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 57 MiLLiCENT. He's just driven off to the station. He's off to town for a few days. Jimmy, {striding angrily across r. and back again, as he talks) Confound it, I'd like to have told him what I thought of him. It's no use, I'm going to wash my hands of the whole business — {wheeling round at fireplace) — where's the mater ? MiLLiCENT. {appealingly over the back of the settee) No, no, Jimmy, please. " Wash your hands " as much as you like, but don't tell mother that you're " washing " them. Jimmy. Why shouldn't I ? MiLLiCENT. Well, my life simply won't be worth living if you do, so do let her think you're helping us, for a day or two, for 7ny sake. Jimmy, {grumbling) Oh, very well, but I mean it, you know. It's off. {Sitting down on lower end of settee) That girl's a brick, and if I were in An- thony's shoes, and she'd have me, by gad, I — I'd marry her next week. MiLLiCENT. {going round upper end of settee and coming down behind Jimmy ivith her hands on his shoulders and her cheek against his, and saying rogu- ishly) You might manage to do that tvithout being in Anthony's shoes, if you talked to Peggy O'Mara like that, {turns and crosses quickly to door up l.) Jimmy, {turning, astonished) What ? {starting up as though to folloiv Millicent) Here, Milly, stop (Millicent exits and shuts the door sharply.) 58 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. Jimmy, {slowly turns c. looking thoroughly startled. Slowly beginning to smile) By Jove ! If's she right, I'll {he adjusts his collar and tie, and pulls down his waistcoat, as before) {Re-enter Peggy on landing, ivith manuscri'pt in her hand.) Peggy, {talking as she hurries across landing, and comes running downstairs) So sorry to have been so long, but my papers were in such a muddle, {she comes L. and sits down on settee and sorts her papers^ and then suddenly looks up) Oh ! before I forget it. Just tell me again how you worded that little bit about love at first sight, {she gets her pencil ready) Jimmy, {laughing) I haven't an idea. Peggy. Oh, don't tell me that. Why, you must have said it to heaps of girls, to have had it off so pat. Jimmy. No, — on my soul, I never said it in my life before. Peggy. What, do you really mean that a lovely idea like that just — rolled out, by accident ? Jimmy, {looking at her meaningly) Perhaps it wasn't — " by accident." Peggy, {going doivn on her knees near settee, and picking MSS. from floor) Then how did it happen ? Jimmy, {coming down to l. of her) Perhaps you brought it out. {slowly and seriously) Perhaps what I said about " love at first sight," applied to me — and you ! Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 59 Peggy. What ? [looking swiftly up, still on her knees) (Pause. They look at each other in silence for a moment, then re-enter Mrs. O'Mara on the landing.) Mrs. O'Mara. [calling over banisters) Peggy, wliat are ye doin' ? (Peggy and Jimmy start and look round, and Peggy rises.) Mrs. O'Mara. [from landing) Come up to the study this minute. His lordship wants ye to look through the microscope at the bristles on that spider's left hind leg. Peggy, [impatiently, as she crosses to table c. with her papers in her hand) All right, mother, I'll come directly. Mrs. O'Mara. " Directly " is no time. Ye must come just now. Anthony, [off l.) Mrs. O'Mara, you can see them better now, be quick, be quick. Mrs. O'Mara. [turning distractedly) Oh-h-h ! [as she turns to go back to the study, l., she calls down) Come up, Peggy, this minute. [Exit L.) Jimmy, [leaning over back of settee and watching Peggy keenly) Do you wish to go up to Anthony, Miss O'Mara ? Peggy, [decisively) Of course not. [she sits on 60 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEX PEGGY. [Act I. chair L. of table frowning, and tapping her foot on ground) (Jimmy crosses to her — she turns sharply as he is about to speak and asks abruptly) Are you any good at plots ? Jimmy, {starting guiltily and turning his eyes away) No ! I hate 'em. Peggy. Oh, I was wondering if you could help me with a plot I'm trying to work out, just now. Jimmy, {picking up a sheet of her MSS.) Oh, you mean this kind of plot ? Peggy, {stammering guiltily) Y-es, — of course. Jimmy, {relieved) Oh, that's all right. Fire away, {he sits on back of settee facing her) Peggy, {looking at him quickly, then looking back L. to cohere her mother has just gone out, and theyi look- ing straight in front of her) Now, supposing a girl — well, it's this way ; — a girl's mother wants to marry her off to a man the girl doesn't like, and, to get out of it, the girl conceives the idea of marrying her mother to the man, instead. Jimmy, {laughing) By Jove, that's a new idea. Peggy. Yes, but the trouble is, that although the man likes the mother, he won't make up his mind to propose to her, while the girVs about, and the mother, — who's rather a dear — won't marry any one herself until the girVs married. Now, what ought ^he girl to do ? Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 61 Jimmy. Why, marry some other chap, that she does care for, of course. Peggy. No, no, that's just it, you see the girl's a — a — {ivith a sharp glance at Jimmy) a — musician, and doesn't want to marry anybody, she wants to be free to work. Jimmy, {frowning and thinking) H'm, bit of a facer, [suddenly) By Jove ! I have it. She'll have to spoof her mother. Peggy, {puzzled and staring at him) " Spoof her mother ? " What do you mean ? Jimmy. Why, don't you see ? She'll have to make her mother believe that she is married to some one else. Peggy, (her lips parting, her eyes glittering, draw- ing in her breath) Oh-h-h ! I never thought of that. JiMxMY. Once her mother and the man think that she is married, they'll marry, — and everybody's all right. Peggy, {her face simply alight with delight and excitement) I — I'll do it. {She jumps up impetuously, scattering her papers all over the floor, and crying out impulsively to Jimmy) You — you darling ! {she puts her hands on his shoulders and kisses him in her delight and excitement. Then suddenly realizing ivhat she has done, stands petrified, close to him, staring with comic horror straight in his eyes, with her hand over her mouth) 62 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. {There is a second's 'pause, and they stare into each other'' s eyes, then Peggy shrinks back with a horrified cry.) Oh, what have I done ? (backing aivay from him) I never thought what I was doing ! I — I'm always doing things like that {hastily correcting herself), — no, no, no, I didn't mean that — I {very confused) Oh ! what will you think of me ? Jimmy, {moving towards her, smiling) "Think" ? {advancing a step as though to take hold of her) Peggy, {alarmed) I — I think it's time I went to mother, {she turns, and snakes a bolt for the stair- case, and runs up the first flight hurriedly, turning and speaking over banisters from the top) I didn't mean it, really, {she runs Jiastily across landing at the top, and then stops, extreme r., and leans over banisters, and speaks down to him) I — I just — did it, — all of a sudden ! {exits r., quickly, leaving Jimmy standing, back to audience, c, looking up after her, as she exits) very quick curtain. ACT II. The Suddenness of Consequences.' Scene. — Jimmy's Hat in London. Time. — A week later. Door Armcliair in Chair h-i. Table'l Fire- place Club •. Fender Plan of Scene of Act II. Jimmy's flat in Town is a cosily furnished man's room. Fireplace with high fender l., door between this and hack ivall. Large bow window across back, and another door down towards footlights on l. wall. Settee running out from fireplace. Small " smoking " 63 64 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEX PEGGY. [Act II. table to n. of it, and armchair r. of that. Slightly larger table, settee, and chairs, R., as on flan. {At rise of curtain Lucas is discovered c, he looks round the room and then goes and lifts up lower flap of table, R., and as he does so door bell rings off l. He exits l. Enter Jimmy in hat and carrying light overcoat. He turns and calls r.) Jimmy, {calling) Lucas, just bring that bag here a minute, before you take it to my room. (throws coat over chair at back.) {Enter Lucas carrying suit-case seen in Act. I.) Jimmy, {pulling off his gloves) Stick it on that chair for a minute. I want something out. Lucas, {puts bag on l.c. chair and undoes the catches) I expected you back yesterday, sir. Jimmy. Yes, I know, but I lost the last train. {crossing to bag) Lucas, {fidgeting and a little nervously) It was my thinking you'd be back, sir, that led me to Jimmy, {rummaging in bag, and not listening to him) Oh, by the way, I want all my things packed to-day, Lucas. I'm clearing out of here to-morrow, for good. Lucas, {surprised) To-morrow, sir ? I thought you didn't sail until Saturday, sir. Jimmy, {digging out a box of cigars and some papers) I don't, but I've just heard that your master's com- ing back to town on Friday, {putting cigar box and papers on mantelshelf) And as I don't want him, Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 65 after lending me his flat for six months, to find all my litter about when he comes back, I'll clear out to- morrow, {pointing to hag) I've done with that now. Lucas, {closing hag and taking it off chair, inching up Jimmy's coat and hat, standing holding them all) About last night, sir Jimmy, {as he glances at papers he is holding) Oh, I hope you didn't wait up for me, did you ? Lucas, {uncomfortably) N-no, sir, that's just what I {The door hell rings and Lucas starts and listens.) I expect that'll he the young lady, sir. Jimmy, {putting papers on mantelpiece, and turn- ing sharply) What young lady ? Lucas. Miss O'Mara, sir (Jimmy starts and turns sharj)ly.) She called several times yesterday, and at last {hesitates) Well, I hope I did right, sir. {The hell rings again more sharply.) Jimmy, {impatiently) Don't keep her waiting. Lucas, {going to door) But I just wanted to ex- plain, sir Jimmy. Oh, confound your explanations, they'll keep. Lucas, {uncomfortahly) Oh, very well, sir, only I {The hell rings again.) 66 ALL-OF-A SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. Jimmy. Oh, go to the door, confound you. (Lucas exits with bag.) {standing c, puzzled) Peggy — here ? What on earth ? Peggy, {off) Oh, he's come ? That's all right. {There is a sound of hurrying feet and enter Peggy — she hursts into the room impulsively, with a hunch of flowers in her hand. She is looking bright and full of high spirits, hut attacks Jimmy with mock severity the moment she is inside the door.) Peggy, {with mock severity) Well ? Now what have you got to say for yourself ? Do you never come home until — the next morning ? . . . I won- der you can look me in the face. I've been waiting to see you for the last twenty-four hours. Where have you been ? {She suddenly smiles, and they shake hands.) Jimmy, {still holding her hand) I was called away suddenly on Ceylon business. Peggy. But you said you should be in town every day until you sailed, or I shouldn't have come up. Jimmy, {still holding her hand) I thought I should, and if I'd known there was the slightest chance of seeing you Peggy, {smiling) There's always a chance of anything, where I'm concerned. Jimmy. Yes, but {drops her hand, and looks away awkivardly) after your very definite refusal of me, Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEISr PEGGY. 67 that last day at Hawkhurst, I thought we'd said good-bye for good, Peggy, (hastily) Yes, but— well, something's happened, and I had to see you. (goes up and puts floivers down on writing-table) Jimmy. Why didn't you write, and let me know you were coming ? Peggy. I couldn't, I only decided in the middle of the night, {takes off her hat and puts it on writing- table) Jimmy, (smiling) In fact— " all of a sudden," eh? Peggy, (smiling hack) Yes, and of course I had to pay for my suddenness. Jimmy. How ? Peggy. Well, just to think of poor little me, all alone last night, with my poor little nose glued to the window, watching for you at one o'clock in the morning. Jimmy, (startled and serious) One o'clock in the morning ? Where ? . . . What window ? Peggy, (pointing to the boiv window) Why, that window, of course. Jimmy, (incredulously) That window ? Good Lord, but how did you get back to Hawkhurst ? Peggy, (easily) I didn't get back, (crossing l. and fetching two vases from mantelshelf) Jimmy. Then where did you go ? Peggy, (in a matter-of-fact tone) I stayed here. {putting vases on table, c.) 68 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. Jimmy, [almost jumping) Here ? Peggy. Yes. {fetching paper of floivers from writing-table, and bringing them to table) Didn't your man tell you I'd been here all night ? Jimmy, (gasping) Good Lord, no. Not a word ! But what on earth possessed you to do such a mad thing ? Peggy. There ! That's just hke a man. When it was all your fault, too. Jimmy, {bewildered) My fault ? Peggy, {sitting down l. c. and arranging flowers in vases) Yes, of course it was. You should have either come back in decent time, or wired, or some- thing, and Jimmy. And surely when I never turned up Peggy, {impatiently) Oh, how on earth was I to know you'd never turn up, without waiting to see ? Do be reasonable. Jimmy, {crossing to r.) But to wait all night ! I can't for the life of me understand how you could dream of Peggy, {stamping her foot impatiently) Oh, wait, — listen ! I'd been calling here about once an hour, all day, and sitting in tea shops and the Park be- tween whiles — until I was sick of the sight of both of them, and when I came back in the evening, for the eighth time, — I found I'd had my pocket picked, and so I asked your man to let me come in, and wait. As it happened, you'd promised him the night off Jimmy. Yes, yes, so I did, — I remember. Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 69 Peggy. But he expected you back every minute, and of course he knew me, so he went out, and I came in, and waited. Jimmy. All alone, here ? Peggy, {taking vases and 'putting them hack on mantelshelf) Oh, I didn't mind that, I was only too thankful to be able to rest on that comfy sofa over there, and I was so dead tired, that I fell asleep, — fast asleep, in fact I don't remember anything more until your man came in and woke me, when — to my horror, it was after twelve. Jimmy. Good heavens ! Peggy. Well, I simply couldn't go wandering about to find a room, at that time of night, {sits on club fender) Jimmy. Then what — where ? Peggy. Oh, I got your man to get me your slippers, and a travelling rug, and " bivouac-ed " on the sofa there. I was quite comfy, really. Jimmy, {crossing l. again, and standing near settee — anxiously) But, my dear child, what about your mother — the people at Hawkhurst ? Do they know where you are ? Peggy, {with her old mischievous twinkle in her eyes) No ! Jimmy. Then what on earth will they think has become of you ? Peggy. Oh, that's all right. You see {bubbling with laughter) they think I'm married to you. Jimmy {starting violently and gasping) What ! ! 70 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. {He sits down suddenly and heavily on the settee, and stares at her with his mouth open. Peggy grins at him wickedly. There is a moment's pause, when Lucas enters, carrying folding breakfast tray, with breakfast. Dry toast, pot of honey, entree dish with chicken, tea, etc.) Jimmy, {turning and ivaving Lucas away, im- patiently) Take that away. I don't want any breakfast. (Lucas turns and is about to go.) Peggy, {demurely) But / do, please. Jimmy, {turning to her) What, haven't you had any? (Peggy shakes her head.) Jimmy. Here, stop, Lucas. You can put that down, and go and get another cup and things. Lucas, {putting tray on table, k.) I took the liberty of bringing breakfast for two, sir. Jimmy, {sharply) What ? {shortly) Oh, all right. {turns away, looking annoyed and troubled.) (Lucas arranges the breakfast, and Peggy fills in the pause in the conversation by chattering brightly as she arranges vases on mantelpiece.) Peggy. These were the only flowers I could afford, this morning. (Jimmy turns and watches her.) That wretched pickpocket only left me with half a crown, that I had loose in the bottom of my pocket. Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 71 That's why I didn't breakfast out. I got these at Co vent Garden. I've had such a prowl round. {Stepping back and surveying her floivers) There ! They're not bad for sixpence, are they ? I spent the rest of the half-crown at a hairdresser's, I couldn't have faced you without that, {looking at herself in mirror on table l. c. and touching her hair) They've made it a bit too fluffy, but still I don't look as though I'd been out all night, and that's something. (Lucas has now arranged the breakfast table and sets two chairs.) Peggy, {crossing and clapping her hands as he draws back her chair for her) Oh, breakfast, {sits down facing audience and turns to Jimmy) Come and sit down, I'm awfully hungry. (Jimmy crosses behind her chair, glares at Lucas, and then sits down on l. side of table.) Lucas, {taking cover off entree dish) Fricassee of '^ehicken, m'am. {to Jimmy) They forgot to send any fish, sir. Jimmy, {shortly) All right. You needn't wait. (Peggy has poured out tea, and helped herself and Jimmy to fricassee of chicken during this.) Lucas. Very good, sir. {Exit Lucas.) Peggy, {pushing cup of tea towards Jimmy) Oh, do wake up. You don't seem a bit interested in breakfast. 72 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. Jimmy, {pushing his plate away) I'm not. The only thing that interests me just now, is {drily) — our marriage. Peggy, {looking up) Our what ? {then seeing what he means and laughing) Oh, I see — ha, ha ! The salt, please. Jimmy, {hands the cruet to her) When you've fortified yourself a little, might I be allowed to know why your mother, and mine, should think that you and I are married ? Peggy, {eating vigorously) Well, it was your idea, you know. Jimmy, {starting up and staring at her) My idea ? Well, I'm Peggy, {holding up her knife ivarningly) Hsh ! If only you'd sit down and eat something, you wouldn't want to say such dreadful things. (Jimmy stares at her helplessly.) Don't glare so. {eating) This chicken's awfully tough. D'you mind cutting me some bread ? Jimmy. Eh ? Oh, bread — certainly ! (begin- ning to cut bread) This gets interesting, {thought- fully carving the loaf) The people at Hawkhurst think we're married, and it was my idea. H'm ! {goes on solemnly cutting slice after slice of bread absent-mindedly) Peggy, {looking at pile of slices of bread he has cut, and then touching his arm, to attract his attention) I don't want mu<;h. Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 73 Jimmy, {roused as though awaking) Eh ? Oh ! {hands her small piece of bread and then asks calmly) Do you happen to have any other interesting news for me about myself ? I seem to be a bit behind the times. Peggy. Butter, please. (Jimmy hands her butter.) Peggy, {buttering some bread) Speaking of news, — I must tell you Jimmy, {stopping her) Wait a bit. I should like to get the hang of this news first. Peggy. Why, don't you remember helping me with that plot, the day we first met at Hawkhurst ? (Jimmy looks puzzled.) The plot about a girl who wanted to marry her mother. Why, you told me how to work it out. Jimmy. Yes, I remember, but what's that got to do with all this ? Peggy. Everything. It was all true, and I was the girl, {eating) Jimmy. What ? Peggy. Perhaps you didn't know, but mother was awfully keen on marrying me to Lord Crackenthorpe ! Jimmy, {drily) M-m-m ! Yes, I sort o' gathered that. Peggy. Well, really, the proper person to marry him, was mother, herself. Jimmy, {opening his eyes) Oh ! Was she ? 74 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act 11. Peggy. Why, they were simply made for each other, — anybody could see that. Jimmy, {drily) M-m ! I don't believe my mother noticed it. Peggy. Well, the trouble was, that that dear, stupid, unselfish little mother of mine thought / ought to be Lady Crackenthorpe, and that dear, stupid brother of yours couldn't make up his mind while I was about, and there it stuck, until you gave me the tip. Jimmy. What tip ? Peggy. Why, to make them both believe that I'd married somebody else, of course. Jimmy, [the ivJiole thing striking him in a flash) By Jove ! Then d'you mean you've made 'em all believe you're married to me ? Peggy, (quaintly) Yes. I ran away with you, — yesterday. Jimmy, (gasping — feebly) The deuce you did ! Peggy, (laughing at him) You'd better have something, really. I haven't half finished yet. Have some coffee ? Jimmy. No, nothing but a brandy and soda'd be any good to me, now. Phew ! (dabs his hrow ivith handkerchief. Crosses behind Jier chair, up to windoiv, agitatedly, and then comes doivn to l. of her chair) It mayn't strike you as any business of mine, but, may I know where we're supposed to be now ? Peggy. I'm not sure ; — Paris, I should think, shouldn't you ? Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 75 Jimmy. Eh ? {giving himself up to it) Oh, yes, yes, — 'hkely place for a sudden honeymoon. I suppose we are on our honeymoon, aren't we ? Peggy, {changing her -plate) Well, I'm not quite sure whether it's called a honeymoon when people elope, and get married at a registry office. Jimmy, {grimly) Oh, so we were married at a registry office, were we ? (Peggy nods.) Any particular registry office, may I ask ? Peggy, {promptly) Yes, the one in Mount Street, here, of course. Jimmy. Oh, of course, I might ha' known. Peggy, {rattling on, as she butters her bread) You know, when I got up to town yesterday morning — (breaking off) — of course I slipped out of the house at Hawkhurst, before any one was up. I did the whole thing just as though I really ivere eloping, you know. Jimmy. What, down to the thick veil, dressing- bag, and a farewell letter left in your bedroom ? Peggy, {nodding brightly) Yes. {putting down her knife and fork) I'm tired of wrestling with this chicken. Is there any marmalade ? Jimmy, {crossing to table and picking up pot, and reading label) Oh, honey, {brings it to her) Most a propos — under the circumstances. Peggy, {laughs and looking up at him) Spoon, please. (Jimmy hands her a spoon.) 76 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. Peggy, (laughing and helping herself to some honey) Do smoke, if you won't eat, then I shan't feel I have to hurry. Jimmy. Thanks, {goes up and gets cigarette from box on tvriting-table) Well, you left the usual letter for your mother, and Peggy, {interrupting) No, not for mother, — it was for Lord Crackenthorpe. Jimmy, {coming down r. of table, surprised) For Anthony ? . . . Why on earth did you write to him ? Peggy, {chuckling over her bread and honey) Oh, that was a great move. Jimmy. How ? {sits doivn again on settee on Peggy's r.) Peggy. Well, you see, I pretended in my letter to him that I daren't tell mother, and begged him to break the news to her, and — {with a iviched twinkle) — • comfort her. See ? Jimmy. I should think I do ? Anthony as the sympathetic friend, stroking your mother's hand. Your mother breaking down, and weeping on An- thony's shoulder ; — I should think I do see. Peggy, {eating bread and honey, complacently and smiling) Yes ! I think it was a brilliant idea of yours. Jimmy. Eh ? {starting up) Of mine ? Oh, that's right, put it down to me. {crosses l. c.) Peggy. Well, I don't want to take all the credit. Jimmy, {turning and looking at her — drily) Or the consequences, eh? Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 77 Peggy, {lightly) Oh, let the consequences take care of themselves. Jimmy. Oh, by all means, let 'em, if they only will. Peggy. {thougJitfully) I wish mother would write. Jimmy. I wonder she hasn't turned up here, before now. Peggy. Oh, I wired to prevent that, yesterday morning. Jimmy. Awkward thing to put in a wire, wasn't it ? Peggy, {cheerfully) Not a bit. I just put " Married— Mount Street— Registry Office. Off away — good-bye — Peggy . ' ' Jimmy, {gazing at her) You are a marvel ! . . . Then, — " the rest is silence ? " Peggy. Yes, but she's sure to write here, and ask them to forward her letter. I'm simply dying to know what's happened. Jimmy. Oh, you'll know soon enough. In the meantime it's a trifling and totally unimportant matter, but — what price me ? Peggy. How d'you mean ? Jimmy. "Well, seeing I'm supposed to have bolted with you, I'm in the limelight now. What is my pre- cise position ? 'Seems to me you've landed both of us into a pretty tight place. Peggy. Well, that's rather where I thought you'd come in. Jimmy. Oh, — how ? Peggy. By finding a way out of it. 78 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act 11. Jimmy, {drily) Oh, I thought I should come in somewhere, (looks at her and shakes his head) You know, you ought to have let me into this before. You ought, really. Peggy. That means you think I've been horrid about it. Jimmy. Not a bit, only seeing I was playing a star part Peggy, {hastily) Oh ! But I never intended you to play any part at all, until two days ago. But things had reached a crisis, and something had to be done quickly. I was desperate, and you weren't there to ask, there was no one else, and I — well, I did it. {rises, throws down her table napkin and crosses up to windoiv seat) Jimmy, {amused, in spite of himself) " All of a sudden," once more, eh ? Peggy, {sitting on r. corner of window seat) I simply hated myself for having dragged you into it, when it was too late. Jimmy, {easily) Oh, that's all right, {goes up and sits on window seat near her) Peggy, {impulsively) No, it isn't. When I came to think things over, in your room here yester- day, I was so wild with myself that I — I decided I would marry you, as you asked me to at Hawkhurst. Jimmy, {leaning towards her, eagerly) Peggy! Peggy, {holding up hand) No, that was last night. Now that the excitement has worn off, I can see it wouldn't be fair to you. Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 79 Jimmy. Fair to me ? Look here, I'm the best judge of that. Peggy. No, you're not. (Jimmy is about to speak) No, Jimmy, I Jcnoiv myself. Unless I loved a man more than I feel I ever shall love anybody, I should make his life a little — {with a significant nod) — you know what ! {lays her hand on his arm) I hke you far too much to risk that. It's no use, I'm too much in love with my writing. Jimmy. But, look here, so long as I should be satisfied Peggy. But you wouldn't. Men always say they'll be satisfied with "half a loaf," beforehand, but unless they get the whole loaf, afterwards, they always end by chipping a piece off some one else's. Jimmy, (beginning to protest) No, no {Enter Lucas, l., with salver on which he carries news^ paper and some letters. He crosses to Jimmy) Lucas, {holding out tray) Beg pardon, sir, I quite forgot. Your letters and the morning paper. Jimmy, {impatiently) All right. Put them down on the table, anywhere. (Lucas places letters and newspaper on table l. c. and exits.) Peggy, {crossing hastily and looking through letters left by Lucas) Jimmy, here's a letter from Major Phipps ; I know the writing. Do open it, and see if there's any news about mother. Be quick ! Jimmy, {comes down on her r., takes and opens 80 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. letter, glances through — and then suddenly his eyes start, and his whole face changes — staring at letter) The devil! {then furiously) The fool! Oh-h-h ! The meddling old fool. Peggy, {indignantly) How dare you speak of mother like that. Jimmy. Oh, I'm not talking about your mother, — it's Uncle Archie, {points to letter and simply choking ivith rage) He — he thinks we are married ! Peggy. Well, of course he does. Jimmy. Yes, but — he's stuck it in the paper ! Peggy. You don't mean it. Jimmy. {furiously) Yes, the old ass says he was lunching yesterday with a chap on the Morning Post, and asked him to work in a special paragraph, — some rot about having done it " for the good of the family " to stop people talking {breaking off and handing Peggy the letter) Oh-h-h ! The old fool, {crumples up envelope and hurls it into fireplace, and paces up and down furiously) Peggy, {glances through letter and then turns to table) Is that the Morning Post {picks up news- paper) Yes, let's look. {They both try to open newspaper different ivays at same time. Peggy gets sole possession, looks down and exclaims) Here it is. Jimmy, {looking over her shoulder) Where? Where ? Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 81 Peggy, {pointing) There ! (Jimmy catches hold of one side of the paper, and Peggy holds the other. They stand reading it, toith their heads close together.) Jimmy, {reading out the paragraph) " We are informed that the Hon. James Keppel, second son of the late Lord Crackenthorpe and brother of the present peer, was married — {thetj pause, and look at each other) — privately yesterday to Peggy, only daughter of the late Professor O'Mara, F.R.S., the eminent authority on Trap-door spiders. The cere- mony was quite private, and the happy couple have left for the Continent, en route for the bridegroom's tea plantations in Ceylon." {They turn and look at each other.) Jimmy, {unable to express himself) There ! What d'you think of it ? Peggy, {dropping her side of the paper, dropping on to settee, and going off into an uncontrollable fit of laughter) Oh, ha, ha, ha, ha ! {she laughs until she becomes quite hysterical and she cries ivith laughter, and sits down drying her eyes) Jimmy, {watching her ivith a terribly serious face, and when her laughing fit has exhausted itself, speaking grimly) It may strike you as funny to read about your wedding in the paper, but, perhaps you can tell me, what we are going to do now ? Peggy, {still laughing in spasms and tviping eyes) Oh, ha, ha, ha ! F S2 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. Jimmy, (holding out newspaper) Do you realize that this wretched paper will be on half the breakfast tables in London ? How in the world are we going to contradict it ? Peggy, {sharply) We're not going to contradict it,— yet. Jimmy. Nonsense ! Peggy, (decisively) Not until I hear about mother. Why, it would spoil everything. Jimmy, (protesting) But, can't you see ? {Enter Lucas.) Lucas, (announcing) Mr. Menzies ! {Enter Jack Menzies, dressed entirely in black, carrying silk hat.) Jack, (conies in breezily) My dear old chap, this is splendid, (slapping Jimmy on shoulder — to Peggy) How d'you do, Mrs. Keppel ? (Jimmy starts at the'"'' Mrs. Keppel,'''' and turning aivay viciously, slaps his l. hand ivith folded newspaper, but Jack doesn't notice.) Jack, (vigorously shaking Peggy's hand) Hearty congratulations ! Jimmy's one o' the best, (shaking his fist at Jimmy) You old ruffian, to leave me to find it out from the paper. Hullo (pointing ivith his stick to newspaper in Jimmy's hand), havin' a look at it yourself — what ? (poking him in the ribs ivith his stick) Good luck, old man ; well now, come along, let's know all about it. {sits on chair r. of Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 83 table L. c. Peggy sitting on settee on his l.) When did it come off ? — Out with it. Jimmy, (the first chance he has had of sf caking) Look here, Jack, it's all Peggy, {cutting in desperately and droicning Jimmy) No, no, Mr, Menzies, we're not going to tell you about what's over. It's — {looking at Jimmy meaningly) — it's our little secret. Jimmy, {impatiently) Nonsense ! Listen, Jack, I want to explain Peggy, {decisively to Jimmy) No, Jimmy, I insist. Jimmy, {protesting) But Peggy, {strongly) There are no " buts " about it. I say — no ! Jack, {applauding ivith his stick on the floor and chuckling) Bravo ! Mrs. Keppel, that's the style. You start as you mean to go on. Jimmy's wanted, keepin' in order for a long time, {looking at his watch) But, look here, let's talk about the future, that's what I came in about, really, {rushes on from this point to his exit, without a break, or giving any one a chance to get in a single word) 'Fact is, Jimmy, you'll hardly believe it, but — the old man's gone. Died yesterday afternoon — poor old chap. Just off to see the lawyers now. Haven't a minute, but I felt I must slip in to say that the Land Agent's berth is yours, so you can cable out to Ceylon, and tell 'em to go to the deuce, {turns to Peggy) Excuse me, Mrs. Keppel, but I'm a bit excited. Jimmy's 84 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. an old pal o' mine, and I've been sick to get this billet liere at home for him, for years. 'Course now he's married, it's for you to decide, so talk it over, and settle it between you. (backing to the door) No, no, don't move, go on with your breakfast, let myself out. I'll either come back in half an hour, or ring you up on the telephone, to hear your decision. Good-bye. Good-bye Jimmy. Good-bye Mrs. Kep- pel, (Rushes out and bangs door, leaving Peggy and Jimmy gasping and speechless — pause — they look at each other.) Peggy, [taking a long breath) Oh-h-h ! {laughs) " Mrs Keppel ! " Did you hear him ? Jimmy, (irritably) Of course I heard him. Why didn't you let me tell him. What on earth am I to say to him now ? Peggy. Oh, you'll take his offer, of course. Why, you've been simply aching for it, and now you won't have to go back to that horrid Ceylon. How lovely for you ! Jimmy, (interrupting) Oh, I'm not thinking about that, I'm thinking about Jack, (suddenly) Why, he'll be telling half London he's been here, and seen us. I must stop him. (runs to bow ivindow) There he is, getting into a hansom. Hi, Jack, half a minute. Jack. (Jimmy rushes across room l., throwing newspaper on to settee as he passes, and exits l.) i Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 85 Peggy, {stands for a moment c, then runs up to bow window, and looks down into street and exclaims) Ah, he's too late. That's all right, {turns hack into room smiling) {Enter Lucas with letter on tray) Peggy, {eagerly) Oh, is that for me ? Lucas. No, miss, — that is, it's addressed " Mrs. Keppel." {looks at Peggy curiously) Peggy, {controlling her excitement) Oh well, put it on the table. Mr. Keppel will be back in a minute. (Lucas ■puts letter on table l. c, gathers breakfast things, and at that moment the hall-door bell rings) (Lucas takes breakfast tray and exits l.) {The pause is filled by a street piano playing off) Peggy, {remains kneeling on window seat, until he has gone, and then impatiently seizes the letter) It is from mother. {Bursts it open, and looks through it feverishly, muttering words under her breath — simply reading aloud the words) " Lord Crackenthorpe . . . turns over page) . . . has asked me to marry him." {utters a delighted cry, and waving the letter triumph- antly, she ivaltzes wildly round the room) {The door opens suddenly, and enter Lady Cracken- thorpe and Major Archie Phipps. She is very smartly dressed, and the Major is in a black morning coat and silk hat. They enter and stand staring at Peggy.) Peggy, {ivaltzing until she suddenly finds herself ,86 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY, [Act II. face to face with Lady Crackenthoepe, and then staf- fing dead and futting her hand to her mouth, half checking a startled cry) Oh-h-h ! Lady Crackenthoepe . (grimly) Oh, so you're here ! I suppose you didn't expect to have to face me just yet. (breathing short) Where's my son ? Peggy, {her eyes glittering ivicJcedly a moment and then saying sweetly) Jimmy's gone out. He'll be so glad you've come to see us so soon. Lady Ceackenthoepe. (indignantly) What ? Aechie. (coming between Lady Ceackenthoepe and Peggy, c, and trying to smooth matters) The fact is, we never expected to see either of you. We just looked in on the chance of the man here knowin' where you'd both gone. You see, we thought you'd slipped over to Paris or somewhere. Peggy, (a little at a loss) Well, you see — I — we — we changed our minds. Archie, (f lacing his hat and stick on writing- table) Ya-as, of course. Will Jimmy be long ? Peggy. No, he only ran down to the door. I wonder he didn't meet you on the stairs. Archie. Not me ! Nobody ever meets me on any stairs, when there's a lift. Peggy, (listening suddenly) Hsh ! I think I hear him. (looks at them both irresolutely for a minute, and then suddenly runs to door, saying) I'll tell him you're here. (Exits L. and shuts the door after her.) Act II] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 87 (Lady Crackenthorpe and Archie look at each other.) Archie, {'pulling his moustache) 'Deuced odd ! Lady Crackenthorpe. {irritably) Odd ? Most annoying, I call it. Archie. 'Don't see that. Why ? Lady Crackenthorpe. {annoyed) I didn't want to meet that girl. How on earth am I to treat her now ? Archie. Oh, kiss her and forgive her. Lady Crackenthorpe. {drawing herself up) Kiss her? Archie. Of course — usual thing, an' seein' she's saved the show by boltin' with Jimmy Lady Crackenthorpe. {irritably) That girl my daughter-in-law ! It's no use, Archie, I'd better go. If I stay I shall be certain to quarrel with her, or else make a fool of myself. Archie. Then, for Heaven's sake, Charlotte, tnake a fool of yourself — ^that'll be easy enough. Lady Crackenthorpe. {affronted) Archie ! Archie. Well, I mean — seein' we rushed Jimmy into this, you might — er — well, dash it all, it's all for the good o' the fam'ly, so {Re-enter Peggy. Archie stands r. c. and Lady Crackenthorpe .lc.) Peggy, {rather out of breath) I was wrong. I've been down to the hall door, and he's nowhere in sight. {hinting politely to get rid of them) Perhaps you'd prefer to come back, a little later ? 88 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. Archie, {gallantly, fixing his eyeglass) No, by- Jove, we'll stay and talk to you, eh, Charlotte ? Lady Crackenthorpe. {stiffly) I suppose we must. Peggy, (blankly, standing c. between them, ivith a forced smile) Oh, how — nice ! {There is an awkward 'pause. Archie ogles Peggy through his eyeglass, pulls his moustache, and then laughs aivkwardly. Lady Crackenthorpe main- tains a frigid silence.) Peggy, (breaking the silence) I don't think he'll be long, {runs to window and looks down the street) (Archie nudges Lady Crackenthorpe and points to Peggy, implying she must speak to her !) Archie. Now's the time, Charlotte, buck up ! Lady Crackenthorpe. {coughing nervously and speaking ivith an effort) Well, Miss O'Ma — er — 1 mean {doesn't know what to call Peggy and at last, with a choke, says) My — my dear — as Jimmy's mother, I suppose I — well, I suppose we — we {ending abruptly and desperately) Oh, for Heaven's sake, let's kiss and get it over. (Peggy comes down with suppressed amusement. Lady Crackenthorpe stands c, and as Peggy approaches her, she shuts her eyes and holds her cheek for Peggy's salute. Peggy, her eyes dancing with mischief, instead of kissing Lady Crackenthorpe shuts her eyes, and holds out her cheek ; so they both Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY 89 stand, tvith tightly closed eyes and coiwpressed lips, holding their cheeks towards each other, each waiting for the other's salute. Archie shakes with silent laughter.) Lady Crackenthorpe. {without opening her eyes — in a chilly voice) I'm waiting. Peggy, {opening her eyes and taking a rapid glance at Lady Crackenthorpe, and then resuming former attitude and closing her eyes) I'm quite ready. Lady Crackenthorpe. {opening her eyes, and seeing Peggy ivaiting patiently, ivith her cheek thrust out) What! . . . Oh-h-h! Archie, {motioning ivith his stick for her to kiss Peggy) Go on. — Switch on. Lady Crackenthorpe. {hesitating a moment, and then with a great effort, crossing and abruptly pecking at Peggy's cheek, and moving quickly away, with a sigh of relief) Oh-h-h ! {then under her breath) Thank Heaven, that's over, {crosses l. and sits on settee near fireplace) Peggy, {overhearing this, siveetly) I feel quite like one of the family, now. Archie, {straightening himself and brushing his moustache away from his lips) Then, perhaps as one o' the fam'ly, / may be allowed to {he crosses over to Peggy to kiss her) (Peggy backs away to r.) Lady Crackenthorpe. (severely) Archie ! I'm surprised. 90 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. Peggy, (sweetly) Are you Lady Crackenthorpe ? Fm not. • (Archie turns up stage in a huff.) Lady Ceackenthorpe. Speaking of the family, I think some little explanation is due to us. Have you nothing to say to me about all this ? Peggy, (innocently) Oh yes, — how's mother ? Lady Crackenthorpe. (losing her temper) I haven't the faintest idea. Archie, (coming doivn r. c. and trying to smooth things) No, you see, Charlotte and I were stayin' at AVindsor last night — a weddin' party, — so Peggy, {who still has her mother s letter in her hand) Oh, so you don't either of you know about — mother ? (glancing at letter) Archie. Lord, no ! What's wrong ? Peggy, (assuming innocent manner) Oh, nothing. Only I expect she'll be awfully worried about me. You see, she'd always set her heart on my making a really good match. Lady Crackenthorpe. (indignantly) What ? You don't seem to realize that you are married to my son. Peggy, (demurely) No, I'm afraid I haven't quite realized it, — yet. (She sits on settee r. of breakfast-tahle r., and pichs up periodical lying on settee. There is another aivhward pause for a moment.) Archie, (uneasily) Jimmy's a deuce of a time. Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 91 Peggy, (siveetly) Yes, perhaps he saw you both coming. Lady Crackenthorpe. (indignantly) Miss O'Ma — I mean, Mrs. {with a burst of irritability) Oh, what in the world am I to call you ? Peggy, {with unruffled sweetness) Whatever you like, please. I suppose you'd like me to call you — " mother " ? Lady Crackenthorpe. {rises, and Archie crosses and soothes her ; she is fuming) Archie, I simply can't stand much more. Will Jimmy never come ? {turns and goes up to bow ivindow and looks out) (Archie picks up the " Morning Post " from settee l. Re-enter Jimmy through door, down stage l.) Jimmy, {coming in out of breath) Couldn't catch him. Confound {stops dead, seeing Archie) Hullo ! Peggy. Oh, Jimmy, here's — mother, {pointing up to Lady Crackenthorpe, who is leaning out of window) Jimmy. Who ? {at this moment Lady Cracken- thorpe turns round) Why, it's the mater. Peggy. I told you so. Jimmy, {puzzled up c.) But you said Peggy, {sweetly) " Mother." (Lady Crackenthorpe is too angry to speak, and fumes silently.) Archie, {crossing r. %vith " Morning Post " in 92 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. his hand — to Jimmy) Congratulate yer, my dear feller. Everybody will, when they know, {'pointing to newspaper he holds) They soon will now, haw, haw ! Hope you both of you liked my little " par " in the Post here. Deuced neatly worded, I think, consider- ing, (to Peggy) I'll bet a fiver you never thought o' puttin' it in yourselves. Peggy, {smiling) No, we never dreamt of such a thing. It ivas clever of you to think of it. Archie, {coming down to below chair r. c.) Ya-as. I thought you'd be pleased, {points to paper) Such a dashed good place, too, no one can miss it. Peggy. Yes, in fact there's only one little mistake about it, Major. Archie. Eh ? {looking at paper) What's wrong ? Peggy, {sweetly) Well, you see — it isn't true. {This falls like a thunderbolt. Lady Crackenthorpe comes down to l. c.) Archie. Not true ? {he looks first at Lady Crackenthorpe, then at Jimmy, then at Peggy, and then sits down heavihj on chair n.c.by breakfast table) Peggy. Jimmy and I are not married, at all ! Lady Crackenthorpe. {gasping) Not married ? Archie, {also gasping) The devil ! Jimmy, {coming forward and trying to calm his mother) Now, don't get excited, mater, do keep cool, and sit down, and Lady Crackenthorpe. {furiously) I will not Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 93 sit down, (crosses in front of Jimmy to c.) If that girl is not married to you, what is she doing here ? Peggy, {quite simply) I'm staying here, that's all. Jimmy, {who is now down l. c, with horrified protest to Peggy) No, no, no ! Peggy {impatiently) Well, I ivas staying here last night, then. Lady Crackenthorpe. {immeasurably shocked) Oh-h-h ! (backs to ivriting -table chair and drops into it, speechless) Archie, {looks at Peggy, pulls his moustache, then looks at the ceiling and coughs) Er — h'm-m-m ! Peggy, {looking round at them all) Why, what's the matter ? What have I said ? Archie, {rising and crossing l.) H'm, well, it's not exactly what you've said, that wants explaining a bit, it's Jimmy, {breaking in impatiently) Oh, don't talk rot. Look here, Fm responsible for Miss O'Mara's presence here, so she's not called upon to explain anything, to anybody. Peggy, {puzzled and perfectly innocently) But why shouldn't I explain ? I've done nothing wrong. Jimmy, {staggered) Why — do you ivish to tefl them? Peggy. Of course I do, it's simple enough, {turn- ing to Lady Crackenthorpe and Archie) I came here last night to see Jimmy, and he hadn't come home. I hadn't anywhere else to go, so his man let me come in and wait. I was awfully tired and I fell 94 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN-PEGGY. [Act II. asleep. When the man woke me up, it was too late for me to go anywhere else, so I just stayed here, and slept on that sofa, and Jimmy came back this morning. There's nothing much in all that. Lady Crackenthorpe. {drily) No, — hardly enough, I'm afraid. Jimmy, (froivning) These are only the bare facts, of course. Archie, {more puzzled than ever) But, look here, if you came up to town yesterday to marry Jimmy — {turning to Jimmy) — where the deuce were you ? Jimmy. I was called away suddenly on Ceylon business, early in the morning. Archie, {his face lighting) Oh ! Now I begin to see daylight. Why then, the weddin's only been put off. You'll fix it up to-day, — what ? Peggy, {decidedly) No. We're not going to be married, at all. Lady Crackenthorpe. {rising and coming doivn c.) Not ? But what about your letter to Anthony ? Your wire to your mother ? Peggy, {suddenly realizing that to explain she'll have to expose her plot) Well, I — it was — j {sticks and looks appealingly to Jimmy) Jimmy, {coming to her rescue) Miss O'Mara de- cided to marry me, and changed her mind, that's all. (Peggy looks gratefully at Jimmy.) Lady Crackenthorpe. {furiously) But it's scan- dalous. We've told people, {crosses to fireplace) Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 95 Akchie. {crossing down to extreme r., ruefidly looking at " Morning Post ") Ya-as, by Jove, and stuck it in the paper, too. What the deuce will Saunders of the Morning Post think o' me ? Seems to me, I'm going to look like a fool, {looks at Peggy) What the deuce can I tell 'em ? Peggy. Oh, don't ask me. You put it in. {shak- ing her head at him) You know it's rather a mistake to describe things that haven't happened, before they do, — in case they donH. {with this 'parting shot Peggy turns her hack and goes up stage, glancing at her mother'' s letter) Archie, {staring at the fatal paragraph, pulling his moustache and muttering) Dash it all ! Peggy, {crossing up to window, and speaking to Jimmy as she goes) Jimmy, may I speak to you for a minute ? I want to show you something. (Peggy sits on window seat, and Jimmy follows her and sits beside her. She shows him her mother^ s letter, and they talk in dumb show.) Lady Crackenthorpe. {crossing r. to Archie, and touching him on shoulder) Archie, Archie. Archie, {looking up from " Morning Post,'''' ivhich he is studying carefully) Eh — what ? Lady Crackenthorpe. {glancirig over her shoulder at Jimmy and Peggy, and dropping her voice) We're just where we were ! Archie. What are you drivin' at ? Lady Crackenthorpe. {in a rapid undertone) 96 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. If they're not married, she's free to go back to Hawk- hurst. — Anthony — can't you see ? Archie, {throwing down paper on settee r.) Oh, the devil ! {Jimmy rises from window seat and comes doivn R. c.) Lady Crackenthorpe. {flurried) We must do something at once. Whatever happens she must marry Jimmy now. We must {catchmy sight of Jimmy coming towards them and breaking off) Hsh ! Jimmy, {joining them at table) Well, one thing's certain. Uncle Archie, we must have that paragraph contradicted at once. Archie, (looking at Lady Crackenthorpe) Lord, yes, dear feller, of course. Lady Crackenthorpe. Nonsense, Archie, {to Jimmy) Such a thing would be fatal now. Jimmy, {turning in surprise) Fatal ? Lady Crackenthorpe. {quietly) To Miss O'Mara. Peggy, {hearing this and coming doivn to c.) Why ? Lady Crackenthorpe. {with a glitter in her eijes) Well, if we contradict that paragraph, we should have to tell your story, you know. Peggy. Why not ? Lady Crackenthorpe. {staring at Peggy in mock astonishment) Why not ? . . . Do you suppose for a moment that anybody would believe it ? Peggy, {rather taken aback) Why shouldn't they ? Lady Crackenthorpe. {shrugging her shoulders) Oh, if you think they would, and are prepared to risk Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEX PEGGY. 97 it [she turns and goes up to writing-table and sits). Peggy, {looking first at Archie, then at Jimmy, L. c.) What? Do you mean any one would actually think that — that {she breaks off and looks at Jimmy and Archie) (Archie coughs. Both avoid her eyes and shuffle uncomfortably.) Peggy. Oh-h-h ! Jimmy, you don't think people would imagine Jimmy, {gravely) I'm afraid I do. Supposing that, by some accident, any one had happened to see you here, in the small hours, for instance Peggy. Well, some one did, if it comes to that. {They all stare at Peggy astonished.) Archie, {gives a low ivhistle) Whew ! Jimmy, {crossing to c. — alarmed) You don't really mean that, do you ? Peggy. Yes. Jimmy, {groaning) Good Lord, you never told me that. Peggy. No, I forgot. It was nothing. About two o'clock, I woke up suddenly and heard some one fumbling with a latchkey at the outer door. I thought it was you trying to get in, and that your man had locked up. (Lady Crackenthorpe rises at back and listens.) Jimmy, {advancing to Peggy) Well, well ? Peggy. So I jumped off the sofa, went out, opened G 98 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. the door, and found myself face to face with Mrs. Colquhoun. [There is a chorus of dismay.) Lady C. \ Mrs. Colquhoun ! Jimmy, y [together) That woman ! Archie. ) Oh, Lord ! (Lady Crackenthorpe drofs into chair again. Archie crosses up to l. upper corner and back again, agitatedly slapping his leg with newspaper.) Jimmy, [anxiously, to Peggy) Well ? Well ? . . . Go on. Peggy. Well, we were both so startled that neither of us spoke for a minute, and then she drawled out something about having got to the wrong flat, stared at me as though she'd never seen me in her life before, and floated down the stairs without another word. Jimmy. Perhaps she didn't recognize you. Peggy. Oh, of course she did. I was dead under the electric light. Jimmy. But didn't you attempt to — to explain things ? Peggy. No, I was so astonished. Besides, I expect I was half asleep, and that woman always does paralyse me, even when I'm awake. {Jimmy throivs up his hands in despair and crosses R. to table.) Archie. But what on earth was she doin' here ? Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 99 Jimmy, {dropping into chair r. c. near table) She's staying in the flat below, with that Howard woman. Archie. Mary Howard ? By Jove, she's a scorcher. Jimmy, (groaning) I know, there's a pair of 'em, — they tear everybody to pieces. Oh, of all the infernal luck ! [smites table ivith fist) Peggy. There's nothing to make a fuss about. I shall simply go down and see them, and tell them the truth. Jimmy, (rising, shaking his head) No, no, you couldn't. They're not used to it. They wouldn't recognize it. They might believe a good lie, but the truth, — this truth, — no. You'd make things worse and worse, (crosses to window at back agitatedly) (Enter Lucas. He is carrying a huge basket of flowers ivith a big hoop handle tied up with enormous bows of ivhite satin ribbon.) Lucas, (announcing) The Honourable Mrs. Col- quhoun. (stands back to allow her to pass him) (Enter Hon. Mrs. Colquhoun. She is a tall, elegant, perfectly dressed woman, with a superbly languid manner, and a lazy, perfectly bred drawl. She patronizes and chills everybody with a bored stare through half-closed eyes. She is able to use slang in the grand manner.) Mrs. Colquhoun. (nodding to Peggy) How d'ye do, Mrs, Keppel ? (to Lucas, as she passes him, 100 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. Act H. nodding to hasket of flowers in his hand) You can put that down. (Lucas follows her, and places hasket of flowers on table K., places chair for her r. c, and retires.) Mrs. Colquhoun. [sailing slowly across) Hope Vm not disturbin' things, (just touching Peggy's hand) Mornin', Jimmy, (nodding lazily to him) Oh, how are you, Lady Crackenthorpe ? [just touching her fingers and nodding casually to Archie) You here too, Major ? — Quite a family gatherin'. {she has managed in this one minute to make everybody look awkward and uncomfortable. She surveys them and smiles) It's all right, — 'shan't be long, {to Peggy) D'you mind if I " squat " a minute ? I do bar standin'. [sits and unfurls a fan, and fans herself deliberately) Goin' to be a reg'lar scorcher to-day. {turning to Peggy ivith a lazy smile) 'Saw that interestin' little para- graph in the Morning Post, — at least my maid read it out to me, — so, I just dropped in to wish you both luck, don't y'know. Hadn't an idea, or I'd ha' sent the usual fish slice, or somethin', so I've just brought up the flowers there {nodding in direction of basket on table) — to be goin' on with. Hope you'll both accept 'em. {There is a moment'' s awkward pause.) Peggy, {stammering clumsily) N-no, I — we — we can't. (N.B. — From this moment, all through the following scene, both Jimmy and Archie, as ivell as Peggy, Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 101 make repeated attempts to break in as though to explain, but Mrs. Colquhoun talks straight on ivithout heeding them. In short, her scene is like a monologue ivith interruptions.) Mrs. Colquhoun. {perfectly unmoved) Really ! {turns and stares languidly at Peggy) Why ? Peggy, {getting more and more confused under her calm gaze) Well, I — we — well — we simply can't^ that's all. Mrs. Colquhoun. {easily) Oh, I know. You're annoyed about last night, I remember now, vague idea I was a bit short with you on the stairs, — 'bit startlin', don't y'know, to see you in Jimmy's flat, in the small hours. Jimmy, {attempting to speak) Yes, but you see Mrs. Colquhoun. {cutting him short) 'Didn't even know you were engaged, you see. 'Stupid of me to be surprised, — especially nowadays, — 'fancy my nerves were a bit jumpy, — 'been havin' a rocky evenin' at bridge, so I suppose I was a bit un- sympathetic, — {smoothly to Peggy)— tf^as I ? Peggy, {getting more and more paralysed, but makin'' an effort to assert herself) Yes, but it wasn't that I Mrs. Colquhoun. {completely ignoring her and going calmly on) 'Course, directly my maid read out that you were married to Jimmy, I tumbled to it all, in a minute. (Archie and Jimmy look at each other.) 102 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. Peggy, {mahing a feebler effort) But — but— if you'll only listen Mrs. Colquhoun. {cutting through her, deliber- ately) 'Awf'ly sorry, — 'was a bit stupid of me. Mary Howard said so — that is — when she'd read the Morniri' Post. Archie, {attempting to speak) Yes, but that was my Mrs. Colquhoun. {ignoring his attempt to explain) But she'd ha' thought just the same herself — any- body would, {dismissing the subject and nodding toivards the basket of floivers) Nice lilies, ain't they ? So glad you like them. Peggy, {desperately) But — I want to explain Mrs. Colquhoun. Don't. The Mornin' Post did that. 'Can't be anything else to say, — besides, I loathe explanations, mine's bored me horribly, {turn- ing to Jimmy) By the way, never congratulated you, Jimmy, — 'always forgettin' some thin'. That re- minds me, d'you mind touchin' that bell ? 'Must be movin', really, {rises). (Jimmy crosses and rings bell and crosses back r.) Mrs. Colquhoun. {to Lady Crackenthorpe) Congratulate you, too, Lady Crackenthorpe. {nodding towards Peggy) Charmin' girl. You keej^in' pretty fit, Major? . Archie, {shortly) Quite, thanks. {Enter Lucas ivho holds door open.) Mrs. Colquhoun. {drawling lazily as she goes) ActIL] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 103 Don't move anybody, — 'shan't bore you all by shakin' hands, — much too hot. {turns at door and nods easily to them all). Bring her to see me, before you sail, Jimmy. 'Bye, everybody. {She sails out tranquilly, leaving them all too paralysed to speak, and Lucas follows her out and closes the door) {They all remain simply speechless for a moment, and then the storm bursts, and they all speak in rapid succession, in furious tones) Lady Crackenthorpe. Purring cat ! Archie. That woman makes me {cannot find words to express himself) She — she {ivith a sudden explosion) Damn ! {looks round) Sorry — but it had to come out. Peggy, {crossing quickly to table r., and seizing the basket of floivers) Oh-h-h ! The — the {is about to hurl them at door, but Jimmy stops her) Jimmy, {stopping Peggy, and taking the basket of flowers from her) What's all this about ? What's wrong ? Peggy. Why, isn't everything wrong ? Jimmy, {jubilantly) No ! Everything's right. It's simply splendid ! {he puts basket of flowers on floor, near back wall) {They all turn and stare at him in amazement.) Archie. Eh — what ? Lady Crackenthorpe. What's splendid ? 104 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act IL Jimmy, {picking up " Morning Post " from settee R,, and flourishing it) Why, we're safe from her. This paragraph has saved us. By Jove, it's unique. A compromising situation Hke this, and no one putting a wrong construction on it. Archie, (whistling) Phew ! By Jove, you're right. What price my paragraph now, my dear feller ? Jimmy, {excitedly) It's the luckiest fluke you've ever made. Archie, {indignanthj) Fluke ? Dash it all I That's a nice way to speak of the inspiration that's, saved the show. Peggy, {sitting down on chair r. c, and facing' '/Archie and Jimmy) I don't know what on earth you two are talking about. We can't leave things like this. Lady Crackenthorpe. {up stage c, quietly) No,. of course not. Peggy, {turning to her) Then what are we tO' do? Lady Crackenthorpe. There's only one thing to be done. You must marry Jimmy, of course, Peggy, {startled for a moment, and then impati- ently) Oh, that's absurd ! Archie, {sitting down on settee, r.) Not a bit. Why, dash it all, there couldn't be an easier way out of it. Lady Crackenthorpe. {coming c.) It's the only way out of it. {to Peggy) You said you were going Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 105 to marry him. From the Mornmg Post all the people we know think you are married to him. You can see what a scandal that Colquhoun woman will stir up if you don^t marry him. So — well, — marry him, and make an end of it. Peggy, {looking at Jimmy, and then facing audi- ence — petulantly) But I don't want to. Lady Crackenthorpe. Why ? {pause) You did yesterday, {pause) Have you quarrelled ? {pause) What's happened to make you change your mind so suddenly ? Jimmy, {down extreme r., decidedly) Look here, mater, this is our affair, so be good enough to leave us to settle it. Lady Crackenthorpe. {drawing herself up) Oh, really. Perhaps you'd prefer us to go ? Jimmy. Well, to be quite candid about it, I should. Lady Crackenthorpe. {turning, with offended dignity) Oh ! — Come, Archie ! Archie, {rising and crossing up to writing-table, picks up hat and follows Lady Crackenthorpe to door) Here, wait a bit, Charlotte, {to Jimmy) What the deuce are we to say to people ? Jimmy, {looking at Veggy and then speaks.) Come back in half an hour and I'll tell you. Archie. Oh, well ! {turns at door) Ye know, we must pull this thing straight, somehow — for the good o' the fam'ly. {Exit L., leaving door open. Jimmy crosses and shuts it, and stands looking at Peggy from back of settee, l.) 106 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act IL Peggy, {a little out of temper — to Jimmy) I wonder you didn't join in the family chorus, and insist on me marrying you. (Jimmy doesn't speak for a minute. She looks round at him.) You're very quiet about it all. Jimmy, (quietly) What can I say ? I'm in a delicate position. I don't want to take advantage of the fix you're in, by trying to rush you in marrying me, against your will. Peggy, {still rather vicious) Oh, I thought per- haps you'd changed your mind, and didn't want to. Jimmy. Oh, if you take that tone, I will join what you call the family chorus. There's a lot to be said for it. It seems the logical way out of it. You see, it isn't as though you'd any special objection to me, — at least, you've never said so. Peggy, {turning, softened) You know I haven't. Why, you're the only real man friend I've ever made. Jimmy, {coming round end of settee to c.) Well then, as you don't dislike me Peggy, {rising and impulsively) That's just it, it might be easier if I did, but I like you too much to marry you without liking you more. Jimmy, {sits with a sigh on small table l. c, and leans over back of chair near it) Oh, " the little more, and how much it is." Everything else seems to play into our hands. This berth in England, with a jolly house, and everything. Then you could have stuck Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 107 this yarn into a novel, {ivhimsically) People might have beheved it — in a book. But if you feel like that (sighs) — well, there it is. Peggy, {impulsively and gratefully) What a brick you are to take it all like this, Jimmy. Jimmy. Like what ? Peggy. Do you think I can't see ? You take that tone to make me feel easy about it. (impul- sively) Oh, you do make me feel a beast ! Jimmy, (gently) No, no, you can't help it. Peggy, (suddenly crossing to him and sitting on chair he holds, and looking up at hitn) Jimmy, I'll try to help it. I will, really. Jimmy, (leaning fonvard eagerly) Peggy Archie. (o§) That's all right, I'll just go in. (Jimmy and Peggy fall apart as Major Archie hursts unceremoniously into the room, excited and very much out of breath. Peggy rises and backs to chair R. c.) Archie, (coming c, breathlessly) 'Just spotted what you two have been quarrellin' about, by Jove ! (puffing) 'Saw it all in a flash, (excitedly, to Peggy) Jimmy's evidently made a hash of it. (puffing) I'll own up. Fm the really guilty chap. 'Fact, — honour bright, — the whole thing was my idea. Jimmy, (rising, with a puzzled froivn) What on earth ? Archie, (coaxingly to Peggy) Besides, dash it all, you got your revenge, you know. Peggy, (puzzled) My revenge ? 108 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. Archie, {cocking his head, Jcnoivingly) Ya-as. You made Jimmy fall genuinely in love with you in the end, didn't you — ^what ? So, come now, even if he ivere only pretending at first Jimmy, {coming down on Archie's l., and hissing) Stop! Peggy, {staring at Argkie and repeating) "Pre- tending " ? Jimmy, {hissing angrily at Archie) You fool ! Archie, {surprised) Eh — what ? Peggy, {repeating in a loiv voice) Pretending. Only pretending at first, {turning to Jimmy) What does he mean ? (Jimmy loohs troubled and hesitates.) Archie, {startled, staring at her, and then sharply to Jimmy) What ? Haven't you told her ? {seeing his mistake) Good Lord, I thought it was that you'd quarrelled about, {stammers) 'Pon my soul, I did. Oh, dash it all. I Jimmy, {sharply) You've said enough, {crosses up R. behind Archie) Peggy, {looking at Jimmy and shrinking back) Jimmy, you can't mean — it's true ? Jimmy, {coming down r. c.) No. That is — not altogether. Look here, let me explain. Peggy. That means it is true, {turns away ivith an angry exclamation) Oh ! Archie, {breaking in) That's just what I was Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 109 goin' to tell you. It was my idea. I suggested it to Charlotte and Peggy, [getting more angry every minute) So Lady Crackenthorpe was in this, too ? I might have guessed that, [turning on Jimmy) And you helped them ? [almost crying in her rage) Oh, how could you ? How could you ? [crosses up to writing-table and standing back to audience.) Jimmy, [following her) No, wait, — listen. Peggy, [ivheeling round ivith flashing eyes) Why, what had I done to you all ? [to Archie) What had I done to you? Archie, [shamefacedly) Eh ? — oh — er — nothing of course. Peggy, [indignantly) Then why did you do it ? You couldn't invent such a horrid scheme as a joke. Archie, [ashamed, hastily) No, no, dash it all, I — we thought that you — that is, that Anthony — well, ye see, it was to prevent Peggy. You needn't go on. I see the whole thing now. [she turns and sits at writing-table with her back to audience) (Archie stands twirling his hat, looking rather ashamed.) Jimmy, (r., curtly to him) You needn't wait. Archie, [looking up and clearing his throat) Here, dash it all, my dear feller, you surely don't think no ALL OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. Jimmy, {cutting him short) I think you'd better go- Archie. Eh — what ? {indignant and injured) If this is all the thanks I get, by Jove, I will go. {crossing up to door, and turning disgustedly) And this is all a feller gets for doin' things for the good o' the fam'ly. {He goes out l. disgustedly, leaving the door open.) (Peggy sits ivith her hack to Jimmy, ivho crosses, closes door, and stands l. of Peggy.) Jimmy. Now we can have this thing out, and I can explain. Peggy, {ivith her back turned) You can " pre- tend " to explain, you mean. Jimmy, {leaning over her) No. Look here, you don't understand Peggy, {suddenly rising and ivheeling round with blazing eyes) No, I donH understand. I never shall understand how you could have anything to do with such a nasty, mean, horrid scheme. Jimmy. I tell you I'd never seen you Peggy, {furiously) There ! You admit it. You agreed to make a fool of a girl you'd never even seen. Jimmy. Oh, will you let me ? Peggy, {refusing to listen and crossing to fireplace) It's no use trying to get out of it, now. Jimmy, {coming down to back of settee) I'm not, but if you'll only listen a moment. Peggy, {unreasonable in her fury, back to fireplace) I won't listen. I see now why you didn't join in the ActIL] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. HI " family chorus." Of course, you wanted to back out of it, when it came to the point. Jimmy. That's not true, Peggy. What is true ? {sits on settee, l.) What about you trying over and over again to make me believe you wanted to marry me ? Jimmy, {over back of settee) I swear to you, that, after that first half-hour when we met — I've never said a single word to you that I didn't mean. Peggy, {ivith a scornful laugh) " After that first half-hour." {contemptuously) I wonder you couldn't invent something better than that, {rises and crosses to R. c.) Jimmy. Do you mean to say you don't believe me? Peggy, {facing him ivith blazing eyes) No ! How can you expect me to after a thing like this ? {stamping her foot) No, I don't believe you, and now that you know what I think of you, I'll go. {crosses up to writing-table, picks up hat, and moves towards door) Jimmy, {standing between her and the door) Stop ! Do you think I'm going to let you go like this ? Peggy, {on the edge of tears) You can't stop me. I'm going. {She inakes a movement fonvard, but Jimmy takes her hat from her, and throws it doivn on small table l. c.) Jimmy, {firmly) Not before you've listened to me. I've told you the absolute truth to-day. And you've 112 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. got to believe it. [setting his teeth determinedly) You shall believe it. Peggy, {attempting to pass and pick up her hat) Will you let me pass, please ? Jimmy, (preventing her from taking it) What are you going to do ? Peggy. I'm going to tell the truth. Jimmy. About last night ? Peggy, {defiantly) Yes, Jimmy. Then I shanH let you go. Peggy, {indignantly) What ? {her breath comes in short sobs and she begins to cry) Jimmy. I'm not going to let you do a mad thing in a fit of temper, that you'd be sorry for, all your life. Peggy, {through her tears) That's my business. Jimmy, {quietly) No ; you forget, it's my busi- ness, since yesterday. You made it so. Peggy. That's past and done with. Jimmy, No, it's not done with, {firmly) You trusted me enough to put yourself in my hands yester- day, and until this thing blows over, you've got to leave yourself there. Peggy, {still giving sJwrt sobs, and iviping her eyes) I shall do nothing of the kind. I'm going to mother, and people can think what they like about me, — / don't care, {picks up hat from table and makes another move l.) Jimmy, {putting his hand on hers, and stopping her) Your mother will care, though. What about her ? {pause) 1 Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 113 (Peggy stofs dead, and then hacks a little, c.) {following her) Besides, directly this scandal begins about you, — as it will, — it's " good-bye " to her chance of ever being Lady Crackenthorpe. You are not the only person who's going to suffer by this. (Peggy turns her face sharply away, and stands trying to control her tears, face to audience.) Jimmy. You know what I say is true. I can see you do. I tell you, you can't do this thing. Peggy, {stands baffled for a moment, and then suddenly turning and crossing to table R.) Very well. Then there's only one other thing to do, — we must leave things as they are, that's all. {flings her hat and gloves on to lower end of settee r., and sits defiantly cm chair R. c.) Jimmy, (c, staring at her) Leave things as they are ? Peggy. Yes. Let people go on thinking that we're married. Jimmy, {startled) What ? . . . Oh, impossible ! We — we can't. Peggy. Yes, we can. / can, and I'm going to do it. Jimmy. Nonsense ! Peggy, {determinedly) Yes, I am, and you are going to help me. {rising and crossing to Jimmy and looking up at him) You must help me. It's the least you can do, after what you have done. You can't H 114 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act 11. refuse. You owe it to me. I — I claim it of you. I insist, {stamps her foot) Jimmy, {frowning a moment, and then shrugging his shoulders) Oh, very well then, there's nothing more to be said, {turns wp stage to writing-table) {The telephone bell rings off b..) Jimmy. The telephone. That'll probably be Jack Menzies, asking for our decision. Now I can tell him that I'm going back to Ceylon, {crosses k. above chair at head of table) Peggy, {startled, and crossing r. below table to settee) Going back to Ceylon ? Why should you ? Jimmy, {quietly) Well, we can't very well pre- tend we're married, if I stay here, {crosses to door R. and opens it) Peggy, {kneeling on settee r. and leaning over back) But — Jack Menzies' offer ? Jimmy. I shall refuse it. Peggy, {leaning over and catching hold of his sleeve) You'll never throw away such a splendid chance as that? {TelepJione rings again.) Jimmy, {quietly) Of course, {repeating her ivords) " It's the least I can do," — remember. " I owe it to you," you know. (Peggy ^^ about to speak. Jimmy stops her and removes her hand from his arm, and ends firmly) No, — I " insist.'''' (Jimmy exits r., and closes door behind him.) Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 115 (Peggy stretches out Tier hands to the closed door, as if to call him back, and then slowly turns, and seems on the edge of breaking doivn again tvhen the door l. opens. Enter Lucas, l.) Lucas, {announcing) Mr. Menzies. {Enter Jack Menzies.) {Exit Lucas.) Peggy, {giving a relieved cry and springing up) Oh ! I am so glad you've come, {she comes to c. and stands close to him, speaking breathlessly) Mr. Menzies, Jimmy says he's going back to Ceylon. Jack, {incredulously) No ! Peggy, {rushing on excitedly) Yes, he's in there {pointing to door r.), telephoning to you about it, now. It was my fault. I rushed him into it, — but, don't let him go. {tearfully and imploringly) Promise me you won't let him go. Jack, {puzzled) But, look here, Mrs. Keppel, I'm a bit fogged Peggy, {breaking in hastily) There isn't time to explain it all. {looking round apprehensively at door r.) Jimmy will be back in a minute. He — {she brushes some tears from her eyes) — he's behaved abominably, but I can't let him lose this chance, and go back to Ceylon on my account, so, promise me that you'll stop him. Jack, {froivning uncomfortably) How can I ? {smoothing his hat awkwardly) Seems to me you're 116 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act 11. the only person who can do that. Surely there must be something you can do, to stop him ? Peggy, {turns face to audience, thinking for a moment, and then her face suddenly lights up and she exclaims) Yes — there is, — and I'll do it. {she turns hastily to table, snatches up her hat and begins to fix it on and pin it hurriedly, as she crosses abruptly toivards door L.) Jack, {watching her, puzzled) Here, wait a bit, Mrs. Keppel, — where are you going ? Peggy, {turning) I'm going straight to Hawk- hurst. Jack, {wonderingly) Hawkhurst ? Peggy, {determinedly) Yes, {she crosses hastily R. again, and snatches up her gloves from table, and then goes up to Jack, and with her eyes filling with tears, speaks in a shaky voice) Oh, Mr. Menzies, I've made such a horrible muddle of everything, but I'm not going to let Jimmy suffer for it, so tell him that he's free to take your offer, and stay here, and — {her voice trembles, and after a little choke she adds) — and — marry anybody he likes. Jack, {staggered) And — what ? Peggy, {in a low, shaky voice) He never wanted to marry me, — he was only — {with another choke) — pretending, {she dashes the tears from her eyes and pulls herself together) Tell him I'll never forgive him. {turning to go L.) Tell him I — I hate him, but — {turning back to Jack) — don't let him go. {turning L. again, and speaking determinedly through her tears) Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 117 He shan't go. I won't let him go ; so whatever happens, and whatever people think of me, I'm going to tell the truth, {she crosses hastily to l. as curtain falls) VERY QUICK CURTAIN. END OF SECOND ACT. ACT III. Scene. — Same as Act I., only settee is now placed obliquely with its back against piano, facing down towards e. c. (Anthony, Mrs. O'Mara and Millicent are dis- covered. Anthony is seated at table c, squinting down microscope, surrounded by a litter of specimen boxes, books, etc. Mrs. O'Mara is sitting opposite him, with a big book. Millicent is standing betiveen table and door r., hat on, just turning to staircase.) Millicent. Still no news of Peggy, I suppose Mrs. O'Mara? Mrs. O'Mara. Not a worrd, my dear. But there, when a gyurl's on her honeymoon {shrugs her shoulders good-naturedly) Aw, we'll be hearin' from Paris in the morning, I'm thinkin'. Anthony, {looking up — impatiently) Yes — yes — yes. No doubt, — so, don't let us detain you, Milly. Millicent. {surveying them) You don't look as though I shall be very much in the way if I stayed. Anthony, {oblivious of her meaning — testily) Tut, tut, tut ! Can't you see — {waving his hand towards Mrs. O'Mara and microscope) — we are — engaged ? Millicent. {laughing) " Engaged " — why you 118 t Act III.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 119 look as though you were married, {turns to staircase and runs up) Anthony, {turns sharply and watches her going up) Eh ? M-m ? {looks inquiringly at Mrs, O'Mara) MiLLiCENT. {leaning over balustrade) You know the Hall is never any good for engaged couples, Anthony. Anthony {turning to Millicent) Why not ? Why not ? Millicent. Well, with three doors and a stair- case, you're bound to find it " jumpy." {She laughs and runs off l.) Anthony, {turning to Mrs. O'Mara) " Jumpy ? " — What does she mean, Kitty ? — M-m ? Mrs. O'Mara. {looking at him comically) 'Deed, an' it's plain ye were never engaged before, Anthony. Anthony, {emphatically) No, — never. — Never ! You see. — {he hesitates, gives a nervous laugh and then uses her name) — er — Kitty, no woman ever under- stood me, until I met you. {puts out hand to take hers nervously and awkwardly, gives her hand an abrupt squeeze and then turns embarrassed to microscope. H'm — would you mind reading out the description, while I {squints doivn and adjusts sight of micro- scope) Mrs. O'Mara. {shrugs her shoulders good-humour- edly, and reads aloud from book she is holding) " The most marked characteristic of the female is an irregu- 120 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act III. lar arrangement of bristles, on the anterior pair of legs." Anthony, {excitedly — gazing down microscope) Ah, excellent ! I can see them, {looks wp andheams delightedly at Mks. O'Maea) Then it is a female ! What a delightful time we're having — eh ? {dives his head abruptly dotvn to microscope again, and squints down it, exclaiming enthusiastically) It's ideal ! My microscope, you helping me, and a well-developed spider, — it — it's intoxicating ! Mrs. O'Mara. {with a half-comic, half-hopeless glance at him, and then speaking pointedly and signifi- cantly) Aw, yes — ut's always an intoxicating toime, — the courtin'. Anthony, {still squinting down the microscope) Quite — quite ! {absorbed in the spider) There are the bristles — one, two, three Mrs. O'Mara. {sticking to it) An' to think av ye avoidin' ut so long, now, Anthony. Anthony, (looking up) Eh ? Oh, yes, yes. {again squinting down) But then you see I never dreamt that courtship could be so {he looks up abruptly) Well, is all courting like this ? Mrs. O'Mara. {with a smile — drily) Well, no, Anthony, most courtin' is a thrifle different. Anthony, {triumphantly) Ah ! I thought as much, {meditatively, as he squints doivn microscope) Now, I wonder how other engaged couples manage to spend their time ? Mrs. O'Mara. Well, part of their toime — {rises t Act III.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 121 and goes round behind him, and ivith her hand on his shoulder, very gently kisses him on the cheek) — that way, Anthony darlin'. Anthony. {starting as though he'd been shot) Eh ? {very embarrassed) Yes — yes — of course. H'm, — why not — why not ? {he turns as though he were going to kiss her, laughs nervously, and ends by ducking down his head over microscope to hide his confusion, and mutters) It is a female, there's no doubt about it. (Mrs. O'Mara stands for a moment with her hand on his shoulder, watching him with an affectionate smile, and then pats his shoulder and turns away, and as she does so, Peggy is seen peering in through window under balcony at the back.) Mrs. O'Mara. {uttering a little cry of surprise) Oh ! {she stifles it immediately as Peggy outside motions her to be silent, and beckons to her) Anthony, {turning to Mrs. O'Mara) Eh ? Did you- 9 Mrs. O'Mara. {flurried, with a look towards window) No — no — 'twas nothing, I — er — I've just remembered something. I — it's in the garden. Anthony, {rising) Oh, let me fetch it. Mrs. O'Mara. {hastily pushing him back into his chair) No, no — I — I'll be back directly. Anthony. Oh'well, if you're quite sure {turns to his microscope and squints doivn) 122 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act III. (Mrs. O'Mara, keeping her eye on him, steals up stage and out through door under landing, and joins Peggy and disappears with her.) {Enter Millicent on landing. She looks over and gives a quick glance round.) Millicent. {on landing) Are you alone, An- thony ? Anthony, {turning) Eh ? Yes, yes, — for the moment. Millicent. {coming down) The carriage has gone to fetch mother and Uncle Archie from the station. They'll be here directly. Anthony. {rising hastily) Good gracious ! {stands, looking alarmed) Millicent. (r. of c. table) Have you decided how to break the news to mother ? Anthony. Well, no — not exactly, Millicent, you don't think the news of my engagement to Mrs. O'Mara will be a very great shock to her, do you? Millicent. {mischievously) I think an earth- quake would be a trifle to it. Anthony, {hacking hastily to staircase) Then in that case I'm quite sure that it would be only kind to mother to postpone the announcement until after dinner, {hurries up the staircase) Millicent. That means that / shall be left to tell her. {follows him upstairs) Stop, Anthony, come back. Act III.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 123 (Anthony disappears through archway, and Millicent hurries after him.) Mother must be told directly she comes, so {She disappears through archway l. after him.) (Enter Peggy through door at back under balcony, wearing dress she tvore in Act II. She comes in cautiously, looks round, and making sure no one is there, goes back — re-enter with Mrs. O'Mara, tvho holds handkerchief to her eyes. Peggy has her arm round her mother'' s shoulders, and leads her tenderly forward.) Peggy. Come and sit down, mother, (leads her to settee l. c.) You don't feel as though you're going to faint, do you ? Mrs. O'Mara. {sittmg down on settee) No, no — ut's me heart, — ut's weak anyway. Ut's what ye've just told me. {hand to her heart) Peggy, {sitting beside her, and taking her hand in Jiers) Mother, don't take it like this. Mrs. O'Mara. {incredulously) I — I can't believe ut yet. To stay in Jimmy's rooms all night. That woman to find ye there at one o'clock in the morning. An' when you're not even goin' to marry him. Aw, how could ye do ut, Peggy ? How could ye ? Peggy. But, mother, I haven't done anything wrong ? Mrs. O'Mara. {patting Peggy's hand) I know, dearie, I know ; but then I'm yer mother, — an' that's why ut hurts, {distractedly) To think of people 124 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act III. believin' that me own child was — och ! I can't bear the thought av ut. Peggy, {rising, and looking at her mother, seri- ously, and speaking in a hard, choking voice) Then you think that too, mother ? Mrs. O'Mara. Think what, Peggy ? Peggy, {looking in front of her) That people will say that I (breaks off) Mrs. O'Mara. {distractedly) Aw, they'll think the worst, av course. Small wonder if they do. {wailing) What would yer poor father have felt — if he'd been here ? Peggy, {suddenly covering her face, and gasping out) Don't, {in a broken voice) I — I did think you'd have stood up for me, mother. Mrs. O'Mara. {starting) Peggy ! {holding out her arms tenderly) Sure I didn't mean to Peggy. Oh, mother ! {turns with a sob and buries her face in her mother''s shoulder and cries) Mrs. O'Mara. {soothing her) There, there — I didn't mean to hurt you, Peggy, darlin'. I only — oh, ut's beside meself I am, about it all. {distractedly, as she strokes Peggy's hair) What'll we do now ? An' me just engaged to Anthony, too ! Peggy, {sitting up, remembering) Mother, you don't think it will upset all that, do you ? Mrs. O'Mara. I'm sure av ut. Think of An- thony's pride when the scandal about ye is on every- body's tongue. Think how Lady Crackenthorpe will speak of us both to him. She'll make out the Act III.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 125 worst, av course, for her own sake. Ye can see how it will end. Peggy, {rises, and stands staring in front of her, speaking in a hopeless voice) Then I've done it all for nothing Mrs. O'Mara. (wailing) Oh, Peggy, Peggy, if only ye'd fallen in love with Jimmy. Peggy, {hesitating, and looking down and then bringing it out with a burst) Well then, if you must know — I have, {she turns and sits on chair l. of c. table) Mrs. O'Mara. {sitting bolt upright and staring at Peggy incredulously) What ? Ye have fallen in love with him ? {rising, coming doivn l. c.) . . . With Jimmy ? Peggy. Yes. {with her back turned — irritably) Isn't it — disgusting ? Mrs. O'Mara. {puzzled) Disgustin' ! Aw, what is ut ye mean now ? {coming down nearer a little to L. of her) Why, if ye're in love with him, every- thing'll be all right. Peggy, {turning in surprise) How can it be ? Good gracious, mother, can't you see what an " im- possible " situation it is ? Think of it — to go and fall in love with a man who doesn't care a scrap about you — a man who's made a fool of you. Oh, it's humiliating enough for me to know it, — but if he ever found out Mrs. O'Mara. {starting) What? D'ye mean ye're not goin' to let him know ? Peggy, {staring at her mother) Let him know ? 126 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act III. {emphatically) Never ! If I have fallen in love, I still have some self-respect. Mes. O'Mara. {beivildered) But if ye've fallen in love with him ? {throwing up her hands) Aw, how d'ye explain ut all, Peggy ? Peggy, {impatiently) I can^t explain it. It just happened, — all of a sudden, — this afternoon, on my way here, {with half-comic, half-tearful irritation) It — it's simply sickening. What's the use of it, now ? Why couldn't it have developed before ? It must have been in my system. I must have been walking about with it for days, without knowing it. {dis- gustedly) And then for it to break out like this — just like a rash, — and in the train, too ! I hid behind my newspaper, but I'm perfectly certain the people in my carriage must have noticed it. Mrs. O'Mara. Aw, be sinsible now, Peggy, ye'll have to let him know, for when ye're heart's taken suddenly with the cramp, like that, there's nothing but marriage'll straighten it out again. Ut's the only cure. Peggy. Oh, then I shall be a permanent invalid, that's all. Mrs. O'Mara. {getting annoyed, sarcastically) Sure an' if ye were goin' to be so obstinate about it, I wonder ye didn't stop it in toime. Ye've written pages and pages about ut, in yer precious stories, — I wonder ye didn't recognize the symptoms. Peggy. " Symptoms ? " There aren't any. You seem to begin in the middle of it. / did ! i Act III.] ALL-OF-A SUDDEN PEGGY. 127 Mrs. O'Mara. Then, sure, doesn't that prove he's the right man, anyway ? Peggy, {impatientli/) Oh, what is the good of the man being the right man, when you know that you are the wrong woman ? Mrs. O'Mara. But are we sure ye're right about bein' " wrong " ? Is ut hkely, now, that any man would be so ready to throw up this splendid chance here, and go back to everything he hated, just to help the crazy scheme of a girl he didn't care for ? Peggy. He couldn't help himself. I simply rushed him into it. Mrs. O'Mara. Aw, an' he'd have rushed himself out of ut, if he hadn't cared for ye ? Aw, be sinsible, now, Peggy, marry him, ye'll soon find out how right ye are about being the wrong woman, then. Peggy, {ruefullt/) Yes, I expect I should ! Mrs. O'Mara. Ah ! ye know what I mane, now. Peggy. Seriously, mother, do you really believe, — after all he's done, that he can care for me ? — You can't think he really does want to marry me ? Mrs. O'Mara. Think ?— I'm sure av ut. Peggy, {smiling in spite of herself) Mother ! {then slowly facing audience) I — I can't believe it. Mrs. O'Mara. {softly) Try him, Peggy darlin', give him the chance an' see. Peggy, {shaking her head) It's too late. He'll never ask me again. Mrs, O'Mara. {coaxingly) Aw, sure then, couldn't ye just ask him ? 128 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act III. Peggy, {indignantly) Mother ! Mrs, O'Mara. Listen now. All ye've got to say to him, is that / wouldn't let ye tell the truth, and that rather than let him go back to Ceylon and ruin his prospects, ye will marry him, after all. Peggy, Oh ! you mean me to consent to it as a marriage of convenience ? {smiling roguishly) For his convenience — of course ! Mrs, O'Mara. {ivith mock seriousness) Aw, yes, av course, for his convenience, entoirely. Peggy, {with a twinkle in her eye) Then / should be making the sacrifice, shouldn't I ? Mrs. O'Mara. {coughs) H'm ! Well, it would look like it, annyway, Peggy, {delightedly) And then I needn't " give myself away," at all. Mrs. O'Mara. Well, ut depends how ye put it. Peggy. Oh ! You leave that to me. {she draws herself up with assumed dignity) At first I shall be frigid, but generous, (Mrs, O'Mara laughs.) Peggy, {her eyes dancing with excitement) And then I needn't let him find out, what I really feel, until later ? Mrs, O'Mara, No, You can melt gradually, Peggy, {nodding) Yes — about an inch a day, — like a glacier, {clapping her hands) I'll do it. {then suddenly looking almost afraid) Oh ! / wonder how he'll take it ? 1/ Act III.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 129 Mrs. O'Mara. I don't. I knoiv, to a " T." Peggy. Why, do you think he'll {she breaks off) Mrs. O'Mara. He'll just clutch such a chance, with both ar-r-rms, — an' you too. Peggy, {impulsivehj seizing her another and hugging her) You — you darling ! {kisses her and then starts) Oh ! that reminds me ! {thinking a moment, then turning abruptly) Do you suppose he'll remember that I kissed him, first ? Mrs. O'Mara. {starting) What ? . . . Peggy ! How could ye bring ye'self to do such a thing ? Peggy. There was no " bringing myself " about it. It was a kind of — inspiration. I just did it — all of a sudden, {an idea striking her) Mother ! Mrs. O'Mara. Aw, what is ut, now ? Peggy. Why, that's when I must have caught it! Mrs. O'Mara. Caught what ? Peggy. " Love ! " Then it is a microbe, after all ! (Anthony's voice is heard off, through archway l. on landing. Mrs. O'Mara and Peggy turn and listen.) Mrs. O'Mara. {turning to Peggy — flurried) Ut's Anthony ! Peggy. What shall I say to him, mother, — quick. Mrs. O'Mara. Say nothing — say Jimmy's comin' on later — say annything, say {she breaks off) Hsh — he's here. I