Hubert Henry Davies THE MOLLUSC A COMEDY IN THREE ACTS Walter H. Baker 6 Co.; Boston THF AMA70NS ^^^^ ^° Three Acts. Seven males, five females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, not difficult. Plays a full evening. mrARINPT MINKTPD Farce in Four Acts. Ten males, nine tAKinCI ninidlCK j^^^i^3 Costumes, modem society; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. DANDY DICi[ ^^^'^^ i^ Three Acts. Seven males, four females. Costumes, modem ; scenery, two interiors. Plays two hours and a halt THF flAY I ORD OIIFX ^*^°^^7 ^ Toxa Acts. Four males, ten IIU^ UA IfVnv y 1( females. Costumes, modem ; scenery, two interiors and an exterior. Plays a full evening. HK HnHCP IN AOnPD Comedy in Four Acts. Nine males, four HW nUtaC in UWrCII ^^^^j^^ costumes, modem; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. THF nOBRY HOR^ comedy In Three Acts. Ten males, five IIU4 UV0U UVJULi females. Costumes, modem; scenery easy. Plays two hours and a half. IRIS I^'ama in Five Acts. Seven males, seven females. Costumes, ^^^ modem ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. I ADY ROIINTIFni ^^^ ^^ ^^'^^ ^^'^^^ ^^^^ males, seven fe- l^iur UVUil UI4 males. Costumes, modern ; scenery, four in- teriors, not easy. Plays a full evening. I FTTY ^'*™* ^ ^°^ ■^*'*^ *''** *"* Epilogue. Ten males, five fe- ^^ males. Costumes, modern ; scenery complicated. Plays a full evening Sent prepaid on receipt of price by 3^altet "0. OBafeer S, Company No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts PLEASE READ CAREFULLY The acting rights of this play are reserved by the author. Performance is strictly forbidden unless his express consent or that of his agent has first been obtained, and attention is called to the penalties provided by law for any infringement of his rights, as follovifs : — ■Sbc. 4966: — Any person publicly performing or representing any al composition for which copyright has been obtained. dramatic or musical composition for which copyright has been obtair without the consent of the proprietor of said dramatic or musical composi- tion, or his heirs and assigns, shall be liable for damages therefor, such damages in all cases to be assessed at such sum, not less than one hundred dollars for the first and fifty dollars for every subsequent performance, as to the court shall appear to be just. If the unlawful performance and rep- resentation be wilful and for profit, such person or persons shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction be imprisoned for a period not exceeding one year."— U. S. Rrvisbd Statutes, Title 60, Chap. 3. The right to perform this play may be obtained by addressing Sanger & Jordan, 1428 Broadway, New York, All corre- spondence in regard to stage-rights should be addressed to them. The Mollusc THE FIKST ACT SCENE. — Mrs. Baxter's sitting-room. A pleas- ant^ well-furnished room. French windows open to the garden^ showing flower-beds in full bloo7n, it being summer time. As the audience looks at the stage there is a door on the left hand side at the back, and from the door a few stairs lead down to the room. Nearer and also on this side is a fireplace. Against this same wall is a flower pot on a table contain- ing a plant in bloom. There is plenty of comfortable furniture about the room. It is evening after dinner. Lamps are lighted and the windoivs closed. Mr. Bax- ter, a man about forty, is seated near a lamp reading '■^ Scribner^ s Magazine.''^ The door opens and MiSS KoBERTS comes in. She is a pretty, honest-looking English girl about tiuenty-four. She comes towards Mr. Baxter. 8 THE MOLLUSC Miss Roberts. Mr. Baxter — are you very busy ? Mr. Baxter. No, Miss Roberts. Miss Roberts. I want to speak to you, Mr. Baxter. Yes. "Won't you sit down ? Miss Roberts. Thank you. {She does 50.] We shall soon be beginning the summer holidays, and I think after this term you had better have another governess for the girls. Mr. Baxter. You want to leave us ? Miss Roberts. I don't want to. I shall be very sorry indeed to go. You and Mrs. Baxter have always been so kind to me. You never treated me like a governess. Mr. Baxter. You have been with us so long. "We have come to look on you as one of the family. THE MOLLUSC Miss Egberts. I can't tell you how often I have felt grate- ful. I don't want to leave you at all, and it will almost break my heart to say good-bye to the children, but I must go. Mr. Baxter. {Anxiously 7\ You are not going to be married ? Miss Egberts. [Smiling.] Oh, no — nothing so interesting — I'm sorry to say. Mr. Baxter. Have you told my wife you think of leaving ? Miss Egberts. [Slightly troubled.'] I began to tell Mrs. Bax- ter several times ; at the beginning of the term and three or four times since — but she was al- ways too busy or too tired to attend to me ; each time she asked me to tell her some other time — until I don't quite know what to do. That's why I've come to you. Mr. Baxter. [Slightly disconcerted.] But it's not my place to accept your notice. 10 THE MOLLUSC Miss Egberts. I know — but if I might explain to you Mr. Baxter. Certainly. Miss Egberts. It's this. I can't teach the girls anything more. Gladys is nearly twelve and Margery, though she is only nine, is very bright ; she often asks me the most puzzling questions — and the truth is — I have not had a good enough educa- tion myself to take them any further. Mr. Baxter. Aren't they rather young to go to school ? Miss Egberts. I think you need a governess with a college education, or, at any rate, some one who doesn't get all at sea in algebra and Latin. Mr. Baxter. I should have thought you might read and study. Miss Egberts. I used to think so — but I find I haven't the time. THE MOLLUSC H Mk. Baxtee. {^Thoughtfully.'] Too much is expected of you besides your duties as the children's gov- erness. I've noticed that — but I don't quite see how I can interfere. Miss Robeets. Please don't trouble, and don't think I'm complaining. I am always glad to be of use to Mrs. Baxter. It's not for my own sake I want a change ; it's for the girls'. This is their most receptive age. What they are taught, and how they are taught now, will mean so much to them later on. I can't bear to think they may suffer all their lives through my ignorance. Me. Baxtee. \_Politely.'\ Oh — I'm sure Miss Robeets. It's very kind of you to say so — but I know what it is. I have suffered myself for want of a thorough education. Of course I had the or- dinary kind, but I was never brought up to know or do anything special. I found myself at a great disadvantage when I had to turn to, and earn my own living. Me. Baxtee. Gladys and Margery won't have to earn their own livings. 12 THE MOLLUSC Miss Roberts. No one used to think that I should have to earn mine — till one day — I found myself alone and poor — after the shipwreck — when my father and mother — and my sister \_8h6 turns her head away to hide her emotion from Mr. Baxter. Mr. Baxter. {Kindly^ "We shall all miss you very much when you go. \Lean/mg towards Iter ?i I shall miss you very much. {She nods?\ We've had such good walks and talks and games of chess. Miss Roberts {Brightly ?[ Yes ! I've enjoyed them all. Mr. Baxter. I hope you have a nice place to go to. Miss Roberts. {Simply^ I haven't any place to go to. I hoped Mrs. Baxter would help me find a new situation. I can't get one very well without her help, as this is the only place where I have ever been a governess, and after being here four years — \smiles'\ I must ask Mrs. Baxter to give me a good character. THE MOLLUSC 1% Mr. Baxter. {Meditatively?^ Four years — it doesn't seem like four years. I don't know though — in some ways it seems as if you had always been here. {Looking at Miss Egberts.] It is very honest of you to give up a good situation for a consci- entious reason like this. Miss Egberts. I don't know. Mr. Baxter. {As an afterthought.^ I suppose it really is your reason for leaving ? Miss Egberts. {Laughing.'] It's not very nice of you to compliment me on my honesty one minute and doubt it the next. Mr. Baxter. {Seriously.'] No, Miss Eoberts, no. I don't doubt it. I was only wondering. I thought perhaps there might be some other reason why you find it difficult to live here — why you think it would be wiser not to stay Miss Egberts. \_Lnnocently.] No 14 THE MOLLUSC Me. Baxtee. I see. Well — as I leave everything to do with the girls' education to Mrs. Baxter — per- haps you will tell her. Tell her what you have told me. Miss Kobeets. And — will you sit in the room ? Me. Baxtee. Why ? What is going to be the difficulty ? Miss Kobeets. \Em})arrassed^ I can't explain very well to you — but if you wouldn't mind sitting in the room. {She rises7\ I think I hear Mrs. Baxter coming. [Mes. Baxtee enters. She is a pretty woman about thirty-five., vague in Iter movements and manner of sj She comes down the room as she , Mes. Baxtee. I've been wondering where Scrihner'^s Maga- zine is. Me. Baxtee. I have it. Have you been looking for it ? Mes. Baxtee. No — not looking — only wondering. THE MOLLUSC .15 Mr. Baxter. Do you want it ? Mrs. Baxter. \^Pleasantly.'\ ]S[ot if you are reading it— though I was just half-way through a story, Mr. Baxter. Do take it. Mrs. Baxter. [^Taking inagazi7ie.~\ Don't you really want it? [She looks about, selecting the most com- fortable chair. Mr. Baxter. It doesn't matter. Mrs. Baxter. [Smiling.'] Thank you. [She sits.] Oh, Miss Roberts, I wonder if you could get me the cushion out of that chair ? [Pointing to a chair near a window. Miss Roberts. Certainly. [She brings the rashion to Mrs. Baxter and ^places it behind her back. l6 THE MOLLUSC Mrs. Baxter. [Settling herself.'] Thank you. Now I'm quite comfortable — unless I had a footstool. Miss Egberts. A footstool ? [Slie gets a footstool, hrings it to Mrs. Baxter and places it under her feet. Mrs. Baxter. [ Without an attempt to move while Miss Egberts is doing this.'] Don't trouble, Miss Eoberts. I didn't mean you to do that. / could have done it. [ When Miss Egberts has placed the footstool.] Oh, how kind of you, but you ought not to wait on me like this. [Smiles sweetly.] The paper-knife, please. Who knows where it is? [Miss Egberts takes the paper- knife from Mr. Baxter and gives it to Mrs. Baxter. To Mr. Baxter.] I didn't see you were using it, dear, or I wouldn't have asked for it. [To Miss Egberts.] As you're doing nothing, would you mind cutting some of these pages? I find there are still a few uncut. [She gives the magazine and paper-knife to Miss Egberts, then says smiling sweetly^ Your fingers are so much cleverer than mine. [Miss Egberts begins cutting the magazine. Mrs. Baxter leans hack comfortably in her chair and says to Mr. Baxter.] Why don't you get something to do ? THE MOLLUSC I7 Mr, Baxter. {Rising?^ I'm going to my room to have a smoke. [Miss Roberts jptits the magazine on the table and goes to Mr. Baxter with the pa^er-knife in her hand. Miss Roberts. No, Mr. Baxter, please, I want you to help me out. I want you to stay while I tell Mrs. Baxter. Mrs. Baxter. What's all this mystery ? [^Seriously.'] Take care you don't snap that paper-knife in two. Miss Roberts. [Mr. Baxter sits down again. Miss Roberts. [^To Mrs. Baxter.] I was telling Mr. Bax- ter before you came into the room Mrs. Baxter. {HoldiTig out her hand.^ Give me the paper- knife. [Miss Roberts gives her the paper-knife^ which she examines carefully. Miss Roberts. I told you at the beginning of the term, and several times since 1 8 THE MOLLUSC Mrs. Baxter. It would have been a pity if that paper-knife had been snapped in two. [She tool's up pleas- antly at Miss Roberts.] Yes, Miss Roberts ? Miss Roberts. I was saying that I thought [Mrs. Baxter drops the paper-knife accidentally on thejioor. Mrs. Baxter. Oh, don't trouble to pick it up. [Miss Rob- erts picks up the paper-knife and holds it in her hand.] Oh, thank you, I didn't mean you to do that. Miss Roberts. I was saying Mrs. Baxter. It isn't chipped, is it ? Miss Roberts. {^Nearly losing her temper.'] No, [She 'inarches to the table and la/ys the paper-knife down. Mrs. Baxter. It would have been a pity if that paper-knife had been chipped. THE MOLLUSC 1 9 Miss Robekts. {Facing Mrs. Baxter with determination^ and speaking fast and loud.] I said I must leave at the end of the term. Mrs. Baxter. {Blandly.'] Aren't you happy with us, Miss Roberts? Miss Roberts. Oh, yes, thank you. Very. Mrs. Baxter. Really happy, I mean. Mr. Baxter. Miss Roberts feels that Gladys and Margery are getting too old for her to teach. Miss Roberts. {Glancing her gratitude to Mr. Baxter for helping her.] Yes. {To Mrs. Baxter.] I've taught them all I know ; they need some one cleverer ; there ought to be a change. Mrs. Baxter. I think you do very nicely. Miss Roberts. You don't know how ignorant I am. 20 THE MOLLUSC Mrs. Baxter. \SweetlyI\ You do yourself an injustice, dear Miss Koberts. [Miss Egberts turns apjpealingly to Mr. Baxter. Mr. Baxter. It was the algebra, I think you said. Miss Roberts, that you found so especially difficult ? Miss Roberts. Yes. I've no head for algebra. Mrs. Baxter. {Cheerfully?^ Neither have I, but I don't consider myself a less useful woman for that. Miss Roberts. You're not a governess. Mrs. Baxter. Who said I was ? Don't let us wander from the point, Miss Roberts. [Miss Roberts looks appealingly at Mr. Baxter again. Mr. Baxter. The Latin Miss Roberts. Yes, I give myself a lesson at night to pass on to them in the morning — that's no way to do, just keeping a length ahead. THE MOLLUSC 21 Mrs. Baxter. Perhaps Mr. Baxter will help you with the Latin. Ask him. Miss Egberts. I'm afraid even that Mrs. Baxter. Mr. Baxter's a very good Latin scholar. . \Smiling at Mr. Baxter.] Aren't you, dear ? Mr. Baxter. {Reluctantly ?[ I read Virgil at school. I haven't looked at him since. After a time one's Latin gets rusty. Mrs. Baxter. {Cheerfully :\ Eub it up. We might begin now, while you're doing nothing. Ask Miss Koberts to bring you the books. Mr. Baxter. Oh, no, dear. Mrs. Baxter. Why shouldn't we improve our minds ? {She leans her head hack on the cushions. Mr. Baxter. Not after dinner. {To Miss Roberts.] I don't see why you want to teach the girls Latin. 22 THE MOLLUSC Miss Egberts. Mrs. Baxter said she wished them to have a smattering of the dead languages. Mrs. Baxter. {Complacently^ I learnt Latin. I remem- ber so well standing up in class and reciting " Hie — haec— hoc" — accusative " hinc — hone — hue." Mr. Baxter. {Correcting lier?^ Hoc. Mrs. Baxter. Hue, my dear, in my book. And the ablative was hibus. Mr. Baxter. Hibus ! [Mr. Baxter and Miss Roberts hoth laugh. Mrs. Baxter. {Making wild serious guesses.'] Hobibus — no, wait a minute — that's wrong — don't tell me. {She closes her eyes and mu)'mu?'s.'\ Abla- tive — ho — hi— hu — no; it's gone. {She opens her eyes and says cheerj^ully.] Never mind. {To Miss Roberts.] What were we talking about ? Miss Roberts. My ignorance of Latin. THE MOLLUSC 23 Mks. Baxter. I can't say that my hioioledge of it has ever been of much service to me. I think Mr. Baxter is quite right. Why teach the girls Latin? Suppose we drop it from the curricuhim and take up something else on Latin mornings Miss Egberts. [Earnestly to Mrs. Baxter.] I wonder if you realize how much all this means to the girls ? Their future is so important. Mrs. Baxter. [ With the idea of 2nitting Miss Roberts in her' place.'] Of course it is important, Miss Roberts. It is not necessary to tell a mother how important her girls' future is — but I don't suppose we need settle it this evening. [ Wish- ing to put an end to the discussion, she rises, walls towards the table on which stands the flower pot and says amiably.'] How pretty these flowers look growing in this pot. Miss Roberts. Would you rather we discussed it to-morrow, Mrs. Baxter ? Mrs. Baxter. To-mori'ow will be my brother's first day here, and he wdll have so much to tell me after his long absence. I don't think to-morrow would be a good day. 24 THE MOLLUSC Miss Egberts. The day after ? Mes. Baxter. Oh, really, Miss Roberts, I can't be pinned down like that. [She moves towards Mr. Bax- ter.] Aren't you and Miss Roberts going to play chess ? Mr. Baxter. {Rising^ Miss Roberts seems so anxious to have this thing decided. I told her that any- thing to do with the girls' education was left to you. Mrs. Baxter. Need it be settled this minute ? Miss Roberts. [Going towards Mrs. Baxter.] I've tried so often to speak to you about it and some- thing must be done. Mrs. Baxter. [Resigning herself.'] Of course — if you insist upon it — I'll do it now. I'll do anything any of you wish. [She sits down.~\ I've had a slight headache all day — it's rather worse since dinner ; I really ought to be in bed, but I wanted to be up when Tom comes. If I begin THE MOLLUSC 2$ to discuss this now I shall be in no state to re- ceive him — but, of course — if you insist Miss Egberts. I don't want to tire you. Mrs. Baxter. It would tu*e me very much. Miss Egberts. Then I suppose we must put it off again. Mrs. Baxter. [Smiling.'] I think that would be best. We must thrash it out properly — some day. \_/She leans back in her chair. Mr. Baxter. [To Miss Egberts, sighing.] I suppose we may as well play chess ? Miss Egberts. [ With resignation.] I suppose so. [Mr. Baxter and Miss Egberts sit at a table and arrange the chess men. Mrs. Baxter. [Finding her place in her magazine., begins to read. After a slight pause, she says.] What an abominable light ! I can't possibly see to read. I suppose, Miss Eoberts, you couldn't possibly carry that lamp over to this table, could 26 THE MOLLUSC you ? [Miss Roberts makes a slight move- ment as though she loould fetch the kwij?.'] It's too heavy, isn't it ? Me. Baxter. Much too heavy ! Mrs. Baxter. I thought so. I'm afraid I must strain my eyes. I can't bear to sit idle. Mr. Baxter. l^isiiig.] I'll carry the lamp over. Mrs. Baxter. [Quickly.'] No, no! You'd spill it. Call one of the servants ; wouldn't that be the sim- plest plan ? Mr. Baxter. The simplest plan would be for you to walk over to the lamp. Mrs. Baxter. Certainly, dear, if it's too much trouble to call one of the servants. [/She rises and carries her magazine to a chair hy the lam/p.] I wouldn't have said anything about the lamp if I'd thought it was going to be such a business to move it. [She sits and turns over a ^page or two while THE MOLLUSC ^7 Mr, Baxter, who has returned to his seat, and Miss Roberts continue arranging the chess hoard. Mrs. Baxter calls gaily over her shoulder.'] Haxeyou checkmated Mr. Baxter yet, Miss Roberts ? Miss Roberts. I haven't finished setting the board. Mrs. Baxter. How slow yon are. \^She turns a page or two idly, then says seriously to Mr. Baxter. ] Dear, you'll be interested to know that I don't think the housemaid opposite is engaged to young Locker. I believe it's the cook. Mr. Baxter. Yqyj interesting, dear. \_To Miss Roberts.] It's you to play. [After three moves of chess, Mrs. Bax- ter says. Mrs. Baxter. Oh, here's such a clever article on wasps. It seems that wasps — I'll read you what it says. \jSJie clears her throat.'] Wasps Mr. Baxter. [Plaintively.] Dulcie, dear, it's impossible for us to give our minds to the game if you read aloud. 28 THE MOLLUSC Mrs. Baxter. \^Amia'bly^ I'm so sorry, dear. I didn't mean to disturb you. I think you'd have found the article instructive. If you want to read it afterwards, it's page 32, if you can remember that. " Wasps and all about them." I'll dog- ear the page. Oh, I never looked out Tom's train. Miss Roberts, you'll find the time-table on the hall table. [Miss Egberts rises and Mrs. Baxter goes on.] Or if it isn't there, it may be Miss Roberts. [QuicklT/.] I know where it is. [She goes out. Mrs. Baxter. What has Miss Roberts been saying to you about leaving ? Mr. Baxter. Only what she said to you. Mrs. Baxter. I hope she won't leave me before I get suited. I shall never find any one else to suit me. I don't know what I should do without Miss Roberts. [Miss Roberta re-enters with small timer table. Miss Roberts. Here it is ! THE MOLLUSC 29 Mrs. Baxter. {Cheerfully ^^ Thank you, Miss Roberts, but I've just remembered he isn't coming by train at all ; he's coming in a motor car. Mr. Baxter. All the way from London ? Mrs. Baxter. Yes, at least I think so. It's all in his letter — who knows what I did with Tom's letter ? Miss Roberts. {Making a slight movement as if to go.] Shall I go and look? Mrs. Baxter. Hush. I'm trying to think where I put it. {Staring in front of her.] I had it in my hand before tea. I remember dropping it — I had it again after tea ; I remember thinking it was another letter, but it wasn't. That's how I know. [The7i to the others.] I'm surprised neither of you remembers where I put it. Miss Roberts. I'd better go and look. {She moves to go. Mr. Baxter. I think I hear a motor coming. {He goes and looks through the window. 30 THE MOLLUSC Mrs^ Baxter. [//I an injured to7ie.] It's too late now, Miss Roberts, Mr. Baxter thinks he hears a motor coming. Mr. Baxter. Yes, it is a car ; I see the lamps. It must be Tom. Mrs. Baxter. [Smilmg affectionately.'] Dear Tom, how nice it will be to see him again. \^To Mr. Baxter.] Aren't you going to the hall to meet Tom ? Mr. Baxter. Yes, of course. \^He goes out. Mrs. Baxter. You've never seen my brother Tom. Miss Roberts. No, I don't think he's been home since I came to you. Mrs. Baxter. No, I was trying to count up this afternoon how many years it would be since Tom was home. I've forgotten again now, but I know I did it ; you'd have been surprised. THE MOLLUSC 3 1 Tom. \Outs{de?\ Where is she ? {Confused greetings hetween ToM and Mr. Baxter are heard. Mrs. Bax- ter rises smiling^ and goes towards the stairs. Mrs. Baxter. That's Tom's voice. [Tom Kemp enters followed hy Mr. Baxter. Tom is a cheerful^ genial, high-sjpirited man about forty-five ; he conies down-stairs, where Mrs. Bax- ter meets him. He takes her in both arms and kisses her on each cheek. Tom. Well, child, how are you — bless you. Mrs. Baxter. Oh, Tom, it is nice to see you again. Tom. {Holding her off and looking at her.] You look just the same. Mrs. Baxter. So do you, Tom. I'm so glad you haven't grown fat. Tom. [Zaughing.] No chance to grow fat out 32 THE MOLLUSC there. Life is too strenuous. {He turns to Mr. Baxter and gives him a slap on the hack.] Well, Dick, you old duffer. Mrs. Baxter. Tom. Tom. [ Turning to her.'] Yes ? Mrs. Baxter. I want to introduce you to Miss Koberts. [Tom gives Miss Roberts a friendly hand-shal'e. Tom. How d'yoii do, Miss Roberts ? Mrs. Baxter. Are you very tired, Tom ? Tom. Tired — no — never tired. {Smiling at Mrs. Baxter.] You look splendid. \^He holds her hy her shoulders. Mrs. Baxter. [Languidly.] I'm pretty well. Tom. [Spinning Mrs. Baxter round.] Never better. THE MOLLUSC 33 Mrs. Baxter. [Disliking such treatment.~\ I'm pretty well. {She wriggles her shoulders and edges away. Me. Baxter. iTo Tom.] Have you dined ? Tom. Magnificently. Soup — fish — chops — roast beef [To Miss Roberts.] You must live in Colorado, Miss Roberts, if you want to relish roast beef. Mr. Baxter. But you've driven from London since dinner. [To Mrs. Baxter.] I suppose we can raise him a supper ? Mrs. Baxter. If the things aren't all put away. Tom. {Turning from Miss Roberts.] No — see here— hold on— I dined at the Inn. Mrs. Baxter. {Smiling graciously.'] Oh, I was just going to offer to go into the kitchen and cook you something myself. [She sits. 34 THE MOLLUSC Tom. I was late getting in and I wasn't sure what time you dined. \To Mr. Baxter.] Now, Dick, tell me the family history. Mr. Baxter. {Scratching his head, says sloioly.] The family history ? Mrs. Baxter. [CaUi?ig out suddenly.] His ! Ablative — his. Tom. Eh? Mrs. Baxter. [Gravely to ToM.] Hie — haec — hoc. His — his — his. Tom. [Looking blankly at Miss EoBERTS and Mr. Baxter.] Whafs the matter ? Mrs. Baxter. [Smiling as she explains.'] I was giving them a Latin lesson before you came. Tom. [Amused.] You ? Mrs. Baxter. [Conceitedly.] I never think we were meant to spend all our time in frivolous conversation. THE MOLLUSC 35 Tom. [Ainused, turning to Mr. Baxter.] Dulcie, giving you a Latin lesson ? Mr. Baxter. [Sadly.'] I suppose she really thinks she was by now. Tom. [WalMng about.'] It's bully to be home again. I felt like a kid coming here — slipping along in the dark — with English trees and Eng- lish hedges and English farms flitting by. No one awake but a few English cows, standing in the fields — up to their knees in mist. It looked like dreams — like that dream I sometimes have out there in Colorado. I dream I've just arrived in England — with no baggage and nothing on but my pyjamas. Mrs. Baxter. What is he talking about ? Miss Eoberts. I know what you mean ! Tom. I guess you've had that dream yourself. No, I mean you know how I must have felt. Miss Eoberts. Like a ghost revisiting its old haunts. 36 THE MOLLUSC Tom. {fitting near Miss Egberts.] Like the ghost of the boy I used to be. I thought you'd understand. You look as if you Avould. Mrs. Baxter. I'm so glad you haven't married some nasty common person in America. Tom. {CTiaffi.ngly to her.] I thought you would be. That's why I didn't do it. [Ife talks to Miss Egberts. Mrs. Baxter. {Laughing as she turns to say to Mr. Bax- ter.] He's always so full of fun. Miss Egberts. / once dreamed I was in Colorado— but it was only from one of those picture post-cards you sent. I have never travelled. Tom. And how did Colorado look in your dreams ? Miss Egberts. {Recalling her vision of Coloi'odo.'] For- ests THE MOLLUSC 3/ Tom. That's right. Pine foi^ests stretching away, away — down below there in the valley — a sea of tree-tops waving — waving — waving for miles. Miss Roberts. And mountains. Tom. Chains of mountains — great blue mountains streaked with snow — range beyond range. Oh ! it's grand ! it's great ! Miss Roberts. I should love to see it. Mrs. Baxter. I think you are much better off where you are, Miss Roberts. Tom. It's great, but it's not gentle like this. It doesn't make you want to cry. It only makes you want to say your prayers. Mrs. Baxter. {Laughing as she turns to Mr. Baxter.] Isn't he droll ? Miss Roberts. I know what you mean. 38 THE MOLLUSC Tom. You know. I thought you^d know. Here it comes so close to you ; it's so cozy and personal. They've nothing like our orchards and lawns out there. {Rising suddenly^ I want to smell the garden. {He goes to the Mr. Baxter. Mrs. Baxter. Don't open the window ; we shall all catch cold. Tom. {Laughing^ as he comes toicards Mrs. Bax- ter.] Dear old Dulcie, same as ever. Mrs. Baxter. [Smiling. 'I All of us are not accustomed to living in tents and huts and such places. Tom. What are you going to do with me in the morning ? Mrs. Baxter. We might all take a little walk, if it's a nice day. Tom. A little walk ! THE MOLLUSC 39 Mrs. Baxter. If we're not too tired after the excitement of your arrival. Tom. What time's breakfast ? Mr. Baxter. Quarter to nine. Mrs, Baxter. We drift down about half-past. Tom. What ! You've got an English garden, and it's summer time and you aren't all running about outside at six o'clock in the morning ? Miss Roberts. I am. Tom. You are ? Yes, I thought you would be. You and I must have a walk before breakfast to-morrow morning. Miss Eoberts. [Smiling^ Yery well. Mrs. Baxter. Don't overdo yourself, Miss Roberts, before you begin the duties of the day. \To Tom.] Miss Roberts is the children's governess. 40 THE MOLLUSC Tom. Oh? \To Miss Egberts.] Do you rap them over the knuckles ? And stick them in the corner ? Miss Egberts. \Answering him in the same spirit of rail- lery.'] Oh, yes — pinch them and slap them and box their ears. Mrs. Baxter. {^Leaning forward in her chair, thinking this may he true.] I hope you don't do anything of the sort, Miss Eoberts. Oh, no ! not really, Mrs. Baxter. [^She rises.'] think I'll say good-night. Miss Egberts. Oh, no ! not I Tgm. Don't go to bed yet, Miss Eoberts. Mrs. Baxter. [Yawning.] It's about time we all went. Tgm. [To Mrs. Baxter.] You, too ? Mrs. Baxter. What time is it ? the mollusc 41 Tom. {Looking at his watch.'] Twenty minutes past ten. Mes. Baxtee. How late. Tom. Call that late ? Mrs. Baxter. Ten is our bedtime. \_She rises.'] Come along, Miss Roberts ; we shan't be fit for any- thing in the morning if we don't bustle off to bed. [She sujpjpresses a yawn. Miss Roberts. Good-night, Mr. Baxter. {She shakes hands with him. Mr. Baxter. Good-night. Miss Roberts. [Shaking hands with ToM.] Good-night. Tom. Good-night, Miss Roberts ; sleep well. Miss Roberts. I always do. 42 THE MOLLUSC Mrs. Baxter. Will you give me the magazine off the table, Miss Roberts, to take up-stairs ? [Tom goes to the table and hands the magazine to Miss Rob- erts, who hrings it to Mrs. Baxter. To Miss Roberts.] You and I needn't say good-night. We shall meet on the landing. [^Turns over thejpages of the magazine. Miss Roberts. Good-night, everybody. Tom. {^Following Miss Roberts to the foot of the stairs.'] Good-night, Miss Roberts. [Miss Rob- erts goes out.] Nice girl, Miss Roberts. Mrs. Baxter. She suits me very well. Mr. Baxter. She says she is going to leave. Tom. Leave — Miss Roberts mustn't leave I Mrs. Baxter. I don't think she meant it. Don't sit up too late, Tom, and don't hurry down in the morn- ing. Would you like your breakfast in bed ? THE MOLLUSC 43 Tom. \Laughing?^ In bed ? Mes. Baxter. I thought you'd be so worn out after your journey. Tom. Heavens, no, that's nothing. Good-night, lit- tle sister. \IIe kisses her. Mes. Baxtee. Good-night, Tom. It's so nice to see you again. \_Then to Me. Baxter.] Try not to disturb me when you come up-stairs. [^Speak- ing through a yawn as she goes towards the door.'] Oh, dear, I'm so sleepy. [She goes out. Me. Baxter. [Smiling at ToM.] Well, Tom ! Tom. [Smiling at Mr. Baxter.] Well, Dick, how's everything ? Business pretty good ? Mr. Baxter. So so. Tom. That's nice. 44 THE MOLLUSC Mr. Baxter. I don't go into the city every day now, two or three times a week. I leave my partners to attend to things the rest of the time — they seem to get on just as well without me. Tom. I dare say they would. \Taking out his cig- arette case.'] I suppose I may smoke ? Mr. Baxter. ^Doubtfully.] Here ? Tom. Well, don't you smoke here ? Mr. Baxter. You may. She won't smell it in the morning. [Tom laughs OAid takes out a cigarette?^ Tom, if ever you get married don't give in to your wife's weaknesses in the iirst few days of the honeymoon — you'll want to then, but don't. It becomes a habit. What's the use of saying that to you ? I suppose you'll never marry now. {He sits down. Tom. [ Quite annoyed^ Why not ? Why shouldn't I marry ? I don't see why you think I shan't marry. How long has she been here ? {He lights a cigarette. THE MOLLUSC 45 Mr. Baxter. Who? Tom. Miss Roberts. Mr. Baxter. Oh! Tom. Weren't we talking of Miss Eoberts ? Mr. Baxter. Tom. Oh, well, we are now. Mr. Baxter. She's been here about four years. I'm so sorry she wants to leave. I don't want her to go at all, Tom. Nor do I. Rather nice for you, Dick. A pretty wife and a pretty governess. \^He nudges him. Mr. Baxter. Tom, don't do that. [He defends himself hy putting up his hands. 46 THE MOLLUSC Tom. Yery well, I won't. Mr. Baxter. [Emharrassed and slightly annoyed.l Why do you say that? Tom. Only chafing. [^He sees the chess-hoardP^ Who's been playing chess ? Mr. Baxter. Miss Koberts and I. Tom. Does Miss Roberts play chess ? I must get her to teach me — let me see if I can remember any of the moves. SJIe sits hy the table and moves the chess men about idly as he talks.'] She is far too good to be your governess. Mr. Baxter. {^EntMising.'] You've noticed what an un- usual woman she is ? Tom. Charming ! Mr. Baxter. Isn't she ? Tom. And so pretty ! THE MOLLUSC 47 Mr. Baxter. Very pretty. Tom. She'll make a good wife for some man. Mr. Baxter. {Reluctantly?^ I suppose so — some time. Tom. I should make love to her if I lived in the same house. Mr. Baxter. But if you were married ? Tom. I'm not ! Mr, Baxter. \Slowly and thoughtfully. 1 No. [There is a moment'' s pause. Tom. Let's change the subject, and talk about Miss Koberts. Tell me things about her. Mr. Baxter. She's an orphan. Tom. Poor girl. 48 the mollusc Mr. Baxter. She's no near relations. Tom. Lucky fellow. Mr. Baxter. She's wonderful with the children. Tom. Make a good mother. Mr. Baxter. And so nice, so interesting, so good, such a companion. I can't find a single fault in her. She's a woman in a thousand, in a million. Tom. I say, you'd better not let Dulcie hear you talk like that. Mr. Baxter. {SeriousVy^ I don't. [Tom laughs.'] I was only saying that to show you how well she suits us. Tom. Of course. Mr. Baxter. How well she suits Dulcie. THE MOLLUSC 49 Tom. Oh, Dulcie, of course. Mk. Baxter. I can't think what Dulcie will do without her; she's got so used to her. Miss Roberts waits on Dulcie hand and foot. Tom. {Indig7WMtly\ What a shame! Mr. Baxter. Isn't it ? Tom. Why should Dulcie be waited on hand and foot? Mr. Baxter. I don't know. She's so — well, not exactly ill. Tom. I'll ? She's as strong as a horse, always was. Mr. Baxter. Yes, I can't remember when she had any- thing really the matter with her, but she always seems so tired — keeps wanting to lie down — she's not an invalid, she's a Tom. She's a mollusc. 50 THE MOLLUSC Mr. Baxter. What's that ? Tom. MoUusca, subdivision of the animal kingdom. Mr. Baxter. I know that. Tom. I don't know if the Germans have remarked that many mammalia display characteristics commonly assigned to mollusca. I suppose the scientific explanation is that a mollusc once married a mammal and their descendants are the human mollusc. Mr. Baxter. [Much ])uzzled?^ What are you talking about ? Tom. People who are like a mollusc of the sea, which clings to a rock and lets the tide flow over its head. People who spend all their en- ergy and ingenuity in sticking instead of mov- ing, in whom the instinct for what I call mol- luscry is as dominating as an inborn vice. And it is so catching. Why, one mollusc will infect a whole household. We all had it at home. Mother was quite a famous mollusc in her time. THE MOLLUSC 5 1 She was bedridden for fifteen years, and then, don't you remember, got up to Dulcie's wed- ding, to the amazement of everybody, and tripped down the aisle as Kvely as a kitten, and then went to bed again till she heard of something else she wanted to go to — a garden party or something. Father, he was a mol- lusc, too ; he called it being a conservative ; he might just as well have stayed in bed, too. Ada, Charlie, Emmeline, all of them were more or less moUusky, but Dulcibella was the queen. You won't often see such a fine healthy specimen of a mollusc as Dulcie. I'm a born mollusc ! Mr. Baxter. {Surprised?^ You ? Tom. Yes, I'm energetic now, but only artificially energetic. I have to be on to myself all the time; make myself do things. That's why I chose the vigorous West, and wander from camp to camp. I made a pile in Leadville. I gam- bled it all away. I made another in Cripple Creek. I gave it away to the poor. If I made another, I should chuck it away. Don't you see why ? Give me a competence, nothing to work for, nothing to worry about from day to day — why I should become as famous a mollusc as dear old mother was. 52 THE MOLLUSC Mr. Baxter. Is moUuscry the same as laziness ? Tom. No, not altogether. The lazy flow with the tide. The mollusc uses forces to resist pressure. It's amazing the amount of force a mollusc will use, to do nothing, when it would be so much easier to do something. It's no fool, you know, it's often the most artful creature, it wriggles and squirms, and even fights from the instinct not to advance. There are wonderful things about molluscry, things to make you shout with laughter, but it's sad enough, too — it can ruin a life so, not only the life of the mollusc, but all the lives in the house where it dwells. Mr. Baxter. Is there no cure for molluscry ? Tom. Well, I should say once a mollusc always a mollusc. But it's like drink, or any other vice. If grappled with it can be kept under. If left to itself, it becomes incurable. Mr. Baxter. Is Dulcie a very advanced case ? Tom. Oh, very 111 THE MOLLUSC 53 Mr. Baxter. Oh! Tom. But let us hope not incurable. You know bet- ter than I how far she has gone. Tell me. Mr. Baxter. [^Seriously. ^ She's certainly getting worse. For instance, I can remember the time when she would go to church twice a Sunday, walk there and back ; now she drives once, and she keeps an extra cushion in the pew, sits down for the hymns and makes the gu-ls find her places. Tom. Do you ever tell her not to mollusc so much ? Mr. Baxter. I used to, but I've given up now. Tom. Oh, you must never give up. Mr. Baxter. The trouble is she thinks she's so very active. Tom. Molluscs always think that. Mr. Baxter. Dulcie thinks of something to be done and 54 THE MOLLUSC tells me to do it, and then, by some mental process, which I don't pretend to grasp, she thinks she's done it herself. D'you think she does that to humbug me ? Tom. I believe there's no dividing line between the conscious and subconscious thoughts of mol- luscs. She probably humbugs herself just as much as she humbugs you. Me. Baxtee. Oh! Tom. You must be firm with her. The next time she tells you to do a thing tell her to do it herself. Me. Baxtee. I tried that. The other day, for instance, she wanted me to set a mouse-trap in her dressing- room ; well, I was very busy at the time, and I knew there were no mice there, so I refused. It meant getting the cheese and everything. Tom. [Trying not to appear amused?^ Of course. And what did she say when you refused to set the mouse-trap ? THE MOLLUSC 55 Mr. Baxter. She began to make me sorry for her ; she has no end of ways of making me sorry for her, and I've a very tender heart ; but that day I just didn't care. I had the devil in me, so I said — set it yourself. Tom. Bravo. Mr. Baxter. We got quite unpleasant over it. Tom. And which of you set the mouse-trap in the end? Mr. Baxter. Miss Roberts. [Tom rises and moves away to hide his amusement from Mr. Baxter.] It's always like that. She makes Miss Roberts do everything. For instance, Dulcie used to play chess with me of an evening, now she tells Miss Roberts to. She used to go walks with me, now she sends Miss Roberts. Dulcie was never energetic, but we used to have some good times together ; now I can't get her to go anywhere or do anything. Tom. Not very amusing for you. 56 THE MOLLUSC Mr. Baxter. It does rather take the fun out of everything. Tom. How did you come to let her get so bad ? Mr. Baxter. [Simply.'] I fell in love with her. That put me at her mercy. \_There is a moments silence^ then ToM says with decision. Tom. /must take her in hand. Mr. Baxter. I wish you would. Tom. I'll make her dance. Mr. Baxter. Don't be hard on her. Tom. No, but firm. I'll show her what firmness is. A brother is the best person in the world to undertake the education of a mollusc. His firmness will be tempered with affection, and his affection won't be undermined with senti- THE MOLLUSC $7 mentality. I shall start in on Dulcie the first thing to-morrow morning. Me. Baxter. And now what do you say to getting our candles ? Tom. [^Folloioing Mr. Baxter towards the stairs.'] Come along. I'm ready — must have a good night's rest if I'm to tackle Dulcie in the morn- ing. I don't anticipate any trouble. A woman isn't difficult to deal with if you take her the right way. Leave her to me, old man. You just leave her to me ! {TJiey go up the stairs as the ctirtain falls. THE SECOND ACT SCENE. — The same scene on the following morn- ing. The French windows are wide open, displaying a view of the garden bathed in su7i- shine. Mes. Baxter is lounging in an armchair read- ing a novel. ToM enters with an enormous hunch of wild flowers ^ foxgloves, meadow- sweet, etc. Tom. Look! Mrs. Baxter. Oh, how pretty! We must put them in water. Where's Miss Koberts ? Tom. In the schooh'oom. They are at their lessons. Mrs. Baxter. Then we must wait. What a pity. I hope they won't die. Tom. Is Miss Eoberts the only person in this house who can put these flowers in water ? 58 THE MOLLUSC 59 Mrs. Baxter. The servants are always busy in the morning. Tom. "Why can't you do it ? Mrs. Baxter. /have other things to do. Tom. What? Mrs. Baxter. Numerous things. Do you think a woman never has anything to do ? Tom. {Coming to her and tapping her on the sJwulder.'] Get up and do them yourself. Mrs. Baxter. {AmiaUy.'] While you sit still in this chair. All very fine ! Tom. I'll help you. Mrs. Baxter. {Rising lazily.'] Very well. Bring me the vases and some water. {She smells the flowers. Tom. Vases. {Pointing to two vases on the mantel- piece.'] Will these do ? 60 THE MOLLUSC Mrs. Baxter. Yes. Get those. Tom. \Pointing to another vase on the table.^ And that. You must get that one. We will divide the labour. [He gets the two vases. Mrs. Bax- ter has not stirred.'] Where's yours ? Mrs. Baxter. [Smiling ^pleasantly .^ I thought you were going to get the vases. Tom. We were going to do this work between us. Get your vase. Mrs. Baxter. [Laughing.^ Oh, Tom — what a boy you are Tom. Why should I get all the vases ? [Talking to her.] You know, Dulcie, you'd feel better if you ran about a little more. Mrs. Baxter. [Pleasantly.] You'd save time, dear, if you'd run and get that vase yourself instead of stand- ing there telling me to"! [Tom puts the vases on the table. Then he goes and takes wp the other vase. THE MOLLUSC 6 1 Tom. Oh, very well. It's not worth quarreling about. Mes. Baxter. No, don't let us quarrel the first morning you are home. Tom. {Brmgvng the vase and putting it before her.'] There ! Mrs, Baxter. Thank you, Tom. You'll find a tap in the wall outside the window and a little watering- can beside it. Tom. /got the vases. Mrs. Baxter. Please bring me the water, Tom. These poppies are beginning to droop already. Tom. I wonH get the water. You must get it your- self. Mrs. Baxter. [SmiUng.'] Yery well. Wait till I go up- stairs and put on my hat. 62 THE MOLLUSC Tom. To go just outside the window ? Mes. Baxter. I can't go into the hot sun without a hat. Tom. Rats! Mes. Baxtee. {8eriously.'\ It's not rats. Dr. Eoss said I must never go out in the sun without a hat. Tom. That much won't hurt you. Mes. Baxtee. / don't mind, of course. But you must take the consequences if I have a sunstroke. Dick will be furious when he hears I've been out in the sun without a hat. You wouldn't like me to make Dick furious, would you, Tom ? [Tom touches her and points to the window, then folds his arms. There is a slight pause while she waits for Tom to offer to go.] If you think it's too much trouble to step outside the window I'll go all the way up-stairs for my hat. I sup- pose all these pretty flowers will be quite dead by the time I come back. THE MOLLUSC 63 Tom. {Exasijerated^ Oh, very well, I'll get the water. \He goes out into the garden. Mks. Baxtee. {Calling?^ Try not to scratch the can, and be sure you don't leave the tap to dribble. Tom. {Outside?^ Oh, the tap's all right. \_81ie occv/jpies herself hy smelling the flowers. Tom re-enters almost iinmedi- ately with a little watering-can. Tom. Here's the water. Mrs. Baxter. Thank you, Tom. Work seems like play when we do it between us. Fill the vases. Tom. I won't. \He jputs the can on the table. Mrs. Baxter. Well, wait while I go and get an apron. Tom. You don't want an apron for that. 64 THE MOLLUSC Mrs. Baxter. I'm not going to risk spilling the water all down this dress ; I only put it on so as to look nice for you. I won't be a minute. Tom. Stay where you are. [Muttering to himself as he Jills the vases."] An apron to fill three vases. You might as well put on your boots, or get an umbrella or a waterproof. [He is about to set the can on the floor, Mrs. Baxter. [Quickly.] Don't put it on the carpet. Put it on the gravel outside. Tom. Put it on the gravel yourself. [Tom holds the can for Jier to take. She elaborately begins to wind a handker- chief round her right hand. Mrs. Baxter. It's no use both of us wetting our hands. [Tom grumbling goes to the window and pitches the can outside. Tom. Now I hope I've scratched the can, and I'm sorry I didn't leave the tap to dribble. THE MOLLUSC 65 Mes. Baxtee. Kaughty, naughty. Do you remember, Tom, when we were all at home together, you always did the flowers ? Tom. I'm not going to do them now. Mrs. Baxter. You did them so tastefully. No one could do flowers like you. I remember Aunt Lizzie calling one day and saying if w^e hired a florist to arrange our flowers, we couldn't have got prettier effects than you got. Tom. Get on with those flowers. Mes. Baxter. When I did the flowers, Mamma used to say the drawing-room used to look like a rubbish heap. Tom. {Lmidly^ Get on with those flowers. Mrs. Baxter. I should so like Miss Koberts to see the way you can arrange flowers. Tom. Get on 66 THE MOLLUSC Mes. Baxter {Wheedling Mm.'] Do arrange one vase — only one, just to show Miss Roberts. Tom. [Weakening.'] Well, only one. You must do the other two. [He hegins to put the flowers in water. Mrs. Baxter watches him a moment, then she sinks into the handiest arm- chair. Mrs. Baxter. [After a slight pause.] How well you do it. Tom. [Suddenly realizing the situation.] No, no, I won't. [He flings the flowers on the table.] Oh, you are artful. You've done nothing; I've done everything ; I got the flowers, the vases, the water — everything, and now not another stalk will I touch. I don't care if they die ; their blood will be on your head, not mine. [He sits down and folds his arms. A pause. Mrs. Baxter. [Seren£ly.] If you won't talk, I may as well go on reading my novel. It's on the table be- side you. Would you mind passing it ? THE MOLLUSC 67 Tom. Yes, I would. Mks. Baxtee. Throw it. Tom. I shan't. Mks. Baxter. I thought you'd cheer us up when you came home, but you just sit in my chair doing nothing. Tom. \Turn%ng on her and saying gra/vely.'] Dulcie, it grieves me very much to see you such a Mollusc. Mrs. Baxter. What's a Mollusc ? Tom. You are. Mrs. Baxter. IPuzzled.'] A Mollusc? \_Gaily.'\ Oh, I know, one of those pretty little creatures that live in the sea — or am I thinking of a sea anemone ? 68 THE MOLLUSC Tom. It's dreadful to see a strong healthy woman so idle. Mes. Baxtee. [^Genuinely amazed.~] I idle ? Oh, you're joking. Tom. What are you doing but idling now ? \_Ap- jproaching her cmd saying roughly.^ Get up, and do those flowers. Get out of that chair this minute. Mes. Baxtee. [^Rising cmd smiling.'] I was only waiting for you. I thought we were going to do the flowers together. Tom. No, we won't do them together ; if we do them together I shall be doing them by myself before I know where I am, [^He stts agcum. Mes. Baxtee. I don't call that fair, to promise to help me with the flowers, and then just to sit and watch. I don't think Colorado is improving you. You've become so lazy and underhand. Tom. {IndAgnomtly^ What do you mean ? THE MOLLUSC 69 Mes. Baxter. What I mean to say is, you undertook to help me with the flowers, and now you try to back out of it. Perhaps you call that sharp in America, but in England we should call it un- sportsmanlike. Tom. {Picking up the, flowers cmd throwing them down disgustedly.'] Oh, why did I ever go and gather all this rubbish ? [Mr. Baxter enters cmd comes down tJie stairs. Mr. Baxter. Half -past eleven, dear. Mrs. Baxter. Thank you, dear. Tom. Half-past eleven, dear — thank you, dear— what does that mean ? Mr. Baxter. Tom. Lunch. Already ? Mr. Baxter. Not real lunch. 70 THE MOLLUSC Mes. Baxter. "We always have cake and milk in the dining- room at half-past eleven. We think it breaks up the morning more. Aren't you coming ? Tom. Cake and milk at half -past eleven ; what an idea ! No, thank you. Mes. Baxtee. I shall be glad of the chance to sit down. I've had a most exhausting morning. \phe goes out. Me. Baxtee. Have you been taking her in hand ? Tom. \Pretending not to comprehend.'] I beg your pardon ? Me. Baxtee. You said you were going to take her in hand, first thing this morning. Tom. Oh, yes, so I did. So I have done — in a way — not seriously, of course — not the first morning. THE MOLLUSC 7 1 Me. Baxter. You said you were going to show her what firmness was. Tom. Well, so I did, but never having had any firmness from you, she doesn't know it when she sees it. [Me. Baxtee is about to put some of tJie flowers in a vase.] What are you doing ? Mr. Baxtee. They're dying for want of water. Tom. But I said she must put them in water herself. Me. Baxter. Oh, I see, discipline. Tom. Exactly. Me. Baxter. What happened ? Tom. \^Pointing to the flowers.] Can't you see what's happened? There they are still. {^Angrily.'] We've spent hours wrangling over those damned flowers. It may seem paltry to 72 THE MOLLUSC make such a fuss over anything so trivial, but it's the principle of the thing ; if I give in at the start, I shall have to give in to the finish. Mk. Baxtee. Like me. Tom. Yes, like you. "When she comes back from the dining-room, I'll make her do those flowers herself, u I have to stand over her all the morning. Mr. Baxter. {Looking at Tom with admiration?^ That's the spirit. If only I had begun like that the very first morning of our honeymoon. Tom. \Wiih great determination?^ I'll stand no nonsense. She shall do the flowers herself. [Miss Roberts enters. Miss Roberts. Mrs. Baxter sent me to do the flowers. \She comes immediately to the table and begins 2>utting the flowers in water. ToM and Mr. Baxter looh at each other. Tom. ITo Mm.l Shall I tell her not to ? THE MOLLUSC 73 Me. Baxter. Then Dulcie will tell her she is to. Tom. Then we shall have to humiliate Dulcie be- fore Miss Koberts. Me. Baxtee. Tom. I don't want to do that. Me. Baxtee. No. Tom. I'm not giving in. Me. Baxtee. No. Tom. Don't gloat. Me. Baxtee. I'm not gloating. Tom. You are. You're gloating because I've had to give iti the way you always do. 74 THE MOLLUSC Miss Egberts. {To Me. Baxtee.] The girls have been asking if I thought they could have a half- holiday in honour of their uncle's arrival. Me. Baxter. I don't see why not. Miss Egberts. If you think they'd be in the way, I might take them off to the woods for the day. Me. Baxtee. Yes. Miss Egberts. I thought as it's so fine we might take our lunch with us, and have a picnic. Tom. "Why don't we all go a picnic ? Mr. Baxter. All who ? Tgm. You and I and the girls and Miss Eoberts and Dulcie. Mr. Baxter. You'll never get Dulcie on a picnic, will he, Miss Eoberts ? THE MOLLUSC 75 Tom. Why not ? Mr. Baxtee. Too much exertion. Miss Egberts. {Still husy filling the vasesP^ I think Mrs. Baxter would go if Mr. Kemp asked her. [Tom looks at Mr. Baxter as soon as Miss Roberts has sjpohen and Mr. Baxter looks dubious. Tom. [In a lower voice, to Mr. Baxter.] I don't want Miss Roberts to think that I can't master Dulcie; besides, a picnic, the very thing to make her run about, but we must approach her tactfully and keep our tempers. I lost mine over the flowers, otherwise I've not the least doubt I could have made her do them ; we must humour Dulcie and cajole her. Whisk her off to the woods in a whirl of gaiety ; you go dancing into the dining-room like this. [As- suming great jollity.] We're all going off on a picnic. Mr. Baxter. Oh, no. Tom. Why not ? 76 THE MOLLUSC Me. Baxter. It wouldn't be me. Tom. Well, er — \_glancing at Miss ^Robeets] go and — er \_Glancing again at Miss Rob- EETS.] Oh, go and say whatever you like. But be jolly about it ; full of the devil. \^He takes Me. Baxtee hy the arm amd pushes him towards the stai/rs. Me. Baxtee. [^Imitating Tom as he goes.] We're all going off on a picnic. [^He stops at the top of the stairs and says seriously.] It wouldn't be me. [He exits. Tom. So you're nob one of the cake and milk brigade ? Miss Roberts. No. Tom. I thought you wouldn't be. Miss Roberts. Aren't you going to join them ? THE MOLLUSC // Tom. No, I don't want to eat cake in the middle of the morning. I'm like you. We seem to have a lot of habits' in common. Miss Koberts. Do you think so ? Tom. Don't you ? Miss Koberts. I haven't thought. \_Sli6 takes a vase to the ma/)itelpiece. Tom loatches her and follows with the other vase. Miss Roberts takes the vase from ToM and puts it on the tnan- TOM. Didn't we have a nice walk together ? Miss Roberts. Yes ; don't you love being out in the early morning ? Tom. I'm up with the sun at home out "West. I live out-of-doors out there. 78 THE MOLLUSC Miss Roberts. How splendid! Tom. » You're the kind of girl for Colorado. Miss Eoberts. \Pleased?^ Am I ? Tom. Can you ride ? Miss Roberts. Yes, but I don't get any opportunities now. Tom. Got a good nerve ? Miss Roberts. I broke a colt once ; he'd thrown three men, but he never threw me ! Tom. \Smiling at her.] Well done ! Miss Roberts. I didn't mean to boast, but I'd love to do it again. Tom. I should love to see you mounted on a mus- tang, flying through our country. THE MOLLUSC 79 Miss Roberts. With the tree tops waving down in the valley, and the great blue mountains you told us about, stretching away — away Tom. [ Watching her with admiration?^ You cer- tainly ought to come to Colorado. Miss Roberts. Nothing so thrilling could happen to me. [She returns to the table andjpicks up the remaining flowers. Tom. {Following her.'] Why ? You've nothing to do but get on the boat and take the train from New York, and I'd meet you in Denver. Miss Roberts. [Laughing.'] It's so nice to have someone here to make us laugh, Tom. [A little hurt.] Oh, I was being serious. Miss Roberts. [Seriously.] Do you really think Colorado would be a good place for a girl like me to go to ? A governess ! 8o THE MOLLUSC Tom. Yes, yes, a girl who has to earn her own liv- ing has a better time of it out there than here, more independence, more chance, more life. Miss Eobeets. [^Thoughtfully. ~] I do know an English lady in Colorado Springs, at least a great friend of mine does, and I'm sure I could get a letter to her. Tom. [Cheerfully.'] You don't want any letters of introduction ; you've got me. Miss Eoberts. {Smiling.'] Yes, but that is not quite the same thing. Tom. No, I suppose not ; no, I see : well, can't you write to your friend and tell her to send that letter on at once ? Miss Eoberts. [Amused.] You talk as if it were all settled. Tom. I wish it were. THE MOLLUSC Si Miss Robeets. \Not noticing that he is flirting with her^ she says thoughtfully ?[ I wish I knew what to do about leaving here. Tom. You told me you had already given my sister notice. Miss Roberts. She won't take it. Tom. She can't make you stay if you want to go. Miss Roberts. {Smiling^ hut serious.'] It's not as simple as that. After Mrs. Baxter has treated me so well, I should be making a poor return, if I left her before she found some one to take my place. On the other hand, my duty to the children is to leave them. Tom. A real old-fashioned conscience. Miss Roberts. One must think of the others. 82 THE MOLLUSC Tom. It seems to me yoii're always doing that. Miss Roberts. If you knew how I sometimes long to be free to do whatever I like just for one day. When I see other girls — girls who don't work for a living — enjoying themselves — it comes over me so dreadfully what I am missing. From the schoolroom window I can see the tennis club, and while I am giving Gladys and Margery their geography lesson, I hear them calling " Play ! Fifteen love ! " and see the ball flying and the girls in their white dresses, talking to such nice-looking young men. Tom. Um, yes. Don't you ever talk to any of those nice-looking young men ? Miss Roberts. Of course not. Tom. How's that ? Miss Roberts. Governesses never do. "We only pass them by as we walk out with the children, or see the backs of their heads in church. Or if we are THE MOLLUSC 83 introduced, as I was to one at the Rectory one day — the occasion is so unusual we feel quite strained and nervous — and can't appear at our best. So that they don't want to pursue the acquaintance even if they could. Tom. You don't seem strained and nervous as you talk to me. Miss Robeets. {Innocently?^ You don't seem like the others. \Slie meets his eyes — smiles at liiin and saysJ] I must go back to the schoolroom. [She rises. Tom. [^Rising and coming to Miss ROBERTS.] Not yet. Don't go yet. I want you to stay here— talking to me. You are sure to hear my little nieces shrieking about in the garden when they have done theu' cake. [Mrs. Baxter enters followed hy Mr. Baxter. Mrs. Baxter. Oh, I hurried back to finish the flowers, but I see you have done them. Thank you. Miss Roberts. You asked me to do them, Mrs. Baxter. 84 THE MOLLUSC Mrs. Baxter. [Smiling.'] Oh, no, Miss Eoberts — I think you are mistaken. I only said they were there waiting to be done. [She sits in an armchair and begins to read a novel. Tom. [In an undertone to Mr. Baxter.] Have you told her about the picnic ? Mr. Baxter. There was no suitable opportunity — so Tom. You're a coward ! [He pushes past him. Tom then motions to Mr. Baxter to speak to Mrs. Baxter. He refuses. Tom assuming great cheerfulness, addresses Mrs. Baxter.] We are all going off on a picnic. Mrs. Baxter. [Pleasantly.'] Oh. Tom. Yes. We four and the girls. [ Whisperitig to Mr. Baxter.] Back me up. Mr. Baxter. [Rubhing his hands together, OMd trying to assume jollity ?\^ Won't that be fun ? THE MOLLUSC 85 Mes. Baxter. [^Brightly.'] I think it would be great fun Tom. Ah. Mrs. Baxter. — Some day. Tom. "Why not to-day ? Mrs. Baxter. Why to-day ? Tom. {At a loss for an answer, appeals to Mr. Bax- ter and Miss Roberts.] Why to-day ? Miss Roberts. In honour of Mr. Kemp's arrival, and it's such a fine day — and Mrs. Baxter. You will find the girls in the schoolroom — dear. Tom. [ Very jolly. 1 Shall she go and get them ready ? 86 THE MOLLUSC Mes. Baxter. \InnocentlyP^ What for ? Tom. The picnic. Mrs. Baxter. I thought it had been decided not to go to- day. Mr. Baxter. {^Losing his temjoer.'] Oh, Dulcie — you know quite well Tom. [Signing to Mr. Baxter to keep quiet.'] Sh ! [Turning to Mrs. Baxter and pretending to make a meek, heartfelt appeal.] Please let us go to-day. It's in honour of my arrival. I shall be so hurt if I don't have a picnic in honour of my arrival. Mrs. Baxter. Suppose it rains. Tom. [At a loss for an answer, appealing to the othe?'s.] Suppose it rains ? Miss Koberts. [At the window. 1 I can't see a single cloud. THE MOLLUSC 8/ Me. Baxter. The glass has gone up. Tom. It won't rain if we take plenty of umbrellas and mackintoshes and our goloshes. Mrs. Baxter. I think we are all too tired. Tom. [Scouting the idea.] Too tired ! [Mr. Baxter and Tom get together. Mrs. Baxter. I suppose it is the excitement of Tom's arrival which is making us feel so next-dayish. Tom. Next-dayish ! Mrs. Baxter. You especially. You were very irritable over the flowers. You ought to go and lie down. \She takes up her novel and opens it as if she considered the argument over. Miss Eoberts watches them anx- iously. Mr. Baxter makes an errv- phatic gesture, exjyressing his strong feelings on the subject. 88 THE MOLLUSC Tom. {Cliitcliing his a7")n.~\ We must keep our tempers. We must keep our tempers. Mr. Baxter. Shall we poke fun at her ? Tom. No, no, we'll try a little coaxing first. [He takes a chair, places it close heside Mrs. Bax- ter atid sits. Smiling affectionately at Mrs. Baxter.] Dear Dulcie. Mrs. Baxter. [Smiling affectionately at ToM ami jpattmg his knees.'] Dear Tom. Tom. We shall have such a merry picnic. Mrs. Baxter. It would have been nice, wouldn't it ? Tom. Under a canopy of green boughs with the sunbeams dropping patterns on the carpet of moss at our feet. Mrs. Baxter. Spiders dropping on our hats. THE MOLLUSC 89 Tom. Dear, interesting little creatures, and so in- dustrious. Mrs. Baxter. Ants up our arms. Tom. [Laughinff.] Lizards up our legs. Frogs in our food. Oh, we shall get back to Nature. [Tom and Mrs. Baxter both laugh heartily, both in the greatest good-humour. Mr. Baxter and Miss Roberts also laugh.'] Then it's settled. Mrs. Baxter. Yes, dear — it's settled. Tom. [ThinkiMg he hds won.] Ah ! Mrs. Baxter. We'll all stay quietly at home. [She resumes the reading of her hook. Tom is i Mr. Baxter. The girls will be greatly disappointed. go THE MOLLUSC Tom. [ With emotion?^ Poor girls ! A day in the woods. [ With muck jpathos.~\ Think what that means to those poor girls. Mrs. Baxter. {Rising and saying seriously to Miss Rob- erts.] Miss Roberts, you might go to the schoolroom and tell Gladys and Margery that Mamma says they may have a half -holiday and go for a picnic in the woods. [Tom winhs at Mr. Baxter. The three look at each other agreeably surprised. Miss Roberts. \Momng towards the stairs.] Thank you. Thank you very much, Mrs. Baxter. I'll go and get them ready at once. [She goes out. Tom. I knew we only had to appeal to her heart. Mr.*Baxter. We shall want twelve hard-boiled eggs. Tom. And some ginger-beer. Mr. Baxter. A ham. THE MOLLUSC 9I Tom. A few prawns. Mrs. Baxter. {Looking out of tJie window to which she has strolled.^ I am glad Miss Koberts and the gii'ls have got such a line day for their picnic. [Tom and Me. Baxter look at each otJier in dismay. Mr. Baxter. {After a paused] After leading us on to be- lieve Tom. {In great good humour.'] Can't you see she's teasing us ? {Going to Mrs. Baxter, he play- fidly pinches her ear.] Mischievous little puss ! Mrs. Baxter. {Gravely to Mr. Baxter.] Dear, I should like to speak to you. Mr. Baxter. Shall we go to my room ? Mrs. Baxter. I don't see why we need trouble to walk across the hall. {Glances at Tom.] We may get this room to ourselves by and by. [She sits down. 92 THE MOLLUSC Tom. \Cheerfully taking the hint.'] All right — all right. I'll go and make preparations for the picnic. Don't keep us waiting, Dulcie. Prawns — hams — ginger-beer [Jle runs off. Mr. Baxter. [Slightly peevish.] I wish you would enter more into the spirit of the picnic. It would do you good to go to a picnic. Mrs. Baxter. I don't like the way Tom is carrying on with Miss Roberts. Last evening they monopolized the conversation. This morning — a walk before breakfast. Just now — as soon as my back is turned — at it again. I don't like it — and it wouldn't do me any good at all to go to a picnic. Mr. Baxter. Tom seems so set on our going. Mrs. Baxter. Tom is set on making me go. Tom has taken upon himself to reform my character. He thinks I need stirring up. Mr. Baxter. [JSmbarrassed.] What put such an idea as that into your head ? THE MOLLUSC 93 Mrs. Baxter. [LooJdng him straight in the eye.'] The clumsy way you both go about it. [Mr. Bax- ter looks exceedingly uncomfortable.'] . . . It wouldn't deceive any woman. It wouldn't suit me at all if Tom became interested in Miss Roberts. I could never tind another Miss Rob- erts. She understands my ways so well, I couldn't possibly do without her ; not that I'm thinking of myself ; I'm thinking only of her good. It's not right for Tom to come here turning her head, and I don't suppose the cli- mate of Colorado would suit her. Mr. Baxter. I don't think we need worry yet. They only met yesterday. Mrs. Baxter. That is so like you, dear — to sit still and let everything slip past you like the — what was that funny animal Tom mentioned — the mol- lusc. I prefer to take action. We must speak to Tom. Mr. Baxter. You'll only offend him if you say anything to him. Mrs. Baxter. I've no intention of saying anything. 1 think it would come much better from you. 94 THE MOLLUSC Mk. Baxter. [ With determination?^ I shan't interfere. Mrs. Baxter. {^Trying to worlc on his feelings.'] It's not often I ask you to do anything for me, and I'm not strong. Mr. Baxter. [Feeling uncomfortahle.'] I shouldn't know what to say to Tom, or how to say it. Mrs. Baxter. {Approaching Mr. Baxter.] You know the way men talk to each other. Go up to him and say, " I say, old fellow, that little governess of ours. Hands otf, damn it all." [Mrs. Baxter nudges Mr. Baxter in a masculine way. Mr. Baxter laughs and retreats a little. Mrs. Baxter is mightily offended.'] I don't consider that trifling with a young girl's aflfections is food for laughter. Mr, Baxter. [Trying to conceal his amusement.'] I think I'll go and join Tom. Mrs. Baxter. Will you tell him we wish him to pay less [Miss Egberts enters] attention to [She sees Miss Roberts. THE MOLLUSC 95 Me. Baxtek. We'll see. \_He goes out. Mes. Baxtee. I know what that means. Miss Kobeets. {^Coming to Mes. Baxtee.] If you please, Mrs. Baxter, I'm having such trouble with Gladys and Margery. They want to go to the picnic in their Sunday hats, and I say they must go in their every-day ones. Mes. Baxtee. If there's going to be any trouble about the matter, let them have their own way. Miss Robeets. Thank you. {She is going out. Mes. Baxtee. Oh, Miss Roberts. [Miss Robeets stops.] I want a word with you before you start off on your picnic. Sit down, dear. [Miss Robeets sits down.'] You know how devoted I am to my brother Tom. Miss Robeets. [ With smiling enthusiasm.] I don't wonder. He's delightful. So amusing, so easy to get on with. 96 THE MOLLUSC Mrs. Baxter. Yes, but of course we all have our faults, and a man who gets on easily with one will get on easily with another. Always mistrust people who are easy to get on with. Miss Egberts. \8olemmly^ Oh — do you mean he isn't quite honest ? Mrs. Baxter. {Indignantly^ ^Nothing of the sort. You mustn't twist my meanings in that manner. You might get me into great trouble. Miss Egberts. I'm so sorry, but I thought you were warning me against him. Mrs. Baxter. {Confused?^ Yes — no — yes — and no. {Re- covering herself^ I am sure you will take what I'm going to say as I mean it, because — [smiles at her] I am so fond of you. Ever since you came to us I have wished to make you one of the family. When I say one of the family, I mean in the sense of taking your meals with us. Mr. Baxter and the girls and I are so much attached to you. We should like to keep you with us always. THE MOLLUSC 9/ Miss Robeets. I imist leave at the end of the term. Mrs. Baxter. We won't go into all that now. Miss Roberts. But Mrs. Baxter. \Sm,iling and raising her hand i/n protesta- tion^ says politely.'] Try not to interrupt. [Seri- ously.'] 1 should say that a man of Tom's age who has never married would be a contirmed bachelor. He might amuse himself here and there with a pretty girl, but he would never think of any woman seriously. Miss Roberts. \_Einbarrassed.] I can't think why you are saying this to me. Mrs. Baxter. [Plunging at last into her subject] To speak quite frankly — as a sister — I find your attitude towards my brother Tom a trifle too encourag- ing. Last evening, for instance, you monopo- lized a good deal of the conversation — and this morning you took a walk with him before breakfast — and altogether — \ye7y sweetly] it looks just a little bit as if you were trying to flirt— doesn't it ? 98 the mollusc Miss Kobeets. [ With suppressed rage.] I'm not a flirt ! Mes. Baxtee. I didn't say you were — I said Miss Eobeets. I'm not a flirt — I'm 7iot. Mes. Baxtee. We'll say no more about it. It was very hard for me to have to speak to you. You have no idea how difficult I found it. Miss Eobeets. Mrs. Baxter, you have often been very kind to me, and I don't want to forget it — but I'd rather not be treated as one of the family any more. I want my meals in the schoolroom, and I mustn't be expected to sit in the drawing- room. Mes. Baxtee. Upsetting the whole machinery of the house. Miss Eobeets. I can't go on meeting him at table and every- where. Mes. Baxtee. I don't see why not. THE MOLLUSC 99 Miss Egberts. I shouldn't know where to look or what to say. Mrs. Baxter. Look out of the window and converse on in- animate objects. Miss Roberts. [Mumhles angrily.'] I will not look out of the window and converse on inanimate objects. Mrs. Baxter. [^Putting wp a warning hand.] Hush, hush, hush! Miss Roberts. Please understand I won't be one of the family, and I won't go to the picnic. [She goes hurriedly into the garden. Mrs. Baxter. Oh, oh, naughty girl ! [Tom and Mr. Baxter enter. Tom. Cook thinks the large basket and the small hamper will suffice. She said suffice. Mrs. Baxter. I'm very sorry, Tom, but it is out of the question for us to go to a picnic to-day. lOO THE MOLLUSC Me. Baxter. Oh, Dulcie. Tom. Too late to back out. Mes. Baxtee. /haven't backed out. It's Miss Roberts. Tom. "We can't have a picnic without Miss Roberts. Me. Baxtee. "What's the matter with her ? Mes. Baxtee. {Solemnly ?\^ Miss Roberts and I have had words. [Tom whistles quietly. Me. Baxtee. "What about ? Mes. Baxter. Never you mind. Tom. Oh, it can't be such a very dreadful quarrel between two such nice sensible women. I guess you were both in the right. \To Me. Baxtee.] I guess they were both in the wrong. {Tciking Mes. Baxtee hy the arm and cajoling her.'] Come along. Tell us all about it. THE MOLLUSC lOI Mrs. Baxter. [ Withdrawing her arm.] No, Tom, I can't. Tom. Then suppose I go to Miss Koberts and get her version. Mrs. Baxter. [In dismay.] Oh, no, that wouldn't do at all. Tom. I only want to make peace. [To Mr. Bax- ter.] Wouldn't it be better if they told me and let me make it up for them ? Mr. Baxter. Why you ? Tom. A disinterested person. Mrs. Baxter. But you are not. [Putting her hand over her mouth. Tom. [Turns quickly to Mrs. Baxter.] What ? Mrs. Baxter. I'm not going to say any more. [She sits down. I02 THE MOLLUSC Tom. {Seriously?^ You mxtst. If your quarrel con- cerns me, I have a right to know all about it, Mr. Baxter. \Motioning to Mrs. Baxter.] You are only putting ideas into their heads. Tom. {Turning sharjply on Mr. Baxter.] Put- ting what ideas into their heads ? \_It dawns upon him what the subject of the quarrel has heen.l Oh! [7b Mrs. Baxter.] You don't mean to say you spoke to her about [He stops embarrassed^] What have you said to her? Mrs. Baxter. I decline to tell you. Tom. Then I shall ask her. [Going. Mrs. Baxter. [Quickly.'] No, no, Tom. I — prefer to tell you myself. I spoke very nicely to her. I forget how the conversation arose, but I think I did say something to the effect that young girls ought to be careful not to have their heads turned by men years older than themselves. THE MOLLUSC I03 [She looks significantly at ToM,who turns away angrily:] Instead of thanking me, she stamped and stormed and was very rude to me — very rude. I simply said \in a very gentle tone], Oh, Miss Eoberts ! [Bousing herself as she describes Miss Roberts' share in the scene.] But she went on shouting, " I won't go a picnic, I won't go a picnic ! " and bounced out of the room. It just shows you how you can be deceived in peo- ple, and I have been so good to that girl. Tom. [Coming towards Mes. Baxter.] I'm very angry — with you — very angry. Mrs. Baxter. I simply gave her a word of counsel which she chose to take in the wrong spirit. Tom. You interfered. You meddled. It's too bad of you, Dulcie. It's unbearable. Mr. Baxter. [ Watching ToM.] The way you take it any one would think you had fallen in love with our Miss Roberts since yesterday. Mrs. Baxter. Yes — wouldn't any one ? 104 THE MOLLUSC Tom. {Addressing them both.'] Would there be anything so strange in that ? Perhaps I have, I don't know — perhaps as you imply I'm old enough to know better. I don't know. All I know is, I think her the most charming girl 1 ever met. I've not had time to realize what this is ; one must wait and see ; give the seed a chance to produce a flower — not stamp on it. \_To Mrs. Baxter.] You might have left things alone, when all was going so pleasantly. I was just beginning to think — beginning to feel — wondering if perhaps — later on Kow you've spoilt everything. Mrs. Baxter. [^Tearful and angry.'] I won't stay here to be abused. [Going to the window.'] You've done nothing else all the morning, I'm tired of being taken in hand and improved. No one likes to be improved. [Mrs. Baxter goes out through the wi/ndow. Tom. I don't want to be unkind to her — but you know how a man feels. He doesn't like any one meddling when he's just beginning to THE MOLLUSC 105 Mr. Baxter. [Showing embarrassment all throtigJi the early jpai't of this scene.'] I agree with Dulcie. It would not be suitable for you to marry Miss Koberts. Tom. She's as good as any of us. Mr. Baxter. [Hesitatingly. ~\ It's not that. Miss Eoberts from her position here — alone in the world but for us — and having lived here so long — is — in a sense — under my protection. Tom. I don't see that, but go on. Mr. Baxter. I feel — in a certain degree — responsible for her. I think it is my duty — and Dulcie's duty — to try and stop her making what we both feel would be an unsuitable marriage. Tom. It's a little early to speak of our marriage, but why should it be unsuitable ? Mr. Baxter. We don't wish her to marry you. I06 THE MOLLUSC Tom. Why ? Give me a reason. Mr. Baxter. Why do you press me for a reason ? Tom. Because this is very important to me. You have constituted yourself her guardian. I have no objection to that^ but I want to get at your objection to me as a husband to her. I'm" in a position to marry. I'd treat her well if she'd have me. We'd be as happy as the day is long in our little home in the mountains Mr. Baxter. [ Unable to rest/rain himself.'] You married to her ? Oh, no — oh, no, I couldn't bear that. [^He sinks into a chair and leans his head on his hands. Tom. [Completely taken aback.] Dick, think what you're saying. Mr. Baxter. I couldn't help it. You made me say it — .talking of taking her away — right away where I shall never see her again, I couldn't stand my life here without her. THE MOLLUSC lO/ Tom. Dick, Dick I Mr. Baxter. She knows nothing of how I feel ; it's only this moment I realized myself what she is to me. TOM» Then from this moment you ought never to see her again. Mr. Baxter. That's impossible ! Tom. Think of Dulcie, and the girl herself; she can't live in the house with you both now. Mr. Baxter. She's lived with us for four years, and no one has ever seen any harm in it ; nothing is changed. ToM. From the moment you realized what she is to you, everything is changed, Mr. Baxter. There has never been anything to criticize in my conduct to Miss Roberts, and there won't be anything. Io8 THE MOLLUSC Tom. She is the object of an affection, which you, as a married man, have no right to feel for her. I don't blame you entirely. I blame Dulcie, for throwing you so much together. I remember all you said last evening. Dulcie used to play chess with you, now she tells Miss Roberts to ; Dulcie used to go for long walks with you, now she sends Miss Roberts. Out of your forced companionship has sprung this, which she ought to have foreseen. Mr. Baxter. Nothing is confessed or understood ; I don't see that Miss Roberts is in any danger. Tom. She is alone. She has no confidant, no friend, no outlet for the natural desires of youth, for love, for some one to love. She finds you sym- pathetic — you know the rest. Mr. Baxter. It is jealousy that is at the bottom of your morality. Tom. It won't do, Dick. It's a most awful state of things. Me. Baxter. If you think that, I wonder you stay here. THE MOLLUSC 109 Tom. Yery well, if you mean I ought to clear out. {He goes towards the door. Mk. Baxter. [Following after ToM.] No, Tom. Look here, I didn't mean that ; but you see, you and I can't discuss tnis without losing our tempers, so if your visit to us is to continue mutually pleasant, as I hope it will, we'd better avoid the topic in future. Tom. Then you mean to keep Miss Koberts here indefinitely, — compromised ? Mr. Baxter. It's no use going over the ground ; we don't see things from the same point of view, so don't let us go on discussing. [He goes iq? the stairs and then turns to Tom.] Tom, you might trust me. [Mr. Baxter goes out. [Tom remains in deep thought, tJien sud- denly makes a determined movement, then stops and sighs. Miss Egberts enters from the garden. She hesitates timidly when she sees him. Miss Egberts. Mrs. Baxter sent me to get her magazine. no THE MOLLUSC Tom. Where is my sister ? Miss Egberts. Sitting in the garden. [me takes ujp the magazine and is goirig out again. Tom. I [Miss Eoberts sto;ps.'\ I — want to tell you something. Miss Kobeets. I can't stay. Tom. I ask you as a great favour to me to hear me. Miss Egberts. I ought not to stay. Tgm. I didn't think you'd refuse me when I asked you like that. Miss Egberts. [Hesitating.'] I can't stay long. Tgm. Won't you sit down while I tell you ? [Re indicates a chair. MiSS Egberts comes to the THE MOLLUSC III chii/r and sits.] I want to tell you about my* self, and my life in Colorado. Miss Egberts. [Jfervously.'] I don't think I can stay if it's just to talk and hear stories of Colorado. Tom. [Smilmg.'j Did you have enough of my stories this morning ? Miss Roberts. Oh, no, I was quite interested in what you said, but I Tom. You were interested. I knew it by your eyes. Why, you even thought you'd like to go there yourself some time. Miss Roberts. I've changed my mind. I've quite given up that idea now. Tom. You'd like it out there. I'm sure you would; it's a friendly country; no one cares who you are, but only what you are, so you soon make friends. That's right. That gives every one a chance, and it's good in this 112 THE MOLLUSC way, it makes a man depend on himself, it teaches him to think clearly and decide quickly ; in fact he has to keep wide awake if he wants to succeed. That's the kind of training I've had. I've been from mining camp to mining camp — I've tried my luck in half the camps in California and Colorado. Sometimes it was good, sometimes bad, but take it altogether, I've done well. {Making the next point clearly am,d delicately.'] I've got something saved up, and I can always make good money, anywhere west of Chicago. [Laicghing.] Now I'm talk- ing like a true American ; they always begin by telling you how much they've got. You'll forgive me, won't you ? It's force of habit. Now what was I saying ? [Se^^iously.] We learn to decide quickly in everything ; you find me somewhat abrupt ; it's only that. I make up my mind all at once, and once it's made up, that's finished — I don't change. {Hesitating slightly.'] The first time I saw you I made up my mind — I said that's the girl for me, that's the girl I want for my wife. [Leans towards her.] Will you be my wife? Miss Egberts. [Rising am,d very much moved and distressed.] Oh, no, I can't. I didn't know that was com- ing, or I wouldn't have listened, I wouldn't in- deed. THE MOLLUSC 113 Tom. \FoUoioing her.] I've been too abrupt. I warned you I was like that; I make up my mind I want something, and the next thing is, I go straight away and ask for it. That's too quick for you. You want time to think— well, take time to think it over. [Miss Roberts turns to Mm quickly/.] Don't tell me yet ; there's no hurry. I'm not going back for a month or two. Miss Roberts. I'm very much obliged to you for asking me to marry you, but I can't. Tom. Never ? Miss Roberts. No, never ! I don't think so. Tom. Eh ? That sounds like hope. Miss Roberts. [Quickly. 1 I didn't mean it* to sound like hope. Tom. It didn't seem that way last evening when we were talking about the forests and the 114 THE MOLLUSC mountains, and I was telling you how it felt to be back — or this morning when we were get- ting flowers, or afterwards when we sat here, while they were eating their cake and milk ; it seemed to me we were getting on famously. Miss Eobeets. \A.jpjpeali7igly^ Oh, please don't go on. I can't bear it. You only distress me. \8he sobs. Tom. Oh ! [Pausing and looking at her, he sees that she means it and is really distressed.'] I'm sorry. [He goes out abruptly Miss Eobeets is weejping bitterly. Mr. Baxter enters. He connes down-stairs towards her and looks down at her with affec- tionate concern. Miss Roberts does not notice his presence till he speaks. Mr. Baxter. What is it ? Miss Eoberts. [Trying to control her sobs.] Nothing. Mr. Baxter. You are in trouble. You are in great trouble —can't you tell me, —can't I do anything ? THE MOLLUSC II5 Miss Egberts. No. Mr. Baxter. "Wouldn't it do you good to tell somebody ? Don't you want some one to tell it all to ? Miss Egberts. I want [She falters. Mr. Baxter. What is it you want ? Miss Egberts. I think I want a mother. [The effort of saying this brings on her tears afresh; she stands weepinghitterly . Mr. Baxter puts his arm about her and draws her gently to him. She yields herself natxirally and sobs on his shoulder. Mr. Baxter murmurs and soothes her. Mr. Baxter. Poor child ! Poor child ! [ While they are in this sentimental position Tgm and Mrs. Baxter appear at tlie vnndow. They see Mr. Baxter and Miss Egberts but are unseen by them. Miss Egberts disengages herself from Mr. Baxter and goes out sobbing without per- ceiving Tgm and Mrs. Baxter. Mr. Baxter Il6 THE MOLLUSC watches Miss Egberts off^ then turns and sees Mrs. Baxter for tJie first time ; he hecomes ve7"y embarrassed under her steady disapprov- ing eyes. To Mrs. Baxter.] Do you want me to explain ? Mrs. Baxter. [^Coldly.'] Not at present, thank you, Kichard. Mr. Baxter. I was only Mrs. Baxter. Not now. I prefer to consider my position carefully before expressing my astonishment and indignation. Mr. Baxter. Well, if you won't let me explain \^He turns to the window and sees ToM. He looks appealingly at him. ToM ignores him atid walks past Mm. Mr. Baxter shrugs his shoulders and goes out through the window. Mrs. Baxter. I don't know which of them I feel angriest with. Tom. Dick, of course. THE MOLLUSC WJ Mes. Baxter. \_Tearfully.'\ For thirteen years no man has ever kissed me, — except you, — and Dick, — and Uncle Joe, — and Dick's brothers, — and old Mr. Redmayne, — and the Dean when he came back from the Holy Land. [ Working herself into a rage.'] I'll never speak to Dick again. I'll bundle Miss Eoberts out of the house at once. Tom. Do it discreetly. Send her away certainly but don't do anything hastily. Mrs. Baxter. I'm not the woman to put up with that sort of thing. Tom. [Persuasively.'] Don't be hard on her ; don't be turning her into the street ; make it look as if she were going on a holiday. Pack her off somewhere with the children for a change of air, this afternoon. Mrs. Baxter. It's most inconvenient; everything will be upside down. [^Calming herself, she sits in an armchair.^ You're right. I mustn't be too hasty ; better wait a few days, till the end of the term, or even till after we come home from the seaside, then pack her off. [Pause.'] Un- less it blows over. Il8 THE MOLLUSC Tom. \Astonished and going to her quichly.'] Blows over! It won't blow over while she's in the house. [ Very seriously.'] You're up against a serious crisis. Take warning from what you saw and save your home from ruin. [Mrs. Bax- ter, awed and impressed by this,, listeiis atten- tively.'] You've grown so dependent on Miss Roberts, you've almost let her slip into your place ; if you want to keep Dick, you must begin an altogether different life, not to-mor- row [Mrs. Baxter shakes her head.] Not next week [Mrs. Baxter shakes her head again.] Now ! [Mrs. Baxter's/(2c<3 hetrays her discontent at the unattractive pros- pect he offers her.] You be his companion, you play chess with him, you go walks with him, sit up with him in the evenings, get up early in the morning. Be gay and cheerful at the breakfast table. When he goes away, see him off ; when he comes home, run to meet him. Learn to do without Miss Roberts, and make him forget her. Mrs. Baxter. Yery well. [^Rising.] She shall leave this house directly,— directly I recover, Tom, Recover from what ? THE MOLLUSC II9 Mrs. Baxter. From the shock. Think of the shock I've had ; there's sure to be a reaction. I shouldn't wonder if I had a complete collapse. It's be- ginning already, \_8he totters and goes towards staircase.] Oh, dear, I feel so ill. Please call Miss Eoberts. Tom. You were going to learn to do without Miss Eoberts. Mrs. Baxter. That was before I was ill. I can't be ill without Miss Eoberts. [Puts her hand to her side, turns up her eyes and groaiu as she totters out. Tom. Oh! Ohl You Mollusc! THE CURTAIN FALLS THE THIRD ACT SCENE. — TJie same scene one week later. The only difference to the appearance of the room, is that there is the addition ^of an invalid couch with a little table beside it. Tom is in an armchair reading a newspaper. Miss Roberts comes in carrying two pil- lows, a scent bottle, and two fans. The pillows she lays on the couch. Miss Robeets. She is coining down to-day. Tom. [Betraying no i/nterest at aU.'\ Oh ! Miss Roberts. Aren't you pleased ? Tom. I think it's about time. Miss Roberts. How unsympathetic you are — when she has been so ill. For a whole week she has never left her room. THE MOLLUSC 121 Tom. And refuses to see a doctor. Miss Roberts. She says she doesn't think a doctor could do anything for her. Tom. Except make her get up. Oh, no ! I forgot — it's their business to keep people in bed. Miss Roberts. You wouldn't talk like that if you'd seen her as I have, lying there day after day, so weak she can only read the lightest literature, and eat the most delicate food. Tom. She won't let me in her room. Miss Roberts. She won't have any one but Mr. Baxter and me. Tom. It's too monstrous. What actually happened that day ? Miss Roberts. Which day ? 122 the mollusc Tom. The day you turned me down. [Miss Egb- erts looks at him trotobled. He looks away sadly. ^ What happened after that ? Miss Roberts. I was still upset when Mr. Baxter came in and tried to comfort me. Tom. [Grrnily.'] I remember. Miss Roberts. You know he's a kind fatherly little man. Tom. Oh— fatherly ! Miss Roberts. Yes, I wept on his shoulder just as if he'd been an old woman. Tom. Ah ! An old woman ! I don't mind that. Miss Roberts. Then I went to the schoolroom. Presently in walked Mrs. Baxter. She seemed upset too, for all of a sudden she flopped right over in the rocking-chair. THE MOLLUSC ti% Tom. The only comfortable chair in that room. Miss Egberts. Oh, don't say that. Then I called Mr. Bax- ter ; when he came, she gripped his hand and besought him never to leave her. I was going to leave them alone together, when she gripped my hand and besought me never to leave her either. Tom. Did you promise ? Miss Egberts. Of course. I thought she was dying. Tgm. \_Scouting the idea.'] Dying? "What made you think she was dying ? Miss Egberts. She said she was dying. Tgm. Well, what happened after she gripped you both in her death struggles ? Miss Egberts. We got her to bed, where she has remained ever since. 124 THE MOLLUSC Tom. And here we are a week later, all four of us just where we were, only worse. What's to be done? Miss Roberts. We must go on as we are for the present. Tom. Impossible ! Miss Roberts. Till you go. Then Mr. Baxter and I Tom. More impossible ! Miss Roberts. {Innocently 7\ Poor Mr. Baxter ; he will miss you when you go ; I shall do my best to com- fort him. Tom. That's most impossible. Miss Roberts. He must have some one to take care of him, while his wife is ill. Tom. You don't really think she has anything the matter with her ? THE MOLLUSC 12$ Miss Egberts. I can't imagine any one who is not ill stop- ping in bed a week ; it must be so boring. Tom. To a moUusc there is no pleasure like lying in bed feeling strong enough to get up. Miss Egberts. Bat it paralyzes everything so. Mr. Baxter can't go to business ; I never have an hour to give to the girls ; they're running wild and for- getting the little I ever taught them. I can't believe she would cause so much trouble delib- erately. Tgm. Not deliberately, no. It suited Dulcie to be ill, so she kept on telling herself that she was ill till she thought she was, and if we don't look out, she will be. It's all your fault. Miss Egberts. Oh— how ? Tgm. You make her so comfortable, she'll never recover till you leave her. Miss Egberts. I've promised never to leave her till she re- covers. i^ THE MOLLUSC Tom. A death-bed promise isn't binding if the corpse doesn't die. Miss Roberts. I don't think you quite understand how strongly I feel my obligation to Mrs. Baxter. Four years ago I had almost nothing, and no home ; she gave me a home ; I can't desert her while she is helpless, and tells me twenty times a day how much she needs me. Tom. She takes advantage of your old-fashioned conscience. Miss Egberts. I wish she would have a doctor. Tom. [ With determination.'] She shall have me. Miss Roberts. But suppose you treat her for moUuscr}?^, and you find out she has a real illness — think how dreadful you would feel. Tom. That's what I've been thinking. That's why I've been sitting still doing nothing for a week. I do believe I'm turning into a mollusc again. THE MOLLUSC 12/ It's in the air. The house is permeated with moUu scalar microbes. I'll find out what is the matter with Dulcie to-day ; if it's molluscry I'll treat her for it myself, and if she's ill she shall go to a hospital. Miss Egberts. \Going to the hottom of tJie stairs.'] I think I hear her coming down-stairs. Yes, here she is. Don't be unkind to her. Tom. How is one to treat such a woman ? I've tried kindness — I've tried roughness — I've tried keeping my temper — I've tried losing it — I've tried the serious tack — and the frivolous tack — there isn't anything else. \_As Mr. and Mrs. Baxter appear.] Oh ! for heaven's sake look at this ! [He takes his paper and sits down, ignor- ing them both. Mr. Baxter is carry- ing Mrs. Baxter m his arms. Mrs. Baxter is charniingly dressed as an invalid, in a peignoir and cap with a how. She appears to he m the hest of health, hut behaves languidly. Mrs. Baxter. {As Mr. Baxter carries her doion the stairs.] Take care of the stairs, Dick. Thank you, dai'ling ! How kind you are to me. [I^oda 128 THE MOLLUSC and smiles to Miss Egberts.] Dear Miss Rob- erts ! [To Mr. Baxter.] I think you'd bet- ter put me down, dear — I feel you're giving way. \_Be lays her on the sofa. Miss Roberts arranges the cushions hehind her head.'] Thank you — just a little higher with the pillows ; and mind you tuck up my toes. [Miss Roberts 2)uts some wraps over her — she nods and smiles at Tom.] And what have you been doing all this week, Tom ? Tom. \_Gruffly, without looking tip.'] Mollusking. Mrs. Baxter. [Laughs and shakes her hand playfully at Tom.] How amusing Tom is. I don't under- stand half his jokes. [She sinks hack on her cushions with a little ga^p).] Oh, dear, how it tires me to come down stairs. I wonder if I ought to have made the effort. [Tom laughs harshly. Mr. Baxter. [Reprovingly.'] Tom ! [Miss Roberts also looks reprovingly at Tom. Mrs. Baxter. Have you no reverence for the sick ? THE MOLLUSC 1 29 Tom. You make me sick. Mes. Baxter. Miss Roberts, will you give me my salts, please ? Miss Egberts. They're on the table beside you, Mrs. Baxter. Mrs. Baxter. Hand them to me, please. [Miss Roberts picks up the salts where they stand within easy reach of Mrs. Baxter if she would only stretch out her hand. Mr. Baxter makes an attempt to get the salts.'] Not you, Dick ; you stay this side, and hold them to my nose. The bottle is so heavy. [Miss Roberts gives the salts to Mrs. Baxter, who gives them to Mr. Baxter, who holds them to Mrs. Baxter's nose.] De- licious ! Tom. [^Rising quickly and going towa/rds Mrs. Baxter.] Let me hold it to your nose. I'll make it delicious. Mrs. Baxter. [^Briskly.] No, thank you; take it away, Miss Roberts. I've had all I want. [^She giwes the hottle to Miss Roberts. I30 THE MOLLUSC Tom. I thought as much. Mrs. Baxter. {Feehly^ My fan. Mr. Baxter. \A.nxiouslyi\ A fan, Miss Eoberts — a fan! [Miss Roberts takes a fan and gives it to Mr. Baxter. Mrs. Baxter. Is there another fan ? Mr. Baxter. [Anxiously.'] Another fan, Miss Roberts — another fan! [Miss Roberts gets another fan. Mrs. Baxter. If you could make the slightest little ruffle of wind on my right temple. [Miss Roberts stands gently fanning Mrs. Baxter's right temple. Mr. Baxter also fans her. Tom twists his newsjpaper into a fan. Tom. "Would you like a ruffle of wind on your left temple ? THE MOLLUSC I31 Mrs. Baxter. {Briskly^ No, no — no more fans — take them all away — I'm catching cold. [Miss Roberts takes the fan from Mr. Baxter and lays hoth fans on the table. Mrs. Baxter smiles feebly at Mr. Baxter and Miss Roberts. Tom goes bach to his chair and sits7\ My dear kind nurses ! Miss Roberts. Is there anything else I can do for you ? Mrs. Baxter. No, thank you. {They turn away.'] Yes, hold my hand. [Miss Roberts holds her hand. Then to Mr. Baxter.] And you hold this one. [Mr. Baxter holds Mrs. Baxter's other hand. She closes her Tom. Would you like your feet held ? Mr. Baxter. {Holding up his hands to silence ToM.] Hush, she's trying to sleep. Tom. {Going to her says in a hoarse whisper.'] Shall I sing you to sleep ? [Mr. Baxter pushes Tom away. Tom resists. 132 THE MOLLUSC Mr. Baxter. Come away — she'll be better soon. {They learn her.] Oh, Tom, if you knew how I blame myself for this ; it's all through me she's been brought so low; ever since the day she caught me comforting Miss Roberts. How she must have suffered, and she's been so sweet about it. Mrs. Baxter. [Opens her eyes.] I don't feel any better since I came down-stairs. [Miss Roberts comes back to the sofa. Mr. Baxter. I wish you'd see a doctor. Mrs. Baxter. As if a country doctor could diagnose me. Tom. Have a baronet from London. Mrs. Baxter. Later on, perhaps, unless I get well vrithout. Tom. Then you do intend to recover ? Mrs. Baxter. "We hope, with care, that I may be able to get up and go about as usual in a few weeks' time. THE MOLLUSC 1 33 Tom. When I've gone back to Colorado? \Re pushes Mr. Baxter out of the way and ap- proaches Mrs. Baxter.] I guess you'd be very much obliged to me if I cured you. Mrs. Baxter. [Speaking rapidly and with sv/rprising en- ergy.'] Yes, Tom, of course I should. But I've no confidence in you, and Dr. Ross once said a doctor could do nothing for a patient who had no confidence in him. [Smiling at Tom.] I'm so sorry, Tom ; I wish I had confidence m you. Tom. I have confidence in myself enough for two. Mrs. Baxter. Dr. Ross said that wasn't at all the same thing. I wish you'd stand farther off; you make it so airless when you come so close. [She wa^es him off with her hand. Tom. I'm not going to touch you. Mrs. Baxter. [Relieved^ Oh, well, that's another matter. I thought you were going to force me up. Try 134 THE MOLLUSC to rather. Do what you like, as long as you don't touch me or make me drink anything I don't like. I mean that I ought not to have. Me. Baxter. I wish we could think of some way to make our darling better. Tom. I've heard of people who couldn't get up having their beds set on fire. \He picks up a hox of matches and goes towards Mrs. Baxter. Mr. Baxter ru7is excitedly towards her to shield her. Mr. Baxter. No, Tom— Miss Eoberts ! [Miss Roberts also attempts to shield Mrs. Baxter. Mrs. Baxter. [Talcing a hand of Mr. Baxter and a hand of Miss Roberts — serenely.'] My dear ones, he doesn't understand — he wouldn't really do it. Tom. "Wouldn't he ? \Heputs the snatches hack. Mrs. Baxter. To show him I'm not afraid, leave me alone with him. THE MOLLUSC 135 Tom. Going to try and get round me, too ? That's no good. Mrs. Baxter. {Affectionately to Me. Baxter and Miss Egberts.] You need a rest, I'm sure — both of you. Miss Roberts, will you go to the li- brary for me, and change my book ? Miss Roberts. With pleasure. Mrs. Baxter. Bring me something that won't tax my brain. Miss Roberts. [Soothingly.'] Yes, yes, something trashy — very well. [She goes out. Mr. Baxter. [Impulsively.'] I need a walk too. I'll go with Miss Roberts. [About to follow her. Mrs. Baxter. [Quickly pulling him hack.] No, you won't, Dick. I want you to go up-stairs and move my furniture. The wash-stand gets all the sun, so I want the bed where the wash-stand is, and the wash-stand where the bed is. I wouldn't trouble you, dear, but I don't like to ask the servants to push such heavy weights. 136 THE MOLLUSC Mr. Baxter. I'll do anything, dear, to make you more comfortable. Mrs. Baxter. Do it quietly, so that I shan't be disturbed by the noise as I lie here. {Closes her eyes. Mr. Baxter. Darling. \He hisses her tenderly on the hrow, then tiptoes to the stairs motioning ToM to keep quiet. Tom stamps heavily on the ground with hoth feet. Mr. Bax- ter, startled, signs to ToM to keep quiet ; then goes out. Mrs. Baxter. [Smiling and murmuring.] Dear Dick I Tom. Poor Dick ! Mrs. Baxter. [Plaintively.'] Poor Dulcie ! Tom. Look here, Dulciebella, it's no use trying to get round me. I know you. I've seen you THE MOLLUSC 1 3/ grow up. Why, even in your cradle you'd lie by the hour, gaping at the flies, as if the world contained nothing more important. I used to tickle you, to try and give you a new interest in life, but you never disturbed yourself till bottle time. And afterwards; don't I know every ruse by which you'd make other people run about, when you thought you were playing tennis, standing on the front line, tipping at any ball that came near enough for you to spoil — \]ie thumps the cushions] and then taking all the credit if your partner won the set. \_Again he thumps the cushions. Each time Mes. Baxter looks startled and attempts to draw them from him.] And if a ball was lost, would you help to look for it ? [Tom gesticulates — Mes. Bax- ter watches him in alarm.] Not you. You'd pretend you didn't see where it went. Those were the germs of muUuscry in infancy — and this is the logical conclusion — you lying there with a bow in your cap — \he jUcks her cap with his hand] having your hands held. Mes. Baxtee. {In an injured tone.] You have no natural affection. Tom. I've a solid, healthy, brotherly affection for you, without a spark of romance. 138 THE MOLLUSC Mrs. Baxter. Other people are much kinder to me than you are. Tom. Other people only notice that you look pretty and interesting lying there — they wouldn't feel so sorry for you if you were ugly [Mrs. Baxter smiles.'] You know that ; that's why you stuck that bow in your bonnet. [He flicks her cwp again.] You can't fool me. [Moves away. Mrs. Baxter. [Sweetly yet maliciously.] No, dear, I saw that the morning you made me do the flowers. Tom. [Exasperated at the remembrance of his fail- ure.] Get up ! [Thumps the table. Mrs. Baxter. I can't get up. Tom. Lots of people think every morning that they can't get up, but they do. Mrs. Baxter. Lots of people do lots of things I don't. THE MOLLUSC 130 Tom. How you can go on like this after what you saw — Dick and Miss Roberts a week ago — after the warning 1 gave you then. I thought the fundamental instinct in any woman was self- preservation, and that she would make every effort to keep her husband by her. You don't seem to care — to indulge your moUuscry you throw those two more and more together. Mes. Baxter. I don't see how you make that out. Tom. There they are, both spending the whole of their time waiting on you. Mrs. Baxter. In turns — never together — and I always have one or the other with me. Tom. {Takvng it all in, he laiighs omd sa/ys with ad- miration OMd astonishment.'] Oh ! Oh 1 I see. Lie still, hold them both to you and hold them apart. That's clever. Mrs. Baxter. Tour way was to pack Miss Roberts off ; the result would have been that Dick would be I40 THE MOLLUSC sorry for her and blame me. My way, Dick is sorry for me, and blames himself, as long as Miss Roberts is here to remind him. Tom. You can't keep this game up forever. Mks. Baxter. \_Com;placently.'] When I feel comfortable in my mind that the danger has quite blown over [She suddenly Temembers she is giv- ing herself away too much.] Oh, but Tom, I hope you don't think I planned all this like a plot, and got ill on purpose ? Tom. Who knows ? It may have been a plot, or suggestions may have arisen like bubbles in the subconscious caverns of your mollusc nature. Mrs. Baxter. [Ofended.'] It was bubbles. Tom. You don't know which it was any more than anybody else. Think what this means for the others — there's your husband growing ill with anxiety, neglecting his business — your children running wild when they ought to be at school — Miss Roberts wasting her life in drudgery. THE MOLLUSC 141 All of them sacrificed so that you may lie back and keep things as they are. But you can't keep things as they are ; they'll get worse, un- less you get on to yourself and buck up. It's that, or the break up of your home. Now Miss Roberts' presence in the house has ceased to be a danger — [Mks. Baxter smiles] for the mo- ment. But you wait ! Wait till this invalid game is no longer a novelty, and Dick grows tired of being on his best behaviour — or wait till he finds himself in some trouble of his own, then see what happens. He won't turn to you, he'll spare you — he'll turn to his friend, his companion, the woman he has come to rely on — because you shirked your duties on to her, and pushed her into your place. And there you'll be left, lying, out of it, a cypher in your own home. Mes. Baxter. [Pleascmtly.] Do you know, Tom, I some- times think you would have made a magnificent public speaker. [Tom is cmgry. He conveys to the audi- ence hy his manner in the next part of the scene that he is trying a change of tactics. He sits. Tom. I wonder where those two are now ? 142 THE MOLLUSC Mks. Baxter. Miss Roberts has gone to the library, and Dick is up-stairs moving my furniture. Tom. \Gazing up at tJie ceiling.'] I haven't heard any noise of furniture being moved about. Mes. Baxtee. \Smiling.'\ I asked him to do it quietly. Tom. Miss Roberts has had more than time to go to the library and back. Mes. Baxter. {^Growing uneasy and sitting up.] You don't think he's gone too ? Tom. {^In an offhand way.] That's M^hat I should do. Pretend to you I was going up-stairs to move furniture, and I should move out after her. Mrs. Baxtee. It's the first time I've let them out of my si^ht together since [^She sits holt up- right] Go and see if they're coming. [She points to the window. THE MOLLUSC I43 Tom. They'd be careful not to be seen from this window. Mrs. Baxter. \Excitedly!\ They may be in the arbour. Tom. It's a very good place. Mes. Baxter. Go and look. Tom. I won't. Mrs. Baxter. Then I wiU ! \She springs off the couch andruns towm'ds the window. Tom. I thought I should make you get up. Mrs. Baxter. {Brought suddenly to realize what she his done.] Oh ! Tom. Now that you are up, better go and look in the arbour. 144 THE MOLLUSC Mes. Baxter. If I do catch them again, of course there will be only one thing for me to do. Tom. What's that? Mrs. Baxter. The girls and I must come out and rough it with you in Colorado. \81ie goes out through tlie wmdow. Tom. [Protesting vehemently.] No, you don't ! I won't have that ! Not at any price. There's no room for you in Colorado. Oh, dear ! What a dreadful thought ! [Miss Koberts comes m wearing her hat aiui carrying the library hook in her hand.'] Thank goodness, they were not in the arbour. Miss Roberts. What? Tom. Oh, never mind, never mind. Miss Roberts. [Surprised at not seeing Mrs. BaxteB on the oottch.] Why, where is she ? THE MOLLUSC 1 45 Tom. Gone for a chase round the garden. Miss Egberts. A chase ? Tom. A wild goose chase. Leave her alone— she needs; exercise. You see I was right ; she was moll asking. Miss Eoberts. And she wasn't really ill ? Tom. \<^uiGldy^, Now seize this opportunity to give her notice. Have a plan. Know where you're going to or we shall have — " Dear Miss Eoberts — stay with us till you find a place " — and the whole thing over again. Miss Egberts. {TakiTig off her hat, says thoughtfully.'] I don't know where I can go at a moment's no- tice. I suppose you don't actually know of any one in Colorado who wants a governess ? Tom. No, I can't say I do. Miss Egberts. Then I suppose it must be the Governesses' Home. 146 THE MOLLUSC Tom. {Kindly^ "We shall hear from you from time to time, I hope ? Miss Robeets. {Pleased?!^ Oh, yes, if you wish to. Tom. You'll write sometimes — [Miss Roberts looks up hopefully. But when he says " to my sister^'' she is disappointed'^ to my sister ? Miss Roberts. {^Disappointed.'] Oh, yes. Tom. And in that way I shall hear of you. Miss Roberts. [Sadly.] If you remember to ask. But peo- ple so soon forget, don't they ? Tom. I shan't forget. I don't want you to forget me. Miss Roberts. It won't make much difference to you in Colorado whether you're remembered or for- gotten by me. the mollusc 1 47 Tom. I like to know there are people here and there in the world who care what happens to me. Miss Roberts. [Faltering.] That's something, isn't it ? Tom. It's a real thing to a man who lives out of his own country ; we spend a lot of time just thinking of the folks at home. Miss Roberts. Do you ? Tom, [Looks at her face.] How young you are — there isn't a line in 3'-our face. [She smiles at him.] You will let me hear how you get on ? [Moves away. Miss Roberts. [Disappointed.] If there's anything to tell. Some people have no history. Tom. Yours hasn't begun yet — your life is all be- fore you. Miss Roberts. A governess's life isn't much, 148 the mollusc Tom. You won't always be a governess. You'll marry a young man, I suppose. I hope he'll be worthy of you. Miss Roberts. {Wistfully^ Would he have to be young for that ? Tom. It's natural ; I suppose it's right — anyway it can't be helped. A man doesn't realize that he's growing old with the rest of the world ; he notices that his friends are. He can't see him- self — so he doesn't notice that he, too — he gets a shock now and then — but . . . well, then he gets busy about something else and forgets. Miss Robeets. Forgets ? Tom. Or tries to. I almost wish I'd never come to England. It was easier out there to get busy and forget. Miss Roberts. You'll find that easy enough when you go back. THE MOLLUSC I49 Tom. \Shahing his headJ] Too much has hap- pened; more than I can forget. But I must buck up because I have to be jolly as a duty to my neighbours, and then your letters — they'll cheer me. And when that inevitable letter arrives to tell me you've found happiness, I shall send you my kindest thoughts and best wishes, and try not to curse the young devil whoever he is. So you see we can always be friends, can't we ? In spite of the blunder I jnade a week ago. Don't quite forget me — [taking her hands OAfid shaking them'] when he comes along. [He goes and sits on the couch discon- solately. M18S Roberts. Shall I tell you something ? Tom. What? Miss Roberts. Oh, no — I can't ! Tom. You must now you've begun. Miss Roberts. I daren't. ISO THE MOLLUSC . Tom. I want you to. Miss Kobeets. Well, don't look at me. Tom. I'm ready. [He looks at her^ and then t\i/)-ns his hack to her. ^Miss Egberts. Suppose there was a girl, quite young, and not bad looking, and she knew that her chief value as a person was her looks and her youth, and a man — oh, I don't know how to say this Tom. I'm not looking. Miss Roberts. He had great value as a person. He was kind and sensible, and brave, and he had done things. He wasn't young, but he couldn't have lived and still had a smooth face, so she liked him all the better for not having a smooth face — his face meant things to a girl, and if he wanted to give her so much — such great things — don't you think she'd be proud to give him her one little possession, her looks and her youth ? THE MOLLUSC 151 Tom. You don't mean us ? \He turns to her. Miss Egberts. \Overcome with, confusion^ Don't look at me. I'm ashamed. {Covers her face with her hands. Tom goes to her., gently draws her hands from her face and' holds them hath in his.'] I wouldn't have dared to tell you only I couldn't let you go on thinking what you were thinking. "When you asked me to marry you a week ago and I said " No " — it was only because I was so hurt — my pride was hurt and I thought — oh, never mind now — I wanted to say " Yes " all the time. Tom. {Looking at her and saying to himself as if he scarcely helieved it.'] I am really going to take her with me to Colorado. {Kisses her. After a slight pause, Mr. Baxter enters lirnping painfully. Mr. Baxter. I've sprained my ankle — moving that wash- stand. Tom. Oh, my poor old chap — what can we do for you? 152 THE MOLLUSC Miss Egberts. You ought to have some lint and a bandage. \To Tom.] You'll find it in a cupboard in the spare room — your room. Tom. All right — hold on while I go and get it. ^le puts Mr. Baxter's hand on the jpost of the stairs ; then he goes out. Miss Koberts. Hold on to me, Mr, Baxter. \She supports him. Mrs. Baxter enters from the garden without seeing Mr. Baxter and Miss Koberts. Mrs. Baxter. They're not in the arbour. {Catching sight of them.'] What again ? Miss Egberts. He's sprained his ankle. Mrs. Baxter. {Rushing to him.] Sprained his ankle — oh, my poor Dick ! Mr. Baxter. {Looking surprised at Mrs. Baxter.] What, you up — running about ? THE MOLLUSC 153 Mrs. Baxter. I've taken a sudden turn for the better. Mr. Baxter. {Mournfully^ I wish you'd taken it a bit sooner ; making me move that damned old wash- stand. {Then suddenly^ Oh, my foot ! Mrs. Baxter. Let me help you to my couch. [Tom comes in with handagea. Mr. Baxter. You wouldn't know how. {Pushes her away. Mrs. Baxter gives an exclamation of horro7'. Turning to Miss Roberts.] Miss Roberts ! Mrs. Baxter. Let me! Mr. Baxter. No, no— not now. {As Miss Roberts as- sists him to the sofa.] You see, she's used to helping people, and you're not. [Miss Roberts kneels and begins to unr tie his shoe-lace. Mrs. Baxter. {To Tom.] He refuses my help. iS4 THE MOLLUSC Tom. He turns to the woman he has come to rely on. Kow is your chance. Seize it ; you may never get another. Me. Baxter. I want a pillow for my foot. Miss Kobeets. \Rising7\ A pillow for your foot ? Tom. \To Mes. Baxtee.] Go on — go on— get it. Mes, Baxtee. \Itunning for the pillow^ A pillow for his foot. \8he anticipates Miss Robeets, snatches the pillow and hririgs it to Me. Baxtee, the7i looking indignantly at Miss Roberts she raises Me. Baxtee's sprained foot with one hand as she places the pillow under it with the other. Me. Baxtee utters a yell of pain.'] Oh, my poor Dick, I'm so sorry. Did I hurt you ? Me. Baxtee. {LooMng at her in wonder.] Why, Dulcie, but it seems all wrong for me to be lying here, while you wait on me. THE MOLLUSC 155 Mrs. Baxter. I want you to rely on me, dear, so that when you're in trouble, you'll turn to me. What can I do for your poor foot ? We must get some — some Tom. Bandages. {TTiTowhig hamdages to Mrs. Baxter. Mrs. Baxter. Yes, and some — some arnica. Miss Eoberts never thought of arnica. Miss Roberts. I'll go and look for it, \SIie Tnakes a slight movement. Mrs. Baxter. [Pleasa/ntly.] Don't trouble, Miss Roberts, I will go myself directly. [T/wn to Mr. Bax- ter.] You know, dear, we must learn to do without Miss Roberts. Tom. You'll have to. She's coming back to Colo- rado with me. Mrs. Baxter. [Gohig to Miss Roberts.] Tom, this is news. Dear Miss Roberts, I'm so glad. 156 THE MOLLUSC Mr. Baxtee. [Holding out his hand to Tom.] So am I, [Tom shakes hands with Mr. Baxter. Mrs. Baxter. But oh, how we shall miss you. Miss Koberts. I hope I'm not being selfish ! Mrs. Baxter. Oh, no, no, dear. I'm glad you're going to make Tom happy. We shall do very well here ; it's high time the children went to school. I've been thinking about it for a long time. [She kneels hy Mr. Baxter.] And now that I'm so much better, I shall be able to do more for my husband, play chess with him — go walks with him Tom shall never have another chance to call me a mollusc. Tom. Bravo ! Bravo ! Mr. Baxter. Dulcie ! Mrs. Baxter. Dearest ! THE MOLLUSC 1 57 Miss Koberts. \To Tom.] You've worked a miracle ! Tom. [Quietly to Miss Koberts.] Were those miracles permanent cures ? [/Shakes his /lead.] We're never told ! We're never told ! THE END TUG MAGISTRATE ^^^*^® ^^ Three Acts. Twelve males, four I1U« lUAUli^inAIl^ females. Costumes, modem; scenery, all interior. Plays two hours and a half. THE NOTORIODS MRS. EBBSMIII »— ,'e°,.r,Lr. Costumes, modem ; scenery, all interiors. Plays a full evening. THE PROFLIGATE ^^y^^o^^-^cts. seven males, Ave females. A 1114 inviMUHii^ Scenery, three interiors, rather elaborate; costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. THE SCHOOLMISTRESS FarceinThreeActs.Ninemales,Beven females. Costumes, modem; scenery, three interiors. Plays a fall evening. TOE SECOND MRS. TANQDERAY ^IXZ^L X tnmes, modem ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. SWEET LAVENDER ^^^"'^^y *° Three Acts. Seven males, four t^TTi^Lii Li iLiauun. fgma,les. Scene, a single interior; costumes, modem. Plays a full evening. THE TIMES ^**™®**y *° ^^^^ ■^^^^- ®** males, seven females. Scene, a single interior ; costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. THE WEAKER SEX ^<'™®<'y '" Three Acts. Eight males, eight females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, two interiors. Plays a full evening. A TOE WITHOUT A SHUE z:^i^zz.^z.j::::. modem ; scene, a single interior. Plays a full evening. Sent prepaid on receipt of price by Walttt ^^. 'Bafeer S, Company No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts LIBRARY OF CONGRESS d)e William Wm. of Paps ^titty 15 Centjf