IV7 LAROLA By HELEN L. WILLCOX Misvsionary Education Movement of the United States and Canada 156 Fifth A\enue New York cHHo EDITORS NOTE Most of the action of ' Larola" is based upon fact. The relations between Larola and the Professor, and the suttee of the Professor's mother, as described in the play, are founded upon a true series of occurrences, the account of which may be found in India: Its Life and Thought by John P. Jones ( page 259). The story of Lela and her part in the plot are fictitious. COPYRIGHT, 1917, BV MISSIONARY EDUCATION MO\'EMENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA JUL 14 1917 ©CI.D 47341 Price, 25 cents each, prepaid. It is suggested that at least eight copies be secured to supply the participants. n^. J , '^^ LAROLA PERSONS OF THE PLAY (//( ilic order of their appearance.) Ei.iNOR Daggett, wife of the missionary Walter Daggett, an American missionarj- in Palinovv Nanak, a servant in the Mission Marna, a Hindu Bible woman from Chaibassa; an old friend of Larola Lakola, a widow of Chaibassa Lela, a young Brahman woman ; wife of Chunder Mohan, who has become a Christian ; a near neighbor of the missionaries Pkofessor Binder Sex, of the General Assembly College, in Calcutta ; a friend of the missionaries A Brahman Woman, a neighbor of the missionaries Scene : The living room, of the mission bungaloiv at Palinow in Bengal, India. There are three doors; one at right back, leading to the outside door; one at left front, leading to Walter Daggett's study; and one at left back, leading to the inner parts of the house. There is a zi'i)ido'zu at right. A table, on which are books and magazines, occupies the center of the room. Near it, at right front, is an easy chair. The furni- ture and ornaments should suggest India. There may be rich hangings on the walls, and an embroidered Indian cloth throicn over the table. Elinor Daggett sits in the ea^y chair, right front. reading. Presently she drops her book in her lap and gazes dreamily into the distance. Walter Daggett enters, left front. He is dressed for the street and carries a sun hat. \\'alter You — idle? — Sad? What is it. Elinor? Elinor Oh, Walter, I am thinking of that wife Of Chunder Mohan's! What a choice is hers! If loval to her husliand. she becomes As dead to all her family, all her caste; And if she yields to their entreaties — then Her husband mu«t become as dead to her ! W^alter Her pir)1)lem is not hers alone; no Brahman Ever yet has come to Chr-st whose wife Had not to choose between her husband and — Her world. Elinor But Lela is so young! LAROLA Walter I know. She seems a child. Elinor I wish that I could help ! Walter You love her, Elinor, and that is much. Elinor (After a slight pause.) You go to meet Professor Binder Sen? Walter (Nodding assent.) It may be that he knows the youth; 'twas in Calcutta Chunder Mohan found the truth. Elinor Calcutta ! True — I had forgotten that. Oh, let us ask, him! I should like to know The husband worthy, 'ere I urge the wife. Nanak (Appearing at door, right back.) The Bible woman from Chaibassa waits. Elinor Bid her come in, Nanak. (To I Falter.) Good-by, my dear. W^alter Good-b\-. We shall be here in half an hour. (Walter goes out, right hack. Elinor rises and puts away her book. Mama enters, right back, evidently excited. She salaams hastily.) Marna Me)n Sahib may recall — I told you of A Brahman widow in Chaibassa who Was very near decision for the Christ? Elinor You mean — Larola? Has she — ? Marna She has come ! Elinor "But what will happen, Marna? Is she safe? Marna Her safety lies in flight, Mem Sahib. Watched, And closely watched, for many a year, her fate, If found in open avowal of her faith, \\'ould be severe. Elinor (Eagerly.) Will she come here, to us? Marna Mem Sahib, she is not like others ! She Has read and thought and studied deeply. LAROLA Elinor ^^'here is she, Mania? But Marna I may bring her in? Elinor Yes, yes, if she is here ! Risk no delay ! Marna (Starling to go and turning back.) Professor Binder Sen — he comes to-day? Elinor The Sahib has just gone to meet him now. You know him, Marna? Marna Many years ago — (She breaks off suddenly and goes out, right back. Nanak enters quietly, but evidently suppressing some excitement. He looks out of the zvindow, then turns to Elinor.) Nanak jNIem Sahib, people come by scores, on foot, And in their bullock carts, to see the rites Performed at Chunder Mohan's funeral. Elinor His funeral! Nanak! He is not dead? Nanak Not dead in body. Dead in soul — to all Good Brahmans. Elinor Ah I poor Lela ! Then it is Her fatal day of choice! And I can do No more. (Marna enters, follo^ved by Larola, the zvidoiv of Chaibassa. Nanak slips out.) Elinor (Going to Larola and taking her hand.) My sister, in the name of Christ I welcome you. May he console your heart For all that you forsake ! Larola I thank Mem Sahib Far more than I can say. But if to-day You'd meet my heart in truest sympathy. You must rejoice ! Forsaking pain, despair. Yearnings unutterable, and restless fears. I come. These to forsake demands no pity. It seemed to me the little birds along The way .sang paeans of victory, and all For me! Nay, not alone for me! For Christ, Because another soul is gathered in His hand. Flixok Indeed, we all rejoice. ('Elinor leads Larola to a chair. .S'he and Marna also sit down.) And you Escaped detection in your flight? 6 I.AROLA Larola It was The day of all days for our purpose, was It not, my faithful Marna ? Oh, Mem Sahib, If you but knew the loyalty and love With which she has surrounded, guided, and Encouraged me through all these days of doubt And struggle ! Elinor I have guessed somewhat. Larola The flight So feared and dreaded was no flight at all ! We left an empt}' bungalow where nought But lizards chirping to themselves about the walls Disturbed the silence of the rooms. Some feast — A family day— a birth — a wedding — how Should I, a widow, know the truth? It did Not matter w^iat the cause ; enough to know The house would be left empty, I alone. And Mania, always there when needed, came Upon the very day I heard the plans. For, though we have been friends by stealth since they Discovered Marna's change of faith, she seems To know more than myself of what they do. Marna There are some homes that do not shut me out — And people talk of what your family does. Lakola To her I whispered, "Lo, the hour has struck." And so, we also made our plans. While all The rest were climbing into bullock carts Before the gate, I waited anxiously Within the house for Marna, who at last Came breathlessly across the fields — Marna I saw The carts go by, from where I lay, behind Some bushes near the road. I knew 'twas safe. Elinor And then — you walked the distance? Larola No!-We hid Ourselves in a farmer's load of hay. He drove A horse, and so we made the journey in Three days. Marna And passed the others jolting on The road ! Larola Were they, too, bound for Palinow ? Elinor The only gathering of which I know In Palinow to-day is sad enough — The funeral of a man who is not dead ! (Marna looks anxiously toward Larola and speaks hastily if to zvard off further explanation). LAROI.A 7 Perhaps they went beyond, to Sasseram. Or even to Benares. Cousins of Tlie family live there, do they not? Larola (Vaguely.) I do not know — T think so — I have not Been there. Elinor It is some months. I tliink. that you Have been considering tliis step? Larola (IVilh an effort.) Mem Sahib, Many a year ago I longed to come. I cannot tell j'ou how it happened that I knew the Christ. That time is too far off ! No. no — I mean it is too near ! I dare Not — tiinst not tell ! It would bring back the fire That only since I gave myself to Christ Has ceased to scorch my soul. (Lcla runs in and flirows herself at Elinor's feet.) Marna (Rising hastil\ as Lcla enters.) Oh! Lela! (Elinor rises and tries to lift the girl.) Lela I Am lost ! A widow ! I must shave my hair ! The}' say I must become a widow — shave 'Sly head and dress in white — give up my jewels — They come from miles around to see the rites ! They say my lord is dead ! He is not dead ! (Larola has risen slozvly, seeming fascinated by Lela. Marna is watching her with interest and anxiety.) Elinor No, Lela! He is living — waiting for His faithful wife to join him — him. and Christ. Lela (Rising hopelessly ) Mem Sahib, they perform the funeral rites To-da}-. I ran away to say farewell To you. for nevermore shall you behold The Lela whom you loved. To-day my lord Becomes as dead to me and all my caste. Larol.\ (Starting foricard.) To all your caste, my daughter — that may be. But not to you — never to you, my child! Your husband — has become — a Christian? Lela Yes. 8 LAROI.A Larola Come with him ! Listen ! (She .hesitates, looking intently at Lela.) Yes — to save your soul, I'll tear my heart from out its hiding-place! As many years ago as you have lived— (She hesitates again.) The fate that threatens you then came to me. The funeral rites performed, my head was shaved. My jewels torn away — but oh ! the gems They tore from off my arms and neck Were nothing to the treasure wrenched from out My heart ! My spirit died within me. Lela (Gazing into her eyes.) You — But now — you are alive. Larola Ah! Now — I live In Christ. But then — how can I make you know What you must suffer, if you do this thing? I saw his mother on the funeral pyre Of her dead lord give up her life with joy. In hope that they should meet in some hereafter. Many a time I've longed — yearned, sobbmg, for The flames about my bod}', so my soul Might join mj' lord's. Elinor But— Larola No, I know they will Not let us do it now. And they are right ! And yet my wish was innocent enough. The blackness of the pit came afterwards! He married. Then I knew that in my charred And shriveled soul there lingered life enough To hate. I wished her dead, at first, but that Soon grew to be too ea.sy an escape. He was a rare, a wondrous soul ; I hoped At first, she could not understand and would Not love him. Then my soul descended deep And deeper into hell. I wished that she Might suffer what I suffered then throughout Eternity. I wished that even while She loved him, she might know my soul possessed His soul forever. Elinor (Mar7'eling and speaking almost unconsciously.) You thought that? Larola Ah ! yes, I know, you think that is not Hindu. There Are things in human hearts that burn beneath All creeds the world around. Lela ^'ou^ husband? Is He dead? LAROLA Larola He still is living — but of him I cannot speak. Elixor You had no child? Larola Yes, one- Born after he had left us. But it died. They said it was a girl; and 1 rejoiced Then, and for years thereafter, that it had Escaped the life of woman on this earth. But now — ah, well! — to have a child, to love- A daughter of my own, to teach, to lead Into the life that's hid with Christ in God — I have not dreamed a dream more wonderful. Elinor (Softly.) Xor I. Lela (Gazing at Larola) To have had vou for a mother ! Larola No, ]\Iy child, I was not worthy then to be Entrusted with its little soul. At first, I hoped that she — that other one — would have No child! But afterwards — 'twas strange!—! heard, From time to time, news of that other home— Marna has been there. When no children came, I hated her the most of all for that! Lela Ah ! Then you never knew true jealousy ! Larola My child, true love is deeper, stronger than The fiercest jealousy. It cannot be, I think, that many souls, here even in Our hot and passionate East, have suffered blasts More withering in their heat of jealous hate Than mine has bowed to, in those earlier }ears. But love — what is it? — how to make you see! — I tell you, the soul of the man is eternal joy! It cannot be God gave that life to end In one short cycle— three score years and ten ! God must have smiled when he had breathed that soul From out his universal life, to dwell In human form ! To see that spirit live Again — to know he had a son, who should Be like him— this desire is to think God's thought, and when it entered in, my heart Grew large and quiet, and the jealous fire Burned low and lower— but the change was slow. And — there was loneliness. Elinor (Both she aud Lela have been hushed and azced.) You never saw Him afterwards? 10 LAROLA Larola Yes — once 1 saw him. But He did not know. 'Twas in a neighboring town — < A moment only — chance had brought me there. Marna and I had gone on errands for My family. It happened he had come To teach the people in the market-place. I passed within ten feet of where he stood. I saw him smile. It was as it had been Long years before, like sunlight bursting forth At close of a dark day. Since then it brings A little comfort that I know the warm, Enfolding smile still beams on others, though I see it not. Lela (Brokenly.) That would not comfort me! Larola Not now, my child. (With great tenderness.) And you will have no need. I trust, of such sad comfort. You will find Your peace more easily. A Voice (Calling, from ojf right.) Oh, Lela ! come ! Lela (Frightened.) My mother calls for me ! I had almost Forgot ! (To Larola.) Oh ! let me call you "mother" once, Before I go — Larola Before you go to say Farewell to her. Yes, now and afterwards, You may call me "mother," child. My little girl, If she had lived, w^ould be about your age. Lela But there will be no afterwards ! I dare Not break with her ! I've feared her all my life. She filled my mind with terrors. They would leave Me never, if I dared to break caste! No! The farewell is to you — (Turning to Elinor.) And you, Mem Sahib ! The Voice Lela! Lela! Lela (Starting up.) I must go I Farewell ! (She runs out. Elinor rises and starts forzcard, as if to foUoiv her.) Elinor Lela ! Larola (JJ'ith a strange, calm certainty.) Fear not ! She will come liack. I.AROLA 11 Marna (In a low, tense voice.) She must! Elinor (Wondering and doubtful.) You think she will come hack? Larola (Quietly.) I know she will. Else why should God have brought me here to-day? Mem Sahib, this that I have told has lain For years entombed within my heart. I did Not think I should have broken that reserve For any one. But when I saw this girl, So young, so tender, so in love with life — And with her lord — so near to ruin, through The fears they practise on the innocent, I knew at last that all my life might hold Of joy or sorrow, passion or regret. Longing or hope— all, all belonged to Christ ! I could not give myself and keep tJiis back. Since what I am, I am because of this. I thought to crowd the past into the years Gone by; to make myself a new, free life Which should be Christ's indeed. It is not thus God builds a human soul. We do not live In fragments. And the death of hopes may be The burial of the grain, which preludes life. Marna (Who has been restlessly moving toward the door and looking out of the window.) Mem Sahib, shall I go to find some news Of what is passing at the other house? Elinor Oh, Marna, do ! — It may be they will let You in. If you can speak with Lela, say We will protect her — keep her here until Her husband can be sent for. Marna Yes, Mem Sahib. She has more reason than she knows to come. (She goes out hastily.) Elinor (Moving quickly after her.) You say ? (Seeing that Marna is gone, pausing.) I wonder what she meant by that. (She (masses behind Larola to the xvindow, at right, and stands looking out while she speaks the next words.) Oh — could we but delay the rites until Professor Binder Sen arrives ! He has Such power with the people. (Still looking from the window. Elinor does not perceive the effect of her words upon Larola, ivho rises zvith a start and shrinks, terror-stricken, azvay from Elinor, gazing at her in widc-cycd silence. Nanak appears at door, right back.) 12 LAROLA Elinor Oh! Nanak! What is it? Have you news? (As Elinor steps back to speak zvith Xanak, she of course does not turn toivard Larola, and Nanak is too much excited to notice her evident fright. While Elinor and Nanak are speaking, Larola looks furtively about for a means of escape and finally tries the door of Waltei-^s study, right front. When she finds that it ivill open, she turns back to listen, leaning heavily on the door, as if about to fall.) Nanak They say the girl Resists] The servants heard her scream. She dare Not long delay ! 'Twill soon be over. Think ! Her caste, her vixen of a mother, priest. And all the town ! One girl against the lot ! Elinor No! Not one girl, for Christ is at her side, And all his love for India fights for her ! Is it not so — ? (She turns to appeal to Larola, and seeing her almost fainting at the study door, starts forivard in amazement and alarm.) What — what is wrong? You're ill! Larola (Turning from the door and trying to stand straight, but si^'ay- ing a little and speaking zvith great -difficulty.) No! I must go! But not the road! Is there A hidden path, behind the compound? Elinor (In utter bexvilderment.) But— (Mama enters hastily, right back, and Nanak slips out.) Oh, Marna ! What is this? Your friend is ill! ]\{arna (Looking at Larola.) She knows! You told her? Elinor Told her — what ? Was coming? Marna Elinor W'ho — Professor Binder Sen? That /;<• Marna (Starting forivard, as if to stop Elinor from speaking.) Oh, hush! (As Elinor turns in zvonder from Marna to Larola, the latter gains command of herself and says, in a lozv, intoisc z'oice, but with a touch of dignity, and even pride.) Larola He is — my husband. Elinor Htlessly under tJie strong excite- ment of the memory.) T knew that I should be forsaken by Mv caste, mv fani'lv, my friends my 7^'orld — But that!— I had not dreamed of that. I thought We were irrevocably one ! My wife Became a widow — joined the others in The funeral rites — for me, who lived and loved Her! (He stands silent tvith hozved head for a moment, and Walter goes to him and takes his hands.) Walter Oh, my friend ! I had not known — or guessed — Professor Nor liave I ever told so much before To human friend. (After a moment's pause, he turns azcay and sits again.) I thouglit. at length I could, Perhaps, forget. T found a Christian wife. /'Turning appealingly to Walter.) You saw our home — did it not seem to you A happy one? 16 LAROLA Walter My wife and I have more Than once recalled the peace, the harmony, And gentle courtesy which made your house A haven of relief and rest. Professor (With a deep sigh.) I'm glad It should be so remembered. But — my friend — Yes, I will make a full confession now ! I found, as time went on, although I tried To give my heart's full homage to my wife — M\' faithful wife ! — my soul grew nearer still, And nearer to — that other one. 'Twas pride That made me think I could forget. But love Roots deeper in the heart than pride. Do you — Ah, yes, I am a Christian ! — But at times I wonder if you westerners have dreamed Of woman's love like that of Hindu wives ! (He is Tcvalking up and down the room and now turns suddenly upon Walter, who is seated again, drawing close to him silently, and seeming to hold him by his gaze, until he is almost bending over him. He speaks in a low, tense voice.) When I was six years old, my father died. I saw my mother walk seven times around The funeral pyre — then they put the torch Into this hand — so small it scarce could lift The weight — and when my mother laid her down Beside the body of her lord — I gave The fire that released her soul — to be With his forever. (]Valter has risen slozvly. his eyes riveted on the Professor's tvith a sort of terrified fascination.) Yes — you shrink — turn pale With horror. Do you know, in all my life I have not seen a look of triumph so Complete, joy so exultant, as I saw When last I looked upon my mother's face. AV .ALTER (.4s if breaking from a spell.) But — that — is — ended — now ! Professor (Bowing his head.) Hers was the last Suttee permitted under British rule — And they were right to end it ! But I know That first, true wife of mine would so haA'e gone To death for me. And love which follows man To death must live beyond it. (Elinor enters quietly, left back, pauses a moment, and so hears the Professor's last words, unnoticed by him or Waltei'.) I know not If yet that comrade of my spirit lives. But hope grows stronger through my lengthening years That in the life to come we shall not fail To find each other — no, nor she to find LAROLA 17 The Christ— and there, before his throne, we'll join In worship and in service, as we dreamed. I There is a momoit's hush: then Elinor comes STinftly doiun to the Professor and takes his hand in both of hers, speak- ing very tenderly, zvith tears in her voice.) Elinor Professor — friend — you will not need to wait For that. She is alive ! Professor (With a great start.) My wife? — you know? Elinor And more than that — she is a Christian. Ah! Professor Elinor Your faith in her is justified — and in Her love. Professor She loves me still ? Elinor (Standing with bowed head for an instant, then seeming to speak to herself more than to the Professor, zvith humility.) Her love — for you — Is wonderful ! (She looks up suddenly at Walter in a half-timid, half-appealing way, and goes to him. The Professor is silent for a moment, then turns to Elinor zvith great simplicity.) Professor Where is my wife? Elinor She is ^\■ithin the house. She knows that you are here, But dares not come to you. She did not know Until to-day that you — were left alone. Professor (To Walter.) I have revealed to you my inmost heart! Need she have any fear to come to me? Walter (Brokenly, to Elinor.) Tell lier — my dear — to come ! Elinor (Glancing about the room.) Your study, dear, would be the best. Let him Go in and wait there. I will bring her soon ! (She starts to leave the room quickly, hut pauses as she passes the Professor, looks searchingly into his face for a moment, then takes his hand impulsively and bows her head o-zer it for an instant, as if in homage. She goes out.) 18 LAROLA Walter (Indicating the study door, at left front.) Will you go in, Professor? (Starting to move toward the door, the Professor pauses sud- denly, and at his exclamation, Walter, who is just passing Him to open the door, turns back) Professor Wait! My friend, I had not thought — I am no longer young! It may be she will think to find — the man I was ! Walter If it be so, she will but learn, True manhood grows more beautiful with years. (He turns to the door, opens it, and waits for the Professor to pass in. The Professor seems lost in thought for a mometit, then perceives that Walter is waiting for him and passes slowly to the threshold, zvhcre he turns back once more and speaks hesitatingly and -with an almost boyish diffidence.) Professor Would you — not better — tell her — I am old? Walter (Smiling at the Professor.) And have her put no faith in any word Of mine forever? No! I wish your wife To be my friend. Professor. Professor (Smiiing fondly, murmurs.) Foolish boy ! (Pie goes into the study. Walter closes the door, then turns azvay and listens for a moment, -luith his eyes on the door, left back. Then lie zvalks restlessly across to the window, at right, and stands looking out absently for a moment. Suddenly he starts forzvard and gazes intently. Nanak enters, right back, and Waller speaks to him in lozv, quick tones without turning azvay from the zvindow.) Walter Nanak! There is a gathering next door? Nanak (Who is fairly bursting zvith nezvs.) Yes, Sahib — Chunder Mohan's funeral ! Walter (With a start.) You mean — his caste disowns him? Nanak That they do ! And like enough his wife will be disowned As well — so things look now ! Walter Why, what has passed? Tc-]] all you know, Nanak, and quickly! LAROLA 19 Nanak Sahib, I know but little, only Lela came While you were gone, and this strange widow from Chaibassa — Marna brought her — so prevailed upon The girl that now she will not let them shave Her head — they tried to force her, and we heard Her screams ! — she vows that she is Chunder's wife Now and forever — begs to be let go ! Walter (Striding up and down in helpless rage.) And they are holding her? Is there no law? (Slops suddenly.) The widow from Chaibassa — ? (Looking tozvard the study door.) That must be — Nanak I know not, Sahib, who she is, but this I know- That Marna has some secret. Such an air Of mystery ! She whispered in my ear In passing, just outside, before you came — "Nanak ! We must delay the rites — and save The girl — for her!" 1 know not what she meant. Walter (Absently.) Nor I. But — what to do? I cannot break The spell of this reunion — now ! (Suddenly going to the zdndozu again.) Nanak ! It may be you can gain me entrance there ! I'll do what can be done to stay their hands. Until Professor Binder Sen — is free. (Elinors voice is heard at left back, and JValter, with a glance in that direction and toward the study door, motions to Nanak to follow him, and goes out, right back, Nanak fol- lowing. Elinor enters, leading Larola and talking gently TO her. Mama follows.) Elinor Larola — dear ! If j'ou had seen his face ! And heard his tones ! I've told — or tried to tell You what he said. His voice — and eyes — you must Know better than my words can tell. Larola (Drawing a sharp breath and speaking in a hushed voice.) But that Was long ago! Amid liis loneliness, His dreams reach back to earlier years ; he thinks Of me — as young — and beautiful. Ah, well ! You wonder, but — he thought me beautiful. Elinor (Casing at her.) I wonder — yes ! I wonder — could it be You were more beautiful in vouth than now ! 20 LAROLA 'Tis not mere dreams to which his heart turns back. It is the spirit of you that he loves^ And he will wake to find you beautiful Be.\ond his dreams ! (Larola is silent, zvondcring, and Elinor gaes to the study door, puts her hand on the knob, and turns baek to LaAda. Mama meanwhile crosses to the zvindozu and eagerly looks out. Elinor holds out her hand pleadingly to Larola, and xn'hcn Larola looks toward her, she speaks softly.) Elinor Larola — come ! (Larola goes slowly toward her, takes her hand, and looks into her face, as if to gain courage ; then Elinor opens the door part way, and Larola drops her hand, and after oitc more instant of hesitation, goes into the study. Elinor closes the door quickly but quietly and goes to Mama.) Elinor (Her voice is thrilled zuith azi'e and tenderness.) They are Together, Marna ! And you knew ! (Remembering suddenly.) You knew — Tliat he was coming here to-day ! Marna (Though she speaks in a lozvered tone, she seems to be tinder an increased tension.) I heard It from a Bible woman in Calcutta. Often she wrote to give me news of Itim^ — For her sake — though I dared not speak ! I, too, Have had my dreams ! Elinor (Wondering.) You dreamed of — this? (Glancing tozvard the study door.) Marna Of this— And more ! Mem Sahib, I believe, for most Of us, the hope of heaven is far more Than we deserve ! But some brave souls — and she Is one ! — have lived through earth to heaven ! Oh ! If you had watched her growing calm and strong, Serene and pure, loving amidst the ones Who did her wrong — you'd know that happiness Will never spoil her now ! Elinor You love her ! Marna Ah ! (Looking out of the windozv again, zvith sudden fierceness.) They did her wrong ! More than she knows — or I Can prove, as yet. (She suddenly starts forzvard, in strong excitement.) Oh ! Lela has -escaped ! (Elinor looks from the zvindozv. She is down stage front Mama.) LAROLA 21 Elixor She's coming here! Oh, Marna ! Quick! The door! (They both start to open the door, but Nanak throws it open and rushes in.) Nanak Mem Sahib ! Lela is outside ! She comes — Lela (Running in and throzving herself into Elinor's arms.) I come to you, Mem Sahib ! Save me ! She Will try to drag me back — back to their chains ! Elinor (Drawing Lela down stage.) No ! You are free ! (Walter comes in quickly, and Nanak closes the door as soon as he is inside, and stands tvith his back against it. Marna follozvs Elinor and Lela down, at right. Walter comes down left.) Lela (Trying to steady herself, drawing a great breath.) I have chosen Christ — and him — My husband! (There is a sudden attempt to enter the door that Nanak is holding, and then a great pounding on it, and a fierce, shrill cry from zvithout, Nanak mcamvhile holding the door zciih all his might.) Brahman Woman's Voice Open ! Let me in ! Walter Nanak ! We must bar no one out ! Let her come in ! (Nanak, after an instant's hesitation, lets go the door zvith a shrug of disgust. Lela at the same instant falls on her knees, clinging to Elinor. The Brahman Woman enters and crosses to zvithin a little distance from Walter, after assuring herself by a glance that Lela is there. She speaks with shrill contempt.) Brahman Woman You think you would have need of bars to keep A Brahman woman — from your house accursed? No power could have dragged me to pollute Myself by entering, unless that child (Pointing fiercely to Lela, n'ho shrinks closer to Elinor. She addresses her next zvords to the latter, moving tozvard her.) Had been entrapped and led astray by your Deceitful wiles ! (She stands threateningly over Lela, who is between her and Elinor, still clinging desperately to the latter.) Now, girl, I've tracked you down To your low. outcast haunt— you'll come with me! (She starts to lay forcible hands on Lela, zvho screams and jumps to her feet, as Elinor draws her away. IValter steps forzvard quickly.) 21 LAROLA Walter Woman ! It is our duty to protect This girl, who, in this room, a moment since, Declared herself a Christian. Brahman Woman (With a scream of rage.) Ah! Walter (Speaking zcith an energy and determination that coivs the iieoman's bravado.) Unless Before the law you prove your right, we shall Not suffer that a Christian man and wife Be parted 'gainst their will! What is your claim? Brahman Woman (Evidently seeing that her case is lost, but raging at defeat, bitterly.) My claim f My claim is that I've wasted half A life-time over that ungrateful wretch ! (Pointing at Lela, zvho has taken heart at Walter's words, but shrinks back at the woman's bitter scorn.) I might have known the taint of Christian blood Could not be purified ! ( Walter and Elinor lean forward with breathless interest. Nanak, in the background, takes a step forzvard. Marna, luho has all this time been zvatching the scene \zvith intense absorption, puts her hand to her breast zvith a great gasp of relief. No one notices her, however. Lela moves a little forzvard, azvay from Elinor's protecting arm, becoming fearless in her amasenient.) Lela (Slozuly and uvnderingly.) Of — ^Christian — blood? Brahman Woman (More and more bitterly.) Since that has proved the stronger in the end — Stronger than all the care and pains I've spent To make a Brahman of you — save you from Your fate — you'd better know the truth. No cliild Of mine are }0U ! Lela (Dazed.) You're not my mother, then? Bra h man Woman Ha! You are glad? And so am I! Glad To be free from fear of that disgrace I knew You'd bring upon us in tlie end! Lela But how — ? LAROLA 23 Brahman Wo.xrAx (Rapidly.) How was it tliat I stooped to call you mine? I'll tell you ! She — your mother — had been led Astray, as you have been. Her husband left His caste — his family- — to follow these False teachers from the west ! (Indicating Walter zcitli a conleniptuous gesture.) Lela (Moving farther foricard in eager zvonder.) My father — was — A Christian? Brahman Woman (Thrown into fresh rage by the azved gladness in Lela's voice and face.) On the day when he disowned His faith, he died — to all good ^Brahmans ! Yes, And to your mother, too, for she was true — True, outwardly, at least, to faith and caste. When you were born, she was a widow. (Elinor suddenly looks toivard Mama, and seeing the intense joy and satisfaction in her face, stretches out her arms impulsively tozvard Lela, but dratvs back as the zvoman goes on speaking, and zvaits, breathing hard, and poised as if for a quick movement forzvard.) But Her famih- — hers and mine, I almost shame To say — for we are cousins — Lela (With a quick, lozv cry.) "Are"? Oh, then, My mother is alize? Brahman Woman (Impatiently, as if zinshing she could zvithdrazv her zi.'ords.) Alive or dead, I know not ! But they feared she had been led So far by her apostate husband that It was not safe to trust your bringing up To her. She would have filled your infant soul With poison ! As for me — the only child I ever had was born and died upon The day when she gave birth to you. (Her voice becomes less harsh.) They brought You here — some three days' journey — told Her you were dead. She never doubted — was Too "ill for days to care for anything. Marna (Suddenly losing control of herself, in a loud voice.) She never doubted? No! There is not guile Enough in that pure soul to dream of such Black devil's work ! (Starting toi^vrd study door.) Larola ! 24 LAROLA (The Brahman Woman gives a great start and shrinks back, gazing at the study door as if expecting to see a ghost, tela is too dazed to move. There is a breathless hush for a moment, all gazing toward the study door. The door is opened from zvithin, and Professor Binder Sen and his wife appear. At sight of them, the Brahman Woman falls back, gasping for breath. Lela unconsciously brings her hands together as in an attitude of prayer and gazes with a reverential awe at Larola. No one speaks. The Professor and his wife come into the room and stand waiting, at left front.) Brahman Woman (Struggling for breath ) 'Tis a plot ! (Turning to Elinor.) You brought them here — to take my child from me ! (To Walter.) Oh. pity! Sahib! She is mine! Since her Third day, I've nursed her, clothed her, cared for her — And loved her ! Surely mine is greater right Than Iters — ■ (Pointing toward Larola.) Who only gave her life ! Larola (Moving a step forzvard, gazing at Lcla zvith an absorbed wonder and inability to believe the truth entirely. .She speaks low and wondcringly.) My child? My daughter? (Lcla starts to mnz'e quickly to Larola. hut the Brahman JVovian steps forzvard and intervenes.) Brahman Woman W^ait ! (Grasping Lela's arm, she turns to JFalter.) Sahib — you talk of law — Is this your law? To let a child forsake A mother who has loved her all her life For one who never looked upon her face Until this moment? Say! Larola (Sceminq Iiardlv to hear the zuonian's voice.) My babv? You? I never knew — Professor (Softly.) Walter (Answering the zvoman.) It is for her to choose. Lela must choose herself which one shall be Her mother now. (The zvoina)i fakes a firmer grip of Lela's arm.) And she must be left free To make her choice alone ! 1.AR01.A 25 (The zvoDian umvillingly releases her hold and dran's back a little, aivcd, in spite of herself, by JValte/s tone of au- thority. Lela, after a barely perceptible pause, goes to Lor la with not even a backivard look. She moves slondy, but as if in reverence, not in doubt. Larola takes a step forward to meet her and folds her in her arms. Lela's head rests on her bosom, and Larola bows her ozvn over it. There is silence for a moment. The Professor stands with bozi'cd head; Walter, also. Elinor, Mama, and Nanak are all watcliiiig the Brahman Woman, xvho follows Lela's move- ments tensely until she is in Larola' s arms, then turns away in evident despair and moves uncertainly toward the door, right back. Nanak quietly goes to the door and holds it open. The zvoman turns just a.