Class p. (xpightW La_i-£^ Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from The Library of Congress http://www.archive.org/details/repentanceofcroeOObarc 1 The Repentance of Croesus This copy No of the original "script" is loaned by the author. J. S. BARCUS New York The Repentance of Croesus . A DRAMA IN FOUR ACTS By JAMES S. BARCUS Illustrations by LAWRENCE HARRIS \z NEW YORK 1914 Copyright, 1914, BY JAMES S. BARCUS. ihich lie two quarters.) JOHN By gum, how'd ye do it? ADAM Easy. Here's yer quarter — (Hands John the quarter.) And here's mine. (Holds up the other quarter.) MARK (Enters at gate, blurts out to Adam and John) Evenin' ! ADAM Me old friend, Mark Harding ! What brung you here ? MARK (X*s to table.) I come out to here to see Raymond. ADAM Sidney Raymond? MARK No ! I mean the main squeeze, Oliver Raymond. Ain't he here ? ADAM Nope. MARK He's goin' to be here. It wuz piped off to me straight. ADAM I don't know nothin' 'bout it. Frank told me to roast a big chunk 'f beef, and I'm doin' it. JOHN I reckon that's what these vegetables is fer! Frank didn't say nothin', jest telephoned me to bring 'em. ADAM Frank's a wise one. He don't tell nobody much. JOHN Frank's some boy, all right ! MARK How'd ye ever git hold uv that boy? 6 JOHN Oh, I 'dopted 'im when he wuz a four-year-old — and he's educated hisself , too ! ADAM He sure has larned a lot. Them rich guys is all jealous uv 'im. I hear 'em talkin' 'bout one another when they don't think I'm wise. JOHN What'd they say? ADAM Oh, they can't savy how he can wait on 'em, and then beat 'em out on lessons. JOHN Do they talk that way ? ADAM Ye kin bet yer best heifer they do. JOHN Waal, hev they had all their 'zams ? ADAM Yes. And hearin' 'em talk, I guess Frank got the best marks uv any of 'em. {Laughs hearlil]}) When Sidney was gittin' pickled, he smashed a cham- pagne glass, and said he'd git ever' Perfessor fer givin' him poorer marks than that bastard, Frank Payton. JOHN (Enraged, starts to roll up sleeves, in threatening manner) Did Sidney Raymond call 'im that? He knows 'tain't so. ADAM Ah, he wuz drunk. JOHN Did Frank hear 'im say that ? ADAM No, and don't tell 'im. Don't start nothin'. 7 MARK Sidney Raymond's brains Id need a guide to keep from bein' lost in Frank's head. JOHN (Pleased) Frank's respectful to everybody, and he ain't ashamed o' work. Keeps up his studies, teaches a class in one o' them slum districts and helps me. He kin plow a straighter furry than the Secretary o' Agriculture. FRANK (Enters from Club House, in rvaiters apron, X*s to table. To John) Hello, dad ! Got some nice vegetables ? JOHN Yes, my boy. Picked 'em out careful. FRANK Good-morning, Mark. What can I do for you ? MARK (To Frank) I want to see old Raymond. Is he here? FRANK You mean Mr. Oliver Raymond? MARK Yes. You know'd who I meant ! FRANK I'm not running Mr. Raymond's business. MARK He's comin' here for lunch. FRANK Then you know all about it. MARK Yes, I know more'n you think. He's comin' here with that English lord, what's visitin' this country, an' Miss Raymond's comin', too. An' I could tell ye some more. 8 FRANK I prefer not to know too much about other people's business. MARK They played a trick on Miss Raymond to git 'er out here to meet that lord. She ain't rubberin' to see fur- riners. She's an American girl. ADAM Gee! Mark, how'd ye git wised up? MARK If I told ye that, ye'd know as much as me. It wuz leaked into my coco, that's all ; and I ain't goin' t' give nobody 'way. When a big mogul won't see a representa- tive o' the laborin' classes, and goes on grindin' em down, ye don't think they're goin' to pertect his secrets, do ye ? ADAM I'm on ! Got it from the telephone girl. MARK I ain't said nothin' ! Nor I ain't makin' it me bizness why he's goin' to be here. I wuz put next, 'cause it wuz a chance to git to see 'im. FRANK Don't you know Mr. Raymond never sees anybody ex- cept by appointment ? MARK Ain't I tried it 'nuff to know ? FRANK Then what's the use of trying it here ? MARK 'Cause there hain't no walls 'round the atmosphere out here, is there? I reckon he'll hear what I say, unless he stops up his ears. ADAM Did ye ever git a squint at Raymond ? MARK No. 9 ADAM Well, I seen him once, and when he plants his peepers on you he won't hev to say nothin'. The language of his look '11 sound like a thirteen-inch gun, and you'll chase yourself so fast you'll need non-skids gittin' 'round the corner. MARK Cut out the danger signals and jest watch me! A walkin' delegate ain't 'feared to talk to nobody.. FRANK " Aren't the workmen satisfied ? MARK {Putting finger to mouth, as if to make a confidant of Frank) I ain't; and they don't know no better. Ye know the walkin' delegate's got to tell 'em what's good fer 'em. ADAM What a cinch ! Ye don't do nothin' but jest go 'round and stir up trouble, an' then git paid fer it. MARK ( To Frank) I'hey're goin' to strike fer a ten-per-cent. raise. The cost o' livin's too high fer the wages. (With sudden inspiration) Say! {Glancing at John, then to Frank) Yer dad kin tell us 'bout this high cost o' livin' bizness. He's the guy what puts the eat in eatables. Ha ! ha ! {To John) Don't they soak us fer garden vegetables now, though ? JOHN I don't git it. It don't come to us farmers. MARK But ye know they soak 'em in the city. 10 JOHN Waal, I reckon ! You city guys pay the retailers about five dollars fer stuff what gits me 'bout one dollar. Them's facts ! I can prove it, — By gum ! MARK Ain't that scandalous? Set a feller back a V-spot fer what fetches one plunk to the man what raises it. If a feller ain't holdin' down a good job, he can't look a square meal in the face. JOHN (To Frank\ There's cheatin' some place. When I git only on^ dollar fer stuff; and Mark, livin' in the city, has to pay five dollars fer it! Ain't it graft? Who gits the other four dollars? FRANK There's the problem of the age, dad. But I must look after my work. (Exit to Club House,) MARK (Slaps John on back) By golly, mister, you gotta smart boy. ADAM The way them captains uv industry git it all fer their- selves, and don't leave nothin' fer nobody else — just like sleight-o'-hand. Gimme your hat, John. (Quzc^/ij takes Johns hat from his head,) Gimme yours, Mark. (Takes Mark's hat. Takes off cap. Quickly picks up three radishes, and appears to place one under each hat, on the ground.) Now you think we've got one reddish 'piece, don't you ? JOHN Waal, I know there's one under my hat. MARK I got one under mine. 11 ADAM How many do >c think I got under mine? JOHN AND xMARK (In concert) One! ADAM (Proudly) Watch the professor ! (LifVs Johns hat, and hands it to him.) JOHN By gum ! it's gone ! ADAM (Lifts Mark's hat and hands it to him.) MARK Mine's gone, too ! ADAM (Lifts his oTPn cap.) JOHN By gum, there's all three uv 'em I ADAM (Picks up and la^s radishes on table) I'm the captain uv industry ! I got all, and you got none, and ye don't know how I done it ! JOHN Ain't it so? ADAM I'm jest doin' this fer fun. They do it in earnest, and keep the stuff, and let the others suffer. MARK It takes a smart one to ketch Adam at these tricks, and it takes another kind uv smart one to ketch the selfish rich guys in their tricks uv trade. (Slapping John on the shoulder) But you've got a boy here what kin ketch 'em. 12 JOHN (Proudl])) I'm 'spectin' my boy '11 tell 'em what's wrong some day, — By gum ! MARK (Mediiativeh) Mind ye, I ain't got no kick on Raymond person'ly; he's 'bout the fairest uv any uv 'em. But 'tain't even chances when one man can make a hundred million dollars offen workmen ; and he's got a hundred millions, they say. ADAM Twice that ! Why, Raymond's a modern Croesus. MARK (Crabs hampefy quickh tak^s out and lay^s upon table three big potatoes. Carried awa^ v^ith his enthusiasm) Now, see here ! If these pertaters wuz all they wuz to eat in this room, and all uv us wuz hungry, what'd ye think uv me if I'd take 'em all over in one corner — (Picks up potatoes, X's quicJ^ly to rustic seat, la})s potatoes on seat, and puts right hand in hip pocket and drams it, points finger at John and Mark as if rvith a gun) — and draw a gun on ye, and say, I only need one of these pertaters, but, mind ! you ginks can't have none ? (Picks up potatoes and X's to table and lays them on table) Ain't it wrong ? (NOISE OF AUTOMOBILE APPROACHINC IN DISTANCE.) ADAM (Tiptoes quickly to gate, looks up road R. Excitedly to all) Here comes Raymond's car! JOHN (Quickly adjusts vegetables in hamper. Excitedly) I'll take these in. (Picks up hamper. Exit to Club House.) ADAM (To Mark) I wouldn't start nothin' here. 13 MARK (Straightens up, faces gate, folds arms, droops head, assumes studious, defiant pose. To Adam) Jest watch me ! (SOUND OF AUTOMOBILE COMING NEARER.) ADAM ( Walks hastily toward Mark) Ye'd better git out o' here. Vm goin' to work. (Exit pell-mell to Club House.) MARK (Looks about nervoush, drops his hands, walks stealthily^ toward gate, looks up roadway^ R.) (AUTOMOBILE SOUND NEARER, COMES TO STOP.) MARK (Trembles, and then fairl}) shakes, looks about, cuts and rum down roadway L.) RAYMOND AND LORD HENRY (In automobile costume, enter at gate, cross to rustic seat.) RAYMOND (With sweeping gesture) My lord, this is Raymond University. LORD HENRY (Adjusts monocle to eye, looks deliberately about) I say, Mr. Raymond, it's neat as Oxford ! FRANK (Enters from Club House, X*s to L. C.) LORD HENRY (DURING DIALOGUE BETWEEN RAYMOND AND FRANK, X'S DELIBERATELY BACK AND FORTH, UP AND DOWN, LOOKS ABOUT QUIZ^ ZICALLY.) RAYMOND (To Frank) Are you in charge ? 14 FRANK Yes, sir. RAYMOND Is Sidney Raymond here ? FRANK Yes, he's at breakfast. RAYMOND (In astonishment) Breakfast ? (Looks at Ti^atck) Why, it's two o'clock. (Breaks) Is Miss Raymond here? LORD HENRY (Stops short, listens.) FRANK No. You are Mr. Oliver Raymond ? RAYMOND Yes. I expected my daughter. FRANK Miss Raymond telephoned from the Riding Academy. RAYMOND Is she coming? FRANK Yes. She asked me to tell you she'd be a little late — RAYMOND (Sharply) How's that ? FRANK Coming on horseback. RAYMOND (Impatiently^) On horseback ? 15 FRANK To try out her new horse, and stop on the way to see a poor family. RAYMOND (Appearing indifferent) Kindly tell Sidney, Lord Henry and I are here. RAYMOND AND LORD HENRY (Remove automobile top-coats, and hand them to Frank-) FRANK (Nods assent, exit to Club House.) LORD HENRY (Looking about, curiously) It's a bally Club House ! RAYMOND (Proudly) Sidney presented it to his fraternity. I believe there's nothing to equal it in this country. FRANK (Enters from Club House, X's to rustic seat.) RAYMOND (To Frank) Why is it so quiet ? Nobody about ? FRANK (Adjusts rustic seat and tahourette) Reports on final examinations were received yesterday,' and the students have scattered. RAYMOND (To Frank) Any students here? FRANK Only Sidney and myself. RAYMOND I thought you were in charge of this Club House? 16 FRANK I do chores to pay expenses. RAYMOND Yes, I know some of the boys do that. When shall you graduate? FRANK This year. RAYMOND Then you're in Sidney's class? FRANK Yes. RAYMOND (Patronizingly) So you passed your examinations ? FRANK Yes, sir. RAYMOND Of course Sidney passed everything? FRANK I think so. LORD HENRY (To Ray^mond, fawning) I'm jolly sure Sidney will come right. RAYMOND (To Frank) Are you to look after our luncheon? FRANK Yes, sir. RAYMOND (With dignity)) Have a table for four. 17 FRANK (Indicating hell on table) Please ring when you are ready. {Exit to Club House.) SIDNEY (Enters from Club House, X's to table) Good afternoon, Lord Henry ! (To Ray^mond) Hello, Governor ! Did it work ? RAYMOND Yes, Kathryn is coming. SIDNEY (X's to rustic seat, sits) Why is she late? RAYMOND (Impatiently^) Riding out on her new horse. (To Lord Henry) I'm a little worried about Kathryn. Ned — that's her new horse — is the most spirited one in her entire string, and not used to country roads. SIDNEY Kathryn'll break her neck some day doing stunts no other girl'd take a chance at. LORD HENRY I dare say the groom will protect her. RAYMOND She probably has no groom. She prefers riding alone. LORD HENRY Remarkable girl ! Why do you let her ? RAYMOND In all of Kathryn's conduct, I've never thought it necessary either to let or hinder. 18 LORD HENRY (Rises, adjusts monocle to eye, folds hands behind his hack* sets feet apart, sways slightly back and forth, as if to contradict the doubt in his own mind) I say, Mr. Raymond, are you quite sure your daugh- ter, after avoiding to meet me on the two social occasions, won't take offense at being trapped Hke this ? RAYMOND Oh, she'll be reasonable. LORD HENRY Why is she so down on titles ? RAYMOND (Conciliatory) We hope she'll like you for yourself — once she meets you. SIDNEY (Rises. Anxiously) Then she'll be glad we laid this plot. LORD HENRY Think of any American girl not wanting a title ! SIDNEY (Contemptuously) Her social settlement work has made her daffy ! LORD HENRY How so, dear boy? SIDNEY (Shrugging shoulders) Thinks it would be odd-like to marry an American. (X*s to Club House entrance, rings.) RAYMOND She doesn't seem inclined to marry at all. LORD HENRY (Meditating, resuming natural pose, drops monocle) I hope she's coming. (Sits.) 19 RAYMOND Oh, she'll be here. (Rises, looks at watch) Vm getting hungry! (To Sidne})) Were you sick last night? SIDNEY No, dad. Why? (X'5 to table.) RAYMOND Just got up. SIDNEY (Apologeticall-^) The boys had a little jamboree last night. RAYMOND (Lifts hand in pla^iul protest.) FRANK (In shirt-sleeves and waiter's apron, enters from Club House.) SIDNEY (To Frank) Get some wine ! FRANK (Nods acquiescence, exit to Club House.) RAYMOND (In mock rebuke) Right after getting up ? SIDNEY Well, dad, I've got to have a bracer. I'll be all right! RAYMOND But not for luncheon ? SIDNEY No, I don't want a bite. (To Lord Henr})) But ril stay till sister arrives. 20 LORD HENRY I fancy that will be soon. (Rises.) FRANK {Enters 'D>iih bottle of wine, in cooler, and three large cham' pagne glasses, X*s to table, dratDs cork, fills one glass.) RAYMOND None for me ! LORD HENRY (To Raymond) Perhaps I'd better not. SIDNEY (To Frank) That's all. FRANK (Exit to Club House.) SIDNEY (Hastily drains glass, starts to refill it.) (SOUND OF HORSE'S FEET, RUNNING RAP^ IDLY IN DISTANCE.) RAYMOND (Starts, listens, X's to gate and looks up road toward R, Lifts his hand for attention) It's Kathryn ! She's trying to make her new horse break the re — (Breaks, starts violently, exclaims) My God ! The horse is running away with her ! LORD HENRY AND SIDNEY (Rush to gate.) (SOUND OF HORSE'S RUNNING GETS NEARER.) RAYMOND What can we do ? 21 SIDNEY (Angrilyf) She's a fool to ride that horse ! LORD HENRY (Helplessly)) I say ! What can be done ? Isn't there a lackey ? FRANK (Appears in door of Club House.) LORD HENRY If somebody doesn't stop that horse, he'll kill her ! (Dances around in helpless excitement.) RAYMOND (In desperation) My poor Kathryn ! LORD HENRY (Much excited) Isn't there a man about? FRANK (Slings of apron, rushes out at gate and up road R.) RAYMOND, LORD HENRY AND SIDNEY (Stand in arve at gate and gaze up road.) JOHN (With ha,t in hand, enters from Club House, excitedly X's to gate, exit up road R.) ADAM (Enters from Club House, X's to gate, excitedly) Heavens ! (X's rapidly to table, dances about nervously.) SIDNEY (Excitedly) He can't do it! LORD HENRY Like trying to stop a train ! 22 RAYMOND (With great emotion) I hope ! — there ! — ^he's reached her ! Look ! Look ! (SOUND OF HORSE'S RUNNING GROWS VERY NEAR. COMMOTION. WOMAN'S SCREAM.) RAYMOND (Excitedh) He saved her ! RAYMOND, LORD HENRY AND SIDNEY (Excitedlx) step awa^ from gate.) (SOUND OF HORSE'S HOOFS ON ROADWAY. AS IF HORSE WERE TRYING TO ESCAPE.) FRANK (Enterst carr]}ing Kathryn in his arms, places her on rustic seat.) KATHRYN. (In chic riding costume, her crop hanging to her wrist.) RAYMOND (Quic^/y sits beside Kathr^n, and rests her head on his shoulder. ) LORD HENRY AND SIDNEY (Dance around ineffectually).) FRANK (Quietlv) ril get some water. (Exit to Club House.) JOHN (X's on the roadn>ayf of hedge from R. to L., leading frac' tious horse; the horse, having on ladies* astride-saddle, double rein, snaffle-bit bridle, rearing and plunging, exit road L.) ADAM (X's rapidl"^ to up R., watches John and horse disappear, turns about, facing down, throws hands in air, excitedl}f fans self with apron, X's to Club House, exit.) 23 LORD HENRY (X*s to Rayjmond, gazes at Kathr^n.) RAYMOND (Not diverted. To Lord Henry;) She just fainted. I don't see how she could be hurt much, the way he caught her. LORD HENRY (With droll manner) Wasn't it lucky I thought to call for a man ? SIDNEY This ought to be a lesson to her ! (X*s to table, drinj^s tivo more glasses of ipine, X*s to Kathry^n.) FRANK (Enters mth a pitcher of water, a glass and a torvel. Fills glass and hands it to Raymond; rvets end of towel from pitcher and sets pitcher on tahourette.) RAYMOND Here, Kathryn, drink this. (Puts glass to her lips.) KATHRYN • (i^evives a little, drinks.) RAYMOND (Takes towel and ruhs moistened part over Kathryn s face.) KATHRYN (Revives) Oh, I remember, now. RAYMOND How do you feel, dear ? KATHRYN Vm all right, father. RAYMOND (With emotion) I'm so glad you're not hurt. 24 KATHRYN No. I was just frightened. (Smiles, rises, Teflecting, looIf:s about) Who saved me? SIDNEY (In a flash) Well, Lord Henry, really — RAYMOND (Rises) Kathryn, I have a surprise for you. (To Lord Henry) Allow me to present my daughter. Kathryn, Lord Henry. KATHRYN (Extending hand) Vm very glad to meet you, Lord Henry; and I thank you. What a brave act it was ! I certainly thank you ! LORD HENRY Well, I — er — I — er — am delighted to — er^o have — er — the pleasure of meeting you, Miss Raymond. I — er — I — er — am so sorry you met with the accident. KATHRYN But Fm not hurt, my lord, and I have you to thank. (Looking douhifull}) at Lord Henry, then looking at Frank* to Raymond) Am I correct, father? RAYMOND (Apologetically) Well. Lord Henry did suggest it. KATHRYN (Turning to Frank, and quickly X'ing ton>ard him) What's the matter with your hand ? Look at the blood ! 25 FRANK (Lifting his right hand) I hadn't noticed it. (Hesitating) It's nothing, I think. KATHRYN (Excitedly) And your clothes are torn ! What happened ? FRANK I think my hand caught in the-^ (Hesitates, looks at Raymond.) RAYMOND (Embarrassed) This young man actually caught the horse. What Sidney meant was that Lord Henry called for somebody to do it. KATHRYN (C^nicall^) I see. SIDNEY (Snaps his finger in vexation, X's toivard R. 2.) LORD HENRY (In confusion, follows Sidne]); enters into pantomime rvith him. ) KATHRYN How did it happen ? (Taking Frank's hand.) FRANK I think I caught my wrist in the snaffle. KATHRYN Let me see. (Rolls up Frank's sleeve, artlessly^) Oh, dear me, that's cut ! Give me a handkerchief. 26 FRANK I think it's nothing. RAYMOND (X's to table, sits, eagerly watches Kaihry^n.) KATHRYN It is ! I'm going to boss this job. Please give me your handkerchief. FRANK (Takes folded handkerchief from pocket, hands it to Kaihr^n.) KATHRYN (Naivelyi) Please sit down. FRANK {Meekly sits,) KATHRYN (Proceeds to bandage Frardts wrist, while doing so) What became of my horse ? FRANK The stable boy has charge of him. He's in good hands. KATHRYN ( Takes towel, moistens end of towel from pitcher, washes off blood that has run down on hand, triumphantly^) Now, Mr. Hero, am I not a good nurse ? FRANK (Rises, complacently) You're a good nurse. But I'm no hero. KATHRYN (Playfully) Don't start a debate. FRANK (Smiles) Thank you! 27 RAYMOND (To Frank) We're ready for luncheon. FRANK In a few minutes, sir. (Takes pitcher, glass and towel, X's to Club House en- trance, picks up apron, exit.) RAYMOND (Rises.) KATHRYN (To Sidney^) Who is that young man ? LORD HENRY AND SIDNEY (Cross to Kathry^n.) SIDNEY (While X*ing, scornfully}) Slings hash to pay expenses. KATHRYN Expenses ? Doesn't he get a salary ? SIDNEY Works his way through college. KATHRYN Oh! He's a student? SIDNEY Yes. KATHRYN (Animated) What's his name ? SIDNEY (Petulantly^) Frank Pay ton. KATHRYN (Gazes wistfully) toward Club House,) 28 RAYMOND (X's to Kathon) Yes, I found out all about him. He graduates this year, same as Sidney. LORD HENRY (To KathrVn, importantly) Oh, yes ! Your father heckled him ; but, after all, he's a servant. KATHRYN Oh, but he must be a fine boy ! SIDNEY Been petted and spoiled by the professors. Sympathy, I suppose. KATHRYN Is he popular with his classmates? SIDNEY Y^es, they run him in as halfback in one or two im- portant games ; and the boys fell for him. KATHRYN Then he must have given a good account of himself in the games. SIDNEY Yes, but it's brute force — RAYMOND He looks as strong as an ox. SIDNEY (Disgusted) Ought to be. Country boob ! KATHRYN (To Ray^mond, to relieve tension) Father, I apologize for keeping you waiting. (Light-heartedly) Aren't you all hungry? 29 RAYMOND ( To Kalhryn, with evident purpose of leaving her and Lord Henr^ alone) Kathryn, I'll go and see if your horse is cared for. (To Sidney^) Will you show me the way ? SIDNEY Sure, Dad. RAYMOND AND SIDNEY (Exeunt at gate.) LORD HENRY I say, again, / am delighted to meet you, Miss Ray- mond. I hope you're not angry because we arranged it this way. KATHRYN (Nonchalantly) Not at all! Not at all! LORD HENRY May I say at the outset that your father has graciously given his consent that I pay you court ? KATHRYN (Laughing earnestly)) Oh, my lord ! I have another year in boarding-school. (Breaks, light-heartedly^) I'm going to avoid the courthouse for a long time yet. LORD HENRY "Courthouse"? What does it mean, — "Courthouse"? KATHRYN (Using riding-crop for pointer, as if to make a diagram on ground, deliberately and in mock earnestness) Well, you know, there is some relation between court and courthouse. You — (Pointing with crop, nearly jabbing Lord Henry) say my father — 30 (Pointing toward gate where Raymond has just gone out) said you — (Again pointing to Lord Hem}) with crop) could have his — (Again pointing toward gate) consent to pay — (Pointing to herself with handle of crop) me court. Then I— (Again pointing to herself) said / would keep away from the courthouse. You see — (Carefully diagraming on ground with crop) court — courthouse. LORD HENRY Ha! Ha! I see! It's a joke. One of your American jokes, isn't it? Courthouse! That's rippin' ! What you call bully! KATHRYN (Teasing, in mock earnestness) What a splendid thing it would have been, my lord, on this momentous occasion, if Mr. Payton had not gotten in your way and had permitted you to rescue me! Wouldn't that have been romantic ? LORD HENRY (Densely) He didn't exactly get in my way, you know. I didn't say that. But on my estates, I'm so accustomed to calling a lackey to do that sort of thing — well, I just — it didn't occur to me that I could do it myself, you know. I wish I had, because it was quite easy. Anybody could have done it. I saw how the man did it. KATHRYN That's interesting. How did he do it ? LORD HENRY Oh, just ran up and met the horse and grabbed his bridle. 31 KATHRYN (Eagerh) Yes? Yes? LORD HENRY (Cesticulaic^, excitedly^) Grabbed his bridle near the mouth, ran alongside of him for a little way; then, all of a sudden, braced himself, jerked the horse's head downward — and, you know, that threw the horse ; you came tumbling over the horse's head, you know, and the man just caught you with the other arm. That's all. Perfectly simple. KATHRYN (Carried an^ap with enthusiasm) And I didn't strike the ground at all? (Breal^s, sarcastically, deliberately) How simple ! Why, any man could have done that. LORD HENRY Yes, of course. So, after all, it doesn't matter much; though it would have been romantic. KATHRYN (Giving evidence of being bored.) RAYMOND AND SIDNEY (Enter at gate.) RAYMOND Ned's all right. KATHRYN Did they feed and water him ? RAYMOND Yes, and he's perfectly quieted down. FRANK (Enters from Club House. To Ra})mond) I'm sorry, Mr. Raymond, but I shall have to keep you waiting. RAYMOND What's the matter? We're famished. 32 FRANK In the excitement, the cook burned the roast. KATHRYN Have you anything else? FRANK Oh, yes. He's going to broil a steak. RAYMOND All right. We'll have to wait. {Reflectively^) Are you busy ? FRANK Not till luncheon. SIDNEY (Looks disgusted, turns awaV.) LORD HENRY {Bemldered and embarrassed.) RAYMOND {To relieve the situation) Sidney, suppose you take Lord Henry for a walk about the campus. SIDNEY AND -LORD HENRY {Exeunt at gate.) KATHRYN {X*s to rustic seat, slightly reclines.) RAYMOND {X*s to table, sits, indicates chair at table to Frank') FRANK {Sits.) RAYMOND {Takes from pocket checkbook and fountain pen, writes out a check, la})s it on table before Frank, f^iih unction) There, young man! 33 FRANK (Pushes back sUghtlyj) What's that for? RAYMOND (Proudh) For your brave act in rescuing my daughter. FRANK (Quickb) That's very kind, sir. But I couldn't accept it. KATHRYN (Rises to sitting posture, evinces undisguised interest.) RAYMOND (Slightly impatient) Why, you're a poor boy, aren't you ? FRANK Yes, but not that poor. RAYMOND Come ! I can well afford to give it. (Places check ^" Frank's hand.) FRANK (Rises, steps back) I can't accept money that I haven't earned. RAYMOND (Has brilliant idea) Well, I'll give you a chance to earn it. Will you work for me a week after you graduate ? FRANK (Looks at check, 1<^V^ '^ on table in front of Raymond) My week's work wouldn't be worth a thousand dollars. RAYMOND (Seizes check, rises, impetuously tears check '"'o bits) Well ! (With great emotion) By- 34 (With a struggle represses oath, alters mood, reflects) What are you going to do after you graduate ? FRANK Try to get a professorship. RAYMOND What is your specialty? FRANK Sociology, in connection with law and political economy. KATHRYN (Rises, evinces more interest, X's to Frank) Didn't I see you in the social settlement once, last winter ? FRANK I've taught in the settlement off and on for three years. KATHRYN I thought I had seen you somewhere. That night you were making some demonstrations as to the high cost of living, as affected by the trusts and middlemen. FRANK Yes. RAYMOND (To Frank) So you're ambitious to be a professor ? FRANK Y'es. KATHRYN (X'5 to rustic seat, sUghtl]) reclines.) RAYMOND Nonsense, young man ! You have too much brains for a professor. You can make money. You have courage. That's what a lot of people lack. I'd like to give you a chance. FRANK Thank you. 35 RAYMOND There's no chance as a professor. The best you ever get's a salary. FRANK But I think I'd Hke that work, and could do some good. RAYMOND Do good ? To whom ? FRANK Why, to the people. RAYMOND Damn the people ! They're not looking after you. You look out for number one. FRANK Well, of course, I must do that, but — {Hesitates.) RAYMOND But what? Out with it! FRANK Well, while looking out for myself, I must be fair to others. RAYMOND (Pompously)) Oh, fair be changed ! Succeed ! That's what counts. Succeed! Get money, and lots of it. You can, too. I think you could fill the position of managing editor on one of my papers. A big salary and percentage of the profits — and you might, after a while, become general manager of my whole chain of papers. How does that strike you ? FRANK I couldn't fill the position, Mr. Raymond. RAYMOND Well, that's my business — if I think you can. FRANK It's my business, too — if I couldn't make good. 36 RAYMOND But you can make good. Will you tryf FRANK Who would say what is to be printed in the paper ? RAYMOND You, of course. (Meditatively) Well, I'd expect you to print the news and write the editorials according to my way. I think you have sense enough to see that point. FRANK That's just why I can't do it. If I were in that posi- tion, there'd be only one way I could run the paper. RAYMOND How ? Don't be afraid to speak out what you think ! FRANK Print all the news and write editorials purely from the standpoint of fairness to the public. Now, you wouldn't want that, would you ? RAYMOND {Angril};) Young man, you have the — I won't say courage — you have the audacity of your convictions. And you'll never win on sentiment. KATHRYN (Rises, X*s to Raymond) Father, you urged Mr. Payton to tell you what he thought. Now don't be angry because he is candid. RAYMOND (To Kathr^n, gentl})) No, really, I ought not. (To Frank* firml})) But this is a practical age, and I want to pound some sense into you. Look at the poor devils that can't get ahead at all. You have an opportunity, if you'll be prac- 37 tical. I might give you a position in a bank, or in connec- tion with some of my factories. Give me a chance to help you, by showing that you are practical. KATHRYN (X's to Tusiic seat, sits, listens to Raymond and Frank-) FRANK Mr. Raymond, I know what is meant by practical. RAYMOND Young man, I rather admire your nerve. Just tell me what is meant by practical. FRANK I have strong convictions. You will not be offended? RAYMOND I despise people who agree with me just to please and flatter. Sail in. FRANK Well, it is practical for one man to get so much that there isn't enough left for the others, and to use a news- paper, or chain of newspapers, to cultivate and warp pub- lic opinion — to help it along. I can take no part in it, whether I succeed or fail. RAYMOND As a professor, you'd have to teach according to the notions of sane and successful men. You couldn't go it unbridled. Don't be a fool. FRANK (Stung to anger) I'm aware that many teachers in subsidized universities get their inspiration, as it were, from the breath of the king. RAYMOND They show good sense. FRANK By looking at sociological questions through the spec- tacles of their masters? 38 RAYMOND Very wise, when their masters have proved successful. FRANK That's the very thing that has built up a priesthood of moneyed aristocracy. I think it's against public interest. RAYMOND Look at the army of accomplished young men, gradu- ated from the universities each year, who follow such a course. FRANK And hire themselves out to help set up barriers against reform and sing lullabies to the conscience of rich men, that they may be reconciled to the poverty and want of others ? (Earnestly) No ! No 1 Toryism does not belong to this soil, neither does a hierarchy of rulers. RAYMOND I'm astonished. As a professor, you'd lecture against vested rights. You'd want everything divided up. Let me tell you if there were a division, the smart men would soon have it all again. FRANK What belongs to you, I would have held sacredly yours. But I would like to see opportunities evened up, so that no one person could acquire so much more than he needs at the expense of others. RAYMOND How would you do it? FRANK By restoring and maintaining competition. RAYMOND The socialists claim co-operation would be better. FRANK That's just why socialism cannot, and should not, succeed. Selfish co-operation puts the many innocent to 39 trustful sleep, while the wicked few go through their pockets. Competition is wholesome, because it keeps everybody awake. RAYMOND (In mingled anger and admiration) You have let something embitter you against the rich. FRANK No, I assure you, that is not the case. RAYMOND {Reflectively^) I want to see you after you graduate. (Breaks) Who are your parents ? FRANK My father was a school-teacher in Pennsylvania. My mother was the daughter of a judge. RAYMOND Are they living? FRANK (Sadl})) No, when I was four years old, they were both lost in the Johnstown flood. (Breaks, controlling himself) 1 was adopted by Mr. John McFall, a farmer. RAYMOND (S^mpatheticall})) Before you make any plans, will you be sure to see me ? FRANK Yes, with pleasure. LORD HENRY AND SIDNEY (Enter ai gate, cross to rustic seat.) FRANK (To Raymond) I think the luncheon must be ready, (Exit to Club House.) 40 SIDNEY What's the matter, father? You're blushing like a bride. RAYMOND Young Payton upset me a little. SIDNEY ' (Straightening up in indignation) What'd the gillie do ? RAYMOND Oh, nothing. Just argued. LORD HENRY My word ! A waiter talk back in this country ? KATHRYN (Rises) My lord, in working his way through college, Mr. Payton is doing what has been done by some of the brightest men. LORD HENRY But, as a poor boy, he should know his place. KATHRYN My lord, the poor boy's place in America is sometimes the White House. RAYMOND (To Sidne})) I offered to reward him with a check, and when he re- fused, I proposed to give him a position. SIDNEY What did you think of giving the guy ? RAYMOND The position of managing editor, to fill that vacancy. SIDNEY Oh, father! Cut it out! RAYxMOND But he refused that, also. Wants to be a professor 41 SIDNEY Professor ! Huh ! He'd try to reform the university, if not the universe. RAYMOND I've seen social leaders come and go. There are mighty few that can't be made to think with the palm of their hand, when the palm is crossed with gold. SIDNEY But he's an upstart. RAYMOND His enthusiasm will last just as long as he himself is in need. I can put before him the bait of success, and he'll be one of the strongest defenders of rich men and class distinction, because he knows both sides of life. And he's a fighter. SIDNEY I wouldn't take a chance. He isn't worth the trouble. RAYMOND I wouldn't be afraid to have him professor in this University, because I could show him opportunities on the side, and win him over. LORD HENRY I undertake that you'll have your hands full with the little bounder ! FRANK {Enters from Club House. To Ra})mond) The luncheon is served. SIDNEY {CloTPers at Fran}^, in a gruff tone) Waiter ! FRANK {Lool^s at Sidne}^, ma}(es no repl^) SIDNEY Bring me a glass of water ! 42 FRANK (Nods approvingly, exit to Club House.) SIDNEY (X's to table, pours out another glass of mne, drinks it. To Lord Henry) It doesn't take much to spoil a fool like him. I'm going to show him his place. KATHRYN (Cood-humoredlx)) Oh, Sidney, "J^^ge not, lest ye — " You know the rest. SIDNEY (To Kathr}^n, angrily^) Why do you want to make a hero out of a common farm-hand ? FRANK (Enters from Club House with glass of nnder and napkin, hands glass to Sidne'^.) SIDNEY (Takes glass.) KATHRYN (Noting Sidney^'s ugly mood, to relieve situation, to Ray- mond and Lord Henry, quickly) Let us go in to luncheon. KATHRYN, RAYMOND AND LORD HENRY (Exeunt to Club House.) SIDNEY (X's and puts foot on seat, rests arm of hand holding glass on akimbo lag, slightly loses balance, lurches and spills lva*er on shoe and bench, straightens up; to Frank, angrily) Waiter ! FRANK (Stands at attention.) SIDNEY Clean this up ! (Indicating bench.) 43 FRANK (Wipes off bench mth napkin.) SIDNEY (SilSt sticks out foot) Wipe off my shoe ! JOHN AND MARK (Enter at gate, stop at threshold, unobserved tt; Frank and Sidney; in pantomime.) FRANK (Straightens up, slightl}) hesitates, mentally debates with himself) That I decline to do ! SIDNEY Do as I tell you ! Wipe off my shoe ! FRANK I refuse ! SIDNEY (Rises, imperiously) You do what I tell you. It's part of your work as servant ! Do you think you're too good? FRANK I don't think myself above doing any work that is necessary. Necessary work is honorable, but you can't humiliate me to humor your drunken whim. SIDNEY (Enraged, draws fist, rushes up close to Frank* U^i/Zi bravado) Will you obey me, or not? FRANK (Folds arms in calm defiance, tosses head scornfully.) SIDNEY (Sizes up Frank* abandons purpose of striking, snaps his finger in his face, starts torvard Club House entrance.) MARK (Shakes fist at Sidney.) 44 JOHN (To Sidney, gloatingly) Why don't ye tackle 'im — By gum ! — if ye think ye're the best man ? {Lets out tantalizing guffaw.) FRANK (Lifts hand in protest towards John and Mark, follows Sidney with his eijes.) CURTAIN. ACT 11. Scene — Drawing-room in Raymond's home. Table at R. C, Large sofa at juncture of L. and L. C. Sofa up L., against wall. Walls covered with oil paintings. Rich por- tieres and draperies at doors and windows; also at up C. a pair of portieres, closed. Room well lighted with electricity^. Door at up R., leading to library. Door at R. 2, leading to dining- room. Door at up L. C, leading to entrance hall. Door at L. 2, leading to private office. Five chairs at table. Push button for bell at side of door R. 2. Electric light switch at door up L. C. Reading-light on table. Ash-tra^s, cigars and cigarettes on table. Individual ash-tray^ and holder containing cigars and cigarettes at sofa, L. and L. C. Time — Nearly two years later. Friday evening. Place — New York City. RAYMOND (Discovered at rise, in evening dress, almost decrepit, having apparently aged ten years in twenty-two months, examining portieres at up C.) KATHRYN (In simple evening gown, enters up L. C, X's to Raymond) Why, father, you have the portieres up, 45 RAYMOND Yes, Kathryn, just finished. (Pulls cord, parting portieres and exposing a full-length, life-size portrait of Raymond's father, paneled in wall. Pulls other cord, closes portieres.) KATHRYN They work all right. RAYMOND Yes— (With gesture and glance at other portieres) and match well. (X's to table.) KATHRYN (X's to table, sits.) RAYMOND (X's to up C parts portieres, X's to table) We must be careful to leave the portieres open when others are around. (Sits) Otherwise they might think me irreverent toward my plain old father. KATHRYN Nobod}- we care about would think that. RAYMOND Of course you and Sidney know. KATHRYN Certainly. RAYMOND The older I grow the more frequently he appears to me. (Rises) By the way, that new dictagraph records the voice with remarkable fidelity. (X's to L. 2) I haven't shown you, have I ? 46 KATHRYN No, father. You just got it. RAYMOND Wait a minute. (Exit L, 2.) KATHRYN (Rises, X's to up C, closes portieres, then opens them again, studies portrait.) RAYMOND (Enters L. 2, carr\^ing wax records, X's to table.) KATHRYN (X's to table.) RAYMOND This invention by Turner would entitle him to the cor- don of honor. (La^s records on table, picks one up and examines it care- Ulb.) KATHRYN (Picks up record and examines it) Now, you're not dependent on shorthand. RAYMOND No. Here is the voice itself. KATHRYN I must hear some of your records. RAYMOND I have planted a dictagraph here — (Pointing to sofa up L.) it will record all the conversation this evening — it is recording what I am saying now. KATHRYN (X's to sofa up L., moves it out, looks behind it) Why are you doing that? 47 RAYMOND (Sits) I have a curiosity to reproduce the offhand, running conversation, which I hope will take a philosophic turn. We won't say anything about it until it's all over. KATHRYN That'll be amusing. (Pushes sofa back* X's to table.) RAYMOND And instructive, too. It proves that when I talk in my sleep I intone the voice of the person who I dream is talking. KATHRYN Oh, I understand. In my wakeful meditations, I have caught myself carrying on a dialogue — in the respective voices. RAYMOND (Eagerly^) Really? KATHRYN (With evident design to please Ra'^mond and justify his Tvhims) Yes. I think nearly everybody does. When I was in boarding-school, there was one teacher, Miss Phipps, who thought she must discipline me about everything, and one evening when I had my hair dressed a little oddly, after the maid went out, I looked in the mirror — (X'5 to R. /, looks at wall, as if it ivere a mirror, appears to be adjusting her hair, laughs) and blurted out in the very voice Miss Phipps would use, "Miss Raymond, a simpler hair-dress would be more becoming," — (Faces Raymond) and then I answered in my own natural voice, "Miss Phipps, our party this evening is almost a state occasion." (Laughs heartily, X's to table) Now, they'd call that remarkable. (Sits,) 48 RAYMOND (Putting hand gently on Kathryns hand on table) You could always understand me. KATHRYN (Consolingly)) Yes, if while fully awake, I should talk that way, I can understand how you might repeat, in his voice, what you dream grandfather is saying to you. RAYMOND (Meditating) It is remarkable how his spirit taunts me with every misdeed of my life. I wonder what it all means. KATHRYN (Laughs) I could never qualify as an interpreter of dreams to the king. I'd surely get my head chopped off. RAYMOND There must be some relation between waking deeds and sleeping fancies. KATHRYN Perhaps. (Breaks) Y''ou have a book on the subject, by Dr. Freude, a noted German neurologist. RAYMOND I don't remember the book. KATHRYN The author maintains that there is an intimate con- nection between dreams and waking life. RAYMOND Father rebukes me. KATHRYN But you have done nothing wrong — not intentionally. 49 RAYMOND I have done things he would not approve — especially when I have brought hardship on the poor. KATHRYN But you're not to blame for that. It's the system. RAYMOND Yes, you have made me understand. You and Pro- fessor Payton. (Meditatively gazing at his father s portrait) What a grand man father was! A nobleman in his time. (Laughs) And they thought him rich, with only fifty thousand dollars to his name! (Meditates) I'm sorry Professor Payton is not to be here this even- ing. I enjoy his discussions — though he sometimes an- tagonizes me almost to the breaking point. KATHRYN I might have induced him to stay ; but it would seem a pity, because he likes his week-end visits among the poor. RAYMOND (Looks at his watch) Did Sidney go for Mabel ? KATHRYN No ; he sent his car. CHARLES (Enters up L. C, X's to Kathryn with card tray.) KATHRYN (Takes letter from tray, opens letter, reads; to Charles) No answer now. CHARLES (Exit up L.C.) 50 KATHRYN (Sigh) Oh, it's such a nuisance to have so many boys wanting to call ! RAYMOND (Cheerfully^) I can't blame them. KATHRYN (Looking at letter) From young Vanderhop. A nice boy, but not interest- ing to me. He only talks about yachts, motor cars, polo games — and other things sporty. He doesn't know there are poor people in the world. RAYMOND What does he want? (Pointing to letter) Another proposal ? KATHRYN (Smiles) Wants to call tomorrow evening. I'll send him a note after a while, and tell him I have an engagement. I have, with you. RAYMOND You know, Kathryn, my heart is set on your finally marrying Lord Henry — Sidney's, too. KATHRYN (Flinches) Yes, I know, father. RAYMOND You don't seem overjoyed that you are to see him again tonight. Two years since you saw him. KATHRYN Nearly — (Breads, complacently)) Yes, I shall be glad to see Lord Henry again. 51 RAYMOND (Rises, doubtfully), sharply) You haven't encouraged anybod}^ else? KATHRYN (Lightly) Why, no, father. If it will make you happy, let me tell you, I shall never become engaged without your knowl- edge and consent. CHARLES (Enters up L. C.) Miss Foss ! MABEL (In flash]) evening gown, enters up L. C. THROUGH- OUT ACTS II AND III, TALKS IN A STILTED TONE, MOVES ABOUT IN IMPORTANT MAN- NER, AND ASSUMES AFFECTED POSES— CIV- INC LUDICROUS IMPRESSION OF HIGHLAND- MIGHTY SELF-OPINION.) CHARLES (Exit up L C.) KATHRYN (Rises, X*s rapidly^ to Mabel, embraces and kisses her) Mabel, I'm so glad to see you ! MABEL Dear Kathryn ! (Smiles, X's to R, C, shades hands with Raymond) You're looking well, Mr. Raymond. RAYMOND Thank you. KATHRYN (X's to R. C.) Father and I were having a good old-time visit. RAYMOND If you girls will excuse me, I'm going to the library. MABEL Certainly ! 52 RAYMOND (X's to up R., hesitates, turns; to Kathryn) Where is that book on dreams ? KATHRYN (Reflecting, slowlxf) Shelf 4, section R. RAYMOND (Exit up R,) KATHRYN (Indicating chair, to Mabel) You had a splendid trip abroad? MABEL (Sits) Yes. I enjoyed it ever so much. Will there be many people here tonight ? KATHRYN (Sits) Just a simple at-home dinner. MABEL (Mildly astonished) * What! With Lord Henry invited! KATHRYN Not much is expected of me. MABEL (Using lorgnette, in half mockerxf) Oh, no! Lord Henry doesn't expect much of you! Just expects Kathryn! KATHRYN (Indifferently^) I haven't given him any such expectations. MABEL Well, of course I'm only surmising — from what Sidney has told me. 53 KATHRYN Oh, I'm nice to him because it's my father's wish — (Hesitating) and that big brother of mine seems crazy to have a title in the family. MABEL (Conciliator}^ tone) Well, you're not the girl to oppose your father — (Proudl}^) and that big brother of yours generally gets what he wants. KATHRYN (Quiet tone, half teasing manner, mocker])) Have you set the day when he's to get what he seems to want most? (Laughing, good-naturedly) I mean you, MABEL (Caught off her guard) Sidney thinks of waiting till his father — (Breads, confused.) KATHRYN (Quickh, curiously) Till ufhatr MABEL (Flustrated, confused) Till, oh, till a certain event. SIDNEY (In evening dress, slightly intoxicated, smoking cigarette^ enters up L. C, X's to sofa L. and L. C.) KATHRYN AND MABEL (jRise.) SIDNEY Hello, Mabel ! (Kisses MaheVs hand, touches Kathryns cheek Ti^ith his hand. ) 54 KATHRYN I'll join father. He is getting old, and I like to comfort him all I can. MABEL He looks worn. SIDNEY (ToKathr^n) You and Professor Payton will drive him crazy if you don't stop nagging him about the poor. KATHRYN Why, Sidney, he's interested in sociology, and wants Professor Payton's ideas. SIDNEY He needn't always be trying to convert father to his crazy way of thinking — and criticising rich people right to his face. KATHRYN You know how father hates flatterers. He enjoys the company of men who hold independent views — the more so if they differ from him. He calls such persons the whetstones of his mind. SIDNEY It'll worry him to death. KATHRYN (Laughs) What philosophy ! Why, that's the very thing to keep him young. (7*0 relieve tension, to Mahel) You've noticed the portieres ? (Indicating full-length portrait.) MABEL Yes. I was wondering. 55 KATHRYN Father is troubled a great deal in his dreams lately, and when he suddenly sees grandfather's portrait, after dreaming about him, he is frightened. (X's to up C, pulls cord, closing portieres, pulls other cord^ opening them) So he covers up the portrait while here alone. Grandfather — (Indicating portrait) died of heart failure by being frightened. MABEL Oh ! How terrible ! How did it happen ? KATHRYN He was sleeping on the veranda, when a tramp came up to beg, and called out roughly to wake him. MABEL And that caused his death? KATHRYN The shock produced heart failure immediately. {Breads, X's to Sidney) Sidney, father is failing very fast, and we must be careful of him. SIDNEY Certainly! How do you mean? KATHRYN While he's asleep, be careful not to speak sharply. The least fright might prove fatal. (To Mabel) You know, father has trouble with his heart, just as grandfather had. SIDNEY (Starts, averts face from Kaihrxm and Mabel, puts hand on chin, rolls eyes, indicating that he has a sudden inspiration.) KATHRYN You'll excuse me ? (Goes up R.) 56 MABEL Certainly ! KATHRYN (Exit.) SIDNEY (Puts arm around Mabels waisi.) MABEL (Enihusiasticall]}) Fm so glad you came just now. (Disengaging herself, pou(ingl^) Sidney ! You've been drinking ! (Breaks.) SIDNEY (Smiles, indicates seat on sofa.) MABEL (Brightly) We can only be alone a few minutes. (Sits.) SIDNEY (Sits.) MABEL What do you suppose Kathryn just asked me? SIDNEY I don't know. (Curiously) What? MABEL (Gushing) When we're to be married ? SIDNEY What'd you say ? MABEL (Hesitating, embarrassed) That you wanted to wait till — well — till — a certain event. 57 SIDNEY (Steelil}}) I'm sorry you said that. MABEL (On defensive) Why, dear? SIDNEY (Biting lips) Because she might suspect. The Governor hasn't been awfully cordial with me of late. (Rises, resignedly^) Well— (X's to table.) MABEL (Rises, X's to Sidney, conciliatory^) Your father's old — seventy-one. SIDNEY (More pleasantly) Yes.^ (Cheerful tone) And he seems deucedly worried. MABEL (Putting her hand affectionately on Sidne^*s arm) Do you think Kathryn suspected that the "certain event" was your father's death ? SIDNEY (Coldly) Kathryn's clever. (Breaks, cheerfully) But she could only guess. MABEL (Sadly) Must you come into the fortune before we're married ? 58 SIDNEY (Firmly) Yes. I want nothing to stand in the way of my ambition. (Proudly grandiloquent) I want to be the first billionaire. (Hesitates, braggadocio) With control of father's fortune of two hundred milHon dollars to start with, I can accomplish it. (Sits by table and brings fist doyvn hard to emphasize deter- mination.) MABEL (Drops on }(nees at Sidney s feet, in adoration) What a marvelous boy you are ! Just too grand for anything ! (Breaks, rises, strokes Sidney s forehead with her hand) I'm afraid you won't have much time for society — (Appealingly) and you know my weakness. (Sits, lays hands on table, leaning torvard Sidney.) SIDNEY (Puts his hand over hers in encouragement) Plenty of time for the kind I care about. (Breaks, rises, haughtily) We'll have our own set. (Disdainfully) Ordinary people bore me. MABEL (With weary yawn) Kathryn seems tied up in such people as Professor Payton. Has he any money ? (Rises,) 59 SIDNEY (Scornfully) You might as well say none. (Half smiling) Thank heaven, he won't be here tonight. (Discourteously) He's out roughing it among the poor — as he calls it. I despise such rabble. MABEL Isn't it trying to have to mix up with the common herd ? SIDNEY (Reproachfully) I should say so. In our opera-box last night, only two out of the six men were worth over ten million dollars each. (Contemptuously) I was really humiliated to be seen in their company. MABEL (Rapturously) Sidney, you should be a king! Your every instinct is royal ! SIDNEY (Self-satisfied) When I become master, there'll be a lot of common trash swept out. MABEL (Meddlesomely) Isn't Professor Payton in love with Kathryn ? SIDNEY (Disdainfully, as if in authority) Certainly. But Lord Henry's our choice for Kathryn; and Lord Henry it shall be. MABEL (Happily) Lord Henry's the right sort. I'm just dying to meet him. 60 SIDNEY (X*s to sofa L.) MABEL (X's to Sidney, "while X'ing) Sidney, what's troubling you? You've been bothered lately? SIDNEY (Hesitates) When Frank Payton graduated — the same time I did — he had the social reform "bug," and father got him a Professorship in the University, thinking he'd win him over. Instead, Payton has completely turned father's head. MABEL Why should that worry you? SIDNEY The entire fortune may be thrown away on some fool reform scheme, instead of being left in my control. MABEL • Nonsense! SIDNEY An old man, in his dotage, is apt to do anything! MABEL That's true. SIDNEY His will is all right now — (Firmlyf) but, unless something happens to him soon, he'll — CHARLES (Enters up L. C.) Lord Henry ! LORD HENRY (In evening dress, enters up L. C.) CHARLES (Exit up L. C.) 61 SIDNEY (X's to Lord Henr\), cordially) shakes hands with him) Lord Henry, allow me to present Miss Foss. Mabel, Lord Henry. LORD HENRY (X's to Mabel) Charmed, I'm sure ! MABEL It's a pleasure to meet you, my lord ! RAYMOND AND KATHRYN (Enter up R.) KATHRYN (X's and cordiall}; shades hands with Lord Henryi) Glad to see you again, Lord Henry ! LORD HENRY Such a pleasure ! (Noticing Raymond, to Kathr^n) And your father — (Breaks, X's to Ray^mond, shakes hands) My dear Mr. Raymond ! RAYMOND Glad to see you. (X's to table, indicates chairs.) SIDNEY (X's to sofa L. and L. C.) SIDNEY AND MABEL (Sit.) CHARLES (Enters up L. C.) Professor Payton ! FRANK (In rough outing suit, enters up L. C.) CHARLES (Exit up L. C.) 62 KATHRYN (X*s to up L. C.) Why, Professor, I thought you were on a week-end visit ? FRANK I couldn't go — the labor men want me to intercede with your father. (X's to Ray^mond) How are you, Mr. Raymond? RAYMOND Quite well. (Breaks) Oh, you remember Lord Henry? Lord Henry, Pro- fessor Payton. (Sits,) LORD HENRY (Bom stiffly.) FRANK (To Lord Henry, cordially) 'Pleased to see you again. LORD HENRY AND FRANK (Eye each other significantly.) LORD HENRY (Sits.) KATHRYN (X*s to table, sits.) FRANK (Bows to Sidney and Mabel, sits.) RAYMOND (To Frank) What do the labor men want ? FRANK Mr. Raymond, since the strike so many of the men have been out of work, and the wages of others so cut down, that they can't make a living. 63 SIDNEY (Annoved) Oh, hang the fool laborers ! LORD HENRY (Adjusting monocle to e\]e. To Sidne}}) I say, though, dear old chap ! In London, we're accus- tomed to that sort of thing, rather, and we don't let it upset us. RAYMOND (Showing slight impatience) What have I to do with laborers ? Sidney's in charge. SIDNEY (Rises, X's to table, strutting, pointing finger at Frank) Father doesn't wish to be annoyed with business. We'd be obliged to you if you wouldn't talk shop. KATHRYN (Conciliatory, to Raymond) I know conditions are terrible, and I wish you would give them some personal attention. MABEL Kathryn, dear, what a lot of bother you have with the poor! FRANK They want you to hear a grievance committee. RAYMOND (Douhtiully) That would be going over Sidney's head. SIDNEY (To Frank, n?ith determination) Father^n't going to do anything of the kind. I run the business. (X*s to sofa L. and L. C, sits.) 64 RAYMOND (With slightly angered pride) Sidney ! Don't boast. {Breaks, turns to Frank) Professor, why do they ask my personal attention ? FRANK (With firm enthusiasm) The leaders have appealed, again and again, to Sidney. It did no good. They now urge you to hear them. Unless they're listened to, they can't prevent the men from doing something rash. {Sympatheticall})) I respect your privacy and your retirement, but — (Ferven/Zp) Mr. Raymond, the time has come when you ought to act — {Breaks, more firmly) when you must throw the weight of your influence either on Sidney's side or on the side of labor. KATHRYN {With supplicating enthusiasm) Father, see them ; talk with them ; it can do no harm. SIDNEY {In nast^ mood) It will do no good. If I can't run the business, I'll step out. RAYMOND {Resenting Sidney's presumption) Take care ! Don't speak as if you were the proprietor ! Some day you may be ; but you're not, now. ( To Lord Henry), patting Kathry^n gently on the hand) Kathryn sympathizes with the poor. LORD HENRY That's jolly, when one can afford it. 65 KATHRYN (Hands clasped, elbows resting on table, leaning over in earnest pose) No one can do social settlement work, as Tve done, and be devoid of sympathy for the poor. There should be a better distribution of opportunity. SIDNEY (Impatient sneer) Kathryn, you have no more sympathy for the poor than I have — (Self-praising) but I want them to stay where they belong. FRANK (To Sidney, seriousl})) Misery can't be visualized; it must be felt or seen to call out sympathy. SIDNEY (Aristocratic air) We vshould keep away from such sights, and then they wouldn't annoy us. KATHRYN (Rises, X's to Sidney, shouting blind devotion) I know, dear brother, just how you look at it. SIDNEY (Seriously^ advising) Quit meddling with the poor, and attend to your own happiness. KATHRYN If you want me to be happy, let me be what I am; and not seem what I am not. (X*s to table, sits.) SIDNEY (Impatiently^) You can't be happy out of your set — neither can they out of theirs. Everybody knows that. Ask Lord Henry. (Rises, X's to L. C, thumbs in vest arm-holes, X's to sofa L., sits,) 66 LORD HENRY {To Kathtyn) Quite so. You should have, in this country, a titled class, then the fence would be higher between the aristo- crats and the proletariate, as it should be. MABEL (To Lord Henry) I just adore aristocracy. KATHRYN (To Lord Henry) In this country, the high fence has little terror for people with a just grievance. RAYMOND (Good-naturedly, to Sidney) Kathryn's favorite subject — look to your laurels. SIDNEY (Angrily) That's all I hear, and all I read about, these days, the relation of the rich and the poor. Bah ! CHARLES (Enters R. 2, carrying tray of cocktails, hesitates, X*s to sofa L., serves cocktail to Mabel.) MABEL (Takes glass.) CHARLES (X's to table, tenders cocktail tray to Kathryn.) KATHRYN (Shakes head in refusal.) CHARLES (Serves cocktails to Lord Henry, Frank* Mr, Raymond and Sidney.) KATHRYN (To others, tantalizing) I'll propose the toast. Here's to an equal chance for all ! 67 ALL (Except Kaihr]}n, drink.) CHARLES (Caihers glasses, exit R. 2.) RAYMOND Professor, where is your labor committee ? FRANK Waiting my report at Union Headquarters. RAYMOND Very well ; I'll see them here — after dinner. FRANK (Rises) ril let them know. KATHRYN (Rises, to Frank) You stay to dinner. Send them a message. FRANK No, Miss Raymond, if you'll excuse me, I prefer to deliver such good news in person. SIDNEY (Rises, X*s to table, in commanding voice) Father! Please reconsider this rashness! I'm disgusted ! RAYMOND (Rises, in measured, concluding tone) And I am determined. MABEL (Embarrassed at Sidney's discomfiture, rises. To Kathr'^n) Kathryn, dear, if you'll excuse me, I'll go to your room. KATHRYN (Nods approvingly.) MABEL (Exit up L. C.) i RAYMOND I had hoped our conversation would drift this way. That's why I had it recorded. FRANK How recorded? RAYMOND (Deliberately watching all for effect) I placed a dictagraph in this room. ALL (Except Kathr^Ut evince surprise.) SIDNEY Father, why did you do a thing like that ? RAYMOND (To 5iWnep) Because I hoped we might drift into sociology, and I'm becoming a student. (To Frank, quietl})) I now propose to study both sides of life. KATHRYN (Puts arm around Tiaymond's neck; enthusiastically) That's what I love to have you do. (Kisses Raymond.) FRANK (To Rayfmond) You'll be happier, because you'll make others happy. SIDNEY ( To Kathryn, with hatred) These reformers would cheat us out of our birthright. KATHRYN (X's to Sidney, puts her hand on his arm) Sidney ! Would you reproach your father ? SIDNEY (Jerks arm aipap, sits and sulks.) 69 RAYMOND (Ignoring Sidney, to Frank, calml)^) I have dictagraph records made of my dreams, as I talk in my sleep. (To all) I wish to invite all of you to listen to some of these records — tomorrow night, if it suits you. KATHRYN (X*s to tablet putting arm on Ray^mond's shoulder; enihusi- asticall^) Splendid ! RAYMOND I shall have portions of this evening's record reproduced on the roneophone for a part of the entertainment. FRANK (Good-naturedly) Fine! LORD HENRY (Agreeably^) Splendid idea, don't you know ! SIDNEY (Flustered, rises, X's to Raymond; protestingl^) Father, I object. (Deceitfully)) I, for one, don't care to go into vaudeville. KATHRYN (Ingenuously^) Sidney, you're too modest. (Persuasively^) It'll be great fun to hear what we've said. RAYMOND (Innocently)) Nobody seems to object, but Sidney — (Breaks, assuredly)) and he'll be a good fellow. 70 SIDNEY (Shorving great confusion, exit L. 2.) RAYMOND (To Lord Hem})) Come into the library, and I'll show you how I keep my records. RAYMOND AND LORD HENRY (Exeunt up R,) FRANK (Anxiously)) Miss Raymond, I hope my remarks haven't offended. KATHRYN (Cenil}f) Not at all, Professor. I quite agree with you. (Earnestly)) If any of my family, or friends, have opinions that can be scorched by truth — (Breaks, jokingly) I'm for the conflagration. (Sits,) FRANK (Sits, admiringly) What a wonderful woman you are ! My heart just — KATHRYN (Seriously)) Your heart's in the right place with reference to your fellow-man. FRANK (Reflecting) People think I'm happy, but I'm not. KATHRYN (Curiously) You would be but for the misery you see around you. 71 FRANK (In melancholy^) I'd still be forlorn. KATHRYN (Painfully^ surprised) Why forlorn, Professor? I'm so sorry. FRANK (Absentmindedly) I'd be happy when you are with me — (Breaks^ slowly) only I realize how soon that must end. KATHRYN (Ingenuously^, cheerfull}^) I could never do my best work without you, Professor. FRANK (As if in quer^) But you'll not always be the only one to consider. KATHRYN (Reassuringly, conciliatorvi) You are the only one who can stop me from working on with you until our dreams of reform come true. FRANK (Abstraciedl}}) But I can't work so well in the shadow. KATHRYN (Sympathetically) Why do you say shadow ? — what shadow ? FRANK (With jar-away look, sadly) The shadow of Lord Henry. It appears that either Lord Henry or I must form the eclipse. Fate seems to ordain that his lordship shall do it. (More cheerily) Miss Raymond, you are the brightest and cleverest woman I ever knew — but — 72 RAYMOND (Enters up R., X's to table.) FRANK AND KATHRYN (Rise.) FRANK (Slightly^ confused^ to Rayjmond) I'll be back with the committee after dinner. (BoTi>s to Kathr^n^ exit up L. C.) RAYMOND (Sits,) KATHRYN (Puts arm around Ra^mond*s neck) I'm so glad you're going to see the committee. RAYMOND That's one reason I'm doing it ! KATHRYN (Disengaging herself, meditating) Father, what is the matter with Sidney? RAYMOND I'm afraid too much pampering has spoiled him. KATHRYN He's not getting enough sleep. RAYMOND (Patting Kathryn on hand) If Sidney had your ways, he'd be a wonderful success. He has a great chance. (Breaks, meditating) You have your grandfather's — (Indicating picture) disposition — that's atavism, isn't it — where character leaps over? KATHRYN Yes. And I'm proud of that. 73 CHARLES (Enters up L. C. to Kaihr^n) There's a little girl to see you. KATHRYN (Quickb) Find out what she wants. CHARLES I tried; but she's crying, and all she can say is some- thing about her brother — and she must see you. KATHRYN Very well, Charles. (Exit up L C.) CHARLES (Exit up L. C.) SIDNEY (Enters L. 2. X*s L. and L. C; indifferentl}f) Where's Kathryn? RAYMOND ' Just this minute stepped out. KATHRYN (In automobile costume, enters, X*$ to Raymond, kisses him, excitedly) Father, I must make a call. Don't wait dinner. I'll be back as soon as I can. RAYMOND (Rises, sympathetically) What is it? KATHRYN A little boy is dying — ^that's his sister. RAYMOND What boy? KATHRYN One of my favorites, little Tony. His father worked for you — er — for Sidney, until he was laid off. They were 74 almost starving when Tony took sick. I happened to find them, and got them some food, and a doctor, but I fear it was too late for Tony. CHARLES (Enters up L. C.) Miss Raymond, your car ! KATHRYN Yes, Charles. Telephone Dr. Wood that I will stop for him in just a few minutes. Hurry, Charles! CHARLES (Exit up L C.) KATHRYN (X*s toUfard up L. C.) SIDNEY (Sharplyf) Kathryn, aren't you ever going to grow up ? KATHRYN What do you mean ? SIDNEY All this sentimental business about a Dago ! There are too many of them, anyhow. Why don't you let the wop die? KATHRYN (Angril})) Sidney, would I let you die ? SIDNEY Ha ! Ha ! That's different, I hope. KATHRYN Why should it be different? You are both human beings. (Exit up L. C.) SIDNEY (Sulks, exit L. 2.) 75 RAYMOND (X's to portraiU looks at it a jeV) moments, X*$ slotvl}) to table, sits.) CHARLES (In Raymonds private office off L. 2. Excited \>oice) I can't ! It wouldn't be right ! SIDNEY (In Raymond's private office) I say you will ! (Noise of struggle is heard in Ra})mond's private office off L2.) CHARLES AND SIDNEY (Enter L. 2.) CHARLES (Hair disheveled, bloodstains on face, coat half off, held back b]) Sidney clinging to coat, holding paper in one hand, trying to keep it from Sidney, holding something under coat with other hand, calling out hysterically) Mr. Raymond ! Oh ! Mr. Raymond ! SIDNEY (In shirt-sleeves, hair disheveled, resembling a maniac, Tprests paper from Charles.) RAYMOND (Rises, X*s to L. 2; excitedly) What on earth ? Why, Charles! Charles! SIDNEY (Releases his hold on Charles, straightens up in maniacal defiance, excitedly tears up paper; angrily) Father, I want these records destroyed. (Deceitfully, rapidly) I don't want to hear all this stuff rehashed. (Scatters bits of paper; rashly) I ought to have some rights. (Breaks, hysterically) You think more of outsiders than you do of your own son. 76 CHARLES (Takes wax records from under coaU hands them to Ray- mond; breathlessly^) The originals ! RAYMOND (Takes wax records; to Sidney, contemptuously) You're not quite up-to-date on dictagraphs. (Holds up and examines wax records carefully, as if to see that they are not damaged) Here is the record with the voice reproduced. (With contemptuous, pitying pose, measured, firm tone) ril learn why you wished it destroyed. CURTAIN. ACT III. Scene — Same as Act II — Lamp House, Balcony C. Time — Two hours later. Place- — Same. RAYMOND, FRANK, JOHN, MARK AND ADAM (Discovered at rise, seated at table.) KATHRYN AND LORD HENRY (Seated on sofa L. and L. C.) MABEL (Seated on sofa up L., reading a book, appearing indiffer- ent to conference.) JOHN (In Sunday clothes) That — By gum ! — is the reason they put me on the com- mittee, to show you that us farmers don't git the big prices what the city folks have to pay. 77 RAYMOND Yes, Mr. McFall, I understand ; and Mr. Harding has undertaken to show that the prices of necessities are be- yond the reach of the laboring classes. (To Adam) What has Mr. Stern to say ? FRANK ( To Ra\;mond) Mr. Stern was put on the committee because he repre- sents a large class of enforced idlers. RAYMOND Well, Mr. Stern? ADAM {In ragged clothes, embarrassed, hesitating) I didn't want to come here — (Breaks) because it's no use. RAYMOND (Kindh) But you have a grievance ? ADAM ( With greater ease and assurance) We hain't got much to hope fer. RAYMOND (Kindl}) tone) How do you manage to live ? ADAM (Embarrassed, looks about) We couldn't hardly call it livin.' FRANK (Persistentl]f) But you are living. (Hesitates) For instance, you're not hungry now. 78 ADAM (Hangs head, embarrassed) I never tell nobody when I'm hungry. FRANK (Pressing examination) How'd you get your food today ? ADAM (Resentfully, as if feeling accused) I didn't steal. (Breaks, rapidly) And I didn't beg, either. RAYMOND (To Adam, sympathetic tone, firmly) Come, my man, Professor Payton's friendly, and doesn't mean to embarrass you. Answer his question. ADAM (Forcing n>ords, slowly) All I had today, I— I— (Drooping head, ashamed) got in the bread-line. (Rising, not lifting eyes) But I don't feel very well — (Pauses) and I reckon I'll be goin'. (Turns around, X*s toward door up L. C.) KATHRYN (Rises, quickly X*s to Adam, puts hand gently on his arm, sympathetically) What's the matter, Mr. Stern ? (Hesitates) Tell me if you're hungry . ADAM (Turning around, facing table, looking up slightly at Kathryn) 79 I'm no beggar, ma'am. (Proudly^, mih effort) I'd rather starve than beg. (Breaks. Defiantb ^ooks up) And I won't steal. KATHRYN But you're our guest — (Persuasively)) if you'll let me serve you something to eat, that will not be begging. You will let me ? To please me, Mr. Stern ? ADAM (Shh) Yes, ma'am — (Hesitates) if you put it that way, and — (Hesitates) you won't say it's beggin'. KATHRYN (X's to R. 2. rings, X's to Adam, reassuringly) Of course it's not begging. Please sit down. (Leads him to table.) ADAM (Sits.) KATHRYN I'll have something brought right in here, so you can hear what's said. CHARLES (Enters R. 2 with court plasters on his face, covering slight wounds inflicted fcj? Sidney.) KATHRYN (To Charles) Charles, fetch some coffee and roast beef and other things for Mr. Stern. 80 CHARLES Yes, ma'am. (Exit R.2.) KATHRYN (Sits) Now, father, let's not bother Mr. Stern with questions until he gets something to eat. RAYMOND Very well, daughter. KATHRYN (With emotion) Father, it would make you sad if you knew how many thousands of people are in distress like this. I wish you could realize, without having to go through it, what the bread-line means — how men — honest, strong men, willing to work — and women, too — are compelled to humble themselves in that way. CHARLES (Enters R. 2, in one hand a tray of dishes containing food; in the other hand a small table.) KATHRYN (Rises, X's to C. While X'mg, to Charles) Set it right here. (Indicates place.) CHARLES (Sets small table at C. and places frai? upon it.) KATHRYN That's all, Charles. CHARLES (Exit R. 2.) KATHRYN (To Adam) Now, Mr. Stern, help yourself. (X's to table and sits.) 81 -^ ADAM (Takes chair over to small table and sits, looks about, em- barrassed, but seeing that nobody is gazing, eats rapidly, vainly attempts to conceal his voracity.) SIDNEY (Enters up L. C, decidedly intoxicated, having on auto top- coat, takes handkerchief from top-coat pocket, mops brow, and in doing so drops mask to floor behind him, so that it is hidden from the view of all except Mabel. Looks about, then gazes insolently, first at John, then at Mark and Adam, THROUGHOUT THIS ACT SMOKES CIGAR- ETTES CONTINUOUSLY,) MABEL (Looks away from book just in time to see mask f^^^ '" floor: nervously looks up, rises quickly* and stealthily picks up mask and hides it in her clothing. Sits and again reads.) CHARLES (Enters up L. C) SIDNEY (Removes top-coat, hands it to Charles.) CHARLES (Exit,) KATHRYN (Rises) Why, Sidney, where have you been? The committee are just about through, and I hoped you would hear them. SIDNEY (With bleared gaze at Kathryn) I get enough of labor and its tales of woe at the office. (Breaks contemptuously) I thought you went to see one of your Dago friends. (Sits,) KATHRYN (Crushed, sits, sadly) Poor little Tony died in my arms. (Buries face in hands,) 82 RAYMOND (Puts hand gentl-^ on Kathrjns head) There, daughter. It couldn't be helped. {Breaks, with evident purpose of diverting Kathr^ns mind) Let us hear some more of Mr. Harding's arguments. KATHRYN (Lifts head, recovers composure) Yes, father — go on, Mr. Harding. MARK (In Sunda}) clothes, looks at Sidney and coivers before his insolent gaze, timidl])) I tell you, Mr. Raymond, since the strike and the cut in wages, the men at work are not earning enough to keep their families — and the idle who need help. SIDNEY (Rises, angrily^) That's a lie, and he knows it. RAYMOND (Lifting hand to Sidney, suggesting quiet, firmly) Just a moment, Sidney ! ( To Mark, kindly) Go on, Mr. Harding, SIDNEY (Disgusted look and gesture, as if to Wave the committee aside, sits by Mabel, lights cigarette.) MABEL (Smiles, embarrassed,) MARK (Embarrassed and angered, gives Sidney hard look; tarns to Raymond, leans forward) No, sir, that's the truth, and I can prove it. (Hesitating) I don't know just how to tell you. 83 (Pauses, lets his epes rvandef about the room, and then quickh 'oO'^5 straight at Raymond, sharpl}) and rapidly) But among the workmen there's great distress, and great anger, too. LORD HENRY (Lights cigarette, rises, gazes at Mark through monocle, dis- misses purpose, sits.) SIDNEY (Heroically) This fellow knows that we're paying more wages than we did five years ago. (Turns to Mabel and seems to sa}) something.) RAYMOND (To Frank) How about that, Professor? FRANK (Rapidh) That's undoubtedly true, but it doesn't solve the prob- lem, because of the high cost of living, as compared with a few years ago. Government statistics show that the wages paid today will not buy as much of life's necessities as the wages five or ten years ago. RAYMOND (Doubtfully) Have we the statistics in the library? FRANK Yes. Shall we examine them ? RAYMOND Suppose we do. I am interested. (Rises, X*s to up R.) Will the Committee join us ? KATHRYN Mr. Stern and I will stay while he finishes his dinner. 84 I FRANK (Rises) Will Mr. McFall and Mr. Harding come along? JOHN AND MARK (Rise) RAYMOND 1, JOHN 2, MARK 3. AND FRANK 4 (Exeunt up R.) SIDNEY (Rises, nonchalantly) My lord, Fll shoot you a game of billiards. (Clances at Kaihryn, scornfully^) If we don't find the billiard room occupied by a lot of common people. LORD HENRY (Rises) Very well, Sidney. (X's to up L C. To Mabel) Will Miss Foss umpire? MABEL (Rises) With pleasure. (X's to L. C.) MABEL 1, SIDNEY 2, AND LORD HENRY 3 (Exeunt up L. C.) ADAM (Having finished his heart}) meal, pushes back from the table, more brightl})) Thank you, Miss Raymond. (Breaks) But it wasn't beggin', was it? KATHRYN (Rises, X*s to R. 2, rings. While X'ing, srveetl}f) Certainly not, Mr. Stern. (X's to Adam, persuasively) 8S But why shouldn't you beg when you're hungry? (Kindlv. firmly) It's not disgraceful. ADAM (Quickb) Yes, I think it is. {Breaks, hesitates, meditativel};) It's bad enough to let my little daughter. (Breaks, gentl}), quickb) I can't see her starve ; so I must let her beg. (Breaks, rapidl})) But, mind you, only for herself. CHARLES (Enters R. 2.) KATHRYN Charles, remove the table and tray. CHARLES Yes, Miss Raymond. (X*s, gets table and tra}^, exit R. 2.) KATHRYN (Curiously)) Your little daughter! How old is she? ADAM (Rises, hrightlyf) . , . . r i Eleven years old, ma'am,— and a pretty girl m the face ! KATHRYN (Interestedly^) Where is she tonight, Mr. Stern? ADAM (Sadh) She's just a street waif now, ma'am. (Breaks) I've had so little work since her mother died, a year ago, that she must look out for herself. 86 KATHRYN (Inquiringly) Of course she's too young to work ? ADAM Last winter she had a job making artificial flowers, but she could only get about a dollar a week— and the wire cut her hands. KATHRYN (Sympathetically) So she quit that work ? ADAM Yes. (Breads, hesitates) Then she got a job running an embroidery-cutting machine in a sweat-shop ; but she had to tell them she was fourteen years old. KATHRYN (Curiously) When she was only eleven ? ADAM Yes, or they wouldn't let her work — (Breaks) and she could only make a dollar and a half a week at that. (Breads, sadl})) Anyhow, she was laid off when summer came. (Breaks, meditatively)) And now she just sells papers and runs errands and begs. That's how she lives, ma'am. KATHRYN I'm sorry. Please tell your daughter to call and see me tomorrow. Now, will you go to the library ? They must be ready to go home. ADAM Yes. (X's to up R,) I will send my daughter, thank you. (Exit.) 87 KATHRYN (Looks about, X's to up L. C.) MABEL (Enters up L. C, excitedly) Kathryn, dear, Sidney is in no condition to play, and he wants you to come and play a game with Lord Henry. KATHRYN Very well, Mabel. (X's to up L. C, exit) MABEL (X*5 to sofa L. and L. C, sits, takes mask fi'om her cloth- ing, examines it, again hides it. Looks about nervously , hoUfs her head, buries her face in her hands, as if n>eeping.) SIDNEY (Enters up L. C, stops on threshold) What's the matter, Mabel ? MABEL Oh, Sidney. (Controls herself ivith effort, and rises.) SIDNEY (Puts finger to lips to indicate silence. Looks about, X's to up C, glances under each portiere, again looks about, deliber- ately X's to up L., nervously moves sofa from wall, stoops, then rises and pushes sofa back.) MABEL (X's rapidly to Sidney) What is it, Sidney? SIDNEY^ (Pointing behind sofa) It's a dictagraph. (Deceitfully) While you were out we were fooling with it, and we left it on. I disconnected it. (X's to sofa L. and L. C, indicates seat.) 88 I MABEL (Takes from clothing and holds up mask) Sidney ! What's this ? SIDNEY {Disconceriedly, steps back) Where did you get it ? MABEL (X*s to Sidne\f, with trepidation) It dropped from your pocket. What are you doing with a disguise? SIDNEY (Rudely^ snatches mask f^om her hand, puts it in pockety embarrassed, deceitfully) Why — Mabel — I'm going — it's for — er — a friend of mine who is going to a mask ball. (Hesitates, seriously) Mabel, I must talk with you. SIDNEY AND MABEL (Sit.) MABEL (Anxiously) What's the trouble ? SIDNEY (Gravely) If father lives till tomorrow night, it's all up with me. MABEL (Excitedly) Why, what do you mean, Sidney ? SIDNEY (In melancholy) I mean he'll change his will. MABEL And-^ 8^ SIDNEY (With resignation, sadl\)) Yes. Cut me off. MABEL Why, Sidney, what makes you think so ? SIDNEY (Elusively) I must not tell you. But I know. (Taking MaheVs right hand in both his, courageously)) Mabel, I want you to promise me — (Hesitates, looJ^s around, vaguel}).) MABEL (Sympatheticall-^) Anything! What? SIDNEY Father has invited you and others to be here tomorrow night. If anything happens to me that — MABEL (Emotionall'^) Don't say that. SIDNEY (With dogged firmness) If Fm not here, and if the old man is still alive, promise me that you'll be here. (Ominous pause) Do you promise ? MABEL (Pensively^) Yes, Sidney! Yes! SIDNEY (Master iousl\f) And keep your nerve, so you can tell me afterwards what happened. 90 MABEL- (Obediently) Of course, Sidney. (Appealinglyj) But can't you tell me what it all means? SIDNEY (Firmlxf) Not now. You promise? MABEL (Resignedlyj) Yes. nibehere. LORD HENRY AND KATHRYN (Enter up L C) SIDNEY AND MABEL (Rise.) SIDNEY (Not feazed. To Lord Henry) My lord, I would like to talk with you. LORD HENRY Certainly. (X's to table.) KATHRYN Come, Mabel. KATHRYN AND MABEL (Exeunt up L. C.) SIDNEY (Watches Kathryn and Mabel, X*s quicl(lyf to table, looks about, sits.) LORD HENRY (Sits, curiously) What is it, dear boy ? SIDNEY How did Payton act with the labor committee ? 91 LORD HENRY (Prosaically) Oh, he took their side, of course. (Takes from tray and lights cigarette.) SIDNEY (Ominously, rapidly, agitated) We've got to check Pay ton. If we don't break his influ- ence at once, father'll change his will, and our plans '11 be ruined. LORD HENRY (Curiously) How ruined? SIDNEY (Impressively, slowly) I'll have nothing, and Kathryn will have nothing; at least not enough worth while for you. LORD HENRY Are you serious ? SIDNEY > Impossible to be more so. Father seems under Payton's hypnotic spell, and Kathryn is becoming too much inter- ested in him. LORD HENRY What can we do? SIDNEY We've got to humiliate Payton — make Kathryn ashamed of him. LORD HENRY Quite so. But how? SIDNEY When they come in, we must drift the conversation to Payton's favorite subject — competition; then shatter his arguments. LORD HENRY But, my dear old chap, as a guest, it would be improper for me to come down on him. 92 SIDNEY You wouldn't want to marry Kathryn if she had no money, would you ? LORD HENRY (Try^ing to appear indifferent) Really — of course I like money, here and there. SIDNEY You won't have to do so much. You lead Pay ton out, and — (Rises, struts, X's to L. C, turns, faces Lord Henr]}, con^ ceitedly) I'll smash his arguments. Will you do it? (X's to table, sits.) LORD HENRY I suppose I'm let in for it. I'll very well try. FRANK (Enters up R,) SIDNEY Mr. Payton, I've had enough of your butting in. FRANK (X's to L. and L. C, indiffermtl})) What's on your mind ? (Firmly)) Out with it ! (Sits.) SIDNEY (Quarrelsome) Your harebrained doctrines are stirring up class hatred. FRANK No. It's your contempt for sound doctrine. SIDNEY (Rises, X's to Frank, angrily) Y'ou're inciting the labor men to trouble. 93 LORD HENRY (Rises, X*s toward Frank, pcmpousl))) In my country, the better classes would call you a bloomin' agitator. FRANK Then I'm sorry for your better classes. SIDNEY {Shades fist at Frank* Tvlik bluster) Take a tip from me — stop it. FRANK (Rises, formidably)) See here, Sidney. Haven't you learned yet that it's not yours to command ? I teach and lecture according to my convictions. SIDNEY AND LORD HENRY (Come up close to Frank* as if attempting to bull}f him.) SIDNEY You meddle in people's business! You've got father all worked up with your competition scheme and senti- mental theories ! FRANK (Ironically)) Your father is a big man ! SIDNEY (With bluster) I'll fix you so you won't bother him — or anybody else. (Braggadocio) You'll find out that I— RAYMOND (Enters up R. To Sidne})) I'm sorry you didn't hear the rest of the discussion. (X's to table, sits.) 94 J SIDNEY (Sits, To Frank, insultingly) I suppose you commanded father to re-employ the Idle and restore the wage scale. FRANK (X's to table, sits) I did suggest that such action would give temporary relief. SIDNEY (Scowls at Frank' To Raymond) Father, the reduction of wages is netting us an in- creased profit of one thousand dollars a day. LORD HENRY (Sits by Sidney. Enthusiastically) Wonderful ! SIDNEY If you want to cut down our profits, go ahead. RAYMOND (Impatiently) My son, we're not discussing the ledger now. (7^0 Frank, meditating) You say temporary relief. Isn't that as far as we can go? SIDNEY (To Raymond, contemptuously) Professor Payton would have you give work to every loafer in the country, and then, by some magic, bring about competition. FRANK (To Sidney) Complete social justice will not come until we do restore competition. LORD HENRY (To Frank, disgusted) Really, that suggests such unpleasant situations. 95 KATHRYN (Enters up L. C, X*s to table, sits.) FRANK (To Kathr\)n, smiling) On our favorite topic. (To Ra\)mond) Competition will assure plenty of work for all, and adjust prices to the wage conditions. SIDNEY Putting more people to work will raise prices, by in- creasing the demand for necessities. FRANK (To Sidney^) The supply would then keep pace with the demand. (To Ray^mond) You heard what the committee said. KATHRYN (Animated) Yes, father, and I know they're right. The consumer pays a dollar for what brings the grower or producer from twenty to fifty cents. RAYMOND Who gets that big profit — the retailers ? FRANK No. Their profit is modest. It's the trusts and middle- men, with their gentlemen's agreement, based on co- operation. SIDNEY You can't rise above the law of supply and demand. If there's a limited supply, the prices will be higher. LORD HENRY Quite right. It's the same over in London ! FRANK (Ignoring Lord Henry, To Sidney) But they limit their purchase. 96 KATHRYN (To Rax^mond) And the shame of it is, they force farmers to let fruit and vegetables rot when the poor need them. RAYMOND How can they work that game? FRANK Simply by agreeing among themselves as to how much they will purchase ; then they can offer their own price. RAYMOND How do they manage to make their large profits ? FRANK They agree to let one another alone ; and then they fix the selling price. RAYMOND You also claim that competition would assure plenty of work for all ? FRANK Yes. The laborers know that a quarter of your mills are shut down, but they don't know why. SIDNEY It's none of their business ! LORD HENRY There you are ! Professor Payton seems a bit tangled ! FRANK (Throws freezing glance at Lord Henry and Sidney. To Raymond) The manufacturers defeat the law of supply and de- mand precisely as the middlemen do ; they employ only a part of the labor, and thus force laborers to bid one another dovv n ; and they manufacture less than is really needed, thus forcing up the price to purchasers. KATHRYN (Enthusiastically) Father, Professor Payton has worked out a formula to solve the problem of social justice and the cost of living. RAYMOND {To Frank) Do you think it feasible ? FRANK With money enough, yes. You could restore and main- tain scientific competition. That will cure the evils of inequality. SIDNEY Bah ! Co-operation has been touted as the panacea for social ills. FRANK Co-operative guilds and societies have worked, and are working, for good, particularly in Europe and Asia. But the trusts have perverted co-operation and used it as a basis to stifle competition, freeze out competitors and then shoot prices sky-high. SIDNEY (Contemptuously) You'd go back to the cut-throat method of competition ? Not for mine ! FRANK (To Sidne})) The cut-throat method, as you term it, was the excep- tion, and when it occurred, but few were hurt, and the many got the benefit. Co-operation cuts the throats of the many, and the few get the benefit. Ruinous competi- tion is inspired only by the hope of supremacy and monopoly-control — so as to get rid of competition. That will cease when merchants come to understand that com- petition is permanent. RAYMOND (To Frank* eagerl})) Outline your formula. FRANK (To Raymond) Let us assume that you had created a foundation, ei dowing it with one hundred millions of dollars. 98 SIDNEY (Rises, scornfully^) Assume he'd chuck in half his fortune? Why don't you assume that father has gone crazy ? RAYMOND (To Sidne})) Professor Payton is only supposing. SIDNEY (Disdainfully)) It's easy to figure out how to spend other people's money. ^ ^ (Sits.) FRANK (To Raymond) Your corporation could go into the commission business and give a fair profit to the farmer, and then sell direct to the |:etailer to supply the consumer at a reasonable price. Ihen all commission merchants would be forced to do the same. SIDNEY (Quickh) That would be unfair, for it would drive the honest commission merchants to the wall. FRANK No. The by-laws of the corporation provide that it shall make a fair profit, and withdraw from the field when the abuse shall have ceased. SIDNEY (Sarcastically^) Then your great plan resolves itself into an immense commission house. FRANK The corporation is free to take up any other line of business— agriculture, commerce, transportation or bank- ing—where a trust or monopoly is exploiting and robbine- the public. ^ 99 LORD HENRY (Rises, X's to table; while X'ing, to Frank* importantly) I undertake that if your foundation is to go it on a large scale in every business, you'd need many times a hundred millions. (Sits.) FRANK It would be unnecessary for the corporation to go into many lines at all, or to stay in any one line very long. Like a powerful navy, the very fact of its standing ready to put down wrongful conduct would take the place of doing it. Besides, there will be many times a hundred millions; for if some rich man takes that humanitarian step, many others will emulate him. KATHRYN (To Raymond) Professor Payton's idea is that the Government will finally do it. FRANK That would be the ideal plan. LORD HENRY That's your trouble over here now. Your Government interferes too much with vested rights. FRANK On the contrary, we have been too lenient toward vested wrongs. RAYMOND (To Frank) Should the Government compete with private entei^ prise ? FRANK The Government bought and sold rice in the Philip- pines, to break the monopoly and cut down extortionate prices. RAYMOND Probably done to prevent revolt among the natives. 100 I FRANK True. But it proved the right and the power of Gov- ernment competition. RAYMOND It's different when it comes to governing a colony. FRANK It shouldn't be. (Breaks, vehemently;) The Parcel Post was made necessary here at home by co-operative extortion of the express companies. The cement case is another illustration of the power of Gov- ernment competition. RAYMOND I don't believe I know about it. FRANK The Government manufactured its own cement to build the Roosevelt Dam. RAYMOND Why? FRANK Because the manufacturers evidently pooled their bids. The Government made a profit of six hundred thousand dollars. RAYMOND Wouldn't such practice cause many to depend solely upon the Government, and tend to pauperize the people? LORD HENRY (To Frank f disgustedly;) The more you help the vagrants, the more they want. SIDNEY (To Lord Henry;, leaning back, complacently;) Beggars would ride the Government horse to the devil ! KATHRYN (To Lord Henry;, good-naturedly) The special privileges enjoyed by the rich have not stunted them. 101 FRANK Help by the Government or the individual, which gives only what is justly deserved, should not be confused with outright giving. It is more helpful than endowing public institutions. It is charity with no pauperizing tendency. RAYMOND (To Frank) An unpatriotic President could perpetuate his admin- istration — and become a dictator. FRANK It is the pride of America that we never have an un- patriotic President. RAYMOND No man should be tempted too far. FRANK The fear of corrupt use of Government patronage has been exaggerated — in fact, has been masqueraded — as a ghost to frighten the common people. RAYMOND Caution should attend new ventures. FRANK The glory of America rests upon new ventures. The army of faithful Post Office employees have never been corrupted ; but the trusts and monopolies have controlled elections. SIDNEY {To Frank, facetiously) Professor, you're a dreamer ! We shall see no millen- nium on earth ! FRANK iQuletlyf) No, but we shall see the end of slavery; and the ex- ploitation of one class of people by another, for unfair gain is slavery. 102 KATHRYN Professor Payton's formula would give everybody a chance. SIDNEY It wouldn't make people cease to be selfish. FRANK Competition would make it natural and popular for selfish men to do justice — to be institutional — to play fair — LORD HENRY (Interrupting) How can you expect selfish men to play fair ? FRANK Because fair play, under competition, is to the advan- tage of the selfish man. CHARLES (Enters up L. C.) A gentleman to see Lord Henry. (Extends tra^ to Lord Henr^.) LORD HENRY (Taf^es card and loo\s puzzled) Oh — well, I say ! (To Raymond) It's my solicitor. Why should I be bothered ? (To Charles) I'll see him at his office tomorrow afternoon. CHARLES (Exit up L C) SIDNEY (Rises, importantly)) After all, it comes to this : Professor Payton would do away with co-operation, which means friendship, and sub- stitute the old-style competition, which means war. 103 f-RANK Co-operation means friendship of the kind referred to a^ *'honor among thieves" — a fair division of spoils derived from the secret, unholy plotting in merchandise that affects the health and the very life of the people. SIDNEY (Contemptuously) What*s competition but plotting? (Sits.) FRANK Competition means open and above-board contest. SIDNEY Competition makes merchants cheat each other. KATHRYN (Rises, gestures hv pointing finger at Sidney, in p/ajj/u/ manner) Co-operation makes merchants cheat everybody else. CHARLES (Enters up L. C, mth paper on ira^, hands to Lord Henry) The gentleman says tomorrow will be too late. He is waiting. LORD HENRY (Takes paper, looks at it. To Raymond) Oh, yes. I remember now — it's a botherin' bit of busi- ness. I was to sign it today, but it quite escaped me. (Rises, sighs) I suppose I must. (Looks about.) RAYMOND Will you see him in the library? LORD HENRY Thanks, awfully. RAYMOND Charles, show the gentleman to the library. 104 CHARLES (Exit up L. C.) LORD HENRY (Glances at paper) Oh, I say ! Sidney, old chap, if it won't trouble you too much, would you witness my signing? SIDNEY (Rises) Certainly. SIDNEY AND LORD HENRY (Exeunt up R.) KATHRYN (To Ra}fmond) I'll run up and see how Mabel is feeling. (Exit up L CO RAYMOND Your formula interests me — ^but of course only as a theory. FRANK I hoped you would do it. RAYMOND Do what ? FRANK Finance the plan. RAYMOND With one hundred million dollars ? FRANK Yes. RAYMOND Impossible ! FRANK Not impossible for you — and wonderfully proper. 105 RAYMOND I never supposed you were serious — only thougiit you were working on a beautiful idea — suitable for books, or the stage. My first duty is to my children. FRANK You could use for this cause one hundred million, and still have enough left for them. Yes, use one hundred and fifty million — yes, one hundred and ninety-nine million, and still leave your children one million dollars — (Emphatically)) which is more than they need. RAYMOND Not for their purposes. Sidney is ambitious to make a great name in the financial world. And when Kathryn marries Lord Henry, she will need a very large fortune to maintain the estates and sustain her rank. FRANK That would never make her happy. And as for Sidney, you don't know him. He's ungrateful, — and, I believe, unworthy. RAYMOND Have a care! You go too far! I have always en- couraged your independent views, but when you venture to instruct me about my son and daughter — (Represses strong emotion) well, it's impertinent ! FRANK (Rkesy earnestly) You should regard this plan as the greatest oppor- tunity, and the greatest piece of business of your illus- trious career. RAYMOND I am almost convinced that it would be a good thing for the Government to finance your formula. FRANK You owe it to your country, as a patriotic duty, to execute the plan, as an example to the Government. 106 RAYMOND Owe it? FRANK Yes. {Pauses a couple of moments) If war broke out, and my country needed me, do you think I would hesitate ? RAYMOND But you have no family. FRANK If I had, it would make the sacrifice the more glorious. Above my family, above myself, above everything, I would defend the flag. RAYMOND Such sacrifice is rare. FRANK History contradicts you. Look at the thousands upon thousands of fathers who have responded — not merely with money — but, cheerfully, with their lives. (Breaks^ in deep thought) Mr. Raymond, by using the greater part of your for- tune in this plan, and without impoverishing your chil- dren, you might prevent a similar sacrifice of another hundred thousand fathers. RAYMOND How do you mean ? FRANK By averting a most terrible industrial war. RAYMOND Class hatred ! FRANK Yes. But the poor prefer not to hate the rich ; they like to look up to them. The rich despise the poor, and the poor know it. That's the class hatred. RAYMOND You threaten revolution. 107 FRANK No! (With sadness) I merely read the signs. (Quickb) And you have the power, if you have the heart, to avert it. What a noble service to your country — to the world ! (Pauses, X's quic^l^ half n>a^ to portrait^ points vigor- oasl^) Ah ! Mr. Raymond, I have it from you that your sainted father taught you that the greatest source of pleasure is in serving your fellow-men. RAYMOND But he left his money to me — his son. FRANK He had not piled up more than a reasonable amount, and he trained you to work. You have trained Sidney to idleness ; you have taught him to think that he has already won in the battle of life. RAYMOND I wanted to save him from hardship. FRANK (X*ing to table) Would you train an athlete by having him avoid exer- cise, and by telling him he would win without competing? (ShaJ^es head) In training Sidney for the Human Handicap, you have disqualified him by over-petting and over-feeding. You have unfitted him for the strife that really makes men. Like the average over-rich man's son, Sidney is skilled in but one thing — the art of avoiding work, and in looking upon work with contempt. His mind has become the devil's workshop. The answer is overbearing manners, dissipation, gambling — (Pauses, droops head, sadly) and maybe crime. 108 RAYMOND (IrD^oluntaril}) ihrows up hands, as if to T^ard off blon^) Professor ! There are exceptions. FRANK But I fear Sidney is not an exception. RAYMOND (Ironically) Nevertheless, I suppose I shall be selfish enough to leave my fortune mainly to my children. FRANK I appeal to your selfishness. You have a chance to do something for humanity, which would give you and your children more happiness than you or they could have if you omit doing it ; for such is the law of compensation. RAYMOND You've made money, Professor — done pretty well, haven't you ? FRANK (Sits) I have fifteen hundred dollars in bank, which is all in the world I can call my own. RAYMOND I thought you made quite a stake in Wall Street ? FRANK I gained exactly fifty thousand dollars in the campaign which you put me in. RAYMOND (Laughs, demively) And lost it, because you thought you were smart enough to play the game without my skill. FRANK No, I didn't lose it. But I have wished a thousand times I could give it back to the people from whom it came. 109 RAYMOND It came from me, didn't it ? FRANK No. You only showed me how to take it away from others. RAYMOND I thought you'd appreciate the favor. FRANK I did appreciate the fact that you wanted to please me. But to make me smile, you were willing to make many others weep. RAYMOND It was nothing more than business. The people in- vested — and — well, they lost. FRANK You call it business. (Looking up with steady gaze) Oh, business! What magic in that name — what a beautiful, many-colored cloak to hide crime ! (Looks straight at Ra^mondt quickh) I call it a game — with loaded dice, marked cards, or what you will. (Shaking head) The people don't have a chance. RAYMOND (Laughs, cy^nicall^) In your dragnet for criminals, you catch about all the rich, respectable men in America. FRANK No. The men higher up in the game are few. (Takes check ftom pocket, hands to Raymond) Here is a check for fifty thousand dollars. RAYMOND (Looks at checks puts it in Frank^s hand) Nonsense ! 110 FRANK Take it, and include it in the foundation for the formula. RAYMOND I haven't decided to create the foundation. FRANK But having come to realize its benefits, you will decide. You will do it. Mr. Raymond, you are less entitled to keep your millions from the people who gave it to you than I am my thousands. Your great ganglia of banks, with their interlocking directorates, like a mammoth octopus, reach their tentacles into every minute crevice of every business, and flash back to headquarters the trade conditions and the monopolistic possibilities. You then finance this merger and that ; this Wall Street manipula- tion and that; this stock jobbery and that. Why, Mr. Raymond, while I was making my fifty thousand dollars, how much did you make out of that one manipulation? RAYMOND Well, well, I think our banks cleaned up something like thirty millions in that deal. FRANK If we could find the very people who gave it to us, we ought to give it back to them. Since we can't, let us put it to the use of all the people. LORD HENRY AND SIDNEY (Enter up R.) SIDNEY (X's to sofa L. and L. C. To Frank) One thing you entirely overlooked — co-operation pro- duces administrative economies and prevents waste. FRANK {Puts check in pocket. Rises, X's to Sidne]); while X'ing) And the few get the benefit of the saving. Ill LORD HENRY (X*5 io table. To Frank) Bless you, it's your bloomin' protective tariff that causes your trusts and monopolies over here. Let your Govern- ment stop that ! FRANK The Government should either control, or force com- petition, in all cases of monopoly — whether it be caused by tariff, by secret trade agreements, or by the damnable money trust. SIDNEY Competition keeps business men constantly in a struggle. FRANK But it's the wholesome kind of struggle. Co-operation produces the sham battles among the giants, who are careful not to hurt one another. When I was a boy, about the most contemptible thing I knew of was for two or more contractors to enter into a secret understanding as to who should put in the winning bid. Such cases were rare, but now, amidst our orgy of co-operation, that is the customary method of controlling all our industries, and all our necessities of life — to the disgrace of American manhood. SIDNEY In business, as in love and war, all things are fair. FRANK (7^0 Sidney) It isn't fair to pretend competition where there is none. No true sport will throw a game for a share in the gate receipts. SIDNEY Some will always get more than others, and we'll always have loafers and beggars. 112 FRANK Without a doubt! I'm not pleading for the dishonest or the indolent — either rich or poor. (To Ra}fmond) But all should have a chance. Then we should see fewer idlers — both rich and poor — and fewer paupers and criminals. When we boast the splendor and prosperity of our civilization, that boast should come not merely from the throats of the sordid plutocrats ; but, in a chorus, from the ninety million Americans. KATHRYN (Enters up L. C, X's lo table.) FRANK (ToKathryn) I think I must be going. RAYMOND (Rises, putting hand on Frank's shoulder, admiringly^) If I should decide to finance this plan, you shall have the credit. We'll call it the Payton Formula. KATKRYN Bravo ! MABEL (Enters up L. C, X's to Sidne\).) LORD HENRY (To Ray^mond) A very enjoyable evening, Mr. Raymond ! KATHRYN (To Lord Henr))) My lord, must you go? I'll send you to your hotel in my car. LORD HENRY Thank you, Miss Raymond! KATHRYN (X's to R. 2., rings, X's to table, jokingly) I'll send you home, too, Professor. 113 FRANK Three blocks ? I think I could stand that walk. KATHRYN {Has brtlUant idea) Suppose you and I take Lord Henry home ? I'd like a ride in the air. LORD HENRY Delighted ! FRANK Fine! CHARLES (Enters up L. C.) KATHRYN Charles, send my car 1 CHARLES (Exit up L C.) RAYMOND Lord Henry, will you excuse me ? (To Mabel) And you, Mabel ? (To Frank) Professor, I'd like a word with you and Kathryn in the library. RAYMOND 1, KATHRYN 2. FRANK 3 (Exeunt up R.) LORD HENRY (Exit up L. C.) SIDNEY (To MabeL excitedly^) Mabel, we'll wait till the others are gone, and then start, as if I were taking you home; but I want you to go alone. MABEL Why? 114 SIDNEY Please don't ask me why. Remember your promise for tomorrow night, and do as I wish. MABEL (Meekh) All right, Sidney. (SOUND OF AUTOMOBILE OUTSIDE COMING TO STOP.) CHARLES (Enters up L. C.) Miss Raymond's car ! SIDNEY Please order my car! CHARLES Yes, sir. (Exit up L. C.) RAYMOND 1, KATHRYN 2, FRANK 3 (Enter up R.) SIDNEY Kathryn, your car is waiting. KATHRYN Very well. (Kisses Raymond) Good-night, father ! RAYMOND I'll be up when you return. I'm going to read a while. (X's to table.) LORD HENRY (Enters up L. C, X's to table, shades hands mih /?ap- mond) Good-night, Mr. Raymond ! RAYMOND My lord, don't forget tomorrow night. US LORD HENRY ( To Sidney and Mabel) Good-night ! SIDNEY AND MABEL (Bonj.) FRANK (X's to table, shal^es hands with Raymond) See you tomorrow night, Mr. Raymond. RAYMOND Yes, Professor. FRANK (BoTvs to Sidne}) and Mabel) KATHRYN (To Mabel) Shall you remain a while ? MABEL No. I'm going soon. Good-night, Kathryn, dear ! LORD HENRY 1, FRANK 2, KATHRYN 3 (Exeunt up L. C.) (SOUND OF AUTOMOBILE DEPARTING. FOL- LOWED BY SOUND OF ANOTHER AUTOMO- BILE COMING TO STOP.) CHARLES (Enters up L. C. To Sidney) Your car! RAYMOND Charles, please go to the library and fetch Emerson's Essay on Compensation. You'll find it on shelf three, section F. CHARLES (Nods obedience, exit up R,) 116 MABEL (X*5 to Ray^mond, shades hands) Good-night, Mr. Raymond ! RAYMOND (To Mabel) Kathryn told you about tomorrow night? MABEL Yes, Mr. Raymond. I shall be here. (Exit up L, C.) SIDNEY (7*0 Raymond) You're not going to do such a foolish thing as to put half your fortune into Payton's wild scheme ? RAYMOND My boy, so long as I believe you are grateful, you may safely trust me to look out for your interests. SIDNEY Thank you, Dad. {Exit up L. C.) CHARLES (Enters up R., hands hook to Ra}fmond.) RAYMOND See if my secretary has typewritten this evening's dicta- graph records. CHARLES (Exit L 2.) RAYMOND (X*s to up C close portieres, X*s to up L. C, turns off lights, except reading-light at table.) (SOUND OF AUTOMOBILE DEPARTING.) RAYMOND (X*s to table, stands a /en> seconds meditating, sits, facing down, picks up volume, turns a /eii» leaves, reads) 117 "If the gatherer gathers too much, Nature takes out of the man what she puts into his chest; swells the estate, but kills the owner. Nature hates monopolies and exceptions." (Slon}l]) turning a few more leaves, glancing over each page, again reads) "If you put a chain around the neck of a slave, the other end fastens itself around your own." (Turning a ferv more leaves, and glancing at pages, again reads) "Treat men as pawns and ninepins, and you shall suffer as well as they." CHARLES (Enters L, 2, X*s to table, hands ty^petvritten paper to Raymond) The secretary says that's all that was recorded. The dictagraph stopped soon after dinner. (Exit up R.) RAYMOND (Looks through ty^peivritten record, reads aloud) "And seems worried." (Pauses) "Do you think Kathryn suspected that the certain event was your father's death ?" (Starts) "But she could only guess." (Pauses) "I want to be the first billionaire." (Turns through more pages, shakes his head, meditates, again reads) "I know his will is all right; but unless something happens to him soon, he'll — " (Starts violently), pauses, controls himself, looks through other pages slowl]) to the end, rises, la^s paper on table, slaps his hand on it, looks about the room, sits, looks about, medi- tates, picks up volume, glances at it, shoivs signs of drowsiness.) 118 SIDNEY (Appears at door up L. C, stealthily peeps irtt disappears.) RAYMOND (Turns off reading-light, falls asleep, drops hook-) (LIGHTS OUT IN THEATRE, EXCEPT SPOT ON RAYMOND. SPOT LIGHT GRADUALLY DIMMED.) (Fades awayj,) (FILM CURTAIN.) RAYMOND'S DREAM. Scene I — Same as Act III. (Portieres up C. parted.) RAYMOND (Sitting at table, asleep.) GHOST (Walks out of portrait frame, lifts hand.) (Cut in) "My son, let your conscience awaken.'* RAYMOND (Winces.) GHOST (Cut in) "Think upon the poor and unfortunate." Scene II — Market-place. Throngs of poor ragged people examining vegetables and fruits. RAYMOND (Looking on.) GHOST (Looking on, points.) Cut in) "The poor can scarcely buy enough food to live. Price too high." 119 WOMAN (CLOSE VIEW.) (Picks up head of cauliflon>er, presses it to her bosom lov- ingl]ft holds it out at arm*s length, la])s it donfn again on mar- ket table, Tpalks away.) GHOST (Cut in) "Cauliflower retailing at twenty cents a head, or five dollars per barrel. The grower gets fifty cents per barrel ; middlemen four dollars and a half." WOMAN (CLOSE VIEW.) (Picks up apple, holds out to market man, asking price.) MARKET MAN (Gestures, quoting price.) WOMAN (Shakes head sadly, lays down apple.) GHOST (Cut in) "Apples five cents apiece, or five dollars a bushel. The grower gets eighty cents ; middlemen four dollars and twenty cents." RAYMOND (Hides face with arm. ) GHOST (Cut in) "In greater or less degree, true of all food products." Scene III — Market scene. GHOST AND RAYMOND (In foreground to left,) THREE MEN (In foreground to right; fat, sleek-looking; well-dressed, silk hats, and laden with jewelry, laughing, and, apparently, exteremely happy.) 120 GHOST (Cut in) "These three are trust magnates and middlemen. They know what causes the high cost of living; they are the toll-gatherers." Scene IV — Happy family. STEVE (A Ti> or kman) MARY (His rvife.) LITTLE SON AND DAUGHTER ALL (At table, eatnig <^mner) Scene . V — Scene of a strike. GHOST AND RAYMOND (In foreground.) STRIKERS AND STRIKE-BREAKERS (Fighting.) WOMEN AND CHILDREN (Mingling in the fra^.) Scene VI— Laid off. PLACARD ON FACTORY (Cut in) "No strikers will be taken back." CROWD OF WORKMEN (Reading placard.) 121 Scene VII — The retreat. WORKMEN (Sadl^ rvalfcing an>a}f from work-) STEVE (In foreground.) Scene VIII, same as Scene IV — Hope gone STEVE (Has iaJ^en sick fTom morr^,) LANDLORD'S AGENT (Ejecting Steve and family.) Scene IX — Steve's son neglected. STEVE'S SON (Selling papers on street, has become tough — fighting n>ith other street waifs.) Scene X — Room in a tenement. No furniture except three soap-boxes. MARY, SON AND DAUGHTER (All ragged.) GHOST AND RAYMOND (Enter.) GHOST (Cut in) "Here is a specimen of the wretched poor." RAYMOND (Hands coin to Mar^.) 122 MARY (BoTi}s gratefully, hands coin to son.) SON (Rushes out) MARY (Adjusts fipo soap'boxeSt Jvipes them off with her apron, indicates seats to Ghost and Raymond.) GHOST (Makes gesture, declining,) SON (Enters, rvith loaf of bread.) MARY (Takes loaf, breaks off chunks of bread and hands them to son and daughter,) MARY, SON AND DAUGHTER (Eat voraciously.) Scene XI — Bread-line on street. GHOST AND RAYMOND (Watching from foreground.) MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN (A line, haggard, crippled, sickh ^"^ ragged, taking their portions in turn.) STEVE (In foreground.) GHOST (Cut in) *'My son, you could prevent much of this suffering." Scene Xll-^Sweat-shop. Street beside building-. 123 GHOST AND RAYMOND {Standing at outer door.) GHOST (Cut in) "You must visit a sweat-shop." Scene XIII — Interior of sweat-shop. WOMEN AND GIRLS (Toiling rvith needle; some at semng-machinest others work- ing by hand,) MARY (In foreground,) GHOST (Cut in) "From two to seven dollars a week. Early morning till late night. Sanitary conditions poor." Scene XIV — Opium joint. VICTIMS (Some sleeping, some smol(ing the pipe, some in the act of talking hypodermic injections.) STEVE (In foreground,) GHOST AND RAYMOND (Looking on from foreground.) GHOST (Cut in) "The last stage of the underworld. Criminals of ever] class, and the victims unwittingly duped." 124 Scene XV — Sidney's club. GROUP OF MEN (Well dressed.) SIDNEY (Pouring champagne, already intoxicated.) ALL (Lift glasses, drinl^ and carouse.) (Fades awa^ to Scene XVI — Same as Scene I. RAYMOND (Sitting at table asle?p.) GHOST (Walks back into portrait frame.) (FADES AWAY.) (FILM CURTAIN RISES.) (SPOT LIGHT ON RAYMOND.) RAYMOND (Slightly rouses, turns on reading-light, again drops off to sleep.) SIDNEY (With top-coat on, stealthily^ X's to up C, looks behind portieres, stands in front of them, takes from pocket mask, consisting of n>ig, with rough false beard, all one piece, puts on over head; in loud, harsh, disguised tone) Raymond ! Don't be a fool ! RAYMOND (Starts.) SIDNEY You have been deceived. There is no voice from the other world! RAYMOND (Straightens up, gazes into nothingness.) 125 SIDNEY You are a practical man. Beware of the advice of sentimentalists. RAYMOND {Rises) How strange ! SIDNEY Strange ? No ! Be just to your own children, your own flesh and — RAYMOND (Turns about, faces Sidney, throia^s hands in air) Oh, horrors ! (Drops to chair t sivoons.) (SOUND OF AUTOMOBILE OUTSIDE COMING TO STOP.) SIDNEY (Hides behind portieres.) CHARLES (Enters R. 2» X's to up L. C, turns on light, rushes to Raymondy greatly excited.) (SOUND OF DOOR CLOSING UP L. C.) FRANK AND KATHRYN (Heard talking in entrance off up L. C.) KATHRYN Thank you so much, Professor ! CHARLES (X*s rapidl}) to up L. C, excitedly^) Miss Raymond ! Miss Raymond ! Your father ! FRANK AND KATHRYN (Enter quickh "P ^- G.) KATHRYN (X's quickh ^0 Ray^mond, takes hold of him) Father ! (To Charles) The medicine-case and some water. Quick ! 126 M CHARLES (Exit R, 2.) FRANK (X's rapidly to Raymond, takes hold of Raymond's wrist to feel his pulse, looks about.) KATHRYN Father has been troubled so much lately with his heart. FRANK His pulse is not bad. He's coming around. CHARLES (Enterst with medicine-case and glass of water.) KATHRYN (Opens case quickh, takes tablet from bottle, puts tablet to Ray^mond's mouth) Here, father, this will help you. RAYMOND (Swallows tablet.) KATHRYN (Takes glass from Charles, gives Ra'^mond sip of water.) RAYMOND (Somewhat revived.) KATHRYN Oh, father ! You're all right now, aren't you? RAYMOND (Bewildered, looks about) You, Kathryn? KATHRYN Yes, father. What's the matter ? (Sits.) RAYMOND (Entirely revived) I was dreaming of my father, and I heard a terrible voice. 127 {Pointing to portieres) I saw a frightful-looking creature. (Shivers) Oh ! It's horrid ! It's horrid ! FRANK (To Kaihrvn) There's foul play here ! (Looks about, X*s to sofa up L.. loof^s behind it.) ' RAYMOND AND KATHRYN (Rise, follorv Frank n>ith their e^e$,) FRANK (X's to portieres up C, seizes cord firmly, pulls cord quickh* parting portieres,) SIDNEY (Discovered, strikes at Frank.) FRANK (Parries hlon> with quick movement of left arm, and with right hand grabs Sidney by ivrist.) SIDNEY (Struggles to escape.) FRANK (Overpowers Sidney. With left hand forces his face up to exposure, snatches off disguise, recognizes Sidney, releases hold, jumps back* throws up hands, indicating great astonish- ment.) KATHRYN (Vigorously points finger at Sidney) You ! Sidney ! — (Gives loud, hysterical yell, X's to L. and L. C, drops to sofa.) RAYMOND (Throws hands above head, as if supplicating heaven) Oh! My God! CURTAIN. 128 I ACT IV. Scene — Same as Act III. Small table at intersection of up R. C, lip L. C, R. C. and L. C, on which rests a roneo- phone and a pile of records. Time — Next evening. Place — Same. RAYMOND, LORD HENRY AND FRANK (Discovered at rise, in evening dress, seated at table R. C.) KATHRYN AND MABEL (Discovered, in evening gowns, seated on sofa L. and L. C.) CHARLES (Discovered, still wearing court plasters on face, working with roneophone.) RONEOPHONE "My son, your conscience is awakening. You will find the way to use your fortune for humanity. You can accomplish wonderful things for civilization. CHARLES (Shuts off roneophone.) RAYMOND (Rises) Oh! How that dream troubled me! LORD HENRY (To Raymond) That doesn't sound like your voice. RAYMOND No, I intoned my father's voice, talking in my sleep. (Breads, throwing glance at all present, apologetically)) If I may just a little further tax you, I want you to hear one more. (Breads, sits, picks up book, turns over leaves. To Charles) Charles, put on the record — of — let me see — the record of — night before last. 129 CHARLES (Tal^es off record, puis on nen> record,) RONEOPHONE "It is not ordered that the conduct of men should be outlined by a voice from another world. The natural process of evolution must go on ; it is ordained that man, while yet cumbered with the flesh, shall gradually work out the scheme of social justice. Turn your masterful mind upon it." (Makes brief stop.) LORD HENRY (Lights cigarette, shifts nervously.) RONEOPHONE (Resuming) ** Serve your fellow-man ! Don't hesitate ! Beware the temptation of pride and selfish motive !" RAYMOND (Rises.) FRANK (Rises, curiously^) How about our record of last night ? RAYMOND (Sadb) Oh, yes. (Picks up record) This will serve as an example of each voice. (Hands record to Charles, sits.) FRANK (Sits.) CHARLES (Changes records, starts roneophone.) RAYMOND (To Charles) That's all. 130 CHARLES (Exit up L, C.) RONEOPHONE (In Frank's voice) "Fine!" (In Lord Henri's voice) "Splendid idea, don't you know !'* (In Sidney s voice) "Father, I object. I, for one, don't care to go into vaudeville." (In Kathr})n*s voice) "Sidney, you're too modest. It'll be great fun to hear what we've said." (In Raymond*s voice) "Nobody seems to object but Sidney, and he'll be a good fellow." RAYMOND (X*s to roneophone, shuts it off) For personal reasons, I did not preserve all of the record. (NOISE OF MEN TALKING OUTSIDE.) CHARLES (Enters up L. C. hands Raymond a letter) Several people, sir; but they just want you to read the letter. RAYMOND (Takes and opens letter.) CHARLES (Exit up L.C.) RAYMOND (Smiling^ to all) Oh ! From the labor union. (Reads) "Resolved: That we extend to Mr. Oliver Raymond our sincere thanks for his action in restoring the wage 131 scale, giving work to the unemployed, and promising to correct sanitary conditions, and "Resolved : That we wish him long life and happiness, and "Resolved: That a copy of this resolution be imme- diately despatched to Mr. Raymond. "Mark Harding, "Qiairman of Committee." (Exit up L C.) MARK HARDING (OUTSIDE) Three cheers for Oliver Raymond ! SEVERAL VOICES (OUTSIDE) Hurrah ! Hurrah ! Hurrah ! (SOUND OF TALKING OUTSIDE FADING AWAY.) RAYMOND (Enter up L, C. X's to Kathr^.) KATHRYN (Gushingly)) Isn't that splendid of them ! (Rises^ embraces Raymond, affectionately) Doesn't that give you more pleasure than money ? RAYMOND (Choking up, kindly) Yes, daughter, I'm glad I did it. (Breaks from Kathryn, controlling self.) FRANK (Rises. To Raymond, encouragingly) You have brought joy into the lives of those men and their families. 132 RAYMOND (Generousl\f) Mostly thanks to you an