* *^ "^^ .* 0* • ^^'\ ^^. .- .' .^^'''«> ^''•%.. .- • t? • ^oV^ "^^^ '-■©IS'*' ^'^^^ l^P'** /\, .^ THE CLIMBERS ■y^y^ The Climbers A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS By CLYDE FITCH THE MACMILLAN COMPANY NEfV rORK MCMVI LONDON: MACMILLAN & CO., Ltd. 1/ LIBRARY of CONGRESS Two Copies Received I DEC 26 1905 i Cooygirht Entry CLASS K^ XXc. No, / s/oPT B. ^€? Vi> A A Copyright, 1905, By the MACMILLAN COMPANY. All rights reserved. Set up and electrotyped. Published December, 1905. O/^to All acting rights, both professional and amateur, are reserved by Clyde Fitch. Performances forbidden and right of representation reserved. Application for the right of performing this piece must be made to The Macmillan Company. Any piracy or infringement will be prosecuted in accordance with the penalties provided by the United States Stat- utes: — "Sec. 4966. — Any person publicly performing or representing any dramatic or musical composition, for which copyright has been obtained, without the consent of the proprietor of the said dramatic or musical composition, or his heirs or assigns, shall be liable for damages therefor, such damages in all cases to be assessed at such sum, not less than one hundred dollars for the first and fifty dollars for every subsequent per- formance, as to the Court shall appear to be just. If the unlawful per- formance and representation be wilful and for profit, such person or persons shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction be im- prisoned for a period not exceeding one year." — U. S. Revised Statutes, Title 60, Chap. 3. XorbiootJ $rtss J. S. Cashing & Co. — Berwick & Smith Co. Norwood, Mass., U.S.A. TO CHARLES T. MATHEWS IN GRATEFUL RECOGNITION OF HIS TRUE FRIENDSHIP AND LOYAL EN- THUSIASM FROM THE BEGINNING C. F. 1905 THE CLIMBERS ACT I. In Late Winter. Ai the Hunters\ ACT II. The Following Christmas Eve. At the Sterlings'. ACT III. Christmas Day. At the Hermitage, by the Bronx River, ACT IV. The Day after Christmas. , At the Sterlings'. New York: To-day THE PEOPLE IN THE PLAY Richard Sterling. Edward Warden. Frederick Mason. Johnny Trotter. GODESBY. Dr. Steinart. Ryder. Servant at the Hermitage. Jordan. Butler at the Sterlings'. Leonard. Footman at the Sterlings'. Master Sterling. Servants. Mrs. Sterling {nee Blanche Hunter). Miss Hunter. Mrs. Hunter. Jessica Hunter. Clara Hunter. Miss Godesby. Miss Sillerton. TOMPSON. Mrs. Hunter^s Maid. Marie. Clara Hunter's Maid . Originally produced at the Bijou Theatre, New York, January 2 1 , 1 901, with the following cast: — Richard Sterling Mr. Frank Worthing Edward Warden Mr. Robert Edeson Frederick Mason Mr. John Flood Johnny Trotter Mr. Ferdinand Gottschalk Dr. Steinart Mr. George C. Boniface Godesby •. Mr. J. B. Sturges Ryder Mr. Kinard Servant at the Hermitage .... Mr. Henry Warwick Jordan "I . . Servants . ( Mr. Edward Moreland Leonard f • • ^^ the . j Mr. Henry Stokes A Footman J . . Hunters' . I Mr. Frederick Wallace Richard Sterling, Jr Master Harry Wright Mrs. Hunter Mrs. Madge Carr Cook Mrs. Sterling (nee Blanche Hunter) Miss Amelia Bingham Jessica Hunter Miss Maud Monroe Clara Hunter Miss Minnie Dupree Miss Hunter Miss Annie Irish Miss Godesby Miss Clara Bloodgood Miss Sillerton Miss Ysobel Haskins Tompson ) . . Maids at . ( Miss Lillian Eldredge Marie ) . . the Hunters' . ( Miss Florence Lloyd II Produced at the Comedy Theatre, London, September 5, 1903, with the following cast: — Richard Sterling Mr. Sydney Valentine Edward Warden Mr. Reeves-Smith Frederick Mason Mr. J. L. Mackay Johnny Trotter Mr. G. M. Graham Godesby Mr. Horace Pollock Dr. Steinart Mr. Howard Sturges Master Sterling Miss Maidie Andrews Ryder Mr. Henry Howard Jordan Mr. Elgar B. Payne Leonard Mr. Littledale Power Footman Mr. Rivers Bertram Servant Mr. George Aubrey Mrs. Sterling Miss Lily Hanbury Miss Hunter . . . , Miss Kate Tyndall Mrs. Hunter Miss Lottie Venne Jessica Hunter Miss Alma Mara Clara Hunter Mrs. Mouillot Miss Sillerton Miss Florence Sinclair Tompson Miss L. Crauford Marie Miss Armstrong Miss Godesby Miss Fannie Ward ACT I A drawing-room at the Hunter s\ handsomely and artistically furnished. The woodwork and furniture are in the period oj Louis XVI. The walls and furniture are covered with yellow brocade, and the curtains are oj the same golden material. At the hack are two large windows which give out on Fifth Avenue, opposite the Park, the trees of which are seen across the way. At Left is a double doorway, leading into the hall. At Right, opposite, is a door which leads to other rooms, and thence to other parts of the house. In the centre, at back, between the two windows, is the fireplace; on the mantel are two vases and a clock in dark blue 15 1 6 THE CLIMBERS ormolu. There is a white and gold piano on the Right side oj the room. The room suggests much wealth, and that it Jias been done by a professional decorator; the personal note of taste is lacking. It is four o'clock in the afternoon. The shades of the windows are drawn down. There are rows and roivs of camp-chairs filling the entire room. The curtain rises slowly. After a moment, Jordan, the butler, and Leonard, a foot- man, enter from the Left and begin to gather together and carry out the camp-chairs. They do this with very serious faces, and take great pains to step softly and to make no noise. They enter a second time for more chairs. Jordan. [Whispers to Leonard.] When are they coming for the chairs? k THE CLIMBERS 17 Leonard. [Whispers back.] To-night. Say, it was fine, wasn't it ! Jordan. Grand ! [They go out with the chairs and immediately reenter for more. They are followed in this time by a lady^s maid, Tompson ; she is not a young woman. As she crosses the room she stoops and picks up a faded flower which has fallen from some emblem. She goes to the window at Right, and peeps out. She turns around and looks at the others. They all speak in subdued voices, Tompson. Jordan, what do you think — can we raise the shades now? Jordan. Yes, of course — after they've left the house it's all over as far as we here are con- cerned. [She raises both shades. c l8 THE CLIMBERS ToMPSON. Phew! what an odor of flowers! \She opens one of the windows a little. [Marie, a young, pretty, French woman, enters from the Right. Marie. Will I help you? ToMPSON. Just with this table, thank you, Marie. [They begin to rearrange the room, put- ting it in its normal condition. They replace the table and put back the ornaments upon it.] Poor Mr. Hunter, and him so fond of mince pie. I shall never forget how that man ate mince pie. [She sighs lugubriously and continues her labor with the room. Leonard. I hope as how it's not going to make any difference with us. Jordan. [Pompously.] Of course not; wasn't Mr. Hunter a milHonnaire? ToMPSON. Some milHonnaires I've known THE CLIMBERS 19 turned out poor as Job's turkey in their coffins ! Marie. What you say? You tink we shall 'ave some of madame's or ze young ladies ' dresses ? ToMPSON. [Hopejtdly.] Perhaps. Marie. I 'ave already made my choice. I like ze pale pink of Mees Jessie. Leonard. Sh! I heard a carridge. ToMPSON. Then they're coming back. [Marie quickly goes out Right. Jordan. [To Leonard, hurriedly, as he quickly goes out Left.] Take them last two chairs! [Leonard, with the chairs , follows Jordan out Lejt. ToMPSON hastily puts hack a last arm- chair to its usual position in the room and goes out Right. Mrs. Hunter enters Left, followed by her three daughters, Blanche, Jessica, and Clara, and Master Sterling, who is ao THE CLIMBERS a small, attractii'e cJiilJ, jivc years of age. All are in the deepest conventional mournings Mrs. HrxTF.R /;; iL'iihKc's zceeds utd Clara wiih a heavy, black chifjon I'cil : Jie Boy is also dressed in canvefUionaJ mourning. As soon as tJ:ey enter, all four women lift their veils. Mrs. Hunter /V a well -preserved woman, with a pretty, rather foolish, and sotneivhat querulous face. Her jigiire is the latest mode. Blanche Sterling. Jier oldest daughter, is her antithesisy — a handsopne, dignified woman, young, sincerey and showing, in her attitude to the others and in her oic*n point of view, the warmth of a truty evenly-balanced nature. Jessica is a typical second child, — nice, good, self-effacingy syfft pathetic, unspiyiled. Clara ;V her oppo- site, — spoiled, petulant, pretty, pert, and selfish. THE CLIMBERS 2i Mrs. Hunter. \With a long sigh.] Oh, I am so glad to be back home and the whole thing over without a hitch! [She sinks with a great sigh of relief into a big chair. Blanche. [Takes her son to Mrs. Hunter.] Kiss grandmother good-by, and then Leonard will take you home. Mrs. Hunter. Good-by, dear. Be a good boy. Don't eat too much candy. [Kisses him carelessly. Master Sterling. Good-by. [Rujis towards the door Left, shouting happily.] Leonard ! Leonard ! Mrs. Hunter. [Tearfully.] My dears, it was a great success ! Everybody was there ! [The three younger women stand and look about the room, as if it were strange to them — as if it were empty. There is a moment's silence. 22 THE CLIMBERS Blanche. [Tenderly.] Mother, why don't you take off your bonnet? Mrs. Hunter. Take it off for me; it will be a great rehef. Blanche. Help me, Jess. Mrs. Hunter. [Irritably.] Yes, do something, Jessie. You've mortified me terribly to-day! That child hasn't shed a tear. People'll think you didn't love your father. [The two are taking off Mrs. Hunter's bonnet. Mrs. Hunter waits for an answer from Jessica ; none comes.] I never saw any one so heartless! [Tearful again.] And her father adored her. She was one of the things we quarrelled most about ! [Over Mrs. Hunter's head Blanche exchanges a sympathetic look with Jessica to show she understands. THE CLIMBERS 23 Clara. I'm sure Vve cried enough. I've cried buckets. \S'he goes to Mrs. Hunter as Blanche and Jessica take away the bonnet and veil and put them on the piano, Mrs. Hunter. [Kissing Clara.] Yes, dear, you are your mother's own child. And you lose the most by it, too. [Leaning against the side of her mother^s chair, with one arm about her mother. Clara. Yes, indeed, instead of coming out next month, and having a perfectly lovely winter, I'll have to mope the whole season, and, if I don't look out, be a wallflower without ever having f been a bud ! Mrs . Hunter. [Halj amused but feeling Clara's remark is perhaps not quite the right thing.] Sh — [During Clara's speech above^ Blanche has 24 THE CLIMBERS taken Jessica in her arms a moment and kissed her tenderly, slowly. They rejoin Mrs. Hunter, Blanche wiping her eyes, Jessica still tearless. CiARA. And think of all the clothes we brought home from Paris last month ! Mrs. Hunter. My dear, don't think of clothes — think of your poor father ! That street dress of mine will dye very well, and we'll give the rest to your aunt and cousins. Blanche. Mother, don't you want to go upstairs ? Jessica. [Sincerely moved.] Yes, I hate this room now. Mrs. Hunter. [Rising.] Hate this room! When we've just had it done ! Louis Kinge ! Blanche. Louis Quinze, dear! She means the associations now, mother. Mrs. Hunter. Oh, yes, but that's weak and THE CLIMBERS 25 foolish, Jessie. No, Blanche — [SiUing again.] — I'm too exhausted to move. Ring for tea. [Blanche rings the hell beside the mantel. Clara. [Crossing to piano, forgets and starts to play a music-hall song, hut Mrs. Hunter stops her.] Oh, yes, tea! I'm starved! Mrs. Hunter. Clara, darhng ! As if you could be hungry at such a time! [Jordan enters Left. Blanche. Tea, Jordan. Jordan. Yes, madam. [He goes out Left. Mrs. Hunter. Girls, everybody in town was there ! I'm sure even your father himself couldn't have complained. Blanche. Mother ! Mrs. Hunter. Well, you know he always ^ found fault with my parties being too mixed. He 26 THE CLIMBERS wouldn't realize I couldn't throw over all my old set when I married into his, — not that I ever acknowledged I was your father's inferior. I consider my family was just as good as his, only we were Presbyterians I Blanche. Mother, dear, take off your gloves. Mrs. Hunter. I thought I had. [Crying.] I'm so heartbroken I don't know what I'm doing. [Taking off her gloves. [Blanche and Clara comfort their mother. Jessica. Here's the tea — [Jordan and Leonard enter with large, sil- ver tray, with tea, cups, and thin bread-and- butter sandwiches. They place them on small tea-table which Jessica arranges for them. Mrs. Hunter. I'm afraid I can't touch it. [Taking her place behind tea-table and biting eagerly into a sandwich. THE CLIMBERS 27 Jessica. [Dryly.] Try. [Blanche pours tea for them all, which they take in turn. Mrs. Hunter. [Eating.] One thing I was furious about, — did you see the Witherspoons here at the house? Clara. / did. Mrs. Hunter. The idea! When I've never called on them. They are the worst social pushers I've ever known. [She takes another sandwich. Clara. Trying to make people think they are on our visiting Hst ! Using even a funeral to get in ! Mrs. Hunter. But I was glad the Worthings were here, and I thought it sweet of old Mr. Dormer to go even to the cemetery. [Voice breaks a little.] He never goes to balls any more, and, they say, catches cold at the sUghtest change of temperatura 28 THE CLIMBERS \S}ie takes a third sandwich. Blanche. A great many people loved father. Mrs. Hunter. [Irritably.] They ought to've. J It was really foolish the way he was always doing something for somebody ! How good these sand- wiches are! [Spoken very plaintively. Jessica. Shall we have to economize now, mother ? Mrs. Hunter. Of course not; how dare you suggest such an injustice to your father, and before the flowers are withered on his grave! [Again becoming tearful. [Jordan enters Left with a small silver tray, heaping full of letters. Has the new writing paper come? Blanche. [Who takes the letters and looks through them, giving some to her mother.] Yes. [Blanche reads a letter, and passes it to Jessica. THE CLIMBERS 29 Mrs. Huxter. Is the black border broad enough? They said it was the thing. Clar-A.. If you had it any broader, you'd have to get white ink to write with! Mrs. Hunter. [Sweetly?^ Don't be imperti- nent, darHng! [Reading another letter. [Enter Miss Ruth Hunter. She is an un- married woman betiveen thirty and forty years of age, handsome, distinguished ; an aris- tocrat, without any pretensions ; simple, un- afiected, and direct in her effort to do kindnesses where they are not absolutely undeserved. She enters the roojn as if she carried with her an atmosphere of pure ozone. This affects all those in it. She is dressed in deep mourning and wears a thick chiffon veil, which she removes as she enters. 30 THE CLIMBERS Ruth. Oh! you're having tea! \Glad that they are. Mrs. Hunter. [Taking a second cup.] I thought the children ought to. Ruth. Of course they ought and so ought you, if you haven't. Mrs. Hunter. Oh, I've trijied with something. Jessica. Sit here, Aunt Ruth. Blanche. Will you have a cup. Aunt Ruth? Ruth. Yes, dear, I'm feehng very hungry. [Sitting on the sofa beside Jessica and pressing her hand as she does so. Mrs. Hunter. Hungry! How can you! Ruth. Because I'm not a hypocrite! Mrs. Hunter. [Whimpering.] I suppose that's a slur at me! Ruth. If the slipper fits ! But I confess I haven't eaten much for several days; I couldn't THE CLIMBERS 31 touch anything this morning, and I begin to feel exhausted; I must have food and, thank Heaven, 1 want it. Thank you. \To Blanche, taking the cup jrom her. Mrs. Hunter. I think it's awful, Ruth, and I feel 1 have a right to say it — I think you owed it to m\' feelings to have worn a long veil; people will think you cHdn't love your brother. Ruth. [Dryly.] Will tliey? Let them 1 You know as well as I do that George loathed the very idea of crepe and all display of mourning. Mrs. Hunter. [Feeling out of her elementy changes the subject.] You stayed behind? Ruth. Yes. I wanted to be the last there. [Her voice chokes; she tries to control herself.] Ah ! you see my nerves are all gone to pieces. I wonH cry any more! Mrs. Hunter. I don't see how you could 3a THE CUMBERS bear it — stanng ; but you never had any heart, Ruth. Ruth. [MahankaUy^ biiing her lips hard to keep the tears ha^k.] Haven't I? Mrs. Huxter. My darling husband always felt tliat defect in you. Ruth. George? Mrs. HrxiFR. He resented your treatment of me, and often s.iid so. Ruth. [Very quietly, but with deiermift<]Hf\^ indignantly and almost screams in ar.^ry J:\st erics.] Mortgaged, I presume ! Oh, it's insulting ! It's an indignity. It's — it's — Oh. well, it's just Hke my husband, there! Blanche. Mother! [Ruth rises y and, taking Mason's arm, leads him aside. Mrs. Hunter. [Tl^ Blanche.] Oh, don't talk to me now ! You always preferred your father, THE CLIMBERS 45 and now you're punished for it ! He has wilfully left your mother and sisters paupers! Blanche. How can you speak like that! Surely you know father must have suffered more than we could when he realized he was leaving nothing for you. Jessica. Yes, and it was for us too that he lost all. It was our extravagance. Mrs. Hunter. Hush! How dare you side against me, too? Ruth. Florence — Mrs. Hunter. Well, Ruth, what do you think of your brother now? Blanche. \To her mother. \ Don't! Mason. By whom were the arrangements for to-day made? Mrs. Hunter. My son-in-law had most press- ing business, and his friend — 46 THE CLIMBERS Blanche. The friend of all of us — Mrs. Hunter. Yes, of course, Mr. Warden saw to everything. Blanche. He will be here any moment ! Mason. When he comes, w411 you send him on to me, please? Ruth. Yes. Mason. Very well. Good-by. \Sha'kes hands ivith Blanche.] I am very sorry to have been the bearer of such bad news. Mrs. Hunter. [Shaking hands with him.] Please overlook anything I may have said ; at such a moment, with the loss of all my money — and my dear husband — I don't know what to say ! Mason. Naturally. [To the others.] Good-by. [To Ruth, who follows him.] I'll come to see you in the morning. [As they shake Jiands. THE CLIMBERS 47 Ruth. And I can then tell you what I settle here now. [Mason goes out Left.] Florence, I'm very sorry — .' ■ ' ^ '&.^ - [Interrupted. Mrs. Hunter. Oh! You! Sorry! Ruth. Yes, very, very sorry, — first, that I spoke as I did just now. Mrs. Hunter. It's too late to be sorry for that now. Ruth. No, it isn't, and I'll prove to you I mean it. Come, we'll talk things, over. Mrs. Hunter. Go away! I don't want you to prove anything to me! [Mrs. Hunter and Clara sit side by side on the sofa. Blanche and Jessica are in chairs near the table. Ruth sits beside Blanche. Mrs. Hunter has something the manner oj porcupines and shows a set de- termination to accept nothing by way oj comfort 48 THE CLIMBERS or expedient. Blanche looks hopeful and ready to take the helm for the family. Jessica will back up Blanche.] My happiness in this world is over. What have I to live for? Ruth. Your children! Mrs. Hunter. Beggars like myself! Blanche. But your children will work for you. Clara. Work! I see myself. Ruth. So do I. Mrs. Hunter. My children work! Don't be absurd ! Jessica. It is not absurd ! I can certainly earn my own Hving somehow and so can Clara. Clara. Doing whaty I should like to know! I see myself! Blanche. Jess is right. I'll take care of this family — father always said I was "his own child." I'll do my best to take his place. THE CLIMBERS 49 Ruth. I will gladly give Jessica a home. Mrs. Hunter. [Whimpers.] You'd rob me of my children, tool Jessica. Thank you, Aunt Ruth, but I must stay with mother and be Blanche's right-hand man! Clara. I might go on the stage. Mrs. Hunter. My dear, smart people don't any more. Clara. I'd like to be a sort of Anna Held. Jessica. I don't see why I couldn't learn type- writing, Blanche? Mrs. Hunter. Huh! Why, you could never even learn to play the piano ; I don't think you'd be much good at typewriting. Clara. You want to be a typewriter, because in the papers they always have an old gentleman taking them to theatres and supper! No, sir, if £ 50 THE CLIMBERS there is to be any "old man's darling" in this family, 77/ be /// Ruth. \Pry\y.\ You'll have to learn to spell correctly first ! Clara. [Superciliously.] Humph! Jessica. There are lots of ways nowadays for women to earn their living. Ruth. Yes, typewriting we will consider. Mrs. Hunter. Never! [A^^ cue pays any attention to her except Clara, who agrees with her. Ruth. Jess, you learned enough to teach, didn't you ? — even at that fashionable school your mother sent you to? Jessica. Oh, yes, I think I could teach. Mrs. Hunter. Never ! [Still no one pays any attention except Cl.\ra, who again agrees with her. THE CLIMBERS 51 Clara. No, indeed! / wouldn't teach! Blanche. If we only knew some nice elderly woman who wanted a companion, Jess would be a godsend. Clara. If she was a nice old lady with lots of money and deHcate health, I wouldn't mind that position myself. Ruth. Clara, you seem to take this matter as a supreme joke ! Mrs. Hunter. \With mock humility \ May I speak? [She waits. All turn to her. A momenVs silence.] May I speak? Ruth. Yes, yes. Go on, Florence ; don't you see we're listening? Mrs. Hunter. I didn't know! I've been so completely ignored in this entire conversation. But there is one thing for the girls — the easiest possible way for them to earn their living — 52 THE CUMBERS which you don't seem for a moment to have thought of! [She waits icith a smile oj coming triumph on her lace. Ruth. Nursing! Mrs. Hunter. [Disgusted.] No! Clara. Manicuring ? Mrs. Hunter. Darling! Blanche. Designing dresses and hats? Mrs. Hunter. No ! Jessica. Book-keeping ? Mrs. Hunter. No. Ruth. Then what in me worki is it? Mrs. Hunter. Marriage! Clara. Oh. of course! Ruth. Humph! [Jessica and Blanche exchange glances. Mrs. Hun'TER. That young Mr. Trotter would be a tine catch for Jess. THE CLIMBERS 53 Jessica. Who loathes him! Mrs. Hunter. Don't be old-fashioned! He's very nice. Ruth. A little cad, trying to get into society — nice occupation for a man! Jessica. Mother, you can't be serious. Clara. Why wouldn't he do for me? Ruth. He would! The very thing! Mrs. Hunter. We'll see, darling ; I think Europe is the place for you. I don't believe all the titles are gobbled up yet. Ruth. Jess, I might get you some women friends of mine, to whom you could go mornings and answer their letters. Mrs. Hunter. I should not allow my daughter to go in that capacity to the house of any woman who had refused to call on her mother, which is the way most of your friends have treated me! 54 THE CUMBERS Ruth. Do you realize. Florence, this is a ques- tion of bread and butter, a practical suggestion of life, which has nothing whatever to do xNith the societ}- columns of the daily papers? Mrs. Hvxter. I do fwt intend that my daugh- ters shall lose their positions because their father has been — what shall we call it — criminally negligent of them. Ruth, [jf^i^sm^.] How dare you! You are to blame for it all. If you say another word injuri- ous to my brother's memon\ I'll leave this house and let }*ou stane for aU I'll do for \-ou. Bi_\xcHE. Aunt Ruth, please, for father's sake — Cl.\ra. Well, this house is ours, an\-\s-ay I Bl.\nche. That is what /':r been thinking of. The house is yours. It's huge. You don't need it. \*ou must either give it up altogether — THE CLIMBERS 55 Mrs. Hunter. [Itiicrrupts.] What/ Leave it! My house/ Never / Blanche. Or — let out floors to one or two friends, — bachelor friends. Mr. Mason , perhaps — Clara. [Interrupts, rising, furious.] Take in boarders / Mrs. Hunter. [Who has listened aghast, noio rises in outraged dignity; she stands a moment glaring at Blanche, then speaks.] Take — [She chokes.] That is the last straw! [And she sweeps jrom the room Right. Clara. Mama! Mama! [She goes out ajter her mother. [The other three women watch the two leave the room, then turn and look at each other. Blanche. We'll manage somehow, only I think it would be easier for us to discuss all practical matters by ourselves. 56 THE CLIMBERS Ruth. And I want you to understand this, girls, — I represent your dear father ; half of everything I have is yours, and you must promise me always to come to me for everything. [Sterling enters suddenly Left. [He is a man of thirty-eight or forty, a singu- larly attractive personality; he is handsome and distinguished. His hair is grayer than his years may account for and his manner betrays a nervous system overtaxed and barely under control. At the moment that he enters he is evidently laboring under some especial, and only half-concealed, nervous strain. In spite of his irritability at times with his wife, there is an undercurrent of tenderness which reveals his real love for Blanche. Sterling. Oh, you're all here ! Have I missed old Mason? THE CLIMBERS 57 Ruth. Yes, but Blanche will tell you what he had to say. I'm going upstairs to try and pacify your mother. We mustn't forget she has a hard time ahead of her. " ' \She goes out Right with Jessica. Sterling. I suppose Mason came about the will and your father's affairs? Blanche. Yes, you ought to have been here. Sterling. [Irritably.] But I couldn't — I told you I couldn't 1 Blanche. Do you reaHze, dear, that you haven't been able to do anything for me for a long time ? Lately, even I hardly ever see you — I stay home night after night alone. Sterling. That's your own fault, dear; Ned Warden's always ready to take you anywhere you Hke. Blanche. [With the ghost of a jest.] But do you 5$ THE CLIMBERS think it's quite right for me to take up all Mr. Warden's lime? Sterling. Why not, if he likes it? Blanche. And don't you think people \\\Vl soon talk? Sterling. Darhng! People always talk, and who cares! Blanche. It's months since you showed me any sign of affection, and now when my heart is hungrier than ever for it, — you know how I loved my father, — I long for sympathy from you, and vou haven't once thought to take me, your wife, in your arms and hold me close and comfort me. Sterling. I'm sorry, old girl. I'm really sorry. [Embrac'uu^ her alfectionjttly.] And surely you know I don't love any other woman in the world but you. [He kisses her.] It's only because I've been terriblv worried. I don't want to bother vou THE CLIMBERS 59 with business, but I've been in an awful hole for money. I tried to make a big coup in Wall Street the other day and only succeeded getting in deeper, and for the last few days I've been nearly distracted. Blanche. Why didn't you tell me? Sterling. I thought I'd get out of it with this ConsoUdated Copper without worrying you. Blanche. You were in that, too? Sterling. How do you mean I, ''too"? Blanche. Mr. Mason has just told us ]at]ier lost ever}'thing in it. Sterling. \Aghast.\ You don't mean your father hasn't left any money? Blanche. Nothing. Sterling. [Forgetting everything hut what this means to him.] Nothing! But I was counting on your share to save me ! \\^iat did the damned old fool mean? 6o THE CLIMBERS Blanxhe, Dick ! Sterling. Forgive me. I didn't mean to say that. Blanche. Oh, who are you! What are you! You are not the man I thought when I married you I Every day something new happens to frighten me. to threaten my love for you ! Sterling. Xo, no, don't say that, old giri. [He tries to take her hand. Blanche. What right have you to criticise my father, to curse him — and to-day ! Sterling. I don't know what I'm saying. Blanche. Try to forgive me. I wouldn't have thought of such a thing as his money to-day if it wasn't the only thing that can save me from — disgrace. [His voice sinking almost to a zchisper and the man himself sinking into a chair. THE CLIMBERS 6i Blanche. Disgrace! How? What disgrace? [Going to him. Sterling. I can't explain it ; you wouldn't understand. Blanche. You must explain it! Your dis- grace is mine. Sterling. [Alarmed at having said so much, tries to retract a little.} Disgrace was too strong a word — I didn't mean that. I'm in trouble. I'm in trouble. Good God, can't you see it? And if you love me, why don't you leave me alone? Blanche. How can I go on loving you without your confidence ? — without ever being suffered to give you any sympathy? Doll wives are out of fashion, and even if they weren't, I could never be one. Sterling. [Laughing.] My dear, I'd never accuse you of being stuffed with sawdust. 62 THE CLIMBERS Blanche. Oh, and now you joke about it ! Take care, Dick. Sterling. What's this, a threat? Blanche. Yes, if you Hke to call it that. You've been putting me more and more completely out of your Hfe; take care that I don't finish your work and go the last step. Sterlln'G. \Seizing her roughly by the wrist.] The last step! \\Tiat do you mean by that? [Holding her hand more roughly.] You dare to be unfaithful to me ! Blanche. What ! You could think I meant that ! Ugh ! How could you ? Sterling. Well, w^hat did you mean then ? Eh ? [Pulling her up close to him, her face close to his. She realizes -first by the odor, then by a searching look at his face, that he is partly under the influence of liquor. THE CLIMBERS 63 Blanche. \With pathetic shame.] Let me go! I see what's the matter with you, but the reason is no excuse ; you've been drinking. Sterling. [Dropping her hand.] Ugh ! The usual whimper of a woman ! '""'""^^ ""- ' [Ruth reenters Right. Ruth. Well, Blanche, dear, your mother's in a calmer frame of mind, and I must go. Dick, can you lunch with me to-morrow? Sterling. [Hesitating, not caring about it.] Er — to-morrow ? — er — Ruth. Oh, only for business. I must have a new business man now to do all that he did for me, and I'm going to try to make up to you for not having been always your — best friend, by putting my affairs in your hands. Blanche. [Serious, uneasy, almost frightened.] Aunt Ruth — 64 THE CUMBERS \She stops. Ruth. What, dear? Blanche. Nothing. [She gives Sterling a searching^ steady look and keeps her eyes upon him, trying to read his real self. Ruth. [Continues to Sterling.] Mr. Mason is coming to me in the morning, and if you will lunch with me at one, I will then be able to give all the papers over to you. [Sterling, who up to this time has been almost dumbfounded by this sudden good fortune, now collects himself, and speaks delightedly but with sufficient reserve of his feelings. Blanche does not take her eyes from Sterling's face. Sterling. Aunt Ruth, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, and I will do my best. Blanche. [Quickly.] Promise her, Dick, before THE CLIMBERS 65 me — give her your word of honor — you will be faithful to Aunt Ruth's trust. \He answers Blanche's look steadily with a hard gaze of his own. Ruth. His acceptance of my trust is equal to that, Blanche. Blanche. It is of course, isn't it, Dick? Sterling. Of course. [Blanche is not content, but has to satisfy herself with this. Ruth. To-morrow at one, then. [She starts to go. [Jordan enters Left. Jordan. Mr. Warden. Ruth. I can't wait. Good-by. [She goes out Left. Blanche. We will see Mr. Warden. Jordan. Yes, madam. F 66 THE CLIMBERS [He goes out Left. Sterling. Blanche, go to your mother and ask her to see Ned to thank him. I want a minute's talk with him if you don't mind. Blanche. [Pathetically.] What difference does it make, Dick, if I do mind? Sterling. Don't say that, old girl, and don't think it. Blanche. Dick, you are honest, aren't you? Sterling. [Without flinching.] What a ques- tion, Blanche! [Jordan enters Left announcing ^'Mr. Warden.^ ^ Warden enters^ and Jordan goes out. [Edward Warden, though in reality scarcely younger than Sterling, looks at least ten years his junior. He is good-looking, practicaly a reasoning being, and self-controlled. He is a thorough American, with the fresh and strong THE CLIMBERS 67 ideals oj his race, and with the feeling of romance alive in the bottom of his heart. Sterling. [In enormous relief, greets him joyfully.] Ned, what do you think ! The greatest news going! Blanche. Dick ! Sterling. Excuse me, Blanche, I forgot; but Ned will know how I can't help being glad. [Warden goes to Mrs. Sterling. Blanche. [Shaking Ned's hand.] And Mr. Warden knows nothing could make me ^^ glad''* to-day. Thank you for all your kindness — Warden. Don't thank me ; it was nothing. Blanche. Yes, please let me thank you all I can; it won't be half what I feel, but I want to know that you know even my silence is full of gratitude for all you've done for my mother, sisters, and me. 68 THE CLIMBERS Sterling. Yes, we're all immensely indebted to you, Ned, old man. Blanche. I will tell mother. I know she wants to see you. ^ ^ I " {She goes out Right. Sterling. [Speaking with suppressed excite- 7)ient and uncontroUahle gladness, unable to keep it back any longer.] Ned, my wife's aunt, Miss Hunter, has put all her business in my hands. Warden. Made you her agent? Sterling. Yes! What a godsend! Hunter didn't leave a cent. [.4 momenfs pause of astojtishment.] Warden. What do you mean? Sterling. It seems he's been losing for a long time. Everything he had he lost in the copper crash. THE CUMBERS 69 Warden. But this is awful! What will Mrs. Hunter and her two young daughters do? Sterling. I don't know. I hadn't thought of that. Warden. You'll have to think of it. Sterling. I ? Warden. Of course you'll have to help them. Sterling. I can't! Look here, I didn't tell you the truth about my affairs last week, when I struck you for that loan. Warden. You don't mean to say you weren't straight with me? Sterling. Oh, I only didn't want to frighten you till I'd got the money; if you had made me the loan, I'd have owned up afterwards all right enough. Warden. Owned up what? Sterling. That I told you a pack of Hes! TO THE CLIMBERS — that I haven't any security ! — that I haven't anything but dehis. Warden. \Sirongly.\ Good things to borrow on ! Look here, Dick, how long have we been friends ? Sterling. Since that day at boarding school when you took a Hcking for something / did. Warden. What I mean is we were pals at school, chums at college, stanch friends for twenty years. Sterling. Hell! Are we as old as all that? Warden. Inseparable friends till the last two years. [Sterling's eyes shijt. Sterling. I've been overworked lately, and everything has gone wrong! Warden. \Comes up to him, and speaks firmly but still friendly,] You yourself have gone wrong 1 THE CLIMBERS 71 Sterling. \0n the defensive.] What do you mean? Warden. Why did you take your business out of my hands? Sterling. The law didn't pay me enough. I thought I'd try a little amateur stockbroking. [Smiling insincerely. Warden. You didn't want me to know what you were doing! Sterling. Rats! Warden. You didn't want me to know what funds — whose funds — you were using — mousing. Sterling. [Ugly.] What! Warden. Whose money you were gambling with ! Sterling. Have you been spying on me? Warden. Your wife^s money! Sterling. Well, she's my wife, and you don't know what you're talking about! 72 THE CLIMBERS [He turns from him and picks tip a book from the table upside down and pretends to read it. Warden. You stole from me once when you were a boy! Sterling. No! I didn't! [Throwing the book down. Warden. You lie ! Do you hear me ? You lief [He waifs a second. Sterling does nothing.] I was never sure till to-day ! I fought against ever thinking it, believing my suspicions were an injus- tice to you, but little things were always disappear- ing out of my rooms — finally, even money. Lately, that old suspicion has come back with a fuller force, and to-day it became a certainty. Sterling. How to-day? Warden. Because if it weren't true, you'd have knocked me down just now when I called you first a thief and twice a liar! THE CLIMBERS 73 \He stands squarely facing him. Sterling stands facing him also, surprised, taken off his guard. Sterling. Oh, come, you're joking ! [Warden makes an angry exclamation.] Why're you telling me all this now? Warden. Because I want you to be careful. I want you to know some one is watching you! Some one who knows what you've come to ! Some one who knows you can't resist temptation ! Some one who knows money not yours has stuck to your fingers ! .' Sterling. You mind your own business. Warden. I'll mind yours if it's necessary to / protect people who are dear to me ! [Sterling looks at him with a sudden suspicion. Sterling. [Insinuatingly.] I didn't know you were particularly attached to Mrs. Hunter. Warden. I'm not. y4 TNE CUMBERS S .y^i TNO-. Or to her two immairied daughters! Sterlixg. [With uhi^f^fi^ :'::r:s::y.] By dvxi, if you an^ in love with my wite 1 Waxi^vn. It >\>u thought that out ioud, I'd knock you down! Steriixo. Huh! \xm talk as if yo : :c: : I wore a cxnvaixi! Warden. Xo, not a pkysicai cowmxi — 1\^ seen \vu do tov'' many plucky things — but a m&r\al co^ivaTd — >Ts. you aw one! [Strm^hi |0 himt stmMfg d^se tmi i ^o kmg kim sqmardy m Ae ews. SrERLDCiCk [fF«i9n you. [Hr hands Iniik the letter cose.] Shall 1 wait and take back the case to Mr. ^lason with the papers you wish him to have? Blanchk. Oh, no, I will send them; I mustn't keep you while I read them. I'm always taking more of your time than I ought. Warpkn. [Speaks icitJi sincerity, but icithout any sui:,i:;estio)i of loi'c niakini;.] lUit never as much as I want to give you ! Don't forget, Mrs. Sterhng, what you promised me at your wedding, — that your husband's best man should be your best friend. THE CLIMB ERti iii Ulanciik. And nobody knows what it means to a woman, oven a haj)[)ily married woman like me — [77rw is spoken with a slight effort, as if she is persuading herself that she is a happily married woman.] — to have an lionest friend h'kc you. It's tliose people who have failed that say there is no such thing as a i)latonic friendshi[). Warden. We'll prove tliem wrong. Blanchk. We will. Good-by, and thank you. Warden. And thank you! [Starting to go^ he turns.] Sliall I bring that Russian pianist around to play for you some day next week? Blanche. Do — I want some music. Warden. Only let me know what day. [IJe goes out Left. Blanche sits by the table and opens the case. She looks first at a memoranda and reads what is on the outside.] A business memo- randa. Lists of bonds. [She opens and looks at Iia THE CLIMBERS the next paper only a second, and then closes //.] This, Mr. Mason will understand better than I. [She puts it hack in the pocket case. She finds a photograph in the case.] My picture ! — [She looks jor others, hut finds none.] — and only mine! Oh, father ! . . . [She wipes away tears from her eyes so as to see the picture^ which is an old one.] Father, I returned your love. [She reads on the hack of photograph.] "Blanche, my darling daughter, at fourteen years of age!" That's mine! that's my own! [And she puts the picture a7i'ay separately. SJie takes up a small packet of very old love-letters tied with faded old pink tape.] Old letters from mother; they must be her loye- letters. She shall have them, — they may soften her. [She takes up a slip of paper and reads on the out- side.] This is something for Mason, too. [She puts it back in the case. Slie takes up a sealed envelope, THE CUMBERS 113 hlanh.\ Nothing on it, and sealed. [She looks at it a moment, thinking.] Father, did you want this opened? If you didn't, why not have destroyed it? Ah! I needn't be afraid; you had nothing to hide from the world. [Tearing it open, she reads.] "I have discovered my son-in-law, Richard Sterling, in irregular business dealing. lie is not honest. I will watch him as long as I live; but when you read this. Mason, keep your eye ui)on him for my daughter's sake. He has been warned by me — he may never trip again, and her happiness lies in ignorance." [She starts, and looks about her to make sure she is alotie. She then sits star- ing ahead for a Jew seconds; then she speaks.] My boy's father dishonest ! Disgrace — he owned it — threatening ??iy boy ! It mustn't come 1 It mustn't ! /'// watch now. [She goes to the fire- place, tearing the paper as she crosses the room; I 114 THE CLIMBERS she burns the letter; then she gathers up the other letters and the pocket case.] He must give me his word of honor over Richard's little bed to-night that he will do nothing to ever make the boy ashamed of bearing his father's name! [She watches to see that every piece of the paper burnSj as THE CURTAIN FALLS ACT II Christmas Eve; fourteen months later; the dining room of the Hunters^ house, which is now lived in jointly by the Sterlings and Mrs. Hunter and her daughters. It is a dark wainscoted room, with curtains of crimson brocade. It is decorated with laurel roping, mistletoe, and holly, for Christ- mas. It is the end of a successful din- ner party, fourteen happy and more or less congenial persons being seated • at a table, as follows: Warden, Ruth, Mason, Clara, Trotter, Mrs. Hunter, Blanche, Sterling, Miss Sillerton, Mr. Godesby, Jessica, Doctor Steinhart, and Miss Godesby. The "5 Ii6 THE CLIMBERS room is dark on all sides, only a subdued light being shed on the table by two large, full candelabra with red shaded candles. As the curtain rises the bare backs of the three women nearest the footlights gleam out white. Candied jruit and other sweetmeats are being passed by jour men servants, including Jordan and Leonard. Ruth. My dear Blanche, what delicious candy ! Miss Sillerton. Isn't it! Miss Godesby. Half of the candy offered one nowadays seems made of papier-mdchi. Mrs. Hunter. [To Miss Godesby.] Julia, do tell me how Mr. Tomlins takes his wife's divorce ? Miss Godesby. He takes it with a grain of salt ! Mrs. Hunter. But isn't he going to bring a counter suit? THE CLIMBERS 117 Sterling. No. Ruth. I hope not. I am an old-fashioned woman and don't beHeve in divorce ! Miss Godesby. Really! But then you're not married ! Miss Sillerton. What is the reason for so much divorce nowadays? Ruth. Marriage is the principal one. Blanche. I don't believe in divorce, either. Miss Sillerton. My dear, no woman married to as handsome a man as Mr. Sterling would. Trotter. You people are all out of date! More people get divorced nowadays than get married. Blanche. Too many people do — that's the trouble. I meant what I said when I was married — "for better, for worse, till death us do part." — What is the opera Monday? Ii8 THE CLIMBERS Trotter. Something of Wagner's. He's a Dodo bird! Bores me to death! Not catchy enough music for me. Mrs. Hunter. You'd adore him if you went to Bayreuth. Which was that opera, Clara, we heard at Bayreuth last summer? Was it Faust or Lohengrin! They play those two so much here I'm always getting them mixed! Miss Sillerton. Wagner didn't write Faust I Mrs. Hunter. Didn't he? I thought he had; he's written so many operas the last few seasons! Clara. I like Tannhduser, because as soon as you hear the "twinkle, twinkle, little stars" song, you can cheer up and think of your wraps and fur boots. Trotter. My favorite operas are San Toy and the Roger Brothers, though I saw Florodora thirty-six times ! THE CLIMBERS 119 Blanche. Mother would have gone with you every one of those thirty-six Florodora times. She's not really fond of music. Mrs. Hunter. Not fond of music ! Didn't I have an oj)era box for four years? Trotter. Why doesn't Conried make some arrangement with Weber and Fields and introduce their chorus into Faust and Carmen? Dr. Steinhart. Great idea ! [To Miss GoDESBY.] Did you get a lot of jolly presents ? Miss GoDESBY. Not half bad, especially two fine French bulls ! [All are laughing and talking together, Blanche. What did you get, Mr. Warden? Warden. Three copies of ''David Harum," two umbrellas, and a cigar case too short for my cigars. lao THE CLIMBERS Miss Godesby. Give it to me for cigarettes I Warden. It's too long for cigarettes. Then I had something that's either a mouchoir or a hand- kerchief case, or for neckties, or shaving papers, or something or other. Trotter. Yes, I know, I got one of those, too. Dr. Steinhart. So did I! Blanche. I must start the women; we are coming back here to arrange a surprise for you men. \Shc nods her head in signal to Sterling, and rises. All rise. Sterling. One moment please. One toast on Christmas night! Ned, give us a toast. All the Women. [But not in unison.] Oh, yes ! A toast! [Ad lib.] Warden. [Holding up his glass.] Here's to those whom we love! THE CLIMBERS. 121 And to those who love us! And to those who love those whom we love And to those who love those who love us ! All the Men. \Not in unison.] Good! Bravo! Bully toast! [Ad lib.] [Every one drinks. Blanche. One more toast, Dick. [To the others.] Christmas Day is our boy's birthday. Ruth, Surely ! a toast to Richard ! Sterling. Long life to Master Sterling, the best boy in the world, and to all his good friends at this table. The Men. Hear! Hear! [All the women speak their next speeches at the same time. Blanche. [Laughing.] Of course! IVe dropped my handkerchief. [Ned dives under the table for it. 122 THE CLIMBERS Miss Sillerton. O dear, my fan! Miss Godesby. What a borel I've dropped a glove! [Steinhart goes under the table for it. Clara. Both my gloves gone — I'm so sorry ! [Godesby goes under the table for them. Mrs. Hunter. Dick, please, I've dropped my smelling bottle. [Trotter and Sterling go under the table for it. Ruth. My gloves, please, I'm so sorry ! [Mason goes under the table for them. [The speeches of the women are simul- taneous, followed by the moveynents of the men also, all at the same time. [All together] THE CLIMBERS 123 Blanche. Please don't bother; the servants — [Leonard, Jordan, and two extra men start to hunt under the table^ too. Miss Godesby. Women ought to have every- thing they own fastened to them with rubber- neck elastics. [The meny somewhat flustered, all rise with the various articles, and offer them to their respec- tive owners. [All the women thank the men profusely, and apologize at the same time. Sterling takes Mrs. Hunter out at hack, j allowed by all the other couples, all talking. Ruth and Mason lag behind. Ruth. [To Blanche, who with Warden waits for Ruth and Mason to pass.] I want just a minute with Mr. Mason, Blanche. [Blanche and Warden pass out before her. Ruth is 124 THE CLIMBERS alone with Mason. She speaks as if she were carrying on a conversation that had been interrupted. She speaks in a lowered voice, indicating the private nature of what she has to say.] I sent him impera- tive word yesterday I must have the bonds. I told him I wanted one to give to his wife for Christ- mas. He pretends to-day he didn't receive this letter, but he must have. Mason. This makes the third time there has been some excuse for not giving you the bonds? Ruth. Yes, and this letter he says he didn't get was sent to his office by hand. Mason. I'll speak to him before I leave. [They go out at hack. [As they pass out, Jordan stands by the doorway holding the curtains back. The other three men stand stiffly at the Right. As Mason and Ruth go out, the Servants relax and exchange THE CLIMBERS 125 glances, each giving a little laugh out loud, except Jordan. During the jollowing dialogue they empty the table preparatory to arranging the room for the Christmas tree. Jordan. Sh ! A very dull dinner, not an interesting word spoke. / First Footman. The widder seemed chipper like ! Leonard. And did you get on to the old lady's rig-out; mourning don't hang very heavy on her shoulders. [One chair is moved back. Jordan. [To First Footman.] Get the coffee. [He goes out Right. To Leonard.] Get the smoking lay-out!. [Leonard goes out Right and brings back a silver tray laden with cigarettes, cigar boxes, and a burning alcohol lamp. 126 THE CLIMBERS Leonard. If you ask me, I think she's going to put a bit more on the matrimonial mare if she gets the chance. Jordan. It's none of your business. You're Mrs. Sterling's servant now. Leonard. Good thing, too; it was a happy day for us when they moved in. First Footm-\n. [Reenters with the coffee.] Say, did you see how that young feller over there [Motioning to the lower right-hand corner oj the table.] shovelled the food in? Leonard. And the way he poured down the liquid — regular hog ! My arm's tired a-fiUing of his glass. [And he drinks a glass of champagne which has been left untouched by a guest. Jordan. He ain't nobody ; he hasn't any money ; he was just asked to fill up. He's one of these THE CLIMBERS 127 yere singing chaps what's asked to pass the time after dinner with a song or two gratis. This dinner'll last him for food for a week ! \T}ieir manners suddenly change as the men reenter and take seats about the two ends of the table. Sterling, Mason, and Doctor down Left form one group. The other men are in a group between the window and the other end. On entering Sterling speaks. Sterling. Jordan, for heaven's sake, give us something to see by! You can't tell which end of your cigar to light in this confounded woman's candle-light. If I had my way, I'd have candelabras made of Welsbachs ! . Trotter. Bright idea. Sterling. [Sterling, laughing^ joins his group, who laugh gently with him. Jordan turns on the electric light. The servants pass the 128 THE CLIMBERS cojjee, liqueurs^ and the cigars and cigarettes. Meanwhile the following dialogue takes place, the men beginning to talk at once on their entrance. Sterling. Mr. Mason, I'd like to ask your honest opinion on something if you'll give it me. Mason. Certainly. Sterling. This Hudson Electric Company. Dr. Steinhart. Oh! Dropped fearfully to- day. Sterling. But that can happen easily with the best thing. To-morrow — Mason. [Interrupting.] To-morrow it will drop to its very bottom I Sterling. I don't beheve it. Dr. Steinhart. Surely, Mr. Mason, the men who floated that are too clever to ruin themselves. Mason. They're out of it. THE CLIMBERS 129 Sterling. Out of it! Mason. They got out last week quietly. Sterling. But — Mason. Mark my words, the day after to-morrow there'll be several fooHsh people ruined, and not one 0} the promoters of that company will lose a penny I Sterling. I don't believe it ! [The crowd at the other end of the table, who have been listening to a tale from Trotter, laugh heartily. Trotter. [Delighted with his success.] I'm no Dodo bird ! [Warden leaves this group casually and joins the other. Mason. [To Sterling.] Don't tell me youWe in it? Sterling. [Ugly.] Yes, I am in it! K I30 THE CLIMBERS \ Mason. Not much ? Sterling. Yes, much! Warden. Much what? Sterling. Oh, nothing ; we were just discussing stocks. Warden. And up there they're discussing Jeffreys and Fitzsimmons. Mason. Listen, Dick, after a Hfelong experience in Wall Street, I defy any broker to produce one customer who can show a profit after three con- secutive years of speculation. Sterling. Oh, you're too conservative; noth- ing venture, nothing have. Excuse me, I think Jeffreys and Fitzsimmons more amusing topics. Come along. [Sterling and Dr. Steinhart join the other group Right. , Mason. [To Warden.] You're Sterling's broker. THE CLIMBERS 131 Warden. No, not for over a year. Mason. Then you can't tell me how deep he is in this Hudson Electric swindle? Warden. Is he in it at all? Mason. Yes, he says, deep. Warden. I suspected it yesterday. Mason. But what with — his wife's money ? Warden. That went fourteen months ago. I put him on his feet then, gave him some tips that enabled him to take this house with her mother, so that with his regular law busi- ness he ought to have done very well, but his living could not leave one cent over to speculate with. Mason. \To himself.] Good God! Warden. I know what you^re afraid of. Mason. No! Warden. Yes. The reason I'm no longer 132 THE CLIMBERS his broker is he was ashamed to let me know about his dealings. Mason. But you don't mean you think he'd actually steal 1 Warden. His aunVs money? Why not? He did his wije^sl Mason. Does he handle any one else's affairs? Warden. I know he takes care of that Godesby woman's property. Mason. And she wouldn't hold her tongue if a crash came! Warden. Not for a minute! Is Miss Hunter suspicious ? Mason. Yes. Does Sterling realize that to- morrow he will most probably be a ruined cheat? Warden. Very likely. Mason. If he made up his mind to-night it was all up with him, he might do — what ? THE CLIMBERS 133 Warden. Run away with whatever money he has left, or kill himself. I don't know if he's enough of a coward for that or not. There's one hold on him — he loves his wife. Mason. Which will make him all the more ashamed of discovery. Do you believe she suspects ? Warden. Not a bit. She loves him too dearly. Mason. Can we do anything? Warden. Nothing but watch him closely till the people go. Then force him to make a clean breast of it, so we can all know where we stand ; how we can best protect his aunt from ruin and his wife and boy from pubKc disgrace. Mason. He is watching us. Warden. He knows I know him; we must be careful. He's coming toward us. \H.e then speaks 134 THE CLIMBERS in a different tone, but no louder.] You're certain of the trustworthiness of your information? Mason. Absolutely. Every man left in that concern will be ruined before the 'Change closes after to-morrow. [Sterling has joined them in time to hear the end of Mason's speech. Mason continues.] I am telling Warden what I told you about the Hudson Electric Company. Sterling. Can't you talk of something pleas- anter ? [Blanche reenters at back. On her entrance all the men rise. The servants finish prepar- ing the room for the tree. Blanche. I'm very sorry — I really can't let you men stay here any longer. All THE Men. Why not? How's that? [Ad lib.] Blanche. You know we want to get this room ready for Santa Claus ! Dick ! [She goes to her husband. All (he men go out at back in a group led THE CLIMBERS 135 hy Warden and Mason. They are all talking and laughing. Blanche is left alone with her husband.'] What is this Aunt Ruth has been teUing me about not being able to get some bonds from you? Sterling. Oh, nothing. I forgot to send them up to her, that's all. Blanche. But she says she sent three times. Sterling. One time too late to get into the vault; and the other, her letter was mislaid — I mean not given to me. Blanche. You haven't broken your word to me? Sterling. What if I had? Blanche. I would let the law take its course. Sterling. You must love me very little. Blanche. I live with you. First you robbed me of my respect for you ; then you dried up my heart with neglect. 136 THE CLIMBERS Sterling. And our boy? Blanche. Your blood runs in his veins; your shame and disgrace would be a fearful warning to him. It might kill me; but never mind, if it saved him. Sterling. Oh, well, I haven't broken my word ! So you needn't worry. I've been honest enough. Blanche. \Wiih a long sigh of relief.] Oh ! I hope so! Mrs. Hunter. [Appearing in doorway at back.] The men are in the drawing-room — shall we come here? Blanche. Yes, we'll bring the others, mother. Come, Dick. [She goes out with Mrs. Hunter at back. Sterling. [Goes to door Right, opens it, and calls.] Leonard! [Leonard enters Right. THE CLIMBERS 137 Leonard. Yes, sir? Sterling. Go up to my library at the top of the house, get a railroad guide you will find there, and bring it down and put it on the table in the hall just outside the drawing-room door. Leonard. Yes, sir. Sterling. Then go to my room and pack my bag and dressing case. Do you understand? Leonard. Yes, sir. \The women are heard singing "Follow the Man from Cook's,^' and gradually coming nearer. Sterling. Be quick, and say nothing to any one. Leonard. Yes, sir. [He goes out quickly Right. Sterling goes tip stage and stands beside the door at back as the women dance in, singing "Follow the Man from Cook's.'' They are led by Clara, with Mrs. Hunter on the end. Blanche and Ruth I3S THE CUMBEKS joUo'd' u\\^»;<-. fu-'i dcifwhic:. The others dam'e aro:ir,<: ihc :hc.ir$ jvJ Cl,\ra ju^"; Ihcrr. : ihh sfef's ihe ns!, i.'he :\:Jk ai U, Sterlixo ^o^c>' ^"'^ ^'^' ^"\ ;-. Il;e Ser- \AN'TS crJer Kii^hi. Cl.\ra. I uon't care for this dinner ^^virty at all. TViO women are all the time being chased away from the men ! 1 prefer being with Mr. Trotter. Don't you. mama .^ Miss SiLLEKiox. He dc\rsn"t seem able to give a dinner party any more without you to chapcione, Mrs. Hunter. Blanch K. Mother, how can you? Mks. HiNTFK. Oh. I don't know as it's cA!e the tree. Ruth. What a beautiful tree, Blanche! Blanche. The boy is to have it to-morrow morning — it's really his tree ! [Tompson brings in a large basket containing srcrn small stockings and si.Y small boys' socks — very sinall stockings attd very small socks. They arc made of bright and 140 THE CLIMBERS difjerent colors and are stuffed into absurd, bulgy shapes^ There's a name on each one. Come along now ! [Taking out a little sock. The women crowd around the basket and each hangs a sock on the tree, Miss GoDESBY and Clara standing on chairs. Clara. [Reading the name on her sock.] Oh ! mme's for Mr. Mason. What's in it, Blanche? Blanche. I really can't tell you. I asked the clerk where I bought it what it was for, and he said he didn't know; it was a ''Christmas present." Miss Godesby. [Laughing.] Oh, I know the kind! Mine's for Howard Godesby. What's his present? Blanche. A silver golf marker. Miss Godesby. But he doesn't play golf! Blanche. Well, he ought to; it'll keep him young. THE CLIMBERS 141 Clara. It will be all right, anyway, Julia! You can give it away to some one next Christmas. Miss Sillerton. What's in Mr. Trotter's? Blanche. Oh, that present has almost been my death! Men are so hard to find things for! I had put in a gold pencil for his key chain, but to-night while we were eating our oysters, I saw him show a beauty that his mother had given him this morning ! So I whispered to Jordan between the soup and fish to change Mr. Ryder's name to Mr. Trotter's stocking, and put Mr. Trotter's name on the one that had a cigarette case in it. I sneaked a message down to Dick on my dinner card — was it all right ? — and he sent back word during the game that Trotter only smoked cigars; so before the ices were passed I shuffled Mr. Trotter's and Mr. Mason's names, — I'd given Mason the cigar case, — and just as Jordan signalled to me the 142 THE CLIMBERS transfer had been successfully effected, I heard Trotter casually observe he'd been obHged to give up smoking entirely — doctors orders! [They laugh punctiliously, rather bored by Blanche's long account. Mrs. Hunter. Isn't the tree stunning? Clara. [Getting down jrom her chair.] It makes the table look hke one of Mr. Trotter's ** informal Httle dinners." Miss Godesby. They say he has one of those men who arrange shop windows decorate his dinner table for him! Blanche. The only time I ever dined with him I was really ashamed to go home with my dinner favor — it was so gorgeous ! And there were such big bunches of violets in the finger bowls there wasn't room for your httle finger. Miss Godesby. You never saw such a lot of THE CLIMBERS 143 decoration! The game have ribbon garters on their legs, and even the raw oysters wear corsage bouquets! \To Mrs. Hunter.] I hope you don't mind what we're saying, Mrs. Hunter? Mrs. Hunter. \0^cnded.\ I must say I do mind very much. — \A pause.] — because — [A second pause.] — well, I am going to marry Mr. Trotter — [All, not believing her, laugh merrily.] You are all very rude ! Miss Godesby. Not on the level ! Not Trotter/ Miss Sillerton. Not really/ Blanche. No, no, of course not! [She rings bell. Mrs. Hunter. But I am/ And I thought here at my daughter's table, among my own friends (I was allowed to name the guests to-night), I could count on good wishes and congratulations. [There is a dead silence. 144 THE CLIMBERS [The musicians, a band of Neapolitan players, enter and take their places in a recess at Left. Blanche. [To the musicians.] You may play. [To Jordan, who has brought in the Neapolitans.] We are ready, Jordan. [Jordan goes out at back. [Ruth goes to Blanche. [The guitars and mandolins begin a popular song. Miss Godesby. [To Mrs. Hunter.] Oh, well, Mrs. Hunter, we were only codding! There's lots of good in Trotter, and I'm sure you'll bring it out. Good luck! [Shaking her hand. Ruth. [To Blanche, aside.] You won't allow this! Blanche. Certainly not. [Blanche crosses to her mother and they go to one side together; Blanche speaks in a lowered voice.] You've amazed and THE CLIMBERS 145 shocked me! I will not tolerate such a thing; we'll talk it over to-night. \S}ie leaves her and returns to her guests, Mrs. Hunter standing where she is left, biting her lips and almost crying with rage and mortification. Miss Godesby. [Before the musicians, to Blanche as she joins her.] I'm crazy about these men, Mrs. Sterling ; they play so awfully well — especially that one with the lovely legs! [Jordan pulls aside the curtains at back and all the men reenter except Warden. They all join hands and dance around the tree, singing with the musicians; they break, and go up to a side table, where everything to drink is displayed. Warden enters at this moment and motions to Mason and leads him down stage. L ;I46 THE CLIMBERS Warden. There was a railway guide in the hall — that's what he went there for; he's going to run away to-night. Mason. How'll we prevent it? Warden. First, we must break up this party ! Mason. How? Warden. I haven't quite thought yet. Go back to the others ; send Jordan to me ; don't lose sight of Dick. Jordan! \He takes him aside.] I want you to go out of this room for a minute, pretend to go upstairs, then come back and tell Mrs. Sterhng, loud enough for the others to hear you, that Master Richard is very ill, and say the maid is frightened. Jordan. [Hesitating. 1 But — Warden. [Quickly and firmly.'] Do as I tell you. I am responsible for whatever happens. THE CLIMBERS 147 [Jordan goes out at hack. The men and women are laughing and talking about the sideboard. Blanche. Come now, everybody! Let's have the presents. Dick, you know you are to be Santa Claus. [Sterling looks nervously at his watch. Sterling. Just a minute, dear ! Ned ! [Takes Warden to one side. The women move about the tree, hunting for their own names on the stock- ings on the table at the foot 0} the tree.] Ned, I've been suddenly called out of town on business — must catch the eleven-twenty train. I don't want to break up the party, so you empty the tree, and when the time comes for me to go, I'll slip out. Warden. And when your guests go? Sterling. Oh, then you can explain for me. [Jordan enters at back. 148 THE CLIMBERS Jordan. \To Blanche.] Beg pardon, madam, but Master Richard is very ill. Blanche. [Alarmed.] Richard! Jordan. Yes, ma'am, and Droves is very frightened, ma'am. Ruth. Richard ill? [All give exclamations of surprise and regret and sympathy. Blanche. My little boy ill? Excuse me, I must go to him. [She hurries out at back. Ruth speaks to the musicians, who stop playing. Sterling. [Moved.] My boy ill — why, I can't — I can't — Warden. ''Can't" what? Sterling. How can I go away? Warden. Surely you won't let business take you away from your boy who may be dying. THE CLIMBERS 149 Sterling. No! I won't go! I'll face it out! I can't leave my boy like this — Ruth. [Coming to St?:rling.] I'm going to take these women away ; tell Blanche not to give them a thought. Their evening up to now has been charming. [During Ruth's speech, Warden has spoken aside with Mason. Warden. [Aside to Mason.] Don't let Miss Hunter go. Ruth. [To the other guests.] Come to the drawing-room. Mrs. Hunter. I was crazy to see what was in my stocking. [All pass out talking, expressing conventional sympathy on account oj Richard, hut evi- dently resenting the breaking up oj the party. Sterling and Warden are left alone in the 150 THE CLIMBERS room. Sterling moves to go up to hack; Warden interrupts him. Warden. [To Sterling.] Where are you going? Sterling. To my boy and my wife. Warden. Wait a minute; I want to speak to you. Sterling. Speak to me later ; I can't wait now. Blanche. [OJj stage, at back, excitedly.] Jordan ! [She enters, excited, half hysterical.] Jordan ! Where is Jordan ? It was a he ! What did he mean ? Richard is sleeping sweetly. The maid knows nothing of being alarmed! Where is Jordan? [She starts to go toward the door Right. Warden. [Stops her.] Mrs. Sterhng, he had nothing to do with it ! / told Jordan to say what he said. THE CLIMBERS 151 [Blanche turns and looks at Warden in aston- ishment. Sterling. [Stunned and at once suspicious.] What? Blanche. But — Warden. Forgive me for so cruelly alarming you ; it was the only way I could think of for get- ting rid at once of your guests 1 Sterling. [Angry.] You'll interfere once too often in the affairs of tliis house. Blanche. [Indignant.] But what excuse can you make, Mr. Warden? Warden. Will you be so good as to ask Miss Hunter and Mr. Mason to come here? They will explain what I have done, partly, and your husband will tell you the rest when you come back. [Sterling sneers aloud. 152 THE CLIMBERS Blanche. I don't understand, I don't under- stand. \She goes out at back. Sterling. Well, I do understand, at least enough. Warden. Good ! That spares me a very dis- agreeable speech. Sterling. No, it doesn't! Come out with it! What is it you want ? What is it you've found out ? Warden. From betraying a trust, you've come, in less than two years, to an outright embezzlement. Sterling. Speak out — give us facts ! Warden. You've stolen your aunt's fortune. Sterling. Prove that! Warden. It's her money that's lost in the Hudson Electric Company! Sterling. Prove it! Warden. Easy enough, to-morrow. THE CLIMBERS 153 Sterling. You've got to excuse your action to-night or he kicked out of my house ! Warden. \StYong.\ Isn't what I say the truth ? Sterling. [Equally strong.] No! And now get out ! Warden. [Looks at his watch.] I'll not leave this house till it's too late for you to take that eleven-twenty. Sterling. [More ugly.] Yes, you will and mighty — Warden. No, Pll not! [He is interrupted by the entrance of Blanche, Ruth, and Mason. Warden. [To Blanche.] I hope you forgive me now — Blanche. [Pathetically.] You did right; I thank you. 154 THE CLIMBERS Sterling. \Hearthroken.\ Blanche — without hearing a word from me ! Blanche. No, I've come now to hear what you have to say. \A deep-toned dock strikes eleven. Sterling, at the second stroke, takes out his watch with a hurried movement. Warden. [Quickly.] Eleven o'clock. Sterling. I wish Warden to leave the room. Blanche. \Firmly.] And I wish him to stay. [A short pause. Sterling. Well, of what am I accused? Warden. Nobody wants to accuse you. We want you to make a clean breast of it. Sterling. Don't you talk to me ; let my wife do the talking if you want me to answer. Blanche. Sit down, Aunt Ruth. [Ruth sits by the table, Warden stands at back. Sterling stands THE CLIMBERS 155 at Right and Blanche and Mason sit near the centre.] Aunt Ruth asks you to give her a true account of her trust in you. Mr. Mason is here as her friend and my father's. Sterling. I haven't said I betrayed her trust. I told her she should have the bonds she wants to-morrow. Blanche. But will she? That's what I want to know. I ask you if you haven't her bonds, to tell us here now, — tell us, who have been and must be still the best friends, perhaps the only friends, you can have. Tell us where we all stand — are we the only ones to suffer or are there others who will perhaps be less generous in their treatment of you? Tell us now while there is time perhaps to save us from public scandal, from the disgrace which would stamp your wife as the wife of a thief, and send your boy out into the world IS6 THE CLIMBERS the son of a convict cheat. [.S7/r breaks down, but in a moment controls herselj. There is no answer. Sterling sinks into a eJiair, his amis on the table, his head on his arms. A moment\s silence.] Vou love me — I know that. I appeal to your love; let your love of me persuade you to do what I ask. I ask it for your sake and for mine I Tell us here the truth now — it will spare me much to-morrow, perhaps — me whom you love — for love of me — Sterling. [/;/ an agony.] I'm afraid I'll lose you — Blanche. No, I'll promise to stand by you if you'll only tell us all the truth. Sterling. [In a low, shamed voice.] I'll tell you J but not now — not before all tliese others. [Blanche looks up questioningly to Mason, Mason shakes his head. THE CLIMBERS 157 Blanche. It must be now, Dick. Sterling. No! no! I can't look you in the face and tell it ! Let me tell it to you alone, later, in the dark. [Blanche looks up questioningly to Mason. lie shakes his head. Blanche. It must be now. Sterling. No, no, I'm too ashamed, I can't face you; in the dark I'll make a clean breast of it — let me tell you in the dark. [Warden moves and puis his hand on the electric- light button beside the doorway at back. Warden. In the dark, then, tell ill [lie presses the button and all the lights go out. The stage is in complete darkness; only the voices are heard jrom the difjerent places in which the actors are last seen. Blanche. [Quickly.] Remember, to help you, 1S8 THE CLIMBERS to help ourselves, we must know everything. Go on. Sterling. It began fourteen months ago, after Ned Warden put me on my feet; I got a little ahead — why not get way ahead ? There were plenty of men around me making their fortunes! I wanted to equal them — climb as high as they ; it seemed easy enough for them, and luck had begun to come my way. We're all climbers of some sort in this world. I was a climber after wealth and everything it brings — \He stops a moment. Blanche. [Her voice comes throbbing with pathetic emotion through the darkness.] And / after happiness and all it brings. Sterling. [Deeply moved, his voice trembles for a moment, but only for a moment.] Don't, Blanche, or I can't ftnish. Well, I borrowed on some of THE CLIMBERS 1 59 Aunt Ruth's bonds and speculated — I made a hundred thousand in a week ! I put back the bonds. But it had been so easy ! I could see those bonds grinning at me through the iron side of the vault box. They seemed to smile and beckon, to heg me to take them out into the air again ! They grew to be like living things to me, servants of mine to get me gold — and finally I determined to make one bigger coup than ever! I took Aunt Ruth's bonds out and all the money available in my trust, and put it all into this new company ! It seemed so safe. I stood to be a prince among the richest! And, for a day or so, I've known nothing short of a miracle could save me from being wanted by the police ! To-night I gave up even the miracle. That's all. It's no use saying I'm sorry. \A moments pause. i6o THE CLIMBERS Mason. Have others suffered besides Miss Hunter ? Sterling. There is some money of Aunt Ruth's left — stock I couldn't transfer. But I used the money of others — Miss Godesby and Ryder's. Mason. Miss Ruth, a large part of your for- tune is gone, used unlawfully by this man. Will you resort to the law? Ruth, \yery quietly. \ No! Blanche. \ln a voice broken with emotion and gratitude,] Aunt Ruth! Mason. We can't hope Miss Godesby and Ryder will be as lenient! You must go to them in the morning — tell them everything, put your- self at their mercy, ask for time and their silence. Sterling. Never! I couldn't do it. THE CLIMBERS i6i Mason. It is the only honorable way out of your dishonorable action — the least you can do ! Sterling. Confess to their faces, and probably to no good ? Eat the dust at their feet, and most likely be clapped into prison for it ? No^ thank you I Blanche. Suppose / went to them ? Sterling. You? Ruth. No! Why should you I Sterling. Yes! Why not? They might keep silent for her! Blanche. I would do it for my boy's sake. Yes, 77/ go. Sterling. Yesl You go, Blanche. Ruth. No, you shan't go — you shan't humili- ate yourself in his place! Mason. Certainly not ; and if your husband is wiUing, we are not wiUing! He must go. Blanche. But if he won't? M l62 THE CLIMBERS Mason. He must! Ruth. You must demand his going, Blanche, and I demand it, too, as something due to me. Blanche. Very well. I demand it. Will you go? \A momenVs silence. Warden. Why don't you speak? [He presses ike electric button and all the lights come on. Ster- ling is at the doorway at back, about to steal out. There is an exclamation aloud from all of sur- prise and disgust. The clock strikes the quarter ; Warden catches hold of Sterling's arm.] What's your hurry, Dick ? There goes the quarter hour ; you could never catch the eleven-twenty. Sterling. Damn you! [Facing Warden squarely, as the curtain falls quickly ACT III At " The JJcrmitagc,^* on the Bronx River^ the next altef)ioo}i. The house is on the Le/t, and on the A'/\'/// (/;/(/ at the back are the i^reen lattke arches. Snow lies thick everywhere, on the benches at the Ria^ht and on the little iron table beside it, on the swini:^ between two trees at the Rii^Jit, in the red boxes oj dead slirnbs, on the rocks and dried i^rass oj a ^^ rookery ^^ in the centre, and on the branches oj the trees. Clara comes out jrom the honse^ jolhnued by Trotter. Clara. Come on and let mama rest awhile — naturally she's ex( ited and tired out, being married so suddenly and away from home. [She stops beside the swing, taking hold oj its side rope with 163 1 64 THE CLIMBERS her hand.] It isn't every mother who can elope without her oldest child's consent and have her youngest daughter for a bridesmaid. [Laughing. Trotter. I hope Mrs. Sterling will forgive me. Perhaps she will when she sees how my money can help your mother and me to get right in with all the smarties! Clara. Oh, don't you be too sure about your getting in ; it isn't as easy as the papers say ! But, anyway, that wouldn't make any difference to Blanche. She was never a climber like mama and me. I suppose that's why she is asked to all sorts of houses through Aunt Ruth that wouldn't let mama and me even leave our cards on the butler ! Trotter. I thought your mother could go anywhere she liked. THE CLIMBERS 165 Clara. Oh, no, she couldn't ! if she made you think that, it was only a jolly I Blanche is the only one of us who really went everywhere. Come along, ^^Poppa^''^ give me a swing! I haven't had one for years ! \She sweeps off the snow from the seat 0} the swing with her hand. Trotter. Your mother certainly did repre- sent — Clara. [Sitting in the swing.] Oh, well, now don't blame mama ! She couldn't help herself ; she always thought you dreadjully handsome! Swing me ! Trotter. I don't care, anyway. I'm deucedly proud of your mother, — I mean of my wife, — and I'd just as Hef throw up the whole society busi- ness and go off and Hve happily by ourselves. Clara. O dear! I think mama would find 1 66 THE CLIMBERS that awfully dull. Go on, swing me ! [Trotter swings her.] Of course, you'll find mama a little different when you see her all the time. You really won't see much more of her, though, than you do now. She doesn't get up till noon, and has her masseuse for an hour every morning, her manicure and her mental science visitor every other day, and her face steamed three times a week ! She has to He down a lot, too, but you mustn't mind that ; you must remember she isn't our age ! Trotter. [Swings her.] She suits me! Clara. That's just what / ieelf You'll take care of her, and me, too, all our Hves, and that's what makes me so happy. I'm full of plans 1 We'll go abroad soon and stay two years. [He has stopped swinging her.] Go on, swing me ! Trotter. [Holding the swing still.] Say] if you think you are going to run me and the whole THE CLIMBERS 167 family, you're a Dodo bird ! Remember that you're my daughter; you must wait a little if you want to be a mother-in-law. [Sleigh-bells are heard in the distance, coming nearer. Clara. Good gracious ! If you ask me, I think mama has got her hands full. What's become of Miss Godesby and her brother? Trotter. When you went upstairs with your mother, they went down the road. Clara. You know originally the idea was / was to marry you. Trotter. Really — Clara. [Laughingly.] Yes, and mama cut me out. Trotter. Oh, well, it can't be helped; we can't marry everybody. Clara. [Noticing the hells.] Somebody else 1 68 THE CLIMBERS arriving! That's queer — nobody comes here in the winter; that's why we chose it, because it would be quiet! Let's play this game. [Going to an iron jrog on a box which stands near the house. Trotter. Perhaps it's Mrs. Sterling. Clara. No ; if she was coming at all, she'd have come in time for the wedding. [She takes up the disks which lie beside the jrog.] I should hate to get married like you and mama — no splurge and no presents ! Why, the presents'd be half the fun ! And think of all those you and she've given in your life, and have lost now a good chance of getting back. [Throws a disk into the jrog^s open mouth. Trotter. /'// give your mother all the presents she wants. I can afford it ; I don't want anybody to give us anything! THE CLIMBERS 169 Clara. You talk like Jess ! [Throws another disk.] You know Jess earns her own living. She goes around to smart women's houses answering their invitations and letters for 'em. * She calls it being a visiting secretary, but I tell her she's a co-respon-dent I [Throws a disk. [Warden and Mason enter from behind the house quickly, with a manner of suppressed excitement. They are surprised to find Clara and Trotter. Warden. Why, here they are! Mason. No, only Miss Clara and Trotter. Warden. Lucky I met you — you must take me back in your sleigh. Mason. Yes, the riding's beastly. Trotter. Hello! I say, were you invited? Clara. Merry Christmas! I70 THE CLIMBERS Wardi'.n. Wc tame to sec the (jO(lcsl)ys. C^LARA. Tlu^'vc gone down tlie road. Mason. Sterling isn't here, is he? I'rottkk. No, haven't seen him. Clara. Do you know why we're here? [Mason and Wardi'-N arc embarrassed. Mason. Yes — er — er — a — many hai)j)y re- turns, Mr. 'I'rotter. 'I'Korri'K. It's a great (hiy for me, Mr. Mason! WardI'N. Wish you joy, Trotter! [Juiiharrasscd and not i!;oing near him. Tro rriOR rushes eai^er/y to him and grasps his hand warmly. 'I'roitkr. Thank you, old man! 1 say! Thanh you ! Mason. Miss Clara, would you do me the great favor of going down the road and hurrying tlie Godesbys back if you see them? THE CI.IMni'.RS 171 Ci.ARA. Yes, I (loii'l mind; conic .ilonj^, Trolly ! WardI'IN. You must (rx(:us(^ 'I'roltcr. I want a talk witli liim if \\v. will f^ivc mc five minutes. (Jlara. ()1), (crtaiiily. \Shc goes (nil Lc.]l behind the, house. Wardkn. [To Mason. I Will you sec Mrs. Hunter? Trot'I'icr. T ])c|^ your f)a,r(lon, Mrs. 'rrotter ! VVakdi.n. \roHldy.\ I I k'^^ yours. (YV^ Mason.] Sec Mrs. Troltcr. Mason. \Aside to \Vai^I)i;n.| You're ^oinj^ to a.sk hi>n to j^o on i)i( k's note for Kyder? Wari)i;n. [In a low voice.] Yes. Mason. You're a wonder! As if he would! WaroI'IN. Somebody musl^ and there's nobody else. 'J'hat boy anci that mother have g(;t U) he saved ! Mason. I'm sorry rny name's no go(jd for us. 172 THE CLIMBERS Warden. And mine mustn't be used. Mason. No, indeed! The minute that was done, there'd be a new compHcation, and more trouble would tumble down on Mrs. SterUng's head. Good luck. \Shakes his hand and enters the house. Trotter. What's up? You haven't come to kick about my wedding, have you? I wouldn't stand for that, you know! Warden. It's not that, Mr. Trotter. Your wife's son-in-law. Sterling, has turned out a blackguard ; he has had intrusted to him Miss Ruth Hunter's money and several other people's, and he's used it all for speculation of his own. Trotter. Then he's a damned thief! [He sits on the bench ivith the manner that he has settled the subject. Warden. So he is, and he's ruined. THE CLIMBERS 173 Trotter. Well, prison is the place for him. Warden. We won't argue that, but how about his family — they get punished for what he has done ; they must share his disgrace. Trotter. Oh, well, my wife is out of all that now — she's Mrs. Trotter. Warden. Yes, but her own daughter suffers. Trotter. [On the dejensive.] She isn't very chummy with her classy eldest daughter. Warden. Never mind that ; you know without my teUing you that Mrs. SterHng is a fine woman. Trotter. She's always snubbed me right and left, but, by George, I must own she is a fine woman. Warden. That's right! [Clapping him on the back and putting his arm around his shoulder.] Look here — help us save her! Trotter. How? 174 THE. CLIMBERS Warden. Indorse a note of Sterling's to give Ryder to keep him quiet. Trotter. I'd have to ask my wife. Warden. No! Don't start off like that! Keep the reins in your own hands at the very be- ginning, — make her realize from this very day that you're raised up on the cushion beside her; that she's sitting lower down admiring the scenery, while you do the driving through life! Trotter. \Hal] laughing.] Ha! I guess you're right. Box seat and reins are good enough for me ! Warden. Good boy! Then we can count on you to sign this note? Trotter. Where's 7ny security? Warden. I can get you security if you want it. Trotter. Of course I want it! And I say, where are you? Why aren't you in it? THE CLIMBERS 175 Warden. There are reasons why my name had better not appear; you are in the family. But I'll tell you what I'll do, Trotter ; I'll secure you with a note of my own — only you must keep it dark ; you mustn't even let Mason know. Trotter. All right, perhaps I'm a Dodo bird, but I'll do it. Say, I seem to have married a good many of this classy family ! Warden. Trotter, no one's done you justice! And, by George ! you deserve a better fate — er — I mean — my best wishes on your wedding day. [Trotter shakes his hand delightedly. Trotter. Great day for me 1 What I wanted was style and position, and some one classy who would know how to spend my money for me ! Warden. Well, you've got that, surely! [Clara comes hack from the house, Clara. The Godesbys are coming. Trotter, 176 THE CLIMBERS there's skating on the river near here, and they've skates in the house — don't you want a spin ? Trotter. Yes, I don't mind — if my wife doesn't need me ! [Clara laughs as Godesby and Miss Godesby enter jrom behind the house. Trotter meets them, with Clara on his arm.] Excuse us for a Httle while ! Clara. Poppa and I're going skating! [They go out Left. Godesby. Hello, Warden. Warden. Good morning. Miss Godesby. Miss Godesby. Good morning. Warden. How are you, Godesby? I've come on a matter most serious, most urgent — some- thing very painful. Godesby. What is it? [Comes forward. Warden. Both of you trusted Dick Sterling. THE CLIMBERS 177 Miss Godesby. What's he done? Warden. Misused your funds. Godesby. How d'you mean? Warden. I mean that the money you intrusted to him is gone, and I've come to make a proposi- tion to you. Miss Godesby. Gone? [Godesby and Miss Godesby are aghast. A second's silence, during which Godesby and Miss Godesby look at each other, then back at Warden. Godesby. Do you mean to say — Warden. The money is gone, every penny of it, and I want you to accept a note from Sterling to cover the amount. Miss Godesby. I can't grasp it! Godesby. Where is Sterling? Why didn't he come? N iyS THE CLIMBERS Warden. He was ashamed. GoDESBY. I should hope so! Warden. Several of us are going to stick by him; we'll manage to put him on his feet again, and we want you to accept his note. GoDESBY. [Incredulous.] Accept his note? Miss Godesby. [Also incredulous.] On what security ? Godesby. [Quickly.] You'll do nothing of the sort, Julia! Miss Godesby. I'll see him where he belongs, in Staters Prison, first! Warden. That wouldn't bring you back your money. Miss Godesby. Neither will his note! Warden. If I get it indorsed? Godesby. Likely! Miss Godesby. Rather! THE CLIMBERS 179 Warden. I want your silence to keep it from the public for the family's sake. I've secured a satisfactory indorser for a note to satisfy Ryder's claim. Miss Godesby. Why didn't you give him to me instead of Ryder? Warden. I felt you would be willing, out of friendship — [There are sleigh-hells in the distance, coming nearer. Miss Godesby. Huh! you must take me for an idiot! Warden. Out of friendship for his wife. Miss Godesby. Blanche SterHng! I never could bear her! She's always treated me like the dirt under her feet! Warden. You dined with her last night. Miss Godesby. That was to please her mother. l8o THE CLIMBERS No, if my money's gone, Sterling's got to suffer, and the one slight consolation I shall have will be that Blanche Sterling will have to come off her high horse. \T}ie sleigh-bells stop. GoDESBY. [To Miss Godesby.] Ten to one if you agree to sign this note — Warden. And keep silent. Miss Godesby. [Satirically.] Oh, yes, of course, the next morning when I wake up Sterling will be gone ! Nobody knows where ! Warden. I've had it out with Sterling! I am here as his representative. I give you my word of honor Sterling will not run away. It is under such an understanding with him that I am plead- ing his case in his stead. He will stay here and work till he has paid you back, every cent. [Jessica enters hurriedly jrom the house. THE CLIMBERS i8i Jessica. \In great excitement. \ Mr. Warden, Mr. Warden, Dick has gone! Warden. Sterling? Gone? Miss Godesby. Gone? GODESBY. That's good! Warden. Don't be a fool, Godesby. How do you mean "gone," Miss Hunter? Jessica. I don't altogether know. While I was out this morning, Blanche received a message from mother saying she'd been — \She hesitates., looking toward Godesby and Miss Godesby. Warden. They know. They're your mother's guests here. Jessica. She told Blanche they would be glad to have her here at one o'clock for breakfast. Blanche ordered the sleigh at once and went away, leaving word for me I was 1 82 THE CLIMBERS to open any message which might come for her. Warden. \To Godesby.] Has she been here? GoDESBY. Not that I know of. Miss Godesby. [Eager to hear more.] No, no ! Jessica. No, they say not. She probably went first to Aunt Ruth's. Before I got back, Dick, who'd been out — Warden. He was at my house. Jessica. Yes. He came back, questioned Jor- dan as to where Blanche was, went upstairs, and then went away again, leaving a note for Blanche, which I found when I came home — Warden. [Eagerly.] Yes? Jessica. It simply said, "Good-by. Dick." Miss Godesby. [Very angry.] Oh! Godesby. [Quickly.] He's taken a train ! He's cleared out! THE CLIMBERS 183 Warden. Do you know if he took a bag or anything with him? Jessica. No, he took nothing of that sort. Jordan v/ent into his room and found a drawer open and empty, a drawer in which Dick kept — a pistol I — \She drops her voice almost to a whisper. Warden. Good God, he's shot himself! Jessica. Perhaps not — he left the house. Warden. Yes, if he were really determined to shoot himself, why wouldn't he have done it there in his own room? Jessica. What can we do ? What can we do ? Warden. I'll get Mr. Mason ; he's with your mother; he must go back to town at once. [Going to the house. Jessica. He can go with me; I'd better be at. the house. Some one must be there. i84 THE CLIMBERS Warden. Good! \He goes into the house. [Miss Godesby and her brother ignore and apparently forget the presence oj Jessica in their excitement. They both speak and move excitedly. Miss Godesby. I ought to have suspected something when Sterling told me he was getting ten per cent for my money, — the blackguard ! Godesby. I always told you you were a fool not to take care of your money yourself! You know more about business than most men. Miss Godesby. I didn't want to be bothered ; besides, there was always something very attractive about Sterhng. I don't mind teUing you that if he had fallen in love with me instead of the stiff- necked woman he married, I'd have tumbled over myself to get him. THE CLIMBERS 185 GoDESBY. How do you feel about him now? Miss Godesby. Now ! Thank God, I'm saved such a waking up ! It's going to make a big difference with my income, Howard ! I wonder if his wife knew he was crooked ! I'll bet you she's got a pot of money stowed away all right in her own name. Jessica. \Who can hear no more, interrupts^ Please — please ! Remember that you're speak- ing of my sister and that every word you are saying cuts through me Hke a knife. Miss Godesby. I beg your pardon ; I ought to have thought. I like and respect you, Jess, and I've been very rude. Jessica. You've been more than that; you've been cruelly unjust to Blanche in all that you've said! Miss Godesby. Perhaps I have, but I don't 1 86 THE CLIMBERS feel in a very generous mood ; I've some excuse — so please forgive me. [Warden reenters LejL Warden. [To Jessica.] Mason is waiting for you with the sleigh. He's going first to my house. Dick may have gone back there to hear the result of my interview with Ryder, — then Mason'U try his own house and Sterling's club. GoDESBY. The police are the best men to find SterHng, whatever's happened. Warden. [To Godesby.] You wait a minute with me; I haven't finished with you yet. [To Jessica.] I'll stay here for your sister, in case she comes. [Jessica goes out LejL Godesby. [To Miss Godesby.] Don't you give in ! Miss Godesby. Not for a minute ! [To War- THE CLIMBERS 187 DEN.] Don't you think, under the circumstances, the wedding breakfast had better be called off, and my brother and I go back to town? Warden. Not till you've given me your promise, both of you, that you will keep silent about the embezzlement of your bonds for the sake of Mrs. Sterhng and her son. Miss Godesby. \Hal] laughs.] Huh! Warden. For the sake of her mother, who is your friend. [Sleigh-bells start up loud and die off quickly; Jessica has gone. Miss Godesby. Oh, come, you know what sort of friends we are, — for the amusement we can get out of each other. This is the case, — I trusted this man with my affairs. H^ was very attractive — I don't deny that; business with Dick Sterling became more or less of a pleasure — but that 1 88 THE CLIMBERS doesn't cut any ice with me; he's stolen my money. To put it plainly, he's a common thief, and he ought to be punished ; why should he go scot free and a lot of others not? You know perfectly well his note wouldn't be worth the paper it was written on ; and, anyway, if he hasn't gone and sneaked out of the world, I won't lift my Httle finger to keep him from the punishment he de- serves ! GoDESBY. Good for you, Julia! Warden. Don't you put your oar in, Godesby ; just let this matter rest between your sister and me! She's always been known as the best man in your family. Godesby. You don't choose a very conciHatory way of bringing us around! Warden. I'm not choosing any way at all ; I'm striking right out from the shoulder. There THE CLIMBERS 189 isn't time for beating round the bush ! I'm pleading for the good name and honorable position of a perfectly innocent, a fine, woman, and for the reputation and unimpeded career of her son ! And I make that appeal as man to man and woman ! Miss Godesby. I have nothing to do with any one in this matter but Sterling himself, who has robbed me, and I'll gladly see him suffer for it ! Warden. Now look here. Miss Godesby, you belong to a pretty tough crowd in society, but I know at heart you're not a bad sort ! What good will it do you ? Granted even that you don't care for Mrs. SterHng, still don't tell me you're the kind of woman to take a cruel pleasure in seeing another woman suffer ! I wouldn't believe it ! You're not one of those catty creatures ! You're a clever woman, and I don't doubt you can be a pretty I90 THE CLIMBERS hard one, too, at times; but you're just — that's the point now — you're JUST — Miss Godesby. [Interrupting.] Exactly! I'm just, an eye for an eye ! Sterling is a thief, let him get the deserts of one! [She sits on the bench determinedly. Warden. But you can't look at only one side ! You can't shut your eyes to his wife's suffering, too, and she doesn't desen-e it ! Neither does her boy deserve to share his disgrace. [He sits beside her.] Why, you have it in your power to handicap that boy through his whole Hfe by pubHshing his father a criminal; or you can give that boy a fair show to prove himself more his mother's son than his father's, and to live an honest — who knows — perhaps a noble Hfe ! Miss Godesby. I refuse to accept such a re- sponsibility. Ryder — THE CLIMBERS 191 Warden. [Rises, interrupling her.] Ryder's word is given to be silent. Miss Godesby. Well, that's his lookout. Warden. You'll have many a heart wrench, I'll bet you ! You'll have to run across the results of the harm you do to Mrs. Sterling and Richard day in and day out, year after year! I don't believe you reaHze what it means ! Why, I know you can't bear to see a dog suffer ! I met you last week on the street carrying a mangy, crippled brute of a little dog in your arms, afraid lest he'd get into the hands of the vivisectionists, and yet here you'll let a boy and hLs mother — Miss Godesby. [Interrupts him, struggling against a tiny ejnotion which he has stirred.] Stop ! Stop ! I don't want you working on my feelings that way. [She rises and turns from him. 192 THE CLIMBERS Warden. [Follows her.] I'm only knocking at the door of your heart. And now because it's opened just a tiny way, you want to shut it in my face again. Will you leave this woman's name fit for her to use? Won't you make that boy's Hfe worth living to him? Miss Godesby. [After a moments pause, looks straight into Warden's face.] I'll tell you what I'll do. Get me some security, some sort of indorsement of Sterling's note — Warden. If the man's only alive! Miss Godesby. And I'll hold my tongue. Warden. How long will you give me? Miss Godesby. Oh, come, I can't have any monkey business 1 You must get me my security to-day. Warden. To-day? Miss Godesby. Yes. THE CLIMBERS 193 Warden. But — Miss Godesby, That's my last word. GoDESBY. Stick to that, JuHal Warden. I shan't try to persuade her against that. Will you leave your sister alone with me a moment. Perhaps you'll see about your sleigh being ready to return to town. Godesby. I've no objection — if Julia wishes it. Miss Godesby. Yes, go on, Howard ! [Godesby goes out hack of house. Warden. [Lejt alone with Miss Godesby, goes nearer to her.] Look here ! Will you accept my indorsement? Will / be all right? Miss Godesby. [Incredulously.] Certainly. Warden. Then it's settled? Miss Godesby. You don't mean it! Warden. I do. Miss Godesby. You'd be willing to lose — 194 THE CLIMBERS \A revelation comes to her.] Oh — for Mrs. Sterling! I see! Warden. [Very seriously.] I zcouldn't. I wouldn't see. Miss Godesby. And she's always been black- guarding me for my affairs with men ! And all the time — Warden. [Interrupts strongly.] Don't say any more, please, Miss Godesby! I only wish your brother had said that much instead of you. Miss Godesby. [Disagreeably.] So you're in love with Blanche Sterling? Warden. No! Miss Godesby. Oh, come, don't tell a lie about it; that will only make it seem worse. Warden. Well, suppose I were in love with her — what of it ? THE CLIMBERS 195 Miss Godesby. Nothing ; only, my dear War- den, that woman — Warden. [Interrupts.] Wait a minute ! You've got me in a corner, but knowing half the truth, you mustn't guess the whole. She is even more igno- rant of my love for her than you were ten minutes ago! [Miss Godesby smiles and makes a little satirical exclamation.] You don't believe that, but I'll make you. I'm going to tell you some- thing I've never even told myself. I'm going to put you to a big test, because I've got to. Apparently, I can't help myself; but after all, somehow I believe in the human nature in you, and you've got it in your power to help or hurt the woman I love — I say those words aloud for the first time — the woman I love ! [He has finished his speech in a lowered tone throbbing with controlled jeeling. 196 THE CLIMBERS Miss Godesby. \lncredu]ously.\ You've never told her? Warden. Never ; and you show how little you really know her when you ask that question ! She loves her husband. Miss Godesby. I'm not so sure about that! Warden. I am, and I love her. But surely the silent love of a man, Hke mine, is no insult to a good woman — cannot harm her ! A love that is never spoken, not even whispered, can't hurt any one, except, perhaps, the one who loves. You must acknowledge even you have never heard a hint ; you sJioiced just now your real surprise at what circumstances revealed to you ! I'd die sooner than bring the sHghtest shadow of a scandal on her, and I've hugged my secret tight. Have you any idea what such a love means? How it grows and grows, its strength shut in, held back, THE CLIMBERS 197 doubling and redoubling its powers! — its ideality increasing, the passion suppressed, locked up ! Good God ! I tremble sometimes when I think — suppose some day it should burst out, break my control, MASTER me! [A pause.] And here, now, I've told you; I'm sorry, but I had to for her sake again. Will you help me keep my secret? Miss Godesby. [Ajter a second's pause.] Yes, because I believe you. Warden. And Mrs. Sterling? Miss Godesby. [Slowly, with sincere meaning.] I envy her! [Her voice breaks and she turns away from him. Warden. No one is to know I indorse Sterling's note? Miss Godesby. You needn't sign the note; my brother 'd have to see it. I'll take your word for the indorsement. 198 THE CLIMBERS \She offers him her hand. They shake hands. Warden. What a brick you are ! You know you don't do yourself anything Hke justice in the world ! [GoDESBY reenters Left and after him a Man Servant in ordinary clothes, who passes through the archway at back centre. GoDESBY. Ready! Warden. [Aside to her.] You can promise his silence about Sterling? Miss Godesby. Oh, yes, he's absolutely depend- ent upon me. Warden. Thank you. Miss Godesby. [To Ned with a forced gaiety.] Good-by ! Warden. [Again shaking her hand.] Good-by. [He looks his thanks at her. Godesby. Well? What did you do? THE CUMBERS 199 Miss Godesby. {As they go.\ Don't worry; I've taken care of myself for many years, and I still feel up to it ! \They go out Lejt and at the same time the Ser- vant enters jrom the archway at hack centre carrying some fire logs in his arms. This Ser- vant speaks with a slight French accent. As he reaches the house, Warden stops him with a question, and the Godesbys' sleigh-bells start up and quickly die away. The sun begins to set. Warden. Have you an empty sitting room? Servant. Yes, sair. Warden. Warm ? Servant. I will soon arrange a fire. Warden. I wish you would, please. Servant. Ze big room for ze breakfast is altogether ready and warm ; you will be able to go in there now. 200 THE CLIMBERS Warden. No, that wouldn't do. It's all right out here for me, only I am expecting a lady. [Sleigh-bells are heard in the distayice^ coming quickly nearer. Servant. Yes, sair. Warden. I hear a sleigh coming. If a lady is in it, ask if her name is Mrs. Sterhng, and if she says yes, tell her INIr. Warden is here and would like to speak with her a moment before she goes in to Mrs. — [He hesitates a second. Servant. Trottair? Warden. Yes. Servant. Yes, sair. [He goes into the house. [The Sim grows red, and the colors of sunset creep over the sky during the scene which THE CLIMBERS 20i follows. After a moment the Servant shows Blanche out from the house. Blanche. [Surprised and depressed.] Good morning, Mr. Warden, have you been asked to these funeral baked meats? Warden. No, I'll explain why I am here in a few minutes. Only let me ask you first when you last saw your husband? Blanche. Early this morning. Warden. And you have come just now from where ? Blanche. Aunt Ruth's. Of course you know about my mother ? When I heard it I started to come here, but my heart failed me and I turned back to my aunt's. She has persuaded me that I ought to come and put the best face on the matter possible, but it seems as if I'd had now a little more than I can bear! aoa THE CUMBERS [Her voice breaks and her eyes fill with tears. Warden. [Ahuost tenderly.] Shall we go inside ? Blanche. No, no ! Let us stay out in the air ; my head would burst in one of these close httle rooms. Have you seen mother? Warden. No, not yet. Blanche. Where is Dick? Did he go to Ryder's? Warden. No, but I have some good news to tell you all the same — Ryder has promised silence. Blanche. [With tremendous relief.] Oh! that's too good, too good to be true ! To whom did he promise ? Warden. I want you not to ask me that. Blanche. I can guess, it was — Warden. [Ly/;/^i,\] No, it was — Mason. Blanche. [Doubting Jiini.] Mr. Mason? Warden. And I've more s:;ood news for vou, THE CLIMBERS 203 Mrs. Sterling — the Godeshys, too ; they will be silent. Blanche. You're sure? Warden. We have their word! Blanche. [Pointedly.] Mr. Mason again? — [Warden hows his head in assent.] He was here? Warden. Some time ago, but only for a minute. He didn't stay ; he went to find your husband. Blanche. But the Godeshys? I just met them now on the road going back. How could Mr. Mason, if he didn't stay — [Warden is embarrassed, and is silent, searching a way out oj it.] Oh, no! no! it wasn't Mr. Mason! I see the whole thing clearly. Dick was too great a coward, and you did it ! It was you who won over Ryder ! It was you who persuaded the Godesbys ! — [Warden shakes his head and makes a movement to deny it. Blanche continues speaking, the 204 THE CLIMBERS words rushing to her lips, as her pent-up heart opens and lets all her emotions suddenly free.] Don't try to deny it ; you can't make me believe you ! It's to you I owe whatever promise the future has for me ! It is you who have given me all the happiness I've had for years. It is you who have watched over, taken care of, me — you, the best friend any woman in this world ever had. It is you now who have saved my boy's honor. It is you who Hft the weight off my shoulders, the weight off my heart ! You ! — you ! — you ! [She sinks sobbing on the bench. It begins to snow very quietly and slowly. Warden. [.4// his love bursting out into his face and into his voice, cries.] Blanche! Blanche! [Leaning over her as if to protect her from her trouble and take her to his breast. Blanche. [Rising and looking straight into THE CLIMBERS 205 his eyes with a suddenly revealed great love in her own.\ Ned ! — [They hold this position some moments, gazing into each other^s eyes; then finally Warden makes a movement towards her, crying out more triumphantly, having read and realized her love jor him. Warden. Blanche! Blanche. [Moving a half step back from him.] No — Warden. No? Blanche. Look — look, it's beginning to snow ! Warden. [Very softly.] What do you mean? Blanche. [Desperately.] I mean to speak of anything except what is in your thoughts at this moment ! Help me not to forget that no matter what he has done, Dick is still my husband. Warden. You don't know all he has done! 206 THE CLIMBERS Blanche. How not "all"? What else? Where is he? \Wiih a sudden new alarm. Warden. He has left you. Blanche. [Echoes.] Left me? — Warden. Mason is searching for him. He left a note at your house which Jess read ; it was only one word "Good-by." Blanche. [Echoes again.] Good-by! [Sleigh- bells are heard in the distance, coming quickly nearer.] What does it mean? You're hiding something from me ! Tell me what else you know ? Warden. He left the house, but took some- thing with him — something from a drawer in his room. Blanche. [After a second's pause she whispers.] His pistol? Warden. Yes. THE CLIMBERS 207 Blanche. \Aghast, still whispers.] Has he done it? Warden. I don't know; I'm waiting word from Mason. \The sleigh-hells stop. Blanche. [Excited.] But we can't wait here doing nothing; we must go, too! Warden. Mason is doing all that can be done ; we'd better wait here. [He takes her hand in sympathy, hut without suggesting the passion of a few moments he- fore. Sterling enters hurriedly Left. He is wild with drink and jealousy. Sterling. Drop my wife's hand ! [They turn in great surprise. Blanche. Dick ! [Fright at his appearance is mingled with her surprise. 208 THE CLIMBERS Warden. \At the same time as Blanche.] Sterling ! [They do not drop hands. Sterling. [Coming nearer, very strong.] Drop my wife's hand ! [They do so quickly, not under- standing yet.] So I've caught you ! Warden. [Angry.] Caught us! Sterling. Yes, I had my suspicions roused some time ago! Blanche. Of what? Sterling. I could go to the devil — what did you two care! I could go to State's Prison! All the better — out of your way I Warden. You're speaking like a madman! Sterling. I went back to my house this morning ; my wife was gone — no message left where to ! But I questioned the servant. She'd driven here! Why? Ha! [A bitter half laugh; THE CLIMBERS 209 he turns to Blanche.] Yoxi^ve come here once too ojten! Warden. [Very strong.] Sterling! Sterling. [To Warden, but ignoring his exclamation.] Then I went to your house. They knew where you^d gone ! You ought to train your servants better! Both here! Warden. If you're not careful, I'll ram your insinuations down your throat. Sterling. [Jeers.] "Insinuations?" I've caught you! I make no ^^ insinuations.^^ I tell you both you^re caught/ You're my wife's lover, and she's your damned mis — [Interrupted. Warden. [Seizing Sterling by the throat.] Don't you finish ! Blanche. Sh ! — for Heaven's sake ! [To War- den.] Let him alone; I'm not afraid of what he says. 2IO THE CLIMBERS [Warden leaves Sterling. Sterling. No, you never were a liar, I'll give you credit for that, — so confess the truth — you're his — \Inierrupted. Blanche. [Excited beyond her control.] Listen! And you shall have the truth if you want it ! These years that he's been befriending me I never dreamed of loving him nor thought of his loving me. [Dick sneers.] Wait! No, not even the day my father was buried, when I learned outright you were dishonest! Sterling. [Surprised.] Wliat do you mean? Blanche, ^^llat I say — I learned it then from a paper of my father's. I shouldn't have kept my knowledge to myself — I see that now ; but I did, for your sake, not for love of you — the love went for good that day. But here, a moment ago, I real- THE CLIMBERS 211 ized for the first time that my old friend did love me, love me with an ideal devotion the noblest woman in the world might be proud of! I didn't tell him then I loved him, but now I take this chance, I take it gladly before you! — ]orced by you I I tell him now, what perhaps he has already guessed, I love him with all my heart — I love him I I LOVE him! Sterling. Damn you both! then it's the end of met \He pulls out a pistol and tries to put it to his temple. Blanche. [Cries out.] Ned! Warden. [Seizes Sterling, catches his arm, and wrenches the pistol jrom hifn.] So that's what you planned to do, is it — make a wretched scene like that? [// begins to snow more heavily. 212 THE CLIMBERS Sterling. \In utter collapse and shame.] Why did you stop me? I'm better out of the world. I'm crazy with shame. First I disgraced and now I've insuhed — degraded — the only living thing I care for, — that's my wife. [A moments pause. Blanche. [Speaks quietly.] Come back to the house. Mr. Mason is looking for you; he has something to tell you. Sterling. I know — more bad news. Blanche. No, good. Sterling. [Echoes.] Good! [Starting to go, he turns at the porch.] I want you to know that I know I'm a rotten beast. [He goes out Left. Warden. You're going back home? Blanche. ''Home!'' [With a faint smile.] I should hardly call it that. THE CLIMBERS 213 Warden. [Aside to her.] You're not afraid ? Blanche. [Half smiling.] Oh, no ! And my boy's there. [The thick jailing snow almost hides them, but they are unconscious oj it. Warden. What's to be done? Blanche. Wait ; we'll see — we'll see — let it be something we could never regret. Good-by, Ned. [Giving him her hand. Warden. Good-by, Blanche. [Kissing her hand very tenderly and almost with a certain kind oj awe, as THE CURTAIN SLOWLY FALLS ACT IV The following morning; at the Sterlings' ; the library; a warm, livable, and lovable room, full of pictures, photographs, and books; mistletoe and holly decorate everywhere. In the bow- window at back there is a large bird-cage with half a dozen birds in it. The furniture is comfortable and heavily upholstered. At Left there is a fireplace with logs ready, but the fire is not lit. There a big table near the centre, full of magazines, illustrated papers, and books. A big arm-chair is beside the table, and other chairs conversationally close. There is a table near the door at Right, piled with Christmas gifts, still wrapped in white paper; they are tied with many 214 THE CLIMBERS 215 colored ribbons and bunches of holly. There are doors Right and Left. After the curtain rises on an empty stage, Ruth enters quickly; while she has her buoyant manner, she is, of course, more serious than usual. She carries a bunch of fresh violets in her hand. She looks about the room with a sort of curiosity. She is waiting for some one to appear. She takes up a silver-framed pho- tograph of her brother which stands on a table and speaks aloud to it. Ruth. I'm glad you're spared this. [With a long-drawn breath she places the photograph back upon the table and turns to greet Blanche, who comes in Right.] Good morning, my dear. [She kisses her. Blanche. Good morning. You've had my note? [Ruth nods.] Thank you. I wanted to 2i6 THE CLIMBERS see you before I saw any one else. You must help me decide, only you can. Ruth. Have you seen your husband this morning ? Blanche. No. He sent word he was feeling ill, but would like to see me when I was willing. Ruth. And you? \Tkey sit near each other. Blanche. I don't want to talk with him till I see more clearly what I am going to do. Ruth. Mr. Warden told me last night all that happened at ''The Hermitage." But on your ride home with Dick? Blanche. We never spoke. [She rises.] Aunt Ruth, I am going to leave him. Ruth. [Rising.] No! Blanche. [Walking up and down.] Why not? Everybody does. THE CLLMBERS 217 Ruth. \Going to her.] That's just it. Be somebody/ Don't do the easy, weak thing. Be strong; be an example to other women. Heaven knows it's time they had one! [Mrs. Hunter enkrs Right. Blanche meets her. Mrs. Hunter. Good morning, my poor dear. [Going to kiss Blanche. Blanche. [Taking Mrs. Hunter's hand and not kissing her.] Good morning. Mrs. Hunter. Clara's gone upstairs to see little Richard. Good morning, Ruth. [She adds this with a manner of being on the defensive. Ruth. [Dryly.] Good morning. Mrs. Hunter. [Sitting by the table and looking at the picture papers.] Isn't it awful! What are you going to do? 2i8 THE CLIMBERS Blanche. I don't know yet, mother. Mrs. Hunter. Dont know i Absolute divorce — no legal separation! \To Ruth.] We're stay- ing at the Waldorf. [Blanche sits discouragcdly on the sofa. Ruth. [Sitting beside her.] I shall advise against, and do everything in my power to prevent, Blanche's getting a divorce ! Mrs. Hunter. You don't mean to say you'll carry those ridiculous notions of yours into prac- tice ? — now that a scandal has come into our very family ? Ruth. Oh, I know selt'ish, cynical, and worldly people won't agree with me, and I pity and sym- pathize with Blanche from the bottom of my heart. [Taking and Jiolding Blanche's Jiand.] But I want her not to decide anything now; wait till the lirst blows over, and then — well, then I THE CLIMBERS 219 feel sure she will do the strong, noble thing — the difficult thing — not the easy. Blanche. [Withdraws her hand from Ruth's.] No, you ask too much of me, Aunt Ruth; I can't do it. Ruth. I say don't decide now — wait. Blanche. I don't want to wait. I want to decide now and to cut my Hfe free, entirely, from Dick's. Ruth. You used to agree with me. I've heard you decry these snapshot, rapid-transit, tunnel divorces many a time. I've heard you say when a woman has made her bed, she must lie in it — make the best of her bad bargain. Blanche. I always sympathized with a woman who sought a divorce in this state. Ruth. Oh, yes, but you canH, can you? Blanche. No, but I'm not strong enough to fight out an unhappy life for the sake of setting an 220 THE CLIMBERS example to other women — women who doYCt want the example set! Ruth. Blanche, I counted on you to be strong, to be big — Blanche. \Wit)i a voice jull of emotion.] But I love Ned Warden. He loves me — life stretches out long before us. Dick has disgraced us all. I don't love him — should I give my happiness and Mr. Warden's happiness for him? Mrs. Hunter. Absurd ! We all have a right to happiness if we can get it. I have chosen; let Blanche follow my example. Blanche. [Disgusted.] Yours? [Rises.] Oh! Ruth. [Following up the advantage.] Yes, Blanche, do you want to follow your mother's example ? Blanche. No! But the cases are not analo- gous! THE CLIMBERS 221 Mrs. Hunter. Not what? You needn't fling any innuendoes at Mr. Trotter; it's he who said it was my duty to stand by you, advise you, and all that sort of thing. I'm not here to please myself! Goodness knows, a divorce court isn't a very pleasant place to spend your honeymoon! Blanche. Thank both you and Mr. Trotter, mother; but I ask you to allow Aunt Ruth and me to decide this matter between us. Mrs. Hunter. Trotter says divorce was made for woman ! Ruth. And what was made for man, please? Polygamy ? Mrs. Hunter. I don't know anything about pohtics ! But I could count a dozen women in a breath, all divorced, or trying to be, or ought to be ! Ruth. And each one of them getting a cold shoulder. c^ 222 THE CLIMBERS Blanche. What of it if their hearts are warm — poor climbers after happiness! Ruth. Believe me, dear, the chill spreads. You're going to be selfish? Mrs. Hunter. She's going to be sensible. [Clara enters Right. Clara. Hello, everybody! I just saw Dick coming out of his room and I cut him dead. Blanche. Clara! Ruth. [To Blanche.] You've taken a certain responsibility upon yourself, and you can't shirk it. Blanche. He isn't what I thought him! Ruth. The day the sun shone on you as a bride, in God's presence, you said you took him for better for worse — Clara. Dear me, is that in it? The marriage service ought to be expurgated ! Ruth. [To Clara.] I'm ashamed of you. THE CLIMBERS 2.21 Clara. That's nothing new! Blanche. Aunt Ruth, let us talk some other time. Mrs. Hunter. Oh, if we are in the way, we'll go ! \Rises. Clara. Yes, come on, let's go to Atlantic City. Mrs. Hunter. No, I'd rather go to Lakewood. Clara. Oh, pshaw, Lakewood's no fun ! I'm surprised you don't say go to Aiken, North Carolina. Mrs. Hunter. Mr. Trotter says we can't leave town anyway while Blanche is in this trouble. Blanche. Mother, please discuss your affairs somewhere else. Ruth. And if I may be permitted to suggest, you will find Mr. Trotter's advice always pretty good to follow. That young man has better qualities than we have suspected. I have some- 224 ^-^-^ CLIMBERS thing to thank him for ; will you be good enough to ask him to come and see me? Mrs. Hunter. He will not go to your house with my permission. I shall tell him you have never asked me inside your door. Clara. Mother, if you ask me — [Mrs. Hun- ter interjects "Which I donH,^^ but Clara con- tinues without paying any attention to the interrup- tion.] — I don't think Mr. Trotter is going to cry himself to sleep for your permission about any- thing ! Mrs. Hunter. [To Blanche.] Good-by, my dear; if you want me, let me know; I'll be glad to do anything I can. I'm staying at the Waldorf. Clara. It's full of people from Kansas and Wyoming Territory come to hear the Opera! Ruth. A little western blood wouldn't hurt our New York Hfe a bit! THE CLIMBERS 225 Clara. Ah! Got you there! The west is the place where the divorces come from ! Mrs. Hunter. \Laug}is.\ What's the matter with Providence? I think Rhode Island tips the scales pretty even for the east! Blanche. Please go, mother; please leave me for a little while. Mrs. Hunter. Oh, very well, jgood-by! [Leon- ard enters Right with a Christmas parcel, which he places on the table Right.] Dear me, have you had all these Christmas presents and not opened them ? Blanche. It is only Httle Richard in this house who is celebrating Christmas to-day. Mrs. Hunter. It's a terrible affair; I only hope the newspapers won't get hold of it. [To Leonard.] If any women come here asking for me who look like ladies, don't let 'em in ! They ain't my friends; they're reporters. Q 226 THE CLIMBERS [Leonard hows and goes out. Clara. I'm awfully sorry, Blanche, I honestly am; but I think you'll have only yourself to blame if you don't strike out now and throw Dick over. Good-by ! [Mrs. Hunter and Clara go out Right. Blanche. I wish they wouldn't advise me to do what I want to. Ruth. Ah ! Blanche. But who do I harm by it? Surely, it wouldn't be for his good to be brought up under the influence of his father! Ruth. If he saw you patiently bearing a cross for the sake of duty, can you imagine a stronger force for good on the boy's character? What an example you will set him! What a chance for a mother ! Blanche. But my own life, my own happiness ? THE CLIMBERS 2.VI Ruth. Ah, my dear, that's just it ! The watch- word of our age is self! We are all for ourselves; the twentieth century is to be a glorification of selfishness, the Era of Egotism ! Forget yourself, and what would you do? The dignified thing. You would live quietly beside your husband if not with him. And your son would be worthy of such a mother! Blanche. And I? Ruth. You would be glad in the end. Blanche. Perhaps — Ruth. Surely ! Blanche, for twenty years Mr. Mason and I have loved each other. [Blanche is astonished. There is a pause. [Ruth smiles while she speaks, though her voice breaks. } You never guessed! Ah, well, your father knew. 228 THE CLIMBERS Blanche. But Mrs. Mason is hopelessly insane; surely — Ruth. A principle is a principle; I took my stand against divorce. What can you do for a principle if you don't give up everything for it? Nothing! And that is what I mean. To-day I am not sorry — I am happy. ]There is another slight pause. Richard is heard upstairs singing a Christmas carol, ''Once in Royal David's City;' etc. Blanche. [With great emotion.] But if it breaks my heart — if it breaks my heart ? Ruth. Hearts don't break from the pain that comes of doing right, but from the sorrow of doing wrong! [Neither woman speaks for a minute: in the silence Ruth hears Richard.] What's that? Blanche. [Hearing now for the first time.] Richard singing one of his carols. THE CLIMBERS 229 Ruth. I'd forgotten it was Christmas. [Leonard enters Lejt. Leonard. Doctor Steinhart is here to see Mr. Sterling. Where shall I show him, madame? Blanche. Here ; we'll go — [Rising. Leonard. Yes, madame. ♦ [He goes out. Ruth. Well? What are you going to do? Blanche. I'm thinking — Ruth. May I come with you, or shall I — Blanche. No, come. [The two women start to leave the room together Right, with their arms around each other. They meet Sterling, who enters; he starts, they stop. Sterling. I beg your pardon, I didn't know you were here. 230 THE CLIMBERS Blanche. We are going to my room ; I am sorry you are not well. Sterling. Oh, it's nothing, thank you. Ruth. If we can do anything, let us know. Sterling. [Overwhelmed unth shame, bows his head.] Thank you. [The women go out Right. At the same moment Dr. Steinhart is shown in by Leonard Left. Dr. Steinhart. Good morning, Sterling. Sterling. Good morning, doctor; sit down. Dr. Steinhart. No, thanks, I'm very rushed this morning. What can I do for you ? Sterling. I've been drinking too much for some time; I can't eat — my nerves are all gone to pieces. I've some — some business troubles, and I haven't slept for a week. Dr. Steinhart. Is that all! Brace up, help THE CLIMBERS 231 yourself a littK\ aiul wo can soon make a man of you. Stfkuxg. I'm afraid it would take more than a doctor to ilo that. Pk. Stfinuakt. Oh, come, we must get rid of n\elaneholy. Come and drive with me to 70th Street. Sterling. No, I'm too worn out. Look at mv hand! [Holds out a trcmblini:; fiiirid.] 1 tell vou literally 1 haven't slept for weeks — 1 thought you'd give me some chloral or something. Dk. STKiNHAur. What? Now? Stkki.tng. Yes; I've tried sulphonal and all that rot ; it doesn't have any elTect on me. Give me a hypodermic — Dr. Steinhart. Nonsense! Come out into the air! Stvriinc. I've btrn out. 232 THE CLIMBERS Dr. Steinhart. Good! Then try lying down again, and perhaps you'll go to sleep now. Sterling. Very well, but give me something to take to-night in case I can't sleep then. Dr. Steinhart. \Takes out a note-hook and writes with a stylo graphic pen.] Be careful what you eat to-day. How about this drinking — did your business trouble come after it began, or did the whiskey come after the business trouble? Sterling. That's it. Dr. Steinhart. Um — [Giving Sterling the paper which he tears out oj his note-hook.] Look here, I've a busy day before me; but I'll look in to-morrow, and we'll have a good talk. Sterling. Thank you. I say, what is this? Dr. Steinhart. It's all right. Sulphate of morphia — one-quarter-grain tablets. Sterling. Isn't that very little? THE CLIMBERS 233 Dr. Steinhart. Oh, no; you try one, and repeat in an hour if it hasn't done its work. Sterling. But you've only given me two tablets, and I tell you I'm awfully hard to influence ! Dr. Steinhart. Two's enough; we don't give a lot of drugs to a man in a nervous condition like yours. Don't let them wake you for luncheon if you're asleep. Sleep's best for you. Good-by — pleasant dreams. \He goes out Left. Sterling. [Reads off the prescription.] "Two one-quarter-grain tablets sulphate of morphia, Wm. B. Steinhart — " And in ink I Why didn't he write it with a lead-pencil ? How can I make it more? Two — wait a minute! Two! [Taking out his own stylo graphic pen.] What's his ink? [Makes a mark with his pen on his cuff.] Good! the same ! Why not make it twelve ? [Marking 234 THE CLIMBERS a one before the two.] Just in case — I might as well be on the safe side ! [He rings an electric bell beside the mantel, and waves the paper in the air to dry it. Blanche enters Right. Blanche. I heard the doctor go. Is anything serious the matter? Sterling. // it were my body only that had gone wrong, Blanche! [Leonard enters Left. [To Leonard.] Take this prescription round the corner and have it put up. Leonard. Yes, sir. Sterling. And bring it to me with a glass of water. Leonard. Yes, sir. [He goes out Left. [Blanche is still standing. Sterling sinks into a chair y and puts his head in his hands, his THE CLIMBERS 235 elbows on the table. He lifts his head and looks at her. Sterling. I know what you're going to do; you don't have to tell me; of course you're going to divorce me. Blanche. No. Sterling. What! [His hands drop to the table; he looks her straight in the face, doubting what he hears. Blanche. [Looking back into his eyes.] No. Sterling. [Cries.] Blanche! [In a tone of amazement and joy. Blanche. I give you one more chance, for your sake only as my boy^s father. But — donH make it impossible for me — do you understand ? Sterling. Yes! I must take the true advan- tage of this chance your goodness gives me. I must right myself, so that people need not hesitate to 236 THE CLIMBERS speak of his father in Richard's presence. And this I will do. [With great conviction he rises.] I know I am at the cross-roads, and I know the way; but I don't choose it for your reasons; I choose for my own reason — which is that, unfit as / am, I love you. [He speaks deliberately and with real feeling, bending over her. Blanche. I tell you truly my love for you is gone for good. Sterling. I'll win it back — you did love me, you did, didn't you, Blanche? Blanche. I loved the man I thought you were. Do you remember that day in the mountains when we first really came to know each other, when we walked many, many miles without dreaming of being tired? Sterling. And found ourselves at sunset at the THE CLIMBERS 237 top instead of below, by our hotel ! Oh, yes, I remember! The world changed for me that day. \Ile sinks hack into the arm-chair^ overcome, in his weakened state, by his memories and his realization of what he has made of the present. Blanche. And for me ! I knew then for the first time you loved me, and that I loved you. Oh ! how short life of a sudden seemed ! Not half long enough for the happiness it held for me ! [She turns upon him with a vivid change of feeling.] Has it turned out so? Sterling. How different ! Oh, what a beast ! \yhat a fool! Blanche. [Speaking with pathetic emotion^ tears in her throat and in her eyes.] And that early summer's day you asked me to be your wife ! [She gives a little exclamation, half a sob, half a laugh.] It was in the corner of the garden ; I can 238 THE CLIMBERS smell the lilacs now! And the raindrops fell from the branches as my happy tears did on father's shoulder that night, when I said, "Father, he will make me the happiest woman in the world ! " Sterling. O God ! to have your love back ! Blanche. You can't breathe life back into a dead thing; how different the world would be if one could ! Sterling. You can bring back life to the drowned ; perhaps your love is only drowned in the sorrow I've caused. Blanche. \Syniles sadly and shakes her head; the smile dies away.] Life to me then was like ^ glorious staircase, and I mounted happy step after step led by your hand till everything seemed to culminate on the day of our wedding. You men don't, can't realize, what that service means to a girl. In those few moments she parts from all THE CLIMBERS 239 that have cherished her, made her life, and gives her whole self, her love, her body, and even her soul sometimes — for love often overwhelms us women — to the man who, she believes, wants, starves^ for her gifts. All that a woman who marries for love feels at the altar I tell you a man can't understand ! You treated this gift of mine, Dick, like a child does a Santa Claus plaything — for a while you were never happy away from it, then you grew accustomed to it, then you broke it, and now you have even lost the broken pieces ! Sterling. [Comes to her, growing more and more determined.} I will find them, and put them together again. Blanche. [Again smiles sadly and shakes her head.] First we made of every Tuesday a festival — our wedding anniversary. After a while we kept the twenty-eighth of every month/ The second 240 THE CLIMBERS year you were satisfied with the twenty-eighth of April only, and last year you forgot the day alto- gether. And yet what a happy first year it was ! Sterling. Ah, you see I did make you happy once! Blanche. Blessedly happy ! Our long silences in those days were not broken by an oath and a fling out of the room. Oh, the happiness it means to a wife to see it is hard for her husband to leave her in the morning, and to be taken so quickly — even roughly — into his arms at night that she knows he has been longing to come back to her. Nothing grew tame that first year. And at its end I climbed to the highest step I had reached yet, when you leaned over my bed and cried big man's tears, the first I'd ever seen you cry, and kissed me first, and then little Richard lying on my warm arm, and said, "God bless you, little mother." [There is a pause. Blanche cries softly a moment. Sterling THE CLIMBERS 241 is silent^ ashamed. Again she turns upon him, rous- ing herself, but with a voice broken with emotion.] And what a bad father you've been to that boy ! Sterling. I didn't mean to ! That's done, that's past, but Richard's my boy. I'll make him proud of me, somehow ! I'll win your love back — you'll see! [Blanche is about to speak in remonstrance, but stops because of the entrance of Leonard. He brings a small chemisVs box of tablets in an envelope and a glass of water on a small silver tray. Leonard. Your medicine, sir. [He puts it on the table and goes out Right. Sterling. Thank you, thank you ! [He takes the box of tablets out of the envelope. Blanche. [Going to hi?n.] You donH realize why I've told you all this! R 242 THE CLIMBERS Sterling. [Counting out the tablets.] One, two. To give me hope ! To give me hope ! [He empties the other ten tablets into the envelope, twists it up, and throws it in the fireplace. Blanche. No, no, just the opposite! Sterling. Then you've defeated your end, dear; you will stay here with me. Blanche. [Trying to make him realize the exact position.] Opposite you at the table, receiving our friends, keeping up appearances, yes — but nearer to you than that? No! Never! Sterling. But you will stay? [Leonard enters from Left. Leonard. Miss Godesby, Mr. Warden. [They enter. [All greet each other. Warden nods stiffly to Sterling, barely acknowledging his greeting. Miss Godesby. [To Sterling, purposely speak- THE CLIMBERS 243 ing with good-humored raillery to relieve the tension oj the situatiofi.] Well, you're a nice lot, aren't you ? Sterling. I'm so ashamed! I'm so ashamed! Miss Godesby. Oh, never mind that now. Blanche. I have no words to thank you with. Miss Godesby. Oh, that's all right. The truth is, I've made Warden bring me here, SterHng, for a bit of business. I had an emotional moment yesterday and went off my head a bit. I stand by what I said as to keeping quiet, but — well, I'm like any other old maid who hates dust on her mantelpiece — I'm fidgety not to make some sort of a bluff at putting this thing on a business basis. Warden. Excuse me, Miss Godesby, I think Sterling ought to know the truth. Sterling. Now what? Miss Godesby. Well, the truth is, my fool of a 244 THE CLIMBERS brother has kicked up an infernal row, and refuses to hold his tongue. Sterling. Then I'm ruined after all! Miss Godesby. Wait, I've left him with Mr. Mason. I feel certain I can assure his silence if I can only show him some sort of an agreement to pay, an acknowledgment of the — the — affair, signed and sealed. Blanche. Signed by whom? Miss Godesby. Your husband and yourself will do. Sterling. But both names are worthless. Miss Godesby. Not as a point of honor. Sterling. Ah ! no, not my wife's. Miss Godesby. Nor yours to me. Come along ! \She goes to the table with Sterling, and unfolding a paper gives it to him. He signs it. THE CLIMBERS 245 Warden. [Aside to Blanche, apologizing for his presence.] She made me come — she wouldn't come alone ; otherwise I should have waited till you sent for me. Blanche. It's as well — I've decided. Oh, I wonder if I'm doing wrong. [Looking him straight in the face. Warden. [Looking back searchingly in hers to read the truths hut believing that she will cer- tainly leave her husband.] No, you can't do wrong ! But I must warn you of one thing — I'm not any longer the controlled man I was. Miss Godesby. Come along now, Mrs. Sterling, brace up and give me your name, and Warden, witness, please. [They do so.] Of course, my dears, I know perfectly well that legally this isn't worth the paper it's written on. [Exchanging a serious and meaning look with Warden.] But my 246 THE CLIMBERS idiot of a brother won't realize that, which is the point. One thing more — will you both dine with me next week, Thursday? [There is an embarrassed pause J which J with quick intuition , she understands.] Yes, you will — for silence gives consent ! [Laugh- ing.] Now, that's settled! Sterling. What an awfully good sort you are ! Miss Godesby. Thanks, not always — I've been a mucker more than once in my life ! I must go [Shaking hands with Blanche.] and relieve Mr. Mason of my brother, or he'll be accusing me of inhuman treatment; more than one consecutive hour of my brother ought to be prevented by the poHce. Blanche. You are very, very good. Miss Godesby. I think if you and I can get well over this, we'll be real friends, and I haven't many, have you? THE CLIMBERS 247 Blanche. \Takes her hand.] You can count upon me and my boy so long as we live. [She impulsively but tenderly kisses her. [Miss Godesby is very much surprised, hut moved. Miss Godesby. [Half laughing, half crying, and pulling her veil down to hide her emotion.] By George! I haven't been kissed by a woman for years ! Good-by. [Warden starts to go out with Miss Godesby. Blanche stops him. Blanche. Wait one moment — I want to speak alone to Miss Godesby. [Miss Godesby goes out Left. Blanche. [Aside to Sterling.] You tell him; I cannot. Tell him the truth. [She goes out ajter Miss Godesby. Warden. Dick. 248 THE CLIMBERS Sterling. Ned? Warden. I have nothing to say to you, Ster- ling. [Warden looks away and whistles a tune to show his unwillingness to listen. Sterling speaks clearly so Warden shall hear. Sterling. I have a message for you from my wife. [There is a second'' s pause. Warden stops whistling and turns and looks at Sterling.] She asks me to explain — to tell — to tell you a decision she has come to. [There is another pause. Warden. Yes? [Anxious y at a supreme tension, and now a little alarmed as to the decision. Sterling. She has decided not to leave my house. Warden. [Adds.] Yet/ Sterling. Ever/ THE CLIMBERS 249 Warden. \Losing his control.] That's a lie! Sterling. I couldn't believe it, either, when she told me. It was her first word to me to-day. I said, ''You are going to divorce me," and she answered, ''No." Warden. She's sacrificing herself for some reason — her boy ! Sterling. Never mind, she won't leave me; I have her promise, and I'll win back her love ! Warden. You fool ! You can't win her back ! She would never have loved me if you hadn't disillusioned, dishonored her! I'm not w^orthy of her, but I'll never dishonor her, and, please God, never disappoint her, and so I'll keep her love. Sterling. Well, as to that, she decides to stay, leaving love out of the question. Warden. And you'll accept that sacrifice! You don't even love her. You're only thinking 250 THE CLIMBERS of yourself now. Love, real love, forgets itself. You, after having spoilt half her life, are willing to spoil the rest, for your own sake! Sterling. No, for the boy's sake, and her sake — to save a scandal — the world — [Interrupted, Warden. [Beside himself.] Oh, damn the world ! It's heaven and hell you'd better think of. Scandal ! It couldn't harm her^ and the hurt it would do you is a small price to pay. Those whom God has joined — yes ! but it was the devil bound her to you ! Sterling. Here! I've had enough! Look out ! Warden. [Moves toward him.] You look out — you shan't rob her of her happiness. You — a drunkard! A forger! A thief! Sterling, Vd keep her now if only to spite you/ THE CLIMBERS 25 1 Warden. Hah ! There spoke the true man in you ! Would to heaven the old days of duelling were back ! Sterling. A brave wish, as you know they're not! Warden. They fight in other countries still for their love and honor, and I'm ready here, now, if you are, with any weapons you choose ! [Sterling sneers.] Sneer ! But will you fight ? We'll find a place, and something to fight with, or fists if you'd rather! You wouldn't kill me before I'd got you out of her way for good. Will you fight? [Coming closer to him. Sterling. No! Warden. [Getting more and more enraged.] If you lose^ you go away, and set her free of your own will I 252 THE CLIMBERS Sterling. No! Warden. [Losing entirely his self-control.] What do you want to make you fight — will that? [He gives him a stinging blow in the jace. Sterling. Yes! [He springs toward Warden as Ruth and Mason enter Left. The two men stand rigid, Warden breathing heavily. Ruth. Blanche, may I bring in — where's Blanche ? Sterling. I don't know. Mason. Good morning, gentlemen. [There is no response. Warden is ivith great difficulty restraining himself. His lips are compressed tightly and his hands clenched. Ruth. What's the trouble? Sterling. I have just told Warden my wife's decision not to leave me. THE CLIMBERS 253 Ruth. [Showing her relief and satisjaction in her face, turns to Warden.] You won't try to shake that resolve? Warden. [Unable to control himself.] But I will ! I will — I tell you all ! I hardly know what I say or do ! But look out for me, I'm desperate ! I'm a torrent that's only let loose since yesterday, and now all of a sudden you try to stop me ! But it's too late ; I've got my impetus ; the repressed passion of years is behind me ; nothing can stop me — and God keep me from doing the wrong thing! I am determined to clear him out of the way of the happiness of the woman I love. [To Ruth.] Do you mean to say you approve of her decision? [Ruth turns her head; he turns to Mason.] Do you? Ruth. No. Sterling. [To Ruth, holding out his hand.] as4 THE CUMBERS Vou \\\\\ stand by nio. Aunt Ruth, ami ti\i;othcr wo — Rrni. [I f:t(-frnptifii^ and rc-jusini^ his luind.] Oh, no. SnuiiNT.. Pon't you think 1 can win hor love b;u k ? RiMti. No. SriKiiNT,. Won't you hc\\> mc try? Riru. No. It wouKl he useless. Wakpkn. C\Mne with nu^ to Hlanehe; I nuist speak with her. IWakpin ijf.il Rrni ^i' (';// Kii^ht. Mason. [Alofu- iriili Sn- klint..] do away and make your wife understand you are never CiMuini; baek. SriKiiNO. Hut the loneUness, the misery, away — alone. Mason, kill tlieni with hard Wi>rk j you hai*e THE CLIMBERS 255 other heavy dcbts^ you know. I came to sec you about this business of your acknowledgments to Miss Godesby and Miss Hunter. Sterling. Later, later. To-morrow I will decide — [He motions him away. Mason goes to him and puts his hand on his shoulder. Mason. Decide well — [He hesitates a moment and then goes out Right. Sterling. [Watching him go.] There's not one soul in this world who cares for mc, and it's my own jaidt. [Richard is heard upstairs again singing "Once in Royal David's City.'' Sterling lijts his head and listens.] Yes, one little soul loves me, and it would be better for him, too, if I went away. I'll go to sleep and see how I feel about it when I wake up. [He moves the glass 0} water and takes out the box 0} tablets. He starts 2S6 THE CLIMBERS suddoily, but very slightly, and Ills muscles tighten.] After all, why not end it all ninv, at once, without any more bother? [He looks in the box, and glan<:€s tipiquestioningly : then he remembers the fireplace where he threw tJie other tablets and looks across the room at the logs. He rises, goes over, a7id sees in the fireplace the tivisted envelope ivJiich holds the other tablets. He bends over to pick it up: he stops short.] No! Why shouldn't I try it, anyway? She, herself, gives me the chance ! [He rings the electric bell, and ivalking away jrom tJie fireplace, takes up with a trembling hand the papers lejt by Mason ; he ivipes the damp jrom his forehead with his haudkcrchiej. To Jordan, who enters Lejt.] Light the fire quickly; I feel cold. [He sinks into the arm-chair, weak jrom the tncntal strain. Leonard. It's very warm in the house, sir. THE CLIMBERS 257 Sterling. Do as I tell you— light the fire. Leonard. [Lookmg jor matches on the mantel, finds the box empty.] There are no matches, sir; I must get one. Sterling. No, don't go — here — here — [He gives him a match from his own box. LiEONARD notices the trembling hand and sup- pressed excitement of Sterling, and involun- tarily glances up, but quickly looks back to his work and strikes a match. The match goes out. Leonard. I shall need another match, please, sir. Sterling. [With one in his fingers taken from his match-box, he alters his mind.] I have no more. [He puts away his match-box.] Never mind the fire ; get me a pint bottle of champagne. Leonard. [With a surreptitious side glance oj curiosity.] Very well, sir. 258 THE CLIMBERS [He goes out Left. Sterling. That was funny; that was very funny! I wonder if it was accident, or if there's such a thing as fatahty. [He goes to the fireplace and picks up the twisted envelope.] If not now — perhaps some other time — who knows ? [He thrusts the envelope in his vest pocket, and takes up the papers again from the table to look over them.] I can't read these things! [Throwing them down.] The words mean nothing to me! [There is the sound outside of a cork being drawn. Leonard enters with the champagne and a glass and places them beside Sterling. Leonard. Shall I light the fire now, sir? Sterling. No, never mind now. Leonard. Yes, sir. [He goes out Left. [Sterling half fills the glass with champagne. THE CLIMBERS 259 He takes out the box of tablets and counts aloud. Sterling. One, two, three, four — [He puts all in the glass, dropping them as he counts. He hesitates, then quickly drops in two more and drinks quickly. The glass is empty. He sits by the table thinking a moment, then takes a piece of paper and makes ready his stylo graphic pen.] Let me see ; can I make it seem accidental; it would be so much less bother and trouble for them ! [He thinks a second, then writes.] ''I have accidentally taken an overdose of my sleeping draught. I have tried to call some one, but it's no use. I ask only one thing, that you forget all my sins, wipe out their memory with my name. I want my boy to change his name, too." [He hesitates a moment , and then scratches that sentence heavily out.] No, I won't say that. [He waits a moment.] God in 26o THE CLIMBERS heaven, what wouldn't I give for one friendly word just now ! Some one to sort of say good-by to me — take my hand — even a servant I [He looks about him, showing signs oj drowsiness. The door Right bursts open. Sterling quickly hides the letter in his inside pocket as Warden comes in. Warden. My hat! Where's my hat! [He looks about for it. Sterling. [Quietly.] Ned? Warden. My hat, I say! Where's my hat? [Looking. Sterling. Ned! [Something in his voice arrests Warden's attention. Warden. What? [He looks at him.] What's the matter — Sterling. Nothing — I'm half asleep, that's THE CLIMBERS 261 all — the reaction — I'm worn out and I've changed my mind — Warden. How do you mean? Sterling. I'm going away for good — that's the best I can do ; I want you to forgive me — could you? What do you say? Forgive me for every- thing ! For the sake of the old schoolboy days — Warden. When are you going? Sterling. To-day. Will you say good-by to me and wish me well on my journey? Warden. \S peaks without sympathy. \ You can count on me always to help you in any way I can. You can still retrieve a good deal if you're strong enough. Sterling. I know what a beastly friend I've been, and yesterday was more than any man would stand, but forgive that, too, will you ? I've always been a bad lot! 262 THE CLIMBERS Warden. \Goes to him and speaks, with the sympathy oj a man /or a child coming into his voice.] No, a weak lot ; that's been your ruin, Dickie. I'll see you again before you go. Sterling. No, I'm going to sleep as long as I can now, and I don't want any one to wake me up ; but when I do wake, I shall have other things to do. This is good-by. Warden. Well, good luck! [He starts to go. The two men look at each other, and finally Ster- ling gets the courage to hold out his hand. Warden hesitates a moment j then shakes it.] Good luck ! [He goes out Left. [Sterling, who has been growing more and more drowsy, as soon as he is alone^ goes with diffi- cult y to the door and locks it. He is so drowsy that he leans against the door jora moment; then he starts to go back to the table, but is unable to THE CLIMBERS 263 get there and sinks on the sofa half way between the table and the door. His eyes close, but suddenly he starts violently and tries to rise, but cannot, crying out jaintly. Sterling. Good God — the money ! I forgot the money — who'll pay my debts? Ah, this is a fitting climax for my life — the weakest, dirtiest thing I've done — [He gets the letter jrom his pocket and holds it in his hand; the light oj the afternoon grows slowly dim, like his jading sight and senses. He murmurs twice in a jaint, drowsy voice.] Coward ! Coward ! [Blanche, in the hall outside Right, calls his name. Blanche. Dick ! [Sterling's body relaxes and sets. The letter drops from his lifeless hands. [Blanche enters with Ruth, followed by 264 THE CLIMBERS Richard, who rides a stick with a horse^s head and wears a soldiers cap. Richard. Merry Christmas, father! Blanche. [Going toward the sofa.] Dick ! Richard. Merry Christmas, father! Blanche. Sh ! Father's asleep. [They steal back toward the other door when Warden enters Right. Warden. Oh, you arc here ! I went down into Ihc drawing room where I left you. Blanche. Sh I [She points to Sterling, wJio lies apparently asleep. They speak in lowered voices. Warden. Yes, 1 have a message for you from him. [Looking at Richard and Ruth. Ruth. [Who understand^.] Come, Richard, I haven't seen your tree yet. THE CLIMBERS 265 \She goes out Right with Richard. Warden. [To Blanche.] Give me your hand. [She does so wonderingly. Warden. [Softly, with a man^s tenderness in his voice.] He is going away for good. Blanche. Away ? Warden. For good. Blanche. [Slowly, withdrawing her hand.] For good? [She looks over toward Sterling, and then back to Warden.] What does he mean? Warden. We will know when he wakes. THE CURTAIN STEALS SOFTLY DOWN REPRESENTATIVE PLAYS BY WELL-KNOWN PLAYWRIGHTS By MR. CLYDE FITCH Each 7SC. net (postage 6c.) The Climbers A keen satire on contemporary New York society, which explains its title thus : — "There are social climbers, but wealth is as good a goal. I was a climber after wealth and everything it brings." "And I after happiness and all it brings." — Act II. The Girl with the Green Eyes A study of the jealous temperament. The play is full of touches of a remarkable intuition, and the heroine's character is portrayed with rare delicacy. The Toast of the Town A comedy dealing with the life of an actress in the period of George IIL, and with the tragedy of middle age. Her Own Way and The Stubbornness of Geraldine are two original American plays, ingenious and novel in their employment of pictorial devices. These plays are funds of delightful sentiment, unhackneyed, piquant hu- mor, and minute observation. For the faithfulness of his chronicles of American life Mr. Fitch is to be ranked with Mr. Henry Arthur Jones in the English field, and with the best of the modern French dramatists on the Continent. THE MACMILLAN COIVIPANY 64-66 Fifth Avenue, New York REPRESENTATIVE PLAYS BY WELL-KNOWN PLAYWRIGHTS By HENRY ARTHUR JONES Each 75c, net (postage 6c.) The Manoeuvres of Jane An Original Comedy in Four Acts. '• The occasional publication of a play by Henry Arthur Jones is a matter for congratulation. ... In 'The Ma- noeuvres of Jane ' we see Mr. Jones in his most sprightly mood and at the height of his ingenuity; ... its plot is plausible and comic, and its dialogue is witty." The Transcript (Boston). Mrs. Dane's Defence A Play in Four Acts. First produced in London by Sir Charles Wyndham. Margaret Anglin and Charles Richman scored a success in it in New York and elsewhere. The Whitewashing of Julia An Original Comedy in Three Acts and an Epilogue. Saints and Sinners An Original Drama of Modern English Middle-Class Life in Five Acts. The Crusaders An Original Comedy of Modern London Life. The Case of Rebellious Susan A Comedy in Three Acts. Carnac Sahib An Original Play in Four Acts. The Triumph of the Philistines Michael and His Lost Angel The Tempters The Liars The Masqueraders THE MACMILLAN COMPANY (34-66 Fifth Avenue, New York REPRESENTATIVE PLAYS BY WELL-KNOWN PLAYWRIGHTS By MR. WINSTON CHURCHILL The Title-Mart A live comedy of American life, turning on schemes of ambitious elders, through which love and the young folks follow their own sweet ways. Cloth, i6mo, 75c. net (postage 6c.) By PAUL HBYSE Freely translated by WILLIAM WINTER Mary of Magdala The English version used by Mrs. Fiske in New York and elsewhere. Cloth, ;^i.25 net By MR. WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS (Plays for an Irish Theatre) Where There is Nothing The Hour Glass and Other Plays Cloth, each j^i.25 net (postage 7c.) In the Seven Woods Cloth, i2mo, $1.00 net (postage 6c.) " Mr. Yeats' work is notable as supplying that rarest of all things — a distinctly new strain in English poetic and dramatic literature." — Miss KIatharine Lee Bates in the TranscriJ)^ (Boston). THE MACMILLAN COP