Title: Passers-by
Author: Charles Haddon Spurgeon Chambers
* A Project Gutenberg of Australia eBook *
eBook No.: 1303741h.html
Language: English
Date first posted:  June 2013
Most recent update: June 2013

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PERSONS CONCERNED

MR. PETER WAVERTON (27)
WILLIAM PINE, his man-servant (40)
NIGHTY, a cabman (60)
SAMUEL BURNS, a tramp (36)
MARGARET SUMMERS (25)
THE LADY HURLEY, Waverton's half-sister (45)
Miss BEATRICE DAINTON, Lady Hurley's niece (23)
LITTLE PETER SUMMERS (6)
MRS. PARKER, Waverton's cook-housekeeper (60)

*

PERIOD: Our own times


*


ACT I

SCENE: A handsome sitting-room in a bachelor's apartments on the
first floor of a house in Piccadilly, opposite the Green Park. It is
obviously the room of a man of comfortable means and good taste. The
decoration and furniture are of the Adams period. (For details of scene
see accompanying plan.)

TIME: It is about half-past ten at night in the winter, and there is a
cheerful fire in the room.

At rise of curtain stage is in darkness, save for the reflection
through the windows of the lights in the street below.

PINE, who is smoking a cigar, is up L.C., looking out of window.
Suddenly he flings the window open and calls across the road.

PINE. Nighty! (Slight pause. As the call receives no response he
whistles in a peculiar way. This apparently attracts attention and he
waves his arm, inviting the person signalled to cross the road. After
another slight pause, during which he watches NIGHTY cross the road,
he bends out of the window and speaks to him.) Come along up! (Slight
pause) Oh, yes, it's all right. (He withdraws into the window, which
he closes. PINE then goes down R.C., switches on electric light, then
crosses up to sideboard and brings down tray, on which are decanters,
syphons, and glasses. As he comes down there is a knocking on outer
door; he places tray on table down R. and exits R.IE., and the slamming
of the outer door is heard. A few moments later PINE re-enters,
accompanied by NIGHTY. PINE switches on more light. NIGHTY is a typical
London cabman of about sixty, weather-beaten, broad-shouldered and
slightly stooping. His face is at once cheerful and shrewd, and he has
the quality of being deferential without any sacrifice of his natural
pride. He is very warmly clad. As he enters the room he takes his hat
off.)

PINE. (Behind table R) Pretty cold outside!

NIGHTY. (Down n.) Nippy, I call it, but I've known worse.

PINE. A little something to warm the chest wouldn't hurt anyway.

NIGHTY. Thank you, kindly, Mr. Pine, I could do with it, and that's a
fact. (PINE busies himself with decanter and glass) Me and my old horse
are just going to have our supper.

PINE. I saw you drive up to the shelter. Had a good job?

NIGHTY. (R. of table Rj.) Fair! Stout party with a couple of kids to
Ravenscourt Park 'Ammersmith for short an extra bob for crossing the
radius, and nothing for all the way back. Your 'ealth, Mr. Pine. (He
drinks from the glass PINE has handed to him, then puts glass on table)

PINE. Same to you, Nighty! (He drinks)

NIGHTY. Prime stuff! Goes straight to the spot.

PINE. Have a cigar? (Points to box, which is open, on table)

NIGHTY. No, thank you, Mr. Pine, a drop of whisky is only a drop of
whisky, and no one would grudge it to an old cabman on a cold night.
But when it comes to them things. (Picks lip box) Lord! it's like
eating money. Couple o' bob a touch, I shouldn't wonder! (Puts box back
on table)

PINE. You wouldn't be so squeamish if you'd been brought up in service.
(He gives NIGHTY a chair, then crosses down L.)

NIGHTY. (Sits chair L. of table R.) We're all in service, Mr. Pine,
from the highest to the lowest. The difference between you and me is
that you only take orders from one boss while I take 'em from everybody
that hires my cab.

PINE. (By sofa L.) All the same I often envy you your job.

NIGHTY. Why? You've got a good boss, haven't you? I only knows him by
sight, but he looks all right.

PINE. Oh, he's pretty well. Anyway he doesn't count his cigars and
measure his whisky as some of 'em do. He's open-handed enough but you
never make no headway with him. I've lived with him three years now,
and I don't know him as well as I know you. (Crosses R. a little) Is he
human? That's what I ask.

NIGHTY. We're all human when you pull the mask off.

PINE. (Crosses R. to below table) It'd take 'ydraulic power to pull his
mask off.

NIGHTY. Maybe he's had reason to fix his tight on. You never know.
(PINE helps him to more whisky) Thanks, only a dram. I'll have to keep
m' eyes bright to-night. It's very thick down at Knightsbridge and if
I'm a judge you'll have it black up here presently.

PINE. (Sitting on edge of table R.) I've never known so much fog as
we've had this year.

NIGHTY. (Rising) Well, I must pop off. I'm going to take my old 'orse
'ome after supper, before it gets too thick. (Through the window the
fog can be seen gathering in eddies.) See, it's creeping up a bit
already. (The noise of a latch-key in a door is heard outside)

PINE. (Startled) Good Lord!

NIGHTY. What's the matter?

PINE. That can't be the guv'nor.

NIGHTY. (Comes down c. a little) Why can't it?

PINE. I've never known him to come in before one.

NIGHTY. (With a significant look at the cigar PINE is smoking) I
wouldn't go nap on that if I was you.

(PINE picks up cigar-box, hastily crosses L. and places it in drawer
in cabinet L., then he throws the remainder of his cigar into
the fireplace. At the same moment enter PETER WAVERTON. He is a
good-looking, well-set-up man of 27. The expression on his face is at
once grave and indifferent. It is the expression of one who resents
rather than enjoys life. He is, however, capable of a rare and very
winning smile. He raises his eyebrows in momentry amazement when he
sees the two men in his room.)

WAVERTON. (R.) Well, I'm damned! (Leaves door open)

NIGHTY. All I can say, m'lord, is yer don't look it.

WAVERTON. Don't call me m'lord.

NIGHTY. Very well, guv'nor, but some likes it.

WAVERTON. I don't! My name is Waverton. Who are you?

PINE. (By fireplace L.) Beg pardon, sir, it was a liberty, I know, but
I asked him in. It's Nighty, the cabman.

NIGHTY. So called, guv'nor, because I've been doing night work for
thirty years. No offence, I 'ope, sir!

WAVERTON. (Ironically) I trust you have been suitably entertained in my
regrettable absence, Mr. Nighty?

NIGHTY. The best, guv'nor thank you kindly.

WAVERTON. (Cross behind table, R.) A little more whisky?

NIGHTY. Much obliged, sir, enough's as good as a hogshead, so I'll just
'op along. (Cross R. he salutes WAVERTON and goes to the door, then
he turns and says gently) I should be sorry to think, guv'nor, that
through 'is kindness to me Mr...

WAVERTON. Good night! Pine, show Mr. Nighty the way. (Exeunt PINE and
NIGHTY R. i E. leave door open. WAVERTON walks to the mantelpiece L.,
and glances at the remainder of the cigar that PINE has thrown into
the fireplace. The noise of the outer door closing is heard. He gives
a gesture of disgust. Enter PINE, R. i E V closes door, then crosses
up R., gets small tray there crosses down to table R. and takes up
the glasses that have been used. WAVERTON, by fireplace) In taking my
tobacco and whisky, you exceed your duty, Pine.

PINE. Yes, sir.

WAVERTON. In using my room to entertain your friend you permitted
yourself a gross liberty.

PINE. Yes, sir.

WAVERTON. And in throwing away, half-smoked, one of my best cigars,
you committed a crime.

PINE. Yes, sir. I hope that you'll allow me to apologise, sir.

WAVERTON. (With angry emphasis) I'll do nothing of the kind. I'd rather
receive a blow than an apology from any man at any time. I thought I
could trust you. It seems I can't. You must find another place.

PINE. Yes, sir. (He goes to the door R. 2 E., carrying the glasses on a
tray he turns before leaving and says) I'm sorry, sir.

WAVERTON. (Shortly) So am I. (Removes coat and muffler and throws them
on sofa.) (Exit PINE R. 2 E.) WAVERTON walks to the window impatiently,
looks out and shivers at the prospect. The telephone bell rings. He
goes to the instrument, which is on a writing-table, and takes up the
receiver. Crossly) Hello! Hello! Who is that? (Then he changes to a
more amiable tone) Oh, is that you, Beatrice? (Listens for a moment)
Cross with you? Good Heavens, no! I came away simply because I was
bored. (Listens for a moment) Yes, bored with the others, of course.
My dear Bee, how you can stand that set, I don't know. What was the
one and only topic of conversation during dinner?『What will the dear
Duchess do now?』What the devil do I care what the dear Duchess will do
now? The dear Duchess' love affairs leave me entirely cold. The only
love affairs that interest me are my own. (Listens for a moment, takes
off hat and places it on table, then laughs slightly) Of course, I
mean, affair, you child. (Listens for a moment) Oh, no doubt you were
bored too, but you didn't show it. (Listens for a moment) No, I shan't
go out any more to-night. I am sick to death of bridge, anyway. (He
listens for a moment, then laughs with an approach to heartiness) All
right! (Listens for a moment) Yes, yes, to-morrow, then. Good night,
dear. (Puts down the receiver, is thoughtful for a moment, then takes a
book crosses to sofa and sits another moment's thought, looks over to
door R. 2 E., rises, flings book on sofa, rings the bell and stands at
the fireplace. Enter PINE R. 2 E., crosses down to sofa and collects
coat, wrap and hat) Pine, I came home in a very bad temper, and I have
an uneasy feeling that I may have judged you too hardly.

PINE. (L. c.) I make no complaints, sir.

WAVERTON. (By fireplace) Everything after all is a question of point of
view. You were brought up in service?

PINE. Yes, sir, like my father and mother before me. I rose from
steward's boy, sir.

WAVERTON. Ah! and the point of view in service is that a man may make
free with his employer's goods without being considered dishonest.

PINE. Within reason, sir, particularly in regard to food, drink,
tobacco, and such like. Practically every valet and butler in England
does it. Most go a great deal further. I could make your hair stand on
end, sir, with the robbery that goes on. (Movement from WAVERTON) I'm
not seeking to justify myself, but I've never belonged to that lot.
I've always respected myself, sir. (Cross R)

WAVERTON. Then from your point of view you've never been dishonest?

PINE. Never, sir.

WAVERTON. And have you any point of view to explain your use of my
rooms for purposes of entertainment instead of your own?

PINE. I have my excuse, with respect, sir.

WAVERTON. (Leans against R. end of sofa L.) What is it? (Motions to
PINE, who puts coat and wrap on chair, R., and hat on table)

PINE. (Cross L. a little) Your rooms look out on to Piccadilly on to
Life, sir. My rooms look out on to a dead wall on to nothing I love
life, sir forgive the liberty.

WAVERTON. (With a short laugh) Well, at least you've been candid, Pine.

PINE. I was glad to be, sir. It's the first chance I've had during the
three years I've been with you.

WAVERTON. What do you mean?

PINE. I mean, with respect, sir, that it's the first time I've
exchanged remarks with you except in the way of service.

WAVERTON. (A little surprised) Why, Pine, the truth is I never looked
on you as human. (Rises, and crosses round L. of settee to window)

PINE. Mr. Nighty was saying when you came in, sir, that we're all human
when the mask is pulled off.

WAVERTON. Nighty's a philosopher?

PINE. Yes, sir not that I'm a judge.

WAVERTON. (Looking out of window) What a night!

PINE. (Above chair, R.c.) It's a bit cheerless, sir.

WAVERTON. Pine, did you ever suffer from an unaccountable depression?

PINE. Feeling of sadness, sir melancholy, so to speak?

WAVERTON. More than that a feeling that disaster is in the air that
something unexpected is going to happen?

PINE. The feeling that some one is walkin' over your grave, sir?

WAVERTON. (Up L.) Well, yes I suppose that expresses it.

PINE. (By chair, R.cJ) I haven't been a personal sufferer, sir, but I've
known cases. Take the late lamented Hearl Edendork, for instance. I was
dressing his lordship the night before he was run over by a motor-car,
and he said to me "Pine," he said--

WAVERTON. (Crosses down c. to R., dryly) Yes, I've no doubt his
lordship made a very intelligent remark, Pine.

PINE. He did, sir also his lordship made it a practice to walk under
ladders.

WAVERTON. (Secretly amused) You are well up in the superstitions, Pine.

PINE. I've made a particular study of 'em, sir.

WAVERTON. (Down R.) And you're a true believer?

PINE. With respect, sir, I not only believe, but conform.

WAVERTON. (Laughing, crosses L. to fireplace) Then you are human
indeed! Damme Pine, you amuse me! and you may stay on here if you want
to.

PINE. I should be grateful, sir.

WAVERTON. You may be, provided you don't express it. You may even
exercise your point of view on my whisky, but you'll be good enough to
leave my cigars alone until you've learned the proper appreciation of
fine tobacco.

PINE. (Behind table R.) You may trust me, sir.

WAVERTON. As for using my rooms, let me see it's the window that
attracts you, isn't it? (He walks to the window)

PINE. It's the passers-by, sir.

WAVERTON. (Slowly) The passers-by, eh? (Looks out curiously) They're a
drab-looking lot to-night.

PINE. (Up R. to window) I find watching them takes me out of myself,
sir. Sometimes, not knowing any one's looking, they'll play up most
natural.

WAVERTON. (Looking intently) What's that chap doing over there?

PINE. Which one, sir?

WAVERTON. That one with the hair. (Motions to PINE, who joins him at
window) There! He's picked up something and put it in his pocket!

PINE. (Freezing up severely) Oh, 'e's no good, sir. He's not human. (He
turns away from window)

WAVERTON. (Picking him up quickly) Not human. How do you know?

PINE. He belongs to the dregs to the class that lives on what they pick
up and charity. Sinful, I call it, sir.

WAVERTON. You don't know him?

PINE. No, sir.

WAVERTON. Yet you presume to judge him?

PINE. (Firmly) I know the class, sir. (Slight pause)

WAVERTON. (Suddenly) Fetch him in here.

PINE. (Amazed) Fetch 'im in 'ere, sir?

WAVERTON. Certainly. Why not?

PINE. Excuse me, sir, but it's my duty to warn you. No good can come of
mixing with that class.

WAVERTON. Do what I tell you. (PINE goes down R. and picks up coat,
etc.) I, too, want taking out of myself and I choose my own methods.
And bring your friend Nighty back; I'd like to make a better
impression on him.

PINE. (Goes to door, where he turns solemnly) Mr. Waverton sir if I
might venture to entreat--

WAVERTON. (Lightly) You might venture but in vain. Go quickly! (Exit
PINE, R.IE., shuts door. Now in good spirits) That's all right! (Comes
down hesitates then takes off telephone receiver) Hello! Give me 17004
May fair. (Pause) Hello, is that Lady Hurley's house?...Oh it's you,
Simpson? Is Miss Beatrice there? Oh...playing bridge. See if she can
manage to speak to me for a moment. (Pause, gets cigarette from box
and lights it) Hello! (He smiles) Oh, Bee sorry to interrupt, but
I didn't want you to go to bed thinking me an old pig. (He listens
and smiles) No, I'm not an old pig, am I? and I didn't at all mean
to be beastly but I had an attack of the blues. Pine diagnosed for
me. It appears there was some one taking quite a nice stroll over
my grave. (Listens and laughs) Yes, all may yet be well...Kiss you
good night?...Wish I could...Oh, your photograph. Wait a moment. (He
reaches for a framed photograph on writing-table, lifts it and kisses
it) There, did you hear it? The deed's done. (Noise of outer door)
Yes good night, dearest! To-morrow! (Puts receiver down, also photo,
which is placed at n. end of table. The room door R.IE. is opened by
PINE, who shows in SAMUEL BURNS and enters himself. SAMUEL BURNS is a
thin man, looking almost any age from twenty-five to forty, and about
five feet five inches in height. He owns an expressionless face, with
lustreless eyes, and a short, thin, neglected beard and moustache. His
hair is straw-coloured, and bulges out at the sides. He is obviously
a wastrel. His clothes are odd and too small for him, and he wears an
old travelling cap. His pockets bulge with a variety of impedimenta. He
has a habit of carrying his arms in front of him, and tucking his hands
into the opposite sleeves. He also has a habit of looking on the ground
and picking up unconsidered trifles, such as pins. Altogether he cuts
a figure painfully negative, pathetic, and unattractive, and there is
a touch of surprise and alarm in his mild face as he looks at WAVERTON
and around the room. WAVERTON comes down to below chair, L.C. A little
embarrassed clears his throat) It was very kind of you to step up Mr.
er my good fellow.

BURNS. (Whose voice is thin and high-pitched, R.cJ) No 'arm, Mister. It
was this 'ere gent as fetched me. (Indicates PINE with a nod)

WAVERTON. (Fidgeting and still embarrassed, while PINE stands
motionless as if on duty R.) And er by what name am I to address you?

BURNS. My name, do you mean?

WAVERTON. If you'd be so good.

BURNS. Burns, as far as I recollect Samuel Burns but nobody calls me
nothing.

WAVERTON. Oh no nickname or or pet name?

BURNS. Nothing like that, mister unless it's "man."

WAVERTON. "Man?"

BURNS. Yes. Sometimes when people give me things they say, "'Ere, man."

(WAVERTON turns aside up L. with a slight groan and rubs his chin PINE
nudges BURNS gingerly)

PINE. (In a whisper) Take your cap off.

BURNS. (Starting) What, me? Yes, sir. (Takes his cap off hastily.
WAVERTON and PINE catch each other's eyes over BURNS' head their
embarrassment is unconsciously humorous)

WAVERTON. (With sudden asperity) Well, Pine, get along!

PINE. Excuse me, sir, but I don't take you.

WAVERTON. You brought this gentleman here.

PINE. (Firmly) By your orders, sir.

WAVERTON. You presumed to form a certain judgment. Give Mr. Burns an
opportunity of explaining.

PINE. (Preparing for a moral effort) I'll do my best, sir. (Then to
BURNS, after clearing his throat) How came you to fall so low, my good
man?

BURNS. Me? Fall? I ain't fallen, sir! I'm very good on me pins.
(WAVERTON and PINE exchange another eloquent look)

PINE. (Nervously) May I speak to you a moment, sir. (He crosses to
WAVERTON. They both walk down L. and away from BURNS. BURNS meanwhile,
discovering a pin stuck in the carpet, stoops down and captures it,
and sticks it in his waistcoat PINE lowers his voice) As I feared,
sir, 'opeless. Nighty's coming over presently. You'll find 'im more
interestin' a very well-informed, respectable man.

WAVERTON. What's the matter with this one?

PINE. He fair gives me the creeps, sir. He doesn't amount to anything
at all. He's simply nothing. It's 'orrible. Hadn't I better give him a
trifle and let him go?

WAVERTON. Certainly not! We haven't learned anything about him yet. You
said you knew the class. I think you're a bit of a fraud, Pine.

PINE. He frightens me close to makes me nervous, sir.

WAVERTON. Nonsense! That is what comes of being brought up in the iron
security of service. The man's quite harmless.

PINE. So is a cockroach, sir.

WAVERTON. You forget yourself, Pine. The gentleman is my guest, and
must be suitably entertained. Is there any food in the place?

PINE. There's cold chicken, sir, and ham.

WAVERTON. (Turning to BURNS,) You'll stay to supper, I hope, Mr. Burns.

BURNS. Supper? me? 'Ere?

WAVERTON. I hope you'll give me that pleasure.

BURNS. 'Scuse me, mister, but if the gentleman would wrap my bit up in
a lump of newspaper.

WAVERTON. That would rob me of the advantage of your agreeable
conversation, Burns. You must let me have my way this time. Pine,
supper!

PINE. In the kitchen, sir?

WAVERTON. No. Here, of course. (Goes round sofa up L., then down to
PINE,) Something on a tray. (To chair, L.C. PINE hesitates, then
clears table R., and puts tray on sideboard up R. WAVERTON waves him
off imperiously. Exit PINE R.2E. BURNS, after a timid look round, has
remained standing) Sit down, Burns.

BURNS. Me, mister? Where?

WAVERTON. Here! (Pulls chair from writing table to c. BURNS, with a
visible moral effort, sits on the edge of the arm-chair) No, that's not
right. (Waves him back) What do you suppose a chair is for? Get your
teeth into the damned thing.

BURNS. (Gives vent to a squeaking little laugh) My!

WAVERTON. (Sitting on edge of writing-table) There, you see you're
laughing. You're all right.

BURNS. (With a touch of vanity) Oh, yes, I'm all right, mister. There's
nothing the matter with me.

WAVERTON. It's pretty bad out to-night.

BURNS. Bad, d'you call it? Why I've known it snow, an' sleet, an' rain,
an' fog, an' freeze all at wunst. It's a wonderful place is London!

WAVERTON. You have a cheerful nature, Burns.

BURNS. No good grumbling, mister.

WAVERTON. And yet the world doesn't seem to have used you very well?

BURNS. I make no complaints.

(Enter PINE to lay the cloth, which he takes from drawer in table, R)

WAVERTON. You never kick, eh?

BURNS. Me, mister? No. I'm all for peace and quietness.

WAVERTON. (Crosses R. to table) Hear that, Pine? Mr. Burns has a
cheerful nature. He doesn't grumble. He makes no complaints and he
never kicks.

PINE. It's uncanny, sir that's what it is uncanny.

WAVERTON. (In a lower voice) I had him laughing just now you missed
that!

PINE. I consider I was well out of it, sir.

(Exit PINE R.2E.)

WAVERTON. (Sitting on table R.J) We get along very well, Burns, you
and I. I suppose it is because we don't agree too much. With regard to
the weather, for instance, you contradicted my views with remarkable
emphasis. Now as to this kicking business, I think you're wrong. If I
were in your condition in life I should kick like the devil. I should
expect the State, which produced me, to either mend me or end me.

BURNS. (Over whose head this speech has passed with mild cheerfulness)
You never know yer luck.

WAVERTON. An apt quotation, I admit; but I should have thought some
employment might have been found, some light form of work.

BURNS. Work, mister? Work's for workmen.

WAVERTON. By Jove, you've said it all, Burns, in one flaming epigram.
"Work's for workmen." You interest me extremely. (Sits chair R.C.) Would
it be indiscreet of me to ask what you were looking for when I first
saw you over by the cabshelter?

BURNS. Me, mister? Any odd bit. You never know what'll come in 'andy.
Take a bit of string, for instance. It's wonderful comfortable to tie
up the bottom of your trousers when the weather's sharp.

WAVERTON. That's worth knowing. I must try it.

BURNS. (Earnestly) Sometimes you'll find something or some one'll give
you something as ain't no use. Put it by, I say put it by 'Ide it till
such time as it comes in 'andy 'Ide it that's business.

WAVERTON. But splendid, Burns. You're a true economist.

(Enter PINE with butler's tray, on which are chicken and ham, bread and
butter, cheese and biscuits, etc.)

BURNS. (Taking a corkscrew from his pocket) 'Ere, mister, see this
corkscrew? (He hands the corkscrew to WAVERTON and restores to his
pocket many miscellaneous articles that have come out of it. WAVERTON
gravely examines corkscrew, then, concealing a smile)

WAVERTON. It's a well-made corkscrew, Burns, but unfortunately it seems
to be broken.

BURNS. (Eagerly taking the corkscrew back and restoring it to his
pocket) Broken, mister, as you observe, but it'll come in 'andy. I've
carried that corkscrew for two years now.

WAVERTON. You see, Pine, Mr. Burns has the true instincts of the
collector, and is as thrifty as a Frenchman. He's full of qualities.

PINE. It's 'orrible!

WAVERTON. (Pointing to BURNS' breast-pocket) That's a particularly
prosperous-looking pocket you have there.

BURNS. (With a sly look) That's a bit I saved in case I 'ad no luck for
supper. Like to see it, mister?

WAVERTON. (Hastily) No, I think I'd rather not, Burns. (The front door
bell is heard ringing. Exit PINE R.IE.J) Ah! here comes Nighty. Come and
take your place at the table. Damme, I like you! This will do nicely.
(He places a chair at the table facing audience. BURNS rises, goes to
WAVERTON, stoops and puts his cap under the chair indicated, which he
then occupies. During the following he patiently sits and awaits the
turn of affairs. The door opens, and PINE enters showing in NIGHTY)

PINE. It's Nighty, sir.

WAVERTON. Good! Glasses, Pine.

PINE. Yes, sir. (Crosses up to sideboard and gets glasses)

WAVERTON. (Shakes hands with NIGHTY, then takes him L.) It's very good
of you to come back, Nighty, just to give me a chance of showing that I
am not such a surly fellow as you may have thought.

NIGHTY. Not at all, guv'nor. Me and my old 'orse was just thinkin' of
makin' our way 'ome. It's gettin' very thick outside.

WAVERTON. I insist on engaging you and your old horse by the hour. (In
a lower voice) I want you to help me entertain that poor devil over
there.

NIGHTY. With pleasure, guv'nor.

WAVERTON. (Gaily) Good! And so to supper. (He goes to table) Will you
sit there, Nighty? (Pointing to a chair L.C.)

NIGHTY. Thank you kindly, guv'nor, I 'ad my supper at the shelter; but
I'll 'elp Mr. Pine to wait.

WAVERTON. Capital! and help yourself to Whisky. (Crosses to fire-place
and throws cigarette in fire)

NIGHTY. (Going up to PINE, R. Aside to him) I thought you said he
wasn't human?

PINE. I think he's gone dotty.

WAVERTON. (Crosses R. and sits R. of table) Ask Mr. Burns what
he'll drink, Nighty. (NIGHTY bends down and speaks aside to BURNS.
BURNS replies. Then NIGHTY raises his head, his face quivering with
suppressed laughter) Well?

NIGHTY. He says he could do wiv a drop of four 'alf, guv'nor.

WAVERTON. (Inquiringly) "Four 'alf"?

NIGHTY. It's a kind of beer, sir.

WAVERTON. Pine, beer for Mr. Burns.

PINE. Yes, sir. (Exit R.2E.)

WAVERTON. Do have some butter, Burns.

(NIGHTY, noticing that BURNS is not very expert at the table, butters a
large piece of bread for him)

NIGHTY. (Putting the bread and butter on BURNS' plate) There, that's
hearty! (Seeing that BURNS is employing his fingers with his chicken,
NIGHTY puts the knife and fork on his plate as a reminder. Then nudges
him)

WAVERTON. It's all right, Nighty. Mr. Burns prefers the Oriental
method, and I'm not sure that it isn't the better one. (Eats biscuit)
I'm as hungry as a hunter. (He says this to encourage BURNS,)

(Enter PINE with beer. He fills BURNS' glass)

NIGHTY. It's the nippy air does it, guv'nor.

WAVERTON. Sorry you won't join us. (Motions NIGHTY to chair R.C.)

NIGHTY. (Sits) I've just had a reg-lar tuck in of eggs and bacon prime
stuff!

WAVERTON. You find life worth living, Nighty?

NIGHTY. (Seriously) It's a wonderful gift is life! (He sits a little
away from table)

WAVERTON. (Mixes whisky and soda) But come now honestly if you had had
the choice of living or not living, and could have foreseen all you
have gone through you'd have refused?

NIGHTY. Honestly I shouldn't, guv'nor.

WAVERTON. And you, Burns?

BURNS. I never refuse anything, I don't! I make it a rule!

WAVERTON. (Looks up with a smile at PINE, who shudders and turns away)
Pine, give Mr. Nighty some whisky. (PINE does so. Raising his glass)
Gentlemen, your health! I drink to my new friends.

NIGHTY. Here's to you, guv'nor. (Drinks)

WAVERTON. Burns, you're a great man; you eat well, and I hope you
sleep well.

BURNS. Not always, mister. The other night I dreamt I was choppin' wood.

NIGHTY. (To BURNS) Work isn't much in your way.

BURNS. I ain't strong.

NIGHTY. Wasn't your father a workman?

BURNS. No, mate. 'E had something the matter with 'is chest. 'Ow 'e
used ter corf! My!

WAVERTON. And your mother?

BURNS. She's dead, too. She was always ailin'. 'Ip disease they called
it. (He drinks)

NIGHTY. (Aside to WAVERTON,) Lord! They breed dogs better.

WAVERTON. (Nods. To BURNS, sympathetically in a low voice) And then
there was only you?

BURNS. (As if dimly remembering) Yes, only me. I was abart eleven then,
and sickly. I started walking. I was always pretty all right on me
pins. (He is quite unconscious of the pathos of this. There is silence
for a few moments. WAVERTON and NIGHTY exchange looks) Well, cheero!
(He drinks his beer and goes on eating. WAVERTON rises and crosses L.
for the cigars, which he gets from drawer in cabinet)

WAVERTON. You're something of a politician, Nighty.

NIGHTY. Oh, I wouldn't say that, guv'nor.

WAVERTON. A thinker then--you have ideas!

NIGHTY. Us old 'orse cabmen has lots o' time for thinking in these days
o' taxis and the like.

WAVERTON. (Gives the box to PINE,) Pine, cigars for Mr. Nighty and Mr.
Burns. (PiNE offers the box to NIGHTY,)

NIGHTY. No, thank you, Mr. Pine. (PINE, with an air of grave
disapproval, offers the box to BURNS,)

BURNS. (Hesitating) Wot, me? My! (He takes cigar and then from his
pocket a piece of paper he rolls up the cigar and puts the parcel back
in his pocket. PINE puts cigars away on sideboard)

WAVERTON. (Sits L.C. Encouragingly) Well, about your ideas, Nighty?

NIGHTY. (Confused) Oh, I ain't got many, guv'nor, but if I'd been a
rich man and educated I think I'd 'a gone into Parliament! (Laughs)
Me, a Member of Parliament! I got a cheek, 'aven't I? (He is slightly
"mellow" with the whisky he has drunk. PINE gathers supper things
together on tray)

WAVERTON. I'm sure we've many less intelligent, Nighty.

NIGHTY. Sometimes driving 'ome I make a speech out loud, and my old
'orse's ears go flop-flop until I think he understands and is trying to
say "'ear! 'ear!" (Exit PINE with tray, R.2E.)

WAVERTON. Capital! And what do you say, Nighty?

NIGHTY. (Very confused) Oh, come guv'nor, I couldn't.

WAVERTON. Get along. You're all right, Nighty. We're all tiled in here.

NIGHTY. (Smiling and wriggling) But really, guv'nor--

(BURNS makes a parcel of bread, celery, etc.)

WAVERTON. I want to hear your views. (Beckons him)

NIGHTY. (Draws chair close up to WAVERTON) My views? That's easy,
guv'nor. Every child born, boy, is entitled in abundance to the air,
light and water that Nature provides. (He taps WAVERTON familiarly on
the knee) It's the duty of the State to see the children ain't done out
of their rights. Then again, the State demands children in quantity
very well, it's the duty of the State to see that the quality's all
right. Every child is entitled to 'ealthy parents. A 'uman incapable
(WAVERTON raises a warning finger) Yes, poor bloke! It ain't 'is fault.
The thing is, don't breed 'em like that! The future of the race is with
the children. Legislate for the children.

WAVERTON. Bravo, Nighty. (They grasp his hand) You're a Statesman.

NIGHTY. (Confused) Thank you, guv'nor.

BURNS. (Gets cap from under the chair. Rises, and goes down L. of table
R.J) Well, good night all!

WAVERTON. But you're not leaving us so soon, Burns.

(Enter PINE, R.2E)

BURNS. I want to get along to the Embankment. I never miss the
Embankment when I'm in London. There's always a bit of life there, and
sometimes they give you things.

WAVERTON. Every class has its social centre, you see, Nighty. One
moment, Burns. Pine!

PINE. Yes, sir?

WAVERTON. One of my old overcoats for Mr. Burns a warm one.

PINE. (Making a wry face) Yes, sir.

(Exit R.IE., leaving door open.)

WAVERTON. (Walks to the window) It's terribly black out there, Burns.
You'll never find your way. (The fog outside has grown to be dense
black)

BURNS. I'd find my way blindfold to the Embankment.

NIGHTY. (Goes to window and looks out anxiously) Me an' my old 'orse'll
'ave all our work cut out gettin' to Kensington.

WAVERTON. (Up c.) That reminds me, you and your old horse are mine
to-night. (He presses a coin on him)

NIGHTY. No, really guv'nor!

WAVERTON. Please! (Enter PINE with overcoat. WAVERTON joins him down
R., and takes coat from him, then exit PINE leaves door open) Now,
Burns, let me help you with your coat.

BURNS. Oh, I say!

WAVERTON. (Helping BURNS on with the coat) Just to keep the cold out.

BURNS. (Admiring himself in the overcoat) My! (WAVERTON presses a coin
into BURNS' hand. BURNS looks at it and even his remote heart seems
vaguely touched)

WAVERTON. (To avoid being thanked, speaks quickly, shakes hands with
BURNS) Good night.

BURNS. Good night! Thanks, all!

WAVERTON. Come and see me again whenever things are bad. Remember you
have a friend here. Good night.

BURNS. (Goes to the door. He is then visited by an impulse and he turns
to WAVERTON) Good luck, mister! (Exit BURNS R.IE.)

NIGHTY. (Crosses down R. below table. At door) Good night, Guv'nor. God
bless you!

WAVERTON. Thank you, Nighty, and look in sometimes and see if I have a
job for you, remember we're neighbours. Good night. (Exit NIGHTY shuts
door. The smile dies out of WAVERTON'S face. He walks to window, looks
out and shivers. He comes down to his writing-table, sits, and looks
over some papers. Enter PINE R.2E. Folds cloth and puts in drawer in
table. Without looking up) The people who are at home to-night are
lucky, Pine.

PINE. Yes, sir. It's dangerous to be abroad. Can't see your hand in
front of your face. (Pause) The young person standing in the doorway
seems frightened out of 'er life.

WAVERTON. (Quickly) What young person?

PINE. Young woman, sir. Respectable, I fancy. Came out of a 'bus that
was on the pavement just now going the wrong way and frightened to
turn. She's coughing something dreadful fog's got into her chest, I
suppose.

WAVERTON. You should have asked her in. It's a frightful night for a
woman to be out alone. Go and...Wait, I'll go myself! (Exit R.IE. PINE
puts chairs tidy. He goes to the open door and listens, then exit R.2E.)

A woman's coughing is heard. It approaches. Enter WAVERTON and MARGARET
SUMMERS. She is a slender woman of twenty-five, a little above medium
height. The plainness of her dress fails to conceal the attractiveness
of her figure; she has a beautiful face and wears a proud and reserved
expression. Her face is not seen on her entrance, however, as she is
wearing a hat that comes over her eyes and a thick veil. She continues
to cough painfully after entering. WAVERTON shuts door at entrance. He
quickly gets her a glass of water from the sideboard. MARGARET lifts
her veil sufficiently to drink.

WAVERTON. (Pulls chair out R. of table. Gently) Do sit down. (MARGARET
sits and breathes heavily, but ceases to cough. Pause. MARGARET sighs
deeply) You are a little better?

MARGARET. Yes thank you. (WAVERTON starts on hearing her voice and
looks at her keenly. She lowers her head) I am all right. I will go
now. (She coughs slightly, then rises)

WAVERTON. No, no you must rest for a moment! That abominable fog got
into your lungs. It's poisonous!

MARGARET. I would rather go now please. (Goes L. a little)

WAVERTON. Wait! wait! You can't go out into that (pointing through
window) London blindfold! Appalling thought! The monster sightless! You
can hear him growling.

MARGARET. I'm not frightened! I'm going really I know my way. Thank you
for your kindness. Good night! (He goes down quickly between her and
the door, intercepting her. She falls back, so that they are some paces
apart. There is a slight pause. They stand looking at each other. Her
breast heaving) Why?

WAVERTON. (By door R.IE.J) You and I can't part like this!

MARGARET. (Down R.) We must.

WAVERTON. (In a low voice) Let me see your face.

MARGARET. No.

WAVERTON. I ask it with with the deepest respect.

MARGARET. I don't want you to see my face.

WAVERTON. I know your face as well as you know mine.

MARGARET. Please let me go now for for both our sakes. (Slight pause)

WAVERTON. You are right. When a woman wishes to conceal something a man
can only--(He walks to the door)

MARGARET. Conceal? (At the suggestion of concealment, she starts with
indignation. Then she impulsively raises her veil and pushes her hat
slightly back, fully revealing her face. WAVERTON, with his hand on the
doorknob, turns and sees her)

WAVERTON. (In a low voice) Margaret! Margaret Summers! Did you imagine
for a moment that I wouldn't know you?

MARGARET. (Her breast heaving) I I hoped not.

WAVERTON. You knew me?

MARGARET. Directly I heard your voice downstairs. I wouldn't have come
up, only I feared the fog would kill me, and and I don't want to die.

WAVERTON. But why in God's name, Margaret, why wish to avoid me?
(Slight pause She is silent) After six years. Why? (Impatiently) Why?

MARGARET. I knew you didn't want to see me.

WAVERTON. (Down R.J) But I did. Good Heavens! how you wrong me. I
advertised for you I employed agents to look for you for months years
and you tell me now Please sit down.

MARGARET. I I want to go now.

WAVERTON. (Firmly) I beg you to do as I ask. You are still faint and
ill. (She sits chair L. of table R.) Now, tell me, why did you leave my
stepsister's house?

MARGARET. She turned me away.

WAVERTON. (Surprised and shocked) She turned you away?

MARGARET. Yes.

WAVERTON. (Sits R. of table R.) She told me you were called away that
you had been engaged to a place abroad.

MARGARET. It wasn't true.

WAVERTON. You mean she lied. She would! But for a time I believed her.
Then I began to doubt, for I grew to know her better.

MARGARET. I have no right to speak unkindly of Lady Hurley.

WAVERTON. I have. What excuse did she give?

MARGARET. None. She said I would understand.

WAVERTON. (After a slight pause) She had been spying on us.

MARGARET. Possibly, and in the circumstances she didn't consider me a
proper governess for her children. (Movement from WAVERTON,) Any other
mother would have done the same.

WAVERTON. She shouldn't have lied to me.

MARGARET. She thought it her duty.

WAVERTON. She must have known the fault was all mine.

MARGARET. No, Peter it was ours.

WAVERTON. All mine for I was two years older and should have been
wiser. But I was in love and thoughtless, Margaret.

MARGARET. (Laying R. hand on muff) We were both in love and
thoughtless, Peter.

WAVERTON. (In a low voice) And the Spring was in our hearts. (He takes
her R. hand) Margaret!

MARGARET. Don't! I have a work-woman's hands now. (She withdraws her
hand)

WAVERTON. Why didn't you write to me? Why didn't you give me a chance?

MARGARET. I wrote to you twice.

WAVERTON. (Startled) How do you mean you wrote to me?

MARGARET. The first time I gave a post-office address the second time
the lodgings I am still in.

WAVERTON. You're sure of this?

MARGARET. Absolutely!

WAVERTON. (Rises slowly) Margaret, I never had your letters. (There is
a pause, while they both look at each other)

MARGARET. (Rises) I addressed them to your sister's house.

WAVERTON. Then...then...it's horrible! Amelia, my step-sister, must have

MARGARET. (Quietly) You mustn't say it. It isn't fair; letters
sometimes get lost in the post.

WAVERTON. That woman! I've forgiven her much. This I'll never forgive.

MARGARET. She did what she thought right.

WAVERTON. And you never knew of my inquiries?

MARGARET. No. It's so easy to be lost in London.

WAVERTON. Margaret! My poor Margaret!

MARGARET. Naturally, Lady Hurley gave me no reference. I had no chance
of getting another place, and I had no relation living. (Movement from
WAVERTON) I do sewing for the shops now; have done for a long time. I
make seven shillings a day.

WAVERTON. You are wonderful!

MARGARET. Oh, no! I couldn't have done it for myself.

WAVERTON. (Slowly) There was some one else?

MARGARET. (Slowly) Yes there, there was (Then pathetically) Oh, let me
go please let me go now! I'm not strong enough to bear any more.

WAVERTON. (R. of table, R.J) Tell me be frank who else was there?

MARGARET. (L. corner of table R., slowly) There was the child.

WAVERTON. The child? Your child?

MARGARET. Yes.

WAVERTON. Oh, then you're

MARGARET. Our child, Peter.

WAVERTON. Our child?

MARGARET. Yes a little boy.

WAVERTON. (In a low voice) Margaret!

MARGARET. (Suffering, goes L. to fireplace, then goes round sofa and
works up L. and round to c.) You shouldn't have made me tell you. It
hurts. And you needn't be embarrassed for me, Peter. I'm not ashamed,
and I've no remorse. He's my child. I've won him, and he's mine only.
He needs no one but me, and he he's the very breath of my heart. And
now forget please forget that I've told you. It's been strange and
wonderful seeing you again but (c.)

WAVERTON. (L. of table R.) Wait, Margaret! You don't understand I'm not
embarrassed only only full of wonder. I want you to tell me so much
more. What is the boy's name?

MARGARET. Peter.

WAVERTON. (Visibly touched) Peter? (Goes up R. to L.) Look at it out
there; it's awful! (Slight pause) Where is the boy now?

MARGARET. (Down by table R.cJ) He's at home with my landlady. She always
puts him to bed when I work late.

WAVERTON. (Comes down L.C.) Margaret, I--I don't know what to say. If
I seem awkward and shy, you must try and understand and forgive me. I
can't realise in a moment all that this means the change it makes in
one's sympathies and view of life. (MARGARET coughs. He walks to bell
and rings, then says firmly) One thing is certain, you can't go out
into that fog.

MARGARET. Peter, I must. I must go home.

WAVERTON. (Firmly) It's a practical impossibility besides, you're as
pale as a ghost.

MARGARET. (Faintly) I I'm all right, Peter.

WAVERTON. I know better. If I can't think for myself, at least I can
think for you. (Gently forces her into chair R.C.)

(Enter PINE R.2E.)

WAVERTON. (To PINE,) Make me a shakedown on the sofa and bring a
dressing suit. PINE. Yes, sir. (Crosses L. up stage)

WAVERTON. And Pine. (TiNE stops) Has Mrs. Parker gone to bed?

PINE. Not yet, sir.

WAVERTON. Send her to me.

PINE. Yes, sir. (Exit PINE)

MARGARET. I'm really all right now and

WAVERTON. (Thoroughly himself now, and speaking with decision) You are
not going out into that fog to-night. You are going to have my room.
Fortunately there's a woman in the house my old cook-housekeeper. (Goes
L.) She will look after you in the morning.

MARGARET. (Rises) I mustn't stay, Peter I'm so tired I should sleep
late.

(Warn curtain)

WAVERTON. (Cheerily) So much the better. (Enter MRS. PARKER R. up)

WAVERTON. Mrs. Parker, I'm going to have a shake-down here to-night.
This lady who has been caught in the fog will have my room. You'll see
that she's comfortable, please.

MRS. PARKER. Yes, sir.

(Exit MRS. PARKER, L.)

MARGARET. But my landlady and the child would be alarmed.

WAVERTON. True, you must write a message. (Up to window and looks out)
You see it's hopeless. (MARGARET goes to window and looks out. Goes
to desk) It shall be sent first thing in the morning. (She sits at
writing-table. He arranges paper for her to write and discreetly walks
away to c. Pause. He is thoughtful) Let me see the boy must now be?

MARGARET. Six next April.

WAVERTON. (Still cheerfully) Six next April! Six next April! (Enter
PINE L. with the things ordered, which he spreads on couch. MARGARET
has now finished writing. WAVERTON goes to her. She hands him the
message. To PINE, handing him telegram) This must go the very first
thing in the morning.

PINE. Yes, sir. (MARGARET rises, goes to piano, and picks up her hat)

WAVERTON. If the fog has lifted send it by a taxi. If not telegraph it
through the telephone.

PINE. Yes sir.

WAVERTON. (To MARGARET) That door on the left where the light is. Get
some sleep you need it. To-morrow we'll talk. (MARGARET looks out of
window through curtains in a last hope that the fog has cleared)

MARGARET. (Faintly) Thank you, Peter Good night!

WAVERTON. (Taking her hand) Bless you. Good night! (Exit MARGARET, L.)

PINE. Anything else, sir?

WAVERTON. Yes another log. (PiNE puts log on fire, then goes round top
of writing-table to c,)

PINE. Good night, sir.

WAVERTON. (Mechanically) Good night, Pine. (He is deep in thought. Exit
PINE, R.2E. WAVERTON goes over R. and switches off electric light;
then goes L. to fireplace and takes a cigarette case from his pocket.
Finding it empty, however, he takes a cigarette from a silver box on
the writing-table, and is about to light it when he notices the framed
photograph of BEATRICE, which is also on the table. He takes it up and
looks at it thoughtfully while he reclines on the sofa; then he gently
replaces it on the writing-table and sinks into a deep meditation. The
stage is now lighted only by the red glow from the fire.)

CURTAIN





ACT II

SCENE: Same as Act I.

It is nine o'clock on the following morning. On the curtain rising the
room is in a dim light. WAVERTON is asleep on the improvised bed. A
slight pause after the curtain is raised; then a ringing and knocking
at the hall door is heard.

WAVERTON is disturbed. He raises himself on his elbow.

WAVERTON. What the devil? (He listens. The distant sounds of a door
being opened and shut and of voices are heard. Then there is silence.
WAVERTON turns over as if to sleep again. The door is cautiously and
silently opened and enter PINE, R.IE., with letters which he places on
writing-table)

PINE. (In a low voice) Are you still asleep, sir?

WAVERTON. Yes. What is it?

PINE. It's as I feared, sir. I 'ad a foreboding also a dream.

WAVERTON. (Sitting up and speaking crossly) Pine, if you are to stay on
with me you must discourage fears, forebodings and dreams.

PINE. Very good, sir.

WAVERTON. (With a huge yawn) You know very well the morning isn't my
best time. Now, out with it! What's the matter? (With anxiety) Mrs.
Summers hasn't gone?

PINE. No, sir. It's that 'orrible man again.

WAVERTON. What horrible man?

PINE. (R. end of sofa) Burns, sir.

WAVERTON. You must also learn to speak respectfully of my friends.

PINE. Yes, sir.

WAVERTON. What does Mr. Burns want at this hour of the morning? (Looks
at clock on mantel) Breakfast, I suppose.

PINE. He was brought by a policeman, sir.

WAVERTON. A policeman? This is serious.

PINE. I knew you'd be disappointed in him, sir.

WAVERTON. What's he been doing?

PINE. He's been getting himself hurt, sir.

WAVERTON. Hurt? Poor old Burns! Draw up the blinds. (PINE does so,
revealing a bright winter morning. WAVERTON gets out of bed, still
wearing his dressing-suit, and puts on his slippers) Is he badly hurt?

PINE. He can walk all right, sir. (Sarcastically) He was always good on
his pins.

WAVERTON. Yes I remember. Bring him in.

PINE. And the policeman too, sir?

WAVERTON. No. Give him half a crown and send him away. Damn it! This
isn't a public institution.

PINE. (Going down R. and speaking "half aloud") It seems to appertain
to that nature.

WAVERTON. (Sharply) What's that?

PINE. (Unblushing) I was saying I'm sorry your privacy should be
disturbed, sir.

WAVERTON. That's my affair. (Exit PINE, R.IE. WAVERTON goes to the
window, throws it open and breathes deeply of the fresh air. Distant
noise of traffic, and door being closed. WAVERTON closes window. Enter
BURNS and PINE, R.IE. PINE closes door. Comes down quickly) Ah, Burns,
my poor fellow, what can I do for you?

BURNS. (With some insistence) You say to me, you say,『Come an' see me
again,』you say. "W'en things is bad."

WAVERTON. My very words. You will notice another quality in Mr. Burns,
Pine; he has an excellent memory.

BURNS. (R.) Things is bad, so I come. (He points to PINE) That gent 'e
tries to stop me at the door. (This a little vindictively) 'Is words
was "It's a bit too thick!"

WAVERTON. (By chair L.C. sternly) Pine!

PINE. (Down R.) I 'adn't understood the invitation was to be considered
serious, sir.

WAVERTON. Is it true you are hurt, Burns?

BURNS. I was run over in the fog by a milk cart, mister leastways
knocked down.

WAVERTON. My poor fellow sit down! That chair, Pine. (PINE crosses
behind table R. and gives BURNS a chair. BURNS sits R.c. WAVERTON
lights a cigarette)

PINE. (Behind table R. in a low voice to BURNS,) Your cap!

BURNS. (Who has apparently grown to reciprocate PINE'S dislike) Oh
blow! (He removes his cap, however)

WAVERTON. (Going to BURNS,) Any bones broken?

BURNS. I didn't 'ear anything, but me side 'urts me, urts me bad, 'ere.
(Indicating his left side)

WAVERTON. Ah, I see the mark on your overcoat, where the wheel struck
you. Poor fellow! (Cheerily) Well, we must get you along to the
hospital.

BURNS. (Alarmed) 'Orspital! Not me! That's what the cop say w'en 'e f
oun' me restin' on a doorstep. I don't 'old with 'orspitals. I've 'eard
tales about 'em. They're not well spoke of. (Pause. WAVERTON is in a
grave difficulty, goes up L.C. a little. PINE rather pleased, watches
him. Anxiously and with emphasis) You say to me, you say『Come an' see
me agin』you say.

WAVERTON. (Turning and interrupting him and only by an effort subduing
his impatience) Yes, yes I have a vivid recollection. (PINE'S face
breaks? fully, into a smile. He can scarcely hold back his laughter.
WAVERTON looks up and catches him. PINE covers his grinning mouth with
his hand. Icily) Pine, (Motions to him and they go down L.) you appear
to be in pain.

PINE. (Composing himself) It was nothing, sir, just a spasm.

WAVERTON. When you have recovered from your spasm you will take charge
of Mr. Burns.

PINE. (Flabbergasted) Me take charge? Excuse me, sir, but

WAVERTON. (Down L. turning his face from PINE to conceal a smile) I'm
disappointed in you, Pine. I thought you a philanthropist; but it
appears you are only one of those who would probe the wounds of the
afflicted with inquisitive fingers, and do nothing to heal them.

PINE. (L.C.,) Oh, I'm all for the poor, sir, in reason; but this one's
an exception. There's something h'ominous about him.

WAVERTON. Well, he's now a protege of the house, and he's been hurt, so
I recommend him to your care. (Crosses up to R.)

PINE. (Eagerly) Shall I get your things, sir?

WAVERTON. (Going to door, R.2E.J) No; I'll manage by myself. You stay
here and take care of Mr. Burns. Ring up Dr. Wharton and ask him to
come round at once. (To BURNS cheerily) You're all right, Burns,
Pine'll look after you. (Exit WAVERTON, R.2E. PINE looks at BURNS and
BURNS looks at PINE. There is no friendship in their eyes)

PINE. This is what comes of doing a kindness.

BURNS. 'Oo did a kindness?

PINE. Who got your supper last night?

BURNS. 'Oo lost me the Embankment?

PINE. Bah! You make me shiver. (He goes to telephone)

BURNS. An' got me 'urt!

PINE. Don't talk to me!

BURNS. 'Is words to you was: "Take care of Mr. Burns."

PINE. (Ignoring this takes receiver) Seven, three, double five, one,
Gerrard. (Pause)

BURNS. (As one who has certain established rights) I could do with a
cup o' corfie.

PINE. (Into telephone) Could I speak to Dr. Wharton, please?...All
right. (Pause)

BURNS. (With insistence) I could do with a cup o' corfie.

PINE. (Entirely ignoring BURNS and using his best 'voice) Is that you,
Dr. Wharton? Mr. Waverton wishes me to present his compliments, and to
ask if you would kindly come round as soon as possible. (Pause) Oh,
no, thank you, sir, Mr. Waverton is in perfect health, but there is a
person who has received some slight hinjury in a street h'accident. A
sort of man in a manner o' speakin'. Thank you, sir! (Replaces receiver
and begins to fold bedclothes)

BURNS. If you 'adn't stopped me I'd a' got to the Embankment and then
to the "Salvation Shelter." I'd a' been drinkin' a nice cup o' corfie
by now 'ot.

PINE. And been put on a couple of hours' hard work afterwards.

BURNS. (Quickly) That's where you're wrong, see? I'd a' been let off
'cos o' bein' delicate. (Slight pause) You've been unlucky to me.

PINE. (Goes c. and up to BURNS with rug over his arm) I suppose, my
good man, you've never heard the word "gratitude" used, have you?

BURNS. I'm no scollard.

PINE. (Looking down at him with deliberate pity) I gathered as much.
I understand your case. I think I've 'eard it called arrested mental
development.

BURNS. Is that Latting?

PINE. It means a kind of smear. (He is going L. with the rug, when
enter MARGARET L., fully dressed for going away)

MARGARET. (Up L. to PINE) Good morning!

PINE. (Up c.) Good morning, ma'am.

MARGARET. Will you please tell Mr. Waverton--

PINE. He'll be here in a few moments, ma'am.

MARGARET. (Anxious) Did my message go?

PINE. Yes, ma'am, at seven o'clock.

MARGARET. You're sure?

PINE. Yes, ma'am.

MARGARET. (Relieved) Thank you. (Then she sees BURNS,)

PINE. This person has been in a street h'accident.

BURNS. I been hurt.

MARGARET. (The mother instinct to the surface) Oh, you poor fellow.
What happened? (Goes to him)

BURNS. It was a big 'orse an' cart. (He puts his hand to his side)

MARGARET. And you're hurt in the side and there's a wound on your
forehead. (Turns quickly to PINE) Do bring some warm water and a towel.
(Puts muff and gloves on writing-table)

PINE. (With mock commiseration) Certainly, miss. Poor chap! (Exit PINE
L.)

BURNS. I could do with a cup o' corfie.

MARGARET. Of course, you shall have it. I'm sure that Mr. Waverton

BURNS. That's the other one, ain't it?

MARGARET. He's the gentleman of the house.

BURNS. 'E's all right; it's this one that's agin me.

MARGARET. Oh, nonsense! No one's against you. I'm sure everybody must
be sorry for you.

BURNS. (Resentfully) The one that's gone for the water (PINE enters
L. with a basin and small towel) tried to stop me comin' in. 'Im!
(Pointing to PINE. MARGARET takes basin and towel from PINE and puts
them on table R. She then dips towel in water and attends to bruise on
BURNS' forehead)

PINE. (Standing by with affected sympathy) Poor chap!

MARGARET. (To PINE) Do you think you could manage to get him a cup of
coffee?

PINE. Yes, miss. (With ill-concealed sarcasm) He's to have everything
he wants. Is there anything else you fancy, my poor man?

BURNS. A slice o' bread and butter thick.

PINE. (Affecting the sick room manner and employing a low and pleasant
voice) It shall have hattention. (He tiptoes down R. behind table) The
doctor'll be here presently, miss. (The hall door bell is heard. Exit
PINE R.IE. closing door)

MARGARET. (R. of BURNS,) Is that better?

BURNS. It's abart the same.

MARGARET. It's a pity your hair is so thick.

BURNS. It's always been like that.

MARGARET. But I think it would look nicer if it was cut a little
shorter.

BURNS. I don't 'old with making changes.

MARGARET. Well, of course, it's your hair.

BURNS. (Uncompromisingly) Yes, it's my 'air.

(Enter PINE and NIGHTY R.IE. NIGHTY has made his top hat very shiny,
and has a new pair of yellow gloves. Exit PINE R.2E. NIGHTY shuts door
R.IE. behind him)

NIGHTY. Good morning, Miss!

MARGARET. Good morning!

NIGHTY. Good morning, Burns!

BURNS. Mornin'!

NIGHTY. (Down R.) Sorry to 'ear you've been in trouble. (Enter Pine
R.2E. with coffee and bread and butter)

BURNS. I'd a been all right if that bloke 'adn't stopped me goin' to
the Embankment.

MARGARET. (Taking coffee, etc., from PINE) Here's your cup of coffee,
Mr. Burns. (Smiling, aside to NIGHTY) I think he's more wounded in
spirit than body. (Gives PINE basin, etc.)

NIGHTY. (Taking PINE aside R.) Hadn't I better wait outside? (MARGARET
goes to desk for muff and gloves, then up to window)

PINE. Lord, no! (Bitterly) This is no longer a gentleman's home; it's
"come one, come all" as you might say. You're all right, the guvnor's
taken you to his heart. As for that Burns, he's his ewe lamb. I'm the
only one to suffer, I'm put to take care of that. (Pointing scornfully
at BURNS)

NIGHTY. (Secretly amused) Bear up, Mr. Pine, bear up!

PINE. (Earnestly) Mark my words, Nighty

(Enter WAVERTON R.2E. He sees MARGARET first who is up L.C.)

WAVERTON. Ah, Margaret, good morning.

MARGARET. (Shaking hands) Good morning.

WAVERTON. (Down L.C.) Glad to see you've breakfasted, Burns. I haven't.
Hello, Nighty, you are a swell.

NIGHTY. (Down R., grinning) Thought I'd brush meself up a bit, in case
you 'ad a job for me, guv'nor.

WAVERTON. (Laughing) Oh, of course, you're on the staff now. I'll find
you a job presently, but first we must get Burns on the big couch in
the library.

NIGHTY. (Going to BURNS) 'Ere, give me your arm. (He takes BURNS by the
arm and leads him up to door R.2) Easy does it.

PINE. (As they pass him) Poor chap!

(Exit BURNS and NIGHTY R.2E.)

WAVERTON. You telephoned to Dr. Wharton, Pine?

PINE. Yes, sir, He's coming.

(Exit with basin R.2E.)

WAVERTON. (Goes up to door R.2E. and speaks off through door), Pine,
Nighty had better bring his cab over and wait for Mrs. Summers.

PINE. (Off) Very good, sir. (WAVERTON shuts door R.2E.J)

MARGARET. (Coming down) Good-bye, Peter.

WAVERTON. Sit down, my dear.

MARGARET. I really must go now, Peter. I have my work to do. I only
want to thank you first for--

WAVERTON. (Interrupting her) Ssh! Ssh! (Takes her muff and wrap
from her and places them on table R. She sits chair L.C. He is very
thoughtful) Margaret, now that I've found you I want you to let me be a
friend to you.

MARGARET. (Embarrassed) But Peter of course.

WAVERTON. (L. of table R.) I want your permission to try and make up a
little for all you have gone through.

MARGARET. You are very kind. But I have gone through nothing that
hasn't been of good to me. You needn't trouble about us, Peter. (She
smiles) We're in harbour, now.

WAVERTON. You mean you and and little Peter?

MARGARET. (Still smiling) He and I are all right and I am proud perhaps
too proud. Pride is my besetting sin, you know.

WAVERTON. I know it is, and I'm a little frightened of it. But but you
won't refuse to let me help you. (He says this pleadingly)

MARGARET. I I think you must let me go on in my own way.

WAVERTON. (Turning away from her and with a touch of disappointment
in his voice) It's natural that you should take this attitude, but it
makes me think you hate me and I, I don't quite deserve that. (Goes R.
a little L. of table)

MARGARET. (Lifting her face suddenly brimming over with affection) Hate
you! Oh, Peter!

(WAVERTON turns back to her quickly)

WAVERTON. Then if you don't hate me you'll let me help you with the
boy. He'll need properly bringing up.

MARGARET. (Rather coldly) I'm doing my best, Peter.

WAVERTON. (c.) I know and you're an angel but I can do so much too in
my way. I have the means and the leisure. A boy needs a man friend. And
his best friend should be his father.

MARGARET. (Firmly) He's my boy, Peter.

WAVERTON. (With equal firmness) He's our boy. (Their eyes meet slight
pause MARGARET rises) I want to see him.

MARGARET. (Distrustfully, unconsciously her hand on the photograph of
BEATRICE, which is on the desk against which she stands) Oh, you shall
see him! But but whom shall I tell him you are? (Looking at him)

WAVERTON. (Flushing slightly) Tell him for the present damn it, he's
only a baby, tell him that I am his mother's and his own best friend.

MARGARET. (Picks up photograph) Very well, I'll tell him.

WAVERTON. (Thoughtfully) And, Margaret there's much to be considered.
For one thing I really can't allow you to continue working as you do.
(Goes down R. a little)

MARGARET. (Quickly) Why not?

WAVERTON. It's only fair and reasonable and just that I should--

MARGARET. (In her embarrassment holding the photograph in both hands)
Peter, I have two priceless things in the world, my child and my
independence. I shall cling desperately to them both.

WAVERTON. (Gently, as he goes to her c.) My dear, can't you be generous
and help me, to win one priceless thing, my self-respect? Now do put
that picture down and talk sense. (He stretches his hand for the
photograph)

MARGARET. (Looking at the photograph before releasing it) What a pretty
face! (WAVERTON takes photograph and glances at it)

WAVERTON. Yes. (He is rather embarrassed) Perhaps perhaps it would
be best to tell you who it is. Her name is Beatrice Dainton. She is
an orphan, and a niece of Lord Hurley. My sister chaperones her and
Beatrice and I are engaged. (He is not looking at MARGARET when he
makes this announcement. He goes round top of writing-table, replaces
photograph, and then goes down to fireplace. MARGARET starts and turns
pale. The news given wounds her deeply, but she is determined not to
show it. WAVERTON now speaks quickly, to cloak his embarrassment) Now
let's get back to what we were saying, and do let me beg of you, my
dear, to be sensible.

MARGARET. (Bravely holding her emotion in check and speaking rapidly,
her back turned to him) I'm quite sensible, Peter, and nothing you can
say will change my point of view. You may call it pride or a spirit of
foolish independence but but there it is. We'll go our way and come out
all right; but our way, the way of my little boy and me isn't your
way, Peter and though you mean to be kind and sweet I know you do (She
suddenly turns away to fight her emotion and walks to the piano)

WAVERTON. (Looking after her wonderingly and going L.C.) Margaret!
(There is a pause while MARGARET recovers her self-control. Then she
comes down, her face quite composed)

MARGARET, (c. In almost conventional tones) We must part now, Peter
thank you for all your kindness.

WAVERTON. (L.C.) I'm afraid I've said something to hurt you.

MARGARET. (Perfectly self-possessed) Indeed no I assure you. I was very
interested about your engagement, because because I, too, am engaged.

WAVERTON. (Amazed and displeased) You engaged!

MARGARET. (Simply) Yes, Peter. (If WAVERTON were not angry he would
suspect she is not speaking the truth)

WAVERTON. To whom?

MARGARET. To a man a man who is doing well in business.

WAVERTON. What's his name?

MARGARET. Henry.

WAVERTON. Henry what?

MARGARET. Henry (the slightest hesitation while she invents the name)
Henry Robinson.

WAVERTON. (With a bad attempt at indifference) Oh, really!

MARGARET. Yes. (She secretly gives him a sidelong glance)

WAVERTON. (Lamely) Seems a funny thing to do to get engaged.

MARGARET. Why?

WAVERTON. Oh, well one would have thought you would have waited.

MARGARET. For what, Peter?

WAVERTON. I mean I thought you had devoted your life to the boy.

MARGARET. Perhaps I did it for his sake. (There is a pause. WAVERTON
fidgets about, frowning)

WAVERTON. Well, I I wish you joy with all my heart.

MARGARET. As I do you, Peter. (Slight pause. Suddenly she offers him
her hand frankly) Goodbye.

WAVERTON. (Taking her hand) You'll bring the boy to see me now this
morning. Nighty can wait for you.

MARGARET. (Withdrawing her hand) It's so useless. It can lead to
nothing good, and might make the child dissatisfied. (Picks up her muff
and wrap from table R.)

WAVERTON. (Disappointed) All right, Margaret only I don't like to talk
of it it makes me so self-conscious this youngster of yours I should
have liked to see him liked it very much. (Goes up c. facing up. A
movement towards him by MARGARET; then she restrains herself. Pause
WAVERTON leans against piano, a sly smile suddenly lights his face, but
he doesn't let her see it. MARGARET goes to door R.) You needn't fear
my being disappointed if the boy happens to be plain, Margaret.

MARGARET. (Comes L. a little, indignant) Plain! Peter plain!

WAVERTON. (Comes down c.) Children sometimes improve, and after all
"handsome is as handsome does."

MARGARET. (With much indignation) Peter plain! He's a perfectly
beautiful child.

WAVERTON. (Calmly) Ah, a mother would naturally

MARGARET. (Going quickly to door) You shall see for yourself. I'll be
about twenty minutes.

(Exit MARGARET quickly R.IE.)

WAVERTON. (Calling after her through door) Very well. I'll wait for
you. (The outer door closing is heard. He closes door R.IE. and goes
quickly to window and looks out and down into the street, watching
NIGHTY'S cab start. Then he comes down to writing-table and begins to
open his letters. Enter PINE R.2E. with breakfast tray, which he puts
on a table R. Sits at writing-table) Give me some coffee. That's all I
want. (He continues to open and read letters) How is our interesting
patient?

PINE. He's resting, sir, after the fatigue of seeing the doctor.
(Pouring out coffee)

WAVERTON. (Looking up, interested, from a letter he is reading) Oh, Dr.
Wharton has been here?

PINE. Yes, sir.

WAVERTON. Well?

PINE. (Crossing to WAVERTON with coffee) Dr. Wharton was cheerful
about Mr. Burns' injuries. His diagnosis was a small shock to nervous
system calling for an hour or two's rest. For slight wound on head he
prescribed cold water and reduction of hair. For slight bruise on side,
he prescribed tincture of h'arnica.

WAVERTON. Well, that's easy.

PINE. He also prescribed a bath and change of underwear.

WAVERTON. (Smiling and drinking coffee) He said nothing about carriage
exercise?

PINE. Not yet, sir; but I'm sure if you give Dr. Wharton a chance

WAVERTON. (Interrupting him, rises and crosses to table R., takes toast
from rack and butters it) Pine, you don't like Mr. Burns.

PINE. (Hypocritically) Me, sir? I'm sure that all God's creatures

WAVERTON. No nonsense with me, Pine. I know you don't like him. Now,
for my part, I entertain for him that tolerant affection that I should
have for any lost mongrel that I chanced to befriend....I want to do
something to uplift...

PINE. Uplift! That class! Excuse me, sir! (He sniggers. He takes
coffee-cup and replaces it on tray, table R.)

WAVERTON. Don't snigger, Pine. It annoys me. Now, I'm sure if Burns
were cleaned up and given some light employment.

PINE. The employment might be possible, sir; but in regards to the
cleaning up (He makes an expressive gesture of disgust)

WAVERTON. (L. of table R., firmly) When Mr. Burns is rested, you will
conduct him to the bathroom the servants' bath-room and lock him in
until he has availed himself of its resources. You will burn his
clothes and furnish him with a sufficiency of your own, which I will
replace for you.

PINE. (R. of table R V resignedly) Yes, sir.

WAVERTON. You will arrange a shakedown for him in the box-room. When he
is well enough you can make him a sort of odd-job man. He shall have a
trial any way. (Crosses to writing-table and sits L.C. PINE is looking
lugubrious)

PINE. And with respect to his beard, sir? It's a shocking happendage.

WAVERTON. (Abstractedly as he reads a letter) Oh, that must come off.

PINE. (Brightening considerably and taking breakfast-tray) Good! I'll
call in a barber, sir. (Exit PINE R.2E. WAVERTON gathers his letters
together on writing-desk. He rises and looks at his watch)

WAVERTON. Good heavens! I forgot! (He hesitates for a moment, then
takes up the telephone receiver) Hello, hello...give me 17004
Mayfair...Hello is that 17004?...Is that you, Simpson?...Yes I'm Mr.
Peter. I want you to tell, her ladyship that I'm extremely sorry, but
business of the gravest importance what?...Her ladyship has left the
house in the motor...and Miss Dainton? Oh...they're calling for me
here. Thank you, that will do. (He puts down receiver) The Devil! (A
thoughtful pause. He touches the bell. Enter PINE R.2E.) Pine, I'm in
an awful hole. I had quite forgotten an engagement I made to motor down
into Hertfordshire this morning with her ladyship and Miss Dainton. Now
I've asked Mrs. Summers to come back, and...

PINE. (Discreetly) Perhaps I could invent some little (The door bell is
heard)

WAVERTON. (Dryly) Some little lie. I've no doubt you could, but if
that's her ladyship it's too late.

PINE. Shall you be at home, sir?

WAVERTON. I'm afraid I've got to be at home. (Exit PINE R.IE. WAVERTON
walks about nervously. Re-enter PINE R.IE.,)

PINE. (Announcing them) Lady Hurley and Miss Dainton, sir. (PINE exits
R.IE.)

(Enter LADY HURLEY and BEATRICE DAINTON. LADY HURLEY is a
well-preserved woman of about forty-seven, of rather severe aspect
and a forceful personality. BEATRICE Is a pretty girl of about
twenty-three, with an habitually quizzical expression and humorous
eyes. Both ladies are dressed suitably for motoring into the country
for luncheon)

WAVERTON. (Adopting an extremely agreeable tone) Good morning, Amelia
(He kisses her ladyship) Good morning, Bee. (He kisses BEATRICE)

BEATRICE. Good morning, Peter. (Crosses down L. to fireplace)

WAVERTON. (L.C.) You didn't get my message then?

LADY HURLEY. (R.c) What message?

WAVERTON. I've just rung up the house.

LADY HURLEY. We have just left the house.

WAVERTON. But I unfortunately rang up after you had left.

LADY HURLEY. Then how could we have had your message?

WAVERTON. (Thoughtfully) True.

BEATRICE. (Aside to him, and secretly laughing) You are a goat!

LADY HURLEY. You don't appear to be ready for us.

WAVERTON. (Leaning against R. end of sofa. BEATRICE is L. of him, with
her arm through his) No.

LADY HURLEY, (c.) Then get ready. I advise a thick overcvoat. It's
cold. (Slight pause) Be good enough to hurry, Peter. Lady Tollington
always lunches early in the country.

WAVERTON. The fact is, Amelia, I rang you up to tell you that matters
of extreme importance had arisen, which make it quite impossible for me
to motor down to Hertfordshire with you to-day. I'm sorry.

BEATRICE. (With a cheerfulness which is intended for LADY HURLEY,)
Well, that's very simple. We must go without you.

LADY HURLEY. It doesn't occur to me as being so very simple.

BEATRICE. Why, Aunt Amelia?

LADY HURLEY. (With emphasis) The appointment was made yesterday morning
and Peter was reminded of it by both of us after dinner last night.

BEATRICE. But he says that important matters have arisen since.

LADY HURLEY. Really, Beatrice, you must forgive me, but this is a
family affair, and as you're not yet a full member...

BEATRICE. Of the family! No, not yet, Aunt Amelia!

WAVERTON. (With gentle irony) When you are, my dear, you will
understand that no incident may be permitted to pass unadorned by its
little scene. (BEATRICE smiles up at him)

LADY HURLEY. My dear Peter, no rudeness or sarcasm will alter the fact
that you have played fast and loose with an engagement with two ladies.
Perhaps, however, you have become ultra-modern, and the fact that one
of them is the girl you are going to marry...

BEATRICE. (Breaking in) I'm quite satisfied with Peter's explanation.
(A smile between WAVERTON and BEATRICE)

LADY HURLEY. (Ignoring the interruption)...and the other your
half-sister and your senior by many years is sufficient excuse in your
eyes for conduct which I am compelled to regard as not quite nice.

WAVERTON. (Crosses c. quietly) Have you quite finished, Amelia?

LADY HURLEY. (Crosses c.) I may be old-fashioned, but I hate anything
raffish.

WAVERTON. Have you quite finished, Amelia?

LADY HURLEY. If even you had some plausible excuse. (Sits chair L.cJ)

WAVERTON. My dear Amelia, I'm well aware you would rather miss lunching
with Lady Tollington than finding out what keeps me in town.

LADY HURLEY. (Indignant) Really, Peter!

WAVERTON. (Sits on edge of table, R.) Oh, I know (He smiles) So here
goes. I had visitors last night.

LADY HURLEY. Visitors at that hour?

WAVERTON. Yes.

BEATRICE. After you telephoned me?

WAVERTON. Yes.

LADY HURLEY. Who were they?

WAVERTON. (Slowly) Just some passers-by.

BEATRICE. (Sitting R. arm of sofa, L) But how exciting, old boy.

LADY HURLEY. (Gravely) Peter, I must warn you against eccentricity. It
is in your blood. Your poor mother was eccentric. She used to pick up
the most extraordinary people, much to the horror of papa and myself.

WAVERTON. Well, Amelia, she's picking up extraordinary people in Heaven
now and so peace to her dear memory.

BEATRICE. What was your bag last night, Peter?

WAVERTON. A statesman and an economist.

BEATRICE. You old dear! I believe you are pulling our legs.

LADY HURLEY. Beatrice, you horrify me! Anything more wanting in delicacy

WAVERTON. (Interrupting) The economist returned here this morning.

BEATRICE. Is he presentable?

WAVERTON. Not at the moment. I believe he is in his bath. (A doubtful
look passes between BEATRICE and LADY HURLEY,)

BEATRICE. Are you quite well, old dear?

WAVERTON. Perfectly, thanks.

LADY HURLEY. If you're serious, Peter, you must be off your head.

WAVERTON. I'm quite serious and quite sane, Amelia.

LADY HURLEY. Are the persons you refer to gentlemen?

WAVERTON. (Rises and goes up c. a little) Oh, Amelia! who shall judge a
gentleman? They have, however, some of the necessary attributes.

LADY HURLEY. I suppose we are to assume that the business which detains
you in town is connected with these persons?

BEATRICE. I have it! Peter's going into politics. Clever old thing!
(She rises and crosses up to WAVERTON, and then both go up to window,
R.)

LADY HURLEY. If Peter is going mad he'd better see a doctor. If, on
the other hand, he's going into politics, he has my approval. Politics
is no longer essentially the career for a gentleman, but in these
iconoclastic times when class is arrayed against class (She suddenly
sees one of MARGARET'S gloves on writing-table) when class is arrayed
(She picks up the glove and gases at it for a moment unseen by the
others) against class (Slight pause) Beatrice, would you be good enough
to wait for me in the motor?

BEATRICE. (Crosses down c., surprised) Certainly, Aunt Amelia, if you
have something confidential to say to Peter.

LADY HURLEY. I have. (WAVERTON, who also looks surprised, walks down R.
to door, R.IE.)

BEATRICE. (Goes R. aside to WAVERTON) You're up to some mischief, old
dear. What is it?

WAVERTON. (The same) For Heaven's sake, get her away.

BEATRICE. (Aloud) Can't you postpone your talk with Peter, Aunt Amelia?
We shall be so late for luncheon.

LADY HURLEY. (Firmly) Be good enough to wait for me in the motor.
(WAVERTON and BEATRICE shrug shoulders, glance at each other, and
exeunt, R.IE. The noise of outer door closing is heard. Slight pause,
while LADY HURLEY looks at the glove with some disgust, then drops it
on writing-table. Enter WAVERTON, R.IE.; a slight pause while they
look at each other)

WAVERTON. Well, Amelia!

LADY HURLEY. (In the manner of one who bears a burden with resignation)
Peter, I was unfortunately abroad when our father fell in love with and
married your mother.

WAVERTON. (Up R.C.) So you have frequently given me to understand,
Amelia.

LADY HURLEY. Although she had many amiable qualities, the match was one
which...

WAVERTON. (Firmly) You will kindly leave my mother out of the question,
Amelia. Her loss was the tragedy of my childhood.

LADY HURLEY. I hope you remember that I did my best to replace her,
Peter.

WAVERTON. I remember everything, Amelia. But I'm afraid that this
morning I have no time to indulge in reminiscences, however agreeable.

LADY HURLEY. If at times I have suffered disappointment in you I have
done my best to conceal it.

WAVERTON. No doubt! No doubt!

LADY HURLEY. I've always had your best interests at heart, and when I
got you engaged to Beatrice Dainton I did so in the belief (WAVERTON
looks up while she continues significantly) that whatever errors you
had committed in the past (Their eyes meet, there is a slight pause)

WAVERTON. (To her) What the devil are you driving at? (He goes to her)

LADY HURLEY. (Rises, picking up the glove with the tips of her finger
and thumb, rising and holding it in front of him) What is this?

WAVERTON. (Calmly, after a slight pause) It would appear to be a glove.

LADY HURLEY. A woman's glove.

WAVERTON. Perhaps a gentlewoman's glove.

LADY HURLEY. Obviously it's the glove of a very common woman.

WAVERTON. Possibly only of a very poor woman.

LADY HURLEY. (Her eyes fixed on his as she lets the glove drop from her
fingers on to the desk) You mean an economist.

WAVERTON. (Frankly bursts out laughing) Oh, Amelia! Oh, dear Amelia!
Life is full of compensations. In the old days you'll hardly believe it
I used to be rather frightened of you, but in these latter days when I
understand you ever so much better you afford me endless amusement.

LADY HURLEY. I suppose I must be very dull, but (Stiffly)

WAVERTON. Admit that, although your comely and well-clothed body
is here present, your imagination for some minutes has been in the
bath-room. (He walks towards door R.2E.) Come with me, my dear Amelia,
come with me.

LADY HURLEY. Really, Peter, I must ask you to behave with ordinary
decency. If you give me your word that the owner of this glove is not
in your apartments.

WAVERTON. I give it gladly, Amelia only because I am rather pressed for
time this morning.

LADY HURLEY. (Quickly) Then you know the owner? (The door bell is
heard. WAVERTON starts a little anxiously. He is up R.C.)

WAVERTON. Oh, yes.

LADY HURLEY. But but you decline to tell me who it is?

WAVERTON. Absolutely, Amelia. (Enter PINE. WAVERTON gestures him,
warning discretion)

PINE. May I speak to you, sir? (LADY HURLEY goes down L. WAVERTON goes
to PINE behind table, R. They whisper and WAVERTON points to R.2E.,
indicating the room beyond. Exit PINE R.IE.)

LADY HURLEY. (Buttoning her coat) Very well my duty is clear.

WAVERTON. (Crosses L. to writing-table) If you mean your duty to me,
Amelia, I beg that you will neglect it.

LADY HURLEY. I refer to my duty to Beatrice who is under my protection.
(Crosses R.)

WAVERTON. (Taking up the glove) Ah, yes you are right. You will tell
Bee and she will tell me, and I may or may not tell her about the owner
of this rather pathetic little glove.

LADY HURLEY. (Who has gone towards door R.IE. turning) You would be
wiser to tell me who she is.

WAVERTON. She is a lady for whom I entertain the highest esteem.
(Calls) Pine! (Crosses behind table, R. and down to R.iEj)

PINE. (In the distance outside) Yes, sir?

WAVERTON. (In a conventional "society" tone) Good-bye, my dear.
Awfully sorry I couldn't come. Hope you'll have a nice day. (Through
door) Pine, go down with her ladyship. Good-bye! (Exit LADY HURLEY,
R.IE. WAVERTON closes door, hesitates a moment, then opens door again
and looks out, then crosses up R. to door. He hesitates again, then
comes into the middle of the room. He appears rather embarrassed.
He smoothes his hair and pulls his waistcoat straight. Then he walks
to the door, R.2E. and opens it. In a subdued tone) Margaret! (Slight
pause. Enter MARGARET. She stands calmly at her full length in the
doorway for a moment, looking rather proudly at WAVERTON. WAVERTON
looks first at her and then beyond her. Then he falls back two paces.
MARGARET reaches one arm behind her and gently and slowly pushes
forward LITTLE PETER. Enter LITTLE PETER. He is a beautiful child of
between five and six. His refined oval face is surrounded by a mass of
curly blond hair. His eyes are large and solemn. He is dressed simply
in inexpensive materials, but in perfect taste. He is just the child
and the treasure of his mother. WAVERTON looks at LITTLE PETER in
profound admiration, almost in awe. His voice trembles a little as he
says): But but Margaret he he's wonderful. (He stoops and gives the
boy his forefinger)

MARGARET. (A slight break in her voice) I thought perhaps you would
think so.

WAVERTON. (Stands up with a nervous, pathetic smile) Damn it, Margaret,
I I'm shy.

MARGARET. (Suddenly putting her hand to her face as if to stop herself
from crying) I'll come back. (MARGARET steps back quickly and exits
R.2E V closing the door behind her. LITTLE PETER looks after his mother
then at WAVERTON)

WAVERTON. Come along, little man! (He gives the child his hand and
leads him to the writing table. Then he lifts him into a sitting
position on the table) There! (Slight pause) I'll tell you something,
old chap I don't remember what interests little boys of five what's
your name?

LITTLE PETER. (In a soft voice) Peter.

WAVERTON. Of course it is. I knew it already. That shows what a great
big silly I am. My name's Peter, too. Isn't that funny?

LITTLE PETER. Yes. (Slight pause)

WAVERTON. And yet it's not so very funny, Little Peter, because because
however! Do you play with other little boys?

LITTLE PETER. No.

WAVERTON. Neither did I. I can remember that much. That's what makes
us both so shy. (He looks around the room, and his eyes light on the
old grandfather's clock which stands in a corner) Know anything about
clocks? (He picks LITTLE PETER up in his arms) Here's a wonderful old
chap, although he doesn't often take it into his head to go. (He turns
the hands to the hour. The clock strikes. LITTLE PETER looks in wonder,
but doesn't smile) Pretty good, eh?

LITTLE PETER. Yes.

WAVERTON. (Looking into the solemn face of the child, who is still in
his arms) But only pretty good. I think you're right. Now I'm going to
really tell you something. People think I can't sing, but I know I can.
(Puts LITTLE PETER on the ground, takes his hand and sings the chorus
of Harry Lander's song, "It's just like being at Hame.") Do you like
that? (LITTLE PETER nods his head. He lifts LITTLE PETER on to the sofa
and lays a hand on his curls. The child still wears his solemn look.
Suddenly WAVERTON walks away, his back to the audience, to wipe the
tears from his eyes. Pause. Then he speaks in a changed and cheerful
voice) I have the idea, Little Peter. Pictures! I can remember that
too I always loved pictures! (He gets and brings to the sofa a book of
engravings. He kneels by the side of the sofa and opens the book) Do
you like pictures?

LITTLE PETER. Yes.

WAVERTON. Well, now we're on common ground. (He looks cautiously round
to be sure the doors are shut, and then for the first time kisses his
child then he rises. LITTLE PETER with evident interest, slowly turns
over the pages. WAVERTON goes to door R.2E. and opens it. With an
affectation of impatience) Margaret! Margaret!

MARGARET. (Outside) Yes!

(Enter MARGARET, R.2E.)

WAVERTON. What the deuce did you go away for?

MARGARET. (Blankly) I don't know. (Then she divines his mood and
smiles. She looks over to the child. WAVERTON'S eyes follow hers
and there is a pause for a moment while the child continues to be
interested in the pictures)

WAVERTON. (Up c.) He loves pictures so do I. (MARGARET smiles at him)
Look here, Margaret, you and I have got to have a serious talk some
time.

MARGARET. (R.C.) What about?

WAVERTON. Well, for one thing I'm not going to have that fellow what's
his beastly name? Henry...

MARGARET. Robinson.

WAVERTON. Well, whatever it is, I'm not going to have him interfering
in the bringing up of my boy...

MARGARET. Oh, Peter! (They look at each other for a moment) Can't you
trust me? (His expression softens. He takes her hand and pats it gently)

WAVERTON. Why does he never play with other little boys?

MARGARET. The boys in our neighbourhood are so rough, perfect little
devils.

WAVERTON. Boys ought to be perfect little devilsI'm convinced of it.
What did Nighty think of him?

MARGARET. He didn't say. There was no opportunity. (WAVERTON crosses to
fireplace and touches the bell. MARGARET comes to back of sofa, L.)

WAVERTON. We'll have him in. He may make the child smile. (Enter PINE,
R.2E.) Is Nighty there?

PINE. Yes, sir, he's in the hall.

WAVERTON. Bring him here.

PINE. Yes, sir.

WAVERTON. And, Pine!

PINE. Yes, sir.

WAVERTON. At any time Mrs. Summers' little boy is here, you'll take
your orders from him.

PINE. (Smiling broadly) Yes, sir. (Aside to MARGARET,) He's a perfect
beauty, ma'am. (Exit PINE)

WAVERTON. (Still at fireplace) I want to see

Little Peter smile. (PiNE goes to door R.IE., opens it and motions to
NIGHTY, who is outside)

MARGARET. (With spirit) He doesn't smile unnecessarily. He's a superior
child. (She bends over to LITTLE PETER lovingly)

WAVERTON. All right, my dear, you needn't be cross.

MARGARET. Don't be absurd.

(Enter NIGHTY, R.IE.)

WAVERTON. Well, Nighty, what do you think of Mrs. Summers' little boy?
(PiNE lingers, deeply interested in the child)

NIGHTY. (By table R.) The word is "Angel," guv'nor or, more correctly,
"Cherub." (He beams. They are all more or less beaming)

WAVERTON. Tell me, Nighty, your own little boys at that age were they
very quiet?

NIGHTY. Quiet! They were a pack of little devils, guv'nor.

WAVERTON. You hear that, Margaret?

MARGARET. (In a musical voice as she strokes LITTLE PETER'S hair) There
are boys and boys.

NIGHTY. Quite right, ma'am, and the best of 'em are quiet before
grown-ups. Perhaps it's because they don't trust 'em. (Enter BURNS,
R.2E. His hair has been cut, and he has been shaved and, in PINE'S
clothes a jacket suit he looks quite respectable. He is, however,
extremely indignant. WAVERTON is the first to see him)

WAVERTON. Why, this can't be my friend Burns! (They all look at BURNS)

BURNS. (In a tone of grave complaint) Yes, mister. That gent, there
(pointing to PINE), 'e puts the barber on me. A liberty, I calls it.
(LITTLE PETER rises and leans up against end of writing table)

NIGHTY. Why, you look a regular toff, Burns.

WAVERTON. It's a wonderful change.

BURNS. (Agitated) I don't 'old with changes. I'm fair upset without a
"by-your-leave" or nothin'. It's a liberty. (Raises his voice angrily)
Why, it ain't me it ain't like me! It's a houtrage it's a (He is face
to face with LITTLE PETER. His expression slowly softens as he gazes at
the child, who is looking up at him. The others watch in deep interest.
Simultaneously the faces of BURNS and LITTLE PETER break into smiles)

BURNS. (Bending towards LITTLE PETER,) Hello, boy!

LITTLE PETER. Hello, man!

NIGHTY. (Softly) Well, what do you make of that?

MARGARET. (Proudly, to WAVERTON) My boy knows when to smile. (LITTLE
PETER and BURNS shake hands. Picture)

CURTAIN



ACT III

SCENE: The same as Acts I and II. It is about five o'clock one
afternoon three weeks after the events of Act II. The day has been
very fine and the evening approaches in a golden haze. The window R.
is open, and the sound of traffic is heard in distance. On the curtain
rising BURNS is discovered. He is wearing the clothes into which he
has changed in Act II, partially covered by a long apron. He is on the
sofa looking through a picture book, just as LITTLE PETER was in Act
II. A patent carpet-sweeper is leaning up against chair, L.C. Suddenly
BURNS thinks he hears some one coming. He starts guiltily and seizing
the handle of the sweeper affects to work. Then realising that it was a
false alarm, he drops the broom handle and goes to the window up R. On
the way he picks up a pin.

BURNS. (Soliloquising with satisfaction) A black-head! (He puts it in
his waistcoat. He is absorbed in gazing out of the window. After a
few moments' interval the door L. of the room opens silently and PINE
appears. He comes c. and takes hold of sweeper-handle which is leaning
against piano. Enter LITTLE PETER unseen by the others. He lies on sofa
and conceals himself with cushions)

PINE. I thought so! (BURNS starts and turns, shuts window and comes
down to R. of piano. Noise of traffic ceases) This morning I put you on
to this carpet did you do it? No. This afternoon I put you back on it
are you doing it? No. You're loafing. That's what you're doing loafing.

BURNS. (Sulkily) Bother!

PINE. What were you doing at that window?

BURNS. Smelling the dust, I like it. (Takes broom-handle from PINE)

PINE. Your sort would. (BURNS moves the sweeper languidly over the
carpet) Why don't you put your back into it?

BURNS. Me back's weak.

PINE. That's only a fiction.

BURNS. What's a fiction?

PINE. Polite for falsehood.

BURNS. My! Wish I was eddicated.

PINE. (Sitting on chair L.c) I've been looking at those knives you've
supposed to have cleaned. I'm afraid you'll have to go over them again.

BURNS. (R.c) Sha'n't.

PINE. You mustn't speak to me like that. I don't want to have to
complain to Mr. Waverton about you.

BURNS. Oh, don't yer!

PINE. I'd rather he remained under the illusion that there's some
manhood in you.

BURNS. (Turns on PINE,) 'E's on my side, 'e is.

PINE. Oh, he's made a case of you being a bit balmy. Personally I
should have left you where you was best fitted.

BURNS. It was you as fetched me in.

PINE. By his orders. I only drew his attention to you because you were
like a picture in a comic paper.

BURNS. (With an absurd outburst of rage) Oo put the barber on me that's
what I arst?

PINE. I did by his orders.

BURNS. (Much impressed) Tain't true.

PINE. It's the golden gospel. Between us we made you look something
like a human being. But are you a human being, Burns? The reply is, in
the language of poetry, "Yes, I don't think, don't think, don't think!"
You don't know poetry, Burns? (Rises)

BURNS. (In mild anger) I'm straightforward that's wot I am.

PINE. Poor chap! 'Opeless! Well, we can only go on doing our little
best.

BURNS. You'll miss me when I'm gorne.

PINE. (Going to door L.) Oh, yes, I'll miss you. But you won't go,
Burns your sort never goes. (Exit PINE L. BURNS throws a malevolent
look after him, then continues to feebly push the sweeper. After a
moment's pause LITTLE PETER comes from his concealment, and taking
hold of the tower part of the sweeper-handle, assists BURNS to shove
it. BURNS laughs and discontinues work himself, leaving the sweeper in
possession of LITTLE PETER)

BURNS. That's right give it a good 'ard shove. (LITTLE PETER does so.
BURNS sits L. of table R., and pointing in the direction in which PINE
has gone, says with some heat:) 'E thinks 'e's my boss, but he ain't.
I never? ad no boss never in my life. (LITTLE PETER continues to work.
Slight pause. BURNS beckons to him) 'Ere little 'un 'ere! (LITTLE PETER
puts down the sweeper-handle and goes to BURNS) I don't like 'im, and
'e don't like me, there! 'E's bad.

LITTLE PETER. Is he?

BURNS. Yes. It's snap snap snap with him all the time. There's no
peace. An' the liberties! 'E 'ad me beard took off. You never see me
with a beard.

LITTLE PETER. Was it a long one?

BURNS. Middlin'. Yes, it's snap snap all work and sharpness.

LITTLE PETER, (c.) Poor Mr. Burns.

BURNS. "Burns!" That what 'e calls me. Imperdence! Nobody never calls
me nothing before. Me other name's Samuel.

LITTLE PETER. Is it?

BURNS. Yes. Call me Samuel. (Pauses) Won't yer? I wouldn't let no one
else.

LITTLE PETER. Samuel!

BURNS. That's right. 'Ere, I'll show you somethin'. Yer won't tell?

LITTLE PETER. No.

BURNS. (In great confidence) I got me cap back. (He half pulls it from
his breast-pocket and puts it back again) I've 'ad it years and years.
'E took it away the day 'e put the barber on me, but I creep an' creep
in the night, an' I foun' it. (The door suddenly opens. Enter PINE.
BURNS rises hastily. LITTLE PETER goes down L.)

PINE. (Crosses down c. to LITTLE PETER. With grave indignation) Master
Peter, it's not beseeming that you should talk to the under servants.
(He comes down and takes LITTLE PETER'S hand and goes R.) I have to
take you for a nice drive in a cab, after which your Ma is coming
to take you home. That poor chap isn't a fit companion for a young
gentleman like you.

BURNS, (c. Bitterly to LITTLE PETER) That's right I'm the dirt under
yer feet.

LITTLE PETER. (With a look from BURNS to PINE) I like him.

PINE. Young gents' tastes is very himature. (LITTLE PETER nods at
BURNS. Exeunt PINE and LITTLE PETER, R.IE. PINE shuts door after them)

BURNS. (Soliloquising. Drops sweeper) My sort never goes! (With great
determination) Don't it! (BURNS evidently makes up his mind to a course
of action. He begins by taking off his apron which he flings under
piano then after a longing look through the window he goes softly
towards the door. The door R. at that moment opens and LITTLE PETER
appears, dressed to go out)

LITTLE PETER. (Shuts door and comes to R. of table R. In a guarded
voice) Good-bye, Samuel.

BURNS. (Down L.C. In the same tone and beckoning with his hand) 'Ere!
(LITTLE PETER, after a glance over his shoulder, goes to BURNS,) Do
you like rabbits?

LITTLE PETER, (n.c.) Yes.

BURNS. I know where there's 'undreds. You make a loop with a bit of
string an' sometimes you can catch 'em; then you pick 'em up by the
ears, never by the feet, always by the ears. String's wot yer want. I
got heaps. (He takes a collection of string out of his pocket and shows
LITTLE PETER,) See! (Pause) It ain't far. Will you come?

LITTLE PETER. Yes.

BURNS. There'll be a moon to-night.

PINE. (Outside) Master Peter! Master Peter!

LITTLE PETER. Ssh! (LITTLE PETER gets quickly under piano and beckons
to BURNS, who follows him)

(Enter PINE R.IE)

PINE. Come along, Master Peter. (Pause. He looks round) Now, where the
(He raises his voice) Master Peter! Master Peter! (Exit PINE L. BURNS
and LITTLE PETER scurry lightly across to principal door R.IE V which
is open. LITTLE PETER exits. There BURNS stops and turns round for a
moment)

BURNS. (Looking towards door L.J) "My sort never goes!" Yah! (Exit BURNS)

PINE. (Outside) Master Peter! (Enter PINE L.) I 'ate those silly games.
(He looks round the room at the possible hiding-places, then goes back
to the door L. Raises his voice) I suppose you're hiding behind that
sofa! If you think I'm going to duck about and make bags of my trousers
you're mistaken. (Slight pause) I don't want to be hard on you, Burns,
but I'll have to report you for this! (Suddenly he notices the time by
the clock) Good Lord! ten to five! (He hastily puts the patent sweeper
outside the door R.2E. and does one or two little things to straighten
the room. Then he goes back to door L.) Burns, have done with this.

NIGHTY. (Outside R.) Mr. Pine! Mr. Pine!

PINE. (Starting nervously) Hello! (Raises his voice) Is that you,
Nighty?

NIGHTY. (Outside) Yes. (Enter NIGHTY R.IE.,) What about this drive?

PINE. (On whom a fear is evidently growing up, L.c.) Who let you in?
Cook?

NIGHTY. No, I walked in. The door was open.

PINE. Open?

NIGHTY. Yes.

PINE. Who opened it?

NIGHTY. (Down R.J) Well now, Mr. Pine, 'ow should I know? I suppose you
left it open last time you came in.

PINE. (After a slight pause) Look here, Nighty, that Burns damn him! I
wish he'd never come here, him and the boy think they're having a game
with me hiding, silly rot I call it.

NIGHTY. Go on, they're only children, both of 'em.

PINE. You have a look round these rooms while I look at the back. Try
behind the sofa in there. (Pointing to door L,.)

NIGHTY. Right you are! (Exit PINE quickly R.2E. A broad smile steals
over NIGHTY'S face, he makes a search of the room) Come along, Master
Peter. It's only old Nighty! (Pause. Then he exits L. softly through
door, tiptoeing, as if playing with children. Then there is a slight
pause. Re-enter NIGHTY, looking puzzled and grave. He looks under piano
and finds BURNS' apron. Enter PINE by door, R.2E. He is much excited
and alarmed)

NIGHTY. They're not here.

PINE. And they're not out there. Not a sign of them.

NIGHTY. (Handing him the apron) This was under the piano.

PINE. (Deeply agitated R.c) My God, Nighty, I'm in trouble.

NIGHTY. (L.C.) Pull yourself together, Mr. Pine.

PINE. I tell you it's ruin for me. That cursed loafer's gone off with
the child. They were here one moment, and the next they was gone as
if the earth had swallowed them! I always had an instinct about that
cockroach and my instincts--

NIGHTY. (Firmly) Never mind your instincts, Mr. Pine the business is to
find 'em. They can't have gone far.

PINE. You're right, and, by God, I'll break every bone (The door bell
is heard to ring) That's the mother a thousand to one.

NIGHTY. Or the guv'nor.

PINE. No. He'd use his latch-key. If she was to know she'd go stark
staring mad. Not a word, you understand. Leave it to me. (Exit PINE
quickly, R.IE. NIGHTY, grave and troubled, stands waiting, c. After a
slight interval, enter MARGARET, followed by PINE, R.IE.J)

PINE. (By door. Hurriedly and with affected cheerfulness) It's Nighty,
ma'am.

MARGARET. (Who appears in good spirits) Good afternoon, Nighty.
(Crosses up c.)

NIGHTY. (Affecting cheerfulness, works round to door R. behind table)
Good afternoon, ma'am.

PINE. (Also affecting cheerfulness) We're just starting to take the
young gentleman for a little drive, ma'am.

MARGARET. Where is Master Peter?

PINE. (Quickly) He's stepped across to the cabrank with Burns, ma'am.
(NIGHTY is now making for the door, bowing and smiling painfully) Mr.
Waverton's motoring, ma'am. He'll be in on the stroke of five.

MARGARET. (Taking off her jacket) Don't go too far.

NIGHTY. No ma'am. Just round Constitution Hill and the Palace. (Exeunt
PINE and NIGHTY, closing door, R.IE. MARGARET folds her jacket and
takes her hat off and lays them on piano. She then takes off her
gloves. She is humming an air. She then takes a piece of work from her
bag and makes herself comfortable in chair L. of table R. WAVERTON'S
latch-key is heard in the outer door. MARGARET looks up for a moment
and then back at her work. Slight pause. WAVERTON enters R.IE. in
motoring clothes)

WAVERTON. Hello, Margaret!

MARGARET. Hello, Peter! (WAVERTON takes off his coat, cap and gloves,
and lays them on chair R., just against R.iE.J)

WAVERTON. So glad you've come. I'm not late, am I?

MARGARET. No. I was a little early.

WAVERTON. I've been trying my motor with the new light body on it she
goes splendidly. I wish you'd let me take you for a run one day.

MARGARET. I should be afraid. I've never been in a motor-car.

WAVERTON. How old-fashioned of you. It's time you began.

MARGARET. I'm too old to begin.

WAVERTON. (Walking about and laughing) You! Old! (He laughs) You're
still a child. (As he passes her chair, he lightly touches her
shoulder. NOTE: His attraction to her and her knowledge of it and
instinctive defence underlie the entire scene) I'll ring for Pine, and
we'll have some tea.

MARGARET. I've had tea, thank you. Pine and Nighty have taken Little
Peter for a drive. They've just gone.

WAVERTON. Ah! I forgot! I left instructions. (He goes up L. to the
spirit stand) Well, if I'm to have tea alone I'll take it with
soda-water. (He mixes himself a whisky and soda, and drinks) Do you
know, my dear, I think you are very good to me.

MARGARET. I? How?

WAVERTON. First of all, in letting me see the boy twice a week.

MARGARET. I thought it only fair to you both.

WAVERTON. Secondly, in coming to fetch him away yourself. That is
unearned increment. I hope it won't be taxed. (He lights a cigarette,
crosses c. MARGARET keeps her face down over her work. WAVERTON looks
at her, but gets no sign of her thoughts. He sits at his writing-table.
There is rather a long pause)

WAVERTON. Margaret!

MARGARET. Yes?

WAVERTON. I want you to make it three times a week.

MARGARET. Don't ask me, Peter. I'm sure it would be unwise. As it is I
have misgivings.

WAVERTON. Misgivings?

MARGARET. I'm not sure we are acting fairly.

WAVERTON. To whom?

MARGARET. Well to to Miss Dainton. (Slight pause) You have told her
nothing.

WAVERTON. (Embarrassed) No, not yet. I called for her in the motor
to-day meaning to take her for a drive and to tell her. I think I was
glad she was out. I suppose she ought to know. But it's difficult she's
only a girl.

MARGARET. (Slowly) She must be told the truth, Peter otherwise I can't

WAVERTON. (Hastily) You are perfectly right, my dear. I shall tell her
to-morrow. (He rises and walks a little down L.) Fortunately Beatrice
has the keenest sympathies. She's just all goodness. (Coming to her)
What work's that you're doing?

MARGARET. Knitting.

WAVERTON. What?

MARGARET. Socks. (WAVERTON sits on top of table R., leaning towards her)

WAVERTON. Little ones, I see.

MARGARET. For little feet.

WAVERTON. Must you always work?

MARGARET. (Laughing lightly) Having a piece of work in one's hand
enables one to concentrate.

WAVERTON. Oh, really?

MARGARET. Some people say that if you keep your feet together and your
hands together, you complete the circuit. I don't know what it means.

WAVERTON. Nor do they.

MARGARET. Nor do they but I fancy this has the same kind of effect.
(Holding up her work) You understand?

WAVERTON. (Vaguely) Yes, I suppose so. (He laughs slightly. She laughs
slightly. Then they laugh together rather more than the occasion would
warrant) I told you, you were only a child.

MARGARET. (Returning to her work) And you?

WAVERTON. I (He takes up wool, which MARGARET, after a moment, gently
takes away from him) I think that in some ways of late I've grown
younger. I used to feel too old for my age now perhaps I'm too young
for my age all on account of that kid of ours. Damme, I find myself
thinking all the time of cricket and football and the games I missed
as a boy through the old man being ass enough to decided against a
public school. But I can give Little Peter swimming and shooting and
handling a horse or boat with the best of 'em. I don't mind telling you,
my dear, that even now, I wouldn't change my hands on a horse with
However, I don't want to boast. (Rises and goes c.)

MARGARET. You forget I saw you win the point-to-point race at Blairfield

WAVERTON. So you did. So you did. (Slight pause) Do you know that
little chap grows on one like the devil.

MARGARET. Does he, Peter?

WAVERTON. Yes. Of course with you it's different. The maternal instinct
is a very potent factor.

MARGARET. It just means loving, loving dreadfully.

WAVERTON. (Sits arm of chair, L.c) Exactly. Now with us mere men
common, ordinary masculine clay the affection has to grow. The first
feeling is one of embarrassment. One is a father! The devil! Awkward
responsibility. What's to be done about it? Then one finds one is
the father of a kind of glory like Little Peter with some likeness
to what we were ourselves in our obscure youth! Aha reproduction of
Us. (Tapping his chest) What better model? Chip of the old block! Our
vanity is tickled. And so that's what it comes to, my dear the paternal
feeling all vanity. (He pulls chair towards her, and sits. She laughs)
I may be wrong but I think Little Peter an unusual child.

MARGARET. He sometimes says wonderful things.

WAVERTON. He always looks wonderful things.

MARGARET. (In a hushed tone) Perhaps perhaps he has a touch of genius.

WAVERTON. Perhaps. It would be a nice change in a Waverton (They are
silent for a moment, and then their eyes meet and they smile) Have
you his picture in that locket? (MARGARET'S hand goes quickly to her
neck where the locket is just under her dress. The light begins very
gradually to get dimmer as the sun is setting)

MARGARET. Yes.

WAVERTON. Mightn't I see it?

MARGARET. (Rising, shaking her dress straight and putting down her
work) It's only an old one taken two years ago. (Crosses L.cJ)

WAVERTON. Two years ago! Little Peter at three! Let me see it. (Rises
and comes to R. of her)

MARGARET. (Getting away from him, L.) I--I think I have another copy.
I'll bring it to you.

WAVERTON. But, my dear, don't you understand? I want to see it now. Do
be kind. (He holds out his hand for locket)

MARGARET. No! No! You can't see it now. I don't want you to.

WAVERTON. But I must. (He holds her while she struggles) Margaret,
don't be so cruel. I'm dying to see it. Don't be a perfect brute to me.

MARGARET. (Panting) Peter be reasonable!

WAVERTON. No, really it isn't nice of you. (Suddenly, by a desperate
effort, MARGARET wrenches herself free and rushes to the fireplace. He
follows her) Margaret!

MARGARET. (Her voice raised) Do you want me to throw it in the fire?
(Her hand is on the locket at her neck and she is breathing heavily)

WAVERTON. (Flinging himself on the sofa) No. (He is much agitated.
There is a pause while they both make an effort to regain self-control)

MARGARET. (Endeavouring to speak evenly L. end of sofa L.) Now you are
very angry. I'm sorry.

WAVERTON. I'm not angry. You were quite within your rights. (Raising
his voice) But you can't expect me to be particularly exhilarated by
the thought (He breaks off abruptly)

MARGARET. Well. By what thought?

WAVERTON. (Angry and vaguely jealous) What did you suppose I should
think? (Slight pause. He sits up) Must I say it? (Slight pause) That's
the picture of another man...

MARGARET. (Waving her trembling hands) Ssh! Don't say that, Peter!

WAVERTON. But isn't it natural, as you were so damned careful not to
let me see...

MARGARET. (Quickly) No, yes. I suppose so, but you don't understand.
You'll take my word though I'm sure of that, and I give it. Your
thought was--was wrong. (Goes up L., round top pf writing-table)

WAVERTON. (A little ashamed) I'm glad and and I'm sorry. Forgive me.
(He looks down at his hands nervously) I'm a fool! (She is R. of
writing-desk)

MARGARET. If one could only convince oneself that everything is all
right and just the way it's got to be.

WAVERTON. (Rising goes up to L. writing-table) You haven't asked me
why--why I bothered so much about the locket? (He is longing to tell
her it was because he loves her)

MARGARET. (Quickly) No I don't want to know. (She does know)

WAVERTON. Perhaps you guess.

MARGARET. (Almost passionately) No. Can't you see? I prefer not to.
(She is now at the other side of the desk and she takes up the picture
of BEATRICE.)

WAVERTON. (Behind writing-table. Almost angrily) You may put that down,
I forget nothing. (He takes photo from her, and replaces it on table)

MARGARET. It was unintentional, I assure you, Peter, I took it up
unconsciously. I--I am very nervous. Without meaning it, I'm afraid we
hurt each other. (Goes c.) We must be more--more conventional or else I
sha'n't be able to come here again.

WAVERTON. (Quickly and gently) Don't say that, Margaret. (She goes to
table R., and sits and picks up her work. Crosses R. to behind table,
R.) It was all my fault. I'm a perfect brute. (He takes the work from
her) And don't work any more. (Puts work on piano) The light's getting
too bad. (Puts chair c. up to writing-table, and sits on arm. Pause)
Play something for me. (They both now try to be conventional)

MARGARET. I play! Oh, my dear Peter, my playing days are over. My
fingers have lost what little cunning they had.

WAVERTON. Don't you get any practice now?

MARGARET. Very little and that only on my landlady's piano. Imagine it
(rises) a tall, severe repellent affair with a green silk front and
three broken notes.

WAVERTON. (Smiling) I can see it. There are probably woolwork flowers
on the top under a glass case.

MARGARET. Yes, and a stuffed squirrel.

WAVERTON. (Going to piano) Do try mine. It's up to date, though
possibly out of tune.

MARGARET. (Going to piano) But, really, Peter, it's quite out of the
question. (She sits)

WAVERTON. Anything. (He stands against the piano looking at her.
MARGARET begins playing Schubert's "An die Musik" very softly. Pause)
That's it. Nothing clings so desperately to the memory as music,
Margaret.

MARGARET. (Still playing) No. (Another pause)

WAVERTON. That's as I first saw you at Amelia's. It was after dinner,
and the new governess had been sent for to play to us. (Softly). You
were the new governess.

MARGARET. (Softly) Yes, I was the new governess.

WAVERTON. And that is what you first played.

MARGARET. Yes.

WAVERTON. (He listens for a few moments before he speaks in subdued
tones) I sat, at it were, over there (pointing L.) watching you from
behind the evening paper. Dear God! how shy I was! I was afraid you
would catch me looking at you and still more afraid that Amelia would
catch me. She sat there, in what had been my mother's favourite chair,
and in complete command as always of the situation. Hurley sprawled
in an arm-chair asleep as usual, and my father stood over at the
mantelpiece secretly disapproving the sentiment of the music. It was a
typical domestic English evening, but in that quiet room love was at
work. (Leaning on the piano) Their hostility began it. The very air
was charged with it, and with the distrust of youth. Instinctively we
formed an alliance against the common enemy. And so came our secret
meetings and the discovery of our mutual loneliness. And then Margaret,
then...

MARGARET. (Ceasing to play, rising in much agitation) You mustn't go
on. I can't listen. It isn't right. I must go, you must send the child.

WAVERTON. (Determined) Wait I've got to say this. What a man has lost
through no fault of his own still belongs to him in his heart of
hearts. And it was through no fault of mine that I lost you, Margaret.
All the luck was against me, but I want you to know that I wouldn't
have given you up no, Margaret by God I couldn't! (He is close to her,
and appears about to take her in his arms. Unheeded by MARGARET and
WAVERTON the outer door bell has sounded and at this moment the noise
of the door being opened is heard)

MARGARET. (Listening) The child! Thank God! (LADY HURLEY'S voice is
heard outside)

WAVERTON. (Listening) No! It's my sister!

MARGARET. (Alarmed) Lady Hurley! (She is about to move)

WAVERTON. (Laying his hand on her arm) Don't you move.

LADY HURLEY. (Outside) It's all right, my good woman, we know our way.

WAVERTON. (Quickly and impressively) Will you trust me, Margaret?

MARGARET. (Up R.C. Looking full at him) Yes. (WAVERTON comes down
L.C. Enter MRS. PARKER, R.IE., opening the door for LADY HURLEY and
BEATRICE, who enter. MRS. PARKER closes the door and exits)

LADY HURLEY. (Crosses L.) You must forgive this invasion, Peter, but
you've brought it on yourself by your neglect.

WAVERTON. (Going to her) Delighted to see you, my dear and you, Bee.
(Crosses c. he touches BEATRICE lightly on the shoulder as he passes
her to the electric light switches down R. The evening light has become
very dim)

BEATRICE, (c.) Heartbroken, old dear, to have missed you when you
called.

WAVERTON. What we all need is more light. (He switches on the light)

LADY HURLEY. (Suddenly seeing MARGARET.) I'm afraid our visit is
ill-timed.

WAVERTON. (Going quickly up to window) And drawn curtains give a sense
of intimacy. (Drawing the curtains) You and Miss Summers know each
other, Amelia. (LADY HURLEY at writing-table falls back a step utterly
dumbfounded. Introducing) Miss Dainton, Miss Summers! (Both the girls
bow)

BEATRICE (c.) AND MARGARET (R.C. Together, rather faintly) How d'you do?

LADY HURLEY. (Aside to WAVERTON, who has come down L. to fireplace,
gasping with indignation) How dare you!

WAVERTON. (Quietly) What's the matter, Amelia?

LADY HURLEY. How dare you introduce such a woman to Beatrice.

BEATRICE. (To MARGARET) I'm glad to meet a friend of Peter's, Miss
Summers. (They shake hands. Slight pause)

MARGARET. Thank you.

LADY HURLEY. Beatrice, you'll be good enough to wait for me in the
motor below.

BEATRICE. (Up c.) Oh, no, Aunt Amelia; I don't think I can be quite
good enough for that. Not to-day.

LADY HURLEY. (By sofa L. firmly) Please do as I wish.

BEATRICE. I'm sorry I can't, Aunt Amelia. I have a strange feeling that
my days of waiting in the motor below have gone for ever.

LADY HURLEY. There are some things that young girls mustn't know about.

BEATRICE. Perhaps they're the very things that young girls ought to
know about.

LADY HURLEY. (With quiet indignation) Very well. You bring the
unpleasantness upon yourself. I'm sorry to have to tell you that this
person left my employment in circumstances--

WAVERTON. (At fireplace, interposing firmly) Wait, Amelia, I'm sure
that you'd never forgive yourself if you said something offensive about
a lady who is my guest.

LADY HURLEY. I don't wish to be unnecessarily offensive, Peter but if
Miss Summers is to remain, I must go.

WAVERTON. I should regret your going, my dear, but if you feel

LADY HURLEY. (Quickly interrupting) Come, Beatrice (Moves as if to go)

BEATRICE, (c.) I can't, Aunt Amelia. Peter evidently wants to tell me
something that I ought to know. He'll tell me the truth. I trust Peter.

WAVERTON. (Crosses R. a little) Shall I take you down, Amelia? (A
pause. LADY HURLEY hesitates)

MARGARET. I will go. (Comes down R. a little)

WAVERTON. (Goes R. below table) I particularly wish you to remain.

BEATRICE. So do I, Miss Summers.

LADY HURLEY. (Coming to a decision) As Beatrice is in my care I
can't leave her here alone. There would appear to be no respect, no
obedience, no decency left in the world. However, I have made my
protest against what I consider a scandalous proceeding.

WAVERTON. (By door R.IE.) I have made a mental note of your protest,
my dear, and I'm glad you've decided to stay. I must beg of you,
however, to exercise self-control. I think that's better done sitting
than standing. (LADY HURLEY removes her furs which she left on sofa.
Then sits on sofa. Goes up c.) Beatrice! (He goes to her and gives her
chair, L.C.)

BEATRICE. (Laying a hand for a moment on his arm) You dear old thing!

WAVERTON. (Pulls chair out L. of table R.) Margaret, please don't
stand. (MARGARET sits in the chair, R.c. WAVERTON position standing
behind MARGARET) I had no intention of permanently concealing from you
my friendship with Miss Summers, Bee. I'm sure you believe that.

BEATRICE. I always believe everything you say, Peter.

WAVERTON. We became friends six years ago when Miss Summers was
governess in my sister's house. It is idle to attempt to explain what
forces drew us together but there is the fact we became everything to
each other.

BEATRICE. (Slowly) I understand.

WAVERTON. On Amelia becoming acquainted in some way with the facts

LADY HURLEY. Since you insist on knowing the truth, Beatrice a line
of conduct which I consider most improper, unsuitable and deplorable
I dismissed my governess on discovering she was carrying on a
disgraceful intrigue in my house.

WAVERTON. My sister not only dismissed Miss Summers, but in her zeal
deprived me of all opportunity of repairing the wrong I had done by
telling me she had gone abroad to another engagement.

LADY HURLEY. I did so in your own interests.

WAVERTON. I am sure of it, Amelia. Then the postal authorities must
have blundered, for two letters which Miss Summers wrote me never
reached me. (LADY HURLEY draws herself up stiffly)

MARGARET. I don't think it is necessary to go on. I have never thought
that Lady Hurley could have acted in any other--

WAVERTON. (Interrupting) I beg of you to let me finish, Margaret.
(Crosses L. to behind sofa) I leave it to your wider experience, Amelia
do letters properly and carefully addressed letters very often go
astray in the post? (Pause)

BEATRICE. Where were the letters sent, Peter?

WAVERTON. To the only address Miss Summers knew of to my sister's
house. (Another pause. LADY HURLEY is obstinately silent)

BEATRICE. If you had received the letters you would have have seen Miss
Summers again, Peter?

WAVERTON. (Slowly, behind writing-table) Yes. I think she knows that
now it is only fair to me that she should know it and it is fair to you
that you should know it.

BEATRICE. (Gently) You loved her, Peter, dear.

WAVERTON. Yes.

MARGARET. (To WAVERTON. Sitting R.C.) I hope you will explain to Miss
Dainton that our meeting again was an accident and that my presence
here implies no disloyalty to her.

BEATRICE. I'm sure of that, Miss Summers.

MARGARET. Mr. Waverton told me immediately of his engagement to you.

WAVERTON. And Miss Summers informed me of her engagement, whose name I
have unhappily forgotten.

MARGARET. (Rises) Mr. Henry Robinson. (Goes up to piano and gets muff,
etc.)

LADY HURLEY. (To WAVERTON) And do you consider these secret meetings in
your rooms quite fair to this Mr. Robinson?

WAVERTON. (Crosses to above table, R) How like you, Amelia always
thinking of others!

BEATRICE. Surely, Aunt Amelia, this is Miss Summers' affair not ours.

LADY HURLEY. I see Miss Summers is going. In so doing she wins my
approval for the first time. (Rises and faces MARGARET,) I should like
her to know first that I threw her two letters into the fire.

BEATRICE. Aunt Amelia!

LADY HURLEY. (Firmly) I have no regrets. I saw the boy to whom I had
devoted so much care falling into an abyss. I did what I thought best
to save him. If I failed, the fault isn't mine.

MARGARET. (Goes to BEATRICE, who rises) Good-bye, Miss Dainton. If I
have unconsciously caused you a moment's unhappiness, I am sorry.

BEATRICE. (In pained tones) Please don't speak of it! (Goes up L.C,
near window. Enter PINE, R.IE. NIGHTY can just be seen in the doorway
behind him)

PINE. (Agitated) Can I speak to you a moment, sir?

WAVERTON. Yes what is it?

MARGARET. (Quickly) Where's the boy? (PINE hesitates)

WAVERTON. Well?

PINE. Disappeared, sir with Burns. (LADY HURLEY rises)

MARGARET. My God!

WAVERTON. (Firmly) Can't you trust me, Margaret?

MARGARET. Yes. (Covers her face with her hands for a moment)

PINE. Nighty and I have been searching for them for over an hour.
(NIGHTY steps into the doorway. The scene to be taken very quickly all
through)

WAVERTON. Have you been to Scotland Yard?

NIGHTY. No, guv'nor but we passed the word to all the policemen we met.

WAVERTON. Round to the garage, Nighty, and order my car. You will come
with me. (Exit NIGHTY R.IE. Exit PINE J) It only means, Margaret, that
the Wanderer has returned to the road and has taken the other child
for company. Don't worry I'll bring them back. (He quickly gathers his
coat, hat, and gloves from chair by R.IE.,)

LADY HURLEY. There was mention of a boy. Whose boy?

MARGARET. My boy, Lady Hurley.

WAVERTON. (At door, R.IE., firmly) And mine, Amelia.

LADY HURLEY. Peter! (She staggers slightly. MARGARET sits chair R.C.,
her face in her hands)

BEATRICE. Peter! (She is gravely distressed)

WAVERTON. Beatrice! You have a heart. (Points to MARGARET, and exits
R.IE.)

LADY HURLEY. (Picks up furs) Come, Beatrice. (BEATRICE first looks
towards door that WAVERTON has gone through, then at MARGARET, then at
LADY HURLEY. BEATRICE with great determination drops her muff on chair
L.C., then removes her hat and drops it with muff. She crosses to above
table R, and lays her hand on MARGARET'S shoulder. MARGARET looks up
at BEATRICE and breaks down, burying her face in her arms across the
table. BEATRICE sits on chair above the table, and holds MARGARET'S
hand in deep sympathy. LADY HURLEY, strongly disapproving, stands by
writing-table)

CURTAIN



ACT IV

SCENE: The same as the previous Acts. It is 4.30 in the morning. The
room is softly lighted by electricity, not all the lamps being turned
on.

On the curtain rising BEATRICE is discovered asleep in an arm-chair
L.C. MARGARET is looking out of window. There is a pause. MARGARET
walks the room. Evidently she is thinking distractedly of her lost
child. She stops once to look down at the sleeping girl, and seeing
that the rug over her knees has slipped down she gently readjusts it.
She then crosses to fire-place and puts a fresh log on fire. Hearing
the sound of a passing taxi, she hurries to the window and looks out
through the curtains. As it doesn't stop she comes back into the room
with a disappointed air and resumes her restless walk. "Big Ben" is
heard striking 4.30.

BEATRICE. (Stirring) Hello was I asleep?

MARGARET. I hope so.

BEATRICE. What a healthy person I am. (She rubs her eyes) I hadn't the
remotest intention of going to sleep.

MARGARET. (R.C.) You sleep easily because you are young.

BEATRICE. Young? I? Oh no, Miss Summers I'm grown up suddenly. I don't
think any one can look realities in the face and remain young.

MARGARET. Well, because you are good.

BEATRICE. (Laughs) Good! Why, my entire mental life has been punctuated
with crime.

MARGARET. (At table R., with a slight smile) Now you're making fun of
yourself.

BEATRICE. It's true. How many times do you think I have murdered Aunt
Amelia? Even Hurley and the children haven't escaped me. There have
been occasions when I've dabbled in the blood of the entire family.
What time is it?

MARGARET. Half-past four.

BEATRICE. Half-past four! (Rises and crosses to MARGARET,) And you have
been walking about and wearing yourself out while I've been resting. I
feel ashamed. Do let me tuck you up in this nice chair and I'll keep
watch for the motor.

MARGARET. Thank you you are very sweet but I feel I couldn't rest I
don't seem to be able even to sit still. (Crosses to fireplace) I I
want my child.

BEATRICE. You have no faith, (c.)

MARGARET. Yes, yes, I have but I am a mother.

BEATRICE. It must be wonderful to be a mother.

MARGARET. (By fireplace) Yes, it's wonderful and beautiful; but I
suppose it's like everything else in life one pays for the joy with the
pain.

BEATRICE. (R. end of sofa L.) Miss Summers!

MARGARET. (Softly) Yes.

BEATRICE. I insist on your sitting down.

MARGARET. (Hesitating) I--I

BEATRICE. (In a tone of forced command) Come here! (MARGARET goes to
her) Sit there! (Indicating R. end of sofa. MARGARET smiles and obeys.
BEATRICE arranges a cushion behind her) There! (Pulls footstool out
from beneath sofa and places it for MARGARET) Put your feet on that.
(MARGARET does so) Now fold your hands and close your eyes. (MARGARET
does so. Slight pause. Suddenly two tears roll down MARGARET'S cheeks,
which BEATRICE wipes away with her hand) No you mustn't.

MARGARET. I won't I promise. It's only--

BEATRICE. Ssh! (Lays a hand on MARGARET'S arm. Slight pause)

MARGARET. I know I oughtn't to let you stay but

BEATRICE. (Sits L. arm of sofa) But you can't get rid of me. I've made
up my mind to stand by you, whether you like it or not, until Peter
brings your boy back.

MARGARET. Lady Hurley rang up again half an hour ago.

BEATRICE. What did the darling old thing say?

MARGARET. I began to tell her you were asleep, but she rang off
directly she heard my voice.

BEATRICE. Cat!

MARGARET. At least she's a consistent cat.

BEATRICE Oh, yes consistent to the death. With all her faults she's a
tremendous mother you know one of the aggressive ones. She'd mother the
entire human race if she could, and every one would have a beautiful
time I don't think! I'll bet anything she's dying to know if the child
is found. But do you think she'd ask you? Not for an empire!

MARGARET. Isn't that amazing?

BEATRICE. To me it's only Aunt Amelia.

(Enter PINE R.2E. Cross to above table L.)

PINE. Is there anything I can get you, miss?

BEATRICE. No, thank you. (As an excuse for lingering PINE folds the rug
that is lying on the arm-chair, then lays rug over back of chair L.C.)

PINE. I thought perhaps, miss, you would like some coffee.

BEATRICE. (Her hand on MARGARET'S shoulder) Would you? (MARGARET shakes
her head. NOTE: During all this part of the Act MARGARET is obviously
exercising great self-repression) No, thank you, Pine. We shall not
require anything till Mr. Waverton returns.

PINE. Excuse me, miss, but there's no knowing when that will be.
London's a big place the suburbs are still more hextensive and as for
the country--

BEATRICE. (Rises and crosses to R. end of sofa. Interrupting, as she
notices the ill effect PINE'S words have on MARGARET) Don't talk
nonsense! A well-dressed child with a tramp isn't likely to escape
notice.

PINE, (c.) Pardon me, miss, but if I may make so bold, this Burns was
dressed very respectable. He was apparelled in a suit of my own reduced
to size.

BEATRICE. (Anxious for MARGARET,) Very well, Pine, that will do.

PINE. Thank you, miss. (Starts to go, then hesitates and returns a few
paces) It's a consolation to those in service, miss, when duty done is
recognised.

BEATRICE. I'm sure it must be, Pine.

PINE. Thank you, miss. (Half goes; slight pause) Charity is a noble
thing, miss, and to see it misdirected into unworthy channels gives
pain to the deserving. (With a quick movement MARGARET lays her hand on
BEATRICE'S arm and gives her an entreating look)

BEATRICE. I told you, Pine, that you might go. (Speaking very firmly)

PINE. (Cowed) Yes, miss. (Exit PINE R.2E., closing the door after him)

BEATRICE. Idiot! (The telephone bell rings)

MARGARET. (Springing up) That must be Peter!

BEATRICE. (Crosses to telephone, takes receiver) Hello! (She listens)
No, it's only Aunt Amelia. (MARGARET, disappointed, walks to the
window up L. BEATRICE speaks into telephone) Yes, Aunt Amelia, it's
me I mean it's I. No, the child hasn't been brought back yet. (To
MARGARET) What did I tell you? but we're not worrying. We have every
faith in Peter. (Listening) Yes, and, as you say, in the police.
Everything will be all right. (Listens) Can't you? I'm sorry. Try
counting a flock of sheep going through a gate. (Listens) No, Auntie
dear, there's not the faintest use in sending for me. Here I stay until
Peter comes back. Meanwhile and always I remain, your ever loving niece
Beatrice. (Puts down receiver. MARGARET smiles) Ah, I've made you smile
at last! (She motions to MARGARET to chair L.C. MARGARET comes to
chair and sits. BEATRICE crosses to fireplace and pushes logs on fire
with her foot. Then she sits on piano stool, which has been left below
writing-table L.C.) And now that you're being very good I'll let you
talk about your boy. Of course he's beautiful.

MARGARET. People say he is

BEATRICE. Is there a picture of him here?

MARGARET. I have one. (She puts her hand to her locket)

BEATRICE. May I see it? (MARGARET takes off locket and chain. She is
about to hand them to BEATRICE but suddenly stops)

MARGARET. There is another picture here.

BEATRICE. (After a momentary pause) Well, of course it is one of Peter.
(The two girls look bravely at each other)

MARGARET. Yes.

BEATRICE. (In a soft voice and holding out her hand for the locket)
That's just as it should be.

MARGARET. (Impulsively she grasps BEATRICE'S hand) I I can't tell you
how sweet and generous I think you are to me.

BEATRICE. (Rises and crosses up c. a little) Why shouldn't I be?

MARGARET. Because I, unconsciously, have brought a shadow into your
life.

BEATRICE. (Crosses up c. and round top of writing-table and then down
to lamp on table) No, no believe me. For a moment I had a shock I
admit that, though I tried hard not to show it. It was the fault of a
foolish, ignorant bringing-up such as most girls have. But indeed it
was only for a moment. What has Peter's past or your past to do with
me? Who am I to judge? (At this moment she has opened the locket;
her tone entirely changes. Switches on lamp, after examining locket,
switches off light again) Oh, but what a beautiful child!

MARGARET. (Delighted) Do you think so? Really?

BEATRICE. Rather! He's simply ripping. I want to ask you something so
much.

MARGARET. You make me feel that I would tell you anything.

BEATRICE. (Slowly, as she kneels on sofa facing MARGARET,) When you got
your boy did you feel that you were compensated for all for everything
you had suffered? (Pause)

MARGARET. (Looking straight in front of her) I'll tell you, because it
was a wonderful thing a sort of miracle. I had had a terrible time and
I exaggerated my wrongs and felt that I was forsaken by God and man.
Then I lay for a time in a hospital and hoped I should die. In my soul
there was nothing but bitterness and revolt. I was a revolutionary a
shrieking sister, and on the white ceiling of the little room I saw
devils. Then came a climax of suffering and in the last conscious
moment I thought I was dying.

BEATRICE. And then?

MARGARET. (With a deep sigh) Then Little Peter woke me up. Oh, the
ecstasy of it! I wouldn't have changed places with any woman in the
world. Do you know I actually laughed aloud while the child slept
against my breast.

BEATRICE. (Perplexed) Why did you laugh?

MARGARET. To think that I had ever dreamed of any ambition but simply
to be a mother.

BEATRICE. (Looking at the picture in locket) Perhaps any woman who was
the mother of such a beautiful boy would feel like that. I wonder?
(Face front. Pause as she looks into the locket) There's a good deal of
likeness, don't you think?

MARGARET. Oh, yes.

BEATRICE. (Glancing at MARGARET unseen by her) Only the child is much
handsomer than the man.

MARGARET. (Gently) Perhaps that's only because he's at the pretty age.

BEATRICE. His features are much more regular.

MARGARET. Do you think so?

BEATRICE. And there's more sensibility and and a sort of added
refinement in his face.

MARGARET. But surely you would call Peter

(She stops)

BEATRICE. What? Handsome? (Gets off sofa and lays locket on
writing-table)

MARGARET. Well, I don't know. I suppose I am no judge.

BEATRICE. Perhaps you mean attractive. (Crosses round top of table.
Slight pause) Do you think Peter very attractive?

MARGARET. (Confused) I really

BEATRICE. (Impulsively) Don't answer. I'm a mean pig. Of course Peter
is as attractive as a man has any right to be. (Sits on edge of table
facing MARGARET) If you weren't such a splendid primitive creature
you'd have known I was setting a trap for you.

MARGARET. (Surprised) Setting a trap for me?

BEATRICE. Yes to find out if if you love Peter still.

MARGARET. (Rising and drawing away R.) Miss Dainton, I--

BEATRICE. (Sitting on table) Do you? (Slight pause) Of course you
needn't tell me unless you wish to.

MARGARET, (n.c.) I'd like to tell you but I--I can't.

BEATRICE. (Rises and goes to MARGARET,) What has Peter done that you
should have ceased to love him?

MARGARET. He has ceased to love me.

BEATRICE. How do you know?

MARGARET. (Rapidly) He's engaged to you you are suited to each other. I
am perfectly content. (Goes down to below table, then up R. to piano)
It takes more than I have gone through to knock the foolish pride out
of a stupid woman. Please don't say any more about it.

BEATRICE. (Crosses down L. a little. Reflectively) Why does any one
love any one, I wonder? Why do you love your boy outside your feelings
as a mother?

MARGARET. (Smiling. Comes down R.c) Because he's so young and so
old and so foolish and so wise and because he's such a lamb such an
absolute duck! And because (Three toots of a motor horn are heard.
BEATRICE rushes to the window. MARGARET clutches the back of chair R.C.
with one hand, and with the other covers her mouth to prevent herself
crying out)

BEATRICE. (In great excitement, looking out through the window) Yes,
there they are! There they are! And there's your child, asleep in
Peter's arms.

MARGARET. (Murmuring and half-fainting) Thank God! Oh, thank God!

BEATRICE. (Crosses down L. of MARGARET) There, there, my dear don't
faint after being so splendid. Think of it! Your beloved child asleep
in Peter's arms! And Peter is engaged to me! And you are perfectly
content! Well, I'll be blowed if I am! (They face each other) Oh, you
glorious liar! (The noise of outer door and many footsteps is heard.
Crosses R. to door R.IE.) 'Don't let Peter see how pale your cheeks
are! (Opens door. MARGARET, c., draws herself up by an effort of will
and recovers her strength. BEATRICE has left the windows curtains
half-drawn, and till the end of the play the grey morning light slowly
grows outside. Enter WAVERTON carrying LITTLE PETER in his arms. LITTLE
PETER is wrapped in the overcoat WAVERTON gave to BURNS and is asleep.
The speech and movements of them all just here should be very gentle.
WAVERTON goes to MARGARET, 'meeting her c. She takes the child gently
from his arms)

MARGARET. (Very simply) Thank you, Peter. (She carries LITTLE PETER to
the couch L. and lays him down. WAVERTON stands watching her as she
arranges a cushion under the child's head. BEATRICE goes to WAVERTON)

BEATRICE. (Her hand on PETER'S shoulder) Peter, dear old thing I'm so
glad.

WAVERTON. (L.C., grasps both her hands) You stuck to your post I knew
you would. (BEATRICE goes to the back of the couch and bends over to
look at the child. At a gesture from WAVERTON, PINE enters R.IE. and
comes to him and takes his overcoat) Bring Nighty and Burns here.

PINE. Yes, sir. (Slight hesitation) Did you wish me to communicate with
the police, sir?

WAVERTON. No. Word has been sent that the child is found.

PINE. I mean in respect to the man Burns, sir.

WAVERTON. (Firmly giving PINE a look) Do what I've told you. (WAVERTON
goes up R. to sideboard and mires a whisky and soda, which he drinks)

PINE. Certainly, sir. (Exit PINE R.U.E.)

BEATRICE. (Softly to MARGARET,) Yes, he's wonderful. I understand
better now, and perhaps if he were my own, my very own, There's
something in that, isn't there?

MARGARET. (Smiling) Oh yes, indeed, there's a great deal, in that.
Would you give me the rug? (BEATRICE motions to WAVERTON, who comes
down L.C. and hands her the rug, which is back of chair L.C. MARGARET
lifts LITTLE PETER out of the coat, which BEATRICE takes away,
replacing it on the sofa with the rug. BEATRICE throws BURNS' coat on
chair up L. MARGARET lays LITTLE PETER on the rug and throws the ends
over him. BEATRICE is behind sofa. WAVERTON by table L.c.J)

(Enter PINE, opening the door for BURNS and NIGHTY. PINE remains a
little behind the others. Leave door open. NIGHTY goes to WAVERTON,
L.C.J)

WAVERTON. You needn't go, Pine. PINE. (Who had no intention of going)
Thank you, sir.

(BURNS is standing below table R.C., twisting his cap in his hands.)

WAVERTON. (NIGHTY is R. of WAVERTON) Well, Nighty, give me the benefit
of your wisdom. What's to be done with Burns? Pine is for calling in
the police (BURNS gives PINE a look) but I don't think Pine has ever
suffered, and I distrust the judgment of those who have never suffered.

(They all speak in slightly lowered tones, as the child is asleep.)

NIGHTY. I never call in the police myself, guv'nor, till I've called
in everybody else. (Crosses to BURNS J) What have you got to say for
yourself, Burns? What made you up an' run off with the young gent?
(Pause BURNS is obstinately silent. NIGHTY crosses L.; a little aside
to WAVERTON) Never so much as opened 'is mouth in the motorcar.

WAVERTON. Is there anything at all to be done with him, do you think,
Nighty?

NIGHTY. 'Fraid not, guv'nor; not enough air, light, and water in
hinfancy. Excuse me, but that's a 'obby o' mine. An' then the breeding
was all wrong. (Crosses round top of table L. and down to behind
WAVERTON) Best let 'im go back to 'is own class. (Goes up L. a little)

WAVERTON. What do you say, Bee?

BEATRICE. (Behind writing-table) I can't help you, Peter, for I'm one
of those who have never suffered.

WAVERTON. (Looking at her keenly) You are sure?

BEATRICE. (Meeting his eyes firmly) Quite sure, Peter. (Goes down to
fireplace)

WAVERTON. And you, Margaret you Haven't the same excuse

MARGARET. I'm too happy to sit in judgment on any one, and I have to
thank Mr. Burns for lending my little boy his overcoat.

(WAVERTON and NIGHTY look at each other, smiling)

PINE. (Crosses c. above table R. to WAVERTON) Begging pardon for the
liberty, sir, but there are institootions for people like this poor
chap, provided for out of the rates.

WAVERTON. That will do, Pine.

PINE. Excuse me, sir, but--

WAVERTON. That will do. I don't think you can help us much. I'll ring
when I want you. Make some coffee.

PINE. (Looking rather outraged) Yes, sir. (He walks to the door R.2E.
with much dignity. Exit PINE)

BEATRICE. Where did they go to, Peter?

WAVERTON. (Sitting edge of table L.c) I gathered from Little Peter
before he fell asleep in my arms that they had promised themselves a
rabbit hunt.

BEATRICE. (By fireplace) A rabbit hunt? How fascinating!

NIGHTY. (UpL.) Couple of kids! (He smiles)

WAVERTON. I got on their track in Hammersmith, where they took the tram.

NIGHTY. I was always against them trams!

MARGARET. And where did you find them?

WAVERTON. In the neighbourhood of Hounslow. They were in a field
against a hayrick. Nighty spied them with the assistance of a motor
lamp. (Crosses round top of table to behind same)

NIGHTY. (Coming down L. a little) The young gentleman was sleeping
wrapped up in the overcoat with hay all round him. He was as snug as a
bug in a rug, ma'am.

(MARGARET and BEATRICE laugh at this, and, slightly confused, NIGHTY
retires up L., grinning foolishly)

MARGARET. (To WAVERTON,) And Mr. Burns?

WAVERTON. He was sitting up against the hayrick, also sleeping.

BURNS. (Suddenly breaking his long silence) I wasn't sleepin'. I was
thinkin'.

BEATRICE AND MARGARET. (Mildly surprised) Thinking!

NIGHTY. (Smiling indulgently) Thinking

(He looks at WAVERTON, amused at the idea of BURNS thinking)

WAVERTON. Thinking, Burns? What were you thinking of?

BURNS. (With suppressed passion, and with the laboured and painful
eloquence of a man who has never spoken at such length before) I was
thinkin' why carn't people let other people alone? You say you carn't
do nothin' with me. I say this (Crosses L.) "'Ooo arst ye to?" That
gent there (pointing a trembling hand at the door R.) 'e started it.
'E fetched me 'ere on my way to the Embankment, w'ere [where] I 'ave
a right an' w'en [when] I think I've fun' kine friends, 'e puts the
barber on me and takes the little gent away as if I was a dorg. W'y
couldn't yer leave me be? I wasn't beggin' I know the law an' I 'old
by it I was just walkin' along same as usual well, wot o' that? If
the passer-by give yer somethin' becorse 'e's sorry fer yer, wot 'arm
that's wot I arst wot 'arm? (Raising his voice slightly)

MARGARET. (Gently) No harm, Mr. Burns.

WAVERTON. Perhaps the passer-by is only sorry for himself, Burns.

NIGHTY. (A step towards BURNS, well up c., admonishingly to BURNS,) But
what about taking that young child away?

BURNS. (c.) Comin' to that wot I was thinkin', w'ich was that rabbits
was on'y an excuse in anger, and I take the young gent back in the
mornin' and arst to be let alone. An' now you got 'im back anyway, wot
I say is don't 'old no meetin's over me, but let me be. (Raising his
voice passionately) That's wot I say, let me be!

MARGARET. (Fearful that the noise will wake LITTLE PETER,) Ssh! Mr.
Burns! (She points to the child)

(BURNS' manner undergoes an entire change. All the passion seems to die
out of him. His face softens. He goes a few steps towards the sofa his
eyes on the child)

BURNS. (To MARGARET, in a hoarse whisper) 'E call me Samuel, 'e did!
That's what 'e called me. (He goes c.) Samuel! (He puts on his cap,
tucks his hands into the opposite sleeves and walks softly out. Exit
BURNS R.IE. The people on the stage are motionless until the click of
the outer door is heard. NIGHTY and WAVERTON exchange a look)

WAVERTON. (Crossed up L. and picks up BURNS' overcoat) Take him his
overcoat, Nighty. (NIGHTY takes overcoat) And tell him (He hesitates)

NIGHTY. Tell him what, guv'nor?

WAVERTON. Well, tell him to give us another trial sometime when things
are bad. (NIGHTY goes R.iE.J)

NIGHTY. (At door) Your servant, ladies! (Bows. Exit NIGHTY, R.IE.,
shutting door)

WAVERTON. (Going to back of chair L.C. and looking at the child) He's
all right, isn't he?

MARGARET. Quite all right, Peter not a bit feverish. (She is holding
one of LITTLE PETER'S hands)

WAVERTON. It's too early to take him home. You'd better tuck him up in
bed for a while.

(She lifts the child, leaving the rug on the sofa. BEATRICE crosses to
L. door and opens it; she kisses LITTLE PETER as he is carried out)

WAVERTON. Come back. (When MARGARET is at the door) PINE'S making
coffee. (Exit MARGARET carrying LITTLE PETER. WAVERTON sits in chair
by writing-table and lights a cigarette) Bee, you're a brick. However,
that's an old story.

BEATRICE. (Behind writing-table) Rot!

WAVERTON. I suppose I ought to take you home now.

BEATRICE. I'm not going yet.

WAVERTON. It's nearly five.

BEATRICE. (Takes cigarette from box on table) I often dance till six.
Besides, I find your domestic affairs exceedingly interesting.

WAVERTON. My dear, if I don't begin excusing, apologising and
explaining you must blame your own superior understanding.

BEATRICE. (Smiling, crosses round top of table to c.) That'll suit me,
old boy and all shall be forgiven if, without the kind permission of
Aunt Amelia, you will let me smoke one cigarette. (WAVERTON lights a
match, from which she lights a cigarette. Gives match back to WAVERTON.
She smokes appreciatively for a few moments, backs up a few steps and
leans against piano) Peter, old dear, it has been put about by various
authorities that every cloud has a silver lining.

WAVERTON. (Gravely) That is so.

BEATRICE. Now your silver lining is that I am peacefully smoking a
cigarette instead of being in hysterics on the floor.

WAVERTON. That's simply because you're Beatrice and no other.

BEATRICE. Oh, well, perhaps I'd better take all the praise you'll give
me, dear old thing. It's a great help. (Comes down c.) It's admitted
then, that I'm a fine creature. You're a judge of fine creatures,
Peter. That's a fine creature who just carried your child out of the
room.

WAVERTON. Yes.

BEATRICE. Fine in a finer way than I am.

WAVERTON. (Rising, going to her, and laying a hand on her shoulder)
Bee, dear, I doubt if there could be a finer way.

BEATRICE. (R.C.) Yes and she has it. You don't suppose I've been alone
with her for eight or ten hours without turning her inside out?

WAVERTON. (Smiling) No, I don't suppose that. (Goes down L.)

BEATRICE. (Leaning against table R.c.J) Peter, old dear, you'd best
prepare yourself for the worst. I'm going to give you the chuck.

WAVERTON. Beatrice!

BEATRICE. (Knocking the ash off her cigarette as she goes to stool
L.C.) Not in anger not in pique not even because it's much more blessed
to give the chuck than to receive it.

WAVERTON. (Standing R. of sofa, his R. foot on tool) My dear my dear!

BEATRICE. Oh, I know. It's inevitable anyway! (Her left hand is resting
on WAVERTON'S knee) You love me all right quite as well as is necessary
as well perhaps as most men love the woman they are going to marry
but you forget something that I haven't forgotten you told me when we
became engaged that you had loved before. This was the woman, wasn't
it? (She looks at him. He nods his head) What is between you two is a
bigger thing altogether. It's just a matter of Fate. She adores you
you're her God on earth. (He shakes his head and turns away) And you
you love her, Peter, you know you do. (Pause. She takes his chin in her
left hand and turns his face so that they face each other) And I know
you dare tell me the truth.

WAVERTON. (After a little pause, during which they look into each
other's eyes) Yes I love her.

BEATRICE. You dear, brave old thing! I knew I could trust you. Throw
this away for me. (He takes the stump of her cigarette and throws it
in the fireplace. She goes up to c. to hide her emotion, then to the
writing-table and sits on edge her left foot on stool) And don't you
run away with the idea that I don't love you, too. I do. I love you
because you are so young and so old, and so foolish, and so wise.
But there's nothing inevitable about it, and in any case we're quite
unsuited to each other.

WAVERTON. (Down L., protesting) Oh, come, my dear!

BEATRICE. Absolutely! Our tastes are quite unlike. You don't take
any interest in Society, and gossip, and scandal, but it all amuses
me vastly. I always have an awful good time, and the Duchess's love
affairs and what she will do now are matters of thrilling interest to
me.

WAVERTON. (Sits R. arm of sofa) Bee, Bee, you're slandering yourself.

BEATRICE. Not a bit! And when I marry it will be a man who shares my
tastes; a clean, well-built young fellow who dances well, wears nice
ties, and is a perfect devil on the golf links. I know dozens of 'em!
I shall marry a man I can make something out of good raw material. I
could never have made anything out of you, Peter, you're beyond me,
There's your real mate! Your Margaret! (She points L. then goes up R.)

WAVERTON. (Sits on stool, L.c) Bee, old dear, you are trying to marry
me to a woman who is engaged to another man. (BEATRICE indulges in a
rippling little laugh) What's the matter?

BEATRICE. Robinson you mean Henry Robinson! (She laughs again, the rug
trailing over her arm)

WAVERTON. I believe that is the name.

BEATRICE. (Coming a little down c.) I wouldn't worry about Harry if I
were you.

WAVERTON. Why not?

BEATRICE. (Coming back to him) Have you ever seen him?

WAVERTON. No, praise God!

BEATRICE. Have you ever heard ru's voice even on the telephone? Have
you ever seen his photograph, even in a snapshot? (She bends closer to
him and lowers her voice) Do you believe in him? (They look at each
other) I don't! (Back to chair R.c.)

WAVERTON. (Rises and goes to her, taking a deep breath and laying his
hands on her shoulders) Do you mean to say?

BEATRICE. You may kiss my forehead.

WAVERTON. You dear! (He kisses her. BEATRICE goes to door R.2E.)

WAVERTON. Where are you going?

BEATRICE. (Throws rug over shoulder) I'm being tactful. (Opens door
R.2E.) Also I'm going to have a little snooze in the library. Henry
Robinson! Old Harry! (A rippling laugh, on which exit BEATRICE. Her
laugh is still heard for a few moments after she has shut the door)

(Enter PINE R.IE. with small tray containing coffee. PINE looks very
cheerful. He places tray on table R.)

PINE. Coffee, sir and toast! (Exit PINE R.IE. WAVERTON goes towards the
fireplace. On the way he finds, where BEATRICE has left it, MARGARET'S
locket. He takes it up and goes to fireplace, putting locket in his
pocket)

(Enter MARGARET, L.)

WAVERTON. Would you give me a cup of coffee, Margaret?

MARGARET. (Crosses to table R. and pours out coffee) Where is Miss
Dainton?

WAVERTON. (R. end of sofa L.) She's lying down in the library.

MARGARET. She's been an angel to me.

WAVERTON. She is an angel.

MARGARET. She must be very tired.

WAVERTON. Not too tired to chuck me.

MARGARET. (Looking up, shocked and troubled) Chuck you?

WAVERTON. It's her word. It means to release, to repudiate, to go back
on, to throw over in fine, to break an engagement with. (He comes down
and sits on stool L.C., his back to her)

MARGARET. (Much disturbed, crosses c.) Peter she she can't mean it!
(Then stands behind him)

WAVERTON. Oh, yes it's final.

MARGARET. Was it was it through any fault of mine?

WAVERTON. Oh, dear no! She discovered we are unsuited. She's perfectly
right. The truth is I'm not good enough for her. I'm rather by way of
being generally out of it, Margaret and I don't think I'm very happy.

MARGARET. (Suffering for him, in a low voice) Not happy! Peter! (She
stretches out her hands, longing to place them on his head)

WAVERTON. I'm afraid I'm a human sort of person.

MARGARET. (To herself her hands at her breast) Oh, God!

WAVERTON. However, everybody else is happy. Beatrice is on the track of
a fine golfer and you have your Henry Thingamebob. (He rises. He raises
his voice and puts a fictitious courage into it) Here's your locket,
my dear. (Hands MARGARET locket, which she opens, his back is almost
turned to her. She puts locket in his hand. He slowly looks at it and
an expression of great relief and tenderness comes into his face) Why
why didn't you let me see before?

MARGARET. My wretched pride. I didn't think you wanted me, PeterJ

WAVERTON. (Falteringly) And and your Mr. Robinson?

MARGARET. Oh, Peter, I'm an awful liar and a wicked woman! There was
never any Henry Robinson. He was simply an invention. You wronged me
in believing me in thinking it possible that any other man could ever
enter my life! When I gave myself to you, it was for ever and ever
whether you cared or not whether you loved me or not whether you lived
or died. (WAVERTON, overcome, sinks on chair R. of desk) Oh Peter! How
could you doubt me? (She kneels at his feet) Why, I don't think I know
another man in the world even by sight!

WAVERTON. Margaret my love! Margaret! (He takes her closely in his arms)

SLOW CURTAIN.