Act I

SCENE

The Lady Bantock’s boudoir, Bantock Hall, Rutlandshire, a spacious room handsomely furnished (chiefly in the style of Louis the Fourteenth) and lighted by three high windows, facing the south-west.  A door between the fireplace and the windows leads to his lordship’s apartments.  A door the other side of the fireplace is the general entrance.  The door opposite the windows leads through her ladyship’s dressing-room into her ladyship’s bedroom.  Over the great fireplace hangs a full-length portrait of Constance, first Lady Bantock, by Hoppner.

The time is sunset of a day in early spring.  The youthful Lord Bantock is expected home with his newly wedded wife this evening; and the two Misses Wetherell, his aunts, have been busy decorating the room with flowers, and are nearing the end of their labours.  The two Misses Wetherell have grown so much alike it would be difficult for a stranger to tell one from the other; and to add to his confusion they have fallen into the habit of dressing much alike in a fashion of their own that went out long ago, while the hair of both is white, and even in their voices they have caught each other’s tones.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL [she has paused from her work and is looking out of the windows].  Such a lovely sunset, dear.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL [she leaves her work and joins her sister.  The two stand holding each other’s hands, looking out].  Beautiful!  [A silence.  The sun is streaming full into the room.]  You—you don’t think, dear, that this room—[she looks round it]—may possibly be a little too sunny to quite suit her?

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL [not at first understanding].  How, dear, too sun—[She grasps the meaning.]  You mean—you think that perhaps she does that sort of thing?

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  Well, dear, one is always given to understand that they do, women—ladies of her profession.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  It seems to me so wicked: painting God’s work.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  We mustn’t judge hardly, dear.  Besides, dear, we don’t know yet that she does.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  Perhaps she’s young, and hasn’t commenced it.  I fancy it’s only the older ones that do it.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  He didn’t mention her age, I remember.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  No, dear, but I feel she’s young.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  I do hope she is.  We may be able to mould her.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  We must be very sympathetic.  One can accomplish so much with sympathy.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  We must get to understand her.  [A sudden thought.]  Perhaps, dear, we may get to like her.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL [doubtful].  We might try, dear.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  For Vernon’s sake.  The poor boy seems so much in love with her.  We must—

Bennet has entered.  He is the butler.

BENNET.  Doctor Freemantle.  I have shown him into the library.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  Thank you, Bennet.  Will you please tell him that we shall be down in a few minutes?  I must just finish these flowers.  [She returns to the table.]

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  Why not ask him to come up here?  We could consult him—about the room.  He always knows everything.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  A good idea.  Please ask him, Bennet, if he would mind coming up to us here.  [Bennet, who has been piling up fresh logs upon the fire, turns to go.]  Oh, Bennet!  You will remind Charles to put a footwarmer in the carriage!

BENNET.  I will see to it myself.  [He goes out.]

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  Thank you, Bennet.  [To her sister]  One’s feet are always so cold after a railway journey.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  I’ve been told that, nowadays, they heat the carriages.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  Ah, it is an age of luxury!  I wish I knew which were her favourite flowers.  It is so nice to be greeted by one’s favourite flowers.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  I feel sure she loves lilies.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  And they are so appropriate to a bride.  So—

Announced by Bennet, Dr. Freemantle bustles in.  He is a dapper little man, clean-shaven, with quick brisk ways.

DR. FREEMANTLE [he shakes hands].  Well, and how are we this afternoon?  [He feels the pulse of the Younger Miss Wetherell]  Steadier.  Much steadier!  [of the Elder Miss Wetherell.]  Nervous tension greatly relieved.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  She has been sleeping much better.

DR. FREEMANTLE [he pats the hand of the Elder Miss Wetherell].  Excellent!  Excellent!

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  She ate a good breakfast this morning.

DR. FREEMANTLE [he pats the hand of the Younger Miss Wetherell].  Couldn’t have a better sign.  [He smiles from one to the other.]  Brain disturbance, caused by futile opposition to the inevitable, evidently abating.  One page Marcus Aurelius every morning before breakfast.  “Adapt thyself,” says Marcus Aurelius, “to the things with which thy lot has been cast.  Whatever happens—”

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  You see, doctor, it was all so sudden.

DR. FREEMANTLE.  The unexpected!  It has a way of taking us by surprise—bowling us over—completely.  Till we pull ourselves together.  Make the best of what can’t be helped—like brave, sweet gentlewomen.  [He presses their hands.  They are both wiping away a tear.]  When do you expect them?

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  To-night, by the half-past eight train.  We had a telegram this morning from Dover.

DR. FREEMANTLE.  Um! and this is to be her room?  [He takes it in.]  The noble and renowned Constance, friend and confidant of the elder Pitt, maker of history, first Lady Bantock—by Hoppner—always there to keep an eye on her, remind her of the family traditions.  Brilliant idea, brilliant!  [They are both smiling with pleasure.]

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  And you don’t think—it is what we wanted to ask you—that there is any fear of her finding it a little trying—the light?  You see, this is an exceptionally sunny room.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  And these actresses—if all one hears is true—

The dying sun is throwing his last beams across the room.

DR. FREEMANTLE.  Which, thank God, it isn’t.  [He seats himself in a large easy-chair.  The two ladies sit side by side on a settee.]  I’ll tell you just exactly what you’ve got to expect.  A lady—a few years older than the boy himself, but still young.  Exquisite figure; dressed—perhaps a trifle too regardless of expense.  Hair—maybe just a shade too golden.  All that can be altered.  Features—piquant, with expressive eyes, the use of which she probably understands, and an almost permanent smile, displaying an admirably preserved and remarkably even set of teeth.  But, above all, clever.  That’s our sheet-anchor.  The woman’s clever.  She will know how to adapt herself to her new position.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL [turning to her sister].  Yes, she must be clever to have obtained the position that she has.  [To the Doctor]  Vernon says that she was quite the chief attraction all this winter, in Paris.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  And the French public is so critical.

DR. FREEMANTLE [drily].  Um!  I was thinking rather of her cleverness in “landing” poor Vernon.  The lad’s not a fool.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  We must do her justice.  I think she was really in love with him.

DR. FREEMANTLE [still more drily].  Very possibly.  Most café-chantant singers, I take it, would be—with an English lord.  [He laughs.]

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  You see, she didn’t know he was a lord.

DR. FREEMANTLE.  Didn’t know—?

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  No.  She married him, thinking him to be a plain Mr. Wetherell, an artist.

DR. FREEMANTLE.  Where d’ye get all that from?

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  From Vernon himself.  You’ve got his last letter, dear.  [She has opened her chatelaine bag.]  Oh, no, I’ve got it myself.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  He’s not going to break it to her till they reach here this evening.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL [she reads].  Yes.  “I shall not break it to her before we reach home.  We were married quietly at the Hôtel de Ville, and she has no idea I am anything else than plain Vernon James Wetherell, a fellow-countryman of her own, and a fellow-artist.  The dear creature has never even inquired whether I am rich or poor.”  I like her for that.

DR. FREEMANTLE.  You mean to tell me—[He jumps up.  With his hands in his jacket pockets, he walks to and fro.]  I suppose it’s possible.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  You see, she isn’t the ordinary class of music-hall singer.

DR. FREEMANTLE.  I should say not.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  She comes of quite a good family.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  Her uncle was a bishop.

DR. FREEMANTLE.  Bishop?  Of where?

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL [with the letter].  He says he can’t spell it.  It’s somewhere in New Zealand.

DR. FREEMANTLE.  Do they have bishops over there?

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  Well, evidently.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  Then her cousin is a judge.

DR. FREEMANTLE.  In New Zealand?

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL [again referring to the letter].  No—in Ohio.

DR. FREEMANTLE.  Seems to have been a somewhat scattered family.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  People go about so much nowadays.

Mrs. Bennet has entered.  She is the housekeeper.

MRS. BENNET [she is about to speak to the Misses Wetherell; sees the Doctor].  Good afternoon, doctor.

DR. FREEMANTLE.  Afternoon, Mrs. Bennet.

MRS. BENNET [she turns to the Misses Wetherell, her watch in her hand].  I was thinking of having the fire lighted in her ladyship’s bedroom.  It is half past six.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  You are always so thoughtful.  She may be tired.

MRS. BENNET.  If so, everything will be quite ready.  [She goes out, closing door.]

DR. FREEMANTLE.  What do they think about it all—the Bennets?  You have told them?

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  We thought it better.  You see, one hardly regards them as servants.  They have been in the family so long.  Three generations of them.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  Really, since our poor dear brother’s death, Bennet has been more like the head of the house than the butler.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  Of course, he doesn’t say much.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  It is her having been on the stage that they feel so.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  You see, they have always been a religious family.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  Do you know, I really think they feel it more than we do.  I found Peggy crying about it yesterday, in the scullery.

DR. FREEMANTLE [he has been listening with a touch of amusement.]  Peggy Bennet?

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  Yes.  Charles Bennet’s daughter.

DR. FREEMANTLE.  Happen to have a servant about the place who isn’t a Bennet?

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  No, no, I don’t really think we have.  Oh, yes—that new girl Mrs. Bennet engaged last week for the dairy.  What is her name?

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  Arnold.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  Ah, yes, Arnold.

DR. FREEMANTLE.  Ah!

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  I think she’s a cousin, dear.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  Only a second cousin.

DR. FREEMANTLE.  Um!  Well I should tell the whole family to buck up.  Seems to me, from what you tell me, that their master is bringing them home a treasure.  [He shakes hands briskly with the ladies.]  May look in again to-morrow.  Don’t forget—one page Marcus Aurelius before breakfast—in case of need.  [He goes out.]

The sun has sunk.  The light is twilight.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  He always cheers one up.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  He’s so alive.  [Mrs. Bennet comes in from the dressing-room.  She leaves the door ajar.  The sound of a hammer is heard.  It ceases almost immediately.]  Oh, Mrs. Bennet, we were going to ask you—who is to be her ladyship’s maid?  Have you decided yet?

MRS. BENNET.  I have come to the conclusion—looking at the thing from every point of view—that Jane would be the best selection.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  Jane!

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  But does she understand the duties?

MRS. BENNET.  A lady’s maid, being so much alone with her mistress, is bound to have a certain amount of influence.  And Jane has exceptionally high principles.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  That is true, dear.

MRS. BENNET.  As regards the duties, she is very quick at learning anything new.  Of course, at first—

The sound of hammering again comes from the bedroom.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  Who is that hammering in her ladyship’s bedroom?

MRS. BENNET.  It is Bennet, Miss Edith.  We thought it might be helpful: a few texts, hung where they would always catch her ladyship’s eye.  [She notices the look of doubt.]  Nothing offensive.  Mere general exhortations such as could be read by any lady.  [The Misses Wetherell look at one another, but do not speak.]  I take it, dinner will be at half past seven, as usual?

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  Yes, Mrs. Bennet, thank you.  They will not be here till about nine.  They will probably prefer a little supper to themselves.

Mrs. Bennet goes out—on her way to the kitchen.  The Misses Wetherell look at one another again.  The hammering recommences.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL [she hesitates a moment, then goes to the open door and calls].  Bennet—Bennet!  [She returns and waits.  Bennet comes in.]  Oh, Bennet, your wife tells us you are putting up a few texts in her ladyship’s bedroom.

BENNET.  It seemed to me that a silent voice, speaking to her, as it were, from the wall—

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  It is so good of you—only, you—you will be careful there is nothing she could regard as a personal allusion.

BENNET.  Many of the most popular I was compelled to reject, purely for that reason.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  We felt sure we could trust to your discretion.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  You see, coming, as she does, from a good family—

BENNET.  It is that—I speak merely for myself—that gives me hope of reclaiming her.

A silence.  The two ladies, feeling a little helpless, again look at one another.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  We must be very sympathetic.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  And patient, Bennet.

BENNET.  It is what I am preparing myself to be.  Of course, if you think them inadvisable, I can take them down again.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  No, Bennet, oh no!  I should leave them up.  Very thoughtful of you, indeed.

BENNET.  It seemed to me one ought to leave no stone unturned.  [He returns to his labours in the bedroom.]

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL [after a pause].  I do hope she’ll like the Bennets.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  I think she will—after a time, when she is used to them.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  I am so anxious it should turn out well.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  I feel sure she’s a good woman.  Vernon would never have fallen in love with her if she hadn’t been good.  [They take each other’s hand, and sit side by side, as before, upon the settee.  The twilight has faded: only the faint firelight remains, surrounded by shadows.]  Do you remember, when he was a little mite, how he loved to play with your hair?  [The younger Miss Wetherell laughs.]  I always envied you your hair.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  He was so fond of us both.  Do you remember when he was recovering from the measles, his crying for us to bath him instead of Mrs. Bennet?  I have always reproached myself that we refused.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  He was such a big boy for his age.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  I think we might have stretched a point in a case of illness.

The room has grown very dark.  The door has been softly opened; Vernon and Fanny have entered noiselessly.  Fanny remains near the door hidden by a screen, Vernon has crept forward.  At this point the two ladies become aware that somebody is in the room.  They are alarmed.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  Who’s there?

VERNON.  It’s all right, aunt.  It’s only I.

The two ladies have risen.  They run forward, both take him in their arms.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  Vernon!

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  My dear boy!

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  But we didn’t expect you—

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  And your wife, dear?

VERNON.  She’s here!

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  Here?

Fanny, from behind the screen, laughs.

VERNON.  We’ll have some light.  [He whispers to them.]  Not a word—haven’t told her yet.  [Feeling his way to the wall, he turns on the electric light.]

Fanny is revealed, having slipped out from behind the screen.  There is a pause.  Vernon, standing near the fire, watches admiringly.

FANNY.  Hope you are going to like me.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  My dear, I am sure we shall.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  It is so easy to love the young and pretty.  [They have drawn close to her.  They seem to hesitate.]

FANNY [laughs].  It doesn’t come off, does it, Vernon, dear?  [Vernon laughs.  The two ladies, laughing, kiss her.]  I’m so glad you think I’m pretty.  As a matter of fact, I’m not.  There’s a certain charm about me, I admit.  It deceives people.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  We were afraid—you know, dear, boys—[she looks at Vernon and smiles] sometimes fall in love with women much older than themselves—especially women—[She grows confused.  She takes the girl’s hand.]  We are so relieved that you—that you are yourself, dear,

FANNY.  You were quite right, dear.  They are sweet.  Which is which?

VERNON [laughs].  Upon my word, I never can tell.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  Vernon!  And you know I was always your favourite!

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  Dear!

VERNON.  Then this is Aunt Alice.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  No dear, Edith.

[Vernon throws up his hands in despair.  They all laugh.]

FANNY.  I think I shall dress you differently; put you in blue and you in pink.  [She laughs.]  Is this the drawing-room?

VERNON.  Your room, dear.

FANNY.  I like a room where one can stretch one’s legs.  [She walks across it.]  A little too much desk [referring to a massive brass-bound desk, facing the three windows].

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  It belonged to the elder Pitt.

FANNY.  Um!  Suppose we must find a corner for it somewhere.  That’s a good picture.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  It is by Hoppner.

FANNY.  One of your artist friends?

VERNON.  Well—you see, dear, that’s a portrait of my great-grandmother, painted from life.

FANNY [she whistles].  I am awfully ignorant on some topics.  One good thing, I always was a quick study.  Not a bad-looking woman.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  We are very proud of her.  She was the first—

VERNON [hastily].  We will have her history some other time.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL [who understands, signs to her sister].  Of course.  She’s tired.  We are forgetting everything.  You will have some tea, won’t you, dear?

FANNY.  No, thanks.  We had tea in the train.  [With the more or less helpful assistance of Vernon she divests herself of her outdoor garments.]

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL [she holds up her hands in astonishment].  Tea in the train!

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  We were not expecting you so soon.  You said in your telegram—

VERNON.  Oh, it was raining in London.  We thought we would come straight on—leave our shopping for another day.

FANNY.  I believe you were glad it was raining.  Saved you such a lot of money.  Old Stingy!

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  Then did you walk from the station, dear?

FANNY.  Didn’t it seem a long way?  [She laughs up into his face.]  He was so bored.  [Vernon laughs.]

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  I had better tell—[She is going towards the bell.]

VERNON [he stops her].  Oh, let them alone.  Plenty of time for all that fuss.  [He puts them both gently side by side on the settee.]  Sit down and talk.  Haven’t I been clever?  [He puts his arm round Fanny, laughing.]  You thought I had made an ass of myself, didn’t you?  Did you get all my letters?

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  I think so, dear.

FANNY [she is sitting in an easy-chair.  Vernon seats himself on the arm].  Do you know I’ve never had a love-letter from you?

VERNON.  You gave me no time.  She met me a month ago, and married me last week.

FANNY.  It was quick work.  He came—he saw—I conquered!  [Laughs.]

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  They say that love at first sight is often the most lasting.

VERNON [he puts his arm around her].  You are sure you will never regret having given up the stage?  The excitement, the—

FANNY.  The excitement!  Do you know what an actress’s life always seemed to me like?  Dancing on a tight-rope with everybody throwing stones at you.  One soon gets tired of that sort of excitement.  Oh, I was never in love with the stage.  Had to do something for a living.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  It must be a hard life for a woman.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  Especially for anyone not brought up to it.

FANNY.  You see, I had a good voice and what I suppose you might call a natural talent for acting.  It seemed the easiest thing.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  I suppose your family were very much opposed to it?  [Vernon rises.  He stands with his back to the fire.]

FANNY.  My family?  Hadn’t any!

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  No family?

Bennet enters.  Vernon and Fanny left the door open.  He halts, framed by the doorway.

FANNY.  No.  You see, I was an only child.  My father and mother both died before I was fourteen.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  But your uncle?

FANNY.  Oh, him!  It was to get away from him and all that crew that I went on the stage.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  It is so sad when relations don’t get on together.

FANNY.  Sadder still when they think they’ve got a right to trample on you, just because you happen to be an orphan and—I don’t want to talk about my relations.  I want to forget them.  I stood them for nearly six months.  I don’t want to be reminded of them.  I want to forget that they ever existed.  I want to forget—

Bennet has come down very quietly.  Fanny, from where he stands, is the only one who sees him.  He stands looking at her, his features, as ever, immovable.  At sight of him her eyes and mouth open wider and wider.  The words die away from her tongue.  Vernon has turned away to put a log on the fire, and so has not seen her expression—only hears her sudden silence.  He looks up and sees Bennet.

VERNON.  Ah, Bennet!  [He advances, holding out his hand.]  You quite well?

BENNET [shaking hands with him].  Quite well.

VERNON.  Good!  And all the family?

BENNET.  Nothing to complain of.  Charles has had a touch of influenza.

VERNON.  Ah, sorry to hear that.

BENNET.  And your lordship?

VERNON.  Fit as a fiddle—your new mistress.

Fanny has risen.  Bennet turns to her.  For a moment his back is towards the other three.  Fanny alone sees his face.

BENNET.  We shall endeavour to do our duty to her ladyship.  [He turns to Vernon.]  I had arranged for a more fitting reception—

VERNON.  To tell the honest truth, Bennet, the very thing we were afraid of—why we walked from the station, and slipped in by the side door.  [Laughing.]  Has the luggage come?

BENNET.  It has just arrived.  It was about that I came to ask.  I could not understand—

The Misses Wetherell have also risen.  Fanny’s speechless amazement is attributed by them and Vernon to natural astonishment at discovery of his rank.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  You will be wanting a quiet talk together.  We shall see you at dinner.

VERNON.  What time is dinner?

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL.  Half past seven.  [To Fanny]  But don’t you hurry, dear.  I will tell cook to delay it a little.  [She kisses her.]

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL.  You will want some time to arrange that pretty hair of yours.  [She also kisses the passive, speechless Fanny.  They go out hand in hand.]

BENNET.  I will see, while I am here, that your lordship’s room is in order.

VERNON.  Why, where’s Robert, then?

BENNET.  He has gone into town to do some shopping.  We did not expect your lordship much before nine.  There may be one or two things to see to.  [He goes into his lordship’s apartments, closing the door behind him.]

FANNY.  Vernon, where am I?

VERNON.  At home, dear.

FANNY.  Yes, but where?

VERNON.  At Bantock Hall, Rutlandshire.  [Fanny sits down on the settee—drops down rather.]  You’re not angry with me?  You know how the world always talks in these cases.  I wanted to be able to prove to them all that you married me for myself.  Not because I was Lord Bantock.  Can you forgive me?

FANNY [she still seems in a dream].  Yes—of course.  You didn’t—you wouldn’t—[She suddenly springs up.]  Vernon, you do love me?  [She flings her arms round his neck.]

VERNON.  Dear!

FANNY.  You will never be ashamed of me?

VERNON.  Dearest!

FANNY.  I was only a music-hall singer.  There’s no getting over it, you know.

VERNON.  I should have loved you had you been a beggar-maid.

FANNY [she still clings to him].  With an uncle a costermonger, and an aunt who sold matches.  It wouldn’t have made any difference to you, would it?  You didn’t marry me for my family, did you?  You didn’t, did you?

VERNON.  Darling!  I married you because you are the most fascinating, the most lovable, the most wonderful little woman in the world.  [Fanny gives a sob.]  As for your family—I’ve got a confession to make to you, dear.  I made inquiries about your family before I proposed to you.  Not for my own sake—because I knew I’d have to answer a lot of stupid questions.  It seemed to me quite a good family.

FANNY.  It is!  Oh, it is!  There never was such a respectable family.  That’s why I never could get on with them.

VERNON [laughing].  Well, you haven’t got to—any more.  We needn’t even let them know—

Bennet returns.

BENNET.  Robert I find has returned.  It is ten minutes to seven.

VERNON.  Thanks.  Well, I shall be glad of a bath.  [He turns to Fanny.]  Bennet will send your maid to you.  [He whispers to her.]  You’ll soon get used to it all.  As for the confounded family—we will forget all about them.  [Fanny answers with another little stifled sob.  Bennet is drawing the curtains, his back to the room.  Vernon, seeing that Bennet is occupied, kisses the unresponsive Fanny and goes out.]

At the sound of the closing of the door, Fanny looks up.  She goes to the door through which Vernon has just passed, listens a moment, then returns.  Bennet calmly finishes the drawing of the curtains.  Then he, too, crosses slowly till he and Fanny are facing one another across the centre of the room.

FANNY.  Well, what are you going to do?

BENNET.  My duty!

FANNY.  What’s that?  Something unpleasant, I know.  I can bet my bottom dollar.

BENNET.  That, my girl, will depend upon you.

FANNY.  How upon me?

BENNET.  Whether you prove an easy or a difficult subject.  To fit you for your position, a certain amount of training will, I fancy, be necessary.

FANNY.  Training!  I’m to be—[She draws herself up.]  Are you aware who I am?

BENNET.  Oh yes.  And who you were.  His lordship, I take it, would hardly relish the discovery that he had married his butler’s niece.  He might consider the situation awkward.

FANNY.  And who’s going to train me?

BENNET.  I am.  With the assistance of your aunt and such other members of your family as I consider can be trusted.

FANNY [for a moment she is speechless, then she bursts out].  That ends it!  I shall tell him!  I shall tell him this very moment.  [She sweeps towards the door.]

BENNET.  At this moment you will most likely find his lordship in his bath.

FANNY.  I don’t care!  Do you think—do you think for a moment that I’m going to allow myself—I, Lady Bantock, to be—[Her hand upon the door.]  I shall tell him, and you’ll only have yourself to blame.  He loves me.  He loves me for myself.  I shall tell him the whole truth, and ask him to give you all the sack.

BENNET.  You’re not forgetting that you’ve already told him once who you were?

[It stops her.  What she really did was to leave the marriage arrangements in the hands of her business manager, George P. Newte.  As agent for a music-hall star, he is ideal, but it is possible that in answering Lord Bantock’s inquiries concerning Fanny’s antecedents he may not have kept strictly to the truth.]

FANNY.  I never did.  I’ve never told him anything about my family.

BENNET.  Curious.  I was given to understand it was rather a classy affair.

FANNY.  I can’t help what other people may have done.  Because some silly idiot of a man may possibly—[She will try a new tack.  She leaves the door and comes to him.]  Uncle, dear, wouldn’t it be simpler for you all to go away?  He’s awfully fond of me.  He’ll do anything I ask him.  I could merely say that I didn’t like you and get him to pension you off.  You and aunt could have a little roadside inn somewhere—with ivy.

BENNET.  Seeing that together with the stables and the garden there are twenty-three of us—

FANNY.  No, of course, he couldn’t pension you all.  You couldn’t expect—

BENNET.  I think his lordship might prefer to leave things as they are.  Good servants nowadays are not so easily replaced.  And neither your aunt nor I are at an age when change appeals to one.

FANNY.  You see, it’s almost bound to creep out sooner or later, and then—

BENNET.  We will make it as late as possible [He crosses and rings the bell], giving you time to prove to his lordship that you are not incapable of learning.

FANNY [she drops back on the settee.  She is half-crying.]  Some people would be pleased that their niece had married well.

BENNET.  I am old-fashioned enough to think also of my duty to those I serve.  If his lordship has done me the honour to marry my niece, the least I can is to see to it that she brings no discredit to his name.  [Mrs. Bennet, followed by Jane Bennet, a severe-looking woman of middle age, has entered upon the words “the least I can do.”  Bennet stays them a moment with his hand while he finishes.  Then he turns to his wife.]  You will be interested to find, Susannah, that the new Lady Bantock is not a stranger.

MRS. BENNET.  Not a stranger!  [She has reached a position from where she sees the girl.]  Fanny!  You wicked girl!  Where have you been all these years?

BENNET [interposing].  There will be other opportunities for the discussion of family differences.  Just now, her ladyship is waiting to dress for dinner.

MRS. BENNET [sneering].  Her ladyship!

JANE [also sneering].  I think she might have forewarned us of the honour in store for us.

MRS. BENNET.  Yes, why didn’t she write?

FANNY.  Because I didn’t know.  Do you think—[she rises]—that if I had I would ever have married him—to be brought back here and put in this ridiculous position?  Do you think that I am so fond of you all that I couldn’t keep away from you, at any price?

MRS. BENNET.  But you must have known that Lord Bantock—

FANNY.  I didn’t know he was Lord Bantock.  I only knew him as Mr. Wetherell, an artist.  He wanted to feel sure that I was marrying him for himself alone.  He never told me—[Ernest Bennet, a very young footman, has entered in answer to Bennet’s ring of a minute ago.  He has come forward step by step, staring all the while open-mouthed at Fanny.  Turning, she sees him beside her.]  Hulloa, Ernie.  How are the rabbits?  [She kisses him.]

BENNET.  Don’t stand there gaping.  I rang for some wood.  Tell your brother dinner will be at a quarter to eight.

Ernest, never speaking, still staring at Fanny, gets clumsily out again.

FANNY.  Well, I suppose I’d better see about dressing?  Do I dine with his lordship or in the servants’ hall?

MRS. BENNET [turns to her husband].  You see!  Still the old impertinence.

FANNY.  Only wanted to know.  My only desire is to give satisfaction.

BENNET [he moves towards the door].  You will do it by treating the matter more seriously.  At dinner, by keeping your eye upon me, you will be able to tell whether you are behaving yourself or not.

MRS. BENNET.  And mind you are punctual.  I have appointed Jane to be your maid.

FANNY.  Jane!

MRS. BENNET [in arms].  Have you any objections?

FANNY.  No, oh no, so long as you’re all satisfied.

MRS. BENNET.  Remember, you are no longer on the music-hall stage.  In dressing for Bantock Hall you will do well to follow her advice.

Bennet, who has been waiting with the door in his hand, goes out; Mrs. Bennet follows.

JANE [in the tones of a patient executioner].  Are you ready?

FANNY.  Quite ready, dear.  Of course—I don’t know what you will think of them—but I’ve only brought modern costumes with me.

JANE [not a lady who understands satire].  We must do the best we can.  [She marches out—into the dressing-room.]

Fanny, after following a few steps, stops and thinks.  Ernest has entered with the wood.  He is piling it in the basket by the fire.  His entrance decides her.  She glances through the open door of the dressing-room, then flies across to the desk, seats herself, and begins feverishly to write a telegram.

FANNY.  Ernie!  [He comes across to her.]  Have you still got your bicycle?

ERNEST.  Yes.

FANNY.  Could you get this telegram off for me before eight o’clock?  I don’t want it sent from the village; I want you to take it yourself—into the town.  There’s a sovereign for you if you do it all right.

ERNEST.  I’ll do it.  Can only get into a row.

FANNY.  Pretty used to them, ain’t you?  [She has risen.  She gives him the telegram.  She has stamped it.]  Can you read it?

ERNEST.  “George P. Newte.”

FANNY.  Hush!

They both glance at the open door.

ERNEST [he continues in a lower voice].  “72A, Waterloo Bridge Road, London.  Must see you at once.  Am at the new shop.”  [He looks up.]

FANNY.  That’s all right.

ERNEST.  “Come down.  Q.T.  Fanny.”

FANNY [nods].  Get off quietly.  I’ll see you again—

THE VOICE OF JANE [from the dressing-room].  Are you going to keep me waiting all night?

[They start.  Ernest hastily thrusts the telegram into his breast-pocket.]

FANNY.  Coming, dear, coming.  [To Ernest]  Not a word to anyone!  [She hurries him out and closes door behind him.]  Merely been putting the room a bit tidy.  [She is flying round collecting her outdoor garments.]  Thought it would please you.  So sorry if I’ve kept you waiting.  [Jane has appeared at door.]  After you, dear.

Jane goes out again.  Fanny, with her pile of luggage, follows.

[CURTAIN]