ACT II

The scene is the garden of the Consular Agent's residence. It is an Eastern garden with palm-trees, magnolias, and flowering bushes of azaleas. On one side is an old Arabic well-head decorated with verses from the Koran; a yellow rambler grows over the ironwork above. Rose-trees are in full bloom. On the other side are basket chairs and a table. At the bottom of the garden runs the Nile and on the farther bank are lines of palm-trees and the Eastern sky. It is towards evening and during the act the sun gradually sets.

The table is set out with tea-things. Anne is seated reading a book. The gardener in his blue gaberdine, with brown legs and the little round cap of the Egyptian workman, is watering the flowers. Christina comes in.

Anne.

[Looking up, with a smile.] Ah, Christina!

Christina.

I was told I should find you here. I came to see Violet, but I hear she hasn't come back yet.

Anne.

She was going to see the Khedive's mother.

Christina.

I think I'll wait for her.

Anne.

Would you like tea? I was waiting till Violet came in. I expect she's been made to eat all sorts of sweet things and she'll want a cup of tea to take the taste out of her mouth.

Christina.

No, don't have it brought for me.... I can never quite get over being treated as a guest in the house I was mistress of for so many years. [To the Gardener.] Imshi (Get out).

Gardener.

Dêtak sa 'ideh (May thy night be happy).

[He goes out.]

Anne.

Your knowledge of Arabic is rather sketchy, Christina.

Christina.

I never see why I should trouble myself with strange languages. If foreigners want to talk to me they can talk to me in English.

Anne.

But surely when we're out of our own country we're foreigners.

Christina.

Nonsense, Anne, we're English. I wonder Arthur allows Violet to learn Arabic. I can't help thinking it'll make a bad impression on the natives. I managed this house on fifty words of Arabic.

Anne.

[Smiling.] I'm convinced that on a hundred you'd be prepared to manage the country.

Christina.

I don't think you can deny that I did my work here competently.

Anne.

You're a wonderful housekeeper.

Christina.

I have common sense and a talent for organisation. [Pursing her lips.] It breaks my heart to see the way certain things are done here now.

Anne.

You must remember Violet is very young.

Christina.

Much too young to be a suitable wife for Arthur.

Anne.

He seems to be very well satisfied, and after all he is the person most concerned.

Christina.

I know. His infatuation is—blind, don't you think?

Anne.

[Coolly.] I think it's very delightful to see two people so much in love with one another.

Christina.

D'you know that I used to be fearfully jealous of you, Anne?

Anne.

[Amused.] I know that you thoroughly disliked me, Christina. You didn't trouble to hide it.

Christina.

I was always afraid that Arthur would marry you. I didn't want to be turned out of this house. I suppose you think that's horrid of me.

Anne.

No, I think it's very natural.

Christina.

I didn't see why Arthur should marry. I gave him all the comforts of home life. And I thought it would interfere with his work. Of course I knew that he liked you. I suffered agonies when he used to go and dine with you quietly. [With a sniff.] He said it rested him.

Anne.

Perhaps it did. Did you grudge him that?

Christina.

I knew you were desperately in love with him.

Anne.

Need you throw that in my face now? Really, I haven't deserved it.

Christina.

My dear, I wish he had married you. It never struck me he'd marry a girl twenty years younger than himself.

Anne.

He never looked upon me as anything but a friend. I don't suppose it occurred to him for an instant that my feeling might possibly be different.

Christina.

It was stupid of me. I ought to have given him a hint.

Anne.

[With a smile.] You took care not to do that, Christina. Perhaps you knew that was all it wanted.

Christina.

[Reflectively.] I don't think he's treated you very well.

Anne.

Nonsense. A man isn't obliged to marry a woman just because she's in love with him. I don't see why loving should give one a claim on the person one loves.

Christina.

You would have made him a splendid wife.

Anne.

So will Violet, my dear. Most men have the wives they deserve.

Christina.

I marvel at your kindness to her. You're so tolerant and sympathetic, one would never imagine she's robbed you of what you wanted most in the world.

Anne.

I shouldn't respect myself very much if I bore her the shadow of a grudge. I'm so glad that she's sweet and charming and ingenuous; it makes it very easy to be fond of her.

Christina.

I know. I wanted to dislike her. But I can't really. There is something about her which disarms one.

Anne.

Isn't it lucky? It's a difficult position. That irresistible charm of hers will make everything possible. After all, you and I can agree in that we both want Arthur to be happy.

Christina.

I wonder if there's much chance of that.

[Anne looks at her for a moment inquiringly, and Christina coolly returns the stare.]

Anne.

Why did you come here this afternoon, Christina?

Christina.

[With a faint smile.] Why did you take so much trouble to get your brother moved to Paris?

Anne.

Good heavens, I told you this morning.

Christina.

D'you think we need make pretences with one another?

Anne.

I don't think I quite understand.

Christina.

Don't you? You wanted Ronny to leave Egypt because you know he's in love with Violet.

[For a moment Anne is a little taken aback, but she quickly recovers herself.]

Anne.

He's very susceptible. He's always falling in and out of love. I had noticed that he was attracted, and I confess I thought it better to put him out of harm's way.

Christina.

How cunning you are, Anne! You won't admit anything till you're quite certain the person you're talking to knows it. You know as well as I do that Violet is just as much in love with him.

Anne.

[Much disturbed.] Christina, what are you going to do? How could I help knowing? You've only got to see the way they look at one another. They're sick with love.

Christina.

What did Arthur expect? I've never seen a couple more admirably suited to one another.

Anne.

I thought no one knew but me till this morning, when you were talking to Arthur. Then I thought you must know too. My heart was in my mouth, I was afraid you were going to tell him. But you didn't, and I thought I'd been mistaken.

Christina.

You didn't give me credit for very nice feeling, Anne. Because I didn't act like a perfect beast you thought I must be a perfect fool.

Anne.

I know how devoted you are to your son. I didn't believe you'd stick at anything when his interests were at stake. I'm sorry, Christina.

Christina.

Pray don't apologise. I didn't know it myself. It was on the tip of my tongue to tell Arthur, but I simply couldn't. I couldn't do anything so shabby.

Anne.

Oh, Christina, we mustn't ever let him know, we can't make him so miserable. It would break his heart.

Christina.

Well, what is to be done?

Anne.

Heaven knows. I've been racking my brains. I can think of nothing. I'd arranged everything so beautifully. And now I'm helpless. I thought even of going to Ronny and asking him to refuse any job that will keep him here. But Arthur looks upon it as so important. He'll insist on Ronny's accepting unless his reasons for going are—what's the word I want?

Christina.

Irrefutable. It seems very hard that my boy should be done out of such a splendid chance by Ronny. Except for your brother I'm sure Arthur would give it to Henry.

Anne.

[Diplomatically.] I know he has the highest opinion of Henry's abilities.

Christina.

You can't expect me to sit still and let things go on.

Anne.

Arthur is perfectly unconscious. He thinks Violet is as much in love with him as he is with her. You couldn't be so cruel as to hint anything to him.

Christina.

How you adore him, Anne! You may set your mind at rest. I'm not going to say a word to Arthur. I'm going to speak to Violet.

Anne.

[Frightened.] What are you going to say?

Christina.

I'm going to ask her to do all she can to persuade Arthur to give Henry the job. And then Ronny can go to Paris.

Anne.

You're not going to tell her you know?

Christina.

[Deliberately.] If it's necessary she must make Ronny refuse the appointment. He must invent some excuse that Arthur will accept.

Anne.

But it's blackmail.

Christina.

I don't care what it is.

[Violet comes in. She wears an afternoon gown, picturesque and simple, yet elegant enough for the visit she has been paying. She has a large hat, which she presently removes.]

Anne.

Here is Violet.

Violet.

Oh, you poor people, haven't you had any tea?

Anne.

I thought we'd wait till you came back. It'll come at once now.

Violet.

How are you, Christina? How is Henry? [They kiss one another.] I've not seen him for days.

Christina.

He's coming to fetch me presently.

Violet.

I shall tell him he neglects me. He's the only one of my in-laws I'm not a little afraid of.

Christina.

He's a good boy.

Violet.

He has a good mother. I thought it would be such fun having a nephew several years older than myself, but he won't treat me as an aunt. He will call me Violet. I tell him he ought to be more respectful.

[Meanwhile Servants have brought the tea.]

Christina.

What have you been doing this afternoon?

Violet.

Oh, I went to see the Khedive's mother. She made me eat seventeen different things and I feel exactly like a boa-constrictor. [Looking at the cakes and scones.] I'm afraid there's not a very nice tea.

Christina.

So I notice.

Violet.

[With a smile.] I suppose I couldn't persuade you to pour it out.

Christina.

[Gratified.] Certainly, if you wish it.

[She sits down in front of the teapot and pours out cups of tea. Arthur comes in.]

Arthur.

Hulloa, Christina, are you pouring out the tea?

Christina.

Violet asked me to.

Violet.

If only I weren't here it would be quite like old times.

Arthur.

I understand you want to see me, Violet.

Violet.

Oh, I hope you haven't come out here on purpose. I sent the message that I wished to have a word with you when convenient, but I didn't want to hurry you. I was quite prepared to go to you.

Arthur.

That sounds very formidable. I had a few minutes to spare while some letters were being prepared for me to sign. But in any case I'm always at your service.

Violet.

The Khedive's mother has asked me to talk to you about a man called Abdul Said.

Arthur.

Oh!

Violet.

She thought if I put the circumstances before you....

Arthur.

[Interrupting.] What has he got to do with her?

Violet.

He's been employed for years on an estate of hers up the Nile. His mother was one of her maids. It appears she gave her a dowry when she married.

Arthur.

[Smiling.] I see. I gathered that Abdul Said had powerful influence somewhere or other.

Christina.

Who is this man, Arthur?

Arthur.

He's been sentenced to death for murder. It was a perfectly clear case, but there was a lot of perjury and we had some difficulty in getting a conviction. What has the Princess asked you to do?

Violet.

She explained the whole thing to me, and then she asked if I wouldn't intercede with you. I promised to do everything I could.

Arthur.

You shouldn't have done that. The old lady knows quite well an affair of this sort is no business of yours. I wish you'd told her so.

Violet.

Arthur, what could I do? His wife was there, and his mother. If you'd seen them.... I couldn't bear to look at their misery and do nothing. I said I was sure that when you knew all the facts you'd reprieve the man.

Arthur.

It's not in my power to do anything of the sort. The prerogative of mercy is with the Khedive.

Violet.

I know, but if you advise him to exercise it he will. He's only too anxious to, but he won't move without your advice.

Arthur.

It's monstrous of the Princess to try and make use of you in this way. She prepared a complete trap for you.

Anne.

What did the man do exactly?

Arthur.

It's rather a peculiar case. Abdul Said had a difference of opinion with an Armenian merchant and shortly after his only son fell ill and died. He took it into his head that the Armenian had cast the evil eye on him, and he took his gun, waited for his opportunity, and shot the Armenian dead. The man isn't a criminal in the ordinary sense of the word, but we can't afford to make exceptions. If we did there'd be a crop of murders with the same excuse. I looked into the case this morning and I see no reason to advise the Khedive to interfere with the course of justice.

Violet.

This morning? When you came in to luncheon full of spirits, laughing and chaffing, had you just sent a man to his death? How horribly callous!

Arthur.

I'm sorry you should think that. I give every matter my closest attention, and when I've settled it to the best of my ability I put it out of my mind. I think it would be just as unwise to let it affect me as for a doctor to let himself be affected by his patients' sufferings.

Violet.

It seems to me horrible to slaughter that wretched man because he's ignorant and simple-minded. Don't you see that for yourself?

Arthur.

I'm afraid I'm not here to interpret the law according to my feelings but according to its own spirit.

Violet.

It's easy to talk like that when you haven't got any feeling one way or the other. Don't you realise the misery of that man condemned to die for what he honestly thought was a mere act of justice? I wish you'd seen the agony of those poor women. And now they're more or less happy because I promised to help them. The Princess told them I had influence with you. If she only knew!

Arthur.

You should never have been put in such a position. It was grossly unfair. I'll take care that nothing of the sort occurs again.

Violet.

D'you mean to say you'll do nothing? Won't you even go into the matter again—with a little sympathy?

Arthur.

I can't!

Violet.

It's the first thing I've ever asked you, Arthur.

Arthur.

I know. I'm only sorry that I must refuse you.

Violet.

This is the first sentence of death in Egypt since our marriage. Don't you know what it would mean to me to think I'd saved a man's life? The Khedive is waiting to sign the reprieve. It only requires a word from you. Won't you say it? I feel that the gratitude of these poor women may be like a blessing on us.

Arthur.

My dear, I think my duty is very clear. I must do it.

Violet.

It's clear because all that grief means nothing to you. What do you care if a man is hanged whom you've never even seen? I wonder if you'd find it so easy to do your duty in a matter that affected you. If it meant misery or happiness to you. It's easy to do one's duty when one doesn't care.

Arthur.

You're quite right. That is the test: if one can do one's duty when it means the loss of all one holds dear and valuable in the world.

Violet.

I hope you'll never be put to it.

Arthur.

[With a chuckle.] My dear, you say that as though you hoped precisely the contrary.

Violet.

Must I write to the Princess and say I was entirely mistaken, and I have no more influence over you than a tripper at Shepheard's Hotel?

Arthur.

I'd sooner you didn't write to her at all. I will have a message conveyed which you may be sure will save you from any humiliation.

Violet.

[Icily.] I'm afraid you have a lot of business; you mustn't let me keep you.

[He looks at her reflectively for a moment and then goes out. There is an awkward silence.]

Violet.

Those good people we had to luncheon to-day would be amused to see what the power amounts to that they congratulated me on.

Christina.

There's very little that Arthur would refuse you. He'd do practically anything in the world to please you.

Violet.

It'll be a long time before I ask him to do anything else.

Christina.

Don't say that, Violet. Because I came here to-day on purpose to ask you to use your influence with him.

Violet.

You see how much I have.

Christina.

That was a matter of principle. Men are always funny about principles. You can never get them to understand that circumstances alter cases.

Violet.

Arthur looks upon me as a child. After all, it's not my fault that I'm twenty years younger than he is.

Christina.

I want your help so badly, Violet. And you know, the fact that Arthur has just refused to do something for you is just the reason that will make him anxious to do anything you ask now.

Violet.

I don't want to expose myself to the humiliation of another refusal.

Christina.

It's so important to me. It may mean all the difference to Henry's future.

Violet.

[With a change of manner, charmingly.] Oh! I'd love to do anything I could for Henry.

Christina.

The Khedive has asked Arthur for an English secretary. It seems to me that Henry has every possible qualification, but you know what Arthur is; he's terrified of the least suspicion of favouring his friends and relations.

Violet.

My dear Christina, what can I do? Arthur would merely tell me to mind my own business.

Christina.

He wants to give the post to Ronald Parry....

Violet.

[Quickly.] Ronny? But Ronny's going to Paris. It's all arranged.

Christina.

It was. But Arthur thinks it essential that he should stay in Egypt.

Violet.

Did you know this, Anne?

Anne.

Not till just now.

Violet.

Does Ronny know?

Anne.

I don't think so.

[Violet is aghast. She does all she can to hide her agitation. The two women watch her, Christina with cold curiosity, Anne with embarrassment.]

Violet.

I'm ... I'm awfully surprised. It's only an hour or two ago that Ronny and I bade one another a pathetic farewell.

Christina.

Really? But there was never any talk of his going till the day after to-morrow. You were in a great hurry with your leave-takings.

Violet.

I thought he'd be busy packing and that I mightn't have another chance.

Christina.

You've been so intimate, I'm sure he would have been able to snatch a moment to say good-bye to you and Arthur before his train started.

[Violet does not quite know what this speech means. She gives Christina a look. Anne comes to the rescue quickly.]

Anne.

Ronny has been acting as Violet's secretary to a certain extent. I expect they had all sorts of little secrets together that they wanted to discuss in private.

Christina.

Of course. That's very natural. [With great friendliness.] If I thought I were robbing you of anyone who was indispensable to you I wouldn't ask you to put in a good word for Henry. But, of course, if Ronald became the Khedive's secretary he couldn't exactly continue to write letters and pay bills for you, could he?

Violet.

I'm rather taken aback. I'd got it fixed in my head that Ronny was going.

Christina.

I can promise you that in helping Henry you're not doing any harm to Ronald. Anne is very anxious that he should leave Egypt. Isn't that so?

Anne.

In a way. Henry is proposing to spend the rest of his official life in Egypt. An appointment like this is naturally more important to him than it would be to Ronny, who is by way of being a bird of passage.

Christina.

Exactly. Ronny has had his experience here. If he stayed longer it would only be waste of time. Anne naturally wants to have him near her. I daresay she's a little afraid of his getting into mischief here.

Anne.

I don't know about that, Christina.

Christina.

My dear, you know how susceptible he is. There's always the possibility that he'll fall in love with someone who isn't very desirable.

Violet.

I've got an awful headache.

Christina.

Why don't you take a little aspirin? I'm quite sure that if you set your mind to it you can persuade Arthur to give the job to Henry. And that would settle everything.

Violet.

And if I can't persuade him?

Christina.

Then you must put it to Ronny.

Violet.

I?

Christina.

You see, if he refused the appointment and left Egypt, then I'm convinced Arthur would accept Henry.

Violet.

Why should I put it to Ronny?

Christina.

[Pleasantly.] You've been so very friendly, haven't you? If you suggested to him that ... he's standing in Henry's way....

Violet.

I should have thought it was for Anne to do that.

Christina.

How simple-minded you are! A man will often do for a pretty woman what he won't do for his sister.

Violet.

You want me to make him go?

Christina.

Don't you think yourself that would be the very best thing ... for all parties?

[Violet and Christina look steadily at one another. Violet sinks her eyes. She knows that Christina is aware of her love. She is terrified. Ronald comes in. He is in the highest spirits.]

Ronny.

I've been sent to have a cup of tea. Sir Arthur is coming along in a minute. I've got some news. I'm staying in Egypt. Isn't it splendid?

[Violet gives a little gasp.]

Violet.

Is it settled then?

Ronny.

Did you know? I thought it would be a surprise.

Violet.

No. I've just heard.

Ronny.

Isn't it magnificent?

Christina.

You're very changeable. It's only a few months ago that you were constantly telling Henry you'd had enough of the country.

Ronny.

Never. I love it. I should like to stay here all my life.

Christina.

Fancy that!

Ronny.

[Addressing himself to Violet.] It would be madness to leave a place where you're so happy, wouldn't it? I feel so intensely alive here. It's a wonderful country. One lives every minute of the day.

Christina.

You're so enthusiastic. One would almost think you'd fallen in love.

Violet.

Ronny is naturally enthusiastic.

Ronny.

[To Christina.] And why shouldn't I have fallen in love?

Christina.

Won't you tell us who with?

Ronny.

[With a chuckle.] I was only joking. Isn't it enough to have a splendid job in a country where there's so much hope? Sir Arthur has given me a marvellous opportunity. It'll be my fault if I don't make the most of it.

Christina.

[Dryly.] Shall I give you a cup of tea?

Ronny.

[Chaffing her.] D'you think I want calming down? I feel like a prisoner who was going to be hanged and has just had a free pardon. I don't want to be calmed down. I want to revel in my freedom.

Christina.

All that means, I take it, that you don't want tea.

Ronny.

It's no good trying to snub me. I'm unsnubable to-day. You haven't congratulated me, Anne.

Anne.

My dear, you've been talking nineteen to the dozen. I've not had the chance to get a word in edgeways.

Ronny.

[To Violet.] Will you put my name back on your list for that dinner? It would have broken my heart to miss it.

Violet.

Your official position rather alters things, doesn't it? I would never dare to ask you now just to make an even number.

Ronny.

Oh, well, I'm sending out the invitations. I shall write a formal letter to myself, explaining the circumstances, and I daresay I shall see my way to accept.

Christina.

Dear Ronald, you might be eighteen.

[Arthur comes in with Henry Pritchard. This is Christina's son, a pleasant, clean young man, but in no way remarkable.]

Arthur.

Henry tells me he's come to fetch you away, Christina.

Christina.

So you lose not a moment in bringing him here.

Arthur.

Really, Christina, you do me an injustice. I can't bear to think you should be parted from your precious boy an instant longer than necessary.

Henry.

[Shaking hands with Violet.] How is my stately aunt?

Violet.

Merry and bright, thank you.

Henry.

You know I'm having a birthday soon, don't you?

Violet.

What of it?

Henry.

I've always been given to understand that aunts give their nephews ten shillings on their birthday.

Violet.

Do they? I am glad. I'd love to press ten shillings into your willing hand.

Henry.

Halloa, Ronny. Lucky devil. I congratulate you.

Ronny.

That's awfully good of you, old man.

Arthur.

On what? Christina!

Christina.

I told Henry. I didn't think it would matter, I thought it better that he should know.

Henry.

I say, Uncle Arthur, I'm afraid mother has been giving you a rotten time. It's not my fault, you know.

Arthur.

What isn't?

Henry.

Well, when mother told me at luncheon that the Khedive had applied for an English secretary, I saw by the beady look in her eye that if I didn't get the job she was going to make things unpleasant for somebody.

Christina.

Really, Henry, I don't know what you mean.

Henry.

Well, mother, you're an old dear....

Christina.

Not so old either.

Arthur.

Certainly not, Henry. Let us have none of your nonsense.

Henry.

But you know perfectly well that you'd cheerfully bring the British Empire tumbling about our ears if you could get me a good fat billet by doing so.

Arthur.

Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings....

Christina.

You've got no right to say that, Henry. I've never asked anything for you that it wasn't practically your right to have.

Henry.

Well, mother, between you and me I don't mind telling you that Ronny is much more suited to this particular job than I am. Only a perfect fool would have hesitated, and for the honour of the family we can't suspect Uncle Arthur of being that.

Arthur.

You see what comes of bringing up a boy properly, Christina; you've made him a decent fellow in spite of yourself.

Christina.

You're a tiresome creature, Henry, but I'm attached to you. You may kiss me.

Henry.

Come along, Mother. I'm not going to kiss you in public.

Christina.

[Getting up.] Well, good-bye, Violet. Don't forget our little conversation, will you?

Violet.

Good-bye. Good-bye, Henry.

Christina.

[To Anne.] Why don't you come for a little drive with us? It's such a beautiful evening.

Anne.

Will you take me? I think I'd like it. It won't take me a minute to put on my hat.

[She gets up. They start to walk towards the house.]

Christina.

[Putting up her cheek.] Good-bye, Arthur.

Arthur.

Oh, I'll just come along and put you in your carriage. You shan't say that I don't treat you with the ceremony due to your importance.

[They saunter off. Violet and Ronny are left alone.]

Violet.

You're coming back, Arthur?

Arthur.

Oh, yes, in a minute. [Exit.]

Ronny.

[Under his breath.] Violet.

Violet.

Be quiet.

Ronny.

Isn't it ripping? I could hardly prevent myself from letting them see how much I loved you.

Violet.

You didn't. Christina suspected before and now you've told her in plain words.

Ronny.

[Gaily.] That's only your fancy. You think because it's plain to you it must be plain to anybody else.

Violet.

I've never before had anything to hide. D'you think I like it?

Ronny.

And even if she does know, what does it matter? It does her no harm.... And how could anyone help loving you?

Violet.

[Quickly.] Take care what you say.

Ronny.

No one can hear. To look at us anyone would think we were discussing the political situation.

Violet.

You're cunning, Ronny.

Ronny.

I love you. I love you. I love you.

Violet.

For God's sake don't keep on saying it. I'm so ashamed.

Ronny.

[Astonished.] What about?

Violet.

Just now, this afternoon, I would never have said what I did only I thought you were going. I wasn't myself then, Ronny. I ought never to have....

Ronny.

Thank God you did. You can't grudge me the happiness you gave me. You can't take it away from me now. I know you love me. I hold the sun and the moon in my hands and all the stars of heaven.

Violet.

[Desperately.] What are we going to do? Oh, it's not fair to me.

Ronny.

It's done now. You can't unsay it. Each time I look at you I shall remember. I've held you in my arms and kissed your lips. You can never take that away from me. And I needn't go. I shall see you constantly. Oh, I'm so happy.

[She walks up and down for a moment, trying to control herself, then she makes up her mind: she stops and faces him.]

Violet.

I want you to go, Ronny. I want you to make some excuse and refuse the appointment here.

Ronny.

No, I can't leave you now.

Violet.

I beseech you to go.

Ronny.

Do you want me to?

Violet.

Yes.

Ronny.

Give me your hand, then.

Violet.

Why?

Ronny.

Give me your hand. [She gives it him and he holds it.] Say you love me, Violet.

Violet.

No.

Ronny.

How cold your hand is!

Violet.

Let me go.

Ronny.

D'you really want me to go?

Violet.

You know I don't. I adore you. It'll kill me if you go. [He bends down and passionately kisses her hand.] Ronny, Ronny, don't! What are you doing? [She tears her hand away. She is trembling with emotion. He is white and cold with passion. They sit opposite one another for a while in silence.] What a punishment! When you told me this afternoon that you loved me I thought I'd never been happy in my life before, and though it tore my heart to think that you must go I felt—oh, I don't know—as though my joy was so overwhelming, there was no room in my heart for anything else. And now I'm wretched, wretched.

Ronny.

But why? Darling! My darling, we were going to be parted, and now we're going to be together. Can anything matter beside that?

Violet.

It's all so hopeless.

Ronny.

It needn't be.

Violet.

How can it be anything else?

Ronny.

I don't love you for a day or a week, Violet; I love you for always.

Violet.

Whatever happens, I'm going to try to do my duty to Arthur.

Ronny.

I'm not seeking to prevent you. What am I asking for? I only want to see you. I want to know that I'm close to you. I want to touch your hand. I want to think of you. What harm can that do you?

Violet.

If I were my own mistress I could laugh and let you do as you choose. But I'm not. I'm bound to you hand and foot. It's torture to me. And the worst of it is I love my bonds. I can't wish to be without them. I'm at your mercy, Ronny. I love you.

Ronny.

Oh, but that's enough for me. I swear to you I don't want you to do anything that you'll ever regret.

Violet.

If it could only be taken out of our hands. If something would only happen.

Ronny.

What can happen?

Violet.

Perhaps the Khedive will change his mind. Perhaps the Foreign Office will say you must go to Paris.

Ronny.

Would you be pleased? Violet, I want so little from you. How can it hurt you to give me that? Let us give ourselves a chance to be happy.

Violet.

We shall never be happy. Never. The only thing we can do is to part, and I can't let you go. I can't. I can't. It's asking too much of me.

Ronny.

I love you with all my heart and soul. I didn't know it was possible to love anyone as I love you.

[Arthur is heard gaily whistling to himself.]

Violet.

There's Arthur!

Ronny.

[Quickly.] Shall I go?

Violet.

Yes. No. Have we got to hide ourselves? Has it come to that already? Oh, I hate myself.

[Arthur comes in.]

Violet.

[Brightly.] You're very gay this afternoon, Arthur. One doesn't often hear you whistle.

Arthur.

D'you think it's unbecoming to my years or to my dignity?

Violet.

Shall I give you a cup of tea?

Arthur.

To tell you the honest truth that is what I came here for.

Violet.

And I was flattering myself it was for the pleasure of my company.

Arthur.

Ronny, will you find out if it would be convenient for the Khedive to see me at eleven o'clock to-morrow?

Ronny.

Very good, sir.

[He goes out.]

Violet.

What have you to see the Khedive about—if it isn't a secret?

Arthur.

Not at all. I'm merely going to place before him Ronny's name.

Violet.

Then the matter's not definitely settled yet?

Arthur.

Not formally. I've not had the reply yet to my telegram to the Foreign Office, and I've not had the Khedive's acceptance of my suggestion.

Violet.

But supposing the Foreign Office say they think he'd better go to Paris after all?

Arthur.

I think it's most unlikely. They know by now that the man on the spot is the best judge of the circumstances, and I've accustomed them to giving me a free hand.

Violet.

And you think the Khedive will raise no objection?

Arthur.

He knows Ronny a little and likes him. I think he'll be delighted with my choice.

[There is a pause. Arthur drinks his tea. There is no sign that he is conscious of Violet's agitation. She is tortured by indecision.]

Violet.

Arthur, I'm sorry if I was cross just now about Abdul Said. It was stupid of me to interfere with something that wasn't my business.

Arthur.

Oh, my dear, don't say that. I'm sorry I couldn't do what you wanted.

Violet.

I made myself needlessly disagreeable. Will you forgive me?

Arthur.

Darling, don't reproach yourself. That's more than I can bear. There's nothing to forgive.

Violet.

I owe so much to you. I hate to think that I was horrid.

Arthur.

You don't owe anything to me at all. And you're incapable of being horrid.

[He seizes her hands and is about to kiss them, when she draws them abruptly away.]

Violet.

No, don't kiss my hands.

Arthur.

Why not?

[He is surprised. For an instant she is taken aback. He looks at her hands and she withdraws them as though he could see on them the kisses which Ronny, a few minutes before, had pressed on them.]

Violet.

[With the faintest laugh of embarrassment.] If you want to kiss me I prefer you to kiss my cheeks.

Arthur.

That is evidently what they're made for.

[He does not attempt to kiss them. She gives him a quick glance and looks away.]

Violet.

Arthur, I'm afraid Christina will be awfully disappointed at Henry's not getting that job.

Arthur.

Let us hope she will bear her disappointment with as much fortitude as I do.

Violet.

I don't think she's entirely given up hope that you will change your mind.

Arthur.

[With a chuckle.] I'm sure of that. I don't expect to have much peace till the matter is officially settled. That is why I mean to settle it quickly.

Violet.

What is your objection to Henry?

Arthur.

None. He's not such a good man as Ronald Parry, that's all.

Violet.

The last time there was a good job going Henry just missed getting it.

Arthur.

Henry is one of those men who would do very well for a job if there weren't always somebody just a little bit better applying at the same time.

Violet.

Christina thinks you're so anxious not to favour him because he's your nephew that you are positively biassed against him.

Arthur.

Christina, like the majority of her sex, has an unerring eye for the discreditable motive.

Violet.

She blames me because you won't help Henry. She thinks it's because I'm jealous of her.

Arthur.

How exactly like her! The best mother and the most unreasonable woman I've ever known.

Violet.

[Forcing the words out.] It would be a great pleasure to me if you could change your mind and let Henry have the post instead of Ronald Parry.

Arthur.

Oh, my dear, don't ask me to do that. You know how I hate refusing to do anything you wish.

Violet.

Anne is so anxious that Ronny should go to Paris. He's made all his preparations, don't you think you might just as well let him go?

Arthur.

I'm afraid I don't. I want him here.

Violet.

It would be such a joy to me if I could go and tell Christina that you'd consented. It would make such a difference to me, you see. I want her to be fond of me, and I know she'd never forget if I'd been able to do her a good turn like that. Oh, Arthur, won't you?

Arthur.

Darling, I'm afraid I can't.

Violet.

I promise I'll never ask you anything again as long as I live if you'll only do this for me. It means so much to me. You don't know how much.

Arthur.

I can't, Violet.

Violet.

Won't you talk it over with Anne?

Arthur.

To tell you the truth I don't think it's any business of hers.

Violet.

[Hesitatingly.] Is it due to her influence that Ronald was appointed to Paris?

Arthur.

Why?

Violet.

I want to know. If she's been pulling strings to get him moved I suppose it's for some reason. He was very comfortable here. It's not often you find a secretary who exactly suits you.

Arthur.

Well, yes, it was her doing. She tells me she doesn't mean to come to Egypt so much as in the past and wants her brother nearer to her.

Violet.

If she wants to see much of her brother she let him choose rather an unfortunate profession.... I wonder she didn't tell you the truth.

Arthur.

[Quickly.] I'm convinced she did. I thought her explanation very natural. I'm sorry it's necessary for me to interfere with her plans.

Violet.

I'm sure she wouldn't mind my telling you why she's so anxious Ronny should leave Egypt. She thinks he's in love with a married woman and it seems desirable to get him away. Perhaps she didn't want to tell you. I fancy she's been very uneasy about it.

Arthur.

I daresay it's only a momentary infatuation. Let us hope he will get over it quickly. I can't lose a useful public servant because he happens to have formed an unfortunate attachment.

Violet.

I'm afraid I'm not explaining myself very well. Ronny is desperately in love. There's no other way of putting it. You must let him go. After all, you're very fond of him, you've known him since he was a small boy; it isn't as though he were a stray young man sent you by the Foreign Office. You can't be entirely indifferent to him. Perhaps his welfare is at stake. Don't you think it's wiser—it's only kind—to send him out of harm's way.

Arthur.

My dear, you know that I—Arthur Little—would do anything to please you and that I care very much for the happiness of Anne and the welfare of Ronald Parry. But, you see, I'm an official too, and the official can't do all sorts of things that the man would be very glad to.

Violet.

How can you separate the official and the man? The official can't do things that the man disapproves.

Arthur.

Ah! that's a point that has been discussed ever since states came into being. Are the rules of private morality binding on the statesman? In theory most of us answer yes, but in practice very few act on that principle. In this case, darling, it hardly applies. I see no conflict between the man and the official.

Violet.

You think it doesn't really concern you, Arthur?

Arthur.

I've not said that. But I'm not going to let an appeal to my emotions interfere with my judgment. I think I understand the situation. I'm not proposing to change my mind. I shall present Ronny's name to the Khedive to-morrow.

Violet.

D'you think me very stupid, Arthur?

Arthur.

Not at all, darling. Only a clever woman could achieve your beauty.

Violet.

Then doesn't it occur to you that if I've made such a point of Ronny's going it must be for some very good reason?

Arthur.

[With a quick look at her.] Don't you think we'd better leave that subject alone, darling?

Violet.

I'm afraid you'll think it silly and vain of me to say so, but I think you should know that—that Ronny's in love with me. That is why I want him to go.

Arthur.

It's very natural that he should be in love with you. I'm always surprised that everybody else isn't. I don't see how I can prevent that except by taking you to live in the depths of the Sahara.

Violet.

Don't make light of it, Arthur. It wasn't very easy for me to tell you.

Arthur.

How do you wish me to take it? I can't blame Ronald. He's by way of being a gentleman. I've been good to him. He'll make the best of a bad job.

Violet.

D'you mean to say that it makes no difference to you?

Arthur.

This secretaryship is a stepping-stone to a very important position. You're not going to ask me to rob him of it because he's done something so very natural as to fall in love with the most charming woman in Egypt? I imagine that all my secretaries will fall in love with you. Poor devils, I don't see how they can be expected to help it.

Violet.

You drive me mad. It's so serious, it's so tremendously serious, and you have the heart to make little jokes about it.

Arthur.

[Gravely.] Has it ever struck you that flippancy is often the best way of dealing with a serious situation? Sometimes it's really too serious to be taken seriously.

Violet.

What do you mean by that?

Arthur.

Nothing very much. I was excusing myself for my ill-timed jests.

Violet.

You're determined to keep Ronny here?

Arthur.

Quite. [There is a pause. Arthur gets up and puts his hand on her shoulder.] I don't think there's anything more to say. If you will forgive me I will get back to the office.

Violet.

No, don't go yet, Arthur. There's something more I want to say to you.

Arthur.

Will you allow me to advise you not to? It's so easy to say too much; it's never unwise to say too little. I beseech you not to say anything that we should both of us regret.

Violet.

You think it's unimportant if Ronny loves me, because you trust me implicitly.

Arthur.

Implicitly.

Violet.

Has it never occurred to you that I might be influenced by his love against my will? Do you think it's so very safe?

Arthur.

If I allowed any doubt on that matter to enter my head I should surely be quite unworthy of your affection.

Violet.

Arthur, I don't want to have any secrets from you.

Arthur.

[Trying to stop her.] Don't, Violet. I don't want you to go on.

Violet.

I must now.

Arthur.

Oh, my dear, don't you see that things said can never be taken back. We may both know something....

Violet.

[Interrupting.] What do you mean?

Arthur.

But so long as we don't tell one another we can ignore it. If certain words pass our lips then the situation is entirely changed.

Violet.

You're frightening me.

Arthur.

I don't wish to do that. Only you can tell me nothing that I don't know. But if you tell me you may do irreparable harm.

Violet.

D'you mean to say you know? Oh, it's impossible. Arthur, Arthur, I can't help it. I must tell you. It burns my heart. I love Ronny with all my body and soul.

[There is a pause while they look at one another.]

Arthur.

Did you think I didn't know?

Violet.

Then why did you offer him the job?

Arthur.

I had to.

Violet.

No one could have blamed you if you had suggested Henry.

Arthur.

My dear, I'm paid a very considerable salary. It would surely be taking money under false pretences if I didn't do my work to the best of my ability.

Violet.

It may mean happiness or misery to all three of us.

Arthur.

I must take the risk of that. You see, Ronny is cut out for this particular position. It's only common honesty to give it him.

Violet.

Don't you love me any more?

Arthur.

Don't ask me that, Violet. You know I love you with all my heart.

Violet.

Then I can't understand.

Arthur.

You don't think I want him to stay, do you? When the telegram came from the Foreign Office ordering him to Paris my middle-aged heart simply leapt for joy. Do you think I didn't see all the advantages he had over me? He seemed to have so much to offer you and I so little.

Violet.

Oh, Arthur!

Arthur.

But if he went away I thought presently you'd forget him. I thought if I were very kind to you and tolerant, and if I asked nothing more from you than you were prepared to give I might in time make you feel towards me, not love perhaps, but tenderness and affection. That was all I could hope for, but that would have made me very happy. Then the Khedive asked for an English secretary, and I knew Ronny was the only man for it. You see, I've been at this work so long, the official in me makes decisions almost mechanically.

Violet.

And supposing they break the heart of the man in you?

Arthur.

[Smiling.] By a merciful interposition of Providence we all seem to have just enough strength to bear the burdens that are placed on us.

Violet.

D'you think so?

Arthur.

You like the rest of us, Violet.

Violet.

How long have you known I loved him?

Arthur.

Always. I think perhaps I knew before you did.

Violet.

Why didn't you do something?

Arthur.

Will you tell me what there was to do?

Violet.

Aren't you angry with us?

Arthur.

I should be a fool to be that. It seems to me so natural, so horribly natural. He's young and nice-looking and cheery. It seems to me now inevitable that you should have fallen in love with him. You might be made for one another.

Violet.

Oh, do you see that?

Arthur.

It had struck you too, had it? I suppose it's obvious to anyone who takes the trouble to think about it. [She does not answer.] Haven't you wished with all your heart that you'd met him first? Don't you hate me now because I married you? [She looks away.] My dear child, I'm so sorry for you. I've been very grateful for your kindness to me during the last month or two. I've seen you try to be loving to me and affectionate. I've been so anxious to tell you not to force yourself, because I understood and you mustn't be unhappy about me. But I didn't know how. I could only make myself as little troublesome as possible.

Violet.

You've been immensely good to me, Arthur.

Arthur.

That's the least you had a right to expect of me. I did you a great wrong in marrying you. I knew you didn't love me. You were dazzled by the circumstances. You didn't know what marriage was and how irksome it must be unless love makes its constraints sweeter than freedom. But I adored you. I thought love would come. With all my heart I ask you to forgive me.

Violet.

Oh, Arthur, don't talk like that. You know I was so happy to marry you. I thought you wonderful, I was so excited and flattered—I thought that was love. I never knew that love would come like this. If I'd only known what to expect I could have fought against it. It took me unawares. I never had a chance. It wasn't my fault, Arthur.

Arthur.

I'm not blaming you, darling.

Violet.

It would be easier for me if you did.

Arthur.

It's just bad luck. Bad luck? I might have expected it.

Violet.

Still, I'm glad I've told you. I hated having a secret from you. It's better that we should be frank with one another.

Arthur.

If I can help you in any way I'm glad too that you've told me.

Violet.

What is to be done?

Arthur.

There's nothing to be done.

Violet.

Arthur, until to-day Ronny and I have never exchanged a word that anyone might not have heard. I was happy to be with him, I knew he liked me, I was quite satisfied with that. But when I heard that he was going away suddenly everything was changed. I felt I couldn't bear to let him go. Oh, I'm so ashamed, Arthur.

Arthur.

Dear child!

Violet.

I don't know how it happened. He told me he loved me. He didn't mean to. Don't think he's been disloyal to you, Arthur. We were both so upset. It was just as much my fault as his. I couldn't help letting him see how much he meant to me. We thought we were never going to see one another again. He took me in his arms and held me in them. I was so happy and so miserable. I never thought life could mean so much.

Arthur.

And just now when you were alone he kissed your hands.

Violet.

How do you know?

Arthur.

When I wanted to kiss them you withdrew them. You couldn't bear that I should touch them. You felt on them still the pressure of his lips.

Violet.

I couldn't help it. He was beside himself with joy because he needn't go. I don't want to love him, Arthur. I want to love you. I've tried so desperately hard.

Arthur.

My dear, one either loves or one doesn't. I'm afraid trying doesn't do much good.

Violet.

If he stays here I shall have to see him constantly. I shan't have a chance to get over it. Oh, I can't. I can't. It's intolerable. Have pity on me.

Arthur.

I'm afraid you'll be very unhappy. But you see, something more than your happiness is at stake. A little while ago you said you wanted to do more for your country than you did. Does it strike you that you can do something for it now?

Violet.

I?

Arthur.

We all want to do great and heroic things, but generally we can only do very modest ones. D'you think we ought to shirk them?

Violet.

I don't understand.

Arthur.

Ronny can be of infinite value here. You can't help your feelings for him. I can't bring myself to blame you. But you are mistress of your words and your actions. What are we to do? You wouldn't wish me to resign when my work here is but half done. We must make the best of the position. Remember that all of us here, you more than most women, because you're my wife, work for the common cause by our lives and the example we set. At all costs we must seem honest, straightforward, and without reproach. And one finds by experience that it's much less trouble to be a thing than only to seem it. There's only one way in which we can avoid reproach and that is by being irreproachable.

Violet.

You mean that it's necessary for the country that Ronny and you should stay here? And if my heart breaks it doesn't matter. I thought I was doing so much in asking you to send him away. Don't you know that with all my heart I wanted him to stay? D'you know what I feel, Arthur? I can't think of anything else. I'm obsessed by a hungry longing for him. Till to-day I could have borne it. But now ... I feel his arms about me every moment, and his kisses on my lips. You can't know the rapture and the torture and the ecstasy that consume me.

Arthur.

Oh, my dear, do you think I don't know what love is?

Violet.

I want to do the right thing, Arthur, but you mustn't ask too much of me. If I've got to treat him as a casual friend, I can't go on seeing him. I can't, Arthur, I can't! If he must stay then let me go.

Arthur.

Never! I think, even if it weren't necessary, I should make him stay now. You and I are not people to run away from danger. After all, we're not obliged to yield to our passions—we can control them if we want to. For your own sake you must stay, Violet.

Violet.

And if I break, I break.

Arthur.

It's only the worthless who are broken by unhappiness. If you have faith and courage and honesty unhappiness can only make you stronger.

Violet.

Have you thought of yourself, Arthur? What will you feel when you see him with me? What will you suspect when you're working in your office and don't know where I am?

Arthur.

I shall know that you are unhappy, and I shall feel the most tender compassion for you.

Violet.

You're exposing me to a temptation that I want with all my heart to yield to. What is there to hold me back? Only the thought that I must do my duty to you. What is there to reward me? Only the idea that perhaps I'm doing a little something for the country.

Arthur.

I put myself in your hands, Violet. I shall never suspect that you can do anything, not that I should reproach you for—I will never reproach you—but that you may reproach yourself for.

[A pause.]

Violet.

Just now, when we were talking of Abdul Said, I asked if you could do your duty when it was a matter that affected you, if it meant misery or happiness to you, I said.

Arthur.

My dear, duty is rather a forbidding word. Let us say that I—want to earn my screw.

Violet.

You must have thought me very silly. I said I hoped you'd never be put to the test, and the test had come already, and you never hesitated.

Arthur.

These things are very much a matter of habit, you know.

Violet.

What you can do I can do too, Arthur—if you believe in me.

Arthur.

Of course I believe in you.

Violet.

Then let him stay. I'll do what I can.

[Ronny comes in.]

Ronny.

The Khedive was engaged when I rang up. But I left the message and the answer has just come through. He will be pleased to see you, sir, at eleven o'clock.

Arthur.

That will do admirably. Ronny must lunch with us to-morrow, Violet. We'll crack a bottle to celebrate his step!

END OF THE SECOND ACT