ACT III

The scene shows part of the garden and a verandah at the Consular Agent's house. Coloured lanterns are fixed here and there. It is night, and in the distance is seen the blue sky bespangled with stars. At the lack of the verandah are the windows of the house gaily lit. Within a band is heard playing dance-music. Violet is giving a dance. Everyone who appears is magnificently gowned. Violet is wearing all her pearls and diamonds. Arthur has across his shirt front the broad riband of an order. It is the end of the evening. Various people are sealed on the verandah, enjoying the coolness. They are Mr. and Mrs. Appleby, Christina and Arthur.

Appleby.

Well, my dear, I think it's about time I was taking you back to your hotel.

Arthur.

Oh, nonsense! It's when everybody has gone that a dance really begins to get amusing.

Christina.

That's a pleasant remark to make to your guests.

Mrs. Appleby.

I'm really ashamed to have stayed like this to the bitter end, but I do love to see the young folk enjoying themselves.

Arthur.

Ah! you have learnt how to make the most of advancing years. The solace of old age is to take pleasure in the youth of those who come after us.

Christina.

I don't think you're very polite, Arthur.

Mrs. Appleby.

Bless your heart, I know I'm not so young as I was.

Arthur.

Do you mind?

Mrs. Appleby.

Me? Why should I? I've had my day and I've enjoyed it. It's only fair to give others a chance now.

Christina.

I'm sure you enjoyed your trip up the Nile.

Mrs. Appleby.

Oh, we had a wonderful time.

Arthur.

And what conclusions did you come to, Mr. Appleby? I remember that you were looking for instruction as well as amusement.

Appleby.

I didn't forget what you told me. I just kept my ears open and my mouth shut.

Arthur.

A capital practice, not much favoured by democratic communities.

Appleby.

But I came to one very definite conclusion for all that.

Arthur.

What was it?

Appleby.

In fact, I came to two.

Arthur.

That's not so satisfactory—unless they contradicted one another; in which case I venture to suggest that you have grasped at all events the elements of the Egyptian problem.

Appleby.

The first is that you're the right man in the right place.

Arthur.

Christina would never admit that. She has known for many years that she could manage Egypt far better than I do.

Christina.

I don't deny that for a minute. I think on the whole women are more level-headed than men. They're not swayed by emotion. They're more practical. They know that principle must often yield to expediency, and they can do the expedient without surrendering the principle.

Arthur.

You make my head whirl, Christina.

Appleby.

I had the opportunity of seeing a good many different sorts of people. I never heard a reasonable complaint against you. Some of them didn't like you personally, but they looked up to you, and they believed in you. I asked myself how you managed it.

Mrs. Appleby.

I told him that it's because you're human.

Arthur.

Christina thinks it very bad for me to hear pleasant things said of me.

Christina.

Christina doesn't know what her brother would do if he hadn't got an affectionate sister to gibe at.

Appleby.

It must be a great satisfaction to you to see the country becoming every year more prosperous and contented.

Arthur.

What was the second conclusion you came to?

Appleby.

I'm coming to that. Most of us are torn asunder as it were by a conflict of duties. This and that urgently needs to be done, and if you put one thing right you put something else wrong. We all want to do for the best, but we don't exactly know what the best is. Now, you've got your duty clearly marked out before you, if you take my meaning; you're young.

Arthur.

Youngish.

Appleby.

You've made a success of your job and of your life. It's not all of us who can say that. My second conclusion is that you must be the happiest man alive.

Mrs. Appleby.

I'm glad he's got that off his chest. He's been dinning it into my ears for the last ten days. My impression is that he fell in love with Lady Little that day he lunched here six weeks ago.

Arthur.

I'm not going to blame him for that. Everybody does.... It was a wise old fellow who said that you must count no man happy till he's dead. [Christina gives him a look, and puts her hand affectionately on his arm. He quickly withdraws it.] Here is Violet.

[She comes in on Henry Pritchard's arm and sinks into a chair.]

Violet.

I'm absolutely exhausted. I feel that in another minute my legs will drop off.

Arthur.

Do take care, darling, that would be so disfiguring.

Violet.

Oh, I'd still dance on the stumps.

Arthur.

When are you going to send that unfortunate band away?

Violet.

Oh, we must have one more dance. After all, it's our last ball of the season. And now that everyone has gone I needn't be dignified any more. There's no one but Henry and Anne and Ronny. We've just had a gorgeous one-step, haven't we, Henry?

Henry.

Gorgeous. You're a ripping dancer.

Violet.

My one accomplishment. [The band is heard beginning a waltz.] Good heavens, they've started again. That's Anne, I'm positive. She's been playing the British matron too and now she's having her fling.

Arthur.

You girls, you never grow up.

Henry.

Are you ready for another turn, Violet?

Arthur.

Don't dance any more, darling, you look worn out.

Violet.

Supposing you danced with your mother, Henry. I can see her toes itching inside her black satin slippers.

Christina.

Nonsense! I haven't danced for fifteen years.

Henry.

Come on, mother. Just to show them you know how.

[He seizes her hand and drags her to her feet.]

Christina.

I was just as good a dancer as anybody else in my day.

Arthur.

When Christina says that she means she was a great deal better.

Henry.

Come on, mother, or it'll be over before we begin.

Christina.

Don't be rough with me, Henry.

[They go into the house.]

Appleby.

We rather fancied ourselves too, Fanny, once upon a time. What d'you say to trying what we can do, my dear?

Mrs. Appleby.

You be quiet, George. Fancy me dancing with my figure!

Appleby.

I don't deny you're plump, but I never did like a scrag. Perhaps it's the last chance we shall ever have.

Mrs. Appleby.

What would they say at home if they ever come to hear you and me had been dancing? Really, George, I'm surprised at you.

Arthur.

[Amused.] I won't tell.

Appleby.

You know you want to, Fanny. You're only afraid they'll laugh. Come on, or else I shall dance by myself.

Mrs. Appleby.

[Getting up.] I see you've quite made up your mind to make a fool of yourself.

[They go out. Arthur watches them, smiling.]

Arthur.

What good people! It's really a treat to see them together.

Violet.

Mr. Appleby is very enthusiastic about you. He was telling me just now about his trip in Upper Egypt. He's tremendously impressed. He said I ought to be very proud of you.

Arthur.

I can't imagine any remark more calculated to make you dislike me.

[She gives him a long look and then glances away. When she speaks it is with embarrassment.]

Violet.

Are you satisfied with me, Arthur?

Arthur.

My dear, what do you mean?

Violet.

Since that afternoon when I told you....

Arthur.

Yes, I know.

Violet.

We've never talked about it. [Giving him her hand.] I want to thank you for having been so good to me.

Arthur.

I'm afraid you haven't got much to thank me for. It would have been easier if I'd been able to help you, but I didn't see anything I could do but just sit still and twiddle my thumbs.

Violet.

I've felt your confidence in me and that has been a help. You've never given the slightest sign that anything was changed. You used sometimes to ask me what I'd been doing during the day. Of late you haven't even done that.

Arthur.

I didn't want you to suspect for a moment that your actions were not perfectly free.

Violet.

I know. No one could have been more considerate than you've been. Oh, I've been so unhappy, Arthur. I wouldn't go through the last six weeks for anything in the world.

Arthur.

It's torn my heart to see you so pale and wan. And when, often, I saw you'd been crying I almost lost my head. I didn't know what to do.

Violet.

I couldn't help it if I loved him, Arthur. That wasn't in my power. But all that was in my power I've done. Somehow I've managed not to be alone with him.

Arthur.

Haven't you had any explanation with him?

Violet.

There didn't seem to be anything to explain. D'you think I ought to have told him I didn't love him? I couldn't, Arthur. I couldn't.

Arthur.

My dear! My dear!

Violet.

Once or twice he wrote to me. I knew he would and I'd made up my mind not to read the letters. But when they came I couldn't help myself. I had to read them. I was so wretched and it meant so much to me that he loved me. [Arthur makes an instinctive movement of pain.] I didn't mean to say that. Please forgive me.

Arthur.

I think I understand.

Violet.

I didn't answer them.

Arthur.

Did he only write once or twice?

Violet.

That's all. You see, he can't make it out. He thinks I've treated him badly. Oh, I think that's the hardest thing of all. I've seen the misery in his eyes. And there was nothing I could do. I hadn't the courage to tell him. I'm weak. I'm so horribly weak. And when I'm with him alone I.... Oh, it is cruel that I should make him suffer so when he loves me.

Arthur.

I don't know what to say to you. It seems cold comfort to say that you must set your hope in the merciful effects of time. Time will ease your pain and his. Perhaps the worst is over already.

Violet.

I hope with all my heart it is. I couldn't have borne any more, Arthur. I'm at the end of my strength.

Arthur.

Dear heart, you're tired physically now. We'll send these people away and you must go to bed.

Violet.

Yes. I'm exhausted. But I want to tell you, Arthur, I think you're right. The worst is over. I'm not suffering quite so much as I did. I find it a little easier not to think of him. When I meet him I can manage to be gay and flippant and indifferent. I'm so glad, Arthur.

Arthur.

You've been very brave. I told you we were all strong enough to bear the burdens that are laid upon us.

Violet.

You mustn't think too well of me. I couldn't have done what I have except for the consciousness of his great love for me. Is that awfully disloyal of me, Arthur?

Arthur.

[Gravely.] No, darling.

Violet.

You can understand, can't you? It means so much to me. It's helped me more than anything else in the world. It's the only thing that made these past weeks not intolerable. I'm satisfied to know he loves me. I want nothing more.

[Mr. and Mrs. Appleby come in. Arthur immediately assumes a chaffing manner.]

Arthur.

Why, what's this? You haven't given in already?

Appleby.

The spirit is willing enough, but the flesh is weak.

Mrs. Appleby.

We wouldn't like it talked about at home, but the fact is we got a bit out of breath.

Violet.

Well, sit down a moment and rest yourself.

Mrs. Appleby.

Just a moment if you don't mind, and then we'll be going.

[Christina appears with Henry.]

Arthur.

Here is poor Christina in a state of complete mental and physical collapse.

Christina.

Don't be ridiculous, Arthur.

Arthur.

How did you get on?

Henry.

First rate. Only mother won't let herself go. I kept on telling her there's only one thing to do in modern dancing—let all your bones go loose and leave the man to do the rest.

Christina.

[With a chuckle.] I think modern dancing is an abandoned pastime. Nothing will induce me to let all my bones go loose.

Henry.

Mother's idea of dancing is to keep herself to herself.

Christina.

[Looking at him affectionately.] You're an impudent boy.

Mrs. Appleby.

[To Violet.] I do wish I'd seen you dancing with Mr. Parry. He's a wonderful dancer.

Violet.

He does dance well, doesn't he?

Henry.

Haven't you danced with him to-night, Violet?

Violet.

No. He came rather late and my card was filled up. I promised him an extra, but some stuffy old diplomatist came and asked me for a dance, so I gave him Ronny's.

Mrs. Appleby.

It's too bad. It must be a rare sight to see you and Mr. Parry waltzing together.

Violet.

How do you know he dances so well?

Mrs. Appleby.

There were two or three dances at our hotel last week and we saw him then.

Violet.

Oh, I see.

Appleby.

[With a chuckle.] I like that young man. When he gets hold of a good thing he freezes on to it.

Violet.

Oh?

Appleby.

There's a young American girl staying at the hotel. She's a Miss Pender. I wonder if you know her?

Violet.

No, I don't think so. We get to know very few of the winter visitors.

Mrs. Appleby.

She's a perfect picture to look at. And a beautiful dancer.

Appleby.

Everyone was looking at them last night. They made a wonderful pair.

Violet.

Do you know this lady, Henry?

Henry.

Yes, I've met her two or three times. She's very pretty.

Appleby.

I don't think anyone else had much of a look in with her.

Henry.

Well, you needn't be disagreeable about it.

Appleby.

As far as I could see she danced with Mr. Parry pretty well all the time.

Mrs. Appleby.

It was a treat to see them together.

Violet.

[A little uncertainly.] If one gets hold of a partner who suits one I always think it's better to stick to him.

Mrs. Appleby.

Oh, I don't think it was only that. She's so much in love with him that she can't help showing it.

Henry.

I never saw such a fellow as Ronny. When there is a bit of luck going he always gets it.

Violet.

And is he in love with her too?

Appleby.

Oh, one can't tell that.

Mrs. Appleby.

If he isn't he very soon will be. She's too pretty for any man to resist long.

Arthur.

[Lightly.] You know them, the brutes, don't you?

Mrs. Appleby.

Bless their hearts, I don't blame them. What are pretty girls for except to make nice men happy? I was a pretty girl myself once.

Arthur.

And was Mr. Appleby a nice man?

Appleby.

I think I must have been, for you've certainly made me happy, my dear.

Mrs. Appleby.

I wish you'd put that in writing, George. I'd like to have a little something like that by me when you've got a bit of a chill on your liver.

Appleby.

H'm, I think bed's the place for you, Fanny. Say good-night to her ladyship and let's be going.

Mrs. Appleby.

Good-night, Lady Little, and thank you so much for asking us. We have enjoyed ourselves.

Violet.

Good-night.

Appleby.

Good-night.

Arthur.

I hope you'll have a pleasant journey home. Lucky people, you'll see the spring in England. When you get back the hedgerows will be just bursting into leaf.

[The Applebys go out.]

Violet.

How old is this American girl, Henry?

Henry.

Oh, I don't know, about nineteen or twenty.

Violet.

Is she as pretty as they say?

Henry.

Rather.

Violet.

Is she fair?

Henry.

Very. She's got wonderful hair.

Violet.

You've never mentioned her. Do you think Ronny is in love with her?

Henry.

Oh, I don't know about that. She's great fun. And you know, it's always flattering when a pretty girl makes a dead set at you.

[There is a momentary silence. Violet is extremely disturbed by the news that has just reached her. Arthur realises that a crisis has come.]

Christina.

[In a matter-of-fact way.] Let us hope that something will come of it. There's no reason why Ronny shouldn't marry. I think men marry much too late nowadays.

[Anne and Ronny appear.]

Anne.

I'm absolutely ashamed of myself. I half expected to find you'd all gone to bed.

Violet.

[Smiling.] Have you been having a jolly dance?

Anne.

Think of having a good band and the whole floor to oneself. By the way, Violet, the band want to know if they can go away.

Violet.

I'm sorry I had to cut your dance, Ronny.

Ronny.

It was rotten luck. But I suppose on these occasions small fry like me have to put up with that sort of thing.

Violet.

If you like we'll have a turn now before we send the band away.

Ronny.

I'd love it.

[Arthur gives a little start and looks at Violet curiously. Anne is surprised too.]

Christina.

If you're going to start dancing again we'll go. Henry has to be at his office early in the morning.

Violet.

Good-night, then.

Christina.

[Kissing her.] Your dance has been a great success.

Violet.

It's nice of you to say so.

Christina.

[To Arthur.] Good-night, dear old thing. God bless and guard you always.

Arthur.

My dear Christina, why this embarrassing emotion?

Christina.

I don't know what we should do if anything happened to you.

Arthur.

Don't be an idiot, my dear; nothing is going to happen to me.

Christina.

[With a smile.] I can't get you out of thinking me a perfect fool.

Arthur.

Be off with you, Christina. If you go on finding out things that are not your business I shall have you deported.

Violet.

What has she found out now?

Arthur.

A trifle that we thought it wouldn't hurt the public to know nothing about.

Christina.

[Shaking hands with Ronny.] I don't grudge you your job any more. We're all under a debt of gratitude to you.

Ronny.

I had a bit of luck, that's all. It's nothing to make a fuss about.

Arthur.

Go and have your dance, darling. It's really getting very late.

Violet.

[To Ronny.] Are you ready?

Ronny.

What shall we make them play?

[They go out.]

Christina.

Good-night, Anne.

Anne.

[Kissing her.] Good-night, my dear. [Henry shakes hands with Anne and Arthur. He and his mother go out.] I suppose I mayn't ask what Christina was referring to?

Arthur.

I can't prevent you from asking.

Anne.

But you have no intention of answering. What is the matter, Arthur? You look so deadly white.

Arthur.

Nothing. I'm tired. I had a busy day and now the dance. [The sound of a waltz is heard.] Oh, damn that music!

Anne.

Sit down and rest yourself. Why don't you have a smoke! [Putting her hand on his arm.] My dear friend.

Arthur.

For God's sake don't pity me.

Anne.

Won't you talk to me frankly? I may be able to help you. In the old days you used to bring your troubles to me, Arthur.

Arthur.

I tell you I'm only tired. What is the use of talking about what can't be helped?

Anne.

You must know that I notice most things that concern your happiness. [Looking away.] Why did you imagine I took so much trouble to get Ronny moved to Paris?

Arthur.

I suspected. Ought I to thank you? I'm too miserable and too humiliated.

Anne.

Have you heard about a Miss Pender? She's an American girl.

Arthur.

Of course I have. It's my business to know everything that goes on in Cairo.

Anne.

Don't you think that may be the solution?

[Henry comes in.]

Arthur.

[Sharply.] What d'you want?

Henry.

I beg your pardon. Mother left her fan here.

[He takes it up from a chair.]

Arthur.

I thought you'd gone five minutes ago.

Henry.

Oh, we just stood for a moment to look at Ronny and Violet dancing. Upon my soul it's a fair treat.

Arthur.

They make a wonderful couple, don't they?

Henry.

I'm afraid Violet's awfully tired. She's not saying a word and she's as white as a sheet.

Arthur.

I'll send her to bed as soon as they've finished.

Henry.

Good-night.

Arthur.

[Smiling.] Good-night, my boy.

[Exit Henry.]

Anne.

Is anything the matter?

Arthur.

Tell me about this American girl. She's in love with Ronny, isn't she?

Anne.

Yes, that's obvious.

Arthur.

And he?

Anne.

He's been very unhappy, you know.

Arthur.

[Almost savagely.] That is a calamity which I find myself able to bear with patience.

Anne.

And now he's surprised and pleased. I've met her. Poor dear, she did everything to make me like her, because Ronny was my brother. She's awfully pretty. He's not in love with her yet. But I think he may be. He's on the brink and if there were nothing else he'd fall over.

Arthur.

That is what I suspected. You know, Anne, the longer I live the more inexplicable I find human beings. I always thought I was by way of being a fairly decent fellow. I never knew what mean beastliness there was inside me. It would be quite impossible for me to tell you how I hate your brother. I've had to be jolly and affable with him and, by George, I wanted to kill him.

Anne.

Why didn't you let him go? Are you sure it was necessary to give him that job?

Arthur.

Already he's been invaluable.

Anne.

Then one can only hope for the best.

[There is a moment's pause. When Arthur speaks it is at first rather to himself than to Anne.]

Arthur.

No one knows what I've gone through during the last few months. I've been devoured with jealousy and I knew it would be fatal if I showed Violet the least trace of ill-temper. I kept on saying to myself that it wasn't her fault if she was in love with Ronny. [Humorously.] You can't think how devilish hard it is not to resent the fact that somebody doesn't care for you.

Anne.

[With a chuckle.] Oh yes, I can.

Arthur.

I knew that almost everything depended on how I acted during these weeks, and the maddening thing was that I could do nothing but sit still and control myself. I saw her miserable and knew that she didn't want my comfort. I've yearned to take her in my arms and I've known she'd let me because it was her duty. Those dear good donkeys, the Applebys, told me just now they thought I must be the happiest man alive! Week after week, with an aching heart I've forced myself to be gay and amusing. D'you think I'm amusing, Anne?

Anne.

Sometimes.

Arthur.

The battle has been so unfair. All the dice are loaded against me. He has every advantage over me. But at last I thought I'd won. I thought Violet was getting more resigned. She told me herself just now that the worst was over. And those confounded people must go and upset the applecart. Damn their eyes!

Anne.

Why?

Arthur.

The Applebys told her about Miss Pender. It was very natural. They knew no reason for not repeating the hotel gossip.

Anne.

Was that why she asked Ronny to dance with her?

Arthur.

Yes. It's the crisis. She had the strength to keep him at arm's length when she knew he loved her. What will she do now?

Anne.

You heard what Henry said. They don't seem to be talking to one another.

Arthur.

No.

Anne.

Why did you let them dance together? You might easily have said it was too late and the band must go.

Arthur.

What good would that do? No. I've done nothing to prevent their meeting. I've left them absolute liberty.

Anne.

Do you think it's fair to Violet? You know, women act so much on impulse. The surroundings and the circumstances have so much influence on them. Think of the excitement of dancing, the magic of this wonderful night, and the solitude under these stars. You complain the dice are loaded against you, but now you're double-loading them against yourself.

Arthur.

It tortures me, but I must give them the opportunity to fight the matter out for themselves.

Anne.

Poor child, she's so young.

Arthur.

Too young.

Anne.

Don't say that; it sounds as though you regretted having married her.

Arthur.

Don't you imagine that regret has been tormenting her ever since she found out what love really was? Even though I love her with all my heart I know now that I made a mistake. Do you think you can make anyone love you by constant tenderness, devotion, and kindness?

Anne.

Not a man perhaps. But a woman yes, yes, yes!

Arthur.

Whoever loved that loved not at first sight? I want so tremendously to make her happy, and I've only made her utterly miserable. And there's no way out. It's a pity that a convenient attack of brain fever can't carry me off, but I'm as strong as a horse.

Anne.

You know, Arthur, there's one compensation about the pains of love. While one's suffering from them one feels one will never get over them, but one does, and when they're gone they don't even leave a scar. One looks back and remembers one's torment and marvels that it was possible to suffer like that.

Arthur.

You talk as though you'd had experience.

Anne.

I have.

Arthur.

I always look upon you as so calm and self-controlled.

Anne.

I was desperately in love for years with a man. I should have made him an excellent wife, although it's I as says it. But it never occurred to him for an instant that my feelings were more than friendly. And eventually he married somebody else.

Arthur.

My dear friend, I hate to think of your being unhappy.

Anne.

I'm not. That's why I told you the tragic story. I've got over it so completely that now I have an equal affection both for him and his wife.

Arthur.

D'you know, Anne, at one time I very nearly asked you to marry me?

Anne.

[Gaily.] Oh, what nonsense!

Arthur.

I daresay it's as well I didn't. I should have lost the best friend I've ever had.

Anne.

On the other hand, I've lost the satisfaction of refusing the most distinguished man of our day. Why didn't you ask me?

Arthur.

You were such an awfully good friend. I thought we were very well as we were.

Anne.

That isn't the reason, Arthur. You didn't ask me because you didn't love me. If you had you'd have let friendship go hang. [Seeing that he is not paying any attention to her.] What's the matter?

Arthur.

The music has stopped.

Anne.

[With a slight tightening of the lips.] I'm afraid my concerns don't interest you very much. I was only talking about them to distract you.

Arthur.

Forgive me, but I've got this anguish gnawing at my heart. Anne, when they come back here I want you to come with me for a stroll in the garden.

Anne.

Why? I'm frightfully tired. I think I shall go to bed.

Arthur.

No, do this for me, Anne. I want to give them their chance. It may be the last chance for all of us.

Anne.

[With a little sigh.] Very well, I'll do even that for you.

Arthur.

You are a good friend, and I'm a selfish beast.

Anne.

I wish you could have a child, Arthur. That might settle everything.

Arthur.

That is what I look forward to with all my heart. I think she might love her baby's father.

Anne.

Then she'll realise that only you could have been so tolerant and so immensely patient. When she looks back she'll be filled with gratitude.

[Ronny and Violet come in.]

Violet.

I've told the band they can go.

Arthur.

I don't suppose they wanted telling twice. Did you have a pleasant dance?

Violet.

I was very tired.

Ronny.

It was brutal of me to make you dance so long. I'll say good-night before I'm turned out.

Arthur.

Oh, won't you sit down and have a cigarette before you go? Anne and I were just going to stroll to the end of the garden to have a look at the Nile.

Violet.

Oh.

Anne.

I'm too restless to go to bed just yet.

[Arthur and Anne go out. Violet and Ronny do not speak for a moment. At first the conversation is quite light.]

Violet.

What was it that Christina was referring to just now? Had it anything to do with you?

Ronny.

I don't think I'm justified in telling you about it. If Sir Arthur thinks you should know I daresay he'd rather tell you himself.

Violet.

Of course you mustn't tell me if it's a secret.

Ronny.

I'd almost forgotten what a beautiful dancer you were.

Violet.

[With a smile.] So soon?

Ronny.

You haven't given me much chance of dancing with you during the last few weeks.

Violet.

I hear there's a girl at the Ghezireh Palace who dances very well. Miss Pender, isn't that her name?

Ronny.

Yes, she's wonderful.

Violet.

I'm told she's charming.

Ronny.

Very.

Violet.

I should like to meet her. I wonder whom I know that could bring us together.

Ronny.

[With a change of tone.] Why do you speak of her?

Violet.

Is there any reason why I shouldn't?

Ronny.

Do you know that this is the first time I've been quite alone with you for six weeks?

Violet.

[Still quite lightly.] It was inevitable that when you ceased being Arthur's private secretary we should see less of one another.

Ronny.

I only welcomed my new job because I thought I shouldn't be utterly parted from you.

Violet.

Don't you think it was better that we shouldn't see too much of one another?

Ronny.

What have I done to you, Violet? Why have you been treating me like this?

Violet.

I'm not conscious that I've treated you differently from what I used.

Ronny.

Why didn't you answer my letters?

Violet.

[In a low voice.] I hadn't anything to say.

Ronny.

I wonder if you can imagine what I went through, the eagerness with which I looked forward to a letter from you, just a word or two would have satisfied me, how anxiously I expected each post, and my despair when day after day went by.

Violet.

You ought not to have written to me.

Ronny.

D'you think I could help myself? Have you forgotten that day when we thought we were never going to meet again? If you wanted me to be nothing more than a friend why did you tell me you loved me? Why did you let me kiss you and hold you in my arms?

Violet.

You know quite well. I lost my head. I was foolish. You—you attached too much importance to the emotion of the moment.

Ronny.

Oh, Violet, how can you say that? I know you loved me then. After all, the past can't be undone. I loved you. I know you loved me. We couldn't go back to the time when we were no more than friends.

Violet.

You forget that Arthur is my husband and you owe him everything in the world. We both owe him everything in the world.

Ronny.

No, I don't forget it for a moment. After all, we're straight, both of us, and we could have trusted ourselves. I wanted nothing but to be allowed to love you and to know that you loved me.

Violet.

Do you remember what you said in the first letter you wrote me?

Ronny.

Oh, you can't blame me for that. I'd loved you so long, so passionately. I'd never dared to hope that you cared for me. And when I knew! I never said a tenth part of what I wanted to. I went home and I just wrote all that had filled my heart to overflowing. I wanted you to know how humbly grateful I was for the wonderful happiness you'd given me. I wanted you to know that my soul to its most hidden corners was yours for ever.

Violet.

How could I answer it?

Ronny.

You needn't have been afraid of me, Violet. If it displeased you I would never even have told you that I loved you. I would have carried you in my heart like an image of the Blessed Virgin. When we met here or there, though there were a thousand people between us and we never exchanged a word, I should have known that we were the only people in the world, and that somehow, in some strange mystic fashion, I belonged to you and you belonged to me. Oh, Violet, I only wanted a little kindness. Was it so much to ask?

[Violet is moved to the very depths of her heart. She can scarcely control herself, the pain she suffers seems unendurable; her throat is so dry that she can hardly speak.]

Violet.

They say that Miss Pender is in love with you. Is it true?

Ronny.

A man's generally a conceited ass when he thinks girls are in love with him.

Violet.

Never mind that. Is it true? Please be frank with me.

Ronny.

Perhaps it is.

Violet.

Would she marry you if you asked her?

Ronny.

I think so.

Violet.

She can't have fallen in love with you without some encouragement.

Ronny.

She plays tennis a good deal and she's very fond of dancing. You know, I was rather wretched. Sometimes you looked at me as though you hated me. You seemed to try and avoid me. I wanted to forget. I didn't know what I'd done to make you treat me so cruelly. It was very pleasant to be with someone who seemed to want me. Everything I did pleased her. She's rather like you. When I was with her I was a little less unhappy. When I found she was in love with me I was touched and I was tremendously grateful.

Violet.

Are you sure you're not in love with her?

Ronny.

Yes, I'm quite sure.

Violet.

But you like her very much, don't you?

Ronny.

Yes, very much.

Violet.

Don't you think if it weren't for me you would be in love with her?

Ronny.

I don't know.

Violet.

I'd like you to be frank with me.

Ronny.

[Unwillingly.] You don't want my love. She's sweet and kind and tender.

Violet.

I think she might make you very happy.

Ronny.

Who knows?

[There is a pause. Violet forces herself to make the final renunciation. Her fingers move spasmodically in the effort she makes to speak calmly.]

Violet.

It seems a pity that you should waste your life for nothing. I'm afraid you'll think me a heartless flirt. I'm not that. At the time I feel all I say. But ... I don't quite understand myself. I take a violent fancy to someone, and I lose my head, but somehow it doesn't last. I ... I suppose I'm not capable of any enduring passion. There are people like that, aren't there? It goes just as suddenly as it comes. And when it goes—well, it's gone for ever. I can't understand then what on earth I saw in the man who made my heart go pit-a-pat. I'm dreadfully sorry I caused you so much pain. You took it so much more seriously than I expected. And afterwards I didn't know what to do. You must—you must try to forgive me.

[There is a long pause.]

Ronny.

Don't you love me at all now?

Violet.

It's much better that I should tell you the truth, isn't it? even at the risk of hurting your feelings. I'm frightfully ashamed of myself. I'm afraid you'll think me awfully frivolous.

Ronny.

Why don't you say it right out?

Violet.

D'you want me to? [She hesitates, but then takes courage.] I'm very sorry, dear Ronny, I'm afraid I don't care for you in that way at all.

Ronny.

I'm glad to know.

Violet.

You're not angry with me?

Ronny.

Oh, no, my dear, how can you help it? We're made as we're made.... D'you mind if I go now?

Violet.

Won't you stop and say good-night to Anne?

Ronny.

No, if you don't mind, I'd like to go quickly.

Violet.

Very well. And try to forgive me, Ronny.

Ronny.

Good-night.

[He takes her hand and they look into one another's eyes.]

Violet.

Good-night.

[He goes out. Violet clasps her hands to her heart as though to ease its aching. Anne and Arthur return.]

Anne.

Where is Ronny?

Violet.

He's gone. It was so late. He asked me to say good-night to you.

Anne.

Thank you. It must be very late. I'll say good-night too. [She bends down and kisses Violet.] Good-night, Arthur.

Arthur.

Good-night. [She goes out. Arthur sits down. A Sais comes in and turns out some of the lights. In the distance is heard the wailing of an Arab song. Arthur motions to the Sais.] Leave these. I'll turn them out myself. [The Sais goes in and turns out all the lights in the lower rooms but one. The light remains now only just round Arthur and Violet. The Arab song is like a wail of pain.] That sounds strangely after the waltzes and one-steps that we've heard this evening.

Violet.

It seems to come from very far away.

Arthur.

It seems to wail down the ages from an immeasurable past.

Violet.

What does it say?

Arthur.

I don't know. It must be some old lament.

Violet.

It's heartrending.

Arthur.

Now it stops.

Violet.

The garden is so silent. It seems to be listening too.

Arthur.

Are you awfully unhappy, Violet?

Violet.

Awfully.

Arthur.

It breaks my heart that I, who would do anything in the world for you, can do so little to console you.

Violet.

Had you any idea that Ronny no longer cared for me?

Arthur.

How should I know what his feelings were?

Violet.

It never occurred to me that he could change. I felt so secure in his love. It never occurred to me that anyone could take him from me.

Arthur.

Did he tell you he didn't care for you any more?

Violet.

No.

Arthur.

I don't think he's in love with Miss Pender.

Violet.

I told him that he meant nothing to me any more. I told him that I took fancies and got over them. I made him think I was a silly flirt. And he believed me. If he loved me truly, truly, as he did before, whatever I'd said he'd have known it was incredible. Oh, I wouldn't have believed him if he'd made himself cheap in my eyes.

Arthur.

My poor child.

Violet.

He's not in love with her yet. I know that. He's only pleased and flattered. He's angry with me. If he's angry he must love me still. He asked so little. It only needed a word and he would have loved me as much as ever. What have I done? What harm would it have done you? I've sent him away now for good. It's all over and done with. And my heart aches. What shall I do, Arthur?

Arthur.

My dear, have courage. I beseech you to have courage.

Violet.

I suppose it's shameful that we should have loved one another at all. But how could we help it? We're masters of our actions, but how can we command our feelings? After all, our feelings are our own. I don't know what I'm going to do, Arthur. It wasn't so bad till to-night; I could control myself, I thought my pain was growing less.... I long for him with all my soul, and I must let him go. Oh, I hate him. I hate him. If he'd loved me he might have been faithful to me a few short weeks. He wouldn't cause me such cruel pain.

Arthur.

Don't be unjust to him, Violet. I think he fell in love with you without knowing what was happening to him. And when he knew I think he struggled against it as honourably as you did. You know that very little escapes me. I've seen a sort of shyness in him when he was with me, as though he were a little ashamed in my presence. I even felt sorry for him because he felt he was behaving badly to me and he couldn't help himself. He's suffered just as much as you have. It's not very strange that when this girl fell in love with him it should seem to offer a new hope. He was unhappy and she comforted him. Anne says she's rather like you. If ever he loves her perhaps it will be you that he loves in her.

Violet.

Why do you say all this to me?

Arthur.

You've been so wretched. I don't want bitterness to come to you now. I can't bear that you should think your first love has been for someone not worthy of it. I think time will heal the wounds which now you think are incurable, but when it does I hope that you will look back on your love as a thing only of beauty.

Violet.

I am a beast, Arthur. I don't deserve anyone to be so good to me as you are.

Arthur.

And there's something else I must tell you.... It appears that various enterprising people have been laying plans to put me out of the way.

Violet.

[Startled.] Arthur!

Arthur.

I find that there was a plot to kill me this morning on my way to the review.

Violet.

How awful!

Arthur.

Oh, it's nothing to be alarmed about. We've settled everything without any fuss. Our old friend Osman Pasha is going to spend some time on his country estates for the good of his health, and half a dozen foolish young men are under lock and key. But it might have come off except for Ronny. It was Ronny who saved me.

Violet.

Ronny? Oh, I'm so glad. It makes up a little for the rest.

Arthur.

He did a fine thing. He showed determination and presence of mind.

Violet.

Oh, my husband! My dear, dear Arthur!

Arthur.

You're not sorry?

Violet.

I'm glad I've done what I have, Arthur. I've sometimes felt I gave you so little in return for all you've given me. But at least now I've given you all I had to give.

Arthur.

Don't think it will be profitless. To do one's duty sounds a rather cold and cheerless business, but somehow in the end it does give one a queer sort of satisfaction.

Violet.

What should I do if I lost you? It makes me sick with fear.

Arthur.

[With a tender smile.] I had an idea you'd be glad I escaped.

Violet.

All I've suffered has been worth while. I've done something for you, haven't I? And even something for England ... I'm so tired.

Arthur.

Why don't you go to bed, darling?

Violet.

No, I don't want to go yet. I'm too tired. Let me stay here a little longer.

Arthur.

Put your feet up.

Violet.

Come and sit close to me, Arthur. I want to be comforted. You're so good and kind to me, Arthur. I'm so glad I have you. You will never fail me.

Arthur.

Never. [She gives a little shudder.] What's the matter?

Violet.

I hope he'll marry her quickly. I want to be a good wife to you. I want your love. I want your love so badly.

Arthur.

My dear one.

Violet.

Put your arms round me. I'm so tired.

Arthur.

You're half asleep.... Are you asleep?

[Her eyes are closed. He kisses her gently. In the distance there is heard again the melancholy wail of a Bedouin love-song.]

THE END

PRINTED IN GREAT BRITAIN BY
BILLING AND SONS, LTD., GUILDFORD AND ESHER

*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CÆSAR'S WIFE: A COMEDY IN THREE ACTS ***

Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will be renamed.

Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™ concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use of the Project Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the trademark license is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and research. Project Gutenberg eBooks may be modified and printed and given away—you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the trademark license, especially commercial redistribution.

START: FULL LICENSE