Part 2

SIR G. Make your fair friend distinctly understand that all--however little that all may have been--is over.

PHILIP. Will that satisfy you?

SIR G. Yes; but I must have proof she understands it.

PHILIP. What sort of proof?

SIR G. We lawyers have great faith in black and white. You laymen think it a cumbrous form; but I have seen too many fortunes turn on a forgotten sheet of notepaper, not to appreciate its value.

PHILIP. What do you mean?

SIR G. That you must bring to me a letter from your friend----

PHILIP. A letter from her!

SIR G. A mere acknowledgment that all is over.

PHILIP. A letter!

SIR G. Signed, mind you, signed.

PHILIP. Signed! (_his cry wakes LADY CARLYON_)

SIR G. Nothing like a signature.

PHILIP. (_rising_) Wouldn't you like it stamped as well, Sir George? (_LADY CARLYON moves slightly_)

SIR G. A penny postage stamp will be enough.

PHILIP. That is impossible.

SIR G. It must be got. (_lays down cigar. PHILIP sinks back into seat again--LADY CARLYON, who has gone through the first processes of waking, lifts her head; at the sound of SIR GEORGE'S voice she starts half up and holds herself in that position during the rest of the conversation, but always so as not to be visible to the others. SIR GEORGE rises and stands by PHILIP_) I feel so strongly that is the right course, because in my own life I have pursued the opposite; and I have paid--nay, I have not yet paid the penalty. I claim to be no better than my kind. When I was married, I too was entangled. I was a rising man--and it was necessary that I should obtain a seat in Parliament. Lady Carlyon's father had much influence in the county which I represent. My marriage was political. I had a charming wife, who did her best to love me, heaven knows; and _I_ might have loved _her_, if this entanglement from which I could not extricate myself had not been there. But there it was, and with a woman's quickness she discovered it. I know she did, although she never spoke; and with a generosity which I can never repay, she did not add to my embarrassment. What was the sequel? Death cut the knot which I could not unravel. I am free. Now, many a time amongst these dead dry bones (_pointing to briefs_) I hunger for the love it is too late to win. Still that accursed past stands like a wall betwixt my wife and me. (_returns, C._) Profit by my experience. (_sits, C._ )

PHILIP. No doubt, the course you recommend would be the proper course to take, if it were possible; but in the circumstances it is quite impossible.

SIR G. Difficult, perhaps, but not impossible. Have no false delicacy in a case like this. This lady--I presume, whoever she may be, she _is_ a lady--who is fond of _you_, for that is evident, but of whose friendship you are weary, must be sacrificed. I pity her, but there is no help for it.

PHILIP. None! but a letter is out of the question.

SIR G. Why?

PHILIP. How could I ask her--oh, it is impossible!

SIR G. Then, you do feel for her?

PHILIP. I can't help pitying her.

SIR G. Perhaps still care for her--a little?

PHILIP. Sir George (_rises_), I give you my assurance as a gentleman, nothing has passed between us but kind words. I never loved her; and when I think of all the trouble she has brought on me--how she has banished me for months abroad--how nearly she has made me a false friend--I hate the very mention of her name!

LADY C. (_who has followed his words in an agony, unable to restrain herself_) Philip! (_remembering herself, drops back upon the lounge, and feigns to be asleep_)

PHILIP. (_turning, L., quickly_) What's that?

SIR G. (_rising and turning up the lamp, sees her upon the lounge_) My wife! (_going round at back of desk to lounge_) She is asleep. (_moving her_) Bell! Isabel! (_she pretends to wake, then starts up suddenly_)

LADY C. Oh, how you startled me!

SIR G. Nay, how you startled us!

LADY C. How so?

SIR G. By calling out.

LADY C. Forgive me for disturbing you, but I was dreaming.

SIR G. And not a pleasant dream, apparently. Why, you are trembling all over.

LADY C. (_smiling_) So I am.

SIR G. And you cried out as though you were in pain.

LADY C. It was in terror. I dreamt that I was walking on the edge of a high cliff.

SIR G. Pshaw!

LADY C. Philip was with me.

SIR G. You had a safe escort.

LADY C. But the path grew so difficult, we had to separate. I followed him; when suddenly he turned and----

SIR G. And what?

LADY C. Flung me over! I shrieked out, "Philip!"--and awoke.

SIR G. That was what startled us.

LADY C. Forgive me. Mr. Graham, for having even dreamt that you could be so little chivalrous.

SIR G. You are not well, my dear. It's time you went upstairs. I'll ring for your maid.

LADY C. She has gone to bed. It doesn't matter. I can go alone.

SIR G. Where is Miss Dalrymple?

LADY C. I'll look for her.

SIR G. Stay where you are. _I_'ll look for her. (_Exit, L. The two stand opposite each other--pause_)

LADY C. Well, Philip?

PHILIP. Was this really a dream?

LADY C. No.

PHILIP. You have overheard my conversation with Sir George?

LADY C. The end of it.

PHILIP. And you cried out because----

LADY C. I realised the truth.

PHILIP. I didn't weigh my words. Perhaps I over-stated----

LADY C. That will do. (_pause_) You chose a curious confidant!

PHILIP. I had no choice. Sir George is so acute; he guessed so much, I had to pass it off by asking him to give me his advice.

LADY C. It was a dangerous expedient. Does he suspect--who----

PHILIP. No.

LADY C. Though he is so acute?

PHILIP. Those who are gifted with long sight are often blind to what is at their feet.

LADY C. How did you come to talk on such a subject?

PHILIP. I had been telling him----

LADY C. Go on.

PHILIP. That I am going to be married.

LADY C. Oh. (_quite calmly_) That was your secret? (_sits_)

PHILIP. Yes. He guessed the reason why I went abroad, and putting this and that together, he divined there was a difficulty.

LADY C. What is the difficulty?

PHILIP. The lady to whom I am engaged is not yet of age, and those who have the care of her insist upon some proof that our acquaintanceship is at an end.

LADY C. They also know----

PHILIP. Not who you are!

LADY C. You make too many confidants. What proof do they require?

PHILIP. A monstrous proof!

LADY C. What?

PHILIP. Why, a letter with your signature! It is outrageous!

LADY C. Does Sir George think so?

PHILIP. He agrees with them.

LADY C. What does he say you ought to do?

PHILIP. To ask for such a letter.

LADY C. Then why don't you?

PHILIP. Oh, have some pity on me!

LADY C. That is but fair: for you have pitied _me_. (_rises_) You shall not ask me for the document you want; but you shall have it.

PHILIP. Ah, you don't understand----

LADY C. A letter with my signature. I understand.

PHILIP. But----

LADY C. I only ask one favour in return.

PHILIP. Whatever I can do----

LADY C. Once whilst you were away, I was so foolish as to write to you. Whether or not my note was forwarded, I don't know; but if you received it----

PHILIP. I did.

LADY C. Please to return it to me; that is all I ask. (_slight pause_) Well?

PHILIP. I regret----

LADY C. Surely you will do that?

PHILIP. I can't.

LADY C. Can't! Why? (_slight pause_)

PHILIP. (_drops his head_) I have destroyed it.

LADY C. Ah! (_turns up and sits at desk_) Sit down a moment whilst I write the letter. (_writes rapidly_)

PHILIP. It would be to no purpose.

LADY C. Oh, I will make it to the purpose. (_writing_)

PHILIP. Ah, if you only understood my situation!

LADY C. Pray sit down. (_continues writing_)

PHILIP. (_sits on the end of lounge facing the audience--aside_) How shall I tell her who it is requires it? (_rises--aloud_) Lady Carlyon----

LADY C. (_writing_) In one moment.

PHILIP. (_sits--aside_) How am I to say it? (_pause--during which LADY CARLYON finishes and folds up the letter_)

LADY C. (_rising and advancing_) There is the letter. (_puts it in his hand_)

PHILIP. It is of no use. (_rises_)

LADY C. It is signed.

PHILIP. That is the very reason. How can I show your signature----

LADY C. You have my leave. The guardian is a gentleman, I hope.

PHILIP. Undoubtedly.

LADY C. Then he will not betray me.

PHILIP. But you don't know---- (_door opens, L._)

LADY C. My husband! hush!

_Re-enter SIR GEORGE, L. PHILIP hides behind his back the hand which holds the letter._

SIR G. Rose has gone up stairs, but I've sent word you want her. Are you no better? You're upset to-night.

PHILIP. It is my fault, Sir George. I've just been telling your wife of my difficulties.

SIR G. You couldn't have done better. I'm sure she will agree with me, that you should get the signature required. That is the only difficulty in the matter.

PHILIP. But it is insurmountable. If I had the signature, how could I use it?

SIR G. Not without permission.

PHILIP. No!

LADY C. But you _have_ permission!

(_quickly and inadvertently_)

SIR G. What?

LADY C. (_aside_) I've said too much.

SIR G. How did you get it? There's no post at this hour.

PHILIP. (_with his disengaged hand produces ROSE'S envelope from his pocket_) In the letter which you gave to me----

SIR G. Oh--ah!

PHILIP. And which I have just opened.

SIR G. The letter in the lady's handwriting.

PHILIP. Of her own accord, she releases me----

SIR G. This is a marvellous coincidence.

PHILIP. (_shows letter_) But here the letter is.

SIR G. How alike you women write! I could almost have sworn that envelope was in my niece's hand.

LADY C. How could that be?

SIR G. Why not?

LADY C. Rose write to Philip, whom she doesn't know!

SIR G. Not know?

LADY C. They never saw each other till to-night.

SIR G. You said Philip had told you----

PHILIP. All but that.

SIR G. You have not told my wife it's Rose you are engaged to?

LADY C. Rose!

SIR G. You may well look surprised. It seems they met on board the "Kangaroo."

LADY C. He is engaged to Rose?

PHILIP. Yes.

LADY C. Then the guardian is----

SIR G. I. (_touches his breast, advances one step forward, and puts out his hand_) Give me the letter. (_LADY CARLYON and PHILIP both recoil one step--pause--they stand breathless, gazing at SIR GEORGE_) You hesitate.

PHILIP. Sir George, you must make some allowances. This letter is addressed to me, and I should not be justified in letting it go out of my possession.

SIR G. How, then, do you propose to satisfy me?

LADY C. Might he not read it?

SIR G. Thank you, my dear, for the suggestion. That will meet the difficulty.

PHILIP. Then, I will read it. (_reads nervously, the letter trembling in his hands_) "I hear you are going to be married. Good-bye, Philip. You need not fear that I shall trouble you again; I have your happiness too much at heart; but if I should, this letter puts me at your mercy. Should the necessity arise, you have my leave to give it to whoever has the right to ask for it.--Yours, for the last time----"

SIR G. Stop. Is the letter signed?

PHILIP. In full.

SIR G. Now, give it me.

PHILIP. Sir George----

SIR G. The ground is cut from under you. You are expressly authorised to give that letter to whoever has the right to ask for it. _I_ have the right----

PHILIP. But you never will exercise it!

SIR G. Now. I have a reason.

PHILIP. Lady Carlyon!

SIR G. I accept the arbiter. Lady Carlyon, am I right or wrong?

LADY C. (_in a low voice and with an effort_) Right.

SIR G. The award's against you.

LADY C. Give him the letter.

PHILIP. But----

SIR G. Sir, I demand it! (_PHILIP gives it him_) I want it for a very special purpose. (_folding the letter up into a spill, but never letting his eyes fall upon it_) The woman who wrote this will never trouble you. If she has done wrong, she has borne her punishment. Therefore, in pity, let us hide her shame. (_lights spill at lamp, and holds it in his hand--all three stand watching it, until the ashes drop upon the floor, then turn aside, LADY CARLYON, R., PHILIP, L., SIR GEORGE to back of scene_)

_Re-enter ROSE, R., in a dressing-gown._

ROSE. You want me, aunt?

SIR G. _I_ want you, Rose. (_leads her to PHILIP_) Philip has asked for my consent to your engagement. I give it cordially. He is the son of a good father, and I think he will make you a good husband.

ROSE. Uncle George! (_embraces him--turns to PHILIP_) You haven't kept our secret!

PHILIP. No, I couldn't wait.

SIR G. (_crosses to LADY CARLYON_) Won't you congratulate them? (_stands, R., thoughtfully_)

LADY C. Yes. (_crosses to ROSE and PHILIP_)

ROSE. (_embracing her_) Aren't you surprised, Aunt Bell?

LADY C. I was, when first I heard. I hope you will be very happy. You, too, Philip.

(_gives him her hand, then crosses to SIR GEORGE_)

ROSE. Why don't you kiss her, Philip?

PHILIP. I'll kiss you instead.

(_they sit aside, L., without noticing the others_)

LADY C. (_laying her hand upon SIR GEORGE'S arm_) What are you thinking of?

SIR G. I was just wondering if that poor woman's love, which had so gone astray, will ever go back to her husband.

LADY C. Yes, if he is as generous as you.

SIR G. How was I generous?

LADY C. In sparing her.

SIR G. I was not generous. (_each looking in the other's eyes with meaning_) I simply paid a debt of honour I have owed too long. If I _was_ generous, was it not you who taught me generosity?

LADY C. George, you have guessed her name!

SIR G. But I shall never mention it. (_embrace_)

CURTAIN.

Transcriber's Note

This transcription is based on scanned images posted by the Internet Archive:

archive.org/details/inhonourboundano00grunuoft

These images, which were scanned from a copy made available by the University of Toronto Libraries, are of an undated edition printed in London by Samuel French. The estimated date of publication is 1885. A secondary source, also posted by the Internet Archive, was consulted:

archive.org/details/inhonorboundorig00grun

These images, which were made available by the University of California, are of an edition printed in Philadelphia by the Penn Publishing Company in 1912.

French's Acting Editions from the nineteenth century tend to have minor editorial inconsistencies and errors as well as errors introduced in the printing process, depending on the condition and inking of the plates. Thus, for example, it is at times difficult to determine whether a certain letter is an "c," "e," or "o" or whether a certain punctuation mark is a period or a comma. Where context made the choice obvious, the obvious reading was given the benefit of the doubt without comment.

The following changes were noted:

- Throughout the text, the use of dashes has been made consistent.

- p. 3: Based on the Penn edition and editorial practice in other contemporaneous French's Acting Editions, three colons in the opening scene description were changed to semicolons.

- p. 4: The only girl in the wide world for me--Added a period at the end of the sentence.

- p. 8: SIR GEORGE (_putting chair..._--Changed "SIR GEORGE" to "SIR G." for consistency.

- p. 9: Of course. (_quickl y_)--Deleted space in "_quickl y_" in two consecutive lines.

- p. 10: SIR. G. Why so?--Deleted period after "SIR".

- p. 10: SIB G. (_putting the brief..._--Changed "SIB G." to "SIR G.".

- p. 10: SIR. G. Let us hope it will.--Deleted period after "SIR".

- p. 10: ...and hear you plead,--Changed comma to period.

- p. 11: What can they have to talk about--those two? (_reflectiv ly_)--Inserted "e" in _reflectiv ly_.

- p. 12: It is a weird thing Sometimes--Inserted period after "thing".

- p. 14: I know she did, although she never spoke: and...--Changed colon to semicolon, as in Penn edition.

- p. 17: Are youno better?--Inserted space after "you".

- p. 18: SIR G. What--Added a question mark after "What".

- p. 19: (_reads nervously, the l trembling in his hands_)--Changed "_l_" to "_letter_".

The html version of this etext attempts to reproduce the layout of the printed text. However, some concessions have been made. For example, in the printed text stage directions following a line of dialogue were placed a couple spaces after the dialogue, flush right on the same printed line, or flush right on the next line. In the etext, all stage directions printed on the same line were placed right after the dialogue. Stage directions printed on the next line were indented from the left margin, and coded as hanging paragraphs.