SCENE I

[_The office of Lehmann Frères in their factory at St. Gallen. It is furnished in a manner appropriate to a prosperous business concern. In the centre is a large rectangular table with several chairs. At the left is a low flat desk with papers, telephone and chair. Close to the wall behind the desk is a telephone switchboard for communicating with various parts of the works. At the right there is a modern office-desk, richly furnished, with a hatrack nearby. In the centre back is a large leather covered davenport above which hangs a portrait of the late M. Lehmann senior, the father of Lehmann Frères and the honored founder of the establishment. Elsewhere on the walls hang framed views of the plant and other appropriate pictures. There are exits right and left to inner offices, likewise two exits in the rear, the right exit leading to the street and provided with a glass-door, the left exit leading to the shops. Whenever the left exit is opened the heavy whirr of machinery is heard within. As the curtain rises_, BERTINE _is seen at the flat desk, left, signing papers. A few moments later the telephone bell rings._ BERTINE _answers the telephone at his desk_.]

BERTINE. Hello!... Yes... M. Raoul Lehmann is out at present.... This is his secretary, M. Bertine.... Yes.... He should be here shortly.... No.... M. Frédéric Lehmann has an important conference on hand in this office at three o’clock.... No.... Impossible!... No!... No!!... Very well.... Good-by. [_He hangs up the receiver and resumes work at his papers._ RAOUL LEHMANN _enters at the rear right entrance with hat, cane and gloves, which he places on the rack near his desk at the right_.]

BERTINE. Good afternoon, M. Lehmann. I have just had a telephone call from a reporter of _Le Journal_ asking for an interview with you or your brother.

RAOUL. Ah! So the newspapers have learned of our trouble with our operatives. I presume they wish to send a representative to the conference?

BERTINE. Yes. I took the liberty of informing the reporter that it was impossible.

RAOUL. Very good! Has my brother returned from luncheon?

BERTINE. Not yet, sir. [_He hands a telegram to_ RAOUL.] This telegram arrived while you were out.

RAOUL. [_Opens it and reads._] ‘If possible, kindly postpone conference till five o’clock. I wish to be present at the meeting. Signed, D’Or.’

BERTINE. M. D’Or!

RAOUL. As he chooses to call himself—the grandson of the late Josiah Dorr, whose money coupled with the brains of my honored father [_Pointing to the portrait._] made this great plant possible. Let me see—the Dorr estate holds about one-third of the shares, does it not?

BERTINE. Somewhat more. Within the last few months they have increased their holdings to nearly forty per cent.

RAOUL. In any event, it is enough to command respect for such a request as this. [FRÉDÉRIC LEHMANN _enters at the rear right entrance with hat and gloves_.] Ah! Frédéric. I have just received this communication from M. D’Or. [_He hands the telegram to_ FRÉDÉRIC.]

FRÉDÉRIC. [_Reads._] So! The mysterious grandson and heir!

RAOUL. We must accede to the request. He may make trouble otherwise—we have enough to worry about without antagonizing our shareholders.

FRÉDÉRIC. By all means! If he is anything like his grandfather, he will strengthen our position very much. Old Josiah always took care that he got his share of the spoils—and usually a little besides!

RAOUL. [_To_ BERTINE.] Kindly have M. Albert sent here at once. He heads the delegation, I believe?

BERTINE. Yes. [_He goes to the house-telephone and adjusts the plug._] Hello.... Yes.... Ask M. Albert to come to the office.... Yes.... That’s all.

FRÉDÉRIC. [_Looking at the telegram._] So the grandson of old Mr. Dorr blossoms into M. D’Or!

RAOUL. Some rogue of a genealogist probably convinced him that the change of name could be defended. The rich American has a weakness for that sort of thing. The manufacture of genealogies is a more profitable industry than that of laces, Frédéric!

FRÉDÉRIC. Very likely; but it demands an imagination—an inventive faculty that most of us do not possess. [ALBERT _enters at the rear, left. He bows respectfully to the_ LEHMANNS.]

RAOUL. M. Albert, our conference this afternoon will be postponed until five o’clock. M. D’Or, who is one of our American shareholders, wishes to attend the meeting, so we are making this change to accommodate him.

ALBERT. Very well, M. Lehmann. Shall I inform my associates?

RAOUL. Yes. I believe there are five of you?

ALBERT. Two of the men besides myself and two of the women.

RAOUL. You may return to your work, M. Albert. [ALBERT _bows himself out at the left rear entrance_.]

FRÉDÉRIC. [_Who has been examining a paper at the table._] M. Bertine, will you look over this schedule and compare it with the duplicate on file in my office?

BERTINE. [_Taking the paper._] Very well, M. Lehmann. [_He bows low and goes out at the side door, left._]

FRÉDÉRIC. Bah! What a life it must be to cringe and bow continually to one’s superiors. Our M. Albert from the shops is scarcely more servile than our M. Bertine in his attitude towards us.

RAOUL. True enough; but let M. Albert show lack of respect to so influential a man as M. Bertine and he would soon feel the consequences. Even the secretary of Lehmann Frères is a great man in the eyes of his inferiors. [_He goes to his desk._] It’s a queer world, Frédéric, but there’s considerable satisfaction to be gained from being in the front ranks.

FRÉDÉRIC. Yes—to issue orders, not to take them; to command men, not to obey them. [_Looks at the portrait._] What a debt we owe, Raoul, to the genius of our dear father!

RAOUL. [_Drily, at the desk, without looking around._] And to the money of old Josiah Dorr!

FRÉDÉRIC. Certainly—but tell me, could anything be more useless, in fact more harmful than such money unless administered with discretion and foresight?

RAOUL. By the way, Frédéric, M. Bertine has just informed me that the Dorr interest is now forty per cent. of our capital. Have you been keeping track of the stock-transfers?

FRÉDÉRIC. You signed the certificates as well as I.

RAOUL. True; they were all for small amounts, but it now occurs to me there were a great many of them. I often regret that we ever reduced our holdings below an actual majority of the stock. Of course, you had to furnish your villa on the Axenstrasse—

FRÉDÉRIC. And you needed money to keep your racing-stables stocked with thoroughbreds. You know very well, Raoul, that you disposed of more shares than I did.

RAOUL. We have both been careless in the matter. Our joint holdings are about forty-five per cent., which is but a little more than the Dorr estate now holds. I know, the rest is scattered in small lots, but I get apprehensive at times. [_He goes over to_ FRÉDÉRIC.] Frédéric, we have a serious duty before us—we must regain a majority interest of the stock.

FRÉDÉRIC. You are right. We cannot afford to take chances on losing control of the business. I shall increase the mortgage on my villa; you can probably spare a few of your horses?

RAOUL. Yes. We must also devise other means of raising money. One thing is certain—we cannot grant the demand of our workpeople for higher wages. [_He picks up the petition from_ BERTINE’S _desk and scans it_.] I note that they ask for a uniform advance of ten per cent. in all departments.

FRÉDÉRIC. They might as well ask for one hundred and ten per cent. [_Laughing._] You and I agree on that subject, at least—and M. D’Or is not likely to intercede for them if he is as fond of fat dividends as his respected grandfather used to be!

RAOUL. We need not fear M. D’Or. It is probably idle curiosity that brings him here. [_Voices are heard in the room, left._ BERTINE _enters excitedly, followed by_ D’OR, _who is dressed in fine white flannels, with gold-headed cane, gold band on straw hat, several conspicuous gold rings and a heavy watch fob_.]

BERTINE. [_Spluttering._] M. D’Or! M. Raoul Lehmann, M. Frédéric Lehmann! [_He bows himself out._]

D’OR. [_With familiarity._] Ah, gentlemen, so I stand in the presence of Lehmann Frères. [_They shake hands._] You evidently expected me to enter by your front door [_Points back, right._] but I stole a march on you. I have been inspecting the factory for the past two hours.

RAOUL. [_Surprised._] Inspecting the factory!

D’OR. I have been all over the plant—it is truly a model establishment. I am pleased to be associated in the control of such an admirable hive of industry. You will pardon my unconventional way of learning these things, but I did not wish to be bored by an official and perfunctory inspection starting from the office. I therefore took matters into my own hands—and starting at the bottom, I have worked my way to the intellectual summit of the structure. [_He looks about him._]

FRÉDÉRIC. It is a pleasure to know that we stood this unusual test so well, M. D’Or—but, after all, the house of Lehmann Frères has nothing to conceal—

D’OR. Evidently not. Your product is of the highest grade and commands the best markets; your people work under the most hygienic conditions. They are a busy multitude—those hundreds of men and women in the shops. By the way, gentlemen, I observed some very pretty girls among them—but I suppose you are already familiar with that fact.

RAOUL. [_Coldly._] Pardon me, M. D’Or—my brother and I are hardly in a position to admire the personal charms of our employees. We are both married men.

D’OR. Ah! I see—you may not talk freely of such things. How promptly you seem to suspect that I was about to intimate something quite shocking. Charming girls, just the same, even if they do not bask in the sunshine of your favor. I became interested in one of the young women in your lace department and stopped for a few moments to question her about her work—a Mlle. Adrienne—Adrienne—[_He pulls out a small memorandum book._]

FRÉDÉRIC. Mlle. Courteaux.

D’OR. Thank you—that was the name. I was amazed at her dexterity and the rapidity with which she worked. It was fascinating; yet she told me that she receives only thirty-five francs a week.

RAOUL. Did she say _only_ thirty-five francs? She is one of our most skilful and best-paid operatives.

D’OR. No—I supplied the _only_! It is an outrage—that attractive young figure bending over the machine, those well-shaped, nimble fingers constantly at work—and a miserable five and thirty francs at the end of the week! No wonder your workers are complaining.

FRÉDÉRIC. But, M. D’Or, we pay the same wages as all the rest. There must be a profit in the business—a fair return for the large capital invested.

D’OR. I wish above all things to act intelligently when we meet their delegation this afternoon—that is why I chose my own way of becoming acquainted with the establishment. Have your people formulated their grievances?

FRÉDÉRIC. [_Taking the document from_ BERTINE’S _desk_.] Yes, here is their petition addressed to us. We did not wish to be subjected to their oratory at the conference, so we insisted upon a preliminary bill of complaint.

D’OR. [_Scanning the sheets._] H’m—in view of the prosperous times—plant working to the limit of its capacity—unprecedented business—increased rents—higher cost of living—we request a general increase of ten per cent. Why, surely, it is very little that they ask?

RAOUL. Do you realize what an effect it will have upon our dividends?

FRÉDÉRIC. Are not our shareholders entitled to first consideration?

D’OR. [_Still glancing at the petition and not heeding their remarks._] ‘Respectfully submitted, Messrs. Albert, Lorraine, Frémiet; Mlles. Céleste Bergère, Adrienne Courteaux’—well, I declare, my charming friend of the lace-machine is to be one of your delegation! How soon do we meet them?

RAOUL. I think we had better agree upon some line of action before we invite the delegation to the office. We should at least present a united front.

D’OR. How do you usually act in such an industrial crisis as this?

RAOUL. Sometimes we find it necessary to make a partial concession—they are usually crafty enough to ask for twice what they expect to get. Occasionally we can win over a delegation by assuring them of an individual raise in wages and thus send them back to their associates with a discouraging report.

FRÉDÉRIC. We dare not tamper with the present delegation—they would be difficult to handle. Their leader, Albert, is a quiet fellow, but the soul of honor. [_Looks over the petition._] Lorraine is an old man, generally esteemed and beloved by his associates; Frémiet is a rascally socialist, a constant breeder of trouble. [_He drops the petition._]

D’OR. [_Picking up the petition._] And the girls, Mlles. Céleste and Adrienne—what lovely names they have!

FRÉDÉRIC. We never worry about the women in such delegations. They are easily managed. It is strange, Raoul, that just those two should have been chosen. You should know, M. D’Or, that Adrienne Courteaux is a good, highly respected girl, who is supporting her widowed mother. As for Mlle. Bergère—what shall I say, Raoul?

RAOUL. [_With sarcasm._] I hardly know how she will appeal to M. D’Or’s fancy. She lacks exactly those virtues and qualities that strike us so favorably in Mlle. Courteaux.

D’OR. Well, gentlemen, I see that you know something after all about the young women of your establishment, in spite of the fact that you are both married men—but, seriously, how do you propose to answer their request for an advance?

RAOUL. There is but one answer if we are not to reduce our dividends—the request must be refused.

D’OR. And the admirable Mlle. Courteaux, supporting a widowed mother, will continue to get only thirty-five francs a week?

FRÉDÉRIC. Her case seems to distress you most. Do you realize that even with the increase she would be earning less than forty francs?

D’OR. True—I hadn’t thought that it meant so little—so contemptibly little. Gentlemen, I propose that we grant the ten per cent. increase and that in such deserving cases as Mlle. Courteaux’s we give an additional increment.

RAOUL. [_Leaping to his feet._] M. D’Or, pardon me—but what you propose is impossible! Lehmann Frères are now paying the maximum wage-scale. We cannot increase wages further without defying an established economic law.

D’OR. M. Lehmann, the economic law has tyrannized over us long enough—it must be taught a wholesome respect for the power of gold. Of what value is wealth if it cannot crush so immaterial a thing as an economic law?

RAOUL. If you have no regard for your own interests, you should at least respect the investment of the other shareholders.

D’OR. Who are the other shareholders?

RAOUL. You hold some forty per cent. from your grandfather’s estate together with recent additions; my brother and I jointly own—[_A pause._] about half of the stock or a little over. That leaves about six or eight per cent. in small scattered holdings. [FRÉDÉRIC _looks anxiously at_ D’OR.]

D’OR. [_With a sinister expression, drawing a bundle of certificates from his pocket._] M. Lehmann, you and your brother own forty-five per cent. or less! The so-called scattered holdings are not six or eight per cent.—here are at least fifteen per cent.—you will observe that each certificate is endorsed in my favor.

FRÉDÉRIC. [_Leaping up._] Then you actually own a majority of the stock? [RAOUL _buries his face in his hands and groans_.]

D’OR. Yes. The Blausteins at Paris have been quietly obtaining this little block of Lehmann Frères for me. Gentlemen, I was surprised to learn that you had permitted the control to escape you.

RAOUL. [_Walking excitedly._] Why should the delegation consult with us, Frédéric? M. D’Or now dominates the situation—why prolong the agony?

D’OR. You should not be so bitter, M. Lehmann, because the sins of your own negligence have found you out. Your lie a moment ago is pardonable. I recognize your talents—you have maintained and advanced a great industry established by your father. I hope you will continue to direct the interests of Lehmann Frères. I simply wish to act as spokesman in the conference with your delegation—I may say _our_ delegation of workers.

RAOUL. Why ask of us a favor that we have no power to withhold? Complete your triumph! We are in your hands! [D’OR _glances for a moment at the angry_ RAOUL, _then turns to_ FRÉDÉRIC.]

D’OR. Kindly summon the committee!

FRÉDÉRIC. [_Rings._ BERTINE _enters, left_.] M. Bertine, please ask the delegation to come at once. [BERTINE _goes out, rear left. Frédéric crosses over to_ RAOUL, _who seems crushed and helpless. He tries to encourage_ RAOUL.]

D’OR. [_Looking at portrait, after a pause._] Your father’s portrait, I presume?

RAOUL. Thank Heaven, he did not live to see this day!

D’OR. [_Drily._] If he had lived there would have been no such day—at least, it would not have disturbed his equanimity.

FRÉDÉRIC. [_Comforting_ RAOUL.] Do not reply, Raoul. Let us at least preserve appearances before our employees. [_Enter, rear left_, BERTINE, _followed by_ ALBERT, _then_ CÉLESTE _and_ ADRIENNE, _finally_ LORRAINE _and_ FRÉMIET. _Throughout this scene_ RAOUL _labors under suppressed excitement_; FRÉDÉRIC _is more composed_.]

FRÉDÉRIC. M. D’Or, this is the delegation of our workpeople who have arranged for to-day’s conference. May I say to the committee that we are honored in having with us M. D’Or, who has a large interest in Lehmann Frères and wishes to participate in our deliberation.

D’OR. I should like to meet the delegates individually.

FRÉDÉRIC. [_Indicating._] M. Albert is their leader.

D’OR. [_Shaking hands._] M. Albert, I am glad to grasp the hand of a man who has the mark of leadership in his personality. [_Pointing to the petition._] Is this petition your work?

ALBERT. [_Modestly._] Only partly, monsieur. The committee worked on it as a body.

D’OR. It is a masterful summary. I congratulate you! [ALBERT _bows with a look of gratification and steps aside_.]

FRÉDÉRIC. [_Introducing_ LORRAINE.] Our oldest worker, M. Lorraine.

D’OR. The oldest worker! Most interesting! How long have you been associated with the company?

LORRAINE. I was twenty when the honored father [_Points to the portrait._] of Messrs. Lehmann first engaged me—and I’ve been here ever since. I have two sons and five grandsons here now. I am seventy-three years old.

D’OR. [_Astonished._] Fifty-three years of faithful service—and you are still among the workers! How is it that you have not risen to prosperity in that time?

LORRAINE. [_Without bitterness._] We cannot all hope to reach the top. Some of us have not the brains—and others have not the chance. I have always been a sober and industrious man, but the pay is not large. I do not complain, however—I have always been treated well.

D’OR. It is unjust—rankly unjust! [_He turns to_ FRÉMIET.] And our third delegate?

FRÉDÉRIC. [_Curtly._] M. Frémiet.

D’OR. Ah! I recall—the anarchist!

FRÉMIET. Pardon me, I am a socialist.

D’OR. Is there any difference? [FRÉMIET’S _look is contemptuous_.] I am quite unfamiliar with your nice distinctions of political or economic creed. I dare say you regard yourself as a very badly used person?

FRÉMIET. Yes. Every worker is badly used. He does not get his share of the wealth that he creates by the sweat of his brow.

D’OR. I suppose you believe that all men are created equal?

FRÉMIET. They are not—they should be.

D’OR. Ah! So you actually have a grudge against Nature in the first instance. How unhappy you must be! At any rate you believe in social equality. Let me test your faith. You are a workman, laboring faithfully week after week at the plant of Lehmann Frères; I am a gentleman of leisure, living idly on an inherited income. Do you believe that any social upheaval can ever make me your equal?

FRÉMIET. [_Misunderstanding._] I regard myself as any man’s equal, poor and crushed as I am. It is a cruel social tyranny that keeps us down.

D’OR. Pardon me, my friend—you did not listen carefully. I asked whether you believed that any social upheaval could make me _your_ equal.

FRÉMIET. You are mocking me, M. D’Or. In your heart you know that you are my superior—my superior in everything that is most desirable in this world. You live your life according to the dictates of your own fancy, you call no man master, the pleasures of the world are at your beck. Why should you seek to torture me and these others on the rack?

D’OR. [_Turning to the_ LEHMANNS.] Really, I had no idea that my visit was to be so interesting! [_To_ FRÉMIET.] M. Frémiet, you are something better than a socialist—you are a poet. Instead of working at the lace-machines you should capitalize your thoughts. You would soon attract sufficient attention to make you rich and famous—and incidentally to drive every vestige of socialism out of your system. [FRÉMIET _bows with evident pleasure_.]

FRÉDÉRIC. [_Introducing_ CÉLESTE.] Mlle. Bergère.

CÉLESTE. [_With a curtsy, archly._] Céleste Bergère.

D’OR. [_Bowing._] Mademoiselle, I am particularly interested in the welfare of the young women in our workrooms. In which department are you?

CÉLESTE. I assist in sorting and packing embroideries.

D’OR. And what is your pay for this service?

CÉLESTE. Twenty francs a week.

D’OR. Twenty francs! How can one live on such wages?

CÉLESTE. [_With a deliberate look at the_ LEHMANNS.] One cannot—and very few make the effort. [_The_ LEHMANNS _are astounded and annoyed at her audacity; the men of the delegation seem uneasy_; ADRIENNE _draws away from_ CÉLESTE.]

D’OR. [_With sympathy._] Pardon me for asking that question. I might have anticipated the answer. Of course, a girl living at home with her family is under less expense—

FRÉMIET. [_Starting forward._] How about the rest? It means ruin for the rest!

FRÉDÉRIC. [_Waving_ FRÉMIET _back and introducing_ ADRIENNE.] I believe you have met Mlle. Courteaux.

D’OR. [_Graciously._] Yes, I met Mlle. Courteaux in the lace department. Your pay is thirty-five francs a week—it is inadequate, I know.

ADRIENNE. It would not be so bad if it were not for the doctor and for the medicines that my mother needs.

D’OR. You are your mother’s sole support?

ADRIENNE. Yes. [D’OR _looks at her in mingled admiration and pity_.]

FRÉDÉRIC. Mlle. Courteaux receives high pay as the schedule is arranged. There are hundreds who receive far less.

D’OR. Heaven help the hundreds—and the thousands of their kind elsewhere. [_To_ ADRIENNE.] Are you happy at your work?

ADRIENNE. Yes; it is not difficult—one soon acquires the necessary skill.

D’OR. But you are surely looking forward to something better—something less monotonous than a lace-machine!

ALBERT. I hope some day to make Mlle. Courteaux my wife.

D’OR. Some day?

ALBERT. Yes. As soon as my pay is sufficient to keep us both.

D’OR. [_Looks at_ ALBERT, _then_ ADRIENNE.] This, too! Another tyranny of our industrial system! [_Turns to_ FRÉDÉRIC.] Can Lehmann Frères afford to be accessories to such hardships?

FRÉDÉRIC. [_Coldly._] It is distressing, of course—but we surely cannot undertake to reform society and bring about universal happiness.

RAOUL. [_Stepping forward._] May I remind M. D’Or that we have summoned this delegation to discuss the wage-scale? We can hardly reach any conclusion by considering the individual cases before us.

D’OR. [_With suppressed anger._] Thank you for reminding me, M. Lehmann. I have made the mistake of regarding our delegation as a group of human beings. [_He seats himself between the_ LEHMANNS.] Let us settle down to business. I take it for granted we are all familiar with the contents of this petition—it sums up the situation aptly—unless our friend Frémiet wishes to make a speech?

FRÉMIET. I have no speech to make, M. D’Or. I have been listening attentively to you—you are a fair-minded man. I am perfectly willing to leave our grievances in your hands. [D’OR _is visibly flattered_.]

D’OR. Very well. [_To_ RAOUL.] Now, M. Lehmann, you are the head of this great establishment—for years you have directed it ably and profitably. What do you suggest?

RAOUL. [_Looking keenly at_ D’OR.] Are you asking for my opinion?

D’OR. Certainly. Can we do anything for our people?

RAOUL. [_Speaking cautiously._] Perhaps what I say may appear unsympathetic—but I have always proceeded on the assumption that the shareholders deserve first consideration in the distribution of earnings. Our relation with our workers is in the nature of a personal contract—we offer a certain wage and they are free to refuse it and stay out of our employ if they so desire.

D’OR. That is sufficiently blunt to be understood by any one—and it’s also quite orthodox, I believe; but let us drop abstractions. Can we afford the requested increase in wages?

RAOUL. [_Feeling his way._] I wish to do the fair thing—but before all else I must advise the safe course. Our reports show clearly that a ten per cent. increase in all departments would ruin the concern. Perhaps we might compromise on a five per cent. advance and try it for—say six months, without committing ourselves to continue it beyond that term unless our earnings justify—

D’OR. [_Impatiently._] Nonsense, M. Lehmann; you would offer Mlle. Bergère an extra franc per week, the others perhaps two francs or less—do you imagine that you have solved the problem? I propose that we try the ten per cent. increase and give it a fair test.

CÉLESTE. [_Eagerly._] Oh! M. D’Or, you are our good angel!

D’OR. [_Flattered._] What is more, I propose to learn the circumstances of every girl who works in this plant, and wherever conditions warrant it, I shall recommend an increase of twenty per cent. or even more—

FRÉDÉRIC. It is impossible! We shall face bankruptcy!

D’OR. We might try it, at any rate.

RAOUL. [_Fiercely._] Your plan cannot succeed.

D’OR. [_Ominously._] None the less I ask you—shall we try it?

RAOUL. [_After a struggle._] Yes, if you insist! [_The workers are astounded._]

D’OR. [_To_ FRÉDÉRIC, _blandly_.] Do you also agree?

FRÉDÉRIC. Yes. Do whatever you think best!

D’OR. [_To the delegation._] Your petition is favorably considered and you may report to your associates that an increase of ten per cent. in all wages goes into effect immediately. [_The delegates are delighted_; D’OR _pays no attention to the rest, but gazes at_ ADRIENNE.]

ALBERT. [_Kissing_ D’OR’S _hand_.] You are a friend of humanity, M. D’Or!

LORRAINE. [_With choking voice._] I speak for my sons and grandsons when I say, ‘Heaven bless you!’ You have brought joy into our lives.

FRÉMIET. If all employers were like you, monsieur, I would stay away from our socialistic meetings.

CÉLESTE. [_Boldly._] M. D’Or, Adrienne and I also wish to thank you, do we not? [ADRIENNE _stands with bowed head beside her_.] You have made us so happy! You will be a hero henceforth in the eyes of us all. [_She turns to_ ADRIENNE, _expecting her to say something_.]

D’OR. And what do you say, Mlle. Courteaux? [ADRIENNE _raises her head and looks fixedly at_ D’OR _for several moments of tense silence; then with a sob she bursts into tears_.]

ALBERT. [_Hastening to her._] The truest tribute of all, M. D’Or! The tribute of tears!

RAOUL. [_Curtly._] The conference being over, you may return to your work. [_The delegates pass out at the rear left._] M. Bertine, you will at once post a notice in the shops announcing the increase in wages. [BERTINE _goes off, left_. RAOUL’S _demeanor changes completely_.] M. D’Or, in my whole life I have never experienced such a sense of humiliation, of utter degradation as in the last half hour. What a terrible man you are! How could you trample us so ruthlessly under foot—and before our workpeople—treating us like a pair of impotent puppets!

D’OR. [_Coolly._] I like to feel the power of my wealth. You have had the same experience in dealing with your workers.

RAOUL. Why don’t you exercise your power over them? It is easier and cheaper.

D’OR. They know the power of wealth—they need no further demonstration. The war of wealth against wealth is more to my taste at present. Besides, gentlemen, it is cleaner sport.

FRÉDÉRIC. Don’t you realize that as the majority stockholder you must pay the lion’s share of the bill?

D’OR. Yes, but it’s worth whatever it costs to see such a precious pair as you brought to terms. I am satisfied with the reward that my generosity will bring. By nightfall I shall be heralded through the town as the kind friend of the downtrodden workers—

RAOUL. [_Bitterly._] And Lehmann Frères will lose thirty to forty thousand francs a year!

D’OR. Of which nearly one half will fall upon you and your brother.

RAOUL. You forget, M. D’Or—there is still one resource. It would not be difficult to prove in any court of law that you are an irresponsible person. When a man, in order to gratify a passing whim, seeks to disturb the economic balance—

D’OR. [_With a sneer._] Economic balance! I like that phrase! On the one hand, our wealth, securely entrenched with all its vast unlimited influence; on the other, the hands and brains of the numerous wretches whom we call our employees. Economic balance, indeed!

FRÉDÉRIC. M. D’Or, we shall not be ruined without a struggle. This industry has been fostered through two generations of growth and development. We take pride in it—

D’OR. Let us stop quarreling, gentlemen—I have heard enough in this strain. At what figure do you estimate your holdings in Lehmann Frères?

RAOUL. [_Interrupting_ FRÉDÉRIC.] This morning our joint holdings were worth six hundred thousand francs—Heaven knows what they are worth now, with you in the saddle!

D’OR. [_Deliberately._] Then I presume the easiest way for me to restore peace and to avoid a commission in lunacy would be to pay you—let us say eight hundred thousand francs?

RAOUL. What do you mean? To buy us out?

D’OR. [_Toying with the petition._] Yes—for eight hundred thousand francs.

FRÉDÉRIC. On what terms?

D’OR. A sight draft on the Blausteins at Paris. [_A frantic discussion between the brothers, which evokes a smile from_ D’OR.]

RAOUL. [_Finally._] We accept your offer!

D’OR. Are you no longer afraid that I am a desperate madman? Are you sure that a man who disturbs the economic balance can legally transact business? Would not the sale of your holdings at such an outrageous overvaluation be liable to attack in your courts?

RAOUL. [_Suavely._] Not unless you or your friends should proceed. You made the offer yourself—we are not likely to test your sanity after the draft is honored.

D’OR. Gentlemen, I see you are not without a sense of humor. Kindly draw up a formal agreement—the actual transfer of the property can be effected to-morrow. [RAOUL _prepares an agreement_.] You can make immediate delivery, I presume?

FRÉDÉRIC. Yes. There is nothing to prevent you from taking absolute possession of the entire establishment at once. You will henceforth be able to follow the dictates of your own fancy in administering the affairs of the company. Would it be an impertinence to wish you success in your venture?

D’OR. I fear it would be, in the face of your conviction that I am doomed to inevitable failure.

FRÉDÉRIC. You are trying to do the impossible!

D’OR. The impossible is the only thing worth doing nowadays. [RAOUL _shows the agreement to_ FRÉDÉRIC.]

FRÉDÉRIC. [_Handing it to_ D’OR.] Very good!

D’OR. [_Returning it to_ RAOUL.] Quite proper—and to the point. [RAOUL _rings for_ BERTINE, _who enters, left_.]

RAOUL. M. Bertine, kindly let us have three copies of this agreement at once. [BERTINE _takes the paper, glances at its contents and utters an involuntary cry_.]

RAOUL. [_Severely._] Have you forgotten yourself?

BERTINE. [_Confused._] I—I beg your pardon, gentlemen. [_He glances from one to another, looks at_ D’OR _as at an apparition and goes out awkwardly_.]

D’OR. [_Sympathetically._] Poor fellow! How hard he takes it! Gentlemen, I confess that I looked for a possible word of sentiment from you—a desire to remain identified with the great business that your father had established and had developed to its present importance. I was even prepared to bid higher in case my first offer was not accepted—[_The brothers look at him in mingled anger and covetousness._] but the sum seems to have satisfied your cupidity. However, I have an appeal to make. I do not wish to undertake the administration of this great industry—I know nothing about it. Do you care to remain here in your present executive capacity? I know we can agree upon terms.

RAOUL. Events have crowded each other so quickly that neither of us has any plans for the future. We shall be willing to stay—for a time at least, eh, Frédéric?

FRÉDÉRIC. Assuredly. I, for one, am interested to know how M. D’Or’s experiment is going to work out. Such audacity affords an enlightening spectacle to the business man of normal training.

D’OR. Thank you, gentlemen, I shall appreciate your co-operation. Such a business requires a certain amount of personal shrewdness and finesse with which you are evidently well equipped. [BERTINE _enters with the papers, hands them to_ RAOUL _and goes off, left_. RAOUL _signs each copy, hands them to_ FRÉDÉRIC, _the latter signs and passes them to_ D’OR.]

D’OR. [_Signing the last copy._] There we are! [_Each takes a copy._] That settles the formal transfer—the details can go over till to-morrow. Is there anything further, gentlemen?

RAOUL. [_Somewhat excited, puts his hand to his brow._] I—I do not feel altogether well. The excitement of the past hour is playing havoc with my brain! I had better go home—

FRÉDÉRIC. My dear Raoul—you are not ill, I hope?

RAOUL. You had better take me home. [_They get their hats and gloves._] M. D’Or, I wonder whether you are not a demon—or an apparition of some evil dream!

D’OR. Have no fear, M. Lehmann. You will find my draft on the Blausteins a very reliable piece of paper—in exchange for which I am to receive [_Throwing out his arms._] all this!

RAOUL. [_In agony._] Ah! this is terrible! [_He goes out, rear right, followed by_ FRÉDÉRIC. D’OR _looks after them with a laugh, jingles the gold in his pocket and rings for_ BERTINE _who enters, left. As it is growing dark_, BERTINE _turns on the electric lamp on the table_.]

D’OR. M. Bertine, at what time does work cease?

BERTINE. [_Consults his watch._] In twenty minutes, monsieur.

D’OR. Will you kindly ask Mlle. Courteaux to come to the office before she leaves? You may tell her to come at once.

BERTINE. Very well, monsieur. [_He goes off, rear left._ D’OR _takes the agreement from his pocket and laughs over it. He looks over other papers on the desk with deprecatory gestures. For a few moments he gazes at the portrait of Lehmann senior._ ADRIENNE _enters, rear left, followed by_ BERTINE.]

BERTINE. Anything further, monsieur?

D’OR. Not at present. [_Exit_ BERTINE, _left_. ADRIENNE _stands looking steadily at_ D’OR.] Mlle. Courteaux, you doubtless wonder why I sent for you?

ADRIENNE. [_Simply._] No, I am not wondering.

D’OR. But you surely cannot know? You see, I—that is, I was so much distressed when I heard of your sick mother that I desire to learn if I can do anything for her—perhaps a better doctor, or a trip to the mountains. I am much interested in her welfare.

ADRIENNE. [_Coolly._] M. D’Or, it is impossible for me to believe that you are at all concerned about my mother.

D’OR. You might at least credit me with good intentions towards her. There was another reason for my summoning you. When I announced the increase in wages to the delegation, the others were profuse in their thanks. You said nothing—you burst into tears.

ADRIENNE. The rest believed you meant well by them.

D’OR. And you?

ADRIENNE. [_After a pause._] I knew better.

D’OR. [_With a look of admiration._] You are entirely too bright a girl to pass your best years in a factory. This morning I recognized your beauty and your charm of manner—now I learn that you are clever as well.

ADRIENNE. What next, M. D’Or?

D’OR. How did the shops receive the news of the increase?

ADRIENNE. The workers went almost wild with joy.

D’OR. And you alone find a sinister motive in what I did?

ADRIENNE. Am I wrong?

D’OR. [_With apparent wounded dignity._] You are doing me a great injustice—I want you to regard me as a friend. I shall be perfectly frank with you. When I arrived here I had no intention of playing the philanthropist as I did a few moments ago. I would have supported the Lehmanns and there would have been no increase—not a franc for anyone—if I had not seen you at work.

ADRIENNE. All this would be very complimentary, monsieur, if I could ignore the rest of your frankness.

D’OR. When I urged the increase in wages it was to please you—you alone. I did not care a whit about the others—and the Lehmanns had to dance as I fiddled!

ADRIENNE. That was evident. I felt very sorry for them.

D’OR. Then you don’t think better of me for what I have done?

ADRIENNE. How can you expect any one who reads your motives to think well of you?

D’OR. Of course, the increase was only a trifle for you after all! But suppose you could get away from the lace-machine altogether, could live well, dress well and enjoy life in a way worthy of your beauty—would that make any difference?

ADRIENNE. M. D’Or, why do you find it necessary to insult me?

D’OR. Perhaps you care for that fellow Albert?

ADRIENNE. [_Quietly._] No.

D’OR. Is there any one else?

ADRIENNE. No.

D’OR. [_More eagerly._] I wouldn’t use that word ‘insult’ if I were you. I am offering to take you out of a life of drudgery into one of comfort and affluence, to put the luxuries of the world at your disposal, to give you the one talisman to the real joy of living.

ADRIENNE. And that is—

D’OR. [_Drawing out a handful of gold coin and talking hysterically._] Gold! Gold! Unlimited gold! The faithful slave that brings me whatever I desire. The power that sent the Lehmanns slinking out of this room a few minutes ago like a pair of whipped curs! The power that has placed the entire establishment of Lehmann Frères in my hands. I own it all—all, Adrienne!

ADRIENNE. And you are the man who is now being proclaimed throughout the town as the champion of the poor man, the friend of the oppressed woman—you, who seek to control only that you may corrupt!

D’OR. [_Nettled._] How dare you speak thus to me? You forget that I am your employer!

ADRIENNE. That you are not. You have made it impossible for me to earn my living here. [_She moves toward the door, rear left._] Even if you do own Lehmann Frères, you might at least spare to your workers their own souls. You call gold your faithful slave; be careful that your slave does not master you in the end! [_She passes out quickly._ D’OR _stares after her and throws the coins on the table. He laughs nervously as he looks about, especially at the portrait of Lehmann senior. He picks up the petition, pulls out the agreement, and after some moments of indecision goes to the telephone._]

D’OR. [_Looks up the number in the telephone book._] 7—1—4 please.... Hello.... Yes.... Is that the home of M. Raoul Lehmann?... M. Lehmann himself? This is M. D’Or, at the office.... Yes.... I have changed my mind about purchasing your interest and your brother’s.... Yes, I prefer to restore the plant into your hands.... Yes, a majority of the stock as well as a bonus for cancelling the deal.... I know you won’t lose control of it again.... Yes.... I’m sorry I treated you and your brother so roughly to-day.... Why am I giving it up? Well, I’ve already had enough of it. Besides, your father’s portrait makes me nervous. I wouldn’t care to take it down—and I don’t dare to look at it.... What’s that?... You accept? Good!... Will you inform your brother?... Very well, in the morning at ten! Are you feeling better?... I am glad to hear it.... Good-by. [_He goes over to the table and slowly picks up the coins._] To-day you played me a very shabby trick! [_He pockets the gold, puts on his hat, takes his cane and is about to leave when he again notices the portrait. He goes directly to it, takes off his hat with a bow and addresses the picture._] M. Lehmann, I have the honor to bid you farewell! [_With a laugh he goes out at the rear right entrance as the curtain falls._]