ACT III.

SCENE. _The library at the_ WOLTONS. _A handsomely and luxuriously furnished room, somewhat disarranged by the preparations for the wedding. It is here that the wedding presents are displayed; along the two sides and partly across the end are placed long and narrow improvised tables, covered with all sorts of gifts--silver, glass, &c. &c. There are five piano lamps grouped together at the upper corner of table. There are faded flowers about._

TIME. _The following day._

DISCOVERED. MRS. LORRIMER _at left of table, a maid and man servant are busy wrapping up and addressing some of the wedding presents._

MRS. LORRIMER. [_Who has just finished writing an address on a parcel._] This is one to go by express, Howes.

SERVANT. [_Taking it._] Yes, m'm. [_Placing it to one side where are others tied up and addressed._] Beg pardon, m'm, but it's a great pity Miss Marion should lose a husband and all the wedding presents as well.

MRS. LORRIMER. Oh, it isn't always a pity, Howes, to lose a husband--it's very often a very good thing. [MAID _gives_ MRS. LORRIMER _another parcel to address, which she does--copying from a card which the maid gives her with the parcel. Maid exits._

SERVANT. [_Giving_ MRS. LORRIMER _a visiting card._] This is the address, m'm--still, if you'll excuse me for saying so, Mrs. Lorrimer--if it was me, I'd keep the presents just by way of a kind of consolation. [_She and the_ SERVANT _tie up another box._

MRS. LORRIMER. [_Addressing._] Ah, but you see their associations would be painful. I have had two husbands and I have each time moved out of the house I occupied with each on the day after losing him.

SERVANT. You know what trouble is, m'm, to have lost two husbands. Grippe, m'm? [_Giving her another parcel._ HOWES _to table up stage._

MRS. LORRIMER. Not exactly. Another kind of epidemic. The law, Howes. [HOWES _gives parcel._ MRS. LORRIMER _addresses it from a visiting card. Enter_ MAID _with_ ETHEL _and_ FANSHAW.

MAID. I will tell Miss Wolton. [_Exit._ FANSHAW, ETHEL _and_ MRS. LORRIMER _greet each other._

FANSHAW. How do you do? [_Shakes hands._ MRS. LORRIMER _motions with her head a dismissal to the_ SERVANT, _and he gets boxes and goes out._

ETHEL. [_Goes to sofa and sits._] Do you think Marion will see us?

MRS. LORRIMER. I don't know, I'm sure. She is with her mother.

ETHEL. You don't mean--

MRS. LORRIMER. Yes, but she isn't a bit like she was yesterday. She's crying like a child, poor thing,--what she's gone through!

FANSHAW. Have you seen the papers? [_Has large bundle of them._

MRS. LORRIMER. No.

FANSHAW. It's in all of them, and some have big pictures.

ETHEL. Yes, my dear, with all of us in. Marion in a low-necked dress. You're a sight, but my picture's rather good.

FANSHAW. [_Who has gotten papers from coat-tail pocket._] Perhaps you'd like to see them.

MRS. LORRIMER. No, no; put them away quick. I'll see them home. I take every blessed paper. [FANSHAW _up to table where he puts hat and papers_.

ETHEL. What are you doing--sending back wedding presents? [_Crosses._

FANSHAW. Oh, I say, is that necessary?

ETHEL. I don't believe I would; there are lots of things she's been dying to have.

MRS. LORRIMER. My dear Ethel!

FANSHAW. Yes, why couldn't she--er--forget--er--overlook--er--any old thing with some of them--I mean those she wants? [_Turns up, looking at presents on table._

MRS. LORRIMER. Well, there are some things I should think she'd be glad to send back. After all, twelve dozen oyster forks are too many for a small family like a newly married couple.

ETHEL. How many sugar spoons did she get?

MRS. LORRIMER. Thirteen, which to say the least, is an unlucky number ... [_Rises, puts arm about_ ETHEL _and comes left._] and there's that bankrupt stock of piano lamps. [_Crosses to sofa; sits on sofa with_ ETHEL. FANSHAW _comes down._

ETHEL. [_Half laughing._] That's true! By the way, have you sent back Mrs. Bayley's presents yet?

MRS. LORRIMER. Yes, why?

ETHEL. Go on, tell her, Fanshaw. [_Rises and goes to centre._ MRS. LORRIMER _and_ FANSHAW _sit on sofa._

FANSHAW. [_Laughing._] Oh, it's nothing, only I sent it to Mrs. Bayley myself three Christmases ago as a philopene. I suppose she thought I wouldn't remember, but she forgot both our initials are marked on the bottom.

ETHEL. [_At table, examining presents. Laughing._] Yes, my dear, and Marion found them. People really ought to be more careful.

MRS. LORRIMER. Think of a woman with all Mrs. Bayley's money-- [_Interrupted._

ETHEL. My dear, it is the rich who do these sort of things. Every year all my second-hand Christmas cards and calendars come from my wealthiest friends! And there's that thing-- [_Lifting a vase._] Isn't it hideous? I don't know who sent it but-- [_Interrupted._

MRS. LORRIMER. _I_ do.

ETHEL. [_Innocently._] Who?

MRS. LORRIMER. I did.

ETHEL. Good gracious. [_Laughs._] I assure you I haven't any taste. [ETHEL _down centre._ FANSHAW _rises_.

FANSHAW. No, not a bit. [_Goes back of sofa and up to table._ ETHEL _up stage by table._

ETHEL. How many presents did Marion get, anyway? [_Looking among the things on the table._

MRS. LORRIMER. I don't know. [_Satirically._] I didn't count them.

ETHEL. I don't believe she got very many--Marion has always taken up so many poor people. I'm sure I never can tell what she sees in them! [ETHEL _crosses right of table_.

MRS. LORRIMER. Oh, yes, Ethel, I know how you choose your friends. The other day I heard you were running after the Lloyds--that settles it, I said--they are either going to have a box at the Opera this year, or give a series of dinners, or a big ball. Ethel knows what she's about.

FANSHAW. Exactly--Ethel knows her business, but you left out one thing--they have the best cook in town, too.

ETHEL. [_Taking up a box with a large silver fish knife in it._] Who gave her this fish knife?

MRS. LORRIMER. The Conrads, didn't they.... [ETHEL _bursts out laughing_.

ETHEL. Ha! ha! ha! If that isn't appropriate! You know the old man Conrad made all his money out of imitation sardines!

FANSHAW. And very bad imitations, too.

MRS. LORRIMER. Well, if I could make as much as Conrad, I'd be willing to imitate codfish!

ETHEL. [_Takes up a small box at which she has been looking._] Here's my present. I might as well take it home with me and save you the trouble. [_Puts it in her pocket. She looks at silver hand-glass._

MRS. LORRIMER. [_Dryly._] Thank you! Was that your present in a Tiffany box--a small diamond pin?

ETHEL. Yes, wasn't it sweet?

MRS. LORRIMER. Rather. I saw those pins marked down at Wanamaker's Christmas time.

ETHEL. For heaven's sake, don't tell Marion. [_Re-enter_ MAID.

MAID. Mrs. Wolton will be down at once, madam-- [MAID _exits at back._ FANSHAW _crosses to table_.

ETHEL. [_Who goes back to_ MRS. LORRIMER.] Wasn't it awful yesterday--in the church! [_Crosses._

MRS. LORRIMER. [_With a sigh._] Awful. [_Rises and crosses to centre._

ETHEL. [_Kneeling, with one knee on the sofa._] Still, I will say one thing, I've always been dying to have it happen.

MRS. LORRIMER. Ethel! What a little beast you are.

FANSHAW. Oh, she didn't mean to Marion particularly. Did you, Ethel?

ETHEL. No; if I had my choice I'd rather see it happen to Kitty; she's always pretending she's so sincere and all that.

MRS. LORRIMER. Marion is well rid of a man like Fletcher.

ETHEL. Oh, I don't know--I believe I'd take him to-morrow if he asked me.

MRS. LORRIMER. Well, I wish he would--it would serve you just right.

FANSHAW. Oh, but you couldn't, to-morrow, even if he did ask you--you forget.

ETHEL. Oh, of course I did. My dear, I meant to tell you when I came in that I'm announcing my engagement to-day.

MRS. LORRIMER. Good gracious, to whom?

ETHEL. To Mr. Fanshaw.

MRS. LORRIMER. Good heavens. Allow me to condole-- [_Crosses to_ FANSHAW.] I mean congratulate you. And so you're going to be married! [ETHEL _crosses. They shake hands._

ETHEL. Oh, no, only engaged for a little while,--just for fun. [MRS. WOLTON _enters_.

MRS. WOLTON. Good morning, Ethel. I'm going to ask you to excuse Marion. She isn't seeing _any_ one this morning.

ETHEL. I understand--of course--give her my love and tell her not to mind--every one's on her side and,--she looked perfectly lovely. Tell her she had the prettiest wedding dress anyway of the season. [_She goes to kiss_ MRS. WOLTON, _who draws back. Both_ MRS. WOLTON _and_ MRS. LORRIMER _are aghast at the flippant manner of_ ETHEL. ETHEL _raises her eyebrows, shrugs her shoulders._] Good-bye, good-bye. Come along, Fanshaw. [_Exit._

FANSHAW. [_Crossing to_ MRS. WOLTON.] Oh, Mrs. Wolton, don't mind Ethel. She doesn't mean what she sounds like. She never does mean what she sounds like. Besides, she's a little rattled this morning. You see she's engaged again.

MRS. WOLTON. Engaged?

FANSHAW. Yes, not to Johnny. I'm it. [ETHEL _re-enters_.

ETHEL. Come along, Fanshaw.

FANSHAW. All right, I'm coming. [_Takes up hat and papers._ ETHEL _motions for him to leave papers--he does so and exits with_ ETHEL.

MRS. LORRIMER. How is Marion?

MRS. WOLTON. In the same extraordinary frame of mind--I'm afraid she'll be ill.

MRS. LORRIMER. You mean, so composed?

MRS. WOLTON. Yes, so hard--she hasn't shed a tear--the only person she's at all human with is that poor creature upstairs. And you know she's sent for _him_.

MRS. LORRIMER. [_Surprised._] She's going to see him?

MRS. WOLTON. She insists upon doing so.

MRS. LORRIMER. I wonder why? I never want to see any of my husbands again-- [_Crosses to_ MRS. WOLTON.] after they've once disappointed me.

MRS. WOLTON. I suspect--I don't know--Marion refuses to talk about it, but her sending for this Mrs.--er--Miss--er--dear me, I don't know what to call her--but you know who I mean--I think Marion has an idea she can help her to--er-- [_She hesitates._

MRS. LORRIMER. You don't mean to marry Fletcher? [MRS. WOLTON _nods her head. Incredulously._] She still wants to?

MRS. WOLTON. Anything for her child's future.

MRS. LORRIMER. [_Very seriously reflecting._] Well, I can understand that. [_She rouses herself and finishes in her old manner._] But, my dear, I can sympathize with her, too, poor thing. I know what's before her--you see, both mine were brutes.

MRS. WOLTON. [_Rises and crosses to_ MRS. LORRIMER.] Will you mind if I say something very frank to you?

MRS. LORRIMER. [_Tentatively._] Well--frank things are always disagreeable.

MRS. WOLTON. Anyway, I am going to run the risk. You know you are considered--rather--er--

MRS. LORRIMER. I suppose you want to say heartless?

MRS. WOLTON. Oh, no!

MRS. LORRIMER. Well--then frivolous--

MRS. WOLTON. Yes--perhaps--and--a few other things--but you aren't.

MRS. LORRIMER. Yes, I am.

MRS. WOLTON. No, you're not.--These qualities are all only on the surface. [_Both sit on sofa._] They are the rouge and powder of your character--underneath, I believe you are plain and sincere.

MRS. LORRIMER. [_Laughing._] I'm not so mad about being plain, but sincere I would like to be.

MRS. WOLTON. It's your wretched luck in your married life that has made you what you are!

MRS. LORRIMER. [_Sincerely, with much feeling, and almost breaking down._] You're right. It was a case of hardening my heart and laughing in the world's face, or--or having it laugh in mine perhaps.

MRS. WOLTON. What you need now as you did in the beginning is a good husband--like mine was.

MRS. LORRIMER. Good men don't grow on bushes, and besides, good men don't seem to care about me.

MRS. WOLTON. I know just the man, and I believe he's been in love with you for years, though he may not know it himself! [MRS. LORRIMER _looks at her questioningly._ MRS. WOLTON _goes to her and, putting her arm around her neck, whispers in her ear._] I want you for a _sister_-in-law.

MRS. LORRIMER. [_Embarrassed, pleased._] Mrs. Wolton!

MRS. WOLTON. Call me "Laura," and I shall feel as if matters had progressed a little. [_Enter_ DAWSON--_suddenly and unceremoniously. Both women start slightly and exchange a quick, covert, meaning glance. Rise._

DAWSON. Ah, Laura--I attended to that for you at once. Has she come?

MRS. WOLTON. Yes, she's upstairs.

DAWSON. Good. [MRS. LORRIMER _coughs_.] Mrs. Lorrimer-- [_Shaking her hand._] I have followed you here--they told me at your house.

MRS. WOLTON. [_Rather hopefully._] You want to see Mrs. Lorrimer?

MRS. LORRIMER. [_Very quickly, aside to_ MRS. WOLTON _with humour._] Say "Emily"--that may help a little, too!

MRS. WOLTON. You want to see Emily?

DAWSON. [_A momentary surprise at the name._] Emily, sweet name--er--yes, if you will allow me, alone. [_Goes right, takes out handkerchief, and mops brow._

MRS. WOLTON. Alone!--very well! [_Aside to_ MRS. LORRIMER.] I'd no idea it would come so soon. It must be _that_.

MRS. LORRIMER. [_Blushing._] No, no, it's something else-- [_Believing though that it is._

MRS. WOLTON. [_Still aside._] One thing delights me, you're as much in love as he is-- [_Aloud._] Good-bye, _Emily_.

MRS. LORRIMER. [_Aloud, with emphasis._] Good-by, _Laura_! [MRS. WOLTON _exits_.

DAWSON. Mrs. Lorrimer-- [_Crosses centre._] I want to speak to you on a matter of the greatest privacy.

MRS. LORRIMER. Yes. [_Very quietly._

DAWSON. You are the only woman in the world who can help me.

MRS. LORRIMER. [_Seriously._] I consider that a true compliment, Mr. Dawson.

DAWSON. I hesitate because I do not know if I have the right to ask you to share my secret with me.

MRS. LORRIMER. As far as I am concerned, I _give_ you that right.

DAWSON. You will help me at no matter what inconvenience to yourself?

MRS. LORRIMER. Yes--but I may not--er--consider it an "inconvenience" to myself. [_Smiling._

DAWSON. Very well then--the terrible trouble of yesterday is not the only calamity that may happen to my sister and her daughter.

MRS. LORRIMER. [_Rising--surprised, disappointed, but still affected seriously by his serious manner._] It is of them you wish to speak to me?

DAWSON. Yes.

MRS. LORRIMER. It is for them you wish my help?

DAWSON. Yes.

MRS. LORRIMER. [_With one sigh, dismisses her disappointment and holds out her hand--crosses to right of table._] It is yours for the asking.

DAWSON. Thank you! [_Presses her hand._] Mr. Wolton killed himself to escape being convicted of a crime. [_Sits left of table._

MRS. LORRIMER. [_Withdraws her hand slowly from his, and whispers in tremulous surprise and horror._] What!!!

DAWSON. He had misappropriated funds entrusted to his care,--exposure became inevitable--you know the rest.

MRS. LORRIMER. But Marion, Mrs. Wolton?

DAWSON. They know nothing!

MRS. LORRIMER. Nothing! [_Looks puzzled._] But how--

DAWSON. The night of the catastrophe, Fletcher announced his engagement to Marion, and claimed his right to bear a share of the family's trouble. I took him at his word by asking him to come to the rescue of his future wife's name and honour with--money!

MRS. LORRIMER. And he did!

DAWSON. Yes--willingly! He was splendid that night.

MRS. LORRIMER. That's why you suddenly became his champion!

DAWSON. Yes, I couldn't believe the tales against him, when he had proved his love for Marion by such a big act of generosity.

MRS. LORRIMER. He knows everything?

DAWSON. Everything, that same night.

MRS. LORRIMER. And he has never breathed a word?

DAWSON. That was only natural up to yesterday, but now-- [_Interrupted._

MRS. LORRIMER. He doesn't threaten to tell?

DAWSON. He does, unless Marion marries him. He's mad about her. The good in him has loved her up to now; now it's the devil in him. He's not the same man!

MRS. LORRIMER. And what do you want me to do?

DAWSON. Advise me.

MRS. LORRIMER. _I._ Advise _you_?

DAWSON. Yes. Shall we tell Marion?

MRS. LORRIMER. About her father?

DAWSON. Yes.

MRS. LORRIMER. No, no! Not if we can help it!

DAWSON. But-- [_Interrupted._

MRS. LORRIMER. And Fletcher must be paid every cent he gave.

DAWSON. Not easily done. Of course you will understand I have nothing; what I had went at the first, and I shall need all my income now for Laura and Marion.

MRS. LORRIMER. You will borrow this money in your name.

DAWSON. I have no security. [_A moment's pause; both think--rise._

MRS. LORRIMER. Do you carry a life insurance? [_Crosses left._

DAWSON. Yes, quite a heavy one.

MRS. LORRIMER. Why not borrow on your life insurance this sum?

DAWSON. [_Pleased._] Of course, of course! What a fool I've been not to think of that! How clever you are! But again, it must be borrowed privately for many reasons. [_Again a moment's pause, while both think._

MRS. LORRIMER. [_Showing decision and determination._] I think I know some one.

DAWSON. Who?

MRS. LORRIMER. Don't ask me till I've seen him and found out--I will go now-- [_Crossing up centre._]--at once, and make a beginning, and you must go to Fletcher and keep him from coming here.

DAWSON. That won't be necessary, for surely Marion wouldn't see him.

MRS. LORRIMER. On the contrary she has _sent_ for him!

DAWSON. [_Astonished._] She isn't still in love with him! I'll go to him and say I've come to talk business; I think that's the best way to put it.

MRS. LORRIMER. Yes, and now, go right away!

DAWSON. [_With a world of appreciation and sentiment in his voice and manner._] _Without thanking you?_

MRS. LORRIMER. Yes, please, because I don't want you to thank me in a hurry--I want you to take a good long time over it. [_A moment's pause; they look at each other._ DAWSON _seizes her hand, half shamefacedly, and kisses it. He starts for hat, which he placed on table as he entered._

MRS. LORRIMER. [_Drawing him back--half shyly._] Oh--answer me just one question....

DAWSON. A dozen.

MRS. LORRIMER. What have you--a nice man--I mean--a man like you.... [_Interrupted._

DAWSON. [_Interrupting._] What kind of a man?

MRS. LORRIMER. A "nice" man--you _are_ a nice man, aren't you? [_Smiling sweetly and rather archly at him._

DAWSON. [_Embarrassed._] Well--I--I'm afraid I shall have to leave the answer with you--am I?

MRS. LORRIMER. Yes, I think you are--and why have you never married?

DAWSON. Well, you see, _some_ people marry so often, some others of us don't marry at all, just to strike a sort of balance!

MRS. LORRIMER. [_Laughing._] That's mean of you to say to me! Come, answer my question honestly.

DAWSON. Well, I've only known one woman in the world who wouldn't bore me.

MRS. LORRIMER. There are such things as happy marriages, aren't there?

DAWSON. I should like to risk one, only-- [_He hesitates and stops._

MRS. LORRIMER. This "one woman in the world?"

DAWSON. Oh, she's absurd, impossible!

MRS. LORRIMER. Why?...

DAWSON. She wants to divorce all her husbands.

MRS. LORRIMER. Well, but don't give her a chance!

DAWSON. Eh, what?

MRS. LORRIMER. Don't give her a chance--any reason.

DAWSON. By George! I never thought of that.

MRS. LORRIMER. [_Delighted._] You stupid!

DAWSON. [_Delighted._] Don't you know who I mean?

MRS. LORRIMER. [_Very self-consciously._] No--how should I?

DAWSON. Can't you guess?

MRS. LORRIMER. I don't want to guess, I want to know for _certain_.

DAWSON. You are "the only woman in the world!" [_He bows low before her, his right arm bent, his hand on his chest._

MRS. LORRIMER. [_Takes his arm._] Well, I am ready to run the risk if you are. [MRS. LORRIMER _and_ DAWSON _cross right._] But now we mustn't lose any more time--take a cable-car; I will, it'll be quicker than a cab. Perhaps you won't approve of cable-cars for me, though. They are the most emotional mode of convenience I've ever tried.--This morning, in two curves I sat in three men's laps!

DAWSON. _Ah._ [_Laughing._] Don't let those curves get to be a habit, or I'll sue the company for alienating your affections.

MRS. LORRIMER. [_Laughing._] Come! [_Takes his arm again and they meet_ MARION, _who enters._

MARION. [_As she comes._] Tired out, Emily? [DAWSON _goes up stage to door_.

MRS. LORRIMER. Tired! I never felt so rested in all my life! I haven't tied up very many. [_With a look and gesture toward the table of presents._] I've been interrupted--and now you must excuse me for a little while, but I'll come back and do some more.

DAWSON. I'll go at once-- [_To_ MARION.] --an errand for Emily--Mrs. Lorrimer. [_Emphasis on the name and a meaning look._] Good-bye-- [_Going. Both women say_ "Good-bye," _but_ MRS. LORRIMER _follows him._ MARION'S _back is turned._ MRS. LORRIMER _quickly gives_ DAWSON _a large bunch of violets she carries in exchange for a small rose-bud he wears in his buttonhole. He cannot get it into his coat. There is amused confusion._ MARION _turns and_ DAWSON _quickly exits._ MRS. LORRIMER _down left of table._

MARION. [_Right of table._] It's like the death of someone, isn't it? This is the death of my marriage, and these gifts are its clothes.

MRS. LORRIMER. Has--er--she gone?

MARION. No--she's waiting up in my room.

MRS. LORRIMER. What for?

MARION. [_Quietly._] I mean to make him marry her if I can, here, to-day.

MRS. LORRIMER. [_Doubtfully._] Do you think you can?

MARION. If he loves me, I think so. I shall ask him to prove his love by doing the one honourable, honest thing there is for him to do. [_To sofa._

MRS. LORRIMER. You believe in this woman?

MARION. He has practically acknowledged that what she says is true.

MRS. LORRIMER. [_Tenderly._] And _you_, dear, and your love-- [_Crosses to_ MARION. _Interrupted._

MARION. _My_ love--for _him_. [_Sits on sofa_.] The blow he struck Jeannette fell on my heart and killed my love. A man who would strike a woman will do most anything,--and think where he did it, and _why_? Because she was pleading and fighting for the rights of his child!

MRS. LORRIMER. I am glad, dear, you can take it so calmly.

MARION. [_Calmly._] Oh, no, it isn't exactly that--I am reasonable; I see I've escaped a great misery and I'm grateful-- [_Enter_ SERVANT.] But I suffer terribly, for the moment I close my eyes, I see only the dreadful scene of yesterday.

SERVANT. Mr. Fletcher, ma'am.

MRS. LORRIMER. Oh! He's missed him!

MARION. What? [_Rises._] Who's missed who?

MRS. LORRIMER. Nothing. Nobody!

MARION. [_To_ SERVANT.] Show him in, Howes. [SERVANT _bows slightly and exits_.

MRS. LORRIMER. [_Quickly._] Let me go the other way. [_Reaches door._

MARION. You're coming back?

MRS. LORRIMER. Yes. [_Kisses_ MARION.

MARION. What a sweet rose that is. [_Touching_ DAWSON'S _rose in_ MRS. LORRIMER'S _dress._

MRS. LORRIMER. Yes, it's the loveliest rose I've ever seen. [_Exit quickly as_ FLETCHER _enters._

FLETCHER. [_Speaking seriously but pleasantly, evidently expecting that everything is to be made all right between them._] Thank you for sending for me, but I would have come without your message!

MARION. [_Looks at him, surprised at his tone. Speaks quietly._] Jeannette is upstairs waiting.

FLETCHER. [_Starts; his whole manner changes; he realizes now that he has to fight for what he wants and against what he doesn't want._] Why?

MARION. I've promised her you shall marry her, if I can make you.

FLETCHER. You can't. No, no, Marion. [_Pleading._] You won't throw me over for yesterday. I lost my temper, I know, and I'm sorry for it, but I love you-- [_Interrupted._

MARION. [_Interrupting._] Prove it by doing what I ask.

FLETCHER. [_Angry._] Never! [_Goes right._

MARION. [_Follows him._] If you make the reparation there is in your power, it would save you from being utterly contemptible in my eyes!

FLETCHER. _You_ say that!!!

MARION. Yes,--will you do what I ask?

FLETCHER. [_Angry._] No!

MARION. [_Angry._] Then I do _right_ to despise you!

FLETCHER. No, because it is _my love_ for _you_ that keeps me back. [MARION _laughs a bitter, satirical laugh_.] I will marry only _you_.

MARION. Me! Ha! [_Laughs again._

FLETCHER. [_Angrily--close to her._] And I _will_ marry you.

MARION. No, you'll not! [_Faces him._

FLETCHER. I will _force_ you to marry me.

MARION. How dare you to take that tone with me.

FLETCHER. I dare more than that.

MARION. [_Goes to bell._] Take care, or I'll have the servants turn you out of the house! [FLETCHER _laughs an ironical laugh._] _Will_ you marry Jeannette Gros!

FLETCHER. [_More angry._] No! [_He follows her._] And I won't leave this house, either. [_Takes her hand._

MARION. Don't touch me!

FLETCHER. I won't leave the house because it's _mine_. And so will _you_ be!

MARION. No!

FLETCHER. Yes, you will, because I'll buy you with your father's reputation!

MARION. With what!

FLETCHER. With your father's good name.

MARION. You--scoundrel.

FLETCHER. We are well mated, for you are the daughter of one! [MARION _immediately touches the bell, which is heard ringing in the distance_.] You had better dismiss the servant when he comes; I am sure you would rather he didn't hear all I have to say.

MARION. [_Almost under her breath._] _You_ cannot injure my father!

FLETCHER. Ask your uncle, Mr. Dawson! [MARION _looks up questioningly, as if she suddenly remembered something._ SERVANT _enters_.

MARION. Ask Mrs. Wolton to please come here at once.

SERVANT. Yes, m'm. [_Crosses room and exits._

FLETCHER. You remember the night of your fancy-dress ball and your father's--death-- [_He pauses_--MARION _doesn't answer, but looks troubled._] He took his life to save it from being--disgraced, because he was a _thief_!

MARION. Stop! [_She draws herself up and looks_ FLETCHER _in the face. He stops. She goes to door left and opens it. He goes right. Enter_ MRS. WOLTON, _a little frightened._ MARION _takes her hand and leads her down stage._ MRS. WOLTON _sees_ FLETCHER, _but does not bow._ FLETCHER _bows._ MARION _takes_ MRS. WOLTON'S _hand and the two women stand, facing_ FLETCHER _who stands._

MARION. You repeat, if you dare, the vile slander of my father!

MRS. WOLTON. Your father?

FLETCHER. All that I said is true, and more!

MRS. WOLTON. What is true? What did he say? [_A pause._ FLETCHER _remains doggedly silent._

MARION. Ah! You daren't repeat it before my mother! [FLETCHER _sneers_.] You know she would prove the lie in your face! Did you think you would frighten me into marrying you! Do you think a man with a reputation like yours, could injure the reputation of a man like my father, loved by everyone!

FLETCHER. And who cheated those very people who loved him--that's only what _I_ did. He was no better than I-- [MRS. WOLTON _makes a movement and an effort to interrupt him_.

MARION. [_To_ MRS. WOLTON.] Let him finish, mother. [_Holding her back._

FLETCHER. He left you both beggars, and robbed his own sister besides.

MRS. WOLTON. _It is not true!_

MARION. [_Not believing him._] How is it, then, that we have everything, everything we could wish for! How is it we have lived in our old home, lived our old life, if we were beggars!

FLETCHER. How?--thanks to _my_ money, _I've_ paid for it all! [MARION _opens her lips to speak, but cannot; a short pause_.

MRS. WOLTON. You! [MARION _stops her with her hand on her arm._ MARION _and_ MRS. WOLTON _cross to sofa._

FLETCHER. [_Quietly._] It is true! This is _my_ house you're in! [_A pause--the two women are stunned, speechless, unable to comprehend and believe, yet unable to contradict. Re-enter_ DAWSON.

FLETCHER. Ah! [_Relieved, as_ DAWSON _is his proof._ DAWSON, _looking from one person to the other, realizes the situation. He looks a little frightened at the two women. An awkward moment's pause._] Question _him_ if you doubt my word.

MARION. My father! Is what he says true? [_The women are afraid to question._

DAWSON. [_To_ FLETCHER.] Have you told them?

FLETCHER. The truth? _Yes!_

DAWSON. [_To_ FLETCHER.] Your reason?

FLETCHER. I didn't come here to do it; she made me angry. She drove me to it.

MARION. [_In a hard, tuneless voice._] He says my father was not honest--is that _true_?

DAWSON. [_Answers with difficulty._] Yes. [_A sob comes into_ MARION'S _throat and she almost breaks down, but she at once controls herself._

MARION. He says _his_ money has been supporting us since--since--

DAWSON. [_To_ FLETCHER.] A _manly_ way to put it!

FLETCHER. [_Crosses left. Bursting out again._] I wanted you to feel an obligation to me--I don't want to lose you.--You loved me yesterday; if you were once bound to me, you'd love me again--you can't change like that over night.

MARION. If yesterday had left any love in my heart for you, you would have destroyed it by what you have done to-day.

MRS. WOLTON. [_Who has gained control of herself._] But I don't understand how it was his money--

DAWSON. [_Interrupts._] At the time of your husband's death a large sum of money was needed to keep his wrong-doing from being made public. I took Fletcher into my confidence, and he lent us this sum.

MARION. You should have _told_ me.

DAWSON. I wanted to save you.

MARION. No! no! It was placing me in a terribly false position. It was placing all of us! Well, _I_ take the debt now on _my_ shoulders! Between us three we will manage to pay it up in time--I am ready to give up the rest of my life to it. [_Crosses to_ FLETCHER.] Don't be afraid, you will be paid!

FLETCHER. And you still persist in your refusal to marry me?

MARION. Yes! Yes! Yes!! A thousand times now more than ever.

FLETCHER. And do you think all those years you are trying to scrape up the money, I'll hold my tongue? I don't care about the money, I only care about you.--If I can't have you, do you think I'm going to accept the disgrace you helped heap upon me yesterday? Not I, if I know it! Throw me over, and I'll make public your father's record--every dishonest bit of it! [_Strikes table._

MRS. WOLTON. [_Cries out._] No! No! [_Crosses to_ DAWSON.

DAWSON. You dare threaten?

MARION. No, no! He can't mean it.

MRS. WOLTON. [_Taking_ DAWSON'S _arm._] No, no! He wouldn't bring this disgrace upon us! What good would it do him?

FLETCHER. Then persuade her to marry me.

DAWSON. No. Rather the disgrace!

MARION. [_To_ FLETCHER.] I never thought I would humble myself before you, but I do, now, and I beg you, for the love you say you have for me, spare the name of a man, who at least never harmed you! Don't dishonour my father's memory. Isn't it enough revenge for you that my mother and I know it! [_With tears._ FLETCHER _is a little affected, but_ DAWSON _does not see this, and interrupts. He pulls_ MARION _away from before_ FLETCHER.

DAWSON. No--I won't have you pleading to him! [_Places her to left and_ Marion _puts arms about her mother._

FLETCHER. I know who I have to thank for all this--Rhodes!

MARION. There is no need to mention his name. [_Arms about her mother._

FLETCHER. Isn't there! It was he who brought Jeannette here--it was he we both have to thank for yesterday's ordeal.

MARION. [_To_ DAWSON, _half-heartedly._] What? [_She places_ MRS. WOLTON _on sofa._

FLETCHER. You didn't believe me when I told you of your father! But this is as true as that was. And the night you promised to marry me, Rhodes threatened to do this very thing.

MARION. It isn't possible! He wouldn't have submitted me to yesterday's humiliation!

FLETCHER. How else could she--living quietly in a little town in Switzerland--know of our affairs here?

DAWSON. I confess Rhodes tried to prejudice me, but I was too much impressed with Fletcher's generosity.

FLETCHER. That money was nothing. I'd do it all over again to-morrow if Marion would only marry me.

MARION. Douglas tried to influence me, too.

FLETCHER. He wants you himself, that's why!

MARION. [_In despair._] Then I have no one--no friend to believe in! Not even you, Uncle Fred, for you should have told me about my father in the beginning.

FLETCHER. [_To_ MARION.] You have me!

MARION. Oh! Can't I make you understand, _you_ least of all! [SERVANT _enters and announces_--"Mrs. Lorrimer--Mr. Rhodes." _Those on the stage look up surprised._

MRS. WOLTON. Oh! this is more than I will bear! Mr. Rhodes, I must beg you to excuse us.

DOUGLAS. To excuse you?

MRS. LORRIMER. I have brought Mr. Rhodes-- [_Interrupted._

MRS. WOLTON. Then, I must ask you to take him away if he is unwilling to leave without you!

DAWSON. No, Laura, wait-- [_Interrupted._

MARION. Mother is right. It should have been enough for Mr. Rhodes to have witnessed our humiliation yesterday. It is adding another insult for him to come here to-day.

MRS. LORRIMER. Marion, you don't know what you're saying--

DOUGLAS. [_Stops_ MRS. LORRIMER.] No! Miss Wolton is doubtless right-- [_Movement from_ MARION.] You did not tell me Mr. Fletcher was here, or I shouldn't have been persuaded to come. I prefer to go--

MRS. LORRIMER. No, not without my telling why you came.

DOUGLAS. No, I must ask you to keep the reason entirely to yourself--and Mr. Dawson. [_Starts to go._

DAWSON. [_Stops him._] Not yet. I understand now why you have come with Mrs. Lorrimer. It is not fair that your reason for coming should not be known.

FLETCHER. We know it; Miss Wolton has sufficiently explained. His presence here at this moment is only another insult.

DOUGLAS. Oh, you wish me to go? [MRS. LORRIMER _begins to cross back of_ DOUGLAS _to right of table._] That puts another colour on the matter. I am at a loss to imagine how Mrs. Wolton could accuse me of the sentiments she did. I will stay and wait for an explanation from her.

MARION. I will give it to you if you will excuse me for a moment. [_Going._

DAWSON. [_Meeting her._] What are you going to do?

MARION. Bring her here--she is in my room----

FLETCHER. [_Uneasy._] Jeannette!

MARION. [_Ignoring_ FLETCHER, _speaks to_ DAWSON _in reply to_ FLETCHER'S _question._] She will tell us who brought her to New York, and that will answer--Mr. Rhodes. [_She exits._

FLETCHER. [_To_ DAWSON.] I refuse to remain to see this woman. [_Takes his hat._

DAWSON. I have no wish to detain you--but kindly give your address that I may communicate with you.

FLETCHER. My bankers you know,--that is all that is necessary, as I shall very likely sail--what day is this?

DAWSON. Friday.

FLETCHER. [_Bitterly._] Oh, yes, of course, my wedding-day was on Thursday! I think I shall sail in to-morrow's steamer. [MARION _re-enters. Sees_ FLETCHER _going, her voice stops him_.

MARION. You are going--wait. This gentleman has asked me a question, which I think you can answer for me, by answering a question of mine to you. How did you know of my marriage to--of my marriage of yesterday?

JEANNETTE. From a friend who wrote me and sent me the newspapers.

MARION. [_Meaningly._] A man or woman friend?

JEANNETTE. A woman!

MARION. [_Starts--it is the first shock of doubt she has had._] Douglas Rhodes had nothing to do with your appearance yesterday in the church?

DOUGLAS. [_Astonished--hurt._] _You thought that?_

JEANNETTE. Oh, no, Miss Wolton, he had nothing in the world to do with it.

MARION. [_Stands up as if shot, her face full of shame and grief--turns slowly toward_ DOUGLAS, _bows her head, half whispers._] I beg your pardon.

DAWSON. [_To_ FLETCHER.] You see you were wrong, Mr. Fletcher.

FLETCHER. Possibly. Good-bye.

MRS. WOLTON. And our secret, my husband's-- [_Hesitates, searching for a word--does not finish._

FLETCHER. Oh, I was only trying to bully your daughter into marrying me--a drowning man, you know--I thought I could make her love me again if I once had a good chance--that's all. Well--I've bought lots of pleasure at the cost of other people's; now I'm going to pay my debt, I suppose, with some misery on my own account, but--well,--I sha'n't disturb Wolton's memory. [MRS. WOLTON _whispers aloud to herself involuntarily--_ "Thank God!" FLETCHER _continues speech._] Because, because-- [_A sob comes in his throat._] I can't help it, I still love his daughter. [_After a long look at_ MARION, _exits._ MARION _has turned from_ DOUGLAS _and listened to the end of_ FLETCHER'S _speech. As he goes_, JEANNETTE _involuntarily seizes_ MARION'S _hand._ MARION _frees herself from_ JEANNETTE _with an encouraging look at her, and follows_ FLETCHER _out._

MRS. LORRIMER. Well, bad as he is, there is something about that man that takes right hold of me. [_To_ DAWSON.] It's lucky I've fallen in love with you, or I might have had one more inning in the divorce club.

DAWSON. I'm only afraid there's a little danger of you trying it again, anyway.

MRS. LORRIMER. With _you_? Oh, no! The day we are married I'm going to begin writing letters to the newspapers in favour of abolishing the institution.

MARION. [_Enters._ JEANNETTE _goes to her quickly, calm and hopefully._] Go to him, he is waiting. [JEANNETTE _gives an exclamation of emotional relief and joy._] Be tactful; he wants to sail on to-morrow's steamer--don't ... [_Interrupted._

JEANNETTE. I understand--he shall sail alone, if he will only leave his name behind for my boy.

MARION. That he will do--he said so. [_As_ MARION _turns_, JEANNETTE _takes her hand and leaves the room._

MRS. LORRIMER. [_Crosses to_ MARION.] Now, Marion, I want you to know why Douglas came.

DOUGLAS. [_Rises, comes center._] Please-- [_He shakes his head._

DAWSON. But she _must_ know some time.

DOUGLAS. Not before me.

DAWSON. Have you forgotten, Marion, our debt to Fletcher?

MARION. [_Realizes what it is. To_ DOUGLAS.] _You_ would--Oh no, rather leave the debt with him to repay.

DOUGLAS. Why?

MARION. Because I owe you now more than I can ever repay, for the wonderful friendship you have given me all my life! I haven't the right to accept anything more from you.

DOUGLAS. Let me be the judge of that--

MARION. Still, after all that's gone by, you don't hate me?

DOUGLAS. [_Forgetting himself._] Hate you? No. I-- [MARION _crosses to sofa, sits._ MRS. LORRIMER, _as he begins to speak, has touched_ DAWSON'S _arm meaningly._ DAWSON _moves quickly and softly to_ DOUGLAS, _and, with a quiet, soft, firm touch on his arm, stops him before he can say "I love you."_

DAWSON. [_Aside to_ DOUGLAS.] Wait--trust to me who love you both, and wait.

DOUGLAS. [_To_ MARION.] You'll leave the debt with me?

MARION. Yes! [MRS. LORRIMER, MRS. WOLTON _and_ DAWSON _all exchange happy, hopeful glances._ DOUGLAS _and_ MARION _look at each other._

CURTAIN.

* * * * *

Transcriber's Notes

Pages 533, 536: Variations in spelling Jeannette Gros (Jeannette Gross and Jeanette Gross) in the Cast of Characters lists have been retained to match the original book.

Page 540: speakes changed to speaks. (She speakes aside to one)

Page 548: Punctuation missing in original. Added ! after "something." (MR. WOLTON. Give me a word of hope, Fred!--something What are you going to do?)

Page 549: Period added to end of sentence after "corner." (and placing them down left corner)