ACT II
SCENE.--_A conservatory in Zanden's house. The L. side of the stage as well as the whole back of the stage is taken up by large bay windows, through which one sees into the garden. In the distance the wall surrounding the house, and some trees in the garden. It is winter. Bright weather, but it has been snowing. In the garden as well as in the street, electric lamps. On the R. side of the stage there are two doors, one quite near to the footlights, leading into the apartment--one in the rear, leading to the hall. There is a platform about two yards long and two yards wide, between these two doors. Five steps lead from this platform towards the footlights, and five steps on the side of the platform to the middle of the stage. On the top of the platform a door leading to the ball-room. When this door is opened, one generally hears the ball music. At the foot of the stairs, about three yards from the footlights, two square columns having a brass ornament with eight electric lamps attached. There are heaps of plants and flowers about the room. Two chairs and a table stand on the R. side of the stage, about three yards from the footlights, two chairs and a table on the L. side of the stage, about five yards from the footlights. There are two settees, L. and R. On the table L. writing material. It is about one o'clock at night._
[_Guests in fancy costumes are moving about as the Curtain goes up._
FIRST LADY GUEST, _sitting L. of table R._
Who is the dark man you left so suddenly in the ball room?
SECOND LADY GUEST, _enters and comes down stairs to back of table L._
I don't know his name.
FIRST LADY GUEST
A most disagreeable man.
SECOND LADY GUEST, _crosses to group L. C._
Oh, dreadful! He behaved shockingly to my husband. He told him that it will be so cold tonight that his teeth will shiver in their box.
FIRST LADY GUEST
Olga tells me he is a friend of Herr Karl's, and she only invited him as a compliment to him.
SECOND LADY GUEST (_stout_)
He insisted on telling me of a remedy for obesity. I don't consider myself stout--do you?
ELSA, _C., laughingly_
No! I think I'm just right. He sounds interesting--I'd like to meet him.
FIRST LADY GUEST
You'll be sorry if you do.
ELSA
Oh, indeed.
SECOND LADY GUEST
He'll be very disagreeable, I assure you.
ELSA
I'm not afraid of him.
[_Wants to go up steps._
FIRST GENTLEMAN GUEST,_ L. C._
Miss Elsa, I really think you had better not.
SECOND LADY GUEST
If Miss Elsa wants to speak to him let her do so. I think she is the only one really capable of putting him in his place.
THIRD LADY GUEST, _seated L. of table R._
Oh, she'll make him sit up.
ELSA
Thanks, awfully. Oh, I know what you call me--the blue-stocking--sassy Elsa--
SECOND LADY GUEST
Elsa, I never said you were a blue-stocking.
FIRST LADY GUEST
I never called you Sassy Elsa.
ELSA
But I am--you know I am--
[_Pointing at herself._
That's why nobody dares to tell me how to get thin.
SECOND LADY GUEST
The impertinence!
ELSA
Well--you asked for it.
SECOND LADY GUEST, to FIRST LADY GUEST
It will serve her right if--
ELSA, on the stairs
I'd just like to see him--
[_The_ DEVIL _is standing in front of her. Everybody is silent._
DEVIL, _in evening dress, red carnation in buttonhole; after some silence_
I never dreamed how quiet it could be when seven ladies are not talking.
[_Protesting movement on the part of the_ GUESTS.
Oh, I know--you have been very merciful to me in my absence.
ELSA, _on stairs_
You needn't think I am afraid to say what I think to your face. I was just about to--
[_She makes a movement showing that she wanted to look for him._
DEVIL
You did well to stay. They would have said much worse things about you--they would have spoken about your approaching engagement to Karl.
ELSA
What!
[_Astonished_.
You know?
DEVIL
To my friend Karl--they want to throw you into his arms.
[_The_ OTHERS _laugh_.
[_In a low voice to_ ELSA:
I'd like to speak to you--alone.
ELSA
Here?
[_Gesture that she thinks this impossible in a crowded room._
DEVIL
We'll be alone in no time.
[ELSA _goes to sofa and sits L. of table L._
FOURTH LADY GUEST, _crosses to him; to_ DEVIL
I'm very glad you spoke that way to Elsa. You have quite won me over, and I don't mind telling you I came very near having to pick a bone with you.
DEVIL, _R. C., to_ FOURTH LADY GUEST, _who is very thin_--_looking at her from head to foot_
By the way, speaking of bones--
FOURTH LADY GUEST
What! Again!--oh!
[_Walks off highly offended._
FIRST GENTLEMAN GUEST, _very effeminate, smiling to the_ DEVIL
Bravo! I couldn't do that--not that I lack courage. I am famous for my courage--I just love a fight--I once slapped the face of an athlete who dared to insult a lady.
DEVIL
You coward!
FIRST GENTLEMAN GUEST
What--coward?
DEVIL
Yes, coward. If you dared to slap the face of a cripple I might admire your courage.
[FIRST GENTLEMAN GUEST _starts to answer, but afterwards makes a gesture seeming to say nothing can be done with the_ DEVIL--_going off slowly up the stairs._
SECOND GENTLEMAN GUEST, _after a few seconds talking quietly to the_ DEVIL
Oh-h-h! You are a free-thinker. So am I!
DEVIL, _as if astonished_
You think?
SECOND GENTLEMAN GUEST
I do.
DEVIL
What with?
[_Exit_ SECOND GENTLEMAN GUEST, _angrily_.
[_To_ SECOND LADY GUEST, _the stout one, seated R. of table L._
A pity you _don't_ dance--there's nothing like it for reducing the figure.
[SECOND LADY GUEST _rushes of._
DEVIL, L. _to the_ THIRD LADY GUEST, _pointing at_ FOURTH
_Her_ husband must be in the furniture business.
THIRD LADY GUEST
Yes, who told you?
DEVIL
Her dress--it is the very latest pattern for arm-chairs and settees--but please don't say I said so.
THIRD LADY GUEST, smiling
Certainly not.
[_Goes to chair of_ FIRST LADY GUEST.
Jane--
DEVIL, _joins_ ELSA. _To_ ELSA
Look--she's telling her.
THIRD LADY GUEST, _to_ FIRST LADY GUEST
But promise me not to be angry.
DEVIL
She promises.
FIRST LADY GUEST
I promise.
THIRD LADY GUEST
He said that--
DEVIL
Look out for the explosion.
FIRST LADY GUEST, _rises_
Oh, I never--
DEVIL
Now--watch her go.
FIRST LADY GUEST
I never!
[_Goes off over the staircase._
THIRD LADY GUEST, _going after her_
But, Jane, you promised me--
[_Exit_.
DEVIL
Voilà! I am now at your disposal.
ELSA, _on settee L._
Aren't you surprised I haven't gone? You insulted me, too. I only stay because I want to speak to you.
DEVIL, _L. C., ironically_
Charmed, I'm sure.
ELSA
Oh, don't try to be polite--just be yourself. I'm not afraid of you.
DEVIL
I know it.
ELSA, _crosses up to C._
Perhaps you know my nickname--Saucy Elsa?
[DEVIL _nods his head._
DEVIL
Yes.
ELSA
Politeness would only embarrass me--and I have chosen you to deliver a message to that crowd --only because you can be so delightfully rude.
DEVIL
I am at your entire disposal.
ELSA
Now, how can I be saucy when you talk like that?
DEVIL
I am your devoted servant.
ELSA
You're impossible.
DEVIL
Shall we end this conference?
[DEVIL _starts up C._
ELSA, _goes to table R. C. and leans against it_
Not yet, please. You informed me just now that I am the girl they want to throw into the arms of your friend Karl.
DEVIL
Yes.
ELSA
You forget to say I am the girl who _allows_ herself to be thrown in your friend's arms. Is that right?
DEVIL
Yes.
ELSA, _stands and pushes forward chair_ Please sit down.
[DEVIL _bows, but remains standing._
ELSA, _in a very loud voice. Crosses and sits_
Please sit down. I don't ask you out of politeness, but because I want to set you right in this matter--and it is much easier for me to set you right when you sit down and I stand up. I don't want people to make fun of me--I know what they say--do you understand me?
DEVIL, _gets up_
I do.
ELSA
Sit down, please. (_He does so._) I don't want people to smile and congratulate me to my face, and laugh behind my back. I won't have it--and as you started this subject I shall entrust you with the mission of enlightening our friends out there.
DEVIL
Your confidence honors me.
ELSA
Don't think for a moment that I have taken these people seriously--I have no more interest in them than I have for yesterday's newspaper. But I don't choose to have them think that they have fooled me into marrying Karl. And--
DEVIL, _starts to rise. She stops him_
Pardon me.
ELSA
I see through their scheme. But I shall marry him just the same, if he will have me. Do you understand me? I shall marry him--
DEVIL
Pardon me. I don't think you will.
ELSA
You will see.
DEVIL
You have been kind enough to honor me with your confidence, and now I will be quite frank with you. This marriage cannot come off.
[_Stands up._
ELSA, _points to chair_
Please sit down.
DEVIL, _takes her hands and swings her into chair_
No! You will sit down now because I am going to set you right. I know the reason of this marriage--but you--
[A MAN SERVANT _crosses stage_; DEVIL _calls him._
You will find in my overcoat a small leather satchel--bring it here.
[MAN SERVANT _goes off._
[_Continuing to_ ELSA:
But you don't know the reason--or you don't want to know it. And you are about to consent to--
ELSA, _interrupting_
To what? To marry a man who is not madly in love with me--any more than I am with him. What of it? We are two perfectly sane people about to make a serious contract with our eyes wide open, instead of blinded by infatuation like crazy lovers in magazine stories. What other contract made by crazy people would be valid for one minute--and this is for a life-time--
[Enter SERVANT _and hands bag to_ DEVIL and exits.
DEVIL, _smiling_
True--for a lifetime.
ELSA
You are a man of the world?
DEVIL, _gravely_
Of many worlds.
ELSA
[_Looks up quickly as if about to ask the_ DEVIL _what he means, but checks herself and continues_:
Well, in this world--is it the man chooses the woman, or the woman who chooses the man?
DEVIL, _smiling_
_We_ are the weaker sex.
ELSA
Answer me! Which chooses?
DEVIL
The man _sometimes_ chooses the engagement ring--
ELSA, _holding up her head proudly, and looking her very prettiest, straight into his eyes_
Look at me, please.
[_The_ DEVIL _looks into her eyes._
ELSA, _proudly_
Now tell me, can I or can I not choose the man I will marry?
DEVIL, _leaning on table R., in a courtly manner_
It is written in your eyes--but--I never thought this subject would excite you so.
_ELSA_, _seated L. of him, with animation_
I won't be laughed at--I don't care what those people think (_becoming excited_). I know what I am doing, and in spite of everything I _choose_ to become his wife.
DEVIL, _takes out little red satchel and opens it_
Why?
ELSA, _beginning to lose control of herself_
Because--because--
[_Breaks down._
--because I love him.
[_Begins to sob bitterly._
DEVIL
Allow me--
[_Takes a little handkerchief out of the satchel and gives it to her._
I always carry this with me--it's my weeping satchel--everything a woman needs for weeping.
ELSA, _weeps a little harder; sobbing, wiping her eyes with the handkerchief_
I love him.
[_During the following dialogue the_ DEVIL _takes out of the weeping satchel a little looking-glass, small comb, powder and puff, and gives her one after another._
DEVIL
And _this_ is Saucy Elsa!
ELSA
No. Until tonight I was a young girl afraid of nobody--now I feel like an old woman.
[_Takes mirror._
_What_ am I to do?
[_Looks, smiles quickly._
DEVIL
Don't be discouraged. You will have to fight--you must attack the enemy. But first you must be pretty.
ELSA, _takes puff and powder from him_
I shall try to.
[_Reaches out for it._
DEVIL
You must show a bold front--you will perhaps feel that it is hard for a young girl to fight a woman--your weapons are not quite so numerous as those of the married woman--who knows love already--who understands--may I say something shocking?
[_During this speech_ ELSA _hands back or the_ DEVIL _takes all the articles except the handkerchief._
ELSA, _looks at him, opening her eyes widely_
Do you ever say anything that isn't?
[_Gives him handkerchief, rises._
DEVIL
Well, I won't. But remember, you have one weapon which will deal the death blow to the most attractive woman--to the woman who knows every card in the game of love--that one weapon is purity.
ELSA
This sounds strange from _you_!
DEVIL
All the same--it may do you some good. And now--go dance with Karl--but don't try to be a woman, be a girl. Don't try to be saucy.
ELSA, _L. C._
I'm not really saucy--I'm afraid it's only a pose--
DEVIL
_Don't_ pose. Be yourself--be bashful--look at the young man as if you were only waiting for a pirate to steal you away from girl-land--and show you the way into Woman's Land. Head high, my little girl---that's it--and if anybody dares to call you saucy again, tell him that you once met a gentleman at a ball to whom you thought to give a piece of your mind, that would make him feel very, very small--and instead you left with a piece of his mind, that made you feel very, very small--and made him feel--as if he were the greatest Scoundrel in the world--
[_Taking a few steps to the footlights._
which _perhaps_ he is.
[ELSA _goes up the stairs, when_ KARL _appears on the top of the stairs_, DEVIL _is standing at this moment behind one of the columns unseen by_ KARL--_but quite near_ ELSA. ELSA _turns towards the_ DEVIL, _showing her back_ to KARL.
ELSA
So you don't want me to be saucy?
DEVIL, _whispering_
No.
[ELSA _goes up one step._
KARL, on top step
Oh, Elsa, there you are!
ELSA, _dropping her eyelids_
Yes.
KARL
Why aren't you in the ball-room?
ELSA
I wanted to be alone. If anybody wants me he can find me.
[_To_ DEVIL, _whispers_:
Is that better?
KARL
You look sad. Are you worried?
DEVIL, _whispering to_ ELSA
Say no.
ELSA, _leaning against pillar R._
No.
KARL, _coming down_
What has happened?
[_Sees the_ DEVIL, DEVIL _comes from behind pillar between them, meets_ KARL _on lower step._
Oh, I understand--
DEVIL, _finishing_ KARL'S _sentence_
--nothing.
[_Goes up stairs._
KARL, _nearing_ ELSA
You look lovely, Elsa. Do you know, this pensive air is very becoming to you--you've always been so cold and--haughty--it's like finding a little white flower under the deep snow; you want to pick it up and kiss it--
[_Takes both of_ ELSA'S _hands in his._
This is the Elsa for me!
ELSA, _ashamed_
Karl!
DEVIL
You will excuse me. I must pay my respects to our hostess.
[_He goes off quickly_. KARL _and_ ELSA _sit down on the L. side of the stage._
ELSA
I don't like that man. Who is he?
[_Sits R. of table L._
KARL, _sits on sofa L._
A casual acquaintance who insists upon posing as my friend. Don't let us talk about him. I'm glad I found you here--something natural in this stifling artificial atmosphere. Doesn't it seem close to you?
ELSA
Yes, as if some hot wind had passed through these rooms--it seems to take my breath away.
KARL
I've never heard you speak like that before. Why have you tried to hide--your real self from me?
[DEVIL _appears on the platform, with_ OLGA. _They come down the steps._
OLGA
Hadn't we better leave the young couple alone?
DEVIL
You are much too considerate.
ELSA, to KARL
Olga--I suppose you'd like to speak to her?
KARL
I much prefer to talk to you.
[_They continue talking._
[DEVIL _and OLGA come down. She sits on sofa R._, DEVIL _in chair R._
OLGA
They seem to have found each other.
DEVIL
Possibly. Are you sorry?
OLGA
Oh, no.
DEVIL
Shall we leave?
OLGA
No, I like to see my plan bearing fruit.
[_They continue speaking slowly._
ELSA
They are speaking about us.
KARL
What do we care? Let's be happy--Elsa! I feel as if I had never known you before tonight.
ELSA, _moves chair so she can hide_ OLGA _from_ KARL. DEVIL _repeats business_
Why do you keep looking over there?
KARL
Oh, that's only--I was quite unconscious--
[_They continue speaking slowly._
OLGA
Let's talk about something else. You are very naughty. You have come here in spite of my--
DEVIL, smiling
Invitation. I would have respected your wish but for one very good reason--I made a bold wager this afternoon.
OLGA
What?
DEVIL
I made a bet that you would fall in love with me this evening.
OLGA
Made a bet that _I_ would fall in love with you? And with whom did you bet?
DEVIL
Karl.
OLGA
Karl? (_Quickly_.) And what did he say?
DEVIL
His answer was curious. I had better not tell you--I am afraid it would hurt you.
OLGA
No, it won't. Please tell me.
[_Turns and looks at_ KARL.
DEVIL, _following her glance_
Well, perhaps later. Your little plan bids fair to succeed.
OLGA, _looking away quickly_
I had forgotten their existence.
[_Changing quickly the conversation._
[DEVIL _pats_ OLGA'S _hands_.
You have fascinating eyes
[_During the following few words between_ ELSA _and_ KARL, _the_ DEVIL _whispers into the ear of_ OLGA, _stroking her hand gently in order to arouse_ KARL'S _jealousy_.
KARL
I never saw you look so charming.
ELSA
I feel as if I had changed, perhaps you have something to do with it.
DEVIL
You seem like a different woman this evening--there is something about you--
OLGA
It is because I am with somebody I don't quite understand--but who seems to me a man in every sense of the word.
[_This last a little louder, for_ KARL'S _benefit_.
DEVIL
Your confession is charming. But I should be more ready to believe it, if you hadn't made it.
[DEVIL _kisses_ OLGA'S _hand_.
KARL
Our first love is generally our last, but our last love always our first--don't you think so?
ELSA
I don't know. I've never been really in love before--but have twice been disillusionized.
DEVIL
Love at first sight--
[_The following eight sentences are spoken very rapidly, almost at the same time._
OLGA, _distraite_
You are right--for the first sight--that is to say--
KARL
[_Now always looking at_ OLGA--OLGA _always looking at_ KARL; _the_ DEVIL _looking pleased_, ELSA _looking furious._
Disillusions--well--yes, disillusions are--disillusions.
DEVIL
I should hate to have to give an account of myself.
OLGA
Yes, indeed--but, of course--it's all a matter of taste.
ELSA
The way girls are brought up nowadays--
KARL
Exactly! Our bringing up--that is--I mean to say--of course--of course.
OLGA
We mustn't forget--
KARL
I quite agree with you--if--if you know what I mean.
ELSA, _getting up quickly and slapping her hand on the table_
No, I don't know what you mean.
[_Crosses to stairs._
Take me to the ball-room--I'm engaged for the next dance.
KARL, _also rising_
Well,--
ELSA, _almost crying, insisting_
Let us go--I wish to go--
[_She goes towards the stairs_; KARL _follows her, goes up side stairs, meeting her at the top as she passes_ OLGA.
OLGA
Oh! you are not in the ball-room.
ELSA, _saucily_
Can't you see?
OLGA
You'd better hurry, dear.
ELSA
I hate dancing, but I shan't miss one single dance tonight, just to spite some people. I shall dance to the last step.
[ELSA _looks at_ OLGA _in a very impertinent way_. OLGA _steps forward as if to give a reply, when_ KARL _comes between them; offers his arm to_ ELSA.
[_Exit_ ELSA _and_ KARL _up the staircase_.
OLGA, _angry_
Did you hear that?
DEVIL
I did.
OLGA, _rises, goes C._
What language! How dare she--she must think he loves her!
DEVIL, _rises, goes to her C._
Wait! I'll tell you now what Karl said to me this afternoon.
OLGA
When you wanted to bet?
DEVIL
When I bet you would fall in love with me.
[_After a short silence._
He wanted to shoot me.
OLGA, _trying to hide her joy_
Karl!
DEVIL
Karl, with his own hands--with this pistol--
[_Takes revolver out of his pocket._
I took it away from him.
OLGA
Karl wanted to kill you--why, Doctor Miller--
DEVIL, _patting revolver_
Yes, with this simple prescription--six pills.
[_Puts revolver back in pocket._
OLGA
This afternoon, when you only spoke about me--he wanted to kill you--and now when he saw us here--saw you whisper in my ear--saw you take my hand--
[_Goes L. to where_ KARL _and_ ELSA _had sat._
he _must_ be in love with her.
DEVIL, _crossing to L. C._
Don't you think a man's a fool to try to shoot his friend on account of a woman?
OLGA
Oh! Karl's not a fool--he thinks the world of me. And you must have said things--but there is no doubt--that he and Elsa--like--perhaps love each other.
DEVIL, _very cold, leaning over chair at table L._
Strange! Your being so annoyed at the apparent success of your pet scheme.
OLGA
You think it will succeed?
DEVIL
I don't know. But it's easy enough to find out.
OLGA
How?
DEVIL
This afternoon, when I told him I'd make you fall in love with me, he wanted to shoot--that's love--don't talk to me about respect-- and thinking the world of you--they may fire cannons out of respect, but pistols--no--that's love every time.
[OLGA _protesting silently as if the matter was not quite important enough._
Of course, I know--this only interests you because it was you who planned the marriage, and after all you take a pride in the success of your scheme. Am I right?
OLGA, _C. near him_
Yes, yes.
DEVIL, _behind pillar C._
Karl shall tell us himself which was the real thing --the attempted murder of this afternoon, or this little--flirtation with Elsa.
OLGA
You don't mean to ask him--
[DEVIL _shakes his head slowly, smiling._
you don't mean to _listen_?
DEVIL
Certainly not.
OLGA
What then?
DEVIL
Very simple. But you must take my advice unconditionally--ask for no reasons--do exactly what I tell you.
OLGA, _after careful reflection, slowly_
Y-e-s.
DEVIL
I think I remember having seen you once at the Opera in a very beautiful cloak--fur--was it not?--and cloth--
OLGA
Yes.
DEVIL
With a long train? You must put that cloak on--close it as high as you can--and wrap yourself in it as if you were feeling cold. Only show the tips of your shoes--then come back here--
[_She starts towards him_. OLGA _looks at the_ DEVIL, _as if she wanted to ask the reason_.
no questions.
OLGA, L. _of pillar C._
It's all very, very mysterious, but when you look at me that way, I--I--can't refuse ... your eyes seem to have all the world's wisdom behind them.
DEVIL,_ R. of pillar C._
You have a poor opinion of me.
OLGA, _turns from him_
Shall I go at once?
DEVIL
At once. And if anyone remarks on it, say you felt cold in the conservatory.
OLGA, _doubtfully_
But suppose he says....
DEVIL, _interrupting_
Quick! He's coming.
[KARL _is coming down the stairs towards the footlights._
[OLGA _has gone to the side stairs so that_ KARL _cannot see her. She rushes off when he is down the stairs._
KARL
[_Who has not seen her--hears the rustling of the silk and runs to the side stairs and looks off R._
Who was that?
DEVIL
Who?
KARL, _coming down to C._
Somebody just ran out--does she want to avoid me?
DEVIL, _goes R., lights cigarette_
Nobody ran away from me. A very pretty girl, Miss Elsa!
KARL, _goes to window L._
Yes.
[_Silence._
DEVIL
What's the matter?
KARL
Oh, nothing--I am not in particularly good humor--but why should I be?
DEVIL, _lights a cigarette; offers one to_ KARL
Will you have one?
KARL, _roughly_
No, thank you.
[_Uncomfortable silence._
DEVIL
You seem annoyed--
KARL, _comes back C., as if in a mood to quarrel_
Do you want to know why?
DEVIL
No.
KARL, _nervous_
Well, I'll tell you--
DEVIL
[_As if he wanted to go away and evade the conversation._
Better keep it to yourself.
KARL
But I will tell you. I'm astonished at the change that has come over you since this afternoon. I admit it upsets me, but don't imagine it is on Olga's account--if you don't mind, we'll leave her out of the discussion.
DEVIL
By all means.
KARL
I've made up my mind to propose to Elsa.
DEVIL, _holds out his hand in an approving tone, takes_ KARL'S _hand and shakes it_
I am very, very glad.
KARL
You are glad?
DEVIL
I am indeed.
[KARL _stares at him._
What's the matter with you?
KARL, _approaching the_ DEVIL _threateningly_
Look here, that was Olga who ran away just now.
DEVIL
Don't be absurd.
[_Looking at floor as if his secret was discovered._
Why should she run away from me--
KARL
You behave like a school boy.
DEVIL
What do you mean?
KARL
I mean, my dear Doctor--that you are not a gentleman.
DEVIL
I don't quite follow you.
KARL
When a gentleman would be discreet--he even conceals his discretion.
DEVIL
Very thoughtless of me--but since you have found me out--By the way, what you said about your marriage--is it settled?
KARL, C.
It is.
DEVIL
You will not change your mind?
KARL
I shall not.
[_Crosses to settee L. and sits._
DEVIL, _sits in chair L._
Very good. Now I can tell you in confidence about--look here, you are quite sure you won't change your mind?
KARL
No fear. What is it you want to tell me--tell me everything. I'd like to learn some of the tricks of the trade. I may need them--
DEVIL
Tricks of the trade? This from a man about to marry? I'm shocked.
KARL, _ironically_
You look it. What did you want to tell me about her?
DEVIL
About her?
KARL
About Olga.
DEVIL, _looks to the ground as if he were ashamed_
Oh, nothing.
KARL
Look here, I don't mind telling you her husband is?
DEVIL
Deaf, blind, dumb.
[_Indicating ears, eyes, mouth and forehead._
KARL, _concealing his pain very badly_
And to think--and this afternoon--at my house--was the first time--
DEVIL, _goes back of settee_
She's a wonder! believe me, Karl, she's a wonder. It's just possible she's good--a dash of goodness won't hurt a pretty woman--but I hope not. I should then have to attribute my conquest to hypnotism--and that doesn't flatter my vanity. What do you think? We had agreed--just now when she ran away--ah--
[_Checks himself_
So it _was_ Olga!
DEVIL
Well, yes, it was--I hardly know how to tell you--It was a mad impulse. I proposed, just for fun, without the least idea she would take it up; it means risking her reputation and social position--everything--not to mention the risk of catching cold--
DEVIL
KARL, _startled_
What do you mean?
DEVIL
Well, this evening--before all her guests--there are a hundred and thirty I believe--
KARL, _impatient_
Yes, go on.
DEVIL
--before the élite of Vienna I may say--she will walk through the ball-room on my arm--in (_suggestive pause_)--an opera cloak.
KARL, _not quite grasping it_
An opera cloak?
DEVIL, _suggestively_
That's all.
KARL
You mean to tell me--she--
DEVIL
She will be here in a moment--and then--before all Vienna--amid the bacchanalian ecstasy--of music, perfume, dancing--I will escort her through the ball-room like a classic goddess--like a modern _Mona Vanna_--in an opera cloak--
KARL
You liar!
DEVIL, _apparently frightened_
But, Karl--
KARL
It's a lie. It's a damnable lie.
DEVIL
You tried to catch me--and I have caught you. You love this woman.
KARL, _L. C., very loudly_
Yes, I love her. I have listened to all your lies--I have seen you as I've seen a hundred like you--steal a good woman's reputation and call it success, social success--and boast about it as you drag her in the mud. You have trapped me, it's true--but you will suffer for it. It is my turn now--and I'll put you out of this house, you blackguard--get out before I kick you out.
DEVIL, _C. backs up onto second step; stands_
Wait! She is coming now.
[_Points to door down R._
KARL
Get out, I said.
[_The_ DEVIL _goes back slowly up the stairs._ KARL _is about to follow him up as_ DEVIL _is on third step_, OLGA _comes on in her opera cloak and comes down__ stairs to R. The_ DEVIL _goes behind her._ KARL _backs over L. Long silence,_ KARL _stares at_ OLGA _and the_ DEVIL, _speechless_.
OLGA
Karl, you have not spoken to me once tonight.
DEVIL, _stands very near to_ OLGA, _cynically_
The opera cloak--
OLGA
Everybody is gay, the girls dance as if it were their first ball--the young men as if it were their last.
DEVIL
Strange! that amidst all this gaiety Karl should be so sad.
OLGA
Sad?
KARL, _with forced gaiety_
Oh, _no_--never felt happier in my life.
OLGA
I am glad to hear it.
KARL
I feel like--like a boy--of twenty--like a fool.
DEVIL, _coming down to C._
No! No!
KARL
I am going to take your advice from this on--I'm going to get drunk tonight.
OLGA, _shocked_
You, Karl? You drunk?
KARL, _L._
Yes. I am doing things today that I never did before. I've never been engaged before.
OLGA,_ R._
And tonight?
KARL
Tonight I shall become engaged.
DEVIL
I have already offered him my congratulations--she's a charming girl.
KARL
A splendid girl. Much too good for me--but marrying is something new to me--I want to try it. It is a sensation I have never had.
DEVIL
You don't seem very gay for a bridegroom.
KARL
That's only the last drop of single bitterness--the dregs of bachelorhood--I'll soon get rid of that and then--
OLGA
Bravo, bravo!
KARL
Oh spare yourself. I'm only thinking of my own pleasure.
OLGA
Karl, I am afraid you have been drinking already.
KARL
You are at liberty to think what you please.
DEVIL
He is in a bad humor to-day. I told you.
KARL, _cannot keep himself any longer_
You will catch cold. Why don't you take off your cloak?
[_Goes C._
DEVIL, _very quiet_
Perhaps Madame _is_ feeling cold.
OLGA, _wrapping herself tighter in her cloak_
Yes, I feel cold.
DEVIL
Any one not knowing you might think you wear this cloak just to show it off.
OLGA
Don't let us speak about the cloak.
[_To_ KARL _in a different tone; crosses to_ KARL _L. C._
You seemed to get on very well with Elsa?
KARL
Did I?
DEVIL
It was really charming to watch them.
OLGA
I feel very cold.
DEVIL
I thought you would.
KARL
Cold. I find it hot in here.
OLGA, _crosses back R._
I feel cold.
DEVIL
Perhaps your dress is thin. The way lovely woman flirts with pneumonia--she wears her lung upon her sleeve.
OLGA
Everything sweet in life comes through carelessness.
KARL, _L. C., very excited_
And do you find boldness sweet?
OLGA
What's that to you? Were you ever bold?
KARL, _crosses to C., losing his self-control completely_
Aren't you afraid of me--you two?
[OLGA _shivers_.
DEVIL, _R. C., coldly_
I? Not even of the legitimate husband--much less a moralising bridegroom.
[HERMAN _enters quickly from above stairs, comes down L., stands next to_ KARL.
HERMAN, _banteringly_
Ah, Olga! I see you are well taken care of.
DEVIL, _bowing_
It is a privilege.
HERMAN, _taking_ KARL _aside_
Well, how are you and Elsa getting along?
[_Goes with_ KARL _towards the back of the stage._
OLGA, _quickly to the_ DEVIL
What have you said to him about my cloak?
DEVIL
About your cloak? Why should I speak of your cloak?
OLGA
You must have said something about my cloak--I felt it he moment I came in.
DEVIL
What do you mean?
OLGA
The way he seemed to look through me. It was almost as if he imagined--what did you say? What did you insinuate?
DEVIL
Just what you are thinking.
OLGA, _her hands dropping, her head falling backwards with closed eyes, shivering_
Oh! How _could_ you?
DEVIL, _cynically_
Come now, don't pretend to be shocked. You admitted you felt it the moment you came in. The thought seemed to please you.
OLGA
How dare you speak to me like that! Oh! if I had known.
DEVIL
Then why didn't you take off your cloak? When you saw--you didn't even open it. Why don't you open it now? The idea seems to please you still.
KARL, _re-enters, angrily._
Olga!
OLGA
[_A little scream._
Your arm, Doctor.
[DEVIL _gives her his arm. As they are about to go upstairs,_ KARL _comes back from R._
OLGA, _looking coldly over shoulder at_ KARL
Are you going to stay here?
KARL
Yes; and you, too!
OLGA
What do you mean?
KARL
You stay here.
DEVIL
What's that?
[OLGA _tries to go away with the devil into the ball-room, but_ KARL _steps into their way on the stairs._
KARL
Olga, you shall not go into the ball-room!
[DEVIL, _as if about to leave them alone, is held off by_ KARL, _who steps in front of him now_.
You shall not leave--it concerns you, too.
OLGA
Doctor, give me your arm. Doctor!
KARL, _in tone of command_
Stop! We'll settle this thing now--right here!
OLGA
Are you mad?
DEVIL, _goes up stairs below_ KARL
If I didn't think he was mad--
KARL
Take off that cloak.
OLGA, _at L. foot of stairs firmly_;
No
KARL
Take, off that cloak.
OLGA, _to_ DEVIL
Please, Doctor, protect me.
KARL, _half maddened_
Then I'll make you!
[KARL _rushes down stairs_, DEVIL _catches him before he reaches the bottom and holds him back_.
OLGA, _standing very erect, to_ DEVIL
Why did you stop him--?
[DEVIL _lets_ KARL _go_.
DEVIL, _at foot of stairs, in a very low voice as if ashamed_
Really, Madame, for all I know--
[_Feigns embarrassment._
OLGA, _to_ DEVIL
Will you please help me off with my cloak?
DEVIL, _starts to help, then crosses to L. of her, with gesture of refusal._
Madame! Ah!
KARL, _comes down to her, C._
I will.
OLGA, _very loud_
No.
[_Wraps herself closer in the cloak._
[DEVIL _and_ KARL _stare at each other. The_ DEVIL _shrugs his shoulders_, OLGA _goes up the stairs._
HERMAN, _coming through the door_ Oh! There you are. My dear! His Excellency is looking for you. He is about to leave.
OLGA, _as if very tired_ All right. Please help me off with my cloak.
HERMAN
All right, darling.
[_Takes off her cloak and puts it over his arm_. [OLGA _stands in the same gown as she had on at the beginning of the act, with her back to the audience._
OLGA, _looking at_ KARL _and_ DEVIL, _and speaking with ironical courtliness, taking_ HERMAN'S _arm_.
Gentlemen.
[_Exit_ HERMAN _with_ OLGA.
[KARL _has been standing on one side of the stage as if dreaming, suddenly runs to the other side of the stage as if to choke the devil who stands there_.
KARL, _crossing to_ DEVIL, _L. C._
What have you done?
[DEVIL _thrusts revolver into_ KARL'S _hand_.
DEVIL
Look out! It's loaded!
[KARL _stands absolutely still, holding revolver._ [_To_ KARL, _insolently_:
If I hadn't given you that pistol you might have slapped my face. Believe me, there's nothing like turning the other cheek--if you turn it quickly enough--your enemy will miss both cheeks.
[KARL _turns away angrily, lays revolver on table R._
[DEVIL _goes down and takes revolver from table R._
[KARL _stands absent-minded, when_ ELSA _enters with her cloak ready to leave._
ELSA
Karl, I wanted to say good-bye to you.
KARL, _as if the tone of her voice was awakening him_
Oh! my dear, dear Elsa!
[_About to go towards her to kiss her._
[_The_ DEVIL _comes back and steps between them._
[MAN SERVANT _enters from behind stairs and speaks to_ ELSA.
MAN SERVANT
Your mother is waiting for you in the hall, Fräulein,
KARL
May I see you to your carriage?
[_Offers_ ELSA _his arm and they go off_.
DEVIL, _to_ MAN SERVANT
Will you accompany Miss Elsa to her carriage? It is slippery outside, she might fall.
[_Exit_ MAN SERVANT, _following_ KARL _and_ ELSA.
OLGA, _enters from R., agitated_; _sits at table L._
Your scheme was a great success.
DEVIL
What are you going to do?
OLGA, _writes on an envelope_
I'm going to write to him.
DEVIL, _crosses to her, reads the envelope_
To Karl--but what will you write?
OLGA
He wanted to settle my account. I will settle his. I will never see him again. Oh! To have thought me capable--of.... How could he? I despise him!
DEVIL
_Pour quoi_, Madame?
OLGA
Because--because--
DEVIL
Because you love him?
OLGA, _frightened_
What!
[_Tries to get her thoughts together._
After what has happened, I hate him. And I shall tell him so.
DEVIL
I am very sorry.
[_Takes pen from her._
OLGA
Don't be sorry. I have much to thank you for. You have rendered me a service. I shall feel better when I have sent this letter off.
DEVIL
You'd better make it plain.
OLGA
I shall speak my mind--there shall be no mistake.
DEVIL
That's it; express your real feelings.
[_With ironical emphasis._
Cold. Harsh.
OLGA
Cold? Harsh?
DEVIL
Make an end of it--once for all.
[_Dipping pen._
OLGA, _taking pen_
Once for all.
DEVIL
Now write.
[OLGA _speaks the first sentence as she writes it. At the word "longer" the devil takes it up, finishing the sentence with a different meaning, and dictates rest of letter walking up and down._
OLGA, _in hard voice, speaks while writing_
Sir, your behavior of this evening has shown me that you are no longer--
DEVIL, _continuing_
--able to keep up the wretched farce of mere friendship. I read your inmost thought tonight and--Karl--the knowledge that you love me has made me unspeakably happy. Dearest--
[OLGA _looks up at the_ DEVIL, _who is standing now at her L. He repeats "Dearest" and points to letter. She resumes writing_.
--why should we struggle any longer against the resistless tide that is drawing us together? My strength is gone.
[OLGA _looks up again. The_ DEVIL _repeats "My strength is gone" by motion of lips, making no sound. She writes:_
--without you I am lost in the black waters--save me, Karl. With your strong arms about me--with your lips to mine--I care not where we drift. I am yours, all yours. You are the master of my soul. Do not leave me, Karl; I love you, I cannot live without you. God bless you!
[OLGA'S _head falls forward on her arm_
OLGA, _as if awakening_
What have I written?
DEVIL, _folding letter_
What was in your heart!
OLGA, _laughs hysterically_
I have written everything I had meant never to say.
DEVIL, _taking up letter_
If women wrote time tables, they would tell all the hours that the trains didn't start and all the places you mustn't stop at to get to your destination.
[DEVIL _puts the letter into envelope._
OLGA, _horrified_
What are you doing?
DEVIL, _coldly_
I will deliver the letter. Women sometimes do not write what they want, but they always want what they write.
OLGA
He must not. He _shall_ not see it.
[HERMAN _comes down stairs_
HERMAN
Good! You're the kind of guest I like--when all the rest have deserted the ship you stay and keep the hostess company.
DEVIL, _crosses to C., putting letter into his pocket_
Madame has been so entertaining, that I--
HERMAN, _crossing to bell R._
Well, let's have another cognac before you go--quite _en famille_.
DEVIL
Thank you very much, but I have an important call very early in the morning. Madame,--
[_Goes to_ OLGA, _kisses her hand._
[_To_ HERMAN:
I have spent a very pleasant evening at your house.
HERMAN, _coming to him C., they shake hands_
The pleasure is mine.
[DEVIL starts to go. OLGA utters a suppressed cry.
DEVIL
Madame?
OLGA, _frightened to death, with a forced smile trying to appear undisturbed_
There was a piece of paper here. Did you perhaps take it by mistake?
[_She is almost crying from fright._
DEVIL, _coming down stairs, taking the letter out of his pocket_
[_Going towards_ HERMAN _as if he was going to give him the letter._
Do you mean this?
OLGA, _deathly pale_
No, no It was not that.
[_Laughing bitterly._
DEVIL, _bowing_
Madame.
[_Bows to_ HERMAN. _Goes off upstairs. Bows low to both and goes out._
HERMAN _crosses to_ OLGA
Well, I'm glad it's over. You look tired, dearie.
OLGA, _standing by table L._
I am tired.
HERMAN
You look flushed. But it's very becoming, you never looked prettier.
[OLGA _is leaning backwards over the table, he takes her hand._
My darling wife.
[_Goes to kiss her._
OLGA, _unkind_
Please, please don't.
HERMAN, _crosses to C. Looks at his watch_
It is after four o'clock, Olga.
[_Tries to kiss her again._
OLGA
Please, please don't. I feel so nervous.
HERMAN
Your cheeks are burning.
[_Pats her cheeks._
OLGA, _nervous, impatient_
Please--
HERMAN
All right, all right, I'm going.
[_He goes towards the door on the R._
Are you going to stay here?
OLGA, _at table L._
Let me rest a minute.
HERMAN
As you please.
[MAN SERVANT _comes in above platform, and goes up side stairs._
OLGA, _to servant_
What do you want?
MAN SERVANT
The lights, Madame.
OLGA
Turn off the lights.
[_The_ MAN SERVANT _puts all the lights out. The lamps in the street and the garden are lighted, but the room is dark_.
HERMAN
It would be wiser to sleep, my dear.
[_He waits a minute, shrugs his shoulders, then goes out R._
OLGA, _stands leaning on the table_
To go to sleep....
[_The_ DEVIL _can be seen outside in his fur overcoat, crossing through the garden. As he passes a lamp in the garden his shadow reaching up to the ceiling is thrown on the white wall of the room_, OLGA _is crossing to R. He takes his hat off, at which moment she sees the shadow on the wall,_ OLGA _shrieks_.
No!
[_She drops into a chair_.
CURTAIN