ACT IV.--_Gilchrist's Room--"Upstairs.
_Christmas Eve, 1920._
_The action takes place in New York City._
THE FOOL
_ACT I._
SCENE: _The Church of the Nativity. New York._
_The set, representing only the chancel, is as deep as possible, so that, even when its foreground is brightly illuminated, the detail back of that is lost in shadows. Pierced by three fine stained glass windows, the rear wall looms above the altar, on which the candles are not lighted. In front of that is the sanctuary, and, in front of that, the communion rail, with three steps to the stage. Just right of these steps is a very tall and beautiful Christmas tree. The tree has been expensively trimmed, and has a practical connection for an electric-lighted ornament still to be placed at its top. Down R., a door to the choir room, and, down L., a door to the parish house and the street. These doors are exactly alike. Down L., two folding wooden chairs that have been brought in for temporary use. A tall stepladder L. of the tree, facing front. Down R., two wooden boxes of ornaments, that on top open and half emptied. There is a pile of tissue-wrapped and ribboned packages under the tree, and a general litter of gifts, boxes, and crumpled paper everywhere. The Church of the Nativity is fashionable and luxurious; the effect of the set must be that of a peeping into a building spacious, magnificent, and majestic._
AT RISE: _Christmas Eve, 1918. The act begins in bright day-light--about half past three in the afternoon--so that the early winter twilight may have set in before its end. The sun's rays now come through a stained-glass window above the door L., so that the R. of the stage is bathed in white, the C. in blue, and the L. in a deep straw. Two women and a girl are discovered._ MRS. HENRY GILLIAM, _bending over the box down L., is fat, forty, rich and self-satisfied. Her daughter_, DAFFODIL, _commonly called "Dilly," perched upon the ladder, is a "flapper." As regards her mind, this means that, at twenty, she is wise and witty, cynical and confident, worldly and material beyond her elders. Physically, she is pretty, and, of course, has not hesitated to help out nature wherever she has thought it advisable. Considering what has been spent on her education, she is surprisingly ignorant and discourteous, particularly to her mother, who bores her dreadfully._ LEILA THORNBURY _is a divorcee; thirty, smart, good-looking, with something feverish in her face, in her eyes, in her movements. Deliberately attractive to men, she is disliked, in proportion, by women. All three are very expensively dressed. Mrs. Thornbury has laid aside a fur coat on the cost of which twenty families might have lived a year. She is at the end of the stage, concerned with a number of dolls and other toys._
MRS. GILLIAM
[_Turning with some ornament, on a level with her eyes she observes a generous view of_ DILLY'S _nether limbs_]: Dilly, for pity's sake, pull down your skirt! [_As_ DILLY _pays no attention, she continues to_ MRS. THORNBURY] I don't know what skirts are coming to!
DILLY
They're not coming to the ground, mother. You can be sure of _that_!
MRS. GILLIAM
What _I_ can't understand is why our young women want to go around looking like chorus girls!
MRS. THORNBURY
Perhaps they've noticed the kind of men that marry chorus girls.
DILLY
Salesmanship, mother, begins with a willingness to show goods.
MRS. GILLIAM
Dilly! _Pull down your skirt!_
DILLY
I can't! That's all there is; there isn't any more!
MRS. THORNBURY
[_Holding up two dolls_]: What are we going to do with these?
MRS. GILLIAM
[_Despairingly surveying the profusion_]: Goodness knows!
MRS. THORNBURY
I've two engagements before dinner, and I've got to go home and undress for the opera.
DILLY
_I_ gave up a dance for this.
MRS. GILLIAM
A dance at this hour?
DILLY
People dance at any hour, mother.
MRS. GILLIAM
What do they do it for?
DILLY
For something to do. [_To_ MRS. THORNBURY] _We're_ young and we've got to have life and gaiety; haven't we, Mrs. Thornbury?
MRS. THORNBURY
We've got to have something. I don't know what it is, but I know we have to keep going to get it.
MRS. GILLIAM
But you all waste your time so dreadfully. I'm busy, too, but my life is given to the service of others.
DILLY
What could be sweeter?
MRS. GILLIAM
Dilly! Nobody knows better than you that I've never had a selfish thought! Mr. Gilliam----
DILLY
Of the Gilliam Groceries, Inc.
MRS. GILLIAM
_Mr. Gilliam_ says I'm far _too_ good!
MRS. THORNBURY
We agree with him, Mrs. Gilliam.
MRS. GILLIAM
Only yesterday I gave five hundred pounds of coffee and sugar to the Salvation Army!
DILLY
And today father jumped the price of sugar to thirty-two cents!
MRS. THORNBURY
Now--Dilly!
MRS. GILLIAM
[_With rising emotion_]: One gets precious little reward.... I can tell you! I sent helpful thoughts from the Bible to all Mr. Gilliam's employes! Now they're on strike, and the man that got "Be content with your wages" is leading the strikers!... Where's the Star of Bethlehem? [_To conceal her agitation, she has turned to the box._]
DILLY
It doesn't work, mother.
MRS. THORNBURY
Are those your husband's men--on the front steps?
MRS. GILLIAM
Oh, no! Those are people from the sweat shops! They're starving, I hear, and Mr. Gilliam says it serves 'em right! [_Bringing forth a small case_] What's the matter with the Star of Bethlehem?
DILLY
Oh, the usual! Whoever heard of the lights working on a Christmas Tree?
MRS. GILLIAM
[_Holding up the star_]: But this _must_ work. Mrs. Tice had it made to order--of Parisian diamonds. It cost a hundred dollars.
DILLY
[_Reaching for the gewgaw_]: All right! It's better than nothing! [_She takes it, and starts to ascend_] Hold the ladder, mother! It wiggles! [MRS. GILLIAM _obeys_.]
MRS. THORNBURY
[_She has ribboned both dolls, and sets that just finished beside its companion on the chair_]: There! [_Rises_] I'm half dead, and there _can't_ be any more presents! [_Starts up for her coat_] I'd give my left hand for a cigarette!
MRS. GILLIAM
Not here!
MRS. THORNBURY
I don't know why not. We've had almost everything else.
DILLY
Mother's so _Mid-Victorian_! And ministers are finding they've got to do _something_ to make church-going attractive. What do we get out of it now? I've heard of preachers who go in for dances and movies, and they draw crowds, too. Naturally! Who wouldn't go to church to get a squint at Douglas Fairbanks? [_She has hung the star_] I'm through!
MRS. GILLIAM
Then come down.
DILLY
Believe me, I'm glad to get off this thing! [_She descends unsteadily_] When I think I broke an engagement with the best fox-trotter in New York to do a shimmy with a ladder----
[MR. BARNABY, _package-laden, enters L. He is the sexton, and of the age, manner and appearance peculiar to sextons_] Oh, Mr. Barnaby!
MRS. THORNBURY
[_Turns and is appalled at his burden_]: What have you got?
MR. BARNABY
Some more presents.
MRS. GILLIAM
Good Lord!
MR. BARNABY
[_Deposits his bundles on the steps L.C._]: Mrs. Tice brought them. She and Mr. Jerry Goodkind. [MRS. GILLIAM _nudges_ DILLY] They're just coming in.
MRS. GILLIAM
[_Sotto voce_]: Dilly, powder your nose! [DILLY _takes her bag from the communion rail, and obeys_] Mr. Barnaby, our star won't light. Will you see if you can fix it? [MR. BARNABY'S _mind is on_ MRS. TICE. _She is much too rich to open a door. He is edging L._]
MRS. THORNBURY
And Mr. Barnaby----[_Voices off L._]
MR. BARNABY
One moment!
[_He opens the door L. Enter_ MRS. TICE _followed by_ JERRY GOODKIND. MRS. TICE _has just entered middle-age, and refuses to shut the door behind her. Her wealth, which has given her an air of great authority, has made it possible for her to look a smartly-dressed young matron. The truth is that she is clinging to youth in an ever-lessening hope of "keeping" her husband. Beneath the "air of authority" is something cowed, and worried, and unhappy. Just so, beneath the smiling, careless surface of_ JERRY _lies iron. He can be very ugly when he wishes, and he is always sufficiently determined to get what he wants, though he gets it generally by showing the urbane surface._ JERRY _would describe himself as a "kidder." He is 35; sleek, well-groomed, and perfectly satisfied with himself. His most engaging point is a perpetual smile._]
MRS. TICE
Hello, everybody! [_"Everybody" returns the greeting_] Who are those people on the church steps? A lot of dirty foreigners blocking the sidewalk!
MR. BARNABY
It's the grating, Mrs. Tice. The furnace room's underneath, and they're trying to keep warm.
MRS. TICE
Well, let 'em try somewhere else! [_Recollection of unpleasant contact causes her to brush her coat_] I don't mean to be unkind, but there must be missions or something!
[MR. BARNABY _removes the coat, and then climbs to attend to the star_]
MRS. THORNBURY
We didn't hope to see _you_ here, Mr. Goodkind.
MRS. TICE
I met him in front of Tiffany's!
JERRY
The most dangerous corner in New York!
MRS. TICE
And lured him here by mentioning that Clare Jewett was helping us.
DILLY
Somebody page Mr. Gilchrist!
MRS. GILLIAM
Dilly! What a way of saying that Clare is engaged to the assistant rector!... Dilly's looking well today, isn't she, Mr. Goodkind? So young, and----
JERRY
And fresh.
DILLY
Oh, boy!
MRS. TICE
_Do_ come and see what I've got for the girls of the Bible Class!
MRS. THORNBURY
Testaments?
MRS. TICE
That's just it; I _haven't_! Bibles are so bromidic! I want to give them something they can _really use_! And it's so hard to think of presents for those girls; they've got everything! [_Opening a small parcel she has withheld from_ MR. BARNABY] Guess how I've solved the problem!
MRS. THORNBURY
I can't!
MRS. GILLIAM
I haven't an idea!
DILLY
I'm dying to know!
MRS. TICE
[_Impressively. Displaying the gift_]: Sterling silver vanity cases!
DILLY
[_Taking it_]: How ducky!
MRS. THORNBURY
Charming!
MRS. GILLIAM
An inspiration!
DILLY
[_Showing it to_ JERRY]: All complete--lip-stick, powder and some nice, red rouge.
JERRY
[_Cynically_]: To put on before you pray?
DILLY
Precisely. To put on--before we--_prey_!
MRS. THORNBURY
[_Gathering up her coat_]: Well, good people, this is where I leave you!
MRS. GILLIAM
[_With the air of one bereft_]: Oh, Mrs. Thornbury!
MRS. THORNBURY
I've done my "one kind deed" today, and I've an engagement for dinner.
JERRY
Permit me. [_Helping her._] Some coat!
MRS. THORNBURY
Yes ... thanks.... See you all tomorrow at the Christmas Service! Good-bye, everybody! And Mr. Goodkind! Miss _Jewett's_ wrapping things in the choir room! [_Everybody laughs. She exits L._]
MR. BARNABY
I'll just try those lights. [_Exits L._]
MRS. GILLIAM
She has an engagement for dinner, but you notice she didn't say with whom! I don't think they ought to allow divorced women in the church!
MRS. TICE
[_Virtuously_]: The church _won't_ marry them!
MRS. GILLIAM
_That's_ the trouble!
DILLY
[_Indicating_]: The church _will_ let 'em give stained glass windows!
MRS. GILLIAM
Where does she get all her money?
MRS. TICE
Billy settled for thirty-six thousand a year!
JERRY
[_With growing amusement_]: Think of getting thirty-six thousand a year out of munitions!... Gee, what a lot of lives that coat must have cost!
[_Everybody laughs, and, on the laugh, enter_ DR. WADHAM. _He is_ not _the stage clergyman. On the contrary, he is a very pleasant and plausible person--plausible because he believes implicitly in himself. He has passed sixty, and has a really kind heart. But he has had no experience with life, and he has never been uncomfortable._]
DILLY
[_Hearing the door closed, looks around. Surprised_]: Here's Dr. Wadham!
MRS. GILLIAM
Why, Doctor!
MRS. TICE
We didn't know you were back.
JERRY
_I_ didn't know you'd been away, Doctor.
DR. WADHAM
[_Shakes hands_]: Ten days; attending a Conference on the Proper Use of Eucharistic Candles. It's a subject on which I feel _rather_ strongly. [_Turns R._] It's pleasant to see you, Mrs. Tice. And Miss Daffodil.
MRS. GILLIAM
Isn't Dilly looking _wonderful_?
DR. WADHAM
_Quite_ wonderful! [_Glancing at the tree_] And what a beautiful tree! The star lights up, I suppose.
DILLY
Well, we have hopes!
DR. WADHAM
Don't let me interrupt. I've only dropped in to keep an appointment with the wardens.
MRS. GILLIAM
We're all through, except for putting these gifts under the tree. [_She busies herself with that task_] Miss Jewett will be in with hers any minute. [JERRY, _who has been contemplating an excursion to the choir room, returns from the door, and helps_ MRS. GILLIAM] The star is _real_ imitation diamonds. A gift from Mrs. Tice.
MRS. TICE
[_Joining_ DR. WADHAM _L.C._]: Speaking of gifts, Doctor----
DR. WADHAM
Yes, dear lady.
MRS. TICE
My husband wanted me to have a little talk with you about his check.
[_She pauses for encouragement, finding what she has been told to say a trifle difficult_] You know, he promised five thousand dollars to beautify the parlor of the Parish House.
DR. WADHAM
[_Foreseeing trouble_]: Oh, yes.
MRS. TICE
And since then--well, frankly, Doctor, John was very much upset about last Sunday's sermon. Mr. Gilchrist preached from the text about the rich man entering the Kingdom of Heaven.
DR. WADHAM
Always a trifle dangerous.
MRS. TICE
Yes, and last Sunday it seemed as if he were directing _all_ his remarks at John. We're in the first pew, you know, and John says he doesn't like to complain, but there's getting to be altogether too much of this--Bolshevism. John says the preachers are more than half to blame for the present social unrest. I heard the sermon, and I agree with John that some of it was positively insulting!
DR. WADHAM
Mr. Gilchrist is young.
JERRY
Mr. Gilchrist is a nut!
MRS. TICE
Do you know what he said, Doctor? He said all this--"decking the church"--was making an accomplice of God. He said we couldn't take credit to ourselves for returning a small portion of our _ill-gotten gains_!
MRS. GILLIAM
_Small portion!_ When I've just given away five hundred pounds of coffee!
MRS. TICE
He said charity wasn't giving away what you didn't want!
MRS. GILLIAM
It was _good_ coffee, too! Our second best coffee!
MRS. TICE
Of course, what John objected to was the reference to rents--to charging clerks and bookkeepers more than they could pay for "wretched little flats." John says he doesn't come here to be told how to run his business!
MRS. GILLIAM
Quite right! And I don't pay seven thousand dollars a year to hear my husband's coffee roasted!
[_They all laugh--the more because of the previous tension._ MRS. GILLIAM, _surprised at first, sees the point, and joins in the laughter_.]
Well, you understand what I mean!
DR. WADHAM
We understand, Mrs. Gilliam.
MRS. GILLIAM
Personally, I'm very fond of Mr. Gilchrist. His father had stock in our stores. But I _don't_ think he's a good influence. This used to be a really _exclusive_ church. Now, whenever Mr. Gilchrist preaches, there's such a crush of undesirable people in the galleries you can hardly get to your pew. We don't have that trouble with Dr. Wadham!
[CLARE JEWETT _enters R., her arms full of parcels_. CLARE _is 28. Smartly dressed, though in a fashion that suggests thought rather than expenditure, and pretty, in spite of a certain hardness. The next sentence arrests her, and she stands in the doorway; not eavesdropping, but not interrupting._]
MRS. TICE
Mr. Gilchrist was such a promising young man!
MRS. GILLIAM
So rich, and happy!
DILLY
[_Tantalising_ JERRY]: And in love!
DR. WADHAM
He's still rich, and in love, and, I think, he's still happy.
JERRY
I've told you; he's a nut!
MRS. GILLIAM
I wonder if that's it. Don't laugh! He wasn't like this before he went overseas as chaplain. Is it possible he was _gassed_--or something?
CLARE
Here's another armful of presents.
DR. WADHAM
Oh, how do you do, Miss Jewett?
CLARE
I'm very well, thank you.
JERRY
[_Starting to her_]: Hello, Clare! This is a----
MRS. GILLIAM
[_Intercepting him C._]: Surprise! Ha! And you've been waiting for her half an hour!
CLARE
[_To_ MRS. GILLIAM]: I'm afraid we'll have to get Mr. Barnaby. There are so many packages.
DR. WADHAM
Can't I help?
CLARE
Will you, Doctor? And Mr. Hinkle's in there praying for someone to consult about the Christmas music.
DR. WADHAM
I told Mr. Hinkle the choir'd better begin by singing, "Peace, Perfect Peace, With the Loved Ones Far Away."
[DILLY _laughs and turns up L., chanting "My Wife's Gone to the Country." Scandalized_, MRS. GILLIAM _hushes her_.]
MRS. TICE
And, Doctor! About the Parish House ... shall I tell my husband you'll speak to Mr. Gilchrist?
DR. WADHAM
Yes, I think you may even tell him that's why we're here today. [_He exits R._]
MRS. GILLIAM
Dilly, _do_ hurry!
MRS. TICE
Can't I drive you home?
MRS. GILLIAM
Thank you so much! Good-bye, Miss Jewett. Good-bye, Mr. Goodkind. We must arrange for you to come up to dinner as soon as the holidays are over. [_He bows_] Dilly, say "good-bye" to Mr. Goodkind!
DILLY
Goodbye-ee!
[MR. BARNABY _re-enters L. The door closing attracts_ MRS. GILLIAM]
MRS. GILLIAM
Oh, Mr. Barnaby, how about the lights?
MR. BARNABY
I think the trouble's outside.
MRS. GILLIAM
You'll be sure to fix it? [MR. BARNABY _nods_.]
MRS. TICE
And will you put us in the car? [MR. BARNABY _nods again, and goes L._] I rather dread that mob at the door. [_She follows, groping in her bag for a bill to give_ MR. BARNABY] Good-bye, Mr. Goodkind ... and Miss Jewett, and, if I don't see you tomorrow, a Merry, _Merry_ Christmas!
[_There is a chorus of repetitions of this wish, amid which exeunt_ MRS. TICE, MRS. GILLIAM, DILLY _and_ MR. BARNABY.]
CLARE
It's funny to find you in church.
JERRY
Why? My father's the senior warden.
CLARE
[_Laughs and takes up a parcel_]: Whatever else you inherit, Jerry, it's not likely to be religion!
JERRY
Religion doesn't trouble the old man much--except Sundays. I came here to see you.
CLARE
Why?
JERRY
You've been avoiding me.
CLARE
Nonsense! Come help me with these parcels.
JERRY
I want to talk to you.
CLARE
That's just it, Jerry. You always want to talk to me, and always to say something I don't want to hear.
JERRY
Why not?
CLARE
[_Simply, but not very surely_]: I'm in love with someone else!
JERRY
You're _what_?
CLARE
[_Looking defiantly into the mocking face quite close to hers and, this time, with conviction_]: I'm in love with someone else!
JERRY
You're in love with Clare Jewett!
CLARE
You're very rude. I'm _engaged_ to Mr. Gilchrist, and he loves me, and believes in me, and your sense of decency and fair play ...
JERRY
Inherited from my father?
CLARE
... should keep you from proposing to a woman who's going to marry ...
JERRY
You're not going to marry Mr. Gilchrist. [_He lounges against the ladder._] What's the use bluffing? We've known each other since childhood. You know I'm not going to give up anything I want because it belongs to somebody else. And I know you're not going to give up what _you_ want--comfort and luxury--for a crazy man who wears his collar hind-side before!
CLARE
Jerry!
JERRY
Now that's admitted, let's go on.
CLARE
Mr. Gilchrist isn't exactly poverty-stricken!
JERRY
No; he got quite a lot of money from his father. You like him and when you said "yes," you thought you were getting somebody you liked, and all the rest of it, too. But something's gone wrong with Gilchrist, and you know it!
CLARE
Why do you say that?
JERRY
Because, if you didn't before, you heard this afternoon. I saw you standing in the door. And I'm going to tell you a few things more!
CLARE
I don't want to listen!
JERRY
Maybe--but you will! Do you know that your young trouble-hunter has given away nearly one-tenth of his capital in three months?
CLARE
No, and I don't believe it!
JERRY
All right; ask my father! The old man has his money in trust! Gilchrist won't touch his income from Gilliam Groceries, because they're profiteering, and he's preaching such anarchy that both wardens are coming this afternoon to complain to Dr. Wadham! I don't want you to throw yourself away on a raving bug!
CLARE
And your advice is----
JERRY
Marry me. I'm a nice fellow, too--and I can give you what you really care about. You're over your ears in debt, without any chance of paying up--or cutting down. And you are, shall we say, twenty-nine in October? I know what it cost you when your father died, and you had to come down a peg. You don't want to keep on--coming down, _do_ you?
CLARE
And so--you advise me to marry you?
JERRY
Yes.
CLARE
[_Looking at him squarely and significantly_]: Knowing all I _do_ know about you?
JERRY
I don't see how _that_ concerns you.
CLARE
It proves you don't love me.
JERRY
I want you, and I'm offering marriage to get you.
CLARE
You haven't said one word of love.
JERRY
I've said: "What's the use bluffing?" I'm no movie hero--and no crazy dreamer. I'm a little shop-worn, perhaps--maybe, a little soiled--but I'm sane, and I'm solvent. You're good-looking, and smart, and a lady. You'll help my standing and I'll help your credit. For the rest--we needn't bother each other too much.... What do you say?
CLARE
I say it's--_revoltingly_--sordid!
JERRY
[_Looks at her an instant_]: All right! [_Takes out his watch, looks at that, and crosses to L._] You think it's sordid at 3.45 on Christmas Eve. Well, keep your ears and your mind open, and see how you feel in the morning. My telephone's six nine four two Rhinelander--and this is the last time I shall ask you! [_Puts his hand on the knob_].
CLARE
Wait! [_He turns back_] Whatever you believe of me, I love Mr. Gilchrist!
JERRY
Rhinelander six nine four two.
CLARE
And, what's more, I'm going to marry him!
JERRY
Rhinelander six nine four two.
CLARE
Jerry, I think you're the most detestable person I've ever known in my life!
JERRY
[_Laughing_]: Rhinelander six ... nine ... four ... two!
[_He exits L., leaving_ CLARE _humiliated and fuming. She stands still a moment, and then starts to exit R. At the tree, she throws down the parcels she is still carrying, and, as she does so_, DR. WADHAM _re-enters R._]
DR. WADHAM
Why ... Miss Jewett!
CLARE
I'm nervous!... I want to finish up and go home!
[_She exits R._ DR. WADHAM _looks after her; then picks up the parcels_. JERRY'S _father_, GEORGE GOODKIND, _enters L. He is about the Doctor's age--sixty--but he has had vast experience with life, and he enjoys comfort now because he has been very uncomfortable._ GOODKIND _is much like any other successful business man you might meet--and like--at dinner. He is brisk and economical of time, but pleasant, and, unless his interests are involved, extremely amiable. He does what he conceives to be his duty by his family, his community, and his God, and feels that all three should appreciate it._]
DR. WADHAM
Ah ... Mr. Goodkind! [_Glances at his watch_] You're early!
GOODKIND
How do you do, Doctor? [_Puts down his hat_] Walked out of a meeting. I don't like letting religion interfere with business, but I wanted to get here before Benfield. It's about young Gilchrist.
DR. WADHAM
Shall we go into my study?
GOODKIND
Benfield's coming here, and I've only a few minutes. Did you know Gilchrist proposes to preach a Christmas sermon about the strike?
DR. WADHAM
What strike?
GOODKIND
This garment strike. He announced his subject from the pulpit, and Benfield's furious.
DR. WADHAM
Mr. Benfield isn't interested in clothing.
GOODKIND
No, but he's invested heavily in my West Virginia coal mines, and down there we're on the verge of the biggest walk-out in our history. You see what I mean?
DR. WADHAM
Yes.
GOODKIND
The labor problem's none of the church's business. Or any outsider's business. It's a worrisome subject, and there's no good stirring it up. That's what you want to tell Gilchrist!
DR. WADHAM
I have told him ... frequently.
GOODKIND
And what's the answer?
DR. WADHAM
He says every problem ought to be the church's business, and that, until the church becomes a power in live issues, it isn't a power in life!
GOODKIND
He won't listen to reason?
DR. WADHAM
No.
GOODKIND
Then he'll have to listen to something else. If he persists about this Christmas sermon--[BARNABY _enters L._ GOODKIND _turns. Impatiently_] What is it, Barnaby?
MR. BARNABY
There's a man out there wants to see Mr. Gilchrist.
GOODKIND
What kind of a man?
MR. BARNABY
[_Indifferently_]: A poor man. I think he's a Jew.
GOODKIND
Who ever heard of a poor Jew?
DR. WADHAM
Mr. Gilchrist isn't here.
MR. BARNABY
I told him that, but he won't go away. I wanted to ask had I better send for the police?
DR. WADHAM
Oh, I wouldn't do that!
MR. BARNABY
Why don't he go over to the Synagogue instead of hanging around a Christian Church? Mr. Gilchrist gave this fellow his overcoat. I suppose he's come back for the gloves!
DR. WADHAM
Tell him I'll speak to Mr. Gilchrist. [MR. BARNABY _shakes his head despairingly and exits_.]
GOODKIND
Well, there you are, and what I wanted to talk about privately is ... what's got into the boy? Has he gone crazy?
DR. WADHAM
I've asked myself that. I've asked myself if what he saw in France----
GOODKIND
Exactly. A lot of young fellows go off the handle and start out to reform the world, but this lad has run through twenty thousand dollars in less than three months!
DR. WADHAM
In addition to his salary?
GOODKIND
Yes. I could understand if he'd spent the money on himself, but he hasn't! He's given it away! [DR. WADHAM _shakes his head_] Gilchrist's father was my first partner, and I got the boy in here, and I feel responsible for him. As trustee, I can refuse to turn over another penny of his principal, and, as senior warden, I can demand his resignation from this church. But I want him to have every chance. Tell him if he'll get a grip on himself, and reconsider tomorrow's sermon----[_Enter_ BENFIELD _L._] Here's Benfield!
["CHARLIE" BENFIELD _is fifty, and a "rough diamond." He is self-made, and proud of it, though nothing really good--nothing of education, or refinement, or knowledge and appreciation of fine things--has gone into the making. He is arrogant, domineering, used to having his own way, and to sweeping aside obstacles. He comes in with his hat on his head, and it is a minute later, when_ DR. WADHAM'S _glance makes him aware of the fact, that he removes it._]
BENFIELD
Hello, George! Howd'y', Doctor! Am I late?
DR. WADHAM
[BENFIELD'S _very presence makes him nervous_]: We've been waiting for you. Hadn't we better retire to my study if we're going to discuss Mr. Gilchrist?
BENFIELD
We're not! We've been discussing long enough! All I got to say now is: Gilchrist leaves this church or I do!
GOODKIND
Now wait a minute!
DR. WADHAM
Isn't that a little mandatory?
BENFIELD
I don't know what it is, but it goes! I've worked hard all my life, and now this fellow gets up and tells me what I've worked for is nothing, and that I'm nothing, and all my ideas is wrong!
DR. WADHAM
He didn't say that.
BENFIELD
Oh, yes, he did--last Sunday and every Sunday! I've got two million dollars tied up in Black River mines, and I'm not paying to have the socialist papers down there print that my own minister is in favor of strikes!
GOODKIND
Wait a minute, Charlie! That's not the tone to take to Dr. Wadham! We all feel that Gilchrist has gone too far, and we're agreed----
BENFIELD
Does he preach tomorrow?
GOODKIND
We're agreed that if he insists on preaching about the strike----
BENFIELD
He goes?
GOODKIND
He goes!
BENFIELD
All right. And if he don't insist?
GOODKIND
He stays.
BENFIELD
And I go! [_He gets his hat and returns._ DANIEL GILCHRIST _enters L._] You can decide which of us is the most valu'ble to your church! Because I tell you again--and straight--this church ain't big enough for Gilchrist and me!
DANIEL
[_Smiling_]: A church that isn't big enough for two little men, Mr. Benfield, must be somewhat crowded for God!
[BENFIELD _cannot trust himself to answer. He jams his hat upon his head, and exits L._ GILCHRIST _is 33. He was a football hero at college, and shows it. He was a gentleman before he went to college, and he has been one ever since, and he shows that, too. What he doesn't show is what one expects in a "reformer"--narrowness, hardness, something forbidding. An ascetic, beyond doubt, self-denial has only made him trim and fit. The goodness that shines in his face is partly good humor. He has honest eyes, with fire in them, and there is strength and zeal back of that--strength and zeal that will leave their mark later. As yet, his exaltation is chiefly in his smile. His great gift is charm--and sympathy. At this moment, he wears no overcoat, and is glowing from the cold. Still smiling, he looks after_ BENFIELD.]
DR. WADHAM
[_Embarrassed_]: Mr. Benfield is a little--ah--a little----
DANIEL
Yes; a little.
[GOODKIND _crosses for his hat, and observes_ DANIEL, _who is chafing his wrists_.]
GOODKIND
Pneumonia weather, Daniel! Where's your overcoat?
DANIEL
Outside.
GOODKIND
Oh, yes. There's a man out there, too, who says he won't go 'way until he sees you. [_He joins_ DANIEL] Dan, you're an awfully decent fellow, but I still think you made a mistake going into the church. If you ever want to talk it over with me, I'd be glad to help you--any time! You know that! Good-bye, Doctor! Good-bye, Dan, and a Merry Christmas! [_He exits L._]
DR. WADHAM
Daniel, you're in trouble.
DANIEL
[_Smiling_]: Doctor, I'm used to it.
DR. WADHAM
This time it's serious. I've warned you often. I don't see how you can have been so blind.
DANIEL
I haven't been blind.
DR. WADHAM
Then you don't care for your position in this church.
DANIEL
[_With feeling_]: There's only one thing I care for more.
DR. WADHAM
And that is?
DANIEL
To be worthy of it.
DR. WADHAM
When you're as old as I am, Daniel, you'll understand that being honest doesn't necessarily mean being disagreeable.
DANIEL
Doesn't it mean--telling the truth?
DR. WADHAM
Do you know the truth, Daniel?
DANIEL
Yes; don't you? Doesn't every man--in his heart? And if we want to keep it in our hearts, and never think about it or look it in the face, shouldn't someone pry open the door and cry: "Behold"?... I didn't tell them anything they didn't know, Doctor. I don't _know_ anything they don't know. I just reminded them----
DR. WADHAM
[_Exploding on the last word_]: That we were heathen!
DANIEL
That we were Christians, and every man our brother, and that we were sitting, overdressed and overfed, in a Christian Church, while our brother froze and starved--outside--in a Christian World!
DR. WADHAM
That isn't fair! These good people have given----
DANIEL
_Given_--what cost them nothing! Frumpery and trumpery and diamond stars! That's how all of us give--what we don't need; what we don't even want!... You're a good man, Doctor, and, honestly, what would you say tomorrow if your wife told you she'd sold her rings, and given the money to the poor?
DR. WADHAM
Why, I----
DANIEL
You'd say she was crazy!
DR. WADHAM
But there's no necessity----
DANIEL
Oh, yes, there is! There'll be people lying in the parks tonight. What would Mrs. Tice say if I invited them to sleep in her pew?
DR. WADHAM
That there's no reason why she should share dirt and disease!
DANIEL
Exactly! We may _believe_ in the brotherhood of man, but we _know_ about germs! We're not sure what is truth, but there's one thing we _are_ sure of, and _mean_ to be sure of, and that's our own comfort! You know that, and I know it, and they know it--but we mustn't say it! All right; in God's name, what _are_ we to say?
DR. WADHAM
[_Who has been nervously regarding this raving as confirming the worst fears of_ MR. GOODKIND]: Precisely. And that brings us to tomorrow's sermon. I understand you intend to talk about the strike. [_Dan nods "Yes"_] And that's not a very pleasant subject for Christmas. Wouldn't it be more fitting to preach from the text, "Glory to God in the Highest"?
DANIEL
"And on earth, Peace, good will toward men"?
DR. WADHAM
[_Delighted_]: Yes! You might say, "There are many kinds of peace----"
DANIEL
But there aren't!
DR. WADHAM
There is physical peace--peace that came with the end of this cruel war!
DANIEL
There _is_ no peace! There is only fear--and hate--and vanity--and lust, and envy, and greed--of men and nations! There are only people preying on one another, and a hungry horde at the very doors of your church!... My text will be: "And Peter followed afar off."
DR. WADHAM
I don't understand.
DANIEL
[_Into his tone, hitherto indignantly human, comes something mystic--something divine_]: We all follow--afar off.
DR. WADHAM
[_Alarmed; not at the words, but at that "something divine"_]: Daniel ... my dear fellow!
DANIEL
Don't worry. I'm quite sane. Only--I've been wondering about that for a long time.
DR. WADHAM
Wondering?
DANIEL
What would happen if anybody really tried to live like Christ.
DR. WADHAM
[_Shaking his head_]: It can't be done.
DANIEL
Isn't it worth trying? Men risk their lives--every day--in experiments far less worth while. We've had centuries of "fear, and hate, and greed"--and where have they brought us? Why not try love?
DR. WADHAM
How can you make them try?
DANIEL
By showing that it would work.
DR. WADHAM
It _won't_ work, Daniel. It's a beautiful ideal, but it won't work. Times have changed, and things are different. Life isn't as simple as it was two thousand years ago. The trouble with you, Daniel, is that you're not practical.
DANIEL
I wonder.
DR. WADHAM
And the great need of the church is practical men. We mustn't take the Scriptures too literally. We must try to interpret their spirit. And, above all, we must please our congregations, or we shan't have any. And then what becomes of our influence? Better fall back on my text for tomorrow, Daniel.
DANIEL
I can't.
DR. WADHAM
At least, you must promise not to discuss the strike.
DANIEL
I can't do that, Doctor.
DR. WADHAM
Or else let me take the pulpit.
DANIEL
I won't do that! [_A pause._]
DR. WADHAM
Very well! Preach your Christmas sermon, and afterward----
DANIEL
Yes?
DR. WADHAM
I think you may find a greater field of usefulness elsewhere. [_A long pause. The men look at each other, and then_ DANIEL _turns away to conceal his emotion. He goes up for his hat, and returns._] I'm sorry, Daniel. I know you've been very happy in your work here. I know how failure hurts. But you saw it coming, and you wouldn't turn aside.
DANIEL
[_He looks up with flashing eyes_]: The man who turns away from his vision--lies! [_Shakes hands_] It's all right, Doctor. [_He crosses L._ CLARE JEWETT, _ready for the street, enters R._]
DR. WADHAM
[_Brightly_]: Well, Miss Jewett! [DANIEL _hears the name and stops. He is consoled by her very presence_] What's happened to the choir?
CLARE
Mr. Hinkle cut his finger. I've been applying first aid.
DR. WADHAM
Woman's traditional mission--to bind our wounds.
[_He turns to exit, and sees_ DANIEL. _He is struck by the double significance of his remark, and the timeliness of_ CLARE'S _arrival_.]
Well, I must be going! Step into my study in the morning, Daniel, and we'll have a look at your sermon! [_He exits L. From here the lights dim very slowly._]
CLARE
I hope I never see another doll! Got anything on your mind, Dan?
DANIEL
[_Quickly_]: What do you----
CLARE
I mean anything special to do?
DANIEL
Oh!--No.
CLARE
Take me home.
DANIEL
[_He beams_]: _I'm_ getting _my_ Christmas present early! [_Gets his hat._]
CLARE
Where's your coat?
DANIEL
Outside. That is--I lent it to a friend. Oh, I've got another--somewhere!
CLARE
But you can't go out without a coat. [_Looks at wrist watch_] Anyway, I told the taxi man to come back at half past four. That's the worst of not having a car. Well, we may as well sit down! [_He assists her, but his mind is afar._] What's the matter with you, Dan?
DANIEL
Nothing important.
CLARE
There will be if you insist on going around without an overcoat! [_Looking at him narrowly_] You're too generous. [_He is still afar._]
I say you're too generous! How are we going to be married if you go on giving things away?
DANIEL
[_Laughs_]: Is generosity a fault in a husband?
CLARE
That depends. Is it true you've been giving away--well--large sums of money?
DANIEL
Who told you that?
CLARE
A little bird. [_He laughs_] And that you've refused to take part of your income?
DANIEL
Little bird tell you that?
CLARE
Yes.
DANIEL
Must have been a cuckoo!
CLARE
Is it true?
DANIEL
About the money? Yes.
CLARE
Why?
DANIEL
Well, there's the strike, and a good deal of unemployment, and I've got so much. Why--_I've got you!_
CLARE
[_Rises_]: Let's not talk about it now. [_She turns L. Hesitates; looks at her wrist watch; looks off L._] Yes; let's!--You're so changed. I hardly know you. We don't seem to want the same things any more.
DANIEL
What do _you_ want, Clare?
CLARE
I want to be happy.
DANIEL
That's exactly what I want!
CLARE
How can anybody be happy without money?
DANIEL
How can anybody be happy _with_ it? Anyway, do you think people are? Happier than the people who just have enough?
CLARE
In our day and age there's nothing worse than poverty! There's nothing more degrading than having to scrimp, and save, and do without, and keep up appearances! I've tried it ... ever since my father died ... and I know! I can't do it any longer, and I won't!
DANIEL
Clare!
CLARE
[_She turns away, and comes back somewhat calmer_]: I don't want to quarrel with you, Dan. I just want you to be sensible.... I love you, but I love the good things of life, too. I like to be warm and comfortable.
DANIEL
You can be sure of that.
CLARE
But that's only the beginning. I want good clothes, and furs, and my car, and money to spend when I like. I want my own house, and my own servants, and a husband who amounts to something. I'm no different from other women of my class.
DANIEL
I hoped you were.
CLARE
A year or two ago people thought you were going to be a Bishop. Today you've made an enemy of every influential man in the church. All that may be very noble, but I'm not noble, and I don't pretend to be. I don't feel any call to sacrifice myself for others, and I don't think you have any right to ask it!
DANIEL
I do ask it, Clare.
CLARE
You mean you're going on like this?
DANIEL
I mean I can't give you expensive clothes, and servants, and a big house while all about us people are hungry.
CLARE
What do you propose to give me?
DANIEL
A chance to help.
CLARE
To help wash the dishes, I suppose, in a three-room flat in a side street!
DANIEL
And to visit the sick, and befriend the friendless.
CLARE
A charming prospect!
DANIEL
It really is, Clare. You don't know how happy we can be with work, and our modest plenty. There's so much to do--and they won't let me do it here. We've got to get _near_ the people in trouble, and we can't with a big house and all that. I don't think we shall come to a three-room flat. [_He smiles_] We'll have five or six rooms, and our books, and each other.
CLARE
I can't believe you're serious. You've always been a dreamer, but I can't believe you're going through with this fantastic nonsense!
DANIEL
I've chosen a narrow path, dear, but I hoped it might be wide enough for us both.
CLARE
It isn't. With your means and opportunities, you're offering me what any bank clerk would give his wife. I thought you loved me, but you're utterly selfish, and I think a little mad. You've a right to throw away your own life, but you've no right to throw away mine. [_She hands him his ring_] Our engagement is off. [_A pause. She starts for the door, and then hesitates, looks at her wrist watch, waits for him to call her back. When he doesn't, she returns._] Don't you think you're making a terrible mistake?
DANIEL
[_Looks up from the ring. Simply_]: No. [CLARE _turns again, this time quickly and with resolution, and exits L. The church is quite dark, except for light streaming from the open door R._ DAN _looks at the ring, and puts it in his pocket. With his back to the audience, he looks at the altar of his church. Suddenly, from R., the organ is heard, playing "Hark the Herald Angels." He crosses and closes the door. In the blackness, he hears a step._ THE POOR MAN _has come on through the open door L._] Who's there?... Are you looking for someone?
POOR MAN
Yes.
DANIEL
I'm the assistant rector ... Mr. Gilchrist.
POOR MAN
I know you, Mr. Gilchrist.
DANIEL
Oh, yes; I remember. You're the man who was cold. Can I do anything for you?
POOR MAN
I think you can.
DANIEL
Let's have it then.
POOR MAN
Perhaps I can help you, too.
DANIEL
In what way?
POOR MAN
In my way.
DANIEL
My poor man, I wish you could!
[_His despair impels him to confide in anyone_]: I was so sure of what I wanted to do, and now I begin to wonder if it can be done!
POOR MAN
It has been done.
DANIEL
But in this day--in this practical world--can any man follow the Master?
POOR MAN
Why not? Is this day different from any other? Was the world never practical before? Is this the first time of conflict between flesh and spirit? If it could be done then, why not now, and, if it was ever worth the doing, why not now?
DANIEL
But how?
POOR MAN
We have been told how.
DANIEL
"Take no thought of the morrow.... Sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor.... Love thy neighbor as thyself.... Bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you." But if a man did those things today people would think him mad!
POOR MAN
What does it matter?
DANIEL
He would lose everything!
POOR MAN
And gain everything!
DANIEL
What good can one man do?
POOR MAN
Why don't you try?
DANIEL
He tried, and they crucified Him!
POOR MAN
Did they? And if they did, what does that matter? Is a man dead whose ideal lives? Ye crucified me, but I am with ye alway, even unto the end of the world!
DANIEL
In God's name, who are you?
POOR MAN
I am a Jew!
[_As he speaks, slowly the tree and everything beneath it is illuminated by the Star of Bethlehem. The light, dim at first, grows stronger and stronger, its rays revealing sanctuary and picking out the points of the cross on the altar. But where the_ POOR MAN _stood is nothing. There is no one there. The spirit--if spirit it was--has disappeared. The man--if man it was--has gone._ DANIEL _gives a cry, and, as he does so, the light is extinguished, and suddenly, to the music that has been heard faintly through the door R. during this scene, the full choir sings: "Hark the Herald Angels Sing." In black darkness_
THE CURTAIN FALLS
_ACT II._
SCENE: GEORGE F. GOODKIND'S _Library. New York._
_Ten months later. The set has only two essentials--a wide, curtained, glass door L., and an ordinary, heavy wooden door down R. The first gives entrance to the music room, which is indicated rather completely when the door is open. The second, by way of a hall and a flight of stairs, leads to the main entrance of the house. For the rest, the library is a shallow room, very much like any other library in the home of any other rich and well educated man. It is a little richer and more luxurious than most, perhaps, with--here and there--priceless things from palaces in Venice or art collections in Rome. The obsession of business is suggested by various utilities, transient and otherwise--a row of law books, a small file, and a pile of papers upon the substantial library table._
AT RISE: _It is a Saturday evening in November, 1919. The_ GOODKINDS _have been entertaining informally at dinner, and, having finished the chief business of the occasion, the company is now diverting itself in the music room. This room is brilliantly illuminated; one sees the shadow of a man leaning against the glass door._ DILLY GILLIAM, _at the piano, is playing one of the syncopations popular at the time. After a moment, a servant, with a card tray, enters R., crosses and exits L. An instant later_, GOODKIND, _in evening clothes, enters L. He has a card in his hand. The_ SERVANT _re-enters, re-crosses, and re-exits, stopping, en route, to switch on the lights_. GOODKIND _looks at the pile on the table, and turns the topmost paper face down_. BENFIELD, _also in evening clothes, enters L._
BENFIELD
What the h----
GOODKIND
Shut the door.
[BENFIELD _does so. As he returns_, GOODKIND _gives him the card_]
BENFIELD
[_Reading_]
"Labor conciliators."
[_Throws the card on the table_]
What the h----
GOODKIND
What are labor conciliators? Mostly thugs. When you've been director in a coal mining company a little longer you'll know. We've got a million dollars' worth of 'em handling this strike.
BENFIELD
Police duty?
GOODKIND
No; spies and agents provocateur. I hate the breed, but what are you going to do about it? This fellow, Max Stedtman, got into the union five or six years ago, and now he's one of the delegation they've sent up to me.... Where's Jerry?
BENFIELD
I gave him the high sign.
GOODKIND
[_Offering cigars_]:
Smoke?
BENFIELD
[_Taking one_]:
Thanks.... Why didn't you go down to West Virginia?
GOODKIND
Had to look over that power plant in Canada.
BENFIELD
Oh, yes!
GOODKIND
Anyway, what do I know about coal mining?
BENFIELD
You're president of the company.
GOODKIND
Yes, but that means digging up money--not coal. I've never set foot in West Virginia in my life; and I don't want to!
BENFIELD
Yes, but in a serious situation like this--
GOODKIND
I sent Jerry. Jerry has a dozen qualifications and no scruples. _And_ I sent Gilchrist.
BENFIELD
Who has scruples and no qualifications.
GOODKIND
Thus striking a balance. I mean that! Don't make any mistake about Gilchrist. He's a valuable man. I didn't hire him because I was sorry he got fired out of the church ... and only a little because I knew his father. I hired him because he had theories, and I wanted to try 'em out!
BENFIELD
I'll say he's got theories!
GOODKIND
Yes, and the remarkable part of it is ... sometimes they work. They worked up at that power plant. A year ago I wouldn't have taken it as a gift. Gilchrist applied a little soft soap--
BENFIELD
Soft soap or gold dust?
GOODKIND
Well, both; but, damn it, Charlie, with all the increased wages and decreased working hours, the plant's making money now for the first time!
[_Enter_ JERRY L. _He is a little sullen--the result of brandy and resentment. He, too, is in evening clothes, and he closes the door behind him._]
GOODKIND
There's something _in_ Gilchrist!
JERRY
Mostly bugs!
GOODKIND
All right!
JERRY
I told you what he was doing at the mines. Now he wires you, "Everything settled if you accede to rational conditions," and up comes this delegation! What are the conditions? I'll tell you now--surrender! You're crazy if you see these workmen! We've nothing to discuss! They're our mines, and we'll run 'em as we like! If this philanthropist of yours carries out instructions we've got 'em whipped!... What was the idea of the high sign?
GOODKIND
[_As_ BENFIELD _picks up the card to answer_]:
Stedtman.
JERRY
Where?
GOODKIND
On the way up.
JERRY
Of course, we're leaving our guests flat!
BENFIELD
Your wife's in there!
JERRY
Clare resents our talking business at home.
GOODKIND
Resents--and you haven't been married a year! Palaver's a wife's job! They oil the machinery while we shovel in coal! [_The_ SERVANT _re-enters R._]
SERVANT
Mr. Stedtman.
[_Enter_ MAX STEDTMAN. _He is a wiry little man, with the face of a ferret and the furtiveness of a rat. His nervousness does not indicate lack of self-confidence. That quality has made Stedtman the man he is today. For the rest, he is 40, and faintly Semitic. The_ SERVANT _exits_.]
GOODKIND
How do, Stedtman? This is Mr. Benfield--one of our new directors.
[_They acknowledge the introduction_]
You know my son.
STEDTMAN
[_Nods_]: Saw him down to Black River.
[_They sit_--JERRY _down L._; BENFIELD _left of the table_; GOODKIND _back of it_; STEDTMAN _R._]
GOODKIND
Well?
STEDTMAN
Well ... the committee's on its way.
GOODKIND
Who's in this delegation?
STEDTMAN
I'm chairman. We got a Pole called Umanski.
GOODKIND
[_Writes_]:
Umanski.
STEDTMAN
He's a radical. You can't do anything with him. But there's a fellow named Joe Hennig....
GOODKIND
Who'll listen to reason?
STEDTMAN
I think so.
GOODKIND
Why?
STEDTMAN
He's got a pretty wife.
BENFIELD
What the he----
GOODKIND
What has that to do with it?
STEDTMAN
Lots. Pretty wives like pretty things. Hennig's in debt, and this girl's on his neck every minute. She's a peach. You know her, Mr. Jerry!
JERRY
No.
STEDTMAN
Pearl Hennig?
JERRY
No.
STEDTMAN
Oh! I thought I saw you talking to her onct. Anyhow, Gilchrist knows her ... _well_.
BENFIELD
You mean....
STEDTMAN
I mean I wouldn't mention Gilchrist to Joe Hennig. [BENFIELD whistles.]
GOODKIND
That's rot!
STEDTMAN
Anyhow, Hennig and me are two votes, and I figure Hennig's'll cost about....
[_He looks at them narrowly._]
... fifteen thousand dollars.
[_All three show surprise._]
GOODKIND
I don't like bribery.
BENFIELD
Not when it isn't necessary.
GOODKIND
And Gilchrist wired yesterday: "Everything settled."
JERRY
On conditions.
STEDTMAN
Yeh--on _their_ conditions! Take it from me, this Gilchrist has double-crossed you!
BENFIELD
I told you!
JERRY
He's a....
STEDTMAN
[_Goes right on, without heeding the simultaneous interruption_]:
He's been at union meetings! _He_ got 'em to send this delegation, and he tried to get 'em to turn down Hennig--our one best bet! _You take it from me_--
GOODKIND
[_Quietly_]: I won't take it from you, Stedtman. [_Looks around_] Or from anybody else. I know this man.
STEDTMAN
[_Cowed_]: Well, he's gone around talkin' compromise. Compromise ain't no way to settle a strike. Givin' 'em confidence. Why, we got a couple o' hundred representatives among the workmen tellin' 'em they got no chance. We got special police clubbin' 'em every time they try to hold a meeting. You wouldn't believe what we done down there in the way of harmony!
GOODKIND
It's all been done before.
STEDTMAN
Never no completer! We're workin' the black list and, if a man opens his mouth too wide at a meetin', somebody--he don't know who--tips the gover'ment that he's a "red." We got 'em so they ain't sure of their own brothers. We're postin' bills, in seven languages, saying: "Why should workmen mistrust the company? This is the land of opportunity! America is calling you--GO BACK TO WORK!" The boss has a scheme now to start a riot between the Poles and the Wops! And you know the end o' that! Troops, and scabs, and machine guns! What stopped it? One gent that don't know nothin' about harmony, or co-operation, or nothin'--except hangin' around after a skirt! If you got to descend to bribery now, don't blame me! Blame Gilchrist!
BENFIELD
[_Rises; striking the table with his open hand_]: He's absolutely right!
JERRY
[_Rises_]: Of course, he's right! Wha'd'ya expect of a man kicked out of his church for Bolshevism?
BENFIELD
He ought to be brought back right now!
GOODKIND
He's coming back--
[_Servant enters R._]
Yes; what is it?
SERVANT
Two men to see Mr. Stedtman.
BENFIELD
Good!
GOODKIND
Bring them in.
[_Servant exits_]
STEDTMAN
Now look--don't try nothin' before Umanski! Just give us an excuse to vote _right_, and then we'll go out, and get rid of him, and I'll slip back with Hennig! Now then--[_His sharp ears have heard footsteps off R. He strikes a pose_] It's very good of you gentlemen to see us! I was goin' to meet my friends outside--[_The Servant ushers in_ UMANSKI _and_ JOE HENNIG, _and retires_]--but you been so kind and agreeable--Hello, Joe!
JOE
Hello, Max!
UMANSKI
You said you be on sidewalk.
STEDTMAN
I just really got in myself. This is Mr. Goodkind. He's the President. And a couple o' Directors. Well, now we can get down to business!
[_He sits._ UMANSKI _stares in amazement at his temerity_. UMANSKI _is a giant Pole or Russian. Whatever flesh he ever had has been starved off; he is all bone and brawn. In his face is something strangely like poetry ... something born of silence and suffering. He is in his best, which does not obliterate the picture of the man in working clothes, his sleeves rolled up over his muscular arms. Hennig is a stocky man of 45--a "grouser." His tone has none of the courage, the dignity, the independence of_ UMANSKI'S; _he blusters, emptily, an echo, without much to say, and one guesses he might be made to bluster either way. There is a pause._]
GOODKIND
Smoke? [_He presents the humidor to_ HENNIG, _and_ STEDTMAN, _rising, reaches out and helps himself_. GOODKIND _goes on to_ UMANSKI, _who doesn't unfold his arms; doesn't even appear to see the box_. GOODKIND _returns, and sets it lower right end of table_.]
JOE
[_Coming down R. of_ GOODKIND]: I guess you know all about our grievances.
GOODKIND
I didn't know you had any.
JOE
You didn't know we had any----
BENFIELD
Ah, you fellows are never satisfied!
GOODKIND
You're getting plenty for what you do! What are you complaining about? You've left good jobs to follow a lot of idle, discontented agitators! We've got to win this fight on principle! The work's there! I pay what I can get men for, and not a cent more! Take it or leave it!
JOE
We got to hang together to get anything!
GOODKIND
You're hanging, and what have you got?
[_The piano music in the next room, which ceased during the scene with_ STEDTMAN, _is succeeded now by the low tones of a violin_. UMANSKI _speaks, in a voice as unemotional as its owner is stolid_.]
UMANSKI
I work twelve hours--every day ... thirty years ... got nothing.
BENFIELD
Why should you have? An untrained man--
JERRY
You don't even know English!
UMANSKI
How I gonna learn English--work twelve hours a day?
JERRY
Nobody asked you to take the job! Nobody asked you to come over here! You're not an American!
UMANSKI
I was American.
JERRY
[_Sneers_]: When?
UMANSKI
When I fight ... in the war. [_A short pause._]
JERRY
[_Turning to_ GOODKIND]: We're not getting anywhere. We've been over this a dozen times!
GOODKIND
What do you want?
UMANSKI
I wanna chance to learn! I wanna chance to live! I wanna see ... sun!
JERRY
Wha'd'ya mean--_son_? [_Together_]
GOODKIND
_Your_ son? [_Together_]
UMANSKI
God's sun. I never see him. Go to mines--him not up. Work in mines--him not see. Go home--him gone. Got baby five years ago. Never see _him_. Go to mines ... _him_, not up. Come back--_him_ asleep. Go home one day--_him_ gone.
GOODKIND
Dead?
UMANSKI
My wife say: "Good! Not such many to feed!"
JERRY
When you worked you had enough to eat, didn't you?
UMANSKI
Yes. Work twelve hours a day and got enough to eat--so can work some more. Always work. Get up--work--come back--sleep--get up--work. Never got time to talk to wife--never got time to talk to nobody--never got nowhere. Never save nothing.
JOE
[_Whining_]: It ain't fair! [JERRY _takes out his cigarette case_.]
UMANSKI
That little box--what you pay for him? [_Jerry turns front, not deigning to answer_] Ah, I know; gold. You pay more for him than I got from swing pick thirty years. Me and six families--we live in one house you own. We got one room upstairs; two down cellar. Sleep there. Eat--cook--wash upstairs. See nothing but brick yard, and clothes hang up to dry. Wife--she carry water from yard. Me--I carry potato peeling out front. Him rot. If I don't like that, I quit--and starve!
JERRY
You want to live on Fifth Avenue!
BENFIELD
And _then_ you'd find something to kick about!
UMANSKI
If I don't like other mans will. Other mans take my job. I got little girl twenty years old. Awful nice little girl. Got gold hair. Got blue eyes. Her take sick. She sorry she's sick. She wanna go church. She ask me: "Pop, buy me new dress for church. Buy me pretty _pink_ dress." Where I get him? We hire doctor once, and he say: "Air--sunshine--milk--eggs!" Where I get air--sunshine--milk--eggs? Got no job. My little girl, she cough, and cough, and one night she die. I tell you we got right to quit! We got right to hang together! We got right to fight--to live--and, by God, we gonna fight--we gonna live--_we gonna_--_BY GOD!_
[_The music stops. In the same short instant, there is a patter of applause; more music--lively this time--and, bursting into the room from L._, DILLY _runs into_ UMANSKI. She _has gold hair_; she _has blue eyes; and what is more_, she _has a new dress. It is a "pretty pink dress," too, and its owner wears jewels worth the ransom of a dozen Umanskis._]
DILLY
[_As she enters_]: Now, look here, Jerry; you're not going to--Oh! I'm sorry! [UMANSKI _looks at her; then covers his face, and, with a great sob, drops into a chair R. C._ STEDTMAN _puts his arm about the man's shoulders_. GOODKIND, _C., stares at him sympathetically_.]
JERRY
You'll have to wait, Dilly.
GOODKIND
Ask the ladies to stay in the drawing room. We'll join them in a few minutes.
DILLY
Yes.... Certainly.... I'm SO sorry!
[_She exits. A pause._ STEDTMAN, _one arm about_ UMANSKI, _uses the other to signal_ GOODKIND _to go ahead_. GOODKIND _ignores him_.]
GOODKIND
I think we'd better let this go for tonight.
UMANSKI
[_Rising_]: Oh, no! Me--I'm all right! Excuse!
GOODKIND
You're a little upset, and I have guests. Besides, Gilchrist will be here in half an hour, and I want to talk to him before I say anything definite. Suppose we all meet here tomorrow at noon.
JOE
[_Who has turned down angrily at mention of the name_]: Not Gilchrist!
GOODKIND
No; just we six ... and, maybe, one or two more of our directors.
STEDTMAN
All right!
UMANSKI
I wanna know what we gonna do--_tonight_!
GOODKIND
We're going to get together. You fellows have got the wrong idea. We're not tyrants, or monsters. We're Christians, and we want to act like Christians. Only ... we've got to live, too. We've got to have the things we're used to, just as you have. But I think I can promise, if the strike's called off, you men will be kept, and put back just where you were.... Ring the bell, Jerry.
[JERRY _does so. A pause._]
BENFIELD
I guess you don't want me any more.
GOODKIND
No.
BENFIELD
Thanks.
[_Exits L. A pause._]
GOODKIND
[_To_ HENNIG. _Making conversation_]: You live in Black River?
JOE
Yes.
GOODKIND
Married?
JOE
You betcha! Prettiest girl in West Virginia! We only been married a year. I got her in the five-and-ten-cent store.... I mean, that's where she was working. She's at her sister's now ... up to Pittsburg. Left the day before I was elected to come here. [_Proudly_] I sent her a telegram!
GOODKIND
You don't say so! [_To_ JERRY] Anything the matter with that bell?
JERRY
The man's busy, I suppose. I'll show them out.
GOODKIND
If you will.... Well, good-night!
[_He shakes hands with_ HENNIG, _and with_ STEDTMAN, _but, when he comes to_ UMANSKI, _that giant is immobile. His slow mind has been thinking out the earlier declaration._]
UMANSKI
What about this here twelve-hour day?
GOODKIND
We'll consider that after the strike's called off.
UMANSKI
And the twenty-four-hour shift?
GOODKIND
We'll consider that, too. Meanwhile--you go back just where you were!
UMANSKI
Then what good we gain by strike?
GOODKIND
Nothing's ever gained by quarreling. You'll find that out some day.
UMANSKI
Some day something be gain! Some day we gonna win! _This_--he don't go on always! _You_ see!
JERRY
[_Insolently_]: Are you ready?
UMANSKI
[_As_ HENNIG _slips out R._, UMANSKI _looks at_ JERRY _with contempt_.] _You_ see! [_Exits R._]
STEDTMAN
[_Significantly,--in a loud whisper_]: We'll be back later. [_He exits R._]
JERRY
Swine!
[_He exits R._ GOODKIND, _obviously worried by the interview, goes to the table, and rights the topmost paper. Looks at it. Sits, and examines other papers. The_ SERVANT _enters R._]
SERVANT
Did you ring, sir?
GOODKIND
Half an hour ago.
SERVANT
[_Indicating a box_]: I was signing for this. [GOODKIND, _writing, doesn't look up_.] Can I do anything for you, sir?
GOODKIND
Yes.... Get me a drink.
[_The_ SERVANT _hesitates_. GOODKIND _takes key from pocket and gives it to him. The_ SERVANT _unlocks a cellarette, up R., takes out decanter and glasses, relocks the cellarette, comes down L. of table, sets down the tray, and returns the key._]
Thanks. [_The_ SERVANT _starts to exit L._] And, Riggs! [_The_ SERVANT _stops up L. C. Enter_ CLARE _L._] If Mr. Stedtman comes back tonight ... with one of the other men ... I'll see them in here.
SERVANT
Very good, sir. [_To_ CLARE]: This package just came for you, Madam. [_He gives her the box, and exits L. A pause._]
GOODKIND
Everybody gone?
CLARE
They're all down in the billiard room. We wanted to make up a couple of tables at bridge, but, with the men in here ... as usual.... Where's Jerry?
GOODKIND
I don't know.
CLARE
I've seen him just ten minutes this week.
GOODKIND
He's only been back three hours.
CLARE
Well ... I wish he wouldn't break up my dinner parties.
GOODKIND
[_Pushes back papers_]: What have you got there?
CLARE
[_Looking at the box_]: Another ... substitute....
GOODKIND
Substitute, for what?
CLARE
[_As she opens it_]: For my husband's time ... and love ... and companionship. [_Holds up a sable scarf_] Sables. [_She gives it to_ GOODKIND.]
GOODKIND
[_Looking at it with admiration_]: Mm! You don't seem much surprised.
CLARE
No.... Whenever Jerry's been away longer than usual, or done something he's a little ashamed of, there's a box from Cartier or Revillon.
GOODKIND
Must have been a whopper this time!
CLARE
[_Seriously. Wondering_]: Yes. [_She takes the scarf._]
GOODKIND
Pretty generous husband ... if you ask _me_!
CLARE
Yes. [_She puts the scarf away._]
GOODKIND
Upon my word, I don't know what you women want!... A man works his heart and soul out to get you things, and still you're not satisfied!
CLARE
Maybe we'd like a little "heart and soul."
GOODKIND
Heart and soul, and what a man trades 'em for! You want your husband to succeed, and give all his attention to you! You want him to have plenty of money, and plenty of time! You're willing to take everything, but you're not willing to pay for it!
CLARE
I suppose everybody _must_ pay.
GOODKIND
Surest thing you know! You women are all alike. My poor wife--_she_ had everything, and I used to catch her crying in a corner. We never seemed to understand each other ... after we got _this_. She was a good wife, too, but the best of you never seem to want what you have.... Sometimes I think we don't any of us really want what we struggle so hard to get. Sometimes I think we're all wrong! [_He looks at his watch, and rises._] Well, I guess I'll go downstairs!
CLARE
I wish you would.
GOODKIND
[_Goes to her_]: You're not crying? [_She nods and looks up_] My God! Can you beat it?
CLARE
I'll be down in a minute.
GOODKIND
Tell Riggs--will you?--if any one comes, I'll be ... talking to Jerry. [_He puts his hand on her shoulder_] And ... buck up! There are people worse off than we are ... and it's a great life if you don't weaken!
[_He exits L._ CLARE _goes C. She puts the box, with its contents, on the table, dries her eyes, and is powdering her nose when_ DANIEL GILCHRIST _opens the door R. He is in business clothes, and starts to retire when he sees_ CLARE. _He would a little rather avoid the interview._]
CLARE
Come in! I'm just powdering my nose. Does that offend your reverence?
DANIEL
On the contrary; I agree with the man who said, "Put your trust in God, and keep your powder dry." [_They laugh._]
CLARE
When did you get in?
DANIEL
Half an hour ago.
CLARE
Had dinner?
DANIEL
On the train. I was starved. Thank goodness, they don't charge for dinner by the mile!... Riggs said your father-in-law was in here.
CLARE
He'll be up in a moment ... won't you sit down? We haven't had five minutes together since----
DANIEL
[_Hesitates about remaining._]
CLARE
I understand you're very happy in your new ... profession.
DANIEL
[_Sits._] Yes.
CLARE
You've got ... everything ... you want?
DANIEL
No, I haven't everything I want, but I'm happy.
CLARE
My father-in-law says if you settle this strike you're to be--but that's a business secret. [_A pause_] I suppose I might tell you. [_A pause_] He says it'll make you a big man in the company ... with a tremendous salary.... You mustn't give it away!
DANIEL
The secret?
CLARE
The salary ... I suppose you've got over that.... So ... you don't really seem to have lost anything by giving up your church.
DANIEL
No. Queer as it seems, sometimes I think I've gained ... in opportunity.
CLARE
[_Chiefly to herself_]: Perhaps one _might_ have eaten one's cake and had it, too.
DANIEL
Clare!
CLARE
You frightened me so that night, with the bugaboo of poverty. Don't you think there might have been a compromise? Something half way?
DANIEL
Why open wounds that are beginning to heal?
CLARE
Yours seem quite healed.
DANIEL
And you have everything _you_ want?
CLARE
Yes.
DANIEL
You see ... I _was_ selfish ... to ask you to give up the things that count so much with you for those that count with me.... Afterward, when I knew you were to be married ... I was afraid for you ... and I was wrong again. [_He rises_] You're happy ... and I'm honestly glad!
CLARE
Are you ... honestly ... happy?
DANIEL
Honestly.
CLARE
In just helping others?
DANIEL
In just helping others.
CLARE
I don't understand that.
DANIEL
You will ... some day.
[JERRY _enters R. He has added two or three brandies to a generous allowance at dinner, and though not drunk, is sullen and quarrelsome. The more so at finding_ DANIEL _with_ CLARE].
JERRY
Hello, Gilchrist! In early, aren't you? [_Crosses._] I didn't mean to interrupt a tête-à-tête!
CLARE
You're not interrupting.
JERRY
Where's father?
CLARE
I thought he was with you.
JERRY
I stopped for refreshments.
CLARE
I see you did.
JERRY
[_Laughs and turns to_ DANIEL]: We've been having a genial evening with your delegation. That's why my wife's sore.
CLARE
I'm not "sore." I've been a little lonely.
JERRY
You don't look it!... I couldn't help going to Black River! I didn't go for pleasure ... did I, Gilchrist?
DANIEL
No. There was work, and plenty of it. I was sorry you had to leave when you did.
CLARE
Why, Jerry didn't leave much before you, did he?
JERRY
Just a few----
DANIEL
[_At the same time_]: Only twenty-four hours.... He wanted to get back to you.
CLARE
But ... he's just _got_ back.... Where have you been, Jerry?
JERRY
Attending to business ... _of course_!
CLARE
Of course. [_She takes the scarf from the box on the table_] Good night, Dan.
DANIEL
[_Cheerily_]: Good night! [_She starts to door L._].
JERRY
Oh ... you _got_ the furs!
CLARE
Yes ... thank you.
JERRY
Don't mention it!
CLARE
I'm very grateful ... but ...
JERRY
But what?
CLARE
Never mind. We'll talk about it some other time.
JERRY
We'll talk about it _now_!
DANIEL
I'll go. [_Starts R._].
JERRY
No, you won't! You made a crack about my leaving twenty-four hours before you did! How do you know when I left? [_To_ CLARE] If that's what you're sore about, for heaven's sake, drop it! I'm sorry you've been alone, and I've sent you a handsome gift as an apology!
CLARE
I don't want it. [_She lays down the scarf._] I don't want to be paid for shutting my eyes to any insulting thing you choose to do!
JERRY
And I don't propose to be made a blackguard before strangers!
CLARE
Dan isn't a stranger. And I don't want to make you a blackguard. Only ... since you've insisted on the truth.... Dan, when _did_ my husband leave Black River?
DANIEL
I haven't seen him since Thursday.
JERRY
_There_ you have it! He hasn't _seen_ me since Thursday! Does it occur to you that may have been because _he_ wasn't in Black River?
CLARE
No.
DANIEL
As a matter of fact, I wasn't.
JERRY
Oh!... Where were you?
DANIEL
At the mines.
CLARE
Is that the truth?
JERRY
Of course it's the truth! And, if it wasn't, I don't see that you've any right to ask questions! I haven't done anything that wasn't in the bargain! I haven't done anything every man doesn't do!
CLARE
Every man ... perhaps ... but one!
JERRY
Gilchrist! My God! Now we've got it! If you'd only married him! He's good, because he says so! You ought to've been here a minute ago ... when the company detective warned us not to mention Gilchrist to Joe Hennig!
DANIEL
You mean----
JERRY
I mean Pearl Hennig!
DANIEL
Pearl Hennig? Why, _you_--you _know_ that's not true!
CLARE
_I_ know it's not true!
JERRY
Do you?
STEDTMAN
[_Off R._]: Say ... now ... listen ... you behave yourself!
JOE
[_Off R._]: Behave ... hell!
JERRY
[_Continuing above these voices_]: Ask Stedtman! Ask Hennig! And before you make up your mind where _I_ was yesterday, ask where _he_ was----
[_Enter_ STEDTMAN _and_ HENNIG, _followed by the_ SERVANT. _There is no dead cue for this entrance. They come on_--STEDTMAN _trying to hold back_ HENNIG--_flinging open the door as_ HENNIG _says_ "Hell!" HENNIG _confronts_ GILCHRIST.]
JOE
You--Gilchrist! Where've you got my wife?
DANIEL
I haven't got your wife, Hennig.
JOE
The hell you haven't!
DANIEL
You'd better go, Clare.
JERRY
I want her to stay. [_To the_ SERVANT] All right! [_The_ SERVANT _exits_] What's it all about, Stedtman?
STEDTMAN
You can search me! Umanski stuck to us all the way home. When he left, I went in to have a little talk with Joe ... alone.... See? There was a telegram, and he read it, and----
JOE
And came here to ask Gilchrist: Where's my wife?
DANIEL
She told me she was going to her sister's.
JOE
She ain't never been _near_ her sister, and you know it! I just got this from her sister! [_Holds out wire._ JERRY _snatches it_.] Read it!
JERRY
[_Reading_]: Pearl ain't here. We ain't seen her. Ain't she home?
DANIEL
Maybe she is.
JOE
You know she ain't! And what if she is ... now? I don't want your leavings!
DANIEL
Why do you say that, Hennig?
JOE
Why do I say it? Ain't I seen you down town with her? Ain't I found you with her when I came home unexpected? I knew you was stuck on her, and I warned you to stay away ... didn't I?
DANIEL
You were mistaken.
JOE
Didn't I warn you?
DANIEL
Yes.
JOE
And you came again ... didn't you?
DANIEL
Yes.
JERRY
Every man but one!
DANIEL
I went first on your account ... because they told me you were in debt ... and why. I "came again" because she asked me to. This disappearance looks queer, I admit, but people _do_ get lost, or hurt, and taken to hospitals, and aren't identified.
JOE
[_Half convinced_]: You think----
DANIEL
I think your wife's all right, Joe. I don't think you ought to accuse her publicly until you're sure she's not.
JOE
[_Cries_]: How'm I gonna be sure?
DANIEL
Suppose we ask the police to look for her?
JERRY
[_Turning quickly_]: What's the use of starting a hulla-ba-loo? You don't want the woman accused publicly, but you're willing to spread the news so this man'll be ashamed to go back home. We all know the facts in the case, and the least said about it now the better. [_To_ JOE] You've found her out. Let her go ... and forget it!
CLARE
I don't think he ought to forget it.
JERRY
No?
CLARE
No. I don't think he ought to drop it now ... until we all know the truth.
DANIEL
Right!
JOE
I want to know the truth! I got to! I been crazy about her! Maybe that's a good idea ... the police. I _got_ to know the truth!
JERRY
[_At bay_]: All right! Stedtman! Where were you yesterday?
STEDTMAN
At the mines.
JERRY
What part of the mines?
STEDTMAN
All over.
JERRY
Did you see Gilchrist?
STEDTMAN
No.
[DANIEL _never takes his eyes off_ CLARE. _He watches her, as the net tightens around him, observing, with ever-increasing agony, that he is convicted in her eyes._]
JERRY
When _did_ you see him last?
STEDTMAN
Thursday----Yes, it was Thursday.
JERRY
Where?
STEDTMAN
In Black River.
JERRY
Alone?
STEDTMAN
No.
JERRY
With whom?
STEDTMAN
With Mrs. Hennig.
JOE
I knew it! I'm gonna kill you!
JERRY
No, you're not. You're going to keep quiet. But you wanted the truth, and you've got it. I've known it all along. [_To_ CLARE] Now do you think I was lying?
CLARE
I don't know. I don't understand.
JERRY
Oh, yes, you do ... only you won't admit it!
CLARE
I suppose that's it.
[_She takes her scarf and starts wearily to exit L._]
DANIEL
Clare! [_She stops_] I don't care what anyone believes but you!
CLARE
[_Turns_]: I'll believe you, Dan, if you'll only explain.
DANIEL
I----
JERRY
I forbid you to speak to my wife!
CLARE
Go on, Dan.
JERRY
I forbid you to speak to my wife!
DANIEL
[_Exploding ... to_ JERRY]: If I hadn't anybody to think about but _you_!
[_They stare at each other ... close together. Suddenly_, JERRY _lifts his open hand, and strikes_ DAN _across the mouth_. DAN _starts to retaliate, but controls himself, opens his clinched hands, and lowers his head_.]
CLARE
[_In almost speechless amazement_]: Dan; you're not going to take that?
DANIEL
I have nothing to say.
CLARE
I didn't think you were a coward. You see, I was wrong about everything.
[_The scarf in her hand, she exits L. A short pause. Suddenly_, JOE, _emboldened by what he has witnessed, certain of_ DAN'S _cowardice, breaks from_ STEDTMAN _and rushes at_ GILCHRIST.]
JOE
You'll play around _my_ wife, will you? [DANIEL _merely looks at him_.] You will ... will you?... Take that! [_He strikes out._ DANIEL _seizes his wrist, and, with one powerful, dexterous movement, hurls him to the floor_].
DANIEL
[_As_ HENNIG _struggles to his feet_]: I hope I didn't hurt you, Joe.
STEDTMAN
[_Looks from_ DANIEL _to_ JERRY]: My God!
JOE
[_Retreating_]: Don't worry! I'll get _you_! It may be a long time, but I'll get _you_! [_He exits._]
DANIEL
[_With great kindness_]: Take him home, Stedtman. [STEDTMAN _looks to_ JERRY, _who jerks his head toward the door_.]
STEDTMAN
Good-night, Mr. Jerry. Tell your father we'll be around ... [DANIEL _turns and looks at him. He backs toward the door._] ... in ... the ... morning!
[_Quick exit. He closes the door, which has been left open by_ HENNIG. _The two men look at each other._ JERRY _goes to upper left of table, and pours himself a drink_.]
JERRY
Well, you've made a nice mess of it! Why can't you keep your nose out of other people's business? Why did you have to date my leaving Black River?
DANIEL
Why did you have to get mixed up with Pearl Hennig?
JERRY
I can take what I want out of life!
DANIEL
You can. God says: "Here is the world. Take what you want ... AND PAY FOR IT!"
JERRY
Rubbish! [_Drinks_] Save your preaching for those that like it! [_Comes down_] And keep away from my wife!
DANIEL
Why?
JERRY
Because you're in love with her! Aren't you?
DANIEL
Yes.
JERRY
Well, you've a hell of a nerve to preach to me about Hennig's wife while you're making a play for mine.
DANIEL
I'm not making a play for yours.
JERRY
No? You expect me to believe that when you admit---- Why did you pull that hero stuff? Why did you keep your mouth shut when I lost my temper? Why did you turn the other cheek?
DANIEL
You wouldn't understand, Jerry.
JERRY
Wouldn't I? Well, _you_ understand that I've forbidden you to speak to her and that goes. If you come here again, I'll have the servants throw you out, and I'll tell my father why. [GOODKIND _enters L._]
DANIEL
Here's your father now.
JERRY
And that's not all I'll do!
[_Lowering his voice_]: Not by a damned sight! [_He wheels about and exits._]
GOODKIND
[_Taking cigars from humidor_]: Smoke?
DANIEL
Thanks.
GOODKIND
[_Looking off after his son_]: Jerry don't like you much, does he?
DANIEL
Not much.
GOODKIND
[_Lights his cigar_]: Well ... how are things in Black River?
DANIEL
I think we've got everything settled.
GOODKIND
Fine! Benfield'll be up in a minute, and we'll hear the conditions! [_He sits in an easy chair L._] Somehow, I knew you'd do it! Jerry says you're a philanthropist, but I knew he was wrong!
DANIEL
Thanks.
GOODKIND
If you've really settled this strike ... our way ... your salary from today is thirty thousand a year!
DANIEL
Thanks ... again.
GOODKIND
I'm dog-sick of rowing with labor! It's such utter damned waste!... _Excuse_ me!
DANIEL
I agree with you!
GOODKIND
I'd hate to figure what walk-outs have cost this country!
DANIEL
Yes. I often wonder why it wouldn't be cheaper to keep the men contented.
GOODKIND
How're you going to do it? Don't forget there are as many people paid for stirring up strikes as for crushing 'em! Paid well, too! What the laboring man _needs_ is a real interest in his job!
DANIEL
Why don't you give it to him?
GOODKIND How? By doubling his wages? The more most of 'em get the less they want to do for it! You know that!
DANIEL
Yes.
GOODKIND
They've got a notion that you get rich by riding around in a limousine!
DANIEL
Don't you?
GOODKIND
Not often! Not unless you think while you ride ... or your father thought for you! Even then, money doesn't stay long in bad company! To hear those fellows you'd think there _wasn't_ any work, except what's done with a pick! The man that really produces is the man with the idea!
DANIEL
The man that produces most.
GOODKIND
Yes, and he ought to _get_ most!
DANIEL
He does!
GOODKIND
He always will! Show me a big man and I'll show you somebody who's done a big job! It's the little man with no capacity and no chin that cries about a conspiracy to keep him from being President!
DANIEL
There've got to be little men, too, Mr. Goodkind.
GOODKIND
And they've got to be satisfied with little rewards! We can't all have the same bank-roll any more than we can all have the same health! That's where unions go wrong! When you tell a man he's going to have the same reward, whatever he does--not because he's got ability, but because he's got a union card--down goes the standard, out goes incentive, and to hell goes the whole social structure!
DANIEL
Right!
GOODKIND
That's why I'm fighting the unions! Not because I want to starve the man who works, but because I want to fire the man who doesn't ... _and_ reward the man who does! I want to give every man a good reason for doing his best! You can talk equality and democracy all you like, Dan, but the minute the average man isn't afraid of being fired he isn't afraid of being worthless! The minute you take away incentive--the chance to get _this_--that minute you reduce the world to a common level of common indifference and common futility!
DANIEL
Right!
GOODKIND
[_Rising_]. Have another cigar! [DANIEL _shows the one he has just lighted, and shakes his head_.] Where the hell's----[_He turns, and sees_ BENFIELD _standing in the door L._] Oh, Benfield! Come in! Gilchrist has settled the strike!
BENFIELD
Good!
DANIEL
[_Giving a folded document to_ GOODKIND]: There are the terms. [GOODKIND _sits L._] They may seem a little radical, but I think I can show you they'll save money in the end!
GOODKIND
That's the idea!
[_With the paper in his hands, being opened, he feels confident and cocky. To_ BENFIELD]: I told you I knew my man! The Lord knows he's full of theories, but sometimes they--[_His eye falls upon a disturbing line_] Wait a minute! What's this?
BENFIELD
What's what?
GOODKIND
[_Reading_]: "Hereby agreed ... the men are to be represented ... on the board of directors...."
BENFIELD
[_Stunned_]: No!!
GOODKIND
Yes! And ... look here! [_Reading_] "All disputes ... referred ... to a committee of arbitration...."
BENFIELD
The man's gone crazy!
DANIEL
When you're through....
GOODKIND
[_Reading_]: "One-half of all profits, over and above a fair dividend, to be divided pro rata, according to wage and length of service." [_He rises_] Why.... [_Words fail_] What is this?
BENFIELD
Jerry told you; it's surrender!
DANIEL
No! No! It's justice!
GOODKIND
It's nothing! It's a scrap of paper until I sign it, and I wouldn't sign it if I had to shut up every mine in West Virginia! Why should I? We've got 'em licked!
DANIEL
If you'll only let me explain....
GOODKIND
Explain _what_? They're licked! They sent a delegation up here, and we've won over the delegation!
DANIEL
You mean you've _bought_ the delegation!
GOODKIND
Who said so?
DANIEL
Jerry.... Not ten minutes ago he referred to Stedtman as the company detective. We both know Hennig's for sale. Buy him, and I'll go back and tell them he's bought, and prove it!
BENFIELD
You're working for us!
DANIEL
I'm working for----
GOODKIND
Wait a minute, Benfield! We've all lost our heads! Daniel and I have just been over all this, and he admitted I was right!
DANIEL
Right as far as you went, but you only went part way! You have a right to a profit on your idea, and your investment, and the labor you put back of it! The public has a right to coal, and transportation, and all it needs and pays for! But, above everything else, the workman who works honestly has a right to something more than the barest kind of a bare living ... and it can all be done if you don't sink everybody's rights to accumulate a fortune you don't need and can't use!... All the argument on earth can't make you _all_ right so long as there's a Umanski in the World!
GOODKIND
If these people succeed there's no limit to what they'll do!
DANIEL
If they fail there's no limit to what you'll do!
GOODKIND
There's no good transferring control from the intelligent few to the ignorant mob!
DANIEL
There's no good in anything so long as we fight each other like beasts, instead of helping each other like brothers! There's no hope anywhere except in The Great Teacher, and the understanding that what He taught was not only good morals, but good sense and good business!
BENFIELD
Highfalutin nonsense!
GOODKIND
Daniel doesn't realize what he's costing us!
DANIEL
What?
GOODKIND
Millions!
DANIEL
Oh, is that all?
BENFIELD
All?
DANIEL
Am I costing you one cigar? Am I costing you one blanket from your warm beds, or one stick of furniture from your comfortable homes, or anything else you'll ever miss? I'm taking nothing from you, and I'm giving thousands of men like you a chance to live!
GOODKIND
You're costing yourself your last chance of success!
DANIEL
I don't want your kind of success! I'm through! I give you back your job, as I gave you back your church, and I give you twenty-four hours to sign that paper!
GOODKIND
If I do, you're finished!
DANIEL
I am when you've signed! [_He goes R._]
GOODKIND
If you walk out of that door you're throwing away the chance of your life!
DANIEL
I'm keeping my soul! [_He opens the door._]
BENFIELD
You Judas!
GOODKIND
You damned fool!
DANIEL
Good-night!
[DANIEL _closes the door behind him_.]
THE CURTAIN FALLS.
_ACT III._
SCENE: "Overcoat Hall." New York.
_This room--not too large--was the "front parlor" of a comfortable residence in down-town New York. Business, of the least attractive sort, and the slums long since have occupied the district. The building is a red-brick, low-stoop, English-basement house. The rear wall, which is the front of the dwelling, is pierced by two lofty windows, through which are seen the top of an iron railing, and a row of similar structures, fallen into decay, across the street. Between these windows, upon a low marble shelf, now holding a tray of cups and saucers, originally was a tall, gold-framed mirror. Over this hangs a blackboard, upon which has been chalked: "And so, to the end of history, hate shall breed hate, murder shall breed murder, until the gods create a race that can understand." Beneath the right window is a big radiator. Down stage R. are folding doors, partly open, or a large single door--whichever shall prove advisable. These--or this--lead to the main hall, and so to the basement, or upstairs, or to the front door, which slams solidly whenever it is closed. Left is a decrepit, white-marble mantel, with a "fake" fireplace. In front of this--in a jog, perhaps--a small platform, of the kind used in public schools. Upon this, a small table and a chair. Down stage of it, a geographical globe, suspended over which a wall-pad informing us that today is Wednesday. Above the mantel-shelf, another blackboard, upon which are some simple calculations, and the axiom, "Luck is work." In the center of the room is a long library table, with a brown cover, and with numerous kitchen chairs about it. On the table a reading lamp, a bowl of yellow, purple and brown chrysanthemums; and numerous books and magazines. Gilchrist has succeeded in making the old place comfortable and inviting. It is a combination of club, settlement house, school, reading room and lecture hall. Brown linoleum covers the floor, and there are brown denim curtains over the windows. A history chart hangs on the wall. There are book-shelves, and two or three big, comfortable chairs; a phonograph and, perhaps, even a motion picture machine._
AT RISE: _It is just after seven o'clock on a brisk evening in late October, 1920._
_Grubby, seated down stage of the center table, is concealed behind a copy of "The Woman's Home Companion," which he has opened wide, and, holds in front of him._
_Mack, a shabby ne'er-do-well, between thirty and forty years old, opens the doors R., and peers in uncertainly. Reassured by the character of the room, he enters, and looks about him curiously. Even from the rear, it is evident that Grubby is a person of no authority, so Mack dismisses him, temporarily, and warms his hands over the radiator. Next he inspects the quotation between the windows, pauses at the phonograph, and arrives in front of the platform L. The three words on this blackboard interest him. He reads them, turns away, turns back, and reads them again. At last, he sniffs contemptuously, and, completing his circuit, stops on the left of Grubby._
MACK
Hello ... you!
[GRUBBY _lowers his paper, and reveals a sixty-year-old face, round, very red, and framed in a scraggly gray beard_.]
Is this Overcoat Hall?
GRUBBY
Yes.
MACK
I'm looking for Mr. Gilchrist.
GRUBBY
He ain't in, but he will be.
MACK
Are you working here?
GRUBBY
No.
MACK
Is _anybody_ working here?
GRUBBY
Mary Margaret.
MACK
Who's she?
GRUBBY
A girl.
MACK
What girl?
GRUBBY
The girl that cleans. A lame girl. Her mother's the janitor. Have a seat. Somebody'll be along in a minute.
[_And he resumes his magazine ... never completely abandoned. Mack, thrown upon his own resources, picks up one periodical after another, but Fortune does not smile. They prove to be "The Atlantic Monthly" ... "The Review of Reviews" ... "The Scientific American."_]
MACK
What are you reading?
GRUBBY
A piece about "Better Babies."
MACK
[_Laughs_]: Are you going into the baby business?
GRUBBY
No. I was a hansom driver.
MACK
Handsome! [_The laugh becomes uproarious._]
GRUBBY
Ah ... hacks! I drove hacks ... man and boy ... forty years. Then taxis come in, and I went out!
MACK
What'd you do then?
GRUBBY
Took to drink.
MACK
Yeh; then drink went out.
GRUBBY
What's _your_ job?
MACK
Well, I was in the movies. That is, I was going to be, but the fellow that was going to put up the money, his mother didn't die, after all.... Before that, I sold bricks ... a few weeks. I sold books, too. And life insurance. I never had any luck. Who wrote that, "Luck is Work"?
GRUBBY
Mr. Gilchrist.
MACK
Well, it isn't! I've worked at _fifty_ things, and look at me! I figure the world owes _me_ a living, and here I am, waiting for a bite of grub and an overcoat! Is it true the boss'll give you an overcoat?
GRUBBY
He will if he's got one.
MACK
That's what a fellow told me. He said that's why they call this Overcoat Hall.
GRUBBY
Yes.
MACK
I suppose a hard-luck story's the proper spiel.
GRUBBY
You don't get no chance for a spiel. He don't ask you nothing. You just come, and help yourself, and talk things over ... if you want to. Coffee and sandwiches every night--and suppers and sermons on Wednesdays.
MACK
Preaching! [_Looks at the wall pad, and reaches for his hat._] Wednesday. I'll be back Thursday.
GRUBBY
Not regular preaching! Just talks! Sometimes they's a picture show ... but the pictures is rotten! No shooting, or nothing! But you can always sneak a little snooze 'til you get to the hand-out!
[MARY MARGARET _enters through the open door R. Her two crutches are rubber-tipped, so her invasion is noiseless. She occupies herself with the cups and saucers C._ MARY MARGARET _is fifteen, and pathetically pretty. The conspicuous feature of her costume is a pair of soiled gold slippers that once set off a ball gown._]
MACK
Don't he try to reform you?
GRUBBY
Naw! The way he talks, you'd think you was as good as him. He says to me, the other night, he says, "You're a good man yet, Grubby," he says. "You're strong and healthy," he says, "and, if you learned to drive a taxi, all the best people in New York would be telephoning for your cab. I'll lend you the money," he says. Gee; he almost had me started!
MACK
What's the catch?
GRUBBY
I don't know.
MACK
There must be graft in it somewhere.
GRUBBY
If you ask me, I think the poor gent's got a few nuts in his nose-bag. A little bit batty. That's what _I_ say!
MARY MARGARET
[_Turning down_]: And that's what you got no right to say, Grubby!
GRUBBY
[_To_ MACK]: Mary Margaret.
MARY MARGARET
He's been good to you, ain't he?
GRUBBY
That's why we think he's nutty. What's he do it for?
MARY MARGARET
'Cause he loves you.
GRUBBY
What for?
MARY MARGARET
God knows! [_She has brought down a cup and saucer, with other utensils, and is clearing and setting a place at one end of the table. With this exclamation, she locates the cup somewhat forcibly._] After seven o'clock now, and the meeting in half an hour, and he ain't had a bite since morning!
MACK
Where _is_ he?
MARY MARGARET
He went to see a man that killed himself. [MACK _laughs_] I mean ... tried to. It was in the papers this afternoon, and Mr. Gilchrist says: "I want to talk to that man." [MACK'S _interposition has brought his words to her mind, and reflecting on them, she explodes_.] Graft!! Why he didn't have the rent money yesterday, and he was desprit! He ain't had money to get himself a pair of shoes, and nobody helps him, or comes near him, but you bums that roast him behind his back! [GOODKIND _appears in the doorway R._]
GRUBBY
I didn't roast him. I just said he was crazy.
GOODKIND
[_Crisply_]: Mr. Gilchrist?
MARY MARGARET
He'll be here any minute. Won't you come in?
GOODKIND
Thanks.
[_He comes forward a few steps, and looks at_ GRUBBY, _who, after an instant, takes refuge behind his Home Companion_. GOODKIND _crosses to_ MACK, _who turns up stage. He surveys the blackboard._ MARY MARGARET _finishes her task_.]
MARY MARGARET
[_Offering a periodical to_ GOODKIND]: Take a magazine, and sit down. [_With a nod, he accepts._] I got to go make the coffee. [_To_ GRUBBY] You can come and carry it up in about fifteen minutes. [_She turns and catches_ MACK _filching a loaf of sugar_.] Graft!! ... Well, you ought to know! [_She exits R., singing "I'm a Pilgrim." By now_, GOODKIND _is reading in a big chair L._ MACK _glances at him, and comes down to_ GRUBBY.]
MACK
Think she'll tell _him_?
GRUBBY
Naw! Anyway, he don't care! He says we're all brothers in God.
MACK
Gee!
GRUBBY
That's what he told Jimmie Curran--brothers in God--and Jimmie just up for pinchin' a guy's pants. Jimmie lives across from his room upstairs, and Jimmie says he's clean loco. [GOODKIND _notes name and address on the margin of his magazine_.] Guess what he's got in the back yard!
MACK
What?
GRUBBY
Tennis. And handball games for children. And, in the other two houses, he's got flats ... with bathtubs ... and the rents ain't what they ask now for stalling a horse. Why wouldn't I say he was crazy? Everybody says so but Mary Margaret!
[DANIEL _enters R. He is shabby, but beaming. He carries two books, which he lays on some piece of furniture up R.; after which he removes his overcoat, and hangs it over an old umbrella already suspended from a wall-rack down stage of the door._]
DANIEL
Hello, Grubby! You're early! And you've brought a friend! That's fine! [_He shakes hands with_ MACK.] You're very welcome! [_Sees and crosses to_ GOODKIND] And Mr. Goodkind! Well! You're welcome, too! [_Shakes hands_] Have you come down to look us over?
GOODKIND
[_His eyes indicating the others_]: I've come down on personal business.
DANIEL
Oh, yes! [_Turns_] Grubby, there's a box of books in the hall. How would you and your friend like to----
GRUBBY
I promised to help with the coffee.
DANIEL
I see. [GRUBBY _exits. To_ MACK, _who has been stealing surreptitious glances at the overcoat_] And you?
MACK
I just wanted to speak to you a minute.
DANIEL
All right. After the meeting.
MACK
I wanted to ask you----
DANIEL
_After the meeting!_ [_Turns back to_ GOODKIND] Sit down.
GOODKIND
[_Sitting_]: Thanks.
[MACK--_resentful, unobserved, uncertain of getting the coat honestly--is sorely tempted. One pull, one step, and he is safe from work and denial. During the following, standing almost in the doorway, he is drawing the garment toward him._]
DANIEL
[_To_ GOODKIND]: I'm glad you dropped in tonight, because I've been intending to call on you, but there's so much to do here--[_The coat comes off the rack, and with it, the umbrella, which falls with a crash. Both men rise, discovering_ MACK, _coat in hand_.] Hello! I thought you'd gone.
MACK
No; I--I--wanted----
DANIEL
You wanted my coat.
MACK
[_Advancing with a glad smile of pretended relief that_ DANIEL _has found the simple explanation_]: Yes ... that's what I wanted to ask you.
DANIEL
I'm so glad you said so. [MACK _shows surprise_.] Because, if you hadn't and I hadn't understood, you might have been tempted to take it without asking--and then you'd've been so sorry and ashamed. A man couldn't come into another man's house, and be welcomed, and then take the other man's coat, without losing his self-respect ... could he? And, of course, if we're going to pull ourselves together, and get out of a hole, we _must_ keep our self-respect.
MACK
I wouldn't steal----
DANIEL
You couldn't.... It's your coat.... You asked for it, and I gave it to you.... When you've worn it ... into a good job ... come back and help me give another to someone who needs it as you do.
MACK
I will.
DANIEL
Of course you will. [_Helps him into the coat, and then shakes his hand._] Good-night.
MACK
[_Hesitates, amazed_]: Good-night. [DANIEL _turns L., and with a gesture expressive of the conviction that this man is mad_, MACK _exits_.]
GOODKIND
Well, I'll be damned! [DANIEL _laughs_] He won't come back! Not one in ten would come back!
DANIEL
All right!... That coat cost twenty dollars. If one in ten _does_ come back, we've made a man for two hundred dollars. Isn't it worth the price?
GOODKIND
Maybe ... if a man's _got_ the price! Have you?
DANIEL
Like our friend ... that's what I wanted to ask you.
GOODKIND
It's not what I wanted to ask _you_.
DANIEL
I'm rather badly in need of money, and my father----
GOODKIND
Your father understood you well enough to leave you only an income. I foolishly turned over some of the principal, and, in three months, you threw away twenty thousand dollars. You could have had a big salary, and you threw _that_ away. You're an utter damned waster--if you're no worse!
DANIEL
What do you mean ... worse?
GOODKIND
You'll soon find out what I mean! You've had my son's wife down here, haven't you?
DANIEL
Once or twice.
GOODKIND
Or three times ... or a dozen! _He_ knows!
DANIEL
I've asked her not to come again.
GOODKIND
And _he's_ asked her ... but she's coming when she likes. She says so. Because she's in love with you.... God knows what women see in your kind of man! There was Pearl Hennig----
DANIEL
Please!
GOODKIND
Oh, my son told me! And I hear ... in the neighborhood ... that you've worse women than that running here! Women of the streets!
DANIEL
Not many. They're welcome, but they don't come.
GOODKIND
Well, that's _your_ business! And if your neighbors get sick of having a resort of this kind in their midst, and drive you out, _that's_ your business! But my son's wife----
DANIEL
Is _her_ business!
GOODKIND
And _his_! Only Jerry's in no condition to settle the matter! He's broken down from worry and overwork, and you're partly responsible, and that puts it up to me! You can take this as a final warning! If you see Clare again, I'll act, and I'll act quick! That's all! Good-night! [_He gathers up his coat and hat, and crosses to the door._]
DANIEL
[_Waking from a reverie, and turning R._] Oh! Mr. Goodkind!
GOODKIND
[_Expecting capitulation. Comes down R._]: Yes?
DANIEL
How about the money?
GOODKIND
You've had what's coming to you!
DANIEL
But that's _nothing_! I pay half that for these crazy houses! And I've gone terribly in debt fitting them up!
GOODKIND
With bath tubs and tennis courts!
DANIEL
People must have baths.
GOODKIND
These dirty immigrants!
DANIEL
The dirtier they are, the worse they need 'em. I want to show them how to live, and I want to show other people that you don't have to make a pigpen to make a profit!
GOODKIND
Are you making a profit?
DANIEL
Enormous! And, to go on, I've got to have twenty-two thousand dollars.
GOODKIND
Oh, is that all? Twenty-two thousand dollars to go on making a fool of yourself! Well, you won't get it!
DANIEL
Not even as an advance?
GOODKIND
Not a penny!
DANIEL
Don't drive me to----
GOODKIND
To what?
DANIEL
[_Rather at a loss_]: To ask for an accounting!
GOODKIND
[_Hardly believing his own ears_]: To ask for ... WHAT? [_This is the last straw._] Now listen to me! I've stood all I'm going to stand! You've run amuck! You've become dangerous to yourself ... and me ... and the neighborhood! You're going to stop it, and you're going to stop now!
DANIEL
That's your mistake.
GOODKIND
Is it? A year ago you gave me twenty-four hours to sign a paper, and I did it, and it cost me two million dollars! Tonight I give you thirty minutes to shut up this place, and quit seeing my daughter, and if you don't do it----
DANIEL
As I won't!
GOODKIND
I'll be here inside of half an hour with a doctor!
DANIEL
And then?
GOODKIND
Then we'll file a petition to have you declared incompetent! [_He starts R._]
DANIEL
Mr. Goodkind, you don't, mean that! You don't mean that because I'm trying to help----
GOODKIND
Help ... whom? Strikers, and street women, and general riff-raff! And you don't even help _them_ ... because nobody _can_! And, if you _could_, and _did_, how in the name of God would that help the Community? If I find you're still crazy in half an hour, I'll _say_ you're crazy, and _I'll prove it_! [_He goes to the door._] Think it over! [_As he is about to exit, he narrowly escapes collision with a neatly-dressed, capable-looking man, who apologizes, in nearly correct English, and, with a contemptuous glance, crosses to up C._]
THE MAN
Excuse me!
GOODKIND
All right! [_He follows the man back into the room._] Haven't I seen you somewhere before?
THE MAN
Yes, sir. My name's Umanski.
GOODKIND
Umanski? [_He remembers_] _You're_ not the Pole who came to my house last year with a delegation?
UMANSKI
Yes.
GOODKIND
Well, I'll be----[DANIEL _fills his pipe from a jar on the mantelpiece L._]
UMANSKI
Mr. Gilchrist tell me stay in New York. He's teach me English, and find me good job. I'm work now eight hours on the docks, and six on myself. [GOODKIND _again starts to go_.]
DANIEL
Mr. Goodkind! [GOODKIND _turns_] Umanski's got an invention. If you'll see it----
GOODKIND
I'll see _you_ in ... half an hour! [_He exits._]
UMANSKI
What's _he_ doing down here, Mr. Gilchrist?
DANIEL
He says I'm crazy, and he's going to shut up this place. Of course, he won't. [_He opens a book._]
UMANSKI
Don't be too sure.
DANIEL
Nonsense! [_He sits_] I made him angry. [_He marks a passage._] And somebody's told him a lot of lies!
UMANSKI
Somebody's told a good many people lies! Yesterday I heard a man say you run this house to ... to ... [_He hesitates._ DAN _looks up_.] ... to get women!
DANIEL
Who said that?
UMANSKI
A wop named Malduca.
DANIEL
Oh, yes! I took his daughter in here once ... for a week ... until he got sober.
UMANSKI
They's a good many like that.
DANIEL
Oh, not a good many!
UMANSKI
Enough to make trouble. Why not you carry a pistol?
DANIEL
It's generally men with pistols that get shot.
UMANSKI
One of them fellows get you----[_Enter_ MARY MARGARET.]
DANIEL
[_Warning him_]: Sh!
MARY MARGARET
I s'pose you ain't had any supper.
DANIEL
Not yet. [GRUBBY _enters with a tray, from which_ MARY MARGARET _transfers dishes to the table_.]
UMANSKI
I brought you some money.
DANIEL
Money?
UMANSKI
My boss he give me another raise. He gonna make _me_ boss after while. So I like to begin pay back what you lend me. [_Takes out bills._]
DANIEL
Wait 'til you've sent for your family.
UMANSKI
I'm gonna send now. My big boy I'm gonna send school ... college, maybe. That pump I make she goes fine. I show my boss ... like you say ... because he know about coal mines ... and he say if she work she save whole lots of lives and money. She work, all right! [_He has put down the bills, and brought forth an English grammar._] How about I go upstairs and study?
DANIEL
Sure! Go right up to my room! I'll be along after the meeting! [UMANSKI _exits_. GRUBBY _starts to follow_.] Where are you going, Grubby?
GRUBBY
Sandwiches! [_He exits._]
MARY MARGARET
[_Down L._]: Your supper's ready!
DANIEL
Thanks. [_Looks up_] What's this we're wearing? Golden slippers?
MARY MARGARET
Uh-huh! I took 'em out of the barrel of clothes that pretty lady sent.
DANIEL
[_Sitting at table_]: Supper with Cinderella!
MARY MARGARET
[_Setting dish before him_]: Gee, I love that story! [_She sits beside him, facing front._] When you tell it to me, you make me believe I'm her.
DANIEL
If you believe it ... you _are_.
MARY MARGARET
I guess believin' ain't never goin' to make _me_ dance.
DANIEL
You can't tell ... if you believe hard enough.
MARY MARGARET
That's what you said before, and I've tried, but, somehow, it don't work.
DANIEL
That's the very time to go on. If we stop, just because it don't work, that isn't faith.
MARY MARGARET
No; I s'pose not.
DANIEL
And faith moves mountains. Once upon a time there was a woman who'd been sick twelve years.
MARY MARGARET
What was the matter with her?
DANIEL
I don't know. But there was a Man in that city who said He could even make the dead rise. And everybody laughed at Him ... as they would today. But the woman didn't laugh, and one morning, when He was passing her house, she got up and followed Him ... just to touch the hem of His cloak. And what do you think?
MARY MARGARET
I duno.
DANIEL
She was cured. And the Man said----
MARY MARGARET
Oh, now, I know. "Thy faith hath made thee whole."
DANIEL
That's right.
MARY MARGARET
Could God do that for me?
DANIEL
Why not?
MARY MARGARET
It would be an awful big favor.
DANIEL
But if He doesn't, you must go on. If faith doesn't heal our hurts, it helps us to bear them. And that's almost the same thing, isn't it?
MARY MARGARET
[_Doubtfully_]: Yes.
DANIEL
Like believing you're Cinderella.
MARY MARGARET
Yes.
DANIEL
We can't decide what we want, and then be angry and doubtful because it doesn't happen our way. Because, all the time it's happening His way. The only thing we can be sure of is that He knows what's best.
MARY MARGARET
That's right.... You mean, if God wants me to be well, some day He'll make me well?
DANIEL
If you believe hard enough.
MARY MARGARET
And if He don't?
DANIEL
Then _that's_ right ... if you believe hard enough.
MARY MARGARET
I will, Mr. Gilchrist. [_She rises_] You ain't touched your supper.
DANIEL
I've had plenty.
MARY MARGARET
I'll send Grubby up for the tray.
[_She exits._ DANIEL _finishes, and puts up his napkin. He observes that the window-shades have not been drawn. Attends to that R. Facing L., with his hand on the shade of the window L., he pauses to look out._ PEARL HENNIG _enters. Pearl is 25, and her clothes are cheaply flashy. An experienced eye should lose no time in appraising her. She has an air of alarm. She looks around for_ DAN, _and then isn't quite sure of him in the shadows up stage_.]
PEARL
[_Uncertainly_]: Mr. Gilchrist? [_He half turns_] Don't stand by that window!
DANIEL
Hello, Pearl! [_He draws the shade_] How well you're looking. [_Comes down_] What's the matter with the window?
PEARL
It ain't safe.
DANIEL
[_Smiling_]: Are _you_ going to advise me to carry a pistol?
PEARL
No. Just to keep out o' sight of people that do.
DANIEL
Meaning?
PEARL
Meaning Joe Hennig.
DANIEL
I thought Joe was in Black River.
PEARL
He ain't. I told you he was ashamed to go home. I told you he was gonna stay here an' get you!
DANIEL
[_Sits on bench in front of table_]: Well?
PEARL
[_Down stage R. of table_]: Well ... he stayed. I went to him ... like I told you ... an' said it wasn't you ... an' ast him to take me back. An' he said I was a liar an' he was gonna get you. I told you all that!
DANIEL
Yes; I guess you did.
PEARL
While he was workin' up town I didn't hear nothin' about him. But a little while ago he lost his job, an' began hangin' around down here. An' he's been drinkin', an' talkin' wild, an' I come in to tell you.
DANIEL
That's kind of you, Pearl, but I'm not afraid of Joe.
PEARL
I am.... He's got his gang.... I _know_.
DANIEL
_How_ do you know?
PEARL
[_Hesitates_]: Well, last night I met up with one of his pals.... An' _he'd_ been drinkin'. An' he said Joe said you was livin' on women, an' this place was a blind, an' nobody's wife was safe while you was in the neighborhood. An' this man said they was gonna get together, an' drive you out. They're dang'rous, Mr. Gilchrist. For God's sake, believe me! For God's sake, telephone the police!
DANIEL
There's no telephone here, Pearl. But there's always an officer at hand, and I'm among friends. Don't worry. Sit down, and wait for the meeting. I haven't seen you in ages.
PEARL
[_Doesn't sit. She is restless_]: Two weeks.
DANIEL
What are you doing?
PEARL
I'm workin' at Macy's.
DANIEL
Like it?
PEARL
[_Defiantly_]: Better than bein' with Joe.
DANIEL
If you'd stayed with Joe, maybe he wouldn't _be_ drinking.
PEARL
He always did. That's why I ast you to stick around in Black River. That's one reason I quit.
DANIEL
_One_ reason.
PEARL
[_Admitting it grudgingly_]: They was others.... I wanted good clothes, an' a good time ... jus' like other women.
DANIEL
[_Thinking of_ CLARE]: Yes ... like other women.
PEARL
[_Indicating her costume_]: An' I've got 'em!
DANIEL
Yes; you've "got 'em." But don't you think ... sometimes ... you and the other women ... that they cost you too much?
PEARL
I don't get you.
DANIEL
I only mean isn't there something worth more than good clothes and a good time? A good home, maybe, with love in it ... and little children.
[PEARL _hesitates, and then the uneasiness she has never lost takes her up to peep out of the curtain_.]
PEARL
We oughtn't to be here talkin'.
DANIEL
Why not?
PEARL
I'm frightened of Joe.
DANIEL
You needn't be.
PEARL
I am. I can't help it. I got a hunch. I ain't told you all this man said, an' I ain't told you how he come to say it, but he said it was gonna be soon, an' I got a hunch sumpin's gonna happen _tonight_. Please let me go out an' phone! Please let me get the police! [DANIEL _laughs_] You're crazy, Mr. Gilchrist! You're just crazy! [_An infinitesimal pause. She turns._] An' I'm goin'! [_She runs to the door, which opens before her, and admits_ CLARE GOODKIND. CLARE _is smartly gowned, in street attire, but somehow, she has the appearance of being disheveled ... of having dressed in haste_.]
DANIEL
Clare--Mrs. Goodkind! [_A pause_] Mrs. Hennig's just going.
CLARE
Mrs. Hennig?
DANIEL
_Pearl_ Hennig. You've heard your husband mention her name.
PEARL
I know your husband.
CLARE
I know you do. [_Her tone tells how much she knows._]
PEARL
[_Quails_]: I guess you ain't got much use for me.
CLARE
Why? What's the difference between us?
PEARL
[_Unable to make it out_]: Well ... good-night! [_She exits._]
DANIEL
Clare, I asked you....
CLARE
I'd nowhere else to go. I've left him.
DANIEL
Left ... Jerry?
CLARE
Yes. For good. He struck me.
DANIEL
No!!
CLARE
Here ... in the breast! And he's lying now ... brandy-soaked and half-conscious ... across the foot of my bed!
DANIEL
I can't ... believe....
CLARE
He's been drinking ... more and more! And, of course, there've been women ... from the beginning! All kinds of women! _That_ woman, salesgirls, stenographers, women of our own class! Do you remember ... in your church ... a Mrs. Thornbury? He's been quite open about _her_! Tonight we were going out to dinner! He came to my room ... drunk ... and babbled that he'd refused to go until she was invited! Then _I_ refused to go, and he accused me ... _of you_ ... and struck me with his fist!
DANIEL
He accused ... _you_?
CLARE
Yes. And then he tried to take me in his arms! Night after night he's come to me ... drunk ... and held me in his arms. And I said once there was nothing more degrading than poverty! In the past two years I've learned what degradation means! I've come to see your way at last! I've come to realize that the material things are nothing, and that love is all! It isn't too late?
DANIEL
It's never too late!
CLARE
I knew you'd say that! I'll share your work ... your want ... if need be ... gladly! Only take me away!
DANIEL
[_Not yet comprehending_]: But my work is here!
CLARE
We can't stay here! Jerry suspects us! He's made his father suspect us! Do you know what they're planning to do now? [_He nods_] Jerry wants to send you to an asylum! He said so tonight! And he'll do it, too! The strange thing about Jerry is that, with his mind going, and his health gone, he still gets what he wants! Take me away, and "we'll have five or six rooms, and each other!"
DANIEL
Clare!
CLARE
Don't you understand that I'm offering myself to you?
DANIEL
Yes; I understand!
CLARE
I love you! I need you! I've always loved you, and needed you, even when I lied to you, and myself! This is our last chance for happiness! I've been blind, and stupid, and cruel, but it isn't too late! Take me, and hold me, and we'll both forget!
DANIEL
Forget?
CLARE
Forget everything! Won't you take me, dear?
DANIEL
No!
CLARE
Don't you want me?
DANIEL
No!
CLARE
That's not true! You love me! You've always loved me! Look at me, and deny it if you can!
DANIEL
I don't deny it! I love you!
CLARE
Then take me!
DANIEL
I love the good in you ... the good you're trying so hard to kill! I love you because you're big enough to do what's right!
CLARE
What _is_ right?
DANIEL
Go back to your husband!
CLARE
I'd rather die!
DANIEL
I'd rather you died ... than _this_!
CLARE
Oh, you fanatic! You blind fanatic!
DANIEL
I love you!
CLARE
Love! You don't know what love means! You're only half a man!
DANIEL
And I'm praying to God, with all my strength, to save us from the other half!
CLARE
For what?
DANIEL
For you ... and HIM ... and for MY PEOPLE. [_Off R., very softly, as she goes down the hall_, MARY MARGARET _is heard singing "I'm a Pilgrim; I'm a Stranger."_] For the little girl out there.
CLARE
And for them you'd send me back to degradation?
DANIEL
That little girl's known degradation that you and I will never know. And she's singing. Her constant companions are poverty and pain. And she's singing. She's crippled. She may never walk again. And still she can say God's will be done. She believes in me. I can't disappoint her and the rest. I'm going on with my job, and you're going back to yours!
CLARE
You mean to Jerry?
DANIEL
Yes.
CLARE
You think _that's_ God's will?
DANIEL
I know it's your job. You took it with your eyes open. It's up to you to see it through.
CLARE
Must I go on forever paying for one mistake?
DANIEL
Somebody must pay for our mistakes. That it was wrong to make a bargain doesn't make it right to break the bargain when we get tired of it.
CLARE
I don't know what to do.
DANIEL
Play the game. Go back to that poor, mistaken man lying across the foot of your bed--his mind going and his health gone. Bear your punishment and help him to bear his. That's your duty!
CLARE
Duty! Duty!! What about happiness?
DANIEL
There _is_ no other happiness. Oh, don't you see, my dear, _that's_ been your _great_ mistake? You're always crying--you and the world--"I want to be happy!" Happiness is service! Happiness is clean-living, and clear-thinking, and self-forgetfulness, and self-respect!
CLARE
And love?
DANIEL
Love _isn't_ all. Not the love you mean. You said: "Take me, and we'll both forget." Could we have forgotten promises unkept, faith disappointed, aspirations unrealized? No, my dear, love isn't all; nor even happiness. There's something bigger, and better, and more important, and that something is ... DUTY!
CLARE
The world doesn't think that!
DANIEL
That's what's wrong with the world! [_A pause._]
CLARE
You want me to go back?
DANIEL
I want you to be right!
CLARE
Well, then ... I'm going through. I'm going back, and play the game ... with you in my heart always. You don't forbid that, do you?
DANIEL
You are in mine always.
CLARE
And this isn't good-bye. Sometime ... somewhere ... in this world ... or out of it ... there must be a moment ... and a place ... to retrieve mistakes.... Good-night.
[_She starts up. He passes her, and opens the door._]
DANIEL
Clare ... good-night. [_She takes his hand. Then she exits. The outer door slams. Then a cab door ... faintly. He sinks ... tired with the effort of renunciation. Afterward he comes down, slowly, and drops on the bench in front of the table._ MARY MARGARET _enters, singing "I'm a Pilgrim," in a higher key, to march tempo, keeping time with her crutches. She is down R. when she sees_ DANIEL.]
MARY MARGARET
Ain't you well, Mr. Gilchrist?
DANIEL
Just tired.
MARY MARGARET
Maybe you ain't believin' hard enough. [_He looks up._] It's 'most time for the meetin'. [GRUBBY _enters with a tray_.]
GRUBBY
I brung the sandwiches.
[MRS. MULLIGAN _enters. She is the worse for liquor, and glad of a warm place to enjoy it. She slinks in rather furtively, and sits R. end of table. She is followed on by_ MR. _and_ MRS. HENCHLEY. _He is a middle-aged and respectable locksmith. She is larger than he, and somewhat formidable._]
MARY MARGARET
Good evening, Mrs. Mulligan.
MRS. MULLIGAN
[_With a hiccough_]: It is not!
GRUBBY
[_Aside to_ MARY MARGARET]: Bums ... like that ... ain't got no business here.
MR. HENCHLEY
Good evening, Mary Margaret. [_She nods._]
MRS. HENCHLEY
Good evening, Mr. Gilchrist.
DANIEL
Good evening, and welcome.
MR. HENCHLEY
[_To_ DANIEL]: I guess we're early.
MRS. HENCHLEY
[_To_ DANIEL]: Yes. I wanted to speak to you ... about Mr. Henchley's pants.
DANIEL
Mr. Henchley's _what_?
MRS. HENCHLEY
Pants. I took out a spot ... with gasoline ... and hung 'em on the fire-escape that runs across from this house, and tonight they was gone, and I think you ought to look into your lodgers.
DANIEL
I will.
[_Enter_ MISS LEVINSON. _She is a Jewess--a garment-worker; thoughtful, studious, spectacled._]
MISS LEVINSON
Good evening, everybody!
DANIEL
Good evening, Miss Levinson.
[_The others, too, acknowledge the greeting._]
MISS LEVINSON
I've brought back your book.
MRS. HENCHLEY
What've you been reading?
MISS LEVINSON
George Bernard Shaw.
MRS. HENCHLEY
I s'pose you ain't read "The Sheik"?
MISS LEVINSON
[_With justifiable pride_]: I've been reading "Cæsar and Cleopatra."
DANIEL
[_Taking the volume_]: That's where we got the quotation on the board. I've jumbled it a bit. [_Reads_] "And so, to the end of history, hate shall breed hate, murder shall breed murder, until the gods create a race that can understand."
MISS LEVINSON
That's it; isn't it? A race that can--
[_The door is opened violently, and enter_ PEARL HENNIG.]
PEARL
Mr. Gilchrist!
DANIEL
Oh, Pearl; I thought you'd gone.
PEARL
No; I've been watchin', an' I've got to speak to you ... _quick!_
DANIEL
In just a few minutes.
PEARL
_Now!_ Joe's out there!
MRS. MULLIGAN
Ah, shut up!
DANIEL
Mrs. Mulligan!... Pearl; you're interrupting!... You were saying, Miss Levinson?
MISS LEVINSON
We seem always to have hated everything different from ourselves ... in station, or race, or religion.
DANIEL
Yes. It's stupid ... and instinctive. I've noticed we're inclined to blame a man for a pug nose ... if ours is Roman. Some day we'll get over the idea that all who differ from us are villains, and that we should hate each other instead of trying to understand each other. It was on the battlefields that I came to believe a man's life might well be given to teaching and to preaching ... love! [_A solid half-brick crashes through a practical pane of glass in the window L. Everybody screams and rises._] Don't be alarmed. It's only some hoodlum!
PEARL
Mr. Gilchrist ... it's Joe! I seen him in front! That's why I couldn't get out! Somebody go get the police! [_A general movement._]
DANIEL
No!
PEARL
He's got other men with him! He'll kill you! _[The front door slams. Pearl hurls herself against the door R._] Here he comes! Don't let him in! Somebody help me hold this door! [_In spite of her, the door slowly opens._]
DANIEL
Pearl! Stand aside! [_Enter_ GOODKIND.] It's only Mr. Goodkind!
GOODKIND
Yes. And your neighbors are calling.
MR. HENCHLEY
What's the matter? [_Together_]
MRS. HENCHLEY
Is there any danger? [_Together_]
MARY MARGARET
I'll get the cops. [_Together_]
VOICES IN THE GANG
[_Off stage_]: The fake! The damned pimp! Drive him out! Come on.... Rush him!
[_Suddenly there is the noise of the oncoming._ PEARL _throws herself before_ DAN. MARY MARGARET _is just behind him. The others retreat to the platform. Headed by_ JOE HENNIG ... _drunk_ ... _the rowdies enter_--JIMMIE CURRAN, _a big dockman, his wife and half a dozen hangers-on of the neighborhood_.]
JOE
[_En route_] Come on, fellows! We'll show this guy! We'll show--[_He confronts them_] By God! Caught in the act! [_To his gang_] That's my wife!
DANIEL
Caught in what act, Joe?
JOE
Why ... caught ... in the act....
DANIEL
Tell him what we're here for.... You, Grubby.
GRUBBY
[_Following the example of_ PETER]: I don' want to get in no trouble!
MARY MARGARET
I'll tell you.
DANIEL
No, Mary Margaret!
UMANSKI
[_Who has come through the crowd unobserved; claps his hand on_ JOE'S _shoulder, forcing him to his knees_]: I tell you!
JOE
Umanski!
UMANSKI
I tell you, Hennig! Mr. Gilchrist been friend to everybody! And now, when _he_ need friend, nobody knows nothing! Well, _I_ know! I know anybody hurt him gotta lick me!
DANIEL
No ... please ... Umanski!
JOE
Lickin' people ain't gonna hide facks!
UMANSKI
[_Threatening with his free fist_]: Shall I?
DANIEL
No ... no!
[UMANSKI _sets_ JOE _on his feet_. JOE _turns eloquently to his gang_.]
JOE
I'll show you the kind of fake that's been foolin' you! He was a preacher, an' he got kicked out of his church!
VOICES IN THE GANG
Kicked out! They got onto you, did they? Caught him with the goods!
JOE
He was a spy for the people that live on labor, and he came to the mines, where we was on strike, and ran away with my wife!
VOICES IN THE GANG
The dirty bum! Maybe he didn't get much!
PEARL
It _wasn't_ him!
JOE
She says that 'cause she's stuck on him!
PEARL
I ain't!
JOE
Well, you're workin' for him, ain't you?
PEARL
No!
DANIEL
Your wife's working in a store uptown!
VOICES IN THE GANG
We know different! What's she doing here? That's a good one! What're you giving us? Everybody in the neighborhood knows what she's doing!
JOE
My wife's walking the streets!
DANIEL
That's a lie!
JOE
I heard from a pal she picked up las' night ... an' I _seen_ her comin' here!
JIMMIE
She's workin' Sixth Avenue!
MRS. MULLIGAN
I can't believe it! I can't believe it!
DANIEL
Pearl!!!... It _is_ a lie?
PEARL
Oh, no!... It's true. [_A momentary silence; the gang jeers; she turns on them; then a momentary defiance._] Well! Well, why wouldn't it be? I tried to live straight ... like you told me ... an' I _had_ a job ... but when the other girls got wise.... They ain't no better than I am! [_She slowly gives way before his calm, steady gaze._] Anyway ... I lied. I _am_ walkin' the streets. I ain't no good. I ain't fit to live. [_She starts to sink at his feet. He raises her._]
DANIEL
Pearl!
PEARL
For Christ's sake, ain't you done with me now?
DANIEL
For Christ's sake ... no! [_And he takes her in his arms._]
JOE
It's all fake! Ain't you fellows on? He's got every rotten woman in the neighborhood workin' for him. Your wives ain't safe! Your kids ain't safe! Ask Jimmie Curran! He knows what's goin' on here! [_Enter_ TONY MALDUCA.] Ask Tony Malduca!
A VOICE
Here's Tony!
TONY
Why you send for me? What do you want?
JOE
We want to know what happened to your kid! Did he bring her in here ... an' keep her ... against her will? Did he?
TONY
That's what he done!
VOICES IN THE GANG
You remember Teresa Malduca? You see! Sure; everybody knows that! She was here a week!
UMANSKI
You damned wop!
DANIEL
Umanski!
VOICES IN THE GANG
There ain't no woman safe! He's a damned fake! Beat him up! Kill him!
JOE
That's it! Don't let this big guy buffalo you! Come on! Drive him out! [_To_ DANIEL] I said I'd get you, an' I have! [_The gang presses closer, but_ UMANSKI'S _menacing bulk still holds them off_.]
MARY MARGARET
[_Kneeling on the platform L._]: Oh, dear God, please listen! [_And she begins the Lord's Prayer._]
PEARL
Get the police!
MISS LEVINSON
[_Crying out of the window L._]: Police! Police!
JIMMIE
[_To_ UMANSKI]: Get out of the way ... you!
A VOICE
Bust him in the jaw!
GOODKIND
[_Forcing his way through_]: Listen to me! No violence! You're dealing with a lunatic! Leave him alone! I've got a doctor coming in a few minutes! Leave him to me, and I give you my word I'll have this place closed tonight!
VOICES IN THE GANG
Yes, and he'll open another one! Sure he will! Of course he will! Ah-h-h! Beat him up!
GOODKIND
Leave him alone! You can't beat a crazy man!
PEARL
Mr. Gilchrist ain't crazy! He ain't a man! Ain't you seen what he just done to me?
A WOMAN
Hire a hall! [_All laugh._]
PEARL
Ain't you heard? I lied to him, an' he's give me another chance, an' _I'm gonna take it_! He ain't no man! He's a Saint! I tell you he's like God!
A VOICE
Where's his wings? [_All laugh._]
JOE
Like God!
JIMMIE
That's blasphemy!
JOE
That's what it is, an' that's what he's been tellin' 'em! Ain't it ... you ... Grubby? Didn't he tell you that, Jimmie? Didn't he tell you he was a Son of God?
VOICES IN THE GANG
Sure he did! That's right!
JOE
You see, that's what he's told 'em all! That's how he gets 'em! [_To_ DANIEL]: Didn't you tell 'em you was a Son of God? [_There is a momentary silence, broken only by_ MARY MARGARET'S _prayer_.]
DANIEL
I am!
VOICES IN THE GANG
He admits it! And I'm Mary Magdalene! Pipe Mary Magdalene! Son of God!
DANIEL
And so are we all! [_Jeers_] In you ... and me ... and all of us ... deep down ... is something of Him! We may try to hide it--[_Jeers_]--or kill it, but, in spite of ourselves, we _are_ Divine!
VOICES IN THE GANG
Chuck it! Hell! Cut the gab! He's crazy! Come on; smash the place!
TONY
[_Facing_ DANIEL]: If you're a Son of God ... save yourself! If you're ... what you say ... give us a sign!
JOE
Ah, hell! Come on!
[_Two men have climbed upon the table, and suddenly seize_ UMANSKI _from behind. Momentarily, they bear him down, and this obstacle is removed. As they drag him up R., the rest of the gang closes in from all sides, hiding Daniel, who is forced up stage C. The table is overturned. Above the struggling mass are seen fists striking down, various improvised weapons in action. A Dockman, who, at_ JOE'S _speech, has lifted the bench from behind_ DANIEL, _to fell him with it, and whose weapon has been seized, from the rear, by the_ HENCHLEYS, _pommels madly. Above the pandemonium are distinguished voices_--PEARL: "_Help!_" UMANSKI: "_I kill somebody!_" MISS LEVINSON: "_Police!_" GOODKIND: "_Let him alone!_" _Suddenly_ UMANSKI _throws off his captors, and, attacking the mob from in front, mows his way through, tossing them to left and right. When a way is cleared, he ... and we ... see_ DANIEL, _senseless, lying in the overturned table, a tiny trickle of blood running down his face, his head supported by the table-leg R._ UMANSKI _gives a deep groan of rage and pity. Hearing this and divining that something dreadful has happened to her hero_, MARY MARGARET, _who has ceased praying, and raised herself to her feet by the aid of a neighboring chair, walks down to L. C. Before she sees_ DANIEL, MISS LEVINSON _sees_ her, _and emits a piercing scream_.]
MISS LEVINSON
Mary Margaret! Where are your crutches?
MARY MARGARET
[_Looking at her legs in tearful bewilderment_] I don't know! [_She tries them; then, in an hysterical cry_]: I kin walk! I kin walk! [_She looks for her benefactor ... to show him._] Mr. Gilchrist! Mr. Gilchrist! [_The crowd parts, and she sees the figure lying against the overturned table._] Oh, Mr. Gilchrist! [_She folds him in her arms._]
UMANSKI
[_Staring at_ MARY MARGARET, _and in a tone of hushed awe_]: You wanted a sign--LOOK! Down on your knees--you murderers! God's in this room! Down on your knees!
[_One by one and two by two, the frightened mob obeys._ JOE _is lying senseless, but his cohorts, crossing themselves, have seen a miracle_.]
THE CURTAIN FALLS
_ACT IV._
SCENE: _Gilchrist's Room--"Upstairs." Two months later._
_The room is cheerful. That is its chief aspect. Cheerful, and comfortable, and homelike. Such a room ... in the rear of the fourth story ... might be had anywhere for seven dollars a week, and its contents duplicated for a couple of hundred, yet no one should be able to look in without envying the occupant. Before the warm glow of a fireplace down R. is a big, brown leather-covered armchair. An electric lamp stands on a table stage left of the chair and squarely opposite the fireplace. There are books on the table, too, and writing things, and another chair on its left. Above the grate a picture of Christ in the Temple. Conspicuous in the flat, and visible from all parts of the house, a big studio window. There are cream-colored outside curtains, and brown denim inside curtains, drawn now, but when they are pulled aside, one sees chimney-pots, and roof-tops, and a blue night-sky, with one particularly bright star. Up L., a curtained arch into a hall bedroom, and down L. a door. The walls, covered with old-gold grass-cloth, are hidden, to a height of six feet, by roughly-built bookcases, filled with much-used books. A sofa, against the wall L., now holds numerous packages. There is a brown-and-tan grass rug on the floor, and there may be a window seat, with brown cushions, beneath the window. The furniture is all old ... probably second-hand ... but, as aforesaid, the room suggests comfort and peace._
AT RISE: _It is just after eight o'clock, Christmas Eve, 1920._ DANIEL _is discovered, dreaming, in the armchair R., a pipe in his mouth and his face to the fire. He has not lighted the desk lamp, and, except for the glow of the embers, the room is in darkness. Hanging over the left arm of the chair_, DANIEL'S _hand holds a magazine, but he has not begun reading. After a pause long enough for the audience to take in his surroundings, there is a light tap at the door and, without waiting for a response_, MARY MARGARET _enters. She walks without crutches--quite briskly--but plainly is on some secret business. Daniel is lost in the darkness. A package in her hand_, MARY MARGARET _crosses quickly to the table, and turns on one and then the other of the two lights in the lamp. Instantly, of course, she sees the figure in the chair, and conceals the package beneath her apron._
MARY MARGARET
Mr. Gilchrist? [_He shows himself_] Goo'ness, how you scared me! I thought you went out!
DANIEL
No; I just slipped up here to read a while before we put our gifts on the tree.... Where's Grubby?
MARY MARGARET
[_Contemptuously_]: Grubby!
DANIEL
He promised to help with the packages.
MARY MARGARET
Grubby's all swelled up with his new taxicab. Christmas Eve's the big night in his business, but he says don't worry ... he'll be here in time for the sandwiches. Am I interruptin' your readin'?
DANIEL
Oh, no! What have you there?
MARY MARGARET
Where?
DANIEL
Under your apron.
MARY MARGARET
Oh!
[_She reveals the parcel_] I was gonna surprise you. It's your Christmas present.
DANIEL
From you?
MARY MARGARET
[_Handing it across the table_]: Yes. It ain't much ... _you_ know ... an' I didn't want it on the tree ... before everybody. I wanted to give it to you myself. Open it now. [_He does so. The package contains a framed picture._]
DANIEL
Mary Margaret!
MARY MARGARET
The name's on the back! [_He turns it around, revealing to the audience a cheap and highly-colored chromo_] See ... "Mama's Treasure."
DANIEL
It's just what I wanted.
MARY MARGARET
[_Delighted_]: Is it ... honest?... Let's put it in place of that one over the mantel-piece! That's an awful pretty pitcher, but mine's got colors in it!
DANIEL
Why not in place of the Venus who fell on her nose?
MARY MARGARET
Oh, yes! [_She stands "Mama's Treasure" atop a bookcase L._] It looks good, don't it?
DANIEL
Beautiful. I can't thank you enough. [_Takes her hand_] I can't really.
MARY MARGARET
_You_ can't thank _me_! You that's give me--[_She looks down at her legs, and up again with eyes full of tears_] Oh, Mr. Gilchrist!
DANIEL
Now! Now! Now! We mustn't cry on Christmas!
MARY MARGARET
What're you going to do if you're happy?
DANIEL
Try laughing. [_She does_] Anyway, if I'm having my Christmas now, you must have yours. Suppose you rummage on the sofa.
MARY MARGARET
Oh! [_She runs to obey, and holds up a parcel inquiringly._]
DANIEL
That's a book for Miss Levinson.
MARY MARGARET
[_Reads from another bundle_]: Mrs. Henchley. [_Takes up a third_] This one ain't marked.
DANIEL
Gloves for Mack. I wanted to show I appreciated his bringing back that coat.
MARY MARGARET
[_Reading from two packages_]: Peter ... Paul....
DANIEL
For your brothers.
MARY MARGARET
[_With a fourth_]: And ... Mary Margaret!
DANIEL
Open it now.
MARY MARGARET
[_Breathless, she comes to him C. Hesitates, and then, removing the wrapping, reveals a child's set in beaver--muff and neckpiece_]: Oh, Mr. Gilchrist! [_She tries them_] Oh, Mr. Gilchrist; you oughtn't! [_Looks about for a mirror_] They're beautiful! They're the most beautifulest furs I ever seen! I've wanted a set like this always! You've made me so happy! I never was so happy before in my life! [_And she begins to cry again._]
DANIEL
Now! [_She remembers, and laughs._]
MARY MARGARET
I don't know how to thank you.
DANIEL
Don't try.
MARY MARGARET
I never expected no such a Christmas! [_Starts for door_] I gotta show mother!
DANIEL
[_Turning R._]: Take down a few of the packages!
MARY MARGARET
I'll be back in a minute! [_She opens the door, disclosing_ GOODKIND. _Seriously alarmed_] Oh!... Mr. Gilchrist!
DANIEL
[_Turning L._]: Well ... Mr. Goodkind!
GOODKIND
May I come in?
DANIEL
Of course! [_He enters. Dan indicates chair L. of table R._] Sit down!
GOODKIND
I've only a moment. Jerry's waiting for me in the car.
DANIEL
How is Jerry? [MARY MARGARET _arranges the chair_.]
GOODKIND
[_Shakes his head despairingly. Looks at_ MARY MARGARET]: I wish you could perform a miracle on _him_.
DANIEL
I wish I could.
GOODKIND
[_To_ MARY MARGARET]: You seem to walk all right.
MARY MARGARET
Oh, yes!
GOODKIND
[_To_ DAN]: Had a doctor look her over?
DANIEL
Three of 'em.
GOODKIND
Any opinion?
DANIEL
Three opinions.
MARY MARGARET
They said _he_ didn't do it, and you seen him!
DANIEL
[_Holds up a warning finger_]: _Ssh!_ [_Then to_ GOODKIND] They all say she suffered from hysterical paraplegia. [GOODKIND _puzzled_] Hysterical paralysis. One says she was cured by shock--you know; the riot. Another says it was suggestion ... believing ... which is another way of saying faith, isn't it? The important thing is that she's cured!
MARY MARGARET
God did it--God and Mr. Gilchrist!
DANIEL
[_Hushing her again_]: Take down an armful of those packages ... like a good girl!
MARY MARGARET
I will. [_She gathers them up, and, returning L. C., looks apprehensively at_ GOODKIND] You call ... if you want me! [_Exits_]
GOODKIND
[_Hesitates. Doesn't know how to begin. Takes cigars from his pocket_]: Smoke?
DANIEL
Thanks. [_Showing his pipe_] I'll stick to my old friend. [_He sits._]
GOODKIND
How are things with you?
DANIEL
[_Enthusiastically_]: Fine!
GOODKIND
Happy?
DANIEL
[_Radiantly_]: Yes!... And you?
GOODKIND
No. Everything's ... all wrong. My boy's very ill. Clare's wonderful to him. I can't explain it--she's like a different woman. And _she_ seems happy. But Jerry's had to give up work, and there's more trouble in Black River, and that's what brought me!
DANIEL
You don't want _my_ advice?
GOODKIND
I want _you_ ... as general manager. These strikes are such utter damned waste! We had a working compromise on your agreement, and everything was all right, but we began figuring we could make more money ... and the men walked out, and flooded the mines. I'd like you to take charge, Daniel.
DANIEL
I can't.
GOODKIND
Name your own salary.
DANIEL
My work is here.
GOODKIND
You can have anything you want.
DANIEL
I don't want anything.
GOODKIND
You want to see the men get their rights.
DANIEL
They'll get 'em. Nothing can stop that.
GOODKIND
You're not going to turn down fifty thousand dollars a year?
DANIEL
What can I buy with it that I haven't got?
GOODKIND
What can you buy with fifty----
DANIEL
What have _you_ bought?
GOODKIND
I've got one of the finest houses in New York!
DANIEL
Is it any more comfortable than this?
GOODKIND
This one little room!
DANIEL
How many rooms do you live in at the same time?
GOODKIND
I've got half a dozen cars!
DANIEL
I've two legs, and I walk, and keep well.
GOODKIND
I've twenty servants----
DANIEL
Don't tell me you enjoy that!
GOODKIND
And the respect of people about me----
DANIEL
So have I!
GOODKIND
And, what's most important of all, I'm a success!
DANIEL
Are you?
GOODKIND
Huh?
DANIEL
Are you? What is success? Money? Yes; that's what our civilization tells us. Money! But where has that brought us? Only to the elevation of the unfit ... the merely shrewd and predatory. All around us we see men of wealth who have nothing else ... neither health nor happiness nor love nor respect. Men who can get no joy out of books, or pictures, or music, or even themselves. Tired, worried men who are afraid to quit because they have no resource except to make money--money with which to buy vulgar excitement for their own debased souls. Why, Mr. Goodkind, I have an income that you wouldn't suggest to your bookkeeper, but I have peace, and health, and friends, and time to read, and think, and dream, and help. Which of us is the rich man?
GOODKIND
But if everybody lived your way, what would become of the world's work?
DANIEL
Living that way is my contribution to the world's work. Another man's might be selling shoes, or writing plays, or digging ditches. Doing his job doesn't prevent any man from doing his bit. "From every man according to his ability, to every man according to his needs." And every man who gives his best must find his happiness.
GOODKIND
I'm afraid there wouldn't be much progress ... living your way.
DANIEL
That's the second time you've spoken of my way. It isn't _my_ way. It's the sum total of all that has been learned and taught. You, and Jerry, and the others have called me eccentric, and a fool, because I'm trying to walk a path trod hard by countless feet. Was Christ eccentric? Was Confucius a fool? And how about Buddha and Mohammed? What of St. Bernard, and St. Teresa, and St. Francis of Assisi--of Plato, and Zeno, and Lincoln, and Emerson, and Florence Nightingale, and Father Damien, and Octavia Hill, and all the saints and scientists, and poets and philosophers, who have lived and died in complete forgetfulness of self? Were they fools, or were they wise men and women who had found the way to peace and happiness? Were they failures, or were they the great successes of all Time and all Eternity?
GOODKIND
God knows!
[JERRY _enters ... a dying man. He drags his legs with difficulty, and his speech is thick, but he is still cynical and defiant._]
JERRY
Well, you've been the devil of a time! I came up to see what was keeping you!
GOODKIND
[_Rising_]: Mr. Gilchrist.
JERRY
Hello, Gilchrist!
DANIEL
[_Crossing to C._]: How are you, Jerry?
JERRY
Not so damned well! But I'll be all right in the Spring! Clare's looking after me. Clare's a good sport. What I need now's a run down to Palm Beach! [_Looks around_] So you're reduced to this, are you?
DANIEL
Yes.
JERRY
Going to take my job?
DANIEL
No.
JERRY
Why not?
DANIEL
Your father understands.
JERRY
Yes ... so do I! Didn't I always say you were a nut? That's it; a nut! [_He laughs with a laugh that begins to get the better of him._]
GOODKIND
[_Crossing rapidly to the door_]: Come, Jerry!
[_A light rap_; GOODKIND _opens. Enter_ MARY MARGARET. _She glances at him and crosses to upper L. C._ JERRY _looks at her, and turns back to_ DAN.]
JERRY
Who's the girl?
DANIEL
Your father's waiting.
JERRY
A' right!... [_Crosses L._] Some failure _you've_ made out of life! [_Turns back and leers at_ MARY MARGARET. _In the doorway, looks at_ DAN.] Wheels ... by God! Wheels! [_He laughs, and exits._]
GOODKIND
[_Goes to_ DAN _and takes his hand_]: I wonder if _you're_ the failure, after all. [_Returns to the door._] Good-night! [_He exits._]
[DAN _takes his pipe from his pocket and puts it in his mouth. Some chimes, in the distance, begin the anthem "Hark the Herald Angels Sing."_ DANIEL _goes up, draws back the curtains, and throws open the window_. MARY MARGARET, _feeling the fresh air, draws her furs about her, happily. She turns up._ DANIEL _is standing with his left arm akimbo_. MARY MARGARET _slips her head through it, and nestles to him. They ... and we ... see the chimney pots, and the blue night sky, and one bright star._]
MARY MARGARET
Mr. Gilchrist! Is that the Star of Bethlehem?
DANIEL
I wonder. [_The chimes swell out, and_
THE CURTAIN FALLS
* * * * *
Transcriber's Notes
Pages 73, 150: Original book used multi-line braces to indicate [_Together_] lines.