THE PARLOR MAID AND THE YOUNG MAN
Sultry summer afternoon. The parents of the Young Man are away in the country. The cook has gone out. The Parlor-maid is in the kitchen writing a letter to the soldier who is now her sweetheart. The Young Man’s bell rings. She gets up and goes to his room. The Young Man is lying on a couch, smoking a cigarette and reading a French novel.
Maid
Yes, Sir?
Young Man
Oh, yes, Marie, oh, yes; I rang, yes … I only wanted … yes, of course… Oh, yes, of course, let the blinds down, Marie… It’s cooler with the blinds down … yes…
(The Maid goes to the window and pulls down the blinds)
Young Man
(Continues reading) What are you doing, Marie? Oh, yes. But, now, I can’t see to read.
Maid
You are always so studious, Sir.
Young Man
(Ignoring the remark) There, that’s better.
(Marie goes.)
Young Man
(Tries to go on with his reading, lets the book fall, and rings again)
Maid
(Enters)
Young Man
I say, Marie … let’s see, what was it I wanted to say? … oh, yes… Is there any cognac in the house?
Maid
Yes, but it’s locked up.
Young Man
Well, who has the key?
Maid
Lini.
Young Man
Who is Lini?
Maid
The cook, Mr. Alfred.
Young Man
Well, then ask Lini for it.
Maid
Yes, but it’s Lini’s day out.
Young Man
So…
Maid
Can I get anything for you from the café, Sir?
Young Man
Thank you, no… It is hot enough as it is. I don’t need any cognac. Listen, Marie, bring me a glass of water. Wait, Marie,—let it run, till it gets quite cold.
Exit Maid. The Young Man gazes after her. At the door the Maid looks back at him, and the Young Man glances into the air. The Maid turns on the water and lets it run. Meanwhile, she goes into her room, washes her hands, and arranges her curls before the mirror. Then she brings the glass of water to the Young Man. She approaches the couch. The Young Man raises himself upon his elbow. The Maid gives him the glass of water and their fingers touch.
Young Man
Thank you—Well, what is the matter?—Be careful. Put the glass back on the tray. (He leans back, and stretches himself) How late is it?
Maid
Five o’clock, Sir.
Young Man
Ah, five o’clock.—That’s fine.—
Maid
(Goes. At the door she turns around. The Young Man has followed her with his eyes; she notices it, and smiles)
Young Man
(Remains stretched out awhile; then, suddenly, he gets up. He walks to the door, back again, and lies down on the couch. He again tries to read. After a few moments, he rings once more.)
Maid
(Appears with a smile which she does not try to hide)
Young Man
Listen, Marie, there was something I wanted to ask you. Didn’t Dr. Schueller call this morning?
Maid
No, Sir, nobody called this morning.
Young Man
That is strange. Then, Dr. Schueller didn’t call. Do you know Dr. Schueller by sight?
Maid
Of course, I do. He’s the big gentleman with the black beard.
Young Man
Yes. Then, perhaps, he called after all?
Maid
No, Sir. Nobody called.
Young Man
(Resolutely) Come here, Marie.
Maid
(Coming a little nearer) Yes, Sir.
Young Man
Still nearer … so … ah … I only thought…
Maid
Do you want anything, Sir?
Young Man
I thought… Well, I thought—only about your blouse … what kind of a blouse is it … can’t you come closer. I won’t bite you.
Maid
(Comes close to him) What is the matter with my blouse? Don’t you like it, Sir?
Young Man
(Takes hold of her blouse, and draws her down to him) Blue? It is a nice blue. (Simply) You are very prettily dressed, Marie.
Maid
But, Sir…
Young Man
Ah… What is the matter?… (He has opened her blouse. In a matter of fact tone) You have a beautiful white skin, Marie.
Maid
You are flattering me, Sir.
Young Man
(Kissing her on the breast) That can’t hurt you.
Maid
Oh, no.
Young Man
But you sigh so. Why are you sighing?
Maid
Oh, Mr. Alfred…
Young Man
And what charming little slippers you have…
Maid
… But … Sir … if the doorbell should ring.—
Young Man
Who will ring now?
Maid
But, Sir … look … it is so light…
Young Man
You needn’t feel at all shy with me. You needn’t feel shy with anybody … any one as pretty as you. Yes, really, you are, Marie… Do you know your hair actually smells sweet.
Maid
Mr. Alfred…
Young Man
Don’t make such a fuss, Marie… Anyway, I’ve already seen you otherwise. When I came home the other night and went to get some water, the door to your room was open … well…
Maid
(Covering her face) Oh, my, I didn’t know that Mr. Alfred could be so wicked.
Young Man
I saw lots then … that … and that … that … and—
Maid
Oh, Mr. Alfred!
Young Man
Come, come … here … so—that’s it…
Maid
But if the doorbell should ring now—
Young Man
Now forget that … we simply wouldn’t open the door.
(The bell rings)
Young Man
Confound it… What a noise that fellow makes—Perhaps he rang before, and we didn’t notice it.
Maid
Oh, no. I was listening all the while.
Young Man
Well, see what’s the matter. Peek through the curtains.
Maid
Mr. Alfred … you are … no … such a bad man.
Young Man
Please go and see…
(Exit Maid)
Young Man
(Opens the blinds quickly)
Maid
(Returns) He must have gone away again. Anyway, no one is there now. Perhaps, it was Dr. Schueller.
Young Man
(Annoyed) Thank you.
Maid
(Drawing close to him)
Young Man
(Evading her) Listen, Marie,—I’m going to the café now.
Maid
(Tenderly) So soon … Mr. Alfred.
Young Man
(Formally) I am going to the café now… If Dr. Schueller should call—
Maid
He won’t come any more to-day.
Young Man
(Severely) If Dr. Schueller should come, I—I am in the café.
(He goes to the adjoining room. The Maid takes a cigar from the smoking-stand, puts it in her blouse and goes out.)