Act I
Up from the fragrant garden comes a girl, running. She takes the broad terrace steps two at a stride, laughing, breathless, fleet as a fawn, sweet as a rose. She is hotly pursued by a boy, handsome, ardent, attractively selfish, and just now blindly determined to catch the pretty creature before she gains the protecting shelter of home. She is determined to let him but not to let him know it.... There, she might have darted in through the open door, but it is such a cold, formal entrance; she pretends to be exhausted, dodges behind a stone tea-table, and, turning, faces him, each panting and laughing excitedly; she alluring and defiant, he merry and dominant.
She is twenty-five and he is a year or two older, but they are both children; in other words, unmarried.
Rex
Think I'll let you say that to me?
Jean
[making a face at him]
Think I'm afraid of you!
Rex
Take it back, I tell you.
Jean
I won't.
Rex
I'll make you.
Jean
[with a dance step]
Think so, do you?
Rex
I warn you.
Jean
Booh-woo!
[He makes a feint to the right, then dashes to the left and catches her.
Rex
[triumphantly]
Now!... You would, would you?
Jean
[struggling]
Let me go.
Rex
I couldn't think of it.
Jean
[seizes his hands to free herself—can't]
You're so strong—it isn't fair.
Rex
You're so sweet—it isn't fair.
[Smiling down at her struggles, rejoicing in his strength, her weakness, he gently draws her near.
Jean
[knows what is coming]
No, Rex.
Rex
Yes.
Jean
You mustn't.
Rex
But I will.
[He laughs and kisses her lightly on the cheek. Therefore she struggles furiously. Therefore he does it again. And again. Suddenly he enfolds her completely and kisses her passionately—cheeks, mouth, eyes—until she gasps in alarm. Laughter has gone from them now.
Jean
Oh, please!... some one will come.
Rex
[with the intoxication of such moments]
I don't care who comes—I love you.
Jean
No ... let me go.
Rex
Not till you kiss me, Jean. [Jean hesitates, brushes his cheek lightly with her lips, and in pretty confusion tries to escape.] Not till you say you love me, Jean. [Eyes hidden in his coat, she bobs her head. He laughs and loves it.] Say it!
Jean
I—er—do.
Rex
Do what?... Say it!...
[She cannot. He swings her about, bringing her face close to his.
Jean
I love you, Rex. Are you sure you love me?
Rex
Am I sure! You irresistible little—
[Begins to kiss her. Masculine triumph.
Jean
And want to marry me, Rex?
Rex
[stops—startled—had not thought of that]
Why—er—of course. What did you suppose!
[Drops his eyes, sobered.
Jean
[feminine triumph]
And me "a penniless orphing"?
Rex
[fascinated by the way she says it, he laughs. Then, his honor touched]
Why, what kind of a man do you take me for!
[And wants her lips again.
Jean
[giving herself to him, head sinks upon his shoulder]
Then, oh, Rex, love me and be nice to me and—and take me away from all this!
[She covers her face with her hands and sobs. He pats her tenderly, with a manly look on his face.
Lucy comes up from the garden. She is dressed in white with a garden hat, a garden basket filled with flowers in one hand, long scissors in the other. She is John's wife, the mistress of the house, sister-in-law to Jean; conspicuously a "sweet" woman, affectedly so, a contrast with Jean's more modern, less delicate charm. Jean is frank and brave, Lucy indirect and timid, pretty but fading, forty but fighting it.
Jean
[laughing]
It's all right, Lucy—we're engaged!
Lucy
Well, I should hope so!
[Shoots a look at Jean, "So?"
Rex
[recovering himself]
I have often tried to thank you and good old John for letting me come over here so much, but now! How can I ever thank you? See-what-I-mean?
Lucy
I'll tell you how. Behave yourself after you are married to John's little sister.
Jean
Rex, have you had a fearful past? How fascinating!
Rex
I'm going to have a glorious future, all right.
Jean
Not unless you do as I tell you. Going to obey me, Rex?
Rex
You bet I am.
Jean
Then begin now. Go!... Get out! [She pushes Rex, laughing and protesting, toward the garden.] I want to tell Lucy how nice you are. Run along over to the golf club, and by and by—if you are a good boy—you can take me out in your new car. [Rex kisses the hand on his arm and leaves, laughing.] My dear, he has five cars! Thank you so much.
[Alone, they throw off the mask worn before men.
Lucy
Now, deary, tell me all about it. How did it happen?
Jean
Oh, I simply followed your advice.
Lucy
Picked a quarrel with him?
Jean
[laughing]
Yes. I pretended to believe in woman suffrage!
Lucy
Good! They hate that.
Jean
I told him all men were bullying brutes!
Lucy
They are! And then you ran away?
Jean
Of course.
Lucy
And he after you?
Jean
Of course.
Lucy
And you let him catch you?
Jean
Of cour—well ... he caught me.
[They both laugh.
Lucy
I can guess the rest.
Jean
Why, it didn't take five minutes.
Lucy
And now it's to last through all eternity.... Isn't love wonderful?
Jean
Um-hum. Wonderful.
[They begin to cull out the flowers.
Lucy
But you do love him, dear, don't you?
Jean
[arranging flowers]
I did then. I don't now. Why is that, Lucy?
Lucy
Oh, but you will learn to love him. [Jean shrugs, drops flowers, and turns away.] Now, now! no worrying—it brings wrinkles! [Patting Jean's shoulder.] Rex is just the sort to give the woman he adores everything in the world.
Jean
[wriggling out of Lucy's embrace]
I am not the woman he adores.
Lucy
Why, Jean! He's engaged to you.
Jean
But he's in love with my sister. You know that as well as I do.
Lucy
[uncomfortably]
Oh, well, he was once, but not now. Men admire these independent women, but they don't marry them. Nobody wants to marry a sexless freak with a scientific degree.
Jean
Oh, what's the use, Lucy? He's still wild about Helen, and she still laughs at him. So you and John have trotted out the little sister. Why not be honest about it.
Lucy
Well, I may be old-fashioned, but I don't think it's nice to talk this way when you're just engaged.
Jean
Here comes your "sexless freak"—not with a degree, either.
Lucy
[following Jean's gaze]
With a man!
Jean
[smiling]
With my man.
[Helen, with Rex bending toward her eagerly, appears. She is a beautiful woman of twenty-nine, tall, strong, glorious—plenty of old-fashioned charm, despite her new-fashioned ideas. She is dressed in a tennis costume and is swinging a racquet.
Rex
But they told me you were going to stay abroad all winter.
Helen
My work, Rex—I had to get back to work.
Rex
Work!... You are too good to work.
Jean
[amused, not jealous]
Is this your high-powered car, Rex? Have you learned to run it yet?
Rex
[startled]
But ... well ... you see, I met Helen on the way. See-what-I-mean?
Jean
[laughing]
Oh, we see.
Rex
But I hadn't seen her for so long. I thought— [Looks from Helen to Jean] ... wait, I'll get the car.
[He hurries off.
Lucy
[to Jean]
Why couldn't she have stayed abroad!
Jean
Helen, don't talk about your work before Lucy—it shocks her.
Helen
Oh, very well; make it my 'career'!
Jean
[arm around Helen]
Sssh!—that's worse.
Lucy
Helen, dear, I deem it my duty to tell you that you are being talked about.
Helen
Lucy, dear, do you always find your true happiness in duty?
Lucy
Well, if you think you are going back to that horrid place again ... after what happened that night? John won't hear of it.
Helen
If the Baker Institute of Medical Experiment is not a respectable place you should make John resign as trustee.
[She laughs it off.
Lucy
John is trustee of—oh, nearly everything. That makes it all the worse. It isn't as if you had to work.
Helen
Oh, but John is so rich now, his credit can stand it. And you oughtn't to mind! Why, some of our most fashionable families now contain freaks like me. It's becoming quite smart, just as in former days one of the sons would go into the Church or the navy.
Lucy
Well, of course, I am old-fashioned, but going down-town every day with the men,—it seems so unwomanly.
Helen
But wasn't I womanly for years? Instead of going down-town and working with highbrows, I stayed up-town and played with lowbrows—until I was bored to death.
Lucy
[sighs]
Yes, that's what comes of going to college, leaving the home, getting these new ideas. All the same, Helen, the men, really nice men, don't like it.
Helen
Well, you see, I don't like really nice men, so that makes it agreeable all around.
Lucy
If it were only art or music or something feminine, but that awful laboratory! How can a lady poison poor, innocent little monkeys?
Helen
If I were a lady I'd dine with monkeys.... Do you know what the word means, Lucy? In Anglo-Saxon times "lady" meant "one who gives loaves"; now, one who takes a loaf.
Lucy
Very clever, my dear, but some day you'll be sorry. No man, Helen, likes a woman to have independent views.
Jean
Helen can afford to have independent views; she has an independent income—she earns it.
Lucy
Independent income! Her salary wouldn't pay for your hats.
Jean
All the same, I wish I had gone to college; I wish I had learned a profession.
Lucy
What have these New Women accomplished? Just one thing: they are destroying chivalry!
Helen
Not entirely, Lucy, not entirely. For instance, I am the best assistant Ernest Hamilton has, but the worst paid; the others are all men. Hurray for chivalry!
Lucy
Well, I'm just an old-fashioned wife. Woman's sphere is the home. My husband says so.
Helen
But suppose you haven't any husband! What can a spinster do in the home?
Lucy
Stay in it—till she gets one! That's what the old-fashioned spinster used to do.
Helen
The old-fashioned spinster used to spin.
Lucy
At any rate, the old-fashioned spinster did not stay out of her home all night and get herself compromised, talked about, sent abroad! Or, if she did, she knew enough to remain abroad until the gossip blew over.
[Lucy turns to leave.
Helen
[mischievously]
Ah, that wonderful night! [Lucy turns back, amazed.] The night we discovered the Hamilton antitoxin, the night that made the Baker Institute famous! And, just think, I had a hand in it, Lucy, a hand in the unwomanly work of saving children's lives! But, of course, an old-fashioned spinster would have blushed and said: "Excuse me, Doctor Hamilton, but we must now let a year's work go to waste because you are a man and I am a woman, and it's dark outdoors!" ... That's the way to preserve true chivalry.
Lucy
You think we can't see through all this? Science—fiddlesticks! The good-looking young scientist—that's why you couldn't stay abroad. We see it, John sees it, and now every one will see it. Then how will you feel?
Helen
Ernest is rather good-looking, isn't he?
Lucy
Do you think your brother will let you marry a mere scientist!... Oh, well, Doctor Hamilton is in love with his work—fortunately.... Besides, he's a thoroughbred; he wouldn't even look at a girl who throws herself at his head.
Helen
So I needn't try any longer? Too bad.
Lucy
[losing her temper and going]
Oh, you New Women are quite superior, aren't you?... Thank heavens, little Jean didn't elbow her way into men's affairs; she had no unwomanly ambitions for a career! But she is engaged to Rex Baker!
Helen
Jean, is this true?
Lucy
[triumphantly]
Marriage is woman's only true career.
Helen
Jean! You can't, you won't, you mustn't marry Rex!
Lucy
[flouncing out]
"She who will not when she may," my dear!
Jean
[avoiding Helen's eyes]
Lucy hears John coming—he'd take her head off if she weren't there to meet him. [Helen only looks at her.] He bullies and browbeats her worse than ever. I can't stand it here much longer. It's getting on my nerves.
Helen
Jean! You care for Rex no more than I do.
Jean
[still evasive]
John's bringing out Uncle Everett and Cousin Theodore. My dear, the whole family is up in the air about you.
Helen
Oh, I can take care of myself, but you!... Jean, you're not the sort to marry Rex or any other man, unless you simply can't live without him.
Jean
[after a little pause]
Well ... how can I live without him—without some man? You can support yourself. I can't.
Helen
But you wouldn't live on a man you didn't really love!
Jean
Why not? Lucy does; most wives live on men they don't really love. To stop doing so and get divorced is wrong, you know.
Helen
Jean, Jean, poor little Jean!
Jean
Well, I'd rather have domestic unhappiness of my own than watch other people's all my life.
Helen
I don't like to hurt you, dear, but—[Takes Jean's face and raises it.] How about that nice boy at the Harvard Law School?
Jean
Don't! [Controls herself, then, in a low voice] Bob is still at the Law School, Helen.
Helen
Can't you wait, dear?
Jean
He never asked me to, Helen.
Helen
He would, if you let him.
Jean
It wouldn't be fair. It takes so long to get started. Everything costs so much. Why, nowadays, men in the professions, unless they have private means, can't marry until nearly forty. When Bob is forty I'll be forty, Helen.
Helen
Ah, but when a girl really cares!
Jean
Helen, do you know?
Helen
Never mind about me—you!
Jean
Oh, we'll get over it, I suppose.... People do! Some day, perhaps, he'll smile and say: "Just think, I once loved that fat old thing!" [Suddenly changes to sobbing.] Helen! when Rex caught me and kissed me I shut my eyes and tried to think it was Bob.
Helen
[takes Jean in her arms]
You can't keep on thinking so, dear.
Jean
But that isn't the worst! When he held me fast and I couldn't get away, I began ... to forget Bob ... to forget everything ... [Breaks off, overcome with shame.] But not now, not now! It's not the same thing at all. [Buries face in Helen's breast and sobs it out.] Oh, I feel like the devil, dear.... And all this time he doesn't really want me—he wants you, you! I trapped him into it; I trapped him!
Helen
And I know Rex—he's a good sport; he'll stick to it, if you do, dear—only you won't! You've caught him by playing on his worst—don't hold him by playing on his best!
Jean
But what shall I do? I'm nearly twenty-six. I've got to escape from home in some way.
Helen
But what a way!
[Rex returns.
Rex
Ready, Jean? [To Helen.] Lucy and John and your Cousin Theodore are in there having a fine, old-fashioned family fight with the judge.
Helen
With Uncle Everett? What about?
Rex
They shut up when they saw me. All I heard was the parson—"Marriage is a social institution." Grand old row, though. [A Butler and Footman appear, wheeling a tea-wagon.] Looks as if they were coming out here.
Helen
Then I am going in. [Detaining Jean.] You will follow my advice?
Jean
[apart to Helen]
Oh, I don't know. Soon or late I must follow the only profession I have learned.
[Jean leaves with Rex. Helen watches them, sighs, and goes in. The Servants arrange the tea-table and go into the house.
Lucy comes out, followed by her husband, John, and the Judge, who is Uncle Everett, and Cousin Theodore.
John, the masterful type of successful American business man; well set up, close-cropped mustache, inclined to baldness; keen eye, vibrant voice, quick movements, quick decisions, quick temper.
Uncle Everett is a genial satirist with a cynical tolerance of the ways of the world, which he understands, laughs at, and rather likes.
Cousin Theodore, a care-worn rector, who, though he buttons his collar behind, likes those who don't; a noble soul, self-sacrificing and sanctified, but he does not obtrude his profession upon others—never talks shop unless asked to do so, and prides himself upon not being a bigot.
They are continuing an earnest discussion, with the intimate manner of friendly members of the same family. John, Lucy, and Theodore deeply concerned; Uncle Everett detached and amused.
Theodore
But, Uncle Everett, hasn't Aunt Julia always been a good wife to you?
Judge
Quite so, quite so, a good wife, Theodore, a good wife.
Lucy
And a devoted mother to your children, Uncle Everett?
Judge
Devoted, Lucy, devoted.
John
She has always obeyed you, Uncle Everett.
Judge
Yes, John—a true, old-fashioned woman.
Theodore
She has been a great help to me in the parish work, Uncle Everett.
Judge
An earnest worker in the vineyard, Theodore—in fact, I might say, a model female.
All
Then why, why do you want a divorce?
Judge
Because, damn it, I don't like her!
Lucy
But think of poor Aunt Julia!
Judge
But, damn it, she doesn't like me.
Theodore
[wagging head sadly]
Ah, yes, I suppose there has been fault on both sides.
Judge
Not at all! No fault on either side.... Both patterns of Christian fortitude to the end! We still are. Just listen to this telegram.
Lucy
[puzzled]
From Aunt Julia?
Judge
Yes from Aunt Julia in Reno. Not used to travelling without me; knew I'd worry. Thoughtful of her, wasn't it? [Puts on glasses.] A night letter. Much cheaper; your Aunt Julia was always a frugal wife. Besides, she never could keep within ten words. [Reads.] "Arrived safely. Charming rooms with plenty of air and sunlight. Our case docketed for March 15th. Wish you were here to see the women in Divorcee Row—overdressed and underbred." Rather neat, eh? "Overdressed and underbred." "I should love to hear your comments on the various types." Now, isn't that sweet of her? Well, you know, I always could make her laugh—except when I made her cry. "Write soon. With love. Julia." Now [folds telegram], isn't that a nice message? From a wife suing for divorce? You happily married people couldn't beat that.
[Pats telegram and pockets it tenderly.
From a photograph by White Studio.
All: Then why, why do you want a divorce?
Judge: Because, damn it, I don't like her.
John
[like a practical business man]
But if there's no other woman, no other man—what's it all about?
Judge
She likes her beefsteak well done; I like mine underdone. She likes one window open—about so much [indicates four inches]; I like all the windows open wide! She likes to stay at home; I like to travel. She loves the opera and hates the theatre; I love the theatre and hate the opera.
Theodore
Stop! aren't you willing to make a few little sacrifices for each other? Haven't you character enough for that?
Judge
We've been making sacrifices for twenty-five years, a quarter of a century! Character enough to last us now.... Why, I remember the first dinner we had together after we were pronounced man and wife, with a full choral service and a great many expensive flowers—quite a smart wedding, Lucy, for those simple days. "Darling," I asked my blushing bride, "do you like tutti-frutti ice-cream?" "I adore it, dearest," she murmured. I hated it, but nobly sacrificed myself and gave her tutti-frutti and gained character every evening of our honeymoon! Then when we got back and began our "new life" together in our "little home," my darling gave me tutti-frutti and indigestion once a week until I nearly died!
Lucy
But why didn't you tell her?
Judge
I did; I did. Got chronic dyspepsia and struck! "You may adore this stuff, darling," I said, "but I hate it." "So do I, dearest," says she. "Then why in thunder have you had it all these years, sweetheart?" "For your sake, beloved!" And that tells the whole story of our married life. We have nothing in common but a love of divorce and a mutual abhorrence of tutti-frutti. "Two souls with but a single thought, two hearts that beat as one!" It has been the dream of our lives to get apart, and each has nobly refrained for the other's sake. And all in vain!
John
Bah! All a cloak to hide his real motive. And he knows it!
Judge
[after a painful pause]
I may as well confess. [Looks around to see if overheard. Whispers.] For over twenty years I—I have broken my marriage vow! [Lucy drops her eyes. Theodore aghast. John wags head.] So has your Aunt Julia!
Theodore
No! not that!
Judge
Well, we solemnly promised to love each other until death did us part. We have broken that sacred vow! I don't love her; she doesn't love me—not in the least!
John
Rot! A matured, middle-aged man, a distinguished member of the bar—break up his home for that? Damned rot!
Judge
Right again, John. That's not why I'm breaking up my home. I prefer my club. What does the modern home amount to? Merely a place to leave your wife.
Lucy
Of course, it doesn't matter about the poor little wife left at home.
Judge
Wrong, Lucy, it does matter. That's why I stayed at home and was bored to death with her prattle about clothes and the opera, instead of dining at the club with my intellectual equals, picking up business there, getting rich like John, supplying her with more clothes and a whole box at the opera, like yours, Lucy.
Lucy
[shoots a glance at her husband]
Oh, that's the way you men always talk. It never occurs to you that business, business, business is just as much of a bore to us!
Judge
Wrong again! It did occur to me—hence the divorce! She couldn't stand seeing me bored; I couldn't stand seeing her bored. Once we could deceive each other; but now—too well acquainted; our happy home—a hollow mockery!
Theodore
You ought to be ashamed! I love my home!
John
So do I.
[He glances sternly at Lucy.
Lucy
[nervously]
So do I.
Judge
All right. Stick to it, if you love it. Only, don't claim credit for doing what you enjoy. I stuck to my home for a quarter of a century and disliked it the whole time. At last I'm free to say so. Just think of it, Lucy, free to utter those things about marriage we all know are true but don't dare say! Free to be honest, John! No longer a hypocrite, no longer a liar! A soul set free, Theodore—two souls, in fact. "Two souls with but a single thought——"
Theodore
Stop! You have children to consider, not merely your own selfish happiness!
Lucy
Yes, think of Tom and little Julia!
Judge
We did ... for a quarter of a century—sacrificed everything to them, even our self-respect; but now—what's the use? We are childless now. Tom and Julia have both left us for "little homes" of their own to love.
Theodore
Ah, but don't you want them to have the old home to come back to?
Judge
"No place like home" for children, eh? You're right—can't have too much of it. Most children only have one home. Ours will have two! When they get bored with one they can try the other.
Theodore
But, seriously, Uncle Everett—"Whom God hath joined together!"
Lucy
[clasping John's arm]
Yes, Uncle Everett, marriages are made in heaven.
Judge
I see; quite so; but your Aunt Julia and I were joined together by a pink parasol made in Paris.
John
What rot! Stop your fooling and speak the truth, man.
Judge
Just what I'm doing—that's why you think I'm fooling. A very pretty parasol—but it wasn't made in heaven. You see, God made poor, dear Julia pale, but on that fatal day, twenty-five years ago, the pink parasol, not God, made her rosy and irresistible. I did the rest—with the aid of a clergyman, whom I tipped even more liberally than the waiter who served us tutti-frutti. Blame me for it, blame her, the parasol, the parson, but do not, my dear Theodore, blame the Deity for our own mistakes. It's so blasphemous.
[A pause. Lucy takes place at the tea-table to serve tea.
Lucy
And to think we invited you, of all people, here to-day of all days! [To John.] We mustn't let Rex know. The Bakers don't believe in divorce.
John
What's this? You don't mean that Jean——?
Lucy
Yes! Just in time—before he knew Helen was back.
John
[jumps up]
She's landed him! She's landed him! We're marrying into the Baker family! The Baker family! [Shaking hands right and left.] Why, she'll have more money than any of us!... Well, well! We'll all have to stand around before little Jean now!... My, my! Lucy, you're a wonder! Those pearls—I'll buy them; they're yours! Hurray for Lucy!
[Kisses Lucy.
Lucy
[feeling her importance]
Now, if I could only get Helen out of this awful mess and safely married to some nice man!
Judge
[sipping his tea]
Meaning one having money?
Theodore
The Hamiltons are an older family than the Bakers, Lucy, older than our own.
Judge
Meaning they once had money.
John
[still pacing to and fro]
Waste a beauty on a bacteriologist? A crime!
Theodore
See here, John, Ernest Hamilton is the biggest thing you've got in the Baker Institute! One of the loveliest fellows in the world, too, and if you expect me—why did you ask us here, anyway?
Judge
Far as I can make out, we're here to help one of John's sisters marry a man she doesn't love and prevent the other from marrying the man she does.
John
Oh, look here: I've nothing against young Hamilton.... I like him—proud of all he's done for the institute. Why, Mr. Baker is tickled to death about the Hamilton antitoxin. But, Theodore, this is a practical world. Your scientific friend gets just two thousand dollars a year!... Lucy, send for Helen.
[Lucy goes obediently.
Judge
Well, why not give the young man a raise?
John
Oh, that's not a bad salary for scientists, college professors, and that sort of thing. Why, even the head of the institute himself gets less than the superintendent of my mills. No future in science.
Judge
Perfectly practical, Theodore. The superintendent of John's mills saves the company thousands of dollars. These bacteriologists merely save the nation thousands of babies. All our laws, written and unwritten, value private property above human life. I'm a distinguished jurist and I always render my decisions accordingly. I'd be reversed by the United States Supreme Court if I didn't. We're all rewarded in inverse ratio to our usefulness to society, Theodore. That's why "practical men" think changes are "dangerous."
John
Muck-raker!
Judge
It's all on a sliding scale, John. For keeping up the cost of living you and old man Baker get ... [Stretches arms out full length.] Heaven only knows how much. For saving the Constitution I get ... a good deal. [Hands three feet apart.] For saving in wages and operating expenses your superintendent gets so much. [Hands two feet apart.] For saving human life Ernest Hamilton gets that. [Hands six inches apart.] For saving immortal souls Theodore gets—[Holds up two forefingers an inch apart.] Now, if any one came along and saved the world——
Theodore
[interrupts]
They crucified Him.
John
Muck-raker, muck-raker.
Lucy
[returning]
Tried my best, John, but Helen says she prefers to talk with you alone some time.
John
[furious]
She "prefers"? See here! Am I master in my own house or not?
Judge
But Helen is a guest in it now. No longer under your control, John. She's the New Woman.
Theodore
John, you can't stop that girl's marrying Ernest, if she wants to; he's head over heels in love with her.
Lucy
What! We thought he was in love with his work!
Theodore
He thinks there's no hope for him, poor boy.
Lucy
[to John]
And she is mad about him!
John
[to Lucy]
And he is on the way out here now!
Theodore
What! He's coming to see her?
John
No, no, thinks she's still in Paris—so she was when I invited him, damn it—but something had to be done and done delicately. That's why I invited you two.
Judge
[bursts out laughing]
Beautiful! These lovers haven't met for a month, and to-night there's a moon!
Theodore
[also laughs]
You may as well give in, John. It's the simplest solution.
Lucy
[timidly]
Yes, John, she's nearly thirty, and think how she treats all the nice men.
John
Who's doing this? You go tell Helen ... that her Uncle Everett wants to see her!
[Lucy shrugs, starts reluctantly, and lingers listening.
Theodore
Now, uncle, you have more influence over her than any of us—don't let her know about ... Aunt Julia. Helen thinks the world of you.
Judge
Of course not, never let the rising generation suspect the truth about marriage—if you want 'em to marry.
Theodore
There are other truths than unpleasant truths, Uncle Everett, other marriages than unhappy marriages.
Judge
Want me to tell her the truth about your marriage?
Lucy
[at the door]
Why uncle! Even you must admit that Theodore and Mary are happy.
[John is too much surprised to notice Lucy's presence.
Judge
Happy? What's that got to do with it? Marriage is a social institution. Theodore said so.... Every time a boy kisses a girl she should first inquire: "A sacrifice for society?" And if he says, "I want to gain character, sweetheart," then—"Darling, do your duty!" and he'll do it.
Lucy
Well, Theodore has certainly done his duty by society—six children!
Judge
Then society hasn't done its duty by Theodore—only one salary!
John
The more credit to him! He and Mary have sacrificed everything to their children and the Church—even health!
Theodore
We don't need your pity! We don't want your praise! Poverty, suffering, even separation, have only drawn us closer together. We love each other through it all! Why, in the last letter the doctor let her write she said, she said—[Suddenly overcome with emotion, turns abruptly.] If you'll excuse me, Lucy ... Sanitarium ... the telephone.
[Theodore goes into the house.
Judge
Not praise or pity but something more substantial and, by George, I'll get it for them!
[Turns to John, who interrupts.
John
See the example he sets to society—I honor him for it.
Judge
Fine! but that doesn't seem to restore Mary's radiant health, Theodore's brilliant youth.
Lucy
Ah, but they have their children—think how they adore those beautiful children!
Judge
No, don't think how they adore them, think how they rear those beautiful children—in the streets; one little daughter dead from contagion; one son going to the devil from other things picked up in the street! If marriage is a social institution, look at it socially. Why, a marriage like mine is worth a dozen like theirs—to Society. Look at my well-launched children; look at my useful career, as a jackal to Big Business; look at my now perfectly contented spouse!
Lucy
But if you are divorced!
Judge
Is the object of marriage merely to stay married?
Lucy
But character, think of the character they have gained.
Judge
Oh, is it to gain character at the expense of helpless offspring? Society doesn't gain by that—it loses, Lucy, it loses.... But simply because, God bless 'em, "they love each other through it all," you sentimental standpatters believe in lying about it, do you?
John
[bored, whips out pocket check-book and fountain pen]
Oh, talk, talk, talk! Money talks for me.... But they're both so confoundedly proud!
Judge
Go on, write that check! [John writes.] They must sacrifice their pride, John. Nothing else left to sacrifice, I'm afraid.
John
Well, you get this to them somehow.
[Hands check to Judge.
Judge
Aha! Talk did it.... Five thousand? Generous John!
John
[impatiently]
Never mind about me. That problem is all settled; now about Helen.... Lucy! I thought I told you——
[Lucy, in a guilty hurry, escapes into the house.
Judge
John, charity never settles problems; it perpetuates them. You can't cure social defects by individual treatment.
John
[more impatiently]
Does talk settle anything?
Judge
Everything. We may even settle the marriage problem if we talk honestly. [Theodore returns from telephoning to the sanitarium.] Theodore, it's all right! John honestly believes in setting an example to society! Crazy to have his sisters go and do likewise!
Theodore
Splendid, John! I knew you'd see it—an ideal match.
Judge
[overriding John]
Right, Theodore, ideal. This scientific suitor will shower everything upon her John honors and admires: A host of servants—I mean sacrifices; carriages and motors—I mean character and morals; just what her brother advocates in Sunday-school—for others. An ideal marriage.
John
[hands in pockets]
You think you're awfully funny, don't you? Humph! I do more for the Church, for education, art, science than all the rest of the family combined. Incidentally, I'm not divorced.... But this is a practical world, Theodore, I've got to protect my own.
Lucy
[returning]
Helen will be here in a minute.
John
[suddenly getting an idea]
Ah! I have it! I know how to keep them apart!
Theodore
Be careful, John—these two love each other.
Judge
Yes, young people still fall in love. Whether we make it hard or easy for them—they will do it. But, mark my words, unless we reform marriage, there is going to be a sympathetic strike against it—as there is already against having children. Instead of making it harder to get apart, we've got to make it easier to stay together. Otherwise the ancient bluff will soon be called!
Lucy
Sssh! Here she comes.
Theodore
Please don't talk this way before her.
Judge
All right, I'm not divorced yet,... still in the conspiracy of silence.
[Helen appears at the door. A sudden silence.
Helen
[kissing Theodore and Judge affectionately]
I'm so sorry to hear about dear Mary. [To Judge.] But why didn't Aunt Julia come? Is she ill, too?
[Slight panic in the family party.
Judge
She's gone to Re-Re-Rio Janeiro—I mean to Santa Barbara—wants a complete change—The Rest Cure. [To Theodore apart.] Lie number one.
[Another silence. Lucy makes tea for Helen.
Helen
[taking the cup]
Well, go on!
Theodore
Go on with what?
Helen
[stirring tea]
Your discussion of marriage.
Lucy
How did you know?
Helen
Oh, it's in the air. Everybody's talking about it nowadays.
[She sips tea, and the others look conscious.
Theodore
My dear, marriage is woman's only true career.
Helen
[raising her shield of flippancy]
So Lucy tells me, Cousin Theodore. But a woman cannot pursue her career, she must be pursued by it; otherwise she is unwomanly.
Judge
Ahem. As we passed through the library a while ago, I think I saw your little sister being pursued by her career.
Helen
Yes, uncle, but Jean is a true woman. I'm only a New Woman.
Judge
All the same, you'll be an old woman some day—if you don't watch out.
Helen
Ah, yes, my life's a failure. I haven't trapped a man into a contract to support me.
Lucy
[picks up knitting bag and does her best to look like "just an old-fashioned wife"]
You ought to be ashamed! Making marriage so mercenary. Helen, dear, haven't you New Women any sentiment?
Helen
Enough sentiment not to make a mercenary marriage, Lucy, dear.
Judge
Ahem! And what kind of a marriage do you expect to make?
Helen
Not any, thank you, uncle.
Judge
What! You don't believe in holy matrimony?
Helen
Only as a last extremity, uncle, like unholy divorce.
Judge
[jumps]
What do you know about that?
Helen
I know all about it! [Others jump.] I have been reading up on the subject.
[All relax, relieved, but now gather about the young woman.
}[Together]
Theodore
Come now, simply because many young people rush into marriage without thinking—
Lucy
Simply because these New Women—
John
Simply because one marriage in a thousand ends in divorce—
Helen
Wait!... One in a thousand? Dear me, what an idealist you are, John! In America, one marriage in every eleven now ends in divorce. And yet you wonder why I hesitate.
John
One in eleven—rot! [To Judge.] All this muck-raking should be suppressed by the Government. "One in eleven!" Bah!
Helen
[demurely]
The Government's own statistics, John.
[They all turn to the Judge for denial, but he nods confirmation, with a complacent smile, murmuring: "Two souls with but a single thought."
Lucy
[sweetly knitting]
Well, I may be old-fashioned, but it seems to me that nice girls shouldn't think of such things.... Their husbands will tell them all they ought to know about marriage—after they're married.
Helen
Ah, I see. Nice girls mustn't think until after they rush in, but they mustn't rush in until after they think. You married people make it all so simple for us.
Judge
Right! The way to cure all evil is for nice people to close their minds and mouths to it. It's "unpleasant" for a pure mind, and it "leaves a bad taste in the mouth." So there you are, my dear.
John
[coming in strong]
Oh, talk, talk, talk! I've had enough. See here, young lady, I offered to pay all your expenses abroad for a year. You didn't seem to appreciate it—well, the trustees of the institute are now to give Doctor Hamilton a year abroad. How do you like that?
[All turn and look at Helen.
Helen
Splendid! Just what he needs! Doctor Metchnikoff told me in Paris that America always kills its big men with routine. When do we start?
[She tries to look very businesslike.
John
[springing to his feet]
"We!" Do you think you are going?
Helen
Of course! I'm his assistant—quite indispensable to him.... [To all.] Oh, well, if you don't believe me, ask him!
John
[pacing to and fro]
What next! Paris! Alone, with a man!—Here's where I call a halt!
Helen
But if my work calls me, I don't really see what you have to say about it, John.
John
Better not defy me, Helen.
[He scowls.
Helen
Better not bully me, John.
[She smiles.
John
I am your brother.
Helen
But not my owner! [Then, instead of defiance, she turns with animated interest to the others.] You know, all women used to be owned by men. Formerly they ruled us by physical force—now by financial force.... But at last they are to lose even that hold upon us—poor dears!
[Pats John's shoulder playfully.
John
[amused, but serious]
That's all right in theory, but this is a practical world. My pull got you into the institute; my pull can get you out. You give up this wild idea or give up your job!
Helen
[delighted]
What did I tell you? Financial force! They still try it, you see. [To John.] What if I refused to give up either, John?
John
[emphatic]
Then as a trustee of the institute I ask for your resignation—right here and now! [Turns away.] I guess that will hold her at home a while.
Helen
I simply must go to Paris now. I've nothing else to do!
John
[with a confident smile]
You will, eh? Who'll pay your expenses this time?
Helen
[matter of fact]
Doctor Hamilton.
Lucy
Helen! please! You oughtn't to say such things even in joke.
Helen
He'll take me along as his private secretary, if I ask him.
[A pause. The others look at one another helplessly.
Judge
John, she's got you. You might as well quit.
John
Nonsense. I have just begun. You'll see.
Theodore
If you're so independent, my dear, why don't you marry your scientist and be done with it?
Helen
[resents the intrusion but hides her feelings]
Can you keep a secret? [They all seem to think they can and gather near.] He has never asked me!
[The family seems annoyed.
Lucy
[with match-making ardor]
No wonder, dear, he has never seen you except in that awful apron. But those stunning dinner gowns John bought you in Paris! My dear, in evening dress you are quite irresistible!
Judge
[apart to Theodore]
Irresistible? Pink parasols. What a system!
Helen
But you see, I don't want him to ask me. I've had all I could do to keep him from it.
[The family seems perplexed.
John
She's got some sense left.
Lucy
But suppose he did ask you, dear?
Helen
Why, I'd simply refer the matter to John, of course. If John said, "Love him," I'd love him; if John said, "Don't love him," I'd turn it off like electric light.
[The family is becoming exasperated.
Lucy
[insinuating]
Oh, you can't deceive us. We know how much you admire him, Helen.
Helen
Oh, no you don't! [The family is amazed.] Not even he does. Did you ever hear how he risked his life in battle down in Cuba? Why, he's a perfect hero of romance!
John
[mutters]
Never even saw a war—mollycoddle germ killer!
Helen
Not in the war with Spain—the war against yellow fever, John.... No drums to make him brave, no correspondents to make him famous—he merely rolled up his sleeve and let an innocent-looking mosquito bite him. Then took notes on his symptoms till he became delirious.... He happened to be among those who recovered.
[The family is impressed.
Theodore
Old-fashioned maidens used to marry their heroes, Helen.
Helen
[arising, briskly]
But this new-fashioned hero gets only two thousand dollars a year, Theodore.
[She turns to escape.
John
[nodding]
I told you she had sense.
Theodore
Helen! You selfish, too? Why, Mary and I married on half that, didn't we, John?
[He looks around. The family looks away.
Helen
[with unintended emphasis]
Doctor Hamilton needs every cent of that enormous salary—books, travel, scientific conferences—all the advantages he simply must have if he's to keep at the top and do his best work for the world. The most selfish thing a girl can do is to marry a poor man.
[With that she hurries up the steps.
Theodore
[following her]
All the same, deep down under it all, she has a true woman's yearning for a home to care for and a mate to love. [She is silently crying.] Why, Helen, dear, what's the matter?
Helen
[hiding her emotion]
Oh, why can't they let me alone! They make what ought to be the holiest and most beautiful thing in life the most horrible and dishonest. They make me hate marriage—hate it!
[Unseen by Helen, the Butler steps out.
Theodore
[patting her shoulder]
Just you wait till the right one comes along.
Butler
[to Lucy]
Doctor Hamilton has come, ma'am.
Helen
[with an old-fashioned gasp]
Good heavens!
[And runs to the family.
Lucy
Show Doctor Hamilton out.
[The Butler goes.
Helen
A plot to entrap him! [Running to and fro wildly.] But it's no use! I'm going ... until he's gone!
[Helen runs into the garden.
Judge
Fighting hard, poor child.
Theodore
But what'll we do?
Judge
Don't worry—she can't stay away—the sweet thing!
John
Now listen, we must all jolly him up—he'll be shy in these surroundings.
Judge
Going to surrender, John?
John
What I am going to do requires finesse.
Lucy
[in a flutter, seeing Hamilton approach]
Oh, dear! how does one talk to highbrows?
Judge
Talk to him about himself! Highbrows, lowbrows, all men love it.
[Ernest Hamilton, discoverer of the Hamilton antitoxin, is a fine-looking fellow of about thirty-five, without the spectacles or absent-mindedness somehow expected of scientific genius. He talks little but very rapidly and sees everything. It does not occur to him to be shy or embarrassed "in these surroundings"—not because he is habituated to so much luxury, on three thousand a year, nor because he despises it; he likes it; but he likes other things even more. That is why he works for two thousand a year, instead of working for fat, fashionable fees in private practice.
John meets his distinguished guest at the door—effusively, yet with that smiling condescension which wealthy trustees sometimes show to "scientists, college professors, and that sort of thing."
John
Ah, Doctor Hamilton! Delighted to see you on my little farm at last. Out here I'm just a plain, old-fashioned farmer.
[Ernest glances about at the magnificence and smiles imperceptibly. He makes no audible replies to the glad welcome, but bows urbanely, master of himself and the situation.
Lucy
Doctor Hamilton! So good of you to come.
Theodore
How are you, Ernest? Glad to see you.
Lucy
I don't think you've met our uncle, Judge Grey.
Judge
[humorously adopting their manner]
Charmed! I've heard so much about you!—from my niece.
Lucy
[to Ernest's rescue, like a tactful hostess]
A cup of tea, Doctor Hamilton?
Ernest
[unperturbed by the reference to Helen]
Thanks.
John
[while Lucy makes tea. Trustee manner]
I have often desired to express my admiration of your heroism in the war against yellow fever in er—ah—Cuba, when you let an innocent-looking mosquito bite you——
Lucy
[nodding and poising sugar-tongs]
And then took notes on your symptoms till you became delirious!
Ernest
No sugar, thanks.
[He looks from one to another with considerable interest.
Judge
No drums to make you famous, no war correspondents to make you brave—I mean the other way round.
Ernest
[to Lucy poising cream pitcher]
No cream, please.
John
Senator Root says this one triumph alone saves twenty million dollars a year to the business interests of the United States! I call that true patriotism.
Ernest
[with a nod of assent to Lucy]
Lemon.
Theodore
[with sincerity]
General Wood says it saves more human lives a year than were lost in the whole Spanish War! I call it service.
Judge
Colonel Goethals says the Panama Canal could not have been built if it hadn't been for you self-sacrificing scientists. Not only that, but you have abolished forever from the United States a scourge which for more than a century had through periodic outbreaks spread terror, devastation, and death.
[A pause.
Ernest
[bored, but trying to hide it]
The ones who deserve your praise are the four who died to prove that theory.... [He smiles.] Of course, you all know their names.... [He looks at John, who looks at Judge, who looks at Lucy, who looks at Theodore. He takes up his cup.] Delicious tea.
Theodore
Ah, but they didn't do it for fame, for money—that's the beauty of the sacrifice.
Ernest
[with a smile]
Quite so.... That's what Congress told us when we suggested a pension for the widow of the first victim.
All
What! Did Congress refuse the pension?
Ernest
[finishes his tea]
They finally voted the sum of seventeen dollars a month for the widow and no less than two dollars a month extra for each of his children....
Lucy
Is that all?
Ernest
No.... We pestered Congress to death until, a few years ago, they replaced the pension with an annuity of one hundred and twenty-five dollars a month—though some of them said it was a very bad precedent to establish. [Returns cup to Lucy.] No more, thanks, delicious.
[And turns to admire the wide-sweeping view of the farm, hands in pockets.
John
[after a pause]
Well, I think our scientists might well be called philanthropists.
Ernest
Hardly! You see, every one knows the names of philanthropists.... Better let it go at "scientists."
Judge
He's right. Philanthropists don't give their lives, they give their names—have 'em carved in stone over their institutes and libraries.
[John approaches and joins his guest.
Ernest
Charming little farm you have here.
John
Doctor Hamilton, America kills its big men with routine. You are too valuable to the nation to lose—the trustees think you need a year abroad.
Ernest
That's strange, I came out here to suggest that very thing.... Somebody has been saying kind things about me in Paris. Just had a letter from the great Metchnikoff—wants me to come over and work in the Pasteur! Chance of a lifetime!... You didn't have to jolly me up to consent to that!
John
[pacing terrace with his guest, arm in arm]
By the by, my sister is rather keen on science.
Ernest
Best assistant I ever had. You can pile an awful lot of routine on a woman. The female of the species is more faithful than the male.... She's over there already. We can get right to work.
John
She'll be back before you start.
Ernest
[stops short]
I didn't know that.... Well, what is it?
[John hesitates, turns to the family, all watching with breathless interest.
Theodore
Don't you see, old chap, under the circumstances it would hardly do for her to go back to Paris with you.
Ernest
Why not?
Lucy
You're a man.
Ernest
[smiling]
You mean I'm dangerous?
Lucy
But she's a woman.
Judge
They mean she's dangerous.
John
My dear fellow, we are going to ask you quite frankly to decline to take her.
Ernest
[looks about at the circle of anxious faces. He wont let them read him]
So that's it, eh?... But it's the chance of a lifetime for her, too. She needs it more than I do. She's had so little chance to do original work.
John
But she's a woman.
Ernest
Just what has that to do with it?
John
Everything. We have the highest respect for you, Doctor Hamilton, but also ... one must respect the opinions of the world, you know.
Ernest
[thinks it over]
That's right. One must. I forgot to think of that.... It's curious, but when working with women of ability one learns to respect them so much that one quite loses the habit of insulting them. Too bad how new conditions spoil fine old customs.... Suppose you let her go and let me stay. I can find plenty to do here, I fancy.
John
I fear it would offend our generous benefactor, Mr. Baker. He has set his heart on your going abroad, meeting other big men, getting new ideas for our great humanitarian work. [The family exchange glances while John lies on.] Besides, my sister would only go to accommodate you. She particularly desires to stay here this winter. That's why she is returning so soon, you see.
Ernest
[believes it]
Oh, I see.... I'm sure I have no desire to drag her over with me.... [Smiles at himself.] I rather thought the opportunity to continue our experiments together ... but that's all right.
John
Then it's all settled—you agree to go alone?
Ernest
[a slight pause]
Yes, alone. It's quite settled.
John
How soon could you start?
Ernest
[absently]
How soon? Why, just as soon as I get some one to run my department.
John
Could my sister run it?
Ernest
[smiles]
Could she run it? It can't run without her! She's as systematic as [to Lucy]—as a good housekeeper.
John
[with a satisfied look at the others]
Then that's all fixed! She'll stay when I tell her that you want her to. Could you arrange to start at once?
Ernest
[hesitates]
By leaving here to-night, I could.
John
[with a triumphant look at the family]
Then I'll telephone for your passage—I have a pull with all the steamship lines. [Going.] Of course I hate to cut short your week-end, but I don't want to spoil any scientific careers.
[John hurries in to telephone. Ernest starts too, as if to stop him but restrains the impulse. He stands alone by the door gazing out over the landscape while Lucy, Theodore, and the Judge discuss him in low tones by the tea-table.
Lucy
Can't you see, you stupid men! He's crazy about her—but thinks there's no hope.
Theodore
When she finds he's leaving for a year ... she'll change her mind about marriage!
[Ernest comes back to earth and to the house-party.
Judge
[to Ernest, joining them]
Ahem! We were just discussing the marriage danger—I mean the marriage problem.
Ernest
[with a smile]
Go right on—don't mind me.
Theodore
[old-friend manner]
See here! When are you ever going to marry?
Ernest
[modern bachelor's laugh]
When am I ever going to get more than two thousand a year?
Theodore
Bah! what has money got to do with it! Just you wait till the right one comes along.
[Helen comes along, stealing up the steps from the garden on tiptoe with the grave, absorbed look of a hunter stalking game. She catches sight of the man she wants and stops short, as motionless as if frozen. But not so! Her lovely hands were poised; one of them now goes to her bosom and presses there. There is nothing icy about this New Woman now.
Ernest
[as unconscious of danger as a mountain-lion on an inaccessible height, smiles easily at his sentimental old friend Theodore]
How do you know "the right one" hasn't come already?
[Theodore catches sight of Helen. She shakes her head in silent pleading, taps a finger on her lips, and in a panic flees noiselessly across toward the door.
Theodore
[suppressing a laugh]
Then don't let her go by!
[Helen stops at the door and makes a face at Theodore.
Ernest
[affecting indifference]
Oh, I couldn't stop her, even if I wanted to.
Theodore
[turning to wink at Helen]
How do you know? Did you ever ask her?
Ernest
To marry me? Oh, no! She hasn't any money.
Theodore
[Helen is dumfounded]
Money! You wouldn't marry for money!
[Helen draws near to hear the answer.
Ernest
You don't suppose I'd marry a woman who hadn't any? Most selfish thing a poor man can do.
[Helen is interested.
Theodore
Oh, fiddlesticks! You modern young people—
Ernest
[interrupts]
Make her a sort of superior servant in an inferior home—not that girl!
[Helen is pleased.
Theodore
Feministic nonsense! The old-fashioned womanly woman——
Ernest
Sentimental twaddle! What makes it more "womanly" to do menial work for men than intellectual work with them?
[Helen delighted, applauds noiselessly.
Theodore
All the same, I'll bet you wouldn't let a little thing like that stand in your way if you really cared for a woman enough to marry her.
Ernest
[benign and secure]
But, as it happens, I don't. Nothing could induce me to marry.
[Helen raises her chin, her eyes glitter dangerously.
Theodore
So you are going to run away to Europe like a coward?
Ernest
[smiles patronizingly]
Theodore, you are such an incorrigible idealist! I have nothing to be afraid of—I simply do not care to marry!
Helen
That's just what I said!
[All turn and behold Helen.
Ernest
My heavens!
[He steps back like a coward.
Helen
But I agree with you perfectly. [She holds out her hand to him.] I was so afraid you believed in marriage.
[He rushes to her eagerly.
Judge
[as the lovers shake hands]
You wronged him. Apologize.
Ernest
Why—why—all this time, I thought you had the usual attitude.
Judge
Wronged her. Both apologize.
Helen
Why didn't you ever tell me you had such enlightened views?
Ernest
Why didn't you ever tell me?
Judge
Each understands the other now. Everything lovely!
Helen
Think of the discussions we might have had!
Judge
Not too late yet. Julia and I had discussions for a quarter of a century.
Helen
Don't think I had any hand in this. [Laughs.] I was going to warn you, but now—it is unnecessary now.
Ernest
Warn me? What do you mean?
Helen
Can't you see? It was all a plot! [Lucy draws near noiselessly.] A plot to entrap you in marriage! They had about given me up as a bad job. You were my last hope. They were going to throw me at your head. [Louder but without turning.] Weren't you, Lucy dear?
Lucy
[caught listening, turns abruptly to the others]
These New Women are utterly shameless.
Helen
[to Ernest]
These old-fashioned women are utterly shameless. After a decent interval, they will all with one accord make excuses to leave us here alone, so that I can—[she comes nearer] ensnare you! [Ernest laughs nervously.] Lucy is going to say—[imitates Lucy's sweet tones]: "If you'll excuse me, I always take forty winks before dressing." Dressing is the hardest work Lucy has to do. Cousin Theodore will find that he must write to his wife, and Uncle Everett will feel a yearning for the billiard room. [Ernest is nodding and chuckling.] They're hanging on longer than usual to-day, and I simply must have a talk with you.
Ernest
Our shop-talk would scandalize 'em!
Helen
Wait, I'll get rid of them!
[She sits and begins to make tea.
Ernest
I've had my tea, thanks.
Helen
Stupid! Sit down. [Indicates a chair close to hers. He takes it cautiously.] We'll have a little fun with them in a minute.
[She is busy now making tea.
Theodore
[to Lucy and the Judge apart]
You may be right, Uncle Everett, but upon my word it is the strangest courtship I ever witnessed.
Lucy
They ought to be spanked.
Judge
Don't worry, old Mother Nature will attend to that.
Lucy
Well, I may be old-fashioned, but——
Judge
[interrupting]
But this is merely a new fashion, my dear Lucy. Nature her ancient custom holds, let science say what it will.
Helen
[handing cup to Ernest with a glance at the others]
Now, then, be attentive to me. [He leans toward her rather shyly, abashed by her nearness. She makes eyes at him reproachfully.] Oh, can't you be more attentive than that? [She acts like a coquette and he looks into her beautiful eyes and while he is doing so she says with a fascinating drawl] Now tell me a-all about anterior poliomyelitis!
Ernest
[suddenly taken aback, he laughs]
Nothing doing since you left.
[And bends close to explain.
Lucy
If you'll excuse me, Doctor Hamilton, I always take forty winks before dressing. We dine at eight.
[Going, she signals to the others. Ernest and Helen exchange smiles.
Theodore
[laughing, to Lucy]
Ss't! Don't tell John what's going on! Keep him busy telephoning. [Lucy nods excitedly and almost runs to obey the Church.] Helen, if you and Ernest will excuse me, I really must write to Mary.
[Their shoulders are close together and they seem too absorbed to reply. Theodore smiles down upon them and signals the Judge to come along. The Judge, however, shakes his head but waves Theodore into the house. Uncle Everett looks at the lovers with quizzical interest. He draws near and eavesdrops shamelessly.
Helen
You oughtn't to have dropped the polio experiments.
Ernest
You oughtn't to have dropped me—right in the midst of the experiments. Those agar plates you were incubating dried up and spoiled. You played the very devil with my data.
Judge
God bless my soul! what are we coming to?
Helen
[without turning]
It's perfectly proper for your little ears, uncle, only you can't understand a word of it. Won't any one play billiards with you?
Judge
But I'm fascinated. It's so idyllic. Makes me feel young again.
Helen
[to Ernest]
Oh, you have plenty of men assistants who can estimate antitoxin units.
Ernest
Men assistants lose interest. They are all so confoundedly ambitious to do original work. Why is it women can stand day after day of monotonous detail better than men?
Helen
Because men always made them tend the home!
Judge
Ah, nothing like a good old-fashioned love scene—in the scientific spirit.
Helen
Uncle, dear! Can't you see that he is paying me wonderful compliments? Haven't you any tact? Go and play Canfield in the library.
Judge
[lighting cigar]
Very well, I'll leave you to your own devices—and may God, your God, have mercy on your scientific souls.
Helen
[with sudden animation and camaraderie, thinking they are alone]
Now I must tell you what Doctor Metchnikoff said about you and your future!
Judge
Sst! [Helen and Ernest turn.] My children—[Pause—raises his hand.] Don't forget the scientific spirit!
[The Judge saunters off into the garden, smoking.
Ernest
How did you ever meet Metchnikoff?
Helen
[chaffing]
I had worked under Hamilton! They all wanted to meet me.
Ernest
[with an unmistakable look]
U'm ... was that why? [Fleeing danger.] Didn't you let them know your part in that discovery? Why, if it hadn't been for you, I should never have stumbled upon the thing at all.
Helen
Oh, I know my place too well for that! Talk about artistic temperament, you scientists are worse than prima donnas.
Ernest
[takes printers' proofs out of pocket, hands them to her in silence]
Some proofs of a monograph I was correcting on the train. Mind hammering those loose sentences of mine into decent English? You can write—I can't.
Helen
[reading innocently]
"Recent Experiments in Anterior Poliomyelitis by Ernest Hamilton, M.D., Ph.D., and Helen"—what! why, you've put my name with yours!
[Much excited and delighted.
Ernest
Well, if you object—like a prima donna——
[Takes out pencil to mark on proof.
Helen
[snatching proofs away]
Object? Why, this makes my reputation in the scientific world.
Ernest
Well, didn't you make mine?
Helen
[still glowing with pride, but touched by his unexpected generosity]
You can't imagine what this means to me. It's so hard for a woman to get any recognition. Most men have but one use for us. If we get interested in anything but them it is "unwomanly"—they call it "a fad." But they've got to take me seriously now. My name with Ernest Hamilton's!
[Points to her name and swaggers back and forth.
Ernest
[bantering]
But then, you see, you are a very exceptional woman. Why, you have a mind like a man.
Helen
Like a man? [Coming close to him, tempting him.] If you had a mind like a woman you would know better than to say that to me!
[Re-enter Judge from garden. He smiles and glances at them. The lovers keep quiet as he crosses to the door. Then they look at each other and smile. Judge has gone into the house. It is nearly dark. The moon is rising.
Ernest
[raises eyebrows]
They all take for granted that I want to make love to you.
[Smiles but avoids her eyes.
Helen
[avoids his]
Well, you took for granted that I wanted you to!... You are about the most conceited man I ever knew.
Ernest
How can I help it when you admire me so?
Helen
I? Admire you?
Ernest
You're always telling me what great things I'm going to do—stimulating me, pushing me along. Why, after you left, everything went slump. Tell me, why did you leave? Was I rude to you? Did I hurt your feelings?
Helen
Not in the least. It was entirely out of respect for your feelings.
Ernest
My feelings? [Laughing.] Oh, I see. You got it into your head that I wanted to marry you!
Helen
Men sometimes do.
Ernest
[looks away]
I suppose they do.
Helen
It's been known to happen.
Ernest
Talk about conceit! Well, you needn't be afraid! I'll never ask you to marry me.
Helen
[turns and looks at him a moment]
You can't imagine what a weight this takes off my mind.
[She looks away and sighs.
Ernest
[enthusiastically]
Yes! I feel as if a veil between us had been lifted.
[He looks away and sighs too. Some one begins "Tristan and Isolde" on the piano within. The moon is up.
Helen
[after a pause]
Suppose we talk about—our work.
Ernest
Yes! Our work. Let's drop the other subject. Look at the moon!
[Music and the moonlight flooding them.
Helen
Seriously, you promise never to mention the subject again?
[She keeps her eyes averted.
Ernest
I promise.
[He keeps his eyes averted.
Helen
[turning to him with a sudden change to girlish enthusiasm]
Then I'll go to Paris with you!
Ernest
[recoils]
What's that?
Helen
Why, Doctor Metchnikoff—he promised me he would invite you.
Ernest
Yes, but—
Helen
Don't miss the chance of a lifetime!
Ernest
No, but you—you can't come!
Helen
[simply]
If you need me I can, and you just said——
Ernest
But you mustn't come to Paris with me!
Helen
Don't you want me with you?
Ernest
You are to stay at home and run the department for me.
Helen
[stepping back]
Don't you want me with you?
Ernest
[stepping forward, with his heart in voice]
Do I want you! [Stops.] But I am a man—you are a woman.
Helen
What of it? Are you one of those small men who care what people say? No! That's not your reason! [She sees that it is not.] What is it? You must tell me.
Ernest
[hesitates]
It's only for your sake.
Helen
[with feeling]
Think of all I've done for your sake. You wouldn't be going yourself but for me! I was the one to see you needed it, I proposed it to Metchnikoff—I urged him—made him ask you—for your sake! And now am I to be left at home like a child because you don't care to be embarrassed with me?
Ernest
Oh, please! This is so unfair. But I simply can't take you now.
Helen
[with growing scorn]
Oh! You are all alike. You pile work upon me until I nearly drop, you play upon my interest, my sympathy—you get all you can out of me—my youth, my strength, my best! And then, just as I, too, have a chance to arrive in my profession, you, of all men, throw me over! I hate men. I hate you!
Ernest
And I love you!
[They stare at each other in silence, the moonlight flooding Helen's face, the music coming clear.
Helen
[in an awed whisper, stepping back slowly]
I've done it! I've done it! I knew I'd do it!
Ernest
No. I did it. Forgive me. I had to do it.
Helen
Oh, and this spoils everything!
Ernest
[comes closer]
No! It glorifies everything! [He breaks loose.] I have loved you from the first day you came and looked up at me for orders. I didn't want you there; I didn't want any woman there. I tried to tire you out with overwork but couldn't. I tried to drive you out by rudeness, but you stayed. And that made me love you more. Oh, I love you! I love you! I love you!
Helen
Don't; oh, don't love me!
Ernest
[still closer]
Why, I never knew there could be women like you. I thought women were merely something to be wanted and worshipped, petted and patronized. But now—why, I love everything about you: your wonderful, brave eyes that face the naked facts of life and are not ashamed; those beautiful hands that toiled so long, so well, so close to mine and not afraid, not afraid!
Helen
You mustn't! I am afraid now! I made you say it. [Smiling and crying.] I have always wanted to make you say it. I have always sworn you shouldn't.
Ernest
[pained]
Because you cannot care enough?
Helen
Enough?... Too much.
Ernest
[overwhelmed]
You—love—me!
[He takes her in his arms, a silent embrace with only the bland blasé moon looking on.
Helen
It is because I love you that I didn't want you to say it—only I did. It is because I love you that I went abroad—to stay, only I couldn't! I couldn't stay away! [She holds his face in her hands.] Oh, do you know how I love you? No!... you're only a man!
Ernest
[kissing her rapturously]
Every day there in the laboratory, when you in your apron—that dear apron which I stole from your locker when you left me—when you asked for orders—did you know that I wanted to say: "Love me"! Every day when you took up your work, did you never guess that I wanted to take you up in my arms?
Helen
[smiling up into his face]
Why didn't you?
Ernest
Thank God I didn't! For while we worked there together I came to know you as few men ever know the women they desire. Woman can be more than sex, as man is more than sex. And all this makes man and woman not less but more overwhelmingly desirable and necessary to each other, and makes both things last—not for a few years, but forever!
[Sound of voices approaching from the garden. The lovers separate. It is Jean and Rex, Rex laughing, Jean dodging until caught and kissed.
Jean
No, no—it's time to dress.... Be good, Rex—don't!
[Without seeing Helen and Ernest, they disappear into the house. Helen is suddenly changed, as if awakened from a spell of enchantment.
Helen
What have we done! This is all moonlight and madness. To-morrow comes the clear light of day.
Ernest
Ah, but we'll love each other to-morrow!
Helen
But we cannot marry—then or any other to-morrow.
Ernest
Can't? What nonsense!
Helen
[shaking her head and restraining him]
I have slaved for you all these months—not because I wanted to win you from your work but to help you in it. And now—after all—shall I destroy you? No! No!
Ernest
I love you—you love me—nothing else matters.
Helen
Everything else matters. I'm not a little débutante to be persuaded that I am needed because I am wanted! I haven't played with you; I have worked with you, and I know! Think of Theodore! Think of Lucy! And now poor little Jean. Marry you? Never!
Ernest
You mean your career?
Helen
[with supreme scorn]
My career? No! yours—always yours!
Ernest
[with the same scorn and a snap of the fingers]
Then that for my career. I'll go back into private practice and make a million.
Helen
That's just what I said you'd do. Just what you must not do! Your work is needed by the world.
Ernest
[wooing]
You are my world and I need you.... But there is no love without marriage, no marriage without money.... We can take it or leave it. Can we leave it? No! I can't—you can't! Come! [She steps back slowly.] Why should we sacrifice the best! Come!
Helen
So this is what marriage means! Then I cannot marry you, Ernest!
Ernest
You cannot do without me, Helen! [Holds out his arms.] Come! You have been in my arms once. You and I can never forget that now. We can never go back now. It's all—or nothing now. Come! [She is struggling against her passion. He stands still, with arms held out.] I shall not woo you against your will, but you are coming to me! Because, by all the powers of earth and heaven, you are mine and I am yours! Come!
[Like a homing pigeon she darts into his arms with a gasp of joy. A rapturous embrace in silence with the moonlight streaming down upon them. The music has stopped.
John, dressed for dinner, strolls out upon the terrace. He stops abruptly upon discovering them. The lovers are too absorbed to be aware of his presence.