SECOND ANNIVERARY—1894.
Same Scene and Time. Mrs. RIVENLUTE discovered alone.
Mrs. R. He might at least have made some allusion to the day—it would have been only decent! He can't possibly have forgotten! I don't know, though, very likely he has.... Well, I'm not going to remind him! I suppose he means to stay downstairs, smoking, as usual, all the evening. Oh, if I could only make him ashamed of himself just once!... I know! Uncle JOHN'S phonograph! He can't help hearing that. (She winds it up, as JACK R. enters, yawning.) Dear me, this is an unexpected honour. (Softening slightly.) Have you come up to keep me company—for once?
Jack. Well, to tell you the truth, my dear, I fancy I left the evening paper here. An, there it is.
[He seizes it, and prepares to go.
Mrs. R. You can read it here, if you like, you know—I don't mind your smoking.
Jack. Thanks—but it's cosier in the study.
Mrs. R. Of course I know that any place where I don't happen to be is cosier in your opinion.
Jack. Oh, hang it, don't begin all that again—there, I'll stay! (He chooses a comfortable chair.) What the doose is that?
[The phonograph has begun to buzz and hum.
Mrs. R. Hush!—it's Uncle JOHN'S present.
[The "Wedding March" strikes up with a deafening blare.
Jack (startled). Bless my soul! I thought something had blown up. "Hallelujah Chorus," is it—or what?
Mrs. R. (coldly). As it happens, it is MENDELSSOHN'S "Wedding March."
Jack. Sounded familiar somehow. 'Jove! MENDELSSOHN was determined to let 'em know he was married!
Mrs. R. That was intended to let people know we were married. It is our Wedding March.
Jack. Ours? You said it was MENDELSSOHN'S just now! But what are you turning it on now, for?
Mrs. R. Do you remember what day this is, by any chance?
Jack. Haven't an idea. Isn't there a calendar on your writing-table?—that ought to tell you, if you want to know.
Mrs. R. Thank you, I don't require a calendar. To-day is the twenty-third—the day you and I were married. [Sighs.
Jack. 'Pon my word I believe you're right. The twenty-third—so it is! [He becomes silent.
Mrs. R. (to herself, as the "Wedding March" continues jubilantly). He is ashamed of himself. I knew he would be—only he doesn't quite know how to tell me so; he will presently.... I wish I could see his face.... If he is only sorry enough, I think I shall forgive him. JACK! (Softly.) JACK dear! (A prolonged snore from the arm-chair. She goes to him and touches his arm.) You had better go down-stairs and have your cigar, hadn't you? It may keep you awake! (Bitterly.)
Jack (opening his eyes). Eh?—oh! Well, if you're sure you don't mind being alone, I rather think I will.
Mrs. R. I should infinitely prefer being alone—I am so used to it.
[Exit JACK, as the "Wedding March" comes to a triumphant conclusion.