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If I Had A Father, a play by George MacDonald |
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Act 4 |
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_ ACT IV SCENE.--The Studio.
Col. G. Thank heaven! If Bill has found Mr. Warren now,--_Exit_. [Enter WARREN.] War. What can the fellow be up to? There's something odd about him--something I don't like--but it can't mean mischief when he sends for me. Where could Gervaise have picked him up?--Nobody here? [Re-enter COL. G. and hurries to him with outstretched hand.] Col. G. My dear sir! I am greatly obliged to you. This is very kind. War. (_stepping back_) Excuse me.--I do not understand. Col. G. I beg your pardon. I ought to have explained. War. I believe something of the sort _is_ necessary. Col. G. You are my master's friend. War. I should be proud of the honour. Can I be of any service to him? Col. G. I believe I can trust you. I _will_ trust you--I am his father. War. Whose father? Belzebub's? Col. G. Arthur's--your friend Gervaise's. I am Sir Walter Gervaise. You must help me to help him. [WARREN regards him for a moment.] War. (_stiffly_) Sir Walter, I owe your son much--you nothing yet. I am _his_ friend. Col. G. There is not a moment to lose. Listen. An old man came about the place a few weeks ago, looking for his daughter. He has been got out of the way, but I have learned where he is: I want you to bring him. War. I would serve your son blindfold: _you_ must excuse me if I wish to understand first. Col. G. Arthur is in trouble. He has a secret.--God forgive me!--I feared it was a bad one. War. You don't know him as I do! Col. G. I know him now--and can help him. Only I can't _prove_ anything yet. I must have the old man. I've found his daughter, and suspect the villain: if I can bring the three together, all will come out, sure enough. The boy I sent for you will take you to the father. He will trust you, and come. (_Bell rings_.) I must go to Arthur now. _Exit_. War. What a strange old fellow! An officer--and disguise himself! [Enter BILL.] Bill. Here you are, sir! War. No vast amount of information in that statement, my boy! Bill. Well, sir--here _I_ are, sir. War. That _is_ a trifle more to the point, though scarcely requiring mention. Bill. Then, here _we_ are, sir. War. That'll do--if you know what comes next? Bill. I do, sir. War. Go on, then. Bill. Here goes! Come along, sir. You'll have to take a bobby, though. War. We'll see about that. You go on. [Exeunt.] [Enter GERVAISE, followed by COL. G.] Ger. What a time you have been, William! Col. G. I'm sorry, sir. Did you want anything? Ger. No. But I don't like to be left. You are the only friend I have. Col. G. Thank you, sir. A man _must_ do his duty, but it's a comfort when his colonel takes notice of it. Ger. Is it _all_ from duty, William? Yet why should I look for more? There was a little girl I tried to do my duty by once--My head's rather queer still, William. Col. G. Is there nothing to be done, sir? Ger. No; it's here--(_putting his hand to his head_)--inside. Col. G. I meant about the little girl, sir.--I can keep dark as well as another.--When there's anything on a man's mind, sir--good _or_ bad--it's a relief to mention it. If you could trust me--(_A pause_.) Men _have_ trusted their servants and not repented it. Ger. No doubt--no doubt. But there is no help for me. Col. G. You cannot be sure of that, sir. Ger. You would help me if you could, I believe. Col. G. God knows I would, sir--to the last drop of my blood. Ger. That's saying much, William. A son couldn't say more--no, nor a father either. Col. G. Oh! yes, he could, sir. Ger. And mean it? Col. G. Yes. Ger. If I had a father, William, I would tell him all about it. I was but two years old when he left me. Col. G. Then you don't remember him, sir? Ger. I often dream about him, and then I seem to remember him. Col. G. What is he like, sir?--in your dreams, I mean. Ger. I never see him distinctly: I try hard sometimes, but it's no use. If he would but come home! I feel as if I could bear anything then.--But I'm talking like a girl! Col. G. Where is your father, sir? Ger. In India. Col. G. A soldier, sir? Ger. Yes. Colonel Gervaise--you must have heard of him. Sir Walter he is now. Col. G. I've heard of _him_, sir--away in the north parts he's been, mostly. Ger. Yes. How I wish he would come home! I would do everything to please him. I have it, William! I'll go to India. I did think of going to Garibaldi--but I won't--I'll go to India. I _must_ find my father. Will you go with me? Col. G. Willingly, sir. Ger. Is there any fighting there now? Col. G. Not at present, I believe. Ger. That's a pity. I would have listed in my father's regiment, and then--that is, by the time he found me out--he wouldn't be ashamed of me. I've done nothing yet. I'm nobody yet, and what could he do with a son that was nobody--a great man like him! A fine son _I_ should be! A son ought to be worthy of his father. Don't you think so, William? Col. G. That wouldn't be difficult, sir!--I mean with most fathers. Ger. Ah! but _mine_, you know, William!--Are you good at the cut and thrust? Col. G. Pretty good, sir, I believe. Ger. Then we'll have a bout or two. I've got rusty.--Have I said anything odd--or--or--I mean since I've been ill? Col. G. Nothing you need mind, sir. Ger. I'm glad of that.--I feel as if--(_putting his hand to his head_). William! what could you do for a man--if he was your friend?--no, I mean, if he was your enemy? Col. G. I daren't say, sir. Ger. Is the sun shining? Col. G. Yes, sir. It's a lovely day. Ger. What a desert the sky is!--so dreary and wide and waste!--Ah! if I might but creep into a hole in a tree, and feel it closing about me! How comfortable those toads must feel! Col. G. (_aside_). He's getting light-headed again! I must send for the doctor. _Exit_. Ger. But the tree would rot, and the walls grow thin, and the light come through. It is crumbling now! And I shall have to meet _her_! And then the wedding! Oh my God! (_Starts up and paces about the room_.)--It _is_ the only way! My pistols, I think--yes.--(_Goes to a table, finds his keys, and unlocks a case_.)--There they are! I may as well have a passport at hand! (_Loading one_.)--The delicate thunder-tube! (_Turns it over lovingly_.) Solitude and silence! One roar and then rest! No--no rest!--still the demon to fight! But no eyes to meet and brave!--Who is that in the street?--She is at the door--with him! [Enter COL. G. and seizes his arm.] Ger. (_with a cry_). You've killed my Psyche! (_Goes to the clay, and lifts the cloth_.) There's the bullet-hole through her heart! Col. G. It might have been worse, sir. Ger. Worse! I've killed her! See where she flies! She's gone! She's gone! (_Bursts into tears_. COL. G. _leads him to the couch_.) Thank you, William. I couldn't help it. _That_ man was with her. I meant it for myself. Col. G. Who did you say was with her? Ger. You mustn't heed what I say. I am mad. (_A knock. He starts up_.) Don't let them in, William. I shall rave if you do. [COL. G. catches up the pistols and exit hurriedly. GER. throws himself on the couch.] [Re-enter COL. G.] Col. G. (_aside_). He is in love with her! Everything proves it. My boy! My boy! Ger. Father! father!--Oh, William! I was dreaming, and took you for my father! I _must_ die, William--somehow. There must be some way out of this! The doors can't _all_ be locked. Col. G. There's generally a chance to be had, sir. There's always a right and a wrong fighting it out somewhere. There's Garibaldi in the field again! Die by the hand of an enemy--if you _will_ die, sir. Ger. (_smiling_) That I couldn't, William: the man that killed me would be my best friend.--Yes--Garibaldi!--I don't deserve it, though: he fights for his country; I should fight but for death. Only a man doesn't stop when he dies--does he, William? Col. G. I trust not, sir. But he may hope to be quieter--that is, if he dies honestly. It's grand for a soldier! He sweeps on the roaring billows of war into a soundless haven! Think of that, sir! Ger. Why, William! how you talk!--Yes! it would be grand! On the crest of the war-cataract--heading a cavalry charge!--Tomorrow, William. I shall be getting stronger all the way. We'll start to-morrow. Col. G. Where for, sir? Ger. For Italy--for Garibaldi. You'll go with me? Col. G. To the death, sir. Ger. Yes; that's it--that's where I'm going. But not to-day. Look at my arm: it wouldn't kill a rat!--You saved my life, but I'm not grateful. If I was dead, I might be watching her--out of the lovely silence!--My poor Psyche! Col. G. She's none the worse, sir. The pistol didn't go off. Ger. Ah!--She ought to have fallen to pieces--long ago! You've been seeking to keep her shroud wet. But it's no matter. Let her go. Earth to earth, and dust to dust!--the law of Nature--and Art too. [Exit into the house.] Col. G. (_following him_) I mustn't lose sight of him.--Here he comes again, thank God! [Catches up a coat, and begins brushing it.] [Re-enter GER.] Ger. I don't like to see you doing that. Col. G. Why shouldn't I serve my own--superior, sir? Anything's better than serving yourself. And that's what every one does who won't serve other people. Ger. You are right. And it's so cheap. Col. G. And so nasty! Ger. Right again, William!--Right indeed!--You're a gentleman! If there's anything I could help you in--anything gone wrong,--any friends offended--I'm not altogether without influence. Col. G. (_aside_) He will vanquish me with my own weapons! Ger. But you _will_ go to Garibaldi with me? Col. G. I will, sir. Ger. And ride by my side? Col. G. Of course. Ger. If you ride by me, you will have to ride far. Col. G. I know, sir. But if you would be fit for fighting, you must come and have something to eat and drink. Ger. All right. A soldier must obey: I shall begin by obeying you. Only mind you keep up with me. _Exit, leaning on_ COL. G. [Enter THOMAS.] Tho. Th' dule a mon be yere! Aw're main troubled to get shut ov they reyvers! Aw'm olez i' trouble! Mine's a gradely yed! it be!--Hoy!--Nobory yere! 'T seems to me, honest men be scarce i' Lonnon. Aw'm beawn to believe nobory but mo own heighes, and mo own oud lass. _Exit_. [Re-enter GERVAISE, followed by COL. G.] Ger. No, William; I won't lie down. I feel much better. Let's have a bout with the foils. Col. G. Very well, sir. (_Aside_.) A little of that will go far, I know. (_Gets down the foils_.) Ger. And, William, you must set a block up here. I shall have a cut or two at it to-morrow. There's a good cavalry weapon up there--next that cast of Davis's arm. Col. G. Suppose your father were to arrive just after you had started! Ger. I shouldn't mind. I don't want to see him yet. I'm such a poor creature! The heart seems to have gone out of me. You see, William-- [Enter MRS. CLIFFORD.] Ger. Ah! How do you do, aunt? Mrs. C. What's this nonsense about Garibaldi, Arthur? Ger. Who told you? Mrs. C. You don't mean it's true? Ger. Quite true, aunt. Mrs. C. Really, Arthur, you are more of a scatterbrain than I took you for! Ger. Don't say that, aunt. I only take after my father. Mrs. C. Don't talk to me of your father! I have no patience with him. A careless hard-hearted fellow--not worthy the name of a father! (_She glares at_ SIR WALTER.) Ger. You may go, William. (COL. G. _retires slowly_.) Ger. Aunt, you have been a mother to me; but were you really my mother, I must not listen to such words of my father. He has good reasons for what he does, though I admit there is something in it we don't understand. (_Aside_.) If I could but understand how Constance-- Mrs. C. What do you say? What was that about Constance? Ger. Oh, nothing, aunt. I was only thinking how difficult it is to understand people. Mrs. C. If you mean Constance, I agree with you. She is a most provoking girl. Ger. (_smiling_) I am sorry to hear that, aunt. Mrs. C. I'm very glad you were never so silly as take a fancy to the girl. She would have led you a pretty dance! If you saw how she treats that unfortunate Waterfield! But what's bred in the bone won't out of the flesh. Ger. There's nothing bred in her I would have out, aunt. Mrs. C. Perhaps she originated her vulgarity. That is a shade worse. Ger.. Vulgarity_, aunt! I cannot remember the meaning of the word when I think of _her_. Mrs. C. If you choose to insult me, Arthur-- [Exit.] Ger. It is high time I were gone! If I should be called in now to settle matters between--William! William!--William! [Enter COL. G.] Ger. To-morrow, William. Not a word. If you will go with me, I shall be glad. If you will not, I shall go without you. [Exit.] Col. G. Yes, sir.--I wish Warren were here with the old man. I don't know what to do till he comes. [Enter CONSTANCE.] Con. I thought my aunt was here, William. Col. G. No, miss. She was here, but she's gone again. Con. Could I see Mr. Gervaise for a moment? Col. G. Certainly, miss. I'll tell him. Con. Is he still determined on going, William? Col. G. Yes, miss;--to-morrow, he says. Con. To-morrow! Col. G. Yes, miss. I think he means to start for Dover in the morning. Con. What am I to do? Col. G. What's the matter, miss? Con. What _can_ I do? I know he is angry with me. I don't quite know why. I wish I had never--I can't help it now. My heart will break. (_Weeps_.) Col. G. Don't let him go to Dover to-morrow, miss. Con. He would have listened to me once. He won't now. It's all so different! Everything has gone wrong somehow. Col. G. Do try to keep him from going, miss. Con. He would but think me forward. I could bear anything better than have him think ill of me. Col. G. No fear of that, miss. The danger is all the other way. Con. What other way, William? Col. G. He thinks you don't care a bit about him. [Exit. CONSTANCE drops on the dais, nearly under the veiled Psyche.] [Enter GER. and stands a moment regarding her.] Ger. Constance. Con. (_starting up, and flying to him with her hands clasped_) Arthur! Arthur! don't go. I can't bear you to go. It's all my fault, but do forgive me! Oh, do, do--_dear_ Arthur! Don't go to-morrow. I shall be miserable if you do. Ger. But why, my--why, Constance? Con. I _was_ your Constance once. Ger. But why should I not go? Nobody wants me here. Con. Oh, Arthur! how can you be so cruel? Can it be that--? Do say something. If you won't say anything, how can I know what you are thinking--what you wish? Perhaps you don't like--I would--I have--I won't--Oh, Arthur! do say something. Ger. I have nothing to say, Constance. Con. Then I _have_ lost you--altogether! I dare say I deserve it. I hardly know. God help me! What can I have done so very wicked? Oh! why did you take me out of the streets? I should have been used to them by this time! They are terrible to me now. No, no, Arthur! I thank you--thank you--with my very soul! What might I not have been by this time! But I used to lie in that corner, and I daren't now! [Enter COL. G. behind.] It was a happy time, for I had not offended you then. Good-bye. Won't you say one word to me?--You will never see me again. [She pauses a moment; then exit weeping--by the back door, behind the Psyche. COL. G. follows her.] Ger. How _could_ she love that fellow? (_Looking up_.) Gone? gone! My Constance! My Psyche! I've driven her into the wild street! O my God! William! William! Constance! Which door? I won't go, Constance--I won't. I will do anything you ask me. What was that she said?--_Good-bye_! God in heaven!--William! you idiot! where are you? William! [He rushes out by the front door. Re-enter_ COL. G. _by the back door.] Col. G. It was lucky I met Bill! He's after her like the wind. That message will bring her back, I think. I could trust that boy with anything! But where is he? (_Enter_ THOMAS.) What, friend! here at last! Thank God! Just sit down a moment, will you? (_Peeps into the room off the study_.) He's not there! I heard him calling this moment! Perhaps he's in the house.--Did _you_ leave the door open, sir? Tho. Nay. Th' dur wur oppen. Aw seigh sombory run eawt as aw coom oop. Col. G. My boy! my boy! It will kill him!--Stop here till I come back. (Rushes out.) Tho. Aw connot stop. Aw'm tired enough, God knows, to stop anywheeres; mo yed goes reawnd and reawnd, an' aw'd fain lie mo deawn. But aw mun be gooin'. Nobory can tell what may be coomin to mo Mattie. Aw mun go look, go look! Ha! ha! they couldn't keep mo, owd mon as aw wur! But aw wish aw hed a word wi' th' mon first. [Enter WARREN.] War. (_aside_) This must be the old fellow himself! Here he is after all! (_Peeps into the room_.) Tho. Theer be nobory theer, sir. Th' maister's run eawt, and th' mon after him. War. Run out! Tho. Aw niver says what aw donnot mane. An' aw'm glad yo're theer, sir; for William he towd mo to stay till he coom back; but aw've not geet so mich time to spare; and so be's yo're a friend ov th' maister's, yo'll mebbe mind th' shop a smo' bit. Aw mun goo (_going_). War. I say, old man--your name's Thomas Pearson--ain't it? Tho. Yigh. Aw yer. But hea cooms to to knaw mo name? War. I know all about you. Tho. Ivvery body knaws ivvery body yere! Aw connot stur a fut fur folks as knaws mo, and knaws mo name, and knaws what aw be after. Lonnon is a dreedfu' plaze. Aw mun geet mo lass to whoam. Yo'll mind th' shop till th' maister cooms back. Good neet (_going_). War. (_stopping him_) They want you here a bit. You'd better stop. The man will be back directly. You're too suspicious. Tho. Nea, maister, thae'rt wrung theer. Aw've trusted too mich--a theawsand times too mich. War. You trusted the wrong people, then. Tho. It taks no mak o' a warlock to tell mo that, maister. It's smo' comfort, noather. War. Well now, you give me a turn, and hear what I've got to say. Tho. Yo're o' tarred wi' th' same stick. Ivvery body maks gam ov th' poor owd mon! Let me goo, maister. Aw want mo chylt, mo Mattie! War. You must wait till Mr. Gervaise's man comes back. Tho (_despairingly_) O Lord. Th' peack ov sunbrunt lies they ha' been tellin' me sin' aw coom yere!--childer an o'! War. Have patience, man. You won't repent it. Tho. What mun be, mun. Aw connot ha' patience, but aw con stop. Aw'd rayther goo, though. Aw'm noan sorry to rest noather. (_Sits down on the dais_.) [Enter BILL.] War. Here, boy! Don't let the old man go till some one comes. _Exit_. Bill. All right, sir! Hillo, daddy! There you are! Thank God! Tho. What fur, boy? Wull he gie mo mo Mattie again--dosto think? Bill. That he will, daddy! You come along, an' you'll know a honest boy next time.--I can't till I see Mr. William, though. Tho. Iv thae manes th' maister's mon yere, he's run eawt. An' aw connot goo witho. Aw'm keepin' th' shop till he coom back. An' aw dunnot mich care to goo witho. Aw dunnot mich trust tho. Th' Lord have a care ov mo! Aw dimnot knaw which to trust, and which not to trust. But aw _mun_ wait for maister William, as yo co' him. Bill. All right, daddy!--Don't you stir from here till I come back--not for nobody--no, not for Joseph! Tho. Aw dunnot knaw no Joseph. Bill. I'll soon let you see I'm a honest boy! As you can't go to Mattie, I'll bring Mattie to you: see if I don't! An' if she ain't the right un, I'll take her back, and charge ye nuffin for carriage. Can't say fairer than that, daddy! Tho. Bless tho, mo boy! Dosto mane it true? Bill. Yes--an' that you'll see, afore you're an 'alf an hour older, daddy. When Mr. William comes, you say to him, "Bill's been.--All right." Tho. Aw dunnot like secrets, lad. What don yo mane? Ivvery body seems to mane something, and nobory to say it. Bill. Never you mind, daddy! "Bill's been.--All right." That's your ticket. I'm off. _Exit_. [THOMAS gets up, and walks about, murmuring to himself. A knock at the door.] Tho. Somebory after mo again! Aw'll geet eawt ov th' way. (_Goes behind the Psyche_.) [Enter WATERFIELD.] Wat. Nobody here! I _am_ unlucky. "Not at home," said the rascal,--and grinned, by Jove! I'll be at the bottom of this. There's no harm in Gervaise. He's a decent fellow. (_Knocks at the door of_ GER.'S _room_.) I won't leave the place till I've set things right--not if I've got to give him a post-obit for five thousand--I won't!--Nobody there? (_Looks in_.) No. Then I'll go in and wait. _Exit_. Tho (_peeping from behind the Psyche_). That's the villain! Lord o' mercy! that's the villain! If aw're as strung as aw'm owd, aw'd scrunch his yed--aw would! Aw'm sure it's th' mon. He kep eawt ov mo way--but aw seigh him once. O Lord, keep mo hands off ov him. Aw met kill him. Aw'm sartin sure ov him when aw see him. Aw'll not goo nigh him till somebory cooms--cep' he roons away. Aw'm noan fleyed ov him, but aw met not be able to keep mo howd ov him. Oh, mo Mattie! mo Mattie! to leave thi owd faither for sich a mak ov a mon as yon! But yere cooms somebory moor. (_Goes behind the Psyche_.) [Enter MRS. CLIFFORD.] Mrs. C. No one here? She can never be in his room with him! (_Opens the door_.) Oh! Mr. Waterfield! You're here--are you? Wat. (_coming to the door_). Mrs. Clifford! This is indeed an unexpected pleasure! Mrs. C. Have you got Constance with you there? Wat. I've no such good fortune. Mrs. C. Where is she, then? Wat. At home, I presume. Mrs. C. Indeed she is not. I must speak to Arthur. Wat. He's not here. Mrs. C. Where's my--his man, then? Wat. Taken himself off to the public-house, I suppose. There's nobody about. Odd--ain't it? Mrs. C. I'll go and see. _Exit into the house_. Wat. What can be the row! there is some row. _Exit into the room_. [Enter GER., supported by COL. G.] Col. G. Thank God! Thank God! Ger. But where is she? I shall go mad if you've told me a lie. Col. G. I saw her, and sent a messenger after her. We shall have news of her presently. Do have a little patience, sir. _Get._ How can I have patience? I'm a brute--a mean, selfish devil! If that fellow Waterfield was to horse-whip me--I should let him. Tho (_coming forward_). Theer wur that yung chap yere a while agoo, and he said aw wur to say to Maister William--what wur it aw're to say?--Yigh--it wur--"Bill's been. O'reet." Col. G. There, sir! I told you so. Do sit down. I'll go after her. Ger. I will. I will. Only make haste. (_Stands staring at the Psyche_.) Tho. Th' boy said he'd be yere direckly. Col. G. You sit down. I'll be with you presently. Tho (_retiring behind the Psyche_). Aw're noan likely to goo, maister. [Enter MRS. C. Crosses to room door. Enter WATERFIELD. They talk.] Ger. William! I don't want them. (_Retreats towards the Psyche_.) Col. G. Sit here one moment, sir. (_Leads him to the dais. Advances to_ MRS. C.) Mrs. C. (_trying to pass him_). Arthur, what can--? Col. G. (_intercepting her_). Let him rest a bit, ma'am, if you please. He's been out for the first time. Mrs. C. At night! and in a fog! A pretty nurse you are! Poor boy! Col. G. Mr. Waterfield, sir, would you mind stepping into the room again for a moment? (_Exit_ WAT.) Mrs. Clifford, ma'am, would you please get a glass of wine for master? _Exit_ MRS. C. _into the house_. Ger. William! William! Col. G. Yes, sir. Ger. Send him away. Don't let him stop there. I have nothing to say to him. Col. G. He shan't trouble you, sir. I'll take care of that. (_Goes behind the Psyche to_ THOMAS, _but keeps watching the door of the room_.)--Did you see the man that went in there just now? Tho (_with anxiety_). He winnot joomp eawt ov th' window, dosto thenk, lad? [Re-enter MRS. C. with wine. GER. drinks.] Col. G. Why should he do that? Do you know anything about him? Tho. Aw do. Col. G. Has he seen you here? Tho. No. Aw're afeard he'd roon away, and aw keepet snoog. Col. G. I needn't ask who it is, then? Tho. Yo needn't, lad. [Enter_ WATERFIELD.] Tho. Mo conscience! he'll pike eawt afoor aw geet howd on him! (_Rushes out and seizes_ WAT.) [Enter MATTIE and BILL.] Tho. Thae'rt a domned villain! Wheer's mo Mattie? [WATERFIELD knocks THOMAS down.] Bill. O Lord! the swell's murdered old daddy! [All but_ GER. rush together. COLONEL GERVAISE seizes WATERFIELD. MATTIE throws herself on her knees beside THOMAS and lifts his head.] Mat. Father! father! Look at me! It's Mattie!--your own wicked Mattie! Look at her once, lather dear! (_Lays down his head in despair, and rises_.) Who struck the good old man? Bill. He did--the swell as give me the gold sov. Mat. Mr. Watkins!-- Wat. I haven't the honour of the gentleman's acquaintance. I'm not Mr. Watkins. Am I now? (_to_ COL. G.). Ha! ha!--Let go, I say. I'm not the man. It's all a mistake, you see. Col. G. In good time. I might make a worse. Watkins mayn't be your name, but Watkins is your nature. Wat. Damn your insolence! Let rue go, I tell you! (_Struggles threatening_.) Col. G. Gently, gently, young man!--If I give your neckcloth a twist now--! Mat. Yes, there _is_ a mistake--and a sad one for me! A wretch that would strike an old man! Indeed you are not what I took you for. Wat. You hear the young woman! She says it's all a mistake.--My good girl, I'm sorry for the old gentleman; but he oughtn't to behave like a ruffian. Really, now, you know, a fellow can't stand that sort of thing! A downright assault! I'm sorry I struck him, though--devilish sorry! I'll pay the damage with pleasure. (_Puts his hand in his pocket_.) Mat. (_turning away_) And not a gentleman! (_Kneels by_ THOMAS _and weeps_.) Tho (_feebly_.) Dunnot greight, Mattie, mo chylt. Aw'm o' reet. Let th' mon goo. What's _he_ to tho or mo?--By th' mass! aw'm strung enough to lick him yet (_trying to rise, but falling back_). Eigh! eigh! mo owd boans 'ud rayther not. It's noan blame sure to an owd mon to fo' tired o' feightin! Mat. (_taking' his head on her lap_). Father! father! forgive me! I'm all yours.--I'll go home with you, and work for you till I drop. O father! how could I leave you for him? I don't care one bit for him now--I don't indeed. You'll forgive me--won't you, father? (_Sobs_.) Tho. Aw wull, aw do, mo Mattie. Coom whoam--coom whoam. Mat. Will mother forgive me, father? Tho. Thi mother, chylt? Hoo's forgiven tho lung afoor--ivver so lung agoo, chylt! Thi mother may talk leawd, but her heart is as soft as parritch.--Thae knows it, Mattie. Wat. All this is very interesting,--only you see it's the wrong man, and I can't say he enjoys it. Take your hand off my collar--will you? I'm not the man, I tell you! Bill. All I says is--it's the same swell as guv me the skid to find her. I'll kiss the book on that! Ger. (_coming forward_). Mr. Waterfield, on your honour, do you know this girl? Wat. Come! you ain't goin' to put me to my catechism! Ger. You must allow appearances are against you. Wat. Damn your appearances! What do I care? Ger. If you will not answer my question, I must beg you to leave the place. Wat. My own desire! Will you oblige me by ordering this bull-dog of yours to take his paws off me? What the devil is he keeping me here for? Col. G. I've a great mind to give you in charge. Wat. The old codger assaulted me first. Col. G. True; but the whole affair would come to light. That's what I would have. Miss Pearson, what am I to do with this man? [Enter SUSAN at the back door. Behind her, CONSTANCE peeps in.] Mat. Let him go.--Father! Father! (Kisses him.) Sus. That can never be Mattie's gentleman, sure-ly! Hm! I don't think much of _him_. I knew he had ugly eyes! I told you so, Mattie! I wouldn't break my heart for _him_--no, nor for twenty of him--I wouldn't! He looks like a drowned cat. Wat. What the devil have _you_ got to do with it? Sus. Nothing. You shut up. Wat. Well, I'm damned if I know whether I'm on my head or my heels. Sus. 'Tain't no count which. Bill (_aside to_ COL. G.). She's at the back door, Mr. William. Col. G. Who is, Bill? Miss Lacordère? Bill. Right you air! [COL. G. hastens to the door. CON. peeps in and draws lack. COL. G. follows her. WATERFIELD approaches MATTIE.] Wat. Miss Pearson, if that's-- Mat. I don't know you--don't even know your name. Wat. (_looking round_). You hear her say it! She don't know me! Mat. Could_ you try and rise, father? I want to get out of this. There's a lady here says I'm a thief! Tho. Nea, that she connot say, Mattie! Thae cooms ov honest folk. Aw'll geet oop direckly. (_Attempts to rise_.) Eigh! eigh! aw connot! aw connot! Mrs. C. If I have been unjust to you, Miss Pearson, I shall not fail to make amends. Sus. It's time you did then, ma'am. You've murdered her, and all but murdered me. That's how your little bill stands. Ger. (_to_ WAT.) Leave the place, Mr. Waterfield. Wat. You shall answer for this, Gervaise. Ger. Leave the study at once. Wat. Tut! tut! I'll make it up to them. A bank note's a good plaster. Bill. Pleasir, shall I run and fetch a bobby? I likes to see a swell wanted. Ger. You hold your tongue. (_Retires to the dais and sits down._ MRS. C. _follows him_.) Wat. (_taking out his pocket-book, and approaching_ MATTIE). I didn't think you'd have served me so, Mattie! Indeed I didn't! It's not kind after what's been between you and me. (MATTIE _rises and stands staring at him_.) You've ruined my prospects--you have! But I don't want to bear malice: take that.--Old times, you know!--Take it. You're welcome. (_Forces the note on her. She steps back. It drops_.) Mat. This is a humiliation! Will nobody take him away? Sus. (_rushing at him_). You be off! An' them goggle eyes o' yours, or _I_'ll goggle 'em! I can't bear the sight on 'em. _I_ should never ha' taken you for a gentleman. You don't look it. You slope, I say! (_Hustles him_.) [WATERFIELD picks up the note, and exit.] Mat. (_bursting into tears_) Father! father! don't hate me; don't despise me. [THOMAS tries to get up, but falls back.] Bill. Don't be in no hurry, Daddy. There's none but friends here now--'cep' the old lady;--she do look glum. Sus. I'll soon settle her hash! Mat. Susie! Susie! Don't--there's a dear! Sus. What business has she here then! She's not a doin' of nothink. Mat. Don't you see she's looking after the poor gentleman there? Ger. William!--William!--Gone again! What a fellow he is! The best servant in the world, but always vanishing! Call your James--will you, aunt? We must have the old man put to bed. But the poor girl looks the worse of the two! She can have the spare room, and William can sleep on the sofa in mine. Mrs. C. I'll see to it. [Exit. GER. _goes towards_ THOMAS.] Tho. Coom whoam--coom whoam, Mattie! Thi mother, hoo's cryin' her eighes eawt to whoam. Mat. I'll run for a doctor first, father. Tho. No, no, chylt! Aw're only a bit stonned, like. Aw'll be o' reet in a smo' bit. Aw dunnot want no doctor. Aw'm a coomin' reawnd. Ger. Neither of you shall stir to-night. Your rooms will be ready in a few minutes. Mat. Thank you, sir! I don't know what I should have done with him.--Susan, you wouldn't mind going home without me? You know Miss Lacordère-- Ger. Miss Lacordère! What do you know of her? Mat. Oh, dear! Oh, dear! I oughtn't to have mentioned her. But my poor head!-- Ger. What of Miss Lacordère? For God's sake, tell me. [Enter_ MRS. C. with JAMES.] Sus. Oh, nothing, sir! nothing at all! Only Miss Lacordère has been good to us--which it's more than can be said for everybody! (_Scowls at_ MRS. C. JAMES _proceeds to lift_ THOMAS. _She flies at him_.) Put the old gentleman down, you sneakin' reptile! How many doors have you been a hearkenin' at since mornin'--eh, putty-lump? You touch the old man again, and I'll mark you! Here, Bill! I'll take his head--you take his feet. We'll carry him between us like a feather. Mat. O Susan! do hold your tongue. Sus. It's my only weapon, my dear. If I was a man--see if I'd talk then. James. It's a providence you ain't a man, young woman! Sus. Right you are! Them's my werry motives. I ain't a makin' of no complaint on that score, young Plush! I wouldn't be a man for--no, not for--not even for sich a pair o' calves as yourn! [SUS. and BILL carry THO. out. MAT. follows. GER. is going after them.] Mrs. C. Don't you go, Arthur. They can manage quite well. I will go if you like. Ger. They know something about Constance. Mrs. C. Pray give yourself no anxiety about her. Ger. What do you mean, aunt? Mrs. C. I will be responsible for her. Ger. Where is she then? (_Exit_ MRS. C.) William!--If he doesn't come in one minute more, I'll go after her myself. Those girls know where she is. I am as strong as a giant.--O God! All but married to that infamous fellow!--That he should ever have touched the tip of one of her fingers! What a sunrise of hope! Psyche may yet fold her wings to my prayer! William! William!--Where _can_ the fellow be? [Enter COL. G. in uniform and star, leading CONSTANCE.] Ger. (_hurrying to meet them_). Constance! Constance! forgive me. Oh my God! You will when you know all. Col. G. She knows enough for that already, my boy, or she wouldn't be here. Take her--and me for her sake. Ger. What! who--? Constance!--What does it all mean?--It must be--can it be--my father?--William--It _is_ William!--William my father!--O father! father! (_throwing his arms about him_) it _was_ you all the time then! Col. G. My boy! my boy! There!--take Constance, and let me go. I did want to do something for you--but--There! I'm too much ashamed to look at you in my own person. Ger. (_kneeling_). Father! father! don't talk like that! O father! _my_ father! Col. G. (_raising him_). My boy! my boy! I wanted to do something for you--tried hard--and was foiled.--I doubly deserved it. I doubted as well as neglected you. But God is good. He has shamed me, and saved you. Ger. By your hand, father. Col. G. No--by his own. It would all have come right without me. I was unworthy of the honour, my boy. But I was allowed to try; and for that I am grateful.--Arthur, I come to you empty-handed--a beggar for your love. Ger. How dare you say that, father?--Empty-handed--bringing me her and your-self--all I ever longed for!--my father and my Psyche! Father, _thank_ you. The poor word must do its best. I thank you with my very soul.--How _shall_ I bear my happiness!--Constance, it was my father all the time! Did you know it? Serving me like a slave!--humouring all my whims!--watching me night and day!--and then bringing me-- Con. Your own little girl, Arthur. But why did you not tell me? Ger. Tell you what, darling? Con. That--that--that you--Oh! you know what, Arthur! Ger. How could I, my child, with that--!--Shall I tell you now? Con. No, no! I am too happy to listen--even to you, Arthur! But _he_ should never have--I did find him out at last. If I had but known you did not like him! (_hiding her face_.) Ger. (_embracing his father_) Father! father! I cannot hold my happiness! And it is _all_ your doing! Col. G. No, I tell you, my boy! I was but a straw on the tide of things. I will serve you yet though. I will be your father yet. Bill (_aside_). Fathers ain't _all_ bad coves! Here's two on 'em--good sort of old Jacobs--both on 'em. Shouldn't mind much if I had a father o' my own arter all! [GERVAISE turns to CONSTANCE--then glances at the Psyche. COL. GERVAISE removes the sheet. GERVAISE leads CONSTANCE to the chair on the dais--turns from her to the Psyche, and begins to work on the clay, glancing from the one to the other--the next moment leaves the Psyche, and seats himself on the dais at CONSTANCE'S feet, looking up in her face. COL. GERVAISE stands regarding them fixedly. Slow distant music. BILL is stealing away.]
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