The Flutter of the Goldleaf; and Other Plays Part 19

_Shun_

What have you heard? What has Makuro said to you?

_Wong Fe_

What should he say but that the cakes were good, and the tea had the flavor of the fields of Hunan?

_Shun_

We must join our friends. Where do they wait?

_Wong Fe_

They listen for the boat that will stop at the foot of the orchard. Why do they go? Old friends should not be so brief in greeting. Could they not stay one night?

_Shun_

No--no. (_Sits down_.) They must go.

_Wong Fe_ (_laying her hand on his shoulder_)

What voice dost thou hear, and wilt not answer?

_Shun_

Nothing--nothing.

_Wong Fe_

You will not long be deaf between the beating of our two hearts. You will hear and go. That is why I long for the death-fairy to come in my hour of happiness. You have joined with strong men to lift a heavy yoke from the world. My smiles cannot feed your spirit. Go with your friends.

Let the whistle of the boat part us.

_Shun_

The ca.s.sia-tree may draw itself from earth, and walk on feet of roots through the world, but I cannot divide my days from yours, for you are myself, Wong Fe.

_Wong Fe_ (_resigned_)

I believe you, my lord. We shall not part. But what joy it would be to die now in your presence, while the love-cup is full! Oh, I could not meet death alone! You know the poor ghost in the song who died in the absence of her lover? She is always pleading to be allowed to die again when his arms may be around her. So would my ghost go wailing if I lost your kiss in death. (_Touches his cheek_.) Is that a tear, Yu Tai Shun?

I torture you because I am so happy! You shall laugh, my prince! I know a new game we shall play. Little So Siu taught it to me to-day. She says it is an American game. We call it "Guess behind you!" You turn your back--like that--and you must tell me what I am doing. When you miss three times, then I shall tell you what you must pay. Now--what is it I do?

_Shun_

You throw me a kiss.

_Wong Fe_

So I do! And now, my soul's light?

(_Takes stiletto from her sleeve. The whistle of the boat is heard.

He turns. She hides stiletto._)

_Shun_

Our friends are going.

_Wong Fe_

But wait--there is time. You must guess once more! Oh, you are slow as ten turns of a river! There!

(_Turns his head with her hands, then s.n.a.t.c.hes the stiletto, stabs herself and falls. He turns, kneels dazedly, and takes her in his arms as she dies._ CHING _and_ MAKURO _enter._)

_Ching_

The boat-- (_Stops in consternation._)

_Makuro_ (_softly_)

Master, I did not ask this price.

_Shun_ (_rising_)

It is paid.

(CURTAIN)

EVERYCHILD

A PLAY OR PAGEANT

BY

FREDERICK PETERSON

AND

OLIVE TILFORD DARGAN

DRAMATIS PERSONae