Roses: Four One-Act Plays Part 26

Yes, mother, dear.

Frau Mulbridge.

Go get a pair of lace curtains to hang over the mirrors.

Daisy.

Yes, mother, dear. (_She does not stir._)

Frau Mulbridge.

Daisy! You're not listening.

Daisy.

Yes I am, mother, dear. You asked me to-- (_Falters._)

Frau Mulbridge.

I asked you to fetch a pair of lace curtains.

Daisy.

Yes, mother, dear. (_Goes out, left._)

Frau Mulbridge.

Now that the child isn't here--tell me, Herr Kellermann, do you know anything about the cause of the duel? We're all groping in the dark here at the house.

Kellermann.

Well, they're saying all sorts of things. But the dead are my friends.

I never say anything against them. It's a business principle with me.

Frau Mulbridge.

Yes--but the man who shot him, is he still walking around free as air?

Kellermann.

Yes, that's the way with these fine folks. They fall upon one another like highwaymen. Your honour or your life! The man who survives can laugh. The man who falls--well, he falls into my arms. But, see here, getting into a duel with that fellow, that Baron Renoir--why it was nothing short of suicide! I tell you, where that man goes, no gra.s.s grows! On the turf, at the card-table, with the women--always the same story. That man shot him down like a rabbit. Oh, of course, it's always a fine thing to lay down your life for a woman. That's a phrase that----

Frau Mulbridge.

Do you really think that a woman----?

Kellermann.

s.h.!.+ Here comes your little girl. (Daisy _enters with two vases, which she is carrying very carefully._)

Frau Mulbridge.

What's that you're bringing?

Daisy.

I stopped and filled them first.

Frau Mulbridge.

But you were to get a pair of lace curtains!

Daisy.

Oh, forgive me, mother, dear. I thought you said vases. I'll go (_Exit with the vases._)

Frau Mulbridge.

I don't know what's come over the child! Why, she's been such a help these days--thought of everything, wanted to do everything herself.

Kellermann.

A nice little girl--how old is she?

Frau Mulbridge.

Seventeen, her last birthday.

Kellermann.

Is she at school?

Frau Mulbridge.

She's been going to the Art Inst.i.tute. She wants to teach drawing.

Kellermann.

I suppose the captain thought a lot of her?

Frau Mulbridge.

Oh, dear me, yes. She was always around him from the time that she was a mere child. They used to play together out in the yard like two little kittens! Of course, when she grew older, that sort of thing stopped. But lately, when he seemed so worried, I----

Kellermann.

So he seemed worried, did he?

Frau Mulbridge.