Five Little Plays Part 23

HARVEY. Go on.

MRS. WESTERN. All those things you've said about me--[_With a shrug._]

Well, what's the use? I suppose we're like most married people when they come to our age. I've interests of my own, that don't appeal to you--

HARVEY. Blue-books and Committees!

MRS. WESTERN. I do useful work--oh yes, you may sneer--you always have sneered! If a woman tries to do something sensible with her life, instead of cuddling and kissing you all day, she's cold and cruel. We've drifted apart--well, your fault as much as mine. More, perhaps--but it's no good going into that--no good making reproaches. That's how things are--we must make the best of them. Wait, let me finish. About this girl. Granted that what you say is true--and I'm inclined to believe it--

HARVEY. [_Genuinely grateful._] At least thank you for that!

MRS. WESTERN. Or at any rate it's better policy to believe it, for every one's sake--

HARVEY. [_Bitterly._] That's right--that's more like you!

MRS. WESTERN. We gain nothing by abusing each other. And I didn't interrupt _you._ Let's look facts in the face. Here we are, we two--tied.

HARVEY. [_With a groan._] Yes.

MRS. WESTERN. With our two children. If it weren't for them.... Well, we've _got_ to remain together. Now there's this girl. It's quite evident, after what you've said, that she can't stop here--

HARVEY. [_Jumping to his feet._] She shall!

MRS. WESTERN. [_Fretfully._] Oh, do be a man, and drop this mawkish sentiment! You say she's fond of you--you've _made_ her fond of you. Was this a very pretty thing--for a man of your age to do?

HARVEY. [_Sullenly, as he drops back into his chair._] Never mind my age.

MRS. WESTERN. Very well then--for a married man?

HARVEY. An unhappy man.

MRS. WESTERN. Even granting that--though if you're unhappy it's your own fault--I've always been urging you to go on the County Council--What's to become of the girl, if she stops here?

HARVEY. [_Desperately._] I don't know--but I can't let her go--I tell you I can't!

MRS. WESTERN. [_Scarcely able to conceal her disgust._] Oh, if you knew how painful it is to hear you whining like this! It's pitiable, really! In the girl's own interest--how can she stop?

HARVEY. She must. I can't let her be turned out. It would break her heart.

MRS. WESTERN. [_Turning right round, and staring at him._] What?

HARVEY. [_Doggedly._] Yes--it would. She's very fond of me, that's the truth. I know that I've been to blame--but it's too late for that now.

She's romantic, of course--what you'd call sentimental. I dare say I've played on her feelings--she saw I was lonely. She has a side that you've never suspected--a tender, sensitive side--she has ideals.... Well, do you realise what it would mean, with a girl like that? No one knows her as I do. I'm quite startled sometimes, to find how fond she is of me. Oh, have some sympathy! It's difficult, I know--it's terribly difficult. But she loves me--that's the truth--and a young girl's love--why, she might throw herself into the river! Oh yes, you smile--but she might! What do _you_ know of life, with your Blue-books? Anyhow, I daren't risk it.

By-and-by--there's no hurry, is there? And I put it to you--be merciful!

You're not the ordinary woman--you have a brain--you're not conventional.

Don't act like the others. Don't drive this girl out of the house. It would end in tragedy. Believe it!

MRS. WESTERN. You can't really expect me to keep a girl here, as governess to my children, who, as you say, is in love with you.

HARVEY. [_Pleading._] I expect you--I'm asking you--to help her--and me.

MRS. WESTERN. [_Shaking her head._] That's too much. We won't turn her out to-night--I'll give her a reference, and all that--

HARVEY. [_Springing to his feet again._] Alice, I can't let her go!

MRS. WESTERN. [_Conciliatorily._] Ask Tom, ask any one--

HARVEY. [_More and more pa.s.sionately._] I tell you, I can't let her go!

MRS. WESTERN. Be sensible, Harvey--you must realise yourself there's no alternative--

HARVEY. [_With a violent and uncontrollable outburst._] I vow and declare to you--if she goes, I go too! And the consequences will be on your head!

[MRS. WESTERN _has also risen--they stand face to face, looking at each other--and for a moment there is silence. The door opens, and_ MISS FARREN _comes in, dressed as before. She walks straight to_ MRS. WESTERN.

MISS FARREN. Mrs. Western, my things are packed, and on the cab--

HARVEY. [_Wildly._] My poor child, you're _not_ to go--I told you.

MISS FARREN. [_With a demure glance at him, stopping him as he is moving towards her._] Of course I must--I can't stay here--that's not possible.

My sister will take me in for to-night.

MRS. WESTERN. Miss Farren, my husband has explained to me--I withdraw all--

MISS FARREN. [_Carelessly._] Oh, that's all right--though thank you all the same. And it really doesn't matter much. I was going to give notice to-morrow anyway--

HARVEY. [_Starting violently._] What!

MISS FARREN. Well, I put it off as long as I could, Mr. Western, because ... But the fact is I'm going on the stage--musical comedy--

HARVEY. [_Breathless, staggering back._] You--are--going--

MISS FARREN. I've accepted an engagement--oh, I'm only to be a show-girl at first--but they believe I'll do well. They've been wanting me some time. And my _fiance_ has persuaded me.

HARVEY. [_Collapsing utterly, dropping into the chair by the fire._]

Your--

MISS FARREN. [_Gravely._] My _fiance_--yes. He's one of the comic men there.

MRS. WESTERN. [_Who has been watching them both with an unmoved face._]

I'll write a cheque for your salary, Miss Farren.

[_She goes to the desk at back._

MISS FARREN. [_Coquettishly, to_ HARVEY.] I ought to have told you, I know, Mr. Western. But it _was_ so dull here--and you've been most awfully good to me. I can never be sufficiently grateful.

HARVEY. [_With difficulty, his face turned away._] Don't mention it. And I hope you'll be happy.

MISS FARREN. [_Lightly._] Thank you. I mean to try!