If Only etc.

he days were surely slipping away, bringing nearer and nearer

s torn two ways, halting between prudence and worldly consideration on one side and the force and power of a love which he had honestly believed was laid for ever in its grave, that man was Sir John. The idea of seeing Bella again did not occur to him for some

on of going to her, then laid it aside,

er topic. He sat for hours buried in the newly awakened memories that that o

so doing he would be offering a tacit insult to the woman he had pledged himself to marry, but he would, he must

and that self-same eve

by a superhuman effort that she could pull herself together suffic

uch sea foam, she had to lie still and, let the poor over-strained lungs and heart recover themselv

up at Saidie after the las

" she said wearily; "it is beyond me. They ar

reply, but when the door clos

was busily stroking out the roses which were to garland Saidie's

ned Saidie; "sometimes she is as brisk and

' and it strikes me her voice was weak

would be as right as any of us t

e was something in Bella's face she had not seen before, and it frightened her-a little. She

falter in the clear, bell-like tones,

little, and her lip quivered, but with a mighty effort she controlled herself and caught up the refrain aga

and tenderly. Her head had fallen back and a thin st

idie. "Oh, will someone

nd when Bella opened her eyes they fell on the grave, a

k! is this

till-perfectly stil

le dizzy-nothing more, a

As soon as you are a littl

e! J

-the prophetic droop about the perfect mou

ll do what I tell you, keep absolute

ed up tr

-a-cent now,"

better than they could hope, and th

ssed a wish to remain a

ot to be lef

left," replied Sir John-"I int

is beats all,

se and the door metaphorically closed upon her, she had not a word to say, but called a hansom and had

of pins," she murmured with an odd sort of peni

etwynd watched by Bella's bedside. For the most part, she

re and to think-to remember-oh! if only I had run stra

and on the sideboard he could see a basket full of peaches, at this season an extravagance denied his own table. On the mantelshelf to his right hand were som

er fingers touched him, and he held

ant for the life

t felt b

e pathos in her regretful cry-the past with its load of gall

now I am better. I thought-I feared-I was going to

ink what it wo

e from him aga

k! then you

ar

ndow. The morning was breaking: morning in the

with a little wonderment in them-

ppy, Jack," she said. Her breath

ssional as was his wont; but after his consulting hours were over, he went back to Cecil Street,

in the little sitting-room and carefully pulling to the door

at recuperative power she has. If the bleedi

lla? She will never be able

ly, almost cruelly. Sa

came a smart

Miss," said a vo

r. But she was too late. The handle turned, and

me admittance. You must know how

the docto

ger turne

ways delicate, but-it is wonderful how sh

ime in his life John C

give a professional opinion, and answered mechanically a string of quest

r be bothered any more, poor darling," he

door-John Chetwynd

tedly. "I absolutely forbid it. It w

ay with a sigh and an impatient word. "Absurd! As if I could do her any harm," he said. "Well, I will be ro

an?" asked Sir

ugged her

ll me-what is

there ain't too many knocking around. If she li

clearly his own heart at last, and stood face to face with

the room and entered t

wan, thin face, fever flushed, and fought the fiercest battle of his life with his in

ing late in the afternoon, her eyes fell on the silent w

her and whisper

emently; "send him away.

s so anxi

in no pain, and I should like to t

away with her message but half satisfied, an

d time, John Chetwynd a

d been attached to her for a long time, a

ou mean to mar

o to such an offer, and then I-oh, Jack, when I

ught and held it to

said; "you are going to marry Et

that the tired head rested on his should

or I thought so, and I hesitated, afraid of its contempt. But amid my weakness was one thought, one impulse, w

ack, is

at last it drove you from my side. The shame of it is not more yours than mine. We both erred, we both sinned; but I was older and should have been wiser; the burden of it should

peace upon her face, bot

way from England, I will guard and cherish you, and in my love for you, you will grow stronger. Oh! my darling, my darling, if you knew what life has been to me since you went; how I have blamed myself,-I who ought to have shielded you against yourself, and have been a moral backbone to your weakness. Then as time went on I persuade

u-kiss m

pulled herself upr

-once more, as you used t

met and clu

ess you

, broken by a gasp, a sigh, and a gen

-speak to me

e cry fell on ear

above were the pitying Angels' wings,

'T ALWA

mpton, to Miss Amy Conway, 3

T "M

HAMP

15th,

est

is really devoted to me. I am a lucky girl to have such a sweet mother-in-law in prospective. She is the dearest old lady in the world. The wedding

ck. The deck shines like polished parquet. The sails and ropes are faultlessly clean, and Jack says that the masts have just been scraped and the funnel repainted. The brass nails and the binnacle are as perfectly in order as if they

ear. On the deck are delightful P. and O. lounges with their arms doing duty for small tables. All around the wheel and upon the roof of the deck-house, and here and there on stands a

e wind or not, as Jack's is a steam yacht. We have slept on board except one night w

han I have ever done in my life. Jack

d l

ur affe

O

n to the yacht on Thursday to stay for a few days.

Same to

T "M

HAMP

22nd,

est

the lady I spoke about in my last

I hate her!!

, harmless little dove, should indulge in such sinful feeli

bout thirty, tall, fair, with striking features, lovely eyes, and the most superb complexion I have ever seen. The best complexion I ever recollec

rd Jack say so) and very witty (for he is constantly laughing at t

have changed from the happiest girl in

el Vivian. Her husband died in India about six months ago, and she has lately returned to England.

len a captive to her bow and spear, for his manner towards me has entirely ch

going on. But I cannot enlighten her, and wha

ur affe

O

Conway to Mi

RD S

ES

arest

d I understand women of the Mrs. Tenterden type. They amuse men for a time, and very often take them captive, but in nineteen cases out of twenty the prisoner escapes. In other words,

right. The temporary infatuation will pass away, and Mr. Vivian wil

orted, dar

your

M

Mrs. Montague Mount,

T "M

HAMP

23rd,

EST

alth-daresay that it does-but I do like to take my rest on shore. Well, now, as to my news. I have made a great impression on Mr. Vivian. He is the easiest man to deal with I ever met in my life, and he is as putty in my hands. That stupid girl, Miss Dacre, to whom he is supposed to be engaged-I say supposed because he does not seem to be qui

l be a cold day in August before that event comes off." The fact is that Jack pays her only the slightest attention and is absolutely engrossed with me. If I, therefore, don't pull off this coup I dese

a day

r y

IC

ague Mount to

EBURY

July

EST

good deal more at the hotel than you appear to be. You cannot have much opportunity for conversation on board the yacht, but at the hotel you can have Mr. Vivian all to yourself. And you can easily

fond

iev

evoted

I

erden to Mrs.

29th,

EST

resort. It is a large room and affords ample opportunity for a tête-à-tête. Of these opportunities I have availed myself to the fullest possible extent. And with what result, you will naturally ask? With the result, my dear, of making this man absolutely mad about me. He has become

sincerely for y

belie

ectionat

IC

nway to Mis

RD S

RSD

EST

ctly positive, as I am, that all will be right. But, my dearest girl, I am so deeply interested in this affair that, of course, I am anxious to hear how matters are going o

much

rs

M

Miss Amy Conway, 30, A

T "M

WE

t 2nd

EST

ng been for many days in the depth of despair, worried out of my life, and half dead with anxiety, I have not

reason I will not for a moment leave you a victim to the most terri

ur, when a breeze sprang up which soon developed into half a gale. At least I understood the captain of the yacht to say so. I didn't mind it in the least, but Mrs. Vivian, poor old lady, was dreadfully ill and nervous, and though I did all I could to comfort and reassure her, it was not of much use. As

rid yacht, but you would make me, a

ugh he has behaved like a very naughty

t expression. Jack suggested that the three ladies, including myself, should go ashore in the dingey and s

she asked. "I am not quite an imbecile. Though I think I must be a

was something in his face that told

s looking lobsters and a huge crab. It seems that this place is famous for its shell-fish

er, but Mrs. Tenterden retired to her ca

ver have put up with, except from a man whom I love so devotedly-a man whom I meant to rescue (selfishly, I admit) from that siren's clutches. In all

he yacht, and the morning

red altogether. Her face was of a greyish hue, and possessed no shade of pink. Those beautiful pencilled eyebrows seemed to have strangely altered, and to have unaccountably thinned down. The charming woman-of

thoroughly deserved, and when I saw the impression that the metamorphosis had made on

er war paint quite a different being. But this made no differenc

e boy, is devotion itself, and I have not thought proper to resist his entreatie

r affect

y fr

O

NG

ILVESTRE, CHARLES ROUSSEAU

ING

VICTO

ho' the morni

ce is fas

hat thou ar

ake is

arise! fo

o sighs and

o sighs and

at thy latti

ays the mo

he bird sing

rt cries "

arise! fo

o sighs and

o sighs and

O

ANSON DU J

VICTO

ought at a

I went throu

talking

what I ca

low and mo

cool and l

sleeping

ce of the wo

ockings off

r sweetly i

eam her feet

saw her fe

ed, the tim

ndered,

mes I saw

then I hea

beauty da

woods were

d that now

shall al

GR

HARLES R

erish in

ays of youth

f delight

as, for

s for missp

nces, fade

onely sp

ly known

erish in

ays of youth

f delight

as, for

LA

E D'A

RMAND SI

and was lai

ful dread tha

hesitatio

the fingers t

ned your for

ful dread tha

ruel promp

idly seek t

ife thencefo

terness had

knew ho

t had taken

BE A GA

UN CHARM

VICTO

be a ga

not mo

through th

golden

llest li

eysuckl

there I fa

ot, thy foot

be a ro

love i

things del

ogether

l to soul

they kno

h there I fai

art, thy hea

AGE OF T

I DE

COMTE DE

fairest of

lips to the

as language

bosom it

keep

s my

sweetest

d lips shal

eek instea

lightful mou

rn i

s my

T WHEN MONEY

Ruth. "You're worse than foolish. A man never ge

d that I am a plebeian. But money, after all, counts for something, especially in these days. I don't see how Marie can spend a very happy

on marrying Miss Dalmayne, I shall naturally do any little thing in my power to endeavour to prove that I have been a false

h Marie? She is beautiful, and I admit that it was her rare beauty that first commended her to me, and she has a sweet nature and character; and after all, goodne

only show. At present we need say no more. Your mind is evidently made up, and I shall urge nothing further to prevent you from followin

ducation, hearing one of the masters, Mr. Ruddock, mention a Greek proverb, "Know thyself," and advise the boys in his form to act upon the advice given by the Greek sage who pronounced these words. I was not, as a rule, struck with much that fell from Mr. Ruddock's lips, for he

m truthful, for, in addition to a natural hatred of lying which I must have inherited from my dear parents, I have always recognised the fact that in business and in everything else the truth always pays the best. During the sixteen years that I have devot

cared for a woman. I came across the girl that I have grown to love so well in this fashion. I am interested in a West Australian mine to the extent of about a hundred thousand pounds, and am one of the three partn

d with apparently little of the frivolity which characterises most of the young women with whom I have been brought in contact. He

autiful and expressive hazel eyes. Her hair was nut brown with a warm reddish sun-kissed glint, a

he highest English families. Mr. Dalmayne and his wife are not well off, and the former is very much in debt and has taxed the generosity of my friend Ross to a very considerabl

ifference. He is a man absolutely to be trusted. I told him during this interview what a deep impression Miss Dalmayne had made upon me. He said that he did not in the least wonder at it, for she was greatly admired, and added that if it were not f

g out for a rich husband for Marie. Indeed, in a confidential mood one day recently he told

orrow," said I, "and ask his perm

hy you should not be very happy. After all, as you say, you are not marrying the father. You are marrying Marie, who is a very hi

, and next morning I

ho had dined with him on the previous night, had mentioned anything of my matter to him I don't know, but

Ross can tell you all about me, and I don't think that his report would be an unfavourable one. My position is this. I have saved three hundred thousand pounds, which produces an income of about twelve thousand a year. And I am making at least another twenty thousand a

e, however, my full permission to speak to her, and if she is willing to marry you, you both have my full consent. My wife shares my views entirely. Marie is out with he

fterwards the visitor took her departure. A few minutes later Mrs. Dalmayne made some excuse for leaving the room, and I was left alone with Marie. My heart had beaten hard from excitement as I had knocked at the door, but strange to say I felt no nervous

have a little time to think over what you have said and to consult

eparted buoyed up by the strong hope that

s willing to accept me, but frankly confessing that she had no love for me as yet, though admitting that she

ccept these terms, and three month

oon. A few days previously Mr. Dalmayne asked me to lend him a thousand pounds, which I did c

on our country and Government by the French papers. But when we had been there about three weeks a Captain Morland came upon the scene. Captain Morland, who was an officer in the Grenadier Guards, had known my wife since she was a child. They seemed very pleased to see each other again, but there was a certain sadness that I noticed in the young officer's manner. He had just been invalided home from South Africa, where he had been on active service during the time with which my narrative deals. He was a handsom

ville for a little sea air and bathing. Three days before our departure I returned to the hotel to dress for dinner. I was

ly a mean man, but I was mean e

my wife, "we were all on the verge of

do such a thing? You don't

ears. I care for no one but you. But I shall always do my duty to

ould marry me?" as

rybooks say, 'live happily ever afterwards.' B

s, in view of the words spoken by my wife, and words which breathed of truth. I went out quietly into the garden of the hotel and came back a few minutes later. I asked Captain

er Ruth. I then wrote the little history of my mistake, and am posting it from the top of Mont Revard to my friend R

been hopelessly unsuccessful, there is only one thing to be d

an Aix-les-Ba

between Aix and Mont Revard. It is, of course, pure conjecture how the unfortunate gentleman met his fate, but no foul play is suspect

LED PA

ATION WITH THE LATE

A

TEMPENNY,

PENNY, h

YLVESTER,

VESTER,

NE, a

HERCL, an

ISON, a Sp

a Maid-of

urmaid at th

a Sheriff'

LED PA

T

s R.L. and in Flat. As Curtain r

EMPENN

ndt-Re

RS. TEMPENNY; follow

TEM

r; I am sure he will be ple

SYLVE

bed in his studio. He says he

TEM

ung than Rembrandt, I sometimes think. Rembrandt likes to

SYLVE

ve a drink

TEM

lai

SYLVE

are so often thirsty. Charles is often thirsty. He says it is a

TEM

that

STER (sigh

gh

NNY (affec

lai

SYLVE

ge

other's hands s

TEM

u happy,

SYLVE

ouldn't say as much to anybody else,

TEM

rybody knows you are

SYLVE

to anybody else that

NY (enthusi

me all a

SYLVE

jea

TEM

w

SYLVE

past, which I know-of his life to-day,

NNY (with

dt's life is al

SYLVE

r c

TEM

pity

SYLVE

a fate! To have a husband who is shut up a

TEM

dt's mo

SYLVE

ar

TEM

en

VESTER (

titude of sins. They are no g

TEM

ali

SYLVE

ot heard o

TEM

A mo

SYLVE

erp

TEM

h. Pretty

SYLVE

ld desk of Charles', a photo, my dear, with an inscription that left no doubt what their relations had been. I tore it

TEM

ly for

STER (impr

t into his studio,

TEM

rib

SYLVE

picture he was going to work on-and, I don't know, perhaps it was true. Still considering what had been, her presence there was an ou

TEM

t that Mr. Sylvest

SYLVE

id doubt. You know now why I am not the light-hearted g

us

ENNY (med

istrust Mr. Tempenny because

SYLVE

quite co

TEM

ut I believe Rembrandt l

VESTER (

r c

He wears long hair, and a brown velvet

NDT TE

with his hands over his eyes.) What a charming effect of light on your profile, Mrs. Sylvester-how rich-how transcende

TEM

you would dine with us to-night, and she said

TEM

engagement

NDT TE

st pleased and delighted. (Aside.) Another confounde

SYLVE

r is alw

NDT TE

ter! Myself,

TEM

me money,

EMPENNY (di

VESTER.) And working

SYLVE

so-he is o

NDT TE

e-what i

TEM

ndt, I want some money-have you got a

ENNY (affectin

sun are artists, I always say so. Har

SYLVE

nd your studio

MPENNY (wavi

d, pos

LVESTER

ENNY (ins

cher summoned us, and none of the tradespeople

NDT TE

e going ou

TEM

your improvident, Bohemia

NDT TE

ay is the dinner the

STER (look

of your canvasses,

TEMPENNY

indeed! (Aloud.) Sold? Yes, yes. I am starting on a fresh commission now. There's a little sk

SYLVE

pt

NDT TE

explain the inexplicable. "Rapture

VESTER (

es, i

TEMPENNY

up myself

TEM

on his arm earn

NDT TE

eople know we haven't paid the butcher and you want two pound

ESTER (co

ny? I am going to take Eugenia round to the house with me now

NDT TE

ey'd go! (Aloud.) You do

ESTER (do

hin

EMPENNY (wi

you rea

s doo

SYLVE

even o

NDT TE

l s

TEM

Aside to him.) You

NDT TE

s, and the butcher; I won't forget 'em.

RS. SYL

TEM

, swee

NDT TE

a, Du

TEM

h-remember your

NDT TE

ght, m

NNY (blowi

er

MPENNY (blow

er

TEM

darling

NDT TE

ang

RS. TEM

NY (with a deep

and contemplates a small charcoal sketch.) "Susannah before the Elders" beautiful! composition charming! Rembrandt, old pal,-I congratulate you! But where's the picture of it? "Oh where, and oh where!" Rembrandt, you're developing into a thorough-paced loafer. You always had a talent that way, but of late you've broken your own record. I'll turn over

and canvas, and

kicked open. Ente

T ADD

ll

NDT TE

ll

T ADD

you, o

NDT TE

he ne

T ADD

are! What does

NDT TE

s boots. I say, dear boy, can yo

T ADD

h

NDT TE

the tra

T ADD

ple you know-I neve

NDT TE

fine a point upon i

T ADD

Now you see how right I w

NDT TE

t's roug

T ADD

re, and I'm rapidly being left wit

NDT TE

n't

T ADD

and then they say they'r

NDT TE

ing on, only tempor

T ADD

n a hole who hadn't a b

NDT TE

ho

T ADD

thing-the

NDT TE

the turf. Look here, S

T ADD

now

NDT TE

ago; he's going to pay three hundred for it. H

T ADD

rful terms, Te

NDT TE

t it's a fact. "Nobody more astoni

T ADD

ere's th

NDT TE

the big blank

ISON (with

other! How does

NDT TE

e colour and tone! How do the

T ADD

what does

NDT TE

I've been on the royal loaf on the strength of it;

T ADD

mod

NDT TE

sannah before the Elders. You kn

T ADD

, and I suppos

NDT TE

ms and chest, signifying

T ADD

can recommend the v

NDT TE

you meet her-

T ADD

and she's w

NDT TE

you have saved m

T ADD

look

NDT TE

-d

T ADD

r name is Rosaline,

NDT TE

tch her. No wait a moment, I can'

T ADD

y

NDT TE

exuberance of early matrimony I encouraged her in an inconvenient habi

T ADD

I'll send

NDT TE

n, and I'll arrange the sittings with he

T ADD

e-shop in Go

NDT TE

r supper when the picture's don

T ADD

e

NDT TE

g the t

SON (giving

you

NDT TE

harp. (Knock heard at D.F.) Hullo, whom have we here? Come in. (Knock repeated.) Come in.

r SCH

TEMPENNY

ord! He's come

T ADD

BRANDT TEMPEN

NDT TE

N). No, I say, Bob, wai

T ADD

must hurry. See you

NDT TE

RT ADDISON). W

T ADD

-! You don't think it possible old Schercl has m

TEMPENNY (

at

T ADD

hat's all, dear boy. Au revoi

TEMPENNY

y). My dear Mr. Schercl,

CH SC

s must be attended to, hein? Vell, my friendt, and ho

NDT TE

l-well, very well,-excel

CH SC

zo famous a bainter. I do not understand it! B

EMPENNY (di

but I feel safe in declaring that yo

CH SC

for a bicture it should be called a "pargain." Tree hundred

NDT TE

should have said your "contract"-you

CH SC

t," vy did you say "Pargain." Ve

NDT TE

best work I have done. I look to "Susannah" to advance my position en

CH SC

" Vat is

NDT TE

best understood by the movement of to-day

CH SC

rant.) Oh "Rapture," I did not understan

NDT TE

Well, "Susannah" b

CH SC

t,

NDT TE

ry apotheosi

CH SC

ratula

NDT TE

es with

CH SC

dat

NDT TE

ure. (Aside.) I can'

CH SC

ow it

ENNY (with fei

can't show it to

CH SC

t you say

NDT TE

nd's studio, not my own. The light here is

CH SC

found it goot en

MPENNY (with

ugh for "Susannah," "Susannah" demands so

CH SC

expressly to see how you had brogre

NDT TE

rite you to-morrow. I am a

CH SC

end in whose s

NDT TE

him talk about it. By Jove, he does think a lot of it. I

SYLVE

S SYLV

ndt. Ah, Mr. Sche

NDT TE

we were talking of you! I was just telling Mr. Sch

him a

CH SC

goot, Mr. S

NDT TE

uperb, so far

him a

S SYLV

t? Who is

NDT TE

laugh.) What a chap to chaff you a

CH SC

Let us be serious if you please. What is

EMPENNY (de

ite agree-there is a time for all things. Tell

him sav

ESTER (aside

le directly, hang y

PENNY (aside

is naturally anxious to hear how the picture he had given me a commission for is getting along. I

S SYLV

a very high opinion of the work indeed, Mr. Schercl-a ve

PENNY (aside

e the Elders"-p

S SYLV

may say so, is bold in the extreme. He makes a school, our frien

CH SC

ry I could not see it to-day. So I shall be imbressed? That is

SCHE

NDT TE

en door.) Mind the bottom

SCHERC

dark your

NDT TE

n. (Closes door.)(To SYLVESTER.) Phew! Y

S SYLV

an

NDT TE

inhospitable, but

S SYLV

e anything t

NDT TE

ing this afternoon, and if you'll let me use your studio, I shall k

S SYLV

studio-what's the

NDT TE

re, and if she found me with a model posed as Sus

S SYLV

you. I'm a

ntly, and then puts out his

NDT TE

ush, but-I feel f

LVESTER (g

ow-I

MPENNY (offe

ok

VESTER (pro

an

without speaking and

S SYLV

od sort-I don't want to

NDT TE

ours

S SYLV

se she's to

NDT TE

ay the superabundance of your

S SYLV

. She's

NDT TE

w

S SYLV

her more decent than most fellows-of my life to-

NDT TE

beg

S SYLV

sorry

NDT TE

arried to a jealous

VESTER (wit

und her likeness one day after we were married. A likeness, nothing more-I thought I had destro

NDT TE

h

S SYLV

wanted to sit to me. As it happened I could have used her very well.

NDT TE

de

S SYLV

my wi

NDT TE

, g

S SYLV

like a shot, and I pledge you my word I have never seen her since, but from that hour to this not a day passes without Mrs. Sylv

NDT TE

have of late. When I work in your stu

S SYLV

ell, I'll be off, now.

NDT TE

Au revoir

SYLV

NDT TE

good excepting when he married. Where is Bob with my model?-time he was back! (Goes to window.) There goes Sylvester-funny thing you can always tell a married man by his walk. There is a solidity about it-a sort of resignation. (Turns

and more till gradually only a small s

INE (

. Tempenny

NDT TE

Mr. Tempenny

ALI

k

NDT TE

am recentl

ALI

are really

NDT TE

his hair before mirror.) Perhaps she is a buyer-I had better appear busy-or inspired.

oor. Enter

ALI

I co

NDT TE

ay I beg you to sit down a moment,-I

mposition. (Business.) He starts up and rushes to small canvas, making viol

NDT TE

rgive me-I have it down now, it

ALI

me. He said you

NDT TE

are R

ALI

He could not come back with

NDT TE

h

ALI

you thin

NDT TE

a charming

ALI

t is the

NDT TE

somebody else, that is

ALI

Rosaline-I know I am. The

NDT TE

do y

ALI

me. The question i

NDT TE

suit me entirely. Mr. Addison perhaps ex

ALI

sannah is a ve

NDT TE

a very pretty

ALI

away wi

NDT TE

think any familiarity was intende

ALI

o

NDT TE

ld you out of the

ALI

m sorry t

NDT TE

ng me-now I must say

ALI

prefer sitting to single artists

NDT TE

have fou

ALI

ver forget one of my expe

NDT TE

You inte

(sentim

me him for it-he was weak, and the temptation came. "To err is human,"-he married

NDT TE

d t

ALI

y scorn-my better nature had triumphed-I went to him with all the old tenderness that I had lavished on him in the d

NDT TE

pens. It is an aggrava

ALI

between us.

NDT TE

ning

ALI

time has left its mark on me for ever. It transformed a simple credulous gir

NDT TE

not bla

ALI

(Presses her handkerchief

NDT TE

d by my wife. The sittings won't take

ALI

is t

NDT TE

u have to wives. It is ridiculous, in fact it is wicked of her, but I find it be

ALI

condition. No wives,

TEMPENNY

angs on the picture. If you don't sit to me I'm a ruined m

EMPENN

dt, Rem

ALI

's

NDT TE

y, but I won

NE (an

ady!-Every

EMPENN

st see you. Whe

ALI

he pattern of

TEMPENNY

dow, and leans out-calling.) Don't wait,

(contem

her I can see! I have had enough of thi

NDT TE

). I tell you if you don't sit to me I'

EMPENN

ming up

NNY (rushing to

y darling, I can

ALI

ff. T

PENNY (back t

ou in first. There! (Lock

EMPENN

come up. Somethi

NDT TE

in his excitement he throws with the wrong hand-throwing out key.) Good Lord! I've thrown her the key. (Leans

E (scor

wives

Rosa

TEM

er on his way here with a warrant. He has been at the house, and

NDT TE

ca

TEM

l

NDT TE

I am not bui

TEM

ou mus

NDT TE

er

TEM

where Rosaline is

NDT TE

no,

ps are heard as

NDT TE

a foo

PENNY (i

oursel

TEMPENNY (

ca

TEM

y

TEMPENNY

Ah, I have it. I'll

into his co

TEM

conservator

NDT TE

f it. Don't let h

s back to door in flat, then proceeds to dress it u

INS (

Temp

ks at

TEM

s th

ng it, so that GROGGINS has a

GGI

or Mr. Rembrandt Tempen

TEM

is pa

GGI

ing or not, marm. The question

TEM

be disturbed. Don't y

GGI

in-Wandsworth i

TEM

. Your voice wi

TEMPENNY

-two-three-I don't like the

itat

S (deci

marm-out of the

TEMPENNY

s now o

ndous crash of brok

NNY (with

h

(pushing

y, sir, I've a warrant 'ere on a judgment summons.-Suit of Cole the

NNY (at wi

lf up-he waves hi

GGI

s pleasant, only you must make up your mind,

TEM

e.) He disappears-he's los

GGI

best to do my dooty affable, and since you're sulky, why-(Going up t

e on the shoulder, it c

alling back

ain, as I'

go. ROSALINE half opens R.D. and po

rop,

T

.) Doors R. and L. At back cupboard. TEM

ALI

tting

NDT TE

n working f

ALI

m gettin

NDT TE

shall rest. There! now

stretching

et us look! (Look

NDT TE

you thin

ALI

mu

NDT TE

the School. It promises to be a superb exa

ALI

ere is yo

NDT TE

h

ALI

studio belonged to

NDT TE

yet. I expect he will

ALI

ng up Mandarin's Wi

NDT TE

has just been engaged on a great work: "The Decapitation of a Mandarin aft

ALI

ny subject

NDT TE

it? He likes 'em like

ALI

s name-do

NDT TE

a rattling good chap

(with a

art! This

TEMPENNY

on't go off like tha

ALI

o-! Oh, I am g

NDT TE

do that. What do you mean by "he

ALI

of Fate is in it. Where is he?

MPENNY (very

good girl, he isn't your "own," I assure you he isn't. There is a Mrs. Sylvester, as you know very well. (Aside.

E (reso

e is

TEMPENNY (

-I suppose h

ALI

let me see his

NDT TE

at

ALI

s instant! We have been

NDT TE

ve, ha

ALI

ar too

TEMPENNY

l, perhaps you have, on second

ALI

im. I have always treasu

TEMPENNY (

ou. You are a very nice

ALI

at-he used to cal

NDT TE

elighted to find you here, when he comes. It will be a surprise for h

ALI

be dead-dead with the vio

NDT TE

e when he does come; I see it sticking out a foot. (Aloud.) I say, Poppett-I m

E (pass

lease-I

TEMPENNY

it in the same light. (Aloud.) Well, the

ch time he places her arms in the require

NDT TE

ast. (He goes back to the ea

ALI

and collapsing alto

EMPENNY (de

ion? I know it is very praiseworthy, but can't you bottle it up?

et-door b

NE (jo

hands and listens.)

EMPENNY (di

never rings. So your

LVESTER

he in? Not in?

NDT TE

it's his

(passio

her

NDT TE

the Grand Mogul?-but she will be enough fo

ALI

oing no harm-I am your Mo

TEMPENNY (

l you I'll have nothing to do with the matter! I didn't know who you were

LVESTER

till he comes. He ought

TEMPENNY (

a friend of my wife's. I won't be found in yo

E (indi

h

NDT TE

gure. By George, I've got it

assistance as a Mandarin, and sits c

NDT TE

is t

ALI

iful.

NDT TE

mpregnated with the

ALI

hat you mean.

RS. SYLV

LVESTER

woman-wh

ALI

madam. Who do

STER (with

possible you are the-ahem

ALI

u take me for. My name is

SYLVE

dare you? Two years ago I forbade you

ALI

and's studio when I came. I am

NDT TE

he fr

ESTER (to

did y

ALI

not

SYLVE

o you mean to say that it was not

ALI

I do. I ca

NY (in terror as

Br

SYLVE

say? Who i

ALI

it to him, and told me to come here this morning at te

SYLVE

that this was Mr.

ALI

nged to a friend of his, b

ESTER (im

se

ALI

iend's

STER (pass

, girl? Who told yo

ALI

ry easy. I was

PENNY (aside

Sm

SYLVE

ny Mr. Smith. W

ALI

said "Mr

SYLVE

h

ALI

mind telling the truth. I am natu

PENNY (aside

ins

SYLVE

-will you tell m

PENNY (aside

ne

SYLVE

re

ALI

o

SYLYE

did you s

ALI

said "

SYLVE

, my patience is

TEMPENNY

legs ache at

SYLVE

a clean breast of it,

PENNY (aside

ps-that's what I

SYLVE

my husband is in

ns R.D.

up to REMBRANDT

ng me into all this troub

NDT TE

ged-you're a p

ALI

h

face. MRS. SYLV

SYLVE

rd a

ALI

with the ido

NNY wags his hea

TEMPENNY

n for a husband and a ratep

SYLVE

ere by a friend of Mr. Sylvester's, I can guess who he is. His name

ALI

me is Tempenny-I

NNY and MRS. SY

h

ALI

an honest woman earning a livi

TEMPENNY

e

SYLVE

eive me, does he? We will see what his wife has to say to it. B

it

EMPENNY (sp

ng little beast-w

ALI

to me like that

TEMPENNY (

n't ha

ALI

I wo

NDT TE

You smacke

ALI

eren't that he will be here later on, I'd walk strai

NDT TE

out of these things. (He divests himself of the Chinese wig and costume.) I think I had better go. I don't know how I'll do the

SYLVESTE

mpenny-are y

TEMPENNY (

u know-don't yer

E (rapt

w his

PENNY (dancin

rse of you-or me. I won't meet him. I can't. Get rid of h

it

aking out p

ars we m

SYLVE

S SYLV

ldn't you answer,

NE (tu

! Ah! o

S SYLV

r girl, what on ear

ALI

e that yo

S SYLV

xpect. I thought it was understood between us last time we me

ALI

have jus

S SYLV

say? You have ju

NE (no

ere. She has o

S SYLV

d she say to you-w

ALI

u knew about i

LVESTER (f

You have no business

ALI

enny bro

S SYLV

del? This is really

E (poin

gone in

S SYLV

) Tempenny! I say,

DT TEMPENNY ve

NDT TE

eather we're having to be sure. (Aside to ROSALINE.) Y

S SYLV

ght to bring the girl here. I don't think it was at all frie

TEMPENNY (

d man; don't be "put out" about it. (Trying to laugh.) There

S SYLV

t to do with it. Mrs. Sylvester has been in and seen her, I understand?

NDT TE

in the wash, old chap-all comes out in the w

S SYLV

hat-I don'

TEMPENNY (

a! (Does

YLVESTER

n'

TEMPENNY (

ght, I

E (adva

ar

S SYLV

"Charlie"-I

ALI

n

S SYLV

fault, Tempenny. You have got me into a pretty mess upon my word

NDT TE

at abo

S SYLV

ur

ALI

as gone to

TER (roaring w

ha

TEMPENNY (

y funny,

S SYLV

ha

ALI

ha

NDT TE

That girl is a perfect devil. She smacked my

YLVESTER

a w

NDT TE

thought it best-and this ex-mash of yours

S SYLV

,-I think you had better go. You had

NDT TE

want her-she is more tr

ALI

To CHARLES SYLVESTER.) Your manners hav

S SYLV

ng to discus

NDT TE

going to discu

S SYLV

poin

NDT TE

oint

ALI

sk me properly, I shall do nothi

S SYLV

) What the devil do you mean by

NDT TE

temper again. (To RO

ALI

I wo

NDT TE

e two men look at ea

SARAH

AH

s a gentleman downstairs wh

NDT TE

s name? What

AH

s name is

NDT TE

ly wanted this to complete my happ

AH

said he must see you, but if

S SYLV

rcl in a hurry, if he has adv

NDT TE

Then let him com

S SYLV

you goi

NDT TE

otentate, and I am going to spoof the old boy. (To SAR

ALI

miest studio th

NDT TE

ourselves on. (He disguises himsel

S SYLV

at am

NDT TE

I think you had better salaa

S SYLV

is? (Sa

NDT TE

nts to see Susannah, you don't let him look

ALI

like a Gu

NDT TE

talks! Where did you orig

ENRICH S

CH SC

you do? Where is Mr. Tem

S SYLV

ed to go out on mos

CH SC

portant" excepting when it concerns them that fi

E smiles

S SILV

at you have much cause to complain

CH SC

y business? One must live. But you artists don't give us much chan

EMPENNY (co

o see Mr. Tempenny. He is not here, and if he is no

CH SC

ES SYLVESTER.)

S SYLV

RCL.) He's swearing be

NDT TE

The Maharajah of Battledore told me that

INE (

randt Tempenn

CH SC

LVESTER.) Let me dea

S SYLV

H SCHERCL.) Bosh

CH SC

sell your "Batt

S SYLV

urse

CH SC

mu

S SYLV

red-you

CH SC

dred

S SYLV

e

CH SC

ave a jequ

S SYLV

our

CH SC

my

S SYLV

pen

CH SC

g friend. Now obl

S SYLV

to your Highness, Mr. Schercl-Mr. S

it

NDT TE

llah Pottam

SCHERCL

hness has been kept waiting. These artists are such gur

NDT TE

thedoor, and I must have, of cour

ALI

hness want an

CH SC

(Aloud) May I make so bold as to enquire the size of the new pal

NDT TE

other one-it is about four times a

CH SC

ll have a vast picture ga

NDT TE

hat is why I am looking up these artists. My cousin the M

ALI

aves? Ye before whose radiance the sun

NDT TE

damsel, as I

CH SC

y-go away. Oh, demmit, will you go

NDT TE

m impatient to be gone. A

SCHERCL

ey do not understand business at all, at all. Nach, they know nothing about it-at least very few of them. The less you have to do with them directly the better for your

NDT TE

nd of you. Why

CH SC

tell your Royal Highness the truth, except with the Brince of Wes

INE (

here's nothing l

NDT TE

e this Mr. Tempenny, or the oth

CH SC

et me arrange everything. Here's my c

ALI

RCL). Look here, what

CH SC

ROSALINE).

ALI

SCHERCL). I can

CH SC

ill talk later-we will ta

NDT TE

d to have met you. You are quite c

CH SC

three pictures during the last ten years-I can get the lot cheap. Only there must be 200 at least.

NDT TE

hall call upon you, and settle our business together. Good-

CH SC

my youngest-

NDT TE

u. She is worthy

INE (

was a mild young mug, but he fa

NDT TE

hort. If I cannot call upon you, I wi

CH SC

hness. I shall be entir

NDT TE

is

ERCL and ROS

CH SC

e! Little girl, I will stand you

ALI

Here Mary, Matilda, Susan, or wh

CH SC

is a fact. (Lighting a cigarette). I

ALI

se). A "sovereign?" What are you talking about? My

SARAH

CH SC

me a bottle of jampagne,

AH

ss

ALI

hed. Mind, the best champagne. (

SARAH

CH SC

me, my dear? (G

ALI

y call me "Rosi

CH SC

hy? (Ch

ALI

your Royal Highness the truth I have never done

CH SC

You are too good to go to India to be

ALI

ishly).

CH SC

ve of your own-a sla

ALI

. In the meantime w

CH SC

e it. There! Will you give me a kiss for

L. with champag

ALI

l, that'll do-Come on, Heinrich of the Go

SARAH

CH SC

is glass).

ALI

ne. (Aloud.) Now this is what I call comfortable: a bottle of the

CH SC

round her waist).

ALI

d you, an hour ago, I shou

CH SC

d we did not m

ALI

, but I have been treated very badly.

CH SC

art-let m

ALI

I am not so simple as you thin

CH SC

l stop and talk to you. You shall tell me all about your

ALI

is coming

CH SC

vell that I should be found trinking jampagne mid a pre

ALI

ere, if you don't want to be

CH SC

ean? Are

ALI

if you mean it, there's no

CH SC

, gingerly). I am ce

d turns as MRS. SYLVESTER r

SYLVE

is as bold as brass. Now

TEM

r here-if he has really assiste

SYLVE

he creature does not

ALI

after

SYLVE

a "good afternoon" I want y

ALI

ll we ta

howing REMBRANDT TEMPENNY and

NDT TE

YLVESTER). Can you

S SYLV

n do

NDT TE

to punc

S SYLV

had better be v

NDT TE

Wait a

with

TEM

I will never forgive

SYLVE

k not. When I

TEM

en I see R

SYLVE

m, if I stop

TEM

, if I don't go

rdered attire-his entrance to suggest that he

S SYLV

u did not bring this person

NDT TE

o

S SYLV

sir

NDT TE

do I

TER and MRS

good gracious, the m

INE (

at it is-

SYLVE

LVESTER). Charles-Char

TEM

ANDT TEMPENNY). R

S SYLV

terfere,

NDT TE

rns us alone. Mr. S

S SYLV

r, I ac

NDT TE

himself up

LVESTER thr

NDT TE

st of

S SYLV

mention Mrs. Syl

NDT TE

ld lead the best of wives to suppose that I-I-i

S SYLV

be falsely suspected

rs to REMBRANDT

NDT TE

OSALINE.) G

SYLVE

is the man who brought her h

TEM

you did it, who did

NDT TE

phantly and disclosing SCHERC

rt

T

g-room at Tem

-Next

ting. As Curtain goes

SA

references when they took me. Was I sober, honest and industrious, and the Lord knows what? Wish I'd been equal particular about theirs. The master ain't remarkably industrious, that I do know, for he often d

it

CHERCL (h

Nonsense. Then I'

expostu

you please,

SCHERCL follo

CH SC

him. Now let us have the

SA

mpenny

CH SC

Yes, ma'am, who els

SA

isn't; he

CH SC

dio, for I've

SA

has gone to

CH SC

re till he comes back. You

(con

ories, sir? If Mr. Tempenny's ou

MBRANDT T

TEMPENNY

r. Schercl calls-(seeing HENRICH SCHERCL-aside). Good gracio

HERCL (sar

waitin

PENNY (affect

glad! (Aside.) This is the very devil

CH SC

lk with you, my fr

N (a

y himself, I'm sure! I di

it

CH SC

of your strange behaviour of yesterday. And there is something else,

TEMPENNY

.A., Addison was right! (Alou

CH SC

-it was to the Mr. Tempenny, I brobosed to give

NDT TE

and you made me an offer, and I accepted it. How could I tell you thought I was anot

CH SC

u! What do you think I am-a fool? You 'ave obtained an order fro

NDT TE

will cost you a good deal more than three hundred

HERCL (spl

h

NDT TE

to have you up for slander, and it woul

CH SC

what

NDT TE

ou? Nor as good either? No, no! As to the affair of yesterday, my wife was very much to blame-I am very angry with her. You see she has such curious ideas, and when she found

CH SC

e only person who abbeared to have any zymp

NDT TE

ll of feeling, and-I say, Schercl, you'

CH SC

away mid y

NDT TE

were the only man she ever saw look dignified with a pot of paint upset

CHERCL (f

k. Why should y

NDT TE

doesn't know that. She is thinking about you-not to put too fine a point

CH SC

eart, have I not? I have the

NDT TE

do not realise how serious

CH SC

h. You can do it as wel

NDT TE

ically.) Wait t

CH SC

ll pro

NDT TE

erb

CH SC

t see it, and to me you

NDT TE

he picture after you have seen the model who is si

CH SC

iss Rosaline sits f

NDT TE

the three hundred-

SCHERCL

rk! Yes, I am satisfied with the gontract-I s

NDT TE

our money-the real, living, breathing woman ain't included. Not much! Oh,

CHERCL (c

usiness. I do not think of other things. Er-when wil

NDT TE

ol yourself, Rome

CH SC

be done in a week's time. If you disappoi

TEMPENNY

ife. (Aloud.) All right, Schercl, I will push on with it-I want the other two hundred, you know. I shan'

CH SC

rday's gulprits. Howev

S SYLV

T TEMPENNY:) Rosaline's downstairs-w

NDT TE

s followed you here. Perhaps out of pity you

CH SC

, I never! Yes, I will go down

ROSAL

TEMPENNY

an't go till she does. If my wife comes in and finds he

ALI

Oh, Mr. Schercl! What a

CH SC

u. And you?-I need not ask

INE (

r m

CH SC

d his wife should see her? You too-why are you so afra

S SYLV

a paragon. They are jealous of her, that

CH SC

ha,

NDT TE

y to you-we shall be in the way. (Aside to CHARLES SYLVESTER.) Come on, old

S SYLV

to discuss with Mr. Tempen

it

NDT TE

e will be another row. I give you five minutes to get her out of the hou

ALI

t, I really called to know when Mr. Tempenny

CH SC

y glad you called-our conversati

ALI

Do you like my new hat? I bought it out of the tenner y

CH SC

o Mr. Tempenny i

ALI

t in-. The subje

CH SC

rstand (h

NE (si

h

CH SC

sigh? You a

ALI

h? I was

SCHERCL

ig

ALI

ou who sighs. A

CH SC

I was

ALI

w

CH SC

you would call me "s

ALI

l. (With sudden pers

CH SC

nking the

ALI

e me? Wh

CH SC

g I was this

ALI

on, and covering her

CH SC

day, and your zociety is ve

ALI

you would see more of me. I should

CH SC

ig

ALI

ig

CH SC

ade a great impression on me, Ros

ALI

al

SCHERCL

really-i

ALI

odel, you kno

CH SC

f perfection. I z

ALI

ink the less

CH SC

you the more. Neverthele

ALI

d

CH SC

it zo chilly

ALI

m fortunately of a warm temperament. T

CH SC

make me feel for her the strange attraction that I fe

ALI

in love with me? (Aside.) O

CH SC

osing I was to say to you-"Rosie, I would

ALI

Aside.) He's in ea

CH SC

give you lots of such hats,

(sentim

hat you

HERCL (in

dness sake, don

ALI

my sincerity then.

CH SC

you. Do you care fo

NE (ar

. No, you are making

CH SC

desperately. Rosie, will you b

ALI

you may

HERCL (kis

aradise.

ALI

Mr. S

CH SC

u must say

ALI

Hein

CH SC

s not fit, now that you are to be Mrs. Schercl,

E (doub

h "Susannah" without me, and if he don't fin

and MRS. TEMPENNY. L

TEM

i

CH SC

y's wife. And Mrs. Sy

SYLVE

reatur

TEM

u bring this person again

ALI

and up for m

CH SC

rouble you, my good madam, to speak in terms of m

TEMPE

asi

SYLVE

We must be ver

CH SC

empenny, Mrs. Sylvester-the

sh up to her and

ENNY and SY

NDT TE

s I see, d

S SYLV

sions

NY (aside t

me? They are engaged-I migh

ER (aside to

to be married. Why, you might neve

NDT TE

friend, if this lady is going to

CH SC

cannot be. I release

TEMPENNY

oud.) But-but-this

CH SC

and I pay you

NDT TF

the money for

CH SC

pa

er S

SA

e law downstairs and he wants Mr. Tempenny o

MPENNY (wavi

he

CH SC

f you the bala

PENNY (with m

my life unfinished.-What mo

rlornly i

rt

E

FICE OF THE