The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Magistrate, by Arthur Pinero This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org Title: The Magistrate A Farce in Three Acts Author: Arthur Pinero Release Date: January 1, 2013 [EBook #41750] Language: English Character set encoding: ASCII *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MAGISTRATE *** Produced by Paul Haxo from page images generously made available by the Internet Archive and the University of California, Berkeley and Cornell University libraries. THE MAGISTRATE THE PLAYS OF ARTHUR W. PINERO Paper cover, 1s 6d; cloth, 2s 6d each THE TIMES THE PROFLIGATE THE CABINET MINISTER THE HOBBY-HORSE LADY BOUNTIFUL THE MAGISTRATE DANDY DICK SWEET LAVENDER THE SCHOOLMISTRESS THE WEAKER SEX THE AMAZONS *THE SECOND MRS. TANQUERAY THE NOTORIOUS MRS. EBBSMITH THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT THE PRINCESS AND THE BUTTERFLY TRELAWNY OF THE "WELLS" +THE GAY LORD QUEX IRIS LETTY A WIFE WITHOUT A SMILE HIS HOUSE IN ORDER THE THUNDERBOLT MID-CHANNEL PRESERVING MR. PANMURE THE "MIND THE PAINT" GIRL * This Play can be had in library form, 4to, cloth, with a portrait, 5s. + A Limited Edition of this play on hand-made paper, with a new portrait, 10s net. THE PINERO BIRTHDAY BOOK SELECTED AND ARRANGED BY MYRA HAMILTON With a Portrait, cloth extra, price 2s 6d. _LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN_ THE MAGISTRATE A FARCE In Three Acts _BY ARTHUR W. PINERO_ LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN _First Impression_ 1892; _New Impressions_ 1894, 1895, 1897, 1899, 1901, 1903, 1905, 1907, 1909, 1911; 1914 Copyright All rights reserved Entered at Stationers' Hall Entered at the Library of Congress Washington, U.S.A. INTRODUCTORY NOTE. "THE MAGISTRATE" is, after "Sweet Lavender," perhaps the most popular of Mr. Pinero's plays, and it is particularly interesting as being the first of his works in which his own individuality found absolutely independent expression, and emphatically and triumphantly asserted itself. In fact, this farce marks an epoch in the dramatist's career, and shows him creating a really new and original order of English comic play, the further development of which may be traced in the successive plays which, together with "The Magistrate," formed the famous Court series of farces, namely, "The Schoolmistress," "Dandy Dick," and "The Cabinet Minister." Because Mr. Pinero had previously written "The Rocket," and "In Chancery," for Mr. Edward Terry, who has performed them times out of number in London and the provinces with considerable success, it has been assumed that "The Magistrate" was also written for Mr. Terry. But this was not the case. As a matter of fact Mr. Pinero wrote the play quite independently, and on its completion he was to have read it to Mr. Charles Wyndham, but the necessities of the Court Theatre intervened. The management of the late Mr. John Clayton and Arthur Cecil was decidedly in low water in 1884 and the earlier part of 1885; play after play had been produced without success, when at length application was made to Mr. Pinero for a new piece. They had been performing serious plays, and he read them "The Weaker Sex," which he had written some little time before; but Mr. Clayton felt uncertain about this play, which, by the way, Mr. and Mrs. Kendal have since produced, and then Mr. Pinero, mentioning the new comic play he had just finished, suggested that perhaps an entirely new order of entertainment might serve to change the fortunes of the house. "The Magistrate" was immediately accepted and produced, and his conjecture proved correct, for the luck of the theatre promptly turned. "The Magistrate" was produced at the Court Theatre on Saturday, March 21, 1885, with a cast, particulars of which will be found in the following copy of the first night programme:-- ROYAL COURT THEATRE, SLOANE SQUARE, S.W. _Lessees and Managers:_ Mr. John Clayton and Mr. Arthur Cecil. THIS EVENING, SATURDAY, MARCH 21, _At a Quarter to Nine o'clock,_ WILL BE PRODUCED FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE MAGISTRATE, AN ORIGINAL FARCE, IN THREE ACTS, BY A. W. PINERO. MR. POSKET } Magistrates of the Mulberry { Mr. ARTHUR CECIL. MR. BULLAMY } Street Police Court { Mr. FRED CAPE. COLONEL LUKYN (from Bengal--retired) Mr. JOHN CLAYTON. CAPTAIN HORACE VALE (Shropshire Fusiliers) Mr. F. KERR. CIS FARRINGDON (Mrs. Posket's son, by her first marriage) Mr. H. EVERSFIELD. ACHILLE BLOND (Proprietor of the Hotel des Princes) Mr. CHEVALIER. ISIDORE (a Waiter) Mr. DELANE. MR. WORMINGTON (Chief Clerk at Mulberry Street) Mr. GILBERT TRENT. INSPECTOR MESSITER } { Mr. ALBERT SIMS. SERJEANT LUGG } Metropolitan Police { Mr. LUGG. CONSTABLE HARRIS } { Mr. BURNLEY. WYKE (Servant at Mr. Posket's) Mr. FAYRE. ____________ AGATHA POSKET (late Farringdon, _nee_ Verrinder) Mrs. JOHN WOOD. CHARLOTTE (her Sister) Miss MARION TERRY. BEATIE TOMLINSON (a Young Lady reduced to teaching music) Miss NORREYS. POPHAM Miss LA COSTE. ACT I. THE FAMILY SKELETON. _At Mr. Posket's, Bloomsbury._ ____________ ACT II. IT LEAVES ITS CUPBOARD. _Room in the Hotel des Princes, Meek Street._ ____________ ACT III. IT CRUMBLES. SCENE 1.--_The Magistrates Room, Mulberry Street._ SCENE 2.--_At the Poskets' again._ ____________ PRECEDED BY A COMEDIETTA BY A. W. DUBOURG, ENTITLED TWENTY MINUTES UNDER AN UMBRELLA. Cousin Kate . . . Miss NORREYS. Cousin Frank . . . Mr. H. REEVES SMITH. ____________ _Musical Director_ . MR. CARL ARMBRUSTER. _Secretary_ . MR. GEORGE COLEMAN. The success of "The Magistrate" was immediate, and the Court Theatre was crowded night after night for more than a year, the play being presented over 300 times. So prosperous was the run that there was no cessation during the Summer holiday season, and when Mr. Arthur Cecil went abroad for his vacation, his place as Posket was taken by Mr. Beerbohm Tree, while Miss Lottie Venne and Mrs. Tree in like manner relieved Mrs. John Wood and Miss Marion Terry. This success, however, was not confined to London, for three companies were soon carrying the play triumphantly over the English provinces, while in September 1885 Mr. Pinero went to New York to produce his work at Daly's Theatre. Mr. Daly had suggested that Miss Ada Rehan should play the boy, Cis Farringdon, but to this the author objected, and Miss Rehan played Mrs. Posket, while Mr. Posket was represented by Mr. James Lewis, and Colonel Lukyn by Mr. John Drew. "The Magistrate" enjoyed an exceptionally long run in New York, as well as in Boston, and in the latter city it is now performed every year, being included in the regular season of classic English comedies at the Boston Museum. "The Magistrate" has also been played throughout the United States, the late John T. Raymond having been closely associated with the play for a considerable time. "The Magistrate" has travelled more widely than most modern English plays, and, besides being a stock piece in Australia, India, and South Africa, it has been translated into more than one foreign tongue. Under the title "Der Blaue Grotte" ("The Blue Grotto") it is constantly played all over Germany and Austria, while in the Slavonic language it is a favourite play at the National Theatre, Prague. At one time a proposal was made, through the late Mr. John Clayton, that "The Magistrate" should be adapted to the French stage, but the suggestions of the proposed Parisian adapter were, though eminently characteristic, of such a nature that Mr. Pinero did not feel justified in acceding to them. While Mrs. John Wood and Mr. Arthur Chudleigh were still joint managers of the Court, there was some intention of reviving "The Magistrate" at that theatre, but as matters afterwards developed, Mr. Pinero arranged that the revival should take place under the auspices of Mr. Edward Terry, who accordingly appeared as Mr. Posket at his own theatre on Wednesday, April 13, 1892. MALCOLM C. SALAMAN. THE PERSONS OF THE PLAY MR. POSKET (Magistrate of the Mulberry Street Police Court) AGATHA POSKET CIS FARRINGDON (her Son) CHARLOTTE VERRINDER (her Sister) COLONEL LUKYN CAPTAIN HORACE VALE BEATIE TOMLINSON MR. BULLAMY (Magistrate of the Mulberry Street Police Court) ACHILLE BLOND ISIDORE MR. WORMINGTON INSPECTOR MESSITER } SERJEANT LUGG } (Metropolitan Police) CONSTABLE HARRIS } WYKE POPHAM _THE FIRST ACT_ THE FAMILY SKELETON _THE SECOND ACT_ IT LEAVES ITS CUPBOARD _THE THIRD ACT_ IT CRUMBLES THE MAGISTRATE THE FIRST ACT _The scene represents a well-furnished drawing-room in the house of MR. POSKET in Bloomsbury._ _BEATIE TOMLINSON, a pretty, simply dressed little girl of about sixteen, is playing the piano, as CIS FARRINGDON, a manly youth wearing an Eton jacket, enters the room._ CIS. Beatie! BEATIE. Cis dear! Dinner isn't over, surely? CIS. Not quite. I had one of my convenient headaches and cleared out. [_Taking an apple and some cobnuts from his pocket and giving them to BEATIE._] These are for you, dear, with my love. I sneaked 'em off the sideboard as I came out. BEATIE. Oh, I mustn't take them! CIS. Yes, you may--it's my share of dessert. Besides, it's a horrid shame you don't grub with us. BEATIE. What, a poor little music mistress! CIS. Yes. They're only going to give you four guineas a quarter. Fancy getting a girl like you for four guineas a quarter--why, an eighth of you is worth more than that! Now peg away at your apple. [_Produces a cigarette._ BEATIE. There's company at dinner, isn't there? [_Munching her apple._ CIS. Well, hardly. Aunt Charlotte hasn't arrived yet, so there's only old Bullamy. BEATIE. Isn't old Bullamy anybody? CIS. Old Bullamy--well, he's only like the guv'nor, a police magistrate at the Mulberry Street Police Court. BEATIE. Oh, does each police court have two magistrates? CIS. [_Proudly._] All the best have two. BEATIE. Don't they quarrel over getting the interesting cases? I should. CIS. I don't know how they manage--perhaps they toss up who's to hear the big sensations. There's a Mrs. Beldam, who is rather a bore sometimes; I know the Guv always lets old Bullamy attend to her. But, as a rule, I fancy they go half and half, in a friendly way. [_Lighting cigarette._] For instance, if the guv'nor wants to go to the Derby he lets old Bullamy have the Oaks--and so on, see? [_He sits on the floor, comfortably reclining against BEATIE, and puffing his cigarette._ BEATIE. Oh, I say, Cis, won't your mamma be angry when she finds I haven't gone home? CIS. Oh, put it on to your pupil. Say I'm very backward. BEATIE. I think you are extremely forward--in some ways. [_Biting the apple and speaking with her mouth full._] I do wish I could get you to concentrate your attention on your music lessons. But I wouldn't get you into a scrape! CIS. No fear of that. Ma is too proud of me. BEATIE. But there's your step-father. CIS. The dear old guv'nor! Why, he is too good-natured to say "Bo!" to a goose. You know, Beatie, I was at a school at Brighton when ma got married--when she got married the second time, I mean--and the guv'nor and I didn't make each other's acquaintance till after the honeymoon. BEATIE. Oh, fancy your step-father blindly accepting such a responsibility. [_Gives him a cobnut to crack for her._ CIS. Yes, wasn't the guv'nor soft! I might have been a very indifferent sort of young fellow for all he knew. [_Having cracked the nut with his teeth, he returns it to her._ BEATIE. Thank you, dear. CIS. Well, when I heard the new dad was a police magistrate, I _was_ scared. Said I to myself, "If I don't mind my P's and Q's, the guv'nor--from force of habit--will fine me all my pocket-money." But it's quite the reverse--he's the mildest, meekest----[_The door opens suddenly._] Look out! Some one coming! [_They both jump up, BEATIE scattering the nuts that are in her lap all over the floor. CIS throws his cigarette into the fireplace and sits at the piano, playing a simple exercise, very badly. BEATIE stands behind him counting._ BEATIE. One--and two--and one--and two. _WYKE, the butler, appears at the door, and mysteriously closes it after him._ WYKE. Ssss! Master Cis! Master Cis! CIS. Hallo--what is it, Wyke? WYKE. [_Producing a decanter from under his coat._] The port wine what you asked for, sir. I couldn't get it away before--the old gentlemen do hug port wine so. CIS. Got a glass? WYKE. Yes, sir. [_Producing wine-glass from his pocket, and pouring out wine._] What ain't missed ain't mourned, eh, Master Cis? CIS. [_Offering wine._] Here you are, Beatie dear. BEATIE. The idea of such a thing! I couldn't! CIS. Why not? BEATIE. If I merely sipped it I shouldn't be able to give you your music lesson properly. Drink it yourself, you dear, thoughtful boy. CIS. I shan't--it's for you. BEATIE. I can't drink it! CIS. You must. BEATIE. I won't! CIS. You're disagreeable! BEATIE. Not half so disagreeable as you are. [_They wrangle._ WYKE. [_To himself, watching them._] What a young gentleman it is! and only fourteen! Fourteen--he behaves like forty! [_CIS chokes as he is drinking the wine; BEATIE pats him on the back._] Why, even Cook has made a 'ash of everything, since he's been in the house, and as for Popham----! [_Seeing some one approaching._] Look out, Master Cis! [_CIS returns to the piano, BEATIE counting as before. WYKE pretends to arrange the window curtains, concealing the decanter behind him._ BEATIE. One and two--and one and two--and one, &c. _Enter POPHAM, a smart-looking maid-servant._ POPHAM. Wyke, where's the port? WYKE. [_Vacantly._] Port? POPHAM. Port wine. Missus is furious. WYKE. Port? POPHAM. [_Pointing to the decanter._] Why! There! You're carrying it about with you! WYKE. Why, so I am! Carrying it about with me! Shows what a sharp eye I keep on the guv'nor's wines. Carrying it about with me! Missus will be amused. [_Goes out._ POPHAM. [_Eyeing CIS and BEATIE._] There's that boy with _her_ again! Minx! Her two hours was up long ago. Why doesn't she go home? Master Cis, I've got a message for you. CIS. [_Rising from the piano._] For me, Popham? POPHAM. Yes, sir. [_Quietly to him._] The message is from a young lady who up to last Wednesday was all in all to you. Her name is Emma Popham. CIS. [_Trying to get away._] Oh, go along, Popham! POPHAM. [_Holding his sleeve._] Ah, it wasn't "Go along, Popham" till that music girl came into the house. I will go along, but--cast your eye over this before you sleep to-night. [_She takes out of her pocket-handkerchief a piece of printed paper which she hands him between her finger and thumb._] Part of a story in "Bow Bells," called "Jilted; or, Could Blood Atone?" Wrap it in your handkerchief--it came round the butter. [_She goes out; CIS throws the paper into the grate._ CIS. Bother the girl! Beatie, she's jealous of you! BEATIE. A parlour-maid jealous of _me_--and with a bit of a child of fourteen! CIS. I may be only fourteen, but I feel like a grown-up man! You're only sixteen--there's not much difference--and if you will only wait for me, I'll soon catch you up and be as much a man as you are a woman. Will you wait for me, Beatie? BEATIE. I can't--I'm getting older every minute! CIS. Oh, I wish I could borrow five or six years from somebody! BEATIE. Many a person would be glad to lend them. [_Lovingly._] And oh, I wish you could! CIS. [_Putting his arm round her._] You do! Why? BEATIE. Because I--because---- CIS. [_Listening._] Look out! Here's the mater! [_They run to the piano, he resumes playing, and she counting as before._ BEATIE. One and two--and one--and two, &c. _Enter AGATHA POSKET, a handsome, showy woman, of about thirty-six, looking perhaps younger._ AGATHA POSKET. Why, Cis child, at your music again? CIS. Yes, ma, always at it. You'll spoil my taste by forcing it if you're not careful. AGATHA POSKET. We have no right to keep Miss Tomlinson so late. BEATIE. Oh, thank you, it doesn't matter. I--I--am afraid we're not making--very--great--progress. CIS. [_Winking at BEATIE._] Well, if I play that again, will you kiss me? BEATIE. [_Demurely._] I don't know, I'm sure. [_To AGATHA POSKET._] May I promise that, ma'am? [_Sits in the window recess. CIS, joining her, puts his arm round her waist._ AGATHA POSKET. No, certainly not. [_To herself, watching them._] If I could only persuade AEneas to dismiss this _protegee_ of his, and to engage a music-master, it would ease my conscience a little. If this girl knew the truth, how indignant she would be! And then there is the injustice to the boy himself, and to my husband's friends who are always petting and fondling and caressing what they call "a fine little man of fourteen!" Fourteen! Oh, what an idiot I have been to conceal my child's real age! [_Looking at the clock._] Charlotte is late; I wish she would come. It will be a relief to worry her with my troubles. MR. POSKET. [_Talking outside._] We smoke all over the house, Bullamy, all over the house. AGATHA POSKET. I will speak to AEneas about this little girl, at any rate. _Enter MR. POSKET, a mild gentleman of about fifty, smoking a cigarette, followed by MR. BULLAMY, a fat, red-faced man with a bronchial cough and general huskiness._ MR. POSKET. Smoke anywhere, Bullamy--smoke anywhere. MR. BULLAMY. Not with my bronchitis, thank ye. MR. POSKET. [_Beaming at AGATHA POSKET._] Ah, my darling! MR. BULLAMY. [_Producing a small box from his waistcoat pocket._] All I take after dinner is a jujube--sometimes two. [_Offering the box._] May I tempt Mrs. Posket? AGATHA POSKET. No, thank you. [_Treading on one of the nuts which have been scattered over the room._] How provoking--who brings nuts into the drawing-room? MR. POSKET. Miss Tomlinson still here? [_To BEATIE._] Don't go, don't go. Glad to see Cis so fond of his music. Your sister Charlotte is behind her time, my darling. AGATHA POSKET. Her train is delayed, I suppose. MR. POSKET. You must stay and see my sister-in-law, Bullamy. MR. BULLAMY. Pleasure--pleasure! MR. POSKET. _I_ have never met her yet, we will share first impressions. In the interim, will Miss Tomlinson delight us with a little music? MR. BULLAMY. [_Bustling up to the piano._] If this young lady is going to sing she might like one of my jujubes. [_BEATIE sits at the piano with CIS and MR. BULLAMY on each side of her. MR. POSKET treads on a nut as he walks over to his wife._ MR. POSKET. Dear me--how come nuts into the drawing-room? [_To AGATHA._] Of what is my darling thinking so deeply? [_Treads on another nut._] Another! My pet, there are nuts on the drawing-room carpet! AGATHA POSKET. Yes, I want to speak to you, AEneas. MR. POSKET. About the nuts? AGATHA POSKET. No--about Miss Tomlinson--your little _protegee._ MR. POSKET. Ah, nice little thing. AGATHA POSKET. Very. But not old enough to exert any decided influence over the boy's musical future. Why not engage a master? MR. POSKET. What, for a mere child? AGATHA POSKET. A mere child--oh! MR. POSKET. A boy of fourteen! AGATHA POSKET. [_To herself._] Fourteen! MR. POSKET. A boy of fourteen, not yet out of Czerny's exercises. AGATHA POSKET. [_To herself._] If we were alone now, I might have the desperation to tell him all! MR. POSKET. Besides, my darling, you know the interest I take in Miss Tomlinson; she is one of the brightest little spots on my hobby-horse. Like all our servants, like everybody in my employ, she has been brought to my notice through the unhappy medium of the Police Court over which it is my destiny to preside. Our servant, Wyke, a man with a beautiful nature, is the son of a person I committed for trial for marrying three wives. To this day, Wyke is ignorant as to which of those three wives he is the son of! Cook was once a notorious dipsomaniac, and has even now not entirely freed herself from early influences. Popham is the unclaimed charge of a convicted baby-farmer. Even our milkman came before me as a man who had refused to submit specimens to the analytic inspector. And this poor child, what is she? AGATHA POSKET. Yes, I know. MR. POSKET. The daughter of a superannuated General, who abstracted four silk umbrellas from the Army and Navy Stores--and on a fine day too! [_BEATIE ceases playing._ MR. BULLAMY. Very good--very good! MR. POSKET. Thank you--thank you! MR. BULLAMY. [_To MR. POSKET, coughing and laughing and popping a jujube into his mouth._] My dear Posket, I really must congratulate you on that boy of yours--your stepson. A most wonderful lad. So confoundedly advanced too. MR. POSKET. Yes, isn't he? Eh! MR. BULLAMY. [_Confidentially._] While the piano was going on just now, he told me one of the most humorous stories I've ever heard. [_Laughing heartily and panting, then taking another jujube._] Ha, ha, bless me, I don't know when I have taken so many jujubes! MR. POSKET. My dear Bullamy, my entire marriage is the greatest possible success. A little romantic, too. [_Pointing to AGATHA POSKET._] Beautiful woman! MR. BULLAMY. Very, very. I never committed a more stylish, elegant creature. MR. POSKET. Thank you, Bullamy--we met abroad, at Spa, when I was on my holiday. _WYKE enters with tea-tray, which he hands round._ MR. BULLAMY. I shall go there next year. MR. POSKET. She lost her first husband about twelve months ago in India. He was an army contractor. BEATIE. [_To CIS at the piano._] I must go now--there's no excuse for staying any longer. CIS. [_To her disconsolately._] What the deuce shall _I_ do? MR. POSKET. [_Pouring out milk._] Dear me, this milk seems very poor. When he died, she came to England, placed her boy at a school in Brighton, and then moved about quietly from place to place, drinking---- [_Sips tea._ MR. BULLAMY. Drinking? MR. POSKET. The waters--she's a little dyspeptic. [_WYKE goes out._] We encountered each other at the _Tours des Fontaines_--by accident I trod upon her dress---- BEATIE. Good-night, Cis dear. CIS. Oh! MR. POSKET. [_Continuing to MR. BULLAMY._] I apologised. We talked about the weather, we drank out of the same glass, discovered that we both suffered from the same ailment, and the result is complete happiness. [_He bends over AGATHA POSKET gallantly._ AGATHA POSKET. AEneas! [_He kisses her, then CIS kisses BEATIE, loudly; MR. POSKET and MR. BULLAMY both listen puzzled._ MR. POSKET. Echo? MR. BULLAMY. Suppose so! [_He kisses the back of his hand experimentally; BEATIE kisses CIS._ MR. BULLAMY. Yes. MR. POSKET. Curious. [_To MR. BULLAMY._] Romantic story, isn't it? BEATIE. Good-night, Mrs. Posket! I shall be here early to-morrow morning. AGATHA POSKET. I am afraid you are neglecting your other pupils. BEATIE. Oh, they're not so interesting as Cis--[_correcting herself_] Master Farringdon. Good-night. AGATHA POSKET. Good-night, dear. [_BEATIE goes out quietly; AGATHA POSKET joins CIS._ MR. POSKET. [_To MR. BULLAMY._] We were married abroad without consulting friends or relations on either side. That's how it is I have never seen my sister-in-law, Miss Verrinder, who is coming from Shropshire to stay with us--she ought to---- _WYKE enters._ WYKE. Miss Verrinder has come, ma'am. MR. POSKET. Here she is. AGATHA POSKET. Charlotte? _CHARLOTTE, a fine handsome girl, enters, followed by POPHAM with hand luggage._ AGATHA POSKET. [_Kissing her._] My dear Charley. [_WYKE goes out._ CHARLOTTE. Aggy darling, aren't I late! There's a fog on the line--you could cut it with a knife. [_Seeing CIS._] Is that your boy? AGATHA POSKET. Yes. CHARLOTTE. Good gracious! What is he doing in an Eton jacket at his age? AGATHA POSKET. [_Softly to CHARLOTTE._] Hush! don't say a word about my boy's age yet awhile. CHARLOTTE. Oh! AGATHA POSKET. [_About to introduce MR. POSKET._] There is my husband. CHARLOTTE. [_Mistaking MR. BULLAMY for him._] Oh! how could she! [_To MR. BULLAMY, turning her cheek to him._] I congratulate you--I suppose you ought to kiss me. AGATHA POSKET. No, no! MR. POSKET. Welcome to my house, Miss Verrinder. CHARLOTTE. Oh, I beg your pardon. How do you do? MR. BULLAMY. [_To himself._] Mrs. Posket's an interfering woman. MR. POSKET. [_Pointing to MR. BULLAMY._] Mr. Bullamy. [_MR. BULLAMY, aggrieved, bows stiffly._ AGATHA POSKET. [_To CHARLOTTE._] Come upstairs, dear; will you have some tea? CHARLOTTE. No thank you, pet, but I should like a glass of soda water. AGATHA POSKET. Soda water! CHARLOTTE. Well dear, you can put what you like at the bottom of it. [_AGATHA POSKET and CHARLOTTE go out, POPHAM following._ POPHAM. [_To CIS._] Give me back my "Bow Bells," when you have read it, you imp. [_Goes out._ CIS. By Jove, Guv, isn't Aunt Charlotte a stunner? MR. POSKET. Seems a charming woman. MR. BULLAMY. Posket's got the wrong one! That comes of marrying without first seeing the lady's relations. CIS. Come along, Guv--let's have a gamble--Mr. Bullamy will join us. [_Opens the card-table, arranges chairs and candles._ MR. BULLAMY. A gamble? MR. POSKET. Yes--the boy has taught me a new game called "Fireworks;" his mother isn't aware that we play for money, of course, but we do. MR. BULLAMY. Ha, ha, ha! Who wins? MR. POSKET. He does now--but he says I shall win when I know the game better. MR. BULLAMY. What a boy he is! MR. POSKET. Isn't he a wonderful lad? And only fourteen, too. I'll tell you something else--perhaps you had better not mention it to his mother. MR. BULLAMY. No, no, certainly not. MR. POSKET. He's invested a little money for me. MR. BULLAMY. What in? MR. POSKET. Not _in_--_on_--on Sillikin for the Lincolnshire Handicap. Sillikin to win and Butterscotch one, two, three. MR. BULLAMY. Good Lord! MR. POSKET. Yes, the dear boy said, "Guv, it isn't fair you should give me all the tips, I'll give you some,"--and he did--he gave me Sillikin and Butterscotch. He'll manage it for you, if you like. "Plank it down," he calls it. MR. BULLAMY. [_Chuckling and choking._] Ha! ha! Ho! ho! [_Taking a jujube._] This boy will ruin me in jujubes. CIS. All ready! Look sharp! Guv, lend me a sov to start with? MR. POSKET. A sov to start with? [_They sit at the table. AGATHA POSKET and CHARLOTTE come into the room._] We didn't think you would return so soon, my darling. AGATHA POSKET. Go on amusing yourselves, I insist, only don't teach my Cis to play cards. MR. BULLAMY. Ho! ho! MR. POSKET. [_To MR. BULLAMY._] Hush! Hush! AGATHA POSKET. [_To CHARLOTTE._] I'm glad of this--we can tell each other our miseries undisturbed. Will you begin? CHARLOTTE. Well, at last I am engaged to Captain Horace Vale. AGATHA POSKET. Oh! Charley, I'm so glad! CHARLOTTE. Yes--so is he--he says. He proposed to me at the Hunt Ball--in the passage--Tuesday week. AGATHA POSKET. What did he say? CHARLOTTE. He said, "By Jove, I love you awfully." AGATHA POSKET. Well--and what did you say? CHARLOTTE. Oh, I said, "Well, if you're going to be as eloquent as all that, by Jove, I can't stand out." So we settled it, in the passage. He bars flirting till after we're married. That's my misery. What's yours, Aggy? AGATHA POSKET. Something awful! CHARLOTTE. Cheer up, Aggy! What is it? AGATHA POSKET. Well, Charley, you know I lost my poor dear first husband at a very delicate age. CHARLOTTE. Well, you were five-and-thirty, dear. AGATHA POSKET. Yes, that's what I mean. Five-and-thirty is a very delicate age to find yourself single. You're neither one thing nor the other. You're not exactly a two-year-old, and you don't care to pull a hansom. However, I soon met Mr. Posket at Spa--bless him! CHARLOTTE. And you nominated yourself for the Matrimonial Stakes. Mr. Farringdon's The Widow, by Bereavement, out of Mourning, ten pounds extra. AGATHA POSKET. Yes, Charley, and in less than a month I went triumphantly over the course. But, Charley dear, I didn't carry the fair weight for age--and that's my trouble. CHARLOTTE. Oh, dear! AGATHA POSKET. Undervaluing AEneas' love, in a moment of, I hope, not unjustifiable vanity, I took five years from my total, which made me thirty-one on my wedding morning. CHARLOTTE. Well, dear, many a misguided woman has done that before you. AGATHA POSKET. Yes, Charley, but don't you see the consequences? It has thrown everything out. As I am now thirty-one, instead of thirty-six as I ought to be, it stands to reason that I couldn't have been married twenty years ago, which I was. So I have had to fib in proportion. CHARLOTTE. I see--making your first marriage occur only fifteen years ago. AGATHA POSKET. Exactly. CHARLOTTE. Well then, dear, why worry yourself further? AGATHA POSKET. Why, dear, don't you see? If I am only thirty-one now, my boy couldn't have been born nineteen years ago, and if he could, he oughtn't to have been, because, on my own showing, I wasn't married till four years later. Now you see the result! CHARLOTTE. Which is, that that fine strapping young gentleman over there is only fourteen. AGATHA POSKET. Precisely. Isn't it awkward! and his moustache is becoming more and more obvious every day. CHARLOTTE. What does the boy himself believe? AGATHA POSKET. He believes his mother, of course, as a boy should. As a prudent woman, I always kept him in ignorance of his age--in case of necessity. But it is terribly hard on the poor child, because his aims, instincts, and ambitions are all so horribly in advance of his condition. His food, his books, his amusements are out of keeping with his palate, his brain, and his disposition; and with all this suffering--his wretched mother has the remorseful consciousness of having shortened her offspring's life. CHARLOTTE. Oh, come, you haven't quite done that. AGATHA POSKET. Yes, I have--because, if he lives to be a hundred, he must be buried at ninety-five. CHARLOTTE. That's true. AGATHA POSKET. Then, there's another aspect. He's a great favourite with all our friends--women friends especially. Even his little music mistress and the girl-servants hug and kiss him because he's such an engaging boy, and I can't stop it. But it's very awful to see these innocent women fondling a young man of nineteen. CHARLOTTE. The women don't know it. AGATHA POSKET. But they'd like to know it. I mean they ought to know it! The other day I found my poor boy sitting on Lady Jenkins's lap, and in the presence of Sir George. I have no right to compromise Lady Jenkins in that way. And now, Charley, you see the whirlpool in which I am struggling--if you can throw me a rope, pray do. CHARLOTTE. What sort of a man is Mr. Posket, Aggy? AGATHA POSKET. The best creature in the world. He's a practical philanthropist. CHARLOTTE. Um--he's a Police Magistrate, too, isn't he? AGATHA POSKET. Yes, but he pays out of his own pocket half the fines he inflicts. That's why he has had a reprimand from the Home Office for inflicting such light penalties. All our servants have graduated at Mulberry Street. Most of the pictures in the dining-room are genuine Constables. CHARLOTTE. Take my advice--tell him the whole story. AGATHA POSKET. I dare not! CHARLOTTE. Why? AGATHA POSKET. I should have to take such a back seat for the rest of my married life. [_The party at the card-table breaks up._ MR. BULLAMY. [_Grumpily._] No, thank you, not another minute. [_To MR. POSKET._] What is the use of talking about revenge, my dear Posket, when I haven't a penny piece left to play with? MR. POSKET. I'm in the same predicament! Cis will lend us some money, won't you, Cis? CIS. Rather! MR. BULLAMY. No, thank ye, that boy is one too many for me. I've never met such a child. Good-night, Mrs. Posket. [_Treads on a nut._] Confound the nuts! AGATHA POSKET. Going so early? CIS. [_To MR. POSKET._] I hate a bad loser, don't you Guv? AGATHA POSKET. Show Mr. Bullamy down stairs, Cis. MR. BULLAMY. Good-night, Posket. Oh! I haven't a shilling left for my cabman. CIS. I'll pay the cab. MR. BULLAMY. No, thank you! I'll walk. [_Opening jujube box._] Bah! Not even a jujube left and on a foggy night, too! Ugh! [_Goes out._ _Enter WYKE with four letters on salver._ CIS. [_To WYKE._] Any for me? WYKE. One, sir. CIS. [_To himself._] From Achille Blond; lucky the mater didn't see it. [_Goes out._ [_WYKE hands letters to AGATHA POSKET, who takes two, then to MR. POSKET, who takes one._ AGATHA POSKET. This is for you, Charley--already. [_WYKE goes out._ CHARLOTTE. Spare my blushes, dear--it's from Horace, Captain Vale. The dear wretch knew I was coming to you. Heigho! Will you excuse me? MR. POSKET. Certainly. AGATHA POSKET. Excuse me, please? CHARLOTTE. Certainly, my dear. MR. POSKET. Certainly, my darling. Excuse me, won't you? CHARLOTTE. Oh, certainly. AGATHA POSKET. Certainly, AEneas. [_Simultaneously they all open their letters, and lean back and read._ AGATHA POSKET. [_Reading._] Lady Jenkins is not feeling very well. CHARLOTTE. If Captain Horace Vale stood before me at this moment, I'd slap his face! AGATHA POSKET. Charlotte! CHARLOTTE. [_Reading._] "Dear Miss Verrinder,--Your desperate flirtation with Major Bristow at the Meet on Tuesday last, three days after our engagement, has just come to my knowledge. Your letters and gifts, including the gold-headed hair-pin given me at the Hunt Ball, shall be returned to-morrow. By Jove, all is over! Horace Vale." Oh, dear! AGATHA POSKET. Oh, Charley, I'm so sorry! However, you can deny it. CHARLOTTE. [_Weeping._] That's the worst of it, I can't. MR. POSKET. [_To AGATHA POSKET._] My darling, you will be delighted. A note from Colonel Lukyn. AGATHA POSKET. Lukyn--Lukyn? I seem to know the name. MR. POSKET. An old schoolfellow of mine who went to India many years ago. He has just come home. I met him at the club last night and asked him to name an evening to dine with us. He accepts for to-morrow. AGATHA POSKET. Lukyn, Lukyn? MR. POSKET. Listen. [_Reading._] "It will be especially delightful to me, as I believe I am an old friend of your wife and of her first husband. You may recall me to her recollection by reminding her that I am the Captain Lukyn who stood sponsor to her boy when he was christened at Baroda." AGATHA POSKET. [_Giving a loud scream._] Oh! MR. POSKET. My dear! AGATHA POSKET. I've twisted my foot. MR. POSKET. How _do_ nuts come into the drawing-room? CHARLOTTE. [_Quietly to AGATHA POSKET._] Aggy? AGATHA POSKET. [_To CHARLOTTE._] The boy's god-father. CHARLOTTE. When was the child christened? AGATHA POSKET. A month after he was born. They always are. MR. POSKET. [_Reading the letter again._] This is _very_ pleasant. AGATHA POSKET. [_To MR. POSKET._] Let--let me see the letter, I--I may recognise the handwriting. MR. POSKET. [_Handing her the letter._] Certainly, my pet. [_To himself._] Awakened memories of Number One. That's the worst of marrying a widow; somebody is always proving her previous convictions. AGATHA POSKET. [_To CHARLOTTE._] "No. 19a, Cork Street!" Charley, put on your things and come with me. CHARLOTTE. Agatha, you're mad! AGATHA POSKET. I'm going to shut this man's mouth before he comes into this house to-morrow. CHARLOTTE. Wait _till_ he comes. AGATHA POSKET. Yes, till he stalks in here with his "How d'ye do, Posket? Haven't seen your wife since the year '66, by Gad, sir!" Not I! AEneas! MR. POSKET. My dear. AGATHA POSKET. Lady Jenkins--Adelaide--is very ill; she can't put her foot to the ground with neuralgia. [_Taking the letter from her pocket, and giving it to him._ MR. POSKET. Bless me! AGATHA POSKET. We have known each other for six long years. MR. POSKET. Only six weeks, my love. AGATHA POSKET. Weeks _are_ years in close friendship. My place is by her side. MR. POSKET. [_Reading the letter._] "Slightly indisposed, caught trifling cold at the Dog Show. Where do you buy your handkerchiefs?" There's nothing about neuralgia or putting her foot to the ground here, my darling. AGATHA POSKET. No, but can't you read between the lines, AEneas? That is the letter of a woman who is not at all well. MR. POSKET. All right, my darling, if you are bent upon going I will accompany you. AGATHA POSKET. Certainly not, AEneas--Charlotte insists on being my companion; we can keep each other warm in a closed cab. MR. POSKET. But can't I make a third? AGATHA POSKET. Don't be so forgetful, AEneas--don't you know that in a four-wheeled cab, the fewer knees there are the better. [_AGATHA POSKET and CHARLOTTE go out._ _CIS comes in hurriedly._ CIS. What's the matter, Guv? MR. POSKET. Your mother and Miss Verrinder are going out. CIS. Out of their minds? It's a horrid night. MR. POSKET. Yes, but Lady Jenkins is ill. CIS. Oh! Is ma mentioned in the will? MR. POSKET. Good gracious, what a boy! No, Cis, your mother is merely going to sit by Lady Jenkins' bedside, to hold her hand, and to tell her where one goes to--to buy pocket-handkerchiefs. CIS. By Jove! The mater can't be home again till half-past twelve or one o'clock. MR. POSKET. Much later if Lady Jenkins' condition is alarming. CIS. Hurray! [_He takes the watch out of MR. POSKET'S pocket._] Just half-past ten. Greenwich mean, eh, Guv? [_He puts the watch to his ear, pulling MR. POSKET towards him by the chain._ MR. POSKET. What an extraordinary lad! CIS. [_Returning watch._] Thanks. They have to get from here to Campden Hill and back again. I'll tell Wyke to get them the worst horse on the rank. MR. POSKET. My dear child! CIS. Three-quarters of an hour's journey from here at least. Twice three-quarters, one hour and a half. An hour with Lady Jenkins--when women get together, you know, Guv, they do talk--that's two hours and a half. Good. Guv, will you come with me? MR. POSKET. Go with you! Where? CIS. Hotel des Princes, Meek Street. A sharp hansom does it in ten minutes. MR. POSKET. Meek Street, Hotel des Princes! Child, do you know what you're talking about? CIS. Rather. Look here, Guv, honour bright--no blab if I show you a letter. MR. POSKET. I won't promise anything. CIS. You won't! Do you know, Guv, you are doing a very unwise thing to check the confidence of a lad like me? MR. POSKET. Cis, my boy! CIS. Can you calculate the inestimable benefit it is to a youngster to have some one always at his elbow, some one older, wiser, and better off than himself? MR. POSKET. Of course, Cis, of course, I _want_ you to make a companion of me. CIS. Then how the deuce can I do that if you won't come with me to Meek Street? MR. POSKET. Yes, but deceiving your mother! CIS. _Deceiving_ the mater would be to tell her a crammer--a thing, I hope, we're both of us much above. MR. POSKET. Good boy, good boy. CIS. _Concealing_ the fact that we're going to have a bit of supper at the Hotel des Princes, is doing my mother a great kindness, because it would upset her considerably to know of the circumstances. You've been wrong, Guv, but we won't say anything more about that. Read the letter. [_Gives MR. POSKET the letter._ MR. POSKET. [_Reading in a dazed sort of a way._] "Hotel des Princes, Meek Street, W. Dear Sir,--Unless you drop in and settle your arrears, I really cannot keep your room for you any longer. Yours obediently, Achille Blond. Cecil Farringdon, Esq." Good heavens! You have a room at the Hotel das Princes! CIS. A room! It's little better than a coop. MR. POSKET. You don't occupy it? CIS. But my friends do. When I was at Brighton I was in with the best set--hope I always shall be. I left Brighton--nice hole I was in. You see, Guv, I didn't want my friends to make free with your house. MR. POSKET. Oh, didn't you? CIS. So I took a room at the Hotel des Princes--when I want to put a man up he goes there. You see, Guv, it's _you_ I've been considering more than myself. MR. POSKET. But you are a mere child. CIS. A fellow is just as old as he feels. I feel no end of a man. Hush, they're coming down! I'm off to tell Wyke about the rickety four-wheeler. MR. POSKET. Cis, Cis! Your mother will discover I have been out. CIS. Oh, I forgot, you're married, aren't you? MR. POSKET. Married! CIS. Say you are going to the club. MR. POSKET. But that's not the truth, sir! CIS. Yes it is. We'll pop in at the club on our way, and you can give me a bitters. [_Goes out._ MR. POSKET. Good gracious, what a boy! Hotel des Princes, Meek Street! What shall I do? Tell his mother? Why, it would turn her hair grey. If I could only get a quiet word with this Mr. Achille Blond, I could put a stop to everything. That is my best course, not to lose a moment in rescuing the child from his boyish indiscretion. Yes, I must go with Cis to Meek Street. _Enter AGATHA POSKET and CHARLOTTE, elegantly dressed._ AGATHA POSKET. Have you sent for a cab, AEneas? MR. POSKET. Cis is looking after that. AGATHA POSKET. Poor Cis! How late we keep him up. _CIS comes in._ CIS. Wyke has gone for a cab, ma dear. AGATHA POSKET. Thank you, Cis darling. CIS. If you'll excuse me, I'll go to my room. I've another bad headache coming on. AGATHA POSKET. [_Kissing him._] Run along, my boy. CIS. Good-night, ma. Good-night, Aunt Charlotte. CHARLOTTE. Good-night, Cis. AGATHA POSKET. [_To herself._] I wish the cab would come. [_AGATHA POSKET and CHARLOTTE look out of the window._ CIS. [_At the door._] Ahem! Good-night, Guv. MR. POSKET. You've told a story--two, sir! You said you were going up to your room. CIS. So I am--to dress. MR. POSKET. You said you had a bad headache coming on. CIS. So I have, Guv. I always get a bad headache at the Hotel des Princes. [_Goes out._ MR. POSKET. Oh, what a boy! AGATHA POSKET. [_To herself._] When will that cab come? MR. POSKET. Ahem! My pet, the idea has struck me that, as you are going out, it would not be a bad notion for me to pop into my club. AGATHA POSKET. The club! You were there last night. MR. POSKET. I know, my darling. Many men look in at their clubs every night. AGATHA POSKET. A nice example for Cis, truly! I particularly desire that you should remain at home to-night, AEneas. MR. POSKET. [_To himself._] Oh, dear me! CHARLOTTE. [_To AGATHA POSKET._] Why not let him go to the club, Agatha? AGATHA POSKET. He might meet Colonel Lukyn there. CHARLOTTE. If Colonel Lukyn is there we shan't find him in Cork Street! AGATHA POSKET. Then we follow him to the club. CHARLOTTE. Ladies never call at a club. AGATHA POSKET. Such things have been known. _WYKE enters._ WYKE. [_Grinning behind his hand._] The cab is coming, ma'am. AGATHA POSKET. Coming? Why didn't you bring it with you? WYKE. I walk quicker than the cab, ma'am. It's a good horse, slow, but very certain. AGATHA POSKET. We will come down. WYKE. [_To himself._] Just what the horse has done. [_To AGATHA POSKET._] Yes, ma'am. [_WYKE goes out._ AGATHA POSKET. Good-night, AEneas. MR. POSKET. [_Nervously._] I wish you would allow me to go to the club, my pet. AGATHA POSKET. AEneas, I am surprised at your obstinacy. It is so very different from my first husband. MR. POSKET. Really, Agatha, I am shocked. I presume the late Mr. Farringdon occasionally used his clubs. AGATHA POSKET. Indian clubs. Indian clubs are good for the liver, London clubs are not. Good-night! MR. POSKET. I'll see you to your cab, Agatha. AGATHA POSKET. No, thank you. MR. POSKET. Upon my word! CHARLOTTE. [_To AGATHA POSKET._] Why not? AGATHA POSKET. He would want to give the direction to the cabman! CHARLOTTE. The first tiff. [_To MR. POSKET._] Good-night, Mr. Posket. MR. POSKET. Good-night, Miss Verrinder. AGATHA POSKET. [_To MR. POSKET._] Have you any message for Lady Jenkins? MR. POSKET. Confound Lady Jenkins. AGATHA POSKET. I will deliver your message in the presence of Sir George, who, I may remind you, is the permanent Secretary at the Home Office. [_AGATHA POSKET and CHARLOTTE go out; MR. POSKET paces up and down excitedly._ MR. POSKET. Gurrh? I'm not to go to the club! I set a bad example to Cis! Ha! ha! I am different from her first husband. Yes, I am--I'm alive for one thing. I--I--I--I--I'm dashed if I don't go out with the boy. CIS. [_Putting his head in at the door._] Coast clear, Guv? All right. _Enter CIS, in fashionable evening dress, carrying MR. POSKET'S overcoat and hat._ CIS. Here are your hat and overcoat. MR. POSKET. Where on earth did you get that dress suit? CIS. Mum's the word, Guv. Brighton tailor--six months' credit. He promised to send in the bill to you, so the mater won't know. [_Putting MR. POSKET'S hat on his head._] By Jove, Guv, don't my togs show you up? MR. POSKET. I won't go, I won't go. I've never met such a boy before. CIS. [_Proceeds to help him with his overcoat._] Mind your arm, Guv. You've got your hand in a pocket. No, no--that's a tear in the lining. That's it. MR. POSKET. I forbid you to go out! CIS. Yes, Guv. And I forbid you to eat any of those devilled oysters we shall get at the Hotel des Princes. Now you're right! MR. POSKET. I am not right! CIS. Oh, I forgot! [_He pulls out a handful of loose money._] I found this money in your desk, Guv. You had better take it out with you; you may want it. Here you are--gold, silver, and coppers. [_He empties the money into MR. POSKET'S overcoat pocket._] One last precaution, and then we're off. [_Goes to the writing-table, and writes on a half-sheet of note-paper._ MR. POSKET. I shall take a turn round the Square, and then come home again! I will not be influenced by a mere child! A man of my responsible position--a magistrate--supping slily at the Hotel des Princes, in Meek Street--it's horrible. CIS. Now, then--we'll creep downstairs quietly so as not to bring Wyke from his pantry. [_Giving MR. POSKET paper._] You stick that up prominently, while I blow out the candles. [_CIS blows out the candles on the piano._ MR. POSKET. [_Reading._] "Your master and Mr. Cecil Farringdon are going to bed. Don't disturb them." I will not be a partner to any written document. This is untrue. CIS. No, it isn't--we are going to bed when we come home. Make haste, Guv. MR. POSKET. Oh, what a boy. [_Pinning the paper on to the curtain._ CIS. [_Turning down the lamp, and watching MR. POSKET._] Hallo, Guv! hallo! You're an old hand at this sort of game, are you? MR. POSKET. How dare you! CIS. [_Taking MR. POSKET'S arm._] Now, then, don't breathe. MR. POSKET. [_Quite demoralised._] Cis! Cis! Wait a minute--wait a minute! CIS. Hold up, Guv. [_WYKE enters._] Oh, bother! WYKE. [_To MR. POSKET._] Going out, sir? MR. POSKET. [_Struggling to be articulate._] No--yes--that is--partially--half round the Square, and possibly--er--um--back again. [_To CIS._] Oh, you bad boy! WYKE. [_Coolly going up to the paper on curtains._] Shall I take this down now, sir? MR. POSKET. [_Quietly to CIS._] I'm in an awful position! What am I to do? CIS. Do as I do--tip him. MR. POSKET. What! CIS. Tip him. MR. POSKET. Oh, yes--yes. Where's my money? [_CIS takes two coins out of MR. POSKET'S pocket and gives them to him without looking at them._ CIS. [_To MR. POSKET._] Give him that. MR. POSKET. Yes. CIS. And say--"Wyke, you want a new umbrella--buy a very good one. Your mistress has a latch-key, so go to bed." MR. POSKET. Wyke! WYKE. Yes, sir. MR. POSKET. [_Giving him money._] Go to bed--buy a very good one. Your mistress has a latch-key--so--so you want a new umbrella! WYKE. All right, sir. You can depend on me. Are you well muffled up, sir? Mind you take care of him, Master Cis. CIS. [_Supporting MR. POSKET; MR. POSKET groaning softly._] Capital, Guv, capital. Are you hungry? MR. POSKET. Hungry! You're a wicked boy. I've told a falsehood. CIS. No, you haven't, Guv--he really does want a new umbrella. MR. POSKET. Does he, Cis? Does he? Thank heaven! [_They go out._ WYKE. [_Looking at money_] Here! What, twopence! [_Throws the coins down in disgust._] I'll tell the missus. END OF THE FIRST ACT. THE SECOND ACT _The scene is a supper-room at the Hotel des Princes, Meek Street, with two doors--the one leading into an adjoining room, the other into a passage--and a window opening on to a balcony._ _ISIDORE, a French waiter, is showing in CIS and MR. POSKET._ CIS. Come on, Guv--come on. How are you, Isidore? ISIDORE. I beg your pardon--I am quite well, and so are you, zank you. CIS. I want a pretty little light supper for myself and my friend, Mr. Skinner. ISIDORE. Mr. Skinner. MR. POSKET. [_To CIS._] Skinner! Is some one else coming? CIS. No, no. You're Skinner. MR. POSKET. Oh! [_Wanders round the room._ CIS. Mr. Skinner, of the Stock Exchange. What have you ready? ISIDORE. [_In an undertone to CIS._] I beg your pardon--very good--but Monsieur Blond he say to me, "Isidore, listen now; if Mr. Farringdon he come here, you say, I beg your pardon, you are a nice gentleman, but will you pay your little account when it is quite convenient, before you leave the house at once." CIS. Quite so, there's no difficulty about that. What's the bill? ISIDORE. [_Gives the bill._] I beg your pardon. Eight pounds four shillings. CIS. Phew! Here go my winnings from old Bullamy and the Guv. [_Counting out money._] Two pounds short. [_Turning to MR. POSKET, who is carefully examining the scratches on the mirrors._] Skinner! Skinner! MR. POSKET. Visitors evidently scratch their names on the mirrors. Dear me! Surely this is a spurious title--"Lottie, Duchess of Fulham!" How very curious! CIS. Skinner, got any money with you? MR. POSKET. Yes, Cis, my boy. [_Feels for his money._ CIS. You always keep it in that pocket, Skinner. MR. POSKET. [_Taking out money._] Oh, yes. [_CIS takes two sovereigns from MR. POSKET and gives the amount of his bill to ISIDORE, who goes to the sideboard to count out change._ CIS. No putting the change to bed, Isidore, MR. POSKET. What's that? CIS. Putting the change to bed! Isidore will show you. [_To ISIDORE, who comes to them with the change and the bill on a plate._] Isidore, show Mr. Skinner how you put silver to bed. ISIDORE. Oh, Mr. Farringdon, I beg your pardon--no, no! MR. POSKET. It would be most instructive. ISIDORE. Very good. [_Goes to the table, upon which he puts plate._] Say I have to give you change sixteen shillings. MR. POSKET. Certainly. ISIDORE. Very good. Before I bring it to you I slip a little half-crown under the bill--so. Then I put what is left on the top of the bill, and I say, "I beg your pardon, your change." You take it, you give me two shillings for myself, and all is right. MR. POSKET. [_Counting the silver on the bill with the end of his glasses._] Yes, but suppose I count the silver, it is half-a-crown short! ISIDORE. Then I say, "I beg your pardon, how dare you say that?" Then I do so. [_He pulls the bill from the plate._] Then I say, "The bill is eight pounds four shillings [_handing the plate_], count again." MR. POSKET. Ah, of course, it's all right now. ISIDORE. Very good, then you give me five shillings for doubting me. Do it; do it. MR. POSKET. [_In a daze, giving him the five shillings._] Like this? ISIDORE. Yes, like that. [_Slipping the money into his pocket._] I beg your pardon--thank you. [_Handing CIS the rest of the change._] Your change, Mr. Farringdon. CIS. Oh, I say, Isidore. _BLOND, a fat, middle-aged French hotel-keeper, enters with a letter in his hand._ ISIDORE. Monsieur Blond. BLOND. Good evening, Mr. Farringdon. ISIDORE. [_Quietly to BLOND._] Ze bill is all right. CIS. Good evening. [_Introducing MR. POSKET._] My friend, Mr. Harvey Skinner, of the Stock Exchange. BLOND. Very pleased to see you. [_To CIS._] Are you going to enjoy yourselves? CIS. Rather. BLOND. You usually eat in this room, but you don't mind giving it up for to-night--now, do you? CIS. Oh, Achille! BLOND. Come, come, to please me. A cab has just brought a letter from an old customer of mine, a gentleman I haven't seen for over twenty years, who wants to sup with a friend in this room to-night. It's quite true. [_Giving CIS a letter._] CIS. [_Reading to himself._] "19A, Cork Street. Dear Blond,--Fresh, or rather, stale from India--want to sup with my friend, Captain Vale, to-night, at my old table in my old room. Must do this for Auld Lang Syne. Yours, Alexander Lukyn." [_To BLOND._] Oh, let him have it. Where will you put us? BLOND. You shall have the best room in the house, the one next to this. This room--pah! Come with me. [_To MR. POSKET._] Have you known Mr. Farringdon for a long time? MR. POSKET. No, no. Not very long. BLOND. Ah, he is a fine fellow--Mr. Farringdon. Now, if you please. You can go through this door. [_Wheels sofa away and unlocks the door._ CIS. [_To MR. POSKET._] You'll look better after a glass or two of Pommery, Guv. MR. POSKET. No, no, Cis--now, no champagne. CIS. No champagne, not for my friend, Harvey Skinner! Come, Guv--dig me in the ribs--like this. [_Digging him in the ribs._] Chuck! MR. POSKET. [_Shrinking._] Oh, don't! CIS. And say, Hey! Go on, Guv. MR. POSKET. I can't--I can't. I don't know what it may mean. CIS. [_Digging him in the ribs again._] Go on--ch-uck! MR. POSKET. What, like this? [_Returning the dig._] Ch-uck. CIS. That's it, that's it. Ha, ha! You are going it, Guv. MR. POSKET. Am I, Cis? Am I? [_Waving his arm._] Hey! CIS AND MR. POSKET. Hey! CIS. Ha, ha! Come on! Serve the supper, Achille. BLOND. Ah! he is a grand fellow, Mr. Farringdon. [_CIS and MR. POSKET go into the other room._] [_To ISIDORE._] Replace the _canape._ [_There is a sharp knock at the other door. BLOND follows CIS and MR. POSKET into the other room, then locks the door on the inside._ ISIDORE. Come in, please. _COLONEL LUKYN and CAPTAIN VALE enter the room. LUKYN is a portly, grey-haired, good-looking military man; VALE is pale-faced and heavy-eyed, while his manner is languid and dejected._ LUKYN. This is the room. Come in, Vale. This is my old supper-room--I haven't set foot here for over twenty years. By George, I hope to sup here for another twenty. VALE. [_Dejectedly._] Do you? In less than that, unless I am lucky enough to fall in some foreign set-to, I shall be in Kensal Green. LUKYN. [_Looking round the room sentimentally._] Twenty years ago! Confound 'em, they've painted it. VALE. My people have eight shelves in the Catacombs at Kensal Green. LUKYN. Nonsense, man, nonsense. You're a little low. Waiter, take our coats. VALE. Don't check me, Lukyn. My shelf is four from the bottom. LUKYN. You'll forget the number of your shelf before you're half way through your oysters. VALE. [_Shaking his head._] An oyster merely reminds me of my own particular shell. [_ISIDORE begins to remove VALE'S coat._ LUKYN. Ha, ha! Ha, ha! VALE. Don't, Lukyn, don't. [_In an undertone to LUKYN._] It's very good of you, but, by Jove, my heart is broken. [_To ISIDORE._] Mind my flower, waiter, confound you. [_He adjusts flower in his button-hole._ ISIDORE. You have ordered supper, sir? LUKYN. Yes, on the back of my note to Mr. Blond. Serve it at once. ISIDORE. I beg your pardon, sir, at once. [_He goes out._ LUKYN. So, you've been badly treated by a woman, eh, Vale? VALE. Shockingly. Between man and man, a Miss Verrinder--Charlotte. [_Turning away._] Excuse me, Lukyn. [_Produces a folded silk handkerchief, shakes it out, and gently blows his nose._ LUKYN. [_Lighting a cigarette._] Certainly--certainly--does you great credit. Pretty woman? VALE. Oh, lovely! A most magnificent set of teeth. All real, as far as I can ascertain. LUKYN. No? VALE. Fact. LUKYN. Great loss;--have a cigarette. VALE. [_Taking case from LUKYN._] Parascho's? LUKYN. Yes. Was she--full grown? VALE. [_Lighting his cigarette._] Just perfection. She rides eight-stone fifteen, and I have lost her, Lukyn. Beautiful tobacco. LUKYN. What finished it? VALE. She gave a man a pair of worked slippers three days after our engagement. LUKYN. No? VALE. Fact. You remember Bristow--Gordon Bristow? LUKYN. Perfectly. Best fellow in the world. VALE. He wears them. LUKYN. Villain! Will you begin with a light wine, or go right on to the champagne? VALE. By Jove, it's broken my heart, old fellow. I'll go right on to the champagne, please. Lukyn, I shall make you my executor. LUKYN. Pooh! You'll outlive me! Why don't they bring the supper? My heart has been broken like yours. It was broken first in Ireland in '55. It was broken again in London in '61, but in 1870 it was smashed in Calcutta, by a married lady that time. VALE. A married lady? LUKYN. Yes, my late wife. Talk about broken hearts, my boy, when you've won your lady, not when you've lost her. [_Enter ISIDORE with a tray of supper things._] The supper. [_To VALE._] Hungry? VALE. [_Mournfully._] Very. _Enter BLOND, with an envelope._ BLOND. Colonel Lukyn. LUKYN. Ah, Blond, how are you? Not a day older. What have you got there? BLOND. [_Quietly to LUKYN in an undertone._] Two ladies, Colonel, downstairs in a cab, must see you for a few minutes alone. LUKYN. Good gracious! Excuse me, Vale. [_Takes the envelope from BLOND, and opens it: reading the enclosed card._] Mrs. Posket--Mrs. Posket! "Mrs. Posket entreats Colonel Lukyn to see her for five minutes upon a matter of urgent necessity, and free from observation." By George! Posket must be ill in bed--I thought he looked seedy last night. [_To BLOND._] Of course--of course. Say I'll come down. BLOND. It is raining outside. I had better ask them up. LUKYN. Do--do. I'll get Captain Vale to step into another room. Be quick. Tell 'em I am quite alone. BLOND. Yes, Colonel. [_Hurries out._ CIS. [_In the next room rattling glasses and calling._] Waiter! Waiter! Waiter-r-r! Where the deuce are you? ISIDORE. Coming, sir, coming. I beg your pardon. [_Bustles out._ LUKYN. My dear Vale, I am dreadfully sorry to bother you. Two ladies, one the wife of a very old friend of mine, have followed me here and want half a dozen words with me alone. I am in your hands--how can I manage it? VALE. My dear fellow, don't mention it. Let me go into another room. LUKYN. Thank you, very much. You're so hungry too. Where's the waiter? Confound him, he's gone! VALE. All right. I'll pop in here. [_He passes behind sofa and tries the door leading into the other room._ CIS. [_Within._] What do you want? Who's there? VALE. Occupied--never mind--I'll find my way somewhere. [_There is a knock; VALE draws back._ BLOND. [_Without._] Colonel, are you alone? The ladies. LUKYN. One moment. Deuce take it, Vale! The ladies don't want to be seen. By George--I remember. There's a little balcony to that window; step out for a few moments--keep quiet--I shan't detain you--it's nothing important--husband must have had a fit or something. VALE. Oh, certainly! LUKYN. Good fellow--here's your hat. [_In his haste he fetches his own hat._ BLOND. [_Outside, knocking._] Colonel, Colonel! LUKYN. One moment. [_Giving his hat to VALE._] Awfully sorry. You're so hungry too. [_VALE puts on the hat, which is much too large for him._] Ah, that's my hat. VALE. My dear Lukyn--don't mention it. [_Opening the window and going out._ LUKYN. [_Drawing the curtain over the recess._] Just room for him to stand like a man in a sentry-box. Come in, Blond. _BLOND shows in AGATHA and CHARLOTTE, both wearing veils._ AGATHA POSKET. [_Agitated._] Oh, Colonel Lukyn! LUKYN. Pray compose yourself, pray compose yourself! AGATHA POSKET. What will you think? LUKYN. That I am perfectly enchanted. AGATHA POSKET. Thank you. [_Pointing to CHARLOTTE._] My sister. [_LUKYN and CHARLOTTE bow._ LUKYN. Be seated. Blond? [_Softly to him._] Keep the waiter out till I ring--that's all. [_The loud pattering of rain is heard._ BLOND. Yes, Colonel. LUKYN. Good gracious, Blond! What's that? BLOND. The rain outside. It is cats and dogs. LUKYN. [_Horrified._] By George, is it? [_To himself, looking towards window._] Poor devil! [_To BLOND._] There isn't any method of getting off that balcony, is there? BLOND. No--unless by getting on to it. LUKYN. What do you mean? BLOND. It is not at all safe. Don't use it. [_LUKYN stands horror-stricken; BLOND goes out. Heavy rain is heard._ LUKYN. [_After some nervous glances at the window, wiping perspiration from his forehead._] I am honoured, Mrs. Posket, by this visit--though for a moment--I can't imagine---- AGATHA POSKET. Colonel Lukyn, we drove to Cork Street to your lodgings, and there your servant told us you were supping at the Hotel des Princes, with a friend. No one will be shown into this room while we are here? LUKYN. No--we--ah--shall not be disturbed. [_To himself._] Good heavens, suppose I never see him alive again! AGATHA POSKET. [_Sighing wearily._] Ah! LUKYN. I'm afraid you've come to tell me Posket is ill. AGATHA POSKET. I--no--my husband is at home. [_A sharp gust of wind is heard with the rain._ LUKYN. Lord forgive me! I've killed him. AGATHA POSKET. [_With horror._] Colonel Lukyn! LUKYN. Madam! AGATHA POSKET. Indeed Mr. Posket is at home. LUKYN. [_Glancing at the window._] Is he? I wish we all were. AGATHA POSKET. [_To herself._] Sunstroke evidently. Poor fellow! [_To LUKYN._] I assure you my husband is at home, quite well, and by this time sleeping soundly. [_CIS and MR. POSKET are heard laughing in the next room._ ISIDORE. [_Within._] You are two funny gentlemen, I beg your pardon. AGATHA POSKET. [_Startled._] What is that? LUKYN. In the next room. [_Raps at the door._] Hush--hush, hush! CHARLOTTE. Get it over, Aggy, and let us go home. I am so awfully hungry. LUKYN. [_Peering through the curtains._] It is still bearing him. What's his weight? Surely he can't scale over ten stone. Lord, how wet he is! AGATHA POSKET. Colonel Lukyn! LUKYN. [_Leaving the window sharply._] Madam, command me! AGATHA POSKET. Colonel Lukyn, we knew each other at Baroda twenty years ago. LUKYN. When I look at you, impossible. AGATHA POSKET. Ah, then you mustn't look at me. LUKYN. Equally impossible. CHARLOTTE. [_To herself._] Oh, I feel quite out of this. AGATHA POSKET. You were at my little boy's christening. LUKYN. [_Absently._] Yes--yes--certainly. AGATHA POSKET. You remember what a fine little fellow he was. LUKYN. [_Thoughtfully._] Not a pound over ten stone. AGATHA POSKET. Colonel Lukyn! LUKYN. I beg your pardon, yes--I was at the christening of your boy. AGATHA POSKET. [_To herself._] One of the worst cases of sunstroke I have ever known. LUKYN. I remember the child very well. Has he still got that absurd mug? AGATHA POSKET. Colonel Lukyn! LUKYN. Madam! AGATHA POSKET. My child is, and always was--perfect. LUKYN. You misunderstand me! I was his godfather; I gave him a silver cup. AGATHA POSKET. Oh, do excuse me. How did I become acquainted with such a vulgar expression? I don't know where I pick up my slang. It must be through loitering at shop windows. Oh, oh, oh! LUKYN. Pray compose yourself. I'll leave you for a moment. [_Going to the window._ AGATHA POSKET. [_To CHARLOTTE._] How shall I begin, Charley? CHARLOTTE. Make a bold plunge, do! The odour of cooking here, to a hungry woman, is maddening. [_VALE softly opens the window and comes into the recess, but remains concealed by the curtain._ VALE. [_To himself._] This is too bad of Lukyn! I'm wet to the skin and frightfully hungry! Who the deuce are these women? AGATHA POSKET. Colonel Lukyn! LUKYN. Madam. [_Listening._] No crash yet. AGATHA POSKET. [_Impulsively laying her hand upon his arm._] Friend of twenty years! I will be quite candid with you. You are going to dine with us, to-morrow? LUKYN. Madam, I will repay your candour as it deserves. I am. AGATHA POSKET. My husband knows of your acquaintance with the circumstances of my first marriage. I know what men are. When the women leave the dinner-table, men become retrospective. Now, to-morrow night, over dessert, I beg you not to give my husband dates. LUKYN. Eh? AGATHA POSKET. Keep anything like dates from him. LUKYN. Mustn't eat stone fruit? AGATHA POSKET. No, I mean years, months, days, dates connected with my marriage with Mr. Farringdon. LUKYN. Dear me, sore subject! AGATHA POSKET. I will be more than candid with you. My present husband, having a very short vacation in the discharge of his public duties, wooed me but for three weeks; you, who have in your time courted and married, know the material of which that happy period is made up. The future is all-engrossing to the man; the presents--I mean the present, a joyous dream to the woman. But in dealing with my past I met with more than ordinary difficulties. LUKYN. Don't see why--late husband died a natural death--wasn't stood on a balcony or anything. AGATHA POSKET. Colonel Lukyn, you know I was six-and-thirty at the time of my recent marriage! LUKYN. You surprise me! AGATHA POSKET. You know it! Be frank, Lukyn! Am I not six-and-thirty? LUKYN. You are. AGATHA POSKET. Very well, then. In a three weeks' engagement how was it possible for me to deal with the various episodes of six-and-thirty years? The past may be pleasant, golden, beautiful--but one may have too much of a good thing. LUKYN. [_To himself._] I am in that position now. AGATHA POSKET. The man who was courting me was seeking relaxation from the discharge of multifarious responsibilities. How could I tax an already wearied attention with the recital of the events of thirty-six years? LUKYN. What did you do? AGATHA POSKET. Out of consideration for the man I loved, I sacrificed five years of happy girlhood--told him I was but one-and-thirty--that I had been married only fifteen years previously--that my boy was but fourteen! LUKYN. By George, madam, and am I to subscribe to all this? AGATHA POSKET. I only ask you to avoid the question of dates. LUKYN. But, at a man's dinner-table---- AGATHA POSKET. You need not spoil a man's dinner. Not only a man's--but a woman's! Lukyn, Lukyn! Promise! LUKYN. Give me a second to think. [_LUKYN, turning away, discovers CHARLOTTE in the act of lifting the covers from the dishes and inspecting the contents._ LUKYN. Ah, devilled oysters! CHARLOTTE. Oh! [_Drops dish-cover with a crash, and runs over to the table and speaks to AGATHA POSKET._ LUKYN. Don't go--pray look at 'em again--wish I could persuade you to taste them. What am I to do? Shall I promise? Poor Posket! If I don't promise she'll cry and won't go home. The oysters are nearly cold--cold! What must _he_ be! [_Drawing aside the curtain, and not seeing VALE, he staggers back._] Gone--and without a cry--brave fellow, brave fellow! AGATHA POSKET. Colonel Lukyn. LUKYN. Decay of stamina in the army--pah! The young 'uns are worthy of our best days. AGATHA POSKET. Colonel Lukyn, will you promise? LUKYN. Promise? Anything, my dear madam, anything. AGATHA POSKET. Ah, thank you! May I ask you to see us to our cab? LUKYN. Certainly! Thank heaven, they're going! AGATHA POSKET. [_To CHARLOTTE._] It's all right; come along! CHARLOTTE. [_To AGATHA POSKET._] Oh, those oysters look so nice. LUKYN. [_To himself._] Stop! In my trouble, I am forgetting even the commonest courtesies to these ladies. [_To AGATHA POSKET._] You have a long journey before you. I am sure your husband would not forgive me for letting you face such weather unprepared. Let me recommend an oyster or two and a thimbleful of champagne. AGATHA POSKET. No, thank you, Colonel Lukyn. CHARLOTTE. [_To AGATHA POSKET._] Say yes. I'm starving. LUKYN. As you please. [_To himself._] I knew they'd refuse. I've done my duty. CHARLOTTE. [_To AGATHA POSKET._] I was in the train till seven o'clock. Wait till you're a _bona-fide_ traveller--accept. AGATHA POSKET. Ahem! Colonel, the fact is my poor sister has been travelling all day and is a little exhausted. LUKYN. [_Horrified._] You don't mean to say you're going to give me the inestimable pleasure. [_CHARLOTTE looks across at him, nodding and smiling._] I am delighted. [_CHARLOTTE sits hungrily at table; LUKYN fetches a bottle of champagne from the sideboard._ AGATHA POSKET. [_To CHARLOTTE._] Charlotte, I am surprised. CHARLOTTE. [_To AGATHA POSKET._] Nonsense, the best people come here. Some of them have left their names on the mirrors. VALE. [_Behind the curtain._] This is much too bad of Lukyn. What are they doing now? [_LUKYN draws the cork._] Confound it, they're having my supper! [_LUKYN pours out wine._ CHARLOTTE. Why doesn't he give me something to eat? [_There is a clatter of knives and forks heard from the other room, then a burst of laughter from CIS._ AGATHA POSKET. [_Starting._] Charley, hark! How strange! CHARLOTTE. Very. This bread is beautiful. [_CIS is heard singing the chorus of a comic song boisterously._ AGATHA POSKET. Don't you recognise that voice? CHARLOTTE. [_Munching._] The only voice I recognise is the voice of hunger. AGATHA POSKET. I am overwrought, I suppose. [_LUKYN, with his head drooping, fetches the dish of oysters from the sideboard._ VALE. [_Behind the curtains._] He has taken the oysters. I've seen him do it. LUKYN. The oysters. [_LUKYN sinks into his chair at the table and leans his head upon his hand; the two women look at each other._ CHARLOTTE. [_To AGATHA POSKET._] Anything wrong? AGATHA POSKET. Sunstroke--bad case! CHARLOTTE. Oh--poor fellow. [_She gently lifts the corner of the dish, sniffs, then replaces cover._] No plates. AGATHA POSKET. Ask for them. CHARLOTTE. You ask. AGATHA POSKET. You're hungry. CHARLOTTE. You're married. Comes better from you. VALE. [_Behind curtains._] This silence is terrible. AGATHA POSKET. [_To LUKYN._] Ahem! Ahem! LUKYN. [_Looking up suddenly._] Eh? AGATHA POSKET. There are no plates. LUKYN. No plates? No plates? It's my fault. Pardon me. Where are the plates? [_VALE, still invisible, stretches out his hand through the curtain, takes up the plates and presents them to LUKYN, who recoils._ VALE. [_In a whisper._] Here are the plates. Look sharp, Lukyn. LUKYN. Vale! safe and sound! [_He takes the plates, then grasps VALE'S extended hand._] Bless you, old fellow. I'm myself again. [_Going gaily to the table with the plates._] My dear ladies, I blush--I positively blush--I am the worst host in the world. VALE. [_To himself._] By Jove, that's true. AGATHA POSKET. Not at all--not at all. LUKYN. [_Helping the ladies._] I'll make amends, by George! You may have noticed I've been confoundedly out of sorts. That's my temperament-- now up, now down. I've just taken a turn, ha, ha! Oysters. [_Handing plate to AGATHA POSKET._ AGATHA POSKET. Thank you. LUKYN. Ah! I've passed many a happy hour in this room. The present is not the least happy. CHARLOTTE. [_Trying to attract his attention._] Ahem! Ahem! LUKYN. [_Gazing up at the ceiling._] My first visit to the Hotel des Princes was in the year--the year--let me think. CHARLOTTE. [_Whispering to AGATHA POSKET._] Isn't he going to help me? LUKYN. Was it in '55? AGATHA POSKET. [_Quickly passing her plate over to CHARLOTTE._] I'm not hungry. CHARLOTTE. You're a dear. LUKYN. [_Emphatically._] It _was_ in '55. I'm forgetful again--pardon me. [_He hands plate of oysters to CHARLOTTE, and is surprised to find her eating vigorously._] Why, I thought I---- [_To AGATHA POSKET._] My dear madam, a thousand apologies. [_He helps her and then himself._] Pah! they're cold--icy--you could skate on 'em. There's a dish of something else over there. [_He goes to the sideboard; VALE'S hand is again stretched forth with the other covered dish._ VALE. I say, Lukyn. LUKYN. [_Taking the dish._] Thanks, old fellow. [_He returns to the table and lifts the cover._] Soles--they look tempting. If there are only some lemons! Surely they are not so brutal as to have forgotten the lemons. Where are they? [_He returns to the sideboard._] Where are they? [_In an undertone to VALE._] Have you seen any lemons? AGATHA POSKET. Pray, think less of us, Colonel Lukyn. Let me take care of you. LUKYN. You're very kind. I wish you would let me ring for some lemons. [_VALE'S hand comes as before from behind the curtain to the sideboard, finds the dish of lemons, and holds it out at arm's length._ VALE. [_In a whisper._] Lemons. [_AGATHA POSKET is helping LUKYN, when suddenly CHARLOTTE, with her fork in the air, leans back open-mouthed, staring wildly at VALE'S arm extended with the dish._ CHARLOTTE. [_In terror._] Agatha! Agatha! AGATHA POSKET. Charlotte! what's the matter, Charley? CHARLOTTE. Agatha! AGATHA POSKET. You're ill, Charlotte! Surely you are not choking? CHARLOTTE. [_Pointing to the curtains._] Look, look! [_They both scream._ LUKYN. Don't be alarmed--I---- CHARLOTTE. } What's that? } } [_Together._] AGATHA POSKET. } Who's that? } LUKYN. I can explain. Don't condemn till you've heard. I--I---- Damn it, sir, put these lemons down! CHARLOTTE. He calls him "Sir"--it must be a man. LUKYN. It is a man. I am not in a position to deny that. AGATHA POSKET. Really, Colonel Lukyn! LUKYN. It is my friend. He--he--he's merely waiting for his supper. AGATHA POSKET. Your friend. [_To CHARLOTTE._] Come home, dear. LUKYN. Do, do hear me! To avoid the embarrassment of your encountering a stranger, he retreated to the balcony. AGATHA POSKET. To the balcony? You have shamefully compromised two trusting women, Colonel Lukyn. LUKYN. I would have laid down my life rather than have done so. I did lay down my friend's life. AGATHA POSKET. He has overheard every confidential word I have spoken to you. LUKYN. Hear his explanation. Why the devil don't you corroborate me, sir? VALE. [_From behind the curtain._] Certainly, I assure you I heard next to nothing. CHARLOTTE. [_Grasping AGATHA POSKET'S arm._] Oh, Agatha! VALE. I didn't come in till I was exceedingly wet. LUKYN. [_To AGATHA POSKET._] You hear that? VALE. And when I did come in---- CHARLOTTE. [_Hysterically._] Horace! VALE. I beg your pardon. CHARLOTTE. It's Horace, Captain Vale. VALE. [_Coming from behind the curtain, looking terribly wet._] Charlotte--Miss Verrinder. CHARLOTTE. What are you doing here? What a fright you look. VALE. What am I doing here, Miss Verrinder? Really, Lukyn, your conduct calls for some little explanation. LUKYN. My conduct, sir? VALE. You make some paltry excuse to turn me out in the rain while you entertain a lady who you know has very recently broken my heart. LUKYN. I didn't know anything of the kind. VALE. I told you, Colonel Lukyn--this isn't the conduct of an officer and a gentleman. LUKYN. Whose isn't, yours or mine? VALE. Mine. I mean yours. LUKYN. You are in the presence of ladies, sir; take off my hat. VALE. I beg your pardon. I didn't know I had it on. [_He throws the hat away, and the two men exchange angry words._ CHARLOTTE. He's a very good-looking fellow; you don't see a man at his best when he's wet through. AGATHA POSKET. [_To LUKYN._] Colonel Lukyn, do you ever intend to send for a cab? LUKYN. Certainly, madam. VALE. One moment. I have some personal explanation to exchange with Miss Verrinder. CHARLOTTE. [_To AGATHA POSKET._] The slippers. [_To VALE._] I am quite ready, Captain Vale. VALE. Thank you. Colonel Lukyn, will you oblige me by stepping out on to that balcony? LUKYN. Certainly not, sir. VALE. You're afraid of the wet, Colonel Lukyn; you are no soldier. LUKYN. You know better, sir. As a matter of fact, that balcony can't bear a man like me. VALE. Which shows that inanimate objects have a great deal of common-sense, sir. LUKYN. You don't prove it in your own instance, Captain Vale. VALE. That's a verbal quibble, sir. [_They talk angrily._ AGATHA POSKET. [_To CHARLOTTE._] It's frightfully late. Tell him to write to you. CHARLOTTE. I must speak to him to-night; life is too short for letters. AGATHA POSKET. Then he can telegraph. CHARLOTTE. Half-penny a word and he has nothing but his pay. AGATHA POSKET. Very well, then, Lady Jenkins has a telephone. I'll take you there to tea to-morrow. If he loves you, tell him to ring up 1338091. CHARLOTTE. You thoughtful angel! LUKYN. Mrs. Posket--Miss Verrinder--ahem--we---- VALE. Colonel Lukyn and myself---- LUKYN. Captain Vale and I fear that we have been betrayed, in a moment of---- VALE. Natural irritation. LUKYN. Natural irritation, into the atrocious impropriety of differing---- VALE. Before ladies. LUKYN. Charming ladies---- VALE. We beg your pardon--Lukyn! LUKYN. Vale. [_They grasp hands._] Mrs. Posket, I am now going out to hail a cab. AGATHA POSKET. Pray do. LUKYN. Miss Verrinder, the process will occupy five minutes. VALE. [_Giving his hat to LUKYN._] Lukyn, I return your kindness--my hat. LUKYN. Thank you, my boy. [_LUKYN puts on VALE'S hat, which is much too small for him. As he is going out there is a knock at the door; he opens it; BLOND is outside._ BLOND. Colonel, it is ten minutes past the time of closing, may I ask you to dismiss your party? LUKYN. Pooh! Isn't this a free country? [_He goes out._ BLOND. Yes, you are free to go home, Colonel. I shall get into trouble. [_Following him out._ CHARLOTTE. [_To AGATHA POSKET._] I'll have the first word. Really, Captain Vale, I'm surprised at you. VALE. There was a happy time, Miss Verrinder, when I might have been surprised at you. CHARLOTTE. A few hours ago it was--"By Jove, all is over." Now I find you with a bosom friend enjoying devilled oysters. VALE. I beg your pardon, I find you enjoying devilled oysters. CHARLOTTE. Horace Vale, you forget you have forfeited the right to exercise any control over my diet. VALE. One would think I had broken off our engagement. CHARLOTTE. If you have not, who has? I have your letter saying all is over between us. [_Putting her handkerchief to her eyes._] That letter will be stamped tomorrow at Somerset House. I know how to protect myself. VALE. Charlotte, can you explain your conduct with Gordon Bristow? CHARLOTTE. I could if I chose; a young lady can explain anything. VALE. But he is showing your gift to our fellows all over the place. CHARLOTTE. It was a debt of honour. He laid me a box of gloves to a pair of slippers about "Forked Lightning" for the Regimental Cup, and "Forked Lightning" went tender at the heel. I couldn't come to you with debts hanging over me. [_Crying._] I'm too conscientious. VALE. By Jove, I've been a brute. CHARLOTTE. Y-y-yes. VALE. Can you forget I ever wrote that letter? CHARLOTTE. That must be a question of time. [_She lays her head on his shoulder and then removes it._] How damp you are. [_She puts her handkerchief upon his shoulder, and replaces her head. She moves his arm gradually up and arranges it round her shoulder._] If you went on anyhow every time I discharged an obligation, we should be most unhappy. VALE. I promise you I won't mention Bristow's slippers again. By Jove, I won't--there. CHARLOTTE. Very well, then, if you do that I'll give you my word I won't pay any more debts before our marriage. VALE. My darling! [_About to embrace him, but remembering that he is wet._ CHARLOTTE. No--no--you are too damp. ISIDORE. [_Outside._] I beg your pardon, it is a quarter of an hour over our time. [_AGATHA POSKET has been sitting on the sofa; suddenly she starts, listening intently._ MR. POSKET. [_Outside._] I know--I know. I'm going directly I can get the boy away. AGATHA POSKET. [_To herself._] AEneas! CIS. [_Outside._] All right, Guv, you finish your bottle. AGATHA POSKET. My boy. ISIDORE. [_Outside._] Gentlemen, come--come. AGATHA POSKET. [_To herself._] Miserable deceiver! This, then, is the club, and the wretched man conspires to drag my boy down to his own awful level. What shall I do? I daren't make myself known here. I know; I'll hurry home, and if I reach there before AEneas, which I shall do, I'll sit up for him. _LUKYN returns._ AGATHA POSKET. Is the cab at the door? LUKYN. It is. AGATHA POSKET. Charlotte! Charlotte! [_Drawing her veil down._ CHARLOTTE. I'm ready, dear. [_To VALE._] Married sisters are always a little thoughtless. VALE. [_Offering his arm._] Permit me. LUKYN. [_Offering his arm to AGATHA POSKET._] My dear madam. _They are all four about to leave when BLOND enters hurriedly._ BLOND. [_Holding up his hand for silence._] Hush! Hush! LUKYN. What's the matter? BLOND. The police! ALL. [_In a whisper._] The police! BLOND. [_Quietly._] The police are downstairs at the door. I told you so. CHARLOTTE. [_Clinging to VALE._] Oh, dear! Oh, dear! AGATHA POSKET. Gracious powers! BLOND. Keep quiet, please. They may be satisfied with Madame Blond's assurances. I must put you in darkness; they can see the light here if they go round to the back. [_Blows out candles, and turns down the other lights._ AGATHA POSKET AND CHARLOTTE. Oh! BLOND. Keep quiet, please! My licence is once marked already. Colonel Lukyn, thank you for this. [_He goes out._ AGATHA POSKET. [_Whimpering._] Miserable men! What have you done? Are you criminals? CHARLOTTE. You haven't deserted or anything on my account, have you, Horace? LUKYN. Hush! Don't be alarmed. Our time has passed so agreeably that we have overstepped the prescribed hour for closing the hotel. That's all. AGATHA POSKET. What can they do to us? LUKYN. At the worst, take our names and addresses, and summon us for being here during prohibited hours. AGATHA POSKET. Oh! CHARLOTTE. [_To VALE._] Horace, can't you speak? VALE. By Jove, I very much regret this. _ISIDORE enters._ LUKYN. Well, well? ISIDORE. I beg your pardon, the police have come in. LUKYN. The devil! [_To AGATHA POSKET._] My dear lady, don't faint at such a moment. _BLOND enters quickly, carrying a rug._ BLOND. They are going over the house! Hide! AGATHA POSKET AND CHARLOTTE. Oh! [_There is a general commotion._ BLOND. They have put a man at the back. Keep away from the window. [_They are all bustling, and everybody is talking in whispers; LUKYN places AGATHA POSKET under the table, where she is concealed by the cover; he gets behind the overcoats hanging from the pegs; VALE and CHARLOTTE crouch down behind sofa._] Thank you very much. I am going to put Isidore to bed on the sofa. That will explain the light which has just gone out. [_ISIDORE quietly places himself upon the sofa; BLOND covering him with the rug._] Thank you very much. [_He goes out._ AGATHA POSKET. [_In a stifled voice._] Charley! Charley! CHARLOTTE. Yes. AGATHA POSKET. Where are you? CHARLOTTE. Here. AGATHA POSKET. Oh, where is Captain Vale? CHARLOTTE. I think he's near me. VALE. By Jove, Charlotte, I am! AGATHA POSKET. Colonel Lukyn! LUKYN. [_From behind the coats._] Here, madam! AGATHA POSKET. Don't leave us. LUKYN. Madam, I am a soldier. CHARLOTTE. [_To VALE._] Oh, Horace, at such a moment what a comfort we must be to each other. VALE. My dear Charlotte, it's incalculable. [_ISIDORE gently raises himself and looks over the back of sofa._ CHARLOTTE. [_In terror._] What's that? ISIDORE. [_Softly._] I beg your pardon. _BLOND enters quietly, followed by CIS and MR. POSKET on tip-toe, MR. POSKET holding on to CIS._ BLOND. This way; be quick. Excuse me, the police are just entering the room in which these gentlemen were having supper. One of them is anxious not to be asked any questions. Please to hide him and his friend somewhere. They are both very nice gentlemen. [_He goes out, leaving CIS and MR. POSKET._ MR. POSKET. Cis, Cis. Advise me, my boy, advise me. CIS. It's all right, Guv, it's all right. Get behind something. [_AGATHA POSKET peeps from under the table-cloth._ AGATHA POSKET. AEneas, and my child! [_MR. POSKET and CIS wander about, looking for hiding-places._ VALE. [_To CIS._] Go away. CIS. Oh! LUKYN. [_To MR. POSKET, who is fumbling at the coats._] No, no. BLOND. [_Popping his head in._] The police--coming. [_CIS disappears behind the window-curtain. MR. POSKET dives under the table._ AGATHA POSKET. Oh! MR. POSKET. [_To AGATHA POSKET in a whisper._] I beg your pardon. I think I am addressing a lady. I am entirely the victim of circumstances. Accept my apologies for this apparent intrusion. [_No answer._] Madam, I applaud your reticence, though any statement made under the present circumstances would not be used against you. Where is that boy? Oh! Madam, it may be acute nervousness on your part, but you are certainly pinching my arm. [_There is the sound of heavy feet outside, then MESSITER, a gruff matter-of-fact Inspector of Police, enters, followed by HARRIS, a constable, and ACHILLE BLOND._ BLOND. You need not trouble yourself--take my word for it. MESSITER. No trouble, Mr. Blond, thank you. [_Sniffing._] Candles--blown out--lately. This is where the light was. BLOND. Perhaps. My servant, Isidore, sleeps here; he has only just gone to bed. MESSITER. Oh! [_Taking a bull's-eye lantern from HARRIS and throwing the light on ISIDORE, who is apparently sleeping soundly._] Dead tired, I suppose? BLOND. I suppose so. MESSITER. [_Slightly turning down the covering._] He sleeps in his clothes? BLOND. Oh yes. MESSITER. Always? BLOND. Always--it is a rule of the hotel. MESSITER. Oh!--why's that? BLOND. To be ready for the morning. MESSITER. All right--all right. [_Throwing the rug and blanket aside._] Isidore, go downstairs and give your full name and particulars to Sergeant Jarvis. ISIDORE. [_Rising instantly._] Yes, sir--very good. BLOND. [_To ISIDORE._] Why do you wake up so soon? Devil take you! ISIDORE. I beg your pardon. [_He goes out._ MESSITER. What is underneath that window, Mr. Blond? BLOND. The skylight over the kitchen--devil take it! MESSITER. Thank you--_you_ can go down to the sergeant now, Mr. Blond. BLOND. With pleasure--devil take me! [_He goes out._ MESSITER. Now then, Harris. HARRIS. Yes, sir. MESSITER. Keep perfectly still and hold your breath as long as you can. HARRIS. Hold my breath, sir? MESSITER. Yes--I want to hear how many people are breathing in this room. Are you ready? HARRIS. Yes, sir. MESSITER. Go! [_HARRIS stands still, tightly compressing his lips; MESSITER quickly examines his face by the light of the lantern, then walks round the room, listening, and nodding his head with satisfaction as he passes the various hiding-places. HARRIS writhes in agony; in the end he gives it up and breathes heavily._] Harris! HARRIS. [_Exhausted._] Yes, sir! MESSITER. You're breathing. HARRIS. Oh lor', yes, sir! MESSITER. You'll report yourself to-night! HARRIS. I held on till I nearly went off, sir. MESSITER. [_Giving him the bull's-eye._] Don't argue, but light up. There are half a dozen people concealed in this room. [_There is a cry from the women. CHARLOTTE and VALE rise; LUKYN steps from behind the coats._] I thought so. [_As MESSITER turns, AGATHA POSKET and MR. POSKET rise, CIS comes quickly, catches hold of MR. POSKET, and drags him across to the window._] CIS. [To MR. POSKET.] Come on, Guv. Come on! [_They disappear through the curtain as HARRIS turns up the lights. Then then is a cry and the sound of a crash._ AGATHA POSKET. They're killed! [_MESSITER looks through the window._ MESSITER. No, they're not; they've gone into the kitchen and the balcony with them. Look sharp, Harris. [_HARRIS goes out quickly._ LUKYN. [_To MESSITER._] I shall report you for this, sir. MESSITER. [_Taking out his note-book._] Very sorry, sir; it's my duty. LUKYN. Duty, sir! Coming your confounded detective tricks on ladies and gentlemen! How dare you make ladies and gentlemen suspend their breathing till they nearly have apoplexy? Do you know I'm a short-necked man, sir? MESSITER. I didn't want you to leave off breathing, sir. I wanted you to breathe louder. Your name and address, sir. LUKYN. Gur-r-r-h! MESSITER. Army gentleman, sir? LUKYN. How do you know that? MESSITER. Short style of speaking, sir. Army gentlemen run a bit brusquish when on in years. LUKYN. Oh! Alexander Lukyn--Colonel--Her Majesty's Cheshire Light Infantry, late 41st Foot, 3rd Battalion--Bengal--Retired. MESSITER. [_Writing._] Hotel or club, Colonel? LUKYN. Neither. 19A, Cork Street--lodgings. MESSITER. [_Writing._] Very nice part, Colonel. Thank you. LUKYN. Bah! MESSITER. Other gentleman? VALE. [_With languid hauteur._] Horace Edmund Cholmeley Clive Napier Vale. Captain--Shropshire Fusiliers--Stark's Hotel, Conduit Street. MESSITER. [_Writing._] Retired, sir? VALE. No, confound you--active! MESSITER. Thank you, Captain. Ahem! Beg pardon. The--the ladies. [_CHARLOTTE clings to VALE, AGATHA POSKET to LUKYN._ CHARLOTTE AND AGATHA POSKET. No--no! No--no! LUKYN. [_To AGATHA POSKET._] All right--all right--trust to me! [_To MESSITER._] Well, sir? MESSITER. Names and addresses, please. LUKYN. Officer--my good fellow--tell me now--er--um--at the present moment, what are you most in want of? MESSITER. These two ladies' names and addresses, please. Be quick, Colonel. [_Pointing to AGATHA POSKET._] That lady first. LUKYN. Christian names--er--ah--er--Alice Emmeline. MESSITER. [_Writing._] Alice Emmeline. Surname? LUKYN. Er--um--Fitzgerald--101, Wilton Street, Piccadilly. MESSITER. Single lady? LUKYN. Quite. MESSITER. Very good, sir. AGATHA POSKET. [_To LUKYN, tearfully._] Oh, thank you, such a nice address too. MESSITER. [_To VALE._] Now, Captain, please--that lady. VALE. [_Who has been re-assuring CHARLOTTE._] Haw! ha! this lady is--ah--um--the other lady's sister. MESSITER. Single lady, sir? VALE. Certainly. MESSITER. [_Writing._] Christian name, Captain? VALE. Ah--um--Harriett. MESSITER. [_Writing._] Surname. VALE. Er--Macnamara. MESSITER. [_With a grim smile._] Quite so. Lives with her sister, of course, sir? VALE. Of course. MESSITER. Where at, sir? VALE. Albert Mansions, Victoria Street. CHARLOTTE. [_To VALE._] Oh, thank you, I always fancied that spot. MESSITER. Very much obliged, gentlemen, LUKYN. [_Who has listened to VALE'S answers in helpless horror._] By George, well out of it! [_CHARLOTTE totters across to AGATHA POSKET, who embraces her._ LUKYN. [_Taking down the overcoats and throwing one to VALE._] Vale, your coat. _HARRIS enters._ HARRIS. [_To MESSITER._] Very sorry, sir; the two other gentlemen got clean off, through the back scullery door--old hands, to all appearance. [_MESSITER stamps his foot, with an exclamation._ AGATHA POSKET. [_To herself._] My boy--saved! LUKYN. [_To HARRIS, who stands before the door._] Constable, get out of the way. MESSITER. [_Sharply._] Harris! HARRIS. [_Without moving._] Yes, sir. MESSITER. You will leave the hotel with these ladies, and not lose sight of them till you've ascertained what their names _are,_ and where they _do_ live. LUKYN AND VALE. What! AGATHA POSKET AND CHARLOTTE. Oh! MESSITER. Your own fault, gentlemen; it's my duty. LUKYN. And it is _my_ duty to save these helpless women from the protecting laws of my confounded country! Vale! VALE. [_Putting his coat on the sofa._] Active! LUKYN. [_To HARRIS._] Let these ladies pass! [_He takes HARRIS by the collar and flings him over to VALE, who throws him over towards the ladies, who push him away. MESSITER puts a whistle to his mouth and blows; there is an immediate answer from without._] More of your fellows outside? MESSITER. Yes, sir, at your service. Very sorry, gentlemen, but you and your party are in my custody. LUKYN AND VALE. What? AGATHA POSKET AND CHARLOTTE. Oh! MESSITER. For assaulting this man in the execution of his duty. LUKYN. You'll dare to lock us up all night? MESSITER. It's one o'clock now, Colonel--you'll come on first thing in the morning. LUKYN. Come on? At what Court? MESSITER. Mulberry Street. AGATHA POSKET. Ah! The magistrate? MESSITER. Mr. Posket, mum. [_AGATHA POSKET sinks into a chair, CHARLOTTE at her feet; LUKYN, overcome, falls on VALE'S shoulders._ END OF THE SECOND ACT. THE THIRD ACT _The first scene is the Magistrate's room at Mulberry Street Police Court, with a doorway covered by curtains, leading directly into the Court, and a door opening into a passage. It is the morning after the events of the last Act._ _POLICE SERGEANT LUGG, a middle-aged man with a slight country dialect, enters with "The Times" newspaper, and proceeds to cut it and glance at its contents, while he hums a song._ _MR. WORMINGTON, an elderly, trim and precise man, enters._ MR. WORMINGTON. Good morning, Lugg. LUGG. Morning, Mr. Wormington. MR. WORMINGTON. Mr. Posket not arrived yet? LUGG. Not yet, sir. Hullo! [_Reading._] "Raid on a West End Hotel.--At an early hour this morning----" MR. WORMINGTON. Yes, I've read that--a case of assault upon the police. LUGG. Why, these must be the folks who've been so precious rampageous all night. MR. WORMINGTON. Very likely. LUGG. Yes, sir, protestin' and protestin' till they protested everybody's sleep away. Nice-looking women, too, though, as I tell Mrs. Lugg, now-a-days there's no telling who's the lady and who isn't. Who's got this job, sir? MR. WORMINGTON. Inspector Messiter. LUGG. Messiter! That's luck! Why he's the worst elocutionist in the force, sir.[*] [_As he arranges the newspaper upon the table, he catches sight of MR. WORMINGTON'S necktie, which is bright red._] Well, I--excuse me, Mr. Wormington, but all the years I've had the honour of knowin' you, sir, I've never seen you wear a necktie with, so to speak, a dash of colour in it. ---------- [*] A City magistrate, censuring a constable for the indistinctness of his utterances in the witness box, suggested that the police should be instructed in a method of delivering evidence articulately. ---------- MR. WORMINGTON. Well, Lugg, no, that's true, but to-day is an exceptional occasion with me. It is, in fact, the twenty-fifth anniversary of my marriage, and I thought it due to Mrs. Wormington to vary, in some slight degree, the sombreness of my attire. I confess I am a little uneasy in case Mr. Posket should consider it at all disrespectful to the Court. LUGG. Not he, sir. MR. WORMINGTON. I don't know. Mr. Posket is punctiliousness itself in dress, and his cravat's invariably black. However, it is not every man who has a silver wedding-day. LUGG. It's not every one as wants one, sir. [_MR. WORMINGTON goes out; at the same moment MR. POSKET enters quickly, and leans on his chair as if exhausted. His appearance is extremely wretched; he is still in evening dress, but his clothes are muddy, and his linen soiled and crumpled, while across the bridge of his nose he has a small strip of black plaster._ MR. POSKET. [_Faintly._] Good morning, Lugg. LUGG. Good morning to you, sir. Regretting the liberty I'm taking, sir--I've seen you look more strong and hearty. MR. POSKET. I am fairly well, thank you, Lugg. My night was rather--rather disturbed. Lugg! LUGG. Sir? MR. POSKET. Have any inquiries been made about me, this morning--any messenger from Mrs. Posket, for instance, to ask how I am? LUGG. No, sir. MR. POSKET. Oh! my child, my stepson, young Mr. Farringdon, has not called, has he? LUGG. No, sir. MR. POSKET. [_To himself._] Where can that boy be? [_To LUGG._] Thank you, that's all. LUGG. [_Who has been eyeing MR. POSKET with astonishment, goes to the door, and then touches the bridge of his nose._] Nasty cut while shavin', sir? [_LUGG goes out._ MR. POSKET. Where can that boy have got to? If I could only remember how, when, and where we parted! I think it was at Kilburn. Let me think--first, the kitchen. [_Putting his hand to his side as if severely bruised._] Oh! Cis was all right, because I fell underneath; I felt it was my duty to do so. Then what occurred? A dark room, redolent of onions and cabbages and paraffine oil, and Cis dragging me over the stone floor, saying, "We're in the scullery, Guv; let's try and find the tradesmen's door." Next, the night air--oh, how refreshing! "Cis, my boy, we will both learn a lesson from to-night--never deceive." Where are we? In Argyll Street. "Look out, Guv, they're after us." Then--then, as Cis remarked when we were getting over the railings of Portman Square--then the fun began. We over into the square--they after us. Over again, into Baker Street. Down Baker Street. Curious recollections, whilst running, of my first visit, as a happy child, to Madame Tussaud's, and wondering whether her removal had affected my fortunes. "Come on, Guv--you're getting blown." Where are we? Park Road. What am I doing? Getting up out of puddle. St. John's Wood. The cricket-ground. "I say, Guv, what a run this would be at Lord's, wouldn't it? and no fear of being run out either, more fear of being run in." "What road is this, Cis?" Maida Vale. Good gracious! A pious aunt of mine once lived in Hamilton Terrace; she never thought I should come to this. "Guv?" "Yes, my boy." "Let's get this kind-hearted coffee-stall keeper to hide us." We apply. "Will you assist two unfortunate gentlemen?" "No, blowed if I will." "Why not?" " 'Cos I'm agoin' to join in the chase after you." Ah! Off again, along Maida Vale! On, on, heaven knows how or where, 'till at last, no sound of pursuit, no Cis, no breath, and the early Kilburn buses starting to town. Then I came back again, and not much too soon for the Court. [_Going up to the washstand and looking into the little mirror, with a low groan._] Oh, how shockingly awful I look, and how stiff and sore I feel! [_Taking off his coat and hanging it on a peg, then washing his hands._] What a weak and double-faced creature to be a magistrate! I really ought to get some member of Parliament to ask a question about me in the House. Where's the soap? I shall put five pounds and costs into the poor's box to-morrow. But I deserve a most severe caution. Ah, perhaps I shall get that from Agatha. [_He takes off his white tie, rolls it up and crams it into his pocket._] When Wormington arrives I will borrow some money and send out for a black cravat! All my pocket money is in my overcoat at the Hotel des Princes. If the police seize it there is some consolation in knowing that that money will never be returned to me. [_There is a knock at the door._] Come in! _LUGG enters._ LUGG. Your servant, Mr. Wyke, wants to see you, sir MR. POSKET. Bring him in. [_LUGG goes out._] Wyke! From Agatha! From Agatha! _LUGG re-enters with WYKE._ WYKE. Ahem! Good morning, sir. MR. POSKET. Good morning, Wyke. Ahem! Is Master Farringdon quite well? WYKE. He hadn't arrived home, when I left, sir. MR. POSKET. Oh! Where is that boy? [_To WYKE._] How's your mistress this morning, Wyke? WYKE. Very well, I hope, sir; _she_ ain't come home yet, either. MR. POSKET. Not returned--nor Miss Verrinder? WYKE. No, sir--neither of them. MR. POSKET. [_To himself._] Lady Jenkins is worse, they are still nursing her! Good women, true women! WYKE. [_To himself._] That's eased his deceivin' old mind. MR. POSKET. [_To himself._] Now, if the servants don't betray me and Cis returns safely, the worst is over. To what a depth I have fallen when I rejoice at Lady Jenkins' indisposition! WYKE. Cook thought you ought to know that the mistress hadn't come home, sir. MR. POSKET. Certainly. Take a cab at once to Campden Hill and bring me back word how poor Lady Jenkins is. Tell Mrs. Posket I will come on the moment the Court rises. WYKE. Yes, sir. MR. POSKET. And, Wyke. It is not at all necessary that Mrs. Posket should know of my absence with Master Farringdon from home last night. Mrs. Posket's present anxieties are more than sufficient. Inform Cook, and Popham, and the other servants that I shall recognise their discretion in the same spirit I have already displayed towards you. WYKE. [_With sarcasm._] Thank you, sir. I will. [_He produces from his waistcoat-pocket a small packet of money done up in newspaper, which he throws down upon the table._] Meanwhile, sir, I thought you would like to count up the little present of money you gave me last night, and in case you thought you'd been over-liberal, sir, you might halve the amount. It isn't no good spoiling of us all, sir. _LUGG enters._ MR. POSKET. You are an excellent servant, Wyke; I am very pleased. I will see you when you return from Lady Jenkins's. Be quick. WYKE. Yes, sir. [_To himself._] He won't give me twopence again in a hurry. [_He goes out; LUGG is about to follow._ MR. POSKET. Oh, Lugg, I want you to go to the nearest hosier's and purchase me a neat cravat. LUGG. [_Looking inquisitively at MR. POSKET._] A necktie, sir? MR. POSKET. Yes. [_Turning up his coat collar to shield himself from LUGG'S gaze._] A necktie--a necktie. LUGG. What sort of a kind of one, sir? MR. POSKET. Oh, one like Mr. Wormington's. LUGG. One like he's wearing this morning, sir? MR. POSKET. Of course, of course, of course. LUGG. [_To himself._] Fancy him being jealous of Mr. Wormington, now. Very good, sir--what price, sir? MR. POSKET. The best. [_To himself._] There now, I've no money. [_Seeing the packet on table._] Oh, pay for it with this, Lugg. LUGG. Yes, sir. MR. POSKET. And keep the change for your trouble. LUGG. Thank you, sir; thank you, sir--very much obliged to you, sir. [_To himself._] That's like a liberal gentleman. [_LUGG goes out as MR. WORMINGTON enters through the curtains with the charge sheet in his hand. MR. WORMINGTON, on seeing MR. POSKET, uneasily tucks his pocket-handkerchief in his collar so as to hide his necktie._ MR. WORMINGTON. H'm! Good morning. MR. POSKET. Good morning, Wormington. MR. WORMINGTON. The charge sheet. MR. POSKET. Sit down. [_MR. WORMINGTON puts on his spectacles; MR. POSKET also attempts to put on his spectacles, but hurts the bridge of his nose, winces, and desists._ MR. POSKET. [_To himself._] My nose is extremely painful. [_To MR. WORMINGTON._] You have a bad cold I am afraid, Wormington--bronchial? MR. WORMINGTON. Ahem! Well--ah--the fact is--you may have noticed how very chilly the nights are. MR. POSKET. Very, very. MR. WORMINGTON. The only way to maintain the circulation is to run as fast as one can. MR. POSKET. To run--as fast as one can--yes--quite so. MR. WORMINGTON. [_To himself, looking at MR. POSKET'S shirt front._] How very extraordinary--he is wearing no cravat whatever! MR. POSKET. [_Buttoning up his coat to avoid MR. WORMINGTON'S gaze._] Anything important this morning? MR. WORMINGTON. Nothing particular after the first charge, a serious business arising out of the raid on the "Hotel des Princes." MR. POSKET. [_Starting._] "Hotel des Princes?" MR. WORMINGTON. Inspector Messiter found six persons supping there at one o'clock this morning. Two contrived to escape. MR. POSKET. Dear me--I am surprised--I mean, did they? MR. WORMINGTON. But they left their overcoats behind them, and it is believed they will be traced. MR. POSKET. Oh, do you--do you think it is worth while? The police have a great deal to occupy them just now. MR. WORMINGTON. But surely if the police see their way to capture anybody we had better raise no obstacle. MR. POSKET. No--no--quite so--never struck me. MR. WORMINGTON. [_Referring to charge sheet._] The remaining four it was found necessary to take into custody. MR. POSKET. Good gracious! What a good job the other two didn't wait. I beg your pardon--I mean--you say we have four? MR. WORMINGTON. Yes, on the charge of obstructing the police. The first assault occurred in the supper-room--the second in the four-wheeled cab on the way to the station. There were five persons in the cab at the time--the two women, the two men, and the Inspector. MR. POSKET. Dear me, it must have been a very complicated assault. Who are the unfortunate people? MR. WORMINGTON. The men are of some position. [_Reading._] "Alexander Lukyn, Colonel"---- MR. POSKET. Lukyn! I--I--know Colonel Lukyn; we are old schoolfellows. MR. WORMINGTON. Very sad! [_Reading._] The other is "Horace, &c. &c. Vale--Captain--Shropshire Fusiliers." MR. POSKET. And the ladies? MR. WORMINGTON. Call themselves, "Alice Emmeline Fitzgerald and Harriet Macnamara." MR. POSKET. [_To himself._] Which is the lady who was under the table with me? MR. WORMINGTON. They are not recognised by the police at present, but they furnish incorrect addresses, and their demeanour is generally violent and unsatisfactory. MR. POSKET. [_To himself._] Who pinched me--Alice or Harriet? MR. WORMINGTON. I mention this case because it seems to be one calling for most stringent measures. MR. POSKET. Wouldn't a fine, and a severe warning from the Bench, to the two persons who have got away---- MR. WORMINGTON. I think not. Consider, Mr. Posket, not only defying the licensing laws, but obstructing the police! MR. POSKET. That's true--it is hard, when the police are doing anything, that they should be obstructed. _LUGG enters._ LUGG. [_Attempting to conceal some annoyance._] Your necktie, sir. MR. POSKET. S-ssh! MR. WORMINGTON. [_To himself._] Then he _came_ without one--dear me! LUGG. [_Clapping down a paper parcel on the table._] As near like Mr. Wormington's as possible--brighter if anything. MR. POSKET. [_Opening the parcel, and finding a very common, gaudy neckkerchief._] Good gracious! What a horrible affair! LUGG. According to my information, sir--like Mr. Wormington's. MR. POSKET. Mr. Wormington would never be seen in such an abominable colour. MR. WORMINGTON. Well--really--I--[_Removing the handkerchief from his throat._] I am extremely sorry. MR. POSKET. My dear Wormington! MR. WORMINGTON. I happen to be wearing something similar--the first time for five-and-twenty years. MR. POSKET. Oh, I beg your pardon. [_To himself._] Everything seems against me. LUGG. One-and-nine it come to, sir. [_Producing the paper packet of money and laying it upon the table._] And I brought back all the money you gave me, thinking you'd like to look over it quietly. Really, sir, I never showed up smaller in any shop in all my life! MR. POSKET. Upon my word. First one and then another! What _is_ wrong with the money. [_Opens the packet._] Twopence! [_To himself._] That man Wyke will tell all to Agatha! Oh, everything is against me. [_LUGG has opened the door, taken a card from some one outside, and handed it to MR. WORMINGTON._ MR. WORMINGTON. From cell No. 3. [_Handing the card to MR. POSKET._ MR. POSKET. [_Reading._] "Dear Posket, for the love of goodness see me before the sitting of the Court. Alexander Lukyn." Poor dear Lukyn! What on earth shall I do? MR. WORMINGTON. Such a course would be most unusual. MR. POSKET. Everything is unusual. Your cravat is unusual. This prisoner is invited to dine at my house to-day--that's peculiar. He is my wife's first husband's only child's god-father--that's a little out of the ordinary. MR. WORMINGTON. The charge is so serious! MR. POSKET. But I am a man as well as a magistrate, advise me, Wormington, advise me! MR. WORMINGTON. Well--you can apply to yourself for permission to grant Colonel Lukyn's request. MR. POSKET. [_Hastily scribbling on LUKYN'S card._] I do--I do--and after much conflicting argument I consent to see Colonel Lukyn here, immediately. [_Handing the card to MR. WORMINGTON who passes it to LUGG, who then goes out._] Don't leave me, Wormington--you must stand by me to see that I remain calm, firm, and judicial. [_He hastily puts on the red necktie in an untidy manner._] Poor Lukyn, I must sink the friend in the magistrate, and in dealing with his errors apply the scourge to myself. [_To MR. WORMINGTON._] Wormington, tap me on the shoulder when I am inclined to be more than usually unusual. [_MR. WORMINGTON stands behind him, and LUGG enters with LUKYN. LUKYN'S dress-clothes are much soiled and disordered, and he, too, has a small strip of plaster upon the bridge of his nose. There is a constrained pause, LUKYN and MR. POSKET both cough._ LUKYN. [_To himself._] Poor Posket! MR. POSKET. [_To himself._] Poor Lukyn! LUKYN. [_To himself._] I suppose he has been sitting up for his wife all night, poor devil! [_To MR. POSKET._] Ahem! How are you, Posket? [_MR. WORMINGTON touches MR. POSKET'S shoulder._ MR. POSKET. I regret to see you in this terrible position, Colonel Lukyn. LUKYN. By George, old fellow, I regret to find myself in it. [_Sitting, and taking up newspaper._] I suppose they've got us in the "Times," confound 'em! [_While LUKYN is reading the paper, MR. POSKET and MR. WORMINGTON hold a hurried consultation respecting LUKYN'S behaviour._ MR. POSKET. H'm! [_To LUGG._] Sergeant, I think Colonel Lukyn may be accommodated with a chair. LUGG. He's in it, sir. LUKYN. [_Rising and putting down paper._] Beg your pardon, forgot where I was. I suppose everything must be formal in this confounded place? MR. POSKET. I am afraid, Colonel Lukyn, it will be necessary even here to preserve strictly our unfortunate relative positions. [_LUKYN bows._] Sit down. [_LUKYN sits again. POSKET takes up the charge sheet._] Colonel Lukyn! In addressing you now, I am speaking, not as a man, but, as an instrument of the law. As a man I may, or may not, be a weak, vicious, despicable creature. LUKYN. Certainly--of course. MR. POSKET. But, as a magistrate I am bound to say you fill me with pain and astonishment. LUKYN. Quite right--every man to his trade, go on, Posket. MR. POSKET. [_Turning his chair to face LUKYN._] Alexander Lukyn--when I look at you--when I look at you---- [_He attempts to put on his spectacles._] Ah--my nose. [_To LUKYN._] I say, when I look at you, Alexander Lukyn, I confront a most mournful spectacle. A military officer, trained in the ways of discipline and smartness, now, in consequence of his own misdoings, lamentably bruised and battered, shamefully disfigured by plaster, with his apparel soiled and damaged--all terrible evidence of a conflict with that power of which I am the representative. LUKYN. [_Turning his chair to face MR. POSKET._] Well, Posket, if it comes to that, when I look at you, when I look at you--[_He attempts to fix his glass in his eye._] Confound my nose! [_To MR. POSKET._] When I look at you, _you_ are not a very imposing object, this morning. MR. POSKET. Lukyn! LUKYN. You look quite as shaky as I do--and you're not quite innocent of court plaster. MR. POSKET. Lukyn! Really! LUKYN. And as for our attire, we neither of us look as if we had slipped out of a bandbox. MR. POSKET. Don't, Lukyn, don't! Pray respect my legal status! [_MR. WORMINGTON leads MR. POSKET, who has risen, back to his seat._] Thank you, Wormington. Alexander Lukyn, I have spoken. It remains for you to state your motive in seeking this painful interview. LUKYN. Certainly! H'm! You know, of course, that I am not alone in this affair? MR. POSKET. [_Referring to charge sheet._] Three persons appear to be charged with you. LUKYN. Yes. Two others got away. Cowards! If ever I find them, I'll destroy them! MR. POSKET. Lukyn! LUKYN. I will! Another job for you, Posket. MR. POSKET. [_With dignity._] I beg your pardon, in the event of such a deplorable occurrence, I should not occupy my present position. Go on, sir. LUKYN. Horace Vale and I are prepared to stand the brunt of our misdeeds. But, Posket, there are ladies in the case. MR. POSKET. In the annals of the Mulberry Street Police Court such a circumstance is not unprecedented. LUKYN. Two helpless, forlorn ladies. MR. POSKET. [_Referring to charge sheet._] Alice Emmeline Fitzgerald and Harriet Macnamara. Oh, Lukyn, Lukyn! LUKYN. Pooh! I ask no favour for myself or Vale, but I come to you, Posket, to beg you to use your power to release these two ladies without a moment's delay. [_MR. WORMINGTON touches MR. POSKET'S shoulder._ MR. POSKET. Upon my word, Lukyn! Do you think I am to be undermined? LUKYN. Undermine the devil, sir! Don't talk to me! Let these ladies go, I say! Don't bring them into Court, don't see their faces--don't hear their voices--if you do, you'll regret it! MR. POSKET. Colonel Lukyn! LUKYN. [_Leaning across the table and gripping MR. POSKET by the shoulder._] Posket, do you know that one of these ladies is a married lady? MR. POSKET. Of course I don't, sir. I blush to hear it. LUKYN. And do you know that from the moment this married lady steps into your confounded Court, the happiness, the contentment of a doting husband, become a confounded wreck and ruin? MR. POSKET. Then, sir, let it be my harrowing task to open the eyes of this foolish doting man to the treachery, the perfidy, which nestles upon his very hearthrug! LUKYN. Oh, lor'! Be careful, Posket! By George, be careful! MR. POSKET. Alexander Lukyn, you are my friend. Amongst the personal property taken from you when you entered these precincts may have been found a memorandum of an engagement to dine at my house to-night at a quarter to eight o'clock. But, Lukyn, I solemnly prepare you, you stand in danger of being late for dinner! I go further--I am not sure, after this morning's proceedings, that Mrs. Posket will be ready to receive you. LUKYN. I'm confoundedly certain she _won't!_ MR. POSKET. Therefore, Lukyn, as an English husband and father it will be my duty to teach you and your disreputable companions [_referring to charge-sheet_], Alice Emmeline Fitzgerald and Harriet Macnamara, some rudimentary notions of propriety and decorum. LUKYN. Confound you, Posket--listen! MR. POSKET. I am listening, sir, to the guiding voice of Mrs. Posket--that newly-made wife still blushing from the embarrassment of her second marriage, and that voice says, "Strike for the sanctity of hearth and home, for the credit of the wives of England--no mercy!" MR. WORMINGTON. It is time to go into Court, sir. The charge against Colonel Lukyn is first on the list. LUKYN. Posket, I'll give you one last chance! If I write upon a scrap of paper the real names of these two unfortunate ladies, will you shut yourself up for a moment, away from observation, and read these names before you go into Court? MR. POSKET. Certainly not, Colonel Lukyn! I cannot be influenced by private information in dealing with an offence which is, in my opinion, as black as--as my cravat! Ahem! [_MR. WORMINGTON and MR. POSKET look at each other's necktie and turn up their collars hastily._ LUKYN. [_To himself._] There's no help for it. [_To MR. POSKET._] Then Posket, you must have the plain truth where you stand, by George! The two ladies who are my companions in this affair are---- MR. POSKET. Sergeant! Colonel Lukyn will now join his party. [_LUGG steps up to LUKYN sharply._ LUKYN. [_Boiling with indignation._] What, sir? What? MR. POSKET. Lukyn, I think we both have engagements--will you excuse me? LUKYN. Posket! You've gone too far! If you went down on your knees, which you appear to have been recently doing, and begged the names of these two ladies, you shouldn't have 'em! No sir, by George, you shouldn't. MR. POSKET. Good morning, Colonel Lukyn. LUKYN. You've lectured me, pooh-poohed me, snubbed me--a soldier, sir--a soldier! But when I think of your dinner-party to-night, with my empty chair, like Banquo, by George, sir--and the chief dish composed of a well-browned, well-basted, family skeleton, served up under the best silver cover, I pity you, Posket! Good morning! [_He marches out with LUGG._ MR. POSKET. Ah! Thank goodness that ordeal is passed. Now, Wormington, I think I am ready to face the duties of the day! Shall we go into Court? MR. WORMINGTON. Certainly, sir. [_MR. WORMINGTON gathers up papers from the table. MR. POSKET with a shaking hand pours out water from carafe and drinks._ MR. POSKET. My breakfast. [_To MR. WORMINGTON._] I hope I defended the sanctity of the Englishman's hearth, Wormington? MR. WORMINGTON. You did, indeed. As a married man, I thank you. MR. POSKET. Give me your arm, Wormington! I am not very well this morning, and this interview with Colonel Lukyn has shaken me. I think your coat-collar is turned up, Wormington. MR. WORMINGTON. So is yours, I fancy, sir. MR. POSKET. Ahem! [_They turn their collars down; MR. POSKET takes MR. WORMINGTON'S arm. They are going towards the curtains when WYKE enters hurriedly at the door._ WYKE. Excuse me, sir. MR. WORMINGTON. Hush! hush! Mr. Posket is just going into Court. WYKE. Lady Jenkins has sent me back to tell you that she hasn't seen the missis for the last week or more. MR. POSKET. Mrs. Posket went to Campden Hill with Miss Verrinder last night! WYKE. They haven't arrived there, sir. MR. POSKET. Haven't arrived! WYKE. No sir--and even a slow four-wheeler won't account for that. MR. POSKET. Wormington! there's something wrong! Mrs. Posket quitted a fairly happy home last night and has not been seen or heard of since! MR. WORMINGTON. Pray don't be anxious, sir, the Court is waiting. MR. POSKET. But I am anxious! Tell Sergeant Lugg to look over the Accident-Book, this morning's Hospital Returns, List of Missing Children, Suspicious Pledges People left Chargeable to the Parish, Attend to your Window Fastenings----! I--I--Wormington, Mrs. Posket and I disagreed last night. MR. WORMINGTON. Don't think of it, sir! you should hear me and Mrs. Wormington! Pray do come into Court. MR. POSKET. Court! I'm totally unfit for business! totally unfit for business! [_MR. WORMINGTON hurries him off through the curtains. LUGG enters, almost breathless._ LUGG. We've got charge one in the Dock--all four of 'em. [_Seeing WYKE._] Hallo! you back again! WYKE. Yes--seems so. [_They stand facing each other, dabbing their foreheads with their handkerchiefs._] Phew! you seem warm. LUGG. Phew! you don't seem so cool. WYKE. I've been lookin' after two ladies. LUGG. So have I. WYKE. I haven't found 'em. LUGG. If I'd known, I'd a been pleased to lend you our two. [_From the other side of the curtains there is the sound of a shriek from AGATHA POSKET and CHARLOTTE._ WYKE. Lor'! what's that! LUGG. That _is_ our two. Don't notice them--they're hystericals. They're mild now to what they have been. I say, old fellow--is your guv'nor all right in his head? WYKE. I suppose so--why? LUGG. I've a partickler reason for asking. Does he ever tell you to buy him anything and keep the change? WYKE. What d'yer mean? LUGG. Well, does he ever come down handsome for your extry exertion--do you ever get any tips? WYKE. Rather. What do you think he made me a present of last night? LUGG. Don't know. WYKE. Twopence--to buy a new umbrella. LUGG. Well, I'm blessed! And he gave me the same sum to get him a silk necktie. It's my opinion he's got a softening of the brain. [_Another shriek from the two women, a cry from MR. POSKET, and then a hubbub are heard. Running up to the curtains and looking through._] Hallo! what's wrong? Here! I told you so--he's broken out, he's broken out. WYKE. Who's broken out? LUGG. The lunatic. Keep back, I'm wanted. [_He goes through the curtains._ WYKE. [_Looking after him._] Look at the guv'nor waving his arms and going on anyhow at the prisoners! Prisoners! Gracious goodness--it's the missis! [_Amid a confused sound of voices MR. POSKET is brought in, through the curtains, by MR. WORMINGTON. LUGG follows._ MR. POSKET. Wormington! Wormington! the two ladies! the two ladies! I know them! MR. WORMINGTON. It's all right, sir, it's all right--don't be upset, sir! MR. POSKET. I'm not well; what shall I do? MR. WORMINGTON. Nothing further, sir. What you have done is quite in form. MR. POSKET. What I _have_ done? MR. WORMINGTON. Yes, sir--you did precisely what I suggested--took the words from me. They pleaded guilty. MR. POSKET. Guilty! MR. WORMINGTON. Yes, sir--and you sentenced them. MR. POSKET. Sentenced them! The ladies! MR. WORMINGTON. Yes, sir. You've given them seven days, without the option of a fine. [_MR. POSKET collapses into MR. WORMINGTON'S arms._ THE SECOND SCENE. _The scene changes to MR. POSKET'S drawing-room, as in the first act._ _BEATIE enters timidly, dressed in simple walking-costume._ BEATIE. How dreadfully early. Eleven o'clock, and I'm not supposed to come till four. I wonder why I want to instruct Cis all day. I'm not nearly so enthusiastic about the two little girls I teach in Russell Square. _POPHAM enters. Her eyes are red as if from crying._ POPHAM. [_Drawing back on seeing BEATIE._] That music person again. I beg your pardon--I ain't got no instructions to prepare no drawing-room for no lessons till four o'clock. BEATIE. I wish to see Mrs. Posket. POPHAM. She hasn't come home. BEATIE. Oh then--er--um--Master Farringdon will do. POPHAM. [_In tears._] He haven't come home either! BEATIE. Oh, where is he? POPHAM. No one knows! His wicked old stepfather took him out late last night and hasn't returned him. Such a night as it was, too, and him still wearing his summer under-vests. BEATIE. Mr. Posket? POPHAM. Mr. Posket--no, my Cis! BEATIE. How dare you speak of Master Farringdon in that familiar way? POPHAM. How dare I? Because me and him formed an attachment before ever you darkened our doors. [_Taking a folded printed paper from her pocket._] You may put down the iron 'eel too heavy, Miss Tomlinson. I refer you to _Bow Bells_--"First Love is Best Love; or, The Earl's Choice." [_As POPHAM offers the paper, CIS enters, looking very pale, worn-out, and dishevelled._ POPHAM AND BEATIE. Oh! CIS. [_Staggering to a chair._] Where's the mater? POPHAM. Not home yet. CIS. Thank giminy! BEATIE. He's ill! POPHAM. Oh! [_BEATIE, assisted by POPHAM, quickly wheels the large armchair forward, they catch hold of CIS and place him in it, he submits limply._ BEATIE. [_Taking CIS'S hand._] What is the matter, Cis dear? Tell Beatie. POPHAM. [_Taking his other hand._] Well, I'm sure! Who's given you raisins and ketchup from the store cupboard? Come back to Emma! [_CIS, with his eyes closed, gives a murmur._ BEATIE. He's whispering! [_They both bob their heads down to listen._ POPHAM. He says his head's a-whirling. BEATIE. Put him on the sofa. [_They take off his boots, loosen his necktie, and dab his forehead with water out of a flower-vase._ CIS. I--I--I wish you two girls would leave off. BEATIE. He's speaking again. He hasn't had any breakfast! He's hungry! POPHAM. Hungry! I thought he looked thin! Wait a minute, dear! Emma Popham knows what her boy fancies! [_She runs out of the room._ CIS. Oh, Beatie, hold my head while I ask you something. BEATIE. Yes, darling! CIS. No lady would marry a gentleman who had been a convict, would she? BEATIE. No; certainly not! CIS. I thought not! Well, Beatie, I've been run after by a policeman. BEATIE. [_Leaving him._] Oh! CIS. Not caught, you know, only run after; and, walking home from Hendon this morning, I came to the conclusion that I ought to settle down in life. Beatie--could I write out a paper promising to marry you when I'm one-and-twenty? BEATIE. Don't be a silly boy--of course you could. CIS. Then I shall; and when I feel inclined to have a spree, I shall think of that paper and say, "Cis Farringdon, if you ever get locked up, you'll lose the most beautiful girl in the world." BEATIE. And so you will. [_He goes to the writing-table._ CIS. I'd better write it now, before my head gets well again. [_He writes; she bends over him._ BEATIE. You simple, foolish, Cis! If your head is so queer, shall I tell you what to say? _POPHAM enters, carrying a tray with breakfast dishes._ POPHAM. [_To herself._] He won't think so much of _her_ now. His breakfast is my triumph. [_To CIS._] Coffee, bacon, and a teacake. BEATIE. Hush! Master Farringdon is writing something very important. POPHAM. [_Going to the window._] That's a cab at our door. CIS. It must be the mater--I'm off! [_He picks up his boots and goes out quickly._ BEATIE. [_Following him with the paper and inkstand._] Cis! Cis! You haven't finished the promise! You haven't finished the promise! LUGG. [_Heard outside._] All right, sir--I've got you--I've got you. [_POPHAM opens the door._ POPHAM. The master and a policeman! [_LUGG enters supporting MR. POSKET who sinks into an armchair with a groan._] Oh, what's the matter? LUGG. All right, my good girl, you run downstairs and fetch a drop of brandy and water. MR. POSKET. [_Hurrying out._] Oh! LUGG. Now don't take on so, sir. It's what might happen to any married gentleman. Now, you're all right now, sir. And I'll hurry back to the Court to see whether they've sent for Mr. Bullamy. MR. POSKET. My wife! My wife! LUGG. Oh, come now, sir, what _is_ seven days! Why many a married gentleman in your position, sir, would have been glad to have made it fourteen. MR. POSKET. Go away--leave me. LUGG. Certainly, sir. [_POPHAM re-enters with a small tumbler of brandy and water; he takes it from her and drinks it._] It's not wanted. I'm thankful to say he's better. POPHAM. [_To LUGG._] If you please, cook presents her compliments, and she would be glad of the pleasure of your company downstairs, before leavin'. [_They go out._ MR. POSKET. Agatha and Lukyn! Agatha and Lukyn supping together at the Hotel des Princes, while I was at home and asleep--while I ought to have been at home and asleep! It's awful! CIS. [_Looking in at the door and entering._] Hallo, Guv! MR. POSKET. [_Starting up._] Cis! CIS. Where did you fetch, Guv? MR. POSKET. Where did I fetch! You wretched boy! I fetched Kilburn, and I'll fetch you a sound whipping when I recover my composure. CIS. What for? MR. POSKET. For leading me astray, sir. Yours is the first bad companionship I have ever formed! Evil communication with you, sir, has corrupted me! [_Taking CIS by the collar and shaking him._] Why did you abandon me at Kilburn? CIS. Because you were quite done, and I branched off to draw the crowd away from you after me. MR. POSKET. Did you, Cis, did you? [_Putting his hand on CIS'S shoulder._] My boy--my boy! Oh, Cis, we're in such trouble! CIS. You weren't caught, Guv? MR. POSKET. No--but do you know who the ladies are who were supping at the Hotel des Princes? CIS. No--do you? MR. POSKET. Do I? They were your mother and Aunt Charlotte. CIS. The mater and Aunt Charlotte! Ha, ha, ha! [_Laughing and dancing with delight._] Ha! ha! Oh, I say, Guv, what a lark! MR. POSKET. A lark! They were taken to the police station! CIS. [_Changing his tone._] My mother? MR. POSKET. They were brought before the magistrate and sentenced. CIS. Sentenced? MR. POSKET. To seven days' imprisonment. CIS. Oh! [_He puts his hat on fiercely._ MR. POSKET. What are you going to do? CIS. Get my mother out first, and then break every bone in that magistrate's body. MR. POSKET. Cis! Cis! he's an unhappy wretch and he did his duty. CIS. His duty! To send another magistrate's wife to prison! Guv, I'm only a boy, but I know what professional etiquette is! Come along! Which is the police station? MR. POSKET. Mulberry Street. CIS. Who's the magistrate? MR. POSKET. I am! CIS. You! [_Seizing MR. POSKET by the collar and shaking him._] You dare to lock up my mother! Come with me and get her out! [_He is dragging MR. POSKET towards the door, when MR. BULLAMY enters breathlessly._ MR. BULLAMY. My dear Posket! CIS. [_Seizing MR. BULLAMY and dragging him with MR. POSKET to the door._] Come with me and get my mother out. MR. BULLAMY. Leave me alone, sir! She _is_ out! I managed it. MR. POSKET AND CIS. [_Together._] How? MR. BULLAMY. Wormington sent to me when you were taken ill. When I arrived at the Court, he had discovered, from your man-servant, Mrs. Posket's awful position. CIS. You leave my mother alone! Go on! MR. BULLAMY. Said I to myself, "This won't do, I must extricate these people somehow!" [_To MR. POSKET._] I'm not so damned conscientious as you are, Posket. CIS. Bravo! Go on! MR. BULLAMY. [_Producing his jujube box._] The first thing I did was to take a jujube. CIS. [_Snatching the jujube box from him._] Will you make haste? MR. BULLAMY. Then said I to Wormington, "Posket was _non compos mentis_ when he heard this case--I'm going to re-open the matter!" CIS. Hurrah! MR. BULLAMY. And I did! And what do you think I found out from the proprietor of the hotel! MR. POSKET AND CIS. What? MR. BULLAMY. That this young scamp, Mr. Cecil Farringdon, hires a room at the "Hotel des Princes." CIS. I know that. MR. BULLAMY. And that Mr. Farringdon was there last night with some low stockbroker of the name of Skinner. CIS. Go on--go on! [_Offering him the jujube box._] Take a jujube! MR. BULLAMY. [_Taking a jujube._] Now the law, which seems to me quite perfect, allows a man who rents a little apartment at an inn to eat and drink with his friends all night long. CIS. Well? MR. BULLAMY. So said I from the bench, "These ladies and gentlemen appear to be friends or relatives of a certain lodger in the 'Hotel des Princes.' " CIS. So they are! MR. BULLAMY. "They were all discovered in one room." MR. POSKET. So we were--I mean, so they were! MR. BULLAMY. "And I shall adjourn the case for a week to give Mr. Farringdon an opportunity of claiming these people as his guests." CIS. Three cheers for Bullamy. MR. BULLAMY. So I censured the police for their interference and released the ladies on their own recognisances. MR. POSKET. [_Taking MR. BULLAMY'S hand._] And the men? MR. BULLAMY. Well, unfortunately, Wormington took upon himself to despatch the men to the House of Correction before I arrived. MR. POSKET. I'm glad of it! They are dissolute villains! I'm glad of it. _POPHAM enters._ POPHAM. Oh, sir! Here's the missis and Miss Verrinder! In such a plight! CIS. The mater! Guv, you explain! [_He hurries out. MR. POSKET rapidly retires into the window recess. AGATHA POSKET and CHARLOTTE enter, pale, red-eyed, and agitated. POPHAM goes out._ AGATHA POSKET AND CHARLOTTE. [_Falling on to MR. BULLAMY'S shoulders._] O--o--h--h! MR. BULLAMY. My dear ladies! AGATHA POSKET. Preserver! CHARLOTTE. Friend! AGATHA POSKET. How is my boy? MR. BULLAMY. Never better. AGATHA POSKET. And the man who condemned his wife and sister-in-law to the miseries of a jail! MR. BULLAMY. Ahem! Posket--oh--he---- AGATHA POSKET. Is he well enough to be told what that wife thinks of him? MR. BULLAMY. It might cause a relapse! AGATHA POSKET. It is my duty to risk that. CHARLOTTE. [_Raising the covers of the dishes on the table._] Food! AGATHA POSKET. Ah! [_AGATHA POSKET and CHARLOTTE begin to devour a teacake voraciously._ MR. POSKET. [_Advancing with an attempt at dignity._] Agatha Posket. AGATHA POSKET. [_Rising, with her mouth full, and a piece of teacake in her hand._] Sir! [_CHARLOTTE takes the tray and everything on it from the table and goes towards the door._ MR. BULLAMY. [_Going to the door._] There's going to be an explanation. CHARLOTTE. [_At the door._] There's going to be an explanation. [_CHARLOTTE and MR. BULLAMY go out quietly._ MR. POSKET. How dare you look me in the face, madam? AGATHA POSKET. How dare you look at anybody in any position, sir? You send your wife to prison for pushing a mere policeman. MR. POSKET. I didn't know what I was doing. AGATHA POSKET. Not when you requested two ladies to raise their veils and show their faces in the dock? We shouldn't have been discovered but for that. MR. POSKET. It was my duty. AGATHA POSKET. Duty! You don't go to the police court again alone! I guess now, AEneas Posket, why you clung to a single life so long. _You liked it!_ MR. POSKET. I wish I had. AGATHA POSKET. Why didn't you marry till you were fifty? MR. POSKET. Perhaps I hadn't met a widow, madam. AGATHA POSKET. Paltry excuse. You revelled in a dissolute bachelorhood! MR. POSKET. Hah! Whist every evening! AGATHA POSKET. You can't play whist _alone._ You're an expert at hiding too! MR. POSKET. If I were I should thrash your boy! AGATHA POSKET. When you wished to conceal yourself last night, you selected a table with a lady under it. MR. POSKET. Ah, did you pinch me, or did Charlotte? AGATHA POSKET. I did--Charlotte's a single girl. MR. POSKET. I fancy, madam, you found my conduct under that table perfectly respectful? AGATHA POSKET. I don't know--I was too agitated to notice. MR. POSKET. Evasion--you're like all the women. AGATHA POSKET. Profligate! You oughtn't to know that! MR. POSKET. No wife of mine sups, unknown to me, with dissolute military men; we will have a judicial separation, Mrs. Posket. AGATHA POSKET. Certainly--I suppose you'll manage that at your police court, too? MR. POSKET. I shall send for my solicitor at once. AGATHA POSKET. AEneas! Mr. Posket! Whatever happens, you shall not have the custody of my boy. MR. POSKET. Your boy! _I_ take charge of _him?_ Agatha Posket, he has been my evil genius! He has made me a gambler at an atrocious game, called "Fireworks"--he has tortured my mind with abstruse speculations concerning "Sillikin" and "Butterscotch" for the St. Leger--he has caused me to cower before servants, and to fly before the police. AGATHA POSKET. He! My Cis? _CIS enters having changed his clothes._ CIS. [_Breezily._] Hallo, mater--got back? AGATHA POSKET. You wicked boy! You dare to have apartments at the "Hotel des Princes!" MR. POSKET. Yes--and it was to put a stop to that which induced me to go to Meek Street last night. CIS. Don't be angry, mater! I've got you out of your difficulties. MR. POSKET. But you got me into mine! CIS. Well, I know I did--one can't be always doing the right thing! It isn't Guv's fault--there! MR. POSKET. Swear it! AGATHA POSKET. No, he doesn't know the nature of an oath! I believe him! AEneas, I see now, this is all the result of a lack of candour on my part. Tell me, have you ever particularly observed this child? MR. POSKET. Oh! AGATHA POSKET. Has it ever struck you he is a little forward? MR. POSKET. Sometimes. AGATHA POSKET. You are wrong; he is awfully backward. [_Taking MR. POSKET'S hand._] AEneas; men always think they are marrying angels, and women would be angels if they never had to grow old. That warps their dispositions. I have deceived you, AEneas. MR. POSKET. Ah! Lukyn! AGATHA POSKET. No--no--you don't understand! Lukyn was my boy's godfather in eighteen sixty-six. MR. POSKET. 1866? CIS. 1886? CIS AND MR. POSKET. [_Together, reckoning rapidly upon their fingers._] 1886. AGATHA POSKET. S-s-s-h! Don't count! Cis, go away! [_To MR. POSKET._] When you proposed to me in the "Pantheon" at Spa, you particularly remarked, "Mrs. Farringdon, I love you for yourself _alone."_ MR. POSKET. I know I did. AGATHA POSKET. Those were terrible words to address to a widow with a son of nineteen. [_CIS and MR. POSKET again reckon rapidly upon their fingers._] Don't count, AEneas, don't count! Those words tempted me. I glanced at my face in a neighbouring mirror, and I said "AEneas is fifty--why should I--a mere woman, compete with him on the question of age? He has already the advantage--I will be generous--I will add to it!" I led you to believe I had been married only fifteen years ago, I deceived you and my boy as to his real age, and I told you I was but one-and-thirty. MR. POSKET. It wasn't the truth? AGATHA POSKET. Ah! I merely lacked woman's commonest fault, exaggeration. MR. POSKET. But--Lukyn? AGATHA POSKET. Knows the real facts. I went to him last night to beg him not to disturb an arrangement which had brought happiness to all parties. Look. In place of a wayward, troublesome child, I now present you with a youth old enough to be a joy, comfort, and support! CIS. Oh, I say, mater, this is a frightful sell for a fellow. AGATHA POSKET. Go to your room, sir. CIS. I always thought there was something wrong with me. Blessed if I'm not behind the age! [_CIS goes out._ AGATHA POSKET. Forgive me, AEneas. Look at my bonnet! A night in Mulberry Street, without even a powder-puff, is an awful expiation. MR. POSKET. Agatha! How do I know Cis won't be five-and twenty to-morrow? AGATHA POSKET. No--no--you know the worst, and as long as I live, I'll never deceive you again--except in little things. _LUKYN and VALE enter._ LUKYN. [_Boiling with rage._] By George, Posket! MR. POSKET. My dear Lukyn! LUKYN. Do you know I am a confounded jail-bird, sir? MR. POSKET. An accident! LUKYN. And do you know what has happened to me in jail--a soldier, sir--an officer? MR. POSKET. No! LUKYN. I have been washed by the authorities. MR. POSKET. Lukyn, no! _CHARLOTTE has entered, and she rushes across to VALE._ CHARLOTTE. Horace! Horace! Not you, too? VALE. By Jove, Charlotte, I would have died first. _MR. BULLAMY enters quickly._ MR. BULLAMY. Mr. Posket, I shall choke, sir! Inspector Messiter is downstairs and says that Isidore, the waiter, swears that you are the man who escaped from Meek Street last night. LUKYN. What? MR. BULLAMY. This is a public scandal, sir! LUKYN. Your game is up, sir! MR. BULLAMY. You have brought a stain upon a spotless police court! LUKYN. And lectured me upon propriety and decorum. MR. POSKET. Gentlemen, gentlemen, when you have heard my story you will pity me. LUKYN AND MR. BULLAMY. [_Laughing ironically._] Ha! ha! MR. POSKET. You will find your old friend a Man, a Martyr, and a Magistrate! _CIS enters, pulling BEATIE after him._ CIS. Come on, Beatie! Guv--mater! here's news! Beatie and I have made up our minds to be married. AGATHA POSKET. Oh! _POPHAM enters with champagne and glasses._ MR. POSKET. What's this? CIS. Bellinger--'74--extra dry--to drink our health and happiness. CHARLOTTE. Champagne! It may save my life! AGATHA POSKET. Miss Tomlinson, go home! MR. POSKET. Stop! Cis Farringdon, my dear boy, you are but nineteen at present, but you were only fourteen yesterday, so you are a growing lad; on the day you marry and start for Canada, I will give you a thousand pounds! POPHAM. [_Putting her apron to her eyes._] Oh! CIS. [_Embracing BEATIE._] Hurrah! We'll be married directly. AGATHA POSKET. He's an infant! I forbid it! MR. POSKET. I am his legal guardian. Gentlemen, bear witness! I solemnly consent to that little wretch's marriage! [_AGATHA POSKET sinks into a chair._ THE END. Printed by Ballantyne & Company Ltd Tavistock Street Covent Garden London Transcriber's Note This transcription is based on scanned images of two different copies posted by the Internet Archive. The primary source is posted at: archive.org/details/magistratefarcei00pinerich These images, scanned from a copy in the University of California, Berkeley Library, are of an edition printed in London by William Heinemann in 1914. Note that the Internet Archive identifier-access page for this copy incorrectly lists the publisher as W. H. Baker. The secondary source is posted at: archive.org/details/cu31924013536556 These images, scanned from a copy in the Cornell University Library, are of an edition printed in New York by the United States Book Company. The Heinemann (H) edition served as the copy-text for this transcription. The United States Book Company (US) edition changed spelling to American standards. For example, "colour" became "color", "recognise" became "recognize", "some one" became "someone", and "lor'" became "Lor'". The US edition also has minor deviations from playscript formatting conventions fairly standard at the time. While the H edition used the standard convention of printing entrances as centered and italicized without brackets, the US edition printed them with brackets. In addition, while the H edition generally did not close the brackets on stage directions right after a line of dialogue, the US edition did. Unfortunately, the H edition suffers from some minor editorial problems and printing errors such as missing punctuation marks, particularly next to margins and at the bottom of a page. In contrast, the US edition has few editorial or printing problems. When there was a question about the text in the H edition, the US text was consulted. In general, where context made a reading obvious, the obvious reading was given the benefit of the doubt without comment. The following changes were noted: - p. v: ..."The Schoolmistress," 'Dandy Dick," and "The Cabinet Minister."--Changed the single quotation mark before "Dandy" to a double quotation mark. - p. vii: Added periods after "Mrs. JOHN WOOD" and "Miss MARION TERRY" for consistency. - p. 8: ...but I feel like a grown up man!--Inserted hyphen between "grown" and "up". (US) - p. 14: May I promise that, m'am?--Changed "m'am" to "ma'am" to be consistent with elsewhere in H and also US ed. - p. 15: MR. BULLAMY--Added a period to end of character title. - p. 26: He's a great favourite with all our friends--women friends especially--Added period to end of sentence. - p. 37: MR. POSKET--Added a period to end of character title. - p. 37: [_Gives MR. POSKET the letter._]--Moved to next line (US) and deleted closing bracket to be consistent with other stage directions in H. - p. 59: [_Produces a folded silk handerchief..._--Changed "_handerchief_" to "_handkerchief_". - p. 63: There's a little balcony to that window, step out...--Changed comma to a semicolon. (US) - p. 88: A few hours ago it was--"By Jove, all is over.'--Changed closing single quotation mark to closing double quotation mark. - p. 90: I know--I know. I'm going directly I can get the boy away--Added period to end of sentence. - p. 93: [_To VALE_] Horace, can't you speak?--Added period after "VALE" for consistency. - p. 98: To be ready for the morning--Added period to end of sentence. - p. 99: What is underneath that window, Mr. Blond--Added question mark to end of sentence. - p. 100: You're breathing--Added period to end of sentence. - p. 103: Very nice part, Colonel. Thank you--Added a period after "Thank you". - p. 103: Horace Edmund Cholmeley Clive Napier Vale Captain--Shropshire Fusiliers--Stark's Hotel, Conduit Street.--Added a period after "Vale". (US) - p. 110: ...a method of delivering evidence articulately--Added a period to end of sentence. - p. 113: "Cos I'm agoin' to join in the chase after you."--Inserted an apostrophe before "Cos". (US) - p. 114: Bring him in. [_LUGG goes out._ Wyke! From Agatha!--Added a closing bracket after "out." - p. 115: Tell Mrs. Posket I will come on the moment the Court rises--Added a period to end of sentence. - p. 119: Two contrived to escape--Added a period to end of sentence. - p. 125: I regret to see you in this terrible position, Colonel Lukyn--Added a period to end of sentence. - P. 126: He's in it sir.--Added a comma after "it". (US and consistent elsewhere in H) - p. 126: [_LUKYN sits again._] [_POSKET takes up the charge sheet._]--Deleted closing and opening brackets after "again." (US) - p. 134: _They turn their collars down, MR. POSKET takes MR. WORMINGTON'S arm._--Changed comma to a semicolon. (US) - p. 136: I haven t found 'em.--Added an apostrophe between "haven" and "t". - p. 137: It's my opinion he's got a softening of the brain--Added period to end of sentence. - p. 137: [_He goes through the curtains._]--Moved to next line (US) and deleted closing bracket to be consistent with other stage directions in H. - p. 144: [_Following him with the paper and inkstand_]--Added period after inkstand for consistency. (US) - p. 150: I'm going to re-open the matter!--Added closing double quotation mark at end of sentence. (US) - p. 153: ...who condemned his wife and sister in-law to the miseries of a jail!--Inserted a hyphen between "sister" and "in-law". - p. 159: S-s-s h! Don't count!--Added hyphen between "S-s-s" and "h!" (US) - p. 161: _CHARLOTTE has entered, and she rushes across to VALE_--Added a period to the end of the sentence. Some inconsistences that existed in both H and US were allowed to stand. For example, characters are occasionally referred to slightly differently in the stage directions, e.g., "POSKET" vs. "MR. POSKET". The name of the hotel in Act Two is spelled with an "o" in the cast and scene lists at the beginning of the play but is spelled with an "o" elsewhere in the text. Lugg's rank is spelled "Serjeant" in the cast list and "Sergeant" elsewhere. Both "missis" and "missus" are used. The number for Lukyn's address is both "19a" and "19A". Variant spellings in H such as "neckkerchief" and "table-cloth" were not changed. The html version of this etext attempts to reproduce the layout of the printed text. However, some concessions have been made, partly to simplify coding and partly to facilitate the generation of files from the html file. For example, stage directions at the end of a line of dialogue were placed on the next line, indented the same amount from the left margin, and coded as hanging paragraphs. The layout of the title page was simplified. The simultaneous speech on page 81 was coded so as to avoid the use of an html table. The footnote on p. 110 was enclosed in a border. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Magistrate, by Arthur Pinero *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MAGISTRATE *** ***** This file should be named 41750.txt or 41750.zip ***** This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: http://www.gutenberg.org/4/1/7/5/41750/ Produced by Paul Haxo from page images generously made available by the Internet Archive and the University of California, Berkeley and Cornell University libraries. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will be renamed. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is subject to the trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at www.gutenberg.org/license. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United States. 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, copied or distributed: This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project Gutenberg-tm License. 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided that - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of receipt of the work. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. 1.F. 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by your equipment. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further opportunities to fix the problem. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from people in all walks of life. Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact For additional contact information: Dr. Gregory B. Newby Chief Executive and Director gbnewby@pglaf.org Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt status with the IRS. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who approach us with offers to donate. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: www.gutenberg.org This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.