ACT IV.
SCENE.--_The Studio_.
_Enter_ COL. G. _Walks about restless and eager_.
_Col. G._ Thank heaven! If Bill has found Mr. Warren now,--_Exit_.
_Enter_ WARREN.
_War_. What can the fellow be up to? There's something odd abouthim--something I don't like--but it can't mean mischief when he sendsfor me. Where could Gervaise have picked him up?--Nobody here?
_Re-enter_ COL. G. _and hurries to him with outstretched hand_.
_Col. G._ My dear sir! I am greatly obliged to you. This is very kind.
_War_. (_stepping back_) Excuse me.--I do not understand.
_Col. G._ I beg your pardon. I ought to have explained.
_War_. I believe something of the sort _is_ necessary.
_Col. G._ You are my master's friend.
_War_. I should be proud of the honour. Can I be of any service tohim?
_Col. G._ I believe I can trust you. I _will_ trust you--I am hisfather.
_War_. Whose father? Belzebub's?
_Col. G._ Arthur's--your friend Gervaise's. I am Sir Walter Gervaise.You must help me to help him.
WARREN _regards him for a moment_.
_War_. (_stiffly_) Sir Walter, I owe your son much--you nothing yet. Iam _his_ friend.
_Col. G._ There is not a moment to lose. Listen. An old man came aboutthe place a few weeks ago, looking for his daughter. He has been gotout of the way, but I have learned where he is: I want you to bringhim.
_War_. I would serve your son blindfold: _you_ must excuse me if Iwish to understand first.
_Col. G._ Arthur is in trouble. He has a secret.--God forgive me!--Ifeared it was a bad one.
_War_. You don't know him as I do!
_Col. G._ I know him now--and can help him. Only I can't _prove_anything yet. I must have the old man. I've found his daughter, andsuspect the villain: if I can bring the three together, all will comeout, sure enough. The boy I sent for you will take you to the father.He will trust you, and come. (_Bell rings_.) I must go to Arthur now._Exit_.
_War_. What a strange old fellow! An officer--and disguise himself!
_Enter_ BILL.
_Bill_. Here you are, sir!
_War_. No vast amount of information in that statement, my boy!
_Bill_. Well, sir--here _I_ are, sir.
_War_. That _is_ a trifle more to the point, though scarcely requiringmention.
_Bill_. Then, here _we_ are, sir.
_War_. That'll do--if you know what comes next?
_Bill_. I do, sir.
_War_. Go on, then.
_Bill_. Here goes! Come along, sir. You'll have to take a bobby,though.
_War_. We'll see about that. You go on.
_Exeunt_.
_Enter_ GERVAISE, followed by COL. G.
_Ger._ What a time you have been, William!
_Col. G._ I'm sorry, sir. Did you want anything?
_Ger._ No. But I don't like to be left. You are the only friend Ihave.
_Col. G._ Thank you, sir. A man _must_ do his duty, but it's a comfortwhen his colonel takes notice of it.
_Ger._ Is it _all_ from duty, William? Yet why should I look for more?There was a little girl I tried to do my duty by once--My head'srather queer still, William.
_Col. G._ Is there nothing to be done, sir?
_Ger._ No; it's here--(_putting his hand to his head_)--inside.
_Col. G._ I meant about the little girl, sir.--I can keep dark as wellas another.--When there's anything on a man's mind, sir--good _or_bad--it's a relief to mention it. If you could trust me--(_A pause_.)Men _have_ trusted their servants and not repented it.
_Ger._ No doubt--no doubt. But there is no help for me.
_Col. G._ You cannot be sure of that, sir.
_Ger._ You would help me if you could, I believe.
_Col. G._ God knows I would, sir--to the last drop of my blood.
_Ger._ That's saying much, William. A son couldn't say more--no, nor afather either.
_Col. G._ Oh! yes, he could, sir.
_Ger._ And mean it?
_Col. G._ Yes.
_Ger._ If I had a father, William, I would tell him all about it. Iwas but two years old when he left me.
_Col. G._ Then you don't remember him, sir?
_Ger._ I often dream about him, and then I seem to remember him.
_Col. G._ What is he like, sir?--in your dreams, I mean.
_Ger._ I never see him distinctly: I try hard sometimes, but it's nouse. If he would but come home! I feel as if I could bear anythingthen.--But I'm talking like a girl!
_Col. G._ Where is your father, sir?
_Ger._ In India.
_Col. G._ A soldier, sir?
_Ger._ Yes. Colonel Gervaise--you must have heard of him. Sir Walterhe is now.
_Col. G._ I've heard of _him_, sir--away in the north parts he's been,mostly.
_Ger._ Yes. How I wish he would come home! I would do everything toplease him. I have it, William! I'll go to India. I did think of goingto Garibaldi--but I won't--I'll go to India. I _must_ find my father.Will you go with me?
_Col. G._ Willingly, sir.
_Ger._ Is there any fighting there now?
_Col. G._ Not at present, I believe.
_Ger._ That's a pity. I would have listed in my father's regiment, andthen--that is, by the time he found me out--he wouldn't be ashamed ofme. I've done nothing yet. I'm nobody yet, and what could he do with ason that was nobody--a great man like him! A fine son _I_ should be! Ason ought to be worthy of his father. Don't you think so, William?
_Col. G._ That wouldn't be difficult, sir!--I mean with most fathers.
_Ger._ Ah! but _mine_, you know, William!--Are you good at the cut andthrust?
_Col G._ Pretty good, sir, I believe.
_Ger._ Then we'll have a bout or two. I've got rusty.--Have I saidanything odd--or--or--I mean since I've been ill?
_Col. G._ Nothing you need mind, sir.
_Ger._ I'm glad of that.--I feel as if--(_putting his hand to hishead_). William! what could you do for a man--if he was yourfriend?--no, I mean, if he was your enemy?
_Col. G._ I daren't say, sir.
_Ger._ Is the sun shining?
_Col. G._ Yes, sir. It's a lovely day.
_Ger._ What a desert the sky is!--so dreary and wide and waste!--Ah!if I might but creep into a hole in a tree, and feel it closing aboutme! How comfortable those toads must feel!
_Col. G._ (_aside_). He's getting light-headed again! I must send forthe doctor. _Exit_.
_Ger._ But the tree would rot, and the walls grow thin, and the lightcome through. It is crumbling now! And I shall have to meet _her_!And then the wedding! Oh my God! (_Starts up and paces about theroom_.)--It _is_ the only way! My pistols, I think--yes.--(_Goes toa table, finds his keys, and unlocks a case_.)--There they are! I mayas well have a passport at hand! (_Loading one_.)--The delicatethunder-tube! (_Turns it over lovingly_.) Solitude and silence! Oneroar and then rest! No--no rest!--still the demon to fight! But noeyes to meet and brave!--Who is that in the street?--She is at thedoor--with him!
_Enter_ COL. G. _and seizes his arm_.
_Ger._ (_with a cry_). You've killed my Psyche! (_Goes to the clay,and lifts the cloth_.) There's the bullet-hole through her heart!
_Col. G._ It might have been worse, sir.
_Ger._ Worse! I've killed her! See where she flies! She's gone! She'sgone! (_Bursts into tears_. COL. G. _leads him to the couch_.) Thankyou, William. I couldn't help it. _That_ man was with her. I meant itfor myself.
_Col. G._ Who did you say was with her?
_Ger._ You mustn't heed what I say. I am mad. (_A knock. He startsup_.) Don't let them in, William. I shall rave if you do.
COL. G. _catches up the pistols and exit hurriedly_. GER. _throws himself on the couch_.
_Re-enter_ COL. G.
_Col. G._ (_aside_). He is in love with her! Everything proves it. Myboy! My boy!
_Ger._
Father! father!--Oh, William! I was dreaming, and took you formy father! I _must_ die, William--somehow. There must be some way outof this! The doors can't _all_ be locked.
_Col. G._ There's generally a chance to be had, sir. There's always aright and a wrong fighting it out somewhere. There's Garibaldi in thefield again! Die by the hand of an enemy--if you _will_ die, sir.
_Ger._ (_smiling_) That I couldn't, William: the man that killed mewould be my best friend.--Yes--Garibaldi!--I don't deserve it, though:he fights for his country; I should fight but for death. Only a mandoesn't stop when he dies--does he, William?
_Col. G._ I trust not, sir. But he may hope to be quieter--that is, ifhe dies honestly. It's grand for a soldier! He sweeps on the roaringbillows of war into a soundless haven! Think of that, sir!
_Ger._ Why, William! how you talk!--Yes! it would be grand! On thecrest of the war-cataract--heading a cavalry charge!--Tomorrow,William. I shall be getting stronger all the way. We'll startto-morrow.
_Col. G._ Where for, sir?
_Ger._ For Italy--for Garibaldi. You'll go with me?
_Col. G._ To the death, sir.
_Ger._ Yes; that's it--that's where I'm going. But not to-day. Look atmy arm: it wouldn't kill a rat!--You saved my life, but I'm notgrateful. If I was dead, I might be watching her--out of the lovelysilence!--My poor Psyche!
_Col. G._ She's none the worse, sir. The pistol didn't go off.
_Ger._ Ah!--She ought to have fallen to pieces--long ago! You've beenseeking to keep her shroud wet. But it's no matter. Let her go. Earthto earth, and dust to dust!--the law of Nature--and Art too.
_Exit into the house_.
_Col. G._ (_following him_) I mustn't lose sight of him.--Here hecomes again, thank God!
_Catches up a coat, and begins brushing it_.
_Re-enter_ GER.
_Ger._ I don't like to see you doing that.
_Col. G._ Why shouldn't I serve my own--superior, sir? Anything'sbetter than serving yourself. And that's what every one does who won'tserve other people.
_Ger._ You are right. And it's so cheap.
_Col. G._ And so nasty!
_Ger._ Right again, William!--Right indeed!--You're a gentleman! Ifthere's anything I could help you in--anything gone wrong,--anyfriends offended--I'm not altogether without influence.
_Col. G._ (_aside_) He will vanquish me with my own weapons!
_Ger._ But you _will_ go to Garibaldi with me?
_Col. G._ I will, sir.
_Ger._ And ride by my side?
_Col. G._ Of course.
_Ger._ If you ride by me, you will have to ride far.
_Col. G._ I know, sir. But if you would be fit for fighting, you mustcome and have something to eat and drink.
_Ger._ All right. A soldier must obey: I shall begin by obeying you.Only mind you keep up with me. _Exit, leaning on_ COL. G.
_Enter_ THOMAS.
_Tho._ Th' dule a mon be yere! Aw're main troubled to get shut ovthey reyvers! Aw'm olez i' trouble! Mine's a gradely yed! itbe!--Hoy!--Nobory yere! 'T seems to me, honest men be scarce i'Lonnon. Aw'm beawn to believe nobory but mo own heighes, and mo ownoud lass. _Exit_.
_Re-enter_ GERVAISE, _followed by_ COL. G.
_Ger._ No, William; I won't lie down. I feel much better. Let's have about with the foils.
_Col. G._ Very well, sir. (_Aside_.) A little of that will go far, Iknow. (_Gets down the foils_.)
_Ger._ And, William, you must set a block up here. I shall have a cutor two at it to-morrow. There's a good cavalry weapon up there--nextthat cast of Davis's arm.
_Col. G._ Suppose your father were to arrive just after you hadstarted!
_Ger._ I shouldn't mind. I don't want to see him yet. I'm such a poorcreature! The heart seems to have gone out of me. You see, William--
_Enter_ MRS. CLIFFORD.
_Ger._ Ah! How do you do, aunt?
_Mrs. C._ What's this nonsense about Garibaldi, Arthur?
_Ger._ Who told you?
_Mrs. C._ You don't mean it's true?
_Ger._ Quite true, aunt.
_Mrs. C._ Really, Arthur, you are more of a scatterbrain than Itook you for!
_Ger._ Don't say that, aunt. I only take after my father.
_Mrs. C._ Don't talk to me of your father! I have no patience withhim. A careless hard-hearted fellow--not worthy the name of a father!(_She glares at_ SIR WALTER.)
_Ger._ You may go, William. (COL. G. _retires slowly_.)
_Ger._ Aunt, you have been a mother to me; but were you really mymother, I must not listen to such words of my father. He has goodreasons for what he does, though I admit there is something in it wedon't understand. (_Aside_.) If I could but understand how Constance--
_Mrs. C._ What do you say? What was that about Constance?
_Ger._ Oh, nothing, aunt. I was only thinking how difficult it is tounderstand people.
_Mrs. C._ If you mean Constance, I agree with you. She is a mostprovoking girl.
_Ger._ (_smiling_) I am sorry to hear that, aunt.
_Mrs. C._ I'm very glad you were never so silly as take a fancy to thegirl. She would have led you a pretty dance! If you saw how she treatsthat unfortunate Waterfield! But what's bred in the bone won't out ofthe flesh.
_Ger._ There's nothing bred in her I would have out, aunt.
_Mrs. C._ Perhaps she originated her vulgarity. That is a shade worse.
_Ger. Vulgarity_, aunt! I cannot remember the meaning of the word whenI think of _her_.
_Mrs. C._ If you choose to insult me, Arthur--
_Exit_.
_Ger._ It is high time I were gone! If I should be called in now tosettle matters between--William! William!--William!
_Enter_ COL. G.
_Ger._ To-morrow, William. Not a word. If you will go with me, I shallbe glad. If you will not, I shall go without you.
_Exit_.
_Col. G._ Yes, sir.--I wish Warren were here with the old man. I don'tknow what to do till he comes.
_Enter_ CONSTANCE.
_Con._ I thought my aunt was here, William.
_Col. G._ No, miss. She was here, but she's gone again.
_Con._ Could I see Mr. Gervaise for a moment?
_Col. G._ Certainly, miss. I'll tell him.
_Con._ Is he still determined on going, William?
_Col. G._ Yes, miss;--to-morrow, he says.
_Con._ To-morrow!
_Col. G._ Yes, miss. I think he means to start for Dover in themorning.
_Con._ What am I to do?
_Col. G._ What's the matter, miss?
_Con._ What _can_ I do? I know he is angry with me. I don't quite knowwhy. I wish I had never--I can't help it now. My heart will break.(_Weeps_.)
_Col. G._ Don't let him go to Dover to-morrow, miss.
_Con._ He would have listened to me once. He won't now. It's all sodifferent! Everything has gone wrong somehow.
_Col. G._ Do try to keep him from going, miss.
_Con._ He would but think me forward. I could bear anything betterthan have him think ill of me.
_Col. G._ No fear of that, miss. The danger is all the other way.
_Con._ What other way, William?
_Col. G._ He thinks you don't care a bit about him.
_Exit_. CONSTANCE _drops on the dais, nearly under the veiled Psyche_.
_Enter_ GER. _and stands a moment regarding her_.
_Ger._ Constance.
_Con._ (_starting up, and flying to him with her hands clasped_)Arthur! Arthur! don't go. I can't bear you to go. It's all my fault,but do forgive me! Oh, do, do--_dear_ Arthur! Don't go to-morrow. Ishall be miserable if you do.
_Ger._ But why, my--why, Constance?
_Con._ I _was_ your Constance once.
_Ger._ But why should I not go? Nobody wants me here.
_Con._ Oh, Arthur! how can you be so cruel? Can it be that--? Do saysomething. If you won't say anything, how can I know what you arethinking--what you wish? Perhaps you don't
like--I would--I have--Iwon't--Oh, Arthur! do say something.
_Ger._ I have nothing to say, Constance.
_Con._ Then I _have_ lost you--altogether! I dare say I deserve it. Ihardly know. God help me! What can I have done so very wicked? Oh! whydid you take me out of the streets? I should have been used to them bythis time! They are terrible to me now. No, no, Arthur! I thankyou--thank you--with my very soul! What might I not have been by thistime! But I used to lie in that corner, and I daren't now!
_Enter_ COL. G. _behind_.
It was a happy time, for I had not offended you then. Good-bye. Won'tyou say one word to me?--You will never see me again.
_She pauses a moment; then exit weeping--by the back door, behind the Psyche_. COL. G. _follows her_.
_Ger._ How _could_ she love that fellow? (_Looking up_.) Gone? gone!My Constance! My Psyche! I've driven her into the wild street!O my God! William! William! Constance! Which door? I won't go,Constance--I won't. I will do anything you ask me. What was that shesaid?--_Good-bye_! God in heaven!--William! you idiot! where are you?William!
_He rushes out by the front door. Re-enter_ COL. G. _by the back door_.
_Col. G._ It was lucky I met Bill! He's after her like the wind. Thatmessage will bring her back, I think. I could trust that boy withanything! But where is he? (_Enter_ THOMAS.) What, friend! here atlast! Thank God! Just sit down a moment, will you? (_Peeps into theroom off the study_.) He's not there! I heard him calling this moment!Perhaps he's in the house.--Did _you_ leave the door open, sir?
_Tho._ Nay. Th' dur wur oppen. Aw seigh sombory run eawt as aw coomoop.
_Col. G._ My boy! my boy! It will kill him!--Stop here till I comeback. (_Rushes out_.)
_Tho._ Aw connot stop. Aw'm tired enough, God knows, to stopanywheeres; mo yed goes reawnd and reawnd, an' aw'd fain lie mo deawn.But aw mun be gooin'. Nobory can tell what may be coomin to mo Mattie.Aw mun go look, go look! Ha! ha! they couldn't keep mo, owd mon as awwur! But aw wish aw hed a word wi' th' mon first.
_Enter_ WARREN.
_War._ (_aside_) This must be the old fellow himself! Here he is afterall! (_Peeps into the room_.)
_Tho._ Theer be nobory theer, sir. Th' maister's run eawt, and th' monafter him.
_War._ Run out!
_Tho._ Aw niver says what aw donnot mane. An' aw'm glad yo're theer,sir; for William he towd mo to stay till he coom back; but aw've notgeet so mich time to spare; and so be's yo're a friend ov th'maister's, yo'll mebbe mind th' shop a smo' bit. Aw mun goo (_going_).
_War._ I say, old man--your name's Thomas Pearson--ain't it?
_Tho._ Yigh. Aw yer. But hea cooms to to knaw mo name?
_War._ I know all about you.
_Tho._ Ivvery body knaws ivvery body yere! Aw connot stur a fut furfolks as knaws mo, and knaws mo name, and knaws what aw be after.Lonnon is a dreedfu' plaze. Aw mun geet mo lass to whoam. Yo'll mindth' shop till th' maister cooms back. Good neet (_going_).
_War._ (_stopping him_) They want you here a bit. You'd better stop.The man will be back directly. You're too suspicious.
_Tho._ Nea, maister, thae'rt wrung theer. Aw've trusted too mich--atheawsand times too mich.
_War._ You trusted the wrong people, then.
_Tho._ It taks no mak o' a warlock to tell mo that, maister. It's smo'comfort, noather.
_War._ Well now, you give me a turn, and hear what I've got to say.
_Tho._ Yo're o' tarred wi' th' same stick. Ivvery body maks gam ov th'poor owd mon! Let me goo, maister. Aw want mo chylt, mo Mattie!
_War._ You must wait till Mr. Gervaise's man comes back.
_Tho._ (_despairingly_) O Lord. Th' peack ov sunbrunt lies they ha'been tellin' me sin' aw coom yere!--childer an o'!
_War._ Have patience, man. You won't repent it.
_Tho._ What mun be, mun. Aw connot ha' patience, but aw con stop. Aw'drayther goo, though. Aw'm noan sorry to rest noather. (_Sits down onthe dais_.)
_Enter_ BILL.
_War._ Here, boy! Don't let the old man go till some one comes._Exit_.
_Bill_. All right, sir! Hillo, daddy! There you are! Thank God!
_Tho._ What fur, boy? Wull he gie mo mo Mattie again--dosto think?
_Bill_. That he will, daddy! You come along, an' you'll know a honestboy next time.--I can't till I see Mr. William, though.
_Tho._ Iv thae manes th' maister's mon yere, he's run eawt. An' awconnot goo witho. Aw'm keepin' th' shop till he coom back. An' awdunnot mich care to goo witho. Aw dunnot mich trust tho. Th' Lord havea care ov mo! Aw dimnot knaw which to trust, and which not to trust.But aw _mun_ wait for maister William, as yo co' him.
_Bill_. All right, daddy!--Don't you stir from here till I comeback--not for nobody--no, not for Joseph!
_Tho._ Aw dunnot knaw no Joseph.
_Bill_. I'll soon let you see I'm a honest boy! As you can't go toMattie, I'll bring Mattie to you: see if I don't! An' if she ain't theright un, I'll take her back, and charge ye nuffin for carriage. Can'tsay fairer than that, daddy!
_Tho._ Bless tho, mo boy! Dosto mane it true?
_Bill_. Yes--an' that you'll see, afore you're an 'alf an hour older,daddy. When Mr. William comes, you say to him, "Bill's been.--Allright."
_Tho._ Aw dunnot like secrets, lad. What don yo mane? Ivvery bodyseems to mane something, and nobory to say it.
_Bill._ Never you mind, daddy! "Bill's been.--All right." That's yourticket. I'm off. _Exit_.
THOMAS _gets up, and walks about, murmuring to himself. A knock at the door_.
_Tho._ Somebory after mo again! Aw'll geet eawt ov th' way. (_Goesbehind the Psyche_.)
_Enter_ WATERFIELD.
_Wat_. Nobody here! I _am_ unlucky. "Not at home," said therascal,--and grinned, by Jove! I'll be at the bottom of this. There'sno harm in Gervaise. He's a decent fellow. (_Knocks at the door of_GER.'S _room_.) I won't leave the place till I've set thingsright--not if I've got to give him a post-obit for five thousand--Iwon't!--Nobody there? (_Looks in_.) No. Then I'll go in and wait._Exit_.
_Tho._ (_peeping from behind the Psyche_). That's the villain! Lord o'mercy! that's the villain! If aw're as strung as aw'm owd, aw'dscrunch his yed--aw would! Aw'm sure it's th' mon. He kep eawt ov moway--but aw seigh him once. O Lord, keep mo hands off ov him. Aw metkill him. Aw'm sartin sure ov him when aw see him. Aw'll not goo nighhim till somebory cooms--cep' he roons away. Aw'm noan fleyed ov him,but aw met not be able to keep mo howd ov him. Oh, mo Mattie! moMattie! to leave thi owd faither for sich a mak ov a mon as yon! Butyere cooms somebory moor. (_Goes behind the Psyche_.)
_Enter_ MRS. CLIFFORD.
_Mrs. C._ No one here? She can never be in his room with him! (_Opensthe door_.) Oh! Mr. Waterfield! You're here--are you?
_Wat_. (_coming to the door_). Mrs. Clifford! This is indeed anunexpected pleasure!
_Mrs. C._ Have you got Constance with you there?
_Wat_. I've no such good fortune.
_Mrs. C._ Where is she, then?
_Wat_. At home, I presume.
_Mrs. C._ Indeed she is not. I must speak to Arthur.
_Wat_. He's not here.
_Mrs. C._ Where's my--his man, then?
_Wat_. Taken himself off to the public-house, I suppose. There'snobody about. Odd--ain't it?
_Mrs. C._ I'll go and see. _Exit into the house_.
_Wat_. What can be the row! there is some row. _Exit into the room_.
_Enter_ GER., _supported by_ COL. G.
_Col. G._ Thank God! Thank God!
_Ger._ But where is she? I shall go mad if you've told me a lie.
_Col. G._ I saw her, and sent a messenger after her. We shall havenews of her presently. Do have a little patience, sir.
_Get._ How can I have patience? I'm a brute--a mean, selfish devil! Ifthat fellow Waterfield was to horse-whip me--I should let him.
_Tho._ (_coming forward_). Theer wur that yung chap yere a while agoo,and he said aw wur to say to Maister William--what wur it aw're tosay?--Yigh-
-it wur--"Bill's been. O'reet."
_Col. G._ There, sir! I told you so. Do sit down. I'll go after her.
_Ger._ I will. I will. Only make haste. (_Stands staring at thePsyche_.)
_Tho._ Th' boy said he'd be yere direckly.
_Col. G._ You sit down. I'll be with you presently.
_Tho._ (_retiring behind the Psyche_). Aw're noan likely to goo,maister.
_Enter_ MRS. C. _Crosses to room door. Enter_ WATERFIELD. _They talk_.
_Ger._ William! I don't want them. (_Retreats towards the Psyche_.)
_Col. G._ Sit here one moment, sir. (_Leads him to the dais. Advancesto_ MRS. C.)
_Mrs. C._ (_trying to pass him_). Arthur, what can--?
_Col. G._ (_intercepting her_). Let him rest a bit, ma'am, if youplease. He's been out for the first time.
_Mrs. C._ At night! and in a fog! A pretty nurse you are! Poor boy!
_Col. G._ Mr. Waterfield, sir, would you mind stepping into the roomagain for a moment? (_Exit_ WAT.) Mrs. Clifford, ma'am, would youplease get a glass of wine for master? _Exit_ MRS. C. _into thehouse_.
_Ger._ William! William!
_Col. G._ Yes, sir.
_Ger._ Send him away. Don't let him stop there. I have nothing to sayto him.
_Col. G._ He shan't trouble you, sir. I'll take care of that. (_Goesbehind the Psyche to_ THOMAS, _but keeps watching the door of theroom_.)--Did you see the man that went in there just now?
_Tho._ (_with anxiety_). He winnot joomp eawt ov th' window, dostothenk, lad?
_Re-enter_ MRS. C. _with wine_. GER. _drinks_.
_Col. G._ Why should he do that? Do you know anything about him?
_Tho._ Aw do.
_Col. G._ Has he seen you here?
_Tho._ No. Aw're afeard he'd roon away, and aw keepet snoog.
_Col. G._ I needn't ask who it is, then?
_Tho._ Yo needn't, lad.
_Enter_ WATERFIELD.
_Tho._ Mo conscience! he'll pike eawt afoor aw geet howd on him!(_Rushes out and seizes_ WAT.)
_Enter_ MATTIE _and_ BILL.
_Tho._ Thae'rt a domned villain! Wheer's mo Mattie?
WATERFIELD _knocks_ THOMAS _down_.
_Bill._ O Lord! the swell's murdered old daddy!
_All but_ GER. _rush together_. COLONEL GERVAISE _seizes_ WATERFIELD. MATTIE _throws herself on her knees beside_ THOMAS _and lifts his head_.
_Mat_. Father! father! Look at me! It's Mattie!--your own wickedMattie! Look at her once, father dear! (_Lays down his head indespair, and rises_.) Who struck the good old man?
_Bill._ He did--the swell as give me the gold sov.
_Mat_. Mr. Watkins!--
_Wat_. I haven't the honour of the gentleman's acquaintance. I'm notMr. Watkins. Am I now? (_to_ COL. G.). Ha! ha!--Let go, I say. I'm notthe man. It's all a mistake, you see.
_Col. G._ In good time. I might make a worse. Watkins mayn't be yourname, but Watkins is your nature.
_Wat_. Damn your insolence! Let me go, I tell you! (_Strugglesthreatening_.)
_Col. G._ Gently, gently, young man!--If I give your neckcloth a twistnow--!
_Mat_. Yes, there _is_ a mistake--and a sad one for me! A wretch thatwould strike an old man! Indeed you are not what I took you for.
_Wat_. You hear the young woman! She says it's all a mistake.--My goodgirl, I'm sorry for the old gentleman; but he oughtn't to behave likea ruffian. Really, now, you know, a fellow can't stand that sort ofthing! A downright assault! I'm sorry I struck him, though--devilishsorry! I'll pay the damage with pleasure. (_Puts his hand in hispocket_.)
_Mat_. (_turning away_) And not a gentleman! (_Kneels by_ THOMAS _andweeps_.)
_Tho._ (_feebly_.) Dunnot greight, Mattie, mo chylt. Aw'm o' reet. Letth' mon goo. What's _he_ to tho or mo?--By th' mass! aw'm strungenough to lick him yet (_trying to rise, but falling back_). Eigh!eigh! mo owd boans 'ud rayther not. It's noan blame sure to an owd monto fo' tired o' feightin!
_Mat_. (_taking' his head on her lap_). Father! father! forgive me!I'm all yours.--I'll go home with you, and work for you till I drop. Ofather! how could I leave you for him? I don't care one bit for himnow--I don't indeed. You'll forgive me--won't you, father? (_Sobs_.)
_Tho._ Aw wull, aw do, mo Mattie. Coom whoam--coom whoam.
_Mat_. Will mother forgive me, father?
_Tho._ Thi mother, chylt? Hoo's forgiven tho lung afoor--ivver so lungagoo, chylt! Thi mother may talk leawd, but her heart is as soft asparritch.--Thae knows it, Mattie.
_Wat_. All this is very interesting,--only you see it's the wrong man,and I can't say he enjoys it. Take your hand off my collar--will you?I'm not the man, I tell you!
_Bill._ All I says is--it's the same swell as guv me the skid to findher. I'll kiss the book on that!
_Ger._ (_coming forward_). Mr. Waterfield, on your honour, do you knowthis girl?
_Wat_. Come! you ain't goin' to put me to my catechism!
_Ger._ You must allow appearances are against you.
_Wat_. Damn your appearances! What do I care?
_Ger._ If you will not answer my question, I must beg you to leave theplace.
_Wat_. My own desire! Will you oblige me by ordering this bull-dog ofyours to take his paws off me? What the devil is he keeping me herefor?
_Col. G._ I've a great mind to give you in charge.
_Wat_. The old codger assaulted me first.
_Col. G._ True; but the whole affair would come to light. That's whatI would have. Miss Pearson, what am I to do with this man?
_Enter_ SUSAN _at the back door. Behind her,_ CONSTANCE _peeps in_.
_Mat_. Let him go.--Father! Father! _(Kisses him_.)
_Sus_. That can never be Mattie's gentleman, sure-ly! Hm! I don'tthink much of _him_. I knew he had ugly eyes! I told you so, Mattie!I wouldn't break my heart for _him_--no, nor for twenty of him--Iwouldn't! He looks like a drowned cat.
_Wat_. What the devil have _you_ got to do with it?
_Sus. Nothing_. You shut up.
_Wat_. Well, I'm damned if I know whether I'm on my head or my heels.
_Sus_. 'Tain't no count which.
_Bill_ (_aside to_ COL. G.). She's at the back door, Mr. William.
_Col. G._ Who is, Bill? Miss Lacordere?
_Bill._ Right you air!
COL. G. _hastens to the door_. CON. _peeps in and draws back_. COL. G. _follows her._ WATERFIELD _approaches_ MATTIE.
_Wat_. Miss Pearson, if that's--
_Mat_. I don't know you--don't even know your name.
_Wat_. (_looking round_). You hear her say it! She don't know me!
_Mat_. Could you try and rise, father? I want to get out of this.There's a lady here says I'm a thief!
_Tho._ Nea, that she connot say, Mattie! Thae cooms ov honest folk.Aw'll geet oop direckly. (_Attempts to rise_.) Eigh! eigh! aw connot!aw connot!
_Mrs. C._ If I have been unjust to you, Miss Pearson, I shall not failto make amends.
_Sus_. It's time you did then, ma'am. You've murdered her, and all butmurdered me. That's how your little bill stands.
_Ger._ (_to_ WAT.) Leave the place, Mr. Waterfield.
_Wat_. You shall answer for this, Gervaise.
_Ger._ Leave the study at once.
_Wat_. Tut! tut! I'll make it up to them. A bank note's a goodplaster.
_Bill_. Pleasir, shall I run and fetch a bobby? I likes to see a swellwanted.
_Ger._ You hold your tongue. (_Retires to the dais and sits down._MRS. C. _follows him_.)
_Wat_. (_taking out his pocket-book, and approaching_ MATTIE). Ididn't think you'd have served me so, Mattie! Indeed I didn't! It'snot kind after what's been between you and me. (MATTIE _rises andstands staring at him_.) You've ruined my prospects--you have! But Idon't want to bear malice: take that.--Old times, you know!--Take it.You're welcome. (_Forces the note on her. She steps back. It drops_.)
_Mat_. This is a humiliation! Will nobody take him away?
_Sus_. (_rushing at him_). Y
ou be off! An' them goggle eyes o' yours,or _I_'ll goggle 'em! I can't bear the sight on 'em. _I_ should neverha' taken you for a gentleman. You don't look it. You slope, I say!(_Hustles him_.)
WATERFIELD _picks up the note, and exit_.
_Mat_. (_bursting into tears_) Father! father! don't hate me; don'tdespise me.
THOMAS _tries to get up, but falls back_.
_Bill_. Don't be in no hurry, Daddy. There's none but friends herenow--'cep' the old lady;--she do look glum.
_Sus_. I'll soon settle her hash!
_Mat_. Susie! Susie! Don't--there's a dear!
_Sus_. What business has she here then! She's not a doin' of nothink.
_Mat_. Don't you see she's looking after the poor gentleman there?
_Ger._ William!--William!--Gone again! What a fellow he is! The bestservant in the world, but always vanishing! Call your James--will you,aunt? We must have the old man put to bed. But the poor girl looks theworse of the two! She can have the spare room, and William can sleepon the sofa in mine.
_Mrs. C._ I'll see to it.
_Exit_. GER. _goes towards_ THOMAS.
_Tho._ Coom whoam--coom whoam, Mattie! Thi mother, hoo's cryin' hereighes eawt to whoam.
_Mat_. I'll run for a doctor first, father.
_Tho._ No, no, chylt! Aw're only a bit stonned, like. Aw'll be o' reetin a smo' bit. Aw dunnot want no doctor. Aw'm a coomin' reawnd.
_Ger._ Neither of you shall stir to-night. Your rooms will be ready ina few minutes.
_Mat_. Thank you, sir! I don't know what I should have done withhim.--Susan, you wouldn't mind going home without me? You know MissLacordere--
_Ger._ Miss Lacordere! What do you know of her?
_Mat_. Oh, dear! Oh, dear! I oughtn't to have mentioned her. But mypoor head!--
_Ger._ What of Miss Lacordere? For God's sake, tell me.
_Enter_ MRS. C. _with_ JAMES.
_Sus_. Oh, nothing, sir! nothing at all! Only Miss Lacordere has beengood to us--which it's more than can be said for everybody! (_Scowlsat_ MRS. C. JAMES _proceeds to lift_ THOMAS. _She flies at him_.) Putthe old gentleman down, you sneakin' reptile! How many doors have youbeen a hearkenin' at since mornin'--eh, putty-lump? You touch the oldman again, and I'll mark you! Here, Bill! I'll take his head--you takehis feet. We'll carry him between us like a feather.
_Mat_. O Susan! do hold your tongue.
_Sus_. It's my only weapon, my dear. If I was a man--see if I'd talkthen.
_James_. It's a providence you ain't a man, young woman!
_Sus_. Right you are! Them's my werry motives. I ain't a makin' of nocomplaint on that score, young Plush! I wouldn't be a man for--no, notfor--not even for sich a pair o' calves as yourn!
SUS. _and_ BILL _carry_ THO. _out_. MAT. _follows_. GER. _is going after them_.
_Mrs. C._ Don't you go, Arthur. They can manage quite well. I will goif you like.
_Ger._ They know something about Constance.
_Mrs. C._ Pray give yourself no anxiety about her.
_Ger._ What do you mean, aunt?
_Mrs. C._ I will be responsible for her.
_Ger._ Where is she then? (_Exit_ MRS. C.) William!--If he doesn'tcome in one minute more, I'll go after her myself. Those girls knowwhere she is. I am as strong as a giant.--O God! All but married tothat infamous fellow!--That he should ever have touched the tip of oneof her fingers! What a sunrise of hope! Psyche may yet fold her wingsto my prayer! William! William!--Where _can_ the fellow be?
_Enter_ COL. G. _in uniform and star, leading_ CONSTANCE.
_Ger._ (_hurrying to meet them_). Constance! Constance! forgive me. Ohmy God! You will when you know all.
_Col. G._ She knows enough for that already, my boy, or she wouldn'tbe here. Take her--and me for her sake.
_Ger._ What! who--? Constance!--What does it all mean?--It mustbe--can it be--my father?--William--It _is_ William!--William myfather!--O father! father! (_throwing his arms about him_) it _was_you all the time then!
_Col. G._ My boy! my boy! There!--take Constance, and let me go. I didwant to do something for you--but--There! I'm too much ashamed to lookat you in my own person.
_Ger._ (_kneeling_). Father! father! don't talk like that! O father!_my_ father!
_Col. G._ (_raising him_). My boy! my boy! I wanted to do somethingfor you--tried hard--and was foiled.--I doubly deserved it. I doubtedas well as neglected you. But God is good. He has shamed me, and savedyou.
_Ger._ By your hand, father.
_Col. G._ No--by his own. It would all have come right without me. Iwas unworthy of the honour, my boy. But I was allowed to try; and forthat I am grateful.--Arthur, I come to you empty-handed--a beggar foryour love.
_Ger._ How dare you say that, father?--Empty-handed--bringing me herand your-self--all I ever longed for!--my father and my Psyche!Father, _thank_ you. The poor word must do its best. I thank you withmy very soul.--How _shall_ I bear my happiness!--Constance, it was myfather all the time! Did you know it? Serving me like aslave!--humouring all my whims!--watching me night and day!--and thenbringing me--
_Con._ Your own little girl, Arthur. But why did you not tell me?
_Ger._ Tell you what, darling?
_Con._ That--that--that you--Oh! you know what, Arthur!
_Ger._ How could I, my child, with that--!--Shall I tell you now?
_Con._ No, no! I am too happy to listen--even to you, Arthur! But_he_ should never have--I did find him out at last. If I had but knownyou did not like him! (_hiding her face_.)
_Ger._ (_embracing his father_) Father! father! I cannot hold myhappiness! And it is _all_ your doing!
_Col. G. No_, I tell you, my boy! I was but a straw on the tide ofthings. I will serve you yet though. I will be your father yet.
_Bill_ (_aside_). Fathers ain't _all_ bad coves! Here's two on'em--good sort of old Jacobs--both on 'em. Shouldn't mind much if Ihad a father o' my own arter all!
GERVAISE _turns to_ CONSTANCE--_then glances at the Psyche_. COL. GERVAISE _removes the sheet_. GERVAISE _leads_ CONSTANCE _to the chair on the dais--turns from her to the Psyche, and begins to work on the clay, glancing from the one to the other--the next moment leaves the Psyche, and seats himself on the dais at_ CONSTANCE'S _feet, looking up in her face._ COL. GERVAISE _stands regarding them fixedly. Slow distant music._ BILL _is stealing away_.
_Curtain falls._
THE END.
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