GEOFFREY. Rubbish! Hasn't Jack come back yet?

JINNY. "Come back" from where?

GEOFFREY. Brooklyn.

JINNY. Brooklyn! Why, he told me—what did he go there for?

GEOFFREY. [Embarrassed.] I don't know if you don't—

JINNY. You do!!

GEOFFREY. No—really—I—

JINNY. Oh, it's something to be concealed, then?

GEOFFREY. Hang it, Jinny! drop the subject. I thought he said he was going to Brooklyn; probably I was mistaken.

JINNY. [Satirically.] One is so apt to think just casually that every one's going to Brooklyn! [Looks at her watch.] Of course it's Brooklyn. [Goes and looks at the telegram; turns.] So you're going back on me, too, are you? You're going to protect Jack at my expense!

[AUSTIN enters Right.

AUSTIN. [Absorbed.] Good evening, Jinny dear.

JINNY. It's after seven!

AUSTIN. [Pleasantly.] Is it? Have you been waiting long, Geoffrey?

GEOFFREY. No, I've only just now come in.

JINNY. It's I who have done the waiting!

AUSTIN. I'm sorry, but it couldn't be helped.

JINNY. You didn't tell me you were going to Brooklyn.

AUSTIN. [After a quick, sharp look at Geoffrey, who shakes his head once emphatically.] It must have escaped my mind.

JINNY. That's very likely! Going to Brooklyn's the sort of thing one talks about and dreads for days.

AUSTIN. Well, Jinny, that will bear postponement, and my conversation with Geoffrey won't; will you please leave us together here for a while?

JINNY. And what about the theatre?

AUSTIN. What theatre?

JINNY. Oh, you've forgotten entirely my little birthday party! Thanks!

AUSTIN. Oh, Jinny! I did! Forgive me! I'm awfully sorry! I've got a lot on my mind to-day.

[Tries to put his arms about her and kiss her. She pushes herself away from him, refusing to let him kiss her.

JINNY. Yes—I know you have— [At door Left.] —I'll leave you two to your confidences. You can trust Geof; he just now refused to betray you.

[AUSTIN only looks at her fixedly, seriously. She looks back at him with bravado. Then she deliberately crosses the room, gets the cable, and recrosses with it and goes out Left.

AUSTIN. Poor Jinny! [Turning to GEOFFREY.] and that, too, lies largely on your already overcrowded shoulders.

GEOFFREY. [Breaking down.] I know! I know!

AUSTIN. [Sitting in the corner of the sofa.] Here, don't cry! You've got to be strong now, and you've no use nor time for crying. I've had another long interview with the Brooklyn minister.

GEOFFREY. Yes?—

AUSTIN. [Drawing a chair near to him and sitting.] Well, of course we both know that he's doing wrong to keep silent, but he will. He wishes I hadn't told him, because he thinks he'd never have noticed your divorce from Maggie when it was granted—nor remembered your name if he had seen it in the papers.

GEOFFREY. That's what I told you!

AUSTIN. You only argued that for fear I'd insist on your going to this minister yourself. But in the bottom of your heart you know it was a risk we couldn't afford to run. I've explained everything to him—how such a fine, sweet girl would suffer if he did expose you, and I gave him my word you would be remarried to Ruth at once after the divorce. Of course we both know it's wrong, but we both hope the end justifies the means that removes difficulty number two.

GEOFFREY. You're sure about Maggie?

AUSTIN. She's signed a paper; she realizes you'll never live with her, and—it's pathetic—she loves you—that girl, too—so much as to give you your freedom—Good Lord! what is it about you weak men that wins women so? What is it in you that has made two women love you to such a self-sacrificing extent?

GEOFFREY. [Half tragic, half comic laugh.] I give it up!

AUSTIN. [Bitterly.] So do I. Well, Maggie is to have six hundred dollars a year.

GEOFFREY. Where'll I get it?

AUSTIN. We'll talk about that when the time comes. [He rises.] Now the most important, the most painful, task of all must be done and you must do it. Not I this time—you!

GEOFFREY. [Looking up, frightened.] What?

AUSTIN. Ruth Chester landed this morning.

GEOFFREY. [Starting up.] Impossible!

[Rising.

AUSTIN. The moment Maggie signed my paper I cabled Miss Chester to return. You can't go out west and institute proceedings for divorce without her knowing the whole truth from you first! You don't want her to find it out from the newspapers, do you?

GEOFFREY. And you want me to tell her?

AUSTIN. To-day. And to-morrow you start west!

GEOFFREY. [Facing AUSTIN.] I won't tell her!

AUSTIN. [Calmly.] You've got to!

Geoffrey. I'd rather shoot myself; do you understand me—I'd rather shoot myself!

AUSTIN. That's nothing! That would be decidedly the easiest course out of it, and the most cowardly.

GEOFFREY. She'll hate me! She'll loathe me! How could she help it at first! But just after a little, if I weren't there, the love she has for me might move her somehow or other—and by degrees perhaps—to forgive—

AUSTIN. I don't deny that you will have to go through a terrible degradation with her—but that is nothing compared with what you deserve. If you tell her, at least the humiliation is secret, locked there between you two, and no one else in the world can ever know what happens; but if you send some one else, and no matter who,—any one else but you is an outsider,—you ask her to make a spectacle of her humiliation, to let a third in as witness to the relations and emotions between you two! It's insulting her again! Don't you see?

[A pause.

GEOFFREY. Yes, I see! My God! I must tell her myself.

AUSTIN. That's right, don't waver, make up your mind and do it—Come!

[Urging him up.

GEOFFREY. [Hesitates a moment.] And Jinny?

AUSTIN. Oh, she'll come round all right; she always does.

GEOFFREY. And she doesn't suspect?

AUSTIN. Not the slightest.

[A pause.

GEOFFREY. Need she?

AUSTIN. The worst? No, never!

GEOFFREY. [He rises, with new encouragement.] You'll give me your word?

AUSTIN. Yes. [Shakes his hand.] I know how much she loves you; I wouldn't have her know anything. It's made us some ugly scenes, but they soon pass, and when you are once out of your trouble for good, we'll have no excuse, I'm sure, for any more!

GEOFFREY. Then I shall go to bed to-night with the respect still of at least two women who are dear to me, my mother and Jinny, even if I lose the respect and love of the one woman who is dearer! Only think, Jack, how I've got to stand up there—never mind about myself—and make her suffer tortures! Good-by. God give me courage to do the heart-breaking thing I must do.

AUSTIN. I am sure the one hope you have of forgiveness is in your manliness of going to her as you are doing and telling her yourself all the truth!

GEOFFREY. And that, like everything else, I owe to you.

AUSTIN. No, to Jinny! Good luck!

[He shakes GEOFFREY'S hand and GEOFFREY goes out Right.

AUSTIN. [Goes to the door Left, opens it, and calls to JINNY, in the next room.] Jinny, Geoffrey's gone,—what are you doing?

JINNY. [Answers in a very little staccato voice.] Waiting till you should have the leisure to receive me!

AUSTIN. Come along!

[Leaves the doorway.

[JINNY enters Left and stands in the doorway.

JINNY. [With affected nonchalance.] I didn't care to go downstairs for dinner, so I have had a tray up here. Maggie brought up something for you, too; would you like it now?

AUSTIN. [Ignoring purposely her mood and manner.] I shouldn't mind! I do feel a little hungry.

[He sits in the arm-chair.

JINNY. [Speaks off through the doorway Left.] Bring in the tray for Mr. Austin, Maggie.

MAGGIE. [Off stage.] Yes'm.

[JINNY pulls forward a little tea table beside his chair. Her whole manner must be one of slow, dragging carelessness, like the calm before a storm. Her expression must be hard. She carries the telegram still unopened, and on top of it the theatre tickets torn into pieces.

[MAGGIE brings in the tray, puts it on the table, and goes out Right. On the tray are chops, peas, some whiskey, a syphon, a roll, etc.

AUSTIN. [Sits down quickly and with a show of eagerness.] Ah!

[Begins to eat as if he were hungry and enjoyed it.

[JINNY sits on the sofa at his Left, and looks at him,—AUSTIN is of course conscious of JINNY'S mood, but pretends not to notice it.

AUSTIN. [After a silence during which he eats.] I say I am hungry! And these chops are very good, aren't they?

[No answer.

I'll tell you what it is, Jinny! Of course travelling is great sport and all the rest of it, but after all one does get tired of hotels, and to quote a somewhat familiar refrain, "There's no place like home."

[No answer.

Have you a headache, Jinny?

JINNY. [Very short.] No.

AUSTIN. That's a good thing, and I hope you are not as disappointed as I am about the theatre.

JINNY. [Half laughs.] Humph!

AUSTIN. I'll celebrate your birthday to-morrow and take you.

JINNY. [Quickly.] Why did you go to Brooklyn?

AUSTIN. On the private business of some one else.

JINNY. [With all her nerves tied tight.] That's the best answer you will give me?

AUSTIN. My dear girl, it's the only answer I can give you.

JINNY. When you are through I have something for you!

AUSTIN. What?

JINNY. I'll give it to you when you have finished.

AUSTIN. I'm ready. [He rises. JINNY rises too, and gives him the telegram with the torn tickets on top, and then rings the bell, at Right.] What are these torn papers?

JINNY. Our theatre tickets!

[He looks at her.

AUSTIN. And when did this telegram come?

JINNY. This afternoon.

AUSTIN. Why didn't I get it when I came in?

JINNY. [Bitingly.] I kept it to have the pleasure of giving it to you myself; it's from Ruth Chester.

AUSTIN. How do you know?

JINNY. Oh, I haven't opened it! But I know! When I held it in my hand it burnt my fingers! [MAGGIE enters Right.] Take away the tray, please, Maggie.

MAGGIE. Yes'm.

[She leaves the room with the tray.

[JINNY replaces the small table carelessly, almost roughly.

[AUSTIN opens and reads the telegram; there is a second's pause.

JINNY. May I read it?

AUSTIN. [After a moment's hesitation.] Yes, if you wish.

[Not handing it to her.

JINNY. I do!

AUSTIN. [Reaches over and hands her the telegram; he speaks quietly.] When you behave like this it's impossible for me to feel the same toward you.

JINNY. And how do you think I feel when I read this?

[Reads it, satirically, bitterly.

"Arrived safely; please let me see you before the day goes. Ruth." "Ruth" if you please!

AUSTIN. [Standing over JINNY.] I want you to be careful to-night. I want you to control yourself. I've been through a great deal to-day, and if you make me angry God knows what I mightn't say and do!

JINNY. And I've been through a great deal for many a day now, and I want the truth about this at last! It's all very well for you to spare her by not telling me what this mysterious trouble is about which you've been hoodwinking me ever since we were married, but now you've got to choose between sparing her and sparing me!

[She sits determinedly.

AUSTIN. Is this your answer to me when I beg you to be very careful to-night to control yourself?

JINNY. It's your turn to be careful! What did you marry me for if you were in love with Ruth?

AUSTIN. Jinny!

JINNY. [A little frightened, to excuse herself.] You gave me your word of honor she would stay abroad indefinitely.

AUSTIN. Nonsense! I said I understood she was going to stay some time—indefinitely.

JINNY. It's the same thing, and here she is back practically the moment we are!

AUSTIN. I can't control Miss Chester's movements—I couldn't foresee when she would come back. In Rome she told me she would stay on.

JINNY. [Rising and facing him.] Ah! that's what I wanted to see, if you really would lie to me!

AUSTIN. What do you mean?

JINNY. [Beside herself.] Liar! [He only looks at her, with his face hard and set; she is insane with jealousy for the moment.] You sent for Ruth to come back.

AUSTIN. And if I did?

JINNY. You tried to deceive me about it. And if you'll tell me a lie about one thing, you'll tell me a lie about another, and I don't believe one word of all your explanations about the intrigue between you and Ruth Chester!

AUSTIN. [Taking her two hands.] Sit down!

[She sits in the arm-chair, half forced by him.

JINNY. Why did you send for Ruth Chester to come back?

AUSTIN. I have told you before, I am trying to help Miss Chester.

JINNY. "Ruth!"

AUSTIN. I am trying to help her in a great and serious trouble.

JINNY. Why did you send for her to come back? What's the trouble?

AUSTIN. I've told you before I can't tell you.

JINNY. You daren't tell me, and you haven't even the face to tell another lie about it!

AUSTIN. If you say another word, I shall hate you! If you won't control yourself, I must make you, as well as keep my own sane balance. You have insulted my love for you to-night as you've never done before; you've struck at my own ideal of you; you've almost done, in a word, what I warned you you might do—kill the love I have for you!

JINNY. [Frightened.] Jack!

AUSTIN. I mean what I say!

JINNY. [In tears.] That—that you—you don't love me?

AUSTIN. That is not what I said, but I tell you now that since I first began to care for you, never have I loved you so little as I do to-night.

JINNY. [With an effort at angry justification.] And suppose I tell you it is your own fault, because you haven't treated me—

AUSTIN. [Interrupting her.] Like a child, instead of a woman!

JINNY. No, because you've kept part of yourself from me, and that part you've given—

AUSTIN. For God's sake, stop! [A pause—JINNY is now thoroughly frightened; slowly she comes to her senses.] Do you want a rupture for good between us? [No answer.] Can't you see what I tell you is true? That I can't bear any more to-night? That if you keep on you will rob me of every bit of love I have for you, just as you've already robbed me of the woman I thought you were?

JINNY. "Already!" No, no, Jack, don't say that. Oh, what have I done!

[She cries.

AUSTIN. You've done something very serious, and before you do more— [Speaking hardly.] —I think we'd better not stay in this evening; it would be wiser for both of us if we went out somewhere.

JINNY. No, I couldn't go out feeling this way! I've hurt you, hurt you terribly! Oh, why do I do it? Why can't I help myself?

AUSTIN. I think one more scene to-night would finish things for us. I warn you of that, Jinny—

[He goes to the desk and sits at it, looking blankly before him. She comes slowly, almost timidly, behind his chair.

JINNY. No, don't say it! don't say it! Try to forgive me—oh, Jack, I hate myself, and I'm so ashamed of myself! I know I've disappointed you awfully, awfully! You did idealize me; I knew it when you married me, but I told you then I wasn't worth your loving me, didn't I? I never pretended to be worthy of you. I always knew I wasn't.

AUSTIN. Hush!

JINNY. It's true! it's only too awfully true. But do you remember how you answered me then when I told you I wasn't worth your loving me?

AUSTIN. [Coldly and without looking at her.] No.

JINNY. You took me in your arms and held me so I couldn't have got away if I'd wanted to—which I didn't—and stopped the words on my lips with your kisses. [Her throat fills. He makes no reply. She goes on very pathetically.] How I wish you'd answer me that way now!

AUSTIN. Whose fault is it?

JINNY. Oh, mine! mine! I know it. You don't know it one-half so well as I! I love you better than anything in the world, love everything of you—the turn of your head, the blessed touch of your hand, the smallest word that comes from your dear lips—the thoughts that your forehead hides, but which my heart guesses when I'm sane! And yet, try as hard as I can, these mad fits take hold of me, and although I'd willingly die to save you pain, still I, I myself, hurt and wound you past all bearing! It doesn't make any difference that I suffer too! I ought to! I deserve to—you don't! Oh, no! I know I'm a disappointment and a failure!

[Her eyes fill up with tears and her voice breaks.

AUSTIN. [He turns to her.] No, Jinny, not so bad as that, only I thought you were big—and you're so little, oh, so small!

JINNY. Yes, it's true; I'm small—I'm small! Oh, I'd like to be big, too! I want to be noble and strong, but I'm not—I'm as weak as water—only it's boiling water! I want to be Brunhilde, and I'm only Frou Frou! Yes, I'm little; but I love you—I love you!

[She sinks on to a stool beside him. A moment's pause.

[With a trembling voice.

You don't mind my sitting here?

AUSTIN. No—

[Very quietly, he places his arm about her neck, his hand on her shoulder. She quickly steals up her hand to take his, and leaning her head over it, kisses his hand. He draws it away and kisses her hair.

JINNY. [Timidly, very softly.] You forgive me?

AUSTIN. [With a long sigh.] Yes.

JINNY. [Bursting into tears and burying her face upon his knees.] Thank you—thank you—I know I don't deserve it—I don't deserve it—I don't deserve it!

AUSTIN. [Softly.] Sh!—

[JINNY half turns and looks up at him.

JINNY. [Very, very quietly.] You forgive me—but still—yes, I see it in your face, you don't love me the same. You look so tired, dear.

AUSTIN. [Also very quietly.] I am, Jinny.

JINNY. And—happy?

AUSTIN. I'm not quite happy.

JINNY. I wish I could make you so—make you love me the old way. You used to smile a little when you looked at me—Jack, you don't any more. But I mean to make you to-night, if I can, and to make you love me as much as ever you did.

AUSTIN. Good luck, dear.

JINNY. [Brightening.] What time is it?

AUSTIN. [Looking at his watch.] Nearly nine.

JINNY. I suppose it is too late for me to dress and for us to go to the theatre?

AUSTIN. Oh, yes,—and I'm too tired.

JINNY. [Triumphantly.] Well, then, you shall have your theatre at home! If Mahomet won't go to the mountain, the mountain must go to your lordship!

AUSTIN. I don't understand!

JINNY. Well, just wait— [She blows her nose.] —till I bathe my face and eyes a little; I feel rather bleary! [Starting to go, she stops and turns.] Good-by?

[Questioningly.

AUSTIN. [Quietly.] Good-by.

JINNY. [Who wanted him to call her to him and kiss her.] Oh, very well! but I'll make you smile yet and kiss me of your own accord to-night—you'll see!

[She goes out Left.

[She is heard singing in her room. AUSTIN goes to the desk and after a long sigh he begins to write.]

AUSTIN. [Writing.] Dear Ruth. The satisfaction of the visit to Brooklyn prevents me from being disappointed at having missed your telegram till too late to go to your house to-night. My heart aches for the blow you must have this evening, but please God you will bear it bravely. The man who loves you is not bad, but he has been weak. However, I feel once he can shake off the burden of his present marriage, you will never have cause to complain of him again. And if your future happiness lies truly in his hands, it will be safe there.

JINNY. [Calls from her room.] Are you ready?

AUSTIN. Yes.

[He stops writing.

JINNY. In your orchestra chair?

AUSTIN. Yes.

JINNY. What will you have, tragedy or comedy?

AUSTIN. [Smiling.] Shall we begin with tragedy?

JINNY. All right.

AUSTIN. [Continues to write.] So far I have been able to keep Jinny in absolute ignorance, but I fear the blow must fall upon her soon, and I dread to think of what she, too, will suffer. Help me to keep it from her as long as we can, won't you?

[JINNY comes back; she has changed her dress to a loose negligee gown, with a red turban on her head; she brings two sheets with her.

JINNY. Excuse me one minute while I set the stage! [Moving toward each other the big arm-chair and the sofa, she covers them with the sheets. AUSTIN turns from his letter on the desk, to watch.] Uncle Tom's Cabin, Act Four! [She goes out only for a moment, and reenters, wearing a man's overcoat, with a pillow tied in the middle with a silk scarf, eyes, nose, and mouth made on it with a burnt match.] Eliza crossing the ice! Come, honey darling! [To the pillow.] Mammy'll save you from de wicked white man! [Jumping up on the sofa, and moving with the springs.] You ought to do the bloodhounds for me, Jack! Excuse me, but you look the part! [AUSTIN watches her, not unamused, but without smiling.] Hold tight to Lize, honey, and don't be afeerd o' dat big black man over dah—dat's Uncle Tom. [Crossing to the arm-chair.] Don't be afeerd, honey; it's Lize dat's cuttin' de ice this time. [She throws the pillow away and drags off the two sheets.] Oh, I can see this is too serious for you!

[She starts singing a cakewalk and dances across the room until she reaches him, where she finishes.

AUSTIN. Very good, Jinny! I'm sure we couldn't have seen better at the theatre.

JINNY. Ah! You're getting yourself again!—Darling! Come!—Come!—come to the pianola and you shall have the sextette! It's in there ready; I heard mother struggling with it. You don't suppose she has designs upon the Casino, do you? Now—ready?

[He goes to the pianola and starts to play the sextette from "Florodora." She runs to the opposite side of the room and begins to sing and dance, crossing to AUSTIN as he plays.

AUSTIN. [After a few moments.] But I can't see you and play at the same time; I don't like it!

JINNY. [Delighted.] You want to see me, do you?

AUSTIN. Of course I do!

JINNY. Jack! [Delighted.] Well, then, turn round!

[JINNY, hurrying the time of the song, turns it into a regular skirt dance. She dances delightfully and AUSTIN cannot resist her charm. His face lightens, he smiles, and love comes into his eyes. JINNY sees and dances and sings all the better till she reaches him.

AUSTIN. [Rising, he takes her into his arms.] You adorable Jinny!

JINNY. Ah, Jack! You're smiling again and—you love me!

[Clasping her arms about his neck.

AUSTIN. Yes! Is the theatre finished?

JINNY. No, only the first act. [He sits in the big arm-chair, JINNY on his knee.] I'm tired! [He kisses her. There is a pause. There is a knock on the door at Right.] Oh, hang it! [Knock repeated.] Don't answer it! We haven't half made up yet!

AUSTIN. But we must answer it, dear.

JINNY. [As she rises unwillingly.] I don't see why—I should have let her knock till she went away.

AUSTIN. Come in!

[MAGGIE enters with a letter.

JINNY. What is it, Maggie?

MAGGIE. A note from Miss Chester, m'm, and she's downstairs herself waiting for an answer.

JINNY. For me?

[Taking the letter.

MAGGIE. No, m'm; I think she said it was for Mr. Austin.

JINNY. Oh!—You may wait outside for the answer, Maggie.

MAGGIE. Yes, m'm.

[She goes out.

JINNY. [Slowly goes to AUSTIN and gives him the letter, lightly.] I see now why you were so anxious to let Maggie in. Perhaps you were expecting this.

AUSTIN. Jinny! [Holding her by the hand and trying to pull her over to him.] Come, I'll give you a kiss for the letter.

JINNY. No, thank you, I don't want kisses that are given by you for letters from Ruth Chester. Yes! do kiss me! [He kisses her.] I won't be jealous! I won't be! [Clinching her teeth.] See, I'm not jealous a bit! Read your old letter!

[AUSTIN opens the note and reads it. As he does so JINNY has passed on to the desk and sees AUSTIN'S unfinished letter to RUTH, which after a little hesitation she picks up and reads. AUSTIN, having read RUTH'S note, looks up thoughtfully a second, and then re-reads it. JINNY is furious over what she reads. As she finishes she gives a little cry from the very depths of her heart.

JINNY. Oh, Jack!

AUSTIN. What is it?

JINNY. Nothing!

[She sinks by the desk, crushing the letter in her hand. She looks over at him, and then down at the letter, and then back at him.

AUSTIN. Maggie!

JINNY. [Rising suddenly. She speaks with a voice trembling with only half-contained emotion and passion.] I told her to wait in the hall; may I read it?

[Holding out her hand for the letter.

AUSTIN. Now look here, Jinny,—I always let you read everything, don't I?

JINNY. [Hiding his letter behind her back.] Yes. [Holding out her other hand.] Give it to me!

AUSTIN. Now begin to show that you really are going to turn over a new leaf, and that your love is going to have perfect confidence, and don't ask to see this letter.

JINNY. But I do ask to see it!

AUSTIN. Then this time I must refuse you!

JINNY. What! is it even more compromising than your letter to her?

AUSTIN. What letter? [Looking first on the desk, he looks across at her and sees it in her hand. He is angry, but also frightened for fear it has told her her brother's secret.] And you've read it?

JINNY. It lay open on the desk there, and anyway the end justifies me!

AUSTIN. [In an agony.] What does it tell you? I forget what I wrote!

JINNY. It tells me that my jealousy all along has been right, that I've been a fool to let you blind me!

AUSTIN. [With a great sigh of relief.] Is that all?

JINNY. [Beside herself.] "Is that all!" Isn't that enough? Dear God, isn't that enough? That there's an understanding between you and Ruth to get rid of me!

AUSTIN. If it tells you that, the letter lies! Give it to me!

JINNY. No! I'll read it to you! [Reads with bitter emphasis.] "The satisfaction of the visit to Brooklyn prevents me from being disappointed at having missed your telegram till too late to go to your house to-night!" So—you and she went to Brooklyn, did you, and that's why you came back too late to go to the theatre with me? You cheat! [She screams in her madness. A pause.] Why don't you answer—why don't you say something?

AUSTIN. Because if I speak as I feel, I'm afraid of saying something I'll regret all my life!

JINNY. You don't deny, then?

AUSTIN. Yes! that is due to Ruth. Whatever you may feel about me, you have no right to insult her!

JINNY. Oh, there's more to the letter!

AUSTIN. Jinny, don't you see what you're doing?

JINNY. Yes, I'm getting at the truth at last! [Reads.] "My heart aches for the blow you must have this evening! The man who loves you—"

AUSTIN. You shan't read any more; you're mad now!

[Tearing the letter away from her.

JINNY. I don't need the letter, the words are burning in here! [Pressing her hands to her forehead.] "The man who loves you isn't bad, only weak. However, I feel once we can shake off the burden of this present marriage"—oh! you—you brute to say that!—"you will never have cause to complain of him again! So far I have been able to keep Jinny in perfect ignorance, but I feel the blow must fall upon her now—"

[Interrupted.

AUSTIN. Shall I tell you the truth?

JINNY. You don't have to; I've found it out for myself!

AUSTIN. [In weariness, in disgust, in utter hopelessness.] No! what's the use. You've done it now—let it go! Let it all go—the whole thing! What's the use!—it's finished!— [A knock on the door at Right.] Come in!

[Maggie enters and closes the door behind her.

MAGGIE. Please, sir, Miss Chester came upstairs and made me knock again to see if there was an answer and if you will see her now or not.

JINNY. [Suddenly—aflame with her idea.] Yes! Maggie, show her in!

AUSTIN. No, no! What do you want to do! I'll see Miss Chester to-morrow, Maggie.

[JINNY has crossed to the door, Right.

JINNY. Ruth! Ruth!

RUTH. [Off stage.] Yes? May I come?

JINNY. Do come in!

[She recrosses room; she and AUSTIN face each other for a second.

AUSTIN. [In a lowered voice.] For God's sake, be careful!

[RUTH enters Right.

RUTH. Jinny!

[Going to her quickly to embrace her.

[JINNY, without speaking, draws away and stares at her with a look of hatred. RUTH, seeing it, stops short, and looks from JINNY to AUSTIN for explanation—she turns to AUSTIN and gives him her hand, which he takes, presses, and drops; JINNY'S shoulders contract at this moment; RUTH immediately turns again to JINNY.

RUTH. What is it, Jinny? [To AUSTIN.] Surely she doesn't blame me in any way.

JINNY. Blame you!

AUSTIN. She doesn't know.

JINNY. That's a lie! I know everything, Ruth! I know why you followed my husband to Rome, and why he sent for you to come back here. I know that you and he were in Brooklyn this afternoon, and that you only plan to get rid of me by some divorce, and by hook or crook to marry each other!

RUTH. No!—No!—

JINNY. Oh, you can lie, too, can you? I won't keep you waiting long! You've stolen my husband from me—take him. I won't share him with any woman! He's yours now, and I'll soon be out of your way!

AUSTIN. Jinny!

RUTH. [To Austin.] She must be told the truth.

[AUSTIN bows his head.

JINNY. Now you'll make up your story, will you? I tell you it's useless. If he wouldn't let me see your compromising letter, I've seen a letter from him to you to-night that gives the whole thing away.

RUTH. [Very quietly.] Your husband went to Brooklyn without me, as your brother will tell you, to see the clergyman who married me, or thought he married me to Geoffrey Tillman three months ago! [JINNY looks up with a start.] That marriage was illegal because your brother was already married, and Mr. Austin tried and did get the promise of silence this afternoon about the Brooklyn service, to prevent a charge of bigamy against your brother. The first marriage, which still holds good, was with—Maggie, your present servant—

[JINNY stands immovable. There is a silence.

AUSTIN. Geoffrey is not at your house?

RUTH. No, he left when I came on here. As I wrote you in the note I sent upstairs, I was too stunned by what he told me to answer then, and I wanted a word of advice with you. [She turns to JINNY.] I knew what I thought was my marriage to your brother must be kept secret, but I could not learn why. This was my trouble, which, after your marriage, I selfishly laid on your husband's shoulders, thinking he might help me! [No answer from JINNY, who stands as if struck dumb and into stone.] Mr. Austin only learned the whole truth when we met that day in Rome. I did not learn till to-day that I was not honestly your brother's wife. I had to be told, because divorce proceedings are to be started at once to break—the other—marriage. [No answer from JINNY.] To spare me, and above all to spare you the knowledge of your brother's sin, your husband has kept Geoffrey's secret from you. You have well repaid him! [She turns again to AUSTIN.] Good-by—I feel to-night I couldn't marry Geoffrey again. He's tumbled so far off his pedestal he has fallen out of my heart. But still—we'll see; I've told him to come to-morrow. Thank you from the bottom of my heart—it's full of gratitude, even if it is broken!

[She goes out Right.

[JINNY slowly turns, almost afraid to look at AUSTIN. He stands stern, with set face.

JINNY. [In a low voice, ashamed to go near him.] Can you forgive me? Can you—

AUSTIN. Ugh!

[Crossing room for his coat.

JINNY. I'm mad! You know I don't know what I do. But I love you—I love you! Forgive me!

AUSTIN. Never!

[Taking up his coat.

JINNY. Where are you going?

AUSTIN. Out of this house.

JINNY. If you leave me, I'll not bear it! I'll kill myself! I warn you!

AUSTIN. Bah!—Good-by!

[Going to the door Right.

JINNY. No! Where are you going?

AUSTIN. Out of this house for good!

[At the door he turns and looks at her.

JINNY. [Echoes.] For good?

AUSTIN. For good!

[He goes out, slamming the door behind him.

[JINNY stands a moment motionless. She then cries faintly—"Jack!" She goes to the door and pushes it open, crying out again in loud, strong despair, "Jack!" There is a moment's pause. She cries out again weakly, heartbrokenly, "Jack!"—comes back into the room, and throwing herself down on the floor, her head resting on her arms in the arm-chair, she sobs hysterically, wildly, "What have I done! Dear God, what have I done!" as

THE CURTAIN FALLS



ACT IV

Scene I

Dawn of the next day. At the rise of the curtain JINNY is by the open window, whose curtains she has thrown aside. The sky is blood-red and streaked with gold the moment before sunrise. JINNY is worn and haggard, with hair dishevelled.

JINNY. [Turning and leaning against the window.] Day at last! What a night—what a night—but now it's morning and he hasn't come back! He means it! And it's my own fault—it's my own fault! [She shivers. She closes the window and comes away. After a moment's pause she goes deliberately and looks at the several gas fixtures in the room. She then closes all the doors and locks them. She carefully draws down the shade and closes in the curtains of the window. She hesitates, then pulls aside the curtains and the shade, and takes a long, last look at the dawn. She closes it all in again. She gets Austin's picture from the desk and places it on the table near the centre of the room. She then goes to the gas bracket at the Right and turns on the gas. She lights it to see if the gas is all right; then blows it out. She then crosses to the other bracket and turns that on; she goes to the chandelier at centre, and, mounting a chair, turns on its three jets. She then sits down by the table with AUSTIN'S picture before her, and looking into its eyes, her elbows on the table, her head in her hands, she waits.] Oh, Jack, my beloved! I couldn't help it—I never for one minute stopped loving you better than everything else in my life, but no more than I could stop loving you could I stop or help being jealous! Once the cruel idea has got hold of me it seems to have to work its way out! Everything gets red before me and I don't seem to know what I say or do! It's no excuse, I know. I've got no excuse, only I love you! You'll forgive me when I'm gone, won't you, Jack? You'll know I loved you!—loved you so I couldn't live without you!—loved you!—loved you! [She kisses the photograph tenderly, adoringly, slowly, in tears.] Loved—you—loved you!—loved—

[Her head drops forward, as

THE CURTAIN FALLS

SCENE II

The same morning, three hours later. The curtain rises on the same scene in a dull, cold, early morning light. The lamp has burnt itself out. A tiny ray of sunlight steals through a slip between the curtains. JINNY sits by the table, her arms spread over it and her head on her arms—she is perfectly still. AUSTIN'S picture is before her. There is a moment's silence. Voices are heard outside, approaching door, at Right. Gradually what they say is distinguished.

MAGGIE. No, sir. She hasn't been to bed; I've been to her bedroom—that door's not unlocked.

TILLMAN. She's been here all night?

MAGGIE. Yes, sir. But twice in the night, sir, I came to the door and spoke to her and she wouldn't answer me—but I could hear her walking up and down and sometimes talking to herself.

TILLMAN. [Calls softly.] Jinny! [Knocks softly.] It's father! [No answer.] It looks as if she were asleep now.

AUSTIN. [At a little distance.] Father!

TILLMAN. I'm outside the library door.

AUSTIN. [Nearer.] I can't wait—have you seen her? Will she see me?

TILLMAN. She's locked herself in here. She's not been to her own room.

AUSTIN. Not been to bed at all! Poor Jinny—God forgive me.

TILLMAN. Maggie says she's walked the floor all night.

[He knocks on the door Right.

AUSTIN. [Outside the door, Right, rather softly.] Jinny! I'm so sorry! I can't say how sorry! I've thought it out through the night, and I think I understand things better. [He waits a moment for an answer.] Jinny, answer me! you shall be as jealous as you like, and I'll always explain and kiss away those doubts of yours, and I'll have no more secrets from you, dear. Not one! Jinny! [As he calls there is a slight movement of one of JINNY'S arms. With a note of alarm.] Father! I can't hear a sound of breathing! [A moment's pause as they listen.] She threatened it—she threatened it several times! [With great determination.] We must get into this room—do you hear me—we must get in if we have to break the door down! [They shake the door. He calls a little louder.] Jinny, Jinny darling—do you hear me? [JINNY makes a sort of feeble effort to lift her head, but fails.] Jinny, for God's sake, answer me! I love you Jinny—Jinny! [Very slowly JINNY lifts her head and, with difficulty, she hears as if in a dream; she is dazed, barely alive.] She doesn't answer!

TILLMAN. See if the key is in the lock.

AUSTIN. No.

TILLMAN. Get the other keys, Maggie.

AUSTIN. Father! Gas! Don't you smell it?

TILLMAN. What!

AUSTIN. Gas, I tell you! O God! she's killed herself! Jinny! Jinny!

[Beating the door.

[JINNY staggers up, she tries to call "Jack"—but the word only comes out in a half-articulate whisper! She tries again, but fails.

MAGGIE. Here's a key, sir.

[JINNY tries to go to the door; she staggers a few steps and then falls.

[They try one key—it does not unlock the door; they try another.

[JINNY half raises herself and makes an effort to crawl, but is unable and sinks back upon the floor.

AUSTIN. Break the door in, father! We daren't waste any more time!

TILLMAN. No, this has done it!

[They open the door and rush in. They stop aghast at JINNY and the oppressiveness of the gas in the room.

TILLMAN. Jinny!

AUSTIN. Quick—the window! [TILLMAN tears aside the curtains and throws open the window. The sunshine of full morning pours in. He then rushes to the opposite gas burners and turns them off. Kneeling quickly beside her.] Jinny! My wife! My beloved!

[He takes her up in his arms and hurries to the window.

TILLMAN. Are we too late?

AUSTIN. I don't know. No! she's breathing—and see—see!—she knows me!—she knows me! [JINNY smiles at him pathetically.] Send Maggie for the doctor!

[TILLMAN goes out Right.

AUSTIN. Jinny, forgive me! Forgive me! Forgive me! [She slips her two arms up and joins them about his neck. AUSTIN kisses her.] Father! We've saved her! Oh, thank God, we've saved her!

[Bringing her to big chair and putting her in it, he kneels at her feet.

JINNY. [Whispers faintly.] Dear Jack! You forgive me—all my beastly jealousy?

AUSTIN. There's one thing stronger even than jealousy, my Jinny. And that's LOVE! That's LOVE!

[He kisses her hands, and

THE CURTAIN FALLS

* * * * *

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[Transcriber's Note:

The following text was printed at the beginning of the original book, immediately after the copyright notice. It is included here for historical interest only.]

All acting rights, both professional and amateur, are reserved by Clyde Fitch. Performances forbidden and right of representation reserved. Application for the right of performing this piece must be made to The Macmillan Company. Any piracy or infringement will be prosecuted in accordance with the penalties provided by the United States Statutes:—

"SEC. 4966.—Any person publicly performing or representing any dramatic or musical composition, for which copyright has been obtained, without the consent of the proprietor of the said dramatic or musical composition, or his heirs or assigns, shall be liable for damages therefor, such damages in all cases to be assessed at such sum, not less than one hundred dollars for the first and fifty dollars for every subsequent performance, as to the Court shall appear to be just. If the unlawful performance and representation be wilful and for profit, such person or persons shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction be imprisoned for a period not exceeding one year."—U.S. REVISED STATUTES, Title 60, Chap. 3.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Errata Noted by Transcriber:

All French and German words ("Wunderbaum!") are as in the original.

On floral small / table so in original: "a floral..."? AUSTIN. Geof? most certainly I do, and Jinny adores him. text reads "Geoff" [AUSTIN enters Left, followed by RUTH. text reads "followed by Ruth" (in plain type) TILLMAN. Um!— [Thinks a second, then taking out his cigar case, he empties it of cigars and hands them to JINNY.] Give your husband these, please, when he comes in! text continues stage-direction italics through end of speech the sextette from / "Florodora." spelling correct as printed [She recrosses room; she and AUSTIN face each other for a second. so in original: "recrosses the room"?