Act IV

Scene.⁠—The Studio.

Enter Col. Gervaise Walks about restless and eager.
Col. Gervaise Thank heaven! If Bill has found Mr. Warren now⁠—Exit.
Enter Warren.
Warren What can the fellow be up to? There’s something odd about him⁠—something I don’t like⁠—but it can’t mean mischief when he sends for me. Where could Gervaise have picked him up?⁠—Nobody here?
Reenter Col. Gervaise and hurries to him with outstretched hand.
Col. Gervaise My dear sir! I am greatly obliged to you. This is very kind.
Warren Stepping back. Excuse me.⁠—I do not understand.
Col. Gervaise I beg your pardon. I ought to have explained.
Warren I believe something of the sort is necessary.
Col. Gervaise You are my master’s friend.
Warren I should be proud of the honour. Can I be of any service to him?
Col. Gervaise I believe I can trust you. I will trust you⁠—I am his father.
Warren Whose father? Belzebub’s?
Col. Gervaise Arthur’s⁠—your friend Gervaise’s. I am Sir Walter Gervaise. You must help me to help him.
Warren regards him for a moment.
Warren Stiffly. Sir Walter, I owe your son much⁠—you nothing yet. I am his friend.
Col. Gervaise There is not a moment to lose. Listen. An old man came about the place a few weeks ago, looking for his daughter. He has been got out of the way, but I have learned where he is: I want you to bring him.
Warren I would serve your son blindfold: you must excuse me if I wish to understand first.
Col. Gervaise Arthur is in trouble. He has a secret.⁠—God forgive me!⁠—I feared it was a bad one.
Warren You don’t know him as I do!
Col. Gervaise 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, and suspect the villain: if I can bring the three together, all will come out, 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.
Warren What a strange old fellow! An officer⁠—and disguise himself!
Enter Bill.
Bill Here you are, sir!
Warren No vast amount of information in that statement, my boy!
Bill Well, sir⁠—here I are, sir.
Warren That is a trifle more to the point, though scarcely requiring mention.
Bill Then, here we are, sir.
Warren That’ll do⁠—if you know what comes next?
Bill I do, sir.
Warren Go on, then.
Bill Here goes! Come along, sir. You’ll have to take a bobby, though.
Warren We’ll see about that. You go on.
Exeunt. Enter Gervaise, followed by Col. Gervaise.
Gervaise What a time you have been, William!
Col. Gervaise I’m sorry, sir. Did you want anything?
Gervaise No. But I don’t like to be left. You are the only friend I have.
Col. Gervaise Thank you, sir. A man must do his duty, but it’s a comfort when his colonel takes notice of it.
Gervaise 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’s rather queer still, William.
Col. Gervaise Is there nothing to be done, sir?
Gervaise No; it’s here⁠—putting his hand to his head⁠—inside.
Col. Gervaise I meant about the little girl, sir.⁠—I can keep dark as well as 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.
Gervaise No doubt⁠—no doubt. But there is no help for me.
Col. Gervaise You cannot be sure of that, sir.
Gervaise You would help me if you could, I believe.
Col. Gervaise God knows I would, sir⁠—to the last drop of my blood.
Gervaise That’s saying much, William. A son couldn’t say more⁠—no, nor a father either.
Col. Gervaise Oh! yes, he could, sir.
Gervaise And mean it?
Col. Gervaise Yes.
Gervaise If I had a father, William, I would tell him all about it. I was but two years old when he left me.
Col. Gervaise Then you don’t remember him, sir?
Gervaise I often dream about him, and then I seem to remember him.
Col. Gervaise What is he like, sir?⁠—in your dreams, I mean.
Gervaise I never see him distinctly: I try hard sometimes, but it’s no use. If he would but come home! I feel as if I could bear anything then.⁠—But I’m talking like a girl!
Col. Gervaise Where is your father, sir?
Gervaise In India.
Col. Gervaise A soldier, sir?
Gervaise Yes. Colonel Gervaise⁠—you must have heard of him. Sir Walter he is now.
Col. Gervaise I’ve heard of him, sir⁠—away in the north parts he’s been, mostly.
Gervaise Yes. How I wish he would come home! I would do everything to please him. I have it, William! I’ll go to India. I did think of going to Garibaldi⁠—but I won’t⁠—I’ll go to India. I must find my father. Will you go with me?
Col. Gervaise Willingly, sir.
Gervaise Is there any fighting there now?
Col. Gervaise Not at present, I believe.
Gervaise That’s a pity. I would have listed in my father’s regiment, and then⁠—that is, by the time he found me out⁠—he wouldn’t be ashamed of me. I’ve done nothing yet. I’m nobody yet, and what could he do with a son that was nobody⁠—a great man like him! A fine son I should be! A son ought to be worthy of his father. Don’t you think so, William?
Col. Gervaise That wouldn’t be difficult, sir!⁠—I mean with most fathers.
Gervaise Ah! but mine, you know, William!⁠—Are you good at the cut and thrust?
Col. Gervaise Pretty good, sir, I believe.
Gervaise Then we’ll have a bout or two. I’ve got rusty.⁠—Have I said anything odd⁠—or⁠—or⁠—I mean since I’ve been ill?
Col. Gervaise Nothing you need mind, sir.
Gervaise I’m glad of that.⁠—I feel as if⁠—putting his hand to his head. William! what could you do for a man⁠—if he was your friend?⁠—no, I mean, if he was your enemy?
Col. Gervaise I daren’t say, sir.
Gervaise Is the sun shining?
Col. Gervaise Yes, sir. It’s a lovely day.
Gervaise 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 about me! How comfortable those toads must feel!
Col. Gervaise Aside. He’s getting lightheaded again! I must send for the doctor. Exit.
Gervaise But the tree would rot, and the walls grow thin, and the light come through. It is crumbling now! And I shall have to meet her! And then the wedding! Oh my God! Starts up and paces about the room.⁠—It is the only way! My pistols, I think⁠—yes.⁠—Goes to a table, finds his keys, and unlocks a case.⁠—There they are! I may as well have a passport at hand! Loading one.⁠—The delicate thunder-tube! Turns it over lovingly. Solitude and silence! One roar and then rest! No⁠—no rest!⁠—still the demon to fight! But no eyes to meet and brave!⁠—Who is that in the street?⁠—She is at the door⁠—with him!
Enter Col. Gervaise and seizes his arm.
Gervaise 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. Gervaise It might have been worse, sir.
Gervaise Worse! I’ve killed her! See where she flies! She’s gone! She’s gone! Bursts into tears. Col. Gervaise leads him to the couch. Thank you, William. I couldn’t help it. That man was with her. I meant it for myself.
Col. Gervaise Who did you say was with her?
Gervaise You mustn’t heed what I say. I am mad. A knock. He starts up. Don’t let them in, William. I shall rave if you do.
Col. Gervaise catches up the pistols and exit hurriedly. Gervaise throws himself on the couch. Reenter Col. Gervaise.
Col. Gervaise Aside. He is in love with her! Everything proves it. My boy! My boy!
Gervaise Father! father!⁠—Oh, William! I was dreaming, and took you for my father! I must die, William⁠—somehow. There must be some way out of this! The doors can’t all be locked.
Col. Gervaise There’s generally a chance to be had, sir. There’s always a right and a wrong fighting it out somewhere. There’s Garibaldi in the field again! Die by the hand of an enemy⁠—if you will die, sir.
Gervaise Smiling. That I couldn’t, William: the man that killed me would 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 man doesn’t stop when he dies⁠—does he, William?
Col. Gervaise I trust not, sir. But he may hope to be quieter⁠—that is, if he dies honestly. It’s grand for a soldier! He sweeps on the roaring billows of war into a soundless haven! Think of that, sir!
Gervaise Why, William! how you talk!⁠—Yes! it would be grand! On the crest of the war-cataract⁠—heading a cavalry charge!⁠—Tomorrow, William. I shall be getting stronger all the way. We’ll start tomorrow.
Col. Gervaise Where for, sir?
Gervaise For Italy⁠—for Garibaldi. You’ll go with me?
Col. Gervaise To the death, sir.
Gervaise Yes; that’s it⁠—that’s where I’m going. But not today. Look at my arm: it wouldn’t kill a rat!⁠—You saved my life, but I’m not grateful. If I was dead, I might be watching her⁠—out of the lovely silence!⁠—My poor Psyche!
Col. Gervaise She’s none the worse, sir. The pistol didn’t go off.
Gervaise Ah!⁠—She ought to have fallen to pieces⁠—long ago! You’ve been seeking to keep her shroud wet. But it’s no matter. Let her go. Earth to earth, and dust to dust!⁠—the law of Nature⁠—and Art too.
Exit into the house.
Col. Gervaise Following him. I mustn’t lose sight of him.⁠—Here he comes again, thank God!

Catches up a coat, and begins brushing it.

Reenter Gervaise.

Gervaise I don’t like to see you doing that.
Col. Gervaise Why shouldn’t I serve my own⁠—superior, sir? Anything’s better than serving yourself. And that’s what everyone does who won’t serve other people.
Gervaise You are right. And it’s so cheap.
Col. Gervaise And so nasty!
Gervaise Right again, William!⁠—Right indeed!⁠—You’re a gentleman! If there’s anything I could help you in⁠—anything gone wrong⁠—any friends offended⁠—I’m not altogether without influence.
Col. Gervaise Aside. He will vanquish me with my own weapons!
Gervaise But you will go to Garibaldi with me?
Col. Gervaise I will, sir.
Gervaise And ride by my side?
Col. Gervaise Of course.
Gervaise If you ride by me, you will have to ride far.
Col. Gervaise I know, sir. But if you would be fit for fighting, you must come and have something to eat and drink.
Gervaise All right. A soldier must obey: I shall begin by obeying you. Only mind you keep up with me. Exit, leaning on Col. Gervaise.
Enter Thomas.
Thomas Th’ dule a mon be yere! Aw’re main troubled to get shut ov they reyvers! Aw’m olez i’ trouble! Mine’s a gradely yed! it be!⁠—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 own oud lass. Exit.
Reenter Gervaise, followed by Col. Gervaise.
Gervaise No, William; I won’t lie down. I feel much better. Let’s have a bout with the foils.
Col. Gervaise Very well, sir. Aside. A little of that will go far, I know. Gets down the foils.
Gervaise And, William, you must set a block up here. I shall have a cut or two at it tomorrow. There’s a good cavalry weapon up there⁠—next that cast of Davis’s arm.
Col. Gervaise Suppose your father were to arrive just after you had started!
Gervaise I shouldn’t mind. I don’t want to see him yet. I’m such a poor creature! The heart seems to have gone out of me. You see, William⁠—
Enter Mrs. Clifford.
Gervaise Ah! How do you do, aunt?
Mrs. Clifford What’s this nonsense about Garibaldi, Arthur?
Gervaise Who told you?
Mrs. Clifford You don’t mean it’s true?
Gervaise Quite true, aunt.
Mrs. Clifford Really, Arthur, you are more of a scatterbrain than I took you for!
Gervaise Don’t say that, aunt. I only take after my father.
Mrs. Clifford Don’t talk to me of your father! I have no patience with him. A careless hard-hearted fellow⁠—not worthy the name of a father! She glares at Sir Walter.
Gervaise You may go, William. Col. Gervaise retires slowly.
Gervaise Aunt, you have been a mother to me; but were you really my mother, I must not listen to such words of my father. He has good reasons for what he does, though I admit there is something in it we don’t understand. Aside. If I could but understand how Constance⁠—
Mrs. Clifford What do you say? What was that about Constance?
Gervaise Oh, nothing, aunt. I was only thinking how difficult it is to understand people.
Mrs. Clifford If you mean Constance, I agree with you. She is a most provoking girl.
Gervaise Smiling. I am sorry to hear that, aunt.
Mrs. Clifford I’m very glad you were never so silly as take a fancy to the girl. She would have led you a pretty dance! If you saw how she treats that unfortunate Waterfield! But what’s bred in the bone won’t out of the flesh.
Gervaise There’s nothing bred in her I would have out, aunt.
Mrs. Clifford Perhaps she originated her vulgarity. That is a shade worse.
Gervaise Vulgarity, aunt! I cannot remember the meaning of the word when I think of her.
Mrs. Clifford If you choose to insult me, Arthur⁠—
Exit.
Gervaise It is high time I were gone! If I should be called in now to settle matters between⁠—William! William!⁠—William!
Enter Col. Gervaise.
Gervaise Tomorrow, William. Not a word. If you will go with me, I shall be glad. If you will not, I shall go without you.
Exit.
Col. Gervaise Yes, sir.⁠—I wish Warren were here with the old man. I don’t know what to do till he comes.
Enter Constance.
Constance I thought my aunt was here, William.
Col. Gervaise No, miss. She was here, but she’s gone again.
Constance Could I see Mr. Gervaise for a moment?
Col. Gervaise Certainly, miss. I’ll tell him.
Constance Is he still determined on going, William?
Col. Gervaise Yes, miss;⁠—tomorrow, he says.
Constance Tomorrow!
Col. Gervaise Yes, miss. I think he means to start for Dover in the morning.
Constance What am I to do?
Col. Gervaise What’s the matter, miss?
Constance What can I do? I know he is angry with me. I don’t quite know why. I wish I had never⁠—I can’t help it now. My heart will break. Weeps.
Col. Gervaise Don’t let him go to Dover tomorrow, miss.
Constance He would have listened to me once. He won’t now. It’s all so different! Everything has gone wrong somehow.
Col. Gervaise Do try to keep him from going, miss.
Constance He would but think me forward. I could bear anything better than have him think ill of me.
Col. Gervaise No fear of that, miss. The danger is all the other way.
Constance What other way, William?
Col. Gervaise He thinks you don’t care a bit about him.

Exit. Constance drops on the dais, nearly under the veiled Psyche.

Enter Gervaise and stands a moment regarding her.

Gervaise Constance.
Constance 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 tomorrow. I shall be miserable if you do.
Gervaise But why, my⁠—why, Constance?
Constance I was your Constance once.
Gervaise But why should I not go? Nobody wants me here.
Constance Oh, Arthur! how can you be so cruel? Can it be that⁠—? Do say something. If you won’t say anything, how can I know what you are thinking⁠—what you wish? Perhaps you don’t like⁠—I would⁠—I have⁠—I won’t⁠—Oh, Arthur! do say something.
Gervaise I have nothing to say, Constance.
Constance Then I have lost you⁠—altogether! I dare say I deserve it. I hardly know. God help me! What can I have done so very wicked? Oh! why did you take me out of the streets? I should have been used to them by this time! They are terrible to me now. No, no, Arthur! I thank you⁠—thank you⁠—with my very soul! What might I not have been by this time! But I used to lie in that corner, and I daren’t now!
Enter Col. Gervaise behind.
It was a happy time, for I had not offended you then. Goodbye. Won’t you 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. Gervaise follows her.
Gervaise 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 she said?⁠—Goodbye! God in heaven!⁠—William! you idiot! where are you? William!
He rushes out by the front door. Reenter Col. Gervaise by the back door.
Col. Gervaise It was lucky I met Bill! He’s after her like the wind. That message will bring her back, I think. I could trust that boy with anything! But where is he? Enter Thomas. What, friend! here at last! Thank God! Just sit down a moment, will you? Peeps into the room 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?
Thomas Nay. Th’ dur wur oppen. Aw seigh sombory run eawt as aw coom oop.
Col. Gervaise My boy! my boy! It will kill him!⁠—Stop here till I come back. Rushes out.
Thomas Aw connot stop. Aw’m tired enough, God knows, to stop anywheeres; 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 aw wur! But aw wish aw hed a word wi’ th’ mon first.
Enter Warren.
Warren Aside. This must be the old fellow himself! Here he is after all! Peeps into the room.
Thomas Theer be nobory theer, sir. Th’ maister’s run eawt, and th’ mon after him.
Warren Run out!
Thomas 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 not geet 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.
Warren I say, old man⁠—your name’s Thomas Pearson⁠—ain’t it?
Thomas Yigh. Aw yer. But hea cooms to to knaw mo name?
Warren I know all about you.
Thomas Ivvery body knaws ivvery body yere! Aw connot stur a fut fur folks 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 mind th’ shop till th’ maister cooms back. Good neet going.
Warren Stopping him. They want you here a bit. You’d better stop. The man will be back directly. You’re too suspicious.
Thomas Nea, maister, thae’rt wrung theer. Aw’ve trusted too mich⁠—a theawsand times too mich.
Warren You trusted the wrong people, then.
Thomas It taks no mak o’ a warlock to tell mo that, maister. It’s smo’ comfort, noather.
Warren Well now, you give me a turn, and hear what I’ve got to say.
Thomas 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!
Warren You must wait till Mr. Gervaise’s man comes back.
Thomas Despairingly. O Lord. Th’ peack ov sunbrunt lies they ha’ been tellin’ me sin’ aw coom yere!⁠—childer an o’!
Warren Have patience, man. You won’t repent it.
Thomas What mun be, mun. Aw connot ha’ patience, but aw con stop. Aw’d rayther goo, tho. Aw’m noan sorry to rest noather. Sits down on the dais.
Enter Bill.
Warren Here, boy! Don’t let the old man go till someone comes. Exit.
Bill All right, sir! Hillo, daddy! There you are! Thank God!
Thomas 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 honest boy next time.⁠—I can’t till I see Mr. William, though.
Thomas Iv thae manes th’ maister’s mon yere, he’s run eawt. An’ aw connot goo witho. Aw’m keepin’ th’ shop till he coom back. An’ aw dunnot mich care to goo witho. Aw dunnot mich trust tho. Th’ Lord have a 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 come back⁠—not for nobody⁠—no, not for Joseph!
Thomas Aw dunnot knaw no Joseph.
Bill I’ll soon let you see I’m a honest boy! As you can’t go to Mattie, I’ll bring Mattie to you: see if I don’t! An’ if she ain’t the right un, I’ll take her back, and charge ye nuffin for carriage. Can’t say fairer than that, daddy!
Thomas 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.⁠—All right.”
Thomas Aw dunnot like secrets, lad. What don yo mane? Ivvery body seems to mane something, and nobory to say it.
Bill Never you mind, daddy! “Bill’s been.⁠—All right.” That’s your ticket. I’m off. Exit.
Thomas gets up, and walks about, murmuring to himself. A knock at the door.
Thomas Somebory after mo again! Aw’ll geet eawt ov th’ way. Goes behind the Psyche.
Enter Waterfield.
Waterfield Nobody here! I am unlucky. “Not at home,” said the rascal⁠—and grinned, by Jove! I’ll be at the bottom of this. There’s no harm in Gervaise. He’s a decent fellow. Knocks at the door of Gervaise’s room. I won’t leave the place till I’ve set things right⁠—not if I’ve got to give him a post-obit for five thousand⁠—I won’t!⁠—Nobody there? Looks in. No. Then I’ll go in and wait. Exit.
Thomas 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’d scrunch his yed⁠—aw would! Aw’m sure it’s th’ mon. He kep eawt ov mo way⁠—but aw seigh him once. O Lord, keep mo hands off ov him. Aw met kill him. Aw’m sartin sure ov him when aw see him. Aw’ll not goo nigh him 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! mo Mattie! to leave thi owd faither for sich a mak ov a mon as yon! But yere cooms somebory moor. Goes behind the Psyche.
Enter Mrs. Clifford.
Mrs. Clifford No one here? She can never be in his room with him! Opens the door. Oh! Mr. Waterfield! You’re here⁠—are you?
Waterfield Coming to the door. Mrs. Clifford! This is indeed an unexpected pleasure!
Mrs. Clifford Have you got Constance with you there?
Waterfield I’ve no such good fortune.
Mrs. Clifford Where is she, then?
Waterfield At home, I presume.
Mrs. Clifford Indeed she is not. I must speak to Arthur.
Waterfield He’s not here.
Mrs. Clifford Where’s my⁠—his man, then?
Waterfield Taken himself off to the public-house, I suppose. There’s nobody about. Odd⁠—ain’t it?
Mrs. Clifford I’ll go and see. Exit into the house.
Waterfield What can be the row! there is some row. Exit into the room.
Enter Gervaise, supported by Col. Gervaise.
Col. Gervaise Thank God! Thank God!
Gervaise But where is she? I shall go mad if you’ve told me a lie.
Col. Gervaise I saw her, and sent a messenger after her. We shall have news of her presently. Do have a little patience, sir.
Gervaise How can I have patience? I’m a brute⁠—a mean, selfish devil! If that fellow Waterfield was to horsewhip me⁠—I should let him.
Thomas 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 to say?⁠—Yigh⁠—it wur⁠—“Bill’s been. O’reet.”
Col. Gervaise There, sir! I told you so. Do sit down. I’ll go after her.
Gervaise I will. I will. Only make haste. Stands staring at the Psyche.
Thomas Th’ boy said he’d be yere direckly.
Col. Gervaise You sit down. I’ll be with you presently.
Thomas Retiring behind the Psyche. Aw’re noan likely to goo, maister.
Enter Mrs. Clifford Crosses to room door. Enter Waterfield. They talk.
Gervaise William! I don’t want them. Retreats towards the Psyche.
Col. Gervaise Sit here one moment, sir. Leads him to the dais. Advances to Mrs. Clifford.
Mrs. Clifford Trying to pass him. Arthur, what can⁠—?
Col. Gervaise Intercepting her. Let him rest a bit, ma’am, if you please. He’s been out for the first time.
Mrs. Clifford At night! and in a fog! A pretty nurse you are! Poor boy!
Col. Gervaise Mr. Waterfield, sir, would you mind stepping into the room again for a moment? Exit Waterfield. Mrs. Clifford, ma’am, would you please get a glass of wine for master? Exit Mrs. Clifford into the house.
Gervaise William! William!
Col. Gervaise Yes, sir.
Gervaise Send him away. Don’t let him stop there. I have nothing to say to him.
Col. Gervaise He shan’t trouble you, sir. I’ll take care of that. Goes behind the Psyche to Thomas, but keeps watching the door of the room.⁠—Did you see the man that went in there just now?
Thomas With anxiety. He winnot joomp eawt ov th’ window, dosto thenk, lad?
Reenter Mrs. Clifford with wine. Gervaise drinks.
Col. Gervaise Why should he do that? Do you know anything about him?
Thomas Aw do.
Col. Gervaise Has he seen you here?
Thomas No. Aw’re afeard he’d roon away, and aw keepet snoog.
Col. Gervaise I needn’t ask who it is, then?
Thomas Yo needn’t, lad.
Enter Waterfield.
Thomas Mo conscience! he’ll pike eawt afoor aw geet howd on him! Rushes out and seizes Waterfield.
Enter Mattie and Bill.
Thomas Thae’rt a domned villain! Wheer’s mo Mattie?
Waterfield knocks Thomas down.
Bill O Lord! the swell’s murdered old daddy!
All but Gervaise rush together. Colonel Gervaise seizes Waterfield. Mattie throws herself on her knees beside Thomas and lifts his head.
Mattie Father! father! Look at me! It’s Mattie!⁠—your own wicked Mattie! Look at her once, father dear! Lays down his head in despair, and rises. Who struck the good old man?
Bill He did⁠—the swell as give me the gold sov.
Mattie Mr. Watkins!⁠—
Waterfield I haven’t the honour of the gentleman’s acquaintance. I’m not Mr. Watkins. Am I now? To Col. Gervaise. Ha! ha!⁠—Let go, I say. I’m not the man. It’s all a mistake, you see.
Col. Gervaise In good time. I might make a worse. Watkins mayn’t be your name, but Watkins is your nature.
Waterfield Damn your insolence! Let me go, I tell you! Struggles threatening.
Col. Gervaise Gently, gently, young man!⁠—If I give your neckcloth a twist now⁠—!
Mattie Yes, there is a mistake⁠—and a sad one for me! A wretch that would strike an old man! Indeed you are not what I took you for.
Waterfield You hear the young woman! She says it’s all a mistake.⁠—My good girl, I’m sorry for the old gentleman; but he oughtn’t to behave like a ruffian. Really, now, you know, a fellow can’t stand that sort of thing! A downright assault! I’m sorry I struck him, though⁠—devilish sorry! I’ll pay the damage with pleasure. Puts his hand in his pocket.
Mattie Turning away. And not a gentleman! Kneels by Thomas and weeps.
Thomas Feebly. Dunnot greight, Mattie, mo chylt. Aw’m o’ reet. Let th’ mon goo. What’s he to tho or mo?⁠—By th’ mass! aw’m strung enough 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 mon to fo’ tired o’ feightin!
Mattie 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. O father! how could I leave you for him? I don’t care one bit for him now⁠—I don’t indeed. You’ll forgive me⁠—won’t you, father? Sobs.
Thomas Aw wull, aw do, mo Mattie. Coom whoam⁠—coom whoam.
Mattie Will mother forgive me, father?
Thomas Thi mother, chylt? Hoo’s forgiven tho lung afoor⁠—ivver so lung agoo, chylt! Thi mother may talk leawd, but her heart is as soft as parritch.⁠—Thae knows it, Mattie.
Waterfield 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 find her. I’ll kiss the book on that!
Gervaise Coming forward. Mr. Waterfield, on your honour, do you know this girl?
Waterfield Come! you ain’t goin’ to put me to my catechism!
Gervaise You must allow appearances are against you.
Waterfield Damn your appearances! What do I care?
Gervaise If you will not answer my question, I must beg you to leave the place.
Waterfield My own desire! Will you oblige me by ordering this bulldog of yours to take his paws off me? What the devil is he keeping me here for?
Col. Gervaise I’ve a great mind to give you in charge.
Waterfield The old codger assaulted me first.
Col. Gervaise True; but the whole affair would come to light. That’s what I would have. Miss Pearson, what am I to do with this man?
Enter Susan at the back door. Behind her, Constance peeps in.
Mattie Let him go.⁠—Father! Father! Kisses him.
Susan That can never be Mattie’s gentleman, sure‑ly! Hm! I don’t think 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—I wouldn’t! He looks like a drowned cat.
Waterfield What the devil have you got to do with it?
Susan Nothing. You shut up.
Waterfield Well, I’m damned if I know whether I’m on my head or my heels.
Susan ’Tain’t no count which.
Bill Aside to Col. Gervaise. She’s at the back door, Mr. William.
Col. Gervaise Who is, Bill? Miss Lacordère?
Bill Right you air!
Col. Gervaise hastens to the door. Constance peeps in and draws back. Col. Gervaise follows her. Waterfield approaches Mattie.
Waterfield Miss Pearson, if that’s⁠—
Mattie I don’t know you⁠—don’t even know your name.
Waterfield Looking round. You hear her say it! She don’t know me!
Mattie Could you try and rise, father? I want to get out of this. There’s a lady here says I’m a thief!
Thomas 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. Clifford If I have been unjust to you, Miss Pearson, I shall not fail to make amends.
Susan It’s time you did then, ma’am. You’ve murdered her, and all but murdered me. That’s how your little bill stands.
Gervaise To Waterfield. Leave the place, Mr. Waterfield.
Waterfield You shall answer for this, Gervaise.
Gervaise Leave the study at once.
Waterfield Tut! tut! I’ll make it up to them. A bank note’s a good plaster.
Bill Pleasir, shall I run and fetch a bobby? I likes to see a swell wanted.
Gervaise You hold your tongue. Retires to the dais and sits down. Mrs. Clifford follows him.
Waterfield Taking out his pocketbook, and approaching Mattie. I didn’t think you’d have served me so, Mattie! Indeed I didn’t! It’s not kind after what’s been between you and me. Mattie rises and stands staring at him. You’ve ruined my prospects⁠—you have! But I don’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.
Mattie This is a humiliation! Will nobody take him away?
Susan Rushing at him. You be off! An’ them goggle eyes o’ yours, or I’ll goggle ’em! I can’t bear the sight on ’em. I should never ha’ taken you for a gentleman. You don’t look it. You slope, I say! Hustles him.
Waterfield picks up the note, and exit.
Mattie Bursting into tears. Father! father! don’t hate me; don’t despise me.
Thomas tries to get up, but falls back.
Bill Don’t be in no hurry, Daddy. There’s none but friends here now⁠—’cep’ the old lady;⁠—she do look glum.
Susan I’ll soon settle her hash!
Mattie Susie! Susie! Don’t⁠—there’s a dear!
Susan What business has she here then! She’s not a doin’ of nothink.
Mattie Don’t you see she’s looking after the poor gentleman there?
Gervaise William!⁠—William!⁠—Gone again! What a fellow he is! The best servant 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 the worse of the two! She can have the spare room, and William can sleep on the sofa in mine.
Mrs. Clifford I’ll see to it.
Exit. Gervaise goes towards Thomas.
Thomas Coom whoam⁠—coom whoam, Mattie! Thi mother, hoo’s cryin’ her eighes eawt to whoam.
Mattie I’ll run for a doctor first, father.
Thomas No, no, chylt! Aw’re only a bit stonned, like. Aw’ll be o’ reet in a smo’ bit. Aw dunnot want no doctor. Aw’m a coomin’ reawnd.
Gervaise Neither of you shall stir tonight. Your rooms will be ready in a few minutes.
Mattie Thank you, sir! I don’t know what I should have done with him.⁠—Susan, you wouldn’t mind going home without me? You know Miss Lacordère⁠—
Gervaise Miss Lacordère! What do you know of her?
Mattie Oh, dear! Oh, dear! I oughtn’t to have mentioned her. But my poor head!⁠—
Gervaise What of Miss Lacordère? For God’s sake, tell me.
Enter Mrs. Clifford with James.
Susan Oh, nothing, sir! nothing at all! Only Miss Lacordère has been good to us⁠—which it’s more than can be said for everybody! Scowls at Mrs. Clifford James proceeds to lift Thomas. She flies at him. Put the old gentleman down, you sneakin’ reptile! How many doors have you been a hearkenin’ at since mornin’⁠—eh, putty-lump? You touch the old man again, and I’ll mark you! Here, Bill! I’ll take his head⁠—you take his feet. We’ll carry him between us like a feather.
Mattie O Susan! do hold your tongue.
Susan It’s my only weapon, my dear. If I was a man⁠—see if I’d talk then.
James It’s a providence you ain’t a man, young woman!
Susan Right you are! Them’s my werry motives. I ain’t a makin’ of no complaint on that score, young Plush! I wouldn’t be a man for⁠—no, not for⁠—not even for sich a pair o’ calves as yourn!
Susan and Bill carry Thomas out. Mattie follows. Gervaise is going after them.
Mrs. Clifford Don’t you go, Arthur. They can manage quite well. I will go if you like.
Gervaise They know something about Constance.
Mrs. Clifford Pray give yourself no anxiety about her.
Gervaise What do you mean, aunt?
Mrs. Clifford I will be responsible for her.
Gervaise Where is she then? Exit Mrs. Clifford. William!⁠—If he doesn’t come in one minute more, I’ll go after her myself. Those girls know where she is. I am as strong as a giant.⁠—O God! All but married to that infamous fellow!⁠—That he should ever have touched the tip of one of her fingers! What a sunrise of hope! Psyche may yet fold her wings to my prayer! William! William!⁠—Where can the fellow be?
Enter Col. Gervaise in uniform and star, leading Constance.
Gervaise Hurrying to meet them. Constance! Constance! forgive me. Oh my God! You will when you know all.
Col. Gervaise She knows enough for that already, my boy, or she wouldn’t be here. Take her⁠—and me for her sake.
Gervaise What! who⁠—? Constance!⁠—What does it all mean?⁠—It must be⁠—can it be⁠—my father?⁠—William⁠—It is William!⁠—William my father!⁠—O father! father! Throwing his arms about him. it was you all the time then!
Col. Gervaise My boy! my boy! There!⁠—take Constance, and let me go. I did want to do something for you⁠—but⁠—There! I’m too much ashamed to look at you in my own person.
Gervaise Kneeling. Father! father! don’t talk like that! O father! my father!
Col. Gervaise Raising him. My boy! my boy! I wanted to do something for you⁠—tried hard⁠—and was foiled.⁠—I doubly deserved it. I doubted as well as neglected you. But God is good. He has shamed me, and saved you.
Gervaise By your hand, father.
Col. Gervaise No⁠—by his own. It would all have come right without me. I was unworthy of the honour, my boy. But I was allowed to try; and for that I am grateful.⁠—Arthur, I come to you empty-handed⁠—a beggar for your love.
Gervaise How dare you say that, father?⁠—Empty-handed⁠—bringing me her and yourself⁠—all I ever longed for!⁠—my father and my Psyche! Father, thank you. The poor word must do its best. I thank you with my very soul.⁠—How shall I bear my happiness!⁠—Constance, it was my father all the time! Did you know it? Serving me like a slave!⁠—humouring all my whims!⁠—watching me night and day!⁠—and then bringing me⁠—
Constance Your own little girl, Arthur. But why did you not tell me?
Gervaise Tell you what, darling?
Constance That⁠—that⁠—that you⁠—Oh! you know what, Arthur!
Gervaise How could I, my child, with that⁠—!⁠—Shall I tell you now?
Constance 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 known you did not like him! Hiding her face.
Gervaise Embracing his father. Father! father! I cannot hold my happiness! And it is all your doing!
Col. Gervaise No, I tell you, my boy! I was but a straw on the tide of things. 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 I had 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.