STEPHEN SPETTIGUE Solicitor, Oxford
COLONEL SIR FRANCIS CHESNEY, BART. Late Indian Service
JACK CHESNEY Graduates at St. Olde's College, Oxford
CHARLEY WYKEHAM Graduates at St. Olde's College, Oxford
LORD FANCOURT BABBERLEY Graduates at St. Olde's College, Oxford
BRASSETT A College Scout
DONNA-LUCIA D'ALVADOREZ From Brazil
AMY SPETTIGUE
KITTY VERDUN Spettigue's Ward
ELA DELAHAY Spettigue's Niece
Oxford, 1892.
SCENE. Interior of Jack Chesney's Rooms, St. Olde's College, Oxford. Morning.
The walls are oak panelled or half-panelled or plain cream-washed walls with beautiful, low heraldic ceiling in cream, picked out in colour and dull gold. Door opening off, with passage backing, leading to outer door L.I.E. Door opening off to bedroom, with light backing, L.U.E. Between doors an oak sideboard with cupboard underneath. Large opening and recess with portiere to draw L.C. Long stone-mullioned embayed window R.C. with view of quad and practicable centre casement, to open off, window seat with four river cushions and one magazine. Long red rep fabric curtains. Upright piano c. with pile of music on top between window and recess. Fireplace R., looking-glass, etc., on mantel, low bookcases R. and L. of it. Saddle back armchair by fire with white antimacassar. Table c. with ashtray and books and table cover in dark material on it with two single chairs R. and L. of it with sweater over back of L. chair. Writing-table down R.C. by fire, with A.B.C. time-table, magazine and "Corona" cigar-box. Stage cloth. Circular hat stand inside R.C. corner of recess with boxing gloves, single sticks, etc. on it. Plaster bust of Plato on pedestal L. corner of room--angle. Clock and photographs of chorus girls and flowers on mantelshelf, more photographs and books on top of book-cases, pipes, tobacco jars, etc. Prints on walls above. Tray with three tumblers, one square decanter half full of whisky, one glass jug of water on sideboard, four champagne bottles, one bottle of claret (open) in sideboard cupboard. Above on wall L. groups of Rowing Eights, football teams. Six dining-room chairs arranged as follows: two R. and L. of C. table, one below door L.I.E., one at piano, one L. side of writing-table, one top R. corner by window. Antique furniture, well-worn comfortable chairs. Quad seen through window and sunlight streams in through window.
CURTAIN MUSIC: "The Eton Boating Song," by A. D. E. W. Orchestra plays first 16 bars with gradual crescendo--CURTAIN starts to rise--orchestra plays next 16 bars more softly with gradual diminuendo till music ceases at full rise of curtain.
JACK discovered seated at writing-table, unlit pipe in mouth, struggling wildly to write a letter. He looks at letter and tears it up.
JACK CHESNEY: Tall, dark, good-looking, about twenty-two, wears light-coloured lounge suit and college tie, leander pink and white diagonal stripes. He laughs his way through life, is self-confident, quick, alert and must have " drive"; as he sets the pace of the play.
JACK. I can't! I can't get into the vein. (Flings down pen.) I don't know what to say--don't know how to begin. I wish to goodness I'd spoken to her at the dance the other evening, (rises, to C.) when she told me they were all going away for the summer; instead, I've gone and left everything till the very last minute, and now I'm regularly nonplussed. By George! I know what I'll do. I'll make an exercise of it. I'll write it out a dozen different ways, and send the one I think looks the best. (Goes back to table and sits, takes up pen.) So come on, Jack, here we are, in love with the dearest girl on earth--tackle her like a man, and tell her so, or they'll be off north, you'll be gone down, and have lost your chance for ever. She's my fate, and I'm hanged if I shan't be hers! So here goes. (Writing.) " My Darling "! (Stops.) Rather strong, perhaps, to begin with. (Tears up paper, places on L. of writing-table, begins again.) " My Dear Miss Verdun " (Stops again.) No, too formal--and not a bit what I really feel. (Tears that up.) " My Dear " Hang it, why not? (Writes boldly.) " My Dear Kitty "! That's grand!
(BRASSETT enters quietly door L.U.E. to table C.)
(BRASSETT: College Scout (manservant) between forty and fifty years of age, wears dark trousers and short dark grey alpaca coat, white collar and dark tie. He is always polite and never familiar in his manner.)
Now I can go ahead like a house on fire. (Looking proudly at letter.)" My Dear Kitty, I--"
BRASSETT. I beg pardon, sir, but would you mind--?
JACK. Yes, very much; go away, I'm busy.
BRASSETT. Yes, sir, but--
JACK. I'm busy with the most important affair; get out!
BRASSETT (raising book or two off table, and hesitating). Yes, sir.
JACK (aside). Just as I'd made such a good start, too! (At letter again.) "My Dear Kitty"
(BRASSETT calmly drops books back on to table.)
JACK (Aloud.) What are you doing, Brassett? Confound it all, what do you want?
BRASSETT. I merely wish to say, sir, that I have laid out a few things which -
JACK.- All right, thank you, get out and leave me alone.
BRASSETT. Which I thought you wouldn't care to -
JACK (in despair). Take 'em--keep 'em! Take every blessed rag I've got ... only go away!
(BRASSETT goes to door L.U.E.)
(At letter again, savagely.) "My Dear Kitty"
BRASSETT (at door). Beg pardon, sir?
JACK. Confound it! I wasn't addressing you--go away!
(Exit BRASSETT, L.U.E., quickly. Enter CHARLEY, L.I.E., with letter, comes C. CHARLES WYKEHAM is about twenty, good-looking, medium height, fair, Saxon type, charming and though shy is not awkward. Rowing type, wears white flannels,' blazer and muffler, cheap watch in breast pocket of blazer with short chain hanging out. For later entrance with telegram--has changed blazer for a lounge suit coat, removed muffler and wears a collar and tie.)
"My Dear Kitty "
CHARLEY (mildly). I say! (To C.)
JACK (throwing down pen, jumping up savagely). If you don't clear out, Brassett, I'll (Meets CHARLEY C.) Oh; it's you, Charley! What is it, old chap?
CHARLEY. Nothing, Jack. I don't want to interrupt you if you're busy. (Going.)
JACK (going C.). It's all right, Charley, don't go, it's only that fool Brassett.
CHARLEY. What's he doing? (Coming back to C.)
JACK. Only bagging all my clothes because I'm going down, and worrying me like Old Harry while I'm trying to write a-most-important-letter. (Moving towards table R.) Don't mind me today; I'm nervous and naggy and nonplussed. (Sits on end of table R.C.)
CHARLEY. And so am I, Jack.
JACK. Why?
CHARLEY. I've been trying to write a letter, too.
JACK. A letter! To whom?
CHARLEY. To--to Miss Spettigue.
JACK (going to CHARLEY, C.): How far have you got?
(Both C.)
CHARLEY (brightening). Oh! I began awfully well, but--I didn't want to be too distant, and I didn't like to be too- too-
JACK. Familiar. Well?
CHARLEY. So I just said, "My Dear Amy"- and then words failed me, and I've come to you for advice. You always know what to say and do.
JACK (dubiously, with a look towards letter). Oh! Do I?
CHARLEY. You know my idiotic complaint; I'm shy- you're not.
JACK. Aren't I?
CHARLEY. So prescribe for me, old chap. What am I to say? (Turning away L., sits R. corner of table C.)
JACK (going R.C., aside). A good idea! I'll prescribe for him and take the medicine myself. (Sits at writing-table R., gets paper, etc. Energetically.) Now then, let's see. You're in love with Amy Spettigue, and you want to know if there's any hope for you, and if so-
CHARLEY. You see, they're all off to Scotland to-morrow.
JACK. Yes, I know, and you want to see her at once. When and where?- bearer waits. Do I diagnose the case accurately?
CHARLEY. To a " Tee," old chap!
JACK. Very well then; you'll want to say something to this effect: (writing) "My Dear Kitty- " (Stops dead.)
CHARLEY (going to him, writing-table R.C.). No- not Kitty- Amy.
JACK. Oh, of course, what am I thinking of? (Tears up paper, takes fresh sheet. In casual, glib tone, writing.) " My Dearest Amy- Forgive me, darling, for thus addressing you, but I love you so deeply "-underlined-
CHARLEY (surprised, moving nearer-interrupting). Rather strong, Jack.
JACK. Shut up! " So earnestly "-also underlined-
CHARLEY. Oh, I say! (Turning away C.)
JACK. " That I must write and tell you so. All I ask is-"
CHARLEY (sits table C.). But there's one obstacle to my putting it quite as straight as that, much as I'd like to.
JACK. What's that?
CHARLEY. Well--er--I've an aunt.
JACK. My dear Charley, most of us have; what about her?
CHARLEY. I feel I ought to tell her first.
JACK (flings down pen, rises and goes to fireplace). Oh! If you're going to drag an aunt into the business, we may as well wait till they all come back from Scotland.
CHARLEY. Why?
JACK. You know what "auntie" is when she steps in.
CHARLEY. No, I don't. That's just it; I don't know her. I've never even seen her.
JACK. Well, we won't be too hard on that aunt; she hasn't interfered much in your affairs up to now.
CHARLEY. Except to find out that I was an orphan and have me sent to Eton, and to Oxford; and now my guardian writes to me that she's coming here this morning by an early train, and will take luncheon with me at one o'clock.
JACK (coming down to back of chair L. of writing table). And you've never seen her?
CHARLEY. No. She went out to Brazil before I was born, and became a sort of secretary to a very rich old Brazilian chap out there, called Dom Pedro d'Alvadorez; and now--by the merest accident in the world (taking "Truth" from pocket and pointing to marked paragraph) I've seen this. (Gives JACK paper.)
JACK (going down R. NOTE: "Lucia" is pronounced "LOOSIA"--Portuguese, NOT Spanish. Reading). "Madam--or rather Donna Lucia d'Alvadorez, the Brazilian millionaire, who has taken Lord Toppleby's magnificent mansion in Belgravia, is an English-woman of genial disposition, and a financial genius. Indeed, it was her capacity in this direction that earned the gratitude of her late husband, and led to a romantic death-bed marriage." (To CHARLEY.) Well, I don't see much in that! (Offering paper back.)
CHARLEY. Go on, Jack, read the next.
JACK (reading). " Her only relation--is a nephew at Oxford "lucky nephew!
CHARLEY. That's me.
JACK. By George, Charley, this is a startler! (Throws paper to CHARLEY.) And she may be here any minute? (Goes to mantelpiece, looks at clock.)
CHARLEY: I've met all the trains up to now. I wish she'd have come some other day. (Rises, moves away down L. a little.)
JACK (turning, looks at clock). She'll arrive by the next, just in time for lunch.
CHARLEY (dolefully). Yes, it's a bore. I wanted to write that letter to Amy.
JACK (sits on table R.C., thinking). I don't know so much about that
CHARLEY (comes C.). But it's an awfully difficult letter to write--fearfully complicated.
JACK. Why?
CHARLEY. Well, you see, I've no people or anything.
JACK. "No people," with an aunt like that! (Pointing to paper which is in CHARLEY'S hand.)
CHARLEY. But I've no reason to expect anything from her--more than she's already done for me--for which, of course, I'm very grateful and all that--but I want to see Amy and put it to her that if -
JACK (suddenly--coming C. to CHARLEY). Charley! I've got a clinking good idea!
CHARLEY (pushing JACK towards writing-table--gratefully). Jack, you are a good chap! Write it down and I'll copy it out.
JACK (stopping him). No, not for you--for me--for us both. You're gone on Amy--I'm in love with Kitty.
CHARLEY. Really, Jack?
JACK. Madly. Worse than anything I ever took up--even cricket! I was writing to tell her so when you came in. (Pointing.) There's the letter.
CHARLEY (wringing JACK'S hand with effusion). I'm so glad! and what's your "idea"?
JACK. Hang letter-writing! We'll give a luncheon party for your aunt, tea afterwards in the garden.
CHARLEY. In the garden?
JACK. Yes, I'll get leave.
CHARLEY. But my rooms are so small.
JACK. Never mind, I'll lend you mine. (Pushing CHARLEY towards writing-table chair C.) Brassett shall see to it. (Calling towards L.) Brassett! (To CHARLEY.) Now, come on! First we'll ask the girls.
CHARLEY. Ask the girls? (Standing behind writing-table.)
JACK (by chair L. of writing-table). To meet your aunt.
CHARLEY. What about old Spettigue?
JACK. Blow old Spettigue!
CHARLEY. Oh, I forgot. He's up in town for a few days on business. (Sits at writing-table.)
JACK. So much the better. (Calling.) Brassett I -
CHARLEY. Do you think they'll come?
JACK. They'll jump at it.
CHARLEY. What makes you think so?
JACK. Well, what do you think?
CHARLEY. Why, Jack, you know, I rather agree with you.
JACK. We'll send a note at once--you write it--go ahead.
(CHARLEY writes to dictation.)
JACK "My Dear Miss Spettigue--" (Calling.) BRASSETT, where are you?. (BRASSETT, L.U.E., and comes down L. of JACK.) Where are you? (Turns, sees BRAssETT standing L.) Oh--er, Brassett, get someone to take a note to Mr. Spettigue's.
BRASSETT. Yes, sir. (Exit L.I.E.)
CHARLEY. Yes, Jack, I've got that.
JACK (gets envelope, pen and book to write on). " Would you and Miss Verdun--" (puts foot on chair L. of writing-table and puts cigar-box on knee to write on) " do me the honour--"
CHARLEY (repeating).--"the honour"
JACK.--"to lunch with me and Mr. Chesney."
CHARLEY (repeating). "Mr. Chesney"-
JACK. I'll address the envelope.
CHARLEY (still repeating--while dipping pen in ink). "I'll address the-"
JACK (breaking in before CHARLEY can write it). No, not that, you muff! "At his rooms, St. Olde's College, to-day at one o'clock." (Addressing envelope.) Miss Spettigue-
CHARLEY. Miss (about to write).
(JACK stops him before he writes.)
JACK. No, look out ; "To meet my aunt-" What did you say her name was, Charley?
CHARLEY. Donna Lucia d'Alvadorez.
JACK. "Donna" All right, stick it down. "An answer by bearer will greatly oblige." (Blots envelope.)
CHARLEY (writing). "Yours sincerely, Charles Wykeham. (Blots and folds letter.) Splendid, Jack, you're a genius! (Hands letter to JACK.)
JACK (takes letter, puts it in envelope and closes it). It's a glorious opportunity. They're off to Scotland.
CHARLEY. And we're off "down."
JACK. And now we shall have them all to ourselves. (Going L.C.)
(Re-enter BRASSETT, L.I.E.)
BRASSETT. The messenger, sir.
JACK (gives letter to BRASSETT). Give him that, and tell him to look sharp. (Turns back slowly to CHARLEY.)
BRASSETT. Yes, sir.
(Going L. At door quick glance at address on envelope, smiles and exits L.I.E.)
JACK (returning to table, take up torn up letters). This sort of thing is not to be settled by correspondence. (Tears up letters, gives fragments to CHARLEY, who puts them into paper basket.)
CHARLEY. No, and we shall have them all to ourselves.
JACK. Yes, and we couldn't have asked them if it hadn't been for your aunt. I'm beginning to love that dear old lady already. (Calling.) Brassett!
(Re-enter BRASsETT, L.I.E.)
BRASSETT. Yes, sir?
JACK. Lunch for five.
BRASSETT. For how many, sir?
JACK. For sive. (Going to him.)
BRASSETT. For five, sir? (Laughs quietly.)
(CHARLEY rises and goes over to them.)
JACK (to BRASsETT). What are you laughing at?
BRASSETT. Well, sir, I'm afraid our credit in the kitchen is somewhat exhausted. (Pronounced "hegs-austed" by taking a catch- breath in the middle.)
JACK (t0 BRASSETT). Oh, is it? (Turning to CHARLEY.) How are you off for "tick," Charley?
CHARLEY. Well, Jack, I'm afraid my guardian's rather--er--
JACK. Oh, is he? (Pause, then to BRASSETT.) Never mind, Brassett, get it outside--go to Bunter's.
BRASSETT (shaking head doubtfully). I'm afraid, sir, we owe Bunter's-
JACK. Oh, do we? (Turns to CHARLEY and sees his watch- chain.) Charley, you don't mind (takes watch and chain off CHARLEY) it'll be all right when my cheque comes? (Gives them to BRASsETT.) Here you are, Brassett, do the best you can with that.
BRASSETT (taking them and looking at watch critically). This is no good, sir. I couldn't get anything on this, sir. (Hands it back to JACK.) However, sir, I've no doubt it will be all right at Bunter's, if I say it's for me. (Goes behind table C.)
(CHARLEY goes to chair L. of writing-table and sits.)
JACK (laughing). Oh, all right, Brassett; lunch for five at one o'clock. (Goes down L.)
BRASSETT (looks at own gold watch). Rather short notice, sir (Takes books off table C and puts them on sideboard L.)
JACK. All right, long pay; go where you like, do what you like, only lunch for five at one. (Putting watch and chain in his own waistcoat pocket, crossing to CHARLEY.) That's all right, Charley, isn't it?
CHARLEY (to JACK). I say, Jack, (taking watch and chain) that's my watch!
JACK. I beg your pardon, old chap, my mistake.
BRASSETT (at sideboard). What wine, sir?
JACK. Champagne.
BRASSETT (sulkily). Very little left, sir. (Opens sideboard.)
JACK. Half a dozen bottles! (R. of C. table.)
BRASSETT (imperturbably). No; sir, I think not; (getting out four from sideboard cupboard) only four, sir. (Puts them on sideboard.)
CHARLEY. Oh, quite enough.
JACK (to BRASSETT, aggressively). Six, I'll swear.
BRASSETT. Pardon me, sir-only four of champagne (puts them on table C.) and I think (taking out bottle of opened claret) yes, one of claret. (Holding it up.)
JACK. Oh, hang that claret!
(BRASSETT puts it on sideboard.)
It's been open a month. All right. (Aside to CHARLEY). He's sneaked those other two bottles. He's a corker!
(BRASSETT comes down L.C.)
CHARLEY. My fellow's just the same.
(JACK gives ferocious glance at BRASSETT, who returns it imperturbably.)
JACK. They all are! (BRASSETT exits L.I.E.) Now, while you and your dear old aunt are looking at the chapel and the cloisters, Kitty and I can have our little talk.
CHARLEY. Yes, Jack, that's all very well, but what about Amy and me, and our little talk? She'll be in our way horribly.
JACK. I never thought of that.
CHARLEY. She's all very well as an excuse to get the girls to come here-but by herself she'll be an awful bore.
JACK. She'll be worse than that. She'll be a brute of a nuisance. (Sits on table C.)
CHARLEY. What shall we do?
JACK. Well, Napoleon went over the Alps on horseback, and I've been under them by train, so there must be a way out of this.
CHARLEY. But how? Couldn't we ask someone to meet her?
JACK. Yes. Someone we can depend upon. (Re-enter BRASSETT, L.I.E. Busies himself at. sideboard.)
CHARLEY. But whom?
JACK (sees BRASSETT; aside to CHARLEY). What about Brassett? He's a pompous sort of chap, and as artful as a corkscrew, can't we turn him into a Don, or something, for the day?
CHARLEY (dubiously). Yes, that's a good idea, Jack, but -
JACK (after another look at BRASSETT). No, won't do-we shall want him to wait at table.
CHARLEY. Oh, of course, so we shall.
JACK. There's Freddy Peel.
CHARLEY. Oh, he's such a cynical chap.
(BRASSETT exits through recess up L.)
JACK (sits again on table C.). Besides, he'd neglect your aunt.
CHARLEY. Yes, and want to make love to our girls.
JACK (suddenly). By George, I've got it I Babbs- Fanny Babbs! We'll ask him.
CHARLEY. Oh yes; why didn't we think of him before?
JACK. He's a jolly cheerful little chap. Will amuse your aunt like the deuce and keep her in a rattling good humour.
CHARLEY (comes to JACK). Splendid!
JACK. Brassett!
(BRASSETT re-enters, comes down L.C.)
BRASSETT. Yes, sir.
JACK. Go to Lord Fancourt Babberley's rooms, give him my compliments, and ask him to come here at once.
BRASSETT. Yes, sir. (Goes to door L.I.E.)
CHARLEY (crossing L. to BRASSETT). Say- it's very important.
BRASSETT (as he goes). Yes, sir. (Exits L.I.E.)
JACK (shouting after BRASsETT). And very immediate!
BRASSETT (speaks off). Yes, sir.
JACK (crossing to fireplace). And while Babbs is doing "gooseberry" with your aunt, we can have our chat with the girls.
CHARLEY (sits on table C.). By the by, Jack, talking of Babbs' cheerfulness, haven't you noticed something about him lately- ever since he was so ill and had to go off to the Mediterranean?
JACK. I've noticed he's been jolly hard up. (Sits in chair back of writing-table.)
CHARLEY. I fancy, from a few hints he's dropped to me, that he's a bit hard hit himself.
JACK. What, Babbs in love
CHARLEY. Yes; and if I'm not much mistaken, he's as softhearted over a girl as -
JACK. We are. All the better; he'll feel for us. He'll see the necessity then of keeping the old lady well out of the way.
CHARLEY. By George, Jack, you'll be Prime Minister one of these days.
(Re-enter BRASSETT, L.I.E.)
BRASSETT. His lordship's compliments, sir, and he says he can't come, he has a luncheon party, and could you lend him a few bottles of champagne?
JACK (rising). Lend him a few bottles of champagne! Well, of all the cheek!
CHARLEY (seated on C. table). Who's he got coming?
JACK (R.C., angrily). Oh, Freddy Peel, and a lot of idiots like himself, I expect, and they'll be howling comic songs all the afternoon.
CHARLEY. Yes, it'll sound awfully bad, won't it?
JACK. He mustn't! (Crossing L.C. to BRASSETT.) Here, Brassett, lay for six. (Comes to CHARLEY.)
BRASSETT. Yes, sir. (Gets to back of table C., moves books to piano at back.)
CHARLEY. What shall we do? (Going to JACK.)
JACK (at door L.I.E., taking CHARLEY with him). Come on, we'll go to him, we must make him come, he can't upset all our plans in this selfish way. (Puts CHARLEY across to L.I.E. To BRASSETT.) Put that champagne in ice, Brassett. And tidy up my room. Come on, Charley, come on!
(Exeunt CHARLEY, propelled by JACK, L.I.E.)
BRASSETT (annoyed). One o'clock! (Looks helplessly at watch.) Put room in order first-always the way I (Opens windows wider, picks up book from window seat.) Hurry, scurry, no time for anything. They come with a bang, they go with a bang, everything with a bang, except pay their bills with a bang. (At door L.U.E., looking at champagne ruefully.) Well, I did think that little perquisite was safe, 'pon my word I did I
(Exits L.U.E.)
LORD FANCOURT (calling off R.). Jack! I say, Jack old man.
(LORD FANCOURT BABBERLY: He is small, about five foot three to five foot six at most. Good-looking, humorous face, smartly dressed in light grey peppercorn suit with waistcoat and black elastic-sided boots. He only removes his coat when he gets into the "Aunt's" dress. The suit must be light to show up well against the black petticoat and its elastic braces. The essential thing to bear in mind when he is impersonating "The Aunt" is that LORD FANCOURT has "never acted in his life before" or worn woman's, clothes. He still walks, talks and moves like a man, and never attempts to "act the woman". No effeminate female impersonation business. He tries to lighten his voice when he is first introduced, and it cracks appallingly. After that he speaks naturally, but being careful not to use the deep tones of his voice except to JACK, CHARLEY and BRASSETT, who know who he really is, or again when he forgets he is supposed to be a woman. He just looks a nice old lady of the Victorian era.)
(LORD FANCOURT BABBERLEY appears at window up R.C., carrying large Gladstone bag.)
LORD FANCOURT (climbing in at window). Where the Dickens are you? (Looks hurriedly in bedroom L.U.E.) I wanted to borrow some fizz. (Goes to cabinet L.) I wonder where they keep it.
(Turns and sees champagne on C. table.) Hallo! By George-the very thing! (Puts bag on table and opens it. Starts wrapping up first bottle with antimacassar from chair R.C.) Serves him right, he shouldn't leave it about (puts first bottle in bag) in this ostentatious way (puts second bottle in bag, wrapping third bottle with another antimacassar or scarf from chair L.C.) when I'm so beastly hard up. (Puts third bottle in bag.) Won't they be jolly waxy? (Puts fourth bottle in bag and closing bag.) That's a bottle apiece (comes C. with bag) and they must make out with whisky and soda. (Going L.)
(Enter JACK and CHARLEY, L.I.E. They meet LORD FANCOURT at door and bring him back to C., CHARLEY L. of him, JACK R. of him.)
JACK. Hallo, Babbs. (Takes bag from LORD FANCOURT, puts it on table C.) We've just been over to your rooms to find you. We've been talking about you.
LORD FANCOURT (C). No, really? (To JACK.) I say, how do you think I'm looking?
JACK (R., cheerily). Splendid, old chap!
(CHARLEY L.)
LORD FANCOURT. Yes, I thought you'd be pleased with me. (Takes bag and bolts towards L.I.E.) Well, ta-ta!
(CHARLEY stops him at door L.I.E. They bring him back as before..JACK takes bag from LORD FANCOURT and puts it on table C.)
JACK. Don't go, Babbs; you wanted to see us, didn't you?
(All three down C. as before.)
LORD FANCOURT. Oh yes! I wanted to borrow some fizz, but -
JACK. Sorry I can't. I could have spared you a couple of bottles, but that fool Brassett-
LORD FANCOURT. I know. My fellow's just the same. There's no reasoning with them, is there? Well, ta-ta! (Makes a feint to bolt.)
(JACK and CHARLEY miss him and land on C. table over bag. LORD FANCOURT grins.)
JACK (comes down R., to LORD FANCOURT, C.). I looked you up last night, Babbs, but you were out.
(CHARLEY comes down L.)
LORD FANCOURT (C.). Yes. You know Freddy Peel, don't you? He's an awful idiot- hasn't a particle of brains, has he? But I'm all right! He gave a card party last night, and I won a hundred pounds from him. You should have seen his face! It makes me laugh now.
JACK. Why, Freddy Peel hasn't sixpence!
LORD FANCOURT. No, really?
CHARLEY. Did he pay you?
LOup FANCOURT. No, but he's going to--when his grandmother dies.
JACK. Why, the old lady's been dead years!
LORD FANCOURT. No, really? That's beastly! You know, I'm stumped, and he's had an awful lot out of me. But he's an awful idiot, hasn't a particle of brains, has he? But I'm all right! (Picks up bag.) Ta-ta; I'm off! (Attempts to bolt towards window.)
(JACK intercepts and brings him back to table as before. JACK puts bag on table.)
JACK (down R.). I say, Babbs, we want you to stay and lunch with us to-day.
LOup FANCOURT (C.). I say, you chaps, don't play the giddy goat! I've got to meet my tutor.
JACK (with mock concern). Babbs, you mustn't work like this. You're looking quite pulled down.
LORD FANCOURT (to JACK). Am I really? (Turns to CHARLEY.)
CHARLEY. I was only telling Jack so just now.
LORD FANCOURT. Do you think I shall die? (Turns to JACK.)
JACK. Not you! You don't want to worry over all this study. You'll be a great man, of one sort or the other, one of these days, without all that.
LORD FANCOURT. Well, that's what I think, you know. But I ought to do something. We've had a wonderful lot of Johnnies in our family--great Johnnies in the army and navy and things.
JACK. I'll bet they never killed themselves with study!
LORD FANCOURT. No, but I must do something.
JACK. Of course, Babbs, you must stay to lunch. Charley's aunt is going to pay him a visit.
LORD FANCOURT. No, really? What fun! I know Charley visits his "uncle" sometimes, when he's hard up, (pulling CHARLEY'S watch out by the chain) so it's only right his aunt should return the visit.
(All laugh, pushing LORD FANCOURT to and fro. CHARLEY regains his watch.)
JACK. Now that's just the sort of thing we want--a jolly smart chap like you, with a fund of humour and a lot of brilliant conversation. (Turns LORD FANCOURT round so that they face each other.)
CHARLEY. Yes, Babbs, that's it! (Hands on LORD FANCOURT'S shoulders and turns him round same as JACK has done, so that they face each other.)
JACK (pulls him back facing C.). To interest and amuse a charming lady.
LORD FANCOURT. Yes. Who is she?
JACK. Why, Charley's Aunt.
LORD FANCOURT. What's she like?
CHARLEY. Well, you see, Babbs, we don't quite know. I'm to see her to-day for the first time.
LORD FANCOURT. I say, Charley, she may turn out to be an awful old "croc." (NOTE: "Croc," short for "crocodile." This was a slang expression of 1892; the modern equivalent would be "frump.")
JACK. She's a widow, and a millionaire, that's enough, isn't it?
LORD FANCOURT. Rather! (To CHARLEY.) Put me down for a chance, Charley. I'll take a chance!
JACK. We didn't care to ask Freddy Peel, did we, Charley?
CHARLEY. No (Turning away L.)
JACK. NO.
LORD FANCOURT. No. He's an awful idiot! ... I say, what's her name?
CHARLEY (deliberately). Donna Lucia d'Alvadorez.
LOan FANCOURT. Oh, dem it, what a name! (Seizes bag again and bolts to door L.)
(JACK and CHARLEY bring him back, R.C., turn him round and run him up to table C. on which he falls face downwards, putting bag on. table. JACK brings him down C. again.)
JACK. Look here, Babbs, it's no use; you must stay to lunch. You'll find Charley's Aunt a charming old lady.
LORD FANCOURT. Charming old lady! I say, look here, haven't you got anything younger coming?
CHARLEY. Oh yes, two other ladies.
LORD FANCOURT. Nice? Young?
CHARLEY. Yes.
LORD FANCOURT. Ah! That's more in my line. How many did you say?
JACK. Two.
LORD FANCOURT. Oh, I see. One for each of you, and the old "croc" for me. No thanks, I'm off!
(LORD FANCOURT bolts up R. of table C. towards window with his bag and is brought back as before.)
JACK (coming down R. of him). Now listen, Babbs. This is an awfully serious affair.
LORD FANCOURT (C). I should think so, with an old "croc" like that!
CHARLEY (coming down L. of him). And we want your help as a friend.
JACK. Yes, Babbs, a friend we can trust, eh?
LORD FANCOURT. Rather!
JACK. We'll take you into our confidence. No humbug- straight as a die. We're in love.
LORD FANCOURT. What, Charley as well? You silly ass! (Pushes him away, sits on table C )
(CHARLEY goes down L.)
JACK. No fool of a flirtation business, but the real downright serious thing. (Sits on corner of writing-table.)
CHARLEY. And, Babbs, if you knew the girls as well as we do, you wouldn't wonder at it.
JACK. And they're coming here to lunch to-day.
LORD FANCOURT. I say, have you proposed? (From one to the other.)
JACK. No, that's just it.
LORD FANCOURT. Oh, I see. You want me to propose for you?
JACK. No! We'll do that for ourselves. That's why we've asked them to come.
CHARLEY. You know, Babbs, you don't understand our feelings a bit.
LORD FANCOURT. Oh, don't I, though. I say- (Rises, comes down C., beckons boys to him. All C.) Haven't you noticed how sad I've been lately?
CHARLEY. Yes.
JACK. What is it?
LORD FANCOURT. Well, I don't know, but I think- I'm in love too.
CHARLEY. What makes you think that?
LORD FANCOURT. I'm always wanting to be alone, and hear the birds sing.
(JACK and CHARLEY laugh.)
And I'm getting so fond of poetry. I can't sleep. I took to drink for a couple of days, but it made me ill for a week, so I left it off.
JACK. You've got all the symptoms. Sit down and tell us all about it.
(LORD FANCOURT goes to chair R. of table C. CHARLEY sits on table C. JACK sits at table R. LORD FANCOURT places his hat on CHARLEY'S foot. CHARLEY removes it.)
LORD FANCOURT. You remember when I was ploughed?
JACK. Beastly shame! -
LOtto FANCOURT. No, not last time- the term before. I was awfully ill, and took the yacht round to the Mediterranean, and at Monte Carlo I came across an English officer named Delahay- quite penniless and dying. You know, Jack, he tried to commit suicide.
JACK. Bad luck at the tables, eh?
LORD FANCOURT. Yes. He'd beggared himself and his only child, the sweetest little girl you ever saw, Jack. And to amuse him and keep his spirits up, I used to play cards with him.
CHARLEY. And what became of him?
LORD FANCOURT. He died, poor fellow!
JACK. And what became of her- the sweetest little girl you ever saw?
LORD FANCOURT. I lost sight of her. A lady travelling home that way- from South America, I believe- took charge of her and brought her to England. You know, Jack, I tried to tell her that
JACK. You loved her?
LORD FANCOURT. But she was in such grief that-
JACK. It all oozed out of your finger-tips and the points of your hair!
LORD FANCOURT. But after all, you know, I might have been rejected and I should have looked a silly ass.
JACK. At any rate, you can sympathise with us.
BRASSET (Knock offstage L.I.E. - Enter L.U.E.)
JACK. Hallo! Here's the messenger back. (JACK, LORD FANCOURT and CHARLEY all hurry across L. BRASSETT re-enters with note, hands it to JACK and goes up L.C. to sideboard, quietly arranges three tumblers, whisky decanter and jug of water on tray during next scene.)
JACK (Opens letter and reads.) They're coming!
(They are looking over each other's shoulders while JACK opens note. LORD FANCOURT takes note from JACK.)
LORD FANCOURT. By Jove!
(CHARLEY takes it from him. LORD FANCOURT is left staring at his thumb and two first fingers spread out.)
CHARLEY. So they are! (Goes R. and sits in writing-chair with his back to JACK and LORD FANCOURT, reading letter.)
JACK. You'll stop, Babbs?
LORD FANCOURT. Oh, I say- look here (Looks at clothes.)
JACK. No, you'll do as you are. We won't let you go now we've got you.
LORD FANCOURT. But look here, Jack, don't play the giddy goat; I've something else to do.
JACK. What is it?
LOan FANCOURT. It's something awfully important.
JACK. Well, what?
LOaD FANCOURT. I'm going to play in some amateur theatricals.
JACK. Rot! He'll be ploughed again--won't he, Charley?
LORD FANCOURT. But I've given my word.
JACK. What are you playing?
LORD FANCOURT. A lady- an old lady- and I've never acted in my life before-
JACK. Oh! That's his tutor, eh, Charley?
LORD FANCOURT. And I'm going to try on the things before those fellows come.
JACK. You can try them on here. Where are they?
LORD FANCOURT. In my rooms, in a box on the bed, but- (BRASSETT at sideboard.)
JACK (to BRASSETT). Fetch them, Brassett, quick! (BRASSETT exits L.I.E. CHARLEY goes up to window.)
LORD FANCOURT. No, I'll fetch them with my little bag. (Bolts L.I.E. with bag.)
(JACK intercepts him; they struggle for bag, JACK gets it and throws it casually down on table C. LOw) FANCOURT picks it up very concerned, takes a step or two down and shakes bag gently to hear if any bottles are broken, then runs hand underneath to see if any are. leaking--reassured, puts bag on chair L. of C. table. Neither JACK nor CHARLEY sees any of LORD FANCOURT's business with bag. JACK, during this, gets whisky, water and glasses on salver front sideboard, places them on C. table. CHARLEY coming down R. to C. table. JACK behind C. table. LORD FANCOURT L. of table. JACK pours out two whiskies, hands decanter to CHARLEY.)
CHARLEY (pouring out whisky for himself, leaving decanter on R. corner of table). Babbs, you don't sympathise with us a bit!
(JACK pours water into one whisky.)
LORD FANCOURT. Don't I, though? I only wish I could see my own little girl!
JACK (adding water to second whisky). Oh, she'll turn up one of these days. (Offers drink to LORD FANCOURT.) Have a drink?
(CHARLEY adds water to his own whisky.)
LORD FANCOURT. No, I've knocked it off.
JACK. Just a small one.
LORD FANCOURT. I'm teetotal.
JACK. Oh, very well. Here you are, Charley. (Offers glass to CHARLEY.)
LORD FANCOURT. All right, I'll have it. (Seizes glass.)
JACK. I tell you what we'll do. We'll drink her. health- wherever she is. Here's to the future Lady Fancourt Babberley. What did you say her name was?
LORD FANCOURT. Haven't the slightest idea!
(JACK and CHARLEY laugh.)
JACK. Go on with you! (Lifts his glass.) Miss Delahay.
(They drink. LORD FANCOURT places his glass on table. Re-enter BRASSETT with dress-box, L.I.E.- a large brown cardboard box with gilt edges, like an exaggerated chocolate box.)
BRASSETT. Your things, m'lord.
(CHARLEY goes down R., sits chair side of writing-table. JACK goes R.C. front of C. table.)
LORD FANCOURT (taking box from BRASSETT). Thank you, Brassett. You're an awfully good chap. (Crosses to JACK; aside.) I say, Jack, could you lend me half a crown? (Turns up-stage and puts box on window seat at back.)
(BRASSETT at sideboard.)
JACK (feels in pockets, then aside to �HARLEY). Charley! Have you half-a-crown?
CHARLEY (pulling out linings of trouser pockets). No, Jack, I haven't.
JACK (crossing L., aside to BRASSETT). Brassett! Give me half-a- crown, will you?
BRASSETT. Yes, sir. (Takes out handful of money gives half-a-crown.)
JACK (comes C.). Babbs! (LORD FANCOURT comes down R.C., Aside to LORD FANCOURT.) Here you are. (Gives half-crown and crosses to CHARLEY R.)
LORD FANCOURT. Thanks. (Crosses to BRASSETT, L.) Brassett, here you are.
(JACK and CHARLEY see half-crown given back to BRASSETT and laugh. CHARLEY collapsed in chair L. of writing-table. JACK ditto into chair R. of table C. LORD FANCOURT turns, puzzled, crosses to JACK. JACK whispers to him, points to BRASSETT, then twice to himself, then to LORD FANCOURT and then to BRASSETT again. LORD FANCOURT joins in laughter and goes up to window seat and picks up dress-box. BRASSETT, during this, removes bag from chair L. of table C. to chair at back, and exits L.U.E.)
JACK (to LORD FANCOURT, pointing to box). What have you got there?
LORD FANCOURT. Chocolates.
CHARLEY. Chocolates? (Still seated in chair.)
JACK. Let's have a look!
LORD FANCOURT. No, I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll try them on after lunch while you're all in the garden.
JACK. You can't do that; we shall want you with us. Try them on now, won't take long, will it?
LORD FANCOURT. Only a minute or two. (Lifts box on to his L. shoulder, crossing up-stage to L.) I've lost an awful lot of time over these theatricals. (At door.) But next term I mean to work.
(Exits L.U.E. JACK goes up to front of fireplace.)
KITTY (off). Oh yes, here it is, here's the name!
AMY (off). Oh, so it is! "Mr. Chesney." I wonder if they're in.
(off stage Knock.)
JACK (to CHARLEY at chair). Here they are, and your aunt's not come yet. (Rushes to mantelpiece to see the time, notices photographs, slants them face down, arranges tie, smoothes hair all in a hurry, returns below table C.)
CHARLEY (rises, getting behind JACK). Good gracious! What shall we do? (Also trying to see in mirror.)
(Re-enter BRASSETT, L.U.E., goes to door L.I.E.)
JACK. Oh, let them come in. We can explain. (Crossing L.C. below table C.) Show them in, Brassett.
(BRASSETT opens door, showing in KITTY and AMY, closes door and goes up back C., and then exits L.U.E.)
(Shaking hands with KITTY.) How do you do?
(Shaking hands with AMY.) So kind of you to come!
KITTY. Oh, we were very pleased to be able to come. (They both cross to table R. CHARLEY joins AMY L.) Weren't we, Amy?
AMY. Oh, yes. (To CHARLEY.) Mr. Wykeham, are we too early?
CHARLEY. Oh no, no!
(The shake hands and move up to C. table together. CHARLEY, in his nervousness, backs into the chair, then offers it to AMY; she sits chair
KITTY. Yes, Mr. Chesney, you didn't mention any time. (JACK gives chair, KITTY sits L. of writing-table.)
JACK. Oh, not at all, not at all! We're delighted! (Going to fireplace to look at clock. Aside.) She'll be here soon.
(Enter LORD FANCOURT L.U.E., in his shirt-sleeves- to C. upstage, sees girls and bolts back L.U.E. JACK and CHARLEY in terror the girls may see him. CHARLEY, from behind table, leans over table, hides the drink, etc., with his hat, on table C. BRASSETT takes tray from table C. and off through recess up L.C. leaving whisky decanter. CHARLEY leans forward talking to AMY and screening whisky with his hat, at the same time signalling with his hand behind his back, to JACK.)
KITTY (sitting). And this is where you think and study and do all your work and everything?
(JACK rapidly takes decanter from table C., hides it in fireplace and returns to chair behind writing-table.)
JACK. Oh yes, we do a lot of that sort of thing here. (Sits.)
KITTY. You've jolly quarters here.
(JACK and KITTY continue to talk aside.)
CHARLEY (to AMY). I'm so glad you were able to come here to-day. You're off to Scotland to-morrow, and we shall miss you so much.
AMY. Yes, Uncle always takes us to some dreadfully remote place at this time of the year, where we never see a soul, and it's so dreary.
CHARLEY. Why does he?
AMY. I don't know.
CHARLEY. It's a shame!
AMY. Why, are you sorry we're going?
CHARLEY. Sorry? Why, it's put me- and Jack- into a perfect fever; that's why we were so anxious to see you here to-day.
AMY. It's lucky uncle is away in town, or I don't think we could have come.
CHARLEY. Why?
AMY. I don't know, but he raises such odd objections, and then you know he's so peculiar about Kitty.
CHARLEY. Why?
AMY. She's an heiress; you know, and he's her guardian.
(They talk aside.)
JACK (ardently). Miss Verdun, have you forgotten that dance the other night? I never shall.
KITTY. NO.
JACK. No! Those stolen moments in the garden by ourselves were the very happiest of all my life, and out there in the moonlight- ah, moonlight is the true atmosphere for- for sentiment.
KITTY. I wonder how many people have said that?
JACK (let down a little). Kitty, I know when you like you can be an awful plague, but to-day you are quite cynical.
KITTY. I know I am; I'm thinking of that man.
JACK. Of what man?
KITTY. Of my guardian- Mr. Spettigue, who hurries us away from all our best friends directly we get to know anyone really well, for fear of-
JACK. For fear of what?
KITTY. (evasively). Oh, I don't know!
JACK. Why does he?
KITTY (looking up and smiling). Because he's a selfish, wicked old man...
JACK. Are you- really- so sorry to go away?
KITTY. No, I am angry. But don't speak about it any more, or, as Amy says, "I shall cry."
AMY (rising and speaking to CHARLEY as they come down L. a little). What a dear- sweet- old lady your aunt must be, Mr. Wykeham! I am longing to know her. Where is she?
CHARLEY (aside). Jack! (Rapidly. In agonized aside and beckoning JACK, who goes R.C. to him.) Where's my aunt?
(JACK whispers something in his ear and turns away.)
CHARLEY (Not catching it.) What?
(JACK shrugs shoulders hopelessly and returns to KITTY. KITTY and AMY see nothing of this last scene, which must be played rapidly.)
CHARLEY (to AMY, hesitatingly). Oh, why, she's hardly arrived yet.
AMY (surprised). No, oh! (Crosses to KITTY.) Kitty, Mr. Wykeham's aunt hasn't come yet.
KITTY (rising). Hasn't come? (Crossing to C.) Oh .(Turning to JACK.) Then we must- we'll- run and do some shopping- and come back. Shan't be long. Good-bye!
(KITTY crosses AMY to L.I.E. CHARLEY has worked round to door, which he opens. JACK follows.)
AMY (to JACK). Good-bye.
JACK. Good-bye.
KITTY (to CHARLEY at door). Good-bye.
AMY (to CHARLEY at door- rather sadly). Good-bye.
(Exit L.I.E., KITTY first, then AMY.)
CHARLEY (at door L.I.E.). Good-bye! (Unconsciously taking the same tone.)
(Slight pause. JACK and CHARLEY look at each other blankly, both sit on
JACK. See that? Off like a shot when they found your aunt wasn't here.
CHARLEY. Makes an awful difference, doesn't it?
JACK (hurrying CHARLEY off L.I.E.). Now look here, you cut off to the station and bundle the old girl here in a fly.
(CHARLEY picks up his hat from C. table.)
CHARLEY (turning at door L.I.E.). The old girl! What do you mean?
JACK. Well, your aunt- and I'll see after the lunch and keep an eye on Babbs.
CHARLEY (going). All right I (Returning.) I say, Jack, I feel happier since I've seen them, don't you?
JACK (impatiently). Yes. Be off I (Going towards writing- table.)
(Exit CHARLEY, L.I.E. Enter LORD FANCOURT in shirt-sleeves and- waistcoat, L.U.E., comes' down L. of JACK cautiously. JACK turns and sees LORD FANCOURT.)
LORD FANCOURT. I say, old chap, have you got any hairpins? (Enter BRASSETT, L.U.E., coming down L. to sideboard.)
JACK. Hairpins? Great Scot, no!
LORD FANCOURT. May I send your man for some?
JACK. Yes, certainly.
LORD FANCOURT (aside to JACK). I say, have you got sixpence?
JACK (feeling hurriedly and impatiently in pockets). No- afraid not.
LORD FANCOURT. Why, you haven't got anything! (Aside to BRASSETT.) I say, Brassett, I gave you half-a-crown just now; do you mind making it two shillings and getting me sixpennyworth of hairpins?
BRASSETT (with a look). Certainly, m'lord.
LORD FANCOURT. You can keep the change. (Exit BRASSETT, L.I.E.) I say, Jack, were those the girls? (Both C.)
JACK. Yes. But what the deuce made you jump out like that? They might have seen you!
LORD FANCOURT. I didn't know they were here.
JACK. (off stage Knock at outer door, L.I.E.) Look out! There's somebody else,
(LORD FANCOURT bolts and exits door L.U.E.)
JACK. By George! There was a lot of hope in what Kitty said, in another minute I'd have told her that I- (Going to table R., back turned to door L.I.E.) But never mind, everything's going on splendidly. (Knock repeated.) Come in!
(Enter SIR FRANCIS CHESNEY L.I.E. COLONEL SIR FRANCIS CHESNEY, BART., late Indian Service. Tall, good-looking, smart in appearance and manner, wears small military moustache, actually fifty-one, but looking nearer forty, very smart, cheery and young in manner. Wears brown lounge suit, bowler hat and carries gloves and Malacca walking-stick. He has just arrived from London)
SIR FRANCIS. Jack!
JACK (turning, surprised, and delighted). Dad! (Going C.)
SIR FRANCIS. My dear boy!
(They shake hands C.)
JACK. Dear old dad! What brings you here? Wherever have you come from?
SIR FRANCIS. From town, my lad. To have a chat with you and to bring you your cheque. (Puts hat, stick and gloves on sideboard.)
JACK. Thanks, dad; you're a brick!
SIR FRANCIS (smiling). A bit over-baked, my boy; after all my years in India. (Coming c. below table.)
JACK. A bit crisped, dad, but a humbug pictorially.
SIR FRANCIS. Am I? How do you make that out?
JACK. How old are you?
SIR FRANCIS. What do you say to fifty-
JACK. Fifty?
SIR FRANCIS. One
JACK. Who'd believe it?
SIR FRANCIS. And you, Jack, seem much older than I was at your age- I suppose it's the times- even the old College shows it; new ivy, new paint. (Looking towards window c. Below c. table.)
(Both c., backs to audience, looking at college through window.) JACK. Alma mater's an old beauty still, dad.
(They turn, facing audience again.)
SIR FRANCIS. I suppose she is, by aid of the gentle artifices of the toilet. (Cheerfully and unconcernedly.) Well, we all grow old. (Sits on
(SIR FRANCIS takes out pocket-book containing cheque already made out to JACK, and _bundle of bills pinned together, with one very long one among them.)
JACK. And as presentably as possible. Why, dear old dad, even you at fifty
SIR FRANCIS. One!
JACK. Fifty years ago would have been a stout, white-haired- or bald- top-booted, domineering old boy! And instead, here you are, a smart, bang up-to-date sort of chap one can talk to like a chum! Now how have you done it?
SIR FRANCIS. Don't know.
JACK. Do you drink?
SIR FRANCIS. All I want.
JACK. Eat well?
SIR FRANCIS. Never noticed.
JACK. There you are! Consequently health good, temper perfect-we're going to be great pals, dad.
SIR FRANCIS (handing cheque). Here you are, my boy. There's your cheque to go on with. (Gives cheque. Looking at bills.)
JACK. Thanks, dad! (Sees amount of cheque- smiles to SIR. FRANCIS.) I haven't seen half enough of you.
SIR FRANCIS (holding up bills). I see your hospitality
JACK. I hope, dad-
SIR FRANCIS. Never mind; same when I was a lad.
JACK (looking at long bill). I've been done over that wine monstrously.
SIR FRANCIS. Were you? Never mind, so was I.
(They laugh. SIR FRANCIS rises; they both move towards table R.) Done over everything monstrously at college, but settle up, settle up-
(JACK back of table. SIR FRANCIS L. of it.)
I'm very satisfied with you. It's something to go down from college with a record like yours. (Picks up cigar box and opens it.) I say, my boy, where the deuce did you get these cigars?
JACK (casually). Those, dad?
SIR FRANCIS (putting box down, sits L. by writing-table). Ah! That accounts for the bills. And now, my lad, we must begin to think.
JACK (sits at writing-table). Think?
SIR FRANCIS. Now that I have come into the family title, as you know, I have also- which you don't know- come into the family debts and difficulties.
JACK. Debts!
SIR FRANCIS. Which are far more than I expected, with the result that all the money I've been saving for you in India goes to pay them. And in short, Jack, you and I, for the next few years- will be, comparatively speaking, poor men.
JACK (rises and crosses behind desk to c.). Poor men! (Aside.) This settles me with old Spettigue!
SIR FRANCIS (rising). However, I'm in hopes of a small appointment for you- (JACK turns hopefully.)- in Bengal. (Goes to fireplace.)
(Re-enter BRASSETT, L.I.E.)
JACK. Bengal What a horrible place! (Turns, sees BRASSETT as he passes upstage L., to him, irritably.) What is it, Brassett?
BRASSETT (holding up, by a fine string loop, a tiny brown paper packet; aside to JACK). His lordship's hairpins, sir.
JACK. Confound his hairpins!
(BRASSETT exits L.U.E.)
(Aside, recollecting.) By George! The dad'll be an odd one. I must get rid of Babbs somehow if the dad stays. (Suddenly.) Stays! Why not? (Aloud.) Dad, I've an idea.
(SIR FRANCIS turns and comes C. to JACK.)
Couldn't this matter be settled by a wealthy marriage?
SIR FRANCIS. No; that's the sort of thing I rather deprecate. I don't think, Jack, I'd-
JACK. Listen. My chum- that is Charley Wykeham's aunt, Donna Lucia d'Alvadorez, is coming here to lunch to-day. She's a widow
SIR FRANCIS (dubiously). A widow?
JACK. And a millionaire.
SIR FRANCIS (more hopefully). And a millionaire?
JACK. And a charming woman.
SIR FRANCIS. No, Jack, I don't think I'd advise you to do. a thing of this kind merely for the sake of money.
JACK. No, not me, dad you.
SIR FRANCIS. Me! You young rascal. (Attempts to punch JACK.)
(JACK dodges under his upraised arm to fireplace R.)
SIR FRANCIS. No, no! I shall never marry again. (Goes towards sideboard.)
JACK (bringing him back again C. by the arm). dad. Think it over. Where are your things?
SIR FRANCIS. At the hotel. Don't be rash
JACK. Go and change. Make yourself look as nice as possible- come back to lunch at one o'clock; and, dad, put a flower in your buttonhole
CHARLEY (shouting off, excitedly). I say, Jack I
(Enter CHARLEY, L.I.E., hurriedly, with telegram. Almost runs into SIR FRANCIS.)
JACK (introducing). Oh, dad, Charley Wykeham. Charley, my father.
SIR FRANCIS (shakes hands with CHARLEY). Glad to know you, my boy, glad to know you.
JACK (to SIR FRANCIS, aside). Her nephew- nice boy, you'll like him.
SIR FRANCIS (laughing to CHARLEY). I thought it was the fire brigade.
(CHARLEY laughs, goes up L. behind table C., to fireplace.)
JACK. Now, don't forget. Put a flower in your buttonhole, takes years off a man, a flower in his buttonhole.
SIR FRANCIS (turning and taking hat, stick and gloves from sideboard). No, Jack, you come and lunch with me at the Mitre. (At door L.I.E.)
JACK (c.). Now, don't be rash, dad! See her first, see her first!
SIR FRANCIS (putting his hat on jauntily). All right, Jack. I'll have a look at her. (Smiling.) I'll have a look at her. (Exit, L.I.E.)
JACK (C., to CHARLEY). Well, what is it?
CHARLEY (comes down R. of JACK, C.; excited and anxious; gives telegram). Read that.
JACK (reads). "Important business, don't expect me for a few days. Lucia d'Alvadorez." (Excitedly.) No!!!
CHARLEY (nervously). She's not coming!
JACK. But she must! Go- wire- telegraph
CHARLEY. No use. There's no time. (Goes up to window R.)
JACK (in front of C. table). But hang it! The girls won't remain without a chaperone. What are we to do?
CHARLEY. Couldn't we ask the Proctor's wife, old Mrs.-? (Looks out of window.)
JACK (gloomily). Who'd sit and stare like an owl.
CHARLEY (turning- to JACK). Here they are! They're coming! (Again looking out of window.)
JACK (sitting on table C.). What on earth are we to do?
LORD FANCOURT (off, L.U.E.). I say, Jack, come and look at me!
JACK (irritably, turning upstage and going L.U.E.). What the deuce is it? (Opens door, looks off, starts back a step in amazement). By George! Splendid! (To CHARLEY.) Charley, come here quickly! Do you know what a pious fraud is?
(CHARLEY crosses to JACK up C.)
CHARLEY (surprised and puzzled). Pious fraud?
JACK. First cousin to a miracle! (Pushes CHARLEY across him.) Look!
CHARLEY (looks off L.U.E.). What is it.?
JACK. Babbs- your aunt!
CHARLEY. Babbs! (Turning upon JACK.) My aunt!
JACK. It's the only one you've got, so you'll have to make the best of her. (Pushes CHARLEY down to R. Drops down L.)
LORD FANCOURT (off). I say- look here
(Enter LORD FANCOURT, dressed as an old lady, L.U.E., in black satin, fichu, wig, cap, etc. Stands up L.C., smiling.) How's this? (Then walks down L., smiling benignly.)
(CHARLEY looks on in amazement. JACK with determined satisfaction. As laughter subsides, JACK speaks.)
JACK. Splendid!
(Loud knock, outer door, L.I.E.)
LORD FANCOURT (looking at door in affright). Who's that? (Offers to bolt.)
JACK (seizing him by shoulders. L.). The girls
(CHARLEY, R. of LORD FANCOURT.)
LORD FANCOURT (looking at JACK). The girls?
JACK. Charley's aunt can't come.
LORD FANCOURT. Can't she.? I'll go and take these things off. (Turns to bolt up L.U.E:)
(JACK grabs him, assisted by CHARLEY.)
JACK. NO, They won't stop if you do.
LORD FANCOURT. Won't stop! What do you mean?
JACK. You must be Charley's aunt!
LORD FANCOURT (in dismay). Me? No!!!!
(CHARLEY seizes LORD FANCOURT by R. arm, JACK holding his L. arm. LORD FANCOURT backs a little and sinks down. They then slide him across to chair L. of writing-table. LORD FANCOURT. rises twice and each time is pushed down again by CHARLEY, who then gives chair a kick backwards with the heel of his R. foot, careful to kick chair while it appears to audience as if he had kicked LORD FANCOURT, who writhes. JACK leaves him and gets C. to meet girls. CHARLEY stands L. of the chair so as to hide LORD FANCO from door L.I.E. BRASSETT enters, L.U.E.)
JACK. Show them in, Brassett.
(BRASSETT opens door, L.I.E. Enter KITTY and AMY, L.I.E. carrying bunch of flowers in tissue paper. JACK joins them. L FANCOURT makes an arch of CHARLEY'S right arm, and looks through it to see what girls are like, much to CHARLEY'S annoyance CHARLEY, furious, smacks LORD FANCOURT'S face (he actually his own arm). LORD FANCOURT draws back as though his face been hit, clamping his hand over his nose and mouth.)
Ah! You've got back So glad!
(BRASSETT exits, L.U.E.)
KITTY. Yes; we've been longer than we intended, but I wanted to get some flowers for Charley's aunt. Has she come?
AMY. Yes. Has she? I hope she's come?
JACK. Oh yes, she's come.
(JACK crosses R.C. KITTY and AMY follow- CHARLEY moves ups to clear LORD FANCOURT.)
JACK (Introducing.) Donna Lucia, Miss Spettigue, Miss Verdun. girls.) Donna Lucia d'Alvadorez, Charley's aunt.
(CHARLEY moves up R. a little. JACK crosses rapidly behind LORD FANCOURT, stands R. of him. Slight pause.)
JACK (aside to LORD FANCOURT). Go on, say something!
LORD FANCOURT (stares at them blankly, and, after a pat) How do you do, my dears?
KITTY. We called upon you before, Donna Lucia, but hadn't arrived.
AMY (crossing KITTY, goes to LORD FANCOURT, and giving flowers) And we've brought you these.
LORD FANCOURT (taking flowers). Oh, thank you!
(AMY joins CHARLEY. They move up R.C.)
KITTY. I hope your journey from town hasn't tired you.
LORD FANCOURT. Oh no! It was very jolly. (JACK prods him.) Pleasant, I mean.
(KITTY goes up R.C. to AMY and CHARLEY.)
LORD FANCOURT (Aside to JACK, holding up flowers.) What the deuce am I to do these things?
JACK (aside to LORD FANCOURT.) Stick 'em in your dress.
(Bus: LOw) FANCOURT puts flowers in dress, tries to see over them, can't, so parts them and peers between. BRASSETT enters, comes down C. to speak to LOaD FANCOURT, sees flowers, can't speak. LORD FANCOURT winks at him. BRASSETT nearly explodes and turns to sideboard hurriedly.)
AMY (at back of table C. To CHARLEY). You look worried, Mr. Wykeham. Are you ill?
CHARLEY. No; I'm anxious, I'm-
JACK (coming to the rescue). He's a little affected at meeting his aunt to-day for the first time. (Aside to LORD FANCOURT, prodding him.) Why the dickens don't you say something?
LOaD FANCOURT. What the dickens am I to say?
JACK. Talk about the weather.
LORD FANCOURT (aloud to girls). Charming weather.
KITTY Oh, yes, delightful!
AMY & KITTY (together). Oh, yes, it is charming!
BRASSETT (at door, L.I.E.). Well, College gents'll do anything! (BRASSETT exits, L.I.E.)
LORD FANCOURT (aside to JACK). You know, you're placing me in a terribly false position.
AMY (coming down R. to LOw) FANCOURT). May I arrange these for you, Donna Lucia?
(LORD FANCOURT takes flowers out of dress and hands her them.)
After all, you know, we have some nice weather sometimes in poor old England.
(Turns to CHARLEY, then joins KITTY at C. table. CHARLEY then goes L. of LORD FANCOURT.)
LORD FANCOURT (aside to JACK). What on earth does she mean by that?
JACK. Why, you're a foreigner.
LOan FANCOURT. A foreigner! What did you say my name was?
JACK. Donna Lucia d'Alvadorez.
LORD FANCOURT. What am I? Irish?
CHARLEY (L. side of him). No, English. Married a Portuguese abroad.
JACK. A widow.
CHARLEY. From Brazil.
JACK. And a millionaire.
LORD FANCOURT (to CHARLEY). I say, Charley, have I any children?
CHARLEY. No, you fool!
(CHARLEY. kicks chair as before. LORD FANCOURT hurriedly rubs leg as though hurt. BRASSETT enters with tray, places it on C. table arranges the luncheon things, standing C. below table, back to audience. KITTY and AMY help during following scene. BRASSETT also arranges three single chairs, two behind one end of table L.)
LORD FANCOURT. Well, one ought to know. That's all right. Now I can go ahead. Yes, it is wonderful weather, for England.
KITTY Yes it is.
KITTY and AMY (together, a little puzzled). Yes.
LORD FANCOURT (aside to JACK, rising). Shall I take them to see the chapel and the cloisters?
(JACK and CHARLEY pull him back violently in the chair.)
JACK. No; you leave that to me and Charley; we'll attend to them.
KITTY (coming down L. of table C. to LORD FANCOURT). Of course, Oxford is all very new to you, Donna Lucia, but it's a dear old place in any weather. Amy and I will show you all about.
LORD FANCOURT. I shall be delighted. (Rises.)
(They push him back as before.)
KITTY (to LORD FANCOURT again). You're staying till to-morrow, are you not?
LORD FANCOURT (aside to JACK). Am I staying until to-morrow?
JACK (quickly and rather loudly). No.
LORD FANCOURT (quickly and very loudly). No.
(The girls turn round in surprise.)
KITTY. Oh. (Returns to L. of table C., helps to lay lunch.)
AMY. Oh, but you will, you must! (To KITTY.) Mustn't she, Kitty?
CHARLEY (anxiously). I'm afraid auntie can't stay after to-day.
(KITTY joins AMY up C.)
LORD FANCOURT. No; you see, it's my washing day. (Crosses legs.)
(CHARLEY, who is standing L. of him, pushes LORD FANCOURT'S knee down again.)
CHARLEY (to girls, explaining). She has so much business ta attend to--in town. (Joins girls up R.C.)
JACK. Yes, lawyers, stocks--
LORD FANCOURT. Yes, stocks and socks (JACK punches him.) --all very important, you know.
(AMY comes down L. of LORD FANCOURT.)
AMY. Oh, I'm so sorry, we have so longed to know you.
LORD FANCOURT. Have you, my dear? (Takes AMY'S hand.)
AMY (standing by LORD FANCOURT). Mr. Wykeham has told us so much about you, that he has made us quite love you.
(KITTY sits R. corner of window seat. CHARLEY comes down behind AMY.)
LORD FANCOURT (slipping his L. arm round AMY'S waist). Has he, my dear?
(CHARLEY takes LORD FANCOURT'S arm away angrily. LORD FANCOURT replaces it, CHARLEY pulls it away again. AMY kneels. LORD FANCOURT slips his arm round her shoulders and gives her a quick little hng, and both the boys a look of triumph. CHARLEY furious, crosses to L.; goes up, knocks off cap from fignre [?] up L., returns down L. and sulks.)
AMY (kneeling by LORD FANCOURT). And he's so grateful; he says he owes everything to you and never could repay you, and oh, he is such a good, frank, upright man--it was noble of you!
LORD FANCOURT. Of course, my dear (taking his arm from round her,`quietly) it was only my duty to see after the welfare of my poor brother's...
JACk (aside to LORD FANCOURT, quickly). Sister's, you fool I...
LORD FANCOURT (to AMY, repeating). Sister's, you fool--(correcting himself) sister's (with aggressive look at JACK) and (to AMY) brother-in-law's orphan girl.
JACK (aside as before). Boy! Boy!
LORD FANCOURT (to AMY). Boy--boy! (Aside to JACK.) I'll say twins in a minute.
(BRASSETT, below table, back to audience, has during this scene been laying luncheon, now exits L.I.E.)
AMY. Yes, but it was so good of you to find out; you were so far away in a foreign land, and he might have been left to starve, or to fall into cruel hands. But you have a good, kind, affectionate nature
LORD FANCOURT. Have I, my dear?
AMY. Anyone can see it in your face.
LORD FANCOURT. No!
AMY. I feel I could tell my whole heart to you! (Looks away to CHARLEY, L.)
JACK (to LORD FANCOURT, aside). Don't let her.
LORD FANCOURT (aside to JACK). I'm not going to. The dear little thing!
AMY (to LORD FANCOURT). You don't mind my talking to you like this, do you?
LORD FANCOURT. My dear, you are a very charming little girl, of whom I am sure I could soon grow very fond (Looks over AMY'S head at CHARLEY and waves, CHARLEY shakes fist at him.) And you must tell me all you like, some day, when you know me better.
(AMY again looks away to CHARLEY L.)
LORD FANCOURT.(Aside to JACK.) How the devil is that?
AMY. Oh, (rises) I feel I've known you years and years already.
(Kisses LORD FANCOURT and joins KITTY in window, sits L. corner. CHARLEY flies at LORD FANCOURT, pinching him viciously. JACK same. Business on other side, then both join girls at window.).
LORD FANCOURT (aside). They're jealous! I'm very sorry, but it was very nice.
(Enter BRASSETT L.I.E., hurriedly to L.C.)
BRASSETT (To JACK, in an anxious manner, and half aside). Mr. Chesney! Mr. Chesney!
(JACK comes down to BRASSETT.)
I beg pardon, sir, but I heard Mr. Spettigue enquiring at the gate for your rooms, Sir.
AMY AND KITTY (together). Oh dear, my uncle back!
CHARLEY Mr. Spettigue! (All rise, general consternation. All remain above C. table.)
JACK (aghast). Mr. Spettigue back! I thought he was in London. (Returning to others above table.)
(BRASSETT goes up L., draws curtains of recess.)
KITTY. Mr. Chesney, I beg of you to send him away.
(Knock L.I.E. on outer door. KITTY, AMY and JACK exit into recess L.C. BRASSETT exits L.U.E. LORD FANCOURT looks scared at knock, and bolts to window R.C., leaps on to window-seat about to get out. CHARLEY turns bolts after him, seizes him round waist as he is getting through window, carries him downstage, LORD FANCOURT'S feet, with soles showing to audience spread out, CHARLEY plumps him down R.C. front.)
LORD FANCOURT (in terror, grabbing CHARLEY). What am I to say? What am I to do?
CHARLEY. Stay where you are, Babbs. Tell him what you like, only get rid of him. (CHARLEY exits quickly through curtains into recess. L.U.) FANCOURT stands R.C. Knock again, louder.)
SPETTIGUE (off; in a loud and angry voice). Why doesn't somebody answer this door?
(STEPHEN SPETTIGUE is a well-to-do solicitor of about fifty-six to sixty. Rather stout and when not in a temper has a charming smile, so that in spite of everything, you can't help liking him. He has real charm of manner when he likes to use it. At other times, he is pompous, self-opinionated, assertive, and not open to argument. He is grey-haired, and can be rather bald -wears small short side whiskers a la Sir Edward Clarke. Dressed in a frock-coat, grey cloth waistcoat, wearing top-hat, and carrying furled umbrella, and gloves. This character should not be burlesqued; he is genuinely furious, but when he is charming, he knows how to make that too seem genuine. Enter SPETTIGUE, angrily, with hat on, L.I.E., crossing to LORD FANCOURT.)
SPETTIGUE. Why doesn't somebody answer this door?
LORD FANCOURT (fixing him aggressively and backing him across stage to L.C., then suddenly to him, loudly). What do you want?
SPETTIGUE. I wish to see Mr. Chesney.
LORD FANCOURT (pointing with closed fan). Where did you get that hat? (Aggressively.) Take if off, sir! (Moving away a little to C.)
(SPETTIGUE removes hat, goes to table and is about to sit chair L. of table C.)
LORD FANCOURT Don't sit down, sir!
(SPETTIGUE straightens hurriedly.)
LORD FANCOURT I'm not sitting down. I didn't ask you to sit down.
SPETTIGUE (coming down a little). We'll waive that for the present, madam. I wish to see Mr. Chesney at once.
LORD FANCOURT. Well, you can't see him; he's not present. I am the only person present.
SPETTIGUE. But the porter told me that two young ladies--my niece and my ward--were here.
LORD FANCOURT. I tell you I am the only young lady present.
SPETTIGUE (C.). But he told me he saw them come in. (Taps top of hat.)
LORD FANCOURT. And didn't he tell you he saw them go out? (Taps hat twice with last two words, with fan.)
SPETTIGUE (loudly). No!
LORD FANCOURT (just as loudly). Very well then, what more do you want?
SPETTIGUE. They've gone into the garden. (Turning upstage, towards recess.)
LORD FANCOURT (turning with him up R.C.). They've done nothing of the kind.
SPETTIGUE (coming down L.C. again). Then they've gone into the town. (Going towards door. L.I.E.)
LORD FANCOURT (coming down R.C.). Well, why couldn't you think of that before? (Crossing to SPETTIGUE.) And now, sir, having got all the information you are likely to get, in your present condition (eyeing him all over).
SPETTIGUE. Madam!
LORD FANCOURT. Disgraceful! Where have you been? (Moving way a little to C.)
SPETTIGUE (following). What do you mean, madam? I am annoyed, but perfectly sober.
LORD FANCOURT. Well, You don't look it. (Moving to side of writing table R.C.) Other people can be annoyed as well as yourself. (Sits chair L. of it and picks up time-table or other light book.)
SPETTIGUE. Madam, I apologise. Good morning. (Puts his hat on, turns and goes towards L.I.E.)
(As he turns to go, LORD FANCOURT half rises, throws book; knocks SPETTIGUE'S hat off, then sits again chair L. of table R., assuming an unconscious air.
This business is done by SPETTIGUE putting his hat on lightly and slightly on one side. LORD FANCOURT holds A.B.C. in flat of right hand, and half propels it out of his hand with an upward movement, catching the right side of hat, and so sending the hat upstage. Done otherwise at any other angle, there is a danger of the brim of the hat hitting SPETTIGUE'S nose.)
(Retrieves hat, pointing to it.) Did you see anything strike that hat?
LORD FANCOURT. I beg your pardon?
SPETTIGUE. Did you see anything strike that hat? (Putting hat closer to him.)
LORD FANCOURT (aside). He wants me to do it again. (Strikes hat with fan.)
(SPETTIGUE puts on hat and exits L.I.E., angrily.) (Going up R. towards recess, calling to girls.) Oh, my dears! (Re-enter KITTY and AMY, followed by JACK and CHARLEY.)
KITTY (to LORD FANCOURT, up R.C.). It was sweet of you!
AMY. You darling!
(One on each side of LORD FANCOURT, they kiss him.)
CHARLEY (up L.). Look at him, Jack!
JACK (up L.C.). I'll punch his head if he does it again!
(Knock. BRASSETT enters, L.U.E.)
(To CHARLEY.) Here's my father! (Going down C. To LORD FANCOURT.) Donna Lucia!
(LORD FANCOURT comes down C. to JACK. CHARLEY joins girls up R.C.)
(Aside to LORD FANCOURT.) Take care, here's my father.
LORD FANCOURT. Look here, am I any relation to him?
JACK. No; you're Charley's Aunt, from Brazil.
LORD FANCOURT. Brazil! Where's that?
JACK. You know--er--where the nuts come from.
(LORD FANCOURT is hurried on to chair L. of writing table. CHARLEY goes down L. of LORD FANCOURT, screening him from door as before. JACK C. BRASSETT opens door L.I.E. for SIR FRANCIS CHESNEY and waits to take his hat and stick. Enter SIR FRANCIS CHESNEY. He has changed into frock coat, silk hat, stick and carries gloves, and wears a deep cerise-red carnation. KITTY and AMY up R.C.)
JACK (introducing--to KITTY). Miss Verdun, my father.
SIR FRANCIs. Delighted.
JACK (to AMY). Miss Spettigue, my father.
(KITTY and AMY bow.)
Sir FRANCIS. Charmed. (Turns, sees BRASSETT.)
(BRASSETT takes his hat and stick and places them on hat-rack in recess. Exits.)
(To BRASSETT.) Thank you. (Aside, to JACK.) Now, Jack, has she come?
JACK. Oh yes, she's come. (Crossing to CHARLEY--aside.) Go on, Charley, introduce your aunt.
CHARLEY (to LORD FANCOURT). Donna Lucia d'Alvadorez, Sir Francis Chesney, Jack's father.
(Sir FRANCIS stares at LORD FANCOURT.)
LORD FANCOURT. How do you do, Sir Francis?
SIR FRANCIS. How do you do? (Blankly.)
LORD FANCOURT. I'm Charley's aunt from Brazil--where the nuts come from.
(CHARLEY gets before chair and kicks as before, goes upstage and joins ladies in window. LORD FANCOURT holds his leg in pain.)
Sir FRANCIS (aside to JACK). I say, Jack!
JACK (goes quickly to him). Yes?
SIR FRANCIS. Is that the lady?
JACK. Eh? Yes.
(SIR FRANCIS points to flower in his buttonhole.)
SIR FRANCIS (blankly). Oh, by George! (Turns towards door, L.I.E.)
JACK (catching his arm to stop him). Oh, don't go, dad! (Then crosses rapidly to LORD FANCOURT. Aside, hurriedly.) Go on, Charley's told you all about him. (Goes R. of LORD FANCOURT.)
LORD FANCOURT (repeating like a parrot; to SIR FRANCIS). Charley's told you all about him.
JACK (whispering.) No, no!
LORD FANCOURT (to SIR FRANCIS). No, no!
JACK (whispering and prompting him). My nephew Charles.
LORD FANCOURT (to SIR FRANCIS). My nephew Charles has told me so much about you--
JACK (with a prod--aside).--in his letters
LOaD FANCOURT. In his letters--in his letters--(Aside to JACK.) That's all right, isn't it?
JACK (viciously). No, it isn't.
LORD FANCOURT. Do it yourself! (Looks sulky.)
(JACK moves L. of LORD FANCOURT.)
SIR FRANCIS. I'm much obliged to Mr. Wykeham, but I only met him to-day for the first time.
JACK (aside. to LORD FANCOURT). See! (Aloud to SIR FRANCIS.) Yes, but, dad, I've been simply photographing you to Charley for years.
LORD FANCOURT (to SIR FRANCIS, brightening). Oh yes, he's a splendid photographer!
JACK (aside to LORD FANCOURT). Remember you've only just come to England, and you've never seen Charley till to-day.
LORD FANCOURT. Why the deuce didn't you say so before?
(Re-enter BRASSETT from recess L.C.)
SIR FRANCIS. Jack!
(JACK comes quickly to SIR FRANCIS, C.)
(Aside to JACK.) My dear boy, it's impossible!
JACK. What, dad?
SIR FRANCIS (with a look towards LORD FANCOURT). Well--look at her!
JACK. Eh? (Suddenly remembering his suggestion of marriage.) Oh, good gracious!
BRASSETT. Luncheon is ready, sir. (Takes dish cover to sideboard.)
(CHARLEY brings AMY and KITTY to luncheon table C., AMY L. CHARLEY stands L., upper corner of C. table. KITTY top L.)
JACK (crossing to LORD FANCOURT--aside). Take my father, and be careful how you talk to him. (To SIR FRANCIS.) Dad, will you take Donna Lucia? (Goes top R. corner of table C., taking chair from R. end.)
SIR FRANCIS (offering arm to LORD FANCOURT). Allow me, Donna Lucia.
(LORD FANCOURT rises, takes SIR FRANCIS'S arm and they move up to table.)
LORD FANCOURT. You'll sit beside me, won't you, Sir Francis?
(SIR FRANCIS takes chair from L. end of writing-table, places it at R. end of C. table for LORD FANCOURT, who sits. BRASSETT gets chair from below door L.I.E., places it below C. table for SIR FRANCIS. They all sit.)
Sir FRANCIS. I shall be delighted. (Sits C., back to audience.) You've travelled a great deal, I suppose?
LORD FANCOURT. Oh yes, I've been a great traveller, Sir Francis. I came all the way from London only this morning.
(BRASSETT looking about for champagne through this scene.)
CHARLEY (serving mayonnaise). Donna Lucia--Aunt--(louder) Aunt! (JACK prods him.) --mayonnaise?
LORD FANCOURT (sweetly). Thank you.
CHARLEY. Miss Spettigue-
AMY. Yes, please.
CHARLEY. Miss Verdun?
KITTY. Please.
LORD FANCOURT (to SIR FRANCIS). What a pretty flower!
SIR FRANCIS. Do you like it? (Offers it.) Will you accept it?
LORD FANCOURT. Oh, thank you (takes, flower, holding it out). I'll have it stuffed. (Puts it in dress.)
CHARLEY. Jack, mayonnaise? (To BRASSETT.) Open the wine, Brassett.
KITTY (to JACK). You have very pleasant rooms here, Mr. Chesney.
(BRASSETT pours claret into SIR FRANCIS'S glass and returns to sideboard to watch result.)
JACK. Oh yes.
AMY. Oh yes, they're awfully nice rooms, Mr. Chesney, I'm sure. Don't you think so, Sir Francis?
SIR FRANCIS. Pleasanter to-day (with a look from LORD FANCOURT to AMY) than usual, I fancy. Donna Lucia, may I have the pleasure? (Sip wine, puts glass down in disgust.) Jack, my boy, where did you get this stuff?
AMY. May I have a little water, please?
JACK (to BRASSETT). Open the champagne, Brassett.
BRASSETT. I--I can't find it, sir.
(LORD FANCOURT laughing to himself)
JACK (rising). Can't find it? Do you know where it is, Charley)
(Looking about room, under table, etc., R.)
CHARLEY. No. (Looking in recess up L.)
JACK (sternly to BRASSETT). What's become of it? I thought it was in ice.
LORD FANCOURT (who has been laughing to himself; taps table with spoon, they all look at him). What is it? What is it you want?
JACK. The champagne, Donna Lucia. (Going up to LOaD FANCOURT.)
LORD FANCOURT. What, haven't you got any? Well, I thought you'd forget something, so I brought some with me in my bag - In my bag, Brassett.
(JACK punches LORD FANCOURT. BRASSETT takes bag off chair up L. and goes to sideboard and takes out champagne. Enter SPETTIGUE, L.I.E., in a rage, with hat on.)
SPETTIGUE. Ah!
AMY, KITTY, JACK and CHARLEY (together - All rise except SIR FRANCIS.).
SPETTIGUE (just inside door L.I.E.; sees girls). So, I waS right after all, and that old fool of a woman told me they were not here:
(LORD FANCOURT and girls come down R.C. SIR FRANCIS rises, puts chair under table. JACK, taking the bull by the horns, coming forward.)
JACK (offering his hand, gaily). Oh, Mr. Spettigue
SPETTIGUE (L.). Don't address me, Sir! (JACK falls back a little.) (To girls.) And this is the way you take advantage of my absence!
(CHARLEY up L. JACK R.C.)
JACK. Mr. Spettigue
SPETTIGUE. Don't address me, sir! I have no wish to hold any converse with you.
CHARLEY (coming down a little L. of table C. between JACK and SPETTIGUE). But won't you allow us to explain?
SPETTIGUE (pointing to JACK). My business is with this young man, sir, and not with you.
LORD FANCOURT (R., coming forward a little). But you won't listen to either of them!
SPETTIGUE (insolently). Go away, madam, and don't interfere.
LORD FANCOURT. Where did you get that hat? Take it off, sir!
(SPETTIGUE takes off hat, turning.)
JACK (coming forward again--to SPETTIGUE). You forget yourself, sir.
SIR FRANCIs (C., with quiet tone of authority). Perhaps you will remember, sir, that ladies are present.
SPETTIGUE (loftily). I disapprove of their presence and request them to return with me.
JACK. We can discuss this matter on a more fitting occasion.
LORD FANCOURT. Certainly. A most excellent suggestion. Let him call again.
SPETTIGUE. You're a very foolish old woman, and I must beg of you not to interfere. (At door.) Ladies, come!
(KITTY and AMY move forward reluctantly, but LORD FANCOURT puts out his arms to bar the way and they each take his arm instead.)
SIR FRANCIS. Sir, you cannot put such an affront upon Mr. Wykeham's friends.
SPETTIGUE. I don't know them; I don't know them.
SIR FRANCIS (to CHARLEY). Introduce me, Mr. Wykeham.
CHARLEY (drops downstage a little). Mr. Spettigue -Sir Francis Chesney. (Falls back.)
(SPETTIGUE barely acknowledges introduction.)
SIR FRANCIS (C.). Mr. Chesney is my son, sir; and (turning to LORD FANCOURT) this lady is...
LORD FANCOURT (standing between the two girls and affecting to be hurt). Pray don't introduce him to me. I've been sufficiently insulted by the old boun--er--gentleman--already.
SPETTIGUE. I consult my own feelings when I say that I am deeply annoyed to find on prematurely returning from town, my niece and my ward lunching, without my permission, with these two young gentlemen.
SIR FRANCIs (firmly). To meet Mr. Wykeham's aunt.
SPETTIGUE (with insnlting disbelief). Indeed I...
SIR FRANCIs (anger rising). There is no "Indeed" about it, sir! I repeat, to meet Mr. Wykeham's aunt.
SPETTIGUE. In my mind it matters little.
SIR FRANCIS. In my mind it matters everything, therefore- (KITTY and AMY let go of LORD FANCOURT'S arms.) --allow me to introduce you. (To LORD FANCOURT.) Donna Lucia d'Alvadorez! Mr.--(Aside to JACK.) What's his confounded name, Jack?
(JACK AND SPETTIGUE speaking simultaneously) SPETTIGUE (Aside.) Donna Lucia! JACK Spettigue.
SIR FRANCIS (finishing introduction). Mr. Spettigue.
SPETTIGUE (surprised--aside). The celebrated millionaire? (The boys see the change. LORD FANCOURT crossing to SPETTIGUE.) Oh, how do you do.
LORD FANCOURT. How do you do. I am Charley's aunt from Brazil, where the nuts come from.
(JACK pushes LORD FANCOURT, who falls against SPETTIGUE. LORD FANCOURT tries to turn the fall into an awkward curtsy--then turns furiously to JACK.)
SPETTIGUE (aside). I've been indiscreet. (To LORD FANCOURT.) Oh, I am sorry, very, very sorry.
(CHARLEY goes up round back of C. table, takes AMY back to luncheon table: she sits in same place again.)
JACK (aside to LORD FANCOURT). Go on, he's apologised. Ask him to lunch. (JACK takes KITTY back to luncheon table, same place.)
LORD FANCOURT (to SPETTIGUE). Well, I thought you were very rude, but if you apologise, you know...
SPETTIGUE (quickly). Oh, by all means. I am sorry, I am very sorry.
LORD FANCOURT. You'll stay to lunch, won't you? (BRASSETT down L., takes hat and stick from SPETTIGUE.)
SPETTIGUE. If you wish it--and I am forgiven?
LORD FANCOURT. Forgiven! (Takes flower from dress.) Here, accept this as a peace-offering. (Puts SIR FRANCIS'S flower into SPETTIGUE'S coat.) -
(Orchestra starts playing curtain music very softly, which swells to full volume as curtain falls.)
SIR FRANCIS (down R.C., indignantly). My flower! (Crosses to LORD FANCOURT and SPETTIGUE.)
(CHARLEY and AMY, JACK and KITTY seated as before.) (Offers L. arm to LORD FANCOURT.) Allow me, Donna Lucia.
SPETTIGUE. No, allow me. (Offers R. arm.)
(LORD FANCOURT hesitates flutters eyelashes at them both, then chooses SPETTIGUE'S arm. They go towards chair R. end of table C. SIR FRANCIS leaves them and goes up to chair R. of table C., which he holds ready for LORD FANCOURT. SPETTIGUE offers to take chair from SIR FRANCIS, between the two the chair is drawn back and LORD FANCOURT sits on floor. The others rise with screams and exclamations.)
TABLEAU. CURTAIN.
(deication: "While there's tea there's hope." Arthur Wing Pinero.)
SCENE.--Exterior of JACK CHESNEY'S rooms, St. Olde's College, Oxford.
Housepiece showing part of College, with two casement windows on ground floor and two above, at back with arch R.C. in continuation view of Quad beyond. Door with knocker and nameplate to rooms, running from housepiece and showing through arch. Low wall joining this to arch showing chapel down R. through arch. Continuation of College up L. Window on first floor and small arch beneath running downstage. Arch down L. to garden. Trees
Lights full up.
BRASSETT discovered above table C. with cigarette box, ashtray and match box on salver, places them on table C.
BRASSETT. Well, we're sailing along. (Looks off L.) He makes a wonderful old lady--not a doubt about it. (With another look.) A bit singular to look at, perhaps, but then look at some of your old ladies! Nobody'd believe 'em possible, and he don't seem a bit worse to look at than two or three I could mention holding very 'igh positions, too. (Looks off again.) Both the old gents have got their eye on her. (Amused.) Lor'!--if they only knew. I fancy Sir Francis is favourite, although old Spettigue fancies himself (Chuckles loudly going down L.) Well, College gents'll do anything! (Chuckles.)
(Enter JACK through arch R.C., wearing straw hat, sees BRASSETT.)
JACK (coming down in front of table to BRASSETT, severely). What are you laughing at, eh?
BRASSETT. Beg pardon, sir--I was thinking of an old aunt o' mine
JACK. Eh?
BRASSETT (respectfully). Uncle, I mean.
JACK. Mind your own business, and go and get tea--do you see? Tea.
BRASSETT. Tea, sir; yes, sir. (Goes up to R.C.)
JACK. Out here. (Going L.)
BRASSETT (turning, surprised). Out here, sir?
JACK. Yes, don't stare like that, it's all right. I've got special permission.
BRASSETT. Oh, beg pardon, sir.
(Exit through arch R.C. to rooms.)
JACK. Well, now for Kitty. Where is she? Everything's going on all right at last. (Sits L. of table C.) Babbs frightened the life out of me two or three times at lunch, the way he walked into things as if he hadn't had food for a month. But we've got over the worst. (Looking off L.) All the same, I haven't been able to have my chat yet with Kitty, but now they're all nicely settled down, I've given her a hint to meet me here, where we can talk quietly--
(Enter CHARLEY quickly R.C., looking off R. JACK rises, turns quickly, hearing footsteps.)
JACK. Here she is!
(Both raise hats, meet C., turn away in disgust.).
Oh, hang it! I've a most particular appointment here with Kitty--so hook it!
CHARLEY. But so have I, Jack.
JACK. With Kitty?
CHARLEY. No! with Amy.
JACK. Then we've both made appointments in the same place. Confound it all, what are we to do?
CHARLEY (sadly, crossing L.). Well, they're your rooms.
JACK (aggressively). Yes, but you're my guest! (Suddenly and brightly.) Here, come on (feels in pockets, has nothing) we'll toss for it. (They come C.) Got any money?
(CHARLEY brings out of pockets--knife, string, a key and a halfpenny.)
CHARLEY. A ha'penny, that's all.
JACK (takes halfpenny). Sudden death. (Tosses.) Heads, you and Amy, tails me and (Sees KITTY off L.I.E.) Here she is! (Pockets coin. Crosses to L.C.)
CHARLEY (to JACK). Jack, that's all the money I've got! (C.)
(Enter KITTY, L.I.E. CHARLEY looks disgusted and goes R.C.)
KITTY. Oh, Mr. Chesney, there you are.
JACK (with a look at CHARLEY). Yes, I'm here--in fact, waiting (Another look at CHARLEY. Aside to KITTY.) I was beginning to fear you wouldn't come. (Another look at CHARLEY, then crosses to him.) Why don't you go? Have you no tact?
(Enter AMY, R.C.)
CHARLEY (to JACK, aside). But what about me and Amy?
AMY (coming down R. to CHARLEY). Ah, Mr. Wykeham, there you are.
CHARLEY. Yes, I was coming--I was waiting, I'm here. (Going to AMY.)
(Business of looks, etc., between JACK and CHARLEY.)
JACK (aside). Beastly awkward. (With sudden determination.) Oh, I say, Charley, have you shown Miss Spettigue all round the garden.
CHARLEY (cloudily). Yes, Jack, I have--two or three times! In fact, we've just come from there. (Aside to AMY.) I wish he'd leave us.
JACK (after a pause--to AMY). Er--lovely garden, isn't it?
AMY. Yes, I suppose it is.
JACK (catching at it). "Suppose?" (Goes behind AMY and CHARLEY, taking them by the arm to L.C.) Oh, you haven't half seen it. Charley, Miss Spettigue hasn't half seen the garden.
(KITTY goes up behind table to arch R.C., watching with interest and amusement.)
Take her and show her the roses and primroses, and cabbages and things.
(AMY wanders up--looks off L.U.E.)
CHARLEY (stopping L.C.). But, Jack, I...
JACK (C.). And, Charley, tell Miss Spettigue those beautiful lines of yours--" To Our Garden In Summer."
CHARLEY (aside to JACK, anxiously). Jack, don't tell her I write poetry. She'll think I'm an awful ass.
(AMY cornes down L. again.)
JACK (turning L. to AMY). And don't forget, Miss Spettigue, tea here in half an hour.
AMY. Oh, very well, Mr. Chesney.
(Exit slowly, L.I.E.)
CHARLEY (following AMY, then turns back. Aside to JACK). But, Jack, the others are in the garden, and it worries the life out of me to see Babbs.
(KITTY comes down C. table, sits R.)
JACK. Well, don't. It's a large garden; keep out of his way. (Pushing CHARLEY off L.I.E.)
(Exit CHARLEY, L.I.E.)
(Going behind table C. to KITTY.) At last, Miss Verdun--my dear Kitty--we are alone!
KITTY (teasing). Don't you think it was rather selfish of us, Mr. Chesney, to send them away like that?
JACK. Well, we tossed for it.
KITTY (turning, in mock surprise). What?
JACK. I mean--er--they'll be much happier together, alone: and it seems as if I could never get five minutes with you safe from some miserable interruption.. Indeed, I was beginning to fear you'd think me very rude, neglecting you as I have done. (Gets A. of KITTY.)
KITTY (an undercurrent of teasing running through all her scene). Oh no, not at all, I quite understand. I couldn't expect you to devote yourself entirely to me. (Rising and crossing L.) Indeed we've had a very pleasant time, and now--
JACK. Yes, and now? (Following her down R. of table.)
KITTY. I was thinking we ought to be going now.
JACK. Go? Now? Good gracious, no!
KITTY (with elevated eyebrows). Why not?
JACK. Befor� I've had a word with you? (With enthusiasm.) Oh, my dear Miss Verdun--Kitty--(Approaching KITTY suddenly, L. About to put arm round her waist.)
(KITTY draws herself up and a little away in surprise, with a look of comic enquiry. JACK pulls himself up.)
JACK. Won't you sit down? (Offers chair, L.C., then -goes behind C. table.) I have something to say to you of importance.
KITTY (sits L. of table C.). Indeed, Mr. Chesney?
JACK. Yes. (Moving round R. to front of table C.) You know, Miss Verdun, there are times when a fellow's got to think a lot and think long.
KITTY. I suppose so. (Putting R. hand unconsciously on table.) JACK (C.). And there are times when a fellow mustn't stop to think or if he does, hell spoil his chance!
KITTY. Yes.
JACK. Well, then, Miss Verdun--Kitty--my dear Kitty--(About to take her hand.)
(Enter SIR FRANCIS, L.I.E.)
SIR FRANCIS. Oh, I beg pardon.
(JACK moves R., KITTY rises to go.)
No, don't mind me. I only wanted a word with my boy here.
KITTY (to SIR FRANCIS). Oh, then, I'll run into the garden... (SIR FRANCIS crosses behind C. table up R.C.)
KITTY. (Catches JACK'S eye; he crosses to her L.) ... and see the roses and primroses, and cabbages and things. (Exit L.I.E.)
JACK (turning to C.). Well, dad--anything important?
SIR FRANCIS (coming down R.C. to JACK, C.). Yes, Jack, it is.
JACK. Oh, what is it?
SIR FRANCIS. You know I'd do anything to see you get on in the world, and make a mark--as I know you will, if you get your chance--
JACK. You needn't tell me all this, dad.
SIR FRANCIS. Well, Jack, having thought it over I've decided that you shall continue the career I originally mapped out for you, and seeing a way out of the difficulty, I've determined to take your advice, my boy, and marry a lady of wealth.
JACK. I see, you've fallen a victim to the fascinations of some young and lovely--
SIR FRANCIS. No, Jack, she's not " lovely "--and I'm afraid she is not over " young "--but she has one thing in her favour, she has money--which, after all, is the real object in this instance.
JACK. All right, dad, as long as you are satisfied, go in and win!
SIR FRANCIS. And I have to thank you, my boy, for the tip.
JACK. Thank me for the tip? I don't remember, dad. Who is she? What's her name?
SIR FRANCIS. You'll be delighted when I tell you.
JACK. Yes. Well?
SIR FRANCIS. Can't you guess?
JACK. No, dad, I can't!
SIR FRANCIS. Donna Lucia d'Alvadorez. (Slapping JACK on the shoulder and crossing L.C.)
JACK. What? (Goes R.C.--aside.) The deuce! (Turning to SIR FRANCIS.) Dad, this is impossible!
SIR FRANCIS. Impossible? Why, you yourself suggested it, and for your sake, my lad, I'm going to do it.
JACK. But, dad--you can't!
SIR FRANCIS (with a look off L.). Can't? Why not? (Gravely; moving a little nearer to JACK, C.) Is there anything against the lady's reputation?
JACK. No, but--you mustn't--you can't!
SIR FRANCIS. "Mustn't," "Can't,"! Why, Jack, what a boy you are! Didn't you tell me to go to the hotel--change my things put a flower in my buttonhole--(lifting lapel of coat to indicate carnation) and, by George, Jack, I believe the flower's done the trick!
JACK. She gave it away, dad.
SIR FRANCIs. My dear boy, (slight nudge) she's explained all that. (Goes upstage L.C. and returns downstage very self-satisfied.)
JACK (aside). This is horrible! (Aloud.) But, dad, circumstances have altered since then.
SIR FRANCIS (coming C.). In what way?
JACK. You know you're too good--you're not the man to be thrown away like this.
SIR FRANCIS (hand on JACK'S shoulder). Say no more, my boy--your consideration for me settles it. (Crosses R.) It will put you forward years. Had she been young and lovely, she wouldn't have looked at me. As it is, I flatter myself she's taken rather a fancy to me, and as for old Spettigue, in spite of his marked attentions, I don't think he has the ghost of a chance with me. (Goes up R.C.)
JACK (aside in horror, going down L.C.). Old Spettigue--attentions--Great Heavens, what are we doing? (Turning, aloud.) Dad!
SIR FRANCIS (by arch). So wish me luck, Jack, wish me luck.
JACK. Take time, dad, think it over.
SIR FRANCIS (heroically). "Think it over"! That's not the way an old soldier makes love. (Briskly.) I'm going into your rooms to get myself a rattling good spanking brandy and soda to bring me up to the mark!
(Exit SIR FRANCIS to rooms.)
JACK (crossing R.). Great Scot--what's the young monkey doing? (Enter CHARLEY, L.I.E., quickly.)
CHARLEY (crossing to JACK, R.C.). Jack! Jack! I wish you'd speak to Babbs--he's carrying on disgracefully. He's taken Amy away from me, and gone off round the garden with her.
JACK. Well, that's nothing to what's going on here. (Cork pops loudly off in rooms--both turn. CHARLEY listens, snrprised.) Hear that?
CHARLEY. Yes, what is it?
JACK. My dad getting himself a "rattling good spanking brandy and soda."
CHARLEY. Brandy and soda? What for?
JACK. To propose to Babbs; that's all! (Goes down R.)
CHARLEY (goes C.). I knew something awful would come of this. We shall be found out and disgraced. How could you let it go on?
JACK (coming C.). Well, don't blame me--it was the fault of your muddle-headed aunt not knowing her own mind, and leaving us in the lurch. (Crossing) I could strangle her.
CHARLEY (following JACK L., helplessly). What shall we do?
JACK. We must find Babbs, and put him up to the governor's game.
CHARLEY (dazed). "Find Babbs"--but, Jack-
JACK. Come on, we can go round the garden different ways until we've got him. (Pushing CHARLEY across.)
CHARLEY (turning to JACK). But, Jack, can't you end this horrible...
JACK. Oh, shut up, we must keep our heads now, or we'll ruin everything. Come on. (Pushes CHARLEY off L.)
(Exits after CHARLEY, L. Re-enter SIR FRANCIS from rooms, wiping moustache after his drink.)
SIR FRANCIS (coming down R.C.). Now I'm ready for anybody or anything. (Looks at watch.) Why doesn't she come? (Crossing, L.C.) I didn't tell the dear boy--more particularly when he raised objections--but she promised to meet me here in ten minutes--and time's up--time's up. (Looking off L.)
(Enter SPETTIGUE through arch up R.C., comes down looking off R., does not see SIR FRANCIS.)
(Hears step--raising hat, turning C.) Ah, my dear Don--(Raising their hats, they meet C. and turn away abruptly.)
SIR FRANCIS (aside). That old fool Spettigue! And with my flower in his coat! (To SPETTIGUE.) Are you--er--looking for anybody?
SPETTIGUE. No. (Looks off R.)
SIR FRANCIS (aside). What's he hanging about here for? (Aloud, struggling to be civil.) Are you in want of anything? (Lights cigarette out of box on table C. Sits.)
SPETTIGUE (R.). No. I- was only thinking it was a very lovely afternoon. Perhaps you haven't seen the garden? It's looking very beautiful. You ought to give it a good look before you go.
SIR FRANCIS. I will (blowing smoke)--before I go.
(SPETTIGUE looks off R. again.)
(Aside.) What is he stopping here for? (Aloud.) Have a cigarette?
SPETTIGUE. No, thank you, I never smoke in the day time. (Aside.) Why does he remain? (Looking at his watch.) She promised to meet me here in ten minutes, and time's up, time's up. (Going up arch to R.C.)
SIR FRANCIS (aside). What's he stopping for? I must tell him to go.
SPETTIGUE (aside). I wish I could think of something to get rid of him.
SIR FRANCIS (aloud, rising, strolls R.). Well--as you are not smoking--
SPETTIGUE. Oh, don't mind me (crossing behind table to L.U.E., unconcernedly) don't mind me!
SIR FRANCIS (turning to SPETTIGUE). I was only thinking per- haps it would be as well if you rejoined the ladies in the garden. They might think it rude, both of us being away--(Sits R. of table, holding up his cigarette.)
SPETTIGUE (coming down L.). Perhaps so, perhaps so. (Aside, at L.I.E.) She's in the garden.
(Exit L.I.E.)
SIR FRANCIS (rising). Well, she doesn't appear to be coming. I think I'll go and have another (Going up R.C.)
(Enter JACK, L.I.E.)
JACK. I say, dad, you haven't seen Donna Lucia, have you? SIR FRANCIS (coming down R.C.). No, Jack, I've not.
JACK (aside). That's fortunate.
SIR FRANCIS. I'm waiting for her here.
JACK. Waiting for her--here?
SIR FRANCIS. Yes, I've an appointment with her. I didn't tell you before, Jack, but she's due--in fact, she's over-due! So get out, my boy, get out! (Looks off R.)
JACK (aside). They mustn't meet till I've seen him. (Aloud.) Now I come to think of it, dad, I saw her only a moment ago.
SIR FRANCIS. Oh--where? (Coming C.)
JACK (pointing off L.I.E.). In the garden.
SIR FRANCIS. In the garden? (Crossing L., hurriedly.) Hang it, I've just sent old Spettigue there!
(Exit SIR FRANCIS, L.I.E.)
JACK. I know Babbs isn't there, but where on earth has he got to? (Crossing R.)
(Enter CHARLEY, L.U.E.)
JACK (Hearing steps, turns. To CHARLEY.) Well, have you found him?
CHARLEY (coming down C. dejectedly, hat on back of head). No, haven't you?
JACK. No, and I've looked all over the place for him.
CHARLEY. So have I, and the worst of it is he's got Amy with him. It's a shame.
JACK. (gets C.). I'll kill the little monkey when I get hold of him!
CHARLEY. (catching sight of LORD FANCOURT and AMY off R.; swings JACK round facing R.). Look at him! Isn't it too bad?
(Enter LORD FANCOURT and AMY, together R., arm-in-arm. AMY crosses to L. of CHARLEY.)
AMY. Ah, Mr. Wykeham, there you are. Did you think you'd lost us?
CHARLEY. (C.). Yes, I'm afraid I did. (Moves with AMY to C.).
JACK. (R.C., aide to LORD FANCOURT). Where have you been with that girl, you fool?
LORD FANCOURT. (R.). Nowhere.
JACK. Stop where you are. I've something to tell you.
LORD FANCOURT. Oh, have you? (Flounces round, kicking out skirt backwards. Goes up to arch R.C.)
JACK (aloud). Charley, has Miss Spettigue seen the Chapel? (Aside to CHARLEY, as he passes him across to R.) Take her away while I tell Babbs. (Aloud, walking between them to arch, R.) You must see the Chapel. It's an awfully pretty Chapel.
(Exit AMY, R. LORD FANCOURT comes down L. Of JACK by arch, R.)
CHARLEY (about to exit, turns angrily). Jack, I'll punch his head if he does it again.
(LORD FANCOURT comes aggressively to CHARLEY. JACK between.CHARLEY irritated, strikes down at LORD FANCOURT over JACK'S shoulder. LORD FANCOURT tips CHARLEY'S hat off jeeringly with his closed fan. JACK hustles CHARLEY Off R.)
JACK (turning savagely, stalks LORD FANCOURT with long strides and without speaking to L.; LORD FANCOURT, backing before JACK tom L.). What the deuce do you mean by this game?
LORD FANCOURT (L.). What game?
JACK (L.C.). You promised to help us.
LORD FANCOURT. Well, I'm doing my best.
JACK. Doing your best? Your business was to look after those two old chaps, and here you are--(exasperated, turns and strides away R.) but I've no wish to argue.
LORD FANCOURT (follows closely in silence, striding in step behind JACK--speaks when R.C.). No, I shouldn't argue if I were you.
JACK (R.). Listen. I want to put you on your guard.
LORD FANCOURT.. On my guard! Oh, thank you!
JACK. Yes. My dad's going to propose to you.
LORD FANCOURT (crosses to C.). Oh, is he? That's all right. (Stops suddenly C.) Well, I'm not going to marry him for you or anybody else. I'll see you hanged first.
JACK (going to him). Of course not, you idiot. All you've got to do is to be calm and refuse him.
LORD FANCOURT. Calm and refuse him! But a proposal puts anyone in a flutter. You know that.
JACK. All you've got to do is to remember that you're a real old lady.
LORD FANCOURT. How the dickens am I to remember that I'm a real old lady (lifts skirt and petticoat together, showing trousers to knees)--with my trousers on?
JACK (pulling down LORD FANCOURT'S skirt). Never mind your trousers! (Looking off L.I.E.) Look out--here's the dad! I'm off! (Going up to arch, R.C.)
LORD FANCOURT (following up after JACK, R.C., and grabbing him). Yes, but what am I to say? (Looking toward L.I.E., anxiously.) I've never been proposed to before.
JACK (in archway). Oh--say he's taken you by surprise--but, whatever you do, mind you refuse him.
LORD FANCOURT. Oh yes, I'll refuse him.
(Exit JACK through arch to R. LORD FANCOURT hides between arch and door to rooms. SIR FRANCIS enters, L.I.E., looking at watch.)
SIR FRANCIS. Really, it's too bad. (Crosses R., looks off.) She made the proposition herself (crossing upstage to L.U.E.)--it was a definite proposition of her own--well, (coming down L.) ladies are proverbially unpunctual, but ...
(LORD FANCOURT, peeping round corner, appears in archway R.C., holding up finger with fichu [neck cloth] archly to SIR FRANCIS.)
LORD FANCOURT. Oo! Oa!
(SIR FRANCIS turns, sees LORD FANCOURT, raises hat. LORD FANCOURT looks coyly at SIR FRANCIS and swings end of fichu gaily round and round.)
SIR FRANCIS (putting on hat again). Ah dear Donna Lucia, here you are! I was beginning to be afraid (crossing R.)--and popped into the garden to find you.
LORD FANCOURT, with long strides, steals quickly across to L.U.E., and is nearly off as SIR FRANCIS says: It's so good of you to come. (Turns.)
(LORD FANCOURT, seeing SIR FRANCIS turn, stops L.U.E., his attempt to bolt is frustrated.)
(Sees LORD FANCOURT at L.U.E.) Won't you sit down? (LORD FANCOURT Sits L. of C. table.)
(Aside.) By jove, got her at last! Now for the plunge! I'll begin with a compliment. (Looks at LORD FANCOURT, then away again.) I wonder what's her real age? However, a woman's never too old for a compliment, so here goes! (Coming to table--clears throat.)
(LORD FANCOURT clears throat too.)
(Aloud.) Donna Lucia, you'll pardon the rude metaphor of an old campaigner, I'm sure, but to meet you to-day for the first time, as I have done, is to me like a lonely traveller coming across some--er bright little floweret--(Their eyes meet. Indicating L.) by the wayside.
LORD FANCOURT (looks L., then to SIR FRANCIs). Do you mean me?
SIR FRANCIS. Yes, Donna Lucia, yes! (Goes down R., aside.) By George, that's a good start.
LORD FANCOURT (aside). What am I to say to that, I wonder? (Aloud.) Oh, yes, I think that's very nice and very kind of you.
SIR FRANCIS (turns away R., aside). By George, she looks anything between fifty and a hundred
(JACK appears in arch at back, R.C., shakes fist at LORD FANCOURT, who cocks a snook at him, unseen by SIR FRANCIS. As SIR FRANCIS turns, LORD FANCOURT converts " snook" into stroking front hair, looking innocently at SIR FRANCIS. JACK retires R., unseen by SIR FRANCIS.)
SIR FRANCIS (aside). Well, I've put myself to it, so I must come to the point. (Clears throat again.)
LORD FANCOURT. What, again?
SIR FRANCIS (going to R. of table--aloud bluffly). Donna Lucia, do you know what a man longs for when he's lonely--desolate and wretched?
LORD FANCOURT. A drink?
SIR FRANCIS (goes down R.--aside). What a woman--doesn't help one a bit! (Up to R. of table--aloud.) No, Donna Lucia, this is what he longs for--he longs to plant in his own heart that bright little floweret.
LORD FANCOURT. I know--by the wayside (pointing L.)--that one. Does he really?
SIR FRANCIS (heartily). Yes, Donna Lucia, yes. (With lover- like intention.) And I have come all the way from India to find that little floweret.
LORD FANCOURT. You must be tired. (Indicating chair.) Take a chair.
SIR FRANCIS. Thank you. (Sits it of table C., puts hat, crown downwards on C. table.) It's a long way, Donna Lucia.
LORD FANCOURT. Oh, quite a long walk.
SIR FRANCIS. But I have found it.
LORD FANCOURT. Then why don't you wear it in your button- hole? (Pointing.)
SIR FRANCIS. Ah, will you let me or will it be given away to another as you did before?
LORD FANCOURT. Ah, yes--I remember, I was a naughty girl this morning. (Putting corner of fichu in mouth, shaking it to and fro coyly--and putting R. hand unconsciously on table.).
SIR FRANCIS (looking away, cautiously). But, dear Lucia (Places hand on that of LORD FANCOURT'S for a second and giving it a pat--then removes it and looks off R. again.)
LORD FANCOURT (taking hand off table, aside). He's getting on!
SIR FRANCIS. The floweret I mean must sit at the head of my table--walk by my side--dwell in my heart forever. (Places R. hand on heart and with
LORD FANCOURT (rising and looking quickly into hat, sits again; aside). He's going to show me a conjuring trick.
SIR FRANCIS (bluffly again). But I'll waste no more words--I'll come to the point with a soldier's bluntness. Will you be my wife?
(Quick gasp from LORD FANCOURT.)
SIR FRANCIS Will you be my little floweret?
LORD FANCOURT. Well, you see (then remembering JACK'S words) "You've taken me so much by surprise."
SIR FRANCIS. Then I may hope?
LORD FANCOURT. I'm afraid not. No, don't hope--I wouldn't hope if I were you.
SIR FRANCIS. I beg pardon, Donna Lucia. Do I understand (Rises.)
LORD FANCOURT. I must refuse you. The fact is, I am another's.
SIR FRANCIs. Another's? (Turns away R.)
LORD FANCOURT. I say, don't be downhearted--I'll tell you what I'll do if you like.
Sm FRANCIS (turning eagerly). Yes, yes.
LORD FANCOURT. I will be a sister to you.
Sm FRANCIS. A sister--only a sister?
LORD FANCOURT. Only a sister. Nothing more.
SIR FRANCIS. And no words of mine can alter your decision?
LORD FANCOURT. I'm afraid not. You see, I'm in a more peculiar position than I could ever explain. I am a woman with a history.
SIR FRANCIS. Then it is quite useless our prolonging this interview. (Goes to back of table.) And you will accept my regrets and (picks up hat and goes down L.)--apologies for ever having broached the subject?
LORD FANCOURT. Oh, certainly! Any time you're passing.
SIR FRANCIs (puts on hat--aside). Refused. What a relief! I'm sorry, though, for the boy's sake.
(SIR FRANCIs exits, L.I.E. Enter JACK up R.C., from R.)
LORD FANCOURT (rising). Well, here's a nice position!
JACK (meeting LORD FANCOURT, C.). You fool, what did you want to make a fool of my dad like that for?
LORD FANCOURT (rapidly). I didn't make a fool of the fool, you fool! Did you hear what he called me?
JACK. YeS, a floweret.
LORD FANCOURT. Yes--by the wayside--that's a nice thing, isn't it?
JACK. Why didn't you cut him short, and refuse him at once?
LORD FANCOURT. I couldn't refuse him until he'd proposed--no lady could. Why, I shall find myself in the divorce court before I know where I am. (Looks off, L.I.E. Sees SPETTIGUE; crossing quickly in front of JACK.) Look out, here's old Spettigue. (Turning to JACK again, pulls up sleeve which shows shirt cuff, shaking fist.) I shall land him one--I know I shall ... I'm off!
(Takes up skirts and runs off quickly through archway down R. JACK in front of C. table. Enter SPETTIGUE, L.I.E.)
SPETTIGUE. (to JACK as he enters). Ah, Mr. Chesney--have you seen--? (Sees LORD FANCOURT off through archway down R.) Ah!
(Absently pushes JACK, who sits suddenly on table C. SPETTIGUE exits hurriedly by archway R.)
JACK. What the deuce did he bolt like that for? Anyhow, they don't wreck my future happiness. (Rising, looks off R.) I must find Kitty. Why. couldn't Charley's aunt behave like a lady and turn up as she promised (going L.)--instead of giving us all this trouble. I hate the sight of her before I've even seen her.
(Exit L.I.E. A pause.)
DONNA LUCIA (off). First door to the left? Thank you very much.
(Enter DONNA LUCIA, with opened sunshade framing her head, and ELA, by archway R.C., from R. DONNA LUCIA is a well-preserved beautiful, kindly woman of middle age, with a young face, but grey hair. She has a keen sense of humour, and is capable of taking command of any situation. On no account sentimental, but with a deep .feeling of real sentiment in her nature. This part should be played gaily with a light firm touch of comedy, amusement dominating her performance, and she dominating the situations from now on. Wears afternoon summer dress and coat to match, hat and gloves, and carries several visiting-cards in her purse-bag. ELA DELAHAY is a young, pretty, unaffected little girl of seventeen or twenty. Also has a sense of humour and high spirits. This part should not be played either sloppily or sentimentally. Wears summer dress and hat and carries purse-bag and gloves.)
DONNA LUCIA (looks round, then crosses behind table to L.U.E.). The first door to the left, the man said, Ela.
ELA (at door up R.C.). Yes, here it is. (Reads on door.) "Mr. John Chesney." (To DONNA LUCIA.) Shall I knock?
DONNA LUCIA. Yes, do, my dear.
(ELA knocks.)
(Coming down L.C. Thoughtfully.) "Chesney." The name sounds familiar. (To ELA.) Why couldn't my nephew remain in his rooms, and not compel me to follow him about like this.
ELA (coming R.C.). You telegraphed to say you couldn't come.
DONNA LUCIA (smiling). I know, my dear.
ELA. And then you changed your mind.
DONNA LUCIA (moving to L. of table). Yes--for about the first time in my life.
ELA. Why?
DONNA LUCIA. Some vague desire to see him without his knowing. Knock again, dear. (Closes sunshade.)
(ELA knocks.)
ELA (coming down R.). The porter said they might all be in the garden. (With childlike enthusiasm.) I could roam about these old places all day. Isn't it all beautiful? (Looking about excitedly.)
DONNA LUCIA. Dream away, Ela--I shall wait till someone comes. (Sits L. of table.)
ELA (R.C.; looking round: thrilled, quickly). Oh, to live among these leafy shades, ancient spires and sculptured nooks--like silent music, a scholar's fairyland!
DONNA LUCIA (with quiet humour). But to one poor sublunary being--not quite so young as she used to be--a little fatiguing.
ELA (behind R. chair of C. table--impetuously to DONNA LUCIA). And how lovely it must be by moonlight, where the shadows have no sudden fears, but are only folds in the mantle of sleep, and all is peace! And the- silver bells chime to the sentinel angel of the night, who smiles to Heaven and whispers back, " All's well, sweet bells, all's well!"
DONNA LUCIA. You fanciful little woman. But what has put all this about angels and so forth into your head to-day?
ELA (going behind table to c., absently). Oh, I don't know.
DONNA LUCIA (teasingly). I think I can trace back all the little by-ways and sly ways of thought that generally lead in one direction.
ELA (going quickly to L. of DONNA LUCIA and kneels). Oh, no, it's all so sweet here-
DONNA LUCIA (mischievously). So it was there-- "by moonlight," seen from the bridge of a certain yacht--" the rippling sea, the blue night, and brilliant stars "--you see how I remember your words--and a certain "someone " who told you, as you listened to the chime of the ship's bell, that you looked like " the angel of the watch "--He was a flattering-tongued person, that " someone," what was his name again?
ELA (looking down shyly). I've told you so often.
DONNA LUCIA (looking straight ahead, with a smile). "Lord Fancourt Babberley." (Fraction of a pause. To ELA.) But I don't want your mind fixed on these things, my dear. (Changing tone.) Why, I'd almost forgotten to tell you, I've invested your poor father's money for you, and thanks to his forethought for his little girl--he has rendered you independent for life, and what is worse, independent of me.
ELA (thoughtfully). Independent!
DONNA LUCIA. But you won't be, Ela?
ELA (affectionately). No.
DONNA LUCIA. For I've grown to love the little orphan I met in such grief in a strange land so much, that I am not independent of her. So let's make a bargain. Put that dreadful evidence of my dependence aside, and let it grow, and be my little girl and call me " Auntie," will you?
ELA (rising and kissing DONNA LUCIA). Yes, Auntie, yes. (Going behind chair R.C.)
DONNA LUCIA (slight pause). How did your poor father come to have so large a sum of money by him like that? I thought he'd lost it all.
ELA (diffidently). Papa won it at cards.
DONNA LUCIA. Won it at cards? When?
ELA (looking down). During his illness.
DONNA LUCIA. From whom?
ELA (reluctantly). From Lord Fancourt Babberley.
DONNA LUCIA. Is Lord Babberley a gambler, too?
ELA. No!
DONNA LUCIA (seeing the position and smiling to herself). Oh! (Slight pause.)
ELA (eagerly). But, auntie, if ever we meet, may I give it back?
DONNA LUCIA. I don't think he'd take it.
ELA. Why not?
DONNA LUCIA. It seems to me he took too much trouble to lose it! (Changing tone.) But I'm not going to speak for him. I don't want you ever to leave me. (Pause.) Ah, my dear, (laughing quietly) you've set me thinking now.
ELA. Have I, what about?
(ELA crosses back to L. of DONNA LUCIA.)
DONNA LUCIA. Oh, all about--"someone"--who--ELA. Oh! Do tell me. (Kneels.)
DONNA LUCIA. It was before I went abroad--to Brazil--I was very young and he was very shy. He never called me "the angel of the watch," but he did get as far as a stammering compliment and a blush--and then-
ELA. And then?
DONNA LUCIA (with a mock heroic wave of the hand). Then he was ordered off with his regiment.
ELA (with slight diffidence). Without--ever
DONNA LUCIA. Without--ever! (With finality.)
ELA (regretfully). Oh--Auntie! (Sits back on heels, looking up at DONNA LUCIA.)
DONNA LUCIA (tiny pause--softly, reminiscently, with slight touch of sentiment almost like a young girl). It was at a dance the evening before he went away.
ELA. (keeps same tone as DONNA LUCIA so as not to break her memory.) And you've never loved anyone since!
DONNA LUCIA (smiling quietly). I was a sentimental young lady in those days.
ELA. What was his name, auntie?
DONNA LUCIA. Frank Chesney--(Rises, recollecting--with quick glance towards door.) How strange!
(ELA rises up R.C. Enter SIR FRANCIS, L.I.E.)
(Turning to SIR FRANCIS.) I'm afraid we're intruding
SIR FRANCIS. Not at all. (Raising his hat and crossing with a slight bow, R.F.) The college grounds are open to everyone. (Crosses R.) I am, so to speak, at home here, merely because these are my son's rooms. (Turns to DONNA LUCIA, indicating rooms with a step towards R.C.)
DONNA LUCIA. Mr.?
SIR FRANCIS (stopping down R.). Chesney.
(ELA goes quietly up L., turns and watches scene.)
DONNA LUCIA (e.). And you--pardon my asking--are you--or rather, were you--Lieutenant Frank Chesney?
SIR FRANCIS (interested). I was.
DONNA LUCIA. And you don't remember me?
SIR FRANCIS. I acknowledge with regret that I have--er--no recollection whatever (But sounding as though he wished he had.)
DONNA LUCIA. It must be more than twenty years since
(Turning to ELA, who has come down L.C.)
SIR FRANCIS (a little let down by the time, and trying to recall). Twenty years!
DONNA LUCIA (aside to ELA with mock concern). He doesn't remember me! (Taking out several cards from card-case and looking them through:)
ELA. Twenty years is a long time, auntie.
SIR FRANCIS (facing audience down R., aside). Twenty years; Where was the regiment then--I wonder?
DONNA LUCIA (reads card). "Mrs. Beverley-Smythe"
(Aside to ELA.) Everyone's card but my own of course. (Puts it under case. To SIR FRANCIS.) Then you've forgotten the day you first embarked for India?
SIR FRANCIS. No.
DONNA LUCIA. But you've forgotten--the evening before? SIR FRANCIS (with a smile of recollection). No--not altogether. DONNA LUCIA (holding out hand). Then--?
SIR FRANCIS (slowly surprised and delighted). Lucy! (Takes off hat with
(ELA goes up L., turns and watches scene sympathetically.)
(Growing quietly excited.) And to think that at that very dance--but you don't remember that of course. (Lets go her hand, puts on hat again.)
DONNA LUCIA. No?
SIR FRANCIS. No, because you never knew--but that night, by George, I nearly made you an avowal that Ah! (Looking at her admiringly.) And we've never met in all that time!! Nearly--(Sees her pretended dismay.) Well--over twenty years, we'll say, eh?
DONNA LUCIA (smiling). I'm afraid so.
(ELA comes down L.C.)
SIR FRANCIS. I remember the dance perfectly, you were in white--tied up with blue.
DONNA LUCIA (laughing to ELA). Tied with blue! Like a chocolate box!
SIR FRANCIS (with enthusiasm). You must see my son, he's a splendid fellow. (Turning and going a little upstage.) These are his rooms, or rather, he has lent them to a college friend, a young fellow named Wykeham. (Returning R.C.)
DONNA LUCIA (interested). Yes, Wykeham?
SIR FRANCIS. Who is entertaining some ladies--two young ladies (DONNA LUCIA smiles at ELA)--and his aunt.
DONNA LUCIA (puzzled; turns to SIR FRANCIS). His aunt.
SIR FRANCIS. A lady from Brazil.
DONNA LUCIA (astonished--looks front). From Brazil!
SIR FRANCIS. Yes. Donna Lucia d'Alvadorez. I must introduce you. (Goes up. R. a step or two.)
ELA (quickly, aside to her). Auntie, what does he mean?
(SIR FRANCIS returns down R.)
DONNA LUCIA (aside, to ELA). Wait a minute, my dear. (Turning to SIR FRANCIS.) Do I understand you to say that Donna Lucia d'Alvadorez is here, actually here?
SIR FRANCIS. In the garden (with look off R.)--or was five minutes ago. Do you know her?
DONNA LUCIA. I--I've heard of her. (Turning C. Aside, half to ELA and half to herself.) Shall I stay and see this out or return to town and--(Absently fingering card.)
SIR FRANCIS. May I trouble you? (Holding out hand for card.) DONNA LUCIA (with quick look at SIR FRANCIS gives wrong card). Certainly
SIR FRANCIS (reading). "Mrs. Beverley-Smythe." (Crossing behind table to L.I.E.)
ELA (going to DONNA LUCIA). Auntie! DONNA LUCIA. Ssh!
SIR FRANCIS (down L.). I'll find Donna Lucia, and the boys, or perhaps you wouldn't mind coming into the garden to them?
DONNA LUCIA (picking up sunshade by table. Crossing ELA to c.). With pleasure. I'm quite curious to see them. (To SIR FRANCIS, introducing.) My niece, Miss Delahay.
SIR FRANCIS. How do you do?
DONNA LUCIA. Er--Colonel?
SIR FRANCIS (slight bow). Sir Francis Chesney. (At L.I.E.)
DONNA LUCIA. Come, Ela. (ELA and DONNA LUCIA exuent L.I.E.)
SIR FRANCIS (at L.I.E., replaces hat on head, enthusiastically). Ah, Jack, my boy, if that had been Donna Lucia--things might have been very different.
(Exits L.I.E. after them. Enter LORD FANCOURT, R.I.E., runs rapidly across stage, holding up skirts in front only so that SPETTIGUE, following, does not see trousers, and exits L.I.E.
Enter SPETTIGUE, R.I.E., runs across stage, out of breath, top-hat wobbling perilously and exits L.I.E., following LORD FANCOURT.
Enter BRASSETT from house, stops in archway with tablecloth, sees LORD FANCOURT and SPETTIGUE, comes down and looks off L. after them.)
BRASSETT. What's his lordship up to with the old gent now? Looks as if they were having a game of some kind. I think it's very dangerous, running about like that. I'm not sure I didn't catch sight of his l�rdship's trousers. (Takes cigarette box off c. table and puts it on table at back.)
(Enter JACK and KITTY, R.C.)
JACK (entering L. of KITTY, talking ardently). And now here we are at last--no one here, and I can speak to you. Kitty, my dear Kitty
(BRASSETT, behind c. table, lays cloth.) KITTY (sees BRASSETT--aside to JACK). But, Jack, look! (KITTY crosses to L.U.E., behind BRASSETT.)
JACK (turns, sees BRASSETT, goes to him R.C.--aside). What are. you doing, Brassett?
BRASSETT. Laying the cloth for tea, sir.
JACK. Go away!
BRASSETT. But you gave orders, sir. (Goes slowly behind JACK, to R.)
(KITTY drops down L.C.)
JACK. Put it back for half an hour. Quick, man, can't you see I'm engaged?
(BRASSETT R.C. JACK C., standing behind table.)
BRASSETT (looking from KITTY to JACK). Really, sir? (Looks at KITTYthen to JACK.) I congratulate you.
(KITTY turns away L. to hide laughter.)
JACK. Busy, confound you! Get out and don't come back!
(Quickly puts tea-cloth over BRASSETT'S head, pushing him off through door to rooms R. BRASSETT exits to rooms. KITTY goes L. of C. table and sits.)
JACK. (Coming behind table C. to KITTY.) And now, my dear Kitty
KITTY (amused). Yes, Jack, you've said that before.
JACK. Now don't interrupt me. I go straight at most things, and I'm not going to hesitate over this.
KITTY. Is it that you attach so much importance to it, or that you don't care what you do?
JaCk. It's both--mixed--so, Kitty, my dear Kitty--
KITTY (still chaffingly, looking up at him). Yes, Jack? JACK. Ah, Kitty--do be serious. In a few hours you'll be hundreds of miles away, and it may be years before we meet again
--unless--unless-
KITTY (still mischievously). Unless--(another upward look at him) what?
JACK (swallowing it). Will you listen?
KITTY (with mock helplessness). I can't help myself.
JACK (sits R. of table, seriously). I've told you how my father intended me for Parliament and all that?
KITTY. Yes.
JACK. Well, he tells me now, that for the next few years I shall have to give up all that, and earn my own living.
KITTY. Well, that will do you no harm, Jack.
JACK (brightly, much encouraged). No, that's how I look at it. I've done well up here, I've worked hard, and work tells wherever you are--so I, intend to turn to--and come out all right--one way or another. (Rising, going down R. Aside.) I've broken the ice at last! (Goes up quickly to arch R.C.)
KITTY (aside, quickly). The dear fellow!
JACK (aside--looking off to R.). I hope they'll keep away.
KITTY (chaffingly over shoulder to JACK up R.C.). I'm sure I wish you every success.
JACK (coming to back of table). Of course--in time--I shall be all right, but the question is, will you wait?
KITTY. Wait? (Looking full at him.) What for?
JACK (disconcerted, drawing to R. of chair, R. of table; quickly and nervously). No. I beg pardon--I didn't mean that.
KITTY. Oh, you didn't mean it?
JACK (bravely). No. What I really mean is, that--before I say anything further--I should like you to understand (his courage melting)--what I've been telling you.
KITTY (after a little pause). Oh, yes (Cruelly.) What was that?
JACK (sits R. of table). Well, to be practical and lay everything fairly before you--my position in life will be something in--er--
KITTY. The City.
JACK. Thanks. My home--er-
KITTY. Suburban.
JACK. Thanks. Exactly! Transit--
KITTY. Bus or rail.
JACK. My personal income--
KITTY. Small.
JACK. My extra income--
KITTY. Precarious.
JACK. But under certain conditions my fears would be nil--and my hopes tremendous!!(Enthusiastically--rising.) Now you know all (sits)--that's how I stand.
KITTY (pointedly; nodding to chair). Oh, that's how you stand.
JACK (rising, laughs). Oh, Kitty! (Goes R., looks off. Aside, quickly.) It's my duty to tell her all (Going up R.C. to arch, looking off R.)
KITTY (aside, quickly). The dear fellow!
JACK (looking off R., shaking fist; aside). I'll kill anyone who comes now!
KITTY (affecting a kindly but unconcerned interest). Well, I hope those happy conditions will be realised to your heart's content.
JACK (coming down to L. of KITTY, sincerely). Kitty, my dear Kitty--they will never be realised--without you.
KITTY (rises, goes a little to c.). Without me?
JACK (draws back apologetically; goes down L.). Now you're vexed with me. You hate the City! You despise the suburbs! You loathe buses!
KITTY (reprovingly and affectionately, turning, facing JACK L.). Why should you say that, Jack?
JACK (turning in wonder). Kitty!
KITTY (in front of c. table). As if I hadn't the heart to do what thousands of better girls than I have done.
JACK (a step towards her, surprised). Kitty!
KITTY (sitting on edge. of table). As if I couldn't guess all the happy fun that is to be got out of cooking and mending--and ministering to the wants and happiness of the man who will work and strive for the woman he loves!
JACK (hopefully, going a step nearer). Then, Kitty?
KITTY (rising--holding out hand). Try me, Jack, for I love you dearly.
JACK (taking both her hands). You do, Kitty, you do?
KITTY. As much (teasing again)--as much as you love me, Jack.
JACK (exultantly). KITTY! (Going to kiss her.)
KITTY (facing JACK laughingly). " My dear Kitty--"
JACK. " My dear Kitty," you're a brick
(JACK puts his arms round KITTY and kisses her. KITTY then runs up R.C.--looks off, and JACK goes down L.C.)
JACK. (Exultantly.) I've done it! (Facing audience down L.) I've done it!!--in spite of the lot of 'em!!! (Goes .up L. Walks up and down delightedly.)
(KITTY turns and seeing JACK walking up and down, she laughs.)
KITTY (comes down R.C.). Oh, but what about my guardian, Mr. Spettigue? (JACK, coming C., puts arm round KITTY--both sit on table C.)
JACK (decisively). I'll see him at once.
KITTY (alarmed). No, that won't do.
JACK. Won't do?
KITTY. No, I must have his consent in writing.
JACK. In writing, why?
KITTY. So that he can't retract. (Crossing L.) You don't know him as well as I do. Now, there's only one person who can get that written consent for us, so be a good boy and send her to me at once. (Crossing JACK to L.I.E.)
JACK (rising). What, Amy?
KITTY (returning L.C.). No, Charley's aunt--Donna Lucia.
JACK (staggered). Donna Lucia! But, Kitty--
KITTY. Now, don't ask questions, there's a good boy, but send her to me at once while I find Amy. (Exits L.I.E.)
JACK (crosses R.). Where are we now? This can't go on. (Looks off R.I.E.)
(Enter CHARLEY, L.I.E., running. Bangs JACK on the back.)
CHARLEY. I've done it, Jack, I've done it!
JACK. Done what? (Meeting CHARLEY R.C.)
CHARLEY. I've let the cat out of the bag, and told her everything.
JACK. You fool! (Backing CHARLEY to C., holding him by coat.) What for--told her what?
CHARLEY (surprised). That I love her.
JACK (with relief, letting him go). Oh, is that all?
CHARLEY (changing tone). Yes, but Jack, she's gone off to find Donna Lucia to get her uncle's consent. We shall be in the dickens of a mess yet.
JACK. Well, keep cool, man, keep cool! We're all right up to now. We're all right up to now! (Both coming down R.C., beyond table.)
(Enter LORD FANCOURT, L.I.E., running (no fan this entrance), doubles between boys R.C. and hides behind c. arch, L. side of it. Boys, catching sight of SPETTIGUE L., go up R.C.; trying to look unconcerned.
Enter SPETTIGUE, L.I.E.)
SPETTIGUE (strolls across stage humming, out of tune). "When and how shall I earliest meet her, What are the words she'll first say to me--"
(Exits R.I.E. Boys watch SPETTIGUE off over their shoulders, then Cross to arch L. and bring LORD FANCOURT down--JACK R., CHARLEY L. of LORD FANCOURT.)
CHARLEY. You'll drag us into awful disgrace.
LORD FANCOURT (between them C.). And a damned good job, too! You don't know the things he keeps'on saying to me.
JACK (abusively). He? Who?
LORD FANCOURT. Why, my mash--old Spettigue.
JACK (impatiently).. Well, what does he say?
CHARLEY. Yes, what does he say?
LORD FANCOURT (with a look at CHARLEY). No, Charley's too young. (Pushes CHARLEY away, whispers to JACK.)
(CHARLEY, looking sulky, tries to hear.)
JACK. Get out, man, that's nothing.
LORD FANCOURT. No, but it's very embarrassing. Look how well I get on with the girls.
JACK. Yes, confound you, too well.
LORD FANCOURT. Oh, do I. (Kicks skirt out of his way as he turns, goes up and puts brooch on table, back. Then leans against arch R.I.E., feet crossed.)
CHARLEY (with sudden frenzy). Jack, I can live this lie no longer. (Sits
JACK (shouting aggressively). Now, don't start that! Some lies have got to be lived.
CHARLEY. What for?
JACK (savagely). To save confessing them, you duffer! (Sits R. of table.)
CHARLEY (despairingly). I wish to goodness you'd bring it all to an end.
LORD FANCOURT. So do I! I want a drink!
JACK (working himself up - to CHARLEY, but spoken at LORD FANCOURT). We'd be all right if the donkey would only be reasonable and behave like a lady.
CHARLEY. I know all that, but he can't--he doesn't know how.
JACK. As it is, the selfish idiot's ruining and spoiling everything.
(LORD FANCOURT listens to this abuse, looking hurt. Takes off fichu and flings it down in silence.)
CHARLEY. I wish we'd asked Freddy Peel now.
JACK. At any rate, Freddy Peel would have stood by us like a man.
(LORD FANCOURT undoing dress.)
CHARLEY. We were fools to trust him. JACK. The selfish little beast!
(LORD FANCOURT lets dress slip to the ground and steps over it.) CHARLEY. When you think of all the misery he's put us to.
(LORD FANCOURT takes off petticoat and steps over that, looking injured, with hands in his pockets.)
JACK. I feel so infernally indignant, I could wring his head off.
(LORD FANCOURT, down R., turns back to audience, stands grinning, hands in trouser pockets, facing boys--defying them. He is now in shirt sleeves waistcoat and trousers, but still wearing wig, bonnet and mittens.)
CHARLEY (seeing LORD FANCOURT). Look--look at him now!
(LORD FANCOURT bolts through archway up R.C., followed by JACK, who picks up petticoat and fichu. CHARLEY picks up dress round back of scene--re-enter R.I.E. after a second, followed by SPETTIGUE. Exeunt up R.C. again. They re-enter down R.I.E. still running same order, cross stage to L.U.E. Exit LORD FANCOURT L.U.E. as SPETTIGUE re-enters R.I.E. JACK and CHARLEY stop up
SPETTIGUE (to JACK, breathlessly). Ah, Mr. Chesney, have you seen Donna Lucia? (JACK and CHARLEY point off L.I.E.)
JACK. In the garden.
(Exit SPETTIGUE L.I.E. JACK and CHARLEY L.U.E. and return dragging LORD FANCOURT down C. CHARLEY R. of him, JACK L.)
LORD FANCOURT (C., throwing them off). Here, you chaps--I won't stand this any longer, let Charley have a go.
(CHARLEY goes down R. JACK puts fichu half in L. coat pocket, gets petticoat ready to put over LORD FANCOURT'S head.)
(LORD FANCOURT puts his hands in pockets in sulky refusal. JACK drops skirt over LORD FANCOURT'S head and tries to fasten it round his waist while standing behind him, finding it won't meet, comes forward to see the cause and makes LORD FANCOURT take his hands out of his pockets.)
JACK. Take your hands out of your pockets.
(LORD FANCOURT does so and petticoat falls to the ground. JACK pulls it up. LORD FANCOURT fastens it.)
JACK. Here are your braces.
(JACK hands R. elastic brace to LORD FANCOURT who lets it slip, hitting JACK in the eye. JACK gives brace again, LORD FANCOURT fastens it while JACK takes L. brace, turns towards L.I.E. looking off anxiously, brace springs out of his hand and hits LORD FANCOURT. JACK grins, LORD FANCOURT goes down L. JACK crosses R. to CHARLEY, picks up bottom of dress which CHARLEY is holding by the shoulders with sleeves hanging down. LORD FANCOURT turning, sees them holding dress horizontally, runs and dives into it, then shakes CHARLEY by the hand as his arm comes out of R. sleeve. When LORD FANCOURT gets his collar fastened, JACK speaks.)
JACK. Just when we want old Spettigue in his best humour, you go and risk everything by this fool of a game.
LORD FANCOURT (doing up dress). What fool of a game? I'm not going to marry old Spettigue--I could never be happy with a man like that.
CHARLEY. You know, Babbs, if it was your little girl, we'd do anything for you.
LORD FANCOURT. Where's my antimacassar?
JACK (putting fichu round LORD FANCOURT). And all you think of is running after our girls, confound you.
LORD FANCOURT. Charley, am I all right behind? (Straightening down his things, turns back to audience and gives his skirt a final flirt out behind with both hands.)
(All go up R.C., as though to exit, CHARLEY looks L.I.E.)
JACK. Look out--here are the girls!
(They stop--LORD FANCOURT crosses L. behind table to L.C. Enter KITTY and AMY, L.I.E.)
KITTY (going to L.C by table). Oh, Donna Lucia, we've been looking for you everywhere. (Indicating chair L. of table to JACK, _taking LORD FANCOURT'S arm and leading him down L.C.) Amy and I want so much to speak to you.
AMY (having taken LORD FANCOURT'S L. arm). We're in a difficulty.
LORD FANCOURT. A difficulty?
(CHARLEY goes L. of AMY L. JACK brings chair from L. of table and places it behind LORD FANCOURT, L.C., then goes to R. of KITTY.)
KITTY. And we want you to be an angel--(Aside, to JACK.) Now Jack, do go away!
AMY. Yes, Charley, do go away.
LORD FANCOURT (to boys). Go away, they want me to be an angel.
(JACK and CHARLEY go up L.C. KITTY kneels R. of LORD FANCOURT; AMY L.)
KITTY (to LORD FANCOURT). You know Amy's uncle, Mr. Spettigue, is my guardian, and under my father's will, gets nearly all my money if I marry without his consent.
AMY. And you know Jack and Kitty are in love with each other, and Jack's lost all his money or something
KITTY (getting quicker). For years and years- (LORD FANCOURT looks at each in turn.)
AMY (and quicker). And Kitty wants you to
KITTY. No, wait a moment, Amy dear.
LORD FANCOURT (to AMY). Yes, wait a moment, Amy dear. (Places his arm round AMY.) It's her turn now.
(JACK restrains CHARLEY from punching LORD FANCOURT.) AMY (to KITTY). Now it's your turn.
LORD FANCOURT (to KITTY). Yes, now it's your turn. (Places arm round KITTY.)
(CHARLEY prevents JACK from hitting LORD FANCOURT.) KITTY. And Amy and Charley are in love with each other, too. But you don't object, do you? (Rises.)
LORD FANCOURT. Oh, no, my dears. (AMY rises.)
KITTY and AMY (together; kissing LORD FANCOURT). You old dear! You dear thing!
(They go up together and look off L.U.E. JACK and CHARLEY come down R. and L. of Low) FANCOURT and punch him. KITTY and AMY return to R. and L. of LORD FANCOURT.)
KITTY (to JACK). Now, Jack, do go away.
AMY (to CHARLEY). Yes, go away, Charley.
LORD FANCOURT (between girls). Yes, go away. We three girls want to be alone.
(JACK and CHARLEY go up L.C. KITTY kneels R. AMY L. as before.)
CHARLEY (aside to JACK). I must end this--I must do something!
JACK. Well, go and look after the tea. (Exit CHARLEY, R.C., to rooms.)
JACK. I must bring them all and stop this. (Exit hurriedly L.U.E.)
KITTY (to LORD FANCOURT). Now, first--you know where we left off, don't you?
LORD FANCOURT. Yes, you're all in love, and want to get married.
KITTY. Well--er--yes.
AMY. And we want uncle's consent.
KITTY. And yours. And we want you to be an angel and do it.
LORD FANCOURT. "An angel and do it"? Do what?
KITTY (a little anxiously). Why, get Mr. Spettigue's consent.
AMY. For both of us.
LORD FANCOURT. Oh, for both of you.
KITTY. Yes, first, you see, you'll give your consent to Charley and Amy, won't you?
LORD FANCOURT (to AMY). Oh, yes--nothing could be nicer.
AMY. You are so kind--but I knew it from the first.
LORD FANCOURT (to AMY). Would you like me to be one of your bridesmaids?
(They look away embarrassed and sit back on their heels.)
LORD FANCOURT No? Some other time.
KITTY. Well, now we want you to get his consent, but mine, being a legal affair--you understand, don't you?
LORD FANCOURT. Oh, yes, your father's will, you mean?
KITTY. Yes, his consent must be in writing.
LORD FANCOURT. In writing.
KITTY. And you must get it.
LORD FANCOURT (blandly). Get it?
KITTY. Yes--you must make him write a letter or something.
LORD FANCOURT. Oh, but my dears, I've no influence over him.
AMY. Oh, but you're so clever and so kind.
KITTY. And so rich.
LORD FANCOURT. Oh, yes, and so rich- I remember I gave away half-a-crown only this morning.
KITTY. At any rate, you must try.
AMY. Oh, dear Donna Lucia, do say you will try.
KITTY. We are going away
LORD FANCOURT. Oh! My darlings, don't leave me. (Puts his arms round them.)
AMY. Yes, we're going to Scotland.
LORD FANCOURT. Scotland! I know--a beautiful country--where the whisky comes from. (Movement of surprise from girls. LORD FANCOURT takes his arms away.)
KITTY. And you are our only hope.
AMY. Oh, Donna Lucia--have you ever been in love?
LORD FANCOURT. Oh, yes, dozens of times.
(Movement of surprise from girls.) I mean--once in love always in love, you know.
(KITTY rises.)
AMY. Then you know what it means to us, don't you?
LORD FANCOURT. I should rather think I did.
KITTY. And you'll get his consent for �s, won't you? (AMY rises.)
LORD FANCOURT. Well, I'll do my best. (KITTY goes C.)
AMY. You can't say " No " now. (Crosses behind LORD FANCOURT to KITTY C.)
LORD FANCOURT. No--not now.
KITTY. Then we'll find Mr. Spettigue (taking AMY'S arm--C. going R.I.E.) and send him to you at once.
(Exeunt KITTY and AMY quickly R.I.E.)
LORD FANCOURT (rising, going R.) Well, here's a deuce of a mess.
(Enter BRASSETT from rooms R.C. Slight pause as they catch each other's eye and smile.)
Oh, I say, Brassett--can you get me a brandy and soda? No. Here's old Spettigue coming!
(BRASSETT crosses above table and replaces chair beside L. table, from down L., taking cushions from chair and placing them in chair at back. Exits into rooms R.C. Enter SPETTIGUE, L.I.E., wearing property top-hat with tin lining.)
SPETTIGUE (places hat--crown down--on chair L. of table C. To LORD FANCOURT). Ah, there you are dear Donna Lucia. (Behind table.) I have been looking for you all the afternoon.
(Enter DONNA LUCIA, L.I.E.)
SPETTIGUE. I have so much to say to you.
DONNA LUCIA (coming L.C.). Mr. Spettigue--Mr. Spettigue-- (SPETTIGUE turns.)
DONNA LUCIA. Will you introduce me to
SPETTIGUE (aside). How annoying! Why couldn't she have kept away? (Aloud.) Oh, certainly! Donna Lucia, Mrs. Buttercup-Smith--Donna Lucia d'Alvadorez. (Goes up L.)
LORD FANCOURT. How do you do! (Comes C.)
(They shake hands, meeting c.)
LORD FANCOURT I'm Charley's aunt from Brazil, where the nuts come from.
DONNA LUCIA (to LORD FANCOURT, smiling). How do you do? Do you know I'm most interested in meeting you.
LORD FANCOURT. Really?
DONNA LUCIA. I knew your late husband--intimately!
(Enter CHARLEY R.C., in archway. SPETTIGUE goes down L. LORD FANCOURT turns to fly, but is met by CHARLEY in arch R.C. DONNA LUCIA crosses down R., smiling wickedly.)
CHARLEY (stopping him; aside to LORD FANCOURT). Whatever's the matter, Babbs?
LORD FANCOURT (in terror, pointing). She knew my late husband intimately! (Dashes across to L.U.E.)
(Enter JACK L.U.E., meets LORD FANCOURT at L.U.E.)
JACK (stopping him--to LORD FANCOURT). Well, how are you getting on? Everything's all right, isn't it?
LORD FANCOURT. No! She knew my late husband intimately!
JACK. The deuce!
(Enter BRASSETT from rooms with tea, which he puts on table C., and goes to chair upstage. Enter KITTY and AMY from L. through arch R.C., meet CHARLEY there up R.C.)
JACK (holding LORD FANCOURT). Look out, here's tea.
LORD FANCOURT. Well, what of it?
(BRASSETT puts chair from up c. behind table.)
JACK (aside to LORD FANCOURT). You must entertain. (Tucks' LOUD FANCOURT'S arm in his and leads him to table--aloud, pleasantly--crossing behind LORD FANCOURT.) Now, Donna Lucia, will you pour out tea?
(KITTY and AMY cross back to L., followed by CHARLEY. Stand talking. CHARLEY C., AMY L. and KITTY R. of him. JACK offers chair R. of table to DONNA LUCIA and stands R. of LORD FANCOURT C.)
LORD FANCOURT. Oh, certainly. (DONNA LUCIA sits R. of table.)
SPETTIGUE (down L., aside). What a cruel interruption! We were getting on so nicely.
LORD FANCOURT. Do we all take tea?
(LORD FANCOURT neatly pours tea into first cup L.--then into one other. AMY takes it, goes down L., gives it to SPETTIGUE--she rejoins KITTY and CHARLEY up L.C.)
DONNA LUCIA (to LORD FANCOURT). You haven't been in England long, have you?
JACK (rapidly, aside to LORD FANCOURT). Change the subject.
LORD FANCOURT (to DONNA LUCIA). Change the subject.
(LORD FANCOURT deliberately pours tea into SPETTIGUE'S hat on chair L. of table, very neatly, without spilling any, all the time talking over his shoulder to DONNA LUCIA.)
JACK (aside to LORD FANCOURT). No. Do you take sugar and cream?
LORD FANCOURT (to JACK). No. Do you take sugar and cream?
JACK (aside to Loan FANCOURT, losing patience). Ask her if she takes sugar and cream. (Nodding towards DONNA LUCIA.)
LORD FANCOURT (to DONNA LUCIA, aloud). Ask her if she takes sugar and cream.
(JACK catches sight of tea in hat and pulls LORD FANCOURT'S sleeve.
General consternation from all except SPETTIGUE, who does not see tea in hat. LORD FANCOURT stops pouring tea into hat and replaces teapot on tray as SPETTIGUE says; " I--er--"
SPETTIGUE. I--er--(turns, comes L. of table, and unconsciously holding cup directly over hat) I think I should like a little sugar and cream, Donna Lucia.
(LORD FANCOURT pours cream into cup, then into hat, talking to SPETTIGUE meanwhile.)
(Suddenly discovering tea in hat, puts cup on table and lifts up hat.) My hat, my hat!
(DONNA LUCIA rises, goes R.)
LORD FANCOURT (puts down milk jug, looks apologetically concerned, and takes hat). I beg your pardon.
(He makes three circular movements with hat to mix the milk and tea, opens lid of teapot, pours tea back into teapot, again without spilling any, hands hat back to SPETTIGUE. SPETTIGUE takes hat. LORD FANCOURT taps bottom of it. BRASSETT takes hat from SPETTIGUE, who turns away L., wiping eye. LORD FANCOURT gaily flips down lid of teapot and sits. BRASSETT exits to rooms with hat. SIR FRANCIS enters R.I.E., joins DONNA LUCIA down R.)
SPETTIGUE (aside). I must keep her in the humour. I must see her alone. I have it! They must come to dinner. After dinner, that's the time for my purpose. (Turning, aloud.) Pardon me, but I have a little proposition to make.
LORD FANCOURT (rising). Hear, hear! (JACK pushes him down again.)
SPETTIGUE. And I can't take "No."
(Orchestra starts playing very, very softly same melody as in Act I, gradually swells into full volume as the CURTAIN falls.)
(Re-enter BRASSETT, R.C. SIR FRANCIS enters arch R.I.E., joins DONNA LUCIA down R.)
BRASSETT (announcing). Mr. Spettigue's carriage. (Exit BRASSETT, R.C.)
SPETTIGUE. Ah, capital, the very thing Now I want you--all of you--to come and stay and dine at my house.
AMY Oh, yes, uncle--how nice of you.
KITTY (together). That will be delightful.
JACK. Grand idea.
CHARLEY Thanks awfully, sir.
SPETTIGUE (to LORD FANCOURT). You will return with me in the carriage now, Donna Lucia?
LORD FANCOURT (rises). I can't--it's impossible.
SPETTIGUE. I will take no denial. I want you, all of you, to come. (Enter ELA, arch R.C.)
DONNA LUCIA (down R.). I have my niece with me, Miss Delahay.
LORD FANCOURT (looks scared, rises). Miss Delahay!
(He must get hold of each side of his dress skirt only, without catching up petticoat too, preparatory to throwing skirt over head later.)
SPETTIGUE. Bring her--delighted!
LORD FANCOURT (coming c. to SPETTIGUE, unconsciously almost shaking his skirts). No, no. I can't, my things--my things- (Turns, meets ELA C.)
(As LORD FANCOURT says " No, no, I can't," ELA starts to speak too.)
ELA (looking up at sound of his voice). That voice (Running down to c.) It is--it is! (Meets LORD FANCOURT C. as he turns to meet her. Greatly surprised.) Oh! (Turns away disappointed to DONNA LUCIA.) No!
(Music swells to crescendo.)
(LORD FANCOURT puts skirt over his head, falls back into SPETTIGUE'S arms--SPETTIGUE catches hint. JACK kneels at LORD FANCOURT'S feet and holds down skirt, hiding feet with hat.)
TABLEAU.
CURTAIN.
"Dinner lubricates business."--Boswell's Johnson.
SCENE.--Drawing-room, SPETTIGUE'S house.
Three large French windows opening into garden c. Large double doors R. to open off stage. Fireplace L. Door down L. below fireplace. Upright piano L.C., with screw piano stool (revolving stool). Book-case and china cabinet R. and L., small bureau up R. Down R.C., clover-shaped ottoman with centre pillar (Victorian " redan "). Single chair down R. below doors, single 'chair between each of the sets of French windows. c. gas chandelier (or gas brackets on walls.) Oil lamp on the bureau, oil standard lamp by piano. Old-fashioned portraits on walls, flowers in bowls, cushions, etc. Victorian sofa below piano L., with cushions. Victorian window curtains and velvet overmantle typically Victorian. Curtain over door down L. looped up in Victorian manner.
The room to be a comfortable sitting-room in a house in North Oxford, but as it is owned by a man of sixty, the furniture is obviously round about 1850.
Lights half down inside scene. Full up when lamp on. Moonlight streams into room d.R. to L., alternate green and blue in batten on cloth outside.
Orchestra plays first 16 bars of "The Eton Boating Song," as the CURTAIN starts to rise the next 15 bars are played softly till they fade out.
BRASSETT discovered with taper lighting candles. Laughter off R.
BRASSETT (listens at door R.). There they go! Dinner's pretty well over now, and they'll all be in here pretty soon. (Turning up oil standard lamp up R.) Fancy old Spettigue getting me to come here to-night and butler for him. (Turning up oil lamp up L.) I suppose he's too mean to have a butler of his own. Well, all I can say is, it's simply marvellous the way his lordship's kept it up! He's played the perfect lady something wonderful!
(Loud laughter and talking off L)
BRASSETT Hello: What's up now? (Listens as before.)
(Voices stop.)
Anyhow, if the worst comes to the worst, I've got his lordship's dress clothes with me. (Above door R.)
(Enter LORD FANCOURT quickly R.)
LORD FANCOURT. Brassett, get me a fly, quick; I'm going home. (Goes up c.)
(Enter CHARLEY and JACK quickly catch LORD FANCOURT and bring him struggling down C. JACK L. of him, CHARLIE R. BRASSETT exits R., closing doors.)
JACK. You've been going along all right, if you'd only paid more attention to old Spettigue. Why did you bolt from the dinner table like that?
CHARLEY. It's so awfully dangerous and unkind of you, you know.
JACK. Instead of behaving in a dignified manner as Charley's aunt, here you are going on like some disgraceful old--old--
LORD FANCOURT. Oh, go on--finish it (hands folded as old lady) "Don't spare me!" (As a man again.) You can't say I'm drunk, anyhow--or if I am, it's for the want of it!
JACK. Now look here, Babbs, this game won't do.
CHARLEY. Think of the girls and the solemn promise you gave to help us, for their sakes.
Lon]) FANCOURT. Yes, but she wasn't here then.
JACK. She--who?
LORD FANCOURT. The little girl!
JACK. What little, girl?
LORD FANCOURT. Miss Delahay.
JACK. What, the girl with Mrs.--What's-her-name-Smythe?
LORD FANCOURT. Yes, Mrs. Butterscotch-Smythe's niece. (CHARLEY goes to window C.)
JACK. Well, what of her?
LORD FANCOURT. Why, she's the little girl I met at Monte Carlo, and this Butterscotch woman is the woman who took her away--and l'm off. (Bolts up C.)
JACK. Stop him, Charley--quick!
(CHARLEY turns, stops him, and brings him down C. CHARLEY goes to door R.)
You've got us into this deuce of a mess!
LORD FANCOURT. Well, of all the beastly, ungrateful things to say!
JACK. What difference can it make to you now?
LORD FANCOURT. Why, I want to talk to her.
JACK. Talk to her! What about?
LORD FANCOURT. I want to tell her what you fellows have been telling your girls. Hang it! I'm just as much in love as you are.
CHARLEY (near door R.). Jack, they'll hear everything.
JACK. Was there ever such an idiot? (Turns away in disgust.)
LORD FANCOURT (loudly). No! There never was! Look at me! I'm a disgrace to my sex! (Turns and goes up c.)
JACK. Well, if the worst comes to the worst, we'll take the bull by the horns, and be done with him.
LORD FANCOURT (turning, coming down c.; viciously). You can take the bull by the tail for all I care, and what's more, you can tell those confounded girls of yours to leave off kissing me before her, (shouting) I won't stand it.
JACK (shouting, to LORD FANCOURT). Don't shout, you idiot! (To CHARLEY.) We'll make some excuse--say she's ill, put him in a fly, and be done with him.
LORD FANCOURT (goes up .R. to CHARLEY--venomously). And, Charley, you can make some excuse to Miss Verdun for me.
JACK (jealously going to LORD FANCOURT up R.C.). Miss Verdun! What have you got to say to Miss Verdun? Come, out with. it!
LORD FANCOURT. Haven't I promised to get old Spettigue's consent in writing, you idiot? You're as helpless as a couple of babies, you want your mothers with you! (Makes off up L.C.)
(Voices heard off R.)
BRASSETT (Off R.). This way, madam.
CHARLEY. They're coming!
JAcK (dragging LORD FANCOURT back, pushing him on to ottoman, R.C.). Here, sit down, quick!
(Voices off R. The boys sit. CHARLEY R. of LORD FANCOURT; JACK L. of him. BRASSETT, entering doors R., showing in ladies. Enter DONNA LUCIA and ELA, R., in full evening dress, carrying long white suede kid gloves. DONNA LUCIA carries a fan, ELA smelling salts. All three men rise, but CHARLEY pushes LORD FANCOURT down again. Exit BRASSETT, R.)
DONNA LUCIA (crossing behind ottoman to c.). How is your aunt, Mr. Wykeham? We were afraid she might be ill.
ELA (following DONNA LUCIA to R.C.; between JACK and DONNA LUCIA). Yes, is there anything the matter?
CHARLEY. Er--auntie's been a little upset by the--by the heat of the dining-room, that's all.
DONNA LUCIA. The heat? I found it rather cold!
JACK. Yes, Charley means that--cold. You see, Donna Lucia's lived so long in a warm climate.
DONNA LUCIA turns away to hide her amusement and sits R. end of chesterfield, down L.)
ELA (giving JACK, DONNA LUCIA'S smelling salts). Won't you try auntie's smelling salts?. They're so good. (LORD FANCOURT 'stares studiedly at ELA.)
JACK. Thank you.
(ELA crosses behind chesterfield and sits L. of DONNA LUCIA.) She's often like this. Isn't she, Charley?
(JACK shoves smelling salt bottle under LORD FANCOURT'S nose. LORD FANCOURT sneezes with violence of the smelling salts. Enter AMY, followed by KITTY, R. KITTY shuts door and joins AMY C.)
AMY (coming to e.). I hope Donna Lucia is all right? KITTY (R.c.). Yes, is she? (Between JACK and AMY.)
ELA. Oh, yes, Mr. Chesney says she is all right now.
KITTY (to JACK). Well, go and tell Mr. Spettigue, he's most anxious, and leave her with us. (Takes smelling salts from JAcK and goes up to french windows, placing salts on table R., then stands in the moonlight on the terrace.)
AMY. Yes, we'll look after her now. (Joins KITTY up c, on terrace by window c.)
(Exeunt JACK and CHARLEY R., after shaking fists at LORD FANCOURT in a warning manner.)
LORD FANCOURT (seeing JACK and CHARLEY going). I say, you fellows, don't leave me like this! (Aside.) Here's a deuce of a position! (Looking towards ladies.) I wonder what they'll talk about? I hope they'll be careful before me!
(Enter BRASSETT R., with coffee, cream and sugar.)
ELA (to DONNA LUCIA). I wonder who she really is, auntie?
DONNA LUCIA. Oh, some old thing they got after receiving my telegram.
(BRASSETT offers coffee to DONNA LUCIA, which she accepts. ELA shakes her head in refusal. BRASSETT then goes to KITTY and AMY, C. Each take a cup.)
ELA (after BRASSETT moves away). Say something to her, auntie. I like to hear her talk.
DONNA LUCIA. I would, my dear, but look at her. If I thought they intended that to be like me, I'd never forgive them.
(BRASSETT crosses to DONNA LUCIA and ELA; both refuse cream. He goes straight to KITTY and AMY, tip R. Loud laughter off R.)
LORD FANCOURT (aside). Hark at the silly fools!
(BRASSETT comes down R. of LORD FANCOURT with coffee. They look at each other and smile.)
DONNA LUCIA. I say, Brassett, what's the story?
(LORD FANCOURT looks alarmed.)
LORD FANCOURT (aside in terror). That's just what I expected--
DONNA LUCIA.--that Dom Pedro was very fond of telling.
LORD FANCOURT (aside in terror). I must put a stop to this.
(Aloud.) Won't one of the young ladies play something, please?
DONNA LUCIA (to ELA). How rude of her to interrupt like that!
ELA. Oh, she couldn't have heard you, auntie.
KITTY. Oh, do tell us, Mrs. Beverley-Smythe.
AMY. Yes--anything about Dom Pedro would be so interesting--do tell us.
DONNA LUCIA: But perhaps Donna Lucia would prefer to tell Dom Pedro's story herself?
Loan FANCOURT. Tom Pedro?
DONNA LUCIA (mischievously). Your late husband, you know, Dom Pedro d'Alvadorez.
LORD FANCOURT. Oh, yes, of course--I know his name--but I don't remember his stories. I don't hold with such frivolity. (Aside.) It's too bad of those fellows.
ELA (aside to DONNA LUCIA). Auntie, don't tease her so, tell the story yourself.
DONNA LUCIA. Well, Dom Pedro, who was the kindest soul in all the world, but (to LORD FANCOURT) -will Donna Lucia give me permission?
KITTY (crossing to L. of LORD FANCOURT.) Oh, you won't mind Mrs. Beverley-Smythe telling the story, will you?
AMY (crossing to R. of LORD FANCOURT). And you'll listen, won't you?
LORD FANCOURT (resignedly). Well, if I must--I must! (Turning towards DONNA LUCIA.)
(KITTY arranges cushions for him.)
DONNA LUCIA. Well, as I said before--Dom Pedro, who was the kindest soul in all the world--once found one of his cellarmen- (LORD FANCOURT looks uneasy.)--tipsy--very tipsy.
LORD FANCOURT. Tut, tut!
DONNA LUCIA. So Dom Pedro, whom the man did not recognise
LORD FANCOURT. Why, was Dom Pedro tipsy?
KITTY. No, no the man, Donna Lucia.
AMY & Kitty (together). The man was tipsy.
DONNA LUCIA. Dom Pedro was, of course, most abstemious--that is what makes the point of the story.
LORD FANCOURT. Oh, does it?
DONNA LUCIA. So Dom Pedro said to the man, "What would Dom Pedro say if he saw you like this?"
LORD FANCOURT. "Tipsy"--like this?
KITTY & AMY (together) Yes, yes!
LORD FANCOURT. And what did the man say?
DONNA LUCIA. The man said--and that's where it's so funny
LORD FANCOURT. Oh, is that where we laugh?
KITTY & AMY (together) . No, no!
DONNA LUCIA. The. man -said, "Oh, that's all right, Dom Pedro's often like this."
LORD FANCOURT (blankly). Tipsy?
DONNA LUCIA. Yes.
(General laughter, except LORD FANCOURT. AMY and KITTY go up C.)
LORD FANCOURT (aside, surprised). Well, of all the demmed silly stories! (Suddenly collapses with laughter. To DONNA LUCIA.) What was the man's name?
DONNA LUCIA. Really, I don't know the man's name.
LORD FANCOURT. Oh, that's a pity!
DONNA LUCIA (getting her own back). But don't you remember the story? It was a favourite one of Dom Pedro's.
Loan FANCOURT. Oh, perfectly! I shrieked when I heard it first. (Forgetting himself, pulling up knees of trousers through his skirt.) I say, that reminds me of a very funny story. I--
(KITTY and AMY come down L.. of LORD FANCOURT. They must not see trouser business, both turn to LORD FANCOURT on the words "funny story.")
(Sees girls, recollecting himself.) Won't one of the young ladies play something, please?
KITTY (C.). Oh, I'm so out of practice. You sing something, Amy!
AMY (between LORD FANCOURT and KITTY). Oh, I can't--I know nothing new.
LORD FANCOURT. Sing that charming little ballad- -Ta-Ra-Ra-Boomdeay.
AMY. I'm afraid I can't, Donna Lucia.
DONNA LUCIA (to LORD FANCOURT). Won't you sing something for us, Donna Lucia?
LORD FANCOURT. Me?
DONNA LUCIA. Yes, one of those charming little Brazilian songs I've heard Dom Pedro was so fond of.
LORD FANCOURT. Oh, no--I haven't sung since I had the measles.
(KITTY turns upstage to hide laughter. AMY joins her.)
DONNA LUCIA (aside to ELA). What?
LORD FANCOURT. Over forty years ago.
DONNA LUCIA (aside to ELA). Another libel! I was the merest infant.
LORD FANCOURT. But I play a little.
(KITTY gets music stool ready for LORD FANCOURT to sit on and remains standing above piano. AMY goes R.C.)
LORD FANCOURT. (Rising--aside.) That's a good idea! I shan't have to talk, and I can drown their conversation! (Crossing towards piano C.)
BOOKMARK
DONNA LUCIA (to LORD FANCOURT as he is crossing C.). I hope you've quite recovered from the shock my niece gave you to-day?
LORD FANCOURT. Oh, yes, I was a little upset, wasn't I? I suffer so much from giddiness. Were you ever giddy?
DONNA LUCIA (mock indignantly). Never!
LORD FANCOURT. I was. (Going up to piano.) What shall I play? A little Beethoven or Blue Bells of Scotland?
(LORD FANCOURT plays five-finger exercise C to G and back, then quickly strikes B twice, two octaves higher.)
LORD FANCOURT Do you know that? (Then starts to play something softly. If the actor who plays LORD FANCOURT cannot play the piano, he can play " chopsticks " here)
(After a bar or two of music.)
SPETTIGUE (off R.). Come along, my dear friends, come along!
KITTY (aside to LORD FANCOURT while he is playing). Here they are! Now don't forget the letter!
LORD FANCOURT. Oh, no, I won't forget.
KITTY (going to AMY up R.C.). Let's get them all out into the garden and leave her alone with Mr. Spettigue.
Enter SPETTIGUE, SIR FRANCIS, JACK and CHARLEY, all in full evening dress, followed by BRASSETT, also evening dress; he stands by door with empty tray. SPETTIGUE comes c., stands as though entranced by music. JACK stands L. of CHARLEY down R.C., by ottoman. SIR FRANCIS joins KITTY and AMY U R.C. BRASSETT takes two empty cups from small table up R.C.)
SPETTIGUE (during last four bars of music--moves to LORD FANCOURT, C.). Charming! Charming!
LORD FANCOURT stops playing; twirls round on stool and almost overbalances. SPETTIGUE saves him from falling. Then LORD FANCOURT sits staring at ELA on sofa L.) Bring the cigars, Brassett, unless the ladies--(to DONNA LUCIA) Mrs. Beverley-Smythe, (to LORD FANCOURT) Donna Lucia, do you object to---
LORD FANCOURT (without thinking, using deep voice). Smoking? Oh, no! I like it. (Pulling himself up and using lighter voice.) It kills the insects and things! (Sits staring at ELA again.)
(Exit BRASSETT, R.)
CHARLEY (down R.).. Look at him, Jack.
JACK (R.C.). What's he doing?
CHARLEY. Staring at her like he did all through dinner.
JACK. The fool!
(BRASSETT re-enters R. with cigars, cigar-cutters, matches on salver; he places them on table up R.C. and exits R. with salver.)
SPETTIGUE (C., aside). I must make an opportunity to see her alone. (Aloud.) It's a sweet evening. Perhaps some of you may care to enjoy a cigar in the garden.
JACK. No, thank you, sir.
SPETTIGUE. It's a sweet evening. (Goes up C., stands behind piano.)
SIR FRANCIS (with back to audience up R.C., facing girls). You've been enjoying yourselves capitally, Miss Verdun, we heard the music.
KITTY (to SIR FRANCIS). Yes, Donna Lucia has been playing for us.
SPETTIGUE (leaning over piano--to LORD FANCOURT). How charming of you, Donna Lucia! (To CHARLEY.) What should we have done without your dear aunt, Charley?
CHARLEY (in hollow tone). Oh!
JACK (aside to CHARLEY). Don't groan like that, you idiot! (Going C. to
(CHARLEY joins AMY Up R.C.)
SPETTIGUE (to LORD FANCOURT, with a look). I--I hope to be.
(LORD FANCOURT puts his hand on top of piano--SPETTIGUE covers it with his own.)
LORD FANCOURT (drawing hand away--slaps SPETTIGUE'S hand with it). Why--are you going to take lessons?
(SPETTIGUE goes behind settee down L., and talks to DONNA LUCIA and ELA.)
(Aside to JACK.) What's he looking at me like that for, like a boiled owl?
JACK (taking SIR FRANCIS'S L. arm and bringing him down c.) Dad, I'm glad you know about Kitty now, she's a splendid girl, isn't she?
(KITTY crosses to LORD FANCOURT.)
SIR FRANCIS. I like her very much, I must say, Jack.
JACK. You've taken a load off my mind, dad. I thought I was quite without means.
SIR FRANCIS. Not altogether, my boy. And you've thought this matter well over?
JACK. Night and day, dad, ever since I first met her.
(CHARLEY goes down R.)
SIR FRANCIS. It's a serious step, 'you know. (Going down R. with JACK.) A serious step.
(JACK joins CHARLEY down R.)
KITTY (at piano, to LORD FANCOURT). Now, don't forget--in writing. (Goes to AMY, aside.) Amy, let's get them all out into the garden. You take Charley. (Goes down R. to JACK.)
JACK (aside, R., to CHARLEY). I'm glad I told the dad now.
(SIR. FRANCIS joins AMY up R., SPETTIGUE joins LORD FANCOURT, above piano. KITTY sits on ottoman, JACK stands R. of her. CHARLEY joins AMY up R.C.)
SPETTIGUE (leaning across piano, to LORD FANCOURT). But why won't you listen to reason?
LORD FANCOURT. Of course, I'll listen to reason, but where is the letter?
SPETTIGUE (recollecting, but without interest). Ah, I remember, I've not written it yet.
LORD FANCOURT. Not yet! (Swings round on revolving stool to R., ending back to audience.)
(SIR FRANCIS goes to french window C. and looks off.)
SPETTIGUE (spoonily). We must find an opportunity to talk it over, alone!
LORD FANCOURT. That will be nice! (Swings back again L., turns, ending facing SPETTIGUE, each a three-quarter turn.)
(SPETTIGUE and LORD FANCOURT continue talking together. SIR FRANCIS crosses and stands behind piano up L.)
AMY (to CHARLEY--upstage c.) But, Charley, why are you so depressing? We ought to be very happy to-day.
CHARLEY. Amy, great joys sometimes bring a--a sort of reaction; I shall be better--tomorrow I (With a look at LORD FANCOURT.)
AMY. Oh, come into the garden!
(Exeunt CHARLEY and AMY R.C. window to R. SPETTIGUE crosses to table up R.C. ELA goes up behind piano to window C. LORD FANCOURT watching her--she turns and smiles to him--and exits immediately off c. to L. SIR FRANCIS drops down L. behind sofa to DONNA LUCIA.)
JACK (aside to KITTY). I've told the dad blank out, and he's delighted! But, Kitty, you won't regret turning your back on. " Society " and " The Row," and--?
KITTY. And the stifling hollowness of my own "Monday" and everybody's else's "rest-of-the-week" and have something real to think about? Jack, the vista is too heavenly. (Rises.) Come into the garden.
(JACK and KITTY go up C.)
SPETTIGUE (up R.C., to JACK). It's a sweet evening. Perhaps you'd like a cigar, Jack. (Offers cigar to JACK.)
JACK. No, thank you, sir.
SPETTIGUE. It's a sweet evening.
(Exeunt JACK and KITTY, C. window to R. SPETTIGUE goes down R. LORD FANCOURT starts to play again softly. NOTE.--LORD FANCOURT to play here only if he plays well. Nothing should be played to get a laugh or to "guy" SIR FRANCIS and DONNA LUCIA'S 'exit.)
SIR FRANCIS (going R. of sofa). Shall we join them?
DONNA LUCIA. Yes, it's a charity to leave those two people alone.
SIR FRANCIS. Indeed, why?
DONNA LUCIA (rising). Only a little match-making mischief, that's all. (Going C.)
SIR FRANCIS (following DONNA LUCIA--between her and LORD FANCOURT at piano). On Spettigue's account?
DONNA LUCIA (slyly). No--on Donna Lucia's.
(DONNA LUCIA and SIR FRANCIS exeunt window C. to. L. SPETTIGUE goes to window, watches them off. LORD FANCOURT rises and hides behind piano.)
SPETTIGUE (job fully). They've gone. (Turns, finds LORD FANCOURT gone.) Lucia! (Coming down C.) They've gone!
(SPETTIGUE looks about astonished, goes towards door R. LORD FANCOURT strikes top note sharply on piano and retires quickly. SPETTIGUE turns--LORD FANCOURT bobs up from behind piano.)
LORD FANCOURT (points playfully at SPETTIGUE). A-ah!
SPETTIGUE (sees LORD FANCOURT). Ah, there you are! Lucia, how I have longed for this moment. (Comes to C. of piano.)
LORD FANCOURT (behind piano, "treble" end; aside). Oh, he's at it again. (Goes upstage to "bass.")
SPETTIGUE. Lucia, I must speak to you, I
LORD FANCOURT. No. I am very angry with you. (Puts hand on top of piano.)
SPETTIGUE. Lucia, you wound me; don't say that! (Moves to "bass")
(Pats LORD FANCOURT'S hand. LORD FANCOURT snatches it away.)
LORD FANCOURT (dodges to "treble"). But I do say that--after the promise you made me, to treat me like this. (Unconsciously puts hand on piano top again.)
SPETTIGUE. Promise?
LORD FANCOURT. The consent you promised in writing.
SPETTIGUE (going to "treble") Lucia, how can you, when we have so much to say that more nearly concerns ourselves. (Pats LORD FANCOURT'S hand lying on piano.)
(LORD FANCOURT pulls hand away and smacks SPETTIGUE'S hand. SPETTIGUE goes R.C., rubbing hand.)
LORD FANCOURT. No, we have not. (Coming L.C.) You don't know me! I'm no ordinary woman.
SPETTIGUE (coming e.). Lucia, I beg of you to listen to me! LORD FANCOURT. I'll listen to you with pleasure, but where is the letter you promised me?
SPETTIGUE. Will you hear me, Lucia?
LORD FANCOURT (getting rather annoyed and bored). I'll hear you with pleasure, (going up C. to R.) but why won't you give me the letter?
SPETTIGUE (crossing L.). Lucia, do I deserve this?
LORD FANCOURT (coming down R.; aside to R.). He deserves six months, the old idiot!
SPETTIGUE. Lucia, you are a puzzle, an enigma!
LORD FANCOURT (crossing to SPETTIGUE, L.C.). How dare you! Until you give me the letter, all is over between us.
SPETTIGUE. Lucia, that decides me. I go to my room, (casually) a brief note.
LORD FANCOURT (pointedly). With full consent and signed, don't forget.
SPETTIGUE (at L.I.E.). Then say you will be mine?
LORD FANCOURT. I'll say anything you like, only don't be too long in the study.
SPETTIGUE (at door L.I.E., kissing hand). Darling!
(Exits L.)
LORD FANCOURT (C.). That's all right! (With surprise and .amusement. Facing audience.) I say, what devils we women are! (Goes up to window C.) It's too bad of those fellows! (Going to piano, turns, leaning against it.) Why, I shall be an old woman for the rest of my life. I haven't had a drink or a smoke all day! (Catches sight of cigar box on table R., crossing quickly.) By George, here's a find! (Looking towards door L.) I wonder how long he'll be? Hanged if I don't chance it! (Lights cigar with match which he strikes on his boot. Comes downstage C., puffs vigorously) Beautiful! Beautiful! (Puffs.)
(Enter DONNA LUCIA with ELA R. of her, through L.C. window from L.)
DONNA LUCIA (sees LORD FANCOURT smoking--aside to ELA) She's smoking! (Aloud.) Ahem! (Comes down L. side of him.)
(ELA comes down R. of LORD FANCOURT. He is startled, draws in a large mouthful of smoke, then hides cigar in placket hole, holding lighted end reversed in palm of R. hand--mouth full of smoke--looks from DONNA LUCIA to ELA and then straight ahead in agony, holding smoke first in opposite cheek to each one he looks at, then in both cheeks, screwing up eyes, almost bursting.)
ELA (this must be spoken through ensuing laughter or LORD FANCOURT would burst! Rapidly). Auntie, did you find it chilly?
DONNA LUCIA. Yes, my dear, I thought I'd get a wrap of some kind.
ELA. I'll go upstairs and get you something. I know where your things are! (Goes to door, turns, looks at LORD FANCOURT and exits R. LORD FANCOURT looks after her. Blows out smoke and tries to wave it away.)
DONNA LUCIA. Are you alone?
LORD FANCOURT (comes C.). Yes, I'm all alone--and so sad.
DONNA LUCIA. Dear me, (sniffing smoke, crosses down R.) what a dreadful smell of smoke! (Secretly much amused.)
LORD FANCOURT. Yes, I noticed it myself. (Going quickly upstage, takes cigar out of placket-hole and unseen, changes it into L. hand.) I'll go and find out who it is.
DONNA LUCIA (going up R.C.). No, don't go. (LORD FANCOURT turns, holding cigar behind his back.) I wanted to talk to you.
LORD FANCOURT (amiably). Yes. (Comes down L.C., cigar behind back.)
DONNA LUCIA. About your late husband, Dom Pedro.
LORD FANCOURT. Oh, that will be nice.
DONNA LUCIA. Do you know, when I met Dom Pedro, he told me he had no wife.
LORD FANCOURT. Oh, the wicked story-teller. Ah, but he was a cruel husband.
DONNA LUCIA. The Dom Pedro I knew was noble, kind and gentle.
LORD FANCOURT. That was his father, the old gentleman with the white moustache.
DONNA LUCIA (aside, behind her fan, turning away). I never knew such effrontery! (Returning c. Aloud.) Do you know, Donna Lucia, I'm surprised you don't indulge in the habit of smoking--so many Brazilian ladies do, you know.
LORD FANCOURT. Well, to tell you the truth, that's just what I was doing when you came in. (Shows cigar in L. hand.)
DONNA LUCIA. Then, pray don't let me interrupt you!
(LORD FANCOURT smokes.)
(Aside.) I shouldn't have been surprised at a pipe!
LORD FANCOURT (stops smoking). Can I offer you one?
DONNA LUCIA. NO thanks. (Both turn, but LORD FANCOURT kicks his skirt out of the way in turning--they go up C. together. DONNA LUCIA fans herself with L. hand--LORD FANCOURT does the same with R. hand.)
You see, (turning and taking his arm--both stop fanning--coming down C.) not being a Brazilian lady, it might be thought strange. (Letting go his arm.)
LORD FANCOURT (hopefully). Will you have a drink of any kind?
DONNA LUCIA. No thanks. Oh, Donna Lucia, pardon my curiosity, but--have you any children?
LORD FANCOURT (taken off his guard, can't remember what he'd been told). Only a few--none to speak of.
(DONNA LUCIA goes up R.C. LORD FANCOURT goes down L. Re-enter ELA R. with wrap.)
ELA. Here's your wrap, auntie. (Puts it on DONNA LUCIA'S. shoulders.)
(LORD FANCOURT puts cigar in coffee cup on piano.)
DONNA LUCIA. Thank you, dear--I am going into the garden.. I fancy Sir Francis has something to say to me. (Going up c.) And as it's rather chilly (turning at window) perhaps you'd better stay in!
(Exits c. to L. LORD FANCOURT steals a look at ELA about to exit, goes slowly to window L.C.)
ELA (up c., coming down behind ottoman R.C.; quickly, aside). Auntie said we weren't to hint about our knowing she's not--auntie! I'm sure she's only doing it to oblige them. (Turns, sees LORD FANCOURT about to exit window L.C.)
ELA (Turns, sees LORD FANCOURT about to exit window L.C., Going up c. to LORD FANCOURT--aloud.) Oh, don't go--please.
LORD FANCOURT (turns). I was going into the garden.
ELA (R. of LORD FANCOURT). It has turned quite chilly. Auntie sent me in from the garden because of that.
LORD FANCOURT (concerned). Can I get you a wrap of any kind? (Movement towards door R.)
ELA (stopping LORD FANCOURT). No, thank you, auntie thinks I'm better here. I've been ill, you know.
LORD FANCOURT. Oh, but I didn't know.
ELA. Oh, I'm all right now, of course, if I take care.
LORD FANCOURT (seriously). Yes, you must take great care.
ELA (taking LORD FANCOURT'S R. arm and going slowly down to ottoman R.C.). Auntie, I fancy, is more particular than usual this evening--- (Helping LORD FANCOURT to ottoman, puts cushion behind his back.)
ELA. For, you know--(quick look to L.) years ago, she and Sir Francis (kneels L. of LORD FANCOURT) were--(whispering) sweethearts.
LOan FANCOURT. Were they?
ELA. But he went away--without telling her he was ever and ever so fond of her. Auntie says he was--shy, and he went away without knowing that she was ever and ever so fond of him. But the noblest man I ever knew was shy, and oh, so kind! (With a look round.) He got to know how papa had become so ill--and so poor--and lost a large sum of money to him at cards, auntie thinks, on purpose. I often wondered why they played cards, and papa so ill too, but when I asked the doctor if it, wasn't doing harm, he said, Not the game that was being played." (A little pause.) But I've got all the money and if ever we meet, I mean to give it back.
LORD FANCOURT (quietly). Oh, no, you must never think of doing that. It would be like accusing him of a sort of cheating, you know.
ELA. But it was so much--enough, auntie says, to make me independent for life.
LORD FANCOURT. And do you think he'd take it back if he knew that?
ELA (simply). Oh, but I should feel it my duty-
LORD FANCOURT (thankfully--smiling kindly). It's too late now.
ELA. But he went away before I had time to tell him how much I--I--(in a low voice) loved him for (rising)--for his kindness to my poor father. (Moves up c.)
(LORD FANCOURT rises quietly and goes round R. of ottoman up to R.C.)
(Turning. To LORD FANCOURT.) You don't mind my telling you all this, do you? I don't know why, but I like to talk to you. (Putting her hand on his arm.) I like you (goes to window L.C., turning) and I do so long to see him again.
(Exit L.C. to L. LORD FANCOURT watches ELA off, then goes to ottoman down
SPETTIGUE. Lucia!
LORD FANCOURT (coming c.). Have you got the letter?
(SPETTIGUE shows letter. LORD FANCOURT tries to snatch it- SPETTIGUE holds it out of his reach.)
SPETTIGUE. Yes, here is the letter. But first, make my happiness complete. Say that from this blissful moment we are engaged?
LORD FANCOURT. We are engaged. (LORD FANCOURT gets the letter.)
LORD FANCOURT. Got it--we are engaged. (Going to door R.)
SPETTIGUE. Darling!
LORD FANCOURT (turning). Mr. Spettigue!
SPETTIGUE. Call me Stephen.
LORD FANCOURT (reading letter). Is this the letter--Stephen?
SPETTIGUE. Yes, that is the letter and we are betrothed?
LORD FANCOURT (at door R.). We are betrothed, darling!
(Quick exit R. Enter SIR FRANCIS and DONNA LUCIA, C., window from L.)
SPETTIGUE (going up to c. opening, shaking SIR FRANCIS by both hands). Ah, Mrs. Beverley-Smythe, Sir Francis, congratulate me, congratulate me! (Going up to R.C. window.)
(SIR FRANCIS looks puzzled.)
DONNA LUCIA (coming down R.--aside). I knew it.
SPETTIGUE (in c. window, turning). I'm the happiest man in the world--but where are the dear children? This must be a day of happiness and rejoicing for us all, for us all!
(Exits C. to R.)
SIR FRANCIS (coming down c.; taking DONNA LUCIA'S wrap off and placing it on back of ottoman). What on earth does he mean? What's all this excitement about?
DONNA LUCIA (sits on ottoman, R.C.). Can't you guess?
SIR FRANCIS. No.
DONNA LUCIA. Didn't I tell you what would happen if we left them alone?
SIR FRANCIS. Eh?
DONNA LUCIA. Don't you understand? She's accepted him.
SIR FRANCIS. What?
DONNA LUCIA (drily). Yes, Donna Lucia d'Alvadorez! (Sits on ottoman.)
SIR FRANCIS. You don't mean that?
DONNA LUCIA. I fancy he'll find out his mistake before long.
SIR FRANCIS (half aside). By George, what a fool I've been!
DONNA LUCIA. Why? Are you sorry?
SIR FRANCIS (R.C.). No, but--that rascal of a boy of mine made some sort of a stupid suggestion that I should--
DONNA LUCIA. That you should offer your hand and heart to Donna Lucia d'Alvadorez--from Brazil, where the nuts come from.
SIR FRANCIS. When I think of what a fool I was--might have been--should have been--
DONNA LUCIA. Then you don't envy him?
SIR FRANCIS. Envy him! (Coming to her R.)
DONNA LUCIA. But think of her millions.
SIR FRANCIS. Ah, Lucy, when I saw your face--
DONNA LUCIA. You didn't recognise it!
SIR FRANCIS. No, but when I did--but I told you all that in the garden just now--and you'll be content for a while with a cottage and your old sweetheart?
DONNA LUCIA. And you? You would take me, a penniless widow?
SIR FRANCIS. Nothing could make me happier!
DONNA LUCIA (gives him her hand). Frank!
SIR FRANCIS (taking her hand). Lucy!
SIR FRANCIS (A little pause. DONNA LUCIA smiles.) Why, what are you smiling at?
DONNA LUCIA. I was only thinking of--
SIR FRANCIS. Of what?
DONNA LUCIA. Of Donna Lucia d'Alvadorez.
(Enter ELA L.C. window from L.)
SIR FRANCIS. Well, she's a quaint little figure, I must own I (Goes up R.C. to R. window.)
ELA (coming down to DONNA LUCIA, R.). Auntie, did you find the air chilly,?
DONNA LUCIA. I didn't notice, my love.
ELA (laughing). Auntie, how pretty you look to-night! (With look to SIR FRANCIS, whispering.) Has Sir Francis ...?
DONNA LUCIA. Ssh!
(ELA kisses DONNA LUCIA and sits on ottoman, L. of her. SIR FRANCIS comes down R. and sits on chair below door R.)
SPETTIGUE (off). Come along, my dear children--(entering)--come along!
(Enter SPETTIGUE, R.C. window, followed by KITTY and AMY, JACK, and CHARLEY. BRASSETT enters door R., carrying salver, goes up R.C. CHARLEY up C., JACK L. of him.)
SPETTIGUE (Coming down to front of sofa, L.C.) Kitty, you sit there, (indicating piano stool) Amy there. (Stands R.C. by ELA.) I have something to tell you. Something you will all be very pleased to hear. (Looking round.) But where is Donna Lucia?
(General movement. No one answers--then BRASSETT steps forward.)
BRASSETT (in front of small table up R.C.). Donna Lucia's gone to her room, I fancy! (Steps back again.)
SPETTIGUE. Ah, perhaps it's just as well! Now, before she returns, I have a little secret to tell you.
(All exchange glances.)
ALL. A secret? Oh, really? (etc.)
SPETTIGUE (cutting in, rather louder, to gain attention). I am sure you will pardon me if I ask your attention for a few moments.
CHARLEY (aside to JACK, quick and low). Good gracious, Jack, what's he going to say?
JACK (aside to CHARLEY, quickly). How do I know till he's said it?
SPETTIGUE. Situated as I am, a lonely widower, a mateless uncle--surrounded with grave responsibilities--my ward--(indicating KITTY), my niece--(indicating AMY), a good fairy has, I may say, tripped in among us, bringing with her unexpected light and joy!
CHARLEY (aside rapidly to JACK). Who does he mean?
JACK (aside rapidly to CHARLEY). Shut up!
SPETTIGUE. Under her influence, I have consented to the engagement of my niece to a gentleman in whose honour and probity I have the fullest confidence--Mr. Charles Wykeham. (CHARLEY goes to AMY R.C., and takes her hand.)
AMY. Charley, how sweet of your dear aunt.
SPETTIGUE. Furthermore, charmed by irresistible spells, I have consented to the union of my ward with John, only son of my friend, Sir Francis Chesney. (JACK goes to KITTY.)
(Pointing to carnation in his coat.) Ah! Sir Francis (Sm FRANCIS laughs.) But what will you say to a third engagement?
(CHARLEY returns C. to JACK.)
OMNES (they look at Min breathlessly). A third? What? [editors note - OMNES means all together]
SPETTIGUE. Our good fairy--nay, let me add without further metaphor (rather pompously)--one whose name is honoured in the South-Western hemisphere as that of Rothschild is in Europe (self- conscious and rather smug)--has consented to become Mrs. Stephen Spettigue.
(KITTY rises.)
I allude to our dear friend, Donna Lucia d'Alvadorez.
(BRASSETT, R.C., holding empty tray behind his back, knocks it against table and it falls with a loud clatter on to the floor. General movement of surprise--everyone starts. CHARLEY joins JACK up L.C., leaving BRASSETT in full view.)
SPETTIGUE (furious). What is that?
BRASSETT (looking helplessly R. and L. and nervously shooting first one cuff and then the other). Beg pardon, sir--the tray, sir.
(KITTY pushes music stool under piano, and goes to back of sofa.)
SPETTIGUE (shouting). Be more careful, Brassett
(BRASSETT picks up tray.)
AMY (coming forward--conciliatingly). Uncle!
SPETTIGUE (more quietly). Be more careful. (Resuming speech.) Nothing could please me more than...
CHARLEY (breaking forward, wildly--coming down c. to SPETTIGUE). Mr. Spettigue, I can listen to this ghastly farrago no longer.
SPETTIGUE. Mr. Wykeham, sir--what do you mean?
CHARLEY. I say, sir--and I don't care what the result may be--I can listen to this ghastly...
SPETTIGUE (loftily--breaking in). I presume, sir, in espousing my niece
CHARLEY (wildly--cutting in). I can't I won't espouse her (Consternation and general excitement. AMY turns away, goes up R.)--under these false and lying pretences! (DONNA LUCIA smiles.) That woman-
SPETTIGUE. Do you allude in such a manner to--
CHARLEY. I say that woman-
SPETTIGUE. I must beg of you to speak with more respect of your aunt.
CHARLEY. She is not my aunt!
(DONNA LUCIA rises followed by ELA, and goes up C., watching the following scene from there. SIR FRANCIS goes round back of ottoman to top end of piano. BRASSETT goes to door R.)
SPETTIGUE. Not your aunt! What do you mean?
CHARLEY. I love Amy far too sincerely to-
SPETTIGUE (excitedly). Never mind that, sir; explain your words!
JACK (coming forward). Mr. Spettigue--will you allow me to say that the blame is mine--and let me explain?
SPETTIGUE. I am addressing this person. (To CHARLEY.) Answer me, sir, explain your words.
BRASSETT (at door; aside). I must tell his lordship of this! (Exit R.)
CHARLEY. At the last moment, this morning, my aunt--on whose account we had invited Miss Verdun and Miss Spettigue telegraphed to say she couldn't come. The ladies arrived and we JACK (helping CHARLEY out). And I, sir, prevailed upon another person, to--well
SPETTIGUE. To personate her. (Crossing R. below ottoman.) I've been treacherously, infamously deceived!
CHARLEY (crossing R.C. to SPETTIGUE). That was not our intention, sir!
SPETTIGUE (turning, furious). Don't lie to me, sir.
(CHARLEY goes up R.C. to R. of AMY, who turns away from him. He stands above door R.)
JACK (trying to calm SPETTIGUE). I beg your pardon, sir, you forget you were not expected.
SPETTIGUE (below door R.). A frump like that, with a wig!
JACK. Well, you can't blame her for that. (Joins KITTY behind sofa down L.)
LORD FANCOURT (Off). May I come in?
(Anxious looks from JACK and CHARLEY to door R.)
SPETTIGUE (savagely). Turn that woman out of my house!
(Enter LORD FANCOURT in evening dress R. General movement of surprise. KITTY goes to end of sofa.)
LORD FANCOURT (coming c.). I say, may I come in?
SPETTIGUE. Turn that woman out of ... (Turning, sees LORD FANCOURT--breathlessly.) Who are you, sir?
LORD FANCOURT (R.C., holding hands in front of him like an old lady). I'm Charley's aunt from Brazil where the nuts come from. (KITTY goes to front of sofa.)
JACK (going C.; aside to LORD FANCOURT). Fancourt Babberley! --you duffer--(Goes above sofa L. to KITTY.)
LORD FANCOURT (to SPETTIGUE). Fancourt Babberley, I beg your pardon.
ELA (aside to DONNA LUCIA). Auntie! And I told him everything!
(They go out C. window for a minute.)
SPETTIGUE (still furious). What does this mean, sir? (DONNA LUCIA returns C., ELA by top end of piano.)
LORD FANCOURT (to SPETTIGUE). It means that we've all done very wrong and we're all extremely sorry, and tender you our humblest apologies--my apologies, I should say, for if I hadn't offered the temptation, the whole thing would never have occurred.
(ELA moves quietly down L.C. to front of piano stool.)'
CHARLEY. And if Mr. Spettigue will allow us to add our apologies--
JACK. And say we have no words to express our contrition
SPETTIGUE (raging). It's infamous, infamous! But where is the document obtained from me under these fraudulent pretences?
LORD FANCOURT. Oh, the letter, I have the letter! (Produces it from inside breast pocket of dress coat.)
KITTY (below sofa). It's mine, mine!
SPETTIGUE (to LORD FANCOURT). Give it to me. (Seeing KITTY'S anxiety.) Miss Verdun! (To LORD FANCOURT.) Sir. I demand it! (Coming forward to take it.)
(LORD FANCOURT holds up letter in L. hand.)
DONNA LUCIA (down c. interposing). Allow me. (Takes letter.) SPETTIGUE. I shall dispute it--under her father's will. I shall dispute it.
DONNA LUCIA. This letter is addressed, and has been delivered to Donna Lucia d'Alvadorez.
SPETTIGUE. But she--(catching LORD FANCOURT'S eye)--I mean he--is not Donna Lucia d'Alvadorez.
DONNA LUCIA. No--but I am!
SPETTIGUE (and All together) You!
SIR FRANCIS Lucy (General movement of surprise and exclamation. KITTY sits on sofa.
DONNA LUCIA joins SIR FRANCIS up L.C. by piano.)
CHARLEY (tiny pause--quick gasp). My aunt! (Said unconsciously, like the slang expression.)
SPETTIGUE. You will pardon me if I retire. (Goes below ottoman to door,
(Opens doors, about to exit, stops, takes out buttonhole and throws it C. Exits R. LORD FANCOURT catches carnation and goes to door R.)
LORD FANCOURT (turning, grabs CHARLEY'S R. arm). Charley, can he have me up for breach of promise?
AMY (up C., coming forward--indignantly to CHARLEY). Charley, (stamping foot) Mr. Wykeham, I mean--how dare you? I'll never forgive you! I'll never forgive any of you, for treating uncle Stephen like that! (Turns to exit through window.)
DONNA LUCIA (C., stopping AMY, taking her hand). Be patient with us, my dear. Your uncle shall have the most profound reparation my influence can make. For my own part (to SIR FRANCIS) I only shared in the deception when I found (to LORD FANCOURT) another lady established in my place.
LORD FANCOURT (to CHARLEY). No wonder she knew all about my late husband.
(DONNA LUCIA hands AMY over to CHARLEY. All talk together.)
KITTY. Well, I'm as sorry as anyone, but I'd trust Jack with my life.
DONNA LUCIA (coming down to L.C.). Indeed? Then he must wait till I'm his mother.
(CHARLEY and AMY go down R. AMY sits on ottoman. CHARLEY stands L. of her.)
JACK (turning to DONNA LUCIA). Mother?
SIR FRANCIS (coming down C. to R. of DONNA LUCIA). Yes, Donna Lucia, in deceiving.me as much as anybody, has, however, done me the honour to recollect an old affection, and has promised to assume that authority--so look out, Jack!
(SIR FRANCIS retires above piano. JACK sits on sofa R. of KITTY. ELA moves down to top end of piano.)
DONNA LUCIA (C., to LORD FANCOURT). Lord Fancourt Babberley
(LORD FANCOURT comes C. to R. of DONNA LUCIA.)
I am afraid you have gained one confidence that nothing could excuse.
LORD FANCOURT. I know, and I reproach myself beyond expression (looking at ELA), but I wouldn't part with the memory of that confidence to save my life, and if Miss Delahay will allow me to say so, I am willing to atone for it, with a life-long devotion.
(DONNA LUCIA looks at ELA, then holds out L. hand to her. ELA, smiling, puts hers in DONNA LUCIA'S.)
ELA. Auntie!
(DONNA LUCIA hands her across to LORD FANCOURT. LORD FANCOURT takes ELA'S
DONNA LUCIA (turning to JACK). Now, where's my son?
JACK (rising). Here, "mamma"!
DONNA LUCIA. I shall have to talk to you very seriously before I give you this. (Shows letter.) (JACK sits again.)
DONNA LUCIA. (Turning to CHARLEY, C.) Charley, I'll never forgive you if you deceive that sweet girl again! (To LORD FANCOURT.) And as for you, sir--
(Orchestra starts to play curtain music very softly as in Acts I and II.)
LORD FANCOURT (coming down C., with ELA on his a.). Oh no, never again. I give you my word. I'll give you the clothes if you like, I've done with them. Miss Delahay has consented to think me over as a husband, and in future I resign to Sir Francis Chesney-- (SIR FRANCIS has come down between DONNA LUCIA and piano during last speech.) --all claims to "Charley's Aunt."
(Music swells to forte.)
CURTAIN.
