UT THL WISE
JOHN OLIVER
HOBBES





The Wisdom of the Wise
“The wise want love, and those who love want wisdom”


PEARL MARY-TERESA ÇRAIGIE
The Wisdom
of the Wise
A COMEDY IN THREE ACTS
BY
MRS. CRAIGIE
LONDON
T. FISHER UNWIN
PATERNOSTER SQUARE
1901





PERSONS OF THE PLAY
THE DUKE OF ST. ASAPH ... ... Mr. George Alexander.
LORD APPLEFORD, F.S.A. ... ... Mr. H. B. Irving.
MR. TOMMIE BISTERN ... ... Mr. Wilfred Draycott.
MR. RALPH WUTHERING
Mr. Arthur Elwood.
MR. DE LISLE BRADGERS, M.P. Mr. H. H. Vincent.
MR. BERTRAM ROMNEY, cousin of the
Duchess ... ... ... ... Mr. A. E. Matthews.
(Mr. R. E. Goddard.
SERVANTS
"Mr. W. Williams.
The DUCHESS OF ST. ASAPH... ... Miss Fay Davis.
Mrs. RALPH Wuthering (cousins of (Miss Granville.
{ the
Miss AMABEL EAST, an heiress ... Miss Julie Opp.
LADY CHALE, aunt of the Duchess ... Mrs. Kemmis.
MRS. LUPTON MILLES ) aunts of Miss Miss M. Talbot.
Mrs. LYNTON ſ East Miss Henrietta Cowen.
JOYNBEE ... ... ... ... ... Mrs. Campbell Bradley.
PENNINGTON ... ... ... ... Miss Leila Repton.
[First produced at the St. James's Theatre, on Thursday
November 22, 1900.]


ACT I. -Scene: The Pink Saloon at Chale House, Piccadilly.
A few minutes elapse.
ACT II.—Scene: The Blue Saloon at Chale House.
ACT III.-Scene: The Louis Seize suite at the Cosmopolitan
Hotel. The same night.


The Wisdom of the Wise
ACT I
SCENE : The Pink Saloon at Chale House, Piccadilly. TIME : After dinner.
an evening in June. The Blue Saloon can be seen beyond. Card-tables
are arranged at the side of the stage. The windows are open, but the
lights are lit. Outside it is clear moonlight, and the garden below can
be seen. LADY CHALE, a handsome woman about forty, and MRS.
RALPH WUTHERING are sitting at each end of a sofa engaged in
work. ADA WUTHERING is making lace ; LADY CHALE is knitting
a charity shawl. They are both dressed in the height of fashion. MRS.
BISTERN, a pretty woman about twenty-six, is reading a large book.
The footmen are just leaving the room with coffee cups. A servant is
offering cigarettes. There is a short silence.
ADA WUTHERING (looking up).
Where is Georgina ?
LADY CHALE.
She has gone upstairs to have her hair done higher.
(KATE yawns.) But she is so pretty that nothing matters.
She is lovely to-night.
ADA (with an ill grace).
Hardly that, yet, when one looks at her, I suppose one
does think her pretty. (KATE yawns. This time both women look
at her.) She wants to look especially nice when the Duke
comes back this evening.


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
LADY CHALE.
She will spoil an excellent husband.
ADA.
And the vulgarity of taking so much trouble! Such bad
taste ! Fools will take her for a fool !
LADY CHALE.
But she's extravagantly devoted to the Duke. It is a pity,
of course—a great pity.
KATE.
Where is her dignity? I ask no more. One should not
love as much as one pleases, but as much as one ought.
The Duke will lose his esteem for her.
ADA.
I hate a man who can only love those whom he esteems.
He always runs away with his friend's wife.
LADY CHALE.
Ada, you are too young for these ideas.
think that your husband is unkind to you.
People will
ADA.
Why? Doesn't every one know that my marriage was
for love-and-£200,000 ! ... I suppose discontented
women should always talk about the nightingale's note, and
roses, and true lover's knots. These subjects are vague and
you can hammer on 'em till all is blue! But avoid things
which have made you cry : they make other people yawn.


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
5
.
go to the Merediths' ball with her to-night. I came in to
say that I must go first to an At Home given by some old
friends of my father's.
LADY CHALE.
How tiresome!
AMABEL.
Well, just tell Georgina that I hope to get back in an
hour's time. I leave London for St. Petersburg to-morrow
morning.
LADY CHALE.
Do you travel alone ?
AMABEL.
Oh no.
MRS. LYNTON AND MRS. LUPTON MILLES (in unison).
We always travel with Amabel.
LADY CHALE.
Oh, they always travel with you.
(Enter FOOTMAN.)
FOOTMAN.
Her Grace would be glad to see Miss East upstairs.
AMABEL.
I'll come at once.
(She goes out followed by the FOOTMAN.)
LADY CHALE (to the aunts).
Your niece looks rather delicate.
MRS. LYNTON (to Mrs. LUPTON MILLES).
That is what I say. You hear, Fanny ?


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
MRS. LUPTON MILLES (confidentially).
But she isn't really delicate, Lady Chale : it isn't her
chest, it is her mind.
LADY CHALE (bored).
Indeed !
MRS. LUPTON MILLES (to MRS. LYNTON).
Shall I tell her ? Yes, I will. You have a feeling heart,
I'm sure. (Lady Chale bows very coldly). The fact is my niece
has had an unfortunate attachment. I won't mention
names, because it isn't safe, but she fell in love with a
young man of good family about five years ago. We
couldn't give our consent to the engagement, and she's
never been the same since.
MRS. LYNTON.
And the offers she has had—the chances, so to say !
MRS. LUPTON MILLES.
I assure you, Lady Chale, we don't know what to do
with her. The young man in question was, as we thought,
after her money. He was very steady : he wrote books
and was, so far, a nice, kind man. But could we let her
throw herself away?
MRS. LYNTON (to LADY CHALE).
And now what do you think ?
LADY CHALE (still bored).
I cannot guess.


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
7
MRS. LYNTON.
He has come into a large fortune of his own, bless you !
(To her sister) Shall I tell the rest? Yes, I will. And he has
a title, too!
MRS. LUPTON MILLES.
Now, don't say any more, Sarah. You will regret it.
again.
LADY CHALE.
Then why didn't she accept him ?
MRS. LYNTON.
Pride, Lady Chale, pride. Having said, “No, thank
you,” when he was poor, she is determined not to say “Yes,
please,” now that he is rich.
LADY CHALE.
I think that is rather morbid.
MRS. LYNTON.
MRS. LUPTON MILLES.
She is wearing us out. But what can one do with girls
at the present day? She is taking us to Russia—for I don't
know how long, and it is most disheartening.
(Enter FOOTMAN.)
FOOTMAN.
Miss East is waiting in the hall for Mrs. Lynton and Mrs.
Lupton Milles.
(They rise.)


8
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
MRS. LYNTON.
Goodbye, Lady Chale.
MRS. LUPTON MILLES,
Goodbye, Lady Chale. Pray let none of this go any
further.
(LADY CHALE bows frigidly. They go out.)
ADA.
Who on earth was that good-looking girl in pink and
pearls and pathos ?
LADY CHALE.
The girl is a school friend of Georgina's,-Amabel East.
ADA.
Oh, I know. The heiress-thirty thousand a year. Her
father was East and Holker's—the china shop, you know.
KATE.
Georgina says she is dreadfully afraid of being married
for her money.
LADY CHALE.
I can believe that men would admire her very much.
I gather, too, that she is entangled in a hopeless attach-
ment.
ADA.
An excellent thing. By the time she is disentangled, she
will be the best company possible! And who were the
infernal old bores ?


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
LADY CHALE.
Her two aunts.
ADA.
By the by, what are the men talking about? What a
time they are !
LADY CHALE.
Why is Appleford so moody this evening?
ADA.
I can't help wondering why he doesn't marry.
KATE.
The chief reason is that he is not in love with anybody.
ADA.
There must be somebody—there always is somebody!
(Enter LORD APPLEFORD, BISTERN, WUTHERING, and BERTRAM
ROMN
ROMNEY.
Where is Georgina ?
BISTERN (to KATE).
I suppose it is quite settled about the Merediths ?
are going?
You
KATE.
Of course. Now, run away and play cards with Ralph,
there's a dear darling!
. (BISTERN goes up to card-table.)
WUTHERING (to ADA).
What is the programme?


O
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
ADA.
You are to play cards and be quiet till we start. But be
nice about it.
WUTHERING.
Nice! I like that. As if I wouldn't far rather remain at
home with you.
ADA.
With me! My dear Ralph, are you becoming a humourist?
(WUTHERING goes up and joins ROMNEY and BISTERN.)
ADA (to APPLEFORD).
You see we have been reading your book! (Holds it up.)
APPLEFORD.
That's good of you! But I wish you had cut the leaves
first ! (To Kate.) Where is Georgina ? What a lucky
fellow Sydney is ! Let us hope that this marriage will
turn out well.
It must turn out well, my dear Appleford. It is already
a great success. Let me see--how long is it since the
wedding?
APPLEFORD.
Just a fortnight.
LADY CHALE.
· This, then, is the first evening that the Duke has dined
out and left her at home.
ADA.
That speaks well for her. She has kept him amused for
a fortnight.


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
II
II
APPLEFORD.
Wait a little longer. Georgina is very young : the Duke
is but nine-and-twenty ... and a cynic.
KATE.
I suppose he is. This would seem the one drawback.
APPLEFORD.
His cynicism is all right. I don't fear that. But a man
who is cynical at thirty will be romantic at forty-nine.
And I am thinking of his romance. There's the danger
For Georgina, who is romantic at nineteen, may be cynical
at fifty. And then ... ho! ho !
ADA.
As you say . . . and then-ho ! ho !
LADY CHALE.
This new way of talking is absurd. One would think, to
hear you all, that life was something remarkable, whereas
it is the most ordinary affair. . . . Georgina and the Duke
are perfectly contented, so far.
KATE.
If it will only last !
APPLEFORD.
Why shouldn't it last ?
KATE.
Because human nature is treacherous. I always cry
when I see two people happy!
BISTERN (at card-table).
Do you bet ?
APPLEFORD.
Where did you say that Sydney was dining this evening ?


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
13
APPLEFORD.
Perhaps it is a brilliant stroke on the part of his rivals.
They want to excite envy against him.
KATE.
Well, they were very keen to get him there this evening.
They called him away from his honeymoon.
(APPLEFORD leaves them and sauniers toward the card-players.)
ADA.
My dear Kate, how does Georgina seem to you?
KATE.
Quite as usual.
ADA.
Do you think she minds the Duke dining out without
her ?
KATE.
Oh no. You see, it is a political dinner, and she is most
ambitious about his public career.
ADA.
What did she do after lunch?
KATE.
She played the piano.
ADA.
What did she do before tea?
KATE.
She played the piano.


14
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
ADA.
And-after tea?
KATE.
She played the piano.
ADA,
Then she means to be happy. All the same, I must see
her before he comes back. Everything turns on this
meeting. The Duke—every man-is practically three
men. There is the man you know before he proposes :
there is the man you have accepted : there is the man you
have married.
BISTERN (at card-table).
I can't get a pair.
KATE (rising).
Yes, there is the man you have married ! . . . If I see
Georgina I will send her to you.
(She goes out and APPLEFORD again comes down.)
APPLEFORD,
Where is Georgina ?
ADA.
At this crisis in her life, a woman's tact is wanted. Let
me see her first.
APPLEFORD.
Crisis ! What do you mean?
ADA.
Is not this the first evening since their marriage that
they have not spent together ?


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
APPLEFORD.
I hope Georgina will never put sentimentality in the way
of Sydney's career.
ADA.
The Duke is a very odd young man.
APPLEFORD.
He has a strong character, but the stronger the will the
less inconstant the heart.
ADA.
Do you mean to tell me that he has never flirted ?
APPLEFORD.
I would not go so far as that !
ADA.
At one time, people said he was running after some
common little thing with a lot of money. Did you ever
hear that?
APPLEFORD.
Never.
ADA.
Boys, of course, are always taken in.
APPLEFORD.
Once married, however, Sydney will be faithful to his
wife, whether he has to regard her as a cross, or an angel.
It is easy enough to be faithful to some one you love, but
to be faithful to some one you don't love, that, in my
opinion, is true virtue.


18
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
nicest women! And so—I married a person I met at a party.
I knew nothing about him, and he cared nothing about me.
| It was all a question of property and pleasing people.
APPLEFORD.
This is a very sad business.
ADA.
Of course it is sad !
APPLEFORD.
Now, if you will take my advice ...
ADA.
I never take your advice, and that is why I still trust you,
and also why ...
APPLEFORD.
Yes ?
ADA.
You still trust me! Ah, here is Georgina.
(Enter the Duchess of St. Asaph.)
GEORGINA.
Has Sydney come back yet?
(ADA moves away.)
APPLEFORD,
I doubt whether he could get away so soon. You are
most fortunate, Georgina !


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
ADA.
How lucky it is, then, that, so far, she has not met many
women! I must put her on her guard.
APPLEFORD.
I love her candour and affection. All men prefer that
kind of thing.
ADA.
Please let me know best.
(APPLEFORD goes up, shrugging his shoulders.)
ADA (going over to GEORGINA and bringing her down).
How do you like dining at home again with all of us ?
GEORGINA.
I feel as though I were a stranger.
ADA.
Stranger ! In your old home-with us -- your own
cousins !
GEORGINA.
Well, you see, I don't know Kate very well, and although
this is my aunt's house, I don't know her very well !
ADA.
Well, you are very lucky in your husband !
GEORGINA.
Have you seen us together ?


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
21
ADA.
Yes, and I must say I was surprised by a few things I
noticed during your engagement.
GEORGINA.
Oh, that was a happy time! Some people say that the
engagement days are the best in a woman's life, but any
day would be perfect if Sydney were with me!
ADA.
I should think so! You look at him—watch him from
every corner. He looks at you—watches you from every
corner. If you move, he moves. If you get up, he gets
up. If he plays billiards, you play billiards. If he walks,
you walk. If he wishes to ride, you wish to ride. As
things are at present, he could swear by you! I can see
nothing but disaster.
GEORGINA.
How little you know him !
ADA.
You mean you don't know men ! With men you must
be like the quail—a little uncertain. You will bore him.
Now when he comes back this evening ...
GEORGINA.
Yes ?
ADA.
Remember that this is a crisis. Be an enigma-be
subtle,—that kind of thing. Men like mysterious women.


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
23
GEORGINA.
You see, he is so thoughtful—he likes quiet women.
ADA.
Even men are only witty when they have to be so for their
bread and butter. But, to return to instincts :-of course,
you won't follow out this lower middle-class impulse.
GEORGINA.
I don't see why I shouldn't.
Because he will not always leave dinners early, and you
will not always be glad to see him home so soon. Don't
make traditions.
GEORGINA (sarcastically).
Then what would you suggest ?
ADA.
Well ... show great surprise, ask no questions, give no
hint about your own goings on in his absence,-in fact,
say nothing at all, and he may tell you a great deal.
GEORGINA (romantically).
How differently we see things-you and I! I would
devote every feeling, every thought, each hour, each instant
of existence to Sydney. Such love I expect in return;
without it I should not wish to live.


24
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
ADA,
My dear, a man with a career can have no time to waste
upon his wife or his friends—he has to devote himself
wholly to his enemies !
GEORGINA.
I wonder if you are right. Sydney has that quality in
him which would call a woman who loved him to follow
him to an attic-privations-worse!
ADA.
Ah, well, as it happens, you need only accompany him
to race meetings.
KATE (coming down to them).
My dear Georgina, where did you get that gown ?
GEORGINA.
It is one of my trousseau gowns.
KATE.
I can't bear it. A little thirty-guinea gown is quite
enough when you're dining quietly at home. Why trail
round in such gorgeous things.
GEORGINA.
Why shouldn't I look my best to please my own husband ?
KATE.
I cannot go into that. All I know is that when I first
married I never wore anything more décolletée than a V.


26
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
GEORGINA.
I have never thought about life at all before.
ADA.
You were brought up in a Convent. You went on feast
days to your mother's grave, and, once a year, you were
taken to a concert.
GEORGINA.
But sometimes to a matinée at the Français.
ADA.
Heavens ! how dull! You came here for your first
season. . . . The Duke met you-fell in love with you ...
GEORGINA (interrupting).
And travelled in order to forget me! But he says that
whenever he looked at the sky he thought of me !
ADA.
Ah, if a man wants to forget a woman he should keep
his gaze off the sky, and look out for another pair of eyes !
At any rate, he came back to you and married you. There's
your little history. But, remember this, the joy of living
consists, for a man, in being constantly false to some ever-
faithful woman!
KATE.
That's true-every word of it !
(She moves away as JOYNBEE, GEORGINA's old nurse, comes in.)
JOYNBEE.
Is this the scarf, miss? ... I mean, your Grace. I never
can remember.


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
27
GEORGINA.
Yes.
JOYNBEE.
Why are you so pale and thoughtful, your Grace ?
GEORGINA.
Oh, I don't know, nurse.
JOYNBEE.
Not know-upon my heart and life, what next ?
GEORGINA.
I shall never know how to manage men.
JOYNBEE.
Why, bless my soul ! there's no harm in them, really.
They may be trying, but gentlemen are that way.
GEORGINA.
But Ada and Kate both say that you must not tell your
husband the truth.
JOYNBEE.
I wouldn't go so far as that. But keep a lot of little
things to yourself, my lamb. Don't tell any man all you
know. They aren't able to bear it. Remember what they
are and the words of Job—“Man that is born of woman"
. . . we bring them into the world and they do all they can
to send us out of it.
GEORGINA.
Oh, if I thought that. ...


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
JOYNBEE.
My poppet, they never intend anything unkind-not
they. But when they see some slip of a woman and they
happen to remember what a lot she has to do and suffer
and think, poor thing, they merely want to put her out of
her misery. Ah, man would be shocking if he weren't so
natural.
GEORGINA.
What shall I do?
JOYNBEE.
My advice is this. Be as nice as you can, hold your
tongue, and say your prayers regular.
(ROMNEY comes down and joins GEORGINA as JOYNBEE goes out.)
ROMNEY.
I've had good luck this evening. I've been winning.
GEORGINA.
What will you buy ?
ROMNEY.
The one thing I want is not to be bought.
GEORGINA.
What is that?
ROMNEY (intensely).
Forgetfulness.
GEORGINA (affecting not to understand).
What do you want to forget, Bertram ?


30
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
GEORGINA.
But Kate is Tommie's wife.
ROMNEY.
Naturally, that is why she admires Ralph. He is fine,-
really fine, you know.
GEORGINA.
In what way?
ROMNEY.
In a spiritual sense. Ralph's friendship with Kate is
very beautiful. We all feel it. Wuthering is so literary,
too. Haven't you read Twilights in Turkey ? Every one
says it's simply vital.
GEORGINA.
I have never heard either Ralph Wuthering or Tommie
Bistern speak.
ROMNEY.
They never talk before their wives. You must get them
alone.
GEORGINA.
How strange all this seems !
ROMNEY.
It does at first. But it answers. That's the thing.
(APPLEFORD comes down to them and ROMNEY moves away.)
APPLEFORD.
Now I think I may interrupt you.


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
31
GEORGINA.
How glad I am to see you! Are you well? You look
tired. Tell me what you think of my husband. Isn't he
clever ? Isn't he charming ?
APPLEFORD.
Almost he deserves you !
GEORGINA.
He will be a great man some day—a Prime Minister-I
am sure of that. My pride—then !
APPLEFORD.
We must manage it to please you! Now, shall I show
my faith in you by telling you a secret? Twamerville is to
be made a peer and sent as Governor to Beltoria. This
creates a little vacancy.
GEORGINA.
Yes. ...
APPLEFORD.
Would you like to see your Duke the Secretary for the
Dockyards ?
GEORGINA (clasping her hands).
Would that be possible? It seems too much to hope
for !
APPLEFORD.
I can do my best, at any rate, and, in the meantime, be
discreet.


32
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
GEORGINA.
But that is so difficult.
APPLEFORD.
Well, discretion generally means having a good memory
for the lies you have told, but, in this case, I merely ask
you to forget the lies your husband may be obliged to
tell !
GEORGINA.
I don't want to be a selfish wife. I wish to think always
of his future. I won't keep him to myself. I won't make
demands upon his time. He shall just work and work and
work !
APPLEFORD.
Will he wish you to be so disinterested ? Now, how
long have we two known each other ?
GEORGINA.
Oh, I forget. Ever so long. Why, you knew mama !
APPLEFORD.
Happy women don't need friends.
GEORGINA.
How can I be happy if I think only of Sydney's career ?
APPLEFORD.
No; unselfish women may be thankful, and, possibly,
after many tears, contented, but happy-hardly. By
nature, you are jealous ...


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
GEORGINA.
No!
APPLEFORD.
Yes, you are! By nature, you detest his future. By
nature, you want him to be with you always.
GEORGINA.
But-wait-I conquer this ...
APPLEFORD.
And, womanlike, go to the opposite extreme !
GEORGINA.
I want to keep his love always.
APPLEFORD.
Then remember this always. Neither a sweet disposition,
nor tact, nor flattery, nor good looks can chain a man's
affection. One thing only counts.
GEORGINA.
And that?
APPLEFORD.
His own inclination. When a man loves a woman she
can be as cross, or stupid, or unkind as she pleases.
GEORGINA.
And when he doesn't love her ?


34
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
APPLEFORD.
If she were an angel from heaven she couldn't keep
him for five minutes.
GEORGINA.
Oh, why do you tell me these sad things ?
APPLEFORD.
Because I want your married life to be a great success.
What is it that can bear disillusion, disappointment, your
absence, and, above all, your presence ?
GEORGINA.
Love, of course!
APPLEFORD.
No, dear lady, friendship. (She remains silent.)
(Enter BISTERN and WUTHERING.)
BISTERN.
What a time St. Asaph is ! (To Georgina.) You mustn't
mind St. Asaph dining out, my dear. Think of his position,
his career.
WUTHERING.
Yes, one must sing for one's supper in this low world.
BISTERN.
And treat his views with deference. He will get enough
criticism from outside. Let him feel himself in the right
always—in his own house, at least !


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
37
APPLEFORD (to MRS. BISTERN).
Kate, I want you to play that lovely thing of Perosi's.
(KATE goes into the Blue Saloon and is heard playing during the following
scene. LADY CHALE, APPLEFORD, and ADA follow her. ST. ASAPH
stands in the middle of the rooin, looking from one to the other, then
picks up a magazine from the table. When they have all disappeared,
he throws down the book and rushes across to GEORGINA.)
ST. ASAPH.
At last!
· GEORGINA (primly).
Don't you want some tea ?
ST. ASAPH (looking round).
It's all right. They're not there.
GEORGINA.
ST. ASAPH.
What a silly thing to say, darling ! You know I hate tea.
GEORGINA.
I am so glad you went to the dinner. It must have been
ST. ASAPH.
I thought it a beastly bore! Men's dinners are dreary.
I never was at so dull a dinner ! I kept thinking of you
the whole time. What an eternity it seems since I saw you
last !


38
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
GEORGINA.
Don't say things just to please me, Sydney, because, if
we are to be happy ...
ST. ASAPH.
Well, this isn't making me particularly happy. I don't
understand you at all.
GEORGINA (pleased).
You mean you think I am mysterious ?
ST. ASAPH.
Yes . . . I think I should. Here I come worshipping
you-adoring you, and then ...
GEORGINA.
But, you see, women-like quails—are uncertain.
ST. ASAPH.
What a revolting thought! Why, the very thing I love
you for is your honesty. You have no caprices, no airs, no
nonsense. I can swear by you.
GEORGINA.
But that is all wrong. You must never swear by me.
You must never be able to say just what I am going to do
next. Marriage is a discipline of character. For instance,
do you still think me pretty ?
ST. ASAPH.
You grow prettier every hour.


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
ST. ASAPH.
You are so beautiful, and I have dared to love you. If I
had told you at once how much I loved you, what would
you have said ? I loved you, I believe, the first moment I
saw you. I couldn't tell you for a long time. I was afraid
to speak lest you should turn into a little bird and fly away.
If you knew what all this means to me-if you knew-you
wouldn't stand so far away and look so cold.
GEORGINA (half aside).
Oh, it is impossible to be more unhappy. My heart is
like aching ice.
ST. ASAPH.
I have told you the truth—the sincere, terrible truth,
which almost frightens me. You are all I care for in this
world. I adore you, dearest, I adore you! How long
have we known each other ?
GEORGINA.
Why?
ST. ASAPH.
I want to know whether you remember.
GEORGINA.
Six months, four days, and seven hours! Oh, you do
love me, don't you?
ST. ASAPH.
I think of you always. I see you always. I hear you
always. I would be with you always. I have loved you
always, and I will love you always !


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
41
GEORGINA (forgetting her instructions).
Oh, we are too happy!
ST. ASAPH.
I know that if men deserved happiness, they would bear
it better . . . Darling, you had a very nice way of putting
your face against mine. This always happened when you
looked over my shoulder to read the Spectator,
GEORGINA.
I was so fond of the Spectator !
ST. ASAPH.
· Yes, one is ... I remember I used to think what a pity
it was that the Spectator came out only once a week!
GEORGINA.
What a pity it is that no one can know how truly happy
we are !
ST. ASAPH.
Ah, there is that fatal desire which all women have to
excite envy. Is it not sufficient for us to be here alone,
out of the world's reach? To me this would be but half
a blessing were it not a kind of secret-a hidden life
between ourselves.
GEORGINA.
Perhaps. Yet, I think it rather selfish. It would en-
courage the others if they could see a really fortunate
marriage.


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
ST. ASAPH.
One at a time! Aunt and uncle respect each other.
Ralph and Ada respect society. Kate and Tommie respect
the devil !
GEORGINA.
Is Ralph kind to Ada ?
ST. ASAPH.
Oh, he tries to make her happy in a grave, long-winded
way. You've read that book of his--Twilights in Turkey-
haven't you ?
GEORGINA.
But Bertram says she gets on better with Kate's husband,
Tommie Bistern.
ST. ASAPH (annoyed).
Bistern belongs to the old Eton set, brilliant and care-
less, full of gentlemanly dare-devil, that's all. Ada may
find him more amusing than Ralph.
GEORGINA.
Then why is she so bitter always ?
ST. ASAPH.
Because she was beautiful and poor, and she thought she
would mend matters by being beautiful and rich. She is
what people call a disappointed woman.
(ADA enters.)
GEORGINA.
Hush! She will hear us.
(GEORGINA moves up and on to balcony.)


46
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
ADA.
Dear Sydney—I suppose I may call you Sydney now.
Georgina is too young to understand all that she has in
gaining your love. But I am sure she will always do her
ST. ASAPH (surprised).
Ambitious ! Ambitious people are always easily bored.
Their minds, I suppose, are restless. I know that
ADA.
She takes such a childish delight, for the moment, in her
new title !
ST. ASAPH (unhappy).
The title ! She cares nothing about it.
ADA.
Of course she does! I daresay she feels lonely among
ST. ASAPH.
Who is that? Bertram Romney ?
ADA.
Yes. You know that he was in Paris for two years
learning French. He was dreadfully in love with her, poor
fellow ! I don't know that she encouraged him. ...


48
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
GEORGINA (coming down).
Oh, Ada, Sydney looks so unhappy.
ADA.
That, my dear, is the way a young man who has just
been married ought to look.
GEORGINA.
But still, ours is a love match-we love each other. He
loved me the first time he saw me.
ADA.
Men, my dear, after considering a woman for months,
invariably decide that they loved her at first sight. Of
course I have always liked Sydney, although his enemies
say that he is an intriguer.
GEORGINA (indignantly).
An intriguer! My husband an intriguer !
ADA.
I don't say so. His enemies say so.
GEORGINA.
What else do his enemies say ?
ADA.
They used to say he was a Airt. I never could believe
that he was as fickle as they thought.


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
49
GEORGINA,
Fickle ?
ADA.
The women pursued him. Was it his fault? He was
very rich, and the dernier cri among the Dukes! And then
there was that story ...
GEORGINA.
What story?
ADA.
Oh, the usual story . . . about an undesirable person !
GEORGINA.
Then, I wonder why he married me?
ADA.
Because you were striking, well brought up, and an
heiress, and also, of course, because you happened to take
his fancy.
GEORGINA,
I see ...
ADA.
I daresay he felt, too, that you were very much in love
with him. Men pretend not to be touched by that kind
of thing—but they are.
GEORGINA (troubled).
Do you think that I showed any marked preference for
him?


52
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
APPLEFORD.
Refused you! Impossible !
ST. ASAPH.
She refused me.
APPLEFORD.
What reasons did she give ?
ST. ASAPH.
She loved some one else, she said.
APPLEFORD.
Simple!
ST. ASAPH.
She left England. I was wretched for months, and then
--I suppose—I got cured. I am happy now-perfectly
happy, at all events. I regret nothing. (Sighs.) Why in the
world don't you marry ? Are you fickle ? Are you unwill-
ing-are you—mortgaged ?
APPLEFORD.
Yes, in a way. I met a girl five years ago. ...
ST. ASAPH.
Oh, I see. ...
APPLEFORD.
Excuse me, you don't ! I was a younger son, then-
writing articles which were never accepted and living on
my hopes of the great book which I have never yet written !


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
ST. ASAPH.
Kind, but scarcely impassioned !
APPLEFORD.
Every afternoon we took flowers to Shelley's grave.
ST. ASAPH.
Perhaps she didn't mean it seriously.
APPLEFORD.
But she was so congenial. We might have been the
Brownings. As it was, we had a remarkable corre-
spondence. Anyhow, I spoke my mind before we parted.
It was in Rome. ...
ST. ASAPH.
Moonlight . . . ruins in the distance !
APPLEFORD.
Oh no, it was at the railway station—in the morning.
ST. ASAPH.
Well, I myself have never yet seen moonlight at the
right moment.
APPLEFORD.
I told her she was a Airt, and I cursed her beastly
money. Her two aunts made all the mischief. She
believed in me, I know. But they persuaded her that I
was an insincere, mercenary ruffian, self-seeking, and all
the rest.


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
55
ST. ASAPH.
A silly mistake, because if a man wants to marry an
heiress there are any amount of 'em, and he needn't put
himself out for one more than another.
APPLEFORD.
Her aunts kept on their devilish cackle and won the
day.
ST. ASAPH.
I suppose she has settled down by this time?
APPLEFORD.
No, that's the strange thing. I haven't seen her for five
years, but I hear she has promised all her fortune to some
Convent, and, although many fellows have been in love
with her, she snubs them all.
ST. ASAPH.
And you say she is good-looking ?
APPLEFORD.
Lovely. I shall never marry any one else. I really
fancied that one, and I hate being beaten. I compare
other women with her; some run her pretty close : some,
I daresay, beat her in minor points. But she suited me.
ST. ASAPH.
What's the good, then, of your settling down with some
charming girl in a half-hearted, absent-minded way?


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
57
ST. ASAPH.
A charming one. We have met before.
GEORGINA,
Amabel, let me present Lord Appleford. Lord Apple-
ford, this is my great friend, Miss East.
(APPLEFORD bows.)
AMABEL.
It is foolish of me, but . . . I am rather tired ...1...
1... (She goes up and falls in a swoon.)
(LADY CHALE and ADA WUTHERING and GEORGINA rush down to her.
The two men stand looking at each other.)
ST. ASAPH.
Is that the girl ?
APPLEFORD.
That is the girl !
END OF THE FIRST Act.


ACT II.
SCENE: The Blue Saloon. MRS. BISTERN is just finishing the Perosi.
handkerchief. She comes down to sofa and seats herself as WUTHERING
enters from Pink Saloon.
We can talk a minute here.
WUTHERING (seating himself).
I could desire nothing better.
KATE.
The delight of escaping from those parochial minds and
WUTHERING.
Such petty interests! Are they conceivable ?
КАТЕ.
And as for Tommie, he is so tiresome ...
WUTHERING (severely, holding up his hand).
Kate, remember our rule. I never discuss Ada with you.
You never discuss Tommie with me.
58


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
WUTHERING.
Poor Sydney!
KATE.
By the by, do you like this gown ?
WUTHERING.
Somehow, it doesn't speak to me . . . yet.
KATE (in agony).
Oh, don't say that. What is wrong with it?
WUTHERING.
I will write to you on the subject. I have, for the
moment, but an impression-still inarticulate.
KATE.
I long for the letter. . . . All the same, meanwhile, could
you decide whether you care for these new skirts ?
WUTHERING.
They may influence me beyond their merits. Give me
time.
KATE.
Is it the colour ?
WUTHERING.
I cannot judge of colour in this mood (plaintively). I used
to like mauve.
KATE.
Do you prefer, perhaps, a mauve with more pink about
it ?


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
61
WUTHERING.
Don't press me to formulate the slight change in my
feelings!
KATE.
But I am so anxious.
WUTHERING (pressing her hand).
This gives me a deeper experience of your helpfulness.
KATE.
Dear Ralph! It is because I never trouble you with the
personal equation.
WUTHERING.
Possibly. A condition of enjoyment in the little things
of life is—that one should be above the immediate con-
ditions of time and place and person. (He goes up stage and
peers cautiously round.)
KATE (hanging on his words).
Yes. ...
WUTHERING.
Here come Ada and Aunt. I will go. It sickens me to
hear conventional conversation after yours.
KATE (with admiration).
You are so fine!
WUTHERING.
You spoil me!
(He goes out as LADY CHALE and ADA enter.)


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
65
1
APPLEFORD.
It's awkward, all the same. You see, I did propose a
have done quite enough to prove my affection.
ST. ASAPH.
Well, you haven't married.
APPLEFORD.
I won't say that I haven't considered several . . . ideas.
There was one I met at Bayreuth. She was very piquante.
But there was something lacking.
ST. ASAPH.
What ?
APPLEFORD.
She talked too well.
ST. ASAPH.
That is most fatiguing !
APPLEFORD.
Then I met a young widow at Munich. Figure was the
strong point there. She had a good walk.


66
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
ST. ASAPH.
Did that come to anything?
APPLEFORD.
We walked together in the woods about three hours
every morning for a week. Once, when she stumbled over
a log and caught hold of my arm, I fancied she was
magnetic. Now that doesn't do.
ST. ASAPH.
Why not?
APPLEFORD.
Magnetism affects the judgment. Judgment is required
in a historian. I left Munich that very afternoon. . . . No,
Amabel has spoiled me for all others, and that's the plain
fact.
ST. ASAPH.
Still, make one more attempt.
APPLEFORD.
Oh, I wouldn't mind any rebuff if I had the least hope. I
can't see it.
ST. ASAPH.
How well you can manage a woman when you under-
stand her, but no longer love her ! Now she may imagine
that you wished to give her old aunts the lie-and, as she's
deuced proud ...


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
67
APPLEFORD.
Oh, don't you think that every girl knows, by instinct,
when a man is sincere ? I had schooled myself to live
without her. Now that I have seen her again, those years
of discipline go for nothing. I can't be cured, and there's
an end of it.
ST. ASAPH,
What is your next move ?
APPLEFORD.
I shall go abroad.
ST. ASAPH.
You are playing the very devil with your career.
APPLEFORD.
I know myself. Nature ever takes her revenge if you
fight her too hard. No, my one hope lies in wandering.
I can't sit down and brood.
(FOOTMAN enters announcing.)
Mrs. Lynton and Mrs. Lupton Milles.
(Mrs. Lynton and Mrs. LUPTON Milles enter. FOOTMAN
goes out.)
MRS, LYNTON.
Lord Appleford . . . and my dear Duke . . . (Recovering)
My niece has sent for us. We are in the greatest anxiety.
We leave for Russia to-morrow. Amabel never changes
her plans.


68
APPLEFORD.
You leave to-morrow !
ST. ASAPH.
Will Miss East be well enough?
MRS. LYNTON.
She must be well enough. Where is she? Where is
the child ?
ST. ASAPH.
She is with my wife.
MRS. LYNTON.
Then take me to her at once. Fanny, you stay here.
You know you always excite her.
(She goes out with St. ASAPH.)
MRS LUPTON MILLES (looking cautiously round).
APPLEFORD.
I was present when—when she fell.
MRS. LUPTON MILLES.
I have always been on your side. She is full of nonsense
and wants a good shaking—nothing else in the world.
The offers she has refused—the rubbish she talks ! I


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE 1
69
APPLEFORD.
Sometimes I am driven to think so. I cannot understand
her.
MRS. LUPTON MILLES.
One word. Will you come to our hotel — the Cosmo-
politan-to-night ? Ask for me. I can consult with you.
APPLEFORD.
But I would not risk giving her any annoyance.
MRS. LUPTON MILLES.
Rely upon me. I must consult with you. I must.
APPLEFORD
Very well.
MRS. LUPTON MILLES.
This illness may be worry. You remember her pridem
it is majestic. If she knew that I had told you—she would
kill me.
APPLEFORD.
You may depend upon me. I will be at your hotel
to-night.
MRS. LUPTON MILLES.
Come in an hour's time.
APPLEFORD.
Without fail.
(Enter ST. ASAPH.)


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
ST. ASAPH.
She is much better. She will come here in a few
moments.
APPLEFORD.
Could I write a few letters in the library? I suppose
you won't be going to the Merediths just yet ?
ST. ASAPH.
The carriage has been ordered for twelve.
(APPLEFORD bows and goes out.)
MRS. LUPTON MILLES.
Is n't he a nice man? I don't know when I have seen a
nicer. .. Oh, do use your influence with my niece.
ST. ASAPH.
In what way?
MRS. LUPTON MILLES.
Make her see that it is her duty to marry Lord Apple-
ford. The two are cut out for each other. Her lacka-
daisical ideas are just what he requires. They are so
softening!
ST. ASAPH.
What you say is very good and very true in its way, but
it isn't my business.
MRS. LUPTON MILLES.
Oh, don't say that, my dear Duke. Nothing in this
world is one's business--unless one makes it so.


72
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
AMABEL,
GEORGINA.
Oh, Sydney, will you get my ruby bracelet? I left it either
in the billiard-room or on the piano. And will you tell
Mrs. Lynton—who is with Aunt—that Amabel is waiting?
(ST. ASAPH goes out reluctantly.)
GEORGINA (turning to AMABEL).
I am sure you are unhappy, Amabel.
AMABEL.
But you, too, seem a little depressed.
GEORGINA.
I cannot understand men.
AMABEL.
Surely the Duke is frankness itself.
GEORGINA.
That isn't the difficulty.
AMABEL.
What then?
GEORGINA.
I am the difficulty. They tell me I shall bore him.
What do you think? Would he endure me longer if I
swore like Ada, painted like Kate, kicked as high as Lady


74
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
GEORGINA (disappointed).
Oh, ... I see.
AMABEL (hastily).
He didn't look like one, however.
GEORGINA (cheerfully).
I'm glad of that-for your sake.
AMABEL.
He dressed simply awfully well.
GEORGINA (naïvely)
Do other people call him a genius ?
AMABEL.
You see, he isn't dead yet. He's very coming.
GEORGINA.
Then can't you make it up ?
AMA
AMABEL.
Impossible, darling, impossible. He no longer loves me.
The one feeling left is pity. And as for me—all I have left
is pride.
GEORGINA.
Is there no chance of your meeting again?
should be an embarrassment. And now, here is the little


76
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
that I am almost afraid to realise it. But you—Miss East,
may I take a friend's privilege and tell you that ...
that ...
AMABEL (quickly).
Wait. Are you about to speak of Lord Appleford ?
ST. ASAPH.
Yes.
AMABEL.
Then spare yourself and me much grief. No doubt you
have guessed— by my foolish emotion this evening—that
he is the one whom I once told you ... (trying to laugh).
You remember Browning's lines. . .. “It once might
have been, once only ...” (Drics her eyes).
ST. ASAPH.
I must have some conversation with you, I must (earnestly).
It concerns the welfare of the two friends I most care for
in this world.
ADA (from next room).
I will find her.
AMABEL.
I am leaving for Russia early in the morning.
ST. ASAPH,
In the morning? I can't talk here. They might come
in at any moment. May I call and see you to-night?
My wife and I are going to a ball. I could get away for
half an hour and call at your hotel. I must see you.
AMABEL (puzzled).
Why?


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
77
ST. ASAPH.
I can answer that when you have heard all I have to say.
AMABEL.
This is puzzling, but ...
ST. ASAPH.
Surely you trust me ?
AMABEL.
Of course. I was not thinking of myself; I was thinking
of you. Does Georgina understand-does she know?
ST. ASAPH.
She must never know. But, if she might know, she
would understand perfectly.
AMABEL.
More and more niysterious. I will sce you.
ST. ASAPH.
Very well. You may expect me about half-past twelve.
AMABEL.
Ask for my sitting-room, No. 61.
ST. ASAPH.
Thank you.
AMABEL.
Hush! Who is that on the balcony ?
(Mrs. WUTHERING appears.)


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
79
AMABEL.
Thank you. That is very kind.
(They go out.)
ADA (calling)
Ralph! (He comes in.) What do you say to this ? Sydney
has just made an appointment to call on Miss East at her
hotel to-night.
WUTHERING.
Impossible !
ADA.
I heard him, by accident, with my own cars. I happened
to come in the very nick of time. He said, “At half-past
twelve." She said, “Ask for my sitting-room, No. 61."
Miss East, I feel certain, is the brilliant girl with the
impossible family we all heard about long ago.
WUTHERING.
I hope to God he won't get into a scandal ! Just think
how it would please all his friends!
(Enter LADY CHALE, BISTERN, and ROMNEY. WUTHERING and
BISTERN go to the back.)
LADY CHALE.
Are you coming, Ada ? The carriage is here. I must go
for half an hour to the Merediths'. Why do really nice
people give balls? One has to go.
ROMNEY.
I intend to walk.


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
ADA.
Send the carriage back for me. Georgina isn't quite
ready.
LADY CHALE.
Very well.
(LADY CHALE goes out with ROMNEY. BISTERN and WUTHERING come
down.)
BISTERN.
This is an awkward thing about Sydney, ain't it? (He and
ADA exchange a long glance.) Ralph has just told me. But who
would have thought, eh ?
ADA.
For Heaven's sake, say nothing more. I must think of
the right course to adopt.
WUTHERING.
Are you going to make a lot of mischief, Ada ?
ADA.
I am going to use my judgment.
WUTHERING.
Then there is no hope for either of them !
ADA (biting her lip).
It is a mercy that I am not sensitive !


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
85
BISTERN.
That's a most unwomanly-unwifelike remark.
KATE.
I didn't mean it-altogether. If you behaved as well as
you look, you'd be an angel. But, as it happens—you are
a trial.
BISTERN.
Whose fault is that?
KATE.
I believe you are every bit as deceitful as Sydney-I
hate men! No, don't answer me. Men have no sense of
justice ! Don't follow me! (She flounces out.)
(APPLEFORD enters.)
BISTERN.
Isn't it a pity that such a pretty woman has such a
tendency to ... to ... tantrums? (He follows her out.)
(ADA enters from opposite side.)
APPLEFORD.
Don't you think we ought to start now? Where's
Sydney?
ADA.
Where's Sydney? Oh, my dear Appleford ... My
dear, dear Appleford ! Men don't know each other in
the least.
APPLEFORD.
We prefer to study you—not each other.


86
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
ADA.
Wait till you hear my news. You know Miss East?
APPLEFORD.
Yes.
ADA.
You know that St. Asaph once fell in love with some
brilliant girl with an impossible family?
APPLEFORD.
We all do that.
ADA.
I suppose you do. Well, I have found out that Miss
East is the woman.
APPLEFORD.
Indeed.
ADA.
And St. Asaph is going to see her to-night at her hotel at
half-past twelve.
APPLEFORD,
How do you know that ?
ADA.
Never mind. I do know it. Isn't it too disgraceful ?
And she pretends to be such friends with poor Georgina.
And Georgina is so nice to her. Oh, it's horrid !
APPLEFORD,
So you think he is going to see her to-night at half-past
twelve ?


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
ADA.
I am sure of it.
APPLEFORD.
You will find that it is all right.
ADA.
Of course. But does it look well ?
APPLEFORD.
You may depend that they do not realise that the meeting
will be generally known. Are you coming with us to the
Merediths' ?
ADA.
I am waiting for Georgina. And I must put on my neck-
lace.
(She goes out. WUTHERING and BISTERN come down. The three men
stand in a row. WUTHERING and BISTERN look most dejected.)
BISTERN.
Don't go, Appleford.
APPLEFORD.
What is the matter ?
WUTHERING.
I want to ask your opinion. I can't help thinking that
Ada has made a mistake.
BISTERN.
Oh, St. Asaph may have been fond of the woman once,
and it is the old, old story of one more long last Goodbye,
etcetera, etcetera !


88
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
WUTHERING.
Never. That isn't his line at all. He knows the world
too well. If it is anything, it is something devilish impor-
tant. What do you think, Appleford ?
APPLEFORD.
I think it's very natural.
WUTHERING.
Natural! To play the fool ... already ?
BISTERN.
Could there be any reason ?
APPLEFORD.
Reason! A fool can give more reasons for his folly than
a saint can urge for his wisdom. We have five senses, but
only one conscience. That explains everything. The game
is unequal.
BISTERN.
All the same, would you go in for this kind of thing?
APPLEFORD.
Well, if I really wanted to see a ... lady, I should go
and see her. I feel bound to admit that. I should go.
BISTERN.
If it comes to that, so should I.
WUTHERING.
Then why are we pitching into St. Asaph ?


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE :
89
APPLEFORD.
Perhaps, because none of you are, for the moment, suffi-
ciently anxious to see any particular lady. You are not in
sympathy with recklessness.
BISTERN.
Take care. Here is St. Asaph now. We might sound
him a bit. Let us say things and watch his face.
WUTHERING
We might take a confidential line and appear to give
ourselves away. This will lead him on. It is only friendly
to get at the truth and save him from himself,
BISTERN.
That's right. We must save him from himself.
(Enter St. ASAPH preoccupied.)
BISTERN.
We were just talking about Miss East. A pretty lady ...
ST. ASAPH.
She has got a great deal of character too. Existence
must be dreadful with her old aunties !
APPLEFORD.
Women are better than men at this game of resignation.
BISTERN.
I suppose so. I can't understand it.
APPLEFORD (watching Sr. ASAPH).
Say, you want a thing. You can't get it. Then you try
to believe that it is not worth having. You pitch mud all


92
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
BISTERN.
Ah! but suppose she finds you out !
ST. ASAPH.
Find you out, Tommie—as if she could-you dog
WUTHERING.
When I show the least interest in Ada, she becomes
impossible. I pretend that she bores me to death.
ST. ASAPH.
This commands her respect. If she once suspected that
you would sooner be with her than any other woman, you
could do nothing with her. But there ought to be more
confidence between husband and wife. A little talk might
put it all right.
BISTERN.
Yes, but what can you tell 'em? They never under-
stand.
WUTHERING.
I never talk to my wife about myself, but I tell her every-
thing I hear about other people.
ST. ASAPH.
The trouble is that you and Ada are never natural. A
girl may dance beautifully, she may be handsome, she may
have a good figure, she may be plain, rich, poor, but she
must be in sympathy with you.


94
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
WUTHERING.
That we ...
ST. ASAPH.
Yes, I do mean it. You are wrong—both of you.
BISTERN.
My dear Sydney!
ST. ASAPH.
You are wrong. You see, a woman is like the quail--a
little uncertain—that's all.
WUTHERING.
But I am devoted to my wife, of course.
BISTERN.
We are all devoted to our wives.
APPLEFORD.
So far as I can make out, one marries, nowadays, chiefly
to please other people !
WUTHERING.
Well, I married to please myself.
ST. ASAPH.
We are all taking the selfish view, aren't we?


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
95
BISTERN.
The riddle of the age is for each man the same,—“What
is the best thing I can do with my life ?"
APPLEFORD.
It don't seem very inspiring. What about the woman's
life?
ST. ASAPH.
She won't let you forget it. Don't be nervous.
(Enter FOOTMAN with a card, which he gives to ST. ASAPH.)
ST. ASAPH.
Hullo! this from Bradgers—De Lisle Bradgers ! He
asks for the favour of an interview.
WUTHERING.
Why De Lisle ?
ST. ASAPH.
Because he is, as he would say, the result of a hushed-up
scandal in the very best society !
BISTERN.
Fancy Bradgers! You can't refuse. This means some-
thing important. By Gad ! he intends to run you.
ST. ASAPH.
I can't be uncivil, because I really like him. He is most
amusing. I'll bring him up.
(He goes up to meet BRADGERS as FOOTMAN goes out. APPLEFORD picks
up a paper and reads it. WUTHERING and BISTERN come down.)


96
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
WUTHERING.
What do you think?
BISTERN.
I can't make him out. Give it up, my boy.
WUTHERING (quoting St. ASAPH).
“The mind must spread about a bit.” “One interest in
life ain't enough.”
BISTERN.
That's what it comes to. Are you goin' to the Merediths'?
WUTHERING.
We can just toddle round for supper. I hope the quails
will be hot. I hate cold quails.
(They go out as FOOTMAN enters announcing MR. BRADGERS.)
(Enter BRADGERS.)
BRADGERS (casually).
I thought I might as well follow you up. (Seats himself.)
Your carriage is at the door. Surely you are not going to
the Merediths' ball.
ST. ASAPH (meekly).
I had some idea of it.
BRADGERS.
Give it up. Men who dance have no future. Should I
be where I am to-day, if I had been a dancing man? I
tell you, Duke, the country demands self-sacrifice. We
must live like our Puritan fathers. We must say to the


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
97
idols of to-day, “Out-talk us, out-vote us, shout us down,
but we are the army of sober men to come.” I want to
hear you talk a little in this vein. Be the leader of the
healthy party. By the by, can you tell me anything about
Lord Appleford ?
APPLEFORD (interrupting, and motioning the Duke to
keep quiet).
I know a little about him.
BRADGERS.
I made Appleford. Appleford, till I brought him to the
public notice, was never heard of.
ST. ASAPH.
I can quite believe it.
BRADGERS.
And I haven't done with him yet. I intend to use
him as a vehicle for my ideas.
APPLEFORD.
• Is he agreeable to this plan?
BRADGERS.
Agreeable! He will jump at it!
ST. ASAPH.
Have you ever met him ?


98
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
BRADGERS.
I am to meet him next week. I never judge a man but
out of his own mouth.
APPLEFORD.
That's one of my principles too.
BRADGERS.
But I have formed a mental picture of Appleford. He
will answer my purpose. We live in an age of democratic
equality, but the slow intellectual movement of the masses
is such that they still demand a peer-merely, in a vulgar
phrase, “ for the look of the thing.".
ST. ASAPH.
Yet, as you were saying, those who have pledged them-
selves not to talk have been made to talk. The interests
of one class clash against the interests of another, but in
the great result the people always mean right, and in the
end they will have the right. (BRADGERS tries to get a word in.)
And, as you were saying so admirably, we must turn our
eyes from institutions to men. The penny pamphlet does
more to govern this country than the House of Commons.
People can never be made to stay and argue a long
question. They must be made to feel it through the hides
of their idols. Let the Times say, “This is madness.”
The penny pamphlet, edited by Lord Appleford, will reply,
“What is defeat ? Nothing but education-nothing but
the first step to something better,"


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
101
you think, and they are kept by saying what you don't
think!
BRADGERS.
You put it cynically--but ...
ST. ASAPH.
That's mere manner !
BRADGERS (picking up portrait of Miss EAST).
Hullo! This is the beautiful Amabel East, daughter of
East and Holkers'. I know her aunt, Mrs. Lupton Milles.
APPLEFORD.
Indeed.
BRADGERS.
They go into very good society nowadays : one meets
them at the best houses. But Amabel won't marry. Her
aunt, a delightful person, tells me that she has refused at
least one prince--and often more-of every nationality.
APPLEFORD (taking photograph).
I wonder why!
BRADGERS.
An early attachment.
ST. ASAPH.
Does that seem reasonable?
BRADGERS.
Her aunts think her mad on the subject. It seems she
fell in love, some years ago, with this very man we have
been speaking of—Appleford.


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
103
ST. ASAPH.
He's a friend of mine ....... a journalist, in fact-he
writes leading articles and essays for the learned reviews.
BRADGERS.
Ah, I'm rather sorry to hear it. The taint of journalism
must corrupt one in time, and he has an open face-a very
open face. The Press will be the ruin of this country.
ST. ASAPH.
I don't agree. When Appleford and I left Oxford, we
both wrote for the Press, and we thought ourselves tre-
mendous swells when our stuff was accepted. What is
more, I liave just undertaken to write a series of articles
on Labour for the Daily News.
BRADGERS.
Leave newspapers alone! I can give you a better
opportunity than any of 'em.
ST. ASAPH.
I wasn't thinking of opportunities. I thought it might
do good-don't you know.
BRADGERS.
Nothing ever does any good, so far as that goes.
ST. ASAPH.
Then, I suppose, one must just do as much harm as
one can !
*


104
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
BRADGERS.
Very ready! I delight in your peculiar humour. I wish
you would write a Preface for my “Laws of Honour”
pamphlet.
ST. ASAPH.
0, I haven't an idea.
BRADGERS (earnestly).
That's why I want you.
ST. ASAPH.
O, come! Your humour is about as peculiar as mine!
BRADGERS.
The drawing-room, Duke, is no place for seriousness.
Who could think of his higher self in such surroundings ?
ST. ASAPH.
Will you come down to the library? There are lots of
marble busts of fellows all round the walls. It's awfully
depressing—and nice for work!
BRADGERS (surveying the room).
This luxury, Duke, is most insidious. It makes one
oblivious of the crying needs of the nation. (Leading.) This
way?
ST. ASAPH.
Yes, that way.
(They go off as GEORGINA and ADA enter.)
GEORGINA.
Where is Sydney ?


106
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
GEORGINA.
His wife.
ADA.
Better say Duchess . . . it sounds more permanent !
Now, own, he must have had several love affairs.
GEORGINA.
But we needn't talk about them.
ADA.
I must.
GEORGINA (puzzled).
You must ?
ADA.
I have something to tell you ... very difficult . . . you
must be prepared to show all your spirit, your good sense,
your pride. . . . After all, very pretty women can laugh at
little . . . disloyalties . . . which would drive a plain one
to despair. Did you know ... did you ever hear that
Sydney was once rather fond of Miss East ?
GEORGINA.
Amabel ! She said something . . . not much . , . they
had met once or twice. I didn't think ... (seizing her arm).
Oh, what are you trying to say? He has no secrets from
me ... not one . .. I could explain—he would not have
to explain . . . I know his whole life ...


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
107
ADA.
I am sure of that ... that is why I refer to it. . . . But,
all the same, why should she have fainted when she saw
him this evening? One doesn't do that just out of a little
friendship! I feel it my duty to tell you that he has an
appointment with Miss East to-night at her hotel. I know
this for a fact.
GEORGINA (rising).
Is that all you have to tell me . . . because . . . (she goes
up stage and staggers a little).
ADA (taking her arm).
You are a brave girl ! I am proud of you. You are
splendid. He doesn't deserve you. But he'll be sorry
... he will be very miserable . . . he will beg your
forgiveness.
GEORGINA (fiercely).
There is nothing to forgive—nothing-absolutely nothing.
And you are lying to me-lying!
ADA.
I am not. And after this insult, I must insist on your
proving my words.
GEORGINA.
How ean I ?
ADA.
Will you come to the hotel with me to-night-Room 61,
at 12.30? Will you come ? Would you dare? We can
manage it. What more natural than to call and inquire
about her health-after that stupid fainting fit ?


108
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
GEORGINA,
I cannot do it.
ADA.
Because you know I am right. But you owe it to me
now. It is only fair after your cruel words—your insult.
As if I would make mischief except from the highest
motives. I want you to save Sydney from a designing
little cat.
GEORGINA.
She is not a cat !
ADA.
Then why does she ask your husband to call on her at
midnight? Not that you could be jealous of Amabel East.
GEORGINA.
I have no cause for jealousy.
ADA.
You may depend that she made all the advances.
GEORGINA (indignant).
Sydney is not a muff, my dear Ada !
ADA.
Good Heavens! I know that.
GEORGINA.
If Sydney chose to make love to a woman, I couldn't
entirely blame the . . . woman for believing him. Didn't
I believe in him ?


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
109
ADA.
You had a right to believe in him! Who could doubt
a man who proposed to one before breakfast, and in the
autumn, too ! Still ...
GEORGINA.
Well ?
ADA.
Do you know what people say ?
GEORGINA.
No, and I don't care. . . . What do they say ?
ADA.
You see, you do care ... that is all I wanted to find
out.
Enter FOOTMAN with a note for GEORGINA, he gives it to her and goes out.)
GEORGINA (looking at the note).
Read it for me. It is from Lord Malisbury.
ADA (reading).
MY DEAR GEORGINA, -Beyond a doubt, we shall manage
the Secretaryship. Sydney is the very man for us ... he is
so staunch, enthusiastic, and reliable.
MALISBURY.
GEORGINA (mechanically).
An appointment for Sydney. He is to take Twamerville's
place.


IIO
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
ADA.
What fools men are! What blind, mad fools ! Imagine
the effect of gossip at this particular moment. If a hint of
this should get into the papers, Sydney's career will be
ruined. A career may end in a scandal, but it can never,
never begin with one. In England the start is more im-
portant than the finish.
GEORGINA.
How dare you speak of a scandal-a scandal in connec-
tion with Sydney! You are quite mistaken. It cannot be.
I know my husband—I know his nature. It cannot be. I
know Amabel also.
ADA.
My dear, men surprise themselves. Besides, the women
who succeed with men are either very sentimental or very
silly! Now, be silly or sentimental, but tell me what you
mean to do. There is no time to be lost. This is a case
for dash. Be as civil as possible, but there must be dash.
What then do you mean to do?
GEORGINA.
I must think.
ADA.
That is not enough. You must deny it, we must all deny
it, or, before to-morrow night, Sydney's madness will be
the talk of London. Nothing of this kind can be kept
secret for more than one night. Your name and his will
be in every one's mouth, laughed at by some, pitied by
others—the gazing-stock of all.


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
III
GEORGINA (agitated).
I must think.
ADA (seizing her wrist).
Do you hear ? Do you care? Do you understand ?
GEORGINA.
Do I hear? Yes ! Do I care? Yes! Do I fear? No !
Do I doubt Sydney? No!
ADA.
Oh, these moments ! Don't I know them ? You murmur
a prayer, think of hell, and long for heaven. What women
go through!
GEORGINA.
I was never more calm.
ADA (with admiration).
This is no ordinary love!
GEORGINA.
I hope not.
ADA,
This is a matter of the soul ! My poor child, Sydney
does not deserve you.
GEORGINA.
I know his faults, but I can forgive them all, so long as
he loves me.
ADA.
So long, and a little longer . . . if you are wise! But
wait! Let me peep over the staircase. (She looks out.)
Here's Bertram !
(ROMNEY enters.)


112
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
ROMNEY.
Where is Sydney ?
GEORGINA.
He is with Mr. Bradgers.
ROMNEY.
Oh, I'm so sick of the Merediths' brass band. It has
been braying at me for the last hour. Do play something
tremendous from Wagner, Ada. (Ada goes into next room and
plays.)
GEORGINA.
You don't seem in good spirits, Bertram.
ROMNEY.
I feel unhappy—for some reason—to the depths of my
soul.
GEORGINA (gaily)
When a very young man is very unhappy—one knows
what to think.
ROMNEY.
There was a girl at the ball who looked-ever so little-
like you. But she kept whirling past me—always with
some one else—and she only made me remember how
hopeless everything is and must be.
GEORGINA.
Is this how you amuse mc?


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
113
ROMNEY (dropping his voice).
May I speak out ? I came because ... because I felt
... I heard that you were in trouble. I couldn't stay
away. You don't mind ?
GEORGINA.
Who said that I was in trouble ?
ROMNEY.
Bistern told me.
GEORGINA.
I am in no trouble. I wonder what he meant.
ROMNEY.
But I can see there is something. Who don't you trust
me? Perhaps I could advise you ... perhaps ...
GEORGINA.
You see, dear Bertram, I am not a schoolgirl now. I
am married.
ROMNEY.
Then you have all the greater need for counsel—for
sympathy-you are so young and innocent. You might be
deceived in many ways.
GEORGINA.
If I am ever so unfortunate as to be deceived, I know
that I shall never be so weak as to require consolation to
slow music.


114
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
ROMNEY.
Georgina, you trample on the finest shades of feeling!
GEORGINA.
I have no more to add.
ROMNEY.
After our long friendship ...
GEORGINA.
You have killed it.
ROMNEY.
What have I said ?
GEORGINA.
What have you thought ?
ROMNEY (dropping his eyes).
You will live to regret this ... this injustice !
GEORGINA (with a quick glance).
Are you sure of that ?
ROMNEY.
Before Heaven!... You have me at a disadvantage !
GEORGINA.
Did you not hope that it might have been the other way
about?
ROMNEY.
I dare not trust myself to answer you.


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
117
GEORGINA.
Perhaps. . . . Do you want me to go ?
ST. ASAPH.
For an hour, at any rate.
GEORGINA.
What do you think of Amabel ?
ST. ASAPH.
Charming! One would take to her.
GEORGINA.
She is handsome.
ST. ASAPH.
And pleasant.
GEORGINA.
I often wonder whether she had some disappointment in
love. Did you know her very well—long ago ?
ST. ASAPH.
I admired her very much.
GEORGINA (bluntly).
Did you ever think of asking her to marry you?
ST. ASAPH.
I was at the age when you think of marrying the girl
you are about to meet. I used to go to balls and say,
“Perhaps I shall meet her—the one--at last !” Wherever
I went I looked for the face that could haunt me for ever,


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
119
ST. ASAPH.
Yes, I do—one way and another. I am deuced senti-
mental, you know. People don't guess it, but I am ...
GEORGINA.
One way and another ! Sydney, have you ever doubted
any one you loved ? Have you ever felt as though your
heart were being stoned ? Have you ever felt your head
spinning, and the ground slipping away under your feet ?
ST. ASAPH.
No! because I couldn't love any one whom I doubted.
GEORGINA.
I am afraid . . . I could ...
ST. ASAPH.
It is not to be imagined—yet (with an inspiration), suppose I
doubted you ?
GEORGINA.
Yes !
ST. ASAPH.
I should say—if I could once look her well in the eyes-
a long look—so ... (he takes her face in his hands). I should
know everything. (He seems nevertheless a little mystified by her er-
pression.) Wouldn't I be right ?
GEORGINA.
I hope so.


122
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
understood me. You seemed to care for me . . . you
married me. . . . And now ...
ST. ASAPH.
You say I have made you wretched ?
GEORGINA.
You have made me everything except the one thing I
must be,
ST. ASAPH.
What is that ?
GEORGINA.
Your friend. . . . You tell me I am pretty and amiable,
and so on. ... I am glad you think so ... very glad.
You give me your name, your protection, your compli-
ments, your family jewels, and your family history. But
you give your confidence elsewhere. ...
ST. ASAPH.
What has gone wrong? Every word I have heard this
evening has been a sting—or a stab. We came here
believing in ourselves and in each other. I knew we were
not perfect, but I thought we were, on the whole, all right.
I can think of our walks through the woods, of the flowers,
the sunlight, the singing of the birds, but I have already
forgotten—or else I dare not remember-how happy we
were !


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
123
GEORGINA.
The love which does not suffer and which cannot speak
is but a dream-perhaps. And love which is constant is
but a lie-perhaps.
ST. ASAPH.
Constancy–a lie !
GEORGINA.
Oh, don't you hate people who attack your friends ?
What do you say to them?
ST. ASAPH.
I call them liars—which they probably consider a
compliment !
GEORGINA.
But suppose there is a grain of truth in their stories ?
ST. ASAPH.
In that case, I call them damnable liars !
GEORGINA.
Oh, that is like you! Go now, go! You must write
the preface.
ST. ASAPH.
You mustn't make it too hard for me to leave you. I hate
going ; you know that. If I want to get on it is only to
please you. It is, really !
(ST. ASAPH kisses her and goes out.)


126
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
PENNINGTON.
Have you heard that Lord Appleford is in London ?
Sometimes I hope that you and he may come together
again.
AMABEL.
You don't understand, Pennington, how impossible that
is. If we should ever meet again, it would be as friends-
friends only.
(She sails out with the “History of Byzantine Mosaics " under her arm.
Enter MRS. LUPTON MILLES.)
MRS. LUPTON MILLES.
Is Miss Amabel better ?
PENNINGTON,
She has put on her new tea-gown and she is reading that
everlasting History of Byzantine Mosaics.
MRS. LUPTON MILLES.
She saw Lord Appleford at Chale House. He loves
her more madly than ever.
PENNINGTON.
You used to think he loved her money. I didn't.
MRS. LUPTON MILLES.
Hold your tongue! He is very rich now himself and the
case is altered.
PENNINGTON.
And how well it sounds! Mrs. Lupton Milles's niece-


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
127
Lady Appleford. Oh, it does sound well! I believe she
worships him.
MRS. LUPTON MILLES.
Why?
PENNINGTON.
She never speaks of him.
MRS. LUPTON MILLES.
That does not prove much.
PENNINGTON.
But whenever I talk of the old days when they were
so happy in Rome and read poetry together, and visited
monuments, she always has a good cry and gives me a silk
foundation. I've had three silk foundations this week-as
good as new.
(A WAITER enters with a card on a tray.)
PENNINGTON (reading card as she hands it).
Good gracious !
MRS. LUPTON MILLES.
Mr. De Lisle Bradgers ! (To WAITER.) Ask the gentleman
to come in. (WAITER goes out.) Go to Miss Amabel and keep
her occupied.
(PENNINGTON goes out as BRADGERS enters.)
BRADGERS..
How are you, my dear friend, how are you?


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
129
BRADGERS.
A little bird told me that she once liked Maurice Apple-
ford ! Is that true ?
MRS. LUPTON MILLES (coyly).
How can you ask a woman to betray the secrets of
another woman's heart?
BRADGERS.
I'll say no more.
MRS. LUPTON MILLES.
But what else did the little bird say ?
BRADGERS.
Well, little birds always tell long stories !
MRS. LUPTON MILLES.
Oh, you witty creature ! Literary men are too charming !
BRADGERS.
I am but a poor Grub Street garreteer-nothing more.
MRS. LUPTON MILLES (alarmed).
Oh, don't say that ! In the old days, Lord Appleford
used to call himself a Grub Street garreteer. . . . There !
I have let the cat out of the bag.
BRADGERS.
Ah, then the Appleford story is true ?
IO


130
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
MRS. LUPTON MILLES.
Since you ask me-yes. She was infatuated. So was he.
We didn't know what to think.
BRADGERS.
What could she see in him ?
MRS. LUPTON MILLES.
Oh, he was considered a handsome man. I prefer a
more rugged style myself—something strenuous and un-
common, but silly girls—well, you know what girls are !
BRADGERS.
I was always given to understand that he was a wretched
little man. ...
(WAITER enters with a card which he hands to MRS. LUPTON MILLES.)
MRS. LUPTON MILLES (handing card to BRADGERS).
Here he is. (TO WAITER.) Show the gentleman in.
(WAITER goes out.)
BRADGERS (reading).
Lord Appleford. What a coincidence! I have been
wanting to meet him. (Puts card in case.)
(APPLEFORD enters. He does not perceivc BRADGERS.)
BRADGERS (at back).
Good Lord ! The secretary! . . (Steuls away on tiptoe till he
reaches the door.)
APPLEFORD.
Is she better?


132
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
APPLEFORD.
Is that the truth?
On my word of honour. Alas! poor darling, how she
adored you ! how she idolised you !
APPLEFORD.
I can't think that.
I may not always be able to look after the poor child.
Things happen. . . . One marries. ...I wake in the
night shaking and shivering at the thought of Amabel alone
in the world with my sister Sarah.
APPLEFORD.
Where is Sarah now?
MRS. LUPTON MILLES.
In bed with ice on her temples ! She may be a woman
for a crisis—but we have to know it for weeks afterwards !
APPLEFORD.
Why didn't you say these things long ago? But you
made Amabel suspicious, distrustful. ....
MRS. LUPTON MILLES.
I had to observe reasonable caution. Could I permit my
niece--a mere schoolgirl—to tie herself for life to a poor
and idle young man ?


134
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
AMABEL.
I will come at once.
MRS. LUPTON MILLES.
She is coming
(AMABEL enters, sees APPLEFORD, and steps back.)
AMABEL,
Maurice !
MRS. LUPTON MILLES.
to see each other. (She goes out.)
AMABEL.
You . . . here?
APPLEFORD.
Forgive me, Amabel. I had to come. I could not help
coming
AMABEL.
APPLEFORD.
Because I wanted to see you.
AMABEL (sentimentally).
Has one word been left unsaid between us? Have we
not said-everything ? Have I not suffered—everything ?
I will make no reference to the past, dear-friend.
AMABEL (mortified).
Then I am glad-truly glad to welcome you. (Gives him
her hand-withdraws it after a pause.)


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
135
APPLEFORD (with a sigh).
Let us concentrate on the future. You look just as
you did on that night-three years ago-when I talked
about the pleasures of hope. I shouldn't talk that way
now.
AMABEL (troubleil).
Why not? It's a beautiful subject ... very touching.
APPLEFORD.
It doesn't do to be touching !... But you were eighteen
with a face like a song and a voice like a starry night.
AMABEL.
Oh, Maurice! I have often wondered, Maurice, what
you saw in me in the old days.
APPLEFORD.
My dear, I was mad about you-raving mad. I used to
walk up and down that old street in Rome half the night
-gazing at your window.
AMABEL.
Let us talk about the future . . . your plans.
APPLEFORD.
First, tell me yours.
AMABEL.
Mine are somewhat indefinite.


136
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
APPLEFORD.
Curiously enough, so are mine.
AMABEL.
Something seems to call me to Russia . . . the snows,
the frozen sea, the long, long, lonely roads ...
APPLEFORD.
The plains, vast, enigmatic, everlasting ...
AMABEL.
With not a creature in sight.
APPLEFORD.
I don't quite like the idea of your being alone on those
plains. It is almost a pity that we can't arrange to go
together. Could it be arranged ?
AMABEL.
I am afraid it might give rise to comment.
APPLEFORD.
They each have a longing, a yearning for solitude.
AMABEL,
Yes.
APPLEFORD.
They start together for the uninhabited wilds! What
could be more natural ? Its lucidity must commend itself
to every fair mind. Why then hesitate ?


138
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
APPLEFORD.
Let me explain. For instance, let us imagine ourselves
in our own home. Charming room. Velvet curtains in
old rose. A few Gainsboroughs on the wall. Logs
burning in the open grate. We are sitting—you and
I-alone by the fire. We are perhaps a little bored.
AMABEL.
Bored? Oh, never !
APPLEFORD.
For the sake of the argument ! I leave my chair and
approach yours. I say, “My dearest Heart, do you
remember the evenings when I used to kneel at your
feet, and tell you all my thoughts, my ambitions ? And
how you used to listen, how your eyes used to fill with
tears when I told you of my struggles : how the colour
rushed into your cheeks when I told you of a little success.
I am sorry this isn't the garret I promised you." And then
you would say—well, I wonder what you would say.
AMABEL.
You know I never say much, but I think-I mean I used
to think that no one in the world was (bites her lip) ... was
like you, Maurice.
APPLEFORD.
Well, let us suppose, then, that you make a remark to that
effect. I would continue . ... Oh ! Amabel, I can't joke
about it any more. I am in earnest-dead earnest. If we
cannot be as we were, we must never meet again. I have


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
139
got the rose velvet curtains, and the logs in the grate, and
the Gainsboroughs on the wall. I have got the two chairs.
But one of them is empty. And when I sit there alone-
looking at it, I think-"What has my work done for me?
What is all this to me? She isn't here to care.”
AMABEL.
Oh, Maurice, are you sure this isn't pity ?–a noble kind
of revenge ? You were always Quixotic ...
(PENNINGTON enters and beckons mysteriously.)
PENNINGTON.
Miss Amabel ?
AMABEL.
Yes. ...
PENNINGTON (still beckoning).
Miss Amabel. ...
AMABEL (going to her).
What is it?
PENNINGTON.
This gentleman is waiting to see you.
AMABEL.
Ask him to wait till I ring.
PEYNINGTON.
Yes, miss. (She goes out.)
AMABEL (recovering herself).
You must go. We have talked too long. You must go.


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
141
AMABEL.
I will keep my word. At nine.
APPLEFORD,
Good-night.
AMABEL (still retains his hand).
Good-night. Go! Go!...
APPLEFORD (hesitates a moment).
You have nothing else to say to me ?
AMABEL.
Yes. I am expecting a visitor.
APPLEFORD,
At this hour ?
AMABEL (desperately).
Yes! He is waiting to see me now. ... Perhaps you
wonder why he comes to see me.
APPLEFORD.
I ask to know only so much as you may wish to tell me.
AMABEL (looking at him).
He is a friend. ...
APPLEFORD.
Do you wish me to say that I doubt you ?


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
143
ST. ASAPH.
At the eleventh hour I was detained. I had to do some
writing. I left it because, at any cost, I am determined to
offer you my advice. You are not behaving well to Apple-
ford.
AMABEL.
IN
My dear friend!
ST. ASAPH.
I mean what I say. There is no woman-except my wife
-for whom I liave a deeper affection than yourself. But
you are spoiling two lives. You are sacrificing Appleford
and yourself for a mere idea. You cannot doubt his devo-
tion to you.
ANABEL.
If you could realise how I long to give in, what a struggle
it is to say No, no, when my heart means Yes, yes. ...
You see, I hate myself so much.
ST. ASAPH.
Why?
AMABEL.
He must despise me for my weakness long ago—listening
to my aunts—who thought he was mercenary, and not
trusting my own instincts.
ST. ASAPH.
You don't make the mistake better by playing the fool
now. I beg your pardon, but you are so sensible in all
matters except in this one great matter of your own happi-
ness. There is no rose without a thorn, but there are


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
145
AMABEL.
But women are different.
ST. ASAPH.
Upon my word, I think men are the more constant !
AMABEL,
Do you? . . . Rich and popular men often desire things
merely because they cannot attain them. That object once
gained, the charm vanishes.
ST. ASAPH.
You like Appleford, but, evidently, you have no true
conception of his character. He cares for nothing in this
world but you.
AMABEL.
But why are you so anxious—so eager about this ?
ST. ASAPH.
Surely now, Amabel, we can trust each other. You will
alienate all your friends if you give way to these suspicious
moods, and do forget your money. It is a good, useful
thing in its way, but you make it too expensive. If I
were Appleford, I would cut you straight out of my life.
In fact, I have done so, already, myself. I loved you.
Time didn't cure me—you cured me. You were always
full of doubts and misgivings.
AMABEL.
You are very severe.
II


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
147
and he knows it in your case—he never rests—he cannot
rest—until his point is gained. Cut-and-dry sentiments do
no good at all. You cannot foist wives or tastes upon a
man like Appleford.
AMABEL (passionately).
How I wish it could all be decided for me! Why doesn't
Fate step in and take away the responsibility ?
(Voices heard outside.)
ADA (outside).
I am so glad that she is better. Aren't you glad,Georgina ?
No, don't announce us. Let us go in.
AMABEL.
Who is that?
GEORGINA (heard outside).
Is this the door ?
ST. ASAPH.
Good God! It is my wife! What will she think?
(GEORGINA and ADA enter.)
GEORGINA (seeing St. ASAPH, gives a cry of surprise).
Sydney!
. ADA (looking round in triumph).
Georgina was so anxious. I am dreadfully sorry, of
course!
ST. ASAPH.
Sorry! What for ?
ADA.
in the circumstances . . .
Well-if you can't see


148
THE
THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
ST. ASAPH.
What's the matter with the circumstances ?
ADA.
My dear St. Asaph, I can stand a good deal—but ...
ST. ASAPH.
Who is asking you to stand a good deal ?
(AMABEL goes across the room to the door leading into next room, opens it,
and calls.)
AMABEL.
Maurice !
(LORD APPLEFORD enters.)
AMABEL.
Mrs. Wuthering has kindly brought Georgina to call.
ST. ASAPH (quietly, to APPLEFORD).
In fact, has stolen a march upon us. Perhaps this
serves us right. We wished to keep our secret a day
longer.
GEORGINA (mechanically).
What secret ?
ST. ASAPH.
I will tell you. There were once two people : both were
very clever, both were very much in love, but one was
very obstinate. Now, which was the obstinate one ?
(Foins AMABEL'S and APPLEFORD's hands.) Could anybody be-
lieve that either of these delightful persons could ever
have been in the wrong? (To Appleford.) You understand ?
APPLEFORD.
Perfectly.


THE WISDOM OF THE WISE
149
GEORGINA.
Sydney! . . . Amabel ! (She kisses her.) I am crying ...
because ... because I am so glad. (ST. ASAPH goes to her and
they go up together.)
ADA.
Forgive me if I rub my eyes. It is all so astonishing !
But I congratulate you both with all my heart. (To AMABEL.)
Then you won't take that long journey to-morrow? (She
moves up.)
AMABEL.
1 ... I think not. . . . Fate has decided so much
that ...
APPLEFORD.
If you are a wise woman, you will let Fate do all the
rest.
AMABEL (putting her hands in his).
Does this prove my wisdom ?
APPLEFORD.
No, something much better !
AMABEL.
What can that be?
APPLEFORD.
Your love!
(ST. ASAPH and GEORGINA come down to opposite side oj stage.)
ST. ASAPH.
It is morning now. (Looks at his watch). One o'clock. My
dearest, we must catch the 9.30 for St. Asaph.


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