iiiilii i.f.)V;;v. !',|:n^;.,.:i ,.';;:^i: |i, ;;'||;'i|ii'il(;:j;;j,lMli,j;\;ij|7:.ii 1, LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 0QDD3iatD477 wm§ ■li '.I'll! * 'fit! 'Ffiift^ '•!''! I'^^i^^^ iili iii li ■;:i!ii'?^ • 1 1 ^AO^ • • « \ ' 'h9 '-^0' ■^^ » A ^oV" •<"^ /v ■i<^. 15>' -J "oV" .♦^-v. THE PRICE THE PRICE A Play in Three Acts Te^V^.'V^*^'- qI^ Printed by GEOROE W. JACOBS & COMPANY PHILADELPHIA ' Ml' COPYBIGHT, 1911 BY GEORGE W. JACOBS & COMPANY All dramatic rights and all rights of reproduction reserved ©CID 24660 CONTENTS PAGE Act I, Scene I 9 Act I, Scene II 41 Act II 59 Act III 85 THE PKICE. IN THEEE ACTS. Time — Present. Place — A Certain City. CHAEACTEKS. Dk. Clothier. Peter Maclain, his assistant, and medical ad- viser to the Alms House. The Dean. Mr. Garvin, assistant district attorney. Sam Weber. Poleman. Helen Clothier. Hedria Meyers. Whiskey Sallie. Maid. 7 8 The Price PATIEl^TS. Man with a Cough. Old Gentleman^. Irritable Gentleman. Lady in Black. Lady in Mauve. Lady with Dog. SCElSrES. Act I. Scene I. — Waiting-room in Dr. Clothier s office^ ten A. M. Scene II. — Same. Three hours later. [Between Scenes I and II the curtain should he lowered, to denote the passing of time.] Act II. Peter s room. Eleven o'clock, the same evening. Act III. Same. Seven o'cloch, the next morning. The whole action of the play occurs within twenty-four hours. ACT I Scene I ACT I. Scene I. — Doctor Clothier s waiting-room. Typical waiting-room of a prosperous fash- ionable doctor. Door to left, leading out into main hall. Door hack, leading into office. On right, marble mantel, with heavily framed en- gravings of eminent physicians of the past. Left of mantel, desJc with pill and medicine cabinet of carved mahogany over it. Heavy prints of surgical operations, eminent medical scientists, etc., hang on walls. Chairs line the sides of the room. Large table, center, brass inkwell, pad, etc., vase of expensive flowers, piles of current magazines. As curtain rises the room is filled with patients, distinguished as middle- aged lady dressed in mauve; old gentleman with gold cane; fussy middle-aged man with weak throat; tall, severe lady, carrying silk bag and 10 The Price lap dog, much to the annoyance of irritable gray- haired gentleman, whose whole attitude is one of severe disapproval of its presence. They are all reading magazines and papers, and their gen- eral appearance and positions indicate expecta- tion and impatience. The young man with the weak throat coughs; they all looh up, and then resume reading. The old gentleman seizes the opportunity to rise stiffly and go to the table, ex- changes his magazine. Hurries bach quichly to his chair near door, as very stout, healthy look- ing, elaborately dressed lady in black rustles in. She looks about for a seat. Seeing lady in mauve sitting on sofa beside fussy, irritable gen- tleman, down right, crossing over to her, gush- ingly. Lady ii^ Black. How are you, my dear? [Sits down beside her on three inches of sofa and the rest on man. There is a violent but effectual upheaval. The Price 11 Lady in Mauve. [Moving over one or two inches; with great ejfusion.] Some days I think myself really better, and then Lady in Black. [Moving nearer; interrupt- ing; rapidly.] My case, exactly. I have to be so careful with my diet [Fussy, middle-aged gentleman, emerging from total eclipse, speechless from rage and lack of breath. Tries vainly during the rest of the scene to extricate himself entirely. Lady in Mauve. My back [Talks. Lady in Black. N^othing — absolutely noth- ing. A few [Talks. Lady in Mauve. The doctor's afraid [Talks. Lady in Black. All germinous foods — you can't believe [Talks. Lady in Mauve. [In a penetrating whis- per.] An operation [Talks. 12 The Price Lady in Black. I lacked nutrition, but now [Talhs. Lady in Mauve. — Of course, the doctor says nothing [Talks. Lady in Black. Fifty-five separate kinds of germs. [The hack office doors opens. Everybody turns, facing it. Petek. [Coming out of hack office, a tall, heavily huilt man of about thirty-five or forty; brown hair and close-cropped beard; rugged fea- tures; a mouth that sets in a straight, determined line; gray, humorous, kindly eyes, that can harden like flint. He is dressed in a well- tailored hut quiet suit of business clothes. Look- ing at them, quietly.] I am sorry, but the doc- tor has just 'phoned that he missed his train. [Looking around.] Is there anything I can do ? [Everybody, rising, begins to button up and go out. The Price 13 Lady in Black. [To Lady in Mauve.] What on earth will I eat ? Lady in Mauve. Why [with a look at Peter, who is watching with just a twinkle in his eye] don't you ask him ? Lady in Black. [Indignantly.] Ask him? I did, once, and he said, "Beef.'' [They go out, talking together. Ieeitable Gentleman. Well! [Rising.] After waiting an hour — an hour — [to Peter] you tell him I have waited an hour. Petee. I am very sorry. If there is any- thing I can do Ieeitable Gentleman. [8norting,] You? Thank you — no. [Goes out. Seveee Old Gentleman. Office hours are office hours. Petee. He will be here at one-thirty. Seveee Old Gentleman. Hum! [Goes out. 14 The Price Lady with Dog. [SpeaMng to dog.] You poor, dear darling. [Exit. Helen. [A slender^ dainty girl of about twenty-four, dressed in a simple walking suit. Coming in, followed hy the Dean; after standing aside, as they go out, to Peter.'] What's the row? [Looking around.] Where's dad? Petee. Missed his train, and I offered to officiate. Helen. [Laughing.] Oh! The Dean. [A little, dried-up, ruddy-faced clergyman, with a pair of twinkling eyes; shak- ing his head.] Dear, dear, Maclain. Helen. [Beginning to unfasten her hat.] Kever mind, Peter. [Enter Maid, followed hy Hedria. Maid. [Dressed in very neat black, and proper white trimmings; turning to Hedria; curtly. You can wait here, now. [Goes out. [Hedria looks around vaguely. The Price 15 Petee. [Puzzled; looking at her; crossing over to her.] What can I do for you? Hedria. [An emaciated, worn figure of ivhat might he a girl in years, hut a woman in experience. The face, heavily lined with wrhi- hles, has shrunken cheeks and prominent cheek- hones under long, ivispy, lifeless strands of hair. The eyes are the only unusual feature; deep, sunken and unnaturally hright, yet with a look of hewildered, hopeless suffering thai smolders and flames into passionate hate. She is dressed in an old, luorn, spotted, hlack satin skirt, a faded red jacket, with her hat over one ear. Speaking in a hoarse, rasping whisper.] I am here by appointment. [Grosses over, and sits down in left-hand corner. She hegins to cough in a horrihle, racking way. Helen. [Turning; pityingly.] Oh! Peter. [Pouring something into a glass; cross- ing over to her; kindly.] You'd better take this. 16 The Price Hedria. [Shaking her head,] 'No [press- ing her hand against her side] . It don't do no good [wearily]. ]S[othin' does no good. Peter. [Not unkindly.] I am afraid the doctor won't be here for a while. Hedria. [As if repeating a lesson.] I am here by appointment. Helei^. [To Peter j as he comes bach and puts the glass down, dropping her voice.] Can't jou do something? Can't it be cured? Peter. [Shaking his head.] Consumption — the last stage. The Dean. [Who has been watching Hedria intently; aside, to Peter.] It isn't all consump- tion. [Peter, meeting his look, nods. Helen. It would kill me to be a doctor — to see nothing but pain and suffering. I couldn't stand it. And yet, doctors are al- ways cheerful. [Looking at Peter, her eyes The Price 17 dancing.] I don't believe they have any hearts. Petee. E"o; I lost mine. Helei^. [LooMng at him, and 'picking up her hat, laughing.] Oh! [Patting his arm.] Goose! [Goes out. The Dean^. [LooMng after her.] What a little woman she is ! You're a lucky man, Maclain, a lucky [As Hedria coughs again; shuddering.] How horrible! Peter. I am getting used to it. One sees so much of it at B . The Dean. B ? The Alms House? [Turning quickly.] And how do they get there? Who sends them there? Peter. I have often thought of that. The Dean. [Working himself up; unconr sciouMy raising his voice.] Thought of it. Oh, yes. But never asked, hey? They must have a certificate. Who gives it to them ? You 18 The Price don't know. E^obody knows. Why ? Because — nobody wants to know. It's pleasanter — it's easier — ^to hold the door open and look the other way. Petee. [Wheeling around.] Well, I be damned ! [Loohing at the Dean, with a short laugh.] Do you know what you say? The Dean. [Earnestly.] Yes, I know. [Coming a step nearer.] I know what I say, but you [his voice trembling a little] ; you don't, Peter. If I could — if I could only make you see [Breaks off as Hedria begins to cough in a low, horrible, strangling way; turns; look- ing at her. Hedeia. [Clasping her side.] Water. [The Dean hurries over to small table — left — ivith silver pitcher and water glasses on it, fills one and crosses to her. She takes it greedily. The Price 19 [Handing it hack; looking at him.] You're a fool. The Dean. [Startled.] My child! Hedeia. I ain't your child. [Looking at him, maliciously.] Least, I don't guess so. The Dean. [Drawing hack.] Oh! Dr. Clothier. [Entering, followed hy a maid carrying large doctor s instrument case. He is a heavily huilt, middle-aged man; well, hut quietly, dressed, with a manner of personal interest and kindly sympathy that is tremen- dously attractive, especially to ivomen. Looking around.] Why, what's the matter? Where's everybody ? [The maid crosses — left — and hands Peter the hag. Peter. I am very sorry, but they v^ouldn't stay. [Maid crosses over, takes water pitcher and glasses, and, with an expressive side glance at Hedria, goes out. 20 The Price [Placing case on chair by cabinet.] I did my best — I offered my services. [Smiling,] You better get another assistant. De. Clothiek. [ShaJcing his head.] You'll do, Peter; you'll do. Only a little more sym- pathy, and you'll do. Sympathy's what they need. Sympathy's what they pay for. 'No mat- ter whether they're sick or not. The ones that aren't, need the most sympathy; they're harder to cure. [Seeing the Dean.] Ah, how are you, Dean? The Dean. [ShaJcing hands, cordially.] I just ran in with Helen. We are going down to the De. Clothiee. [Laughing.] Ah, these charities — always charities. [Frowning.] And yet, heaven knows, we seem to need them. [As Hedria coughs; starting.] Ah! Petee. She says she has an appointment. De. Clothiee. [Frowning.] An [Giv- The Price 21 ing her a quick looh.] Oh, yes. [Crossing up stage; to Hedria; opening office door.] Step this way. [To Peter.] It won't take a minute. IGoes out, followed by Hedria. The Dean. Strange. A woman like that here. Petee. [Crossing over to left; opening the doctor's case; looking over contents.] l!^othing is strange for a doctor. [Opening cabinet, tak- ing out instruments from case, laying them on tray on ledge.] Doctors see things, and hear things, that you only think about. [Begins to refill the empty vials. The Dean. [Looking at him; lips twitch- ing.] And — preach about. [As Peter, his eye- brows slightly raised, steals a look at him sitting down in chair to right of table; earnestly.] But I'm not preaching. [Peter turns back to cabinet. 22 The Price You mayn't hold the door open Petek. [Holding up bottle; examining con- tents; sweeily.] I am glad you grant that much. The Dean. Yes, I grant that; but [leaning forward] you don^t shut it. Peter. [Turning; staring at Mm.] Shut it! Do you think I could shut "the door" [he- ginning to fill a vial], as you call it? The Dean. [Slowly.] May be not, but you could make it not worth getting in. You could fight. Peter. [Slipping vial into case.] And get fired [looking up, snapping Ms fingers], like that. And that isn't the only consideration. There's another — common humanity. You've got to take the women in. They can't die out in the gutter. Why, if you saw that, you [turn- ing hack, beginning to get bandages, etc.] — ^why, you would be the first to shout brute. The Price 23 The Dean. But I won't see it. [As Peter, turning, looks at him; leaning forward.] The gutters are to be open to the public, it would make the people think. [Peter, leaning against ledge, looks away; frowning. [In a lotu, tense voice.] And if once they thought [clinching his hands] — really thought [his eyes shining] — why, there would be an end [slowly, as Peter turns as if to speah] , not to all of it, but to much of it. It wouldn't be so easy, so smooth, so convenient. There wouldn't be so much room for the new — because they couldn't get rid of the old. Girls wouldn't be sucked down as they're sucked down now. It wouldn't be a drain — that flows out as it flows in — but a cesspool, that could only run over. [Rising, as Peter, getting down from the ledge, begins to put bandages, etc., into case; all earnest- ness.] I may be an '^old fool," but I'd 24 The Price give all the years of my life for your chance. [Peter, looking up, squares his shoulders. To DO — NOT TO PEEACH. To fight for thosc souls that have nobody to fight for them. [As Hedria coughs, turning, looking in the direc- tion; in a low, unsteady voice.] Even if there was only one soul, one to have saved [his eyes going hach to door] from that. Helen. [Appearing at doorway; dressed in elaborate street dress, large muff tuclced under her arm, gloves in hand. Looking from one to the other, her eyes twinkling.] Sounds like a sermon. [Coming down.] Since Peter won't come to the sermon [handing the Dean her muff to hold] , bring the sermon to Peter. That's an excellent idea. [To Peter, beginning to draw on her gloves.] I hope you are converted ? Peter. [Smiling a little.] I'm not sure [stealing a look at the Dean] , not quite sure, but I think [Breaks off wincing as Hedria coughs again. The Price 25 Helen. [8ta7'ting.] Oh. I [Looking around.] Where is the girl? Peter. [Snapping case shut.] In with your father. Helen. [Eagerly.] Has Dad come back? I do hope he can do something for her. [With conviction.] If any one can, Dad can. [To Peter.] Give him my love. Petee. [Shaking his head.] Never. Helen. [Laughing.] Oh, don't be silly. Peter. [Kissing her.] I can't help it. Helen. [Slipping away.] Oh, we'll shock the Dean. [Patting his arm; going to door; laughing.] Well, give him my daughterly af- fection. [ Goes out, followed hy the Dean. The Dean. [Turning at doorway; looking across at Peter, wistfully.] I've done all I could — I've preached. Peter. [Smiling slightly.] A jolly uncom- fortable sermon [slowly] that sticks. 26 The Price Helen. [Reappearing at doorway; beckons; laughing.] Come — come on. [As the Dean hurries toward her; taking her muff.] You know what they'll [gently pushing him out he- fore] say. [About to close the door; poking her head in.] Peter, the 'phone's ringing. [Exit, followed by Peter. There is a slight pause. Petee. [Coming in, and crossing over to office door; rapping.] Doctor! [Dr. Clothier s voice.] Yes. Petee. Dr. Simons wants you over the 'phone a minute. There is some new symptom in the Bertolet case. De. Clothiee. [Opening door.] All right. [Starting across room; pausing.] Oh! Peter, I wish you'd do something for me. Make out a certificate. Petee. [Starting.] A certificate? De. Clothiee. Yes — a poor house cer- The Price 27 tificate [nodding toward Hedria, who has come to the door'], for her. [Goes out. Peter. [Turning^ and goi7ig over to desk; opening drawer, and picMng up a heavy, official- loohing order-booh ; evidently thinJcing deeply. Looks up and sees Iledria. Then, with an air of decision, recrosses to table, pulls up chair and sits; opening book.] Sit down, please. [Iledria drops wearily into a chair against the wall, staring at the floor. Peter. [Inking his pen; evidently reading from a form; beginning to write.] !N^ame — Hedria Meyers ? Hedria. [Indifferently.] I guess so. Peter. [Looking up.] You guess so? Hedria. Yes. Peter. [8loiuly.] Don't you know ? Hedria. [Indifferently.] They mostly call me that. Peter. [Writes it down; reading.] Father's name? 28 The Price Hedkia. [In the same tone,] I don't know. Petek. [Looking up.] Hey? Hedeia. 'No, Petee. [Bending.] Mother's name. Hedeia. I don't know. Petee. Don't know who your mother was ? Hedeia. No. Petee. [Reading.] An orphan, then ? Hedeia. I don't know. Petee. You don't? Hedeia. No. Petee. [Reading.] In what county were you born ? Hedeia. I don't know. Petee. [Putting down pen; sharply.] Then, if you don't know in what part of the State you were born, and who your mother or father were, how do you expect to get into the Alms House ? Hedeia. [Looking up.] Say; drop it. The Price 29 What's the use of lying. It's all fixed. Petek. What's fixed? Hedria. Me gettin' in. We always get in. I'm one of Sam's girls. [Coughing and chok- ing.] You can't say I ain't fit. Peter. [Slamming hook; quietly.] No; you're not fit. Hedria. [Staring at him dumbly.] Ain't yer goin' to give it to me ? Peter. [Sharply.] 'No. Hedria. [Getting up, and coming down; breathing rapidly.] But I'm Sam's girl. Peter. [Rising.] I do not care whose girl you are. [As Dr. Clothier comes in.] Doctor, I can't make out that certificate. Dr. Clothier. [Starting.] Hey? [Cross- ing over to Peter; sharply.] Why not? Peter. [Meeting his look.] Because she didn't answer a single question required by the certificate. 30 The Pri rice Dr. Clothier. [Savagely.] 'Nonsense. The girl's crazy. [Facing Hedria; sharply.] Didn't you tell me your father's name was Frank Meyers ? Hedria. [Looking up, startled; then loolc- ing down, wearily.] Yes. Dr. Clothier. And your mother's — Matilda Meyers, nee Efflefinger? Hedria. Yes. Dr. Clothier. And you were horn in York, Pennsylvania ? Hedria. Yes. Dr. Clothier. [To Peter; sarcastically.] Anything else? Peter. [Who has been writing in his note- hooh; gravely.] That's all; thank you. [To Hedria.] As soon as I have this confirmed hy my agents, I'll send you the certificate. What's your address ? Hedria. [Startled.] My address? The Price 31 Peter. Or else you can come for it at the end of the week. Hedria. The end of the Why, ain't I goin' there now ? Dr. Clothier. [Breaking in.] There's enough of this red tape; give the girl her cer- tificate. Peter. [Still; without looking up; quietly.] When I have made the necessary inquiries. Yes. Dr. Clothier. [Choking]. I told you it was all right. Do you mean to doubt my word ? Peter. I mean to doubt — nothing. Dr. Clothier. [Controlling himself with an effort; facing him.] Maclain, who got you your appointment? Peter. [Meeting his look; passionately.] You, and I mean to prove myself worthy of the trust. [Quietly.] If that girl tells the truth, she gets in ; if not 32 The Price Hedria. [8 pinging to Iter feet; wildly.] But I've got to get in. [Clinging to the chair; swaying to and fro.] I'm one of [Breaks ojf^ as the doctor puts his hand heavily on her shoulder; after one quick, frightened look drops down into chair, exhausted. Dr. Clothier. [Facing Peter; in a low, dry voice.] You mean to examine all applications [moistening his lips] like this? Peter. I do. [Looking at him very in- tently.] And, if it is not in accordance with the regulations, to refuse it. Dr. Clothier. Even if it is personally en- dorsed by myself, as a director ? Peter. [His face whitening and setting.] Yes. Dr. Clothier. You do ? Peter. [Doggedly.] Yes. Dr. Clothier. The inevitable scandal which will be brought upon me [his voice trembling] — The Price 33 and mine [Peter winces] — will be no deter- ment? Petee. [Breaking out] I [controlling himself with an effort; in the same quiet, im- personal voice] — I hope you will not force me to such a step. De. Clothiee. But if I do? [Wetting his lips; with a quich look toward Hedria; moving away from her toward Peter; dropping his voice.] If I must? Petee. [Starting] Must. [Incredulously.] You! [Slowly; looking at him.] If any one [his hand clinching] — any one had told me, that you — Helen's father De. Clothiee. [Meeting his look; coming one step nearer; quietly.] I'm tied — hand and foot — absolutely. Petee. [Below his breath.] God! De. Clothiee. If you refuse to do what — I ask [his voice trembling] — what I — mAist ask. If you force an issue 34 The Price Petee. [Turning away.] I'm not forcing an issue. I simply refuse to sign the girl's cer- tificate [raising his head] — as I will refuse to sign others. De. Clothiee. [In the same, dead voice.] And if you do, they will crush you — and I — I can do nothing [emphasizing it] — nothing. [His voice trembling.] In Helen's name, I ask you not to refuse. Petee. [Wheeling around.] In Helen's name! [As Dr. Clothier nods; coming down; white with passion.] In Helen's name, you ask me to do — now — deliberately, what I did before unthinking? You ask me to help facilitate their [cheching himself] — their [bitterly] busi- ness? To do away with the refuse that other- wise would block and impede? To be their gutter-sweeper — their scavenger ? [ Gaining control of himself; with a savage little laugh.] Thank you ; I won't. I — I refuse. The Price 35 Dr. Clothier. You refuse? Peter. Yes. Hedria. [Rising; wavering as she stands; in a low, hoarse voice.] You [coughing and choking] — you ain't a-going to give it — to me? Dr. Clothier. [Sharply,] Be still. [Hedria, with a quick, frightened looJc, moves ojf — left. [Peter s eyes follow her; his face setting and hardening. [To Peter; drawing out center chair; sit- ting heavily.] If you refuse, I must cut my- self free from you, [As Peter turning, looks at him; avoiding his eyes.] If I don't, my name will be dragged down into the gutter ; and my daughter's will go with it. [Peier starts; about to speak; checks him- self. [Moistening his lips.] You see, I have no choice. [Slowly; leaning across the table; hold- 36 The Price ing out his hands.] I have made my last ap- peal. [There is a slight pause. \_Hedria, hreahing into a low, chohing cough, leans up against the wall. Petee. [His eyes on Hedria; slowly.] I — I can't. [There is a sound of woman s quick steps, a swish of silk skirts, and Helen appears hurriedly in the doorway. Helen. [Eagerly.] Oh, Daddy! [Paus- ing; looking from one to the other; her eyes twinkling. ] Why, you look like a funeral. Dis- cussing some nice, cheerful disease; I suppose. [Coming down.] Well, I won't interrupt you long. I only want ten dollars. Daddy. One's no good at a bazaar without ten dollars. [Slips her hand affectionately into Dr. Clothier s pocket. De. Clothiee. [Taking her hand.] Helen, you know me? The Price 37 Helen. [Staring at him.] Know you? [Laughing.] I should think I do. Dk. Clothier. You know I have never asked anything unreasonable of you? Helen. [Shaking her head; her eyes danc- ing. ] Never. Dr. Clothier. Then, if I ask you to give up this man? Helen. Man? [Staring at him.] Peter? [As his hand closes on hers; with a frightened little laugh.] You're joking. [Giving him a little shake.] Only I wish you wouldn't look so horribly solemn — it's not fair. Dr. Clothier. I'm not joking — I mean it. Helen. [Her eyes widening; incredulously.] To give up — Peter? [As he makes a gesture of assent; with a broken^ little laugh.] But — I love him. Dr. Clothier. And I ask you to put that love away — ^to put him out of your heart — out of your thoughts. 38 The Price Helei^. [In a whisper,^ To — to [Breaking out.'] But I don't understand; just a little while ago — not more than ^yq minutes ago — you were such good friends, and now — now [Her voice hreahs. Dr. Clothier. Because you trust me [his voice trembling] without asking the reason. Hei^eist. Oh, but Daddy! It's all a mis- take ; some terrible mistake ; something that can be explained. [Turning; impatiently,] Why don't you say something, Peter? Why do you stand there as if — as if you were frozen out of ice? [Her voice trembling; all-pleading.] I love you, Peter ; why dont you explain ? Peter. [Turning; taking a step forward; passionately.] Explain? Dr. Clothier. [Throwing back his head; with a look of a man with his back to the wall.] Yes — the truth. What you must know to be the truth. You, who say you love her; why The Price 39 don't you tell it to her [his voice hreaJcing; un- steadily; his head falling between his clasped hands] — to — to my daughter? [There is a moment's silence, [Peter, his face softening, starts to speak. Hedria begins to cough in a low, stran- gling ivay. Giving her a quick look; his face ivhitening and setting; turns and crosses toward door. Helen. [Looking after him; with a half- suppressed cry.] Pe [Dr. Clothier, his hand raised, his face white, haggard; his hand closing on hers, checks her; in a whisper; her voice trailing away.] ter. [As he goes out, Hedria, facing Helen for a moment with one quick, mocking, con- temptuous look, slips out after him. CURTAIN. ACT 1 Scene II ACT I. Scene II. — Same as Scene 7. Time^ three hours later. As the curtain rises, the maid is discovered covering furniture with rubber covers. At the table sits Sam Weher, lounging bach, his hands in his pockets, his hat a little to the side of his head. A thin, insignificant-looking, little man in a cheap, worn suit of store blue, any age be- tween forty-five and fifty-five. A man you might take for a mechanic, until you looked at his eyes, that have a trick of narrowing into pin- heads; his lips, thin, when not smiling oilily, draws back, curling aivay from yellow, fang- ish-looking teeth. Poleman is slowly walking around room, examining pictures, certificates, etc., with growing awe. A heavily built man, with blank, brutish-looking face; dressed in 41 42 The Price flashy suit, with vast expanse of dirty, white waistcoat, and heavy gold chain. A large ''dia- mond" sparMes in his bedraggled, hut brilliant, tie. His hat, one size too small, is stuck on the bach of his head. The maid, having put on the last cover, crosses over to right, pichs up heavy gold umbrella that is leaning against wall, drip- ping a stream of water, and with a look of thinly veiled contempt, toward Poleman, turns toward hall door. Poleman. [Seeing umbrella; starting for- ward.] Here! [As she turns.] I don't want to lose that. Maid. [Looking at him.] Things are not lost here, sir. [Goes out. Poleman. [Turning to Sam; pushing back his hat.] Gee, if I see how yer done it. Sam. Done what ? Poleman. Why, get him where yon wanted. [Looking around.] He don't need the money. The Price 43 Sam. [Lounging bach; drawling.] l^o, I guess lie don't. There ain't many on this here street that needs the money — now. PoLEMAN. Then I don't see how [Breahs off as the maid re-enters with silver pitcher; tinkling ice water; on tray with glasses; puts it down on small table and goes out Sam. [Looking at him; pityingly.] ^o; maybe yer don't — maybe yer don't. It's just keeping your eyes open. That's what I do. I keep my eyes open. I never took no time a- looking up and down this here street a-hunting the prettiest name on the shiniest plate. Yer bet your life I didn't. It's the little fellows — the new ones — who've hung out their shingles and are a-waitin'. [With a chuckle; his lips curling hack. ] Waiting ; while the agent's talk- ing rent, and every day they're a cinching a new hole in their belts. Well, when there ain't no 44 The Price more holes to cincli, you'll find they're thinking differently about money — and [his eyes narrow- ing] — other things. [Ruhhing his hands.] You'll find a good many. PoLEMAi^. But — him ? Sam. [Tilting hack; easily.] I guess he was young once, wasn't he? [Thrusting his hands into his pockets.] I guess we were all young, once. PoLEMAN. [Starting.] Hey! [Crossing over; in a whisper.] Yer don't mean — ^to say? Sam. [Looking at him; his eyes narrowing.] Nothing — ^When I say shut — I mean — shut. PoLEMAN. — [Hurriedly.] All right — all right, only [looking around^ drawing in his breath] — gee! Dr. Clothier. [Coming in — haggard, worn • — in a low tone, shutting the door carefully he- hind him.] Well, gentlemen ! The Price 45 Sam. [Nodding.] Howdy, Doc. [Takes off hat and carefully places it under chair. De. Clothier. I am sorry — ^keeping you waiting. [C7vsses over, and opens office door, looking in, PoLEMAN. [Nodding.] That's all right, Doc. Dr. Clothier. [Carefully shutting door; crossing over, pulls chair to center of table, sits facing audience — to 8am.] I am sorry for this lamentable occurrence. Sam. Oh, that's all right. Doc. The colts generally do some kicking. PoLEMAN. [Pulling up chair near table — to the left — sitting heavily.] Yes — but we seem to have run into regular bronco this time. Sam. [Nodding.] That's right; that is, and we've got to step lively. When it comes to mud throwing it's the first shot that counts. Dr. Clothier. But I don't like 46 The Price Sam. i^either do I. I^m for peace, but when it comes to fightin', why, I ain't no quitter — I ain't. PoLEMAN. [EnthiLsiastically.] That's right — ^that is. [Jerhs hat forward. Dk. Clothier. But — is not there — another way? Sam. 'No — there ain't. He's got a story, and it ain't a particularly pretty one neither, and the first thing you knows, up he trots to the authorities, and the next thing you hear the kids yelling, "Extra — Scandal in the Poor House; Eminent Physician Implicated." [Dr. Clothier winces. Say, how many do you think would be in this here office next morning? Dr. Clothier. [Getting up and pacing up and down.] I don't know — I don't know. [Turning; facing.] But what can we do? I tell you he is straight — straight as a die. The Price 47 Sam. That's all right. I'll fix that. You can tell them a fellow's straight till yer black in the face and they'll look like yer lying [drop- ping his voice], but yer give them the wink. [Chuckles. Dr. Clothier. I wish to God I had never done it. Sam. Why not? It was just an act of charity — it was. What was to become of those poor girls ? And in return what'd yer get ? A free dispensary for the poor and a "home for cancer" from the city. [With pride.] Sam Weber ain't no rich man, but he's appreciative, he is, and he knows the ropes. So the poor get a fine dispensary and a cancer hospital that's the envy of everybody, and the poor girls got a nice place to go to. There ain't nothing to be ashamed of in that, is there ? PoLEMAN. [Vigorously.] No. Dr. Clothier. [Wiping his forehead.] l^o 48 The Price doubt you are right, but isn't there some other way of stopping him ? Don't you think if you did not send any more Sam. Then what am I going to do ? What is all of us going to do? [Emphatically.] 'No, Doc. I've stood by you. Yer the biggest "Phi- lanthropic," Doc, in this here city. Yer been write up in the papers and yer picture's in the magazines. Yer it^ and [looking at him; his eyes narrowing] yer want to stay — it. De. Clothiee. But Sam [Breaking off with a quick, apprehensive glance toward Poleman, who is listening — all ears.] Mr. Weber Sam. [Turning abruptly — to Poleman.] You'd better go hunt your "umbrel." Poleman. [Easily.] Oh, that's all [8am looks at him, hurriedly. All right — all right. [Goes off — hall door. Sam. [Coming down.] !N'ow, say, what yer going to The Price 49 Dr. Clothiee. My daughter [hreaJcing off]. The engagement is almost announced. Sam. [Impatiently.] Well! Why didn't you work that? Dk. Clothiee. I did. [Passionately.] God help me, I did. Sam. [Shrugging his shoulders; spreading out his hands.] Well, then De. Clothiee. My daughter demands a reason Sam. Well, she'll get it [chuckling] in to- morrow's paper. [Ruhhing his hands together.] Yer bet yer life she will. You just keep her away from him to-day, and to-morrow — you wouldn't think she ever knowed him. [The doctor is about to speah, checks him- self, moistening his lips. [Sam patting him on the hack. Just yer keep yer fingers off, and go up to that "saw-bones" convencht to-night. [Enthusiasti- 50 The Price colly.'] And I'll make it so hot for him in three days that he'll be glad to get out with his skin on. I'll get Hedria De. Clothier. [Looking up, slowly.] You mean the girl that was here Sam. [Nodding.] Yep; she's a good girl and smart. She ain't got long, but she'll do what I tell her and she's got a grudge about this here certificate. She'll go there to-night. He's living down alone in the old Wanner House. Some fool settlement business. It's a bad night and what with her cough, he won't kick her out. To-morrow morning we'll get a message for the Assistant District Attorney Dr. Clothier. [Wetting his lips.] District Attorney ? Sam. Yep — Garvin. [As the Doctor gives him a quick look; enthusiastically.] Garvin's all right, he is. [Spreading out his hands.] Well, she'll want him to take her last statement. The Price 51 [Patting the Doctor on the hack; chuckling.'] We'll see ; we'll see. [Picking up his hat, starts for the door, Db. Clothier. Sam [as he pauses, speaking with evident ejfort] — I — I can't do it. Sam. [Spinning around.] C — an't Dr. Clothier. Anything else, but not — that. [Moistening his lips.] Don't ask me, Sam. Sam. [Coming down a step, clapping his hat on to the hack of his head; staring at him.] Ask! [Bamming his hands into his trouser pockets, his lips curling hack.] Do yer think I'm ASKING ? Dr. Clothier. [Raising his head, meeting his look.] ISTo — but I'll take my chances — I'll own up to the public, how the hospital and the dispensary tempted me. Sam. [Mockingly.] Oh, yes — the Dispen- sary — and the Hospital. [Chuckling.] He — 52 The Price he — Oh, yes — so would I. [Rubs his hands to- gether, openly gloating. De. Clothiee. [Springing to his feet, white with rage,] I'm done ; I've had enough. [Bring- ing down his fist on table,] I wash my hands of you, Sam Weber. Sam. [Chuchling,] That's right — wash 'em. [Coming down,] Wash 'em all yer damn please. [Lowering his voice,; his eyes narrow- ing,] But — ^there's some kind of "stink" that don't come off. [''D7'opping down into his col- lar'; snarling,] Well, that's me. [Chuchling.] He — he — that's me. [Moving out right chair a little to front of table; sitting slowly, half -facing the doctor.] I — stick. Crossing one leg over the other, tilting chair a little, leaning bach; thumbs in pochets,] Say, Doc, don't yer remem- ber when you'se and me was "pals" ? De. Clothiee. [Slowly, the looh of passion and defiance going out of his face, ] P — als ? The Price 53 Sam. [Contemplating the crossed foot as he wiggles it.] Down on Race. [As the doctor maJces an almost inaudible sound; cocJcing one eye at him, humorously.] The women, what went in and [sloioly uncrossing foot, bringing his chair doiun, [Dr. Clothier, white to the lips, loohs at him, swallowing hard. — came out [leaning forward, elbows on Jcnees, his eyes lihe pinheads, his lips curling bach] — in black — boxes. [Dr. Clothier raises his head, his face ghastly, expressionless — the face of a dead man. [Leaning bach, thumbs in pochets.] It was all right^ Doc. After yer got on — but [chuc- hling] — till yer did, Doc — till yer did? [As Dr. Clothier, starting up with a smothered cry, tahes a step toward him, then — his face livid — cheching himself, draws bach — easily.] Well, why don't yer ? 54 The Price Dk. Clothiee. [LooJcing at Mm contemptu- ously,] It's your word against — mine, Sam. 'Noy it ain't. [The Doctor, staring, gives him a quich looh of fear. It's your word against — papers. [Dropping his voice, with a quich looh around.] Coroner s papers. Dr. Clothier. [His hand clutching the side of the table.] Coroner's ? [8its down heavily, staring straight in front of him, [Sam nods easily. [Moistening his lips, raising his head.] 'No ! [Drawing in his clenched hands, defiantly.] It's not true. [Turning; loohing at him scorn- fully.] If it had gone that far, you couldn't have stopped it. Sam. Oh, couldn't I ? Law ain't Law, when it's Sam Weber. [Bringing down chair slowly.] It never is — when it's any one that's on [chuc- The Price 55 kling] — not in this old town. [Getting up, care- fully replacing chair. ^ Say, you ain't no baby; you ought to know — that. [With a quick side- lo7ig look at the Doctor, who sits motionless, his face drawn, haggard — staring into space, he crosses over to mantel and turning, leans up against it, drawing out a toothpick, he begins to half suck, half pick, watching out of the corner of his eyes; there is a moment's pause. [Helen enters; pale, with dark circles un- der eyes. Helen. [Beginning to shut the door; in a low voice.] Father [seeing Sam, pausing abruptly] — Oh! I didn't see. [Beginning to retract.] I'm sorry. [Catching a glimpse of Dr. Clothier's face, pauses; all anxiety, in a low voice, not quite steady.] Is anything the matter, father? Dr. Clothier. [Looking away, struggling for composure.] l^o, nothing, Helen. [Swal- lowing.] ITothing. 56 The Price [Helen hesitates^ then going out, shuts door. Sam. [Looking after her.] Fine girl, that. [The Doctor^ drawing in his breath, sharply, gives him a quick look, his eyes [Sam watching, hut apparently not noticing; easily.] A damn sight too fine to have her father hauled into court — for De. Clothiee. [His hand clinching.] Don't [his fingers going to his throat; in a hoarse, choking voice] — don't Sam! Sam. [Looking at him coolly.] Now yer thinking ! That's what yer want to do. [Put- ting toothpick in pocket.] Thinking of her, didn't stop him, did it ? [Coming down.] Well, it better stop you. What she don't know, don't hurt ; but what she might know, what everybody might know. [Chuckling.] Hey, Doc? De. Clothiee. [Staring into space — hardly above a whisper.] 1^ — o The Price 57 Sam. [Nodding.] That's right — that is, that's talking [As Poleman appears in the doorway, umbrella in hand,] Well, so long! [Goes out. PoLEMAW". [Jerhing up umbrella in sort of salute intended to be military.] So long! [Turning^, almost colliding with ''Lady in BlacV; baching away hurriedly.] ^Scuse me, lady. [Exit out of sight. Lady in^ Black. [Coming in, shaking out her skirts; all alarm.] Oh, Doctor, he didn't have anything contagious, did he ? [As the doc- tor looks up, his face haggard, worn, noting something wrong; anxiously.] Oh, Doctor, I am afraid I am a little early, but I just read Dr. Clothier. [With an effort, regaining his official manner. ] Why, not at all [Crosses toward office door. Lady in Black. [Following.] I just read in the paper, some horrid scientist 58 The Price Dk. Clothiee. [Opening door.] This way, please Lady ii^ Black. Has discovered a hundred germs to a salad leaf — and you know - [They go out, the door closes. ''Lady with Dog/' ''Old Gentleman/' and several others come in, glance at clocJc, then take seats near door. CURTAIN. ACT II. Scene. — A room in what was once a fash- ionable TYiansion — long, narrow and with two shadeless windows — right. The walls hare and stained, showing traces of having been papered. The woodworh and moulding, after the heavy colonial style, is stained and worn. A door, lead- ing out into a long narrow hall, shows, when open, a long, high, narrow fluted banister rail, half-hroJcen — left. To the left of it — further up stage — a marble mantelpiece, on which is a med- ical case, bottles and a silver-framed photograph. On the other side of the mantel a row of hoohs on which a few overcoats, hats, etc., hang. The hacJc wall is bare, except for a large medical cabinet, filled with bottles, etc., a telephone, a very complete set of electric batteries. X-ray, etc. An electric wire runs across to office table desh. 60 The Price which stands down front — center — lighting a large student lamp. A door tube is attached to the table — a swivel desk chair stands center back of table facing the audience — a straight wooden chair to the left of it. Several others stand around the walls. Down stage, near right, a heavy old-fashioned couch — very large and com- fortable. As the curtain rises, the stage is in semi-darhness, lighted only by the lamp, and a few rays of light, which coTne in from the broken slats of the shutters. Sallie. [A bedraggled, sodden-looking crea- ture, looking any age over forty, who has been crouching before the cabinet — rising, looking backwards — savagely.] Darn it all. [Prying and picking at the door of the cabinet — as it opens — with a muffled sigh of satisfaction.] Ah ! [Peering in; disgusted.] Pshaw! [Pulling out empty bottles, holding them up to the light — grunting.] I'm going to give notice, that's what The Price 61 I am. I ain't going to work. [Breaking off, pulling out chafing dish — opening the lamp; ris- ing, coming down to table, her eyes gloating.'] Only a drop — only a [Drinhs, smacking her lips.] Ah! [Running her fingers around the inside, licking them, regretfully] — drop. [Stops, listening, then makes a dive to the closet, piles in bottles, chafing dish; slams the door; seizing broofn, begins sweeping vigorously, with eye on the door — stops, crouching in the shadow, dustpan in one hand, brush in the other. As the door opens slowly, cautiously and Hedria comes in, shutting the door behind her noiselessly, Sal- lie, rises and comes forward aggressively. As Hedria comes in further, and stands peering into the semi-darkness — sharply.] What d'yer want ? Hedkia. [Starting; turns; hoarsely.] The doctor [Puts her hand to her throat. Sallie. [Shrilly.] Well, he ain't here [Picking up broom, beginning to sweep vigor- 62 The Price ously, loohing up as Hedria sits on the chair, left of door, irritably.] He ain't here. Didn't ye hear me ? Hedeia. [Without looking up.} Yes. Sallie. [Moving chairs and rugs.] Then what ye waiting for ? Hedeia. [In the same tone.] The doctor. Sallie. [Sweeping violently toward He- dria.] And how ye think I'm going to clean while ye're waitin' ? [Hedria gets up, coughing and choJcing from the dust, crosses over to chair, left side of table. The light now shines on her face. [Sallie stops; loohs at her; awed.] My! ain't yer got it bad. Pretty near as bad as Mamie Guiger. [Leaning on her broom.] I guess yer didn't know Mamie ? Hedeia. [Holding her side; gasping.] 'N—o. The Price 63 Sallie. Well, she certainly had a fine lay- out My ! I never seen a finer. A lav- ender cofiin, all plush outside and a wreath of wax flowers and gates ajar; and the girls at the match factory sent her a clock all "immorels." That's where she took it, yer know. It's the sul- phur, they say. [Sighing.] She certainly was a nice, industrious girl, Mamie was. She'd laid by near three hundred dollars. Why, say — ^the whiskey. You ought to seen it — you'd thought it was water. [Softly.] My! [Beginning to sweep, wearily.] But it don't do no good. It ain't no use. [Looking up.] I suppose you'se heard a harmonica? Hedria. [Weahly; gasping.] Y-e-s. Sallie. [Dropping broom — coming doivn convulsively — passionately.] But ye don't hear it morning, noon and night — ^with a wheeze in it — like the one John bought when we were married — the one we used to sing to Sunday 64 The Price mornings. [Passionately.] It's worse than snakes. I know ; I had them both. The snakes they just crawl around, but the harmonica [clinching her hands'] — it just keeps a wailin' and a wailin'. You can't drink it out. Even at Mamie's I heard it. They said it was a hymn, but I knowed it wasn't. It was John's voice a- singing ^^Home, Sweet Home." [Breaking out, clinching her hands over her ears.] Oh, Lord! ain't it ever goin' to stop? [Coming across to Hedria — her voice dropping into a whine.] Say, yer ain't got the price of a drink, have ye ? Hedria. [Bitterly.] Do I look it? Sallie. [Shaking her head.] 'No, but there's no tellin' [going hack, picking up broom] — there's no tellin'. [Starting up hack.] There's old [Breaking off as door slams.] Lord! [Hurries to door, cautiously opens it; listening; closing door softly; turning; fright- ened.] It's him. [As Hedria, rising, goes up The Price 65 stage into the shadow — queruously shahing out dirty, torn dust rag, beginning to dust vio- lently.] What's lie back for? 'Now he's got a girl he ain't never back before twelve. [Breaks off, dusting more violently, as the door opens and Peter enters, Petee. [Closing door; turning, and seeing her; sharply.'] Sallie, v^hat are jou doing here? Sallie. I'm dustin'. Peter. At eleven o'clock at night? [Com- ing down, puts doctor s hag on table, impa- tiently,] Don't lie. Sallie. [Defiantly.] Lying? Who's a lying? Do you think the dust is particular about the time? Well, it ain't and here's me ['beginning to collect brushes and broom and bucJcet] — morning and night, a-workin' my fingers to the bone to keep yer place decent, and it's all the thanks I get. If ye ain't careful, Mr. Macline, I'll join the union. 66 The Price Peter. [Wearily; slipping out of his coat.] I wish to God you would. Sallie. [Venomously.'] And I will. [As he crosses over, coat in hand, toward hoohs, catching sight of the half-opened cupboard doors — getting between it and him, in a nervous flutter.] And then you'll find out what a fine, honest woman youVe lost. Peter. [Sighing.] All right. [Turning, patiently.] JSTow, go home, Sallie. Sallie. Home ? Aye, home ! With not even a bed to lie in ? Peter. [Looking up, half -contemptuously , half -pityingly .] So you've sold that? Sallie. [Hurriedly.] No — I didn't — no — no — I didn't. A — A — man came and took it. [As Peter sits down and begins to write; wearily — pleadingly.] Mister Maclin, won't you give me something — just the price of a drop? For the love of heaven — ^just a drop. The Price 67 Peter. [Sharply.] 'No I [Handing her a slip of paper.] Take tkat to Mosser. He'll give you a decent room to-night. [Pointing to cloth as she picks it up from table.] And don't bring that dirty rag around here again. It hasn't been washed since you got it. Sallie. [Spitefully.] My, but ye's got the grouch on. [Going to door.] I bet yer girl's given you the shake. [As Peter, with a smoth- ered exclamation, starts to his feet.] All right — all right; I'm goin'. [Opening door; ma- liciously.] I ain't afeard ye'U be lonely. [Chuchling.] Ha! ha! [Goes out. [Peter crosses to mantel; stands for a mo- ment looking at photograph, then pichs it up, recrosses to table, sitting down heavily, holding photograph before him, under light. Peter. [Looking at it; in a low, choking whisper.] Little girl — little girl. 68 The Price [Hedria, coming down noiselessly, slips into chair beside table. [Peter — his face working — shahes his head sloivly, then becoming conscious of an in- definite something; looks up, his face rigid; looking around, abruptly; seeing her, starts, snapping on the electric bracket, as he recog- nizes her; half rising; abruptly.] You? Hedeia. [Looking at him without moving.] Yes. Petee. [Rising; facing her; sharply.] What do you want? Hedkia. My certificate. Peter. Your [Impatiently.] I told you you can't have it. Hebeia. [Hoarsely.] Why? Petee. [Impatiently.] It's no use going into it — ^you couldn't understand. Hedeia. [Savagely.] I guess I wouldn't. [Leaning across the table, clutching his sleeve; The Price 69 in a low, hoarse voice.] The other girls; they always got theirs. [Tightening her grip.] Why shouldn't I get mine — why? [Moving closer; pleadingly, her voice breaking.] I ain't asking much. It won't be for long and I don't eat much. [Breaking doivn; burying her face be- tween her arms; moaning.] It's just a place — to die in. Peter. [Looking at her, his face softening.] I am sorry, Hedria. Hedria. [Looking up, eagerly.] Then you'll give it to me — you'll give it to me. [As Peter's face hardens; passionately.] Oh, God! You'll give it to me ? Peter. [Turning abruptly.] I^o. [Hedria sinks back; coughing and choking; crossing to other side of room. [Turning and facing her, sharply.] You're Sam's girl ; now, go back to Sam. Hedria. [Looking up; in a muffled, choking 70 The Price voice.] Go back to Sam ? [In a low voice; her fingers lacing and interlacing.] There's only one girl that ever — came back. [Breaking ojf with a shudder.] 'No, I guess I don't. [Rising, clinging to the table, facing him; swaying to and fro.] I never done nothing to you. [Chok- ing.] I ain't ever seen you. Why won't yer give it to me? Peter. [Turning; savagely]. Because I am going to try to put an end to this. [As Hedria stares at him, swaying a little.] I am going to stop making it easy for Sam. Hedria. [Raising her head; hoarsely.] So that's it, is it ? That's your game. [As Peter nods.] You're a reformer; and you're going to begin like the rest of them [coughing and chok- ing] — on us [bitterly, savagely, scornfully] — on the girls. [Facing Peter; her eyes blazing, her hands clinching.] That's right — ^that is. We're devils; we ought to pay. It ain't our The Price 71 bread and clothes. Oh, no! It's just for the fun of it. [Vehemently; laughing hoarsely.] Ho! ho! Tor the fun of it. [Coming around to his side of the table as Peter, raising his head, holes at her — through her teeth.] And — ^the men? [As he stares at her, laughing.] Oh! oh! That's different— it's just their wild oats; it don't matter. Somebody else can pay the price. [Shrilly.] The price — that's what I am — the price of a night off. I'm one of ''Old Mammy Meyers's kids." The kind she took in and no questions asked. They mostly all died [sinJcing down on chair, hopelessly, with a choJc- ing sob] — but I — I didn't. [Coughing and choking.] Sam says I was the strongest kid he ever seen. Peter. [Taking a step toward her, his mouth squaring.] Sam? Sam — Weber? Hedria. [Nodding wearily.] When the So- ciety got busy and Mammy "skipped," Sam 72 The Price took me in. He had to; he was afraid they'd catch on. [Her fingers shutting.] I — I might have — talked. Petee. [Looking at her with a growing looh of pity; slowly.] But — your — ^your — mother, Hedria ? Hedria. [Laughing a little.] My — mother. [As if to herself; in a low, dead tone.] Sam says he thinks the man she married got hold of some of Mammy's letters. Anyway, he kicked her out and she went — to the devil. [Wheeling around, with sudden suppression of fury.] But him — the man [Through her clinched teeth.] The man that's my father. The man I wasn't more to than a bad taste in the morn- ing E"othing happened to him, I guess. [Raising her clinched hands.] Nothing ever happens to them. It's all very pleasant and nice. It's made so damned easy — for them. But for us [rising; facing him furiously] — for us — ACT II The Price 73 there ain't even a place to die in. [Stands^ clutching chairhach; exhausted, Peter. [Coming down slowly, 'putting his hand over the hand that grips the chair; speak- ing with an effort — unsteadily — looking at her,] Hedria, if I could do anything — in any other [Breaking off,] But [slowly] I can't. Hedkia. [Jerking her hand away from him; facing him; through her teeth.] You can't — and you wouldn't. [Putting her hand to her side, gasping.] And your preacher friend wouldn't. [Dropping down into chair; with a choking soh.] 'None of you'se would. [Staring straight in front of her; in a hoarse, choking voice filled with passion.] He'd — he'd talk of hell and the rest of it. [Clinching her hands; in a whisper.] But it only stays hell for the woman. A man can have six brats like me and a girl like yours '11 marry him, and — the 74 The Price Preacher [through her teeth] — the Preacher '11 do the marrying. He'll talk of contrition. [Laughing savagely.] Contrition! [Drawing in her clinched fingers^ her eyes glittering — through her teeth.] There's a Hell, and that's where he'll find them, the six of them, lined up, waiting for their father. [Raising her head, her eyes glowing — all hate — in a whisper.] As I'll be waiting for — mine. [Rising and draw- ing herself up, her head thrown hack; facing him.] ]^ow — do I get a place to die in? Petek. Hedria, if I give you the certificate, I tie my hands as they have tied [Break- ing off. [Hedria sits down slowly, exhausted. I'd give you a place to go to — go — to. [Pas- sionately.] It isn't the money, God knows it isn't ; but it means that the next girl comes with another story as bad as yours Hedria. [Clinching her hands.] Mine's true. The Price 75 Peter. They mostly all are — God help us; and so — you see — I can't, Hedria I must try to stop it — wow. Hedria. [With a choking sob.] You're going to begin — on me? Peter. I must. [As Hedria looks at him, as if hardly comprehending, her lips trembling; turning away abruptly, walking up stage.] I'll mix you something that will help your cough and you go back to Sam. He'll take you in — he's got to. Hedria. [Looking up, her hand to her throat] Oh, yes; he'll take me in — like [smil- ing horribly] — he took in — Rosie March. [Turning away from him, wearily; in a low, listless voice, as if repeating a lesson.] Then you won't give it to me ? Peter. [Turning on electric light; taking out bottle.] 1^0. [As the call-bell rings; pouring contents of bottle carefully into mixing 76 The Price glass; looking up, annoyed.^ Will you answer ? Unless it's something important, I'm not in. Hedkia. [Picking up the tube.]' Y-e-s? [Her eyes suddenly lightening, ivith a quick look towards Peter; dropping her voice.'] I'll see [Snapping up tube, turning, her eyes glistening; hoarsely,] You won't give it to me ? Peter. [Putting hack bottle.] No. Hedeia. [Her fingers clinching and un- clinching; breathlessly.] S-u-r-e? Peter. Yes. [Pouring contents of mixing glass into new bottle.] Hedria. [Taking down tube.] Yes; come right up. Peter. [Starting.] What? [Turning sharply.] Why did you say that? Hedria. [Looking at him, her eyes gloat- ing.] It's very important. [Peter, turning off light, comes down; un- mistakably irritated, opening desk, takes out bottle-label. The Price 77 [As he sits down on siuivel chair, pasting on label; clutching his arm, her voice trembling.] Won't you have pity — won't you ? Petee. [Shaking himself loose; sharply.] No. I've told you — wliy I can't, and thafs the end of it. [Pichs up pen and begins to ivrite directions.] Hedria. [Looking at him; in a whisper, her fingers clinching.] Yes — that's the end of it [Crosses over right, into the shadow of the windows, as there is a knock on the door. Petee. [Without looking up.] Come in. [Helen appears in the doorway, hesitates for a minute, then shuts door gently. [Looking up as door closes.] Well [Seeing, starting to his feet, with a cry.] Helen! [Looking at her incredulously.] You [As she nods slowly, her eyes shin- ing, very moist; taking three steps toward her, his voice trembling.] Little Girl 78 The Price Helen. [Coming down quickly.] Peter, I've come — I want the truth — the real truth. Peter. You haven't [loohing past her with sudden anxiety] — ^you haven't come here with- out anybody else Helen. Without anybody knowing Peter. [His fingers gripping the edges of the table unsteadily.] You had no right, Little Girl; you don't understand. You — if any one should see Helen. [Loohing at him, steadily.] It was the only way ; they almost seemed to be watch- ing me, and [her voice trembling] — and father would tell me nothing [Her hand clinch- ing.] Nothing. [In a low, hrohen whisper.] Peter [As he half -turns away; pleadingly.] I love you, and the man I love — I trust. That is why I ask you — ^to tell me the truth. [Put- ting her hand on his arm — all pleading.] A girl can't throw off the man she loves — ^like an The Price 79 old shoe — not even for one [her voice trem- bling] — for one who has been mother and father to her [With a stifled sob.] Not even for Daddie. [As he, wheels and with a sudden passionate gesture, seizes her hands, crushes them to his lips; looking at him, her eyes shin- ing.] What is the [Over Peters bent head, suddenly seeing Hedria, who has moved out of the shadow; her eyes widening — in a ivhisper. ] I didn't see [Drawing away slowly.] I — didn't see Hedria. [Coming down to left of table, leaning forward, her hands gripping the edge; hoarsely — her eyes glittering.] You want the truth, do you? [Through her teeth, flinging bach her head.] Well, that's what I am — the real truth — the whole truth— the Peter. [Wheeling around, savagely.] What do you mean ? Hedria. [Looking at him; jeering, trium- 80 The Price phant, gloating,'] You know what I mean — you know what / [Breaks off with a cry, as he, with a quick gesture, seizes both her wrists in his.] Oh! [Trying to pull away,] Curse you ! Peter. [His left hand pinning Hedrias wrists, turning and facing Helen; deadly white.] Helen, go [as she looks at him, her eyes widening; pleadingly] — please. I'll come in a minute. Hedeia. [Withering in Peter's grasp.] Yes — go. [Jeeringly.] You needn't worry; he'll see you home. [Through her teeth.] After he's kicked me into the gutter. Helen. [Coming doivn a step, looking at Peter; in a low, unsteady voice.] What does she mean ? Peter. I'll explain — but not here, Helen — not now — to-morrow. Hedria. [Furiously.] To-morrow The Price 81 [Jerking one hand loose; laughing.] Oh! yes, to-morrow. [Dropping down into chair, utterly exhausted.] I'll be dead to-morrow, and the dead don't say nothin', they don't. [Burying her head in her free arm; with a soh.] They're dead. [Coughs. Peter releases her other hand, hut watches her closely, Hele]^. [In a whisper; white to the lips,] Dead? Hedria. Yes Dead in the gutter. What does he care? He's got you now. Curse you. Peter. [Facing Helen; passionately.] Helen, it's lies. I never saw the girl till to-day. I give you my word. Hedria. [Interrupting, laughing shrilly.] His word! [Leaning forward, her hands clinch- ing.] I didn't know no more than you'se. I didn't know a damn thing — I [hreahing off, struggling with her cough; hoarsely, in a whis- per] — and that's what he gave me — his word. 82 The Price Helen^. I don't believe it. [Coming quite close to her.] I don't know why you are saying it — but it's a lie. [Turning toward Peter; her voice breaking.] Peter, take me away. [As he crosses to her; clinging to him; breaking down.] Take me home. Hedeia. [Springing to her feet, her voice vibrating with rage, with hate; shrilly.] Yes, take her home — to the man who kicked you out to her father. Helen. [Starting, raising her head.] Father? [She moves back a little, away from Peter. Hedeia. [Through her teeth; scornfully.] Your father. He ain't no fool. He knows the truth when he sees it [Dropping down into chair, coughing and choking.] He — knows. Helen. [Looking at her; in a whisper.] Knows! [Crossing over to Hedria — swiftly; puts her hand on her shoulder, almost roughly.] Is this what you told him — my father? The Price 83 Hedeia. [Nodding, exhausted, in a whis- per,] The whole of it. [Clutching Helens arm; her eyes blazing. ] The whole of it — do you hear? Helen. [ShaMng herself loose.] Yes, I Petek. [Starting forward, passionately.] Helen! Hedeia. [Clutching her dress, her fingers like talons; panting.] Your father kicked him out ; he sent him back to me. He tried to make him give me a place to die in — and he won't. [Flinging out her arms on the table, dropping her head between them, shaking with sobs.] He won't do — it Petee. Helen — your father Helen. [Shrinking away from him.] My — father — asked me to believe in him — to [Breaking off in a choking whisper.] And — and I — I [With a shuddering cry.] Oh! 84 The Price [Turning and running blindly towards the door, tearing it open.] Oh, Daddie! Daddie! Dad- die ! [Buns out, Peter. [Staring after her, passionately.] Helen [Starting towards the door.] You shall listen — jou shan't [The front door is heard to slam. He stops — staring out into the hall. He- dria's head falls forward on her arms. Hedeia. [As he comes in, closing the door, raising her head a little — with unseeing eyes — m a hoarse, lifeless voice.] You can do what you want — I — Fm even. CURTAIN. ACT III ACT III. Scene. — Same as Act II. Time, seven o'clock the next morning. The blind furthest down stage is still low- ered; the blind up stage, half-raised, puts the back part of stage into a half-light. A few broken slats allow three or four rays to fall across front of stage, partly lighting up lounge on which lays Hedria — eyes closed — breathing heavily. She is covered with a heavy blanket shawl. At the foot, rocking to and fro, holding her ears, sits Whiskey Sallie, more bedraggled and sodden than ever, in the daylight. On a chair to the left lies Hedria' s skirt, hat, jacket and shoes. An ambulance bell sounds in the street. Sallie looks up, listening. As the bell sounds again, right below the windoivs [ris- ing hurriedly, starts toward lower window; 85 86 The Price eagerly,'] Somebody's got hurted. [Peeps out through broken slat; starting.] Say, if it ain't [The call-bell rings peremptorily; looking across at it; muttering.] Wh-what yer w-want? [As it rings again, louder; looking around room.] Yer — yer got the — ^the wrong house. [Grosses over toward it, as it rings again, steadily, without stopping.] Can't yer see I'm coming [Taking ojf receiver.] Well, what yer want? [Sharply.] 'No, there ain't nobody here — no, there ain't — neither. There ain't no sick woman. Why, say, I guess I ought to know. No, I ain't going to open no door fer youse. I? I'm the lady what keeps his room. I^o, there ain't no ambulance call for me. I don't ever get nothing but the "hurry-up wagon," I don't. [Chuckling.] He — ^he [Drawling out the words.] A-U right — I'll — I'll — ^te-U him. [Snaps up the receiver, listen- ing intently. The Price 87 [The ambulance sounds again, then again at a distance. [Laughing,^ He — he! ^Sij [coming down^, won't Sam be hot [looking around; dropping her voice] — if he'd know. [Coming down further,] But he won't [looking around craftily] — he won't know nothin'. [Sitting down on end of sofa.] I want — my money. [Shivering.] I want money b-bad. [Looking across at Hedria.] I — I wouldn't go back on the doctor if I — if weren't f er the — money. The doctor's been good to me, he has. He — he's been mighty good to me [Her words trailing off into mutter- ings, she falls hack into original position. Rock- ing to and fro, faster, then slower, as in time to music, hands to her ears; suddenly flinging out hands, hoarsely.] 0\ Lord, ain't it ever goin' to stop? [Rocking to and fro.] Ain't it ever [Breaks off, listening intently, turn- ing, in a whisper.] Is that [rising and shuf- fling around end of sofa] — ^you, Mister? 88 The Price The Deaist. [Opening door, standing in the doorway, hlinhing at her.] Is Dr. Maclain in? Sallie. [Aggressively.] I^o, he ain't. [Edging over between him and Hedria — as Helen appears in the doorway — sharply.] What yer want ? The Dean. [Coming in; curtly.] I'll ex- plain that to the doctor. [Turning to Helen; anxiously.] You'll wait, Helen? HsLEiq^. [Turning away.] Y-e-s. [Goes over to center and sits down on chair right of table; her face turned from him.] The Dean. [Coming down toward her; tenderly.] Little girl Helen. [Shrinking.] Please don't [Her hand worMng.] Please. He^ — he^ — used to call me — ^that. [Struggling for self-control.] You are asking a great deal of me — Dean. The Dean. For Justice — one always does. Helen. [Raising her head.] Justice! The Price 89 [Repeating it in a whisper.] Justice. [Turn- ing, facing him, her eyes burning.] Don't you think, father — just? And he [turning away again] — he believed. The Dean. [Quietly.] I am here to hnow, not to think, Helen. [She looks up, startled.] Whatever is the truth I want to know it [em- phasizing it] — and I want you to know it. That is why, when you sent for me this morning Helen. [Breaking out; rising.] I couldn't bear it any longer. [Walking up stage.] All night — I [breaks off, shuddering; slowly] — and Daddy hadn't come back — yet [putting her handkerchief to her trembling lips] — Daddie hadn't come back yet. The Dean. [Looking at her, tenderly; gravely.] Helen, I asked you to come back with me because there is something I don't un- derstand. [As she turns and looks at him, turns away to avoid her eyes. Coming down stage.] 90 The Price The more I put things together, the less I [sud- denly seeing Hedria, startled'] — 0-h — \hends over couch, Helen. [Her eyes widening with terror,] What is it? What [coming down slowly] — is there ? Sallie. [Indignantly,] Say, now The Dean. [8harply,] Be quiet. Helen. [Seeing Hedria, as she recognizes her.] Oh! [Bending down, holes at her, straightening up; in a whisper.] He — at least he didn't drive her out into the gutter, Dean. He didn't do that. The Dean. Yes — but [Looking up with a sudden look of determination.] Helen, if the thing was true, do you think she could have come into your father's office — as she did COME. Do you think he would have stood there as he did stand — and let her come? Helen. [Looking up, startled,] I — never thought of that. The Price 91 The Dean. But I did; I thought of it all along. [As Helen, her face whitening — starts to speak — turning away quickly. To Sallie; sharply,] Where's the Doctor? Sallie. [Sneeringly.] How do I know? [Glancing at him, maliciously,] It ain't none of your business. The Dean. [Crossing over to her; steadily.] It is my business. Where's the Doctor ? Sallie. [With an anxious look at the door; beginning to whine.] It's old Izzy Jaret. He — he's broke a — leg. [Craftily,] Yer better come back. [As Helen, with a half-suppressed shudder, turns to go up stage, shuffling across to her; whining.] Say, ain't yer got the price of a drink ? She's been asking and asking — for just a drop, just one? Helen. [Looking across at the Dean.] Would it hurt her ? The Dean. [With a shade of bitterness in 92 The Price his voice,] 'No, it won't hurt — her. [Beaches in his pochet, Helen. [Hurriedly, her voice not quite steady.] Let me [Draws out pochethoolc , opens it and talces out coin — to Sallie.] Could jou get it? Sallie. It's just a step to the corner — just a step. [Holding out her hand, greedily. The Dean. [As she almost snatches the coin out of Helens hands — loohing at her; sharply.] Will you bring it back ? Sallie. [Indignantly ; edging toward the door. Do yer think I'd forget the poor girl? [Opening door, with a quich, malignant look at Helen.] I ain't like — him. Helen. [Looking after her, in a whisper — her hand clinching.] Like him! Even she says it. [Turning away with a stifled cry.] Oh ! [Going up stage, drops into chair, to right of stage. The Price 93 [The Dean, loohing after her for a moment, turns with a suppressed sigh, hack to He- dria, [Helen, shivering as she sits, speaking in a low, convulsed voice.'] I — I can't bear it. I — I came because you asked me. I went to you because you were the only one I knew — because I thought you cared. And you — you brought me back here, to go through it all again The Dean. [Turning.] Hush [Speak- ing as he crosses over to her.] The girl's [put- ting his hand on her shoulder, gently.] — dying, Helen. Helen. [Starting.] Dy-mgl [As he nods slowly — looking around the room, her eyes widening, incredulously. ] Here — alone in this room — ^with only that horrible woman? [The Dean starts to speak, checks himself, listening intently. 94 The Price [Helen also listening^ clutches Ms arm, her face strained, breathless. [The sound of footsteps grows louder, more distinct. The door opens and Sam Weber holes in. The look of relief which has come into Helen's face changes, with a start, to one of recognition. Sam. [Coming in reassuringly.] It's all — ri [Breaking off, as he sees The Dean.] What in the hell are you doing here? [Poleman and Garvin appear hesitatingly in the doorway. The Dean. [Facing him.] That is my question exactly, sir. Sam. [Snickering.] Oh, is it? [To Garvin and Poleman.] Come on, come on [Helen, leaning forward, her eyes on Sam, talks rapidly to the Dean, ivho, listening, looks at Sam, his lips compressed. The Price 95 [Sam jerking his head in their direction, mut- tering.] Old Hag must have let them in. The Deai!^. [Coming down a step, very alert and bright-eyed.] On the contrary, I opened the door myself. As a personal friend of Dr. Maclain. I know where the key is kept. [Bitterly. ] Are you a personal friend, also ? Sam. [Savagely.] I^ot much — I ain't no friend of his'n — I'm the poor girl's friend. [Helen starts, a look of loathing and re- pulsion comes into her face as she watches. PoLEMAN. That's what. [Pulling hack his hat, jerking down his waistcoat, aggressively.] We're all her friends. Helen. [Shuddering, looking from one to the other, in a whisper. Friends The Dean. Ah! [Sweetly, inquiringly, turns to Garvin, who is looking most uncom- fortable.] And you — are you also a friend, Mr. Garvin ? 96 The Price Gaevin. [Twenty- five, very gentlemanly looking; confused.] Why — why [Hesi- tates.] Sam. [Quichly.] No, he ain't. He's here on business. State's business. The Deak. [Staring at Mm.] State? Sam. Yep. So you'd better keep yer fingers off or skip. [With a looJc at Helen.] You 'n yer lady friend. The Dean. [His face stiffening — in an anxious whisper.] Helen, this is no place for you. [Hurriedly J protestingly.] That is the Assistant District Attorney. [Swallowing quichly.] It — it — is not as I [Breaking off as she looks at him quietly — putting his hand on her arm.] You are too young, child. Sam. [Nodding emphatically.] That's right — this ain't goin' to be no tea party. Helei^. [Shaking her head.] I'm — I'm not young any longer — I [Controlling her- The Price 97 self.] It was because of me — you know [Breahing ojf.] Let me stay. I may be of use. [Putting her hand on his arm] Let me stay — I — I ask it. Sam. [Turning away,, contemptuously,] Pish [Turning, comes down stage. [The Dean, patting her hand, turns away, drawing out his handkerchief, blows his nose vigorously, comes down stage, slowly. Sam. [Stooping over sofa; to Garvin.] Here's the girl, Garvin. [Garvin comes down, looJcing sheepish and uncomfortable. [The Dean moves toward them a few steps, leaving Helen standing to right of table. PoLEMAiT. [Who has taken up position at foot of sofa, dubiously, watching Sam's efforts to rouse Hedria.] Say, we ought to have come sooner, we ought. 98 The Price [The Dean, with a quick look, moves nearer, Sam. [With a quick sidelong look at the Dean; to Poleman, savagely. 1 Some more light here, will yer? [Poleman, turning, hurries to window, jerks up hlind to the top, letting the sun stream in full on the couch and Hedria, who, turning, buries her face deeper into the pillows, with a half-moan. [Sam, coming around to head of sofa, takes up position, his hack to audience, looking at Hedria. The Dean. [Coming down to right of Gar- vin, looking at him intently.] I understand, then, Mr. Garvin, you were sent for? [Helen, coming down left, stands watching Sam, Gaevin. [Starting.] Why [Avoid- ing Helen's eyes, as she looks at him.] Car- The Price 99 tainly — certainly. [With a quick look toward Helen, flushing.^ An extremely unpleas- ant The Dean. [Interrupting.] The girl — sent for you ? Garvin. Why Sam. [Looking up, fu7iously.] Look a- here, Garvin, we ain't got no time to answer fool questions. She's dying. PoLEMAN. [Coming hack from window, as he passes Garvin; imitathig Sam.] That's right, that is. [Wagging his head at him.] First thing you know, you'll go an' blab. Sam. [Whirling around on Poleman.] Will you [Poleman, subsiding, slinks up hack and takes up position near tahle. Now sit- ting in chair, now rising and moving up and down. [To Garvin, as with great show of official 100 The Price dignity, crosses to sofa, bending over Hedria.] Damn it, I can't bring her around. [Shaking her.] Hedria! Hedria! [The Dean, who has taken up his position at the head of couch, clutches his arm, jerking it away, Helen. [Taking a step nearer, facing Sam; passiona tely. ] Don't Sam. [Glaring from the Dean to Helen.] 'NoWy yer — don't interfere. Tkis is the law, this is [Shaking her again, hut less vio- lently.] Hedria [Garvin, as Helen is evidently about to ap- peal to him, turns abruptly and crosses over to right. Hedria. [Opening her eyes, moaning.] Oh! can't yer leave me alone, Sam? [Coughing.] Can't yer see I ain't fit ? [Struggling to a half- sitting position, weakly.] Which is it — ^the [Garvin, picking up straighthack chair. The Price 101 brings it bach and sets it down, to the right of Sam, with back to Helen. Sit- ting, with an air of great determination — drawing out pad and pen. Sam. [Savagely, hurriedly.] 'No — no [Pointing to Garvin.] This is Mister Gar- vin [As she stares at him.] The Assist- ant District Attorney. Hedeia. [Wonderingly.] Dis-trict At-tor- ney ? Sam. Yes — yes Come to hear yer story Hedeia. M — story ? Sam. Yes — about Doctor Maclain [As she stares at him.] What he's done for yer Hedeia. What he done? Sam. [Savagely.] Yes. Yer wanted to get even, Hedria. You want to tell yer story. [Helen comes around back of sofa, taking up her stand facing Sam, and, inciden- tally, Garvin. 102 The Price Hedeia. [Putting her hand to her head.] I — I — can't think You — you tell it, Sam. Tell anything you want [Dropping hack, closing her eyes.] I'll — swear to — it. Sam. [Impatiently.'] ISTow! ]^ow! Hedria. [Shahing her roughly.] Hedria Helen. [As the Dean starts forward, his eyes blazing — her hand closing on Sam's wrist — loohing at him.] Stop ! Sam. [Wrenching loose.] Will yer [To Hedria, hut not touching her.] Hedria, yer ain't goin' to bring Mister Garvin here for nothin' ? Yer sent for him That's what. Now, come sit up. [Putting his arm around her, getting her in a sitting position.] That's the girl. [Stuffing pillows hehind her, roughly. Hedeia. [Coughing and shivering.] I — I'm so cold [The Dean slips off his overcoat. Helen, taking it, puts it around Hedria. The Price 103 Sam. Cold ? That's easy [To Poleman.] Got yer bot? PoLEMAN. [Searching through his pochets,] N^ope. [Comes down a little^ scratching his head. The Dean. If it is stimulants you want — I have sent for some. Sam. [Looking up.] Yer did, did yer? [Sharply.] Who'd yer send? The Dean. The woman I found here. Sam. Sallie— Whiskey Sallie ? [Tittering.] He ! Say, did yer think she'd come back [BreaJcs off, as the call-hell rings in jerks with- out stopping. [Poleman hurries toward it, hut the Dean steps hetween and picks up the receiver. The Dean. Well? [Listens, quietly, as if to some one speaking.] Very well. [Looking across at Sam, meaningly.] The stimulants HAVE COME. [Snaps up receiver. 104 The Price PoLEMAN. [Giving way to Ms feelings, which Sam almost suppresses, hut not quite.] The Devil! [Hurriedly.] Here, I'll get them. [Starts toward door. Helen. [Crossing quickly. ] ]^o, I'll do it [scathingly], Mr. Poleman. [Goes out quichly, shutting door. Sam. [Turning, facing the Dean, his lips curling hack.] JSTow, look a-here The Dean. [Meeting look for look.] I'm looking; Fm looking hard [accenting it], Sam Weh-er. [The door opens and Sallie enters, followed hy Helen. Sallie. [Coming down, not quite steadily, carrying a quart hottle, with ah out a pint of whiskey in it; leering at Sam.] Say, yer thought you'd lock me out, didn't yer? [Chuckling.] Yer smart, Sam, yer mighty smart, but yer ain't so smart as a woman when The Price 105 she's got liq-u-or in he — her — and [dropping her voice] — wants more. [Looking at him^ gloatingly,] Lots more. [As Sam, coming down, tries to snatch flask from her; drawing back.] You'll get it when [leering at him] — I get my ten dollars. Sam. [Staring at her.] I never said nothin' about no ten. Sallie. [Chuckling.] May be yer didn't; may be yer didn't; may be yer said two. But then yer didn't know nothin' about the — ^the — ambulance. [Sam starts visibly; Poleman opens his mouth, but, a quick look from Sam, shuts it again. [Sallie, jeeringly.] Say, what do yer think the Doctor '11 do when he finds I wouldn't let 'em take her 'way? [Triumphantly.] "No — I — I wouldn't. [Chuckling.] I — wouldn't let 06 The Price Sam [Furiously,] Will yer Sallie. All — right — all right; but if yer don't know what the doctor '11 say — I do — and two bats don't pay fer it. I says ten and yer'll say ten. Yer know [jerking head in direction of Helen and the Dean, significantly] — ^when the boot's on the wrong foot. [Chuckling.] Yer bet yer do. Sam. [Turning hack, his face purple; sav- agely, to Hedria, bending over her, holding out cup.] Here, yer Helen. [Coming around sofa, holding out her hand; quietly.] Let me give it to her Sam. [Meeting her look, handing it to her; grudgingly.] As you like. [Crossing over to table — right. Helen. [Slipping down on her knees be- side Hedria; holding up cup to Hedria's lips; in a whisper.] Hedria! Hedria! [Hedria opens her eyes slowly, a look of The Price 107 hate comes into them for a moment; she looks at her, then looking away, swallows with evident difficulty, Sam. [Putting down bottle; to Sallie, below his breath.] Fll remember this ! Sallie. [Leering at hifn.] That's right. That's [breaks off as he turns, with a muttered imprecation; and goes back to Hedria, her eyes riveting on the bottle, her fingers twitching'] — all — ri-ght. Sam. [Coming around to the left of sofa, taking the cup away from Helen.] She's had enough of that. That ain't whiskey; it's "Schnapps." [Bitting down on end of sofa, set- ting the cup on the floor.] It'd kill her. [Slip- ping his arm around back of Hedria, pulling her forward.] Now, yer all right, ain't yer? [Helen rises slowly, and returns to original position, hack of sofa. Hedeia. [ Utterly exhausted; in a whisper. ] Y-es. 108 The Price Sam. [Turning to Garvin.] N^ow, this here girl's name is Hedria Meyers. Ain't it, Hedria ? Hedeia. [With closed eyes.] I — ^guess [Helen loohs at Garvin steadily as he writes it down. Sam. That's right. [To Garvin, irritably, as he fumbles with his papers, evidently much disconcerted.] Got that down? Gaevin. [With a quick and nervous looh at Helen; writing.] Ye-s- — Hedria Meyers; yes — yes. Sam. [Pulling Hedria forward, roughly. [Helen puts her hand on his arm, her eyes blazing. [Sam glares at her for a minute, then slightly relaxes his hold on Hedria. [To Hedria.] 'Now — now. Don't keep him waiting. [Helen, bending down, rearranges pillows behind Hedria. The Price 109 [The Dean, moving a little to the left, now watches Garvin, Helen, Sam. [Sallie sits, her eyes glued on the bottle, evidently trying to resist the temptation. Hedeia. [Looking around her as if bewil- dered. ] Waiting ? Sam. [Sharply.] Yes, for yer story. Go ahead. Hedeia. [Speaking in a low, hesitating voice.] My mother and father's [looking at Sam, hesitating, as he nods] — dead Sam. [Nodding.] An "orphant," a poor little "orphant" girl. [Putting his hand on Redrias shoulder, his fingers tightening. Hedeia. [Wincing.] And I — I — was a [looking at Sam, his fingers tightening; shrink- ing away] — ^working [Looks at him in an uncertain, frightened way. Sam. [Nodding.] A good honest living. Hedeia. And then — and then — I met him [Breaks off. no The Price Sam. [Eagerly.] And then [as Hedria falters, tightening his fingers] — ^then Hedria. He — he Helei^. [Defiantly.] N'o. Sam. [Starting.] Hey! [Rising, and fac- ing her; savagely.] E^ow, look a-here. I've had enough of yer. [Sitting down.] Go on. [Sallie, having moved nearer and nearer the bottle, reaches out, takes it, uncorks it, smells, then recorks it and puts it hack. Then takes it again, uncorks it, takes a sip, corks and puts it hack. Helen. 'No. [Putting her hand on Hedria' s arm; passionately.] Hedria, think what you're Sam. [Springing to his feet in a rage.] Damn it! E'ow, out you get The Deaw^. [Coming between him and Helen, facing him.] iNTot until you — "get." Sam. You wont, won't yer ? I'll call a po- liceman. The Price 111 The Dean. Call a policeman, by all means. [Sallie reaches for bottle, takes first one sip, then another and another. Now she raises the bottle to her lips, and drinks it; sits, limply clutching it, sway- ing slightly. Sam. [8haMng his fi^rst at him.] By God, I will. [Turning to Garvin, querulously.] Look-a- here, Garvin, look-a-here. [Jerking his head toward Helen.] Yer ain't goin' to have the law interfered with, are yer? Garvin. [Greatly flustered.] As you say, Sam. [Hurriedly, as Helen, raising her head, looks at him.] Mr. Weber, painful as it is at times, the law's the law Helen. [Facing him; passionately.] And the truth's the truth. Oh! You can see, you must see, it's all lies. [With a quick, scornful look towards 8am.] His lies — his 112 The Price Sam. [Whirling around, furiously.] 'Now, look a-here, Garvin — look a-here — are you goin' to hear this here [pointing toward Hedria) — girl's story or not ? Gaevii^. [Stammering.] Why^ — really [looking at 8am] — I — I [As Sam loohs at him; hurriedly.] As Mr. Weber says. I'm not here to — ^to think. I'm merely to take down a statement, a sworn statement. Heleist. [Drawing in her breath.] Oh! [half-turning away from Garvin. Sam. [Bringing his fist down on the hack of sofa.] Exactly. [As Sallie, waking with a start, falls with a crash to the floor; turning, furiously.] What the hell Sallie. [Struggling to her feet; furiously.] What's yer wake me up for? What yer wake me — up [Suddenly looking up, listening, beginning to sing in a piercing, cracked voice, as if keeping time to an instrument] Be it ever so — ^humble Be it ever s-o The Price 113 Hedeia. [With a cliohing soh.'\ Oh! Stop it. Stop it. Oh! God, won't some of youse stop it? Sam. [Crossing over to Sallie; savagely.] Here, you. Drop that. [Seizing her.] Yer git out of this. [Half-pulls, half-drags her, still singing, toward the door. [To Poleman, as he comes in.] Here, throw her out, will yer ? Helen. [Shrinking.] Oh! Oh! [Turn- ing away.] Oh! Sallie. [As Poleman seizes her, waving her arms around feebly.] Ho-me, S-we-et [he pulls her out, her voice dying away] — H-om-e. Sam. [Slamming the door, coming hacJc; muttering.] Damn drunken sot. [Resuming place on sofa, putting his hand on Hedria, as she shrinks away from him; sharply.] 'Now, then. [Trying to pull her hack. Hedria. [Breahing out, wildly.] Oh, ain't 114 The Price yer goin' to leave me alone ? Ain't I ever goin' to have no peace? [Burying her head in the pillows^ shivering and coughing, Sam. [Bending over Hedria; roughly.] What's the matter with jer ? [Shaking her, hut not roughly.] Come, tell Garvin what hap- pened after you met the Doctor. [Pulling her bach again. Hedria. [Utterly exhausted.] I — I — don't remember. Sam. [Pressing her shoulder savagely.] Don't yer [She winces away.] Tell him how he coaxed yer up here. Hedeia. [Hesitatingly.] He — h-e Helei^. [Flinging herself on her hnees he- side her.] Hedria! Listen to me. [As she stares straight in front of her, catching her arm.] 'No, you must, you shall listen to me. [Hedria turns a little, her eyes contracting. You don't know, you don't realize what you The Price 115 are doing. You are ruining him. Ruining a man who has never done anything — ^who has never harmed you. [As Hedria turns away from her; passionately.] Oh! you shall not [with a choking soh] — you shall not. You're dying, Hedria. Hedeia. [Looking at her; slowly, in a whis- per,] Yes, that's right. I ain't much older than — ^youse, but I'm dying. [Jerking away, savagely.] I've lived as youse made me, but I'll die as I please. Helen. [Clutching her arm.] 'No — n-no. As you go before God crying mercy — be merci- ful. As you pray for — pity Hedria. Pray? [With a little dry, hitter laugh; looking straight before her.] No — I guess I won't pray. [Slowly, as if to herself.] I used — ^to. I seen it in the papers they'd bring about — praying — about getting what you ask for [her voice quivering; smiling a little] — 116 The Price and I used to ask for a chance — just one. [Turning and facing Helen; her eyes blazing.] And now, you come here — you and the rest of youse — asking mercy and pity. Youse^ — who'd a walked in the gutter than touch me. [Laugh- ing.] Me Youse never asked — youse never cared — I wasn't fit to talk about. [LooJc- ing at her; slowly] I can't talk like youse — I ain't got the words. [In a low, vibrating voice, trembling with passion.] I ain't got nothing but — hate. Helen. [In a low, strangled voice.] But I didn't know [with a sob] — Hedria. Hedria. [Savagely.] And you didn't want to know. ISTone of youse wanted to know. [Breahing out in a passion.] It weren't no- body's business. Nobody cares. ISTobody [slowly] — ex-cept — Sam. [Looking straight in front of her; in a whisper.] Sam's been good to me. He never beat me, and he saved me — The Price 117 when — ^when lie could. [Loohing at Mm, smil- ing a little, her voice weakening. ] I guess — I guess — I'll [Collapsing.] Whiskey [As Sam holds the cup up to her; pushing it away, coughing and choMng.] I — c-an't swal- low [Gasping.] You — ^you'd better hurry — up. [Helen rises, shaking with suppressed sohs, and crossing over to table, stands with her bach to them, trying to control her- self. Sam. [To Garvin.] We'll cut the first part out. I'll swear to that, and we'll come to last night. [Helen, loohing up, half-turns, listening in- tently. You see, she cleared out when she heard about his marrying another woman. So last night he sent for her. Said he "wanted to fix it up nice and comfy." Hey ! Hedria ? 118 The Price Hedeia. [Her eyes closed; gasping,] Y-es. Sam. And wlien he got her here, he locks the door Helen. [Turning, her voice qmvering,] That's not true. Sam. [Savagely,] !N"ot Helen. [Defiantly; coming down, meeting his look, her face deadly white.] No, Sam. [MimicMng her,] No? [Jeeringly,] How yer goin' to prove it? Helen. I was here. [Garvin starts, the pen drops to the floor and he sits, staring at her, [Loohing away, her face quivering,] I — I came to tell him — something. Sam. [Savagely,] You did, did yer? Helen. [Defiantly,] Yes. And the door was open then. Sam. [Sneeringly,] Oh, yes, then. But after you left, hey? [Looking at her, gloat- ingly.] After you left? The Price 119 Helen. [Looking at him, her face whiten- ing; moistening her lips.] After I Sam. Yes. [Chuckling.] He! he! After you left Helen. [Raising her head, looking at him; slowly.] What if I didn't leave? Sam. You — didn't Gaevin. [Rising.] Miss Clo [Break- ing off.] You do not [stammering] — you — cannot [Breaks off. The Dean. [Speaking at the same time.] Helen! [Coming down; pleadingly.] My child ! Helen. [Putting her hand in his, appeal- ingly; turning, and facing Garvin, her voice tremhling.] My father objected to — to our marriage. [Raising her head, moistening her lips.] He — he — ^will not object — now. [The Deans hand closes over hers; looking at him, for a moment, with moist eyes. ] The Dean — 120 The Price the Dean came here — came [Breaking off,] As my father's friend — as an old friend of the family — he will marry us this morning. Sam. Yer lying. [Shahing Hedridj roughly.] She's lying, Hedria. [As she does not answer,] Do yer hear, she's lying. Hedria. [Without opening her eyes, half- conscious.] I'll say — any-thing — ^y-ou — ^want — Sam — any-thing [Her words trail away. Sam. [Loohing up, facing Helen, his face purpling.] Look a-here [Pointing to Garvin.] Do you expect him to believe — that — against this here girl's state- ment — her sworn statement? Helen. [Loohing at him.] It will be her sworn statement against my sworn statement. [The door opens and Peter comes in. See- ing them, he starts, then stands, watch- ing; door partly closed. The Price 121 Sam. [Furiotisly.] There ain't a word of truth in it. Helen. If hers is true, then mine is true. [Coming down closer; in a cold, quiet voice.] Which do you think a jury would believe? [Peter, his whole face lighting, closes the door noiselessly, hesitates, still doubting. Sam. [LooJcing at her, his lips curling hack.] You [As the Dean comes forward a step, hreaJcing off. ] For a pie-faced white girl, you're slick. But yer ain't quite slick enough. [Peter comes down a few steps, his eyes on Sam Weher. Yer can lie yer ' 'steady" out of jail — maybe — but yer can't lie out yer father. Helen. [LooJcing up, quichly.] Father ? [Garvin, suddenly seeing Peter, tries to warn Sam. Sam. Yes. [Noticing nothing; through his teeth.] Yer father. 122 The Pri rice [Peter, crossing, catches him by the collar. [Chohing and struggling.] Let — go — go — me. Let — g [Breahs off, sputtering and choking, as Peter shakes him like a rat. Helen. [White to the lips.] Petee [8am' s face grows a mottled red; in a whisper.] You're killing him, Peter. Petee. [His fingers closing on Sam's neck, firmly.] 'No, I'm not killing him — I'm only doing a little [flinging him from him] — of what he did to Eosie March. [Sam catches himself against the table. Sam. [His face ashy.] Eosie — March [Coming a step nearer, his hands like talons, his face twitching; hoarsely.] What yer know about — ^Eosie March [Looking at him, his eyes like a trapped rat, his lips curling away from his teeth.] What — ^yer — ^know Hedeia. [Catching a familiar name; in a whisper.] Eosie — ^Eosie March [Shiver- ing.] Sh-she's dead. The Price 123 Sam. [ Wheeling on her; with a snarl. ] Will yer [Hedria shrinks as if expecting a Mow, [Turning.] It's a lie. Whatever ske says — it's a lie. Petee. [Loohing at Mm; in the same low, firm voice.] You'll have to prove that to twelve men [with a quich, scathing look towards Gar- vin] — that aren't picked. [Garvin starts. Smiling at Bam; contemptuously.] You're clever — a little bit too clever. When you sent a dying woman to die on my doorstep, you for- got that the dying ialk. [Dropping his voice, speaking slowly.] And I sat — alone with her — all night Sam. [Coming quite close to him; sneer- ingly.] And you think her talk Peter. [Quietly.] 'Eo — this. [Drawing out a piece of folded hrown paper, as Sam starts, holding it out toward him, hut just out of his 124 The Price reach; with a smile that is not pleasant.] Can you read — it ? Sam. [After one look, shrinking away; hoarsely,] Where 'er get it? [Putting his quivering fingers over his mouth,] Damn you. Petee. Out of your desk, in your house, with the aid of a search warrant, and "Law and Order detective [looking at him, smiling] — after Sallie brought "Old Izzy's'' message. [With a short laugh.] Poor old "Izzy" — had to get another doctor, didn't he ? Sam. [Making a spring, trying to snatch the paper, Peter catches his arm, none too gently.] It's a lie. I — I kept it [trying to twist away] — to — ^to scare the girls. [Whining,] It's a lie. Petee. Yes [Letting go of him, quietly,] It's a lie [emphasizing it] — if your papers are lies. If you bring them to me to- morrow, I'll give you yours. The Price 125 Sam. [Moistening his lips.] Yer will? [Forcing a smile.] Say, that's square Doc; that's square. Well let bygones be bygones. Petee. Yes — bygones will be bygones. We'll begin new to-morrow. You bring me the papers up here, and I'll kick you downstairs. Sam. [With forced leer.] Now, yer talking. Peter. Yes, now ; but to-morrow I'll be do- ing. You have your choice, Mr. Weber, either a kicking or a hanging; and we'll see that your friend, the Assistant District Attorney, HELPS DO it. [Crosses toward door. Sam. [Following him, his face whitening.] S ay — say — now. Hedria. [Opening her eyes; in a whisper.] Sam — Sam Sam. [Wheeling around, white with fury.] Sam! [Crossing toward her.] I'll Sam you. [Raises his clinched hand. [The Dean starts forward just as Helen 126 The Price slips between. In two strides Peter crosses, Ms hand closing on Sarnfs throat, Sam falls to his Tcnees, strangling, Helen. [Catching Peters arm, with a frightened sob,] What if you killed him — Peter Petee. Kill him? [Jerhing him to his feet; through his teeth.] 'Now go. Sam. [After one hole, starts to the door, darts out, almost closing it. Then thrusting his head in; with a snarl, jerhing his head,] Come on, yer [Disappears. Garvin. [Trying to save his ''face/' but only making a pitiable mess of it] Why — ^why — certainly. [Crosses hurriedly, goes out closing the door quickly behind him, [Helen, coming to Peter, her eyes swim- ming, holds out her hands with a little eloquent gesture, asking forgiveness. He takes them, raises them to his lips. The Price 127 Then^ as Hedria hegins to speak, she draws them away slowly, ashing him mutely to do what he can, Peter, clasp- ing her fingers in his, turns away and crosses to sofa, Helen stands, her hach to the audience, fighting for control. Hedeia. [Who has struggled in a half -sit- ting position, staring at Peter; in a questioning, chohing, whisper.'] He's [groping .around, touching the Deans sleeve, speaking in a low, rasping voice, panting for breath] — he's — gone —ain't h-e ? The Dean. [Pityingly.] Yes, Hedria. Hedeia. [Hoarsely.] It's so da-rk. W-hy do-n't the-y open the shut-ters ? The Dean. [Brokenly.] Why, child, the sun is shining on your face. Hedeia. [Increduously.] T-he — sun The Dean. [Brokenly.] Yes, God's sun. Hedeia. [Feeling his sleeve, her face light- ing.] There's a God, ain't there? 128 The Price The Dean. [Dropping down on his Jcnees beside her; Helen turning^ comes down and stands at the foot of sofa,] A God of mercy, of love, of pity. Hedkia. [Looking over him, into space; slowly.] Don't — don't lie to me. There's a God, but [drawing herself up a little] — ^he ain't your God. He's the only God I knowed — ^the God — that made — Hell. [Gripping his arm, looking at him with glittering, unseeing eyes.] There's— a— Hell, ain't— there ? The Dean. [Taking her hand between his; tenderly, pleadingly.] Hedria, try to think Hedeia. [Looking up and over him, strug- gling to raise herself. [Peter, who has been watching her at tentively, bends over, slipping the pil- lows back of her, supporting her. There's a Hell, and that's — ^where — ^I'm go- in' [Drawing herself upright, her eyes The Price 129 glittering, her voice vibrating with hate, almost ivith exaltation,] Vm goin' — ^to wait — ^to wait — for [Slowly, the words slip away from her, her eyes glazing.] To w-ait [Col- lapses suddenly into Peter s arms. The Dean. [Rising, as Peter gently lays her hack against the pillows and nods slowly, raising his hands, his voice trembling.] "Into Thy hands, O Lord" [Helen slips onto her knees, sobbing. CURTAIN. Si HI ,^^•^0 V" <^ -o»« ^V -^ '" ^-^ ., -V^ •^* "^oV* 0* "*^ ■n^o^ v^ '?^. ■3" ^. .^'\ '^9- ^\ %.A \ J" ^^S^* U A^ *i( ■mi '« %.^^ .- I i jiiftlif f iil ill I