Class Jl_[i4:aLl4' Book, ' n il ^ _6X Copyright N^__l9i2_ COPaUGHT DEPOSIT. ^ V / ^^ OUT THERE^ ^Vritten in 1917 BY THE SAME AUTHOR " Peg O' My Heart " A novel founded by Mr. Manners on his Comedy of Youth of the same title " Happiness " and Other Plays '" Wreckage " A Drama in Three Acts In Preparation "The Harp of Life" A Comedy Courtesy of White Studio " 'Auxted" Annie OUT THERE A DRAMATIC COMPOSITION IN THREE PARTS BT J. HARTLEY MANNERS WITH ILLUSTRATIONS FROM FHOTOORAPHS OF THE PLAY NEW YORK DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY 1918 ^ri A-^^i COPTRIGHT, 1918 By J. HARTLEY MAjNNERS All rights reserved m 22 1918 g)Ci.D 49661 DEDICATION To the wounded men in Cliveden Hospital in 1915, whose valour in fighting, courage in suffering, and spir- itual exaltation, the outcome of their struggle against barbarity, will always be a cherished memory. Wherever they go they carry with them my heartfelt wishes, my abiding admiration, and my deep and lasting affection. The Author. January, 1918. FOREWORD My object in preparing this dramatic composition was to endeavour to portray something of the feeling in England during the first year of the war. To show the spirit of patriotism beating through the poorest of homes: the courage and endurance of the men who went to fight for civilization: and the heroism that endures grievous hurt without a murmur. It is in no small measure to the fervour and whole- souledness of thousands of " 'Aunted Annies " that we owe the splendid citizen army of three-and-a-half mil- lions raised in the British Empire by voluntary enlist- ment. Surely an achievement that will " blaze a trail " down through the ages ! It is to the " 'Aunted Annies " no less that we owe the amazing output of the great munition factories all over the United Kingdom. It is to the white-heat of patriotic zeal that in three years from her entrance into the war England had outstripped the forty years of preparation made by her unscrupulous and brutal foe. All honour to the " Annies " of England and her sis- ters among the Allies ! In the second part I have tried to show the fortitude under adversity and the resolute indifference to suf- fering so frequently witnessed by my wife and me in an English hospital in 1915. Every man in that -C vii > FOREWORD " part " is drawn from life. Their spirit was unfor- gettable: their exaltation superb: their desire to see the war through to a victorious end inspiring. I would like here to express my deep sense of grati- tude for the encouraging and generous manner in which the play was received in New York. Such appreciation lightens the burden and makes easier the road of the chronicler of world events as he sees them by the writer for the theatre. To Laurette Taylor and her loyal associates I owe a lasting debt of gratitude for breathing life and soul into the characters, and so making the " composition " possible. Produced at the Globe Theatre, New York, March 27th, 191 7j it was temporarily withdrawn of June 2nd, and revived on September 24th, 1917^ at the Liberty Theatre, New York. So much had occurred during the summer months in the way of active opposition to the war policy of Presi- dent Wilson by obstructing the draft law: incendiary fires in various parts of the country: strikes in mines: street-corner agitators: ravings of "conscientious objec- tors " and pacifists that I thought it advisable to change the whole tenor of " Annie's " speech in Trafalgar Square. It was no longer a question of recruiting: con- scription had been passed. It became a duty to expose the danger of such methods of retarding the Adminis- tration in its great work. Consequently, on September 24th, in place of the recruiting appeal the following -C viii y FOREWORD speech was spoken by Laurette Taylor from the Nelson Monument in Trafalgar Square : — It's funny, me standin' up 'ere tryin' t' maike speeches t' you. Y' know I ain' got much of a vocabyerlerry, but I've faand it ain't alwa's the biggest words as maikes big things clear. Arter all, y' tells 'ow y'r fel- ler loves y' by the w'y 'e looks at y' — not by w'at 'e says. An' y' know a f rien's a f rien' — not by w'at's said, but by the hatmosphere thet's maide w'en y' both come t'gether. So I want y' t' see in me eyes a great love f'r me own kind as I speak. An' I want y' t' feel a hatmosphere o' frien's-like, no matter w'at I say — an' I got t' speak rough t'night, 'cause I'm addressin' my remarks t' thick-skinned people — them there con- shihenshus hobjectors. / ain' f'r war, I'm f'r peace. But once y'r country's in it, I don't see w'at y're goin' t' do but 'elp. D' you? O' corse we've got conscripshun, but I want t' talk t' them conshihenshus hobjectors an' pacissyfists as says they don' b'lieve in war. W'at do it matter if they don' b'lieve in war.^ Bli' me, 'oo does? Aatside o' the 'Uns! Don' b'lieve in it ! 'Ere it is ! Y' cam' tell Gawd y' don' b'lieve in Death an' expec' t' live f'r hever jus' be- cause y' said it. Y' know, the 'ole world earn' be wrong abaat the 'Un. Look at America! Wasn' she tolerant? Germany said, " She won' come in. She's too busy caantin' 'er money." But Hamerica 'as come in, — with -C ix > FOREWORD both 'an's, — an' both feet, — and hairaplanes. D' you know w'at a Hamerican general said abaat hairaplanes? 'E said as a fleet o' hairaplanes was the proper brood o' the Hamerican eagle. An' I 'opes as 'ow the heagle'll prove a rabbit at it ! Pacissyfists ! Conshihenshus hobjectors! W'at kind o' fellers are they? Just as we're lickin' the henemy, an' lickin' 'im good, they stands up an' says, "'Ere! W'at 're y' doin'? I want peace!" Well, so do Hi! So do we all! But ye don't want no 'aZ/-peace, an' then 'ave t' go through it all over again as soon as the henemy 's 'ad time t' git 'is bloomin' hefficiency workin', do we? This 'as got t' be the hend o' war, an' t' maike it so we got t' beat the fellers as thinks nothin', does nothin', and schevies nothin' but war. I tell y', boys, them fellers 'as got t' be licked, an' licked good, until the very word " War," maikes 'em sick to 'ear it. We don' want pacissyfists t'd'y. We want fighters. W'en they've done their job, an' the henemy 's knocked right aat, w'y, we'll all be 'appy pacissyfists t'gether. But, first of all, they've got t' prove to us thet the word, " Pacissyfist," ain't a kemmerflarge f'r, " I'm afraid t' fight." I know a funny story abaat one o' these 'ere pacissy- fists. A soljer in uniform goes up to 'im one d'y an' says, " 'Ere ! W'y ain't you in tlie harmy ? " " 'Cos I don' b'lieve in war," says the pacissyfist. " Oh, don't y'? " says the soljer. " If the henemy caime over 'ere, d' y' mean t' s'y y' wouldn' defend y'r country? " " No, FOREWORD I wouldn't," says the pacissyfist, " I don' b'lieve in fightin'." "Well, bli' me!" says the soljer, "if some of 'em caime right inter y'r 'ome an' took it, d' y* mean t' say y' wouldn' fight t' keep w'at belonged t' y' ? " " No," said the pacissyfist, " I don' b'lieve in fightin'." " An' if a man was to 'it y' on the nose, wouldn't y' 'it back?" " Cert'nly not," says the man o' peace. "It wouldn' be Christian-like." " Well, so 'elp me ! " says the soljer, " You're the bloke the 'Uns is lookin' for. An' before they gits at y', bli' me, I'll 'ave a cut in meself." An' with thet the soljer 'its *im stright on the nose. Naa, the pacissyfist 'ad never been 'it before, an' w'en 'e felt the paine an' taisted the blood a-runnin' into 'is maath, w'y, 'e couldn' stand it. 'E ups an' 'its the soljer on the jawr. An' then, w'at oh! They went at it tooth-an'-nail, a'knockin' of each other daan till their eyes was blacked an' their faices all cut abaat. Suddenly the soljer stopped an' 'eld aat 'is 'and. " Look 'ere ! " 'e says, " You're no bloomin' pacissyfist. You're a fighter, you are ! " It was too bad 'e 'ad t' be 'it before 'e knoo w'at 'e was. Thet kind will fight if the 'Un ever gits over 'ere, but w'at an 'opeless fight it'll be then. The other kind — the kind as burns the country's crops, an' 'olds back the Gover'ment by strikes an' sich-like — an' won't 'elp the boys w'at's gorn aat — they ain't pacissyfist or conshi-henshus hobjectors. They're hactive henemies, so 'elp me ! They're a funny lot — pacissyfists ! An' such rea- -C xi > FOREWORD sons as they give! There's the pacissyfist as refuses t' fight because 'e's a Christian. To 'im I say, " 'Aven't Christians 'ad t' fight f 'r their religion ever since 'e caime daan to earth ? " An' how d' y' suppose 'e feels w'en the henemy destroys the plaices w're Christians worship 'im? Destroy 'em, not by hacci- dent, but deliberately, so as their henemies shan't find no peace an' comfort even there! An' our Lord, 'isself, wasn't above showin' 'is raige wiv the money-changers in the Temple. An' look at the Kaiser ! The Kaiser says, " Me an' Gawd." / say to all Christians, " Put a gun on y'r shoulder, an' go an' teach thet man t' be respec'ful." But of all the difF'rent kinds o' pacissyfists the Hirish pacissyfist is the funniest. Himagine a Hirish pacissy- fist! It don' seem nachral, do it? An' it ain't nachral. There's thaasan's o' Hirishmen aat there a-fightin' f'r the Allies, an' thaasan's of 'em as won Victoria Crorsses and medals. An' they all believ, like a Hirishman 'ose loyalty 'as never been doubted, an' 'oo put it better'n / can. 'E said, " I want the freedom of Hireland. I want it more 'n anything, 'ere or 'ereafter. But, I wouldn' see the freedom of Hireland purchased wiv the freedom of Belgium ! " So come along, pacissyfists an' conshihenshus hobjec- tors ! Be reasonable ! Y' know, you're silly talkin' peace wiv the 'Un insultin' y' all 'e knows 'ow. It's no use goin' t' meet the henemy wiv Peace an' Goodwill in y'r 'an's. 'Ave Peace an' Goodwill in y'r 'earts, but -C xii > FOREWORD be sure y'r 'an*s is full o' s'rapnel. Give 'im the on'y sort o' fightin' 'e understan's. Put a gun on y'r shoulder an' advarnce singin' the song all the boys sing: " We licked you at the Marne, An' we beat you on the Aisne. We gaive you 'ell at Neuve Chapelle, An' 'ere we are, yes, 'ere we are again." The crowd join in stretching out their hands to Annie. I now leave the " composition " in the reader's hands in the hope that, though shorn of the genius of Laurette Taylor and her splendid company, it will still convey some little idea of England in the first year of the war; carry some message from a unified Empire; and leave the inspiration of daring to do so that civilization may endure. The Author New York. January, 1918 -C x"i ^ CONTENTS PAGE Inspiration 1 Devotion 67 Revelation 153 ILLUSTRATIONS " 'Aunted " Annie Frontispiece FACING PAGB " Nurse Nightingale " 60 " 'Appy Annie " 66 The Nurse 152 Produced at the Globe Theatre, New York City on Tuesday, March 27th, 1917, with the following cast: PART I Inspiration A room in a lodging house during the autumn of 1915 " 'Aunted Annie " " Princess " Lizzie "Old Velvet" 'Erb Monte Dr. Hanwell The The Surgeori The Irishman The Cockney The Canadian The Scotchman The New Zealander Griffin Terence A Newcomer Another Newcomer Gabrielle The Help Miss Laurette Taylor Miss Lynn Fontanne Miss Daisy Belmore Mr. Lewis Edgard Mr. Colin Campbell Mr. Frank Kemble Cooper PART II Devotion " Orange Walk " Mr. Frank Kemble Cooper Mr. J. M. Kerrigan Mr. Leonard Mudie Mr. Hubert Druce Mr. Douglas Ross Mr. A. E. Sproston Mr. James Archer Mr. Henry Oxenford Mr. George Kemble Mr. Philip Newman Miss Catherine Proctor Miss Laurette Taylor PART III Revelation Division One — Mrs. Hudd's Rooms Mrs. Hudd Miss Elizabeth Hudd Private Herbert Hudd Mr. Montague Marsh Division Two The Nurse Miss Daisy Belmore Miss Lynn Fontanne Mr. Lewis Edgard Mr. Colin Campbell A Public Place Miss Laurette Taylor PART I INSPIRATION A Room in a Lodging-house during the Autumn op 1915 " 'Aunted " Annie " Princess " Lizzie " Old Velvet " 'Erb Monte Doctor Hanwell INSPIRATION shabby living-room in a poor lodging-house. A few wooden chairs; a much-used deal table: some cuttings new and old, from illustrated papers, pasted on the walls: a battered chest of drawers R., a makeshift couch, L. C.J a dresser with cups, saucers, plates, etc., and a little cracked hand-mirror, L.; a threadbare carpet; and a cheaply-framed photograph of a soldier in uniform, thirty-five years old, taken 1899, on wall L. over door. The room is on the street level, and has three doors, one leading by the passage to the street, the others on each side of the room. Street door at end of passage. There is a window each side of C. door. These are both open. It is a little before sunset on an autumn evening. In from the street come the sounds of a barrel-organ, in the near distance, playing music-hall songs in vogue during 1915, varied by an occasional ballad of an earlier day. A plaintive voice in the far distance cries in high-register, " Fine large shrimps! Fine large shrimps! " as> he slowly moves along. Coming from the opposite direction, and passing on more rapidly to the accompaniment of a loud-sounding bell, a high-pitched voice calls defiantly, " Muffins! Muffins! '* When he has passed a hoarse voice woos the neighbours xvith " 'Ta- < 5 > OUT THERE ters, all 'ot! All 'ot 'taters! " The Muffin Man can still he heard in the distance. Monte passes the window R. and goes to the front door. The bell in the room just below door L. rings. There is no response. It rings the second time, and no one answers. As it rings the third time a tall, slim, flashily-dressed girl of nineteen comes irritably out of an inner room, opens the door into the passage, goes out, and opens the street door as far as the chain will allow. Her boots creak noisily as she walks. Stand- ing on the doorstep is a little, active, good-natured- looking young working-man of twenty-three. He is in his " best " black clothes, has a clean collar, black tie, and a straw hat with a black band around it. 'Oo is it? Monte. LIZZIE MONTE LIZZIE Oh Gawd! [She releases the door and holds it open.] 'Ello, Monte! MONTE 'Ello, Princess ! LIZZIE Can't come in. Ma's out. INSPIRATION MONTE Oh, is she? [He turns sideways and edges iw.] LIZZIE Yaas. I've got to be chappyroned with you. MONTE [Edging his way into the passage.] Ain't 'Erb in? [Closes front door.] LIZZIE No. Nor Annie. I'm all alone. MONTE [Grinning.] Go on! Are ye} LIZZIE Yaas. So clear out! MONTE [Grins, pushes past her through the passage, and turns at the door of the room.] Can't I come in so far? LIZZIE [Getting between him and the room; defiantly.] I tell ye I'm on me lonesome. So get out! [With a gesture as if throwing out something undesir- able.] < 7 > OUT THERE MONTE [Creeping in a little further.] This won't 'urt, will it? [He closes inner door.] LIZZIE 'Ere. Wot yer doin' of? You ain't 'arf cheeky! MONTE I got a new job. Princess. LIZZIE [Indifferently.] That so? MONTE Yaas. Start Monday. LIZZIE Wot as? A mourner? MONTE Naa, makin' guns. LIZZIE [Laughs derisively.] Ha! That's funny! MONTE Wot is ? LIZZIE You makin' guns. MONTE Wot's funny abaat it? < 8 > INSPIRATION LIZZIE [Laughing sneeringly.] My! Pipe the gun-maker! Little six-penn'orth-of-'a'penee. MONTE [Drawing himself up to his full five feet.] Naa, look 'ere. Tha's no wye t' talk. LIZZIE Oh! " Chise me, gals! I'm makin' guns! I'm makin' guns." MONTE Yer think I can't? Eh? Come daan and watch me. LIZZIE Noj old dear. I goes t' the thea,ytre w'en I wants t' laugh. MONTE Take care, Princess Lizzie ! Don' pl'y with me. LIZZIE Go an' pl'y by y'rself. MONTE 'Cos I come raand t' see y'r ma. LIZZIE O? Wat abaat? MONTE 'Er daughter. < 9 > OUT THERE Wot ? Annie ? Naa^ you! Oh! Is that so? Yaas. Wat ahaat me? UZZIE MONTE LIZZIE MONTE LIZZIE MONTE [Nervously.'] Y' see, Monday I got t' go t' Woolwich. T' the Arsenal. LIZZIE Oh! Oh! [Laughs. Sings.'] " I'm workin' at the Arsenal. The Arsenal ! The Arsenal ! " MONTE Are yer finished? LIZZIE O', you! MONTE An' I want t' know if y'r ma 'ould let y' come along too. LIZZIE Ma let me? Let me! W'at's ma got t' do with w'ere I go? -C 10 > INSPIRATION MONTE Wellj yer see, yer brother 'Erb spoke to me abaat you the other day, so I want t' be'ave like a gen'leman. LIZZIE That 'ould take a bit o' doin'. Wouldn't it? MONTE 'Ow abaat it, Princess? Are you willin' if y'r ma is? LIZZIE T' go t' Woolwich? W'at d'y' take me for? MONTE I'll tike y' f'r anythin'. Princess. LIZZIE [Scornfully.'] Is that so? MONTE Yaas, Liz. LIZZIE 'Ere ! Not s' much of the " Lis "! MONTE We bin walkin' aat ! LIZZIE W'at of it? MONTE Y' don't like no one better? -C 11 > OUT THERE LIZZIE 'Oo sez I don't? MONTE Doy'? LIZZIE Wat if I do? MONTE Gaan! [Coaxingly.] No, y' don'! [Getting a lit- tle nearer.^ Y' got t' get tied up sometime. LIZZIE Oh, naow I ain't. I 'aven't 'ad my fling yet. MONTE Wat fling.? LIZZIE Oh, there's lots I want- t' do afore I chucks ineself awye. MONTE Chucks y'rself .'* Is that 'ow y' feel abaat it.'' LIZZIE Wi' you? Yaas. You're a gal's last 'ope. MONTE Oh, indeed? Is that 'ow y' feels abaat me? LIZZIE Yaas. It is. -C 12 > INSPIRATION MONTE [Bitterly.] Y' maj' be sorrj^ f'r them words if I tikes y' up on 'em. LIZZIE Well, 'tike me up on 'em ! I ain't seen 'alf nor done 'alf I wants t'. No dish-washin' an' babies an' gin f'r me — yet! I my come to it. Y' never know y'r luck! Then I'll drop y' a postcard. MONTE That's a nice w'y t' talk o' marriage ! Wonder y' ain't ashamed ! Dish-washin', babies, an' gin ! My word ! LIZZIE That's w'at it's bin f'r ma. She washes the dishes — w'at's left of 'em. She 'ad three of us, an' she's aout on a gin-crawl naow. Not f'r me. Tike a walk, young man, tike a walk. MONTE This m'y be the last time I'll arst y'. LIZZIE I 'ope it is. MONTE There's lots o' gals in Woolwich. LIZZIE [Indifferently.'} I dess'y. < 13 > OUT THERE MONTE [Changing his tone; goes over to her coaxingly again.'\ We've had some nice times. LIZZIE 'Ave we? MONTE Ain't we? LIZZIE Some might call 'em sich. MONTE [Touches her.'] Wat's the matter, Liz? LIZZIE [Shaking herself free.] Aow, let me alone, cawn t MONTE They'll p'y me good money in Woolwich. LIZZIE Treat the Woolwich gals with it, then. MONTE [Despondently.] Then it's no use waitin' t' see y'r ma? LIZZIE Naow, it ain't. Don't suppose she'll be able t' talk t* y' w'en she comes — poor ol' " Gin-an'-water " ! So 'op it. -C 14 > INSPIRATION MONTE Ain't we goin' t' walk out no more ? LIZZIE Not knowin', cawn't s'y — not hinterested, don't care ! [Monte stands disconsolately and gives a deep sigh.] [Lizzie laughing.] You're a rum little blighter. MONTE [Bitterly.^ Rum, am I? LIZZIE [With a sudden burst.] Look 'ere, it's no use talkin' t' me abaat marriage. I ain't that sort. I don't want t' be tied up to a couple o' rooms an' a biby every year. I seen too much of it. I got 'igher ideas n'r that. MONTE Oh, Liz — LIZZIE I earns me w'y, an' I does as I likes. They don't call me " Princess " at the factory f'r nothin'. [Wets her finger and sticks the curl dozen on her forehead.] I'm goin' t' do as I likes as long as I likes. Wen I'm sick of it come raan again if y' don* find a gal in Woolwich. MONTE All right. Princess. An' y're well nimed. Y're waitin' for a bloomin' dook, ain't y'? LIZZIE Wat if I am? [Sings.] -C 15 > OUT THERE " Oh, 'e'll tike me t' ride in. 'is brufFam, 'is brufFam, A swell I'll be of the d'y." Good-bye, Monte ! MONTE An' t' think I loved y' once ! LIZZIE Don' let it keep y' awike. There's others. Wat abaat me sister, Annie? MONTE Annie! [Opens door, quickly goes out, then puts his head round door.] Goo'-bye, Elizabeth! [Closes door.] LIZZIE Tata ! Ferdinand ! [Monte goes out through front door.] LIZZIE [Goes to windoiv and calls to him.'] Monte, bring us a cannon from Woolwich, t' wear nex' me 'eart. [Laughs and sings.] " I'm goin' t' work in the Arsenal! The Arsenal ! The Arsenal ! " [Moves away from the window, thinks frowningly for a minute, gives a toss of the head. Picks up hand mirror, looks at herself for a moment, and goes back to the inner room.] [In the far distance the criers call their wares. A shrill, < 16 > INSPIRATION cheery vendor chirps, " Fine kipper! Nice kipper! Sweet kipper! Pick 'em out where ye like! Smell 'em, lidy! Sweet-scented, lovely kipper! Fresh from the water! Fine kipper! Sweet kipper! Lovely kipper! Where ye like! Pick 'em out! " Very faintly can he heard the barrel-organ. The outer door is opened by a latch-key, and then the inner door opens, and a young, thin, pale, wide-eyed girl, very quietly dressed, comes in wearily. She goes to dresser and gets hammer and some tacks, and tacks on the door a recruiting poster she has brought in with her. It is one of the famous recruiting posters used in England during 1915. It represents the head of a smiling English soldier. Above him the words, "En- list to-day." Beneath him, " He's Happy and Satis- fied. Are You? " She looks around the room, takes off her hat and coat, puts them down on the chest of drawers, takes out a key, opens a drawer with it, takes out of the drawer some needlework, sits beside the window so as to get the light, and begins to sew feverishly. After a few moments Lizzie looks in.] LIZZIE I thought I 'card the door go. ANNIE Y're 'ome early? LIZZIE Wat of it? -C 17 > OUT THERE ANNIE Nothin'. LIZZIE Goin' t' the theaytre. ANNIE Are ye? LIZZIE Yaas. ANNIE With Monte? LIZZIE [Disdainfully.'} Monte! Naow! Little shrimp! ANNIE Oh, Liz. LIZZIE 'E was all right w'ile it lasted. Got a noo feller now. ANNIE Oh? LIZZIE Yaas. He travels for a doll factory. ANNIE Were did y' meet 'im? LIZZIE One o' the gals. ANNIE I liked Monte. -C 18 > INSPIRATION LIZZIE You would. Well, y' can 'ave 'im. ANNIE [Just looks at her. Goes on sewing. 1 Mother in? LIZZIE Naow. Aat doin' the rounds. ANNIE She oughtn't t' be out so much^ an' she like she is. LIZZIE [Taking a bottle off the dresser, shaking it and hold- ing it up.] That's w'y ! All 'er "velvet's" gone. Makes me sick ! I want t' git aat o' this — travel abaat. My feller does, all the time. Up an' daan the country. That's livin', that is. 'Stead o' stickin abaat. Ma makes me sick. 01' soak ! ANNIE It's all the comfort she's got. Don' grudge it. LIZZIE [Looking at Annie, disgustedly.] I do grudge it. Nice plice t' come 'ome to ! You an' mother! One al- wa's sewin', an' the other alwa's swillin'. [Sings as she sits on the table dangling her feet.] " I wants a tiddley, a tiddley-iddley-iddley. I wants a tiddley naow an' then." Wat are y' sewin'? -C 19 > OUT THERE ANNIE RagSi [Laughs contemptuously.]. Yaasl All you^ll eve? 'ave ! Sittin' around doin' nothin' — sewin' ! W'y don't, y' go aat an' git work? Annie I've bin 'most every d'y^ Cawn't git nothin* just naow. LIZZIE No wonder ! With a iice like that ! Gives me the fair 'ump t' look at 'y. Y're " 'Aunted Annie," an' no mistake, Wat's come over y'? Y' used t' laugh once. ANNIE I don' feel like laughin' jus' naow. LIZZIE W'y? 'Cos y'r feller's gone? ANNIE No. I'm glad o' that. LIZZIE, Oh, are yer? You an' Ma/ Gi*^ me the pip! [Goes over and stands looking down at Annie.] F'r Gawd's sake w'at is that there ye're workin' at? [Tries to snatch it.] •C 20 > IJ^SPIRATION ANNIE iRotls iJt up, stands up, and faces her.'] Never you mind;' LIZZIE Wy won't y' show it ? ANNIE 'Cos I won't 'ave y' laughin' at me. That's w'y ! Y' alwa's laugh at everything I do. LIZZIE W'y shouldn't I ? Ain't ye my sister ? 'Oo are yoa — not t' be laughed at ? ANNIE Y're not goin' t' laugh at this. LIZZIE Oh, ain't I? ANNIE No. You ain't. LIZZIE Le' me see. \^She tries to snatch it.] ANNIE [Warningly.] You keep y'r 'ands off. LIZZIE Is it y'r bloomin' trousseau, eh ? Give it me ! [She seizes it. They struggle for it.] -C 21 > OUT THERE ANNIE [Frantically.] Le' go! Le' go! [Lizzie gives it a txcist.] Don't y' tear it ! [Lizzie gives it another twist."] [Begins to cry.] Please don't tear it! [Lizzie nearly pulls it from her.] [Fiercely.] If y' tear it I'll kill y', so I will, [Beats at her furiously until she completely cows her. Then pushes her away, glaring ferociously at her.] I'm sorry if I 'urt yer. You keep away from this — and from we — or you'll be sorry. lizzie [Snivelling. Thoroughly frightened.] I didn' mean nothin' ! [Backing away to a safe distance.] I've 'ad enough of y'r gibes an' sneers. You let me alone ! lizzie [Reeovering herself a little.] I s'y ! Wat a temper ! [Rubbing her shoulder where Annie struck her.] An' ain't we strong? Y' ought t' be a bruiser like 'Erb. That's w'at you ought t' be. A bloomin' fighter ! ANNIE [Smoothing out the work they had just fought over.] I'd like t' be a fighter. If I was 'Erb I would be. -C 22 > INSPIRATION LIZZIE Oh! Is that 50? ANNIE Yaas. Thats' so ! If I was 'Erb I wouldn' be loafin' round 'ere. I'd go out and fight proper. [Goes to drawer, puts the work in, locks the drawer and puts the key in her pocket. "j [The door swings open, and a young, active man, about twenty-four, strongly built, wearing a light tweed suit a good deal the worse for wear, a woollen muffler, and a cricket cap on the back of his head, stands in the doorway. His right eye is slightly discoloured.l LIZZIE 'Ere 'e is. Nah tell 'im w'at y' said. 'erb Tell me w'at.? LIZZIE She says you ought t' be fightin'. Didn't y' now.'' ANNIE Yes, I did. An' 'e knows 'e ought t' be. 'erb I 'ave bin. Pipe the lamp? \Touches his eye.} LIZZIE Oh, I s'y ! Oh ! Look at 'is eye ! -C 23 > OUT THERE 'erb Never mind about my eye. Y' should 'a' seen 'is. Both on 'em ! LIZZIE Did y' win? 'erb Yaas. Knocked 'im stone cold in the fi'th raound. [^Tahes out some coins.'] See? Money t' spend! LIZZIE [Tries to snatch it. Admiringly.] My! You ain't 'alf all right ! 'erb [Takes out a small flash. ] For ma ! LIZZIE Oh, "Velvet"? [Takes flash from him.'] 'erb Yaas. Keep 'er goin' f'r a bit! [Lizzie 'places flash in dresser.] An' s'y! [Pulls out a paper package.] Chuck that under y'r chin. [Th7-ows it at her.] lizzie [Catches it, unwraps it, and produces a bright red ribbon.] Much obliged, I'm sure, 'Erb. I'll wear it at the theaytre tonight. [Ties it, and looks at herself in the crached hand-mirror.] -C 24 > INSPIRATION 'erb Saw it in a winder. Thought it 'ould be y'r fancy. [Looks at Annie.] I ain't brought you nothin'. ANNIE All right, 'Erb. 'erb Wat was y' s'ying abaat me? LIZZIE She was s'ying if she was you she'd be fightin'. 'erb Oh, did je? ANNIE Yaas. I did. An' I would be, too. 'erb You shut yer trap abaat me. ANNIE Wouldn't it be better t' be fightin' a lot o' brutes f'r y'r country than 'ittin' one o' y'r own kind f'r a few shillin's .'' 'erb That's my business. See? An' y' can take it from me now, I'm not goin'. See? ANNIE Yes, y' will. You'll go. By-and-bye. < 25 > OUT THERE 'erb If they want me let 'em come an' fetch me. ANNIE They want j all right. And lots more, too. An' they'll fetch y' w'en the time comes. But I don' want y' t' go becos y've bin fetched. I want y' t' go becos y've got the call in y'r mind. Becos, 'Erb, y' are needed. Y' know they need y'. [She looks straight at him.] 'erb [Shrugs his shoulders and turns away from her. Points to the picture of the soldier on the wall.'j Father was needed, wasn't he.'' ANNIE An' 'e went. 'erb Yaas, an' got killed. An' w'at did a griteful country do f'r 'is wife an' kids."* Eh.^ Answer me that! ANNIE We've got along, 'Erb. 'erb Yaas, an' they can git along without me, same as we 'ave without them. 'Ow old was 'e w'en 'e went? Thirty-five! That's w'at 'e was. Prime o' life! Cut orf by a Boer bullit, an' buried Gawd knows w'ere. None o' that f'r me! Me life's me own. See? I want it. Let them as likes go. Not me ! -C 26 > INSPIRATION ANNIE I don' like t' 'ear y' talk like that. Y'r life belongs t' the country y' was born in, 'Erb. 'erb Naow, you leave off naggin' ! See? 'Cos I ain't goin'. It's all very fine for a parcel o' women t' be shaatin', "Go! Go! Go!" Wat are you doin, eh? ANNIE I'd do my bit if they'd let me. 'erb [Turns his head and looks at her for a second.^ A fat lot you'd do ! ANNIE I would. [With a sudden thought.] If I did go, would y' go? 'erb You! [Laughs.] Ho! Bli' me! She'd run away from a pop-gun. ANNIE No, I wouldn't. If I did go would y' go? 'erb Naow, look 'ere, y' nagged the feller y' was walkin' aat with inta goin', but y' ain't goin' to me. ANNIE I didn' nag Dick. -C 27 > OUTTHERE 'erb Yaas, y' did. Y' was alwa's at 'im. ANNIE I'm sorry y' think that. 'E didn' need any naggin'. We jus' talked it over, quiet-like, an' nex' day 'e 'listed. [Pause.'l If I did go, would you go? If I could git aat there, somehow, [Leaning over him] would y' go? [She touches his shoulder. '\ 'erb Oh, shut up ! LIZZIE 'Oo's goin' t' tike care o' ma an' me if 'Erb went, I'd like t' know? ANNIE You're in a good job. Mother's got 'er bit o' pension. LIZZIE Pension ! My word ! 'Ardly keeps 'er in gin ! You let 'Erb alone! There's plenty of others. ANNIE [Earnestly to 'Erb, her eyes distended. She kneels •with one knee on couch.] If I did go, would y' go? 'erb [Uneasily, draws back, looking at Annie.] 'Ark a^ 'er! [Turns to Lizzie.] -c 28 :}- INSPIRATION She do look 'aunted, don' she? [Turns again to Annie.] LIZZIE Daft, I calls 'er. [They are both looking at Annie.] ANNIE I am 'aunted, 'Erb. I think it must be becos father went that w'y. 'E 'ad the call an' 'e answered it, an* I'm sure 'e's 'appier becos 'e did. It don' seem fair to them aat there t' be 'elding back. If I did go, 'Erb — would you go? 'erb You go aat there, an I'll — ANNIE Y'll go? 'erb I'll see abaat it. [He rises without taking his eyes off Annie, and backs away to Lizzie for protection. Takes her hand.'] [There is a knock at the outer door. There is a pause; no one moves. The silence is broken by a second knock. Annie goes over to chest of drawers, and arranges sewing. 'Erb is just about to answer knock zvhen he sees poster.] 'erb 'Ere, 'oo put that there? -C 29 > OUT THERE ANNIE I did. [Sits and starts to sew.^ 'erb Oh! [The house bell rings-. 'Erb slouches over and throws the door open. Dr. Hanwell, a tall, genial, polished, distinguished man of fifty-five, is standing outside.^ DR. HANWELL May I come in.^ *ERB Yaas, y' m'y. DR. HANWELL Thank ye ! [Comes in through the inner door, takes off his hat, bows to the two girls, turns around to 'Erb just as that young gentleman sla77is the door and slouches back, and smiles at him.] You did very well in putting that boy out last night, my lad. 'erb An' w'y shouldn't I, young feller-me-lad y'rself? DR. HANWELL Why shouldn't you? You're a born fighter. [There is an awkward pause. 'Erb says " " and goes over to Lizzie.] [Dr. Hanwell to Annie.] How is your mother? -C 30 > INSPIRATION ANNIE Better, thank ye, sir. DR. HANWELL Is she in? ANNIE No, sir. She just stepped out a little while ago. She won' be long. LIZZIE [Holding up the empty bottle.l Doctor, the bottle was empty, so she went out to get some gin. [Goes into inner room.^ 'erb W'y didn' she wait for me.'' [Holds up the flask he brought.] I got 'er one — and full o' " Velvet." [He follows Lizzie out, slamming the door.] DR. HANWELL It's a pity your mother is not in. I should have liked to see her. This is my last visit. ANNIE [Wide-eyed and disappointed.] Is it? DR. HANWELL Yes. I'm ofF tomorrow. ANNIE [Rises.] OfF? [With a gasp.] Not to—? Not -C 31 > OUT THERE to — IBreaks off, makes a gesture indicating a long xvay of-] DR. HANWELL l^Smiling-l "Somewhere in France." ANNIE [Enthusiastically], Oh! Are ye.'' 'Orspital work? DR. HANWELL Yes. ANNIE [Yea7'ningly.] Lots o' nurses goin', I expect.'' DR. HANWELL Yes. [Annie sighs and sits again."] I thought I'd run in and see your mother while I was down here, though she was going on very well last week. She's pretty well now, sir. All the cuts are 'ealcd up. 'Er 'ead troubles 'er, though. I didn' want 'er t' go aat t'd'y. DR. HANWELL Oh, fresh air is good for her. ANNIE It ain't very fresh w'ere she goes, sir. -C 32 > INSPIRATION DR. HANWELL Where's that? ANNIE [Wistfully.] The " Mother Red Cap." That's 'er favourite Public-House. DR. HANWELL [Smiles, shakes his head.] What a pity! ANNIE She meets 'er friends, y' know. Pretty lonely f'r 'er 'ere w'en we're all aw'y. DR. HANWELL Was she coming from the " Mother Red Cap " when she was run over? ANNIE Yaas, sir. [Hurriedly.] Oh, but she was all right. She alwa's is. It was tlie chauffeur's fault. An' the street's that dark since the war's on. 'E miglit 'a' got any one, the rate 'e was goin'. DR. HANWELL There was no trace of liquor on her when she was brought into the hospital. ANNIE Oh, there never is. She carries her gin verj* well. Done it all 'er life. Says it kind o' preserves 'er. IC 33 > OUT THERE DR. HANWELL ^Smiling.] Alcohol can preserve. It can also de- stroy, my girl. ANNIE [JSmiling sadly.] Mother's one o' the preserved. Wen I was workin', gettin' good money, too, I 'ad all this fitted up like a private bar, so as t' keep 'er in. Got in everythin' she wanted, an' some extry glarses f'r 'er friends. Didn't last. [Sadly.] D'y' know w'at I think it was.-* [Dr. Hanwell shakes his head.] She missed the bright lights an' the noise, and the sawdust on the floor. No 'ome is in it with a public- 'ouse once y' git the 'abit. DR. HANWELL I suppose not. I'm glad to hear she's going on so well. ANNIE [Rises.] Won't we see yer after termorrow.'' DR. HANWELL No. ANNIE It's bin very kind of y' t' come round after 'er, sir. W'y 'ave 'y done it? DR. HANWELL I happened to be in charge at the hospital when she -C 34 > INSPIRATION was brought in. I like to see a case right through if I can. ANNIE Don't y' charge anythin' f'r it.^ DR. HANWELL No, not this end of the town. I get all I want out of the other end. [Smiling.] The West End. ANNIE You'll be missed round 'ere, sir. DR. HANWELL [Laughs.] I'm wanted out there. Besides, some one will take my place. You'll not be neglected. [His hand on door knob.] ANNIE [Suddenly and vehemently.] Oh, doctor, doctor, I cawn't bear t' be lef be'ind. DR. HANWELL [Astonished.] Left.-* ANNIE You're goin' t' do somethin' f'r your country. I'm 'ere doin' nothin' — nothin' ! DR. HANWELL There will be plenty for every one to do presently. Every class will have to do its share. -C 35 > OUT THERE ANNIE But I don' want t' wait. [Earnestly.'^ I want t' begin naow. Take me with ye. Will ye.'' DR. HANWELL Take you.'' ANNIE [Nods.] Aat there. Will ye.'' I want t' 'elp. DR. HANWELL How.? ANNIE I want t' be a nurse. DR. HANWELL That's impossible. ANNIE W'y is it? DR. HANWELL You have had no training. ANNIE I'll learn. Learn fast, too. I'm very quick. Please take me. I'll begin at the bottom. I'll scrub floors — wash their clo'es — tear up bandages — anything jus' t' be near 'em. I want t' be close t' the fellers who're gettin' wounded f'r us. DR. HANWELL My good girl — -C 36 > IxNSPIRATION ANNIE I've done a bit o' nursin' here, right in this room. Wen mother was all cut abaat I 'elped ter bind 'er up, didn't I? Y' said once I 'ad the right 'ands for a nurse: an' the kind o' voice: that me place was at a bedside. Was y' kiddin' me? DR. HANWELL No. But it's very different nursing your mother — ANNIE If I could do it f'r 'er, w'y couldn't I do it f'r them? Do let me go. I want to be among 'em. It's 'orrible t' sit 'ere 'elpless. D' y' know w'at 'appened t' my father in Africa.'' DR. HANWELL Killed.? ANNIE Yaas. But 'e needn't 'a' bin. 'E laid all d'y with a bullit in 'im. No one t' give 'im a drop o' water or any- thin'. Wen they found 'im it was too late. I might find some one like that an' save 'em. Let me go just as a water-carrier. DR. HANWELL But you've had no experience. ANNIE Wat experience 'ave the fine lidies got 'oo are goin' aat all the time ? W'at d' they know that I cawn't learn ? •C 37 > OUT THERE They go f 'r the excitement — an' t' get their fices in the paper. Does any one arst them w'at experience they've 'ad? 'Ow d' they git aat? Becos they're rich an' know people. I only knows you. Do somethin' f'r me. I don' want no pay — jus' me keep. I'll go on till I drop. W'at can them lidies do that I cawn't? If one of 'em gits a stitch in 'er side she goes back 'home, an' then she's an 'ero. DR. HANWELL You mustn't say that. Some of the finest people in the country are working nobly out there. No sacrifice is too great. ANNIE That's it. The rich can mike sacrifices. W'y cawn't the poor ? W'y cawn't I ? Oh, ever since it started the thought's bin beatin' in me, d'y an' night, " Git aat there. Y've got t' git aat there! " [Pleading.'] Y' might tike a chance with me. I'd be no trouble. Cheer 'em up, too ! I can sing a bit. Dance, too ! DR. HANWELL [Smiling.'] Oh? ANNIE Afore it all started I used t' be quite cheerful. It's only since it broke aat I'm like this. " 'Aunted Annie " they calls me naow. 'Cos I'm alwa's seein' things. Aat there I'd be as 'appy as anythin' — reely I would ! Make 'em laugh, I would. See if I wouldn't! [With a little "hopeless effort to smile: but her anxiety is so great she -C 38 > INSPIRATION almost sobs.^ I'd keep their minds orf theirselves. I know two funny stories. D'yer ever 'ear that one abaat the feller as was standing up against a lamp-post and a hofficer comes along and says : " 'Ere, young feller — me — lad, w'y ain't yer at the front ? W'y ain't yer fighting for yer country? W'y don't yer enlist? " And the feller says to the hofficer, 'e says: "Wot? Bli' me! Me enlist? Wiv this bloomin' war goin' on? " DR. HANWELL [Laughs.'\ ANNIE And, d'yer 'ear the one abaat the soldier in the 'ors- pital? 'E says to the nurse: " Wot's this 'ere on my fore'ead? " An' the nurse says: "A vinegar band- age." An' 'e says: "Bli'me! Vinegar! Wot's this 'ere on my chest?" An' the nurse says: "A mustard plarster," an' 'e says: "Bli'me! Mustard! Wot's this 'ere on my feet? " An' the nurse says: " 'Ot salt bag," an' 'e says : " Bli'me ! Vinegar ! Mustard ! Salt! W'y not pour some pepper in me 'ear-'ole and make me a bloomin' cruet? " [Dr. Hanwell laughs, and moves towards door.] Ain't they funny enough? [With a great crt/.] Oh, doctor, I want t' do somethin' — [Beating her hands helplessly. Her voice fails her. She sits on couch, covers her eyes.] If ye'd only tike me! If y'd only do it! -C 39 > OUT THERE DR. HANWKLL [Puts his hand on her shoulder.] Why not get into one of the munition factories? You'd be helping there. I'm sure I could do something like that for you. ANNIE {^Blazing up fiercely. Forgetting her tears.'] Them as cawn't feel nothin' can do that. But I want t' be near the fellers who's fightin' f'r us. I'm not afraid o' blood. Y' know that. Mother bled. I didn' mind it. I bound 'er up. An' you standin' by. An' she used t' moan all night, an' I'd soothe 'er an' mike 'er sleep. That's w'at I want t' do aat there. [Passionately.] Oh, cawn't y' see? I want t' git at the real 'eart of it all. I'm alwa's thinkin of it — all d'y, an' 'alf the night. Wen I do sleep I dream of it. I'm a real nurse every night for a bit. An' then I wikes up t' this. [All the time searching her brain for fresh reasons why he should take her.] An' see! Wait a minit! I mus' show y' ! This is 'ow much I've bin thinkin' of it ! [As she speaks she hurriedly opens the drawer and takes out the work over which she fought with her sister. She takes it over to the Doctor, opens it out, and dis- closes a nurse's dress, made of cheap material, and a cap. She looks up expectantly at the Doctor, her eyes shining, her whole manner expectant, as though they were triumphant proof of her right to go " out there."] Made 'em meself, aat o' w'at I sived. Got a cap, too, -C 40 > INS PI RATION wiv a crorss on it ! [SJiows cap. Paused Are they — all right? [Pause.] Eh? DR. HANWELL [Very embarrassed.] They're very charming — ANNIE [Quickly.] Oh, no, they're not. Not 'alf good enough ! I know that. But they're the best I could manage. Tliey'd do at first — wouldn't they? [An,v- iously.] Till I could get real ones? DR. HANWELL You couldn't wear them until you'd passed the pro- bationary period. ANNIE [Hopelessly and dejectedly.] Couldn't I? DR. HANWELL No. It's a uniform, the same as a soldier's. And a very honourable one. ANNIE I'd do nothin' t' shime it. DR. HANWELL I'm sure of that. ANNIE Cawn't y' take me? [Almost in despair.] Or send me ? Or 'elp me t' go ? Some'ow ? -C -ii > OUT THERE DR. HANWELL I'll see what can be done. ANNIE [Jumping at the chance.] Oh, doctor — DR. HANWELL [Quickly. 1 I can't promise anything will come of it. You've got the right stuff, my girl. [Smiling.] The women behind us are going to win for us. ANNIE I'll win f'r y'. I mean as 'ow I'll 'elp ye ter win. Y' will try ? DR. HANWELL Yes. ANNIE Soon? DR. HANWELL It will have to be. ANNIE [Persevering.] D' y' think y' can manage it? DR. HANWELL [Smiling at her perseverance.] If it is possible. ANNIE [Just touching his arm.] Y' don't know w'at it'd mean t' me. -C 42 > INSPIRATION DR. HANWELL [Takes up the cap from the table, looks at it, then at Annie.] I think I do. [Moving to door, and catching sight of poster.'] Hello! ANNIE [Hurriedly.'] I put that there. Would y' mind speakin' t' my brother.^ DR. HANWELL What about? ANNIE Abaat that. 'E ought t' be aat there. DR. HANWELL He certainly ought to be. ANNIE 'E wonit go. DR. HANWELL Why not? ANNIE I dunno. Oh, it ain't becos 'e's frightened. 'E ain't afraid of no one. I think it's becos o' father lyin' there till 'e died. 'E's kind o' bitter abaat that. DR. HANWELL The fortune of war. ANNIE Yaas. Would y' mind speakin' to him? My feller's -C 43 > OUT THERE gorn. Y' know — Dick. My sweet'eart. Y've seen 'im 'ere. DR. HANWELL Oh, yes. Has he, indeed,'' ANNIE Yaas. 'E didn' want to very much, but I said I wouldn't speak to 'im agin if 'e didn't. So 'e went. Seemed quite 'appy, too, once 'e'd made up 'is mind. That's all it is — jus' makin' up y'r mind. Then nothin' seems 'ard. [Doctor laughs quietly.^ See 'ow 'appy you are t' be goin' aat! So w'd I be. It ain't enough makin' other people do things. The praad part is doin' 'em y'rself. DR. HANWELL Quite right. You ought to be a recruiting sergeant. ANNIE Oh, I'd 'ate meself all me life if any thin' 'appened t' the country an' I'd done nothin'. It'd seem as though it was my fault. 'Course I know nothin' will. We'll win. We got to win. Bli' me! An' w'en we do, 'ow rotten it'll be f'r 'Erb and the kind that go t' the street- corner w'en the fellers come back an' scream, " We won ! " w'en they've done nothin' f'r it. An' w'en they've done shoutin' they'll skulk back t' their little dark beds an' cry their eyes aat 'cos they shirked an' -C 44 > INSPIRATION never took the chance they 'ad t' mike theirselves great. Muck! That's w'at they'll feel. Just much! \_The street door slams.'] [The door opens, and Annie's mother enters, a little unsteadily. She is a dark, untidy, middle-aged woman, shabbily dressed, her bonnet somewhat askew, a large shawl wrapped around her, inside of which she is firmly holding something. She is familiarly known as " OV Velvet," because of her partiality to the bever- age known by that nickname — gin.] " VELVET " \To Annie.] There y' are, dearie. ANNIE \Goes to her and warns her that the Doctor is in the room.'] The doctor ! " VELVET " [When she sees the Doctor, she draws herself up in intoxicated dignity.] An' the doctor. 'Onoured, I'm sure, sir. ANNIE Were 'ave y' bin, mother? " VELVET " Not afore the doctor, darlin'. ANNIE I told 'im, -C 45 > OUT THERE " VELVET " Did ye? Hindeed! Most himproper of ye, I'm sure. ANNIE Was it the " Mother Red Cap "? " VELVET " If y' must know, it was. An' w'at of it? ANNIE O', nothing! [Takes her and tries to help Aer.] " VELVET " [Very indignantly removes Annie's hand from her arm and walks very unsteadily to couch.'\ ANNIE [Seating her on couch.] Gi'e me y'r shawl. [Trying to take it.] " VELVET " No, thank ye. ANNIE W'y not? " VELVET " I'm chilly, dearie. [Beams at Doctor. Winks at Annie indicating the Doctor, and also the something hidden under the shawl.] ANNIE Tike orf y'r bonnit. -C 46 > INSPIRATION " VELVET " Not before the doctor. Ain't you ashamed? ANNIE Well, take orf yer gloves. " VELVET " Not before the doctor. ANNIE Just one. \_She pulls off the glove hy the fingers-l Naa, the other one. [She pulls it off.] Wat's this? [Touching the hidden something under the shazal.1 " VELVET " Now, never you mind. [Whispers.] Wait till 'e's gorn. Wat's that y're 'oldin', dearie.'' ANNIE Oh, a few things. [To Dr. Hanwell.] Can y' wait a minnit more ? DR. HANWELL [Smiling.] Well, perhaps five. ANNIE Will y' speak to 'Erb? DR. HANWELL Very well. < 47 > OUT THERE " VELVET " Wat are y' w'isperin' abaat? [Annie goes to door of inner room.l^ Ah! [Shakes her finger at the Doctor.] Secrets^ eh ? You're the artful ones — you doctors ! [^Coughs genteelly behind her hand and winks at him.] ANNIE {^Speaking through the open door.] 'Erb! 'erb [In inner room.] Wat? ANNIE Come in 'ere^ will ye? 'erb Wat for? ANNIE Doctor wants t' talk t' y'. 'erb Oh, all right! ANNIE [Turning away from door, looks at her mother. Crosses to the Doctor.] Make 'im go. [Passes into the other room.] " velvet " [Winks at the Doctor and indicates Annie.] Saucy — ain't she ? -C 48 > INSPIRATION DR. HANWELL And how are you feeling today ? " VELVET " I don' know^ doctor. Got a kind o' sinkin'. DR. HANWELL Where ? " VELVET " All-overish. DR. HANWELL Take a deep breath. [Bending down.] Now breathe heavily outwards. [She does. He sniffs.] Is it — gin? " VELVET " W'y, 'ow did y' guess? You know everythin', you doctors. It don't 'urt me. Does me 'eart good. DR. HANWELL Does it? " VELVET " Oh, a lot o' good. That's w'y they calls it " Velvet." So sorft an' nice. DR. HANWELL [Takes her wrist and looks at his watch. Velvet beams at Doctor as he touches her wrist.] Your head's all nicely healed up? -C 49 > OUT THERE Outside, sir, it's all right. But inside, sir! Oh, my word ! Seems to all wobble abaat. DR. HANWELL Does it, indeed? " VELVET " Yaas, sir. All jumpin'-like, down at the back. DR. HANWELL Ah! \^Closing the watch and releasing her wrist."] " VELVET " Is me pulse all right? DR. HANWELL Splendid ! This is the last time I shall see you. " VELVET " Oh, but I ain't well yet. Not really well. Besides, if I was, I likes y' comin' round. [Looking coyly at him.] DR. HANWELL You can drop in at the hospital and see Dr. Barnett. He takes my place. I'm going away. " VELVET " Are ye, dearie? — I mean, doctor? I beg y'r pardon, I'm sure. Careless of me. Goin' aw'y, eh? Got a bet- ter job? -C 50 > INSPIRATION DR. HANWELL Get all the air you can. And — not quite so much " velvet." " VELVET " Oh, a drop now and agen keeps the blues aw'y. An' the 'eartburn. I git that somethin' chronic. DR. HANWELL A glass of plain hot water would stop them both. " VELVET " Wat I tike wouldn't 'urt a fly — reely it wouldn't, dea — doctor. DR. HANWELL It's hurting you. " VELVET " Ah ! I see. / know. You ain' got no sympathy with the workin' clarses. Y're all alike. Want t' tike aw'y their little drop o' comfort. An' all the trouble I've 'ad! No one knows w'at we 'ave to put up with from our fami- lies. DR. HANWELL You haven't much to complain of. " VELVET " Oh! 'ark at 'im! W'at oh! I've slaved all me life since me pore 'usband got took orf a-bringin' of 'em up — an' w'at 'ave I got? This 'ole t' live in. Look at it! Gives me the pip t' come into it. [With great dignity.'] I come of carriage-folk in me own right, I do. -C 51 > OUT THERE DR. HANWELL Oh! " VELVET " " An' me 'usband 'ad estates, if they 'adn't took 'em from 'im, You know, under-'and-like. Ever 'ear o' the 'Udds of 'Uddersfield? DR. HANWELL No. " VELVET " Well, that's 'im. [Bitterly.'] My fem'ly! It's like pullin' teeth gettin' a shillin' aat o' them. That's w'at children are tod'y. 'Erb picks up a bit fightin' an' comes home with a fice like a bit o' beef. 'E ought t' be in a steady job, an' lookin' after me proper. DR. HANWELL He ought to be in the army. " VELVET " Oh, no, 'e oughtn't. Oh, indeed no ! 'E 'ates walkin, an' the food wouldn't suit 'im. 'E's got t' be very p'r- tic'l'r w'at 'e eats on account of 'is wind. [Hiccoughs.] 'E don't tike after 'is pa no 'ow. More like me. [Hic- coughs.] Begging yer pardon, I'm sure. One soldier's enough in the fem'ly, an' 'im took orf in 'is prime. 'Erb couldn't Stan' bein' ordered abaat. Oh, no! Don* git that idea in y'r 'ead. 'E's small use t' me, but w'at 'e is I wants. I'd git nothin' if 'e went aw'y enjoyin' 'isself aat there. -C 52 > INSPIRATION DR. HANWELL You ought to send him away. " VELVET " Oh! Oh! There goes me 'eart! [Moistens her ] Would y' miaid if I took a little? DR. HANWELL A little what? " VELVET " " Velvet/' dear — doctor. " Mother's ruin/' they calls it. May I? DR. HANWELL, Try some hot water. " VELVET " 'Ot water ? Bli' me ! Ain't I got trouble enough ? You are cruel, ain't ye? Just a spoonful, eh? DR. HANWELL I don't prescribe it. " VELVET " I knew y' wouldn't tike aw'y a pore woman's stand-by. [Taking out a flat gin bottle from under her shawl, ex- tracting the cork, wiping her lips, and holding up the bottle to the Doctor.] Wat oh ! [Drinks it long and steadily. "] -C 53 > OUT THERE DR. HANWELL Steady ! [Touches her arm.l " VELVET " [Gasping and choking.'] Very weak! 'Ardly tiste it ! [Starts to drink again.] DR. HANWELL [Takes the bottle from her and puts it on the dresser.] That will do for the present. " VELVET " 'Ave it y'r own w'y- Me 'eart's better awready. ['Erb comes in, his face shining from recent washing, followed by 'Lizzie, who has her hat on, and wears the new ribbon round her neck.] 'erb 'Ello, ma! Guess w'at I've brought ye. [Picks the flask off the dresser and holds it out to her.] " VELVET " W'at is it, 'Erb ? 'erb " W'ite Sat'n," ol' dear! " VELVET " Naow ain't that nice of ye ? INSPIRATION 'erb Strongest they've got. It'll tickle ye up. [He digs her in the ribs. She chokes and laughs.] [Is about to take bottle from 'Erb when Lizzie snatches it out of his hand and places it on dresser. '\ " VELVET " [Laughing stupidly and coughing.'\ My word! Y're pl'yful. [She slaps his face with some white feathers she has been holding.] 'erb 'Ere! Wat's this? " VELVET " W'ite fewers, dearie ! 'erb For me.'' " VELVET " Naow. Bought 'em at a sale. 'erb [Relieved.] That's all right. None o' thet " 'Aunted Annie " stuff ! [He goes to Doctor.] Want to see me ? dr. hanwell Yes, I do. 'erb Wat abaat? -C 55 > OUT THERE DR. HANWELL Why don't you enlist? 'erb 'Cos I don' want to. DR. HANWELL You know what they'll call you if you don't? 'erb Not to my fie, they won't. If they do I'll know what for, now then! Be'ind me back they can s'y w'at they like. DR. HANWELL Why give them the chance to say it anywhere? 'erb W'at business it is of yours, I like t' know? DR. HANWELL It isn't only my business. It's everybody's. 'erb Well, I'm not goin'. See? DR. HANWELL It's young men like you will force a condition that has never existed in the country before — conscription. 'erb All right. Let it. Then I'll know the other feller's -C 56 > INSPIRATION goin'. W'y should I put meself abaat w'en the next street's full o* fellers same as me? LIZZIE 'Course it is. Bigger 'n 'Erb, too. They ought t' be ashimed o' theirselves. DR. HANWELL Show them the example. 'erb Not me ! LIZZIE I should s'y not ! The idea ! " VELVET " Wjj doctor, w'atever are y' askin' of 'im? *ERB Wat abaat y'rself.'' Jus' recruitin', eh? DR. HANWELL No, I'm going out. ['Erb and Lizzie exchange glances.^ We're all in this job^ old and young, rich and poor. They'll need you. {To 'Erb.] And you — [To Lizzie.] And you. \To " Velvet."] -c 57 :> OUT THERE LIZZIE [Rather afraid.] Wat? Me? An' ma? Fat lot o' good we'd be ! I should s'y so ! VELVET DR. HANWELL More good than you think. We'll need every woman before we're finished. But for a strong, healthy, young fellow like you to be holding back — 'erb [Angrily.'] Look 'ere! I've 'ad abaat enough o' this. " VELVET " Don' be 'arsh with the doctor, dearie. 'E's a nice gen'leman. But 'e don't understand y' not likin' marchin' any more 'n 'e can understand me wantin' a little somethin' t' tike aw'y the shivers. LIZZIE Wat's 'e got t' do with us, anyw'y.'' Jus' becos 'e patched ma up with plaster w'en she got 'erself run over don' give 'im the right t' copae 'ere an' tell us " w'at for." DR. HANWELL It's a pity you're not more like your sister, young woman. -C 58 > INSPIRATION LIZZIE Like Annie? Gawd 'elp us! Wat's she doin', I'd like t' know? DR. HANWELL The wish is there. LIZZIE [Angrily.'] Oh, wish me foot! She's very ready with 'er tongue, tellin' others w'at t' do. W'y don' she do somethin' 'erself? 'erb Yaas. That's wot I say. She's sicked 'im on t' me. She's alwa's barkin' at me. " Will y' go aat if I go? " says she. Knows bloomin' well they wouldn't tike a thing like 'er. [To Dr. Hanwell suddenly.'] See 'ere. You git 'er t' go, an' bli' me, I'll 'list to- morrer. [The faint sound of a band and the tramping of feet is heard in the far distance. Drums and fifes play " The Girl I Left Behind Me." Dr. Hanwell quietly picfcs up his hat and gloves. Annie comes in dressed in her cheap nurse's dress and cap. All look at her in amaze- ment. 'Lizzie and 'Erb burst out laughing. The mother begins to cry.] Oh, look at Nurse Nightingale ! lizzie " 'Aunted Annie " with her cross on crooked ! -c 59 :>. OUT THERE 'erb Oh, strike me ! You're a winner, all right. LIZZIE [Sings.] " Tike 'em orf, young man; tike 'em orf. My, don't he look a guy! I'd tike 'em orf if I was you. Was everybody's cry." [Laughs uproariously. 1 [The Doctor gives Lizzie a stern look -which stops her laughing.] [A full military band plays " Hold Your Hand Out, Naughty Boy."] [The sound of marching grows nearer and nearer. Dr. Hanwell takes out his card-case, extracts a card, writes on it, and goes to Annie.] DR. HANWELL [Handing the card to Annie.] Take this to the ad- dress I've written, and tell them what you told me. ANNIE [Joyfully.] Oh, will they tike me? DR. HANWELL I think they will. ANNIE An' will they send me aat there ? -C 60 > INSPIRATION DR. HANWELL Perhaps. If I can help to get you there, believe me, I will. ANNIE [Crosses to 'Erb.] If I do get aat there, will you go? \^The sounds are now quite near.'\ [Excitedly.] Don't that mike y'r blood run an' y'r brain dance? ['Erb turns away sullenly.] So'diers ! [To Dr. Hanwell.] DR. HANWELL, They're going down to the train. ANNIE I want to see them. I'm goin' t' see them. DR. HANWELL Not like that. [Pointing to the nurse's dress.] ANNIE I'll cover it up. [Takes off her nurse's cap and puts it in her bosom, puts on hat, and covers her dress with a coat.] DR. HANWELL [To " Velvet. '] Good-bye. Whenever you don't feel quite up to the mark, look in at the hospital — Dr. Barnett. -C 61 > OUT THERE " VELVET " Much obliged, I'm sure, sir. 'Ave a drop of any thin' before y' go? DR. HANWELL No, thank you. [Nods to Lizzie.] Good-bye, [Is about to speak to 'Erb, who turns his back to him, thinks a moment, turns to Annie.] ANNIE Awright ^ DR. HANWELL Yes. Come along. I'll drive you down. [Opens door, goes through passage, and opens door to the street, and waits for Annie.] ANNIE Good-bye, Liz ! LIZZIE Good riddance ! ANNIE Good-bye, ma! " VELVET " Were 're y' goin', dearie.^ -C 62 > INSPIRATION ANNIE I'm goin' aat t' 'elp. LIZZIE D' y' s'pose they'll let you be a nurse? You? ANNIE I'm goin' to try. " VELVET " [Beginning to cry.]. Y're goin' t' leave me? ANNIE Yaas, mother ! I ain't bin much use 'ere. I may be there. 'Erb, if I do go, will you go.'' 'erb Wat if I don't? ANNIE Y'll 'urt me. 'erb Well, be 'urt. ANNIE [Looks at him for a moment; then suddenly brightens up.] So long, ma! Take care o' yerself. [She marches out to the time of the music. Closes outer door and joins Doctor. They disappear together. Suddenly the hand breaks from marking time on the drums into " Tipperary."] -C 63 > OUT THERE LIZZIE [^Moves to the window and shouts after Annie.] Gawd 'elp them as you nurse! 'erb [^Growls.] Let 'er alone^ cawn't ye? LIZZIE 'Ark at you! 'erb Shut up ! I tell ye. LIZZIE Oh, shut up y'rself. [Laughs.] Old " 'Aunted An- nie's fancyin' 'erself a nurse ! Make a cat laugh ! 'erb [Threateningly. ] Stop that, will ye? She's worth a dozen o' you. LIZZIE Oh, is that so? 'erb Yaas, it is. An' of me, too. So keep y'r trap shut. ['Erb stands sullenly, his eyes fashing restlessly all through the opening movement of the march. Then the chorus is played as they march past quite near. When they start it for the second time he picks up his cap from the dresser and goes to his mother.] -C 64 > INSPIRATION 'erb Gi'e us a kiss, ma. " VELVET " Wat for, 'Erb? 'erb I'm orf. " VELVET " Orf, dearie? Were? 'erb Aat there. [Pecks at her cheek, hurries to the door; as he opens it he calls over his shoulder to Lizzie.] So long, spiteful! [Bangs the door behind him, then bangs the outer door.'] [" Velet " cries and sways backward and forward.] " velvet " I knew as somethin' was goin' to 'appen. I bin that depressed all d'y. LIZZIE Never mind, ma, Y've still got me. [Takes up the flask 'Erb brought in.] An' this. [Pours out some into a glass.] " VELVET " [Weeping.] 'Erb give it to me with 'is last breath. I'll never see 'im no more. -C 65 > OUT THERE N'ot much lorse to any one. 'Ere y' go ! [Hands her the glass. Watches her drink. 1 [Wiping her lips.'\ LIZZIE [Sings as she corks the bottle.li " I believe in 'avin' it if y' fancy it. 'Cos a little of w'at y' fancy does y' good." [The marching of the men and the sound of the band begin to fade away.'\ Curtain [end of part i] -c 66 :}. 2; < PART II DEVOTION " The range-Walk " The Surgeon The " Irishman " The Cockney The Canadian The Scotchman The New Zealander Griffin Terence A Newcomer Another Newcomer Gabrielle The Help DEVOTION The scene represents a portion of a ward in a hospital in France. There are seven cots. In a wheeling chair R., below cot 6, stretched full length, is a young hoy known as " Pat." He has been shot through the hips, and is paralysed. His eyes are closed. There is an orange lying on his newly-made bed. Next to him on cot 5 is a young Cockney, about five feet eight inches, very thin, his left hand bound up, his right leg almost disabled. He is sucking an orange. Next to him on cot If. is a big, six-foot Canadian, with his head bandaged. He has a deep voice, a gruff manner, and is lying on the outside of the bedcovers, methodi- cally peeling an orange. Next to him in cot 3 is a Scotchman, thirty-six years old, about five feet ten inches in height, slozvly and methodically gathering his few belongings together. He is sufficiently well to be sent farther on. He has an orange all opened out in flakes, the peel lying beside it, and is eating it, a flake at a time, as he dresses. Next to him No. 2 is an empty cot, and next to that in cot 1 a huge New Zealander about six feet two inches is also lying on the coverlet. He has a support running from his right foot up to his shoulder. He is throwing into the -C 71 > OUT THERE air and catching on its return, an orange. He ac- companies each journey and return of the fruit tvith an old circus tune. Each man is occupied with his own thoughts, and is not taking any notice of his companions. After some little time the Cockney be- gins to play a mouth-organ. The Scotchman hums an air out of tune. Voices are heard quite near. DOCTOR [/re the near distance.] We'll take this ward next. NEW ZEALANDER Look out! Here's the doctor! [He gets out of his cot.] [Enter Orderly.] ORDERLY Carry on! Ward! 'Shun! [New Zealander, Scotchman, Canadian, and Cock- ney all come to attention. " Pat " remains motion- less — his eyes closed. Dr. Han well, in khaki uni- form, enters with Nurse Gabrielle, a very serious- minded, aristocratic young nurse. The Doctor car- ries a small notebook and pencil. The Nurse has similar ones. Hanging on the foot of each bed is a day-chart showing the immediate condition of the man. The Nurse shows Dr. Hanwell the New Zea- lander's chart.] -C 72 > DEVOTION DR. HANWELL [Smiling cheerfully at the New Zealander.] How are you getting on? new zealander Very well, thank-ye. DR. HANWELL How is the shoulder? NEW ZEALANDER All right, sir. DR. HANWELL Quite comfortable? NEW ZEALANDER Yes, sir. DR. HANWELL Ache much? NEW ZEALANDER Now an' agen. Not much. DR. HANWELL We'll have another look at it this afternoon. NEW ZEALANDER [With a grimace to Nurse.] Won't like that much, Will I? -C 73 > OUT THERE NURSE It's the only time he ever complains. NEW ZEALANDER [Restlessly.] It's all right. I hate havin' it pulled about. DR. HANWELL You won't feel it. NEW ZEALANDER You always say that. I'd rather ye let it alone. It's goin' on all right. DR. HANWELL Don't think about it. [Looking at his notes. To Nurse.] At three. [The Nurse makes a note and goes to foot of cot ^, the Canadian's.] Orange day! [Sniffing and smiling.'] NEW ZEALANDER Yes, sir. Smells like a circus. DR. HANWELL [Gives the man a pleasant nod, and passes on to the Scotchman.] Moving you on, eh? SCOTCHMAN I'll be ready. -C 71' > DEVOTION DR. HANWELL Glad to get away? SCOTCHMAN So long as I'm gettin' reet agen. [Touches his shoul- der. 1 DR. HANWELL You've done wonderfully. SCOTCHMAN [Looks at him a moment, beckons him, and bends down and says right into his ear.] Will they send me back, doctor.'' DR. HANWELL Why? Do you want to go? SCOTCHMAN Aye. I'd like anither crack at them. DR. HANWELL You'll get your wish. SCOTCHMAN [Grimly.'] That's a' reet. There's na hame any more. DR. HANWELL No? SCOTCHMAN Me twa lads are gone. I want to stay oot here to the finish. Ye ken? -C 75 > OUT THERE DR. HANWELL [Nods understandingly, then shakes hands.^ Good luck! SCOTCHMAN [Gripping his hand.] Thank-ye, doctor! Guid luck ta ye! [The Nurse smiles at the Scotchman. He touches his forehead to her.] [The Doctor turns to Nurse. She shows him Cana- dian's chart and replaces it on foot of bed.] DR. HANWELL Well, my man? CANADIAN [Looking at the Doctor apprehensively, and speaking in a gruff, bass voice.] Mornin', doctor! DR. HANWELL And how are you? CANADIAN [Nodding towards the Scotchman.] Same as him. DR. HANWELL How's that? CANADIAN I'm sick of lying about here. -C 76 > DEVOTION DR. HANWELL It's all in the day. You did your share. CANADIAN Did? I'm not half through yet. Not half. DR. HANWELL That's the spirit. CANADIAN [With a grim smile.'] I want to get back to the Knickerbocker Club and the Times Square, and the " Jinks." DR. HANWELL Where? CANADIAN " Out there." DH. HANWELL You're thinking of New York surely? CANADIAN [Eagerly.] We've got 'em " Out there " too. DR. HANWELL [Smiling.] Have you? CANADIAN Sure! We get our mail at the Knickerbocker — ye get there by the Subway to Times Square — ye crawl -C 77 > OUT THERE underground. The Knickerbocker's a dug-out, and we have our sing-songs at the " Jinks." DR. HANWELL [^Laughing. "^ Do you, really? CANADIAN Sure! We have a juggler, used to play Hammer- stein's, can keep twelve plates goin' at the same time. DR. HANWELL l^Quite interested and amused.^ Fancy that! CANADIAN Sure ! An' a couple o' comic singers. Real class they are. [Nods towards the Scotchman.] He'd kind o' like one of 'em. Sings all Harry Lau- der's. DR. HANWELL Well, well! CANADIAN Sure ! An' we've a soprano from California. DR. HANWELL Soprano.? CANADIAN Fact! He could take a top "C" with Caruso. Ye should hear him in " My Little Wet Home in the -C 78 > DEVOTION Trench." lSings,'\ " In my little wet home in the trench. Where the rain drops continually drench." It's a little high for me, but he's real class! A pip- pin! DR. HANWELL You must have quite a good time. CANADIAN You bet yer life we do. [^Regretfully.'] I wish I was back. Got a glee-party too. I'm bass. [Sings.] " I care for nobody, no, not I, And nobody cares for me ! " We sang carols to the Boches last Christmas. [Sighs.] And here I am, out of it all because I've got a headache ! DR. HANWELL With the piece of shrapnel you got you're lucky to be able to talk about it at all. CANADIAN It was a piece, wasn't it? [Takes from under his pil- low a large, sinister-looking, jagged piece of shrapnel.] My helmet got most of it. [Looks up at helmet hanging above him with a large Jwle in it.] -C 79 > OUT THERE DR. HANWELL Keep on as you've been going, and you'll soon be en- joying all the comforts of the Knickerbocker again. CANADIAN [Regretfully. '\ We get a cocktail every afternoon at five. I mix 'em — when I get the chance. Old-fash- ioned — Bushmills. I wish I could have one now. Can't I. ?• DR. HANWKLL Oh, no, no. CANADIAN Well, they'll have one today — if they're not busy. [Sighs. 1 And here I am, out of it all. DR. HANWELL [To the Nurse, who makes a note.'] We'll look at it again this afternoon. CANADIAN [Irritahly.l Oh, it'll be all right. DR. HANWELL [Humouring him.'] Of course it will. CANADIAN Take a lot more'n that to do me. I'll have another go at them yet. Mark me ! -C 80 > DEVOTION DR. HANWELL I'm sure you will. Good-bye. CANADIAN Good-bye, sir. I like talking to you. DR. HANWELL That's right! [The Nurse is waiting at foot of Cockney's cot No. 5. Shows chart to Doctor.] Well, ray lad.? COCKNEY Mornin', sir! DR. HANWELL Nice and comfortable? COCKNEY Cawn't complain! DR. HANWELL How's the leg? COCKNEY Don' min' thet so much. I can 'op abaout on thet. [Touches his left hand.] It's this 'ere wot gives me the pip. DR. HANWELL [Sympathetically.] Oh? Does it hurt? -C 81 > OUT THERE COCKNEY Don' min' thet so much. But, y' see, I'm left-'anded. You know ! I always cop 'em wit' the left. DR. HANWELL Cop whom? COCKNEY You know ! In a fight. DR. HANWELL I see. COCKNEY Shawn't be much good wi' the gloves no more, will I ? You know ! In the ring ? DR. HANWELL Oh, I wouldn't say that. COCKNEY I would. You know ! Cawn't close it. [Loohing at the bandaged hand.'] 'Tain't much use inside a glove if y' cawn't close it, is it."* You know! DR. HANWELL It's a clean wound. It may take time. But it will heal up. COCKNEY [Insisting.'] Yaas, but I cawn't close it! I'm done < 82 > DEVOTION as a fighter. Not 'alf ! Got t' handle wood the rest o' me life. You know ! DU. HANWELL What do you do ? COCKNEY Box-maiker. You know ! DR. HANWELL Where do you live.'' COCKNEY Poplar — born an' bred. DR. HANWELL How old are you.'' COCKNEY Twen'y-two. DR. HANWELL Been out here long? COCKNEY Ever since it started. You know ! Mons ! DR. HANWELL Really.? COCKNEY Yaas. Not many of us left w'at started. You know ! We got copped good an' plenty. Bad luck ! You know ! < S3 y OUT THERE Naa take me — it come my turn t' be a marker. You know ! Puts a light coat on an* yer points 'em aat. 'E alwa's gits 'it. I got 'it. You know ! Got 'it twice. 'Ere, an' 'ere. [Touches his hand and his leg.] Never felt nothin'. You know! Jes' flopped daan. My kep- tin come a-running along. 'E sees me, an' 'e calls aat, " 'Ello ! " 'e says. " Y've got 'it," 'e says. " Yaas," says I. " Good job, too! " says 'e. " Ha! ha! " tryin' t' laugh. " Y' bin aat 'ere long enough/' 'e says. " Time y' went 'ome/' Nice feller! You know! 'E was only j okin'. DR. HANWELL Of course I COCKNEY Got 'is that d'y. [Reflectiveli/.l Nice feller! DR. HANWELL Was he killed.? COCKNEY Yaas. 'E needn't 'a' bin. You know ! Alwa's run- nin' abaat with 'is 'ead up. Nice feller! Oh, well! It's all in a life ! You know ! DR. HANWELL Yes. [To Nurse.] At three ! Good-bye, my lad ! -C 84 > DEVOTION [The Nurse takes up Pat's chart and waits at foot of cot 6 for Doctor.] COCKNEY Good-bye, sir! Think I'll ever fight agin? You know ! DB. HANWELL I'll make a thorough examination this afternoon. COCKNEY 'Fraid not ! Cawn't close it. You know ! DR. HANWELL There's always a chance. Good-bye. [Nods genially to him, goes to foot of Pat's cot, and reads the chart. Nurse replaces chart, goes to R. of Pat, and shakes him. Pat opens his eyes, and looks at the Doctor sullenly. 1 DR. HANWELL And how are you? PAT I don't know how I am. DR. HANWELL Do you sleep well? PAT I do not. -C 85 > OUT THERE DR. HANWELL Ah ! Does it bother you much ? PAT It does. DR. HANWELL Does it pain you? PAT I can't use it. DR. HANWELL That's not to be wondered at, is it? PAT It is not. DR. HANWELL [To Nurse who makes note.'] We'll look him over, too. [To Pat.] Is there anything you want? PAT Indeed there is. There's a lot o' things I want. DR. HANWELL For instance? PAT I want to get out o' here. I don't like the ward. -C 86 > DEVOTION DR. HANWELL Why not? Aren't you comfortable? PAT I am not. DR. HANWELL What do you need? PAT [Stirring uneasily. '\ Well, for one thing — I want more pillows. [T/ie Nurse arranges the pillow in his chair.l Listen, Miss ! Settle this so that I can stretch back ! And bring a whole lot of pillows. DR. HANWELL All right. You shall have them. [Nods to Nurse — she makes a note.'\ Anything else? PAT I want to be quiet. This place is too noisy. I hate it. DR. HANWELL When there is room, I'll have you transferred where it is quieter. Anything else ? PAT I want to ivalk. -C 87 > OUT THERE DR. HANWELL You must have patience. PAT I haven't. [Sullenly — under his breath.'] I want to walk. DR. HANWELL How old are you.'' PAT It doesn't matter how old I am. I'm old enough to walk. DR. HANWELL Well, you'll have the pillows, and we'll move you to a quieter place, and you'll walk as soon as Nature permits. There! Feel more cheerful? PAT I do not. I'll never walk. DR. HANWELL You mustn't feel that way about it. PAT I do feel that way about it. DR. HANWELL [Breezily.'] Don't brood! Cheer up! -C 88 > DEVOTION PAT I can't. ^Indicates the others.'] They're cheerfuL I hate it. DR. HANWELL lSmiling.1 You seem to hate everything. PAT I do. DR. HANWELL You don't hate me? PAT l^Looks at him long and hard.] I do not. DR. HANWELL [JSmiling.'] Well, that's something. PAT [^Gets sullen again.] Only when you ask me ques- tions, an' tell me to be cheerful. DR. HANWELL I won't tell you any more. PAT All right! DR. HANWELL Now smile. < 89 y OUT THERE PAT I will not. DR. HANWELL [Coaxing.] Ah! Ah! Ah! Come on!. You know you can. Come on. [Smiling broadly at him. Pat smiles slowly and re- luctantly.] There you are ! Do that once every hour. pat I will not. [He turns away and closes his eyes.] [The Doctor looks at them all and turns to the Nurse.] DR. HANWELL Everything seems very satisfactory. NURSE Except one thing, doctor. That girl, Annie, the gen- eral help . . . DR. HANWELL What of her.? NURSE Oh, she's very willing, and a hard worker, but she is continually breaking rules. I find her doing things for the men — giving them things, moving them, replacing their bandages. I've warned her repeatedly. She's always hovering around them. Now that's all wrong, isn't it.'' -C 90 > DEVOTION DR. HANWELL Certainly it is. NURSE This morning I found her lifting a man up down there. DR. HANWELL Lifting him.'' NURSE Yes. He wanted to change his position, and asked her, and I found her doing it. It might be very danger- ous in some cases. DR. HANWELL Certainly it might. I'll speak to her when we've fin- ished in here. NURSE Thank you. Doctor! [They disappear, talking; the Doctor saying good-bye as he passes. Presently his voice is heard very faintly.] DR. HANWELL Well, old man, and how are you ? Quite comfortable ? cockney Wat's she complainin' abaat.'' Annie's all right, ain't she.'' -C 91 > OUT THERE CANADIAN Of course she is. She tried to move me once. COCKNEY [Laughs.] Fancy trying to move 'im. CANADIAN Yes, me. I couldn't move meself. Didn't do any harm, did it.'' COCKNEY Not by the looks of yer. CANADIAN Well, what's the matter with my looks? COCKNEY 'Ere, w'at do you say, Pat — Pat, Pat.'' PAT [Opening his eyes.] What.'' COCKNEY W'at do you say abaat Annie ,^ PAT About who? COCKNEY Annie. -C 92 > DEVOTION PAT Annie? Oh, she's all right. Only, I wish to good- ness she wouldn't try to sing. I hate it. NEW ZEALANDER Let her sing all she wants, if only she wouldn't keep washin' ! She's always washin' round me. The place round me is that damp, I'll get my death o' cold some day if she don' stop. [^Coughs.'\ COCKNEY Ho ! Go h'on ! PAT I hate her washin', too. Once a week's enough. COCKNEY Yaas, for anybody. Oh, g'wan, ef thet's all y've got t' s'y abaat her. Don't she w'eel y' aat in the sun.'' Ain't she alwa's tryin' t' find aat w'at y' want.'' Yaas! [^The Scotchman goes on methodically dressing. The New Zealander painfully begins to write a letter. The Cockney starts playing his mouth-organ. He plays louder and louder, wagging his head in time to the tune.J Stop that ! -C 93 > OUT THERE COCKNEY All right, maite! [Quiets down until you can just hear the tune.^ ANNIE [Enters, carrying glass of milk and sandwich on tray in one hand and pail of water and wash rags in the other. She is dressed in the uniform of a general " help." She wears a battered soldier's cap and has a torn piece of a flag tied round her waist.] COCKNEY 'Ello, Annie! Wat yer got? CANADIAN [Reaching out for the tray.} Grub! ANNIE 'Ere! 'E's going out. [Places tray in front of Scotchman.] SCOTCHMAN Thank yer. Miss ! ANNIE You're always thinkin' of something t' eat. CANADIAN Well, I'm always hungry. -C 94 > DEVOTION ANNIE Yaas, that's w'y you got such a nice figure. \^She looks around, makes up her mind where to begin, then goes to cot 1, and starts washing chair.'] NEW ZEALANDER \Irritahly .] What are you always washing round me for? First thing, I'll get my death of pneumonia. ANNIE [Her face is quite bright — the sadness and anxiety have gone from it. She seems quite happy.] Permonia ! You make me laugh. Ain't y' bin standin' in mud an' water f'r months? Permonia. [In turning round to wash chair she bumps against him. He makes a gesture.] Well, y' know, I've got t' keep y' clean. NEW ZEALANDER Can't ye see I'm writin'? ANNIE Writin' 'ome? NEW ZEALANDER Yes. ANNIE That's different. [She goes to foot of bed and washes rail. New Zea- -C 95 > OUT THERE LANDER gives Annie a savage look and turns over on his right side.^ Does this disturb you? NEW ZEALANDER Oh, go on if ye want to. ANNIE Oh, no. I'll come back w'en y're aat gittin' the air. [Replaces chart holder noisily.] NEW ZEALANDER [After making several ineffectual attempts to write, finally throws the book on the floor savagely.] ANNIE My! You're nervous! [Sees the package of " Woodbine " cigarettes on the ta- ble, picks it up, and hands it to him.] W'y don't y' smoke .'' NEW ZEALANDER Can't use them things. ANNIE Wat's the matter with 'em ? [Smells them.] They're " Woodbines." NEW ZEALANDER Can't use 'em, I tell ye. -c 96 :> DEVOTION ANNIE [Puts the package back on the table.] Wat kind d' y' like? NEW ZEALANDER Ee-gyptian. ANNIE Egyptian? I'll see if I can git y' some. NEW ZEALANDER You get some? Where? ANNIE I dunno. Somewheres. I might run acrorst 'em some place. NEW ZEALANDER [Grimly.] There ain't no shops out here, young woman. ANNIE I'll run acrorst some one 'oo 'as 'em. See if I don't! NEW ZEALANDER [Brightening up.] I would like a few. ANNIE Leave it to me. [Picks up his pen and puts a piece of paper in front of him.] Go on with y'r letter. 'Ere! 'Ave a dry smoke. < 97 > OUT THERE [Takes a " Woodbine " out of the package and makes him put it in his mouth.'\ Put it in yer mouth and make yer mind say as 'ow it's 'Gyptian. Don't 'ave ter light it — chew it. [Smiles at him, takes up her pail and goes on. She stops by the Scotchman,] Goin, ain't y' ? SCOTCHMAN Aye. ANNIE I'll tidy up afterwards. 'Opes y' 'ave a nice journey. SCOTCHMAN Thank ye, miss. ANNIE Drop us a card an* let's know 'ow y're gittin' on. SCOTCHMAN A' reet. ANNIE Make it a picture postcard. SCOTCHMAN A' reet. ANNIE Cheer oK ! Canada ! -C 98 > DEVOTION CANADIAN Hello, Annie! ANNIE [^Washing his chair.l Give us y'r bit o' shrapnel! CANADIAN I should* say not. ANNIE Oh, gwan ! Be a sport ! CANADIAN What. do you want with it? ANNIE Maike it into a bracelet f'r me big sister. CANADIAN l^Laughs.l Get a bit of y'r own. I will. [^Picking up gas mask from chair. 1 Oh, isn't that pretty? CANADIAN [Taking it from her.] Here, you let my lady friend alone. ANNIE I'm lookin' f'r keepsaikes. See this cap? -C 99 > OUT THERE CANADIAN Yes. ANNIE It come from Flanders. CANADIAN NO! ANNIE Yaas, it did. See this 'ere flag? CANADIAN Yes. ANNIE It come from Wipers. All I want now is your bit o' shrapnel. CANADIAN Well, y' don't get it. ANNIE O, yaaSj I will. CANADIAN Oh, no, you won't. ANNIE O, yaas, I will — < 100 > DEVOTION CANADIAN Oh, no, you won't. ANNIE Oh, yaas, I will — you see if I don't. Got everythin' y' want? CANADIAN No. ANNIE Wat's missin'.^ CANADIAN If ye see a nice box o' seegars send 'em round here. ANNIE Don' know abaat a box. Would a couple do t' go on wiv? CANADIAN [Starting up.} Why? Have ye got some? ANNIE No. [Canadian groans and falls back.'\ But I'll run acrorst 'em somew'ere. CANADIAN [Sarcastically. 1 Ye'll find some in the Astor Hotel. ANNIE All right! I'll git y' some. See if I don't! -C 101 > OUT THERE CANADIAN Seein' 's believin' ! I could do with one now first rate. ANNIE All right, Canada. You leave it to me. CANADIAN Be sure they're big and black. ANNIE You taike w'at y' can git. CANADIAN I will, believe me ! An' glad of 'em. ANNIE [To Pat.] 'Ow are y', Pat> PAT I'm not well. ANNIE You're lookin' much better. PAT I'm not better. ANNIE Don't you contradic' me. PAT Go away. < 102 :> DEVOTION ANNIE [Sees the orange.'} W'y, 'e ain't 'ad 'is orange. [Picks it up and offers it to him,^ PAT L'ave it alone. Put it down, out of yer hand, will ye? [Takes it out of her hand and puts it on bed.'] I hate oranges. ANNIE Do y*.'' Well, never mind. T'morrow's cherry d'y. PAT I hate cherries too. That's all they ever think of, oranges and cherries. I hate fruit. ANNIE Wat would y' like? PAT Never mind what I'd like. I can't get what I'd like. ANNIE Oh, gwan ! Tell me ! PAT I will not. [Closes his eyes."] ANNIE Aw-right, then. Don't! Keep yer dark secret! < 103 > OUT THERE COCKNEY I'll tell y' w'at 'e wants. Choc'lits. Thet's w'at 'e wants. Gawn — you arst 'im. ANNIE [To Pat.] Like some — some — sweets? PAT [Brightens up.'] I would. [Disgustedly.] What did ye want to speak about 'em for ? No one ever thinks of 'em here. ANNIE I'll git y' some — PAT Where would you get them? ANNIE I dunno — I may run acrost some some place. I saw a feller eatin' some this mornin'. PAT [Wistfully.] Did ye.? ANNIE [Nods.] I'm sure 'e'd give me some if I arst 'im — f 'r meself. PAT What would he be givin' you sweets for? DEVOTION ANNIE Oh, *e likes bein' washed raan'. 'E comes from Lon- don — The Tower 'amlets, 'E's got a bad leg, too, on'y 'e's laughin' all the time. PAT So well he may. An' he having chocolates. ANNIE Yaas. An' pep'mints. PAT Inclosing his eyes at the thought.'] Oh! I like them. ANNIE I'll be washin' raand 'is bed soon, an' I'll arst 'im for some. PAT [Disconsolately.'] Oh, he'll have eaten them all by then, ANNIE Not 'e ! 'E's got several boxes. PAT Don't be too long gettin' round to him. ANNIE All right, Pat! [Goes up to Canadian's table.] < 105 > OUT THERE O' w't a mussy person! {^Sees orange peels, etc., on table and bed.] You can make one orange look like a box. Can't yer? [Throws all the orange peels into the pouch pocket of her apron.] 'Ere, 'old this ! [Picks up " Woodbine " package with only one cigarette left in it and gives it to Canadian. She dusts the table. He puts cigarette in his mouth and throws the package on the floor.] ANNIE 'Ere! 'Ere! Wat 'ave I told you about frowin' papers on the floor? CANADIAN [Puts his arm up for protection.] Don't strike me, Annie! ANNIE Make yer get out and pick it up next time. [She picks it up.] Fink I was 'ere just ter pick up paper arter yer. CANADIAN [Lights cigarette. Holds up used match.] Annie! What shall I do with this ? ANNIE [She takes it from him, puts it in the pocket in her apron, and goes to Pat.] Cheer up, Pat! Y'll soon be runnin' abaat agin. -C 106 > DEVOTION ^Kneels down and washes round his bed.'] PAT I'll never run. ANNIE Yaas, y' will. Y'll be back fightin' bimeby. PAT I'll never fight again. ANNIE I s'pose as soon as y' git aat of 'ere y'll be maikin* recruitin' speeches. PAT [Disgustedly.] I will not. I'll never run. An' I'll never fight. An' I can't make speeches. I hate speeches. I can't do nothin' any more. ANNIE If y'r ain't goin' ter fight, an' yer ain't goin' ter maike speeches, and yer ain't goin' ter run abaat, w'at are y' goin' to do for the rest o' yer life? PAT For the rest o' me life I'm goin' to impose meself on the British Gover'ment. ANNIE [To Cockney.] Ain't 'e the cheerful one? -C 107 > OUT THEEE [To Pat suddenly and enthusiastically.^ I'll tell yer 'ow to get well. PAT How? ANNIE Keep on wishin' it. Naa taike me. I was more mis'r- able 'n you are once. PAT You were not. ANNIE Yaas, I was. PAT Ye couldn't be. ANNIE Don't you contradic' me. I tell yer I was. It took a bit of doin' but I managed it. Do you know 'ow I got 'appy? PAT No. ANNIE I got 'appy 'cause I got out 'ere. Do you know 'ow I got aat 'ere.'' < 108 > DEVOTION PAT No. ANNIE I wished meself aat 'ere. PAT You wished it? Well, if you have another wish comin' to you, I wish to God you'd wish yourself back. ANNIE Cheer o', Pat! Y'll soon be all 'ole an' runnin' abaat like a little white rabbit. PAT I'm sick o' wishin' ! I'm sick o' fightin' ! I'm sick o' talkin'. I'd look lovely, wouldn't I, runnin' about like a little white rabbit.'' [Turns his back on her.] If you have nothing better in store for me I wish you'd leave me alone altogether. ANNIE [To Cockney.] I know w'at 'e wants. 'E wants me t' sing t' him. PAT I do not. ANNIE [Sings.] " Oh, Paddy, dear, an' did y' 'ear OUT THERE The noos they're sendin' raand? They'll stop the Irish shamrock naa From a-growin' in the graand." PAT [Covering Ms ears.] My God! To think I should live to hear that sung in Cockney ! [Cockney plays the last bars of song on mouth organ.] COCKNEY [Beckons her.] Don't mind 'im. 'E don' mean a word 'e says. ANNIE [Whispering.] 'E do take it 'ard, don't 'e? COCKNEY Yaas. ANNIE Awful not t' be aible t' walk. COCKNEY 'Course it is! Still, w'at of it? 'E cawn't walk^ an' I cawn't scrap, but we 'ave seen a bit o' life aat 'ere, ain't we.^ ANNIE [Earnestly.] Thet's what I feels. Big life, too. COCKNEY Yaas. [Sings softly.] < no y DEVOTION " Oh, we 'aven't got much money, But — We do see life." [Plays on the mouth-organ.'] ANNIE You're a funny one^ yer know ! Wat did you do afore this ? COCKNEY Maide boxes. Wen I was aat of a job I boxed a bit, too. ANNIE [Eyes glistening.} Prize fighter.^ COCKNEY Yaas. I was jus' comin' on, too, w'n this broke aat. Oh, but my brother! My brother 'Enery! 'E's a won- der! Gits five quid a fight at the National Sportin' Club. Five quid a fight! Thet's money! CANADIAN You bet yer life it is. COCKNEY *E's clarss, 'e is. 'E's somew'ere aat 'ere, too. ANNIE [Eagerly.'] D'yer ever 'ear of 'Erbert 'Udd.'' -C 111 > OUT THERE COCKNEY 'Erbert 'Udd? Wat? D'yer mean " Chunky-'Erb," o' Camden Taan? ANNIE l^Excitedly-l Yaas. COCKNEY Ever 'ear of 'im ! Bli' me ! *E put me aat once. ANNIE Did 'e? COCKNEY [Sadly.'] Yaas. Put me aat f'r keeps. Knocked me cold. Wat d' you know about 'im? ANNIE [Proudly.'] Know abaat 'im! 'E's my brother. COCKNEY [Disbelievingly.] G'wan? [Annie nods vigorously.] 'E ain't? [Incredulously.] ANNIE Yaas, *e is. COCKNEY G'wan. *E ain't. ANNIE [Hurt.] I tell y', 'e is. < 112 > DEVOTION COCKNEY [Looking at her with new interest.'] Well, bli' me! or " Chunk's " sister ! [Annie nods, her eyes glistening.'] 'E's a bit of aw right wi' the mitts. Got a wicked left! Caught me in the ear-'ole. See thet? [Shows his ear.] Ga' me a thick un, an' no mistaike. Reg'Iar colliflower I ANNIE It is a beauty, ain't it? Was it an 'ook? COCKNEY Yaas, left 'ook. ANNIE 'E's a wonder at that. COCKNEY Bli' me ! 01' " Chunk's " sister ! W'at are you doin' aat 'ere? ANNIE My bit. COCKNEY W'ere's "Chunk"? ANNIE [Evasively.] 'E'll be aat 'ere presently. OUT THERE COCKNEY [Reflectively.] Cocky beggar! 'Oo is? 'E is. G'wan, 'e ain't. Yaas, 'e is. Cocky, y'rself. COCKNEY ANNIE COCKNEY ANNIE COCKNEY Never took no notice o' me after 'e knocked me aat. ANNIE Wat did y' want 'im to do? Kiss yer? COCKNEY Wait till all this is over. My brother'll give 'im wa't for. [Looking at her again.'] Well, bli' me ! Ol' " Chunk's " sister ! Like y' better'n I do 'im ! -C 114 > DEVOTION ANNIE Well, that's aw right. But don't you s'y nothin' agin 'ira. [Goes to Pat's cot and washes.'^ COCKNEY Aw right ! Jus* f 'r your saike I won't. [JVhispers behind his hand to Canadian.] But wait till my brother meets 'im. [Plays "Dead March" and "Cock o' the North" to Canadian. Plays the mouth-organ for a few mo- ments. Then with a deep sigh.'] I wish I 'ad a " Referee." You know. Sunday pai- per. Alwa's 'as one o' Sundays. A " Referee," a packit o' fags, an' a gal on me arm. Maybe I don't miss 'em ! Not 'alf ! Oh, I do wish I 'ad a " Referee." ANNIE Wot's that yer want.'' cockney " Referee." ANNIE I'll see if I can get yer one. cockney I ain't seen one abaat. < 115 > OUT THERE ANNIE That don' s'y as there ain't one 'ere. I may run acrorst one. [Goes to Scotchman's cot and takes up his tray.'\ COCKNEY If y' do, don' f'rgit " Yours truly." [Plays on mouth- organ.'] ANNIE Awright ! [Stops at cot 1, and dusts rail. New Zealander turns his back on her.] COCKNEY Gi'e us a song, Annie ! No one abaat. ANNIE Cawn't. ... I'm busy. COCKNEY Oh, g'wan! Doctor an' nurse's on their raands. ANNIE W'd y' like me to? COCKNEY Yaas, ANNIE [Nodding to Pat.] 'E wouldn' like me to sing. DEVOTION COCKNEY Oh, 'e don' mind, so long as they ain't Irish. Besides, 'e mightn't wake up. [To Canadian.] W't abaat you.'' CANADIAN Sure! I like that American one. First time I've heard it in Cockney. COCKNEY W't abaat you. New Zealand .'' NEW ZEALANDER [Gravely.'] How do you spell " Holocaust "? COCKNEY Arst me another. ANNIE Wat's that word ? NEW ZEALANDER " Holocaust." ANNIE [Thinking hard.] Wait a minit. I seen it abaat somewhere. [Spelling.] " 0-1-e — k-o — [Pause.] s-t!" NEW ZEALANDER Thank ye. I can get nearer than that meself. It be- gins with an " h," not a " h'o'." . . . < 117 > OUT THERE ANNIE Does it? Well, I'll give yer a " H." [She tries to spell the word many ways putting an " H " on each letter. Finally gives it wp.] You leave a vacant space. I'll arst some one as knows 'ow^ ter spell it, NEW ZEALANDER Much obliged ! You can sing. I'm 'most finished. ANNIE Aw right! Wot'll I sing? " Weep No Moer "? CANADIAN Yes. ANNIE Aw right ! [To New Zealander.] 'Ere! Stop yer writin' ! This is a favour, not an ob- ligation. [He stops writing.^ ANNIE [To Cockney.] Naa then. Cockney! Gi's the over- ture ! [Cockney plays overture of " Weep No More." Cana- dian conducts with his crutch.'] CANADIAN Now then, Annie ! -C 118 > DEVOTION ANNIE [Sings song and chorus of " Weep No More." At end' of Chorus. 1 Naa then, all together! [They all join in the chorus, somewhat inharmoniously. The Cockney accompanies on the mouth-organ. '\ [The Canadian, sustaining the last note in a very deep bass voice, long after all the others have finished.'^ 'Ere, 'ere ! Wake up, Canada ! [He stops suddenly.] The war's all over. [She goes off, singing softly."] COCKNEY [Shaking the Canadian's hand.] Congratulations ! You're awright on the bass notes. [At end of the song the Scotchman, who is now ready to go otit, starts hunting frantically for something.] [He turns up the mattress and disarranges the blankets, pillows, and water-proof sheet.] ANNIE [Comes running in, takes both his hands.] 'Ere, 'ere ! Wat are yer doin' of? Wat d' yer want? SCOTCHMAN Ma bonnet ! Whaur's ma bonnet ? [Goes down threateningly to the Cockney.] Whaur's ma bonnet? cockney I ain't seen y'r bloomin' bonnit. -C 119 > OUT THERE SCOTCHMAN I had it this mornin'. Some o' you's taken it. [To Pat.] Ha' you got it? PAT I hate the sight of it. SCOTCHMAN [Excitedly to Canadian.] Ha' you ma bonnet? CANADIAN No, sir ! I have not ! SCOTCHMAN [Shouts across cot at New Zealander.] Whaur's that bonnet? NEW ZEALANDER I don't know. ANNIE [Handing him khaki hat which she takes from New Zealander's cof.] 'Ere! Taike this ! 'Ave an 'at! SCOTCHMAN I want ma bonnet. ANNIE Cawn't understand y' wantin' t' wear a bonnit, an' skirts, like a gal. Y've grown aat of it long ago. 'Ere ! < 120 > DEVOTION 'Ave a false face — [Handing him mask.'j 'Ere's a helmet. [Takes Canadian's helmet.'\ CANADIAN [Takes it from her.] No, I need it in my business. ANNIE 'Ere's one with a 'ole in it. Y* can s'y y' was shot at an' yer brain got in the way, and saved yer, and ye escaiped ! SCOTCHMAN [Almost in tears.'] I want ma bonnet. I wouldna wear onything else. I brought it wi' me. I want to tak' it hame agen. [In loud voice to the men.] Please, gie ma bonnet. [Then to Annie almost in tears.'] Please, get me ma bonnet. [He goes on looking for bonnet.] ANNIE [Seeing his distress.] Come on ! Give 'im 'is bon- nit. Y've 'ad y'r little joke. Come on! Give 'im 'is bonnit. [To Ntew Zealander.] You got 'is bonnit? -C 121 > OUT THERE NEW ZEAIiANDER I ain't got it. ANNIE [To Canadian.] Come on, w'ere's 'is bonnit? CANADIAN Nothin' doin'. ANNIE [To Pat.] W'ere's 'his bonnit.^ PAT I don't know where it is. ANNIE [To Cockney.] Hi! Cocky! Where's 'is bonnit? [Cockney points under his bed.'} [Annie, taking it from under the mattress, holds it up so that the strings dangle.'\ [To Cockney.] I'll 'ide yer music on yer one day. Fancy makin' an- other war over that. [She runs over to cot 2 and puts bonnet under waterproof sheet; then, uncovering it, calls.'] Sandy! 'ere it is! They're both pink, and yer couldn't tell the difference. SCOTCHMAN [Laughs and cries.'] Ma bonnet! Ma preecious bon- DEVOTION net! [Fondling it.] I thocht I'd lost ye. Ma deear bonnet ! [To Annie.] Whaur was it.^ ANNIE Under there. SCOTCHMAN Ah! [Goes back to his bed, sits on chair, and puts the bonnet on.] [Cockney, Canadian and New Zealander laugh.] ANNIE [Arranging bed-clothes.] His " bonnet " means more to 'im than any o' my 'ats ever did to me. An' I 'ad one wif a feather in it. SCOTCHMAN [Delighted at finding his bonnet, sings.] " I love a lassie, A bonnie, highland lassie, She's as pure as the lily in the dell." [They all chime in here, the Cockney with the organ.] " She's as sweet as the heather, The Bonnie purple heather, Annie, my Scotch blue-bell." [Sandy gives a whoop at end of song.] -C 123 > OUT THERE [During the last half of this chorus Annie goes off to get her pail and tray. She comes on again trying to sing the chorus.li ANNIE I love a lassie A bonnie — er — 'i'land lassie She's as — er — pure — er — as the lily in the deller — She's as sweet as the 'eather The bonnie purple — er — [She stops short. The Canadian prompts her.] CANADIAN " Heather." ANNIE I just said "'eather." Wat, again? Awright! " The bonnie purple 'eather," CANADIAN For the love o' Mike, Annie, give us an " H." ANNIE Awright! I'll pick one up on the Hannie. [Sings.] " Hannie, my Scotch Blue Beller." [The Nurse enters with mail, newspapers, etc.] NURSE [To Annie.] What were you doing? -C 124 > DEVOTION ANNIE Nothin'. NURSE Were you making that noise? ANNIE Not all of it. NURSE Go on with your work. Oh ! Here's a letter for you. ANNIE Thenk-y', miss ! Would yer mind putting it on me tray, miss.'' [Reads address as she starts to go.'\ " An- nie 'Udd, 'Orspital." Cheer-oh, Cockney. [Cockney plays a run on mouth-organ,'] PAT [Calls to Annie.] Annie! Don't forget the sweets! ANNIE Awright ! PAT And arrange this before you go. [Pointing to hack of chair.'] ANNIE I cawn't. I'll get turned out o' the 'orspital. < 125 y OUT THERE PAT Lord love us, if they turned you out we'd all go on strike. ANNIE Awright! *0w do you want it, up or down? PAT Down. [Annie is about to adjust the chair when Nurse turns round and sees her.^ nurse Now, what did I tell you about moving the men ? Get some clean linen and make this bed, [Pointing to cot.] ANNIE Yaas, miss ! [^JVhispers.'] Good-bye, Cocky ! PAT [In a whisper.'] Don't forget the sweets. [Annie exits.] [Nurse hands out letters, etc., amid thanks and com- ments. All have something except Pat.] [Nurse 1st gives one letter to New Zealander^ 2nd, two letters to Scotchman; 3rd, two letters and American newspaper to Canadian; 4th, one letter and " Reynolds' Newspaper " to Cockney.] CANADIAN [Seeing post math.] New York ! -C 126 > DEVOTION [Cockney tries to tear open the wrapper with his one hand, the Nurse seeing his difficulty. '\ NURSE I'll open it for you. COCKNEY Bli' me! It's "Reynolds's." [Starts to read.] NURSE [To Pat.] I'm sorry there's nothing for you. PAT That's all right. No one ever writes to me. [Pause.] An' I never write to any one either. It saves a lot of trouble on both sides. NURSE But I have a package for you. [Gives him package, then goes to cot 1.] COCKNEY [To Pat.] Wat oh! Choc'lits.> PAT [Quickly unpacks box to find they are oranges.] My God! [Throws box on cot.] [They all laugh.] NURSE It's time for your airing. -C 127 > OUT THERE COCKNEY Aw right, miss ! [Nurse is about to help New Zealander from cot.^ NEW zealander Never mind, Sister! I'm getting on fine. nurse [Goes to Cockney's cot. Speaks to Sandy as she passes. 1 Help him, please! new zealander [Meets Sandy as he comes to foot of his cot. Sandy is carrying his comfort-bag.] Good-bye, Sandy, old man ! I shall soon be with yer again. All among the whizz-bangs and the pip-squeaks. [They go off arm in arm.] CANADIAN [Hopping after them with the aid of his crutch.] Here ! Wait a minute, Sandy ! I want to say good-bye to you. nurse [To Cockney.] You can read that outside. Yaas, miss! Come on, Pat. cockney nurse < 128 > DEVOTION PAT I'd rather stay here. NURSE Oh, no. You must get some sunshine and air. I'll wheel you. COCKNEY Le' me ! I a'ways do, y' know. NURSE Thank you ! Did you get your " Woodbine " ciga- rettes ? COCKNEY Yaas, miss ! In me pockit. [Nurse goes off into next ward.'] [To Pat.] 'Ere! 'Old this! [Gives him " Reynolds's " to hold.'\ PAT I'd rather stay here. COCKNEY Naa, if you say another word I'll 'it yer, see? [He playfully puts his fist against Pat's face and laughs. Starts wheeling Pat off L. and sings.] " So 'old yer 'and aat, naughty boy I 'Old yer 'and aat, y' naughty boy ! < 129 > OUT THERE Last night, in the pale moonlight, I saw yer ! I saw yer ! With a nice girl in the park; You were stroUin' full o' joy, And ye told 'er ye never kissed a girl before; 'Old yer 'and out, y' naughty boy ! " [On each " I saw yer " he makes a little hop, and is just out of sight at the end of the song.^ [Annie comes in, carrying two clean sheets and pillow cases and some loose chocolates. She places Pat's pillow at foot of bed, over the box of oranges, and lays out six chocolates on it. She goes to cot 2, imitating Cockney in his song and hop, and starts to make up the bed. As she does this she sings all the Cockney ditties she can think of. The bed is nearly made when she hears the Doctor coming. She runs to Pat's cot and covers up the chocolates just as the Doctor en- ters. 1 doctor [Genially.] Well, and how is " Nurse " Annie? ANNIE I wish I was " Nurse " Annie. DR. HANWELL You mustn't be in a hurry. ANNIE D' y' think I ever will be ? < 130 y DEVOTION DR. HANWELL There's no reason why you shouldn't. Just now you must be content to do what you can. ANNIE IQuickly.l Oh, I'm content, sir. Reely, I am. An' 'appy, too. 'Appier 'n I've ever bin, or thought of being. DR. HANWELL That's right. Not " Haunted " any more? ANNIE No, sir. [Smiles sheepishly.'] " Cheery " Annie, they calls me 'ere. DR. HANWELL Good! ANNIE I keep their minds orf themselves. Yaas, sir. I'm doing jes' w'at I used t' dream abaat, an' think abaat — workin' f'r the soljers, doin' somethin' f'r them, bein' near 'em. It's not much I'm doin'. Still, it is somethin'. [Smiles wistfully.'] 'Course, I saw meself with a uni- form an' a crorss all red acrorss me chest. I would like to be a nurse in a real uniform. It'd be fine to go back t' Camden Taan like one o' them titled laidies y' see in the illustrated paipers. . . . Mother an' Liz would stare, an' no mistake. < 131 y OUT THERE DR. HANWELL What do you hear from them? ANNIE 'Erb's gorn. DR. HANWELL 'Erb? ANNIE My brother. You know! 'E's 'listed. I've just 'ad a letter from mother. 'E went orf the very d'y I left. 'Course 'e ain't fightin' yet! Just trainin'. Oh, an' mother! She's goin' t' do somethin'. DR. HANWELL Isn't that splendid.? What? ANNIE She don' s'y w'at. She just says, " Somethin'," she says. I 'xpee' she'd bin 'avin' a little drop o' comfort. Still, she writes very cheerful. Not orf'n she's cheerful. Gin's a depressin' sperrit, ain't it? DR. HANWELL Very. ANNIE Oh, an' she says Lizzie's — my sister, you know — Lizzie's willin' t' maike war-stuff if they p'y 'er better'n she's gettin'. < 132 > DEVOTION DR. HANWELL Good! ANNIE So, taike it all in all, aar fem'ly's doin* aar bit. DR. HANWELL Yes — indeed ! [Laughing genially and taking out cigarette case.1 You seem to have stirred them all up. ANNIE [Eyeing the cigarettes.^ Yaas, sir. An' Camden Taan taikes a bit o' stirrin', I can tell y'. DR. HANWELL I suppose so. ANNIE [Suddenly stops making bed. Pointing to cigarettes.ll Are they 'Gyptian ? DR. HANWELL Yes. ANNIE Can y' spare one ? DR. HANWELL [Astonished.'] Do you smoke? ANNIE [Evasively.] Oh, I won' s'y I do an* I won' s'y I < 133 > OUT THERE don't. But I would like one — if y' don' mind. [Dr. Hanwell holds out the case amusedly. Annie takes one.'\ Sure y' can spare it? DR. HANWELL Oh, yes. [Going to close the case.'\ ANNIE Could I 'ave another? DR. HANWELL Certainly. [Holds out the case again and amusedly watches her take another.'\ ANNIE Thank ye, sir. DR. HANWELL You have expensive tastes. ANNIE [Holding the two cigarettes gingerly in her fingers. ^ Yaas, sir. DR. HANWELL You mustn't smoke on duty. ANNIE Oh, no, sir. Not me. [Goes on with her work.l < 134 > DEVOTION DR. HANWELL [^Just about to go out, remembering, turns back.'] By the way, that reminds me. I've had some complaints about you. ANNIE [Startled.'] Complaints? Abaat me? DR. HANWELL Yes. ANNIE [Her eyes filling.] I do me bes', sir. DR. HANWELL It isn't about your work. ANNIE Wat is it, then.^ DR. HANWELL You mustn't go near the men so much. You can speak to them, of course. But you mustn't touch them. Only nurses are allowed to do that. ANNIE Oh, but I don't orf'en. DR. HANWELL But — ANNIE On'y w'en no one's bin near. OUT THERE DR. HANWELL You mustn't at any time. ANNIE Sometimes they cry aat f 'r somethin' — water, or an orange, or to 'elp 'em move w'en they ain't able to by theirselves. I on'y moved Brown 'cos 'is shoulder 'ad gorn to sleep. Yer know, y' cawn't git yer eyes to sleep if yer shoulder does it first. DR. HANWELL You must leave that to the nurses. ANNIE But if she ain't there? DR. HANWELL Bring her. ANNIE It ain't much that I do, reely it ain't. DR. HANWELL It might be very serious. Supposing the man shouldn't have water or an orange? Suppose it was the worst thing he could possibly have? ANNIE [Discouraged.l I see, sir. < 136 :}. DEVOTION DR. HANWELL And many cases must not be moved. The bandages may slip. It might be very serious. ANNIE YaaSj sir, DR. HANWELL I don't like having complaints. You must obey the rules. ANNIE [Earnestly.] Oh, I do. Indeed I do. I fetch an' carry, an' wash up an' mend all d'y. [With a wan smile.] W'enever I've touched 'em, or give 'em any thin', it's bin a bit of extry. DR. HANWELL You must deny yourself " extras." The only way you can hope to get on is by scrupulously obeying. ANNIE [Disconsolately.] All right, sir. I will. DR. HANWELL Now don't get " Haunted " again. ANNIE [Brightening.] I won't. DR. HANWELL Discipline, my girl. Discipline. < 137 > OUT THERE ANNIE [Nodding intelligently.] I know. Same as the sol- jers. We're all soljers aat 'ere, ain't we? DR. HANWELL We are. And we must all obey the superior com- mand. That's the only way to win. ANNIE [Determinedly. 1 An' we are goin' t* win? DR. HANWELL Yes. ANNIE We got to win, bli' me ! DR. HANWELL So no more complaints, Annie. ANNIE No, sir, DR. HANWELL Be a good girl. [Walks away.] ANNIE [Hurrying after him.] Doctor, can I 'ave a cigar? DR. HANWELL [Turns back to her.] Now don't tell me you smoke cigars ? < 138 > DEVOTION ANNIE No, sir. But I like to 'ave one 'andy. DR. HANWELL Why.? ANNIE Oh, jus' becos. DR. HANWELL [Looking at her sternly,] Whom do you want it for? ANNIE Won't git 'im into trouble? DR. HANWELL No. ANNIE [Points to cot.] The Canadian. 'E wants one some- thin' awful. DR. HANWELL Now, there's another instance. It might be the worst thing for him. You must say ivhom you want these things for. ANNIE It couldn't 'urt 'im. 'E's a big feller. DR. HANWELL That doesn't matter. You must ask. ANNIE Well, I 'ave asked. May 'e 'ave one? < 139 > OUT THERE DR. HANWELL [He holds open case. She takes one.'] Yes. ANNIE My, they are big, ain't they? Have you got a black one? DR. HANWELL Here, try this one. ANNIE Oh, that's brown, too. DR. HANWELL Here's another one. ANNIE Oh, they will last him an awful long time. DR. HANWELL I'll send him round some. But, remember, always ask. ANNIE I will. An' thenk y', sir. DR. HANWELL [Struck by a thought.] Annie! ANNIE Yaas, sir. < 140 y DEVOTION DR. HANWELL You don't want those cigarettes for yourself. Do you? ANNIE [Evasively.] Well, y' see — [Picks up cigarettes and cigars quickly.] DR. HANWELL Whom are you collecting them for.'* ANNIE [Frightened.'] The New Zealander, Bates. DR. HANWELL Why did you say you wanted them for yourself? ANNIE [Faintly.] I thought p'r'aps y' mightn't let me 'ave 'em if y' knew. [Pause — Dr. Hanwell looks sternly at her.] It won't 'appen agin, sir. DR. HANWELL I hope not. ANNIE May 'e 'ave 'em, sir? DR. HANWELL Yes. < 141 > OUT THERE ANNIE Thenk y'! Won't 'appen agin! Doctor, I've got three cigars; can I 'ave another cigarette? [Dr. Hanwell gives her one more cigarette — he is about to go off.l Thenk yer, sir ! Won't 'appen agin ! [Runs to New Zealander's cot, gets pen and paper."] Would yer mind writing a word down for me? DR. hanwell [Taking the pen and paper.] What is the word? ANNIE " Olecorst." DR. HANWELL [Looks at her and smiles.] Who's this for? ANNIE The New Zealander, Bates. That won't 'urt 'im, will it? DR. HANWELL Not on paper. [He writes the word and shakes the fountain pen. Some ink spurts onto the floor.] ANNIE That's w'y they call 'em fountain pens, ain't it? DR. HANWELL [Smiles and gives her pen and paper. She puts them < 142 :^. DEVOTION on New Zealander's table.] Have you any other friends with any little idiosyncrasies? ANNIE [Shocked — not understanding.'] Oh, no, sir. Nothin* like that in this ward, sir. NURSE [Enters.] Two fresh cases, doctor. [She gives the Doctor two fever charts. To Annie.] Turn down those covers and remove the pillows. [Annie moves the table R. of cot 3 back a little. Puts pillows from cot 3 on chair, then takes the clothes off and holds them up at foot of cot. Two Bearers come in, with a new case. They lay the stretcher on the empty cot, 3, guided by the Nurse. Annie replaces covers. Two other Bearers carry on another case and, by the Nurse's order, place the stretcher on the cot vacated by the Scotchman. The Nurse has re- moved the pillows and is standing with bed clothes at foot of cot 2. The men are put in the beds very carefully, and the covers drawn over them. Dr. Hanwell dismisses the two Bearers, and with the Nurse, arranges the men in the most comfortable positions. One is bandaged across the head. The other has his arm bound, and his back and chest band- aged. As the two Bearers pass out, Annie touches the last one timidly. He stops.] OUT THERE ANNIE [In a whisper, pointing to a paper half out of his pocket.] Is that the " Referee "? BEARER Yes. ANNIE Can I 'ave it.'' [Cheerfully.] All right! [Takes it out and gives it to her."] ANNIE [Very pleased.] I'm much obliged. [Runs across and places " Referee " on Cockney's cot.] [Bearer joins the other Bearer. They pass out.] DR. HANWELL They've both had opiates.^ NURSE Yes, sir. DR. HANWELL [Continuing conversation with the Nurse and moving away, the Nurse following.] Come across with me, and I'll give them to you. [Stops when he sees Annie.] Stay here until the nurse comes back. [Hurries out.] < 144 y DEVOTION NURSE [Severely, to Annie.] And don't speak to them — or touch them. They mustn't be zvakened or moved. ANNIE I know, miss. I won't. [Nurse rapidly follows the Doctor out. Annie looks in awe and pity at the two men. The one in No. 2 is lying zvith his head away from her. No. 3 is perfectly motionless, too, lying flat on his back. Annie gives a little shiver, then goes to the New Zealander's cot and puts the cigarettes, with the scrap of note paper, on his pillow. She looks at the men as she passes, and hurriedly puts the cigars on the Canadian's pillow. The man in No S suddenly begins to speak in his delirium — he counts continu- ally.'] no. 3 [7n delirium.] One — two — three — four — charge ! [His voice rises as he mechanically goes on counting.] [Annie walks over nervously and looks down at him. She is going to touch him, but checks herself. She looks off worriedly in the direction in which the Nurse went, as though anxious for her return. No. 3's voice rises louder and louder. Annie tries to read the " Referee," so as to resist the temptation to help the man. She even walks over with it to the Cockney's -C 145 > OUT THERE cot, and puts it on his pillow. Finally^ as no one comes, and unable to stand the ceaseless monotony of the man counting, she goes timidly to him, takes his hand, and begins to stroke it, singing " Rock-a-by, Baiby." Gradually the man's voice gets lower and lower, then fades away. Annie stops the lullaby and stands looking down at him. Suddenly the man in No. 2 struggles up with a groan, gives a cry, and falls forward. Annie springs up and puts him back on the pillow, then stares at him in mute, helpless horror. The Nurse hurries back with some medical packages, and catches Annie in the act.^ NURSE What do you mean by touching that man! ANNIE [Wildly.] 'E — 'e — 'e — [Her hands beating the air helplessly.'] NURSE This is the last time. You will not be allowed near the men again. Leave the ward ! ANNIE [Trying to speak articulately — glaring wild-eyed at the man.] 'E was — 'e was — 'e was — [Dr. Hanwell hurries in.] DR. HANWELL What was that? DEVOTION NURSE She's been doing it again. I found her pulling that man about on his pillow, after our strict instructions. You said he was not to be- touched. DR. HANWELL. I did. NURSE She's not to be trusted near these people. [To Annie.] Leave the ward. ANNIE [Finds her voice, and screams vehemently and wildly.] He's my man — my sweet'eart — an' I'm not t' touch 'im! I'm t' be sent aw'y! 'E went becos I arst 'im to, an' naa 'e's there dyin', an' I'm not t' touch 'im! I'm t' go ! Wat 'ave I done .'' Wat any one would do ! Not touch 'em! [Points to No. S distractedly.] Look at 'im ! Screamin' aat in 'is sleep, an' I stroked 'im an' sang 'im quiet. [To Nurse.] Not touch 'em ! I wouldn't 'urt any of 'em. They're God's men. Thet's w'at they are. Can any man do more 'n they 'ave? 'E's my man — my sweet'eart! DR. HANWELL [Trying to soothe her.] Quiet! Quiet! Tell me ex- actly what you did. -C 147 > OUT THERE ANNIE [Breathless — crying distractedly.'] 'E cried aat an' fell forward^ an' I 'elped 'im back, saime as 'e is naa. An' I sawr 'oo 'e was, an' I was 'oldin' 'im, 'ardly be- lievin' it, w'en she come in an' saw me, an' said I was t' leave the ward. I sent 'im t 'the war, an' I'm not t' touch 'im! DR. HANWELIi In this instance you were perfectly right. From now, he will be your especial care. See that he never plunges forward again. He must be watched continually, and kept just as he is. Don't allow him, under any circum- stances, to fall forward, or he may have a hemorrhage. You needn't leave the ward. From now on, you are an assistant-nurse. ANNIE [Dazed — half-hysterical.'] Doctor! DR. HANWELL Yes. And don't let him speak. ANNIE [Whispering.] I won't, sir. DR. HANWELL No excitement. ANNIE I know 'ow t' 'andle 'im, sir. [Looking down at him.] < 148 > DEVOTION DR. HANWELL [Going to cot 3.] He's been talking? ANNIE Countin', sir. " One — two — three — four — Charge!" Time an' time agin! DR. HANWELL [Nods under standingly as he looks down at the won.] I see. He goes through it all up to the time he was hit. You sang to him? [Nods. 'I A baiby-song. It used to quiet mother — when she was 'urt. DR. HANWELL Take your instructions from her. From now you're her assistant. [Annie gulps and half sobs — and nods. She cannot speak. '\ NURSE [To Annie, in a kindly voice."] I'm sorry! I didn't know when I spoke to you — [Puts her hand on Annie's shoulder.'^ ANNIE [Huskily.] Aw right, miss! -C 149 > OUT THERE NURSE Take care of them for a few minutes. You seem to know how. [^She hurries owf.] ANNIE [Dr. Hanwell goes back to cot 2 and listens to the man's breathing. She asks, xvild-eyed and anxious.'\ Will 'e — will 'e die, sir .'' DR. HANWELL Certainly not! ANNIE \^Her hand goes to her mouth and stifles a cry."] Oh! Will 'elive? DR. HANWELL Of course he will. We must keep him asleep. Na- ture is fighting for him now. He has everything on his side. How old is he? ANNIE Twen'y-four, sir. DR. HANWELL He'll live many more years. [^Smiling.'] It will be a very happy waking for him. But — [Warning her.] — no fuss ! ANNIE I know 'ow to 'andle him — < 150 > DEVOTION DR. HANWELL You're a good girl, Annie. ANNIE [Huskily.'] You're a fine man, sir! [Dr. Hanwell goes out.] [Annie looks down at her man — resists the inclination to touch him — sits between the tzvo beds — thinks, takes off her apron and folds it up and puts it under the chair — then takes from her bosom a little crum- pled nurse's cap, smooths it out, and puts it on. The man in No. 3 begins to count faintly — she looks at him — then at No. 2 — who stirs uneasily. The man's counting grows louder. She stands up — irresolutely looking from one cot to the other — and without leav- ing her sweetheart's side, begins to croon " Rock-a-by, Baiby." The man's voice rises louder and louder. She sees that she must go to him if she is to quiet him. She nerves herself to leave her lover's cot — goes to the troubled man, and closing her eyes with an effort she sings as she did before and strokes his hand. In a little while the man's voice begins to soften. He is still. She gives a great sigh of relief, and goes back and sits and watches her lover. The sound of voices quite near is heard, and the men appear, returning from their airing. Cockney comes in first wheeling Pat, followed by Canadian, Scotchman and New Zealander. She motions them to be quiet, and points to the two new cases. They nod and creep in. The < 151 > OUT THERE Cockney noiselessly wheels Pat over to his place. As the New Zealander sits down by his cot he sees the cigarettes — gives an ejaculation, picks up one — lights it — and inhales with evident satisfaction. Then the Cockney finds the " Referee " and cries under his breath, " BW me! " — throws himself full length on the coverlet and, turning to the middle page, eagerly reads the sporting items. Then the Canadian finds the cigars, gives a little cry — bites the end off one, lights it, and starts smoking — his face beaming. Lastly, Pat, frowningly, looking around, sees the chocolates on his pillow. He takes them up suspi- ciously — slowly a broad smile creases his features. He takes a chocolate and devours it.] [The Cockney looks at Annie — and points her out to Canadian and the others, touching his head to indi- cate the nurse's cap.] CANADIAN [In a whisper.] Annie, w'at's thet f'r? ANNIE [In a whisper.] I've got a right t' wear it. CANADIAN [Whispering.] Wat? Are y' a nurse? ANNIE [Solemnly and proudly.] Yaas, I'm hassistant nurse. ENE OF PART II -C 152 > 2; PART III " REVELATION " DIVISION ONE Mrs. Hudd's Rooms Mrs. Hudd Miss Elizabeth Hudd Private Herbert Hudd Mr. Montague Marsh " REVELATION " Division One Scene: Mrs. Hudd's rooms. Mrs. Hudd's living-room has been considerably bright- ened. It is cleaner and neater. Many new dishes have been added to the dresser. A good-sized mirror and a clock adorn the walls. The table has on it a brightly coloured cloth. It is night. The room is lit by two lamps, one on the table and one on the dresser. There is a gas-jet in the hallway. The door opens and Private Hudd, in uniform, looks in. His face is tanned by the sun and wind, and he is at- tempting to grow a somewhat anaemic moustache. Finding the room empty, he turns and beckons. 'erb Come in ! [Mr. Montague Marsh enters, very much better-dressed than when we last saw him. He is carrying a new hat and cane, and is gloved.^ Sit daan! [Goes into inner room, calling out boister- ously and singing. '\ < 157 y OUT THERE 'Ere we are ! 'Ere we are ! 'Ere we are again! 'Ello, ma ! Wat oh, Liz ! \^His mother and sister can be heard greeting him.'] MRS. HUDD [Afectionately.] W'y, 'Erb! LIZZIE l^With no enthusiasm."] 'Ello. 'erb Go in an' see 'oo I've brought y*. LIZZIE 'Oo? 'erb Go in an' see. LIZZIE We're not 'avin visitors jut' naa. 'erb [Pushing her into the room.] Ga'n in. \^He closes the door.] < 158 > "REVELATION" LIZZLB 'Ere! 'Oo yer shoving of? [Lizzie, much more quietly dressed, and far more acerb of manner, comes in suspiciously and looks at Monte disgustedly.^ Monte! [About to go out again.] MONTE Liz — Miss 'Udd — LIZZIS Wat brought y' 'ere? MONTE 'E did. I 'appened t' meet 'Erb — Private 'Udd, 'e likes 'isself t' be called naa — met 'im yes'dy arft'noon, an' we 'ad a bit of a chin. An' 'e said, " Come on 'ome wi' me t'morrer," 'e said. " T'morrer evenin'," 'e said. An' I said, " No "; I said " No." An' 'e said, " Yes "; 'e said, " Y' got to." So I come. I 'ear the doll-chap's gorn? 'Oo told y'? 'Erb. Like 'is cheek! LIZZIE MONTE LIZZIE < 15.9 > OUT THERE MONTE Trav'lin' men ain't no good. Got a gal in ev'ry taan. Nothin' like a real stand-by, Y' know w'ere 'e maikes 'is 'ome. LIZZIE Yaas, Woolwich ! MONTE An' very nice, too. Wat abaat it, Liz — Miss 'Udd.'* It's there, waitin' f'r y'. LIZZIE No fear! Not with all I've got on me mind! MONTE Oh! LIZZIE I'm 'elpin' the Gov'm'nt naa. MONTE I know — munitions. LIZZIE Yaas. Wen I've pulled them through I'll see abaat you, — an' Woolwich. MONTE [Going to her joyfully.] Oh, Liz — Miss 'Udd! -C 160 > "REVELATION" LIZZIE Aw right naa. Taike y'r time ! MONTE Then I m'y 'ope? LIZZIE The's no lawr agin 'oping. MONTE [With a deep breath.] Ah! I thought y' loved me. LIZZIE Loved y't [Laughs sneeringly.'] The's not much love in Camden Taan. MONTE [Fervently.] There is — in Woolwich — lots of it. Will y' walk aat agin ? LIZZIE The's no 'urry. Wait till I've done me job, Cawn't think o' marriage wi' the war on. 'erb [From inner room.] Come on, ma! MRS. HUDD [From inner room.] Aw right, dearie. LIZZIE An', see ! Nothin' t' ma, or 'Erb, or it's all orf. < 161 > OUT THERE MONTE Aw right, Liz ! Then I m'y come araand an' taike y* aat? LIZZIE I s'pose so. MONTE I do feel 'appy. LIZZIE Don' taike much t' maike y' 'appy! Do it? MONTE It taikes you. LIZZIE Y' ain't got me yet. MONTE G'wan! [Playfully slapping her.'] Yaas, I 'ave. LIZZIE [Slapping him quite hard.] No, y' ain't. MONTE [Slapping her again.] Oh, yaas, I 'ave. LIZZIE [Hitting him on the face.] I s'y you ain't. ['Erb quietly opens the door and brings in his mother — they both see the blows.] < 162 y "REVELATION" 'erb W'y, they're a-'ittin' of each other. They mus' be engaiged. LIZZIE [Angrily.^ Not yet, I ain't. 'erb But y're goin' to be. I know 'ow y' maikes love. I've seen y'. [To Monte.] The 'arder she 'its, the more she cares. [To Lizzie.] Ga on ! Give 'im a good un. LIZZIE [Furiously.'] Oh, le' me alone! [Goes away.] MRS. HUDD [Very respectably dressed, her hair nicely done, and her whole manner very much improved, shakes hands with Monte.] Very glad, I'm sure! MONTE It's a treat t' see y', Mrs. 'Udd. 'erb So you're workin' reg'lar, eh? MRS. HUDD [In a very superior manner.] Yaas, 'Erb. Light, but steady ! I hopens the door at an 'orspital. < 163 > OUT THERE 'erb An' Liz is raakin' shells, eh? LIZZIE An' w'y shouldn't I? They p'ys me well. 'erb My Gawd! 'Ow the money rolls in. Liz maikes the shells ! Monte maikes the guns ! I'm goin' aat t' fire 'em! Mother opens the door at the 'orspital! An' sis- ter Annie nnrses 'em! Wat oh, the 'Udds! [^Sings.'\ " 'Ere we are ! 'Ere we are ! 'Ere we are agin ! " [To Lizzie.] S'y, I've got a little treat f'r y' t'night. lizzie [B Tightening. 1 The theaytre.'' 'erb Naow. Better 'n thet. lizzie W'at.> 'erb A recruitin' meetin'. -C 164 > "REVELATION" LIZZIE [Disgustedly.] Oh! Not f'r me. 'erb 'Oo d'y think's goin' t' speak? LIZZIE 'Oo? Lloy' George? 'erb Naow, Annie! LIZZIK Annie? Annie speak? 'erb Yaas. LIZZIE Oh^ my Gawd ! 'erb Don't y' maike no mistake! She can. LIZZIE [Laughs disdainfully.'] Ha! MRS. HUDD An' w'y not? W'y shouldn't she speak? Ain't she my daughter? LIZZIE Yaas. Thet's w'y! < 165 > OUT THERE MRS. HUDD [To Monte.] Me pore gran'father could speak for howers without a hefFort w'en 'e was in the 'Ouse of Commons. For howers without a hefFort. LIZZIE Were? MRS. HUDD [With great dignity.] In the 'Ouse of Commons! An' the 'ole country a-waitin' to 'ear w'at 'e said! LIZZIE 'Erb! She's orf agin! 'erb 'Course, I never seed 'im, but from all I 'ear, your poor old gran'father must 'a' bin a bit of all right. MRS. HUDD Mr. Marsh .> Yes, ma'am. MRS. HUDD Did y' ever 'ear o' my pore ole gran'father? MONTE I must 'ave. W'at was 'is naime.'' < 166 > MONTE "REVELATION" MRS. HUDD 'Is naime was Boyle. Y' see, me married naime's 'Udd, but I'lOf really a Boyle on me mother's side. Oh, 'e could talk. Oh, my Gord! 'ow he could talk! W'y, many's the time with thousands o' people 'e'd -r» 'erb Aw right, ma! Git y'r bonnit on, an' y'r shawl. We got a long w'y to go. MRS. HUDD H'all right, dearie! But don't y' maike no mistaike abaat Annie. She's not my daughter f'r nothink. [To Monte.] D' y' know she's a fully sterrified nurse ? MONTE Go on, ma'am, is she.'' 'erb Certified, she means. MRS. HUDD Very glad yer goin' ter join the 'Udd family. 'erb Come on, 'urry up, ma ! It's goin' t' be a graite meetin'. [Passes her across to the door. She goes out.'] < 167 > OUT THERE ['Erb, closing the door after her, sings " 'Ere we are agin." Pore ol' ma ! An' Gran'father ! Come on, Liz ! Put y'r duds on! LIZZIE I don't care abaat goin'. MONTE [Jumping at the opportunity.] Nor do I. Tell y' w'at! I'll st'y 'ere with you. 'erb [Threateningly.'] Wat's thet? You st'y 'ere wi' Liz ? Not if I knows it, y' won't ! LIZZIE Never you mind abaat 'is st'yin' ! Rather n' that, I'd 'ear Annie speak. I'll go. [Takes her hat and coat from nail on side of dresser.] 'erb [Glaring at Monte.] Not so much of the " Stay 'ere with Liz " stuff! You come along with me. See? MONTE Aw right, 'Erb! Didn't mean nothin'. [Thoroughly cowed.] 'erb I should think not, indeed. S'y, Lizzie! Don' tell ma yet. I'm goin' aat nex' week. -C 168 > "REVELATION" LIZZIE Were ? 'erb Aat there. LIZZIE Are y'? [Indifferently.] 'erb Yaas. An' mebbe I ain't glad! Nat 'alf ! I'm sick o' marchin' abaat an' stickin' bags with a bay 'nit. I want t' stick some o' them blighters. Wat oh ! LIZZIE Oh, my! Ain't we savige! Y' wasn't so anxious a w'ile ago. 'erb Well, I am naa. See? LIZZIE [Sneeringly.] 'Cos y' was ashaimed. Annie maide y' ashaimed. 'erb An' w'at if she did.'' LIZZIE Oh! Annie! < 169 > OUT THERE 'erb She's done well — ain't she ? LIZZIE So she says. We ain't seen 'er. *ERB 'Cos she ain't 'ad a chance t' come. [To Monte.] She's bin maikin' speeches all raan' the country. This is 'er firs' night in London. 'Ope / does as well as she 'as. 'Tain't every one can go aat as she did an' come back an' maike speeches. LIZZIE 'Er maikin' speeches! She don' know no more words 'n I do. 'erb She can use w'at she's got. [To Monte.] She's bin recruitin' all daan from Liverpool, an' pullin' 'em in, d'y an' night. W'y, one place she got two — an' they didn't even know there was a war on. She's wot the paipers calls a — 'yptonist — MONTE Oh, indeed — is that so ? < 170 > "REVELATION" 'erb You know! Kind o' sends y' t' sleep, an' we'n y' waikes up y're in the army. Thet's w'at she does. LIZZIE Oh! Annie! Gives me a pain! 'erb Y' wouldn't think they was sisters, would y' .'' MONTE [Frightenedly.'\ Oh, I dunno. LIZZIE Yaas, y' do ! W'y don't y' own up ? W'at do 7 care if she is a nurse? 'erb She's jealous. Thet's what she is. LIZZIE Me? 'erb Yaas. LIZZIE Jealous of Annie? 'erb Thet's w'at I said. ♦c 171 :^ OUT THERE LIZZIE [Furiously to Monte.] 'Ere, wot d' you think? MONTE [Alarmed.'] Well, er, — Why, er, — Y' know, er, — [Stops.'] LIZZIE [Imitating him.] Well, er, — Why, er, — You know, er, — W'at kind o' talk is thet? [Turns to 'Erb.] W'y, Annie's — 'erb [Seriously.] 'Ere! Thet's enough o' thet! See? She's our sister. And I'm praad of it. France 'ad a Joan of Hare! Aw right, then. We've got a Annie 'Udd ! She showed me w'at for. An' I've never bin 'appier f'r any thin' I've done than I've bin f'r inlistin'. See ? Not even w'en I won me first fight ! Yaas ! An' this is a bigger fight 'n thet. I'm goin' to 'it the fellers I 'ates, — not me own kind. Thet's w'at she said. See ? An' I can look people str'ight in the faice naa as I walks daan the street. An' they looks at me in these 'ere — [Pointing to his uniform] as if they was praad o' me. An' I'm praad o' meself. Thet's Annie's doin'. So you jes' shut up talkin' agin 'er. See? LIZZIE [Turning away, a little ashamed.] Oh! < 172 > "REVELATION" 'erb [Watches her — then goes to her and puts his hand on her shoulder.] Liz I Liz! I didn't mean t' — LIZZIE [Distractedly. "l Oh! Lea'e me alone, cawn't y'? Annie ! Annie ! Annie ! Jes' becos she sneaked 'er w'y inter bein' a nurse ! [Mrs. Hudd comes in with her bonnet and shawl. She is carrying a familiar, large, black bottle.] 'erb 'Ere we are, ma ! [Sees the bottle.] Wat oh ! A little drop o' "the old," eh? [Takes the bottle, gives a cry, puts it down quickly on the table, and wrings his fingers.] Bli' me! Wat's in the bottle? MRS. HUDD 'Ot water, dearie. 'erb 'Ot water ? MRS. HUDD Yaas. So good f'r the 'eart, y' know. The pore doc- tor h'ordered it with 'is larst breath. 'erb What? Are y' givin' up the " Velvet "? MRS. HUDD Yaas, 'Erb. I are. < 173 > OUT THERE 'erb F'r h'ever? MRS. HUDD No, h'indeed! F'r the duration o' the war. We all got t' give up somethin'. So I give h'it up. You don't think it will be a long war, do you, 'Erb.'' 'erb Not w'en some of us gets out there — [Digging her playfully in the ribs.] You're all right, you are. 'Ere, Monte, look slippy. [Monte goes up to the door.] Put that aat, Liz. [Pointing to lamp on dresser, which Lizzie turns out.] [Monte opens door.] 'Ere y' are, ma. You'd better take the bottle — you got your gloves on. lizzie [As they go to outer door.] Fine evenin' this is goin' to be ! Annie ! [Pushes her way past Monte and Mrs. Hudd, and goes out.] MRS. HUDD My pore gran'farther — lizzie Oh, gran'farther me 'at! [Opening the outer door.'] < 17-i > "REVELATION" MRS. HUDD [To Monte as they go out into the street.] 'E was w'at they calls a nachral h'orator ! 'erb [Leaves the inner door open, turns the gas in the cor- rid.or down to half -strength, and goes to the outside of the outer door.'\ Raan' t' the right! [Bangs the outer door.'] Keep on the paivement, ma. An' mind y'r bot- tle! END OF THE FIRST DIVISION OF PART THREE < 175 > DIVISION TWO A Public Place The Nurse " REVELATION " Division Two The scene represents the base of the Nelson Column in Trafalgar Square, London, at night. In the distance are street lamps dimly lighted. Annie stands on the plinth at the base of the column in the costume of a fully qualified Red Cross Nurse. Below her, and in front of her, is a crowd. As the curtain rises the crowd is cheering Annie. ANNIE It's funny, me standin' up 'ere maikin' speeches ! I ain't got much o' w'at y' call a — v'cabyerlerry, but I've faand it ain't alwa's the biggest words as maikes big things clear. A simple talk is best understood by simple people, ain't it? Y' tell 'ow y'r feller loves y' by the w'y 'e looks at y', not by w'at 'e says. Y' know a frien's a frien' by the hatmosphere thet's maide w'en you're together. An' so I want y' t' see love f'r me own kind in me eyes as I speak, an' I want y' t' feel a h'atmosphere o' frien's — like even w'en I arsts y' t' go aat there an' p'r'haps git killed — w'ich don' seem hixac'ly frien'ly, do it.^ I ain' f'r war. But I cam' see w'at you're goin' -C 179 > OUT THERE t' do w'en y'r country's in it except 'elp y'r country. If you 'old back, you're 'elpin' the enemy, ain't y'? There ain't no other w'y o' figgerin'. Naa, suppose y' don' go aat. " No," y' says t' y'rself. " Hi got me wife an' kids. Hi got me shop." Very well! I'll talk yo're kind o' talk. If the henemy ever gits 'ere d' y' fink 'e'll let y' keep y'r shop.'' No, young feller-me-lad. They need it t' maike up f'r the shops they lef be'ind. An' they'll taike it if y' don't 'elp t' keep 'em aat o' y'r country. An' y'r wife an' kids! So 'elp me! If y'd seen w'at I've seen an' knoo w'at / know, y' wouldn't 'old back. Y' wouldn' wait f'r 'em t' come into England. Y'd be willin' t' go aat an' fight 'em wiv y'r fem'ly miles be'ind y' in their 'omes, instead o' waitin' till the henemy comes over 'ere an' knocks y'r fem'ly abaat, an' y' 'ave t' fight by y'rself — wiv no charnce o' succees, instead o' wiv thaasan's o' y'r own kind to 'elp y'. An' w'en it's over, w'y, y' won' know w'ere t' go f'r comp'ny — unless y' maike up a battalion called " The Never-Do-Nothin'- f'r-Nobodies," an' all stick t'gether in a dark corner. 'Cos y' ain' goin' t' be aible t' 'sociate wiv the lads y' knoo afore the war. They've gorn way beyond you, 'cos they've realized thet w'en y' s'y " My Country " y' don' mean the so-many miles o' dirt thet's called Hingland or Hamerica, or w'atever country y' 'appen t' belong t'. " Your Country " means your right t' live hindependent ori those miles o' dirt — hindependent in y'r bizniss, y'r religion, an' y'r fem'ly. The bes' thing t' do naa is t' join the army an' pertect -C 180 y "REVELATION" y' wife an' y'r kids an' y'r shop. After the war, w'en men realize thet the honly thing as can be perfected t* stand aginst the bes' machinery an' the bigges' guns is the soul of a people, we won't 'ave no more wars. Up t' naa, we ain' give as much attention t' perfectin' the sperrit Gawd give us as we 'ave to aar movies an' tele- phones. At the presen' time, set a million people armed wiv peace-an'-good-will aginst a million people armed wiv shrapnel, an' w'at 'appens.'' In the present siter- wation the on'y thing t' do is t' horfer peace wiv one 'and, but be sure the other's full o' shrapnel. Hi know a nation w'at's full o' the Gawd-like sperrit. They tried it f'r months. They said t' the henemy, "'Ere! W'at d' y' mean.^ Doncher know no better.'' Hixplaine y'r- self ! W'y did y' do thet? " Did the henemy reco'nize it, an' s'y, " W'at a Gawd-like sperrit ! 'Ow Christian- like ! " An' act Christian-like in return .'' No ! The henemy said, "W'at oh! W'at 'ave we faand.^ 'Ere's a nation o' nuts ! " That nation 'as naa realized w'at we realized a few years ago — thet a gmi in y'r 'and don't mean thet you're goin' t' shoot, but it does maike the other feller listen t' w'at you've got t' s'y. So come on, young feller-me-lads, an' join up! Give me y'r 'an's an' s'y y'll fight f'r y'r country ! Give those brutes all the war they want! Give 'em war until the very word " War " maikes 'em sick to their stomicks to 'ear it ! Give 'em war until they pray for peace — the honly peace we Henglish will agree to — peace wiv the victory of all civilization over the foulest, dirtiest, vilest < 181 > OUT THERE race that ever disfigured this 'ere earth. Come on, boys ! Join up! Carry on! Who comes first? {^As the hands go up to clasp hers.^ THE CURTAIN FALLS THE END < 182 > Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide Treatment Date: April 2009 PreservationTechnologies A WORLD LEADER IN COLLECTIONS PRESERVATION 111 Thomson Park Drive Cranberry Township, PA 16066