«? ,14- COPYRIGHT DEPOSm Hubert Henky Davies \ SINGLE MAN A COMEDY IN FOUR ACTS Salter H. Baker 6 Co.. Boston a. W, linero'fi Paps THF AMA70NS Farce m Three Acts. Seren males, five females. ^^ Costumes, modern ; scenery, not difficult. Plays a full evening. TBE CABMT MiiiisTER ^:zi^°::,tz.^::'^T. scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. HANHY DICIT F*''*'® ^^ Three Acts. Seven males, four females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, two interiors. Plays two hours and a half. THF fiAY TORI) OIIFX comedy in Four Acts. Four males, ten ^ " females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, two interiors and an exterior. Plays a full evening. BIS KODSE IN ORDER ^t!"oZ:^-J^T^^Z three interiors. Plays a full evening. THF HORRY HORSF CJomedy in Three Acts. Ten males, five IIU4 llvUUl UVIi>}l4 fgjj^ales. Costumes, modern; scenery easy. Plays two hours and a half. inic Drama in Five Acts. Seven males, seven females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. I AOY ROIINTIFUI ^^^^ ^ Four Acts. Eight males, seven fe- LfAUl UUUni 1U1< jjja^igg Costumes, modern ; scenery, four in- teriors, not easy. Plays a full evening. I FTTY ^^^^^ ^ Four Acts and an Epilogue. Ten males, five fe- ■^^ * males. Costumes, modern ; scenery complicated. Plays a full evening, Sent prepaid on receipt of price by Salter 1$. 'Bafeer & Company No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts 0.H2. ■2/> A Single Man BY THE SAME A UTHOR Uniform with this Volume Mrs. Gorringe's Necklace Cousin Kate The Mollusc Captain Drew on Leave Lady Epping's Lawsuit A Single Man A New and Original Comedy in Four Acts By HUBERT HENRY DA VIES All rights reserved under the International Copyright Act. Performance forbidden and right of representation reserved. Application for the right of performing this play must be made to the author or his agents. BOSTON WALTER H. BAKER & CO. LONDON WILLIAM HEINEMANN 1914 A Single Man CHARACTERS (^i originally produced, November 8, igiO, at The Playhouse, London.) Robin Worthington Henry Worthington Dickie Cottrell Lady Cottrell Maggie Cottrell , Miss Heseltine Isabella Worthington Louise Parker Bertha Sims The Housekeeper . The Parlormaid The Nurse . Mr. Cyril Maude.' Mr. Ernest Mainwaring. Mr. Lyonel Watts. Miss Florence Haydon. Miss Dulcie Greaiwich. Miss Hilda Trevelyan. Miss Mary Jerrold. . Miss Nancy Price. Miss Dorothy Dayne. Miss Etnma Chambers. Miss Vera Coburn. Miss Diana Sellick. The action, which covers a period of three weeks, taJces place in Robin Worthington's house near Farnham in Surrey. Acts L III and IV.— The study. Act II, — The drawing-room. Copyright, 19 14, by Hubert Henry Davies As author and proprietor All rights reserved r\ / MAR -5 1914 Q)C!.D .'36260 PLEASE NOTICE The stage-rights in this play are strictly reserved by the author, to whose agents applications for its use should be ad- dressed. Correspondence on this subject may be addressed to Sanger & Jordan, 1428-32 Broadway, New York. Attention is called to the penalties provided by law for any infringraents of his rights, as follows : "Sec. 4966: — Any person publicly performing or representing any dramatic or musical composition for which copyright has been obtainecl, without the consent of the proprietor of said dramatic or musical composi- tion, or his heirs and assigns, shall be liable for damages therefor, such damages in all cases to be assessed at such sum, not less than one hundred dollars for the first and fifty dollars for every subsequent performance, as to the court shall appear to be just. If the unlawful performance and rep- resentation be wilful and for profit, such person or persons shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction be imprisoned for a period not exceeding one year."— U. S, Revised Statutes, Title bo, Chap. 3. A Single Man THE FIKST ACT SCENE. — KoBiN Wokthington's study. A broad French window affords a view of a large, well-kept garden. It is towards the end of the mo7ith of May, so that the garden looks at its freshest and brightest with flowering trees in bloom. The room looks comfortable and much used, and is distinctly a man's room. Inhere are bookshelves on either side of the luindoiv. Almost facing the audience is Robin's writing-table ; a good-sized table, with all the necessary things for writing, and littered with letters and pamphlets. By the writing-table there is a small typewriter's desk. It has drawers doivn one side and a typewriter'' s machine, with a cover on, upon it. Other furiiiture completes the scene. Near a settee in front of Robin's writing-table there is a cradle on rockers containing a baby. Lying near the cradle on the floor, as if they had been flung there, are a Teddy- 7 8 A SINGLE MAN bear, a ray-doll, and a rattle. On the settee lies a small case of needles and cottons and a baby^s bonnet with rosettes and ribbon strings in the process of making. Isabella Wokthington, a bright attractive young woman of almost thirty, is on her knees beside the cradle. Isabella. [To the baby.] Coochy, coochy, coochv ! \^Putting her head close to tlie baby.] Bo ! [^She picks up the Teddy-bear and holds it up for the baby to look at as she makes a poor imitation of a dog barking fiercely^ Wow, wow, wow ! \She throws the Teddy-bear on the floor and bends solicitously over the cradle.] Did muzzer fichen baby? Muzzer didn't mean to fichen baby. [Captain Henry Woethington enters from the garden. Henry is a cavalry officer, a good-looking, pleasant mam, of thirty- fwe with conventional mind and manners. He wea/rs a tweed suit and is smoking a pipe. He stfrolls down to the cradle?^ Dada ! Here's dada ! Here's baby's dada. {Looking up at Henry.] Look at her, Henry. Doesn't she look sweet ? Henry. {Smiling at the baby.] Hullo, babs. {He pokes the baby.] Tsch ! A SINGLE MAN 9 Isabella. [In an ecstasy.'] Did you see her smile ? Henry. [Giving the hahy a series of little pokes. ^ Tsch, tsch, tsch ! Isabella. Don't do it any more, dear. It might not agree with her. [Rocks the cradle gently. Henry. I say, Isabella. Isabella. [Brightly. ~\ What is it, dearest ? Henry. Do you think you ought to be in this room ? Isabella. Why not ? Henry. Kobin may not like to have his study turned into a nursery. Isabella. I shouldn't think he'd mind when it's for baby. Henry. Look at the floor. 10 A SINGLE MAN Isabella. Those are baby's playthings. She threw them all there herself. [^Gushingly to the baby.] Clever little girlie ! Henry. Robin will be coming in directly and want to begin his morning's work. I think we'd better clear out. Isabella. Very well, dear — we will — [as she sits on the settee] by and by. Henry. It's ten o'clock. Isabella. A literary man has no fixed hour for begin- ning work. He waits till the spirit moves him. It's not as if Robin had to turn out on parade, punctual to the minute, like you. [Takes up her needle arid cotton from the seat beside her and begins to stitch the rosettes and strings on the bonnet. Henry. No — but still — we must take care not to be in his way. It's very kind of him to have us here. I don't want him to think we are making too free with his house. A SINGLE MAN II ^ Isabella. I think it is so sweet of you, Henry, the way you never forget that you are the yotmger brother. Henry. [Smiling.'] I learnt ray place at school when Kobin was Worthington Major and I was Worthington Minor. Isabella. [Sewing as she talks.] I should think our happy little family of three makes a very bright spot in his dull, gray bachelor life. The other day — which day would it be ? How long have we been staying with Robin ? Henry. [ Without looking up f rain a newspaper he has picked up.] Four days. Isabella. Yes. Then it was the day before yesterday — I was sitting here with baby, and I could see Robin, sitting at his desk, watching us. He didn't say a word — but I knew so well what was passing in his mind. He was thinking it must be very nice to have a young wife sitting in his study while he works, and a little baby- waby — lovidovickins ! [She finishes her speech with her head in the cradle. 12 A SINGLE MAN Henry. [Turni?ig Ms newspaper. 1 I should think Robin will always remain a bachelor. Isabella. Don't you think a man is much happier for being married ? Henry. {^Smiling at Isabella.] Yes — if he finds the right woman. Isabella. [^Smiling at Henry.] Of course. Henry. Perhaps Robin hasn't had my luck, or per- haps he has been too busy writing books to think about getting married. Isabella. [Dropping her sewing, and saying thought- fully.'] He needs the idea put into his head. It's what you and I ought to do while we are on this visit. Henry. {Shaking his head.'] I never believe in tak- ing a hand in other people's love affairs. Isabella. What do you think of Louise Parker ? A SINGLE MAN 1 3 ^ Henry. \IIaving forgotten wJio she is, echoes.] Louise Parker ! Isabella. You remember her. She was at school with me and she was to have been one of our brides- maids, only she had influenza. Henky. Oh, yes. I remember. Isabella. [JResuimng her sewing.'] Poor Louise ! She must be nearly thirty and she's never been en- gaged. I shouldn't think she's ever even had a proposal. I'm sure she'd have told me if she had. I thought it would be so nice for her if Robin fell in love with her. Henry. \^Good-hiimouredly.'] I don't see why my poor brother should take up with an old girl who can't get anybody else. Isabella. Louise isn't old, dear; she's my age — and she's very handsome. You've seen that photograph I have of her, with her hair done out at the sides, clutching a piece of white tulle in front. She looks lovely — and she isn't very much flat- 14 A SINGLE MAN tered — not if she is as handsome as she used to be — though of course I've seeu next to nothing of her since we've been spending our winters in Egypt. Henry. No — I suppose not. Isabella. Then I thought — having a little money of her own would make it so much better. Henry. 1 well e about that. Robin is well enough off now not to think Isabella. It would make Louise more independent. Henry. You are only looking at it from Jier point of view. Isabella. \^Her hand on his.] IS'o, dear, I'm not— but you see — poor Louise is the only one of the old school set who hasn't been able to find a husband. [Henry laughs^ and gives Isabella a little caress. A SINGLE MAN 1 5 • Henry. I don't see how you propose to bring them together. If I remember rightly — Louise lives at Leamington while here we are at Farnham, Isabella. Louise might come from Leamington to Farnham. Henry. True. Isabella. I don't see why she shouldn't be asked on a little visit. Henry. Where ? Isabella. Here. Henry. To this house ? Isabella. Yes ; I thought if Robin saw Louise in his own home it might help to put the idea into his head. Henry. But Louise can't come on a visit to Robin ! l6 A SINGLE MAN Isabella. Yes, she can — with me here. Robin's sister- in-law and Louise's oldest friend. It would be quite all right. I'm sure Louise wouldn't mind. Heney. Robin might. Isabella. I thought I could say to Robin, that as you and I have no fixed home in England, perhaps he wouldn't mind if I invited my old friend, Louise Parker, to spend a few days with me here. I don't see how he could say No to that. Henry. You haven't asked him yet ? Isabella. No — but I've asked Louise. Henry. You haven't I Isabella. Didn't I tell you ? I wrote to her the day before yesterday. I told her to put off every- thing, and come on here immediately. I gave her the most glowing account of Robin. I should feel so happy if I were the means of bringing them together. A SINGLE MAN 1 7 y Henry. \GT(mely^^ I think you ought to have spoken to Robin before inviting her. Isabella. [Penitently.'] Yes, dear, I see that now. Henry. He may not want her here. Isabella. [Seriously.'] That's my difficulty. I don't know what I shall do if Robin says he won't have Louise here. Henry. Put her off. Isabella. It's too late. She's in the train. She'll be here in three-quarters of an hour. Yes ; I re- ceived an eight-page letter from her this morn- ing. Of course when I told her to come immediately, I never expected she'd come at once. [Henry smiles in spite of hiraself. Isabella, seeing Henry smile., eJieers tip.] Dear Louise ! She's so delighted with every- thing I told her about Robin, She seems to look upon herself as engaged to him already. 1 8 A SINGLE MAN Henky. You'd better say something to Eobin without delay. Isabella. Yes, I suppose we had. [She kneels and rocks the cradle. EoBiN WoRTHlNGTON comes in from the garden. He is a jpleasant^ wise, ret- icent and sweet-tempered man of forty- three years old. KOBIN. Hullo ! Henry. Hullo, Kobin ! KOBIN. Don't disturb yourselves. I can't do any- thing until my secretary comes. [Robin turns over some jpa/pers on his desk, smiling broadly to himself. Isa- bella looks at Heney, who makes faces at her, and nods, meaning that site must tell Robin about Louise. Isabella. [With an effort.'] I have a great friend — Louise Parker her name is [She stops A SINGLE MAN 1 9 sJiort when she looks at Eobin and sees him s^iiling hroadly to himself.'] What are you smiling at ? EOBIN. \_Diffidently.'\ I came in here for the express purpose of asking you both something — and now I don't like to. Henky. Go on. KOBIN. You won't laugh ? Henry. No. Isabella. Of course not. Robin. "Well, then {Loohlng from one to the ot/ier.'] Do you think I'm too old to get married ? Isabella. No. Henry. No. 20 A SINGLE MAN KOBIN. I want you to say what you really think. Henry. We are doing. Isabella. You are not at all too old to marry. KOBIN. I don't mean — I mean a girl. Henry. Of course. Isabella. So do loe. Robin. I don't think I've any time to waste. I'm forty-three. Henry. I thought you were forty-four. Eobin. {^Qtiite annoyed^ No, I'm not. I'm only forty-three. Isabella. {^Complacently ?\ Is it seeing us that has made you want so much to get married ? A SINGLE MAN 21 KOBIN. ^ Partly — and partly it's the spring. How can I keep my mind off marriage when all the woods and fields are filled with family life ? I get the same unsettled feeling regularly every year. Heney. /used to get it before I was man'ied. KOBIN. All the bachelors do in the pairing season. I've no doubt my case is a good deal aggravated this year with watching you two and the baby. Do you know before you arrived — I rather ex- pected your domestic happiness might irritate me, but — [he smiles at them hotJi] I find it ex- tremely attractive. It makes me quite jealous. Isabella. l^BecJconing Henry to her she whispers to hiin while Robin's hack is turned.^ He's abso- lutely ripe for Louise. Henry. [As Robin turns to them.] I've often won- dered how it is you've escaped so long. You used to be constantly falling in love. Robin. That was before I could afford to marry. I got over them all. One can't miss for long 22 A SINGLE MAM something one never had. Since the days that you remember I've been so busy getting on in the world, and so afraid that marriage would interfere with my work, that I haven't encour- aged myself to think of it. But now that I have got on — I seem to have come to a kind of full stop, ISTothing matters as much as it did ; my friends don't ; my career doesn't. A great many bachelors experience the same sort of feeling round about forty. It's not pleasant: it's alarming. I ought not to be losing my grip on life yet — but to retain it I need a new interest — an interest outside myself. I need — [indicating Isabella who is gently rocking the cradW] that's what I need. [lie goes up to the window^ and out into the garden a few steps, standing with his hack towards Heney and Isa- bella. Henry goes to Isabella (md sits beside her. Henry. Hadn't you better tell him about Louise ? Isabella. If I tell him now — after what he's been say- ing — he'll think I've asked her here on purpose for him to fall in love with — and that makes a man so angry. A SINGLE MAN 23 Heney. ^ Pretend you've asked her here because Fm so fond of her. Isabella. No, Henry, I won't ! Henry. You must tell him she's coming. Isabella. I know I must. Henry. Shall /tell him? Isabella. No, I'U tell him. Henry. Well, tell him. Isabella. I'm going to. \£nter Gladys, a young parlour-maid. Gladys. [Addressing Robin.] Miss Cottrell has called, sir, and would like to see you. Eobin. Oh ! Show her in here, please. 24 A SINGLE MAN Gladys. Yes, sir. [She goes out. Isabella. [In a quick whisper to Henky.] How an- noying: just when I was going to tell him about Louise ! EOBIN. [Addressing them hothj] It's Lady Cottrell's little girl — Maggie. They are neighbours of mine. [Maggie Cottrell enters. Maggie is a very pretty, healthy, smiling girl of seventeen, full of vitality. She carries a hasket of grapes. Maggie. Good-morning ! KOBIN. [Meeting Maggie and shaking hands with her.] Good-morning, Maggie. Maggie. Mother thought you might like these few grapes. [She offers the grapes to RoBlN. Robin. [Taking the hasket.^ That's very kind of you. [Lays the hasket on his writing-table. 1 A SINGLE MAN 25 Please thank your mother very much. Let me introduce you to my sister-in-law, Mrs. Worth- "^ington. Isabella. [^Shaking hands with Maggie.] How d'you do? Maggie. Quite well, thank you. KOBIN. [^Introducing Maggie to the cradle.'] My niece — Miss Pamela Grace Mary Worthington — Miss Maggie Cottrell. Maggie. [Peering at the hahy.'] What a sweet little kiddie ! [Rocks the cradle violently from side to Isabella. [Alarmed.'] Stop, stop ! Don't do that ! [She snatches the hahy out of the cradle. Maggie. I thought they liked it. Isabella. [Trying to he pleasant about it] You were doing it just a trifle — violently. 26 A SINGLE MAN I'm so sorry ! Isabella. It doesn't matter. Maggie. {^Peering at the hahy.'] It is a little love. EOBIN. "When you've done adoring the baby, this is my brother — Captain Worthington. [Heney and Maggie shake hands. Henry. How do you do ? Maggie. Quite v^ell, thank you. [To Isabella.] May I look at its toes ? Isabella. [^Proudly exhibiting the haby^s toes.'] There ! Maggie. Aren't they ducks ? [She touches them with hei' forefinger. EOBIN. \To Henry, stniling as he watches ISABELLA and Maggie.] Isn't she charming ? y A SINGLE MAN VJ Henry. Isabella ? Robin. Maggie. {He continues smiling lenevolently at Maggie as lie watches her. Maggie. [To Isabella.] May I hold it ? Isabella. Certainly — if you'd like to. [She gives the haby to Maggie to hold.] You'll be very careful, won't you ? Maggie. Trust me. [Maggie sits smiling at the haby. Robin sits watching Maggie and smiling all the time. Maggie to the hahy.] Puss, puss, puss ! Robin. [Murmuring as he watches Maggie.] Charming ! Maggie. [Looking at Robin.] What d'you say ? Robin. [Slightly confused.] Nothing~I was only thinking — nothing. [To Isabella.] AVouldn't she make rather a good study for a Madonna ? 28 A SINGLE MAN Isabella. Not in a hat. Maggie. \To make conversation^ says to Isabella.] What do you feed it on ? [RoBiisr and Henry glam.ce at each other^ embarrassed. Isabella. Beef and potatoes. [Robin and Heistry again glance at each other^ then look away, trying not to smile. Maggie. [^Suddenly thrusting the hahyfrom her.'] Oh ! It's going to have convulsions. Isabella. [Hurrying to Maggie, snatches the hahyfrom her. She tries to he polite, hut is visibly annoyed.] It's because you are not holding her prop- erly. Give her to me, please — thank you. [She ca^'ries the hahy towards the window, jigging it.] Did she say we were going to have convulsions ? Tell the naughty lady it was because she didn't nurse us nicely. [A nurse appears at the window and re- mains a few minutes in conversation with Isabella. She carries a shawl. A SINGLE MAN 29 Henry joins them. After a few mo- ^ ments the Nurse takes the haby from Isabella cmid disappears into the garden with it. While they are thus occupied, Maggie speaks to Robin. Maggie. I'm not much of a hand with a baby. I think I'd better be getting home. Robin. Don't go yet. What have you been doing lately? Maggie. Playing tennis most of the time and larking about generally. We had great fun last evening —tobogganing down the stairs on tea-trays. Robin. Who was with you ? Maggie. Dickie, and one or two other boys, and Flos- sie, and Bertha Sims. We call ourselves the gang. [Holding out her hand.] Good-bye. Robin. [Taking her hand and retaining it.] Good- bye, Maggie. 30 A SINGLE MAN Maggie. Shall I take the basket back with me, or call again ? KOBIN. Call again— soon. Maggie. I'll come back for it in about twenty minutes. [She withdraws her hand and goes towards Isabella.] Good-bye, Mrs. Worthington. Good-bye. Good-bye. Isabella. Maggie. Henry. Good-bye, Miss Cottrell. KOBIN. [Moving to open the door for her.'] When you come back — don't ask for the basket — ask for me. Maggie. Right ! [Maggie goes out; Robin closes the door after her, then turns to Henry and Isabella. A SINGLE MAN 3 1 KoBiisr. ^ That's the girl I was telling you about. Isabella. iPuzzled.'] What girl ? Henky. I don't remember you telling us about any girl. ROBIT^. I was beginning to, when — in she came. Wasn't it a coincidence ? Isabella. lAfter a look at Henry.] You are not tell- ing us you intend to marry Miss Cottrell ? Robin. l^Shyly.'] I thought of doing so. [Isabella and Henry looh at each other in surprise. Isabella's surprise amounts to dismay.'] Don't you like her? Henry. She's charming. Isabella. Yery pretty — but isn't she rather too young for you f 32 A SINGLE MAN Robin. No ; I may be too old for her, but she's not at all too young for me. That's what I want — youth and sunshine. It would keep me young. {Taking Heney hy the arm cmd jpointing to the garden.'] Think of Maggie running about that garden, springing over the flower beds in pursuit of butterflies. {Drop- ping Henry's anr-in he says with enthusias7n.~\ The very vision of it makes me feel almost a boy. Isabella. If you really were a boy Robin. {Interrupting her.'] If I really were a boy, I should see nothing so wonderful in youth. One needs to have reached my age to realize its charm. [Robin sits at his table a/nd begins fuss- ing with papers. Heney. [Impressed with Robin's last remark, says to Isabella.] There's a world of truth in that, Isabella. Isabella. {Mtbch more impressed by her own idea, says carelessly.] Oh, yes, there is. [OoiTig nearer A SINGLE MAN 33 to EoBiN.] But though you look so boyish for ■^your age KOBIN. A man is as old as he looks. Isabella. Feels. KOBIN. Tou don't know how old I feel. Isabella. But Henry and I can't help being a little afraid — that if you married any one so young as Miss Cottrell — you might miss the com- panionship we hoped you would find — in marriage with some older and more intellectual woman. Eobin. I don't want a wife with ideas. She'd argue with me. Hei^ry. [Speaking across Eobin to Isabella.] I have noticed, Isabella, that clever men often choose stupid wives. Eobin. {Indigna/ntly to Henry.] She's not stupid. 34 a single man Isabella. [Bluntly.] She has no idea what to do with a baby. Robin. [A little shocked and embarrassed.] My dear Isabella — how you do run on ! I don't think we ought to discuss this matter so prematurely. I have no reason to suppose that Maggie takes the slightest interest in me. [ITe S7mles as he continues.] At least — I hadn't — till this morn- ing. Henry. This morning ? Robin. Yes. Isabella. Something she said ? Robin. ISTo. Henry. What then ? Robin. [PointiTig to the basket of grapes.] Those grapes ! What do I want with grapes ? I'm A SINGLE MAN 35 not ill. It's merely an excuse of Maggie's to come and see me. I feel greatly encouraged. [He hecoraes absorbed in the jpajpers on his desk. Isabella. Didn't you hear her say it was her mother who sent her with the grapes ? Robin. Maggie is quite sharp enough, and quite in- dependent enough to send the grapes by the gardener if she didn't want to bring them her- self. Isabella. That may be, but RoBiisr. Suppose we drop Maggie and the grapes. I'm rather sorry I said anything about either of them. I don't think I ought to have done so. [Beside Isabella and very jjleasantly.] You were beginning to tell me something about somebody when I first came in. [Henry stands watching them to see how Isabella gets on. Isabella. About my old friend, Louise Parker. 36 A SINGLE MAN Robin. Oh, yes. Isabella. Such a nice girl. Robin. Keally ! Isabella. I'm sure you'd like her. Robin. I'm sure I should. Isabella. I thought perhaps you wouldn't mind if I invited her to come and see me here. Robin. Of course, my dear Isabella — any friends of yours would be most welcome. Isabella. Thank you. Should you object if Louise stayed a few days ? Robin. [^Delighted.'] The very thing ! It would be an excuse to invite Maggie. a single man 3/ Isabella. ^ Oh! [She looks at Henry in dismay. Henry laughs at Isabella's face of dismay. EOBIN. [Goes on without heeding them and delighted with his own idea.'] Why, yes — don't you see — if you have a girl friend staying in the house, Maggie might be running backwards and forwards all day long. She has nothing to do. When do you want Miss — Miss — your friend to come ? Isabella. She's coming this morning. I took the lib- erty of EOBIN. [Interrupting her.] I'm so glad you did. Nothing could be more fortunate. I'll go and tell Mrs. Higson to get a room ready. [He goes towards the door.] Maggie might come to tea this afternoon. [He goes out. Isabella. [As soon as the door is closed.] Oh, Henry, can't you do something ? Henry. Why shouldn't he marry Maggie ? 38 A SINGLE MAN Isabella. [Indignantly. '\ Henry ! Henky. I've known several cases of men marrying girls half their age that turned out very well indeed. Isabella. But what am I to say to Louise ? Henry. Louise hasn't got an option on him. Isabella. Don't make jokes about it, dear; she'll be here in less than half an hour. Heney. Louise must take her chance. I should think when we've been here a little longer, we shall find that the neighbourhood bristles with women who want to marry Robin. [He-enter RoBIN. RoBiJsr. I'm sorry, but I shall have to ask you to leave me now. Miss Heseltine is coming. Isabella. [Suspiciously.'] Who's Miss Heseltine ? A SINGLE MAN 30 Robin. ^'My secretary. \IIe sits at the writing-tcMe and gets a jpen and paper. Isabella. Do you have a woman secretary ? [She gloMces at Henky. RoBiisr. Yes. I've been taking more or less of a "holiday since you came. That's how it is you haven't seen her. Isabella. {After another significant glance at Henry.] Is she pretty ? Robin. I really don't know. I think so. I see her so much I forget what she's like. Isabella. That's absurd ! Robin. It's quite true. You see — I'm always work- ing when she's here. It's like thinking aloud to talk to Miss Heseltine. I feel just as com- fortable with her in the room as if she wasn't there. \He hegins to write. 40 A SINGLE MAN Henky. Come along, Isabella. He wants to get to work. Isabella. [Joining Heney.] Yery well. I shall have to go to the station directly to meet Louise. [They go out. Robust is absorbed in his writing., and does not look ujp as Miss Heseltine enters. {Enter Miss Heseltine. She is a sweetrfaced woman of twenty-eight., with unoht/rusi/oe manners hut plenty of character and determination. She zs neatly and very plainly dressed, o/nd carries a note-booh in her hand. She moves about in a quick, business- like fashion. Miss Heseltine. Good-morning, Mr. Worthington. Robin. Good-morning, Miss Heseltine. [Miss Heseltine expresses disapproval as she sees the Teddy-bear, rag-doll, and rattle lying on the floor. Miss Heseltine. Tsch, tsch, tsch ! {She gathers up the Teddy-bear, rag-doll^ A SINGLE MAN 4I rattle^ work-hox, and the hahy's honnet, ^ pitches them all into the (ypadle y drags it to the corner. She then seats herself at her desk^ takes the cover off her type- writer, and gets tivo sheets of paper from the drawer of the desk. RoBiJsr. Where did we leave off last time ? Miss Heseltine. We were writing that article on fossils. Robin. I don't feel at all like fossils to-day. Miss Heseltine. \Putting the paper in the machine ^^ We don't need to send it in before Friday. Robin. I have an idea for a poem. Miss Heseltine. Some more of those topical verses ? Robin. No — just an ordinary little poem about love. Miss Heseltine. {Taking a swift surprised look at RoBiN he- fore she speaks.'] Quite a new departure. 42 A SINGLE MAN KOBIN. Take this clown. \IIe paces the room, thoughtfully^ hefore speaking. He then hegins to dictate^ soulfuUy. Come hither, my beloved, [Miss Heseltine makes a short, sharp, businesslike attack on the keys of her machine. RoBiN continues as hefore. With shining, smiling eyes, [Miss Heseltine repeats the attack, Robin continues as hefore. And soft sweet lips — [Again Miss Heseltine types. RoBiN drops the far-away voice in which he has dictated the poem,. Robin. It's no good. I can't concentrate my mind. It's all in a turmoil. Tear it up, please, will you ? \He stands at the window, looking out into tJie garden with his hack to her. MiSS Heseltine takes the sheet of paper otd of the machine, moves her lips as she reads the poem over to herself with cm affectionate senile. A SINGLE MAN 43 Robin's attention is ohviously attracted hy Something he sees in the garden. He speaks without turning round.'] How pretty ! Miss Heseltine. Are you still dictating ? [She hurriedly folds up the slieet of paj)er with the poem on it. Robin. No. I was watching the housemaid flirting with the postman. There's nothing so charm- ing to see as a pair of lovers. [Miss Hesel- TiNE smiles to herself as she tucks the poein into the hosoin of her dress. Robin comes towards his desk, idly turning over a slieet or two of paper to cover the emho/rrassment he feels in saying the following.'] It may surprise you — what I am going to ask you [Miss Heseltine is very attentive], but — I want to get married. [Miss Heseltine is so surprised she drops her ruler on the floor with a clatter. Robin hurries to pick it tip for her. She rises, picks it up, and sits again.] The girl I want to marry is some one I've known very well for a long time. I've been in the habit of seeing her constantly, but hitherto — we have only been on friendly terms. [Miss Heseltine nods her head, groA^ely.] I'd like to get on to sentimental terms with her. [Miss Heseltine nods her head, smilvngJ\ 44 A SINGLE MAN It's always a little difficult to change a long- established friendly relationship into a senti- mental one — not difficult exactly — but it needs careful handling. You see what I mean ? Miss Heseltine. [^Drojyping her eyes.'] I think I do. EOBIN. I'm afraid I may make the transition too abruptly — startle her — perhaps even frighten her away. So I want you to help me if you will. Miss Heseltine. [Looking ujp at liim.] How ? Robin. Before asking her the definite question I should so like to find out — if possible — whether she has anything more than a friendly feeling for 7ne. Miss Heseltine. Have you no idea ? Robin. None — at least — very little. Miss Heseltine. Perhaps you have given her no direct sign of the change in your feelings towards her. A SINGLE MAN 45 KoBiisr. -^No ; I haven't. Miss Heseltine. Then I don't see what she can do. Robin. You think, then, that she may be in love with me without showing it ? Miss Heseltine. I'm quite sure of that. Robin. She may want to but be afraid to ? Miss Heseltine. That's it. Robin. {Moving about restlessly.'] A man can feel just as shy about breaking the ice as a girl. It would be dreadful to get a rebuff. She might laugh in my face. Girls have been known to be very unfeeling towards middle- aged suitors. They think it's funny to lead them on till they get a proposal and give a refusal — and then they go and tell their friends about it. {He picks up a letter and folds it nervously^ I don't want to risk anything of that sort — so I was wondering if you'd be so kind as to say something first. 46 A SINGLE MAN Miss Heseltine. [^Taken aback.'] Me speak first ? [Turning away from Mm.] Oh, no — I couldn't ! KOBIN. [Coming and standing close to her shoulder.'] I only mean — if you could help me to find out in some way — what kind of an answer I should be likely to get. [He pauses.] It's Maggie Cottrell. [Miss Heseltine must express, un- seen hy Robin, the grief and disa])]pointment she feels in learning that it is Maggie he has meant and not herself^ You know Maggie Cottrell ? [Miss Heseltine 'bends her head.] She's a friend of yours ? [Miss Heseltine bends her head again.] A great friend ? Miss Heseltine. We are not in the same position, of course, but she has always been kind to me and taken notice of me. EOBIN. Has she ever given you any confidences ? Miss Heseltine. Yes. Robin. [Shyly.] Anything about me ? A SINGLE MAN 47 Miss Heseltine. No. KOBIN. [ With a little note of disappointTnent.l Oh ! {^Moving away as he says, thoughtftdly.'] That might either mean that she takes no interest in me at all, or that it's too deep for words. [7b Miss Heseltine again.] Are you sure you wouldn't mind ? Miss Heseltine. I should like to do whatever would please you, but — do you think I'm the best person for this ? EOBIN. You are the only person. I don't know any one else I could ask such a thing of. I never feel shy with you. I was telling my brother just now — it's like thinking aloud to talk to you. Miss Heseltine. [Quietly.'] I'm glad you feel that. EOBIN. [JV^ot noticing Miss Heseltine, he says smil- ing to himself.] Dear Maggie — so young and so pretty. [Miss Heseltine rises. He had almost forgotten her presence for a moment in thinking of Maggie. He turns to her smiling apologetically 7] I beg your pardon. 48 A SINGLE MAN Miss Heseltine. Forgive me for what I am going to ask you. [She goes to him and says, very gravely^ You are quite, quite sure that this would be for your happiness and your good ? KOBIN. Yes. I'm quite sure. I've thought it all out. It's so dull here, and I'm becoming such an old fogey. If Maggie would have me she'd cheer me up as nobody else could. She'd be the re- making of me. Miss Heseltine. \_Q^detly^^ I'll do what you want me to do. Robin. It's very kind of you, Miss Heseltine. You can approach the subject quite lightly, you know — almost chaffingly. Miss Heseltine. Oh, no, I couldn't do it that way. If I do it at all — I must do it seriously. [The front door hell rings. Robin. Maggie come back for her basket. I'll slip out and leave her with you. [He goes towards the window.] If you want an excuse for me not being in my study [seising the basket of A SINGLE MAN 49 gro/pe8\ I've gone into the pantry to put these grapes on a dish. That'll look very natural. ^ \IIe goes out hurriedly. Re-enter Mag- gie hy the door. Maggie. {Coming just inside the room.] Isn't Mr. Worthington here ? Miss Heseltine. He's gone to get your basket. Maggie. Oh! Miss Heseltine. Will you stay and talk to me f Maggie. Yes — with pleasure. \8he sits on the settee watching MisS Heselthste and waiting for her to hegin the conversation. Miss Hesel- tine slowly approaches Maggie and then sits beside her. Miss Heseltine. Have you ever thought of marriage ? Maggie. [Cheerfully.'] Oh, yes — often and often. 50 A SINGLE MAN Miss Heseltine. Thought what it means — to leave your pres- ent life behind you and go and live his life with him f You'd have to love him very much to do that. Maggie. I should say so. Miss Heseltine. Perhaps you've already asked yourself whether there's any one you'd be willing to give up everything for? [Maggie smiles hnowingly sideways at Miss Heseltine.] Do you sometimes ask yourself that question ? Maggie. Every time I meet a nice-looking man. Miss Heseltine. Then you've never thought of any man seri- ously ? Maggie. Are you alluding to Mr. Worthington ? Miss Heseltine. [^Rather' taken hack a/nd embarrassed^ Well, yes — I — did mean Maggie. Did he ask you to — to ? A SINGLE MAN 5 1 Miss Heseltine. Tes — to Sound me. That's it. Maggie. Miss Heseltine. Maggie. {Pleased and surprised.'] Well, I never ! Miss Heseltine. You may think it's funny for me to sound you Maggie. I didn't thinlc of that. What made him pitch on you f Miss Heseltine. [ With a touch of 2y'r'ide.'\ I know him better than any one else does. I'm only his secretary of course, but I've been working for him for five years now, and what with dictating to me, and talking about his work to me, and saying his thoughts aloud to me Maggie. [ With no idea of gimrig offense.'] He has come to look upon you, I suppose, as part of your machine. 52 A SINGLE MAN Miss Heseltine. IMeekly?^ That's it. Maggie. {Iinjpulsively seizing Miss Heseltine hy the arm.'\ Go on — tell me — what else did he say ? [ Wriggling towards her. Miss Heseltine. That's all. He just wanted me to find out if there was any hope for him. Maggie. [ Whispering loudly in Miss Heseltine's ear.] Tell him " Yes." Miss Heseltine. Have you made up your mind already ? Maggie. Ages ago. Mother and I have frequently discussed the probabilities. [Giggling.] "Mrs. Worthington " — just think of it ! [She laughs and kicks out her feet in front. Miss Heseltine. {Looking at her gravely P\ I shouldn't have thought it would make you laugh. A SINGLE MAN 53 Maggie. {^Sweetly.'] Why shouldn't I laugh if I'm ha^py ? Miss Heseltine. I thought when you heard that a man like Mr. Worthington wanted to make you his dear wife — you'd feel more like going on your knees. Maggie. [Impressed.'] Of course it has its serious side. Miss Heseltine. That's what I want you to see — if you don't think I'm taking a liberty in saying so. I'm older than you, and I've had a harder life than you. There were many things at my home to make me grow up sad and serious minded : it's all been bright for you. You've had no occa- sion yet to take life seriously — but you will have when you marry. You'll find him diffi- cult to understand at times — moody, and even a little irritable, like all very clever people are ; then you must be patient, and remember that your husband is a great man. Some days he'll take himself off to the clouds, and then, if you think of yourself more than him, you'll be say- ing, "• I might as well not exist for all the notice he takes of me." Those are the hardest times — the times when he doesn't seem to notice your 54 A SINGLE MAN existence. But if you take a kind of pride in keeping quiet and not bothering him, and not letting other people bother him — it'll make it easier for you. It'll all be quite easy if you love him enough. That's what it needs — real love — deep love \hending forward sJte takes her haoids], love that knows how to wait patiently. Look after him well — won't you ? [Her voice falters.'] Excuse me preaching you such a sermon. [Re- enter RoBiisr, with the emjpty basket. Miss Hes- ELTINE goes toioards him.] I've done what you wanted me to [Robin sntiles\ and now, if you don't mind, I'll go home. I've got a headache. [Exit Miss Heseltine quickly. Robin. [Looking after Miss Heseltine.] I'm so sorry, Miss Heseltine, so very sorry ! [He turns to Maggie, who rose when he entered. They are hoth exceedingly emharrassed and stand smiling foolishly at each other. After a jpause he says.] Well — Maggie. Maggie. [Looking at the ground.] "Well — Robin. [Robin looks at the basket in his hand., then looks about him for a place to deposit it, makes a few hesitating movements., and finally puts it on the writing-table and comes towards Maggie. A SINGLE MAN 55 KOBIN. r Ye7'y nicely and gently.'] You are very sweet. [Maggie ])uts up her face expecting to he hissed ', lie kisses her.] Dear Maggie, I am very much touched that you care for me. [Maggie, smiling., sits on the settee. He sits, taking her hand and' looking at it.] What dear little hands ! {Se puts his arm round her waist and kisses her again.] \The door is suddenly thrown open. Enter Isabella, followed hy Louise Paeker. Isabella comes marching gaily in, dressed in her out-door clothes. Louise is tall, graceful, af- fected, beautifully dressed and twenty- nine. Isabella. \8iyeaking as site enters.] Here's Louise! {^She stops petrified, as she sees EoBiN and Mag- gie sitting in a sentimental attitude on the set- tee.] Oh ! [EoBiN and Maggie, very much embar- rassed, jump up as they enter. LouiSE comes towards Robin, who goes towards her, holding out his hand. Robin. How d'you do, Miss- Miss 56 A SINGLE MAN Louise. [Languidly gimng hiin he?' hcmd.'] Parker — Louise Parker. EOEIlNi. I hope you've had a nice journey from — from Louise. Leamington. \_T/iere is a pause of emhaTvassiiient. Robin looks at Maggie and goes to her. Maggie. [ Whisjpering to Robin.] Hadn't you better tell them we are engaged ? Robin. Yes. [Turning to Isabella and Louise who look towards J dm as he sj^eaks.^ Miss Cot- trell has just consented to become my wife. [He takes Maggie's hand. Another long pause of eiiibarrassTnent. Isabella and Louise look at each other in coto- stemation. Robin looks at Maggie. Maggie. [Going to Isabella.] I know without you telling me that you congratulate me. Thank you very much ! [She shakes Isabella warmly A SINGLE MAN $7 hy the hand. Isabella does not respond. She does nothing hut submit to have her hand shgjcen. Maggie then turns to LouiSE and snaJces her warmly hy the hand^ Thank you very much. [Louise submits in the same m^an- ner as Isabella. Maggie turns to Robin.] I'll be off home now to tell the family the joyful news. \8he takes her basket from, the table and goes to the window. Robin. I'll come with you. \_To Isabella and Louise.] You'll excuse me, I'm sure — under the circumstances. I shall be back to lunch. Come along, Maggie. [Robin and Maggie go off. Louise looks after them, then at Isabella. Isabella. \^In great distress.'] My poor Louise — what must we do ? Louise. We must lay our heads together, dear, and see if we can't wean him away from her. \_8he unfastens her coat as the curtain falls. THE SECOND ACT SCENE.— KOBIN WoRTHiNGTOJSr's drawing- room. A large French window stands wide open and all the windows afford a view of Robin's garden ; a diff^erent view from that seen from his study windoiv. The firej^lace is hanked up with ferns and flowering plants. There are plenty of comfortable armchairs, a cushion seat and two settees. Against the wall a cabinet. Up by the window a good- sized oval table is laid ivith a white cloth and tea-things for eight people. Chairs around this table. Three weeks have passed by since the first act. It is half-past four on an afternoon in June. Henry and Isabella and Louise Parker are in the room. Henry is looking off' from the window. ISABELLA is seated on one sofa and Louise on the other. Henry wears tennis flannels., and ISABELLA and LouiSE are charmingly dressed for a garden party. Laughter and noise are heard off' in the gar- den ; the loud young voices of Maggie and Dickie Cottrell ayid Bertha Sims. The voice of Bertha is then heard above the laughter. 58 A SINGLE MAM 59 Bertha. [^In the garden.'] Stop it, Dickie ! Come on, Mag! Play! \_The laughter and noise die away. Henry. Robin's engagement really has rejuvenated him. There he is, running about the tennis court like a boy of fourteen, picking up balls for Maggie in the most gallant way. [To Isa- bella.] There's no doubt about it — he's tre- mendously in love with her. Louise. [^Languidly.] He has only been engaged to her for three weeks yet. [Henry looks at Louise with marked disapj^roval. Isabella merely looks resigned and hored. LouiSE goes towards the window, saying graciously to Isa- bella as she passes her.] I'm going out to talk to Lady Cottrell. [She goes out. Henry. [Indignantly.'] However much longer does that woman intend to stay ? Isabella. [Resigned.] I wish I knew. 6o A SINGLE MAN Henry. It's monstrous ! Lingering on week after week, uninvited — making up to Robin in this extraordinary fashion. Isabella. Louise has not improved since she left school. Hefry. The way she manoeuvres to get him alone, insists upon reading everything he writes, and is always trying to give the conversation an intellectual turn. Isabella. [^Letting herself go in irritation against Louise.] Oh, yes— and the way she keeps coming down-stairs in one elaborate gown after another, gliding about so gracefully — and he takes no notice of her. Henry. A good thing for us that he doesn't see what she's up to — since she's our friend. Isabella. [^Meekly.'] Mine, dear. Henry. [^Stamping about.~] What is her object in it all? Does she think she'll get Eobin away from Maggie ? A SINGLE MAN 6t Isabella. That was what she said she meant to do when she first came. But, as you know, dear, X soon let her see I couldn't countenance any- thing of that sort. It's one thing to try and make a match, but it's quite another thing to try and break off an engagement. Henry. Doesn't she see that ? Isabella. When a woman doesn't wish to see a thing she has very little difficulty in persuading her- self that it is not so. I can quite understand that it was very disappointing for Louise to come all the way from Leamington for noth- ing — but it wasn't my fault that Robin got engaged just before she arrived. Heney. He probably wouldn't have taken any notice of her anyway. Isabella. That's what I told her to try and console her. Heney. What troubles me most is that it looks so bad for you for her to be staying here so long and 62 A SINGLE MAN behaving in this way. It looks as though you encouraged her. Isabella. I know. It presents me as a most repulsive character. But what can I do? She simply won't go. Henry. You've given her some good strong hints, haven't you ? Isabella. Dozens ! Henry. What does she say ? Isabella. She doesn't say anything. She just stays. It looks as if she meant to stay forever. Henry. I'm afraid you'll have to be rude to her. Isabella. I've been ruder to her already than I ever was to any one in my life. Henry. I don't see how any one else can say any- thing to her. You invited her. A SINGLE MAN 63 Isabella. \_Troubled^^ Don't reproach me, darling. You don't know how I regret writing that letter. Heney. [Going towards her to comfort herJ\ I'm not reproaching you, dear. Isabella. I can't help feeling you are displeased with me. [She begins to cry. Henry. No, dear. Isabella. I'm afraid you are — but you know, Henry — [she swallows her tears and looks up at Henry] I do love you and baby. [They embrace?^ [Enter Louise and Lady Cottrell. Lady Cottrell is a strong, alert, opinionative woman of ffty; her clothes are loose and comfortohle with- out hevng eccentric. Louise. Lady Cottrell and I have come in to see if tea is ready. 64 A SINGLE MAN Henry. I suppose we must wait for Robin. Lady Cotteell. Not at all. Ring the bell. \8he sits on the sofa. Isabella obediently rings the hell.'] He's forgotten all about us. He thinks only of Maggie. [Addressing Isabella.] Have you heard? We are going to have the wedding quite soon. Isabella. {Interested.'] Oh — no — I hadn't heard. Henry. Nor had I. When is it to be ? Lady Cotteell. In six weeks. [Louise places her hand to her heart. Lady Cotteell stares at her with- out betraying ernotion of any hind. Henry and Isabella exchavige glances. Louise totters towards Isa- bella. Louise. \To Isabella.] Have you got your vinai- grette about you ? A SINGLE MAN 65 Isabella. \IrTitoMy detaching a vinaigvette from the long chain which she wears round her neck^ There ! Louise. — Thank you, dear. \8he sniffs the vinaigrette as Isabella glances at her with the utmost dis- approval. Louise smiles wanly at Lady Cot- TRELL.] I felt a little faint. Lady Cottrell. Your dress is too tight. [Henry giggles. Louise gloMces haughtily at Lady Cottrell, turns from her as If not deigning to reply ^ as she sniffs the vinaigrette., and sits down. Lady Cottrell addresses Isabella.] That's the cause of nearly all the fainting — tight-lacing. \^She pulls her dress away from her in front to show that she is not tightly laced.'\ I don't faint ! It's the cause of a great deal of bad temper, too — not to mention biliousness Yes. In six weeks. August the tenth. Why should we wait ? Nothing to wait for except the clothes. Louise. Do you think it's wise, dear Lady Cottrell, to let your girl be married so young ? Isabella. [Angrily under her l)reath.~\ Louise ! 66 A SINGLE MAN Lady Cottrell. Wisel Of course I think it's wise or I shouldn't let her do it. Louise. It seems to me to be thrusting responsi- bilities upon her almost too early. [ With a raj)id, affectedly im/pulsiwe moveinent, she darts to the cushion seat and drops grace- fully upon it almost at Lady Cottrell's feet^ Do let her remain a child a little longer. [Isabella looTcs at Henry, who shimgs his shoulders. Lady Cottrell. Every girl ought to be married by the time she's twenty. / was — so were my two sis- ters ; so was my eldest daughter, and so shall Maggie be. Marriage comes natural to a girl at that age. She loves her husband and obeys him instead of sitting up and criticizing him as they do if they haven't acquired the wifely habit in good time — the good old habit of subjection. It's all due to this present craze for late marriages that we have so many hysterical spinsters. They don't know what's the matter with them, but their mothers do. Nothing infuriates me more than the way our modern young women spend the time when they A SINGLE MAN 67 ought to be having children, in thinking and reading and writing and talking about marriage; deciding among themselves what men ought to be like. ]^J the time they think they are ready to put on their orange blossoms, they've grown so exacting they can't settle down to one man. Maggie shall marry in good time. \_Enter Gladys toith the tea, and plate of hot huns which she places on the oval table up staged] Tea ! [^Cheer- fully.'] I feel about ready for it after that harangue. [ Goes up to inspect the tea table. Gladys goes out. Henky joins Lady Cot- TRELL at the tea table. Louise re- mains drooping upon the cushion-seat the picture of despair. Isabella goes towards the window, passing be- tween Louise and the sofa. Lsabella. [As she passes Louise.] Get up ' Louise. [Slowly rising to her full height and saying tragically to herself] August the tenth ! [She presses her hand to her temples. Isabella. [At the window.] They've finished their game. 68 A SINGLE MAN HenkYo Are they coming in ? Isabella. Yes. Racing to see who'll get here first. Bertha Sims is last. Lady Cotteell. Who's first ? Isabella. Your son. {Enter Dickie Cottrell carrying a racquet. He is a bright-faced, merry hoy of eighteen. He wears tennis flan- nels. He enters running. Dickie. Here we are ! [Dickie runs i/n, then turning to looh at the others who are following.'] Come along, Mr. Worthington ! [Robin and Maggie enter., handin hand., running. RoBiN is rather blown. Maggie. I'd have won if you hadn't held me back. A SINGLE MAN 69 Robin. \_Protesting.'] I can run as fast as any of you. Dickie. Are you out of breath, Mr. "Worthington ? Robin. [ Who dbmously is out of hreath.^ No, of course I'm not out of breath. Maggie. Shall we all sprint back to the tennis lawn and back again ? Robin. [Very positively.'] No! Certainly not ! Dickie. [Dancing up stage and looJcing off in the direc- tion they ha/oe come.'] Here comes Bertha ! Go it, Bertha ! Run, Bertha ! [He claps his hands. Maggie. [Clapping her hands and dancing about with Dickie, screaming.'] Bertha ! Bertha ! Bertha ! [Enter Bertha Sims. Bertha is a fat girl of sixteen. She is puj^iig o/iid blowing as she runs in. 70 A SINGLE MAN Bertha. I didn't get a fair start. EOBIN. [Zaug/mig.] Poor Bertha ! Dickie. Good old Bertha ! [He slaps Bertha soundly on the hack. Bertha. Don't ! Lady Cottrell. Dickie ! You mustn't do such things as that. [Dickie is niomentarily subdued. Maggie. [Dancing uj) to the tea table.~\ Come on, come on, come on. Tea ! [She seats herself at the tea table. EoBIN. Come on, Dickie. We'll have tea at the big table. Dickie. {Making RoBiN jpass in front of him.^ i ou must sit beside your inamorata. Robin. [Going to the seat by Maggie, he says before he sits.^ Come along, Bertha. A SINGLE MAN fl Bertha. Where shall /sit? Robin. Anywhere. [RoBiisr and Maggie j?(9wr out the tea to- gether. Dickie. Don't make a fuss, Bertha. It doesn't mat- ter in the least where you sit. [Bertha sits down. Lady Cottrell. [ Jb Louise.] I think we may as well let the gentlemen wait upon us, don't you, Miss Parker ? Louise. August the tenth, did you say ? Lady Cottrell. Yes ; I suppose you'll have gone away by then ? Louise. [^Mysteriously.'] I don't know. \_There is some general chattering and laughter at the tea table. Henry. May I give you some tea, Lady Cottrell ? 72 A SINGLE MAN Lady Cotteell. Thank you. [She takes a cujp of tea from Heney. Heney. [Givijig another cwp to Louise.] Tea ? Louise. Thanks. Lady Cotteell. \_CalUng out.'] Dickie ! Bring Miss Parker and me some buns. [Shrieks of laughter come from the tea table. They all look towards it. EOBIN. [Rising and scarcely able to speak for laugh- ter.] Bertha — has just stuck her thumb in the' strawberry jam. [He sits down shaking with laughter. All the others laugh, too, except Louise. Beetha, sticking hsr leftthumb, laughs round at them all, delighted with herself. Lady Cotteell. [Turning to Louise says, laughing.] Bertha has just stuck her thumb in the strawberry jam. [Louise doesn't laugh. A SINGLE MAN 73 Dickie. Oh, Bertha, jou are a disgusting girl ! Maggie. Sit down ! [She throws a piece of food at Dickie. They all laugh and chatter round the table. Lady Cottrell. {To Louise.] How delightful it is to see Mr. Worthington unbend with the young peo- ple ! No one would think, to look at him now, that he's a clever man. [Lady Cottrell and Louise turn to look at RoBlTsr, who is whispering with Maggie, his face nearly under the hrini of her hat. Louise rises hastily, and goes up towards the window. Isabella. [Anxiously to Henry.] What is Louise up to now ? Louise. [Calling.'] Mr. Worthington. [RoBiisr is so engrossed in Maggie he doesnH hear LouiSE. She calls louder.] Mr. Worthington ! 74 A SINGLE MAN RoBiisr. [^Turning to Louise.] Yes ? Louise. Do come here. I want to show you some- thing. Robin. [To Maggie.] Excuse me a minute. \_Ile joins Louise. Louise. {Affectedly^ indicating the meio from the windo'w.^ Aren't the various lights and shad- ows in the garden lovely ? Robin. _ Lovely ! [^He hurries hack to his seat heside Maggie. Louise. [Gazing across the garden.^ They remind me of Bruges. [She looks round and finds him gone^ then she gets a hook and sits down. Isabella. [To Henry.] Trying to make out she's so travelled. A SINGLE MAN 75 Bertha. I say, can any of you do this ? [She throws a lump of sugar in the air and tries to catch it in her 7nouthj hut fails. Maggie, Yes. [She throws a piece of food at Bertha. Bertha. Pig! [She throws a piece of food hack at Maggie. Maggie throws a hun at Bertha. Lady Cottrell laughs heartily. EOBIN. Can you do this ? [Juggling with some lumps of sugar. Maggie. [Tahing lumps of sugar from the sugar-hasin.~\ Oh ! I must try that. One, two, three ! [Juggling with them. Dickie. [Also juggling with lumps of sugar. 1 One, two, three ! — Don't jog me. Bertha. Look ! [She tries to halance her teaspoon on her nose. 76 A SINGLE MAN [Enter Miss Heseltine with a type- written letter in her hand. She re- mains near the door, a little timid among all the noise and laughter which seems to greet her. They sub- side when she enters., and all look towards her. E.OBIN comes down to Miss Heseltine. Robin. What is it, Miss Heseltine ? Miss Heseltine. ^ You asked me to bring you this letter as soon as it was written. Robin. Oh, yes. \Taking the letter from Miss Hes- eltine he reads it over to himself.'] That seems all right. [He looks at Miss Heseltine and says kindly.] You look tired. You'd bet- ter leave off for to-day and go home. Miss Heseltine. I haven't finished typing the American article. Robin. "Won't it do to-morrow ? a single man jj Miss Heseltine. You promised to send it off to-night. KOBIN. But I don't want you to overwork yourself. . Miss Heseltine. If I didn't overwork myself — / might lose my head, too. [She takes the letter out of his hand and goes out quickly with it. Robin looks after her till she has closed the door. Louise comes towards him, smiling^ with a small volume in her liand. Louise. Mr. Worthington, have you read this new volume of Eastern Poems ? Robin. [Preocoupied.^ Yes. Louise. Do you think we are meant to take them literally or allegorically ? Robin. Both. [He passes Louise and sits on the cushion seat., taking out his cigarette case and helping himself to a cigarette, while Louise sits on the settee and perukes the volume of Eastern Poems. 78 A SINGLE MAN Dickie. [Coming to Robin.] Shall we go and play some more tennis ? Robin. Not yet Dickie. Why not ? "What are we waiting for ? Robin. Digestion. Dickie. You don't need to digest a cup of tea and a handful of buns. Robin. You don't, /do. Dickie. Mag! Maggie. Yes? Dickie. Make him come and play tennis. He's slacking. Maggie. {Coming to Robin.] Don't make him play if he doesn't want to. {Kindly to Robin.] ril go and play with them while you have your snooze. A SINGLE MAN 79 KOBIN. [Jumping up as if he had been shotJ] Snooze ! I don't want a snooze ! [Gaily. ^ Who's com- ing to play tennis ? Bertha, [Still eating a bun.] I'm ready. Maggie. Come along then. [Maggie goes into the garden, running. Bertha. Wait a tick. [Exit Bertha, running and eating. Dickie. Come along, Mr. Worthington. [Exit Dickie running. Henry. I say, Eobin, you'd much better not play again immediately. Robin. Why ? They do. Henry. They are a generation younger than you. Robin. I wish everybody wouldn't treat me as if I were an old gentleman. [He goes out after them. 8o A SINGLE MAN Lady Cottrell. I declare, Captain Worthington, your brother is the youngest of the party. Henry, He'll pay for it to-morrow. He'll be so stiff he won't be able to walk. Lady Cottrell. After a few sets of tennis ? He's not as old as all that. Henry It's not the tennis that's going to find him out. It's all that idiotic ragging and jumping about and screaming. It's not natural at his time of life. A man of such sedentary habits, too. Isabella. If he's not very careful he'll break one of his ligaments. Louise. It's so bad for him intellectually to mix with such very young people. A man of his ability ought not to have been so much amused when Miss Sims stuck her thumb in the strawberry jam. A SINGLE MAN 8 1 Lady Cottrell. / was exceedingly amused. It was a thoroughly characteristic example of British wit and humour. [She goes out. Isabella glances at Louise who is again absorbed in the Eastern Poems before she says to Henry in an undertone. Isabella. I consider the way Louise behaved all through tea was nothing short of scandalous. Henry. You'll really have to say something to her. You'd better take this opportunity. \_Exit Henry. Isabella. Louise — I'm ashamed of you ! Louise. \^In mild sicrprise.'] Why ? Isabella. Everybody must have noticed. Louise. What? Si A SINGLE MAN Isabella. The way you run after Robin. [Louise looks affronted.^ Your attempts to wean him away from Maggie — [with a reproving smile as Louise is about to retorf] your own words, dear. [Louise haiigs her head.'] And it's not only to-day, it's all the time. I don't know what Lady Cottrell must think. Louise. [Betorting.'] I am only treating Mr. Worth- ington as I treat every man. Isabella. I hope not. Louise. I mean to say — I'm amazed you should see anything to criticize in my behaviour. 1 am sure no one — except you who know why you invited me and are therefore, I suppose, on the lookout for motives in everything I do — no one else could say otherwise than that I treat Mr. Worthington in a perfectly easy and friendly manner, Isabella. It was the same thing at school. Louise. I don't know what you mean. a single man 83 Isabella. You can't have forgotten the young man with the bicycle who lived opposite ! Louise. \_Angry.'] I wasn't the only one. You and Jinny and Margaret were just as bad. Isabella. There ! That is an illustration of what I mean. You think we were as bad as you. Louise. You were. Isabella. "We were all just as madly in love with him, but we none of us went the lengths you did. We only smiled at him and waved our pocket handkerchiefs. You used to write him letters and threw nosegays at him out of your bed- room window — till he got in such a fright he told his mother and she complained, and you were expelled, Louise. {Crestfallen.'] I don't see why you need rake that up now. Isabella. I only remind you of it because you are still doing exactly the same sort of thing. 84 A SINGLE MAN Louise. When have I ever written a letter to Mr. Worthington ? When have I thrown a single nosegay at him ? Isabella. You've got beyond that I should hope. What I mean to say is — here you are again, making the boldest advances — without apparently real- izing that you are doing anything out of the ordinary. Louise. [Childtshli/.] I'm very much hurt that you should think such things about me. You've made me feel horrid. Isabella. Let me give you a word of advice, Louise. Louise. Well, what is it ? Isabella. It's not the way to succeed in love to be so persevering. Louise. [Sitting on the floor at Isabella's /"ee^m the attitude of 07ie willing to learn.'] What do you think would be a better way ? a single man 85 Isabella. Be more reticent. If you don't encourage a man too much he will make advances. Louise. [Thoughtfully J\ ISTot always. Isabella. You must show him now and then that you like him. Louise. Of course. Isabella. But don't show him too often. Otherwise he takes fright or gets bored — or says to himself, "I can have her any time," and takes no trouble, so nothing comes of it. Louise. That's so true ! Isabella. [ Warming to her subject.'] Baffle them a bit. Then they begin to wonder about you till their heads become so full of you they can think of nothing else. That's love. [As she Tneets Louise's earnest and i7iqui/ring gaze she stops short.'] Oh ! [ Uneasily.] I hope you don't think I am giving you hints as to how to suc- ceed with — any one in particular ? 86 a single man Louise. Oh, no, dear. We were speaking quite im- personally. Isabella. I can't think how I allowed myself to be led away into considering the best ways to attract men except that the subject is so engrossing. But that's not what we are talking about. I'll have nothing to do with helping you to wean Robin away from Maggie. I've told you so re- peatedly. I don't think you ought to be here. Louise. Whenever I propose leaving, M7\ Worthing- ton invariably asks me to stay on. Isabella. Mere politeness. Louise. I couldn't very well leave by the next train because I found on my arrival that Mr. Worth- ington was engaged. Isabella. I never suggested you should leave by the next train. The right and proper thing for you to have done was to have stayed here for two or three days, and then had an engagement else- where. A SINGLE MAN 8/ Louise, [^Thought/ ally.'] I had thought of leaving to-morrow. Isabella. That's right. Louise. But I have just heard that the wedding day is fixed for August the tenth. It'll look very funny if I leave now. Isabella. It'll look much funnier if you don't. Louise. Every one would say, " Miss Parker stayed until the wedding day was fixed, then, seeing she had no chance, she left." Oh, no — I can't leave now. It would be putting myself in a very false position. Isabella. You canH hang on like this ! \MarcMng towards Louise and saying with great determi- nation.^ You really must go — please, dear. Louise. {^Calmly and seriously.'] And do you sin- cerely believe, Isabella, that Maggie Cottrell will make him happy ? A SINGLE MAN Isabella. That's nobody's business but his. He has chosen her. He is engaged to her, and he is going to be married to her in six weeks. Louise. [^Moving about, as she says, dramatically.'] It must be stopped ! Why can't yoti do some- thing ? Why doesn't your husband interfere ? He ought to save his brother. Poor Mr. Worthington is out of his mind. He's in- fatuated, bewitched. He'll be bored to death in no time by that wretched chit of a child. Isabella. \_Quit6 iMiimpressed hy Louise's exhibition of feeling.'] When ai'e you going to leave ? Louise. [^Deliberately.] I haven't made up my mind. Isabella. I shall tell Henry. \_Enter Kobin quickly. Robin. [Indignantly.] What do you think? They've got tired of playing tennis, and now they want to play hide-and-seek all over the garden ! I won't do it. [Isabella laughs^ A SINGLE MAN 89 Louise. ISmilmg at^OBm.'] Poor Mr. Worthington ! We'll protect you. EOBIN. IStill speaking indignantly.'] I can't keep this up. I've been on the go ever since three o'clock. [He sits.] The more they run about the livelier they get, but / don't. l^Enter Maggie. Robin does not see her^ as his lack is towards her.^ Maggie 'puis her finger to her lips as a sign to Isabella and Louise not to let Robin know she is there. She advances towards Robin smiling^ and on tip- toe., then suddenly puts her hands over his eyes and laughs. Robin, take7i by surprise, is ex- ceedingly annoyed, struggles, and says, crossly.] Don't do that. Who is it ? [He frees himself, rises, and seeing Maggie softetis.] Oh! Maggie, is it you ? [He takes her hand and says kindly.] I'm sorry I spoke crossly— but you know, my dear — I think you are getting a little old to do that sort of thing. Maggie. [Sweetly.] You said the other day that the way I play and run about is one of my chief charms in your eyes. 90 A SINGLE MAN KOBIN. I like you to be playful prettily. [He talks apart with Maggie. Isabella. \To Louise as she goes towards the door.'} Come along, Louise. I don't think we are wanted here. [She waits for Louise. Louise. [Rising reluctantly., glances at RoBlN and Maggie, and then joins Isabella.] He is beginning to get bored with her. I shall cer- tainly not leave yet. [Isabella and Louise go out. Maggie. Shall we go out ? KOBIN. Presently. Maggie. It's a sin to stick in the house on a day like this. [RoBllsr inmtes her in smiling dumh show to come and sit heside him on the sofa. She comes toivards him as she says.'] Very well. We'll sit here just five minutes. [She springs on to the sofa heside him and nestles close up to him. He puts his arm round her. A SINGLE MAN 9t Robin. This is the nicest part of the whole day. Maggie. I love playing hide-and-seek. EOBIN. I love having you all to myself. [Maggie smiles itp in his face, then gives his nose a little playful pinch. He hisses her hand. Maggie. [^Counting the huttoris down his coat loith her foreJhiger.'\ One, two, three, four, I feel terribly kiddish to-day. Some days — when it's fine and bright like this — I just want to run about very fast all the time like a field-mouse. Robin. Don't you ever want to sit still and bask like a lizard ? Maggie. Oh, no, never — at least — not for long at a time. I always want to be up and doing. I feel as if I could dance and sing the minute I get up in the morning. Robin. I can't bear being active before breakfast ! 92 A SINGLE MAN Maggie. Can't you ? / can. [He puts his arm further round her to draw her closer to him.'] Wait a minute. That's not comfortable. [She sits up and shakes herself^ then leans her hack against his shoulder, iti a 7nost tinro7na7itic posi- tion.'] There ! That's better ! [She lets her head fall hack on his shoulder, which places him in a most uncomfortable position.] I could go to sleep like this. KOBIN. /couldn't. [Miter Gladys to clear away the tea- things followed hy Mrs. Higson. Mes. Higson is the housekeeper; a iniddle aged respectahle looking wonnan. Maggie sits up and then goes to the window. Maggie. She's come to clear away. We'd better go out. EoBiisr. [Also rising.] She'll have finished in a min- ute. [To Mrs. Higsox.] We've made rather a mess there, haven't we, Mrs. Higson ? [Takes a cigarette. A SINGLE MAN 93 Mes. Higson. What does that matter, sir, so long as you enjoyed yourselves ? EOBIN. After all — one is only middle-aged once. Maggie. I sJwuld enjoy a good game of hide-and- seek. [RoBiN" takes out his match-hox and strikes a match. Maggie runs quickly towards him and blows out his match. Robin. [Taken hy surprise, is annoy ed?\ Oh, don't —please. What a silly thing to do. Maggie. {Laughs?^ All right. I won't do it again. [Having gathered uj) everything Mrs. Higson goes out. Robin strikes a second match and while he is doing so Maggie snatches the ciga- rette out of his mouth and runs away with it, soRjing gaily.'] I didn't say I wouldn't do that. I love playing tricks on people. [Gladys /o^ lows Mrs. Higson off with the tea-cloth and cake- stand. Robin sits on the settee looking very solemn.'] You aren't cross, are you ? 94 A SINGLE MAN EOBIN. No, dear, but you know — sometimes — you are just a little bit rough. [Maggie crosses to hiirh and kisses Tiim on the cheek ve7'y nicely and gently, then steeps hack. He smiles at her quite won over. Maggie. Shall we go out now ? KoBiisr. Soon. \Lea7is towards her.'] Sit down and have a little talk first. [Maggie, showing no inclinatioii to he cuddlesoTne, sits on the cushion seat. Maggie. What do you want to talk about ? EOBIN. [Smiling.] August the tenth. Maggie. We talked about that this morning. Robin. [ Wistfully.'] Do you remember that even- ing when we sat in this room for a long time, holding each other's hands and hardly saying a word ? A SINGLE MAN 95 Maggie, {Cheerfully r^ We were two sleepy things. We'd been out in the air all day. KOBIN. It was such a happy, restful evening. Maggie. Wasn't it — but when I'm feeling really strong there's nothing I like so well as to dance till midnight and end up with a good pillow fight, Robin. [Slowly and thoughtfully.'] There is a great dilTerence — in our ages. [Enter Miss Heseltine. She carries a numher of loose typewritten pages in her hand. Maggie. Hullo, Miss Heseltine. Robin. [To Miss Heseltine.] Do you want me for anything ? Miss Heseltine. I can come later on, if it's inconvenient now. Robin. If you wouldn't mind. 96 A SINGLE MAN Maggie. {Springing up.'] No. This is business. [To Miss Heseltine.] You told me I must never interfere with his business. I'll go out and play with Dickie and Bertha. / don't mind. [She pats Robin's artn and goes off to the garden sTcippingly — and calling " Dickier Miss Heseltine. {Referring to the pages in her hand.] There seems to be something wrong with this. EoBIN. {Takes j>ages.] Is that the American article ? Miss Heseltine. Yes. I wouldn't have disturbed you with it now, only it must go to-night. Robin. "What's wrong with it ? Miss Heseltine. You've written parts of it in the first person singular and other parts in the first person plural. Robin. Not really ? Miss Heseltine. Yes. A SINGLE MAN 97 KOBIN. {^Glancing down the sheets.'] So I have. How did I come to make such a mistake as that ? Miss Heseltike. [Primly.'] You must have had your head full of something else. ROBITT. [Turning over the sheets.] Like when I wrote that article the other day and called beer rice. Miss Heseltine. Yes. And in the last chapter of the new novel you called several of the characters by the wrong names. RoBi]sr. [Looking at her hefore saying., gravely.] Has all my work been careless lately ? Miss Heseltine. Yes, very. RoBiisr. Sit down, won't you, while I look over this. [Miss Heseltiiste sits.] It means going over the whole thing carefully from beginning to end, and I am so tired ! [Turning over a page or two.] ^ can't do any good with it till I've had at least an nour's rest. 98 A SINGLE MAN Miss Heseltine. That throws it so late. It has to be typed after you^m been through it. KOBIN. [Sighi/ng.'] Oh, dear, then I suppose I must, but you know — it's not so much that I'm tired physically. It's my brain — it's completely dis- organized. I can't concentrate. Miss Heseltine. I think / could make the necessary changes if you'd trust it to me. [She comes towards him.'] I could take it home to do and bring it back to you this evening. EOBIN. Why take it home ? Why can't you do it here? Miss Heseltine. There's too much noise in the garden. EOBIN. [ With a tveary little smile.'] It isn't like our usual quiet afternoons, is it ? Miss Heseliine. Ko, it isn't — not at ail. A SINGLE MAN 99 KOBIN. It won't be like this much longer. When I'm married and we've settled down — ^you and I will be able to work together peacefully again — as we used to do. Shan't we ? Miss Heseltine. \Taking the jpages from hi7n.~\ I'm afraid not. RoBiisr. Why not ? Miss Heseltine. Because when you are married — I shan't be here. RoBiisr. \_8urprised.'] What do you mean ? You won't be here ? Miss Heseltine. I'm leaving Farnham. EOBIN. Leaving ? Miss Heseltine. Yes. ROBIN". Where are you going ? lOO A SINGLE MAN Miss Heseltine. I don't know quite. I think I shall go and live in London. KOBIN. That's not far away. You can still come and work for me — can't you ? Miss Heseltine. I don't think so. {^Moves as if to go. KOBIN. "Wait a minute. I want to know about this. Miss Heseltine. That's all. I find I must leave. EOBIN. [^Going towards her.'] People don't usually leave without giving a reason. [Miss Hesel- TiNE hesitates.'] I think you owe me some ex- planation. Miss Heseltine. [^Looking at the pages in her hand.'] I must go and do this now. EOBIN. {Ta'king 'her by the arm.] Sit down and tell me why you want to leave me. [Miss Heseltine reluctantly sits again. He watches her all the timey standing. A SINGLE MAN lOl Miss Heseltine. There's no particular reason — that I can give you. KOBIN. What do you intend to do after you leave here? Miss Heseltin^e. That hasn't been definitely decided yet. EOBIN. Then why need you go ? [Miss Heseltine looks on the ground.'] I don't want to be too inquisitive, but it's so extraordinary that you can't give me any reason. Miss Heseltinb. I need a change. KOBIN. If it's a holiday you want Miss Heseltine. [Interrupting him.] Oh, no, thank you. I don't want a holiday. I had three weeks in April. KOBIN. And you'll be having another three or four weeks quite soon — when I go away on my honeymoon. 102 A SINGLE MAN Miss Heseltine. I shall have left before that. Robin, I had no idea you were dissatisfied. [Miss Heseltine makes a restless, ne7'vous ■move'ment.~\ If it's a question of earning more money — I shall be very happy to meet you in any way I can. Miss Heseltine. It's not that. Please don't think it's that. I'm more than satisfied with what you give me. Robin. Are you going to be married ? Miss Heseltine. \_Al7n0st angrily.'] Of course not ! [She turns away from him in her seat. Robin. Then what is it ? [ With a ring of genuine distress in his voice as he sits on the ottomam, at her feet] Why — why go away and leave me ? Miss Heseltine. [^Distressed hy his distress, is greatly agitated.] I must. I'm very sorry — but I imust! Robin. But I can't think what I shall do without you. I shan't be able to get on at all. I can hardly A SINGLE MAN 103 imagine yet what it's going to be like here without you. I've never thought of you leav- ing me. You've been coming to me every day for such a long time — five years — it's a long time. [Miss Heseltine, unable to control her agitation^ rises. He rises almost at the same time as he says.'\ Don't decide yet — not just yet. Miss Heseltine. I can't stay. It's no use pretending I can. I can't ! I can't do it ! KOBIN. [Puzzled.] Are you afraid your position here is going to be made difficult after my marriage ? [A pause Jhr her to reply.] Is that it ? [Another jpause as before.] I don't see why it need be difficult. Maggie is very good about not disturbing me in my work hours. She won't interfere with you. [Making light of it.] If that's all it is • [Miss Heseltine hursts into tears. Robin is very mvAih dis- tressed to see her in tears and goes to her.] Miss Heseltine ! What's the matter ? I can't bear to see you like this. What is it ? Is it some- thing Pve done? Have I hurt you without knowing it ? [Putting his hands on her shoul- ders and turning her towards him.] Miss Hesel- tine ! Look at me ! — tell me ! why must you leave me ? 104 ^ SINGLE MAN \He gently pulls her hands away from her face / she looks up at him ajpjpeal- ingly, unable to hide her love for him. He understands and stands looking at her transfixed. Maggie. \From the garden^ Robin ! What are you doing ? Dickie. {Also from the garden?^ Where is he ? Maggie. In here. \When their voices are heard^ EoBiN steps hack from Miss Heseltine. She makes am, undecided step or two as if she didnH know where to go, then hegins nervously gather- ing up the pages. Enter Maggie followed hy Dickie arid Bertha Sims, all darting about and skipping. Maggie, speaking as she enters and coming towards Robin,] We want to wind up with something really silly before we go home. RoBiisr. {Protesting.'] Oh, no — my dears — no ! Dickie and Bertha. Yes, yes. A SINGLE MAN 10$ Bertha. \^Beg{nning to dance and sing "by herself?^ Here we go round the mulberry bush. Dickie. [Singing.] The mulberry bush. Maggie. [Joining m as well.] The mulberry bush ! [They all laugh. [ While this is going on Miss Hesel- TINE, with the jpages in her hand, slowly goes out. [Louise comes in from the garden. Tak- ing in the situation, she says, ^^ Mr. Worthington, too ! " a/nd seizing him hy hoth hands dances him round. He is then swept into the ring between Dickie and Maggie. Louise tries to enter the i'ing, first on Robin's left, in which attempt she fails, and then on his right, this time achieving success. They all laugh and dance in a ring as curtain falls. THE CURTAIN FALLS THE THIED ACT SCENE. — The same as the first act. The scene is arranged as before except that the cradle is no longer there. It is beginning to groiv dusk. Robin, dressed as at the end of the second act, is standing, with his hands in his pockets, staring at MisS Heseltine's desk. Robin. [Slowly and thoughtftdly., as if scai'cely able to credit what he sa/ys.'] Miss Heseltine ! [Louise enters. She wears an elaborate dinner gown. Louise. \In the doorwoAf^ May I come in ? Robin. {Suddenly brought to hi^nself.'] Is it as late as that f LOUISF. I dressed early. 1 mistook the time. The drawing-room was deserted, so I thought I'd come in here. I hope I don't intrude. 1 06 A SINGLE MAN 1 07 EOBIN. [Merely politely.'] Not at all. Louise. [Smiling as if she had received a most press- ing invitation to stay.] Thank you ! [She closes the door and comes toicards RoBlN.] Has she gone ? KOBIN. Yes. Louise. [ With a little sigh of satisfaction.] Ah ! EOBIN. She took her work home to do. Louise. Maggie ? Robin. Miss Heseltine. Oh, yes ; those children have all gone. Thank goodness ! [Hurriedly correcting hiinself.] The dears. Louise. "Weren't you rather glad — between ourselves — to see them go ? Robin. I don't feel safe even yet. I can't help thinking that Bertha Sims is still lurking I08 A SINGLE MAN among the bushes — ready to spring out at me. "What's that noise ? \He goes to the window and looks out^ then closes the curtains.'] Only the rooks going home. \_IIe goes towards the electric switch. Louise. [Sentimentally.'] The twilight hour. [She leans hack luxuriously and says languidly.] How peaceful it is here ! How perfectly har- monious ! [Robin turns on the electric light. This surprises and disconcerts Louise.] Oh ! [She sits up. RoBiisr takes out his cigarette case and hel])s himself to a cigarette. He is ahsorhed in his own thoughts, and does not notice LouiSE.] Have you got a cigarette to give me f EOBIN. [Offering her his cigarette case.] I beg your pardon. My mind was full of something else. Louise. [Smiles at him as she slowly draws a cigarette from the case.] Thank you very much. Robin. [After a moment's pause.] Don't mention it. You want a light. [He moves away for the tnatch-hox, which is on the writing-table, hrings it to A SINGLE MAN I09 LOTJISE and offers it to her. LouiSE smilingly makes a sign with her hands for him to strike a match. He does so. Louise does not offer to take the match, 'but lights her cigarette from it as he holds it. Louise. Ta! KOBIN. I beg your pardon ? Louise. Ta! [EoBiN lights his own cigarette then throws the match in an ash-tray and sits on a settee at some distance from Louise.] I hope you don't object to women smoking ? KOBIN. I don't mind one way or the other. Louise. I was afraid you might think it unwomanly. KOBITT. I shouldn't like my wife to smoke. no A SINGLE MAN Louise. [JSising.] I practically tiever smoke. [She puts her cigarette on an ash-tray. '] [Enter Gladys. Gladys. [Addressing Louise.] If you please, miss, Mrs. Worthington sent me to say will you kindly come and talk to her while she dresses ? Louise. [Siaeetly to Gladys.] Tell Mrs. Worthington I will come — presently. Gladys. Thank you, miss. [Exit Gladys. EOBIN. If you want to go and talk to Isabella, don't mind me. Louise. [Reproachfully.'] Do you want me to go ? RoBiisr. Oh, no — I didn't mean that — of course. A SINGLE MAN HI Louise. [Archly.] Shall I stay ? Robin. [After a pause, reluctantly.'] Do. Louise. I know you wouldn't say that unless you meant it. [She sits hy him.] You and I never seem to be left alone together — do we ? Robin. [Carelessly.] Don't we? Louise. Never. And I always feel we should have so much to say to each other if we could once break through our British reserve. _ [He looks at her in surprise. She smiles at him.] You have drawn me to you by your writmgs. I am one of your most devoted readers. I buy all your books. Oftentimes — after reading one or other of your various masterpieces — I have turned from the contemplation of Robin Worth- ington, the author, to the contemplation of Robin Worthington the man. Robin. [Embai'rassed.] Oh, yes ! [Enter Gladys. 112 a single man Gladys. [AddresstTig Louise.] Mrs. Worthington says will you please come at once. It's most partickler. KOBIN. [AtteTTipting to rise.] Don't let me detain you. Louise. {^Preventing Robin rising hy laying her hand on his arm, as she turns to Gladys and says impatiently .~] Say I am coming — presently. Gladys. Yes, miss. [Exit Gladys. Louise. {^Intensely.'] I want to see you take your place among the immortals. You could if you would. But you never will — until you have the right woman beside you — a woman of heart, brain, experience— a woman who has lived and suffered — one who would help you in your work, who would be capable of being at the same time your companion and your inspira- tion. [She drops her intense tone and says, col- loquially.'] Maggie Cottrell can't appreciate you. A SINGLE MAN 113 KOBIN. {^Rising abruptly^ and annoyed.'] "We won't discuss her, please. Louise. [^Reproachfully.'] You are angry with me. Robin. [Turning to her.] No, I'm not angry, but Louise. [Interrupting him hy rising and saying frankly.] Forgive me ! [She conws to him and extends hath her hands. Robin reluctantly takes her hands.] [Enter Gladys. Gladys. Mrs. "Worthington says Louise. [Losing her temper ?\ Tell her I'm husy. [Exit Gladys. Louise planis 'herself in front of Robin aiid looks earnestly in his face.] You do forgive me ? Robin. [Bored.] Oh — yes, of course. Louise. Yes, but really. 114 A SINGLE MAN- KOBIN. I must go and dress. \^IIe tries to get past her. Louise. [Planting herself in front of him.'] I ought not to have spoken as I did of Maggie Cottrell — but I can't bear to see you throwing your- self away. KOBIN. I shall be late. [He makes another attempt to get past her, Louise. [Preventing him getting away hy laying Iter hand on his arm.'] If only you were going to marry some woman worthy to be your wife ! Robin. [Trying to free himself] Yes, but I'm not — I mean I am. [Enter Isabella, carrying her gloves, and then Henry. Isabella wears a smart dinner-gown, and Henry his evening clothes. Isabella. [Sharply as she enters.] Louise ! I sent for you three times. A SINGLE MAN IIS Louise. [Sweetly as sJie goes towards Isabella.] I know you did, dear. Was it anything that mattered ? {They talk together, Isabella obviously chiding LouiSE. RoBiisr^'om* Henry after hechoning him. EOBIN. {Drawing Henry o^ide^ I'm so glad you came in. I was having such a time. Henry. What's happened ? Robin. I don't think I'm naturally the kind of fellow who thinks every woman is in love with him — but really — this afternoon ! It must be my lucky day. [Isabella comes towards Robin when she speaks, while Louise sits hy the fire. Isabella. Aren't you going to dress ? Robin. Yes, I'll go now. Isabella. The cab will be here in about ten minutes. Il6 A SINGLE MAN Robin. What cab ? Isabella. To take us to the Hendersons'. Robin. [Addressing Henry and Isabella m turns during the next speech.] Oh, dear me! yes. We promised to go and dine at the Hendersons' — didn't we? I'd forgotten all about it. I don't want to go a bit. I say, couldn't you three go without me ? Henry. I don't know, I'm sure. Isabella. What will Mrs. Henderson say ? Robin. Tell her I had to stay and work. You don't mind, do you ? I really need an evening to myself. I shall dine quietly in ray study, and go to bed early. [He takes his latch-key out of his pocket and gives it to Henry.] There's my latch-key. You don't mind, do you? Thanks so much ; it's awfully kind of you. [He goes out. A SINGLE MAN 1 17 Isabella. How tiresome of him to back outl iTo Henry.] Have you got everything ? Henky. I think so. Isabella. Cigarettes ? Henry. [Feeling his hreastrpocket.] Yes. Isabella. Watch ? Henry. [Feeling his watch-pocket?)^ Yes. Isabella. Pocket-handkerchief ? Henry. Yes — [looks in sleeve and pocket] no. [Fxit Henry. Louise. [Pressing her hands to her temples, and calling out, as if in sudden pain.] Oh — oh ! Isabella. [Anxiously.] What's the matter ? Il8 A SINGLE MAN Louise. I've got such a splitting headache. It's as if some one were driving a nail right through my temple. Isabella. [^Coming towards IjO'UIQ^, much concerned.'] I'm so sorry. Louise. I can't possibly go to the Hendersons'. Isabella. [linmediately suspicious, she hacks away.] Louise ! Louise. You couldn't ask me to go to a dinner-party with my head in this state. Isabella. [Z>r^7y.] You'll feel better soon. Louise. Whenever I have a headache it always lasts all the evening. Isabella. We'll take some menthol with us. Louise. Think of driving in a closed cab ! A SINGLE MAN II9 Isabella. "We'll have it open. Louise. That would blow our hair about. Isabella. "We'll take veils. Louise. It's no use, dear. I'm suffering too much ; I shouldn't enjoy myself. Isabella. [Mercilessly.'] I don't ask that you should enjoy yourself, I ask that you should come with us. Louise. I really must stay at home. Isabella. Very well, then — we'll all stay at home. [She sits down facing Louise. Louise looks poutingly at ISABELLA a mo- tnent hefore she sjpeaks. Louise. There's no dinner for you. Isabella. There's none for you^ either. 120 A SINGLE MAN Louise. What is enough for one is generally enough for two — but it's not enough for four. Isabella. [Muttering.'] I thought so. Louise. I have no intention of dining with Mr. "Worth- ington. [jRisingr in her queenliest 7nanner.'\ I shall ask Mrs. Higson to serve me a snack in my room. Isabella. {Calmly^ hut firmly.'] I shall not go and leave you here, Louise. Louise. [Reproachfully.] You don't trust me. [Sits heside ISABELLA. Isabella. [In an i/ronicaUy affectionate tone.] Darling — you wrong me. I only meant — how could I sit through an elaborate dinner if I knew that my friend was suffering alone in her chamber ? Louise. That's very sweet of you. But think of poor A SINGLE MAN 121 Mr. and Mrs. Henderson. They will be so dis- appointed if you don't go. Isabella. [^Amiably.'] Henry must make my excuses. Louise. But if three out of four of their guests don't turn up ! Isabella. [Assuming gaiety and friendlitiess.'] They won't think much of themselves, will they ? [Louise looks away^ looking cross.'] You and I will have a nice little mess of something all by ourselves upstairs. It'll be just like the dear old schooldays, when we used to have forbidden feasts in our bedrooms. [She drops the gay and friendly tone, and says, drily.] Is your head any better ? Louise. [Seeing that her present line is hopeless, takes a new one, and says soletnnly.'] Isabella — Belle dear, I didn't tell you. I have made up my mind to leave to-morrow. Isabella. [ Unable to conceal her delight.'] Not really ! 122 a single man Louise. [^Pained.'] I know you wish it. Isabella. {^Politely.'] Not on my own account. Louise. As I am leaving to-morrow, I should like to stay at home this evening. Isabella. [Suspiciously.'] To say good-bye to Kobin ? Louise. \_Coldly.'] To pack. Isabella. [Eagerly.'] Pll help you with your packing. Louise. Thank you, dear; but I never can pack if there's any one in the room. Isabella. I'll sit on the landing and be ready when you want me. Louise. [Losing he7' tem,per cmd rising abruptly^ Don't be such a fool. A SINGLE MAN 1^3 Isabella. You needn't think I don't see through you. Louise. What d'you mean ? Isabella. I don't believe you have the slightest inten- tion of leaving to-morrow. Louise. Do you think I'm a liar ? Isabella. \^Cheerfully.'\ Yes. Louise. How dare you say such a thing ? Isabella. As if I don't know what you are up to. Louise. IDefiantly.-] What am I up to— as you term it ? Isabella. Do you want me to tell you ? Louise. [Haughtily.'l Certainly. 124 A SINGLE MAN Isabella. As soon as Henry and I have left the house you'll rush upstairs and put on a tea-gown — the white one most likely, with the angel- sleeves — and then — when you have calculated that Robin will just about have begun his dinner — you'll come floating in. You won't have had any dinner. He'll feel obliged to ask you to share his. You'll refuse at first — if you think you stand any chance of being pressed — then you'll sit down. You will begin the conversa- tion by telling him that Maggie doesn't appre- ciate him. That I believe is the usual opening with those who attempt to make discord between lovers Louise. {^Exploding with wrathJ] Isabella, you're a beast. Isabella. [ With great determination.'] You shan't stay here alone with Robin because I won't allow it. Louise. \_Changing her tactics., turns to Isabella and says calmly and seriously^ He asked me to remain. Isabella. [StariTig at Louise in amasement.'] He asked you. . . . A SINGLE MAN I25 Louise. [Going a little towards Isabella.] Not in so many words — but saying he wants to be left alone is an invitation to me to stay. Isabella. [Bursting out laughirig.] Louise ! Louise. I know it. While you were upstairs dress- ing we had the most wonderful talk. Isabella. [Immediately sobered.'] What about ? Louise. It was not so much what we said as what we left unsaid. When you sent for me I asked him if he wished me to leave him, and he said "ISTo." He begged me to remain. He was longing to confide in me. I felt it. He knows he has made a mistake. He was just on the point of admitting to me that Maggie Cottrell is not the girl for him to marry — when you came into the room. Isabella. [Hardly hnowing whether to helieve Louise or not.] I think it must be yaur imagination. 126 A SINGLE MAN Louise. Tou are responsible for what has happened. You invited me here. You encouraged me to fall in love with him. Isabella. There's no harm done, because you are not in love with him, Louise, I soon could be. [Isabella turns away.'] Please let me stay behind. Isabella. [ With determination.] No. Louise. [^Falling on her knees i/n despair and grasp- ing Isabella hy the hand.] Isabella! Isa- bella ! It's a crisis. Isabella. [ Ve7y uneasy 7\ Louise ! Louise ! Suppose somebody comes in ! \8he wrenches her hand away. Louise sinks upon the ground.] [Enter Mes. HiGSON who has a white linen table-cloth folded over her arm, and a small tray-cloth. Mes. Higson. The cab's here, ma'am. A SINGLE MAN 12/ Isabella. Thank you, Mrs. Higson. [Mrs. Higson lays the cloth down and begins to gather the articles together on the writing -tahle. Isabella is very firm as she addresses Louise.] Are you ready ? [Louise rises slowly and tragically from the ground. Isabella pidls her up to her feet. LouiSE slaps her as she releases herself. Isabella goes to the door, pauses, turns to Louise, and heckons her, as she says " Louise ! " She waits till she sees Louise begin to follow her, then goes out. LouiSB pauses at the door, then hastily closes it and turns to Mrs. HiGSON. Louise. By the way, Mrs. Higson, I may arrive home a little in advance of the others. Mrs. Higson. {Stiffly.'] Indeed ! Louise. In case you should want to go to bed early — [smiles at Mrs. Higson in her most ingratia- ting manner as she comes towards her] is there an extra latch-key ? 128 A SINGLE MAN Mks. Higson. [Mistrustfully.^ Oh, no, miss — we've got no extra latch-keys. Louise. Oh ! [Pauses.'] You needn't tell anybody I asked you for one. [Mrs. Higson mahes no response, hut busies herself with the things on Rob- in's desk. While she is doing this Louise fumbles in her hag and takes out a ten-shilling piece. Louise offers Mes. Higson the ten-shilling piece with her sweetest smile. Mrs. Higson. [Not offering to take it.] Thank you, miss — it will do when you leave. Louise. Oh ! [She puts the ten-shilling piece in her hag, then goes to the door, where she pauses.] You needn't tell anybody I offered it to you. [Exit Louise. Mrs. Higson ironically kisses her hand after Louise, then un- folds the small table-cloth, and la/ys it on Miss Heseltine's desk. [Enter Gladys omth a tra/y containing the glass and silver, etc., necessary for Robin's dinner. a single man 1 29 Gladys. They're oflf, I think they must be late. Mes. Higson. What makes you say that ? Mr. Burgess is never late with his cab. Gladys. I only thought they might be because Mrs. Worthington was that impatient — wouldn't get into the keb without Miss Parker got in first. Looked as if there'd 'ave bin words if Captain Worthington 'adn't pushed 'em both in from be'ind. Mes. Higson. 'Elp me lay this cloth. \_They lay the cloth together as she continues.'] I'm sure I don't wonder he wants to dine quietly in his study after all the racket there's been this afternoon. Gladys. \^G7'inning.'\ They were play in' 'ide-an'-go- seek. Mes. Higson. [^Contemptuously., as she smooths the cloth.'] 'Ide-an'-go-seek ! What it's going to be like here after 'e's married, I can't think. Pande- monium, / should say, with dirt on all the car- pets. I50 A SINGLE MAN Gladys. I shan't mind the extra work if it makes things 'um a bit more. Mrs. Higson. Careful with that silver. Gladys. Cook and I was only saying this afternoon it was quite refreshing to look out upon somethin' besides lawns and flowers and green trees. Mrs. Higson. You won't welcome changes so much when you reach my age. And it's not as if you'd known Mr. Worthington the years / 'ave. And per'aps you 'aven't got the maternal instinct. Gladys. \Pr^mly^^ No, I 'aven't — an' I 'ope I won't 'ave before I get my marriage lines. Mrs. Higson. I think that's everything now. [Enter Robin, ffe wears a dinner- jacket and a hlack tie. A SINGLE MA AT 131 KOBIN. [Speaking as he enters.] I'll have my dinner as soon as it's ready. [He takes a hook from, the hookshelves. Mrs. Higson. Gladys ! Tell cook. [Exit Gladys. [The front door hell rings. RoBiN pauses and listens. Robin. Who's that ? Mrs. Higson. Post most likely. What will you take to drink, sir? Robin. I think I could do with some champagne. Mrs. Higson. Yes, sir. Robin. A small bottle. 132 A SINGLE MAN Mes. Higson. Yes, sir. [Exit Mes. Higson. Kobin settles him- self to read. Gladys comes in carry- ing a roll of tyjyewritten manuscript. Gladys. If you please, sir — with Miss 'Eseltine's com- pliments. \8he Ju.lds out the roll to RoBiN. Robin. [TaTcvng if] Is Miss Heseltine here ? Gladys. Just gorn, sir. Run after her. Robin. Gladys. Yes, sir. \_8he hurries to the door. Robin. No, don't. Gladys. No, sir. [Exit Gladys. Robin spends a moment or two in indecision, looks at the roll of manuscript, leaves it on the settee, rises, crosses to Miss Heseltine's A SINGLE MAN 1 33 desk and lays his hook upon it / then he goes to tlie windoio, and draws the hack curtain. He opens the window and looks out. KOBIN. {^Calling — not loudly.'] Miss Heseltine ! [After a moment or two Miss Heseltine appears at the window. She wears a l^ng, loose, ready-made coat, a cheap, ordinary-looking hat, and makes, alto- gether, a somewhat dowdy appearance. Miss Heseltine. [ Coming just inside the room.] Did you wish to speak to me ? \_They are hoth emharrassed and con- strained when they meet. Miss Hesel- tine's manner is extremely prim, to cover her nervousness. EOBIN. [Referring to the roll of manuscript in his hand, which he takes from the settee.'] What's this thing ? Miss Heseltine. The American article. I thought you might like to look it over before it goes. Robin. Why didn't you bring it in ? 134 ^ SINGLE MAN Miss Heseltine. I didn't wish to disturb you. KOBIN. I see — thank you — well [^Looking at Miss Heseltine.] You know if it's all right. Miss Heseltine. I can guarantee there are no mistakes in it now. EOBIN. [Giving her the roll of manuscriptl Let it go then. Miss Heseltine. I'll take it home and put it up for post. [S/ie is going. Robin. You might as well do that here — at your desk. Miss Heseltine. {Hesitating a Tnoment, she glances at him,^ a/nd then says?)^ Very well — as I'm here. {Coming to her desTc^ It won't take me but a few minutes. \She sits at her desTc, opens a drawer and takes out a large envelojpe in which she jplaces the American article. She does A SINGLE MAN 135 this with a good deal of fumbling and fluttering of paj>ers, owing to her nerv- ousness. KOBIN. You must have worked very hard to get that ready. Miss Heseltine. [ Without looking iip.] It all had to be re- written. liOBIN. I hope you haven't gone without your dinner. [Miss Heseltine hegins to address the envelope, apparently not having heard his last remark.^ You have dined — haven't you ? Miss Heseltine. [Still addressing the envelope and not looking up?[ IS ot yet. KOBIN. Are you going to have some dinner nov3 f Miss Heseltine. I shan't have time. I'm due at an evening party. KOBIN. A dinner party ? 136 a single man Miss Heseltine. Oh, no — only games. Robin. You won't get any dinner. Miss Heseltine. There'll be light refreshments handed round most likely. \8he stamps the envelope. Robin. [A little emharrassed and shy at giving the invitation.'] Look here ! I'm having a bit of beefsteak by myself, and Mrs. Higson is so con- vinced I don't eat enough, she always gives me twice as much as I can manage. Won't you stay and share it with me ? Miss Heseltine. \^QuicTdy and nervously as she rises.] Oh, no, thank you — I can't do that. Robin. You'd much better. You can go to the even- ing party afterwards. Miss Heseltine. Quite impossible. Thank you all the same. [She goes towards the window. A SINGLE MAN 137 KOBIN. [Going after her.] I shall be wretchedly lonely all by myself. [Miss Heseltine pauses cmd looks at M7n.'\ You'd be doing me a kind- ness if you'd stay. Miss Heseltine. I don't think I'd better. KoBiisr. You won't enjoy your party if you don't eat something first. Miss Heseltine. I'm not expecting to enjoy it much, anyhow. EOBIN. / shan't enjoy my steak if you go hungry to your party. Miss Heseltine. Won't you ? EOBIN. [^Trying to make her sorry for Mm.] No. [A pause.] Nor my tomatoes. Miss Heseltine. EeaUy? 138 A SINGLE MAN KOBIN. Really. Miss Heseltine. Then I'll stay — ^just a very few moments. Robin. [Smiling.'] That's right. [He draws the cur- tain over the window. Enter Mrs. Higson with a dish containing a steak and tomatoes. Robin speaks as Mrs. Higsojst enters.] Set a place for Miss Heseltine, She's going to have some dinner with me. Mrs. Higson. Yes, sir. [Mrs. Higson neither shoios nor feels any surprise when she hears that Mis 8 Heseltine is going to dine with Robin.] We'd better cook you something extra, sir. Robin. I expect there's enough here. \_He raises the dish cover to see.] Oh, yes, quite. Miss Heseltine. I don't think I can stay — really ! Robin. Oh, yes, you can! \_To Mrs. Higson.] A place for Miss Heseltine. a single man 1 39 Mrs. Higson. Yes, sir. [^Exit Mrs. Higson. EOBIN. [Smilmg at the dish and tahing a long sniff.'] Smells good — doesn't it ? Miss Heseltine. [Glancing longingly at the dish.] Delicious ! But what about this ? [She holds up the envel- ope in her hand.^ I think I'd better take it to the post. I could slip it in the letter-box on my way to the party. EOBIN. \_TaMng the envelope out of her hand.] I'll send somebody with that. yHe throws the en- velope down.] Won't you take your things off ? [He brings a chair to the table. When he has done this, he stands with his hands on the hack of the chair., watching Miss Heseltine tahe her things off. MisS Heseltuste takes off her hat. Her hair is prettily arranged, quite differ' ent from the xisual plain style in which she wears it. She next takes off her coat and places it on the chair with her hat. When she has taken off her coat she appears in a pretty, hut simple and modest evening dress, in which she looks altogether charming. RoBiisr cannot con- ceal his pleasure in her unexpected appearance.] 140 A SINGLE MAN I've never seen you in an evening dress before. \Enter Mrs. Higsoist with tJie extra glasses^ jplates^ knives^ forks, etc., etc., necessary for Miss Heseltine, a small bottle of chatrijpagne and a cork-screw. Robin opens the bottle ofchanvpagne indicating the envelope containing the Atnerican article as he says to Mrs. Higson.] Will you have that thing sent to the post at once ? Mes. Higson. Yes, sir. [Picks up the envelope. Miss Heseltine. [Murmuring, halffascinated and half- alarmed.'] Champagne ! Robin. Now then, Miss Heseltine, are you ready ? [Robin sits behind the table. Miss Heseltine sits at the end of it. RoBiN speaks next as Mrs. HiGSON takes off the dish-cover.] I told you she always gives me much more than I can eat. [Smiles at Mrs. Higson, who smilingly goes off with the dish-cover and the envelope. Miss Heseltine. I only want a very little corner. Robin. [Cutting apiece off the steak.] Like that ? A SINGLE MAN I41 Miss Heseltine. It's too much ! Robin. Nonsense ! Tomato ? Miss Heseltine. Yes, please. {He serves her.] Thank ^ou ! [Then he helps hiTnself. Robin. I hope you won't find it too underdone. Miss Heseltine. Oh, no, thank you ; I prefer it underdone. Robin. How fortunate we both like our meat cooked the same way. [Robin offers to pour some champagne into Miss Heseltine's glass.] May I give you some champagne ? Miss Heseltine. {In a flurry., not dbls to make up her mind whether to accept champagne or not] Oh — I don't know — no, I don't think so, thank you. Robin. Just a drop. [He pours it out. Miss Heseltine. Is it nice ? 142 A SINGLE MAN EOBIN. [^Filling his own glass.'] You know what it's Uke. Miss Heseltine. No, I don't. I never tasted it. EoBiisr. [Surprised.'] Never tasted champagne ? Miss Heseltine. No. KOBIN. How's that ? Miss Heseltine. Quite a lot of people have never tasted champagne. EOBIN. Think of that, now, [He takes a good long drink. Miss Heseltine watches him with curiosity^ then raises her own glass to her lij)s, frowning as she takes a little sip. RoBiN watches her with an amused smile till she takes the glass away from her lips.] Do you like it ? Miss Heseltine. [Her frown relaxing slowly into a beaming smile.] Yes. A S/NGLE MA AT 1 43 [J^rom here on she hecomes much more at home and quite natural amd easy in her manner. Robin. {Eating?^ I begin to feel better now. I was nearly dead after those children had gone home. Miss Heseltine. {Also eating^ I'm not surprised. Robin. [Smiling.] I adore their youth and their vigour ; the movements of their strong straight limbs ; their shouts and their bright, pretty faces. Enchanting ! [ With a sigh.] But it's no use trying to be one of them after forty. Miss Heseltine. It's a change to be dining like this. Robin. Such a picnic. Miss Heseltine. I mean, it's a change from high tea. Robin. [Smiling at her.] How different you look this evening ! 144 ^ single man Miss Heseltine. It's because I'm dressed up. You^'oe always seen me in workaday. Robin. Tour hair looks so pretty. I never noticed before that your hair was so pretty. Miss Heseltine. \Pleased^^ My hair is my best feature. EOBIN. Do you often go to parties ? Miss Heseltine. Oh, no — very seldom. I have such a limited circle of acquaintances in Farnham. I don't get much chance of meeting people, for one thing ; and, living alone, the way I do, I need to be cautious. It's very easy to find oneself swallowed up in the wrong set before one knows it. Robin. [ With deep meaning^ thinking of the Cottrells.'] Very ! I suppose you'll go to plenty of parties when you live in London. Miss Heseltine. I don't expect to. I've lived there before, you know. I find London much more dead and alive than Farnham. A SINGLE MAN I45 Robin. \Ama2edJ\ London dead and alive ! Miss Heseltine. Yes. EOBIN. /left because it's so noisy. Miss Heseltine. You had your friends and your telephone. I only had a bed-sitting room. I scarcely ever went out with any one except my landlady, and not very often with her. We occasionally did a pit if we felt flush. Robin. [Sympathetically.'] Is that the kind of life you have to look forward to now ? Miss Heseltine. [Simply.'] Yes. Robin. You've lived by yourself a long time ? Miss Heseltine. Ever since father married again. Robin. [Gloomily.] When Ptti married, I suppose there'll be jolly tennis parties and gaietj'' and J 46 A SINGLE MAN fun every day of the week. {Tie looks at her.'] I wonder what is to become of me and my work when you go ? Miss Heseltine, [Troubled.'] I don't believe I could stay on. [/She sits back. KOBIN. [Wervously.] No. Miss Heseltine. It wouldn't do. Robin. No. [S'e lays Ms knife and fork together^ mid assumes a businesslike manner ^^ Have you finished ? Miss Heseltine. Yes, thank you. [She lays her knife and fork together. Robin. I don't think we need ring the bell. Pll change the plates. [He rises to do so. Miss Heseltine. [Rising and sjpeaking as if she were asking him a favour?^ Let me. A SINGLE MAN 147 Robin. Oh, no ; I'll do it. Miss Heseltine. I should like to. Please sit down and let me — let me wait upon you. Robin, [Biimotiring her.] Very well. [He sits. Miss Heseltine. • [Taking his jjkite as she says, smiling.] " It was Sunday evening, and both the servants had gone to church ; so, as their custom was on these occasions, they waited on themselves." Robin. What's that ? Miss Heseltine. A quotation out of one of your books. Robin. Which one ? Miss Heseltine. It never had a name. You began it about four years ago, and tore it up after the second chapter. Robin. What a memory you have ! 148 a single man Miss Heseltine. Yes, for some things. [ While this conversation is going on Miss Heseltine changes the dishes andjplates. KOBIN. It doesn't seem right for me to be sitting here while you do the waiting. Miss Heseltine. It pleases me. KOBIN. I never thought of waiting at table being a pleasure. Miss Heseltine. {^Standing near hiin with a dish in her hands.'] It is, if you know how to dream. KOBIN. \_^ot confijprehending — echoes^ To dream ! Miss Heseltine. More than half a woman's life is made of dreams. She couldn't bear it otherwise. \She places the dish on the table. EOBIN. "What's the good of a dream ? a single man i49 Miss Heseltine. [ With suppressed exaltation.^ Sometimes it grows so vivid it almost seems to have come true. [She gives a low-toned little laugh as she looks towards her desk. RoBiN looks at her and follows the direction of her eyes.'] That's my desk that I work at — our sideboard is. [She goes to her desk. Robin watcJies her^ smiling. She carries the dish of fruit and two plates to the table, and places them in front of him.] I shall never be able to believe this really hap- pened afterwards. [She returns to her place as she says.] I expect I shall be trying to remem- ber what story it was, where we dined together. Whenever you dictate a novel to me I always imagine that I'm the heroine. Robin. [Offervng to refill her glass.] Let me give you some more champagne ? Miss Heseltine. [Putting her hand over her glass.] No, thank you. [Gravely.] They tell me it makes one chatter. Robin. Please chatter. I want to know more about you — [handing her fruit] what you think, what you feel, what you are like, what you do with I50 A SINGLE MAN yourself when you are away from me. Though I've known you so well for — how long is it ? Miss Heseltine. \_Prowptly.'\ Five years last first of June. Robin. And how many hours in all that time have we spent alone in this room together ? Miss Heseltine. {Joyfully.'] So many we couldn't possibly count them up. Robin. And yet, after all that, I am only just be- ginning to get to know you. Why did you never tell me about yourself ? Miss Heseltine. You never asked, Robin. I wonder why. Miss Heseltine. You were always working. Robin. {After a 7fioment''s reflection?^ What a lot of time one wastes attending to one's work. \TJiey A SINGLE MAN 151 go on eating before RoBiisr saysJ] I suppose I'm always thinlfing about myself and my own things. Miss Heseltine. \_Kindly.'\ That's only because you are a man. [He laughs. She heconies a little con- fused.'] Though I'm sure I don't know why I should be talking as if I knew all about it. I've never known any man well with the exception of you and father. Robin. "Will you tell me about your father ? [lie takes a cigarette-case from his poclcet. Miss Heseltine. I'd rather not. I was very unhappy at home — and to-night I want to forget all painful things. I am weaving a wonderful memory for the lonely evenings to come. [Robin sighs.'\ You want a light for your cigarette. Wait there, I'll get you one. [Miss Heseltine goes to the mantel- piece for a match., vjhich she strikes^ then holds while he lights his cigarette. Robin offers her his cigarette-case. Robin. Will you have a cigarette ? 152 a single man Miss Heseltine. {Primly?^ Oh, no, thank you — I don't think I'll go as far as that. \8he returns to her ;place at the table. KOBIN. \A.fter a pause.] How restful you are ! Miss Heseltine. "Will you always think of me so ? I should like you to think of me, after I'm gone, a little differently from anybody else. Robin. I can promise you that. [He smokes in silence a irnoment before he sa/i/s gloomily.] It gets worse and worse the more I think of it. Miss Heseltine. What does ? Robin. Your going away. I don't see how we shall ever get through when it comes to the last day — our last morning's work. It's so sad doing anything the last time if it's something one has done regularly every day for a long time. Miss Heseltine. I remember when I left home — the last Sun- day evening we sang a hymn. We always sang A SINGLE MAN 153 a hymn on Sunday evening — the same hymn, I was so sick of it. I used to have to play the tune. I thought I should be so glad never to have to do it any more ; but when it came to doing it the last time, I couldn't see the notes. I couldn't see the words, I couldn't see the others — I was crying so. KOBIN. I shan't know what has become of you. You might be unhappy or badly off, for all that / shall know. Miss Heseltine. I might write perhaps — now and again. Robin. l^Sadly.'] Letters ! Once a w^eek, once a month, two or three times a year. I shall want to see you every day. Miss Heseltine. I shall want to see you, too. {They look at each other steadily for some time before he speaks. Robin. You look as you looked this afternoon. It's a wonderful look. I have never seen it in a woman's eyes before. [He jpulls himself to- 154 A SINGLE MAN g ether ^ disgusted with himself.'] I'm ashamed — I'm ashamed to have said that. [He rises from the table. Miss Heseltine. [Also risen — very gently and kindly.] Don't be ashamed. I'm glad you know I love you. [Robin turns and looks at her.] You've taken it so kindly, I feel as if a great load had been lifted off my heart. I've been set free — after years of oppression. The pain it has been to keep my secret all to myself. Like a child, I had no right to, I hugged it and hid it — fearful lest some one should discover it, and I should be disgraced. And now you — of all people — have found me out, and I'm not humiliated — I'm happy. Though I know that to-morrow is coming, to-night I can only feel — how good it is for me that you should know. EOBIN. [Slowly, quietly, and impressively.] It seems to me now as if I had always known. So si- lently and steadily your influence has grown, it possessed me unawares. [Speaking with siidden.^ passionate energy?)^ I've made a dreadful blunder. I'm terrified of my future. I can't face it ! [Miss Heseltine sits on the settee. He moves about as he speaks rapidly and ex- citedly^ I was content the way we went on A SINGLE MAN 155 till Henry and Isabella came. It was seeing them — their happiness, their affection, their kisses, and caresses. I determined to marry and be happy, as they are. I looked about me for a wife, thought of all the girls I knew — all except one. You were so near at hand, and I was looking out into the world. I was caught and carried away by the snares of the charm of youth. I only see yoti in my work- time — always quiet, always patient, always ready, and never exacting. I took all that as a matter of course — sellishly accepted it. How dull of me never to have thought — what won- derful qualities those in a woman ! {Speaking like a lovei\ as he sits on the settee heside her.~\ I have never seen you as you are to-night. [Miss Heseltijste rises slowly and steps hack from him ^ fascinated, hut afraid. He goes on passionately.'] I ought to be holding my tongue, stifling my heart as you did yours ; but to-night I can't any more than you can, I canH marry Maggie ; it's not possible. She's dear, she's sweet, she's lovely ; but she's a child. She knows nothing, feels nothing, un- derstands nothing. She has no soul, and very little heart. If I marry Maggie, I shall be finished, destroyed, done for. And now — now that I know that I love you and that you love me ! \Helplessly^ "What are we to do ? \T1iey stand looking hel/plessly at each 156 A SINGLE MAN other y thsn hy a mutual instinct go towards each othei\ and fall into each other''s arms. They remain some monfients locked in a close embrace. The curtains over the windows are jparted. Louise is there. She has time to stand and take in the situation hefore they discover her presence. Louise advances i/nto the room^ then moves slowly and haughtily to the door., observing the dinner-tahle as she passes it. KoBiisr and Miss Hesel- TINE watch her, dxunhfounded. Lou- ise goes out. Miss Heseltine turns and looks at RoBUN", then covers her face with her hands. THE CUETAIN COMES SLOWLY DOWN THE FOUETH ACT SCENE. — Kobin's study again. It is ten o'clock in the morning on the day after the events of the last two acts. RoBIN is seated at his writing-table, his head on his hands. Enter Lady Cotteell. Robin rises when she enters. Lady Cotteell. My husband has had a note from you asking him to come and see you — so I came. Robin. [ Worried.'] Oh, but I want most particularly to see Sir Richard. That's why I asked him to call on tne instead of going to call on him because — well, you know what it's like at your house. There's no privacy. Dickie or Maggie or one of the others is apt to burst into the room at any moment. I must see Sir Richard undisturbed. It's most important. I think I'll run over and see him now — if you'll excuse me. l^He picks up a newspaper and thrusts it into Lady Cotteell's hands.'] There's the paper. I'll send Isabella to you to keep you company. [Exit Robin, quickly. 157 158 A SINGLE MAN Lady Cottkell. \LooMng after Robin in surprise.'] Odd ! [Isabella enters followed hy Henry. Isabella. [Sjyeaking as she enters.] Good-morning, Lady Cottrell. Lady Cottrell. \^Nods unceremoniously to them hoth witJwiit risitig or offering to shake hands.] Good-morn- ing, good-morning. What's the matter ? Isabella. Nothing. Henry. Why ? Lady Cottrell. [^To Henry.] I thought from your brother's strange manner that something must have hap- pened since I saw you yesterday. Henry. [Loohing at Isabella.] Not that I know of. Isabella. Nothing unusual. Henry. We dined at the Hendersons' last evening. A SINGLE MAN 1 59 Lady Cotteell. Nothing else ? Isabella. \Lo6king at Henry.] No. Henry. Miss Parker had a headache and left the party early. When we got home she had gone to bed ; so we went to bed, too — and — that's about all. We got up and had breakfast as usual this morning. Lady Cotteell. Nothing of any im/portance. Isabella. [Seriously.'] Baby was rather fretful in the night. Lady Cottrell. [Contemjytuously.'] You won't call that im- portant when you've got fourteen. [Enter Louise. She entei's quichly, and with such an air of having something im/portant to tell that she attracts all their attention. They watch her as she closes the door and comes down among them. i6o A SINGLE MAN Louise. I waited till Mr. Worthington went out. There is something I think you all ought to know. Sit down. \Sh6 pushes Isabella into a chair and waves the others to their seats. Lady Cottkell. I knew there was something. [They watch LouiSE expectantly. Louise. Last night, when I left the Hendersons' [to Lady Cotteell] I came away before the others. I had a headache. \_To Isabella.] You remember. [Addressing them all.] I slipped away without a word, not wishing to make a fuss. I got my cloak and when I came out at their front door I was fortunate enough to find a cab. [To Isabella.] The one that brought that man who came after dinner. [Addressing them all.] I told the cabman to drive me to this gate, where I got out. [To Lady Cottrell.] It was such a fine moon- light night I thought I should like to walk up the drive. When I got near the house I heard sounds of revelry — [she looks round from one to the other expecting to make a great effect j A SINGLE MAN l6l tJiey watch her with unmoved faces during the whole of her recital] issuing from this Avinclow — sounds of revelry, [She looks roufid at them all again.] I naturally thought it rather strange, so I stopped outside the window and listened. I thought it might be the servants taking advantage of our absence. I^ot at all. I distinctly heard two voices — Mr. Worthington's and a woman's. [She looks from one to the other as hefo7'e exjpecting^ to make an effect — they all mom for- ward slightly.] I was just going to pass on when a little gust of wind blew the curtains apart. There was nothing for me to do then but to walk into the room. I hardly like to tell you what I saw — but I must. It's a duty. The table was all in disorder as if two people had been feasting together. I remember no- ticing a champagne bottle — empty. The next thing I saw was — Miss Heseltine — the type- writer — in an evening dress. She was in Mr. Worthington's arms. They were kissing each other. [She looks round at them all trium- phantly expecting to make a sensation. She apparently makes no effect of any kind. They sit still gravely for some moments hefore Lady Oottrell speaks. 1 62 A SINGLE MAN Lady Cottrell. [ With perfect composure.'] I don't believe a word of it. Isabella. Nor do I. Henry. Nor I. Louise. [Annoyed at the reception of her story. 1 But I saw it. Lady Cottrell. • Dreamt it ! Robin and his typist — I no more believe it than if you'd told me you'd caught Captain Worthington there kissing me. Isabella. \_In disinay at the thought of such a thing.] Oh! Louise. If you don't believe me, ask the servants. They can tell you whether Miss Heseltine dined here or not. Lady Cottrell. Why shouldn't Miss Heseltine dine here? [To Henry.] Do yoit see any reason why she shouldn't? A SINGLE MAN 163 Henry. No reason on earth. Lady Cottrell. [To Louise.] We none of us see any reason against it. Isabella. They probably had some business to discuss. Louise. They were drinking champagne. Henry. Why* shouldn't they drink champagne? Isabella. We drank it ourselves at the Hendersons'. Lady Cottrell. [To Henry and Isabella.] She seems to think it's immoral to drink champagne. Louise. The woman was decollete. Lady Cottrell. [To Louise.] Is it the fashion where you come from to dine high neck ? Louise. Oh! 164 A SINGLE MAN Isabella. \_To Lady Cotteell.] I think Louise has gone mad. Heney. [^To Lady Cotteell, ow the other side.'] Try- ing to find a queer meaning to a most ordinary proceeding. It's monstrous ! Isabella. Disgusting ! Lady Cotteell. Foul! Heney. If he mayn't dine quietly with his secretary. Isabella. It may be indiscreet. Lady Cotteell. Don't be so provincial, Mrs. Worthington, It isn't at all indiscreet. It might be for some people if they were that kind of person, but a serious man of his age dining alone with his typist to talk about his business, dressed in suit- able clothes and drinking what I often drink myself, — I can't see anything in it at all. LOFISE. They were clasped together in a wild em- brace. A SINGLE MAN 1 65 Lady Cottrell. That I refuse to believe. Henry. So do I, absolutely. Isabella. And so do I. Louise. Can't you see what it all means ? "We were all to have dined at the Hendersons' last even- ing — we three — and Mr. Worthington. At the last moment Mr. Worthington backs out — says he wishes to dine alone. We are packed off. In our absence comes this woman. Not a word to any of us to say she is expected. I arrive home early and find them in this most compro- mising position. And it's not only what took place last evening. Think of the hoars and hours a day they spend shut up in this room together. Henry. Working. Louise. [^Sharply to Mm.] How do we know what goes on ? [Henry and Isabella exclaim to- gether. 1 66 A SINGLE MAN Henry. "What d'you mean ? Isabella. Louise ! Louise. {Ignoring their exclamations^ turns to Lady CoTTRELL.] You surcly won't let your daugh- ter be engaged to a man while he is carrying on an intrigue with another woman. Isabella. [Indignantly.'] Louise ! Henry. [At the same time that Isabella exclaims.'] Keally, Miss Parker, I [All excejpt Lady Cottrell talk at once. Lady Cottrell. [With authority.] Leave her to me. [She addresses Louise calmly hut loitheringly.] We decline to believe one word of your unsupported testimony against our friends. You have told us what is untrue. We know Mr. Worthington. He is a man of exceedingly high character. As for Miss Heseltine, I cannot say that I know her — but I have observed her. She satisfies me. I am convinced that she is a most respect- able young woman. A SINGLE MAN 167 Louise. How can you tell by ohserving a woman whether she is respectable or not ? Lady Cotteell. I can sniff the difference. Louise. [^To Isabella.] Surely you see Isabella. Hush, Louise. I'm ashamed of you — trying to make a scandal out of nothing. Louise. [Mccitedly.'] But it's time, I tell you — it's true. They'll deny it, of course, and there's no one to support my word, but it's true, it's true, it's true ! Henry. [Indignantly,] You've said enough and a great deal more than enough. I take it upon myself in my brother's absence to tell you to leave the house. Louise. Oh! Henry. Hovv you can do such a thing as this — after accepting Robin's hospitality — I can't trust my- 1 68 A SINGLE MAN self to say what I think of your conduct. You will please leave the house at once, Louise. Do you think I would consent to remain one moment longer in such a house as this f Isabella. Louise ! Louise. [Addressing Isabella.] If you can't see what's perfectly plain to any intelligent person — that's your lookout. Lady Cotteell. Hush! Louise. It shall never be said of me that I condoned immorality. I leave for Leamington immedi- ately — imm ed iately . [Exit Louise. They watch her go out, and then look at each other in amaze- ment. Lady Cottrell. "What is she thinking of to come to us with such a story ? What is her motive ? Isabella. /know well enough what her motive is. a single man 1 69 Lady Cottrell. Tell us. Isabella. Something must have happened last night. He probably repulsed her, and this is ner revenge. Heney. I see. Lady Cottrell. /don't. Henry. {To Isabella.] I suppose we had better tell Lady Cottrell everything. Isabella. {In a whisper to Henry.] I don't want her to know why I invited Louise here. Henry. [To Isabella.] No. [lie goes toicards'L\Y)^ Cottrell.] I am sorry to have to tell you, Lady Cottrell, that Miss Parker has been doing her best all the time she has been here to get Robin away from Maggie. Lady Cottrell. \I7wpressed and concerned.'] Indeed 1 I/O A SINGLE MAN Isabella. I've had the most dreadful time with her. I haven't known what to do. Last evening she actually told me she had had the most wonder- ful talk with him, and that he had as good as admitted to her that he didn't want to marry Maggie. Of course, I knew it wasn't true; but fancy her saying such a thing. And, later on, when Robin backed out of going to the Hendersons', she wanted me to let her stay be- hind with him. But I wouldn't hear of it. I made her come to the Hendersons' with us. Lady Cottrell. She seems to have found no difficulty in out- witting you when she got there. Isabella. I couldn't keep my eye on her all the time. She got out when I wasn't looking. Then I suppose she hurried home, thinking she would find Bobin by himself, and Avould practice her wiles upon him. But, of course, she found him with Miss Heseltine. Then I should think that he either repulsed her ; or, disappointed at not finding him alone, she became so enraged she worked herself into the state of mind in which a woman can make herself believe any- thing. A SINGLE MAN I/I Lady Cottrell. I suppose she'll go and spread this nasty- story. Isabella. I shouldn't wonder. [Enter RoBiN. He halts and looks at them. He is serious and toorried. Lady Cottrell, Henry, and Isa- bella watch him in silence for a mo- ment. Lady Cottrell. \To Henry and Isabella.] I think we'd better tell him, don't you f [They all look at Robin. Robin looks from one to the other for an explanation. Lady Cottrell still ad- dresses Henry and Isabella.] What do you think ? Shall we tell him or not ? [Henry goes slowly to Robin, lays his hand kindly on his shoulder for a moment, then loalks away. Robin watches Henry, wondering., then turns to Lady Cottrell and Isabella for an ex- planation?^ Perhaps we had better not tell him after all. Isabella. I think we shall ha^oe to teU him. Henry. I think so, too. It appears, Robin, that last evening 1/2 A SINGLE MAN Isabella. I can't think how she could. Lady Cottrell. Miss Parker says that Miss Heseltine is your mistress. [RoBiif is so taken aback and distressed he canH speak for a moment^ hut looks round helplessly at the others. Heney. [Sympathetically.'] We don't believe it. Isabella. We told her so. Robin. Of course it's not true. [He sits at his desk. They watch him anxiously. After a moment hs looks up.] You'd better tell me what else she said. Henry. She said that you dined here last evening alone with Miss Heseltine. Robin. That's true. Henry. And that you were drinking champagne. A SINGLE MAN 173 KOBIN. That's true. Henry. She also said that you — that she saw you [He hesitates, not quite knowing how to exjpress himself. Lady Cottkell. Embracing, EOBIN. \^After a pause.] I want to marry Miss Hes- eltine. [They all look at Robin, the7i at each other, mute with surprise. Robin addresses Lady Cottrell.] That's what I went to tell Sir Richard. I didn't see him. He'd gone out — so I may as well tell yotc. I — I find I've made a mistake, and I don't care for Maggie as much as I thought I did ; so the only honourable thing for me to do now is to break off my en- gagement. Henry. [Dismayed, then sloivly perceiving what he imagines to be the truth.] Bravo ! [They all look at Henry in surprise.] I call that mag- nificent. [To Robin.] To sacrifice yourself in order to save Miss Heseltine's reputation. It's noble. Robin. [Bewildered.'\ But 174 A SINGLE MAN Isabella. [Smiling at KoBiN.] It's j ust like you, Robin. Robin. But Lady Cottrell. [Beaming upon him.^ Most chivalrous ! Robin. [To Lady Cotteell.] Bu' Lady Cottrell. [Holding up her hand to silence RoBiN as she says.] But don't forget that one may carry chivalry too far and become quixotic. Robin. You don't understand. I love Miss Hesel- tine. UJ-'hey all laugh heartily. Lady Cottrell. My dear, good man — what is the use of try- ing to bluff us f Robin. [Coming towa/rds Lady Cottrell as he speaks.'] I'm very much in earnest, Lady Cot- trell. I realize what a very serious matter it is to break off an engagement, and I don't for one moment want to underestimate my responsibili- ties — but surely it is better to recognize my mis- take now instead of later on. A SINGLE MAN I75 Lady Cottrell. {Preparing to he indignant.'] To hear you talk one would suppose — oh — \reinenihering lie is hitting, as she thinks] but of course you don't mean it. [Slie smiles and pats him on the arm. KOBIN. Can't you all see that this is quite a likely thing to happen? It's most unfortunate. I am much to blame — but it's not the first time that a man has got engaged and then found out that he loved some one else. Isabella. {Sweetly?^ Robin, dear — if it were really true that you love Miss Heseltine — you'd have thought of it before now. Robin. That's the funny thing about it. I have known her for five years, and I never discov- ered I was in love with her till last evening. Lady Cottrell. Most unconvincing ! [Lady Cottrell and Isabella laugh. Robin. {Distractedly 7\ Can't I make them under- stand? \To PIenry.] You., Henry. You know when I mean a thing 1/6 A SINGLE MAN Henry. {^Calmly and Mndly and rather pompously.'] I believe you would make this sacrifice, but 1 shall not let you, Robin. [Taken aback by Henry's superior attitude.'] Oh — indeed ! [Derisively.] You won't let me. We'll see about that. Henry. It's totally unnecessary. Take the advice of a man of the w^orld ; I'm younger than you, I know — but you see — after all — you are only a writer [Robin turns to h'lm quickly as if to retort] I don't mean to be offensive Robin. I'm sure you don't, Henry ; but if I did hap- pen to want the advice of a man of the world — I should never think of going to a thick- headed soldier. Isabella. [Indignantly when Henry is called a thick- headed soldier.] Oh ! Henry. [Coming to Isabella and speaking indul- gently of Robin.] Never mind, dear. The poor old fellow is so upset. A SINGLE MAN 1 77 Lady Cottrell. [Beassuring Henry atid Isabella.] He'll come to his senses directly. Henry. I hope so. The trouble with him is — he doesn't know life. He lives in a world of his own — a world of romantic books where they indulge in these heroic sacrifices. Isabella. [To KoBiN.] You see, Kobin ; even if Louise did go and spread this story, nobody would be likely to believe her, so it wouldn't do Miss Heseltine much harm. Henry. We shall all do what we can to protect Miss Heseltine. Lady Cottrell. / will befriend the girl. I will go to her now. Robin. [Coming quickly towardsLABY CoTTRELL.] No. [Bises. Lady Cottrell. Where does she live ? Eobin. I shan't tell you. 178 a single man Lady Cottrell. Maggie knows. KOBIN. Lady Cottrell ! I canH let you go to Miss Heseltiiie. You'll talk her round. She'd pack up her little box and go away without a word. Lady Cottrell. But I'm going to ask her to stay. To let every one see that there isn't a word of truth in Miss Parker's story — I shall ask Miss Hesel- tine as a personal favour to Die — to remain here after your marriage. KOBIN. Impossible. Lady Cottrell. Not at all. Maggie is a sensible girl. She knows that every literary man is closeted for hours daily with a typist. She won't be jealous of Miss Heseltine. I'll soon put everything all right. You shall have them both. \_Exit Lady Cottrell. Robin. [Desperately.'} I don't want Maggie. Henry. Why? A SINGLE MAN 179 Robin. She's too young. Isabella. Three weeks ago you were all for youth. Robin. I know I was, but I've had enough of it. Maffffie is just as sweet and pretty as she was three weeks ago, but now that I've got to know her better— I can't see anything in her at all. 7 7 7 7 [Henry and Isabella botli took ex- tremely shocked. Isabella. If he really feels that way about her. Henry. [Smiles reassuringly at Isabella.] He doesn't. I know exactly how he feels. [He approaclies Robin and says kindly.'] You have got what we call in my regiment " Bridegroom's Funk." We all get it as the wedding-day ap- proaches. I'd have given anything to get out of marrying Isabella when it came to the last week. Isabella. [Indignantly.'] Oh — oh! ^ [She hursts into tears and hurries towards the window. l8o A SINGLE MAN Henry. [ Very rrmch distressed, follows Isabella.] Isabella ! Listen ! I only meant Isabella. [ Wailing as she goes out.] You don't love me. [^xit Isabella. Henry. Isabella ! [^xit Henry. KOBIN. Idiots ! [£kter Miss Heseltine. She is with- out her hat. Miss Heseltine. [Pausing on the threshold.] I didn't know whether to come as usual this morning or not. EOBIN. I'm so glad you came. Now at last we can talk sense. Shut the door, please. [Miss Hes- eltine shuts the door and meets him.] She told. Miss Heseltine. I knew she would. Robin. They won't believe her. A SINGLE MAN l8l Miss Heseltine. Who won't ? KOBIN. Lady Cottrell and Henry and Isabella. They won't believe me either when I say that I want to break my engagement and marry you. Miss Heseltine. Has Maggie been told ? KOBIN. Not yet. She won't believe it when she is, and even if she does, they'll all be at her, telling her I don't mean what I say and urge her not to let me off. I don't know what to do. They won't any of them believe anything. It would be awfully funny if it wasn't us. [He paces up and down. Miss Heseltine. I never thought of them taking it this way. It simplifies it for us very much. RoBiisr. [I^ot cotnprehending.'] Simplifies it ? Miss Heseltine. If they none of them believe there's been anything between us. 1 82 A SINGLE MAN Robin. It leaves me more than ever engaged to Maggie. Miss Heseltine. I don't want to make trouble. Robin. [Anxiously.] Oh, I say, you don't feel dif- ferently about me this morning, do you ? [He holds her hand. Miss Heseltine. [It is evident that she loves him more than ever.] After what you said to me last night ? No. [ With determination?^ But I don't think it right or reasonable that I should come be- tween you and not only Maggie, but your family and friends. Robin. [Grimly?^ I've got you all against me now. Miss Heseltine. "What could I bring you for all that you would lose ? I've got no arts to hold you with, nor beauty. I could only love you and work for you. That isn't always enough. Robin. There's every reason why you and I should marry. Let alone the great reason. Leaving A SINGLE MAN 1 83 love out of the question it's the only sensible thing to do. We suit each other. We have mutual interests and ideas. The same things make us laugh. Besides which, we've got ac- customed. I feel no strangeness in your com- pany, none of that wearisome effort to be a kind of person that I'm nothing like. With you I could live my life, I could do my work, I could be myself. Whereas with Maggie — poor Maggie ! It isn't her fault she's so tiresome. It's the fault of her youth. Miss Heseltine. \_Trouhled.'\ I can't but remember that it was / who sounded her for you — here in this room — three weeks ago to-day. EOBIN. I don't think she cares for me much. I don't think it's in her to care for any one much. Miss Heseltine. That's what we want to think. EOBIN. [ With deterrnination.'] If I were to marry Maggie now, I should do her a very great wrong. [Miss Heseltine shakes her headJ] Oh, yes I should. If I take her away from the home where she's happy, playing with her brothers and her friends, bring her here and 1 84 A SINGLE MAN don't love her — can't love her — it would be cruel. I must tell her everything. I'll go and see her now at once. Miss Heseltine. [^Aiixiously.'] You will tell her, I suppose, and then let her choose. Robin. \_Pausi7ig.'\ Choose ? Miss Heseltine. Choose whether she will give you up or not. Robin. Suppose she chooses not to ? Miss Heseltine. [Simply.] You would have done the right thing. Robin. [Douhtfulli/.'] Yes. [After a momenth re- flection^ But I should still be saddled with Maggie. I cati't pass the rest of my days with a young woman who has no idea of life beyond extracting the utmost merriment out of each moment. I shall tell her just as kindly and as gently as I can, but [Enter Maggie. Maggie. Good-morning. A SINGLE MAN 185 EOBIN. Good-morning, Maggie. Maggie. I thought perhaps you'd be by yourself. Miss Heseltine. Am I in the way ? Robin. \To Maggie.] Do you want to see me alone ? Maggie. What I Teally wanted was to see her first and you after. Robin. Shall I leave you here with Miss Heseltine ? Maggie. Let me think. \8he considers a moment while they watch her.] No ; on second thoughts, I'll take you both together. I think I should feel more courageous. And I shall only have to go over the ground twice if I don't. [To Miss Heseltine.] You are in the secret because, if you remember, you sounded me about him. 1 86 A SINGLE MAN Miss Heseltine. I haven't forgotten. Maggie. [^Addressing them hoth.'] Would you mind seating yourselves ? [Maggie watches them seat themselves first then she speaTcs very amiably^ addressing Robin.] I don't think you are suited to me. I like you very much. You are every bit as nice as you were three weeks ago, but now that I've got to know you better, I find that you depress me. [Robin and Miss Heseltine look at each other trying very hard not to smile.'] When you play with us, for in- stance, I always feel you are trying to be another kind of person from the one you really are, and that you aren't thoroughly enjoying yourself, and then / can't enjoy myself either. It isn't your fault. It's the fault of your age. I don't mean to say you are old, but you are not quite this generation, are you ? Miss Heseltine. [Protesting.'] Oh ! [Robin and Maggie look towards Miss Heseltine. Robin. [Smiling at Miss Heseltine as he sa^ys."] There are always two points of view. A SINGLE MAN 1 87 Maggie. [ To Miss Heseltine.] It's no use half say- ing it or he won't catch my meaning. Robin. I catch yom* meaning all right. Miss Heseltine. YTo herself in an undertone.'] He is this generation. Maggie. [To Robin.] It was yesterday it was borne in upon me so powerfully the immense differ- ence in our ages. You mustn't think I haven't thought about this very seriously. I sat up quite late last night, talking it all over with Bertha. We came to the conclusion that it isn't fair to ask a girl of my age to marry a man who has had his day. Miss Heseltine. [Springing up and saying indignantly to Maggie.] Oh, no! Maggie. [To Miss Heseltine.] See here ! You were asked to stay in the room to give me your moral support 1 88 A SINGLE MAN Miss Heseltine. I know I was — but when I hear you talk like that about him — even a secretary has her feelings. Maggie. {Kindly to Miss Heseltine.] I mean to say — he has lived and I haven't. The world isn't all new and exciting to him the way it is to me. I want parties and people all the time. He's had all that and wants to settle down. There's the difference between us. KOBIN. You've hit the nail on the head, Maggie. Maggie. [Going to Kobin.] There's something else I must tell you — something you may not like. Kobin. [Smiling hopefully.] You've fallen in love with a boy of your own age. Maggie. Oh, no. Miss Heseltine. A man of your own age. Maggie. Nothing of that sort. It's this. There used A SINGLE MAN 189 to be some notion that it wasn't honourable for a girl to break off her engagement unless the man were willing to set her free. Robin. [^Pretending to Maggie to he seriously im- pressed. '\ Indeed. Maggie. People don't hold that notion now. Miss Heseltinb. You don't say so ! Maggie. [To RoBiisr.] I thought you might be old- fashioned and want to hold me to my promise. RoBi]sr. [Airily.'] Oh, dear me, no — you'll find me quite up-to-date on that point. Maggie. [Looking at Robin with adtniration.'] I must say you are taking it splendidly. Robin. [Trying to speak gravely.'] I am doing my best to disguise my feelings. [Enter Louise. She wears the travelling clothes in which she arrived in the first act, and seems rather hysterical. I90 A SINGLE MAN Louise. [Crying.'] I'm not one to make trouble, but I think you ought to know that I am being turned out of the house for telling the truth. [Addressing Robin.] I owe it to myself to justify myself before the girl you are engaged to. [Looking at Maggie,] Last night Robin. [Interrupting her.] No, Miss Parker, no. I can't allow that. Besides, Miss Cottrell and I are no longer engaged. Louise. [Greatly surprised.] What ? Robin. She has broken it off. Louise. Good gracious ! Maggie. [Going to Robin, says kindly.] I do hope you'll be able to find some one to console your- self with — [with a tneaning look and smile towardsljQjsm^ some older person ; some one who wants to get married as much as you do. [ Whispering:] We've all noticed how fond she is of you. [She goes to Miss Heseltine and takes Jier hy the arm.] Come, let us leave them together. A SINGLE MAN 191 Miss HeseltiimE. Ko. [Louise glides slowly towards Robin with her onost seductive smile. He steps back a step or two, very inuch embarrassed, as she approaches. Enter Isabella and Henky. Isabella. \SpeaTcing as she enters^ Louise ! Louise. \Annoyed at heing interrupted, says irri- tably.'] What is it? Isabella. Your cab is here. Louise. You may send it away again. {Smiling and unfastening her coat as if she were going to stay. Maggie. {To RoBiisr.] I'm sure you'll be happy to- gether. I must be off home to tell mother what I've done. [Exit Maggie. Robin. [Bracing himself] Miss Parker. Louise. [Smiling up at him.] Louise. 192 A SINGLE MAN Robin. The next time you tell the truth please tell the whole of it, and add that Miss Heseltine and I are going to be married. \^To Miss Hes- eltine.] I suppose we are going to get mar- ried, aren't we ? [ Taking her hands. Miss Heseltine. Yes, please. Louise. [^Rising onajestically and giving her hand to Robin.] Good-bye, Mr. Worthington. Robin. Good-bye, Miss Parker. It has been such a pleasure having you here. Louise. Stop the cab ! [Heney and Isabella holt out of the door. Louise stalks otit inajestically. Miss Heseltine sits down at her desk and hegins writing on the type- writer. Robin comes hehindher, gently draws her hands from the m^achine^ and embraces her. THE END OF THE PLAY RMv/'id a. W. Pnero'0 Hags THR MAfiKTDATF ^ar°® *** Three Acts. Twelve males, four illC fllAUlJliVAlIJ fgn^ales. Costumes, modem; scenery, all interior. Piays two hoiirs and a half. THE NOTORIOUS MRS. EBBSMITH ?,;tT*i°M™"IS. Costumes, modern ; scenery, all interiors. Plays a full evening. THP PR API lAATF Play in Four Acts. Seven males, five females. IQC mUrWUAlC scenery, three interiors, rather elahorate ; costumes, modem. Plays a full evening. THE Cmnni MKTWFS^ Farce in Three Acts. Nine males, seven IIIE DtnUUUTllJlAlrJJ females. Costumes, modem; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. TBE SECOND MRS. TANQDERAY ^^XTl^^-^c^'- tumes, modern ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. 5WPPT I AVFNBFR Comedy in Three Acts. Seven males, four SttEEI l^ATEnUEIi females. Scene, a single interior; costumes, modem. Plays a full evening. THF TTMFS Comedy in Four Acts. Six males, seven females. I lib liaiCJ Scene, a single interior; costumes, modem. Plays a full evening. THF WFAITFR WY Comedy in Three Acts. Eight males, eight lllC WEAAEIl OEA females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, two interiors. Plays a full evening. 4 WITE WiraOlT A SMILE l'Z%^f^rJZ..Z: modem ; scene, a single interior. Plays a full evening. Sent prepaid on receipt of price by ^altet: f . 'Bafeer a Company No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts C|)e 5S^illtam Wtixxtn Clittion of Paps AS YOII I lUV IT Comedy in Five Acts. Thirteen males, four A J IVU lilikh II females. Costumes, picturesque ; scenery, va- ried. Plays a full evening. riMlIf p Drama in Five Acts. Nine males, five females. Cos- viuTlIL(t(l4 tumes, modern ; scenery, varied. Plays a full evening. INAOIWAP PJ8,y in Five Acts. Thirteen males, three females. IliUUHlAA Scenery varied ; costumes, Greek. Plays a full evening. MABY STFIABT Tragedy in rive Acts. Thirteen males, four fe- ITIAIM iJlUAJlI males, and supernumeraries. Oostumeb, of the period ; scenery, varied and elaborate. Plays a full evening. THE MERCHANT OF VENICE SXflCr^l.?^!: ^oZS picturesque ; scenery varied. Plays a full evening. ff If HFI IFII ^^^y ^ ^^^® Acts. Fifteen males, two females. Scen- IMVULiMl'l' ery elaborate ; costumes of the period. Plays a full evening. THF RIVAT S Comedy in Five Acts. Nine males, five females. 1 ULi ni T ALiJ Scenery varied ; costumes of the period. Pkys a full evening. SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER StfU? fSet^^lcen^/f;^ ried ; costumes of the period. Plays a full evening. TWELFTH NIGHT; OR, WHAT YOO WILL S'tfmK three females. Costumes, picturesque ; scenery, varied. Plays a full evening. Sent prepaid on receipt of price by Walttx "$. I5afeer a Compant No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts Deacidified using the Bookkeeper proc Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide Treatment Date: IVIay 2009 PreservationTechnologi A WORLD LEADER IN COLLECTIONS PRESERVA 1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive Cranberry Township, PA 16066