Class il ; Book ,y Oi = Copyright W COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. PLAYS OF TO-DAY AND TO-MORROW / * THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS BY JEROME K. JEROME NEW YORK DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY 1911 Copyright, 1911 Bt JEROME K. JEROME (All rights reserved.) CHARACTERS Lady Mogton President Women's Parliamen- tary Franchise League Axnys Ciiilveks nee Mogton, Honorary Secre- tary W.P.F.L. Phozbe Mogton Organising Secretary W.P.F.L. Janet Blake Joint Organizing Secretary W.P.F.L. Mrs. Mointcaem-Yilliers .Vice-President W.P.F.L. ELIZABETH Spender Honorary Treasurer W.P.F.L. (Forming the Council) Geoffrey Chilvers, M.P. . . President Men's League for Extension of Franchise to Women Dorian St. Herbert Honorary Secretary to M.L.E. F.W. * Mrs. Ohinn A pew-opener Bra Lamb, m.P A Labour Memher WILLIAM Gordon Formerly known as "Jaw- bones" ROBE Merton Formerly known as "Ginger" Hake A Butler SlOBBY An Election Agent Mr. Peekin "I Mb. Hopper Mrs. Peekin [ A Deputation Miss Boreas si: | Miss RickettsJ THE FIRST ACT Scene: Drawing-room, 91, Russell Square. Time: 3 p.m. THE SECOND ACT Scene: Liberal Committee Room, East India Dock Road Time: 5 p.m. THE THIRD ACT Scene: The Town Hall, East Poplar. Time: 10 p.m. THE FOURTH ACT Scene: Russell Square. Time: Midnight. THE FIRST ACT THE FIRST ACT Scene: — Drawing-room, 91, Russell Square. Time : — Afternoon. (Mrs. Elizabeth Spender sits near the fire, reading a book. She is a tall, thin woman, with passionate eyes, set in an oval face of olive complexion; the features are regular and severe; her massive dark hair is almost primly arranged. She wears a tailor-made costume, surmounted by a plain black hat. The door opens and Phoebe enters, shown in by Hake, the butler, a thin, ascetic-looking man of about thirty, with prematurely grey hair. Phoebe Mogton is of the Fluffy Ruf- fles type, petite, with a retrousse nose, re- markably bright eyes, and a quantity of fluffy light hair, somewhat untidily arranged. She is fashionably dressed in the fussy, flyaway style. Elizabeth looks up; the two young women shake liands.) Phoebe Good woman. 'Tisn't three o'clock yet, is it? 3 4 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS Elizabeth About five minutes to. Phoebe Annys is on her way. I just caught her in time. {To Hake.) Put a table and six chairs. Give mamma a hammer and a cushion at her back. Hake A hammer, miss .' Phoebe A chairman's hammer. Haven't you got one? Hake I'm afraid not, miss. Would a gravy spoon do? Phoebe {To Elizabeth, afU r expression of disgust.) Fancy a house without a chairman's hammer! {To Hake.) See that there's something. Did your wife go to the meeting last nighl .' Hake {II< is arranging furniture according to instruc- tions.) I'm not quite sure, miss. I gave her the evening out. Phoebe " Gave her the evening out "! THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 5 Elizabeth We are speaking of your wife, man, not your serv- ant. Hake Yes, miss. You see, we don't keep servants in our class. Somebody's got to put the children to bed. Elizabeth Why not the man — occasionally? Hake Well, you see, miss, in my case, I rarely getting home much before midnight, it would make it so late. Yesterday being my night off, things fitted in, so to speak. Will there be any writing, miss? Phoebe Yes. See that there's plenty of blotting-paper. {To Elizabeth.) Mamma always splashes so. Hake Yes, miss. {He goes out.) Elizabeth Did you ever hear anything more delightfully naive? He " gave " her the evening out. That's how they think of us — as their servants. The gen- tleman hasn't the courage to be straightforward about it. The butler blurts out the truth. Why are we meeting here instead of at our own place? 6 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILYERS Phoebe For secrecy, I expect. Too many gasbags always about the office. I fancy — I'm not quite sure — that mamma's got a new idea. Elizabeth Leading to Holloway? Phoebe Well, most roads lead there. Elizabet i i And end there — so far as I can see. Phoebe You're too impatient. Elizabeth It's what our friends have been telling us — for the last fifty years. Phoebe Look here, if it was only the usual sort of thing mamma wouldn't want it kept secret. I'm inclined to think it's a new departure altogether. (The door opens. There enters Janet Blake, followed by Hake, who proceeds with his work. Janet Blake is a slight, fragile-look- ing creature, her great dark eyes — the eyes of a fanatic — emphasise the pallor of her child- THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 7 ish face. She is shabbily dressed; a plain, uninteresting girl until she smiles, and then her face becomes quite beautiful. Phoebe darts to meet her.) Good girl. Was afraid— I say, you're wet through. Janet It was only a shower. The 'buses were all full. I had to ride outside. Phoebe Silly kid, why didn 't you take a cab ? Janet I've been reckoning it up. I've been half over London chasing Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers. Cabs would have come, at the very least, to twelve-and- six. Phoebe Well Janet (To Elizabeth.) Well— I want you to put me down as a contributor for twelve-and-six. (She smiles.) It's the only way I can give. Phoebe (She is taking off Janet's cloak; throws it to Hake.) Have this put somewhere to dry. (She pushes Janet to the fire.) Get near the fire. You're as cold as ice. 8 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILYERS Elizabeth All the seats inside, I suppose, occupied by the chivalrous sex. Janet Oh, there was one young fellow offered to give me up his place, but I wouldn't let him. You see, we're claiming equality. (Smiles.) Elizabeth And are being granted it — in every direction where it works to the convenience of man. Phoebe (Laughs.) Is she coming — the Villiers woman? Janet Yes. I ran her down at last — at her dressmaker's. She made an awful fuss about it, but I wouldn't leave till she'd promised. Tell me, it's something quite important, isn't it? Phoebe I don't know anything, except that I had an urgent telegram from mamma this morning to call a meet- ing of the entire Council here at three o'clock. She's coming up from Manchester on purpose. (To Hake.) Mrs. Chilvers hasn't returned yet, has she? Hake Not yet, miss. Shall I telephone THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 9 Phoebe (Shakes her head.) No; it's all right. I have seen her. Let her know we are here the moment she comes in. Hake Yes, miss. (He has finished the arrangements. The table has been placed in the centre of the room, six chairs round it, one of them being a large arm-chair. He has placed writing materials and a large silver gravy spoon. He is go- ing.) Phoebe "Why aren't you sure your wife wasn't at the meeting last night? Didn't she say anything? Hake Well, miss, unfortunately, just as she was start- ing, Mrs. Comerford — that's the wife of the party that keeps the shop downstairs — looked in with an order for the theatre. Phoebe Oh! Hake So I thought it best to ask no questions. Phoebe Thank you. 10 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS Hake Thank you, miss. (He goes out.) Elizabeth Can nothing be done to rouse the working-class woman out of her apathy? Phoebe Well, if you ask me, I think a good deal has been done. Elizabeth Oh, what's the use of our deceiving ourselves? The great mass are utterly indifferent. Janet (She is seated in an easy-chair near the fire.) I was talking to a woman only yesterday — in Bethnal Green. She keeps a husband and three children by taking in washing. " Lord, miss," she laughed, " what would we do with the vote if we did have it? only one thing more to give to the men." Phoebe That's rather good. Elizabeth The curse of it is that it's true. Why should they put themselves out merely that one man instead of another should dictate their laws to them? THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 11 Phoebe My dear girl, precisely the same argument was used against the Second Reform Bill. What earthly difference could it make to the working men whether Tory Squire or Liberal capitalist ruled over them? That was in 1868. To-day, fifty-four Labour Mem- bers sit in Parliament. At the next election they will hold the balance. Elizabeth Ah, if we could only hold out that sort of hope to them! (Annys enters. She is in outdoor costume. She kisses Phoebe, shakes hands with the other two. Annys 's age is about twenty-five. She is a beautiful, spiritual-looking creature, tall and graceful, with a manner that is at the same time appealing and commanding. Her voice is soft and caressing, but capable of ex- pressing all the emotions. Her likeness to her younger sister Phoebe is of the slightest; the colouring is the same, and the eyes that can flash, but there the similarity ends. She is simply but well dressed. Her soft hair makes a quiet but wonderfully effective frame to her face.) Annys (She is taking off her outdoor things.) Hope I'm not late. I had to look in at Caxton House. Why are we holding it here? 12 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS. Phoebe Mamma's instructions. Can't tell you anything more — except that I gather the matter's important, and is to be kept secret. Annys Mamma isn't here, is she? Phoebe (Shakes her head.) Reaches St. Pancras at two- forty. (Looks at her watch.) Train's late, I expect. (Hake has entered.) Annys (She hands Hake her hat and coat.) Have some- thing ready in case Lady Mogton hasn't lunched. Is your master in ? Hake A messenger came for him soon after you left, ma'am. I was to tell you he would most likely be dining at the House. Annys Thank you. (Hake goes out.) Annys (To Elizabeth.) I so want you to meet Geoffrey. He'll alter your opinion of men. THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 13 Elizabeth My opinion of men has been altered once or twice — each time for the worse. Annys Why do you dislike men? Elizabeth (With a short laugh.) Why does the slave dislike the slave-owner? Phoebe Oh, come off the perch. You spend five thousand a year provided for you by a husband that you only see on Sundays. We'd all be slaves at that price. Elizabeth The chains have always been stretched for the few. My sympathies are with my class. Annys But men like Geoffrey — men who are devoting their whole time and energy to furthering our cause ; what can you have to say against them? Elizabeth Simply that they don't know what they're doing. The French Revolution was nursed in the salons of the French nobility. When the true meaning of the woman's movement is understood we shall have to get on without the male sympathiser. (A pause.) 14 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS Annys "What do you understand is the true meaning of the woman's movement? Elizabeth The dragging down of man from his position of supremacy. "What else can it mean? Annys Something much better. The lifting up of woman to be his partner. Elizabeth My dear Annys, the men who to-day are advocat- ing votes for women are doing so in the hope of securing obedient supporters for their own political schemes. In New Zealand the working man brings his female relations in a van to the poll, and sees to it that they vote in accordance with his orders. When man once grasps the fact that woman is not go- ing to be his henchman, but his rival, men and women will face one another as enemies. (The door opens. Hake announces Lady Mog- ton and Dorian St. Herbert. Lady Mog- ton is a large, strong-featured woman, with a naturally loud voice. She is dressed with studded carelessness. Dorian St. Herbert, K.C., is a tall, thin man, about thirty. He is elegantly, almost dandily, dressed.) THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 15 Annys (Kissing her mother.) Have you had lunch? Lady Mogton In the train. Phoebe (Who has also kissed her mother and shaken hands with St. Herbert.) We are all here except Villiers. She's coming. Did you have a good meeting? Lady Mogton Fairly. Some young fool had chained himself to a pillar and thrown the key out of window. Phoebe What did you do? Lady Mogton Tied a sack over his head and left him there. (She turns aside for a moment to talk to St. Herbert, ivho has taken some papers from his despatch-box.) Annys (To Elizabeth.) We must finish out our talk some other time. You are quite wrong. Elizabeth Perhaps. 16 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS Lady Mogton We had better begin. I have only got half an hour. Janet I saw Mrs. Villiers. She promised she'd come. Lady Mogton You should have told her we were going to be photographed. Then she'd have been punctual. (She has taken her seat at the table. St. Herbert at her right.) Better put another chair in case she does turn up. Janet (Does so.) Shall I take any notes? Lady Mogton No. (To Annys.) Give instructions that we are not to be interrupted for anything. (Annys rings bell.) St. Herbert (He turns to Phoebe, on Ids rigid.) Have you heard the latest? There was an old man of Hong Kong, Whose language was terribly strong. (Enter Hake. He brings a bottle and glass, width he places.) Annys Oh, Hake, please, don't let us be interrupted for THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 17 anything. If Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers comes, show her up. But nobody else. Hake Yes, ma'am. (Hake goes out.) St. Herbert (Continuing.) It wasn't the ivords Tli at frightened the birds, 'Twas the 'orrible double-entendre. Lady Mogton (Who has sat waiting in grim silence.) Have you finished ? St. Herbert Quite finished. Lady Mogton Thank you. (She raps for silence.) You will un- derstand, please, all, that this is a private meeting of the council. Nothing that transpires is to be allowed to leak out. (There is a murmur.) Silence, please, for Mr. St. Herbert. St. Herbert Before we begin, I should like to remind you, ladies, that you are, all of you, persons mentally de- ficient (The doar opens. Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers (liters, announced by Hake. She is a show- ily-dressed, flamboyant lady.) 18 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers I am so sorry. I have only just this minute- (She catches sight of St. Herbert.) You naughty creature, why weren't you at my meeting last night? The Rajah came with both his wives. We've elected them, all three, honorary members. Lady Mogton Do you mind sitting down? Mr*. Mountcalm-Villiers Here, dear? (She talcs the vacant chair.) So nice of you. I read about your meeting. What a clever idea. Lady Mogton (Cuts her short.) Yes. We are here to consider a very important matter. By way of commencement Mr. St. Herbert has just reminded us that in the eye of the law all women are imbeciles. Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers I know, dear. Isn't it shocking? St. Herbert Deplorable; but of course not your fault. I men- tion it because of its importance to the present mat- ter. Under Clause A of the Act for the Better Regu- lation, &c, &c, all persons " mentally deficient " are debarred from becoming members of Parliament. The classification has been held to include idiots, in- fants, and women. THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 19 (An interruption. Lady Mogton hammers.) Bearing this carefully in mind, we proceed. (He r&fers to his notes.) Two years ago a bye-election took place in the South-west division of Belfast. Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers My dear, may I ? It has just occurred to me. Why do we never go to Ireland? Lady Mogton For various sufficient reasons. Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers So many of the Irish members have expressed themselves quite sympathetically. Lady Mogton We wish them to continue to do so. (Turns to St. Herbert. ) I 'm sorry. St. Herbert A leader of the Orange Party was opposed by a Nationalist, and the proceedings promised to be lively. They promised for a while to be still livelier, owing to the nomination at the last moment of the local lunatic. Phoebe (To Annys.) This is where we come in. St. Herbert There is always a local lunatic, who, if harmless, is generally a popular character. James Washington 20 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS McCaw appears to have been a particularly cheerful specimen. One of his eccentricities was to always have a skipping-rope in his pocket; wherever the traffic allowed it, he would go through the streets skipping. He said it kept him warm. Another of his tricks was to let off fireworks from the roof of his house whenever he heard of the death of anybody of importance. The Returning Officer refused his nom- ination — which, so far as his nominators were con- cerned, was intended only as a joke — on the grounds of his being by common report a person of unsound mind. And there, so far as South-west Belfast was concerned, the matter ended. Phoebe Pity. St. Herbert But not so far as the Returning Officer was con- cerned. McCaw appears to have been a lunatic pos- sessed of means, imbued with all an Irishman's love of litigation. He at once brought an action against the Returning Officer, his contention being that his mental state was a private matter, of which the Re- turning Officer was not the person to judge. Phoebe He wasn't a lunatic all over. St. Herbert We none of us are. The case went from court to THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 21 court. In every instance the decision was in favour of the Returning Officer. Until it reached the House of Lords. The decision was given yesterday after- noon — in favour of the man McCaw. Elizabeth Then lunatics, at all events, are .. >t debarred from going to the poll. St. Herbert The "mentally deficient" are no longer debarred from going to the poll. Elizabeth What grounds were given for the decision? St. Herbert (He refers again to his notes.) A Returning Of- ficer can only deal with objections arising out of the nomination paper. He has no jurisdiction to go be- hind a nomination paper and constitute himself a court of inquiry as to the fitness or unfitness of a can- didate. Phoebe Good old House of Lords ! (Lady Mogton hammers.) Elizabeth But I thought it was part of the Returning Offi- cer's duty to inquire into objections, that a special time was appointed to deal with them. 22 THE MASTER OP MRS. CHILVERS St. Herbert He will still be required to take cognizance of any informality in the nomination paper or papers. Be- yond that, this decision relieves him of all further responsibility. Janet V But this gives us everything. St. Herbert It depends upon what you call everything. It | jives a woman the right to go to the poll — a right vhich, as a matter of fact, she has always possessed. ] i'HOEBE Then why did the Returning Officer for Camber- well in 1885 St. Herbert Because he did not know the law. And Miss Helen Taylor had not the means possessed by our friend McCaw to teach it to him. Annts (Rises. She goes to the centre of the room.) Lady Mogton Where are you going? Annts (She tarns; there are tears in her eyes. The ques- THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 23 Hon seems to recall her to herself.) Nowhere. I am so sorry. I can't help it. It seems to me to mean so much. It gives us the right to go before the people — to plead to them, not for ourselves, for them. {Again she seems to lose consciousness of those at the table, of the room.) To the men we will say: "Will you not trust us? Is it harm we have ever done you? Were we not sent into the world to be your helpmeet ? Are not the children ours as well as yours? Shall we not work together to shape the world where they must dwell? Is it only the mother-voice that shall not be heard in your councils ? Is it only the mother- hand that shall not help to guide ? " To the women we will say : ' ' Tell them — tell them it is from no love of ourselves that we come from our sheltered homes into the street. It is to give, not to get — to mingle with the sterner judgments of men the deeper truths that God, through pain, has taught to women — to min- gle with man's justice woman's pity, till there shall arise the perfect law — not made of man nor woman, but of both, each bringing what the other lacks." And they will listen to us. Till now it has seemed to them that we were clamouring only for selfish ends. They have not understood. We shall speak to them of common purposes, use the language of fellow-citizens. They will see that we are worthy of the place we claim. They will welcome us as helpers in a common cause. They (She turns — the present comes bach to her.) 24 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS Lady Mogton (After a pause.) The business (she dwells severely on the word) before the meeting Annys (Sh-e reseats herself meekly. Apologising gener- ally.) I must learn to control myself. Lady Mogton (Who has waited.) is McCaw versus Potts. Its bearing upon the movement for the extension of the franchise to women. My own view I venture to submit in the form of a resolution. (She takes up a paper on which she has been writing.) As follows: That the Council of the Woman's Parliamentary Franchise League, having regard to the decision of the House of Lords in McCaw v. Potts St. Herbert (Looking over.) Two t's. Lady Mogton resolves to bring forward a woman candidate to contest the next bye-election. {Suddenly to Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers, who is chattering.) Do you agree or disagree? Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers My dear! How can you ask? Of course we all agree. (To Elizabeth.) You agree, don't you? THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 25 Elizabeth Of course, even if elected, she would not be allowed to take her seat. Phoebe How do you know? Nothing more full of sur- prises than English law. Lady Mogton At the present stage I regard that point as imma- terial. What I am thinking of is the advertisement. A female candidate upon the platform will concen- trate the whole attention of the country on our move- ment. St. Herbert It might even be prudent — until you have got the vote — to keep it dark that you will soon be proceed- ing to the next inevitable step. Elizabeth You think even man could be so easily deceived ! St. Herbert Man has had so much practice in being deceived. It comes naturally to him. Elizabeth Poor devil ! Lady Mogton The only question remaining to be discussed is the candidate. 26 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILYERS Annys Is there not danger that between now and the next bye-election the Government may, having regard to this case, bring in a bill to stop women candidates from going to the poll? St. Herbert I have thought of that. Fortunately, the case seems to have attracted very little attention. If a bye-election occurred soon there would hardly be time. Lady Mogton It must be the very next one that does occur — wherever it is. .7 \ vet I am sure that in the East End we should have a el i .nice. Phoebe Great Scott ! Just think. If we were to win it ! St. Herbert If you could get a straight fight against a Liberal I believe you would. Annys Why is the Government so unpopular? St. Herbert Well, take the weather alone — twelve degrees of frost again last night. THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 27 Janet In St. George's Road the sewer has burst. The water is in the rooms where the children are sleeping. (She clenches her hands.) Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers (She shakes her head.) Something ought really to be done. Lady Mogton Has anybody any suggestion to make? — as regards the candidate. There's no advantage in going out- side. It will have to be one of ourselves. Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers Won't you, dear? Lady Mogton / shall be better employed organising. My own feeling is that it ought to be Annys. (To St. Her- bert.) What do you think? St. Herbert Undoubtedly. Annys I'd rather not, Lady Mogton It's not a question of liking. It's a question of duty. For this occasion we shall be appealing to the male voter. Our candidate must be a woman popular with men. The choice is somewhat limited. 28 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS Elizabeth No one will put up so good a fight as you. Annys Will you give me till this evening? Lady Mogton What tor.' Annys I should like to consult Geoffrey. Lady Mogton You think he would object? Annys (A little doubtfully.) No. But we have always talked everything over together. Lady Mogton Absurd ! He's one of our staunchest supporters. Of course he'll be delighted. Elizabeth I think the thing ought to be settled at once. Lady Mogton It must be. I have to return to Manchester to- night. We shall have to get to work immediately. St. Herbert Geoffrey will surely take it as a compliment. THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 29 Janet Don't you feel that woman, all over the world, is calling to you? — Annts It isn 'f that. I 'm not trying to shirk it. I merely thought that if there has been time — of course, if you really think Lady Mogton You consent ? Annys Yes. If it's everybody's wish. Lady Mogton That's settled. Phoebe (She springs up, waving a handkerchief.) Chilvers for ever ! Janet (Rises.) God bless you! Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers (Clapping her hands.) Now we shan't be long! Lady Mogton (Hammers.) Order, please! (The three subside.) 30 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS This is serious business. The next step is, of course- (The door opens; Geoffrey enters. He is a youngish-looking man of three or four and thirty. Lady Mogton, at the sound of the door, turns. St. Herbert rises. There is a pause.) Lady Mogton We've been talking about you. We must apolo- gise for turning your drawing-room Geoffrey My dear mother-in-law, it is Providence. (He kisses her.) There is no one I was more longing to see. Annys (She has risen.) Hake told me you would be dining at the House. Geoffrey (He comes to her, kisses her, he is in a state of suppressed excitement.) I shall be. I came back to bring you some news. Phoebe We've got some news for you. Have you heard Geoffrey (He stays her.) May I claim man's privilege for the first word? It is news, I am sure, you will all THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 31 be delighted to hear. A friend of yours has been appointed to an office where — it is quite possible — he may be of service to you. Phoebe Governorship of Holloway Gaol? Geoffrey Not a bad guess. Very near it. To the Under- Secretaryship for Home Affairs. Lady Mogton Who is it! Geoffrey (He bows.) Your affectionate and devoted servant. Annys You! Phoebe (Genuinely delighted. She is not a quick thinker.) Bravo! Congratulations, old boy! (She has risen — she slaps him on the back.) Annys Geoffrey! (She puts her arms about him.) You never told me anything. Geoffrey I know, dear. I was afraid. It mightn't have come off. And then you would have been so dis- appointed. 32 THE MASTER OF MRS. .CHILVERS Annys {There are tears in her eyes. She still clings to him*.) I am so glad. Oh, I am so glad! Geoffrey It is all your doing. You have been such a splen- did help. {He breaks gently away from her. Turns to St. Herbert, with a lighter tone.) Haven't you anything to say to a fellow? You're not usually dumb. St. Herbert It has all been so sudden — as the early Victorian heroine was fond of remarking ! Geoffrey {Laughs.) It has been sudden. We had. none of us, any idea till yesterday that old Bullock was thinking of resigning. Elizabeth {She has risen cud movi d towards the fire.) Won't it necessitate a bye-election? (Lady Mogton and St. Herbert hart been thinking it out. On the others thi word jells like a bombshell.) Geoffrey {He turns to her. lie docs not set their faces.) Yes. But I don't anticipate a contest, The Con- servatives are without a candidate, and I am on good terms with the Labour Party. Perhaps Mr. THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 33 Hunnable {He laughs, then, turning, catches sight of his wife's face. From Annys he looks to the others. ) Lady Mogton {She has risen.) You haven't heard, then, of "McCaw versus Potts"? Geoffrey "McCaw versus Potts!" What the St. Herbert Was decided in the House of Lords late yesterday afternoon. Briefly stated, it confers upon women the right of becoming Parliamentary candidates. Geoffrey {He is staggered.) You mean Lady Mogton Having regard to which, we have decided to bring forward a woman candidate to contest the next bye- election. Geoffrey Urn ! I see. Annys But we never thought — we never anticipated it would be Geoffrey's. Lady Mogton I really cannot admit that that alters the case. 34 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS Geoffrey himself would never dream, I am sure, of asking us to sacrifice our cause to his convenience. Geoffrey No. Of course not. Certainly not. Lady Mogton It is perhaps unfortunate that the candidate se- lected Annys It is quite impossible. Such a dilemma was never dreamed of. Lady Mogton And if not? Is the solidarity of woman Geoffrey (Beginning to guess.) Forgive my impatience; but whom have you selected? Elizabeth (When she likes she can be quite sweet.) Your wife. (He expected it.) We rather assumed (she appeals to the others with a gesture), I think that the president of the Man's League for the Extension of the Franchise to Women would regard it as a compliment. Geoffrey (His dislike for her is already in existence.) Yes. Very thoughtful. THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 35 Annys You must choose some one else. Phoebe But there is no one else. Annys There's mamma. Phoebe Mamma's too heavy. Annys Well, then, there's Elizabeth — there's you! Geoffrey Yes. Why not you? You and I could have a jolly little fight. Lady Mogton This is not a laughing matter. If I could think of any one to take Annys 's place I should not insist. I cannot. Phoebe You see, it mustn't be a crank. Geoffrey (He is losing his temper.) Yes, I suppose that does limit you. Elizabeth And then — thanks to you — Mrs. Chilvers has had 36 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS such excellent training in politics. It was that, I think, that decided us. Geoffrey (Convention forbids his strangling her.) Will somebody kindly introduce me to this lady? St. Herbert Ah, yes, of course. You don't know each other, do you? Mr. Geoffrey Chilvers — Mrs. Joseph Spender. Mrs. Spender — Mr. Chilvers, M.P. Elizabeth (Sweetly.) Delighted! Geoffrey (Not.) Charmed. Lady Mogton (To Annys.) I am not indifferent to your dif- ficulty. But the history of woman, my dear Annys, is a history of sacrifice. We give our sons — if neces- sary, our husbands. Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers (Affected.) How true! Annys But you are not asking me to give him. You are asking me to fight him. I can't. Lady Mogton You mean you won't. THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 37 Annys You can put it that way if you like. I won't. (A pause.) Janet I thought Mrs. Chilvers had pledged her word. Elizabeth Yes. But without her husband's consent. So,. of course, it doesn't count. Geoffrey (He turns on her.) Why not you — if there must be a fight? Or would it be against your principles? Elizabeth Not in the least. Geoffrey Ah! Elizabeth I would offer myself as a substitute. Only it might seem like coming between husband and wife. Geoffrey (He turns away with a grunt of disgust.) Phoebe It's awfully rough on you, Geoffrey. I can see it from your point of view. But one can't help re- membering the things that you yourself have said. 38 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS Geoffrey I know; I know. I've been going up and down the country, excusing even your excesses on the ground that no movement can force its way to the front without treading on innumerable toes. For me, now, to cry halt merely because it happens to be my own toes that are in the way would be — ridiculous — absurd — would be monstrous. (Nobody contradicts Jiim.) You are perfectly justified — if this case means what you say it does — in putting up a candidate against me for East Poplar. Only, naturally, it cannot be Annys. (He reaches out his hand to win re Annys stands a little behind him, takes her hand.) Annys and I have fought more than«one election. It has been side by side. Elizabeth The lady a little behind. Geoffrey (He moves away with an expression of deep an- noyance.) Janet (She comes forward. She holds forth her hands with a half-appealing, half-commanding gesture. She almost seems inspired.) Would it not be so much better if, in this first political contest between man and woman, the opponents were two people honouring one another, loving one another? Would it not show to all the world that man and woman THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 39 may meet — contend in public life without anger, without scorn? {There is a pause. They stand listening.) I do not know, but it seems to me that if Mr. Chilvers could bring himself to do this it would be such a big thing — perhaps the most chival- rous thing that a man has ever done to help women. If he would put aside, quite voluntarily, all the man's privilege — just say to the people, "Now choose — one of us two to serve you. We stand before you, equal, my wife and I." I don't know how to put it, but I feel that by merely doing that one thing Mr. Chilvers would solve the whole problem. It would prove that good men are ready to give us of their free accord all that we claim. "We should gain our rights, not by warfare, but through love and under- standing. Wouldn't that be — so much better? (She looks — her hands still appealing — from one to the other.) (Another silence. They liave all been carried a little off their feet by Janet's earnestness.) Annys (She touches him.) What do you think, dear? Geoffrey Yes, there's a good deal, of course, in what Miss Blake says. Annys It would be a big thing for you to do. 40 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS Phoebe You see, whatever happened, the seat would be yours. This case only gives us the right to go to the poll. We are keen upon Annys because she's our best card, that's all. Geoffrey Do you wish it? Annys (She smiles up at him.) I'd rather fight you than any one else. Geoffrey You are not afraid that the situation might be — just a trifle comical? Annys (Shales her head.) No. I think everybody will say it was rather splendid of you. Geoffrey Well, if it will help women. Annys (She holds out her hand.. She is still in exalted mooel.) We will show how man and woman may be drawn nearer to one another by rivalry for noble ends. St. Herbert (He shakes Geoffrey's somewhat limp hand.) I envy you. The situation promises to be piquant. THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 41 Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers It will be a battle of roses. Lady Mogton I must go. I shall see you both again to-morrow. (She kisses Geoffrey.) This is an historic day. Geoffrey Yes. I daresay we shall all remember it. Lady Mogton (To Janet.) I will get you to come to the station with me. I can give you your instructions in the cab. (She kisses Annys.) You have been called to a great work. Be worthy of it. (They are all making ready to go. Annys /ios rung the bell for Hake.) Janet (To Annys.) Are you glad? Annys (Kisses her.) You showed me the whole thing in a new light. You were splendid. (She turns to Elizabeth.) Didn't I tell you he would convert you ? Elizabeth I was wrong to judge all men guilty. There are also — the innocent. 42 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS Annys (For a moment — but a moment only — she is pleased. Then the doubtful meaning of Elizabeth's words strikes her.) (Enter Hake.) Annys (She has to dismiss Elizabeth.) Oh, Hake (To Lady Mogton.) You'll want a cab, won't you, mamma ? Lady Mogton A taxi Goodbye, everybody. (She sails out.) Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers I have my carriage. (To Elizabeth.) Can I give you a lift? Elizabeth Thank you. (To Geoffrey.) We shall meet again. Geoffrey I feel sure of it. (Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers and Elizabeth go out.) Phoebe (To Hake.) Are Miss Blake's things dry yet? Janet They'll be quite all right, dear. Please don't THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 43 trouble. (She advances a timid hand to Geof- frey.) Goodbye, Mr. Chilvers. Geoffrey (He takes it smiling.) Goodbye. (She goes out; Hake follows.) Phoebe Goodbye, old boy. (They shake hands.) Don't you let her walk over you. Make her fight. Annys (Laughing.) Don't you worry about that. St. Herbert Would you care to look through McCaw v. Potts? (He has the papers in his hand.) Geoffrey I'll ask you for it when I want it. Phoebe (At the door.) You'll be alone this evening? Annys Yes. Come in to dinner. Phoebe All right, Goodbye. St. Herbert Goodbye. (Geoffrey and Annys answer them. They go out, closing the door. Geoffrey is by the fire. Annys comes to him.) 44 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS Annys (She puts her arms round him.) You don't mind? Geoffrey (He holds her at arms' length — looking into her eyes and smiling.) I believe you are looking for- ward to it. Annys Do you know how long we have been married? Eight years. And do you know, sir, that all that time we have never had a difference? Don't you think it will be good for you? Geoffrey Do you know why we have never had a difference? Because you have always had your own way. Annys Oh! Geoffrey You have got so used to it, you don't notice it. Annys Then it will be good for me. I must lenrn tc suffer opposition. (She laughs.) Geoffrey You won't like it. THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 45 Annys Don't you know, I'm not at all sure that I shan't. (Unconsciously they let loose of one another.) You see, I shall have the right of hitting back. (Again she laughs.) Geoffrey (Also laughing.) Is woman going to develop the fighting instinct? Annys I wonder. (A moment's silence.) Geoffrey The difficulty in our case is — there seems nothing to fight about. Annys We must think of something. (Laughs.) Geoffrey What line are you going to take— what is your argument: why they should vote for you in pre- ference to me? Annys Simply that I am a woman. Geoffrey My dear child, that won't be enough. Why should they vote for you merely because you 're a woman ? 46 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS Annys (Slightly astonished.) Because — because women are wanted in public life. Geoffrey Who wants them? Annys (More astonished.) "Who? Why — (it doesn't seem too clear.) Why, all of us, you, yourself! Geoffrey I'm not East Poplar. Annys (Is puzzled a moment, then valiantly.) I shall ask them to send me to Parliament to represent the interests of their women — and therefore of them- selves — the interests of their children. Geoffrey Children ! What do you know about children ? (Another silence.) Annys Personally — no. We have had no children of our own, of course. But (hopefully) it is a woman's instinct. Geoffrey Oh, Lord! That's what the lady said who had buried seven. THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 47 Annys (Her mouth is growing hard.) Don't you believe in the right of women to share in the govenrment of the country? Geoffrey Some women. Yes. I can see some capable Annys (Winces.) Geoffrey elderly, motherly woman who has brought up a dozen children of her own — who knows the world, being of some real use. Annys If it comes to that, there must be — I don't say more "capable," but more experienced, more fath- erly men than yourself. (He turns, they look at one another. His tone almost touched contempt — hers ivas veiled anger. ) Geoffrey That's the danger. It may come to a real fight. Annys (Upon her also the fear has fallen.) It must not. (She flings her arms around him.) We must show 48 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS the world that man and woman can meet — contend in public life without anger, without scorn. Geoffrey (He folds her to him.) The very words sound ugly, don't they? Annys It would be hideous. {She d?'aws away.) How long will the election last? Geoffrey Not long. The writ will be issued on Wednesday. Nomination on Monday — polling, I expect, on Sat- urday. Puts me in mind — I must prepare my elec- tion address. Annys I ought to be getting on with mine, too, I suppose. Geoffrey It ought to be out by to-morrow. Annys (With inspiration.) We'll do yours first. (She wonders why he hesitates.) Geoffrey ''We?" Shan't I have to do it alone— this time? THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 49 Annys Alone ! Nonsense ! How can you ? Geoffrey I'm afraid I shall have to try. Annys Um! I suppose you're right. What a nuisance. (She turns away.) I shan't like it. Geoffrey (He moves towards the folding doors.) No. It won't be quite the same thing. Goodbye. Annys (She crosses to her desk by the window. Not the same instant but the next his "Goodbye" strikes her. She turns.) You're not going, are you? Geoffrey (He stops and turns — puzzled at her question.) Only into my study. Annys You said "Goodbye." Geoffrey (Not remembering.) I did! Must have been thinking of something else. I shall be in here if you want me. (He goes into the other room.) 50 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS Annys (She has crossed to her desk. She is humming. She seats herself, takes paper and pen, writes. With- out turning — still writing — she raises her voice.) Geoffrey! How do you spell "experimental"? One "r" or two? (There is no answer. Puzzled at the silence, she looks round. The great folding-doors are closed. She stares in front of her, thinking, then turns again to her work.) Curtain. THE SECOND ACT THE SECOND ACT Scene: — Liberal Central Committee Rooms, East India Dock Road, Poplar. A large, high room on the first floor of an old-fashioned house. Two high windows right. A door at back is the main entrance. A door left leads to other rooms. The walls are papered with election literature. Conspicuous among the posters displayed is "A Man for Men." "No Petticoat Government." "Will you be Henpecked?" A large, round table left centre is littered with papers and pamphlets. A large desk stands between tlie windows. A set- tee is against the left wall. (When the curtain rises, Rose Merton (other- wise "Ginger") is discovered seated, her left arm resting on the table. She is a young lady typical of the Cockney slavey type, dressed according to the ideas of her class as regards the perfect lady. Her hat is charac- teristic. Her gloves, her reticule, her um- brella — the later something rather : ' saucy '"-" are displayed around her. She is feeling comfortable and airing her views. Mrs. 53 54 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS Chinn is laying the cloth over a portion of the table, with some tea-things. Mrs. Chinn is a narrow, thin-chested lady with thin hands and bony wrists. No one since her husband died has ever seen her without her bound. Its appearance suggests the possibility that she sleeps in it. It is black, like her dress. The whole figure is decent, but dingy.) Ginger "Wot I say about the question is Mrs. Chinn Do you mind moving your arm? Ginger Beg pardon. (She shifts.) Wot I say is, why not give us the vote and end all the talking? Mrs. Chinn You think it would have that effect? Ginger Well! we don't want to go on being a nuisance — longer than we can possibly 'elp ! Mrs. Chinn Daresay you're right. It's about the time most people stop. THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 55 Ginger You've never thought much about the question yourself, 'ave you, Mrs. Chinn? Mrs. Chinn I ain't fretted much about it. Ginger Was a time when I didn't. I used to be all for — you know — larking about. I never thought much about anything. Mrs. Chinn Ah ! it 's a useful habit. Ginger What is? Mrs. Chinn Thinking. Ginger It's what we women 'aven't done enough of — in the past, I mean. All that's going to be altered. In the future there's going to be no difference between men and women. Mrs. Chinn (Slowly, quietly she turns upon Ginger her ex- pressionless eyes. ) 56 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS Ginger Mentally, I mean, o' course. Mrs. Chinn (Takes back her eyes.) Ginger Do you know, Mrs. Chinn, that once upon a time there was only one sex? (She spreads herself.) Hus! Mrs. Chinn You ain't thinking of going back to it, are you? Ginger Not if the men be'ave themselves. Mrs. Chinn Perhaps they're doing their best, poor things! It don't do to be too impatient with them. Ginger Was talking to old Dot-and-carry-one the other d'y. You know who I mean — chap with the wooden leg as 'as 'is pitch outside the "George." "Wot do you wimmen want worrying yourselves about things outside the We?" 'e says to me. "You've got the children," 'e says. "Oh," I says, "and whose fault's that, I'd like to know? You wait till we've got the vote," I says, "we'll soon show you " THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 57 Sigsby enters. Sigsby is a dapper little man, very brisk and bustling — hirsute — looks as if he wanted dusting, cleaning tip generally.) Sigsby That young blackguard come back yet? Ginger (At sound of Sigsby 's voice she springs up. At first is about to offer excuses for being found seated, but recollects herself.) Mrs. Chinn Which one, sir? Sigsby Young Jawbones — what's he call himself ?— Gor- don. Mrs. Chinn Not yet, sir. Sigsby (Grunts.) My chop ready? Mrs. Chinn I expect it's about done. I'll see. (She goes out.) 58 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS SlGSBY (He turns to Ginger.) What can I do for you? Ginger (She produces a letter.) I was to wait for an answer. Sigsby (He opens and reads it.) What do they expect me to do? Ginger 'Er ladyship thought as perhaps you would con- sult Mr. Chilvers 'imself on the subject. Sigsby Look here. "What I want to know is this: am I being asked to regard Lady Mogton as my oppo- nent's election agent, or as my principal's mother- in-law? That point's got to be settled. (His vehe- mence deepens.) Look at all these posters. Not to be used for fear the other side mayn't like them. Now Lady Mogton writes me that my candidate's supporters are not to employ a certain argument she disapproves of: because, if they do, she'll tell his wife. Is this an election, or is it a family jar? (Jawbones enters. Jawbones — otherwise "Wil- liam Gordon — is a clean-shaven young hooli- THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 59 gan. He ivears a bicycle cap on the lack of his head, allowing a picturesque tuft of hair to fall over his forehead. Evidently he is suffering from controlled indignation.) Sigsby (Seeing him.) Oh, so you've come back, have you? Jawbones I 'ave, wot's left of me. Sigsby What have you been doing? Jawbones Clinging to a roof for the last three hours. Sigsby Clinging to a roof! What for? Jawbones (He boils over.) Wot for? 'Cos I didn't want to fall off! Wot do you think: 'cos I was fond of it? Sigsby I don't understand Jawbones You find yourself 'alf way up a ladder, posting 60 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS bills as the other side 'as took objection to — with a crowd of girls from Pink's jam factory waiting for yon at the bottom with a barrel of treacle, and you will understand. Nothing else for me to do, o' course, but to go up. Then they took the ladder away. SlGSBY Where are the bills? Jawbones Last I see of them was their being put into a 'earse on its way to Ilford Cemetery. Sigsby This has got to be seen into. This sort of thing can't be allowed to go on. (He snatch ex up his hat.) Jawbones There's another suggestion I'd like to make. Sigsby (Pauses.) Jawbones That is, if this election is going to be fought fairly, that our side should be provided with 'atpins. THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 61 SlGSBY (Grunts.) Tell Mrs. Chinn to keep that chop warm. (He goes out.) Ginger (She begins to giggle. It grows into a shrill hee- haw. ) Jawbones (He looks at her fixedly.) Ginger (Her laugh under the stern eye of Jawbones, dies away.) Jawbones Ain't no crowd of you 'ere, you know. Nothing but my inborn chivalry to prevent my pulling your nose. Ginger (Cowed, but simmering.) Chivalry! (A shrill snort.) Jawbones Yus. And don't you put a strain upon it neither. Because I tell you straight, it 's weakening. Ginger (His sudden fierceness has completely cowed her.) 62 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS Jawbones You wimmin {There re-enters Mrs. Chinn with a tray. He is between them.) That's old Sigsby's chop? Mrs. Chinn Yes. He hasn't gone out again, has he? Jawbones I'll 'ave it. Get 'im another. Guess 'e won't be back for 'alf an hour. Mrs. Chinn He's nasty when his food ain't ready. Jawbones (He takes the tray from her.) Not your fault. Tell 'im I took it from you by brute force. Mrs. Chinn (She acquiesces with her usual even absence of all emotion.) Jawbones You needn't stop. Miss Rose Merton will do the waiting. Ginger (Starts, then begins to collect her etceteras.) THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 63 Mrs. Chinn Perhaps there'll be time to cook him another. (She goes out.) Jawbones Take off that cover. Ginger ( She starts on a oolt for the door. ) Jawbones (He is quite prepared. In an instant he is in front of her.) No, yer don't. (A pause.) Take off that cover. Ginger (She still hesitates.) Jawbones If yer don't do what I tell yer, I'll 'ide yer. I'm in the mood. Ginger (She takes off the cover.) Jawbones (He seats himself and falls to.) Now pour me out a cup of tea. 64 THE MASTER OP MRS. CHILVERS Ginger (Is pouring it out.) Jawbones Know why yer doing it? Ginger (With shrill indignation.) Yus. Becos yer got me 'ere alone, yer beast, with only that cracked image of a Mrs. Chirm Jawbones That'll do. Ginger (It is sujjicii ill . She stops.) Jawbones None of yer insults agen a lady as I 'olds in 'igh respect. The rest of it is all right. Becos I've got yer 'ere alone. You wimmin, you think it's going to pay you to chuck law and order. You're out for a fight, are yer? Ginger Yus, and we're going to win. Brute force 'as 'ad its d'y. It's brains wot are going to rule the wrold. Ami we've got 'em. (She has become quite oratorical.) THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 65 JAWBONES Grlad to 'ear it. Take my tip: you'll use 'em. Meanwhile I'll 'ave another cup o' tea. Ginger (She takes the cup — is making for the window.) Jawbones (Fierce again.) I said tea. Ginger All right, I was only going to throw the slops out of window. There ain't no basin. Jawbones I'll tell yer when I want yer to open the window and call for the p'lice. You can throw 'em into the waste-paper basket. Ginger (She obeys.) Jawbones Thank you. Very much obliged. One of these d'ys, maybe, you'll marry. Ginger When I do, it'll be a man, not a monkey. Jawbones I'm not proposing. I'm talking to you for your good. 66 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS Ginger (Snorts.) Jawbones You've been listening to a lot of toffs. Easy enough for them to talk about wimmen not being domestic drudges. They keep a cook to do it. They don't pity 'er for being a down-trodden slive, spend- ing sixteen hours a d'y in their kitchen with an evening out ODce a week. When you marry it will be to a bloke like me, a working man . . . Ginger Working! (She follows it with a shrill laugh.) Jawbones Yus. There's always a class as laughs when you mention the word "work." Them as knows wot it is, don't. I've been at it since six o'clock this morn- ing, carrying a ladder, a can of paste weighing twenty pounds, and two 'undred double royal posters. You try it! When 'e comes 'ome, 'e'll want 'is victuals. If you've got 'em ready for 'im and are looking nice — no reason why you shouldn't — and feeling amiable, you'll get on very well to- gether. If you are going to argue with 'im about woman's sphere, you'll get the worst of it. Ginger You always was a bully. THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 67 Jawbones Not always. Remember last Bank 'oliday? (He winks.) Ginger (She tries not to give in.) Jawbones 'Ave a cup of tea. (He pours it out for her.) Ginger (The natural woman steals in — she sits.) Jawbones 'Ow are they doing you, fairly well? Ginger Oh ! Well, nothing to grumble at. Jawbones You can do a bit o' dressing on it. Ginger (She meets his admiring eye. The suffragette de- parts.) Dressing don't cost much — when you've got tyste. Jawbones Wot! Not that 'at? Ginger Made it myself. 68 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS Jawbones No! Ginger Honour bright ! Tell yer- ( Geoffrey and St. Herbert enter. Jawbones and Ginger make to rise. Ginger succeeds.) Geoffrey All right, all right. Don't let me disturb the party. Where's Mr. Sigsby? Jawbones Gone to look up the police, I think, sir. (Having finished, he rises.) Some of those factory girls been up to their larks again. Geoffrey Qmph! What's it about this time? Jawbones They've took objection to one of our posters. Geoffrey What another! (To St. Herbert.) Woman has disappointed me as a fighter. She's wiling enough to strike. If you hit back, she's surprised and grieved. THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 69 St. Herbert She's come to the game rather late. Geoffrey She might have learned the rules. ( To Jawbones. ) Which particular one is it that has failed to meet with their approval? Jawbones It's rather a good one, sir, from our point of view: "Why she left her 'appy 'ome." Geoffrey I don't seem to remember it. Have I seen it? Jawbones I don't think you 'ave, sir. It was Mr. Sigsby's idea. On the left the ruined 'ome, baby crying it's little 'eart out — eldest child lying on the floor, scalded < — upset the tea-kettle over itself — youngest boy in flames — been playing with matches, nobody there to stop 'im. At the open door the father, returning from work. Nothing ready for 'im. On the other side — 'er, on a tub, spouting politics. Geoffrey (To St. Herbert.) Sounds rather good. Jawbones Wait a minute. There was a copy somewhere about 70 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS — a proof. (He is searching for it on the desk — finds it.) Yus, 'ere 'tis. (To Ginger.) Catch 'old. (Jawbones and Ginger hold it displayed.) That's the one, sir. St. Herbert Why is the working man, for pictorial purposes, always a carpenter? Ginger It's the skirt we object to. Geoffrey The skirt ! What 's wrong with the skirt ? Ginger "Well, it's only been out of fashion for the last three years, that's all. Geoffrey Oh! I see. (To St. Herbert.) We've been hitting them below the belt. What do you think I ought to do about it? St. Herbert What would you have thought yourself, three weeks ago? THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 71 Geoffrey You and I have been friends ever since we were boys. You rather like me, don't you? St. Herbert (Puzzled.) Yes. Geoffrey If I were to suddenly hit you on the nose, what would happen? St. Herbert I understand. "Woman has suddenly started bit- ing man on the nose. Her excuse being that she really couldn't keep her hands off him any longer. Jawbones (He has pinned the poster to the wall.) They begun it. To 'ear them talk, you'd think as man had never done anything right. Geoffrey He's quite right. Their posters are on every hoarding: "Who's made all the Muddles? Man!" "Men's Promises! Why it's all Froth!" Woman this Time ! " I suppose it will have to go. Jawbones (Hopefully.) Up, sir? 72 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS Geoffrey No, Jawbones. Into the dust-heap with the rest. (Jawbones is disgusted. Ginger is trium- phant.) Geoffrey I must talk to Sigsby. He's taking the whole thing too seriously. It will be some time before we reach that stage. (To Jawbones.) Ask Mrs. Chinn to bring me a cup of tea. (Jawbones goes out.) (He seats himself at table and takes up some cor- respondence. (To Ginger.) Are you waiting for any one? Ginger A letter from her ladyship. (She picks up from the desk and hands him (In letter Sigsby had thrown there.) Her ladyship thought you ought to be con- sulted. Geoffrey (He reads the short letter with a gathering frown — hands it across to St. Herbert.) St. Herbert (Having read, he passes it back in silence.) THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 73 Geoffrey (To Ginger.) Do you know the contents of this letter? Ginger The matter has been discussed among us — in- formally. Geoffrey Tell Lady Mogton I'll — talk to her myself on the subject. Ginger Thank you. (She collects her etceteras.) Good afternoon. Geoffrey (Shortly.) Good afternoon. Ginger (She hows graciously to St. Herbert, who responds. Goes out.) Geoffrey The devil of it is that it's the truth. St. Herbert Somebody was bound to say it, sooner or later! Geoffrey Yes, but one 's own wife ! This is a confoundedly awkward situation. 74 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS St. Herbert (He comes to him, stands looking down at him.) Did it ever occur to you, when you were advocating equal political rights for women, that awkward situa- tions might arise? Geoffrey (He leans back in liis chair.) Do you remember Tommy the Terrier, as they used to call him in the House, was always preaching Socialism .' St. Herbert Quito the most amusing man I ever met! Geoffrey And not afraid of being honest. Do you remember his answer when somebody asked him whal he would do if Socialism, by any chance, really became es- tablished in England? He had just married an American heiress. He said he should emigrate. I am still convinced that woman is entitled to equal political rights with man. I didn't think it was coming in my time. There are points in the problem remaining to be settled before we can arrive at a working solution. This is one of them. (He takes up lh< h II, r and raids.) "Are you prepared to have as your representative a person who for six months out of every year may be incapacitated from serving you?" It's easy enough to say I oughtn't to allow THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 75 my supporters to drag in the personal element. I like it even less myself. But what's the answer? (Jawbones enters with a tray.) Jawbones (Places tray on table.) Tea's coming in a minute, sir. (He is clearing away.) Geoffrey Never mind all that. (He hands him a slip.) Take this to the printers. Tell them I must have a proof to-night. Jawbones Yes, sir. (Finds his cap and goes out.) St. Herbert The answer, I should say, would be that the ma- jority of women will continue to find something better to do. The women who throw themselves into poli- tics will be the unattached women, the childless wo- men. (In an instant he see his mistake, but it is too late.) Geoffrey (He rises, crosses to the desk, throws into a waste- paper-basket a piece of crumpled paper that was in his hand; then turns. The personal note has entered into the discussion.) The women who want to be childless — what about them? 76 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS St. Herbert (He shrugs his shoulders.) Are there any such? Geoffrey There are women who talk openly of woman's share in the general scheme being a "burden" on her — an "incubus." St. Herbert A handful of cranks. To the normal woman motherhood has always been the one supreme desire. Geoffrey Because children crowned her with honour. The barren woman was despised. All that is changing. This movement is adding impulse to it. St. Herbert Movements do not alter instincts. Geoffrey But they do. Ever since man emerged from the jungle he has been shedding his instincts — shaping them to new desires. Where do you find this all- prevailing instinct towards maternity? Among the women of society, who sacrifice it without a moment's hesitation to their vanity — to their mere pleasures? The middle-class woman — she too, is demanding "freedom." Children, servants, the home! — they are THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 77 too much for her ''nerves." And now there comes this new development, appealing to the intellectual woman. Is there not danger of her preferring polit- ical ambition, the excitement of public life, to what has come to be regarded as the "drudgery" of turn- ing four walls into a home, of peopling the silence with the voices of the children? {He crosses to the table— lays Iris hand again on the open letter.) How do you know that this may not be her answer "I have no children. I never mean to have children"? (Sigsby enters in company with Ben Lamb, M.P. Lamb is a short, thick-set, good-tem- pered man.) Ah, Lamb, how are you? Lamb (They greet one another.) How are things going? Sigsby They're not going at all well. Geoffrey Sigsby was ever the child of despondency. Sigsby Yes, and so will you be when you find yourself at the bottom of the poll. 78 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS Geoffrey (The notion lakes him by surprise.) Lamb It's going to be a closer affair than any of us thought. It's the joke of the thing that appears to have got hold of them. They want to see what will happen. Geoffrey Man's fatal curiosity concerning the eternal feminine ! Sigsby Yes, and they won't have to pay for it. That will be our department. St. Herbert (To Sigsby.) What do you think they'll do, sup- posing by any chance Mrs. Chilvers should head the poll? Sigsby How do you mean — "what 11 they do"? St. Herbert Do you think they'll claim the seat? Sigsby Claim the seat! What do you think they're out for — their health? Get another six months' adver- THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 79 tisement, if they don't get anything else. Mean- while what's our position — just at the beginning of our ministerial career? Geoffrey They will not claim the seat. Sigsby How do you know? Geoffrey I know my wife. Lamb (After a moment's silence.) Quite sure you do? (Geoffrey turns.) Lamb Ever seen a sheep fighting mad ? I have. Damned sight worse than the old ram. Geoffrey She doesn't fight the ram. Lamb (He makes a sweeping movement that takes in the room, the election — all things.) What's all this? We thought woman hadn't got the fighting instinct — that we "knew her." My boy, we're in the infants' class. 80 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS SlGSBY If you want to be his Majesty's Under-Secretary for Home Affairs, you take my tip, guv 'nor, you'll win this election. Geoffrey What more can I do than I'm doing? How can I countenance this sort of thing? (He indicates the posters.) Declare myself dead against the whole movement ? Lamb You'll do it later. May as well do it soon. Geoffrey Why must I do it ? Lamb Because you're beginning to find out what it means. (A pause. The door is open. Annys is stand- ing there.) Annys Dare we venture into the enemy's camp? (She enters, laughing, followed by Elizabeth and Phoebe. Annys is somewhat changed ifrom the grave, dreamy Annys of a short week ago. She is brimming over ivith vitality — excitement. There is a decisiveness, an THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 81 egoism, about her that seems new to her. The women's skirts make a flutter. A breeze seems to have entered. Annys runs to her husband. For the moment the election fades away. They are all smiles tenderness for one another.) Annys Don 't tell, will you ? Mamma would be so shocked. Do you know you haven't been near me for three days? Geoffrey Umph! I like that. Where were you last night? Annys Last night? In the neighbourhood of Leicester Square till three o'clock. Oh, Geoff, there's such a lot wants altering ! (She turns to greet the others.) Geoffrey Your ruining your health won't do it. You're looking fagged to death. Annys (She shakes hands with Sigsby.) How are you? (To Lamb.) I'm so glad you're helping him. (She turns again to Geoffrey.) Pure imagination, dear- est. I never felt better in my life. 82 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS Geoffrey Umph! Look at all those lines underneath your eyes. (He shakes hands with Elizabeth.) How do you do? (To Phoebe.) How are you? Annys (She comes back to him — makes to smooth the lines from his forehead.) Look at all those, there. We'll run away together for a holiday, when it's all over. "What are you doing this evening? Sigsby You promised to speak at a Smoker to-night ; the Bow and Bromley Buffaloes. Annys Oh, bother the Buffaloes. Take me out to dinner. I am free after seven. (Mrs. Ciiinn has entered — is arranging the table for tea. Annys goes to her.) How are you, Mrs. Chinn? Mrs. Ciiinn (SJk wipes h (The light is in her eyes. She stands a moment. Her hands are going out to him.) Elizabeth (She comes between them.) Yes, go to him. He will be very good to you. Good men are kind to women, kind even to their dogs. You will be among the pampered few ! You will be happy. And the others! What does it matter? (They draw apart. She stands between them, the incarnation of the spirit of sex ivar.) The women that have not kind owners — the dogs that have not kind masters — the dumb women, chained to their endless, unpaid drudgery ? Let them be con- tent. What are they but man's chattel? To be honoured if it pleases him, or to be cast into the dust. Man's pauper! Bound by his laws, subject to his whim; her every hope, her every aspiration, owed to his charity. She toils for him without ceasing: it should be her "pleasure." She bears him children, when he chooses to desire them. They are his to do as he will by. Why seek to change it? Our man is kind. What have they to do with us: the women beaten, driven, overtasked — the women without hope or joy, the livers of grey lives that men may laugh and spend — the woman degraded lower than the beasts to pander to the beast in man — the women outraged and abandoned, bearing to the grave the burden of man's lust? Let them go their way. 144 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS They are but our sisters of sorrow And we who could help them — we to whom God has given the weapons, the brain, and the courage — we make answer: "I have married a husband, and I cannot come." (A silence.) Geoffrey "Well, you have heard. (Re makes a gesture.) What is your answer? Annys (She comes to him.) Don't you love me enough to humour me a little — to put up with my vexing ways? I so want to help, to feel I am doing just a little, to make the world kinder. I know you can do it better, but I want so to be "in it." (She laughs.) Let us forget all this. Wake up to-mor- row morning with fresh hearts. You will be Member for East Poplar. And then you shall help me to win Manchester. (She 79 wis her hands upon his 'breast: she would have him take her in his arms.) I am not strong enough to fight alone. Geoffrey I want you. Let Manchester find some one else. Annys (She draws away from him.) And if I cannot — will not? THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 145 Geoffrey I bring in my Bill on Monday. We'll be quite frank about it. That is my price — you. I want you ! Annys You mean it comes to that: a whole cause de- pendent on a man and a woman ! Geoffrey Yes, that is how the world is built. On each man and woman. ' ' How does it shape my life, my hopes ? ' ' So will each make answer. (Lady Mogton enters. She stands silent.) Elizabeth Is it over? Lady Mogton Annys Chilvers, 3,604— Geoffrey Chilvers, 3,590. (Janet enters.) Janet (She rushes to Annys, embraces her.) You've won, you've won! (She flies to the window, opens it, and goes out on to the balcony.) (Phoebe enters, followed by Mrs. Mountcalm- Villiers. ) 146 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS Phoebe Is it true? Lady Mogton Pretty close. Majority of 14. Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers For us? Lady Mogton For us. (Janet by this time has announced the figures. There is heard a great burst af cheering, re- nt wed again and again.) Janet (Re-entering.) They want you! They want you! (Mingled with the cheering come cries of ''Speech!" "Speech!") Lady Mogton You must say something. (The band strikes up "The Conquering Hero." The women crowd round Annys, congratu- lating her. Geoffrey stands apart.) * Phoebe (Screaming above the din.) Put on your cloak. THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 147 Janet (Bushes and gets it.) (They wrap it round her.) (Annys goes out on to the balcony, followed by the other women. Elizabeth, going last, fires a parting smile of triumph at Geoffrey. (A renewed burst of cheering announces their arrival on the balcony. The crowd bursts into "For She's a Jolly Good Felloiv" — the band making a quick change, joins in. Geoffrey remains centre. (Jawbones enters unobserved. The singing ends with three cheers. Annys is speaking. Geoffrey turns and sees Jawbones.) Geoffrey (With a smile.) Give me down my coat,will you? Jawbones (He is sympathetic. He helps him on with it.) Shall I get you a cab, sir? Geoffrey No, thanks. I'll pick one up. (He goes towards the door, then stops.) Is there any other way out — not through the main entrance? 148 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS Jawbones Yes, sir. There's a side door opening on Wood- stock Road. I '11 show it you. Geoffrey Thanks. {Be follows Jawbones out.) (A burst of cheering comes from the crowd.) Curtain. THE FOURTH ACT THE FOUETH ACT. Scene: — Russell Square. The morning-room {on the ground floor.) A small, cheerful room, fur- nished in Chippendale, white panelled, with Adams fireplace in which a bright fire is burning. The window-curtains of red damask are drawn. An oval table occupies the centre of the room. The door at back opens upon the hall. Only one light burns, an electric lamp on a table just above the fire. Time : — Midnight. (The door opens. Geoffrey enters. He has left his out-door things in the hall. He crosses and rings the bell. A moment.) (Hake enters.) Geoffrey Oh, you, Hake ! There wasn 't any need for you to have stopped. Hake I was not sure of your arrangements. I thought perhaps I might be wanted. 151 152 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS Geoffrey Sorry. I ought to have told you. Hake It's been no inconvenience, sir. I told Mrs. Hake not to sit up. Geoffrey (He is opening and reading his letters left for him on the table.) Does she generally sit up for you? Hake As a rule, sir. We like a little chat before going to bed. Geoffrey (His eyes on a letter.) "What do you find to chat about ? Hake Oh, there is so much for a husband and wife to talk about. The As a rule. (A clock on the mantelpiece strikes one.) Geoffrey What's that? Hake Quarter past twelve, sir. Geoffrey Has your mistress come in? THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 153 Hake Not yet, sir. Has the election gone all right, sir? Geoffrey For Mrs. Chilvers, yes. She is now member for East Poplar. Hake I am sorry. It has been a great surprise to me. Geoffrey The result? Hake The whole thing, sir. Such a sweet lady, we all thought her. Geoffrey Life, Hake, is a surprising affair. {A ring is heard.) I expect that's she. She has forgotten her key. (Hake goes out.) (Geoffrey continues his letters. A few mo- ments pass; Hake re-enters, closes the door.) Hake (He seems puzzled.) It's a lady, sir. (Geoffrey turns.) 154 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS Hake At least — hardly a lady. A Mrs. Chinn. Geoffrey Mrs. Chinn! (He glances at his match.) At twelve o'clock at night. Well, all right. I'll see her. (Hake opens the door, speaks to Mrs. Chinn. She enters, in bonnet and shawl.) Hake Mrs. Chinn. Geoffrey Good evening, Mrs. Chinn. Mrs. Chinn Good evening, sir. Geoffrey You needn't stop, Hake. I shan't be wanting anything. Hake Thank you, sir. Geoffrey Apologise for me to Mrs. Hake. Good-night. Hake Good-night, sir. (Hake goes out. A minute later the front door is heard to slam.) THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 155 Geoffrey Won't you sit down? (He puts a chair for her left of the table.) Mrs. Chinn (Seating herself.) Thank you, sir. Geoffrey (He half sits on the arm of the easy-chair below the fire.) What's the trouble? Mrs. Chinn It's my boy, sir — my youngest. He's been taking money that didn't belong to him. Geoffrey Urn. Has it been going on for long? Mrs. Chinn About six months, sir. I only heard of it to-night. You see, his wife died a year ago. She was such a good manager. And after she was gone he seems to have got into debt. Geoffrey What were his wages? Mrs. Chinn Nineteen shillings a week, sir. And that with the rent and three young children — well, it wants think- ing out. 156 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS Geoffrey From whom did he take the money — his em- ployers ? Mrs. Chinn Yes, sir. He was a carman. They had always trusted him to collect the accounts. Geoffrey How much, would you say, was the defalcation ? Mrs. Chinn I beg pardon, sir. • Geoffrey How much does it amount to, the sums that he has taken? Mrs. Chinn Six pounds, sir, Mr. Cohen says it comes to. Geoffrey Won't they accept repayment? Mes. Chinn Yes, sir. Mr. Cohen has been very nice about it. He is going to let me pay it off by instalments. Geoffrey AVell, then, that gets over most of the trouble. THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 157 Mrs. Chinn AVell, you see sir, unfortunately, Mr. Cohen gave information to the police the moment he discovered it. Geoffrey Umph ! Can't he say he made a mistake? Mrs. Chinn They say it must go for trial. That he can only withdraw the charge in court. Geoffrey Urn! Mrs. Chinn You see, sir — a thing like that (She recovers herself.) It clings to a lad. Geoffrey "What do you want me to do? Mrs. Chinn Well, sir, I thought that perhaps — you see, sir, he has got a brother in Canada who would help him; and I thought that if I could ship him off Geoffrey You want me to tip the wink to the police to look the other way while you smuggle this young male- factor out of the clutches of the law? 158 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS Mrs. Chinn (Quite indifferent to the moral aspect of the case.) If you would be so kind, sir. Geoffrey Umph ! I suppose you know what you're doing; appealing through your womanhood to man's weak- ness — employing "backstairs influence" to gain your private ends, indifferent to the higher issues of the public weal? All the things that are going to cease when woman has the vote. Mrs. Chinn You see, sir, he's the youngest. (Gradually the decent but dingy figure of Mrs. Chinn has taken to itself new shape. To Geoffrey, it almost seems as though there were growing out of the shadows over against him the figure of great Artemis her- self — Artemis of the Thousand Breasts. He had returned honu angry, bitter against all women. As sin unfolds her simple talc un- derstanding comes to him. So long as tin re ae, "Mrs. Chinns" in the world, Woman claims homage.) Geoffrey How many were there? Mrs. Chinn Ten altogether, sir, six living. THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 159 Geoffrey Been a bit of a struggle for you, hasn't it? Mrs. Chinn It has been a bit difficult, at times ; especially after their poor father died. Geoffrey How many were you left with ? Mrs. Chinn Eight, sir. Geoffrey How on earth did you manage to keep them? Mrs. Chinn Well, you see, sir, the two eldest, they were earning a little. I don't think I could have done it without that. Geoffrey "Wasn't there any source from which you could have obtained help? What was your husband? Mrs. Chinn He worked in the shipyards, sir. There was some talk about it. But, of course, that always means taking the children away from you. Geoffrey Would not that have been better for them? 160 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS Mrs. Chinn Not always, sir. Of course, if I hadn't been able to do my duty by them I should have had to. But, thank God, I've always been strong. Geoffrey (He rises.) I will see what can be done. Mrs. Chinn Thank you, sir. Geoffrey (Half -van, he turns.) When does the next boat sail — for Canada? Mrs. Chinn To-morrow night, sir, from Glasgow. I have booked his passage. Geoffrey ( With a smile.) You seem to have taken every- thing for granted. Mrs. Chinn You see, sir, it's the disgrace. All the others are doing so well. It would upset them so. (He goes out.) (There is a moment.) (Annys enters. She is wearing her outdoor things. ) THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 161 Annys Mrs. Chirm! Mrs. Chinn (She has risen; she curtseys.) Good-evening, ma'am. Annys (She is taking off her hat.) Nothing wrong, is there ? Mrs. Chinn My boy, ma'am, my youngest, has been getting into trouble. Annys (She pauses, her hat in her hand.) They will won't they? It's nothing serious, I hope? Mrs. Chinn I think it will be all right, ma'am, thanks to your good man. Annys (She lays aside her hat.) You have had a good many children, haven't you, Mrs. Chinn? Mrs. Chinn Ten altogether, ma'am; six living. 162 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS Annys Can one love ten, all at once? (The cloak has fallen aside. Mrs. Chinn is a much experienced lady.) Mrs. Chinn Just as many as come, dear. God sends the love with them. (There is a moment; the two women are very close to one another. Then Annys gives a little cry and somehow their arms arc round one another.) (She mothers her into the easy chair above the fire; places a footstool under her feet.) You have your cry out, dearie, it will do you good. Annys You look so strong and great. Mrs. Chinn It's the tears, dearie. (She arranges the footstool.) You keep your feet up. (The handle of the door is heard. Mrs. Chinn is standing beside her own chair. She is putting back her handkerchief into her bag.) (Geoffrey re-enters.) (Annys is hidden in the easy chair. He does not see her.) THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 163 Geoffrey Well, Mrs. Chinn, an exhaustive search for the ac- cused will be commenced — next week. Mrs. Chinn Thank you, sir. Geoffrey What about the children — are they going with him? Mrs. Chinn No, sir; I thought he would be better without them till everything is settled. Geoffrey Who is taking care of them — you? Mrs. Chinn Yes, sir. Geoffrey And the passage money — how much was that? Mrs. Chinn Four pound fifteen, sir. Geoffrey Would you mind my coming in, as a friend ? Mrs. Chinn Well, sir, if you don't mind, I'd rather not. I've 164 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS always done everything for the children myself. It's been a fad of mine. Geoffrey (He makes a gesture of despair.) You mothers! You're so greedy. (He holds out his hand, smiling.) Goodbye. Mrs. Chinn (She takes Ins hand in hers.) God bless you, sir. And your good lady. Geoffrey (As he takes her to the door.) How will you get home ? Mrs. Chinn I can get the Underground from Gower Street, sir. (They go out talking about last trains and leav- ing the door open. The next moment the front door is heard to slam.) (Geoffrey re-enters.) (Annys has moved round, so that coming back into the room he finds her there.) Geoffrey How long have you been in? (He closes the door.) THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 165 Annys Only a few minutes — while you were at the tele- phone. I had to rest for a little while. Dr. Whitby brought me back in his motor. Geoffrey AVas he down there? Annys Phoebe had sent for him. I had been taken a little giddy earlier in the day. Geoffrey (He grunts. He is fighting ivith his tenderness.) Don't wonder at it. All this overwork and excite- ment. Annys I'm afraid I've been hurting you. Geoffrey (Still growling.) Both been hurting each other, I expect. Annys (She smiles.) It's so easy to hurt those that love us. (She makes a little movement, feebly stretches out her arms to him. Wondering, he comes across to her. She draws him down beside her, takes his arms and places them about her.) 166 THE MASTER QF MRS. CHILVERS I want to feel that I belong to you. That you are strong. That I can rest upon you. Geoffrey (He cannot understand.) But only an hour ago (He looks at her.) Have you, too, turned traitor to the "Woman's Cause? Annys (She answers smiling.) No, but woman, dear, is a much more complicated person than I thought her. It is only in this hour that God has revealed her to me. (She draws him closer.) I want you, dear — dear husband. Take care of us — both, won't you? I love you, I love you. I did not know how much. Geoffrey (He gathers her to him, kissing her, crooning over her.) Oh, my dear, my dear! My little one, my love, my wife! Annys (She is laughing, crying.) But, Geoffrey, dear- (He tries to calm her.) No, let me. I want to And then I'll be quite good, I promise It's only fair to warn you. When I'm strong and can think again, I shall still want to vote. I shall want it more than ever. THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 167 Geoffrey (He answers with a happy laugh, holding her in his arms.) Annys You will help us? Because it's right, dear, isn't it? He will be my child as well as yours. You will let me help you make the world better for our child — and for all the children — and for all the mothers — and for all the dear, kind men: you will won't you? Geoffrey I thought you were drifting away from me: that strange voices were calling you away from life and motherhood. God has laughed at my fears. He has sent you back to me with His command. We will fashion His World together, we two lovers, Man and Woman, joined together in all things. It is His will. His chains are the children's hands. (Kneeling, he holds her in his arms.) (The Curtains Falls.) THE END AUtt <■* LB D 'I! THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS BY JEROME K. JEROME NEW YORK DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY 1911 Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide Treatment Date: April 2009 PreservationTechnologies A WORLD LEADER IN COLLECTIONS PRESERVATION ffinni LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 014 491 222 6