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IN PEEPAEATION THE LESSER EVIL 
 
 A play dealing with the divorce problem 
 in four acts 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
BY THE SAME AUTHOR 
 
 JACINTA 
 
 BIGGS'S BAR 
 
 SONGS OF A CITY 
 
 IDYLLS OF GREECE 
 Series One 
 
 IDYLLS OF GREECE 
 Series Two 
 
THE 
 
 WOMAN WHO 
 
 COULD 
 
 A Play with a Purpose 
 
 HHIMM 
 
 HOWARD V. SUTHERLAND 
 
 
 NEW YORK 
 
 Desmond FitzGerald, Inc. 
 1911 
 
 M 
 
 a 
 
 HIille 
 
 rHLc^CuofS J 
 
Copyrighted as a Dramatic Composition 
 1910 
 
 
 Copyright, 1911, by 
 Desmond Fitz Gerald, Inc. 
 
 3)0! D SaSRCV 
 
t 
 
 WALTER C. MEAD 
 
■i! 
 
CHARACTERS IN THE PLAY 
 
 John Chester, a middle-aged broker. 
 Mabel Chester, his wife — a woman of thirty-five. 
 Myrtle Duncan, her sister — just out of her teens. 
 Richard Stetson, a middle-aged broker. 
 Elizabeth Stetson, his wife — a woman past forty. 
 Ann Florriwell, a wealthy woman in her thirties. 
 Heron Wall, a middle-aged lawyer. 
 Henry Elkins, a young man. 
 Erminie, maid to Mrs. Chester. 
 
 The play takes place in New York 
 at the present time, and covers two 
 days, commenci/ng Thursday afternoon. 
 
ACT I 
 
 Afi afternoon at the home of Mrs. Stetson. 
 The drawing-room is furnished expensively. Mrs. 
 Stetson is seated in an armchair. Mrs. Chester 
 is seated opposite her. At one end of the room is 
 a vestibule contai/ni/ng palms. From this vestibule 
 enter the different guests. The drawing-room is 
 supposed to face the street. Two windows show, 
 and a door, opening into a dvnimg-room. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 You have only done, my dear, what hundreds of 
 other women have had to do. It cost me thou- 
 sands to rise to my present position ; and if I were 
 to tell you who got my money in the first in- 
 stance you would never believe me. We women 
 always have to pay for the chance to be success- 
 ful. On the stage, or in politics, we pay one man 
 or another; in the social world we pay a more 
 fortunate woman. And in the latter case we only 
 part with money. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 It is a terrible state of affairs. I wonder if it 
 is really worth while? 
 
 [1] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Of course it is worth while. It is a part of the 
 game of life. The democratic spirit is all very 
 well in the country. It consoles the agriculturist 
 for his lack of fine linen ; although I understand 
 the farmers are better off than they would have it 
 generally known. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 I am sometimes weary of the whole thing. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Then you should make preparations for a trip 
 to Europe. When Stetson is tired he invariably 
 plunges. It has a better effect on him than surf- 
 bathing, and someone else always foots the bills. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 But if Chester should find out what I have 
 done.'' Oh, Mrs. Stetson, perhaps I have 
 jeopardized his fortune! And all for what.? 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Nonsense, my dear. The bonds are perfectly 
 safe. Stetson will merely put them up as security. 
 From what I understand, they won't pass out of 
 his hands. And before your husband misses 
 
 [2] 
 
ACT FIRST 
 
 them, you shall have them back. They will en- 
 able Stetson to put through a deal, and you shall 
 benefit by it. Besides, think what you are get- 
 ting as a bonus — I think that is what they call it. 
 The Ambassador has arranged for us to enter- 
 tain the Crown Prince at dinner, only twelve 
 guests to be present. Lord and Lady Monteith 
 will be among the number, and Baroness Stotzen- 
 feldt. When you have met these people the best 
 houses in Europe will be open to you. Your 
 husband has merely to give you the money. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 Ah! We Americans never seem to be able to 
 accomplish anything without money. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Well, it is really all we have. With us it takes 
 the place of blue blood ; and as we have chosen 
 to build our social structure thereon, we must see 
 to it that it obtains for us the recognition else- 
 where accorded to culture and breeding. Our 
 grandchildren may have the breeding, and welcome. 
 For myself, I am just as proud of my father as 
 if he had been a Duke. Had he lived in England, 
 he might have been knighted. His beer was just 
 as good as Guinness's. 
 
 [3] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 I wonder what the people to the manner born 
 really think of us ? However rich a woman, if they 
 know her to be common they must despise her for 
 her pretensions. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 They take the money, my dear; and if they 
 say anything they say it behind her back, which 
 isn't saying it at all. But you have had ad- 
 vantages, and when you meet these people you 
 can hold your own with any of them. The Amer- 
 ican woman always can. And in society it is 
 always better to be talked about, even slandered, 
 than never mentioned at all. But you will win 
 out. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 I only hope the price doesn't prove too dear. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 A woman always pays for her ambition ; men 
 pay for their lack of it. You want to succeed 
 socially. You might have taken up literature. 
 You might have gone on the stage, although a 
 scandal is almost a necessity for success in that 
 line. You might have taken up philanthropy, or 
 
 [4] 
 
ACT FIRST 
 
 interested yourself in dogs and cats. But you are 
 going after bigger game, and you must be willing 
 to risk more. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 John takes so little interest in society. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 The American man never does, my dear. He 
 is essentially a home animal ; and considering what 
 poor homes we women make him put up with, it is 
 a wonder he stays in them at all. I have no 
 sympathy with these women who would close the 
 saloon yet seem incapable of opening homes of 
 their own. If they have children, you will find 
 them on the street or in the back alleys, but never 
 in the nursery or the parlor. I know I'd be dis- 
 satisfied if I were a man. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 (as if to herself ) 
 They are the best men in the world. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Yes, and we are not worthy of them. Intel- 
 lectually we are often their superiors ; in a few 
 
 [5] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 generations we may outclass them physically ; but, 
 
 when it comes to downright affection, generosity, 
 
 and consideration for the rights and feelings of 
 
 others, we are away beneath them. American 
 
 men are all right. If they weren't, we women 
 might be better. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 I wish I felt more at ease about money matters. 
 To be candid with you, that is why I dropped in. 
 Ever since I took the bonds out of our safe I 
 have worried. Chester thinks they are still there. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 And they might just as well be there. Whether 
 in your possession or in Stetson's, what difference 
 does it make? Now, my dear girl, just dismiss 
 the matter from your mind. They will be re- 
 turned to you in a few days. Stetson will have 
 put his deal through, and there'll be hundreds of 
 thousands in it for him. You shall profit by it as 
 well. He has promised me that emerald cross in 
 Tiffany's, the one that came from the Proboff col- 
 lection. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 It is certainly a beauty. But haven't you 
 enough jewels.^* 
 
 [6] 
 
ACT FIRST 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 My dear! What a question. Somebody has 
 to have it. It isn't so much the possession of 
 these things that gives one pleasure, as keeping 
 someone else from owning them. And it would 
 look magnificent on my yellow silk. Stetson is 
 very generous, especially when it comes to jewels. 
 And even if he doesn't pay cash for them, the 
 tradespeople like to have our names on their books. 
 It makes them feel they know us socially. I only 
 hope Stetson's deal goes through to-morrow. 
 Then I can get the cross and wear it on Saturday 
 at the dinner. This is, let me think — Thursday. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 Who will be here, Mrs. Stetson.? 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 At the dinner, the Crown Prince, the Ambas- 
 sador, Lord and Lady Monteith and the Baroness, 
 Mrs. Stuyvesaart, and Miss Elgin, the Philadel- 
 phia girl who was engaged to Lord Cromer, you 
 know. Then, you and your husband, and Stetson 
 and myself. The other man will be Heron Wall. 
 He knows all the rest, with the exception of the 
 Crown Prince, and he is a clever talker. I have 
 
 [T] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 issued invitations to about twenty-five to drop in 
 later, just names and nobodies. You are a better 
 looker than the Philadelphia girl, and I shall see to 
 it that you get your share of the Crown Prince. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 That I get my money's worth, you mean! 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Don't be silly, child. It is merely a business 
 matter. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 I sometimes wonder if Europeans don't see 
 through our so-called " business matters," but are 
 too polite to say so. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 They think too slowly, my dear. And when an 
 American woman is around they don't even think; 
 they only look. When I was a girl I had a couple 
 of them at my feet for years ; but Stetson struck 
 me as being a better money-maker, and that is 
 what counts. 
 
 [8] 
 
ACT FIRST 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 Ah! I wonder if it is? Chester is working all 
 the time. When I go to the Coast he is sweltering 
 in New York. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 He likes it, my dear. Our men soon forget 
 the little they learn at college. Like Maeterlinck's 
 bulldog, they look once at the stars, just once, 
 and ever afterwards look on the ground. We 
 mustn't get sentimental over them, or we shall 
 spoil them. Your Englishman is too much of a 
 star-gazer, except when he is looking after his 
 own interests. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 Is this Miss Elgin trying to catch a title? 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 The Cromer affair rather opened her eyes. He 
 insisted upon a cash settlement, you know. Of 
 course, his title was clear, even if his estates were 
 heavily mortgaged. But he was too brutal in his 
 frankness, and I guess that is why she threw him 
 over. Whether she really cared for him I don't 
 know ; few independent women do nowadays. I am 
 
 [9] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 beginning to think that to love truly one must 
 be poor. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 Oh! don't say such things. I know Chester 
 loved me, and in those days I had more than he. 
 And, in your own case, neither of you was poor, 
 yet 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 (interrupting) 
 
 My dear, you are an idealist. Stetson and I 
 have made a good team. We have succeeded as 
 the world understands success. But I doubt if 
 ours is the ideal marriage by any means. Stetson 
 makes money, and I spend it. We entertain lav- 
 ishly, and — well, there it ends. It seems to be the 
 aim of the average American marriage. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 You mean there should be more to it? 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 To make it marriage, yes. We are not serious 
 enough in the undertaking. Marriage to us is a 
 sort of farce-comedy ; in fact it is too often merely 
 
 [10] 
 
ACT FIRST 
 
 a preliminary to divorce. When it becomes in any 
 way irksome or unpleasant, we separate and try 
 again. We prefer cats and dogs to children, and 
 silk gowns to money in the bank. I'm one of the 
 sinners, so I ought to know. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 Why not try to change things? If we women 
 are so powerful, we are responsible for the con- 
 dition of society. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Exactly. But, my dear, no amount of preach- 
 ing will ever make our society women other than 
 what they are — shallow and feather-brained, dab- 
 blers, spenders, and gadders, satisfied with their 
 unambitious men because they lack ambition them- 
 selves. Useless enough in prosperity, when ad- 
 versity overtakes them they are of as little value 
 to the community as is the vagabond or the 
 waster. But we have to put up with them. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 I hope I am of some value to the community. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 I hope you are, my dear. I know I am not. 
 
 \_Enter Heron Wall. 
 
 [11] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Wall 
 
 My dear Mrs. Stetson! And Mrs. Chester! 
 You see it is the privilege of an idler to call on 
 you ladies in the afternoon. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 A husband has that pleasure only in the evening. 
 
 Wall 
 The overworked American husband! 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 Yes. Mrs. Stetson and I were just discussing 
 him, and life in general. . 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 Especially married life. 
 
 Wall 
 
 (taking a seat) 
 
 And to what conclusions have you come, may 
 I ask.? 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 I am afraid I have rather shocked Mrs. Chester 
 by stating a few truths too plainly. 
 
 [13] 
 
ACT FIRST 
 
 Wall 
 
 Please take me into jour confidence. When a 
 clever woman tells the truth, it must, indeed, be 
 interesting. 
 
 Mrs. Chestee 
 A man is always sarcastic before dinner. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 And inclined to be sentimental after. But let 
 us hear what Mr. Wall has to saj. 
 
 Wall 
 
 I await cross-examination, and am prepared to 
 suffer for the sins of my sex. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 I was arraigning women rather than men. 
 
 Wall 
 Ah! Then you were, indeed, telling the truth. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 Perhaps we thought the men were hopeless, 
 
 [13] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 Wall 
 We are your slaves, you know. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 (speaking rapidly) 
 
 No. Let us be candid with him. The men 
 are more sinned against than sinning. How shall 
 I put it.f^ (She pauses a few seconds.) That 
 society is diseased. That we women are to blame. 
 That we demand of our husbands, and of the men 
 who may become our husbands, the sacrifice of their 
 souls for the gratification of our whims. That 
 we marry merely to better our own condition 
 rather than to establish a fine relation with a man 
 whom we should love, and whose welfare should 
 be our chief desire. That society is responsible 
 for the individual failure, for the individual crime 
 and the individual suicide ; and that as society, as 
 generally understood, is composed in the m£un of 
 women, and is governed by them, that women must 
 be held responsible for the general rottenness of 
 our social life. 
 
 Wall 
 
 A terrible arraignment, indeed, and rather 
 sweeping. 
 
 [14] 
 
ACT FIRST 
 Mes. Chester 
 
 I am sure we are not all bad. Many of us are 
 only victims of conditions that existed long before 
 we had our being. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 But we are none the less culpable. We put up 
 with those conditions instead of combating them. 
 And therein we are all equally guilty. 
 
 Wall 
 
 Twenty years ago I hoped to change society. 
 To-day — well, I am wiser to-day. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 It must be changed if we are to remain a sane 
 people. We dance on the edge of the precipice. 
 A step too far and we are over. To-morrow, I 
 may be among the unfortunate ! 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 (startled) 
 
 You don't mean 
 
 [15] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 (hurriedly interrupting ) 
 
 No ! no ! Of course not. I was speaking im- 
 personally. We are safe, thank God! I'm one 
 of the spenders, but Stetson is a Napoleon and can 
 always foot the bills. 
 
 Wall 
 
 Don't you think the American man prefers a 
 spender, Mrs. Stetson.? The gambling instinct is 
 stronger in us than the instinct to save. It is 
 only the foreigner who thinks of To-morrow. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Then so much the better for the foreigner. He 
 may not accord his women the freedom the Amer- 
 ican husband allows to his, but they are at least 
 safe. They don't live in daily expectation of 
 being sold out, impoverished, and seeing their hus- 
 bands working for their wealthy friends or — dead 
 by their own hands. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 Don't picture such horrible things. Mr. Wall, 
 can't you say something in favor of society ^ 
 
 [16] 
 
ACT FIRST 
 
 Wall 
 
 A bachelor can apologize for anything, you 
 know, even matrimony. For me, society means 
 dinners, cards, an occasional dance — I am selfish 
 enough to accept invitations only when I care to ; 
 chats in cozy corners, machines, pretty dresses. 
 It suits me ; but, then, I have no responsibilities. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Were you married f Wall holds up his hand) 
 and had children, you might think otherwise. 
 
 Wall 
 
 In our set, to be married seems the safest insur- 
 ance against children. It is fortunate that among 
 the middle class are to be found men and women 
 as human as were our parents. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 A bachelor can hardly be expected to know any- 
 thing about the cost of bringing up children, and 
 the other responsibilities connected with them. 
 
 Wall 
 
 Why ! As to that, Mrs. Chester, I am perhaps 
 right in asserting that the brooch you are wearing 
 
 [17] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 has cost more than would the maintenance of a 
 healthy child for a year. And — I repeat that, 
 being unmarried, I am hardly a person to express 
 an opinion on the subject — I am inclined to believe 
 that if our married women were willing to have a 
 child to occupy their attention, they might be less 
 inclined to waste their time at cards and teas ; they 
 might even feel less need of jewels and fine clothes. 
 From what I can see, the average husband works 
 himself to death so that his wife can keep a cat 
 or dog in comfort and entertain her friends. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 I think yoii exaggerate the case. As Mrs. Stet- 
 son said, were you married you might think differ- 
 ently. 
 
 Wall 
 
 But, being unmarried, love has not made me 
 blind. And, from what I can make out, a husband 
 gets nothing that is not within the reach of the 
 single man. Is it companionship .f^ When it comes 
 to companionship the bachelor can have a dozen 
 women* friends to the husband's one. If the mean- 
 ing of the American home is, as it seems to be, a 
 flat or an apartment where no children are allowed, 
 the bachelor can maintain it as easily. No, I see 
 
 [18] 
 
ACT FIRST 
 
 no reason why the bachelor should envy the aver- 
 age husband. At least, not in this country where 
 he seems to be absolutely under the yoke of his 
 wife. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 (speaking nervously) 
 
 We are all friends here. The day has come 
 when all the world must be friends, and must dis- 
 cuss these things. We must see wherein we have 
 erred, and we must rectify wrongs. The race de- 
 pends on what the indiyidual does. So I can say 
 that I know society is all wrong, that we women 
 are wrong, that I have lived wrong. If I had it 
 to do all over again, how differently I would do! 
 What have Stetson and I outside of our money 
 and position? What have I? What has he? 
 
 [There is a pause in the conversa- 
 tion for about ten seconds. 
 
 Wall 
 (quietly) 
 
 We are all in the same boat. I guess I might 
 have made more of myself had I cared to. But let 
 us give our workers what credit is due them. 
 Stetson is busy from morn till night; and to my 
 
 [19] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 knowledge, Mrs. Chester, your husband has not 
 taken a vacation for ten years. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 Yes. The men work all the time. I sometimes 
 wonder how they do it. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 They have to, my dear, to keep things going. 
 If it weren't for the energy of our men the nation 
 would be bankrupt in a year. The thing is : what 
 do we women give them for their hard work? 
 Certainly no home life. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 Chester has never complained about ours. 
 
 Wall 
 Why should he, Mrs. Chester? 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Half our men don't know what home really 
 means ; what it should be. If they did, they might 
 care less about business. 
 
 Wall 
 
 Of that disease you can never cure them, Mrs. 
 Stetson. As you know, I allow the law to occupy 
 
 [20] 
 
ACT FIRST 
 
 but very little of my time. The law is no longer 
 a profession ; it has become a trade, and, to be 
 successful, a lawyer must be at the beck and call 
 of a politician, or a corporation, or a Trust. In- 
 dependence means poverty to him. But were I a 
 business man, I am sure I should do as my 
 neighbor, work day and night and accumulate 
 money. A man's success is judged nowadays by 
 the money he makes. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 And women are responsible for society's accept- 
 ance of such a standard. Before a girl is really 
 old enough to think, she hears her parents dis- 
 cussing the financial status of So-and-so. She 
 sees her mother's discontent if an acquaintance 
 can spend more money on dress, entertainments, 
 or luxury. And when she passes into the society 
 of older girls she hears them considering the 
 means of their young men friends, and so comes 
 to appraise them at their financial rather than 
 their moral worth. 
 
 Wall 
 
 Well, perhaps it is better to accustom a young 
 girl to what she must expect when she is older. 
 This is likely to be remembered as the century 
 
 [21] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 of few babies and no children. We treat them 
 as adults at twelve, ask their opinions at fifteen, 
 and act upon their advice before they are twenty. 
 For myself, I am glad to have been a real boy, 
 although it seems to have been long ago. 
 
 Mas. Chester 
 (reminiscently) 
 
 And I would gladly be a girl again. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 It is only in our children that we re-live our 
 youth. 
 
 Wall 
 
 Then we are undoubtedly doomed to remain a 
 nation of adults. What with her clubs and social 
 functions, and her continual endeavors to emulate 
 the woman richer than herself, the average woman 
 of to-day, if she had a child, would be too busy 
 to take note of the fact. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 We are likely to hear some interesting ideas at 
 the dinner-table on Saturday. Lady Monteith is 
 a very advanced woman, and is not afraid to ex- 
 press her convictions. 
 
 [22] 
 
ACT FIRST 
 
 Wall 
 
 The English have mastered the difficult art of 
 eating and conversing at the same time. Un- 
 fortunately, we Americans fill oui'selves in silence. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Or discuss real estate values, the merits of our 
 machines, or the latest scandal. 
 
 Wall 
 
 Than which, at the dinner-table, the heaviest 
 silence would be preferable. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 (to WallJ 
 
 Mrs. Stetson has told me you know her guests 
 with the exception of the Crown Prince. 
 
 Wall 
 
 Yes. The Ambassador and I are old friends, 
 and I have shot with Monteith in Scotland. The 
 Baroness has told me her troubles in three capi- 
 tals of Europe, and I knew Stuyvesaart before he 
 forgot his by dying of apoplexy. I was one of 
 the lawyers who made it impossible for Cromer 
 to benefit by the Elgin millions. As for the 
 
 [23] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Crown Prince, well, outside of the aristocratic set, 
 royalty confers the privilege of its friendship only 
 on tradespeople and the demi-monde. Except, of 
 course, when, instead of going to the Opera 
 Comique, it comes to America. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 Mr. Wall seems to agree with me that these 
 foreigners see through our pretenses. I wish the 
 old days and the old ways would come back, so 
 that we could be sincere. 
 
 Wall 
 
 Sincerity, my dear lady, has never existed. 
 Life has always consisted of playing at make- 
 believe. In Europe, they pretend to be aristo- 
 cratic ; here we pretend to be equal. 
 
 [Enter Myrtle Duncan and Elkins. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 (rising to greet them) 
 
 Ah! here comes Youth; and youth is life, sin- 
 cere, hopeful, gorgeous ! (To Myrtle. J Dear, 
 I am glad to see you. (Turning to Elkins. J 
 And you too, Henry. Could we always have 
 young people near us, there would be no need 
 of doctors. 
 
 [24] 
 
ACT FIRST 
 
 Wall 
 
 (rises) 
 
 But there might be more need of us lawyers. 
 How are you, Miss Myrtle? 
 
 Mes. Chester 
 
 Silence, cynic. Come and sit by me, Henry. 
 I want to know about the position you are after. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 (as she and Mrs. Stetson and Wall take their 
 
 seats) 
 
 I waited outside while he kept an appointment 
 with the Secretary. But you won't get much out 
 of him. I couldn't. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 Tell us, Henry. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 It is still hanging fire. Say, Mrs. Stetson, if 
 this doesn't go through, I'm going to ask Mr. 
 Stetson to give me a job. 
 
 [25] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Anything but a stockbroker, Henry. You are 
 not the kind to go comfortably through life while 
 your victims curse you in poverty, or from a 
 suicide's grave. I hope the day of the promoter 
 and the gambler is almost over. 
 
 Wall 
 
 That day can never come, Mrs. Stetson. We 
 are all too eager to make money without working 
 for it. 
 
 Elkins 
 (enthusiastically ) 
 Not all of us. 
 
 Wall 
 
 The great majority, then. And, were it not 
 for the pleasant sensation of uncertainty con- 
 nected with the adventure, there would be but few 
 marriages. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 Is that why some men marry rich women.'' 
 
 [26] 
 
ACT FIRST 
 
 Wall 
 
 Partly. Because, if the gold is all they are 
 after, my opinion as a bachelor is a man can get 
 it far easier, and with less suffering and loss of 
 self-respect by going to the Klondyke. I would 
 sooner face a bear at fifty below zero than a rich 
 wife at boiling point. 
 
 Myrtle 
 Lord Cromer thought otherwise. 
 
 Wall 
 
 Yes ; but he was an Englishman and a lord. 
 And while poverty sharpens one's wits and sensi- 
 bilities, over-much leisure is apt to blunt them. A 
 lord will do anything sooner than work. 
 
 Myrtle 
 Even marry.? 
 
 Wall 
 Exactly. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Then he is no worse than many of our society 
 women. It all comes back to what I was saying 
 before you came in. 
 
 [27] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Elkins 
 And what was that, Mrs. Stetson? 
 
 Wall 
 
 No, no! I protest, Mrs. Stetson. Here is a 
 young man, standing expectantly on the threshold 
 of life. His finger on his lips — you remember 
 the line describing Joy.'' At any rate it is all 
 ahead of him. He believes in everything and 
 everybody. Why shatter his best illusion — belief 
 in women and their influence for good.'* 
 
 Myrtle 
 I think you are horrid! 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Belief in good women is not illusion ; but had I 
 a boy of my own I should teach him to dis- 
 criminate between good women, the women who 
 work in one way or another, and the idlers of our 
 own set. And it is these women I am decrying. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 (plaintively) 
 
 But how can one help doing nothing when 
 everything is done for you ? I study Italian ; my 
 maid cannot do that for me. 
 
 [28] 
 
ACT FIRST 
 
 Wall 
 A labor, indeed. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 My dear, there is so much we could do had we 
 only the instinct to know what. How many of 
 us consider the responsibility attached to having 
 servants.? We order them about, and pay them 
 their wages ; and in the same spirit we write our 
 checks monthly, and forward them to the Asso- 
 ciated Charities. Having done this, we think we 
 have done our share of looking after our servants 
 and the poor. It is the modern interpretation 
 of our duty to our neighbor. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 I know what Mrs. Stetson means. She would 
 have us remember that we are all human, that 
 distinctions are only the result of circumstance; 
 and that it is the duty of men and women to treat 
 those who are less fortunate also as men and 
 women. I sometimes wonder how we women can 
 clothe ourselves in expensive silks and satins, when 
 the girl who shows us the goods has to live on 
 four or five dollars a week. 
 
 [29] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 Wall 
 The dream of the dreamer! 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Years ago it was the dream of the dreamer; 
 to-day it is the battle-cry of everyone interested 
 in the welfare of the race. Wealth has made us 
 forget our obligations. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 I am sure I am good to Erminie. She has one 
 evening a week to herself. I give her my old 
 dresses. I can't invite her in to take tea with me. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 But we might perhaps add to the comfort of 
 her bedroom. 
 
 Wall 
 
 Practical Miss Myrtle! 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 We women waste our time. If we have chil- 
 dren we neglect them ; and the younger women 
 are growing up, believing that the duties of 
 motherhood can be relegated to the nursemaid. 
 
 [30] 
 
ACT FIRST 
 
 Wall 
 But think what experts they are at bridge! 
 
 Mes. Chester 
 
 And I am the Secretary of a Mothers' Club. 
 Chester never seems dissatisfied. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 Think of it! When am I to become an aunt, 
 Mabel? 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 And neither is Stetson dissatisfied, my dear. 
 But the reason is, as I said before, the average 
 American man has almost forgotten what a home 
 should be. He graduates from the boarding-house 
 to the apartment. He passes from the surveil- 
 lance of the landlady to that of the janitor. No 
 wonder that he spends most of his time in his 
 office. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 And yet women are back of every move for 
 reform. Don't you think we are more advanced 
 than any other people? And isn't the credit for 
 that advance chiefly due to our women? 
 
 [31] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 To a few women, rather; the majority do 
 nothing. Consciously, or unconsciously, we hin- 
 der the work of the others. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 Yet, one by one, the idlers fall into line. Be- 
 sides giving, wealthy women are seeing the neces- 
 sity of doing. 
 
 Wall 
 
 When the daughters of the wealthy join the 
 ranks of the reformers, my dear Miss Myrtle, it 
 is only for the sake of the notoriety. It is the 
 latest scheme to get their names and pictures in 
 the papers. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 The deeds that have the greatest influence for 
 good are the little deeds done in the home. Let 
 the men attend to cleaning up politics ; but let a 
 woman make her home what it should be, and her 
 children what they ought to be. If things go on 
 as they are at present, inside of fifty years the 
 Government will have to father and mother the 
 little ones. 
 
 [32] 
 
ACT FIRST 
 
 Well, I don't see how you are going to change 
 things. For women to give up their freedom 
 would be retrogression, and, although we have 
 many failings, that of going backward is not 
 one of them. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 And a woman who is accustomed from child- 
 hood to being petted and made much of, is not 
 going to give up everything and become serious. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Then she must expect a rude awakening sooner 
 or later. One has to pay for frivolity and idle- 
 ness, just as one has to pay for gambling and 
 speculation. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 By the bye, as we came along the newsboys 
 were shouting about more trouble on Wall Street. 
 I didn't hear the particulars, but quite a number 
 of firms are said to be involved. 
 
 [Mrs. Stetson starts. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 I always dread these Wall Street panics. 
 
 [33] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Everybody dreads them. Wall Street is a 
 menace to every woman in the country. Legiti- 
 mate business, from the West to the East, is en- 
 dangered. There will be no safety for anyone 
 until the power of the speculators is curtailed. 
 No man knows it better than Stetson ; and he has 
 often said that if he could get out, he would take 
 his money and invest it in the West. 
 
 Wall 
 
 The West is certainly drawing the money of 
 the country. There was a time when it all came 
 here, but now it is beginning to flow the other way. 
 The irrigation projects are making Colorado a 
 Paradise, and even London is looking there for 
 investments. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 England seems to be paying the penalty for 
 its centuries of exploitation of the masses by the 
 classes. Sooner or later the price has to be paid. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 Yet one is always hearing how progressive the 
 Englishwomen are. 
 
 [34] 
 
ACT FIRST 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Conditions in society are no less rotten there 
 than they are here. Earnest women are to be 
 found everywhere. But the majority, in England 
 as in America, are idlers, triflers, and spenders. 
 It remains to be seen whether England can pull 
 herself together. But it is of far greater im- 
 portance for us to profit by her example, and the 
 first step must be taken by us women — if we want 
 to save our men. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 Hear that. Myrtle? From now on you will 
 please discourage me from sending you candy and 
 violets ; and when we take in a show, you will 
 please say you prefer sitting in the gallery, for 
 the sake of the exercise! 
 
 Wall 
 
 And I shall immediately write a brief for the 
 Nickelodeons. Perhaps we can head society there 
 instead of to the Grand Opera, which only one 
 in a thousand can understand. Once make it the 
 thing for the Four Hundred to do, and the Ten 
 Thousand will flock there. It makes but little 
 difference what such people see or hear. They 
 
 [ 35 ] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 wish only to be seen and heard — especially when 
 music is offered them. 
 
 Myrtle 
 (looking at Wall J 
 The men never take things seriously. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 Perhaps that is why they accomplish so much. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 Myrtle doesn't like the idea of climbing to the 
 gallery. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 I don't mind where I sit if I'm with the right 
 man. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Now, don't quarrel. We shall neither have to 
 resort to the Nickelodeons, nor give up candy and 
 flowers. So many people are thinking along these 
 lines that good is bound to follow. I only hope 
 a crash doesn't come before the good day arrives. 
 
 [36] 
 
ACT FIRST 
 
 Wall 
 
 Ah! The Golden Age; the dream of dreams, 
 the one thing impossible of realization! 
 
 [While he is speaking, voices are 
 heard in the vestibule, and a 
 few seconds later Stetson and 
 Chestee enter, 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 Here come the men. 
 
 Wall 
 Shearing must be over early to-day. 
 
 [Stetson crosses and shakes hands 
 with Mrs. Chester; Chester 
 with Mrs. Stetson. Stetson 
 then shakes hands with Myrtle. 
 
 Stetson 
 You see, I thought I'd run up and see my home 
 before dusk. Picked up Chester on the way, and 
 we come as a surprise to you. Chester, how does 
 your wife look to you by daylight? 
 
 [The two men take seats. 
 
 Chester 
 
 Uncommonly well and attractive. Never knew 
 I had such a good one. 
 
 [37] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Elkins 
 How's that for a man married fifteen years? 
 
 Wall 
 American plan — no children. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Mr. Chester's remark substantiates what I have 
 been saying. (To her husband.) Richard, we 
 want to begin anew. 
 
 Stetson 
 To do what? 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 To get away from the uncertainty of things; 
 give up society 
 
 Wall 
 
 (mterrupting ) 
 
 Live on a farm, wear overalls, and that sort 
 of thing. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Not at all, but to try to live a life a little more 
 like the lives of those who are not ashamed of the 
 soil. 
 
 [38] 
 
ACT FIRST 
 
 Chester 
 
 We are all too much accustomed to luxury to 
 do that, Mrs. Stetson. 
 
 Stetson 
 (laughing) 
 Could you get along without your machine? 
 
 Elkins 
 
 I see where you don't get one, Myrtle. Or 
 sixty-dollar hats. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 I would give up everything if I knew that by 
 so doing I could rid ourselves of the sword that 
 is ever suspended above us. I could sacrifice all 
 luxury if I thought that by taking a place a little 
 lower down I could be of service to those in need. 
 
 Chester 
 
 How about it, Mabel? Are you willing to give 
 up your trip abroad this year, and stay at home 
 to dam my socks? I believe there are twenty or 
 thirty pair needing attention. 
 
 [39] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 (hesltatmgly ) 
 
 I don't know. I Oh, don't be foolish. 
 
 Stetson 
 
 (placing his hands on his knees, and leaning 
 
 forward) 
 
 He is only joking, Mrs. Chester. We are up, 
 and we must stay up. No going backward for 
 us. Elkins here isn't thinking of any farm. In 
 a couple of years he will want his touring car and 
 a house off Central Park. Wall doesn't truckle to 
 politicians or corporations for business, because 
 he is well fixed, and doesn't need more money. 
 Chester and I are in the ring, in the business ring ; 
 and we are there to make money for our wives. 
 If anyone crosses us, so much the worse for him ; 
 that is to say, if it don't turn out the worse for 
 us. But that's all in the game. While men are 
 men, and women are women, the game will go on. 
 I win, you lose; you win, I lose. (He talks ex- 
 citedly.) But while I'm in the ring I win if I 
 can. Hang ethics. Let the high-brows talk all 
 they like, and stay poor. I'm here to make money, 
 and it don't affect me what the other fellow does 
 
 [ 40 ] 
 
ACT FIRST 
 
 afterward. Let him hang himself if he has a mind 
 to. I'm after the cash — K-A-S-H — cash! 
 
 Myrtle 
 (Jwrrified) 
 
 But, Mr. Stetson, you kill yourself getting it. 
 
 Stetson 
 
 Maybe, my girl ; but one kills one's self if one 
 loses it ; and I'd rather keep fighting and die by 
 inches than 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 (interrupting) 
 
 Don't, Mr. Stetson ! You give me the horrors. 
 You men are all the same. Chester has spells, 
 and talks money to me until I hate the very mention 
 of it. 
 
 Stetson 
 
 (quietly) 
 
 But we have to have it, my dear Mrs. Chester. 
 It pays for your clothes, for your jewelry, for 
 your electric. Without money, you could have 
 no dinners at Sherry's, no trips to Europe. And 
 we men are glad to make it for you ; were we not 
 
 [41] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 busy making fortunes for you to spend we might 
 be wrecking empires. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 And as it is, you wreck individuals. 
 
 Stetson 
 (laughing) 
 Maybe, but they have the chance to wreck us. 
 
 Chester 
 It's a great game. 
 
 Stetson 
 And both sides have equal chances. 
 
 Wall 
 (sitting up and listening) 
 I thought I heard a noise on the street. 
 
 Elkins 
 Probably a late extra. 
 
 Stetson 
 (nervousli/) 
 The boys are always crying something or 
 other. Things were a little unsettled on the Street 
 this afternoon. 
 
 [42] 
 
ACT FIRST 
 
 Myrtle 
 Listen! I can hear him. 
 
 Wait! 
 
 Stetson 
 
 \_He approaches one of the windows 
 and opens it. Everyone is 
 silent in the room; a few sec- 
 onds later the hoarse voice of 
 a newsboy is heard in the dis- 
 tance, calling : " Extry ! 'Ere 
 y'are. All about the smash on 
 Wall Street. 'Undreds ruined. 
 'Ere y'are. Extry ! " Stetson 
 closes the wi/ndoWy and leans 
 against it, facing the room. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 (rises) 
 Oh! it is all so terrible. Richard- 
 
 Stetson 
 
 (lifting his hand) 
 
 No, I'm all right, dear. I know the men who 
 have gone down; but I'm safe. 
 
 [43] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Chester 
 
 Don't worry, Mrs. Stetson. He probably ate 
 mushrooms at lunch. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 (rising) 
 
 I will slip out and get the sheet. The servants 
 don't want to be set talking. 
 
 J^Exit Elkins. 
 
 Wall 
 
 That's right. (Goes over to a side table on 
 which is a decanter, pours out a glass of whisks/, 
 and takes it over to Stetson. j You fellows get 
 scares all the time. Drink this, old man. You 
 need a bracer. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 Mrs. Stetson, I'm a convert to the Simple Life 
 idea. 
 
 Wall 
 For ten minutes. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 Come and sit down, Mr. Stetson. If John had 
 to worry like that 
 
 [44] 
 
ACT FIRST 
 
 Chester 
 (interrupting) 
 I'm too easy-going for that, my dear. 
 
 Stetson 
 
 (returning to his chair) 
 
 Don't believe him. Every man worries if he 
 truly loves his wife. (To his wife.) Don't be 
 frightened, old girl. I've been a little upset to- 
 day ; liver, probably ; otherwise this thing wouldn't 
 have worried me. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 (leaning over her husband) 
 
 We must give it up, Richard. It isn't worth 
 while. 
 
 Wall 
 
 Don't be nervous. It will all be forgotten by 
 to-morrow. 
 
 Stetson 
 
 (abstractedly ) 
 
 Eh.^ To-morrow! What about to-morrow.? 
 
 [45] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Wall 
 
 I said you'll be yourself in a few minutes. It 
 will all be forgotten by to-morrow. 
 
 Stetson 
 Yes, yes. I'm just a little upset. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 You must give it up, Richard; for my sake. 
 
 Stetson 
 
 Well, when I've turned this one deal, perhaps 
 I may. 
 
 Chester 
 
 Nonsense ! You are run down. Jump into your 
 car, and take a good spin before dinner. What 
 you need is fresh air. 
 
 Myrtle 
 (as Elkins appears mith a paper) 
 Here comes Henry. 
 
 Elkins 
 (gimng the paper to StetsonJ 
 There's a long list of them. But your name 
 isn't down. 
 
 [46] 
 
ACT FIRST 
 
 Stetson 
 
 (glancing through the list) 
 
 No, I knew I was safe. (He evidently has to 
 control himself.) 
 
 Wall 
 
 Eh? Well, it's all in the game. So long as 
 you aren't hurt, what's the difference.? 
 
 Mes. Chester 
 
 (risi/ng) 
 
 It is awful to think of so many being ruined. 
 Come, ^lyrtle. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 These are only the Agents. Of their victims 
 we shall never hear. 
 
 Stetson 
 
 Ah! the Great Many. Good God! May we 
 never be among them. 
 
 (curtain) 
 [47] 
 
ACT II 
 
 It is evening of the same day. Sitting-room 
 of Chester's apartment; the blinds are drawn. A 
 door opens into the room. Chester is seated at 
 his wife's writing- table, going over some papers 
 which he puts back into a drawer. Elkins is 
 seated in an armchair. At the end of the room, 
 portieres are hanging y hiding another door. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 Same old performance, eh? Every time I drop 
 in you seem to be looking over the bills. 
 
 Chester 
 
 Yes ; it is one of the rights of the American 
 husband. His cherished prerogative is to pay 
 them. Kings do no more. 
 
 Elkins 
 Or seldom as much. 
 
 Chester 
 
 Well, there's a sort of satisfaction in it, any- 
 how. What one might call fulfilling one's destiny. 
 You will know all about it one of these days. 
 
 [48] 
 
ACT SECOND 
 
 Elkins 
 
 Not in the near future, I hope. Whenever I 
 contemplate matrimony I inquire into the price 
 of the women's hats. If that doesn't produce the 
 necessary chill I go into autos; and, then, there 
 are always plenty of women willing to discuss the 
 servant question with me. 
 
 Chester 
 
 (rises and takes a cigarette from a box on the 
 
 table) 
 
 Such matters should not be talked over before 
 the very young, and hopeful. 
 
 , Elkins 
 
 That might be construed as conspiracy. Throw 
 me a cigarette. Even if Mabel runs up bills, she 
 lets you smoke around the house. I know lots of 
 women who won't. That shows you've a wise one. 
 
 Chester 
 , Thanks. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 The man who can smoke around his own home 
 is usually content to stay there instead of warm- 
 ing the chairs in his club. 
 
 [49] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Chester 
 
 Why don't you write a book, " How to Get 
 Along, Though Married"? But you are right. 
 She's a brick, my boy. May you get as good a 
 one. It isn't her fault if feathers come high. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 That's so. And, being a woman, she likes to 
 wear them. You and I indulge in imported ciga- 
 rettes. I guess a man wants his wife to look 
 dressy. Mabel makes a better appearance than 
 many a woman with a fortune to draw against. 
 
 Chester 
 
 She knows how, you see. When a woman can 
 
 do that 
 
 Elkins 
 
 (interrupting) 
 
 Her husband has a pudding, eh.'^ 
 
 Chester 
 
 Well, that's one way of expressing it. I sup- 
 pose we all have to worry occasionally. Mabel 
 knows how all right, and yet our bills do seem 
 to keep on getting bigger. But, then, what's a 
 
 [50] 
 
ACT SECOND 
 
 man for if not to make money? The way we look 
 at things to-day, if a man can't make money he's 
 no good. I don't mean to say that the best men 
 are those that make the most money, but if a man 
 can't do it the world thinks there must be some- 
 thing the matter with him. You will have to 
 buckle down to it one of these days. 
 
 \_The portieres part slowly ^ and 
 Myrtle enters. She seems to 
 he aware of only Elkins, who 
 rises to greet her. Chester 
 taTces up an evening paper and 
 reads. 
 
 Hello, Myrtle 
 
 Elkins 
 (rises) 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 I thought I heard your voice. Mabel will be 
 here soon. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 I suppose a crowd is coming to-night. Let's sit 
 down here; I've news to tell you. 
 
 [They take seats in a corner. 
 
 [51] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 (excitedly) 
 
 You've won out? 
 
 Elkins 
 
 Better than I expected, Myrtle. And you are 
 the first to hear of it. 
 
 Chester 
 (still reading) 
 
 I don't count. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 Of course you don't. Tell me about it, Henry. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 There isn't much to it. I didn't like to tell you 
 the details this afternoon. About fifty applica- 
 tions were sent in for the job. They were boiled 
 down to three, mine being among them. The 
 Secretary sent for me^ and while you were waiting 
 in Madison Square he put me through the " sweat- 
 ing" process. An hour ago I got a Special De- 
 livery letter saying I had won out, and I am to 
 show up the first of the month. 
 
 [62] 
 
ACT SECOND 
 
 Chester 
 
 Good for you, Henry. You've got a job in a 
 thousand. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 I feel pretty glad myself. You see, I've tried 
 to prepare myself for a position like this. I've 
 worked hard. I've never felt that the world owed 
 me a job, or that pull could get me the right kind 
 of one. I've stuck to one thing, and tried to learn 
 it thoroughly, and I've not been ashamed to get 
 my hands dirty if my brains could profit by it. 
 Old What's-his-name said I was pretty young; 
 but I have an idea he thought he could make more 
 of a young chap willing to learn than of an old 
 chap who wanted to have his own way. And he 
 was so decent that I got to talking about all I'd 
 like to do — the sort of stuff you and I have talked 
 about, Myrtle, — and although I guess it was 
 rather nervy, he seemed to like it. Anyhow, when 
 I got up to go, he put his hand on my shoulder, 
 and said : " Stick to your ideals, my boy, through 
 thick and thin. They say we Americans are cold 
 business men ; but perhaps we are dreamers, after 
 all. At heart, we all want to do right, and time 
 may prove that our way was best. There is so 
 
 [53] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 much to be accomplished by sticking to our 
 ideals." It sort of encouraged me to hear him 
 talk like that. And his letter has strengthened 
 me in my beliefs. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 Good again for you, Henry. Thinking right 
 is doing right; and the man who does right gets 
 there every time. 
 
 Chester 
 
 (folds the paper, rises from his chair, and taJces 
 a place behind the young people) 
 
 Old man, all you've said is true. You know, 
 I'm no preacher; but you've expressed what thou- 
 sands of other men feel, yet can't say. We are 
 just as much idealists as men of other nationalities. 
 Perhaps more so, because we accomplish greater 
 things. And behind the deed there must always 
 be the dream. I'm just one of the Great Many, 
 whose work it is to act a little part and make 
 one person happy; but I've had my dreams, too, 
 just as every man on the street has had his. 
 When you are as old as I am, may you see in 
 your dreams the foundations of your success, and 
 may your ideals accompany you into the shadow. 
 
 [54] 
 
ACT SECOND 
 
 We build for ourselves a perfect future by our 
 actions of to-day. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 I wonder what Mabel would think could she 
 hear him talking like that? 
 
 Chester 
 She has had her dreams, too. 
 
 Myrtle 
 (flippantly) 
 Of bridge prizes ! 
 
 Chester 
 Of other things, Myrtle. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 Of course she has, and dreams still, I'll wager. 
 Take that out of a woman's life and what has she 
 left to fall back on? 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 Cards, novels, and gossip, O innocent idealist! 
 
 [56] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Chester 
 
 Myrtle is flippant to-night, Henry. Ask her 
 if she is never guilty of dreaming along with the 
 rest of us. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 The rest of us ! You evidently include yourself 
 among the Chosen Few. Yet all you do when 
 you come home is to read the paper and talk 
 small-talk with Mabel. I've never caught you 
 with a magazine in your hand, much less a book. 
 Your dreams aren't the real article, John. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 (as Chester, making a gesture of impatience, 
 walks away from them) 
 
 Now you've made him mad. Judge not that 
 ye be not judged. Myrtle. We are all dreamers, 
 I guess, because we are always wishing for some- 
 thing we cannot get. 
 
 [The door is opened hy Erminie, 
 who amnounces Mr. Wall. Mr. 
 Wall enters. Erminie retires, 
 closing the door, 
 
 [66] 
 
ACT SECOND 
 
 Wall 
 
 (advancing to shake hands with MyrtleJ 
 
 Good-evening, everybody. Miss Myrtle, I want 
 to congratulate you on your article on " The 
 Old Ideal " in last week's Academy. I have just 
 read it at the Club. When you are a woman of 
 
 thirty 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 (interrupting ) 
 Horrors ! 
 
 Wall 
 
 When you are a woman of thirty may you still 
 have the same views, and may every editor in the 
 country ask you to express them. 
 
 Chester 
 
 More horrors ! No, I didn't mean that. We 
 are very proud of Myrtle. She has said what I 
 think but cannot express. 
 
 Wall 
 
 (seating himself ) 
 
 And the trouble with so many men is that they 
 say what they think, but don't think very deeply. 
 How's that, Elkins ? You seem quiet this evening. 
 
 [57] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 Myetle 
 Wrapped in his dreams. 
 
 Chester 
 
 No, he isn't. He landed that position a few 
 hours ago, and 
 
 Wall 
 
 (interrupting) 
 
 Then I congratulate you, too, my boy. Your 
 foot is on the first rung of the ladder, and it's an 
 important day. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 Thanks. But I was thinking of Myrtle's arti- 
 cle. It was fine, wasn't it.? I wish I could write 
 like that. I have plenty of good thoughts, but 
 I've never been able to put them down on paper. 
 They get as far as my finger-tips, and then seem 
 to vanish. Myrtle is a genius. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 Only sane, Henry. I got a lot of my ideas 
 from hearing you talk. 
 
 [58] 
 
ACT SECOND 
 
 Chester 
 
 Where's Mabel? Why doesn't she come in? 
 Guess I'll go after her. 
 
 [Rises from his chair and is goi/ng 
 towards the portieres, hut 
 Myrtle intercepts him. 
 
 Myrtle 
 Don't bother her, John. She will be here soon. 
 
 Chester 
 
 Why, is anything the matter? She seemed de- 
 pressed at dinner. That letter must have upset 
 her. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 No. It was probably an invitation to some- 
 thing or other. I will go and tell her we have 
 a guest. 
 
 Wall 
 
 (rising) 
 
 Oh, don't trouble her, Miss Myrtle. Mrs. 
 Chester won't consider me a visitor. Please let 
 me drop in again. 
 
 [59] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Chester 
 
 No, no. Sit down, Wall. She will be here 
 directly. (^Myrtle goes out through the por- 
 tieres.) Besides, we expect Miss Florriwell. She 
 rang up Myrtle an hour ago and said she was 
 coming. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 (helps himself to a cigarette) 
 
 Then we are in for it. Stay, Wall, and help 
 us out. 
 
 Wall 
 
 (takes his seat again) 
 
 Another case of a good woman with nothing 
 to do. The microbe appears to be catching, al- 
 though Miss Florriwell tries to interest herself 
 in things. In every house where I visit, the 
 servant question seems to be paramount, and I 
 wonder why women won't give their attention to 
 the settling of that question rather than want 
 to mix up in politics. With troubles in the home, 
 I doubt if we shall ever have perfection outside 
 of it. However, I don't let it bother me very 
 much. 
 
 [60] 
 
ACT SECOND 
 
 Chester 
 My wife keeps out of it. A little too much 
 society and bridge, perhaps; but I'd sooner have 
 her do that than interest herself in the City Hall. 
 
 Wall 
 
 (deliberately) 
 
 And yet, if I were married (with emphasis), if 
 
 I were married I should prefer to have my wife 
 
 interested in good government rather than in 
 
 bridge. 
 
 Elkins 
 My views exactly. She might help in the one, 
 but she could never change society. 
 
 Wall 
 I don't mind the society part of it so much. 
 We are all social animals, more or less ; but when 
 a man's wife plays cards she is flirting with the 
 devil. 
 
 Chester 
 
 You mean if she plays for stakes, and big 
 money at that.'* 
 
 Wall 
 
 I mean just what I said — if she plays cards. 
 It is only a matter of time for the stakes to fol- 
 
 [61] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 low. Given the opportunity, the best of women 
 will gamble. The law of chances is in favor of 
 losses rather than gains ; and if I were married — 
 I state the conditions, you see — I would prefer 
 to know that my wife had never owed man or 
 woman, even in a friendly way, so small a sum as 
 a dollar. 
 
 Chester 
 
 A trifling debt, my dear fellow, and easily paid. 
 
 Wall 
 
 Sometimes, and sometimes not so easily. It is 
 not so much the amount as the principle involved. 
 (Rising.) Ah ! the ladies ! 
 
 \While he is speaking the portieres 
 part, and Mrs. Chester and 
 Myrtle appear together, their 
 arms about each other. Mrs. 
 Chester looks anxiously at all 
 in, the room, and apparently 
 evades the glance of Wall. 
 At the same moment the door 
 is opened by Erminie, and Miss 
 Florriwell is announced. Miss 
 Florriwell enters, and the 
 men rise. 
 
 [62] 
 
ACT SECOND 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 (goes forward quickly to greet her) 
 
 My dear Ann ! I am so glad to see you. You 
 must take off your hat. 
 
 Miss Florriwell 
 
 No, Mabel. I have just come in for a few 
 minutes. (Turning to Myrtle and kissing her.) 
 Really to see this child. 
 
 [Chester and Elkins approach 
 and shake hands with her; Wall 
 hows from where he standsy also 
 to Mrs. Chester, who now sees 
 him. Elkins gives Miss Florri- 
 well a chair J and all are seated. 
 
 Wall 
 
 I came over on the same mission, Miss Florri- 
 well. She has accomplished something. Mrs. 
 Chester, what have you to say about your sister's 
 work.'* 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 To tell the truth, I have not yet read the article. 
 But Myrtle understands. Whatever she does is 
 right. And she is brighter than the rest of us. 
 
 [63] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 Myrtle 
 No brighter, Mabel. More interested, perhaps. 
 
 Wall 
 
 The outlook is indeed hopeful when young 
 people interest themselves in reform. Personally, 
 I have rather given up hope. Things seem at 
 sixes and sevens, pretty much mixed. But, then, 
 I belong to the Old School. 
 
 Miss Florriwell 
 
 And the Old School created the problems which 
 the New School must solve. Myrtle thinks she 
 belongs to the Old School because she defends 
 some of the olden ways. But at heart she is 
 New School. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 The old order changeth. If only a few more 
 would see things as we see them. Miss Florriwell, 
 this would be a better world for all of us. Of 
 course, I'm young, and all that; but I believe in 
 expressing one's views, altering them from time 
 to time as one progresses, and continually looking 
 forward to the better day ahead. 
 
 [64] 
 
ACT SECOND 
 
 Chester 
 
 Good boy, Henry. The rest of us will jog 
 along in the well-worn ruts so that the world's 
 equilibrium won't be upset. (He picks up the 
 paper again and glances over it.) I wonder if 
 your appointment will appear in to-morrow's 
 paper? This is a late edition. It all seems to 
 be about the fight. 
 
 [While he is speaking, Elkixs 
 leaves his seat and glances over 
 Chester's shoulder at the paper. 
 Miss Florriwell moves to a 
 chair beside Myrtle, who has 
 taken a magazine off the table 
 to show to her. Wall, who 
 has risen, takes a seat beside 
 Mrs. Chester. Miss Florri- 
 WELL and jNIyrtle engage in 
 subdued conversation, and El- 
 kins points out a paragraph to 
 Chester. 
 
 Wall 
 (to Mrs. Chester j 
 
 You received my notc.^^ 
 
 [65] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 Yes, but not until dinner time. Couldn't you 
 have told me about it this afternoon? 
 
 Wall 
 The opportunity did not present itself. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 Please do not raise your voice. 
 
 Wall 
 
 (looVmg around) 
 
 The others cannot hear us. Needless to say, I 
 regret what has happened. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 And yet you take sides against me ? 
 
 Wall 
 
 Because I think I can serve you best by so 
 doing. I am also a friend of Mrs. Morton, you 
 know. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 I must have been crazy last Tuesday. 
 
 [66] 
 
ACT SECOND 
 
 Wall 
 
 Mrs. Morton evidently does not think so. She 
 claims she loaned you this money in response to 
 a business-like request on your part. She says 
 you undertook to pay it the day following. Ac- 
 cording to her statement you promised this dis- 
 tinctly. Think back. Was it so? 
 
 \_In the few seconds she is trying to 
 recollect, the voices of Miss 
 Florriwell and Myrtle are 
 heard. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 Some of the ideas may seem ' old-fashioned to 
 you. 
 
 Miss Florriwell 
 
 No, my dear; and even if they were they would 
 not be hurtful to anything the New Woman ad- 
 vocates. The ideal remains the same, whether 
 old or new. 
 
 [Mrs. Chester passes her hand 
 across her eyes. The other 
 women return to their maga- 
 zine. 
 
 [67] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Mes. Chester 
 
 I cannot remember having said that. I think 
 I promised to repay the money during the month. 
 
 Wall 
 
 Er — excuse me — had you taken anything to 
 drink ? 
 
 Mes. Chestee 
 Only 
 
 Wall 
 
 (interrupting and raising his hand) 
 
 Thank you. That is all I wanted to know. I 
 will call to-morrow at eleven if I may, and see you 
 when we can talk. This matter must be arranged, 
 and I think we can do so without bothering 
 Chester. 
 
 Mes. Chestee 
 
 I wish I dared tell him. 
 
 [68] 
 
ACT SECOND 
 
 Wall 
 
 It may not be necessary. 
 
 [Mrs. Chester is about to reply, 
 when a ring at the telephone 
 is heard. Mrs. Chester makes 
 a gesture of fear. Chester 
 leaves the room, closing the 
 door. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 (who has looked up) 
 
 Why, Mabel! You are as pale as a ghost. 
 Aren't you well, dear.? 
 
 [Myrtle leaves Miss Florriwell, 
 and goes over to her sister. 
 Wall rises and chats with 
 Elkins. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 The room is rather warm. I am all right now. 
 
 Miss Florriwell 
 
 You had better let me take you for a short ride 
 in my electric. The night is delightful. 
 
 [69] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 I am all right now, Ann. What were you and 
 Myrtle talking about.? 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 The old subject, dear. There, you do look 
 better. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 Yes, I am better again. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 Too much society, Mabel. You want to rest 
 up for a time. It is wearing you out. We only 
 live once, you know. 
 
 Wall 
 Then shouldn't we get out of it all we can? 
 
 Miss Florriwell 
 All that's good, you mean. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 I wonder what keeps John so long .J* 
 
 [70] 
 
ACT SECOND 
 
 Myrtle 
 Now you look worried again! 
 
 Elkins 
 
 He is all business, you know. Someone is 
 probably asking him the price of Union Pacific. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 (jokingly) 
 
 Or your milliner, dear. 
 
 [They all laugh. 
 
 Wall 
 
 Milliners never telephone. They call. 
 
 [Chester enters. They all look 
 at him with the exception of 
 Mrs. Chester. Her hand goes 
 to her heart. 
 
 Myrtle 
 Bills, John? 
 
 Chester 
 (going to his old chair) 
 
 No. The Stetsons (^Mrs. Chester starts 
 
 to her feet; Chester looks at her.) Why ! What 
 
 [71] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 is the matter, dear? You are terribly nervous 
 to-night. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 No, no ; nothing. What about the Stetsons, 
 John ? 
 
 Chester 
 
 Hazelton rang me up to tell me he hears Stetson 
 has been pushed to the wall. It was kept out of 
 the evening editions, but the morning papers will 
 have it. (Mrs. Chester sits down again, stari/ng 
 ahead of her.) It doesn't affect me. 
 
 Wall 
 A good fellow. 
 
 Chester 
 
 Yes, a mighty good fellow. A little too fond of 
 going with the swell crowd. Good entertainer. 
 But hardly a safe man. I am sorry for him. We 
 have been friends for years. 
 
 Miss Florriwell 
 It will be hardest on the wife. 
 
 Elkins 
 They have been lavish spenders. 
 
 [72] 
 
ACT SECOND 
 
 Chester 
 Well, it may prove the making of them. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 Be charitable, John. 
 
 Chester 
 
 I'm charitable enough. All Stetson has had to 
 do for the last fifteen years is to grind out dollars 
 for his wife to spend. He has scraped and 
 schemed summer and winter to keep her on the 
 Riviera or out in California, and she has played 
 ducks and drakes with his money. Considering 
 what some women seem to expect of their hus- 
 bands, it is a wonder to me that more of us don't 
 land in the penitentiary. 
 
 Myrtle 
 He's giving it to you, Mabel. 
 
 Chester 
 
 Mabel is a good wife. She has helped me, and 
 she hasn't squandered what little I have made. 
 (Mrs. Chester's hand again goes to her heart.) 
 When our day comes we shall enjoy life together. 
 
 [73] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Miss Florriwell 
 
 The spending woman is the natural result of 
 the pampered woman. In time, American women 
 will become the helpmeets of men, just as the 
 French and German women are the helpmeets of 
 their husbands to-day. 
 
 Elkins 
 God bless the Elsas and Gretchens. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 Is there no way of saving the Stetsons, John.'* 
 
 Chester 
 
 (lighting a cigarette) 
 
 Not that I can see. That's the way in business. 
 Up to-day, down to-morrow. 
 
 Wall 
 
 The trouble is that when one goes down so 
 many are dragged down with him. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 Innocent people. I know. We lost our money 
 that way. 
 
 [74] 
 
ACT SECOND 
 
 Chester 
 
 Well, it's only business. The statistics show 
 that seventy-seven and one-half per cent, of busi- 
 ness ventures are failures. So far, I'm among 
 the successful. But, then, I'm cautious, and 
 Mabel isn't foolish. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 Poor things ! They will have to give up every- 
 thing. 
 
 Chester 
 
 I doubt if Stetson saved anything. He made 
 money, and his wife spent it. It is the American 
 way, and those who do otherwise are the excep- 
 tions. 
 
 Miss Florriwell 
 
 (to MyrtleJ 
 
 Now, dear, you see why I believe in woman's 
 cause, in any move that will give a woman greater 
 freedom. With freedom she will think ; and when 
 she thinks she will no longer drive the man she 
 loves to the brink of desperation, nor will she 
 endanger the fortunes of her children, in the 
 gratification of her personal vanity. 
 
 [75] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 Our mothers were sane; the old ideals are my 
 ideals. 
 
 Miss Florriwell 
 
 But conditions have changed, Myrtle. Life 
 was simpler years ago, and the men of those days 
 had less to contend with. Wives were ornaments ; 
 but to-day they are no longer satisfied to be classed 
 along with the bric-a-brac. They want to be of 
 service — I am speaking of true women, of course; 
 they want to make life better; they want to re- 
 move pitfalls from the paths of the children, and 
 prove themselves mates for the men they love. 
 The woman of curls and patches has disappeared, 
 and men should be the last to want her back again. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 And yet what an influence she exerted in her 
 own quiet way. She was queen in the dining- 
 room, mistress in the kitchen, and 
 
 Wall 
 
 (interrupting) 
 
 Mother in the nursery, eh.^^ No allowance be- 
 ing made in the architectural plans of the modern 
 
 [76] 
 
ACT SECOND 
 
 flat for the nursery, I suppose it is our way of 
 suggesting that motherhood is no longer consid- 
 ered proper. 
 
 Miss Floeriwell 
 
 Her influence was not always for good. Women 
 knew that men considered them his inferior, and 
 they took advantage of him whenever possible. 
 
 Myetle 
 And now? 
 
 Miss Floeriwell 
 
 And now that she is considered his equal she no 
 longer takes advantage of him; she would work 
 side by side with him for the good of the many. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 I am still thinking of the Stetsons. 
 
 Chester 
 
 No use in worrying, Mabel. The piper has to 
 be paid, you know. For a short whirl in society, 
 many a family has had to live in penury. And I 
 doubt if we shall ever learn by the folly of others. 
 
 [77] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Wall 
 You had no dealings with Stetson? 
 
 Chester 
 
 Never. We were good friends, but I always 
 thought his methods too risky. About a month 
 ago he wanted to use my Pennsylvanias, and 
 offered a good premium. But I said no. I'm 
 glad I was cautious. 
 
 Wall 
 
 Well, you are fortunate. Had you given them 
 to him you would have been a poor man to-night. 
 
 [Mrs. Chester starts. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 Don't talk of such a thing. It gives one the 
 creeps. 
 
 Elkins 
 You wouldn't get that electric, Mrs. Chester. 
 
 Miss Florriwell 
 
 Or your trip abroad. 
 
 [78] 
 
ACT SECOND 
 
 AIrs. Chester 
 
 (pleadmgly) 
 
 John is not the sort to be easily discouraged. 
 Suppose we had lost everything, dear; suppose 
 we were as poor as the Stetsons, would you care 
 very much? 
 
 Chester 
 
 (irritably) 
 
 Hear the woman talk! What are we here for 
 if not to play the game? And the stakes are 
 success and money, aren't they? I've played the 
 game, and I've been fairly successful. But one 
 doesn't make a stake easily. Of course I'd care. 
 So would you care when you had to cut out your 
 luncheons and dinners, cut out theaters and pretty 
 dresses, and live on next to nothing a week. 
 Let'si change the subject or I'll have a nightmare 
 to-night. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 (as if to herself ). 
 
 Poor Mrs. Stetson. It's all so terrible. 
 [Chester makes a gesture of irri- 
 tability. 
 
 [79] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Myrtle 
 I wish the old days would come back. 
 
 Elkins 
 Side curls and patches? 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 Anything rather than this continuous battle 
 called modem business. 
 
 Wall 
 Miss Myrtle is an idealist. 
 
 Miss Florriwell 
 
 And perhaps it was intended we should be ideal- 
 ists. Some of us women still think so, and we 
 are doing our best to make society saner. All 
 over the world the cry is the same, and unless 
 something is done there will be a swift ending of 
 our civilization. 
 
 Chester 
 
 I don't see that women can change things much. 
 
 Miss Florriwell 
 
 They have the interests of the nation as much 
 at heart as have men. Give them the opportunity 
 
 [80] 
 
ACT SECOND 
 
 and you will find them capable aids in securing 
 honest legislation ; enlarge the field of their activi- 
 ties and you will no longer see them wasting their 
 time on bridge or social frivolity. An auto ride 
 will no longer seem the most satisfactory way of 
 spending an afternoon. The novel-reading woman 
 is out of style ; the card-playing woman is worse, 
 and, to get rid of her, you must find useful and 
 honorable occupation for her and her sisters. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 Dear Ann, we are not all willing, neither are we 
 all capable. What could I do, for instance.'* 
 
 Miss Florriwell 
 
 There are more things than one a woman can 
 do. If she is not interested in the things I am 
 interested in, there is plenty else to keep her busy. 
 And not the least useful thing a married woman 
 can do is to raise her own sons and daughters 
 that they develop into good Americans. A true 
 mother should no more be willing to leave her 
 children to the care of the nurse than her dinner 
 to the choice of the cook. 
 
 Elkins 
 Good for you. Miss Florriwell. Mrs. Chester 
 knows that what you say is right; but, like the 
 
 [81] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 rest of us, she likes to be reminded occasionally 
 of the truth. 
 
 Wall 
 
 Modern society is no less a failure than was 
 monasticism. The latter was incapable of action, 
 and died a natural death; society never thinks, 
 and is therefore doomed. But I doubt if it will 
 ever be other than what it is. 
 
 Elkins 
 The younger generation is coming along. 
 
 Myrtle 
 And the younger generation is for progress. 
 
 Wall 
 How about the old ideals? 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 They are good enough. It is only modem 
 methods that are unsatisfactory. 
 
 Miss Florriwell 
 
 And even the ideals are to be changed somewhat. 
 Fifty years ago you would have had to sit silently 
 
 [82] 
 
ACT SECOND 
 
 in a corner. Your article in the Academy would 
 never have appeared. You would have played 
 croquet instead of golf; Byron would have been 
 your favorite author instead of Tolstoy. Where 
 the ideals remain unchanged, progress is impos- 
 sible. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 We mean one and the same thing, but we express 
 our thoughts differently. 
 
 Chester 
 
 And, say what you will, life remains a pretty 
 serious proposition. Especially married life. 
 What do you young people know about it.? Your 
 bills are paid; for you there is no Servant Ques- 
 tion, and you don't have to argue with the plumber 
 or the gardener. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 (loftily) 
 
 When we do, perhaps we shall reason with 
 them. There is a difference, you know, in the 
 two methods. 
 
 [83] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Wall 
 
 It is good to be hopeful, anyhow. Youth is 
 too enthusiastic ; Age is too disgruntled. It is 
 only the Man of Forty who sees life as it really is. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 But a woman always sees it as it might be. 
 Whether we are New Women, or just ordinary 
 Women, we always retain the ^ream power. And 
 we guard it as the virgins guarded the flame in 
 the silent temples of Vesta. 
 
 Myrtle 
 Quite a flight for Mabel! 
 
 Chester 
 
 But Mabel speaks like a true woman. Her 
 ideas may not be yours. Myrtle, nor yours. Miss 
 Florriwell; but fundamentally you all agree. My 
 views of life are different from those of Henry; 
 making money is apt to make one practical. Yet 
 he and I agree when it comes to ethics, even if it 
 is sometimes impossible for me to act according 
 to my beliefs. You may not find Tennyson ly- 
 ing around an ofBce ; but if poets were the only 
 readers of poetry and good literature, the pub- 
 lishers would soon be where our friends the Stet- 
 
 [ 84 ] 
 
ACT SECOND 
 
 sons are. By Jove, it's too bad about them, 
 wish I could help him. 
 
 Elkin 
 
 ^^s 
 
 It takes brains to appreciate brains. Our men 
 are shrewd enough to see the good in everything; 
 and they have warm hearts. 
 
 Miss Florriwell 
 
 That is why we feel sure of winning our fight. 
 The American is the best man in the world. He 
 knows that freedom and equality have made him 
 what he is; have made America what it is. And 
 he will be the last to deny that freedom and 
 equality to his women. . We have no fear of the 
 outcome. 
 
 IShe rises. Mrs. Chester and the 
 men also rise. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 (enthusiastically ) 
 You bet! 
 
 Wall 
 
 Miss Florriwell will let me see her to her door? 
 
 [85] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 Miss Florriwell 
 
 I came in my electric, but you can accompany 
 me if you are going. (To Mrs. Chester. J I 
 only ran in for a minute, Mabel ; and I had almost 
 forgotten to tell you I have decided to leave for 
 Sicily in a few days. The house will be closed 
 while I am away. But I shall see you all again. 
 I expect to be away fully six months. 
 
 [While she is speakings Wall 
 whispers a few words to Mrs. 
 Chester, bows to Myrtle, and 
 then opens the door and goes 
 out, Chester accompanies hiniy 
 leaving Elkins, Myrtle, Mrs. 
 Chester, and Miss Florriwell 
 in the room. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 I shall miss you, Ann. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 Miss Florriwell will spread American ideals in 
 Sicily. Be sure you take the flag along with you, 
 Miss Florriwell. 
 
 [86] 
 
ACT SECOND 
 
 Myrtle 
 And wave it occasionally. 
 
 Miss Florriwell 
 
 Trust an American woman to do that, my dear. 
 And when I get back I will tell you whether 
 Tennyson was as true a prophet as he was poet, 
 when he said that the old order changeth. I 
 cannot imagine a Sicilian ever changing. Good- 
 by, Mr. Elkins. 
 
 [^She moves to the door, accomr 
 
 panied hy Myrtle and Mrs. 
 
 Chester, whose arm is about 
 
 her. Elkins remains hy the 
 
 fireplace. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 I shall miss you very much. But the change 
 will do you good. I hope we shall all be here 
 when you return. 
 
 Miss Florriwell 
 
 Of course you will, dear; how silly to think of 
 such a thing. 
 
 [The three women go out. A few 
 seconds later. Myrtle returns. 
 
 [87] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Myrtle 
 (goes over to ElkinsJ 
 Oh, Henry! I can't tell you how glad I am. 
 
 Elkins 
 Why? That she is going? 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 About your success, of course. How dull some 
 people are! You must be sleepy. 
 
 l^She takes a seat, while Elkins 
 stands over her. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 I knew. I was only teasing. Life begins on 
 Monday. Just think! It's all ahead. Say, 
 Myrtle, it's too bad about the Stetsons, isn't it? 
 Sort of gives me the blues. 
 
 Myrtle 
 Perhaps things will come out all right. 
 
 Elkins 
 I guess not. Mabel seemed to be worrying too. 
 
 [88] 
 
ACT SECOND 
 Myrtle 
 
 She visited there a great deal. Personally, I 
 don't care much for them. They are ostentatious 
 people. And yet I'm sorry for Mrs. Stetson. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 It's too bad that business so often ends that 
 way. I guess Stetson had his " first day " once 
 upon a time. He had his hopes and his ambitions ; 
 and even if he isn't exactly our kind, he is a 
 human being. His wife was a girl once, like you, 
 Myrtle; and they built their air castles just like 
 the rest of us. I don't believe in the survival of 
 the fittest doctrine. All should have our sympa- 
 thy. When one fails, the progress of the race is 
 hindered. Ghee! I'm sorry for him. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 You are a dear boy, Henry. I don't know 
 why, but I feel it is going to affect us, too. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 I don't see why. John doesn't owe him money. 
 I know of quite a few, though, who invested their 
 
 [89] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 all with him. The morning papers will be bad 
 reading. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 But do you know what day it will be? 
 
 Elkins 
 
 Your birthday, kid. No amount of bad news 
 can spoil that day. 
 
 Myrtle 
 (sighing) 
 I shall soon be ancient. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 It was only yesterday I used to swing you! 
 You aren't fully grown yet. You are a baby 
 compared to me. 
 
 [Chester and Mrs. Chester enter. 
 
 Myrtle 
 Indeed! I like that. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 Quarreling? 
 
 [90] 
 
ACT SECOND 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 Henry hasn't proper respect for my years. On 
 the eve of my birthday, too. 
 
 [^Thej/ seat themMlves, except El- 
 kins, who remams leaning over 
 Myrtle's chair. 
 
 Chester 
 Sit down, Henry, and have another cigarette. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 No, I must be going. Shall I call for you in 
 the morning. Myrtle.? 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 Miss riorriwell wants us to take lunch with her. 
 Let us go to the Park first. I wonder what the 
 Stetsons are doing. I wish I could help them. 
 
 Chester 
 
 Probably preparing an inventory of their things. 
 I think everything was in his name. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 She had property of her own. 
 
 [91] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Chester 
 
 Yes ; but she made it over to him. I guess they 
 will be dead broke this time. Something may turn 
 up to save them, but it isn't likely. They will 
 be poor. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 (going to the door) 
 
 Well, good-night. Be glad you have a cautious 
 husband, Mabel. Ghee! it must be hard to have 
 had everything, and then lose it. I'd rather be 
 poor from the beginning. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 Poverty isn't so bad if one has a clear con- 
 science, is it, Henry .^ I never want to be one of 
 the spenders. 
 
 Chester 
 Love in a cottage, eh, Myrtlcf* 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 Better that than worry in a palace. 
 
 [92] 
 
ACT SECOND 
 
 Elkins 
 
 Or in an apartment. I'm going. 
 
 [^As he opens the door. Myrtle 
 rises and follows him out. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 Did you get any particulars, John.'' 
 
 Chester 
 
 No. Hazelton merely said he had heard the 
 news about seven o'clock, and that it wouldn't 
 appear till to-morrow. But don't go worrying 
 about it. We get used to that on 'Change. It's 
 the see-saw that makes it so interesting. Nothing 
 surprises me any more. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 Would it be possible for you to lose your money, 
 John .'' 
 
 Chester 
 
 No. I don't gamble. At least, I use good 
 judgment. Stetson went for other people's cash 
 like a wolf for the blood of unprotected sheep. 
 
 [93] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 Mrs. Chestee 
 And they will be ruined? 
 
 Chester 
 
 Sure thing. It's like the game of Follow my 
 Leader, only when the leader makes money he 
 manages to keep it. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 And you have managed to keep it.'^ 
 
 Chester 
 
 Just so. I don't see why you are so worked 
 up over the matter. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 But suppose we lost our money.'* 
 
 Chester 
 
 Impossible. That block of Pennsylvania is 
 enough to keep us in comfort, let alone what I 
 make on the side. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 But just suppose? 
 
 [94] 
 
ACT SECOND 
 
 Chester 
 (testili/) 
 Oh, you women are always supposing. Don't 
 suppose anything of the sort. Every time you 
 look at your diamonds in the safe, give the en- 
 velope marked " Pennsylvania " a pat, and — don't 
 worry. Leave that to me. 
 
 [Myrtle enters. She gives Mrs. 
 Chester a white envelope. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 As Henry was going, a messenger boy brought 
 this for you, Mabel. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 (looks at the inscription) 
 It is from Mrs. Stetson. 
 
 Chester 
 
 (lighting a cigar) 
 
 Probably wants to borrow a thousand. 
 
 [Mrs. Chester opens the envelope 
 and reads. Chester takes up 
 the newspaper; Myrtle picks 
 up a book and sits down in an 
 armchair. 
 
 [95] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 (looking straight ahead of her) 
 
 No. She is coming to see me to-morrow. That 
 is all she says. 
 
 (curtain) 
 
 [96] 
 
ACT III 
 
 Same as Act II. It is the following morning, 
 Mrs. Chester and Wall are seated on opposite 
 sides of a table, on which there are a vase of long- 
 stemmed roses and a few hooks, 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 I could not talk last night. I received your 
 letter just as we were sitting down to dinner and, 
 of course, I have been upset ever since. 
 
 Wall 
 
 The unpleasant is not calculated to — er — settle 
 one's nerves. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 But this is so unexpected. I am sure I never 
 promised Mrs. Morton to give her back the money 
 at a moment's notice. 
 
 Wall 
 
 Probably not. But I presume that this trouble 
 they are in has made it necessary for her to 
 collect her debts. Five hundred dollars is a con- 
 siderable sum, Mrs. Chester. 
 
 [97] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 Mrs. Chester 
 It never seemed so to me until now. 
 
 Wall 
 
 It is an extraordinarily large sum for a woman 
 to lose at cards. Did you owe that much origi- 
 nally to one woman? 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 Oh, no ! To half a dozen, and some of the 
 debts were quite old. When I got my allowance, 
 it was all needed for bills. Mrs. Morton had a 
 lot of ready money; and I happened to tell her 
 my debts were worrying me. She offered to lend 
 me enough to clear me, and I asked for five 
 hundred. 
 
 Wall 
 
 She must be a generous woman. Were there 
 no strings to the loan.^^ 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 I was to help her in a social way. 
 
 [98] 
 
ACT THIRD 
 
 Wall 
 
 Ah! The old story. Will women ever learn 
 that certain things are to be bought only at an 
 exorbitant price? 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 I don't pretend to look at such things in a 
 business light. And Mrs. Morton expects this 
 money to be paid right away.? 
 
 Wall 
 
 She certainly does. She claims you promised 
 to repay it the next day. As you know, she 
 has urgent need of the money. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 So have I. I have nothing. I cannot pawn 
 my jewels. 
 
 Wall 
 It is an embarrassing situation. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 I have next to nothing in my bank. And I owe 
 I don't know how much besides. 
 
 [99] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 Wall 
 I would tell your husband. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 No ; it would — I He has trusted me in all 
 
 things. If it were a small sum I wouldn't mind. 
 But to tell him of this one debt will be to tell 
 him of all the others. 
 
 Wall 
 They are large? 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 I must owe another five hundred. Small bills 
 amount up so. 
 
 Wall 
 
 Still, I would make a clean breast of it to him. 
 The bills must be paid. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 I am allowed a hundred a month for myself, 
 and in time I can settle them. But I can't pay 
 Mrs. Morton. I haven't the money. 
 
 [ 100 ] 
 
ACT THIRD 
 Wall 
 
 Then you must ask Chester for it. The Mor- 
 tons are being pushed to the wall, and when people 
 find themselves in that fix, they get ugly. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 I'm not responsible for their troubles. I sim- 
 ply can't do it. I tell you he has trusted me 
 so much. I have never had to ask him for any- 
 thing. He has always been so generous with me. 
 Too generous. He has always found a way to 
 pay for things that I should have paid for. In 
 such a deHcate way. Oh! I see it all now. We 
 women are like spoiled children. He has treated 
 me like a woman, and I have been a foolish child ; 
 he made a companion of me when I wasn't worthy 
 of it. (She rises, and goes to the fireplace, and 
 leans against the mantel.) Oh! it is all wrong. 
 One doesn't allow children to play with fire, or 
 with razors. And that is what you men are 
 doing with us to-day. We are not ready for it. 
 I tell you we are not ready for it. And yet you 
 men would give us dynamite if we asked for it. 
 A woman is cautious only in one thing; and that 
 is instinctive. I can't tell him. Not yet. You 
 don't know all. 
 
 [101] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Wall 
 I know your husband well enough 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 (interrupting) 
 No, no; that isn't it. I tell you he is too 
 generous. But you don't know all. I can't tell 
 him. 
 
 Wall 
 But this woman will make trouble for you. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 Let it come; it's bound to come sooner or later. 
 But I can't ask Chester to help me. 
 
 Wall 
 (making a gesture of impatience) 
 
 Inconsistency ! No, pardon me, Mrs. Chester. 
 I don't mean to be rude. I consider myself an 
 old friend. But you are in a mess. You have 
 borrowed this money, and it must be paid. If 
 you haven't enough to repay it yourself, you 
 must tell your husband. I am sufficiently ac- 
 quainted with his circumstances to know that he 
 will give it to you. He may scold you a little, 
 but — pardon me again — I think you deserve it. 
 
 [102] 
 
ACT THIRD 
 
 Mes. Chester 
 
 Oh! you don't know all. You don't know why 
 I can't tell him. You don't know what I have 
 done. 
 
 Wall 
 
 He may scold you a little. But it will be 
 nothing to him. He has put his money into Penn- 
 sylvania bonds. They are negotiable, and 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 (interrupting) 
 Oh! that's it! That's it! 
 
 Wall 
 (rising) 
 Why! what do you mean, Mrs. Chester.'* 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 I took them out of our strong-box, and loaned 
 them to Mrs. Stetson the day before yesterday. 
 
 Wall 
 (horrified) 
 You gave the bonds to the Stetsons! 
 
 [103] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 To Mrs. Stetson. She was to do me a favor; 
 and in return I loaned her the bonds. Mr. Stet- 
 son was putting through a deal. She said they 
 would not pass out of his hands. He would keep 
 them in his safe, and they would enable him to 
 do something or other — put this deal through, 
 whatever it was. 
 
 Wall 
 And Chester? 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 He doesn't know. He thinks the bonds are in 
 our strong-box. Now you know. 
 
 Wall 
 
 (sits down heavily) 
 
 Well, you have certainly done it. The Stetsons 
 are probably bankrupts by this time. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 (holding out her hand to him) 
 His name wasn't in the list. Isn't there hope? 
 
 [ 104 ] 
 
ACT THIRD 
 
 Wall 
 
 One firm drags down another. Anyone con- 
 nected with Wall Street lives over a mine which 
 may explode at any minute. How could you do 
 such a thing? 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 Oh ! don't ask me. I was tempted. Our lives 
 are beset with temptations. We only think of 
 display and false position. It is all we live for. 
 And Chester has trusted me, believed in me; held 
 me up as a model wife, and been so generous. 
 I tell you that a mistress would be more con- 
 siderate of her protector's welfare than is many a 
 wife! 
 
 Wall 
 
 Now, now, Mrs. Chester; please don't. This 
 affair may end all right. You are terribly upset. 
 Please take your seat again. I want to talk to 
 you. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 (seats herself opposite Wall^ 
 
 I don't know what to do. 
 
 [105] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Wall 
 
 That is what I want to talk to you about. 
 
 [^There is a silence for fully half a 
 minute, during which Mrs. 
 Chester drums with her fingers 
 on the table, and exhibits other 
 signs of nervousness. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 I suppose the end has come. I can do nothing. 
 
 Wall 
 No. Perhaps this may be the beginning. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 It is the end. 
 
 Wall 
 
 Let us get the matter of the bonds straight 
 first. It is the most serious. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 Mrs. Morton's affair worries me most. The 
 bonds are ours. 
 
 [106] 
 
ACT THIRD 
 
 Wall 
 
 I suppose you know that they become the 
 property of whoever happens to hold them? 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 (stunned) 
 I don't understand. 
 
 Wall 
 Bonds are negotiable and non-negotiable. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 I still don't understand. 
 
 Wall 
 
 (slowly) 
 
 I mean that certain bonds cannot be transferred 
 without the signature of their owner; other bonds, 
 the negotiable bonds, are like gold. As I said 
 before, Chester's bonds were the negotiable kind. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 But you don't think Mr. Stetson has sold them? 
 Mrs. Stetson promised me they wouldn't pass out 
 of his possession. 
 
 [107] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Wall 
 
 Women's promises are not always to be de- 
 pended on, Mrs. Chester. I don't want to 
 frighten you, but — well, men are weak, too, you 
 know. And 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 (interrupting) 
 
 Oh, my God! The whole thing is awful. 
 
 [^She starts to get up, but Wall 
 motions her to keep her seat. 
 
 Wall 
 
 We must just consider it possible that Stetson 
 has negotiated them. We don't know that he has 
 done so ; but there is always the possibility. You 
 had a key to your husband's strong-box.'^ 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 Yes. I keep my jewels there. 
 
 Wall 
 
 Then he can't claim that you- 
 
 [108] 
 
ACT THIRD' 
 Mrs. Chester 
 (interrupting) 
 Stole them? Oh, spare me that. 
 
 Wall 
 
 (paying no attention to her) 
 
 In a way, I suppose, it was wrong of him to 
 have put them there. You are no business woman, 
 and it was certainly putting temptation in any- 
 one's way. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 It was in mine. I had no idea of their value 
 to anyone but my husband. 
 
 Wall 
 
 I merely asked the question because, supposing 
 the bonds to have been negotiable, if Chester 
 could prove that they were taken without his 
 knowledge or consent, he might be able to recover 
 them. But I fear that he would have no case as 
 things stand. Your having a key to the box would 
 be considered equivalent to a recognition on his 
 part of your part ownership of the contents. 
 We had better communicate immediately with 
 Mrs. Stetson. 
 
 r 109 ] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 She will be here directly. She sent me a note 
 last night saying she wanted to see me. 
 
 Wall 
 
 Then we need not inform Chester of the affair 
 until we have seen her. Things may be better 
 than I surmise. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 Oh! I am sure of it. Mrs. Stetson would not 
 tell me an untruth. 
 
 Wall 
 
 We will hope not. Now let us get down to the 
 other matter, the money you owe Mrs. Morton. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 Will this morning never end.'^ 
 
 Wall 
 
 You should have thought of this morning many 
 days ago. When women think of consequences 
 of trivial actions there will be fewer tragedies in 
 the lives of men — and in their own. But, there! 
 
 [110] 
 
ACT THIRD 
 
 I don't want to preach, Mrs. Chester. I want 
 to help jou. I want to do something for you. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 I don't see how you can. 
 
 Wall 
 
 You must be out of Mrs. Morton's hands by 
 this afternoon. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 Well.? 
 
 Wall 
 
 If this bond matter hadn't occurred, I would 
 have insisted on you telling your husband of your 
 debt before I left this room. It would have been 
 the only way. But he will have worries enough 
 now. This money must be paid to Mrs. Morton, 
 and you must let me advance it to you. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 (starting) 
 Oh, no, Mr. Wall. I cannot do that. 
 
 [Ill] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Wall 
 
 (coldly) 
 
 You must let me advance this money to you, and 
 you must satisfy Mrs. Morton. She is not the 
 kind to whom you can owe money. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 But Oh, Mr. Wall! You are very kind, 
 
 but I cannot accept this from you. 
 
 Wall 
 
 I shall insist upon it. (He puts his hand in 
 Jus coat pocket and extracts a wallets and 
 smilingly continues.) See! I came prepared! 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 Oh, no! You are very good. But I cannot 
 let you do this for me. I cannot accept money 
 from you. I got myself into trouble, and I must 
 get myself out of it. 
 
 Wall 
 
 Let me turn this (holding up the wallet) over 
 to Mrs. Morton. You will oblige me. 
 
 \^He lays the wallet on the table; 
 rises, smells the roses, and ex- 
 tracts one of them from the vase. 
 
 [112] 
 
ACT THIRD 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 Oh! Please don't press the matter. I cannot 
 do it, Mr. Wall. 
 
 Wall 
 
 (smelling the rose) 
 
 Women are just flowers to me, Mrs. Chester; 
 something to be taken care of and protected by 
 all decent men. I have never plucked or harmed 
 one wantonly. You can use this money (he lays 
 the rose in front of her) without fear. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 I — I am sure of it, Mr. Wall. I appreciate 
 very much what you would do. But I shall 
 come out of it somehow or other. 
 
 Wall 
 
 I do not see how, unless you ask Chester for 
 
 the money. And it is possible that 
 
 [He hesitates. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 That we may be ruined, you mean.'' 
 
 [113] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Wall 
 Exactly. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 Oh! oh! It is terrible. 
 
 \_She covers her face with her hands. 
 Wall replaces the wallet in his 
 pocket, walks over to the wvn- 
 dow, and looks out. He speaks 
 with his back turned to her. 
 
 Wall 
 
 Look here, Mrs. Chester. You must take this 
 money ; or, rather, let me turn it over to Mrs. 
 Morton for you. The debt must be off your 
 shoulders. Oh! (He holds aside the curtain.) 
 Mrs. Stetson is leaving her house. She is coming 
 this way, and on foot. (He turns around, but 
 as Mrs. Chester's back is turned to him, she cart- 
 not see him. He speaks hurriedly.) Look here, 
 you can take it, and forget it until you can repay 
 it. I have been your friend for years ; I have 
 been Chester's friend. (^Mrs. Chester picks up 
 the rose.) I have eaten his bread. I have some- 
 thing of the Arab in me; my friend is not to be 
 taken advantage of. You must please accept this 
 money. I can afford it. 
 
 [114] 
 
ACT THIRD 
 
 Mes. Chester 
 (turning so as to see him) 
 I think you are very generous. 
 
 Wall 
 
 You and Chester have both helped me in ways 
 I cannot explain. You have taken me into your 
 home. And — you will let me do this for you, will 
 you.? 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 I will. (She turns from him.) God knows 
 when I shall repay you. 
 
 IShe puts the rose to her lips. 
 
 Wall 
 
 (still standing by the window) 
 
 Mrs. Stetson will be here in a minute. You 
 will soon know everything. If the bonds are safe 
 there will be no need of my aid. Chester may 
 give you a scolding, and that will be all. But, 
 look here! I want you to promise one thing. 
 Will you.? 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 (after a pause of several seconds) 
 
 What is it.? 
 
 [115] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Wall 
 
 Cut out playing cards for money. However 
 small the stakes, one is apt to get beyond one's 
 depth. And if it's dangerous for a man, it is 
 doubly so for a woman. Will you promise .?* 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 I promise. This has been a lesson to me. 
 
 [Enter Erminie. Mrs. Chester 
 lays down the rose. Wall re- 
 mains hy the window. 
 
 Erminie 
 
 Mrs. Stetson, ma'am. 
 
 [Mrs. Stetson enters. Erminie 
 retires, and closes door. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 (advancing to embrace Mrs. Chester, who has 
 
 risen) 
 My dear ! I wished to speak to you. Oh ! I am 
 a very wretched woman. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 (consoling her) 
 No, no! Don't talk like that, Mrs. Stetson. 
 Mr. Wall is here. 
 
 [116] 
 
ACT THIRD 
 
 Wall 
 (bowing to Mrs. StetsonJ 
 Perhaps I had better retire, Mrs. Chester? 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 No, no ! Please remain, Mr. Wall. Perhaps 
 you can help me. (^Wall places a chair for her, 
 and they all seat themselves.) You have heard 
 the news, both of you.'^ 
 
 Wall 
 
 Nothing authentic, Mrs. Stetson. Your hus- 
 band is not badly involved, is he.^^ 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Oh! gone, gone; everything is gone. I knew 
 very little of his affairs ; nothing, in fact. But 
 he telephoned me an hour ago, saying he was 
 pushed to the wall, and that everything is gone. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 But our bonds, Mrs. Stetson.? They are safe, 
 aren't they? 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 (covering her face) 
 Oh! my dear; how can I tell you? 
 
 [117] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 But jou said^ — you promised 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Oh! it's awful. Stetson was so confident he 
 was going to put some deal through. If stocks 
 went up he could have done so. He used the 
 bonds, thinking he would treble his money and 
 buy them back in a few hours. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 Oh! 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 (with a gesture of despair) 
 
 We are ruined; and we have ruined you. 
 Stetson only knew it a little while ago. He has 
 been trying to get your husband over the 'phone. 
 He told me he would come home for a couple of 
 hours, and try to catch your husband here at 
 lunch time. He is almost distracted. I fear he 
 will kill himself. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 But, Mrs. Stetson, you said the bonds were not 
 to pass out of Mr. Stetson's hands! 
 
 [118] 
 
ACT THIRD 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 I didn't know. He told me Oh, child, 
 
 pity me! I am heartbroken. I am so ashamed, 
 so ashamed! 
 
 Wall 
 
 Pardon me, Mrs. Stetson, are you sure these 
 bonds have passed out of Mr. Stetson's possession .^^ 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 (covering her face) 
 Yes, they went to Morton. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 Oh, my God! 
 
 Wall 
 
 A broker whose methods have always been 
 questionable. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Mr. Stetson has had dealings with him for 
 years. He thought him honorable. 
 
 Wall 
 
 Well, he is said to be bankrupt now. And you 
 say your own money is gone.'* 
 
 [119] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Everything. (To Mrs. Chester. j Oh, my 
 dear! I can't ask you to forgive me. But don't 
 judge me harshly. If Stetson lives through it 
 he will pay your husband every penny. I know 
 he will. My money has all gone with his ; but I 
 shall help him if I can. Oh ! I will do everything, 
 anything. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 (won over hy her distress) 
 
 Yes, you must be brave now. You must en- 
 courage Mr. Stetson. We have paid the price. 
 It is very hard, but perhaps some good will 
 come of it. God help us all. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Our engagements, of course, are all off. I have 
 written to the Ambassador, and the few who were 
 to have come to the dinner. The papers will in- 
 form the others. It is all terrible! It is all my 
 fault. If women only knew how their extrava- 
 gances imperil those nearest and dearest to them, 
 society might become saner. 
 
 [120] 
 
ACT THIRD 
 
 Wall 
 
 Well, the first thing we must do is to get hold 
 of your husband, Mrs. Chester. He must be told 
 about this bond transaction right away. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 I dare not meet him. Oh! it is so terrible to 
 have done wrong. It burns like fire. I shall 
 never rest until this money is repaid. And even 
 then the wrong will still have been done. One 
 does not shake off the responsibility for one's ill 
 deeds by merely paying cash. 
 
 Wall 
 It is a pity more people do not think so. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 Do not think about this any more, Mrs. Stetson, 
 until we have told Chester. I am equally culpa- 
 ble. Perhaps Mr. Stetson can do something. 
 Chester usually gets home about this time. Would 
 you like Mr. Wall to see you home, or would 
 you prefer to stay here.'^ 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 (as Wall rises) 
 Oh! I will remain here. I must tell him myself. 
 I am a wretched woman. 
 
 [121] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Wall 
 
 Well, I had better go down town. I will see 
 your husband before he leaves his office, Mrs. 
 Chester. It will be as well to prepare him, if he 
 hasn't heard of the transaction. I will also at- 
 tend to that other matter. When you see Stet- 
 son, Mrs. Stetson, cheer him up. There's a bright 
 side to everything if we only try to find it. Stock- 
 brokers expect reverses ; a few days, and they are 
 on their feet again, you know. We must see what 
 can be done. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Oh! nothing can be done when it is too late. 
 The price has to be paid. And the innocent al- 
 ways suffer. 
 
 \_The door opens, and Chester en- 
 ters. He is smiling, showmg 
 that he is entirely unconscious 
 of any change in his fortunes. 
 He nods to Wall, and his mfey 
 but goes directly to where Mrs. 
 Stetson is seated. 
 
 Chester 
 
 Now, now, Mrs. Stetson. This is a terrible 
 blow. But we must see what can be done. Stet- 
 
ACT THIRD 
 
 son and I are old friends, jou know, and reverses 
 will never alter things between us. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 (dazed) 
 Oh! you have heard.'* 
 
 Chester 
 
 Why ! Everyone is talking about it. I was 
 out all the morning, or I would have rung up 
 your husband and cheered him up. What's a 
 friend for if he can't do that? 
 
 [Mrs. Chester rises. She leans 
 against her cJiair^ "watching her 
 husband, as if eager to speaks 
 and yet afraid. 
 
 Wall 
 I was just going down town to hunt you up. 
 
 Chester 
 
 Stay to lunch instead. We must try to get 
 Stetson. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 But, John ! 
 
 [123] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Chester 
 
 (interrupting) 
 
 That's all right, Mabel. Here's our friend, 
 Mrs. Stetson, with us. Crying, too. We must 
 cheer them both up. (Looks at his wntch.) And 
 I have something to say to your husband, Mrs. 
 Stetson, which may make him feel better. I have 
 done a lot of thinking this morning. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 (wonderimgly ) 
 And you know everything ? 
 
 Chester 
 
 Everything; and I sympathize, warmly with 
 you. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 I was afraid to face you. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 Dear Mrs. Stetson! She has suffered so much. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 I was ashamed to enter your house, to meet 
 your wife. 
 
 [ i24 ] 
 
ACT THIRD 
 
 Chester 
 
 Now, Mrs. Stetson ! Mabel is not that sort, 
 and neither am I. Reverses come to all of us, 
 and that's what brings out the ti^ue man and 
 true woman in us. We have known each other — 
 why! I hate to say how many years — all of us 
 in this room. You, Mabel, and Wall here, all 
 remember the day when we didn't have so very 
 much, eh.'' We got along well enough then. The 
 money, or the loss of it, makes no difference. 
 
 Wall 
 
 That's the fine way of looking at it, old man. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 (proudly) 
 It's John's way. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 Oh! I can't believe it. 
 
 Chester 
 
 Nonsense! These things are sent to us to 
 bring out the best in us. Perhaps it is the good 
 God's way of bringing us closer to one another. 
 Just think of it ! Here we are for a few short 
 
 [125] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 years. We hope, and plan, and build; and then 
 something knocks the structure to the ground, and 
 we mourn amid the ashes. Is that the time for a 
 man's friends to forsake him.^^ Never. Would 
 you turn against Mabel and me just because we 
 were poor.'' Never. And if everyone would only 
 help each other, stand by each other in just such 
 times as this, what a happy place the world would 
 be! 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 Brave John! 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Oh, Mr. Chester! It was all my fault. Don't 
 blame Richard. He did everything for my sake; 
 to make me richer, to buy me jewels, to let me 
 take a higher place in society. Don't blame him. 
 It was all my fault. 
 
 Chester 
 No, no; we won't blame anyone. 
 
 Wali. 
 Society itself is to blame, Mrs. Stetson. 
 
 [126] 
 
 1 
 
ACT THIRD 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 I am to blame. The individual is responsible. 
 (To Chester.^ But don't blame Richard. You 
 are so good, but all is over for us. You are so 
 kind. 
 
 Chester 
 
 Nonsense. Now I am going to ring up your 
 husband. He must be home by this time. 
 (Looks at his watch.) It is half-past twelve. 
 
 [While the others remain silent y he 
 goes outy closing the door. 
 After a pause of a few seconds^ 
 the door is opened^ and Erminie 
 enters. 
 
 Erminie 
 
 Lunch will be ready in a quarter of an hour, 
 ma'am. Will there be guests.'^ 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 Yes, Erminie. Mr. and Mrs. Stetson and Mr. 
 Wall will be with us. Miss Myrtle will not be 
 here. Leave the door open, please. 
 
 [Erminie goes out, leaving the 
 door open. Chester's voice is 
 plainly heard. Wall and Mrs. 
 
 [127] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Chester looh at one another. 
 Mrs. Stetson leans forward^ as 
 if listening intently. 
 
 Chester 
 
 Ah! Is that you, Stetson? No, no; not a 
 word now. Your wife is over here. Yes, yes ; I 
 know everything. But not a word now. Come 
 over right away. We are waiting for you. I 
 have something to say to you both. You will 
 come.'' Very well. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 He doesn't know! 
 
 [Chester enters the room. He 
 stands beside his wife. 
 
 Chester 
 
 There! That is settled. I guess he was glad 
 to get away from down town. (To Mrs. Ches- 
 ter. J Is Myrtle in.'' 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 No. She and Henry went out to the Park, and 
 were to take lunch with Miss Florriwell later. 
 
 [128] 
 
ACT THIRD 
 
 Chester 
 
 I suppose Henry and Myrtle will be leaving us 
 before long. Sit down, Wall. 
 
 IBoth men take seats, 
 
 Mes. Stetson 
 
 Oh! Mr. Chester, do you really know all.'^ Do 
 
 you 
 
 Chester 
 
 (interrupting) 
 
 Everything, my dear Mrs. Stetson. 
 
 Wall 
 Mrs. Stetson is worrying- 
 
 Chester 
 
 (interrupting again) 
 
 I know. But don't let us discuss the matter 
 until Stetson is here. Mrs. Stetson, let me see 
 you take off your hat. Then you will feel that 
 you are at home. (^Chester rises.) Just to 
 oblige me. (^Mrs. Stetson removes her haty which 
 Chester takes from her, placing it on a chair at 
 the end of the room.) There! Now we won't 
 discuss the subject till Stetson arrives. I feel 
 
 [ 129 ] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 better to-day than I have ever felt before. (The 
 others look wonderingly at each other.) Mabel, 
 if you felt like I do, you wouldn't need a trip to 
 Europe. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 I want no more trips to Europe, John. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Reverses make new women of us, truly New 
 Women. 
 
 Chester 
 
 And, perhaps, my dear lady, these reverses 
 teach us that fundamentally all women are good. 
 And I know fundamentally all men are good. 
 Thank God! I have the opportunity to prove 
 it. 
 
 Wall 
 How, old man.'' 
 
 Chester 
 
 That is my secret. Even Mabel (he stroJces 
 his wife^s cheek) does not know it. 
 
 [130] 
 
ACT THIRD 
 Mrs. Chester 
 (passionately) 
 You don't know what 
 
 Chester 
 
 (interrupting ) 
 
 Not a word, dear, until Stetson comes. He will 
 be here directly. I feel like a man who has 
 awakened from a long sleep, a sleep of night- 
 mares. Wall, did you ever stop to consider that 
 we are living a life of pretense and sham? The 
 more we pretend, the more we pile on the sham, 
 the greater the haiTn we do our fellow-men, and 
 the greater the harm we do ourselves. 
 
 Wall 
 
 I think you said last night it was all in the 
 game ? 
 
 Chester 
 
 Yes, but I was blind then. I didn't know. It 
 is amazing how clearly a man can see the right 
 when once he takes the trouble to open his eyes. 
 It is only since this morning that I know what 
 it means to be my brother's keeper. My life has 
 
 [131] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 been three parts sham. I have thought only of 
 myself. I have feathered my nest, as they say. 
 I have called myself a Christian ; gone to church 
 on Sundays, and forgotten my fellow-men the rest 
 of the week. (He addresses Mrs. Stetson. J 
 Mrs. Stetson, since this morning my eyes have 
 been opened and, thank God! I am blind no 
 longer. Ah ! here he comes. 
 
 [Stetson enters^ looking haggard 
 and hunted. He is picking at 
 his fingernails. He looks hur- 
 riedly/ at those present^ then his 
 eyes rest on Chester as if fas- 
 cinated hy him. He stops pick- 
 ing at his nails, and his left 
 hand moves nervously to his 
 mouth, then to the lapels of his 
 coat, then hack to his mouth. 
 He takes a few steps forward, 
 and stops irresolutely. The 
 others are all facing him, except 
 Mrs. Stetson, who is looking 
 away. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 Oh! 
 
 [ 132 ] 
 
ACT THIRD 
 
 Chester 
 
 (going forward heartily, with his hand 
 outstretched) 
 
 Stetson, old friend, I am glad to see you. 
 
 Stetson 
 
 (putting his hand half forward, then withdrawing 
 ity and speaking with irresolution) 
 
 You — you want to — to see me? 
 
 Chester 
 
 Give me your hand. You needn't be afraid 
 of me, of Mabel. This makes no difference be- 
 tween us. Give me your hand ! 
 
 Stetson 
 
 (gives hiin his hand) 
 
 I did not know you had heard all. I have been 
 trying to 'phone you all morning. 
 
 Chester 
 
 Bad news travels quickly. If men would only 
 report the other man's successes instead of his 
 failures, it would be much better. 
 
 [133] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Stetson 
 
 I — ^I am ashamed to stand in the same room 
 with you and your wife. 
 
 Chester 
 
 (placing a hand on his shoulder) 
 
 It will take more than loss of money to make 
 us forget years of friendship. 
 
 Stetson 
 But I'm a criminal! 
 
 Chestee 
 That has to be proved to me. You are worried. 
 
 Stetson - 
 
 No. I know what I am. But, Chester, don't 
 think she (pointing to his wife, who all this time 
 has been staring at the floor) had anything to do 
 with it. I am to blame. I misled her. I told 
 
 her 
 
 Chester 
 
 (interrupting) 
 
 You did what every man is doing — ^let her have 
 all she wanted, and tried to make more for her. 
 
 [ 134 ] 
 
ACT THIRD 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 (as Stetson looks blankly from one to the other) 
 
 Mrs. Stetson has told me, Mr. Stetson. I know 
 all. 
 
 Chester 
 
 And Mabel hasn't turned against you, has she.'* 
 Of course not. I tell you, Stetson, there are mo- 
 ments when a man, even a business man, feels that 
 God is right close to him, right here ! (He strikes 
 his heart.) And that moment has come to me. 
 Look! I'm rich; (^Stetson starts back in horror) 
 I'm wealthy. And that wealth 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 (rising and interrupting) 
 Oh! Mr. Chester, don't you know.? 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 (at the same vast ant that Mrs. Stetson speaks, 
 and as Wall rises) 
 
 John ! John ! 
 
 Chester 
 
 (conti/nui/ng, as if unaware of the interruptions) 
 
 And with that money. Stetson, I want to help 
 you. It's all in bonds, as good as gold. We are 
 
 [135] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 old friends, and I'm not going to see you go down 
 for lack of money. Let them call us money- 
 makers, but we have hearts ! That's why I 
 brought you over here. (^Stetson raises his 
 hands to interrupt him, but Chester continues.) 
 I guess you would do the same for us. Look! 
 We've been on the wrong track ; living for money 
 we have come to consider money a god. We have 
 worshiped it. But it's never too late to begin 
 life anew. And with my help, and your wife's 
 help, you are going to begin anew, live a simpler 
 life, a finer life. I am going to get my bonds out 
 of our box, and, knowing you are safe, we will 
 all break bread together and ask God, perhaps 
 for the first time, to bless us and forgive us ! 
 
 Stetson 
 
 (almost screaming with emotion) 
 
 My God! Chester. Don't you know what I 
 have done.? Your bonds are 
 
 Chester 
 
 (interrupting and falling bach) 
 
 What.? 
 
 [136] 
 
ACT THIRD 
 
 Stetson 
 
 (throwing out his hands) 
 
 I have used your bonds. I thought you knew. 
 I tried to tell you. I have stolen your wealth. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 (as her husband appears dazed) 
 It was my fault, John! 
 
 Chester 
 I — I don't understand. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Oh, Mr. Chester! I prevailed on this girl to 
 lend me your bonds for a few days. I gave them 
 to my husband. They are gone, along with our 
 wealth. You are ruined. 
 
 Stetson 
 
 I did it, I tell you. The women are not to 
 blame. I deceived my own wife. 
 
 Chester 
 
 What is this, Mabel? I am stunned. I — I 
 don't seem to understand. 
 
 [137] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Stetson 
 
 It was all my fault. I persuaded my wife to 
 get the bonds from Mabel. She was to introduce 
 her to some top-notchers at our house. I told 
 my wife the bonds would remain in my possession, 
 and that Morton and I were about to put through 
 a big deal. I borrowed money on the bonds, 
 thinking to buy them back in a few days. But 
 stocks went flat, and the deal has fallen through. 
 I've lost everything. 
 
 Chester 
 And my bonds? Wall, did you know of this.f^ 
 
 Wall 
 Only an hour ago. 
 
 Stetson 
 
 I tell you I am the only one to blame. Your 
 bonds are gone, and I'm a bankrupt. I can't 
 reclaim them. I'm worse ; I'm a thief. All I can 
 
 do is to 
 
 \^He puts his hand quickly into his 
 hip pockety draws a gun, and 
 •would shoot himself; but Ches- 
 ter springs forward and holds 
 his wrist. 
 
 [ 138 ] 
 
ACT THIRD 
 
 Chester 
 Stetson ! 
 
 Stetson 
 
 (struggling to free his hand) 
 
 For God's sake, let go ! 
 
 Chester 
 
 No, no! (With his other hand he takes the 
 gun away from Stetson, and tJien releases him. 
 ]\Irs. Chester has risen, and receives the gun from 
 her husband. All have started forward.) Good 
 God, man! What would you do? 
 
 Stetson 
 (wiping sweat from his brow with his sleeve) 
 I am a thief, and I have ruined you. 
 
 Chester 
 
 (brokenly, and after a pause) 
 
 We have paid the price. (His voice grows 
 stronger.) Stetson, I brought you here to help 
 you. Please God, I have done so. We are 
 brothers. We were all going to begin anew, 
 weren't we.'^ 
 
 {^Puts his hand on Stetson's shoul- 
 der. 
 
 [139] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Stetson 
 
 I am only a thief. 
 
 Chester 
 
 We are fellow-men. Lord! Lord! When I 
 think of the temptations around us, and how 
 society worships the successful and pushes the 
 unsuccessful into the black pits of despair, I 
 wonder that more of us don't fall. We are still 
 rich. You have your wife ; I have Mabel. Let 
 this other matter be forgotten. We will begin 
 anew. 
 
 Stetson 
 
 But I shall always be the man who has made 
 you poor. 
 
 Chester 
 
 You will always be the man who has made me 
 see clearly. You will be the man who has helped 
 me do right, who has helped me save my soul. 
 We are the instruments God uses to bring about 
 perfection in His own way. You have helped me, 
 Stetson. Come ! Let me help you, too. 
 
 l^Holds out his hand. 
 
 [140] 
 
ACT THIRl!) 
 
 Stetson 
 And the world, Chester? The world? 
 
 Chester 
 
 The few we know, you mean. Why, Stetson, 
 nobody knows of this save (he suggests by a wave 
 of his hand those present) ourselves. And we 
 have decided to forget. All that we are to re- 
 member is that w^e are old friends, have been 
 through danger together. Every time the sun 
 shines on a wakened world God opens a new ac- 
 count with it. I never knew it before, but I know 
 it now. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 Life has become suddenly serious and beautiful. 
 You have shown me the way, John. 
 
 Stetson 
 
 You have shown me the way, Chester. God 
 forgive me for what I have done, and for what I 
 would have done. I'm a man again now. I owe 
 you everything. I'll repay you yet in part, but 
 only in part. 
 
 [ 141 ] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 No man can say what he owes to his friend. It 
 is only God who can give him the adequate credit. 
 
 Chester 
 
 There ! there ! Nothing of all this to the young 
 people. Mabel, it is surely lunch time.? 
 
 Stetson 
 
 (looking at Chester^ 
 
 I can't grasp it all yet. Man, you don't know 
 what you have done for me. She (pointing to 
 his wife) knows. Perhaps she will tell you some 
 day. 
 
 Chester 
 
 Well, let's hope we get to know our true selves 
 better. That's what we live for, and to do what 
 good we can. We will pull through somehow. 
 Let us all meet to-night in your home, perhaps 
 for the last time. (Trying to laugh.) The sim- 
 ple life must begin in tiny flats, you know. 
 
 Stetson 
 (holding out his arms to Chester^ 
 My God! I understand now. 
 
 [142] 
 
ACT THIRD 
 
 Chester 
 
 (goes to Mrs. Stetson and leads her to her 
 husband) 
 
 There! We have years ahead of us. Let us 
 seek for the beautiful things we have overlooked. 
 (He crosses to Mabel, and puts his arm around 
 her. Wall remains between the two couples.) 
 Mabel, I have done right, haven't I, dear heart.'' 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 Oh, John! John! Can you forgive me.'' 
 
 Chester 
 
 There is nothing to forgive, child. It is all 
 forgotten. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Except the old friendship, Mr. Chester. 
 
 Wall 
 And the new vow. 
 
 [Enter Erminie. 
 
 Erminie 
 Lunch is ready, ma'am. 
 
 (curtain) 
 
 [143] 
 
ACT IV 
 
 Same as Act I. It is evenmg of the same day. 
 The voices of Stetson and Chester are heard 
 indistinctly in the adjoining room, as if the men 
 lingered over the dinner-table. Elkins and 
 Myrtle are alone in the drawing-room. She is 
 seated in an armchair; he is standing by the fire- 
 place and, as the conversation commences, he 
 throws away the cigarette he has been smoking. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 Well, it's a big smash-up. I knew nothing 
 about it till we sat down to dinner. Stetson was 
 bound to go sooner or later ; but I always thought 
 John was well fixed and safe. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 I can't understand it myself. And John is so 
 fine through it all. I always said our American 
 men are the best. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 He is one of them, certainly. If I had a pile 
 of money, and lost it overnight, I'd feel pretty 
 sore. I'd want to bite someone. 
 
 [ 144 ] 
 
ACT FOURTH 
 
 Myrtle 
 You are so ferocious, aren't jou, Henry? 
 
 EliKINS 
 
 I would be if I lost my money. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 Oh ! you are as bad as the rest of them. You 
 see what has become of their (pointing to the ad- 
 joining room) money. It vanishes overnight. If 
 it brings happiness, it also brings sorrow. Money 
 is so little, after all. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 But it establishes friendly relations between us 
 and the butcher, and baker, and 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 (interrupting) 
 
 Candlestick-maker. Fiddlesticks! What have 
 you to do with the butcher and baker.'' 
 
 Elkins 
 
 (pointedly ) 
 
 Nothing at present, but I may have aspirations 
 that way. 
 
 [145] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 Indeed! This is getting interesting. Are you 
 going to run a boarding-house on the side? Per- 
 haps we may become your first boarders. These 
 days (looking around the room) are over now. 
 We give up our place at the end of the month. 
 
 Elkins 
 Shall you regret it all very much, Myrtle .f* 
 
 Myrtle 
 Regret what.'' 
 
 Elkins 
 
 Giving up so much comfort? Judging by what 
 Chester says, and Stetson, too, they are going in 
 for the Simple Life with a vengeance. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 Why, no! Show has never appealed to me, 
 Henry. And I'm able to earn quite a nice sum 
 with my pen, too. Some girls seem to forget that 
 their parents didn't begin life with all the luxuries. 
 (Enthusiastically/.) Oh! I'm really glad. Mabel 
 always laughs at my little checks for five and ten 
 dollars; and even when that last one came for a 
 
 [146] 
 
ACT FOURTH 
 
 hundred — think of it, Henry, a hundred dollars ! 
 — she said it would barely suffice for a new dress. 
 I think it is a greater sin for rich people to 
 squander money than it is for poor people to steal 
 it. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 Well, Mabel thinks so now. A woman is made 
 or marred by the set she travels with. But those 
 days are over, and now you are just Myrtle 
 Duncan, who is going to become famous and 
 
 Myetlk 
 (interrupting) 
 
 But still the same Myrtle. And life is begin- 
 ning for you, too, Henry. No more idling; no 
 more lovely walks out to the Park in the golden 
 morning. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 With the swans waiting to be fed. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 And the children sailing boats on the lake. 
 
 [147] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Elkins 
 
 I guess we've tramped every inch of the walks. 
 I remember the first time I took you out there. 
 You were just so high (indicates with his hand). 
 We were both children then. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 We used to pretend it was the forest of Arden. 
 And when we saw a policeman we pretended he 
 was an ogre. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 We always hated to turn back into the Avenue. 
 It made me feel blue this morning to think it might 
 be the last time. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 Do you remember the fireflies? You used to 
 tell me that they were the lamps the fairies carried 
 so as to see if the flowers were going to sleep. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 I know. And do you remember how the deer 
 used to feed out of your hand? 
 
 [148] 
 
ACT FOURTH 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 And the squirrels? I wonder what Bunny will 
 do without us? He seemed so fond of you. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 So fond of you, Myrtle. Especially as you 
 always had something in your pocket for him. 
 
 • 
 Myrtle 
 
 Ah! The dream pocket. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 That's what you always called it. And you 
 have never told me why. Tell me, Myrtle! 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 (shaking her head very slowly) 
 No. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 (leaving the fireplace^ and leaning over the table, 
 looking at her) 
 
 Tell me, Myrtle ! 
 
 [149] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 (still shaking her head) 
 
 Not yet. 
 
 
 
 Elkins 
 
 Tell me! 
 
 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 You'd only laugh. 
 
 
 Elkins 
 
 No, I won't. 
 
 Tell me! 
 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 
 (looking down) 
 
 I called it the dream pocket because I kept all 
 sorts of dream things in it. 
 
 Elkins 
 Dream things? 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 Things I used to dream over — a moss rosebud; 
 a little silver pencil, and an — an old Japanese 
 charm. 
 
 [150] 
 
ACT FOURTH 
 
 Elkins 
 
 Why, Myrtle ! I gave you one — the little God 
 of Good Fortune with his rice bales. And I 
 gave you a silver pencil (^Myrtle nods her head 
 quickly); and I picked a moss rose for you once 
 when we were out at the Bronx. And you said 
 you would keep it always for remembrance. 
 
 Myrtle 
 It is all dried up, but I still have it. 
 
 Elkins 
 That was a year ago. 
 
 Myrtle 
 It seems like yesterday. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 I remember that trip so well, M3^rtle. I think 
 you were afraid of the buffalo. And I remember 
 picking that rosebud for you, and wondering if 
 
 anyone saw me. I say. Myrtle (Laughter 
 
 is heard in the adjoining room. Elkins pauses^ 
 and then moves and stands beside her, with on£ 
 hand on the hack of her chair.) Say, Myrtle, 
 
 [151] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 we've had some awfully good times together, 
 haven't we? 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 (quietly) 
 
 Some good times, Henry. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 I hate to think this morning may have been our 
 last. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 There will be other mornings, Henry; Sundays 
 — and holidays ! We are going to be workers 
 now. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 (nervously) 
 
 You know, you've been so good to me that 
 you've sort of spoilt me. 
 
 Myrtle 
 You never seemed spoilt to me, Henry. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 Well, you have. Because — because, well, it 
 seems now as if I just can't do without you, 
 
 [152] 
 
ACT FOURTH 
 
 INIyrtle. Especially now that life is really be- 
 ginning. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 (looking straight ahead of her) 
 
 We shall always be good friends, Henry. I'm 
 beginning, too; and I wouldn't like to think the 
 old friendship was to be broken. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 I didn't mean that. I'm afraid to say what 
 I want to. What I want (he drops on one knee 
 beside the chair, so as to bring his face on a level 
 with hers) is you. Myrtle. I've always wanted 
 you. I love you. 
 
 [Myrtle moves her head slowly so 
 as to be able to look into his face. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 (after a pause of several seconds) 
 
 Are you sure, Henry .'^ Life is going to offer 
 you so much. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 I love you, Myrtle. And I want life to offer me 
 much, and I want to accomplish much just for 
 your sake, just so that you can keep on believing 
 
 [153] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 in me. I want you beside me, to remind me of 
 the fine; I want to be beside you to help you 
 and sympathize with you and encourage you. 
 There is so much to be done. And I want to 
 help you do your share, because you are no idle 
 woman ; and I want to do things myself ; to be- 
 come somebody. But I can't do anything with- 
 out you. Myrtle. I love you. 
 
 Myrtle 
 (leaning slowly to him and kissing him) 
 And I love you, Henry. 
 
 Elkins 
 (after a pause) 
 It — it wasn't so very difficult, Myrtle. 
 
 Myrtle 
 What, Henry? 
 
 Elkins 
 To tell you I loved you. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 That's because you really loved me. 
 
 [154] 
 
ACT FOURTH 
 
 Elkins 
 
 From the very first, Myrtle. I've thought of 
 you while I've been working. It seems as if I've 
 always thought of you. I've got all sorts of little 
 odds and ends of yours. Sometimes I'd take them 
 out and look at them. You don't know what 
 you've done for me; what you've kept me away 
 from. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 And you have always been my knight, Henry. 
 Always my Launcelot. 
 
 Elkins 
 I think there is an angel in the room, Myrtle. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 It is the spirit of my mother, Henry. She 
 died when I was still a child. 
 
 [They are silent for some seconds. 
 Henry draws her fingers to his 
 lips. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 She will be with us till the end. She knows 
 that my life is consecrated to you. She will hear 
 
 [155] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 us whisper our dreams to each other, and will 
 pray to God for our happiness. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 Ah! we shall never be happier than now. It is 
 consecration's moment. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 (raising his head, and looking at her) 
 
 But we must prolong it throughout eternity. 
 
 l^The voices are heard again in the 
 adjoining room. 
 
 Myrtle 
 They are so brave! 
 
 Elkins 
 They don't know how happy we are. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 But they are happy, too. I don't know why, 
 but I feel that John has done a great deed. Life 
 is beginning for us. It is our day. And it is 
 beginning for them as well. 
 
 [156] 
 
ACT FOURTH 
 
 Elkins 
 
 And it is all so beautiful. We have nothing to 
 fear. We will try to do our work well, fight the 
 good fight, remembering that others are fighting 
 side by side with us, and that all is for the best. 
 And often, on such an evening as this, when we 
 consider what progress we have made, you will 
 find me kneeling beside you, and we will re-live 
 the old dream. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 And so remain ever young. I don't think God 
 intended we should ever grow old. 
 
 Elkins 
 He wants us to be lovers always. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 Because, being lovers, we shall always be as 
 children, happy and pure. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 May I always be worthy of you. Myrtle. 
 
 [157] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 (kissing his forehead) 
 
 I love you, Henry. 
 
 [While she is speaking, women* s 
 voices are heard approaching. 
 Elkins lifts Myrtle's fingers 
 to his lips, and rises, standing 
 hy her chair. Mrs. Stetson and 
 Mrs. Chester enter through the 
 vestibule, conversing. They 
 come forward, and Myrtle 
 rises. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 (dabbing her eyes with her handkerchief ) 
 
 And while we have been saying good-by to my 
 bric-a-brac, what have you been doing .f* 
 
 Elkins 
 
 Shall we tell them, Myrtle.'^ 
 
 [Myrtle nods her head. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 I know ! (Kisses Myrtle, j I can tell by your 
 face. 
 
 [158] 
 
ACT FOURTH 
 Elkins 
 (taking Myrtle's hand) 
 Yes. She loves me. I am awfully happy. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 (leaning to him) 
 
 And so am I. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 (drawing Myrtle to her, and kissing her) 
 
 Happy lovers ! With to-morrow's dawn the 
 birds will sing a new song for you — the song of 
 love. It is the best song, after all ; it begins at 
 the cradle, and happy are they that hear it until 
 the last clod of earth is thrown upon a grave. It 
 glorifies the humble cottage surrounded by the 
 modest flowers of the country ; it sanctifies the 
 gloomy tenement where we perceive only poverty 
 and squalor ; it humanizes the palace where we 
 see nothing but ceremony, insincerity, and show. 
 The birds love because they sing; and they sing 
 because they always love. If we could only learn 
 of them that one truth, if we could only remember 
 that at heart every man is a lover, every woman 
 a sweetheart, existence would be easier and life 
 more beautiful. It is the young who are wise; 
 
 [159] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 for they live in the blessed republic of love, which 
 is the kingdom of heaven ; and they think of 
 nothing beyond its confines. The veil is lifted 
 for them, and they see beyond. Happy are they 
 who, when the curtain falls again, can remember 
 the glory and the sweet voices that whispered 
 to them in the silence. 
 
 \_She kisses Myrtle. 
 
 Elkins 
 We heard them, didn't we, Myrtle .^^ 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 And you must try to hear them always. And 
 you must often think back to this evening, Henry. 
 Never forget that the one whom you have won 
 is human, and always in need of love and sympathy 
 and service ; but remember also she is close to the 
 Divine. Guard her as you would a priceless 
 pearl. Though she is your wife, think of her 
 as your sweetheart, as the girl by whose side you 
 knelt but a little while ago. And, above all 
 things, do not forget that some day you will have 
 to surrender her to God, that she may stand, 
 white as flame, with the other pure women yon 
 side the grave. It is only the pure in heart that 
 know what home and heaven are. 
 
 [ 160 ] 
 
ACT FOURTH 
 
 Elkins 
 
 (stepping forward and grasping her hand) 
 
 Mrs. Stetson ! 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 There! There! Take your girl, and cherish 
 her. 
 
 [While she is speaking, the voices 
 in the adjoining room are 
 raised; the door opens, and 
 Stetson and Chester enter. 
 Mrs. Stetson and Mrs. Ches- 
 ter take seats; Elkins and 
 Myrtle remain standing, in 
 conversation. 
 
 Stetson 
 
 Ah! Here they are. Well, Mrs. Chester, you 
 have seen all our pretty things for the last time. 
 They will soon be the property of others. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 They have given you pleasure; let the others 
 enjoy them. There are more beautiful things in 
 the world, and before long you will be able to 
 collect again. 
 
 [161] 
 
THE WOIVIAN WHO COULD 
 
 Chester 
 
 Well, we are all in the same boat. From now 
 on we must steer for easier seas. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 Somebody in this room has chosen her Captain. 
 
 Stetson 
 
 Miss Myrtle! (Goes over to shake hands with 
 her,) I wish you much happiness. It will al- 
 ways be a pleasure to us to think that this hap- 
 pened beneath our roof. Elkins, (as Chester 
 goes up to Myrtle and talks to her) you are a 
 lucky fellow. I congratulate you. Some twenty 
 
 years ago (He passes his hand across his 
 
 brow.) Ah ! what changes in twenty years. But 
 for you it must be Full Speed Ahead! Only re- 
 member the precious freight you have charge of, 
 and steer clear of the rocks that wrecked me. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 Quite a speech for Richard! 
 
 Chester 
 
 (turning to Stetson as Myrtle seats herself) 
 
 We are all going to steer carefully in future. 
 We are not derelicts by any means. Our owners 
 
 [162] 
 
ACT FOURTH 
 
 (pointing to his wife) still have faith in us. And 
 it takes more than the loss of his money to keep 
 down an American. Why, man! We are both 
 in the prime of life. We shall yet beat these 
 young people. Think how full our country is of 
 opportunities. The air awaits our galleons : im- 
 prisoned spirits cry to us from beneath our moun- 
 tains ; innumerable blessings lie hid within the 
 soil. All around us we see the prairie developing 
 into villages, the villages becoming towns, towns 
 becoming cities ; and, in the over-swollen metropo- 
 lis, the peddler can work his way into the ranks 
 of merchant princes. A man can do anything, be- 
 come anything in this country if he only be a man ! 
 Let us have faith in ourselves. From all parts 
 of the world people come to us, knowing that 
 America means progress, means success. Stetson, 
 we must determine to get in line. The best is 
 yet to be. 
 
 \_The men find seats. 
 
 Myrtle 
 Think of John quoting Browning! 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 It is because there are lovers in the room. 
 
 [163] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Chester 
 
 A change has come over us all, Myrtle. You 
 have yet to learn the possibilities within the Amer- 
 ican man. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 And in the American woman, too. 
 
 Elkins 
 She's the best of the lot. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Not exactly that, but she could make herself 
 the best. The day comes in a woman's life when 
 she finds that gadding about playing bridge, sip- 
 ping tea and talking gossip, and running with 
 wealthier women so as to be seen in their com- 
 pany is not the end for which the individual was 
 created. She finds out that earning money is 
 not picking it up on the street ; and, when she 
 learns that, she is not so willing to squander 
 money on dress and frivolity, and give her pro- 
 tector nothing but her company at mealtime. A 
 good woman will want to become her husband's 
 companion, and only when she is that can there 
 be true happiness in the home. 
 
 [164] 
 
ACT FOURTH 
 
 Stetson 
 
 Well, my dear, you will have a chance to stay 
 at home now. False friends will fall away. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 So much the better, Mrs. Stetson. You will 
 find true sympathy among the people Henry and 
 I intend drawing around us — people who do things, 
 or endeavor to do things. Idlers have no place in 
 our country to-day, and an idle woman is more 
 dangerous than an idle man. 
 
 Chester 
 Stetson and I have not been idlers, Myrtle. 
 
 Myrtle 
 No, but |-^^ ^^^^^ suddenly. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 Myrtle means that I have. And she is right. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 I, too, have been an idler. 
 
 Stetson 
 
 We have all been idlers in a way. We have let 
 the fine things of life go by unnoticed. He is an 
 
 [165] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 idler who has accomplished nothing, and, my God! 
 what have I accomplished? I have forgotten the 
 stars and the flowers ; I have harmed my fellow- 
 men. I have lived as if to-day were the only day, 
 and money the only thing. And now I have lost 
 it, and I've also lost 
 
 Chester 
 
 (interrupting) 
 
 That is all to be forgotten. Stetson. We are 
 both men again, not mere machines. We are be- 
 ginning anew, you know. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 Just as thousands are doing, and just as thou- 
 sands have ever done. And, after all, is it fair 
 to blame business men for having no higher ideal 
 than to make money, and society women for hav- 
 ing no higher ideal than to spend it? How many 
 are there willing and able to get their ears and 
 whisper: You are wasting time? When a think- 
 ing man is plucky enough to do that, he is called 
 a bore or a sorehead. 
 
 Chester 
 
 Well, if he starts one man or one woman on the 
 right path, he has done more than if he gives some 
 
 [166] 
 
ACT FOURTH 
 
 of his surplus wealth to charity, or founds a free 
 library. When once people begin to think, they 
 usually make up for lost time and think pretty 
 hard. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Let us hope our women begin pretty soon. Too 
 many men are paying the price of our folly. 
 
 Stetson 
 
 We are equally culpable, my dear. But better 
 days are coming. America is all right. Out of 
 our turmoil and unrest something fine will evolve. 
 We are the greatest people in the world to right 
 a wrong when once it is brought home to us. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 That's fine, Mr. Stetson. I'm a true American, 
 and believe in my own. So does Henry. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 Lovers should, my dear! 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 And we must have faith in ourselves. You, 
 Myrtle, have your work, and it will always keep 
 
 [167] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 you happy. But for women like myself, who 
 have been idlers and triflers, there remains but 
 one thing — to see that idling and trifling end in 
 disaster ; and that even if we can't write, or paint, 
 or do great and noble things, we can at least 
 regain our self-respect by trying to become earnest 
 women. 
 
 Chester 
 
 (rising to take a cigarette from a box on the table) 
 
 You have always been that, my dear. (He 
 leans over his wife's chair.) And Stetson will 
 say the same thing of his wife. Our only regret 
 will be that we can't surround you with the com- 
 forts you have jbeen accustomed to (she puts up 
 her hand and takes his), and that life must be 
 serious from now on. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 But more beautiful. 
 
 Chester 
 
 Yes, far more beautiful. We shall even have 
 time to get acquainted with each other. But, 
 Mabel, won't you miss your bridge friends, your 
 electric, your subscription seats, and 
 
 [168] 
 
ACT FOURTH 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 (interrupting) 
 
 No, no, no. Oh, John! you know I won't. I 
 am so tired of it all. What I want is just home 
 and you. The other seems a nightmare now, all 
 so empty and heartless. You shall see what I can 
 do. I have been so selfish all these years, but now 
 I want only you. You shall see how gladly a 
 woman gives up the sham when once she learns 
 what the finer things are. I will show you that 
 even a society doll has a heart, and that she can 
 become a good wife and worthy of the best of men. 
 
 Chester 
 
 (releasing his hand and^ laying it tenderly on her 
 
 hair) 
 My wife! 
 
 Stetson 
 
 You have expressed my wife's ideas, my dear 
 Mrs. Chester, and the ideas of thousands of good 
 women. Life doesn't look so dark after all. Of 
 course, the street car is not so aristocratic as the 
 electric, but our fathers and mothers seemed to 
 be content with it, and so are nine people out of 
 ten to-day. Riding with other people will make 
 
 [169] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 us more human, more humane. It is not the rich 
 that have the warmest hearts. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 Hear that, Myrtle? Shall you be content with 
 the gallery and the horse-car? 
 
 Myrtle 
 Maybe my new book will prove a Best Seller? 
 
 Elkins 
 
 I hope it may, but the man must pay the bills, 
 you know. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 I don't know anything of the kind. True love 
 means equality in all things. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Now, don't quarrel to-night. Such matters 
 will regulate themselves at the proper time. We 
 are all going to begin the right way, a republic 
 within a republic; being happy ourselves, we shall 
 all endeavor to so influence others as to make 
 them happy. 
 
 [170] 
 
ACT FOURTH 
 
 Chester 
 
 We have certainly begun well to-night. Stet- 
 son, you and I are like sailors who have left a 
 slowly sinking ship, and reach the land in safety. 
 All their possessions go down, but they are glad 
 to get off with their lives and a good scare. We 
 have had our wreck, our scare; but we are all 
 well, and still have that which is dearest to every 
 man. Of course, it is a pity that we can learn 
 only through disaster; but that is one of our 
 characteristics, and it is certainly better to learn 
 that way than never to learn at all. 
 
 Stetson 
 
 Whatever the future may contain for me, I'm 
 done with speculation. For years I have lived 
 with a sword hanging by a thread above my head. 
 If speculation makes a few people wealthy, it 
 makes thousands poor. It is a game at which 
 only the few can win ; and it only takes a turn of 
 the wheel for that few to lose their money, too. 
 America has become what it is by industry. The 
 world depends on us. There is something for 
 each one of us to do, something in legitimate lines. 
 We need never fear competition at home while 
 Europe has to be fed and clothed and supplied 
 by us with almost everything it needs. 
 
 [171] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 And we, who have had to learn the lesson along 
 with you, who have been thoughtless and foolish, 
 and have paid the price, have no fear of the future. 
 There is so much that we can do to help you. I 
 don't mean out on the street, but right in-doors. 
 The man who does the work is entitled to a home 
 — after the fight, the bivouac. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 If all American women only felt that way, our 
 men would accomplish wonders, and the word fail- 
 ure would be unknown. (She looks toward the 
 vestibule.) Ah! the bell. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 It will be the steady grind for me. And only a 
 few more days of liberty. (He stretches his arms 
 above his head, and rises.) Say, Myrtle, don't 
 j'^ou want to go for a ride? This has been a 
 pretty serious evening. We have talked like high- 
 brows. Mrs. Stetson will excuse us, I guess. It's 
 a beautiful night. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 And the dark is calling, isn't it.? Happy lovers ! 
 Yes, go along, both of you. 
 
 [in] 
 
ACT FOURTH 
 
 Myrtle 
 I am very comfortable. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 She is only teasing you, Henry. She wants you 
 to coax a little. 
 
 Stetson 
 Be good to him, Miss Myrtle. He looks un- 
 happy. 
 
 Chester 
 As if he had lost his job already. 
 
 Elkins 
 Shut up! Come on, Myrtle. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 And tell your dreams beneath the stars. (While 
 she is speaking. Wall and Miss Florriwell en- 
 ter through the vestibule. Myrtle, who was 
 about to rise, looks at Henry, laughs, and retains 
 her seat. Mrs. Stetson and the men rise. Mrs. 
 Stetson greets Miss Florriwell, and the men 
 exchange bows. The women nod.) Miss Florri- 
 well ! I am glad to see you. We have had a cele- 
 
 [ 173 ] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 bration dinner. And beneath our roof a love 
 affair has had its culmination. Myrtle and Henry 
 Elkins are engaged. 
 
 Miss Florriwell 
 
 How fine ! (Goes over to Myrtle. J My dear, 
 I am so glad. 
 
 \^She takes a seat beside Myrtle, 
 and converses quietly. The men 
 and Mrs. Stetson are still 
 standing. 
 
 Wall 
 
 (from where he stands) 
 
 Same here, Miss Myrtle. Elkins, you don't de- 
 serve her. 
 
 [He places a chair for Mrs. Stetson. 
 
 Stetson 
 He was just trying to take her away. 
 
 Wall 
 Ah! I know how he feels. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 You? 
 
 [ n4 ] 
 
ACT FOURTH 
 
 Wall 
 Certainly. Why not, pray? 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 Well, you old bachelors are not supposed to 
 understand the tender emotions. 
 
 Wall 
 A fallacy, my dear lady, I assure you. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 A simulated appreciation, perhaps? 
 
 Stetson 
 
 That's what you get for being a bachelor, Wall ; 
 an object of suspicion to everybody. 
 
 Chester 
 An object of pity! 
 
 Wall 
 (dramatically) 
 ScofF on! I remain unscathed. 
 
 Elkins 
 And hardened. 
 
 [175] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Wall 
 
 (protestingly) 
 
 Allow me, my dear ladies. There Is one who 
 certainly does not think me hopeless. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 More surprises? 
 
 Wall 
 
 And not the last, I assure you. But our own 
 affairs always seem of the greatest importance. 
 Miss Florriwell (^Miss Florriwell seems to enter 
 more animatedly into conversation with Myrtle, 
 and takes her hand), may I take our friends into 
 our confidence .'^ 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 (to Miss Florriwell^ 
 
 Oh ! I know. Your hand is trembling. 
 
 \_Kisses her. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson and Mrs. Chester 
 (simultaneously ) 
 
 Miss Florriwell! 
 Ann! 
 
 [ 176 ] 
 
ACT FOURTH 
 
 Wall 
 
 Yes. My Ann! You see, Miss Florriwell has 
 taken pity on me, and an hour ago 
 
 Elkins 
 (interrupting) 
 It was in the air. 
 
 Wall 
 
 And an hour ago honored me by promising to 
 become my wife. (^Chester, Stetson, and El- 
 kins imTnediately press around Miss Florriwell. J 
 Of course, I'm the happiest man in the world 
 
 Elkins 
 
 (interrupting, and calling out from the men 
 around Miss Florriwell^ 
 
 Bar one, old man. Don't forget I'm still here. 
 
 Wall 
 
 Bar none. So now, Mrs. Chester, you see I 
 can well say that I know how happy this roys- 
 terer feels. 
 
 [The men separate again, 
 
 [177] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 Miss Florriwell, come and take this chair by 
 me. Myrtle has had you long enough. fMiss 
 FiiORRiWELL takes the seat.) Now you and I 
 and Mrs. Chester . can chat together. Henry 
 seems to be jealous of you. 
 
 [Chester shakes hands with Wall 
 and talks quietly. 
 
 Stetson 
 
 Surprises are certainly coming quickly to-night. 
 One engagement, then another. I think we must 
 drink to the happiness of the brides to be. Twenty 
 years ago — Ah! I said that before. (He laughs, 
 and leaves the room, entering the dining-room.) 
 Oh, Elkins, come here a minute. 
 
 Elkins 
 
 Excuse me, Mrs. Stetson. I think I've heard 
 that call before. 
 
 [He goes after Stetson. Chester 
 and Wall take seats. 
 
 Miss Florriwell 
 
 Yes, I can't tell you how happy I am. And in 
 a few days we are to be married, and then we are 
 going away. 
 
 [178] 
 
ACT FOURTH 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 (talcing her hand) 
 
 We have known each other for so many years. 
 You have seen us up, and now you see us down. 
 But this is one of the happiest evenings of my 
 life. 
 
 Wall 
 
 And it is yet to be made happier, my dear Mrs. 
 Stetson. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 Why ! what is the next surprise ? 
 
 Wall 
 Ah! That must be kept secret a while longer. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 I cannot imagine more good news. Myrtle's 
 engagement, yours, and our determination to live 
 a sane and simple life. 
 
 Wall 
 And you regret nothing? 
 
 [179] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 No, indeed. I feel thirty again. 
 
 Wall 
 And you, Mrs. Chester.? 
 
 Chester 
 
 I will answer for her. We both feel as if a 
 load had been removed from our shoulders. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 (looking at Chester J 
 A load of gratitude is on ours, dear friend. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 But that must sit so lightly as to be unnoticed. 
 We decided not to talk of it again. 
 
 [Elkins and Stetson enter, the 
 one bearing a silver tray and 
 glasses, the other the wine. 
 
 Stetson 
 
 Here we are. Have we been gone long? 
 
 [180] 
 
ACT FOURTH 
 
 Chester 
 
 Too long for Henry, I guess. 
 
 [Elkins places the tray on the 
 table, and Stetson opens the 
 wine. 
 
 Stetson 
 
 Well, we are all united again now. If there 
 is a roomful of happier people in town, I'd like 
 
 to know it. 
 
 [He starts to fill the glasses. 
 
 Wall 
 One can always add to happiness, you know. 
 
 Myrtle 
 Just hear him! And engaged only an hour! 
 
 Stetson 
 
 (still filling the glasses) 
 
 No. Let us be content as we are. Now, 
 Elkins, get busy. We are going to drink to 
 the happiness of the engaged couples. 
 
 [ 181 ] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Wall 
 
 (while Elkins and Stetson hand around the 
 
 glasses) 
 Wait! 
 
 \_He rises. 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 Ah! The fresh surprise. 
 
 Wall 
 Yes. A surprise. 
 
 Stetson 
 What's that? 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 Mr. Wall says he has another surprise for us. 
 
 Wall 
 
 Yes; for you and your husband, Mrs. Stetson. 
 (Turning to Mrs. Chester. j And for you and 
 yours, Mrs. Chester. (^Chester rises agitatedly ^ 
 and Stetson puts down his glass and leans 
 against a chair.) Quite a surprise. 
 
 [182] 
 
ACT FOURTH 
 
 Chester 
 What is it, Wall? 
 
 Wall 
 
 It was only natural for me to tell you of my 
 own good fortune first. A man of my age isn't 
 accepted every day. 
 
 Stetson 
 
 Go on! 
 
 Wall 
 
 (tantalizingly) 
 
 Now, don't hurry me. I refuse to be hurried. 
 It brings on indigestion. And a wine like this (he 
 smells the glass he is holding) should be enjoyed 
 to the full. Ah ! the bouquet is perfect ! 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 (imploringly/) 
 
 Mr. Wall! 
 
 Wall 
 
 ( serioiLslT/ ) 
 
 There! I have to have my little joke. Really 
 good news is good to keep for a time. (He turns 
 
 [183] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 to Stetson. J Stetson, I won't bother all of you 
 with the details now, but I have heard that Morton 
 is safe. (^Stetson takes a step towards him, and 
 Chester ejaculates " Ah 1 ") A stock he was in- 
 terested in has gone up for some reason or other. 
 Heavy English buying after our market was 
 closed. You probably understand it better 
 than I. 
 
 Stetson 
 
 My God ! London has bought after all. That 
 means that I 
 
 Wall 
 
 (interrupting him quietly) 
 
 Are undoubtedly saved. 
 
 Stetson 
 And it means that my deal has gone through. 
 
 Wall 
 
 Undoubtedly. In fact I know it has. I have 
 received a wij*e to act as attorney for the English 
 buyers, and secure certain papers from you in 
 return for the money which is to be paid over to 
 you in my presence. I learnt all this just as I 
 
 [ 184 ] 
 
ACT FOURTH 
 
 was leaving for Miss Florriwell. That is why 
 we came over here. 
 
 Miss Florriwell 
 Not entirely, Heron. 
 
 Wall 
 
 That's so. However (to StetsgnJ, you know 
 : now. 
 
 Stetson 
 
 (to Chester^ 
 
 And that means that I can repay you every- 
 ' thing, Chester. 
 
 Chester 
 
 (putting out his hand) 
 
 It would all have been the same, Stetson. But 
 for the sake of those we love, this is good news. 
 
 Wall 
 
 I guess there will be an Extra about it before 
 long. The newspapers are bound to hear of it 
 through someone. 
 
 [185] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Stetson 
 (sits down heavily) 
 My God! It can't be true. I feel faint. 
 
 Wall 
 
 Brace up. I'm telling you the truth. 
 (Lightly.) This is what you get for being a 
 broker ; up one minute ; down the next ; then up 
 again. 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 (to her husband) 
 
 Oh! never, never again. I love you too much, 
 dear- 
 
 Chester 
 
 (interrupti/ng) 
 
 No, never again, Mrs. Stetson. (To his wife.) 
 Mabel, you know what this good news means ? 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 Yes, John. 
 
 Chester 
 
 But you don't want me to enter the ring again ? 
 You don't want to go back to the old life.? 
 
 [186] 
 
ACT FOURTH 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 Never, never, never. And neither will Mrs. 
 Stetson. We have made our resolutions, and we 
 are going to abide by them. 
 
 Stetson 
 
 (rising again) 
 
 Wall, jou have indeed told us good news. I 
 am more grateful to you than I can say. (He 
 looks at Chester, who smiles back at him.) You 
 deserve all your happiness. I have been taught a 
 lesson. And from now on I shall live only for her 
 (pointing to his wife) and to do a little good. In 
 a few days I'll have cashed in everything, and then 
 for a useful life. Chester, old man (Emo- 
 tion prevents him from concluding.) 
 
 Chester 
 
 You've expressed my sentiments. Now I think 
 it is about time to do what we started out to do. 
 
 Elkins 
 Hear! hear! 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 (reprovingly/) 
 
 Now, Henry, only a little, mind! 
 
 [187] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 
 Chester 
 
 Take up your glass, Stetson. Shall I say it? 
 Well! Here's to the brides to be! And as all of 
 us owe that (looking at Wall J regenerated 
 bachelor something, we will include the prospective 
 husbands in our toast. May they all be very 
 happy. 
 
 [^The toast is drunk, 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 So we are not to be poor, after all. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 But we are no longer going to be idlers and 
 wasters. I have learnt the lesson. I guess I can 
 be of service in one way or another. 
 
 Chester 
 (placing his arm around his wife) 
 
 We will learn how together, Mabel. 
 
 Myrtle 
 
 And you can give your big dinner, Mrs. 
 Stetson. 
 
 [ 188 ] 
 
ACT FOURTH 
 
 Mrs. Stetson 
 
 No, that can stay off now. Besides (looking 
 at Wallj, the best man wouldn't be there. 
 
 Chester 
 Now, Stetson, you have cause for jealousy. 
 
 Stetson 
 
 We will call him that. He has made us all 
 feel good to-night. What can we do for him.? 
 
 E1.KINS 
 I know what will please him. Promise not to 
 tie ribbons on their baggage, or 
 
 Wall 
 (interrupting) 
 You see, his mind is dwelling on what may hap- 
 pen to him before long. 
 
 Mrs. Chester 
 
 Never mind, Henry. It never lasts long. And 
 if the cost of living keeps on going up, people 
 may become less prodigal with rice. 
 
 [189] 
 
THE WOMAN WHO COULD 
 Myetle 
 I think you are all horrid. 
 
 Miss Florriwell 
 
 So do I, dear. The wine must have gone to 
 their heads. 
 
 l^While she is s peaking y a newsboy's 
 voice is heard in the distance. 
 
 Listen ! 
 
 Chester 
 (holding up his hand) 
 
 \Th€ voice sounds nearer and 
 clearer y and presently one hears 
 the words, " Extrj ! Morton 
 still on top. Extry ! " 
 
 Stetson 
 
 It's true. It has all been an awful nightmare. 
 I, too, have learnt the lesson. Chester, let's shake 
 again. (They grasp hands.) But what can we 
 do for Wall.? 
 
 Wall 
 
 Nothing, except to wish us well. And yet, wait ! 
 There is one thing you can do, and it's the right 
 and proper thing, too. 
 
 [190] 
 
ACT FOURTH 
 
 Stetson and Chester 
 
 (as the others all lean forward and listen to his 
 
 answer) 
 
 What's that? 
 
 Wall 
 
 Promise to make me godfather to the Stetsons 
 
 and Chesters to be, and — live up to your promise ! 
 
 [He puts his arm around Miss 
 
 Florriwell, and amid general 
 
 laughter and cheers the curtain 
 
 descends. 
 
 [191] 
 
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