COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 7 THE PLAYS OF HENRY ARTHUR JONES THE MIDDLEMAN a HMas in four acts BY HENRY ARTHUR JONES Copyright, 1907, by Henry Arthur Jones PRICE 50 CENTS NEW YORK LONDON SAMUEL FRENCH SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd PUBLISHER 26 Southampton St., 24 West 22D Street Strand THE MIDDLEMAN A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS S3% ~~7 HENRY ARTHUR JONES Copyright, 1907, by Henry Arthur Jones NEW YORK SAMUEL FRENCH PUBLISHER 26 WEST 22D STREET LONDON SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 26 Southampton Street STRAND LIBRARY of CONGi ESS Two Copies Ket&lreu DEC 12 190? UOtviigm tnir* Pfec 6 ' W 'copy s. PERSONS REPRESENTED. Cyrus Blenkarn. Joseph Chandler (Proprietor of the Tatlow Porcelain Works). Captain Julian Chandler (his son). Batty Todd (Chandler's manager). Jesse Pegg. Sir Seaton Umfraville. Daneper (A Reporter). Vachell. Epiphany Danes (of Gawcott-in-the-Moors). Postman. Dutton. Servant. Mary ) y (Blenkarn's Daughters). Mrs. Chandler. Maud Chandler. Lady Umfraville. Felicia Umfraville. SYNOPSIS OF SCENERY. ACT I. " Caterpillars of the Commonwealth." Scene.— Drawing-room at Tatlow Hall. One day passes. ACT II. " My Daughter ! What of Her ? " Scene.— Work-room in Blenkarn's House. Six months pass. ACT III. " A Waxen Image 'gainst a Fire." Scene. — The Firing-house. Two years and a half pass. ACT IV. "The Wheel is Come Full Circle." Scene. — Drawing-room at Tatlow Hall. The whole of the action takes place in the Town of Tatlow at the present day. The following is a copy of the playbill of the first per- formance of" The Middleman" at the Shaftesbury Theatre, London : ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 27TH, 1889, AND EVERY EVENING AT 8, will be acted a New and Original Play, of Modern English Life, in Four Acts, entitled, THE MIDDLEMAN By HENRY ARTHUR JONES. Cyrus Blenkarn Mr. Willard. Joseph Chandler (of the Tat low Porcelain Works) Mr. Mackintosh. Captain Julian Chandler (his son) Mr. Henry V. Esmond. Batty Todd (Chandler's managing man) Mr. H. Cane. Jesse Pegg Mr. E. W. Garden. Sir Seaton Umfraville Mr. Ivan Watson. Daneper (Reporter) Mr. W. E. Blatchley. Vachell Mr. Royston Keith. Epiphany Danes (of Gawcott-in- the-Moors) Mr. Cecil Crofton. Postman Mr. T. Sydney. Dutton ..Mr. Rimbault. Servant Mr. Hugh Harting. Mary ) ( Miss Maud Millett. Nancy \ ( Blenkarn ' s Daughters), -j Migg Annie Hugheg> Mrs. Chandler Mrs. E. H. Brooke. Maud Chandler Miss Agnes Verity. Lady Umfraville Miss Josephine St. Ange. Felicia Umfraville Miss Eva Moore. The following is a copy of the playbill of the original production of " The Middleman" in America, at Palmer's Theatre, New York, Nov. 10, 1890. MONDAY EVENING, NOVE/1BER io, 1890, AND EVERY EVENING AT 8. FIRST APPEARANCE IN AMERICA OF Mr. E. S. WILLARD in a New and Original play of Modern English Life, entitled THE MIDDLEMAN By HENRY ARTHUR JONES. Cast of Gbaracters. Cyrus Blenkarn (his original character) Mr. E. S. Willard. Joseph Chandler (of the Tatlow Porcelain Works) Mr. Chas. Harbury. (His first appearance here.) Captain Julian Chandler (his son) Mr. E. M. Bell. Batty Todd (Chandler's managing man) Mr. Harry Cane. (His first appearance here.) Jesse Pegg Mr. E. W. Gardiner. (His first appearance here.) Sir Seaton Umfraville Mr. Sant Matthews. (His first appearance here.) Daneper (Reporter) Mr. Percy Winter. Vachell Mr. Lysander Thompson. Epiphany Danes (of Gawcott-in- the-Moors) Mr. Harry Holliday. Postman Mr. Sidney Booth. Dutton Mr. Hugh Harting. Mary ) „, , , ( Mrs. Marie Burroughs. Nancy \ (Beam's daughters), -j Misg Agnes MiUer Mrs. Chandler Mrs. E. J. Phillips. Maude Chandler Mrs. Vida Croly. Lady Umfraville Miss Katherine Rogers. Felicia Umfraville Miss Maxine Elliott. 7 TO E. S. WILLARD. My dear Willard, In publishing " The Middleman " eighteen years after its production, I am sadly conscious that much of it is old-fashioned in manner and form. And if the matter and substance of the play are still in- teresting to playgoers, it is because the story repeats some rude enforcement of that old perennial, message to the oppressor, " Behold the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth : and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth." I hope, however, that some excuse may be found for me in printing a play that has so long been popular on both sides the Atlantic. Perhaps I may claim that its publication will at least serve to show how much, and in what directions, the English drama has moved in these twenty years. But I think I can find a better justification for the appear- ance of the play in this form. Amongst the many thousands, perhaps millions, who have seen " The Middleman," there must be many who would like to revive in their own homes the memory of your performance of the old potter. By reading the play, they will be able to see how deeply I am in- debted to you for your impersonation of Cyrus Blenkarn. On seeing " The Middleman " a year or so ago, I was delighted to find that your performance re- tained all its old fire and passion, all its old charm and variety. So far as I could remember and compare, it did not sensibly differ from the perform- 9 THE MIDDLEMAN ance on the first night, so fortunate and memorable for both of us, August 27th, 1889. It had mel- lowed, but it had not decayed: it had, perhaps, gained in sweetness, but it had not lost in strength. In asking you to accept the dedication of " The Middleman," I am glad to renew in public the per- sonal thanks I have often rendered to you; and to own how much of the success of the play has been due to your singularly powerful and impassioned realization of Cyrus Blenkarn. I am, Always faithfully and gratefully yours, Henry Arthur Jones. March 29th, 1907. 10 XHB MrDDLELSLO" ACT I. QaTden Cloth. .Inner Room j^. vO : J -j M.udeO^I VMre.0 Arm Chair [3 Writing Table Q ICY StbXid u O t> o ACT I. Scene. — Drawing-room at Tatlow Hall. Discover Chandler at open window left addressing crowd without. Daneper 1 taking notes of speech. Sir Seton Umfraville yawning left. Lady Um- fraville and Mrs. Chandler on settee. 2 Maud and Felicia. 3 Batty Todd 4 applauding and shouting " Bravo " in a very enthusiastic manner. As curtain rises, great cheers are heard without. 5 When the cheers subside, Chandler, a smug, fat, prosperous-looking man of fifty, with the manners of an upper class commercial man, continues his speech. Chan. (continuing speech with considerable hesitation) Yes — gentlemen — as your worthy mayor has called me — a King of Commerce — ah — ra — I'm proud of the title— (Shouts outside " Hear! Hear! " Cheers continued. Todd always cheering and clapping his hands) I'm proud of representing that great com- mercial spirit of the age which — ah — ra — has made England what she is to-day — (Cheers outside, "Here! Hear! Bravo!) Which— ah— ra— has covered her through the length and breadth of the land with — ah — ra — railways and factories and mines — and chimneys and steam-engines — and — so — on — I — ah — ra — (gets stuck, stops.) Todd. (after a short embarrassing pause) Hear! Hear! Chan. (■floundering) I repeat — ah — ra — which — (looks helplessly round at Todd). 1 At chair right of l. c. table. >r. c. 4 Above table . left. Call 1. Band up. Chandler (Proofs). Todd (Note- book. Yel- low favour). Daneper (Note-book). Sir Seton. Lady U. Mrs. C. Maude. Felicia. Julian. DUTTON (Tray). Danes (Fa- vour). Mary. ACT I THE MIDDLEMAN Energy — lofty busi- Todd. (prompting in an undertone) ness spirit. Chan. (primed) That energy — that lofty business spirit, that faculty of organization which provides labour for thousands and which — ah — ra — (slight cheers outside and a single " Bravo ") whatever may be the result of next year's election, you — ah — ra — you will find plenty of light refreshments in the Marquee. (Tremendous cheering outside. Todd again very demonstrative. Chandler, looking very much re- lieved comes away from window to Lady Umf. wipes his forehead.) Todd. 1 (comes down, prompting him) Fireworks! Chan. Yes, I forgot. (Goes back to window? is received with cheers, commands silence by a gesture. ) There will be a grand display of fireworks on the lawn this evening. (Great cheers 3 ). 4 Chan. 5 (very anxiously to Todd) Well, Todd? Todd. 6 Wonderful! Eh, Sir Seton? Wonderful! Chan. (anxiously) Candidly, Todd? Todd. On my honour! You know I never flatter. (Aside to Chan.) I've fished up old Danks! I'll bring the old blackguard in while he's tolerably sober. (Exit through window.) 7 (Captain Julian Chandler enters 8 into con- servatory, sits down moodily in chair next to table. Dutton follows him with brandy, soda and cigarettes.) 9 12 L. of him. a Todd returns to former position. s Repented three times. * Goes to c. Todd drops down l. c. Chandler comes down to Todd and Sir Seton. «c. «l. c. 8 Right. • Chandler c. talking to Lady U. THE MIDDLEMAN ACT I Mrs. C. 1 Maud, darling, where is Miss Blenkarn? listens attentively). Maude. 2 In her room, Mamma. {Julian 1 Seated on settee c. * Seated up H.C. Mrs. C. Couldn't she be helping the servants in the tent? Julian. (listening, mutters to himself) No, Mother, I'm hanged if she shall. ( To Dutton.) More brandy ! (Takes spirit decanter, pours himself.) You can go! (Sits and smokes moodily. Dutton goes off.*) (Reenter Todd 4 at window, speaks off.) Todd. Come in, Mr. Danks ! 5 Now Daneper, my boy ! Here's a pretty little picturesque incident going to happen! Dodge it up for your paper. 6 Come in, Mr. Danks! (Enter at zuindow 7 Mr. Epiphany Danks, a very aged rustic, slightly tipsy and rather deaf, Todd conducting him to Chandler.) Todd. 8 Mr. Chandler, this is Mr. Epiphany Danks of Gawcott-in-the-Moors, the oldest man in the county. He will shortly exercise, for the first time in his life, that franchise which the wisdom of our legis- lature has conferred upon him. (to Daneper.) Have you got that down? (Daneper nods, goes on writing.) Todd. (continuing) Such is the fervour of his political convictions and his admiration of your glorious public spirit that for the mere pleasure of shaking 13 Goes to Daneper. 6 Goes back to window. Conducting Danks to Chandler. ACT I THE MIDDLEMAN jets up Todd L. to . per. Danks crosses to Chandler. 1 L. of table. you by the hand he has performed the astounding feat of walking every step of the fifteen miles from his residence at Gawcott-in-the Moors. (Todd nods direction to Daneper, who replies by nod.) 1 Danks. (shaking hands with Chandler with one hand, af- fectionately pazving him with the other) Druv over in Sam Rawlins's van — me and old Bet Turney — stopped at every blessed public as us come along — la ! What a morning we have had, to be sure ! (Beams benignantly on Chandler.) Chan. (embarrassed with Danks's affection) Very proud, Mr. Danks, to grasp your honest hand! Very proud ! Todd. 2 (dictating to Daneper) Mr. Chandler's warm and tender nature was moved to tears by this touching proof of political devotion on the part of the pat- riarch of Gawcott ! Danks. (still retaining Chandler's hand) Yaller, bain't you? Chan. Yes, yellow is our colour, Mr. Danks. Danks. I be yaller! (Shouts feebly.) Damn they there blues, I say ! 3 less! Damn 'em! Todd. (dictating to Daneper) Mr. Danks, in a few terse, well-considered phrases, expressed the sternest con- demnation of his political opponents. Chan. 4 (to Todd) Get him away, Todd. 14 • Waving his hand in the air. Yaller for ever! No more and no THE MIDDLEMAN ACT I Todd. 1 After your exertions you must be in need of refresh- ments, Mr. Danks! Danks. Chandler's hand) Grub ? drops Todd. 2 {suddenly Where? 2 This way. Danks. (again insists on shaking hands zvith Chan.) Well, good-bye! (wrings Chan's hand) Don't you be afraid of them 'nation gallows blues ! (reassuringly to Chan.) I shall vote for 'ee. I be the oldest man in this here county ! Born Epiphany Sunday, annie domino ! 4 (As Danks passes Sir Seton he stops and wants to shake hands zvith him, holds out hand. Sir Seton doesn't respond.) 5 Danks. (cannot understand it) Yaller, bain't you? Sir S. Yellow, Mr. Danks, but inexpansive. (Chandler zvatches Sir Seton, shozvs annoyance that Sir Seton won't indulge Danks. Danks still holds out hand. Sir S. shakes his head, but points to Todd who immediately holds out hands to Danks.) Danks. (effusively to Todd) I like you! There ain't no nasty pride about you! You be yaller! So be I. (Glares viciously at Sir S. shouts feebly.) Yaller for ever ! Hurray ! Well done our side ! (Todd gets him off at window 6 and returns, dictat- ing to Daneper who is writing throughout.) 15 L. o. coming up to Danks on his u. 2 Between Chandler and Todd. 8 Leading him to window l. Todd gets Danks up to window l. Danks leaves Todd. Todd drops down R. of Danks. ACT I THE MIDDLEMAN 1 l. of table. * Seated up B.C. * Going up to Felicia r. c. Mrs. C. and Lady U. rise, go down to Sir S. L. Music. No. 1. {Waltz). * She is on his L. 6 Gets to c. r. of settee. r. in door- way of con- servatory. Todd. 1 The rustic Nestor, after a truly remarkable display of political sagacity, then took his departure. Fel. 2 What a charming circle of friends a parliamentary candidate gathers round him, Mr. Chandler ! Chan. My dear Miss Umfraville, for the good of my coun- try, there is no sacrifice too great for me ! 3 (Enter Mary into conservatory, gets behind Jul- ian's chair, speaks to him in a low tone.) 4 Mary. You must go? Jul. (zuithont looking up, same tone, speaks in front of him) Yes, by the night mail. Mary. (showing great disappointment, steadies herself, speaks in a low, earnest tone) I must see you before you leave. (Julian looks up.) Hush ! (Passes on into drawing-room.) 5 Mrs. C. Miss Blenkarn, I'm surprised you haven't em- ployed yourself in the marquee! (Julian rises angrily and comes to drawing-room door.) The servants have so much to do on a day like this — Jul. 6 How does what the servants have to do concern Miss Blenkarn? (Maud and the Umfravilles all show embarrass- ment. ) Mrs. C. I think it very inconsiderate, Julian, of a young per- son in Miss Blenkarn's position — 16 THE MIDDLEMAN ACT I J Comes down to back of settee. Jul. {interrupting) Miss Blenkanr's position in this house is companion to my sister, and considering the obligations we are under to her father — Chan. 1 {very much upset, interrupts') Obligations! What obligations ? 2 Jul. Why you know, father, it was his invention that made your fortune. Chan. (terribly upset) What! What on earth will get into your head next? (Julian is about to speak.) Hold your tongue, sir! 3 Jul. Sir! Mary. Captain Chandler, please say no more! I will go and help. 4 Jul. 5 No. 6 Not unless the others go too, Maude ! Maude. (very pleasantly, rises) Very well, Julian, I'm ready to do anything! Pour out anybody's tea, kiss any- body's baby, anything to advance the political educa- tion of the nation ! Let's all go ! It will be rather jolly! Come along! Now, Mary! (Takes Mary's arm. Mary throws a grateful look at Julian and exit with Maude.) 7 4. Mrs C. 8 Really, Julian, if you hadn't been leaving us to-day for ever so long, I should be very angry with you ! (Exeunt Mrs. C. and Lady Umfraville.) 9 (Chandler is meantime conferring with Daneper and Todd. Sir Seton is occupied with paper. ) 2 17 * Goes vp stage. Chan. goes up stage to r. of c. opening and crosses to Dan. and Todd, u Going up c. 8 Mary stops. ' At back c. to l. Felicia rises, comes to back of settee. Chandler is with Todd. 1 Crosses to c. ' Back c. to L. ACT I THE MIDDLEMAN Going to her. * At back c. to l. Todd and Daneper leaves table and get to r. conferring about proof s. 8 r. Chandler comes doivn to Sir Seton. Fel. Won't you come with us, Julian? (Going up and looking back.) Jul. (indifferently) Yes — if you like. 1 Fel. You're not a very amiable lover, considering I'm go- ing to lose you for months, perhaps years, and that you may get lost or killed in Africa! (Exeunt Julian and Fel.) 2 (Exeunt Todd and Dane- per.) 3 y Chan. Sir Seton — (Sir Seton puts down paper.) it would be of immense advantage to my candidature if you were to — to — a — to — a mix a little with my guests. Sir S. 4 Should be delighted, Chandler, but leap-frog and skittles are rather out of my way. Chan. A little cordiality, a little friendly intercourse — with such persons as Danks for instance, goes a great way. Sir S. 5 It does with me. 6 Chan. 7 And now Julian and Miss Umfraville are engaged — and you promised — Sir S. 8 (a little angry, controls himself) 9 My dear Chandler, let us understand one another. You're rich — I'm poor! I've had to turn out of Tatlow Hall! You've turned into it! I've only one child, and I want to spare her the continual struggle with genteel poverty that her mother and I have gone through. And naturally I want the old place 18 8 Rises. 8 Crosses to c. and up. 7 Fallowing a httle. Turns to Chan. THE MIDDLEMAN ACT I Going c. to be hers. You agree to settle so much upon her the day your son marries her, and I shall use my influence amongst my county friends to get you into Parliament. There our agreement ends, 1 and as for playing skittles with Mr. Danks — excuse my plain speaking — I'll see your election damned first! Chan. (cordially) Oh, quite so! Quite so! (Exit Sir Seton.) 2 / Chan. (aside) If I could only get into Parliament without him ! 3 Todd. Oh, by the way, sir ! Have you looked through the proofs of the interview for Saturday's County Herald? Chan. 4 (pulls proof from pocket) Yes, here they are. Not up to your usual form, Todd. 5 Todd. What's wrong? Chan. I think you might make a great deal more of my philanthropy. You've said nothing about my build- ing the new congregational chapel at Little Hogges- don. Todd. 6 Yes, but now you've joined the Church — Chan. I take a very broad view of these matters. You might mention that ! Todd. (taking notes) Very well. Profoundly sincere re- ligious convictions, but no narrow bigotry. 19 * At back c. to * Stop Music. Chan, goes L. of settee c. Enter Todd from conser- vatory R. 4 In front of settee. 6 Sits c. ACT I THE MIDDLEMAN Ckan. That's it. By the way, about that subscription to the Wesleyan Sunday Schools — I should think a ten pound note, eh? Todd. You gave twenty to the Baptists. All the fat will be in the fire if you don't treat 'em both alike. Chan. Very well, twenty then. I wish there weren't quite so many sects. It gives one a very poor opinion of religion. Todd. When you've got to subscribe to them all, it does. But you can't get into Parliament without it. Chan. (running over proofs) " Great business energy." That's all right ! " Paternal care of work people, not a man, woman or child in the Tatlow Porcelain works who wouldn't gladly lay down his life for Joseph Chandler." That's very good indeed, Todd — " Most affectionate husband and father — sacred shrine of domestic happiness — " Todd. That always goes down with the British public. Chan. Just so. (Reads.) " Under his fostering care, the Tatlow Porcelain works have grown from a mere hovel to cover two acres of ground and to afford em- ployment for five hundred hands. The discovery some twenty years ago of a peculiar process of glaz- ing by an ingenious workman named Cyrus Blen- karn — " (Stops, annoyed.) What's the object in mentioning Blenkarn's name? Todd. Well, as the fact of his invention is so well known — 20 THE MIDDLEMAN ACT I (Call 2). Maude, Feli- cia, Lady U., Mrs. C, Cy- rus. Chan. Well known ! Of course, it's well known, so what's the good of mentioning it? Where would his in- vention have been if it hadn't been for my capital and business energy in working it? Besides, I paid him for it, two hundred pounds. And look how good I've been to him every since — always advanced him money on his wages to fool away on his crack- brained inventions that never came to anything. No ! It's not necessary to mention Blenkarn. 1 He shares in the glory of belonging to the works. That ought to be enough for him. 2 (Julian enters.) 3 / ^TODD. Very well, I'll alter that paragraph. (To Daneper, who enters.) 4 All right,, Daneper! Todd. 8 I'll bring round the proofs to-night. 6 By the way Daneper, 7 I could give you a few notes about Cap- tain Chandler. They might be of use to your edi- tor. (To Chan.) Eh, Sir? Chan. Certainly. 8 (Daneper comes to Todd, 9 takes note-book and pencil. Julian listens with growing anger.) Todd. (dictating) Our local hero, Captain Chandler, hav- ing covered himself with glory in the last Egyptian campaign, is again about to visit Africa. He has nobly volunteered to accompany the relief expedi- tion in search of the renowned African traveller, Sir George Hinchinbrook. The deadly perils of the Central African desert — Jul. 10 Stop that confounded flummery, Todd. I'll give 21 * Crosses to h. and sits at writing table. ' From back, comes l. c. *F7-om conser- vatory R. Daneper comes into drawing ■ room r. of Todd. * Daneper is going to- wards l. c. table. 7 Seeing Ju- lian. 8 Goes l. to chair and sits. • Corner of settee. 10 Comes down c. to Dane- fer and 'odd. ACT THE MIDDLEMAN Dan. turns to Jul. ' Todd goes up R. to l. c. at back. * Rising. B Crosses in front of set- tee and exit r. and through con- servatory. « Crosses to r. following Jid. Dane- per crosses to table l. 7 Comes doivn l. c. you the particulars myself. 1 (Dictating.) Captain Julian Chandler, having got himself into a devil of a mess at College and in the Service and being dunned by all the Jews in Christendom, 2 has been obliged to accept his father's offer to pay off his debts on condition of his settling down and becom- ing respectable — Chan. 3 (interrupting) Julian! This is scandalous! Jul. (taking no notice of Chandler.) But not wishing to tie himself up at present, he was jolly glad to get the chance to cut away to Africa. Chan. (fuming) Julian! 4 Jul. The Tatlow brass band accompanied Captain Chand- ler to the railway station, and played a selection of the liveliest airs, to testify their delight at the pro- spect of there being one blackguard the less in the county. Put that down, Daneper, and let them know the truth about me! /(Exit.)* v Chan. (upset, fuming) Really, this is monstrous ! I never heard — 6 Todd. 7 Never mind, sir. I'll put that all right. (To Dane- per.) That's all right, Daneper. Tell Mr. Snoad I'll call at the office by-and-bye and bring him all particulars myself. Dan. 8 Very well, sir, good-day. Good-day, Mr. Chandler. ( Takes up notes from table, puts them in pocket and exit.) 9 THE MIDDLEMAN ACT I Todd. 1 ^ (soothing Chan.) Don't trouble, sir. I'll see the Herald has it corrected. 2 Chan. Thank you, Todd. You think my speech made a good impression ? 3 Todd. Excellent ! Magnificent ! Wonderful ! Chan. 4 (seizes Todd's hand, wrings it effusively) I never met a man with a stronger natural judgment than yours, Todd! You never mind telling me the truth candidly and fearlessly! Todd. Why not? What object is there in telling lies? By the way, sir, when you get into Parliament, you will allow me to help you in your Parliamentary duties? Chan. Naturally, Todd, naturally. Statistics always bother me, Todd. Now you're very good at statistics. Todd. Don't you trouble about statistics. You let me know what you want to prove, and I'll guarantee the sta- tistics shall be all right. Chan. Thank you, Todd. Todd. And I suppose I shall continue the management of the Tatlow works as well. Chan. Of course, Todd. 5 Of course. 6 Todd. And perhaps at some future time you will admit me to a partnership. 7 23 Anxiously sits c. B Rises. 6 Going up c. ' Following. ACT I THE MIDDLEMAN 1 c. trims on Todd. 3 At windoiv l. Music. No. 2. * At back c. and L. from garden. * Coming At back of settee. 7 Goes to door of conserva- tory. (Calls). Todd. Nancy (Comb). 8 Com-'ng down h. c. 9 Sitting c. »'c. 11 At back c and l. from garden. Chan. 1 (Aghast.) Partnership, Todd? (Very much up- set.) Really, you surprise me — just as I had taken you into my confidence in everything. It's too bad, Todd. It's encroaching on my good nature! You have the honour of belonging to the works. You share in the glory that attaches to the name of Joseph Chandler. I think that ought to be sufficient. Todd. (humbly) Very well, sir. I'll say no more. Chan. No, don't, there's a good fellow. Go and see that everybody's attended to. I shall be out amongst them soon. (Exit.) 2 Todd. Ah, that's gratitude, that is ! Where would Joseph Chandler have been if Batty Todd hadn't worked him? (Exit.) 3 / (Re-enter Chandler, Maude and Felicia.) 4 Chan. (brisk, oily, polite, to Fel.) 5 Well, how are all our friends enjoying themselves? Maude. 6 All the old people have gravitated to tea, and all the young to kiss-in-the-ring ! 7 Chan. Well, so long as they are satisfied. 8 Fel. Don't you think kiss-in-the-ring is somewhat too satisfying? I speak from observation, not from ex- perience. 9 Chan. Oh, quite so ! Quite so ! 10 (Enter " Lady Umfraville and Mrs. Chandler.) 24 THE MIDDLEMAN ACT I Lady U. Well, I'm disappointed! It seems this wonderful man is not here ! 1 Chan. What wonderful man ? 2 Lady U. 3 This workman of yours who made that lovely dinner service you gave us! Chan. 4 (contemptuously) Oh, Blenkarn! Lady U. Yes, I must see him ! I'm sure he's quite a genius, and I'm so fond of genius ! I adore genius ! 5 Chan. 6 (nettled) Genius! I don't call a mere inventor a genius, Lady Umfraville ! Lady U. No? What's your idea of a genius then, Mr. Chandler? Chan. 7 My idea of a genius is — a — ah — a — practical man, a man who doesn't invent anything himself, but has the insight, and courage, and shrewdness to see the value of another man's invention, and the energy to secure it and work it : a man who, by sheer force of business enterprise, raises himself to the position of a great public benefactor and provides labour for thousands of his fellow creatures. (Getting elo- quent.) That's the type of genius that I admire, and that's the type of genius that suits our modern civilization ! Lady U. And the only type of genius that seems to flourish in it! 8 25 1 Coming down l. 1 L. c. Mrs. Chan, joins Fel. c. and sits r. on set- tee. 1 L. of Chan. Fel. and Mrs. C. rise and join Maude r. ACT I THE MIDDLEMAN At doorway At backc. from r. Fel. What's your idea of a genius, Maude? Maude. 1 I never saw one ! I shouldn't know one if I did ! (Enter Cyrus Blenkarn, 2 in shirt sleeves, with no coat; hair long and untidy: a keen, pale, thin man, with bent form, sharp features, restless, ab- sent, distracted manner: he stands a moment or two at doorway, looking for someone. Seeing Chandler, he comes eagerly down to him.) Cyrus. Mr. Chandler, could you give me an order for the iron fittings for my new kiln ? 3 Chan. Really, Blenkarn, this is very unceremonious ! 4 How do you expect people to trust you when you are always throwing your money away in useless experiments? How much will the fittings come to? Cyrus. I'm afraid they'll come to nearly twenty pounds, sir. Chan. Can't you manage with ten? Cyrus. I'll try to make it do, if you'll leave the order open. Chan. No, no. Todd will give you an order for fifteen to- morrow. 5 Cyrus. But I want to start to-day. I can't afford to waste any more time. I've wasted so many years already. Can't I have it to-day ? Chan. My dear good man, you can surely wait till to- 26 4 Turning to LadyU. THE MIDDLEMAN ACT I morrow before you begin to squander my money. 1 Lady U. 2 Ah, Mr. Blenkarn ! That lovely dinner service Mr. Chandler gave us was your workmanship, wasn't it? (Cyrus assents.) I'm glad you put your own mark on it ! 3 Chan. 4 (shows annoyance) Ah — ra — Blenkarn — ah — ra 5 I think that's rather an absurd practice of yours, putting your own private mark on your best pieces. It's not necessary — not necessary — I wouldn't do it again if I were you ! Cyrus. Very well, sir. 6 (His face falls; he shozvs intense disappointment.) (Todd enters.) 1 Todd. The balloon's just going up! 8 Maude. Oh, we must see the balloon. Come along every- body. 9 (To Felicia.) Where has Julian got to? 10 Fel. I don't know. 11 He can't expect me to be always running after him. Maude. When I have a lover, I shall expect him to be always running after me, and he may think himself lucky if he catches me! (Exeunt Maude and Felicia.) 12 Cyrus. 13 (catching sight of Todd) Mr. Todd, could you please let me have an order for some iron fittings? 27 1 Turns up stage to win- dow. Cyrus is going up (Call I,). 3 Jesse (fa- vour, hat. coat, necktie, ready off r.) Mary. Comes doivn to Cyrus, l. c. 6 Turns up c. Stop music. 8 Todd and Chan, get up l. Blen- karn up c. 9 Crosses up c. 10 Maude and Fel. get c. Mrs. C. at back of set- tee. 11 Joins Maude. 2 At window l- Mrs. C. joins Lady IT. at window L. Todd and Chan, have been talking at windoto l. ACT I THE MIDDLEMAN 1 Taking Cyrus away to it. Mrs. C. and Lady U. at window to see balloon. At window l. * At back c. from r. e Advancing a little to c. *Lady U. gets to win- dow with Mrs. C. 9 As he is cross- ing to win- dow L. Chan. (interrupting) 1 Can't you see Mr. Todd is busy upon my parliamentary business to-day? (Soften- ing. ) Come, go and fetch your coat and enjoy your- self for once. There's a balloon and fireworks, and I daresay I may make another speech. Enjoy your- self, my good man! Enjoy yourself! (Exit 2 followed by Todd.) (Cyrus 3 stands absorbed, disappointed.) (Nancy appears.)* Nancy. May I come in please, Mrs. Chandler? Mrs. C. Certainly, 5 but you really ought to teach your father to take care of himself. 6 Make him a little more presentable, if he's going to stay. (Aside to Lady U.) Mr. Chandler allows these Blenkarns to take the strangest liberties. (Exeunt Mrs. C. and Lady U.) 1 (Nancy comes down 8 to Cyrus, who has stood baffled, listless, disappointed, hearing nothing of above conversation, 9 she takes him by the shoulders, and shakes him vigorously.) Cyrus. 10 (turning) Eh? Oh, Nancy! Nancy. Where's your hat? Where's your coat ? (Cyrus rouses himself from his abstraction by an effort.) Cyrus. Coat? Nancy. Where did you take it off? Think! 28 THE MIDDLEMAN ACT I Cyrus. (thinks. After a pause.) I don't think I put it on, Nancy. Nancy. Where did you wear it last? Cyrus. (after a pause) I wore it to church last Sunday, Didn't I? Nancy. (with a gesture of despair) How could you come to Mr. Chandler's in such a state? Cyrus. {innocently) What state? Nancy. Look at yourself. (Pointing to his clothes.f Cyrus. (looks himself up and down) Yes, it does look rather shabby, — but — it isn't Sunday to-day, you know. Nancy. You told me you weren't coming to the garden party. Cyrus. I haven't come to the garden party. I came to get an order on Mr. Woolaston. (Suddenly starting off.) I wonder if Mr. Woolaston — 1 Nancy. Listen ! 2 Now you are here, you're going to stay and enjoy yourself with me and Mary. (At mention of Mary's name, Cyrus' face lights up with great animation and joy.) Cyrus. Mary ! Where is she? Why don't you bring her to me? 29 Going L. Catches him by the arm and pulls him back. ACT I THE MIDDLEMAN *c. 2 Goes round to back of set- tee. Nancy. You shall see her directly if you behave yourself. {Looks all round.) There's nobody about! Sit down. {Pushes him into seat.) 1 Let me make you tidy ! {She 2 takes out small brush and comb from pocket.) Nancy. {beginning to comb his hair) Did you have your dinner ? Cyrus. Dinner? Nancy. Yes, I left it in the oven! Cyrus. Did you? Then why didn't you tell me so? Mary. I told you so four times and showed it to you bak- ing. Cyrus. Did you ? Then I suppose I must have had it ! Yes, I remember now. I did have it. It was delicious. I'm very fond of Irish stew. Mary. Irish stew! Why, it was a veal pie. {Gives a pull at his hair which makes him jump. ) Cyrus. Was it? I thought it was Irish stew! (Jesse Pegg enters : z a young workman dressed in his Sunday best, with hair carefully pomatumed into a triangle three inches high in front. Know- ing he is intruding, he stands at window a mo- ment or two before he ventures to whisper.) Jesse. Miss Nancy! Miss Nancy! » At window l. THE MIDDLEMAN Nancy. (curtly) Well? Jesse. (comes in, treading very gingerly on carpet) The balloon's just going up! I've saved you such a splendid place, close to me. 1 Nancy. How horrid of you ! Jesse. (with desperate earnestness) Do come along. Nancy. I can't. If you're not busy you might — Jesse. (eagerly) Anything! Anything! If it's for you. Nancy. It isn't for me. It's for him. Run home and look all over the house and all over the works till you find his hat and coat and necktie, and bring them all here. You'll find me somewhere about when you come back. See how quick you can be. Jesse. All right, I'm off. 2 Nancy. Oh, Mr. Pegg (Jesse stops.) 5 You'll find a veal pie in the oven ! I wish you'd take it out ! Jesse. For you! If it's for you? Nancy. Certainly. It's for my supper to-night, if it isn't burnt to a cinder. Jesse. Thank you ! Thank you ! I'm So proud to be al- lowed to run on your errands. (Runs off.) 4 3* Going up c. At back c. ton. ACT THE MIDDLEMAN Cyrus is leaning for- ward ab- sorbed in thought. Nancy takes him by the shoulders, pulls him back in his seat and be- gins combing his hair. Nancy. (aside) To think that little me should make such a fool of such a sensible fellow as Jesse Pegg. 1 Cyrus. If they could make that china a hundred and twenty years ago, why can't it be made to-day, Nancy? Nancy. Hold your head still ! Cyrus. (getting excited) You believe it's to be done, don't you? Nancy. Yes, if you only keep quiet. Cyrus. I'm sure of it! (Getting excited, wagging his head to and fro.) All the old receipts are wrong — I've tried them all. I tell you this, Nancy — (Starts up violently. Nancy has hold of his hair.) Nancy. Will you sit down? (Puts him into settee again.) Cyrus. (sits down submissively) Shall you be long, Nancy ? Nancy. s At r. corner of settee. Two minutes if you keep still. Half an hour if you don't. Cyrus. (Schooling himself, sits very quiet for two or three seconds, then plaintively.) It's very kind of you, Nancy, but you comb my hair too much. You do nothing all day long but comb and make me tidy ! Nancy. That's the reason you're such a dandy ! 2 32 THE MIDDLEMAN ACT I (Enter Mary.) 1 Mary. (comes down very gently) Father! (Going to him.) 2 Cyrus. (his manner changes to intense delight) Mary, my dear! I haven't seen you for nearly a fortnight. You're quite well, my clear? (Kisses her.) 3, Mary. Yes, quite well. Cyrus. (looking anxiously at her) You're looking pale and worried, eh, Nancy? Mary. No, no, it's nothing! I'm quite well! Let's talk about yourself. Tell me how you're getting on with your work. How have the new vases turned out? Cyrus. Spoilt ! They wouldn't stand the firing ! Mary. Never mind. Every failure brings you nearer to success. Cyrus. (very much touched, gently takes her hand and covers it with kisses) God bless my Mary ! You're always kind to me! There's nobody in the world understands me but you, dear! (Kissing her hand. Mary withdrazvs it with a pained expression.) (Jesse Pegg enters 4 with Cyrus's coat, hat, neck- tie. He is panting, breathless, exhausted, sits in chair, 5 holds out coat, etc., helplessly to Nancy, sits panting.) 6 y* Nancy. What's the matter? 7 3 33 At window L. l. of settee. At back c from R. Chair aovm Crossing be- hind settee to him, L. C. ACT I THE MIDDLEMAN (CallS). Juli an (Bank notes). Mary fast- ens Cyrus' wristband. 1 Gets round to . r. of Cyrus. * Returns to him. Rist7ig. Goes to win- dow L. Jesse. (hand on heart, breathless) I've brought — hat — coat — all — (drops the tilings helplessly into her hands. She takes them.) Nancy. What made you run so fast? Jesse. ( with a look of reproach) You commanded me — to make haste. Nancy. 1 I didn't tell you to bring on an apopletic fit ! Here, Mary! (Giving clothes to Mary, who takes them.) Make haste! (Looking out of window.) They're all watching the balloon — you'll have time to finish him before they come back. (Mary takes things, 2 puts them on settee, helps Cyrus to rise, ties Jiis necktie, makes him gener- ally comfortable and tidy.) (Jesse has sat panting, slozvly recovering.) Nancy. 3 Oh, you stupid! Jesse. I did it for you, and you reproach me! 4 I wish I was dead. Nancy. Well, don't run yourself to death on my errands. Make it a case of felo-de-se. 5 Jesse. ( looks at her ferociously for a moment, then goes determinedly to Cyrus, 6 holds out his hand) Good-bye, Mr. Blenkarn ! Cyrus. (surprised) Good-bye, Jesse? 34 THE MIDDLEMAN ACT I Her scorn drives me Nancy leans over back of chair l. Jesse I can't endure it any longer mad. Good-bye. Cyrus. But I can't spare you, Jesse. You're the best work- man I ever had. Where are you going? 1 Jesse. I don't know whether I shall commit suicide or go to Australia. (Affected.) You'll think of me some- times, Mr. Blenkarn — and there's that bit of Brus- sels carpet I bought for her — you can keep that — and if anything does happen to me — let her look at that carpet, and remember that Jesse Pegg would have used his heart's best blood to dye its crimson pattern if she had only asked him ! Good-bye. 2 Nancy. 3 (calling him) Mr. Pegg! (Jesse stops.) If it wouldn't trouble you, I should like to see the sack race. 4 Jesse. Trouble! Trouble! (Coming down to her.) get you a place. Where would you like to (Snatching at her hand.) Nancy. In some place where you can't possibly get a chance of squeezing my hand. (Drags her hand away and runs off. 5 Jesse follows. ) 6 v / Mary. 7 (having finished toilet operations, fondling him) Father, wouldn't you like me to come back home and live with you always? Cyrus. Of course I should, for my own sake — but we must think of your future ! 35 I'll sit? 2 Going up c. Goes up a little to cor- ner of table. Cyrus sits on settee c. Mary kneels on his r. R. C. ACT THE MIDDLEMAN * Attn round iter neck. Mary. My future ! ( With a look of shame and pain which Cyrus does not see.) Cyrus. Yes, dear ! * You see I'm a careless, thoughtless old fellow, and all the money I get goes somewhere. I don't know where it goes, but it does go somewhere, doesn't it? Mary. (caressing him) Dear father, I'm glad you don't like money. Cyrus. Oh, but I do like it! I'm very fond of it ! I should Chandler. *Rise and get to a. like to be very rich ; then I could carry on all my experiments : but I'm afraid I shall always be poor. Mary. Never mind. God can't think much of money, Look at the people he gives a lot to ! Cyrus. (musing) It doesn't matter for myself and Nancy — we shall always be able to shift for ourselves, but — you're not like us. A h,you don't know how proud I am of you, dear ! And you're in your right place here amongst great people ! I want you to stay here always ! I want to think when I'm at home, " Mary's safe — whatever happens to me, she's pro- vided for! She's a lady, and some day perhaps some great man will see her and fall in love with her." Mary. No, no, father! There's no fear of that! Cyrus. Eh? Mary. I mean — you're a very foolish old fellow to put such fancies into my head! You mustn't be proud of me any more — never any more, 2 — you'll break my heart. 36 THE MIDDLEMAN ACT I Cyrus. Why, Mary my dear, what's this? Mary. I mean you'll make me vain. Don't talk any more about me. Tell me about your work. 1 How are you getting on with your new kiln? 2 (Julian enters.) 3 Cyrus. Stopped! I wanted to work at it to-day, but Mr. Todd was too busy to let me have the order for the fittings, and I've got no money to buy them! Julian. (coming down) 4 How much do you want, Mr. Blenkarn? Cyrus. Oh, Captain Chandler, sir. How do you do, sir? 5 Julian. How much do you want ? Cyrus. For the fittings, sir? I'm afraid they'll come to nearly twenty pounds. 6 Mary. 7 No — Captain Chandler — please not — it wouldn't be right for my father to take money from you ! Julian. Why not ? All our money came from your father's invention. We owe him more than we shall ever pay him ! Here, Mr. Blenkarn. (Giving notes.) Cyrus. Thank you ! Thank you ! 8 Julian. Don't thank me ! I wish I could make it more, but I'm not very flush myself — 9 37 1 Comes to him. 2 Sits on set- tee on his r. 3 c. from R. Mvsic No. 3 Schottische. 6 Rises, takes hat front, set- tee as he does so. Mary rises. She has shown slight confu- sion and alarm at Julian's voice. 'Julian takes out note- case. Takes them, shows them to Mary. » Goes a little to L. ACT I THE MIDDLEMAN 1 Offering it back to Juli- an. * Thrust notes in side pocket of coat, s 7s going off c. Cyrus. Then I ought not to take this — * Julian. Yes — yes — take it. You ought to be at the head of the firm, instead of working for us. Besides, I shall get plenty out of the governor before I start. Cyrus. Oh, well, then you'll excuse me 2 — I'm so much obliged, so much obliged. 3 Mary. Father, where are you going ? 4 Cyrus. To Mr. Woolaston's to buy the fittings. Good-bye, dear. 5 Mary. But Mr. Woolaston is here at the garden party. He has shut up his shop for to-day. (Going up to him. ) Cyrus. Has he? Then he must open it again. I can't have my kiln stopped for a garden party. 6 Thank you, Captain Chandler — it's so kind of you, so kind. You'll excuse me. I must go — I want to get these Going. Crosses to l. Taking money from pocket again. 7 Going off at window l. with great animation. fittings. Thank you ! Thank you ! So kind ! (Shakes hands zvith Julian.) 7 (Exit.) JVIary. 8 You shouldn't have given him that money ! Julian. Why not? Mary. Can't you see — it seems like — (Stops ashamed.) Julian, how can I ask you? You must marry Miss Umfraville? Julian. Marry her ? No ! I mean to get out of it some way 38 THE MIDDLEMAN ACT I or the other ! x I hope to heaven I shall get my quietus out in Africa, and there'll be an end of me ! Mary. Hush ! You mustn't talk like this. 2 Julian. How should I talk? I've acted like a blackguard and a scoundrel. And you've been such a brick to me, Mary, as staunch as steel, as true as gold! What must you think of me? Mary. I forgive you, Julian ! Julian. Don't forgive me ! Hate me and despise me ! I hate and despise myself ! Mary. No — no — , Julian, you love me still. 3 Julian. Love you ! You know I do ! You know I'd marry you tomorrow if I dared. Mary. If you dared. Julian. How can I? With nothing but beggary to offer you. And to take you out to that cursed climate to die with me. No ! I've brought enough misery on you — I won't wrong you any more. Mary. Oh, Julian, 4 what can I do? What can I do? Julian. Stay here, Mary. If I live and come back to Eng- land, (enter Chandler) 5 you shall be my wife. If I die, as I hope I may — well ! I shall know you are safe and happy. Maude's fond of you, and you will always have a home here. If there's one thing 39 Crosses to r' then back to c. and sits c. * Goes l. B At back c. from l. (Call 7). Cyrus. Todd. Sir Seton. Dutton (hat and coat). Servant. Mrs. C. Felicia (flow- er). Maude. Lady U. ACT I THE MIDDLEMAN I'm thankful for, it is that your secret will never be known. Mary. 1 Julian, (looks at him) it must be known. 2 Julian. (shows surprise and fear, then bursts out — rises) Oh, what a scoundrel I've been ! What a coward and a fool I was to let my father gull me into this marriage. ( With great tenderness, going to her, puts his arms round her.) Mary! (Chandler comes forward. 3 They both show surprise and consternation, and fall apart. Mary shows intense shame.) >/ Chan. 4 Miss Blenkarn, Mrs. Chandler is asking for you. (Mary stands speechless and overwhelmed.) Do you hear, madam? Mrs. Chandler is waiting. (Mary slowly exit.) 5 (Turns to Julian, sternly.) What's the meaning of this? Julian. (summoning courage) It means I've been a black- guard ! 6 y Chan. What! You don't mean to say there's any chance of a public scandal ? 7 Julian. No, there shall be no public scandal if I can stop it! Chan. Stop it ! You must stop it ! You know what these Tatlow people are. If this affair gets wind, it will lose me hundreds of votes. 8 Come now, what do you mean to do? Julian. (calmly) I mean to marry Miss Blenkarn. 40 THE MIDDLEMAN ACT I Chan. What! Julian. Look here, sir, I've been a fool. Don't force me to be a coward as well! Chan. I shall force you to keep your word to Miss Umfra- ville. Julian. You will ? Chan. I shall. Sir Seton's influence is necessary to me. If you break off your engagement with his daughter, he will withdraw his support. Julian. But, father — Chan. I shall not argue the point with you, Julian. Come, the time's short. What do you say? Julian. 1 I shall marry Miss Blenkarn. Chan. 2 Very well, sir. Then I shall not pay a farthing of your debts, I shall publicly disown you for my son and when you leave this house to-day, you'll never return. Do you hear, sir? So pack up, and be gone. Julian. (Rings bell.) 3 Very well. Chan. And when you and your precious madam are starv- ing toegther, 4 you'll think what a fool you were not to accept my offer of a comfortable provision for her! (Cyrus enters.) 5 \/" Julian. (seeing Cyrus) Hush! 4i 1 r. firmly. up L. above window. 4 Going to him r. ; Cyrus enters out of breath, Band and shouts ready. ACT I THE MIDDLEMAN 1 Cyrus goes up L. c. and leans on chair for a mcmeu t, then up c. openinq look- ing for Woolaston. Cyrus. I can't find Mr. Woolaston anywhere. Have you seen him, sir? Chan. No, Blenkarn, no. Cyrus. They told me he had gone into the house too. 1 Chan. (to Julian) You'd better think it over, young man — (Softening, drawing Julian dozvn stage.) Come, Julian, I don't want to be hard on you for this bit of boyish folly. But be reasonable. You must see that if you split with the Umfravilles just now, it will ruin all my hopes, destroy my honourable ambition. Julian. (indicating Cyrus) But his hopes — his ambition for Mary — her life, poor girl! (Exit Cyrus.) 2 Chan. I'll take every care of her, I promise you. Don't break your engagement now, Julian. I wouldn't mind it in a year's time, when once I'm safe in Par- liament. Come, you'll let things stay as they are. Julian. I can't — it's cowardly — it's blackguardly ! 3 (Cyrus re-enters.) 4 Chan. Hush ! (Looks round.) Then you'll marry her and bring her to beggary. Mind, I'm determined. Julian. (after a pause) If I do nothing to break with the Umfravilles for a year, will you pay off my debts and give me the two thousand you promised? Chan. Certainly, I will. I — 42 s c. and r. as if he had seen some one. s Exrited and raising voice. 4 c. and r. THE MIDDLEMAN ACT I Cyrus. (comes down)* Mr. Chandler, would you let one of the men — Chan. 1 (irritated) What is it, Blenkarn, what is it? (Takes him to window.) 2 Cyrus. Why, it's Woolaston — Chan, (impatiently.) Yes, yes, anything you please! Send one of the men — Cyrus. Thank you, sir. (Going off.) 3 Here Tom, Mr. Chandler says — (Voice dies away.) Chan. (to Julian) Well? Yes or no? (Servant en- ters.) 4 Julian. 5 We'll let things stay as they are. Chan. A very sensible decision. 1 Shakes hands.) (Enter Todd, 6 Mary appears at back.) 7 Servant. You rang, sir ? 8 Chan. 9 Yes, let Mrs. Chandler and the family know that Captain Chandler has received an urgent telegram from London. — He will leave by the five o'clock up express, instead of the night mail. . Julian. What? 43 8 As he exit at l. ivindoio. 4 c. from r. Window h. c. from l. Down c. r. c. ACT I THE MIDDLEMAN Through, window l. Chan. (to servant) Tell Williams to have everything ready. (Exit Servant.) 1 Julian. There is no need for me to leave before the mail. Chan. (after a look at Mary, determinedly) I think there is. Todd. What's this? Captain Chandler, going at once? I must wake up the brass band and get some men to take your horses out of the carriage and draw you to the station, eh, sir? Chan. By all means! By all means! 2 (Todd exit.) 3 Hurriedly at window L. * From win- dow. 6 Comes down between Lady U. and Felicia. ' Mrs. C. and Maude fol- low. 7 Crosses to Felicia. (Enter 4 Maude, Mrs. Chandler, Felicia, Lady Umfraville and Sir Seton.) Maude. (to Julian) Julian, is this true? Are you obliged to go this afternoon? Mrs. C. (to Julian) Must you go, Julian? Chan. 5 Yes, he is urgently required in London to-night. Miss Umfraville, there is only just time to bid him good-bye. Julian. Our adieux have already been said. 6 Have they not? 7 Felicia. Yes, I suppose so. ( Takes off a flower she has been zvearing.) There's a keepsake for you. 44 THE MIDDLEMAN ACT I 1 At window l. Sir S. drops down l. Cheers and band. 8 No. U. (March). • Dutton hands him hat, etc. Julian. Good-bye. I'm not good enough for you, Felicia. (Re-enter Todd.) 1 (Julian embraces Mrs. C. and then Maude.) Todd. 2 (to crowd outside) Now then! Three cheers for Captain Chandler! Hip! Hip! Hurrah! (Crowd cheer, band strikes up 3 in distance, getting nearer and nearer till Curtain. Dutton enters 4 with Julian's hat, coat, gloves, etc. Cyrus en- ters. 5 Talks to Todd for a moment, then goes toward c. opening, trying as he does so to attract Mary's attention.) •/ Julian. Now, Dutton, look sharp ! 6 Mary. (aside) Will he go without a word? 7 (Julian is saying good-bye all round, embraces his mother, sister.) Julian. Good-bye Maude ! Mother ! Felicia ! 8 Good- bye, Sir Seton. I leave Felicia in your care. If anything happens to me — Chan. 9 (looking out of window) The carriage is ready, Julian. You haven't a moment to waste. 10 (Dut- ton exit.) 11 Julian. (to Mary) Good-bye, Miss Blenkarn. (Looks round to see if he is unobserved. 12 Then Julian turns to her and says furtively) — Mary, I — (Sees Cyrus, stops.) 45 Crosses to SirS. All follow. 5 Mary gets down b. 1 At conserva- tory r. >* Cyrus comes down r. c. ACT I THE MIDDLEMAN * Comes from window to c. Mary. (nerves herself with great fortitude) Good-bye, Captain Chandler! I hope you will — I — I — I — (Breaks down, almost fainting, her father catches her in his arms.) Cyrus. 1 Mary, what is it? Mary — Julian. Miss Blenkarn! Chan. 2 (touches him on the shoulder) Come, sir, come! Time presses ! Julian. But Miss Blenkarn is ill — Cyrus. Yes, she's — Mary. (with desperate effort recovers herself) No — no — I'm quite well. (In a firm, determined, cheerful voice) I hope you will have a pleasant journey, Captain Chandler. Good-bye. (Stands calm and motionless throughout, betrays no emotion.) Julian. Good-bye. Good-bye, Mr. Blenkarn. 3 Cyrus. Good-bye, Captain Chandler ! 4 Good-bye. Thank 8 Offers hand to Cyrus. 4 Grasping his hand. 1st Picture. Julian gone. All looking off at win- dow. Ladies waving handker- chiefs, with the exception of Mary who is standing in conserva- tory door, weeping. Time Sit min- utes. you ! Thank you ! I shall get to work to-night ! Your kind present ! God bless you ! God bless you ! (He wrings Julian's hand. Julian hastily with- draws it and rushes off. Band very loud. ) Curtain. 46 ACT II. Scene. — Cyrus Blenkarn's house, as in plan. A plain sparely-furnished room, with cheap wain- scoting and whitewashed walls. A fireplace down stage right: a door up stage right. At back, corded to the wall, are a pair of steps which can be let down from Cyrus' workshop so as to fur- nish access to its door, which is some six or seven feet from the stage in the back wall. To the right of these steps on the wall at back are shelves with various specimens of china and earthenware. To the left of the steps a cupboard. Across the corner at left is hung on rod a chintz curtain, which being drawn aside discloses a bench with materials for painting china and a chair in front of the bench. A window over the bench: a pair of high steps just below the chintz curtain, 1 a door down stage left. In front of the fireplace a long table with materials for painting china. Behind the table a chair in the centre of a strip of new, gaudy, crim- son-flowered, Brussels carpet. Discovers Nancy on top of steps, 2 arranging the curtain over Jesse's bench. Jesse is looking on. Nancy has just fixed the curtain in such a way as to hide Jesse's bench.) Nancy. {on steps) There! Now when that's drawn you can't possibly see me ! ( Coming dozvn steps. Jesse offers to assist her.) Go away, Jesse, go away! (She comes down steps folding them up. 3 Jesse puts steps against wall. 4 Then goes to Nancy's table.) 5 Nancy. Come! Get to your work ! (Jesse hesitates.) Get 47 Vase on table. Nancy. Jesse. Chandler. Mrs. C. Sir Seton. Lady U. Maude. Felicia. R., Nancy crosses to ACT II THE MIDDLEMAN ° Jesse goes, l. Nancy fol- lows him. Thumping on the table. to your work ! ° Fix all your attention on it, and don't so much as remember that I am in the room ! (He goes reluctantly behind the curtain x and sits at his table. Nancy draws curtain. She goes to her table, 2 seats herself at work, takes up vase and begins to paint it. Jesse gradually moves the curtain and peeps round it. She takes no notice but goes on painting, holding out the vase at full length to get the effect. ) Jesse. Miss Nancy! Miss Nancy! (Nancy sublimely unconscious is studying the ef- fect of vase. ) Jesse. (shouts) Words are cheap enough, aren't they? Nancy. It disturbs your peace of mind when I speak to you. Jesse. (drawing curtain back and looking round) It dis- turbs my peace of mind a great deal more when you don't speak to me. Nancy. Then why do you stay here? Why don't you go into the works ? Jesse. And leave your father? You know he must have a workman always handy to help him. I will never leave your father. (Rises. Nancy takes no notice. Jesse comes determinedly down to her, stands a mo- ment, then shouts fiercely at her.) I will never leave your father ! 3 (Nancy quietly puts doivn her vase, takes him by the arm, marches him up to his bench, seats him at it, then In a cold, magisterial voice.) 48 THE MIDDLEMAN ACT II Nancy. If I see or hear anything more of you for the rest of the morning, I won't speak to you for a week. (Goes back to table sits.) Jesse. (meekly) Thank you. You shan't! I'll be as quiet as a mouse ! Thank you so much ! Thank you ! (He gets quietly to work, painting vase on table. Enter Chandler 1 and Mrs. Chandler, followed by Maude, Felicia, Sir Seton and Lady Um- fraville. ) Chan. Goocl-morning, Nancy. 2 I want to see your father. Nancy. (glancing at ladder) I'm very sorry, sir. His lad- der's up. Chan. Oh nonsense ! Nonsense ! Blenkarn ! Blenkarn ! 3 Jesse. 4 Shy something heavy at his door, sir, and if that don't fetch him, I'll go round to the back and break a window. That's almost safe to bring him. (Chandler goes to Cyrus' ladder, and bangs 5 at it with his walking stick. Cyrus opens door an inch. ) Y Cyrus. (through chink of door) Run away! Run away! Go and do some errands ! Go and take a long walk ! Don't come back again! (Slams door.) Chan. (loudly) Blenkarn! Blenkarn! I say — Cyrus. (opening door and looking out) Eh? Oh! (Lets down ladder, stands at top of it very much embar- rassed. ) 4 49 2 Comes to c. 3 Goes up c. The others cross to Nancy's table. TJiree times with increas- ing vigour. ACT THE MIDDLEMAN Comes down to Sir S. and Lady U. As he goes down L. Nancy frowns and makes signs. Chan. Come down, Blenkarn, I want to speak to you ! ° Cyrus. (coming down ladder) I'm very sorry, sir — I didn't know it was you, or I shouldn't have told you to go and do some errands ! x Chan. (aside) 2 His girl hasn't told him yet. Cyrus. (apologetically to Sir Seton and Lady Umfra- ville.) 3 I beg your pardon. I'm obliged to have that ladder, because as soon as I set to work, a lot of people will come bothering me, and I can't get rid of them. 4 I don't like to tell them they're a nuisance. And they always come just as I'm doing something important, don't they, Nancy? Nancy. (flatly) No! (glaring at him.) Cyrus. 8 Yes, they do. You know they do. Chan. 6 Blenkarn, I want you to show Sir Seton and Lady Umfraville over the works. You can explain the processes so much better than anybody else. ( Cyrus' face falls.) Cyrus. Not this morning, Mr. Chandler? I'm very busy this morning. Chan. (contemptuously) Busy! My good man! You've been busy these last twenty years, and what have you done? Cyrus. (pause) Well, I invented the glaze. The works were bankrupt when — 50 THE MIDDLEMAN ACT II Chan. When I bought your patent, and brought my energy and capital to bear on it. Come, Sir Seton and Lady Umfraville are waiting. You've got a lot of odds and ends here. You might begin by showing them your bits of old Tatlow ! Cyrus. Delighted, I'm sure — (showing great reluctance, languidly takes a teapot from cupboard, with- out interest.) Teapot — date 1750 — made by Aaron Shelton — * {with sudden Hash of enthusiasm.) Look at it! The new Tatlow would melt like wax in it. I've baked it for weeks and there isn't a crack in it. If I could only make a piece like that before I die! And I will! I will! Chan. 2 Not you, Blenkarn ! You'll never do it ! Cyrus. Oh, yes I will! Chan. By the way, you're always wanting money! You might sell me your collection. Cyrus. No, I won't sell that, Mr. Chandler. 3 (Restores teapot to place, takes out dish.) Dessert service — 1762 — made by — by — (gets bewildered, looks round helplessly) I can't remember anything this morn- ing— Sir S. 4 Chandler, we'll look round the works at some other time when Mr. Blenkarn is at liberty — (Cyrus grasps Sir Seton's hand.) Cyrus. (very zvarmly) Thank you ! Thank you ! B I'm just at work on the model for my new kiln, and it's 5i * Turns up stage. 1 Chan, goes up stage, l. c. ACT II THE MIDDLEMAN Maude. Felicia. 1 Going to- wards cup- board c. to put down dish, sees Jesse ativork 2 Seated L. very complicated — the fact is there are nineteen dif- ferent ways of doing it, and I don't know which is right — and if you'll excuse me — * Oh, there's Jesse Pegg! He knows the works a great deal better than I do, don't you, Jesse? Jesse. 2 Yes, Mr. Blenkarn, I'm ready. 3 Sir. S. Come along then, Mr. Pegg. 4 We'll say good morning, Mr. Blenkarn ! I can see you'll be glad to get rid of us ! Cyrus. Yes, I shall. And if you'll come some other day when I'm not busy — in about six months' time — or a year — I'll show you round myself. Jesse, mind you show them everything, and — and — (bolting hastily tip ladder) Good morning. Good morning. So proud I've seen you, so proud. Good morning ! Rising. * Crosses to L.C. Knock ready. l. He re- mains up stage L. and signs to Chan. r Ladies cross to door l. «L. Good morning! (Draws up ladder and exit into room, closing door.) / Jesse. If you'll come this way, please — (going to door 5 and stopping.) (Enter Todd.) 6 Mrs. C. Nancy, you will come with us. My daughter and Miss Umfraville are going through the works, they will require your assistance. Nancy. Very well, Mrs. Chandler. 7 Felicia, Mrs. C, Lady U., Jesse.) y Chan. 9 What is it, Todd ? 9 Todd. Needham has brought the contract for the new- works. He wants it signed at once. 10 52 (Exeunt 8 Maude, Sir. S., Nancy and THE MIDDLEMAN ACT II Puts hat and stick on table Chan. I'm a little doubtful, Todd, about these extensive alterations. 1 It mortgages all my capital for years. Suppose business was to go wrong — Todd. You ain't losing faith in yourself? Chan. I shall never lose faith in myself, Todd. But sup- pose this old fool (indicating Blenkarn's room) was to find out the secret of the old Tatlow — Todd. Well? Chan. It would knock all our present ware out of the market. Todd. He'll never find it out. Chan. No, and if he does, I could buy his patent of him for a five pound note. 2 Todd. Yes, to be sure. (Aside.) 3 Unless I bought it for ten. Chan. Very well, Todd. Then we'll sign the contract and start the works at once. Todd going to Chan. r. c. Right. And if business gets a little shaky, you can turn the whole concern into a limited liability com- pany, and clear out. Chan. Oh, quite so, quite so. (A knock at door. Enter Postman 4 with letter.) Post. Good morning, Mr. Chandler. 53 Going to cor- ner of table 1 Going l. c. * l. Chandler r. c, Todd c. ACT II THE MIDDLEMAN Crosses to table, r. * Chan, turns for hat and stick, sees letter. Todd watching. Chan, turns suddenly, nearly catch- ing Todd, who looks the other way. Chan. Good morning, Carter. Post. Letter for Mr. Blenkarn. As usual at this house, if there's only the old man at home, you might knock the blessed walls down and none would hear you. (Puts letter on table 1 near Chan., and exit. 2 Chan, aside, glances at letter, shows alarm and surprise? puts his hand over letter.) Chan. Todd, step across to Needham and tell him I'll be there to sign the contract in five minutes. Todd. Yes, sir. (Watching him, aside.) What's up, I wonder? There's something in that letter. (Going off slowly. 4 Chan. (peremptorily) Did you hear? Todd. Yes, sir. (Exit quickly.) 5 (Chandler watches him off, then turns quickly to letter. ) y Chan. (After a look around.) From Julian! London postmark ! What can he have to write to Blenkarn about? Unless it's — (looking at letter, and looking round) I suppose it would be considered dishonor- able to open a letter — as a rule — and yet in a case of this kind it may be my duty — (Looks round at Blenkarn's door, opens letter, takes out a slip of paper and an enclosed envelope reads slip of paper.) " If you love your daughter Mary, be sure she has this privately at once." (Reads address on enclosed envelope.) "Miss Mary Blenkarn" (hesitates) My public career is at stake, (opens 54 Call U. Todd. Cyrus THE MIDDLEMAN ACT II Mary, Come to me at Paris at once at the above address, and I will make you my wife before I leave for Africa. We are hurrying on, so don't delay. If I am obliged to leave Paris before you arrive, I shall leave all instructions for you to follow me. Make the best excuse you can at home. Don't let them suspect you are coming to me. I enclose notes for journey. 1 Oh, my dearest, can you ever forgive me? Ever your Julian." (Looks round, goes to fire, hesitates for some moments, -finally puts letter on tire. ) There, you young fool ! I've saved you from the fruits of your folly, and you'll thank me some day! (Before the letter has burned, enter Maude and Felicia. 2 They are coughing. Chan. watches the letter burn.) What's the matter, Maude? 3 Maude. 4 We've been nearly choked in that horrid tile-room ! Oh, Papa ! 5 Is it necessary for the women and girls to do that terrible work? Chan. Necessary? Of course it's necessary. What would become of England's commercial prosperity if they didn't do it? Fel. 6 It's a wonder they're not all suffocated. Chan. 7 Oh, they get used to it. In fact, after a time I be- lieve they really get to like it. They must like it, or they wouldn't love and respect me as they do. Maude. I suppose, papa, there's no doubt they do love and respect you ? Chan. Doubt! You heard the Mayor's speech yesterday? I never heard a more glowing eulogium upon any 55 1 Business of pocketing bank notes. 8 Standing at fire. 6 Felicia sits down L. c. 7 L. of table R. ACT II THE MIDDLEMAN Jesse. Nancy. 1 Goes to n. of Felicia, l. c. 3 Getting to c. man's private and public virtues than he pronounced on mine. Maude. Yes, but, papa, you get all your wines and spirits from him. Chan. (Very much upset) Wines and spirits! Good heavens ! That a child of mine should take such an incredibly low view of human nature as to suppose that a respectable wine and spirit merchant should be influenced in his political views by paltry con- siderations of trade ! Get rid of such cynicism, my dear, get rid of it! It's degrading! Maude. But you are a splendid customer to him ! * Chan. 2 I encourage all local enterprise. You must surely see, Maude, that I am a great public benefactor to the town of Tatlow. Look at the entertainments yesterday — the fireworks alone — had the man down from the Crystal Palace on purpose. Really it does seem cruel that I should be obliged to point out my benevolence to my own daughter. But I suppose I must bear to be misunderstood, Miss Umfraville, like those other noble philanthropists who have preceded me. Fel. Yes, which? 3 Chan. Well — ah — ra — several. It would be invidious to mention any one in particular. Maude. (Taking out zvatch) Quarter past twelve. (To Fel.) Shall we have a gallop before lunch? Fel. 4 Yes, and get the dust of that tile-room out of our throats. 56 4 Rising and going to door THE MIDDLEMAN ACT II 1 Going to- wards door. Felicia exits door l. Door L. R. c. Maude. I shall never go there again. 1 Oh, papa, I wish for those poor girls' sakes that England could do with a little less commercial prosperity. (Exeunt Maude aiul Felicia.) 2 Chan. 3 It's strange how little the members of my own family seem to appreciate me. (Goes to fireplace, stirs ashes with poker.) Yes, it's quite burnt. Now, if I can persuade the girl to hold her tongue and leave the neighbourhood without saying anything to her father — 4 ^/ (Enter Todd. 5 Todd. 6 Needham's waiting for you to sign the contract. Chan. I'll go to him. 7 By the way, Todd, you might just draw old Blenkarn, pump him a bit. Todd. 8 I will. Rely on me. Chan. We must take care to be on the safe side, Toddy. (JVinks very slozvly at Todd, who minks very slozvly back at him. Chan, laughs. Todd laughs. Chan, exit. 9 As soon as Chan, has gone off, Todd relaxes his wink, lays his finger to the side of his nose.) y Todd. Yes, we must take care to keep on the safe side, guv'nor. What luck some men have ! What a posi- tion I could have made for myself if I had only happened to get hold of a greenhorn like old Blen- karn ! 10 Ah well, the old boy's just as green as ever ! (Cyrus opens his door and appears at top of ladder. The ladder descends.) Here is the old moonraker! 57 7 Crosses to doorh. Todd about to fol- io iv. B L. C. 10 Crossing to ACT II THE MIDDLEMAN »B. *c. * Comes to l. of table R. « Coins l. ( Cyrus comes down ladder steps, muttering to him- self, without noticing Todd.) Cyrus. It won't come right — All my time wasted — Todd. 1 (very cordially) Ah, good morning, Blenkarn! Good morning*? Cyrus. 2 (waking up) Good-morning, Mr. Todd. My per- forated bricks won't fit — they're all wrong, I must get some more baked. 3 Todd. Of course. Tell Cousins to take your order. Cyrus. (gratefully) Thank you. 4 Todd. How are you getting on with your new experi- ments ? Cyrus. Splendidly. Todd. (going up ladder) I should like to have a look at what you're doing. Cyrus. 5 You can't. I never let anybody go into that room, except my daughter Mary. She's the only one that knows my secrets. Todd. (going up further, hand on door) Oh, but I might be able to give you some advice, to help you. Cyrus. Nobody can help me. (Fiercely.) Come down! You shan't go there. Do you hear? Come down, I say! 58 Turning and coming c, back to audi- ence. THE MIDDLEMAN ACT II (Todd comes quickly down.) Todd. Oh, very well. (Comes quickly down.) (Cyrus goes up ladder, locks door and puts key in pocket. Re-enter Jesse and Nancy.) 1 You know, Blenkarn, I take an enormous interest in you. Cyrus. 2 Oh, do you ? Todd. You don't know what a good friend I've been to you! Cyrus. (mechanically) No — yes — no — I forget. 3 Todd. And I mean to stick to you, I do ! 4 Now, if you make any discovery that means money, why not bring it to me? Cyrus. Eh? Todd. You can't work it yourself — you've got no capital — well, we work it together and make a fortune out of it. See? Well, that's agreed between us. That's settled. 5 Cyrus. No, I don't think so, Mr. Todd. 6 Todd. No? Cyrus. Mr. Chandler has been a good master to me. He has always advanced me money on my wages to carry on my experiments, and I think I ought to give him the first chance. 59 Stands r. c. up stage by ladder. 1 l., Jesse takes off coat. Nancy crosses r. and seats herself at table r. Jesse sits L. to zvork. * On steps. Comes down steps. Going L. * Takes Cyrus by the arm. They come doivn r. c. together. 8 Seizing and shaking Cy- rus's hand. « Withdratv- ing his hand. ACT II THE MIDDLEMAN Todd. (glibly) Of course! Of course! I was speaking entirely in Mr. Chandler's interest. Naturally, I should take it to Chandler — great, noble-hearted man, Chandler! Oh, I love him quite as much as you do. (Aside.) Damn him, he'll get your in- vention if I don't look smart. 1 (Aloud.) Well then, you bring it to me, and I'll take it to Chandler. (Exit.) 2 y/ Cyrus. (after pause, during which he looks blankly round about him) Now what was I going to do? — Oh, I know. 3 Jesse.* 1 Crosses to door L. 5 Going l. * Jesse, who has been listen- ing from his seat up stage. Rises, and comes down l. c 6 Peremptorily stopping him 8 Trying to pass him. Call 6. Mary. (Watch and chain — letter ready offR. 7 Stopping him bluntly. Pause. Takes off spectacles and puts them in his pocket. Mr. Blenkarn ! 5 Yes, Jesse? Cyrus. Jesse. I'm going to talk to you for once in a plain, straight- forward way ! Cyrus. No don't, Jesse ! 6 I'm going to get some bricks perforated. Jesse. 7 You'll stay and get your common sense perforated first. Cyrus. 8 Well, what is it, Jesse? 9 Make haste. 10 Jesse. Years ago you invented the glaze which put the Tat- low porcelain works, figuratively speaking, on their legs, put the town of Tatlow, figuratively speaking, on its legs, and put Joseph Chandler Esquire, figuratively speaking, on his legs, and made him, as the Mayor said yesterday, an ornament, a glory and a bulwark to the British nation. 6o THE MIDDLEMAN ACT II Nancy. 1 (shows great interest) Hear! Hear! Hear! Cyrus. 2 Yes, I know, Jesse — but you're wasting my time. Jesse. (fixing him relentlessly) And what are you to-day ? Are you a glory, an ornament and a bulwark to the British nation ? No ! Are you putting up for Par- liament? No! Are you owner of Tatlow Hall? No! Are you President of the Young Men's and Young Women's Mutual Improvement Association ? No ! Have you got a banking account ? Cyrus. (laughingly) A banking account! Jesse. No! Have you got a high hat? No! Or a brass knocker? Or a decent coat to your back, or a de- cent pair of shoes to your feet, or a sixpence to bless yourself with? No! No! ! No!!! No!!!! Nancy. (enthusiastically) Hear! Hear! Hear! Hear! Cyrus. 3 I can't help it, Jesse. Jesse. You must help it ! You shall help it ! And it is in the firm belief that you will help it, when you make your next invention, (waxing more eloquent zvith Nancy's encouragement) that I grasp this opportun- ity of telling you, Mr. Blenkarn, what a fool you've been. Cyrus. Thank you, Jesse, I know I've been a fool ! I know I ought to have cared more for money ! 4 But there are thousands of men who can make money — it isn't a very clever trick after all. 5 There isn't a man in 61 At her bench. Turns and looks at Nancy sur- prised, then fidgets to get away. After anoth- er look at Nancy. 4 Turning away to R. 8 Seeing vase on Nancy's table. ACT II THE MIDDLEMAN 1 Patting Jesse on the shoulder, crosses l. 1 L. door. the world to-day who could make that vase ! What would it matter to me if I had all the money in the country so long as I couldn't turn out a bit of work like that! You don't understand me, my lad. 1 Nancy doesn't understand me. My Mary under- stands me! {Exit.) 2