UC-NRLF 
 
Hubert Henry Davies 
 
 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 A COMEDY IN FOUR ACTS 
 
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 A Single Man 
 
BY THE SAME A UTHOR 
 Uniform with this Volume 
 
 Mrs. Gorringe's Necklace 
 
 Cousin Kate 
 
 The Mollusc 
 
 Captain Drew on Leave 
 
 Lady Epping's Lawsuit 
 
A Single Man 
 
 A New and Original Comedy 
 in Four Acts 
 
 By 
 
 HUBERT HENRY DAVIES 
 
 All rights reserved under the International Copyright Act. 
 Performance forbidden and right of representation reserved. 
 Application for the right of performing this play must be made 
 to the author or his agents. 
 
 BOSTON 
 
 WALTER H. BAKER & CO. 
 
 LONDON 
 
 WILLIAM HEINEMANN 
 1914 
 
A Single Man 
 
 CHARACTERS 
 
 (As originally produced, November <?, igiO, at 
 The Playhouse, London.) 
 
 Robin Worthington 
 Henry Worthington 
 Dickie Cottrell 
 Lady Cottrell 
 Maggie Cottrell . 
 Miss Heseltine 
 Isabella Worthington 
 Louise Parker 
 Bertha Sims . 
 The Housekeeper . 
 The Parlormaid 
 The Nurse 
 
 . Mr. Cyril Maude. 
 
 Mr. Ernest Mainwaring. 
 
 Mr. Lyonel Watts. 
 
 Miss Florence Hay don. 
 
 Miss Dulcie Greatwich. 
 
 Miss Hilda Trevelyan. 
 
 Miss Mary Jerrold. 
 
 . Miss Nancy Price. 
 
 Miss Dorothy Dayne. 
 
 Miss Emma Chambers. 
 
 Miss Vera Coburn. 
 
 Miss Diana Sellick. 
 
 The action, which covers a period of three weeks, takes 
 place in Robin Worthington 's house near Farnham in 
 Surrey. 
 
 Acts I, III and IV.— The study. 
 Act II. — The drawing-room. 
 
 Copyright, 19 14, by Hubert Henry Davies 
 
 As author and proprietor 
 
 All rights reserved 
 
PLEASE NOTICE 
 
 The stage-rights in this play are strictly reserved by the 
 author, to whose agents applications for its use should be ad- 
 dressed. Correspondence on this subject may be addressed to 
 Sanger & Jordan, 1428-32 Broadway, New York. 
 
 Attention is called to the penalties provided by law for any 
 infringments of his rights, as follows : 
 
 " Sec. 4966 : — Any person publicly performing or representing any 
 dramatic or musical composition for which copyright has been obtained, 
 without the consent of the proprietor of said dramatic or musical composi- 
 tion, or his heirs and assigns, shall be liable for damages therefor, such 
 damages in all cases to be assessed at such sum, not less than one hundred 
 dollars for the first and fifty dollars for every subsequent performance, as 
 to the court shall appear to be just. If the unlawful performance and rep- 
 resentation be wilful and for profit, such person or persons shall be guilty 
 of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction be imprisoned for a period not 
 exceeding one year."— U. S. Revised Statutes, Title 60, Chap. 3. 
 
A Single Man 
 
 THE FIKST ACT 
 
 SCENE. — Robin Worthington's study. A 
 broad French window affords a view of a 
 large, well-kept garden. It is towards the end 
 of the month of May, so that the garden looks 
 at its freshest and brightest with flowering 
 trees in bloom. The room looks comfortable 
 and much used, and is distinctly a man's 
 room. There are bookshelves on either side 
 of the window. Almost facing the audience 
 is Robin's writing-table ; a good-sized table, 
 with all the necessary things for writing, and 
 littered with letters and pamphlets. By the 
 writing-table there is a small typewriter's 
 desk. It has drawers down one side and a 
 typewriter's machine, with a cover on, upon 
 it. Other furniture completes the scene. Near 
 a settee in front of Robin's writing-table 
 there is a cradle on rockers containing a 
 baby. Lying near the cradle on the floor, as 
 if they had been flung there, are a Teddy- 
 
 7 ' 
 
8 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 bear, a rag-doll, and a rattle. On the settee 
 lies a small case of needles and cottons and a 
 baby's bonnet with rosettes and ribbon strings 
 in the process of making. 
 Isabella WoRTHINGTON, a bright attractive 
 young woman of almost thirty, is on her knees 
 beside the cradle. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [To the baby.] Coochy, coochy, coochv ! 
 [Putting her head close to ilie baby.] Bo ! [She 
 picks up the Teddy-bear and holds it up for the 
 baby to look at as she makes a poor imitation of 
 a dog barking fiercely^ Wow, wow, wow ! 
 [She throws the Teddy-bear on the floor and 
 bends solicitously over the cradle.] Did muzzer 
 fichen baby? Muzzer didn't mean to fichen 
 baby. [Captain Henry Worthington 
 enters from the garden. Henry is a cavalry 
 officer, a good-looking, pleasant man of thirty- 
 flve with conventional mind and manners. He 
 wears a tweed suit and is smoking a pipe. 
 He strolls down to the cradle.] Dada ! Here's 
 dada ! Here's baby's dada. [Looking up at 
 Henry.] Look at her, Henry. Doesn't she 
 look sweet ? 
 
 Henry. 
 [Smiling at the baby.] Hullo, babs. [He 
 pokes the baby.] Tseh ! 
 
A SINGLE MAN 9 
 
 Isabella. 
 [In an ecstasy.'] Did you see her smile ? 
 
 Henry. 
 
 [Giving the baby a series of little pokes.] 
 Tsch, tsch, tsch ! 
 
 Isabella. 
 Don't do it any more, dear. It might not 
 agree with her. {Rocks the cradle gently. 
 
 Henry. 
 I say, Isabella. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Brightly.] What is it, dearest ? 
 
 Henry. 
 Do you think you ought to be in this room ? 
 
 Isabella. 
 Why not ? 
 
 Henry. 
 Eobin may not like to have his study turned 
 into a nursery. 
 
 Isabella. 
 I shouldn't think he'd mind when it's for 
 baby. 
 
 Henry. 
 Look at the floor. 
 
IO A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Isabella. 
 Those are baby's playthings. She threw 
 them all there herself. [Gushingly to the baby.] 
 Clever little girlie ! 
 
 Henry. 
 Kobin will be coming in directly and want 
 to begin his morning's work. I think we'd 
 better clear out. 
 
 Isabella. 
 Very well, dear — we will — [as she sits on the 
 settee] by and by. 
 
 Henry. 
 It's ten o'clock. 
 
 Isabella. 
 A literary man has no fixed hour for begin- 
 ning work. He waits till the spirit moves him. 
 It's not as if Kobin had to turn out on parade, 
 punctual to the minute, like you. 
 
 [Takes up her needle and cotton from 
 the seat beside her and begins to stitch 
 the rosettes and strings on the bonnet. 
 
 Henry. 
 No — but still — we must take care not to be 
 in his way. It's very kind of him to have us 
 here. I don't want him to think we are making 
 too free with his house. 
 
A SINGLE MAN II 
 
 Isabella. 
 I think it is so sweet of you, Henry, the way 
 you never forget that you are the yoimger 
 brother. 
 
 Henry. 
 [Smiling.] I learnt my place at school when 
 Robin was Worthington Major and I was 
 Worthington Minor. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Sewing as she talks.'] I should think our 
 happy little family of three makes a very bright 
 spot in his dull, gray bachelor life. The other 
 day — which day would it be ? How long have 
 we been staying with Robin ? 
 
 Henry. 
 [ Without looking up from a newspaper he has 
 picked up.] Four days. 
 
 Isabella. 
 Yes. Then it was the day before yesterday 
 — I was sitting here with baby, and I could see 
 Robin, sitting at his desk, watching us. He 
 didn't say a word — but I knew so well what 
 was passing in his mind. He was thinking it 
 must be very nice to have a young wife sitting 
 in his study while he works, and a little baby- 
 waby — lovidovickins ! 
 
 [She finishes her speech with her head in 
 the cradle. 
 
12 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Henry. 
 
 [Turning his newspaper. .] I should think 
 Robin will always remain a bachelor. 
 
 Isabella. 
 Don't you think a man is much happier for 
 being married ? 
 
 Henry. 
 
 [Smiling at Isabella.] Yes — if he finds 
 the right woman. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Smiling at Henry.] Of course. 
 
 Henry. 
 Perhaps Robin hasn't had my luck, or per- 
 haps he has been too busy writing books to 
 think about getting married. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Dropping her sewing, and saying thought- 
 fully.'] He needs the idea put into his head. 
 It's what you and I ought to do while we are on 
 this visit. 
 
 Henry. 
 [Shaking his head.] I never believe in tak- 
 ing a hand in other people's love affairs. 
 
 Isabella. 
 What do you think of Louise Parker ? 
 
A SINGLE MAN 1 3 
 
 Henry. 
 
 [Having forgotten who she is, echoes, .] Louise 
 Parker ! 
 
 Isabella. 
 You remember her. She was at school with 
 me and she was to have been one of our brides- 
 maids, only she had influenza. 
 
 Henry. 
 Oh, yes. I remember. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Resuming her sewing^ Poor Louise ! She 
 must be nearly thirty and she's never been en- 
 gaged. I shouldn't think she's ever even had 
 a proposal. I'm sure she'd have told me if she 
 had. I thought it would be so nice for her if 
 Kobin fell in love with her. 
 
 Henry. 
 
 [Good-humouredly.] I don't see why my poor 
 brother should take up with an old girl who 
 can't get anybody else. 
 
 Isabella. 
 Louise isn't old, dear; she's my age — and she's 
 very handsome. You've seen that photograph 
 I have of her, with her hair done out at the 
 sides, clutching a piece of white tulle in front. 
 She looks lovely — and she isn't very much flat- 
 
14 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 tered — not if she is as handsome as she used to 
 be — though of course I've seen next to nothing 
 of her since we've been spending our winters in 
 Egypt. 
 
 Henry. 
 Ko — I suppose not. 
 
 Isabella. 
 Then I thought — having a little money of 
 her own would make it so much better. 
 
 Henry. 
 Robin is well enough off now not to think 
 about that. 
 
 Isabella. 
 It would make Louise more independent. 
 
 Henry. 
 You are only looking at it from Jver point of 
 view. 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 [Her hand on his.] No, dear, I'm not— but 
 
 you see — poor Louise is the only one of the old 
 
 school set who hasn't been able to find a husband. 
 
 [Henry lmig/is, and gives Isabella a 
 
 little caress. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 1 5 
 
 Henry. 
 I don't see how you propose to bring them 
 together. If I remember rightly — Louise lives 
 at Leamington while here we are at Farnham. 
 
 Isabella. 
 Louise might come from Leamington to 
 Farnham. 
 
 Henry. 
 True. 
 
 Isabella. 
 I don't see why she shouldn't be asked on a 
 little visit. 
 
 Henry. 
 Where? 
 
 Isabella. 
 Here. 
 
 Henry. 
 
 To this house ? 
 
 Isabella. 
 Yes ; I thought if Eobin saw Louise in his 
 own home it might help to put the idea into his 
 head. 
 
 Henry. 
 But Louise can't come on a visit to Kobin ! 
 
1 6 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Isabella. 
 Yes, she can — with me here. Eobin's sister- 
 in-law and Louise's oldest friend. It would be 
 quite all right. I'm sure Louise wouldn't mind. 
 
 Henry. 
 Kobin might. 
 
 Isabella. 
 I thought I could say to Robin, that as you 
 and I have no fixed home in England, perhaps 
 he wouldn't mind if I invited my old friend, 
 Louise Parker, to spend a few days with me 
 here. I don't see how he could say No to that. 
 
 Henry. 
 You haven't asked him yet ? 
 
 Isabella. 
 No — but I've asked Louise. 
 
 Henry. 
 You haven't 1 
 
 Isabella. 
 Didn't I tell you ? I wrote to her the day 
 before yesterday. I told her to put off every- 
 thing, and come on here immediately. I gave 
 her the most glowing account of Robin. I 
 should feel so happy if I were the means of 
 bringing them together. 
 
A SINGLE MAN I? 
 
 Henry. 
 [Grctvely.~] I think you ought to have spoken 
 to Robin before inviting her. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Penitently. 1 Yes, dear, I see that now. 
 
 Henry. 
 He may not want her here. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Seriously.'] That's my difficulty. I don't 
 know what I shall do if Robin says he won't 
 have Louise here. 
 
 Henry. 
 
 Put her off. 
 
 Isabella. 
 It's too late. She's in the train. She'll be 
 here in three-quarters of an hour. Yes ; I re- 
 ceived an eight-page letter from her this morn- 
 ing. Of course when I told her to come 
 immediately, I never expected she'd come at 
 once. [Henry smiles in spite of himself. 
 Isabella, seeing Henry smile, c/ieers up.] 
 Dear Louise ! She's so delighted with every- 
 thing I told her about Robin. She seems to 
 look upon herself as engaged to him already. 
 
1 8 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Henry. 
 
 You'd better say something to Robin without 
 delay. 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 Yes, I suppose we had. 
 
 [She kneels and rocks the cradle. Robin 
 Worthington comes in from the 
 garden. He is a pleasant, wise, ret- 
 icent and sweet-tempered man of forty- 
 three years old. 
 
 Robin. 
 HuUo! 
 
 Henry. 
 Hullo, Robin ! 
 
 Robin. 
 
 Don't disturb yourselves. I can't do any- 
 thing until my secretary comes. 
 
 [Robin turns over some papers on his 
 desk, smiling broadly to himself. Isa- 
 bella looks at Henry, who makes 
 faces at her, and nods, meaning that 
 she must tell Robin about Louise. 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 [With an effort.] I have a great friend — 
 Louise Parker her name is [She stops 
 
A SINGLE MAN 1 9 
 
 short when she looks at Robin and sees him 
 smilvng broadly to himself ? .] What are you 
 smiling at ? 
 
 Robin. 
 [Diffidently.] I came in here for the express 
 purpose of asking you both something — and 
 now I don't like to. 
 
 Henry. 
 Go on. 
 
 Robin. 
 You won't laugh ? 
 
 Henry. 
 No. 
 
 Isabella. 
 Of course not. 
 
 Robin. 
 
 Well, then [Looking from one to the 
 
 otlier.~\ Do you think I'm too old to get 
 married ? 
 
 Isabella. 
 No. 
 
 Henry. 
 No. 
 
20 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 KOBIN. 
 
 I want you to say what you really think. 
 
 Henry. 
 We are doing. 
 
 Isabella. 
 You are not at all too old to marry. 
 
 Bobin. 
 I don't mean — I mean a girl. 
 
 Henry. 
 Of course. 
 
 Isabella. 
 So do we. 
 
 Kobin. 
 I don't think I've any time to waste. I'm 
 forty-three. 
 
 Henry. 
 I thought you were forty-four. 
 
 Kobin. 
 [Quite annoyed.] No, I'm not. I'm only 
 forty-three. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Complacently.] Is it seeing us that has 
 made you want so much to get married ? 
 
A SINGLE MAN 21 
 
 ROBIN. 
 
 Partly — and partly it's the spring. How can 
 I keep my mind off marriage when all the 
 woods and fields are filled with family life ? I 
 get the same unsettled feeling regularly every 
 year. 
 
 Henry. 
 
 /used to get it before I was married. 
 
 Eobin. 
 All the bachelors do in the pairing season. 
 I've no doubt my case is a good deal aggravated 
 this year with watching you two and the baby. 
 Do you know before you arrived — I rather ex- 
 pected your domestic happiness might irritate 
 me, but — [he smiles at them hotli] I find it ex- 
 tremely attractive. It makes me quite jealous. 
 
 Isabella. 
 {Beckoning Henry to her she whispers to 
 him while Robin's back is turned^ He's abso- 
 lutely ripe for Louise. 
 
 Henry. 
 [As Eobin turns to them.] I've often won- 
 dered how it is you've escaped so long. You 
 used to be constantly falling in love. 
 
 Eobin. 
 That was before I could afford to marry. I 
 got over them all. One can't miss for long 
 
22 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 something one never had. Since the days that 
 you remember I've been so busy getting on in 
 the world, and so afraid that marriage would 
 interfere with my work, that I haven't encour- 
 aged myself to think of it. But now that I 
 have got on — I seem to have come to a kind of 
 full stop. Nothing matters as much as it did ; 
 my friends don't ; my career doesn't. A great 
 many bachelors experience the same sort of 
 feeling round about forty. It's not pleasant: 
 it's alarming. I ought not to be losing my 
 grip on life yet — but to retain it I need a new 
 interest — an interest outside myself. I need — 
 [indicating Isabella who is gently rocking the 
 cradle] that's what I need. 
 
 [He goes up to the window, and out into 
 the garden a few steps, standing with 
 his back towards Heney and Isa- 
 bella. Heney goes to Isabella 
 and sits beside her. 
 
 Heney. 
 Hadn't you better tell him about Louise ? 
 
 Isabella. 
 If I tell him now — after what he's been say- 
 ing — he'll think I've asked her here on purpose 
 for him to fall in love with — and that makes a 
 man so angry. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 23 
 
 Henry. 
 Pretend you've asked her here because Pm 
 so fond of her. 
 
 Isabella. 
 No, Henry, I won't ! 
 
 Henry. 
 
 You must tell him she's coming. 
 
 Isabella. 
 I know I must. 
 
 Henry. 
 Shall /tell him? 
 
 No, I'll tell him 
 
 Isabella. 
 Henry. 
 
 Well, tell him. 
 
 Isabella. 
 I'm going to. 
 
 [Enter Gladys, a young parlour-maid. 
 
 Gladys. 
 [Addressing Robin.] Miss Cottrell has 
 called, sir, and would like to see you. 
 
 Eobin. 
 Oh ! Show her in here, please. 
 
24 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Gladys. 
 
 Yes, sir. [SJie goes out. 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 [In a quick whisper to Henry.] How an- 
 noying: just when I was going to tell him 
 about Louise ! 
 
 Kobin. 
 
 [Addressing them both.] It's Lady Cottrell's 
 little girl — Maggie. They are neighbours of 
 mine. 
 
 [Maggie Cottrell enters. Maggie is 
 a very pretty, healthy, smiling girl of 
 seventeen, full of vitality. She carries 
 a basket of grapes. 
 
 Maggie. 
 Good-morning ! 
 
 Eobin. 
 
 {Meeting Maggie and shaking hands with 
 her.] Good-morning, Maggie. 
 
 Maggie. 
 
 Mother thought you might like these few 
 grapes. [She offers the grapes to Kobin. 
 
 Kobin. 
 
 [Taking the basket.'] That's very kind of 
 you. [Lays the basket on his writing-table.] 
 
A SINGLE MAN 2$ 
 
 Please thank your mother very much. Let me 
 introduce you to my sister-in-law, Mrs. Worth- 
 ington. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Shaking hands with Maggie.] How d'you 
 do? 
 
 Maggie. 
 Quite well, thank you. 
 
 Eobin. 
 [Introducing Maggie to the cradle.'] My 
 niece — Miss Pamela Grace Mary Worthington 
 — Miss Maggie Cottrell. 
 
 Maggie. 
 
 [Peering at the baby.] What a sweet little 
 kiddie ! 
 
 [Pocks the cradle violently from side to 
 side. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Alarmed,] Stop, stop ! Don't do that ! 
 
 [She snatches the baby out of the cradle. 
 
 Maggie. 
 I thought they liked it. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Trying to be pleasant about it.] You were 
 doing it just a trifle — violently. 
 
26 
 
 A 
 
 SINGLE MAN 
 
 Maggie. 
 
 I'm so 
 
 sorry! 
 
 
 Isabella. 
 It doesn't matter. 
 
 Maggie. 
 {Peering at the baby.] It is a little love. 
 
 Kobin. 
 "When you've done adoring the baby, this is 
 my brother — Captain "Worthington. 
 
 [Heney and Maggie shake hands. 
 
 Heney. 
 How do you do ? 
 
 Maggie. 
 Quite well, thank you. [To Isabella.] 
 May I look at its toes ? 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Proudly exhibiting the baby's toesJ] There ! 
 
 Maggie. 
 Aren't they ducks ? 
 
 [She touches them with her forefinger, 
 
 EOBIN. 
 
 [To Heney, smiling as he watches ISABELLA 
 and Maggie.] Isn't she charming ? 
 
A SINGLE MAN 2J 
 
 Henry. 
 Isabella ? 
 
 Robin. 
 
 Maggie. 
 
 [He continues smiling benevolently at 
 Maggie as he watches her. 
 
 Maggie. 
 [To Isabella.] May I hold it ? 
 
 Isabella. 
 Certainly — if you'd like to. [She gives the baby 
 to Maggie to hold.] You'll be very careful, 
 won't you ? 
 
 Maggie. 
 Trust me. [Maggie sits smiling at the baby. 
 Robin sits watching Maggie and smiling all 
 the time. Maggie to the baby.] Puss, puss, 
 puss ! 
 
 Robin. 
 
 [Murmuring as he watches Maggie.] 
 Charming ! 
 
 Maggie. 
 
 [Looking at Robin.] "What d'you say ? 
 
 Robin. 
 [Slightly confused.] Nothing — I was only 
 thinking — nothing. [To Isabella.] Wouldn't 
 she make rather a good study for a Madonna ? 
 
28 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Isabella. 
 Not in a hat. 
 
 Maggie. 
 [To make conversation, says to Isabella.] 
 What do you feed it on ? 
 
 [Kobin and Henry glance at each other, 
 embarrassed. 
 
 Isabella. 
 Beef and potatoes. 
 
 [Eobin and Henry again glance at each 
 other, then look away, trying not to 
 smile. 
 
 Maggie. 
 [Suddenly thrusting the baby from her.~] Oh ! 
 It's going to have convulsions. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Hurrying to Maggie, snatches the baby from 
 her. She tries to be polite, but is visibly annoyed.~\ 
 It's because you are not holding her prop- 
 erly. Give her to me, please — thank you. [She 
 carries the baby towards the window, jigging it.~\ 
 Did she say we were going to have convulsions ? 
 Tell the naughty lady it was because she didn't 
 nurse us nicely. 
 
 [A nurse appears at the window and re- 
 mains a few minutes in conversation 
 with Isabella. She carries a shawl. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 29 
 
 Hen by joins them. After a few mo- 
 ments the Nuese takes the baby from 
 Isabella and disappears into the 
 garden with it. While they are thus 
 occupied, Maggie speaks to Robin. 
 
 Maggie. 
 I'm not much of a hand with a baby. I 
 think I'd better be getting home. 
 
 Robin. 
 Don't go yet. What have you been doing 
 lately ? 
 
 Maggie. 
 Playing tennis most of the time and larking 
 about generally. We had great fun last evening 
 — tobogganing down the stairs on tea-trays. 
 
 Robin. 
 
 Who was with you ? 
 
 Maggie. 
 Dickie, and one or two other boys, and Flos- 
 sie, and Bertha Sims. We call ourselves the 
 gang. {Holding out her hand.] Good-bye. 
 
 Robin. 
 [Taking her hand and retaining it.] Good- 
 bye, Maggie. 
 
30 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Maggie. 
 Shall I take the basket back with me, or call 
 again? 
 
 Eobin. 
 Call again— soon. 
 
 Maggie. 
 I'll come back for it in about twenty minutes. 
 [She withdraws her hand and goes towards 
 Isabella.] Good-bye, Mrs. Worthington. 
 
 Isabella. 
 Good-bye. 
 
 Maggie. 
 Good-bye. 
 
 Henry. 
 Good-bye, Miss Cottrell. 
 
 Eobin. 
 [Moving to open the door for her."] When 
 you come back — don't ask for the basket — ask 
 for me. 
 
 Maggie. 
 
 Eight ! 
 
 [Maggie goes out; Eobin closes the 
 door after her, then turns to Henry 
 and Isabella. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 3 1 
 
 KOBIN. 
 
 That's the girl I was telling you about. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Puzzled.] What girl ? 
 
 Heney. 
 I don't remember you telling us about any 
 girl. 
 
 Kobin. 
 I was beginning to, when — in she came. 
 Wasn't it a coincidence? 
 
 Isabella. 
 [After a look at Heney.] You are not tell- 
 ing us you intend to marry Miss Cottrell ? 
 
 Kobiist. 
 [Shyly. .] I thought of doing so. [Isabella 
 and Heney look at each other in surprise. 
 Isabella's surprise amounts to dismay.'] 
 Don't you like her? 
 
 Heney. 
 
 She's charming. 
 
 Isabella. 
 Yery pretty — but isn't she rather too young 
 for you f 
 
32 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 KoBIN. 
 No ; I may be too old for her, but she's not 
 at all too young for me. That's what I want 
 — youth and sunshine. It would keep me 
 young. {Taking Henry by the arm and 
 pointing to the garden.] Think of Maggie 
 running about that garden, springing over the 
 flower beds in pursuit of butterflies. [Drop- 
 ping Henry's arm he says with enthusiasm.'] 
 The very vision of it makes me feel almost a 
 boy. 
 
 Isabella. 
 If you really were a boy 
 
 Bobin. 
 [Interrupting her.] If I really were a boy, 
 I should see nothing so wonderful in youth. 
 One needs to have reached my age to realize its 
 charm. 
 
 [Kobin sits at his table and begins fuss- 
 ing with papers. 
 
 Henry. 
 
 [Impressed with Kobin's last remark, says to 
 Isabella.] There's a world of truth in that, 
 Isabella. 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 [Much more impressed by her own idea, says 
 carelessly.] Oh, yes, there is. [Gomg nearer 
 
A SINGLE MAN 33 
 
 to Robin.] But though you look so boyish for 
 your age 
 
 ROBIN. 
 
 A man is as old as he looks. 
 
 Isabella. 
 Feels. 
 
 Robin. 
 You don't know how old I feel. 
 
 Isabella. 
 But Henry and I can't help being a little 
 afraid — that if you married any one so young 
 as Miss Cottrell — you might miss the com- 
 panionship we hoped you would find — in 
 marriage with some older and more intellectual 
 woman. 
 
 Robin. 
 I don't want a wife with ideas. She'd argue 
 with me. 
 
 Henry. 
 [Speaking across Robin to Isabella.] I 
 have noticed, Isabella, that clever men often 
 choose stupid wives. 
 
 Robin. 
 {Indignantly to Henry.] She's not stupid. 
 
34 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Bluntly.'] She has no idea what to do with 
 a baby. 
 
 Kobin. 
 
 [A little shocked and embarrassed.] My dear 
 Isabella — how you do run on ! I don't think 
 we ought to discuss this matter so prematurely. 
 I have no reason to suppose that Maggie takes 
 the slightest interest in me. [He smiles as he 
 continues.] At least — I hadn't — till this morn- 
 ing. 
 
 This morning ? 
 
 Henry. 
 
 Yes. 
 
 Kobin. 
 
 Isabella, 
 
 Something she said ? 
 
 No. 
 
 Eobin. 
 
 What then ? 
 
 Henry. 
 
 Eobin. 
 [Pointing to the basket of grapes.] Those 
 grapes ! What do I want with grapes ? I'm 
 
A SINGLE MAN 35 
 
 not ill. It's merely an excuse of Maggie's to 
 come and see me. I feel greatly encouraged. 
 [He becomes absorbed in the papers on 
 Ms desk. 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 Didn't you hear her say it was her mother 
 who sent her with the grapes ? 
 
 Robin. 
 
 Maggie is quite sharp enough, and quite in- 
 dependent enough to send the grapes by the 
 gardener if she didn't want to bring them her- 
 self. 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 That may be, but 
 
 Robin. 
 
 Suppose we drop Maggie and the grapes. 
 I'm rather sorry I said anything about either of 
 them. I don't think I ought to have done so. 
 [Beside Isabella and very pleasantly^ You 
 were beginning to tell me something about 
 somebody when I first came in. 
 
 [Henry stands watching them to see how 
 Isabella gets on. 
 
 Isabella. 
 About my old friend, Louise Parker. 
 

 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 
 EOBIN. 
 
 Oh, yes. 
 
 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 Such a nice girl. 
 
 
 Kobln. 
 
 Keally ! 
 
 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 I'm sure 
 
 you'd like her. 
 
 
 Kobin. 
 
 I'm sure 
 
 I should. 
 
 Isabella. 
 I thought perhaps you wouldn't mind if I 
 invited her to come and see me here. 
 
 Kobin. 
 Of course, my dear Isabella — any friends of 
 yours would be most welcome. 
 
 Isabella. 
 Thank you. Should you object if Louise 
 stayed a few days ? 
 
 Eobin. 
 {Delighted^ The very thing ! It would be 
 an excuse to invite Maggie. 
 
A SINGLE MAN yj 
 
 Isabella. 
 Oh! 
 
 [She looks at Heney in dismay. Heney 
 laughs at Isabella's face of dismay. 
 
 Eobin. 
 
 [Goes on without heeding them and delighted 
 with his own idea.] Why, yes — don't you 
 see — if you have a girl friend staying in the 
 house, Maggie might be running backwards 
 and forwards all day long. She has nothing to 
 do. When do you want Miss — Miss — your 
 friend to come ? 
 
 Isabella. 
 She's coming this morning. I took the lib- 
 erty of 
 
 Eobin. 
 [Interrupting her.] I'm so glad you did. 
 Nothing could be more fortunate. I'll go and 
 tell Mrs. Higson to get a room ready. [He 
 goes towards the door.] Maggie might come to 
 tea this afternoon. [JTe goes out. 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 [As soon as the door is closed?] Oh, Henry, 
 can't you do something ? 
 
 Heney. 
 Why shouldn't he marry Maggie ? 
 
38 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Indignantly.'] Henry ! 
 
 Henry. 
 I've known several cases of men marrying 
 girls half their age that turned out very well 
 indeed. 
 
 Isabella. 
 But what am I to say to Louise ? 
 
 Henry. 
 Louise hasn't got an option on him. 
 
 Isabella. 
 Don't make jokes about it, dear; she'll be 
 here in less than half an hour. 
 
 Henry. 
 Louise must take her chance. I should think 
 when we've been here a little longer, we shall 
 find that the neighbourhood bristles with women 
 who want to marry Kobin. 
 
 [Re-enter Kobin. 
 
 Kobin. 
 I'm sorry, but I shall have to ask you to 
 leave me now. Miss Heseltine is coming. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Suspiciously. ~] Who's Miss Heseltine ? 
 
A SINGLE MAN 39 
 
 Eobin. 
 My secretary. 
 
 [He sits at the writing-table a?id gets a 
 pen and paper. 
 
 Isabella. 
 Do you have a woman secretary ? 
 
 [She glances at Henry. 
 
 EOBIN. 
 
 Yes. I've been taking more or less of a 
 holiday since you came. That's how it is you 
 haven't seen her. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [After another significant glance at Henry.] 
 Is she pretty ? 
 
 Eobin. 
 I really don't know. I think so. I see her 
 so much I forget what she's like. 
 
 Isabella. 
 That's absurd ! 
 
 EOBIN. 
 
 It's quite true. You see — I'm always work- 
 ing when she's here. It's like thinking aloud 
 to talk to Miss Heseltine. I feel just as com- 
 fortable with her in the room as if she wasn't 
 there. [He begins to write. 
 
40 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Henry. 
 Come along, Isabella. He wants to get to 
 work. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Joining Henry.] Very well. I shall have 
 to go to the station directly to meet Louise. 
 
 [They go out. Robin is absorbed in Ms 
 writing, and does not look up as Miss 
 Heseltine enters. 
 [Miter Miss Heseltine. She is a 
 sweet-faced woman of twenty-eight, 
 with unobtrusive manners but plenty 
 of character and determination. She 
 ts neatly and very plainly dressed, 
 and carries a note-booh in her hand. 
 She moves about in a quick, business- 
 like fashion. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Good-morning, Mr. Worthington. 
 
 Robin. 
 Good-morning, Miss Heseltine. 
 
 [Miss Heseltine expresses disapproval 
 as she sees the Teddy-bear, rag-doll, 
 and rattle lying on the floor. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Tseh, tsch, tsch ! 
 
 [She gathers up the Teddy-bear, rag-doll. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 4 1 
 
 rattle, work-box, and the baby's bonnet, 
 pitches them all into the cradle / drags 
 it to the corner. She then seats herself 
 at her desk, takes the cover off her type- 
 writer, and gets ttvo sheets of paper 
 from the drawer of the desk, 
 
 Robin. 
 Where did we leave off last time ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 We were writing that article on fossils. 
 
 Robin. 
 I don't feel at all like fossils to-day. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 {Putting the paper m the machine^ We 
 don't need to send it in before Friday. 
 
 Robin. 
 I have an idea for a poem. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Some more of those topical verses ? 
 
 Robin. 
 No — just an ordinary little poem about love. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 {Taking a swift surprised look at Robin be- 
 fore she speaks.] Quite a new departure. 
 
42 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Robin. 
 
 Take this down. 
 
 [He jpaces the room, thoughtfully, before 
 speaking. He then begins to dictate, 
 soulfully. 
 
 Come hither, my beloved, 
 
 [Miss Heseltine makes a short, sharp, 
 businesslike attack on the keys of her 
 machine. Robin continues as before. 
 
 With shining, smiling eyes, 
 
 [Miss Heseltine repeats the attack. 
 Robin continues as before. 
 
 And soft sweet lips — 
 
 [Again Miss Heseltine types. Robin 
 drops the far-away voice in which he 
 has dictated the poem. 
 
 Robin. 
 It's no good. I can't concentrate my mind. 
 It's all in a turmoil. Tear it up, please, will 
 you ? [He stands at the window, looking out 
 into the garden with his back to her. Miss 
 Heseltine takes the sheet of paper out of the 
 machine, moves her lips as she reads the poem 
 over to herself with an affectionate smile. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 43 
 
 Robin's attention is obviously attracted by 
 something he sees in the garden. He speaks 
 without turning round.'] How pretty ! 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Are you still dictating ? 
 
 [She hurriedly folds up the sheet of 
 paper with the poem on it. 
 
 Robin. 
 No. I was watching the housemaid flirting 
 with the postman. There's nothing so charm- 
 ing to see as a pair of lovers. [Miss Hesel- 
 tine smiles to herself as she tucks the poem into 
 the bosom of her dress. Robin comes towards 
 his desk, idly turnmg over a s/ieet or two of 
 paper to cover the embarrassment he feels in 
 saying the following.] It may surprise you — 
 what I am going to ask you [Miss Heseltine 
 is very attentive], but — I want to get married. 
 [Miss Heseltine is so surprised she drops her 
 ruler on the floor with a clatter. Robin hurries 
 to pick it up for her. She rises, picks it up, and 
 sits again.] The girl I want to marry is some 
 one I've known very well for a long time. I've 
 been in the habit of seeing her constantly, but 
 hitherto — we have only been on friendly terms. 
 [Miss Heseltine nods her head, gravely.] I'd 
 like to get on to sentimental terms with her. 
 [Miss Heseltine nods her head, smiling.'] 
 
44 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 It's always a little difficult to change a long- 
 established friendly relationship into a senti- 
 mental one — not difficult exactly — but it needs 
 careful handling. You see what I mean ? 
 
 Miss Heselttne. 
 [Dropping her eyes.'] I think I do. 
 
 Robin. 
 I'm afraid I may make the transition too 
 abruptly — startle her — perhaps even frighten 
 her away. So I want you to help me if you 
 will. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Looking wp at him.] How ? 
 
 Robin. 
 Before asking her the definite question I 
 should so like to find out — if possible — whether 
 she has anything more than a friendly feeling 
 for me. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Have you no idea ? 
 
 Robin. 
 None — at least — very little. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Perhaps you have given her no direct sign of 
 the change in your feelings towards her. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 45 
 
 KOBIJNT. 
 No ; I haven't. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Then I don't see what she can do. 
 
 Eobin. 
 You think, then, that she may be in love with 
 me without showing it ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 I'm quite sure of that. 
 
 Kobin. 
 She may want to but be afraid to ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 That's it. 
 
 BOBIN. 
 
 [Moving about restlessly.'] A man can feel 
 just as shy about breaking the ice as a girl. 
 It would be dreadful to get a rebuff. She 
 might laugh in my face. Girls have been 
 known to be very unfeeling towards middle- 
 aged suitors. They think it's funny to lead 
 them on till they get a proposal and give a 
 refusal — and then they go and tell their friends 
 about it. [He picks up a letter and folds it 
 nervously.] I don't want to risk anything of 
 that sort — so I was wondering if you'd be so 
 kind as to say something first. 
 
46 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Taken aback.] Me speak first? [Turning 
 away from him.] Oh, no — I couldn't ! 
 
 Kobin. 
 
 [Coming and standing close to her shoulder.] 
 I only mean — if you could help me to find out 
 in some way — what kind of an answer I should 
 be likely to get. [He pauses.] It's Maggie 
 Cottrell. [Miss Heseltine must express, un- 
 seen by Eobin, the grief and disappointment she 
 feels in learning that %t is Maggie he has meant 
 and not herself.] You know Maggie Cottrell ? 
 [Miss Heseltine bends her head.] She's a 
 friend of yours ? [Miss Heseltine bends her 
 head again.] A great friend ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 
 We are not in the same position, of course, 
 but she has always been kind to me and taken 
 notice of me. 
 
 Eobin. 
 Has she ever given you any confidences ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Yes. 
 
 KOBIN. 
 
 [Shyly.] Anything about me ? 
 
A SINGLE MAN 47 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 No. 
 
 KOBIN. 
 
 [ With a little note of disappointment.] Oh ! 
 [Moving away as he says, thoughtfully.] That 
 might either mean that she takes no interest in 
 me at all, or that it's too deep for words. [To 
 Miss Heseltine again.] Are you sure you 
 wouldn't mind ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 I should like to do whatever would please you, 
 but — do you think I'm the best person for this ? 
 
 Kobin. 
 You are the only person. I don't know any 
 one else I could ask such a thing of. I never 
 feel shy with you. I was telling my brother 
 just now — it's like thinking aloud to talk to 
 you. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Quietly.] I'm glad you feel that. 
 
 EOBIN. 
 
 [Not noticing Miss Heseltine, he says smil- 
 ing to himself] Dear Maggie — so young and 
 so pretty. [Miss Heseltine rises. lie had 
 almost forgotten her presence for a moment in 
 thinking of Maggie. He turns to her smiling 
 apologetically^ I beg your pardon. 
 
48 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Forgive me for what I am going to ask you. 
 [She goes to him and says, very gravely '.] You 
 are quite, quite sure that this would be for your 
 happiness and your good ? 
 
 Robin. 
 Yes. I'm quite sure. I've thought it all out. 
 It's so dull here, and I'm becoming such an old 
 fogey. If Maggie would have me she'd cheer 
 me up as nobody else could. She'd be the re- 
 making of me. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Quietly.'] I'll do what you want me to do. 
 
 Robin. 
 It's very kind of you, Miss Heseltine. You 
 can approach the subject quite lightly, you 
 know — almost chaffingly. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Oh, no, I couldn't do it that way. If I do it 
 at all — I must do it seriously. 
 
 [The front door hell rings, 
 
 Robin. 
 
 Maggie come back for her basket. I'll slip 
 
 out and leave her with you. [He goes towards 
 
 the window^ If you want an excuse for me 
 
 not being in my study [seizing the basket of 
 
A SINGLE MAN 49 
 
 grapes] I've gone into the pantry to put these 
 grapes on a dish. That'll look very natural. 
 
 [He goes out hurriedly. Re-enter Mag- 
 gie by the door. 
 
 Maggie. 
 [Coming just inside the room.] Isn't Mr. 
 Worthington here ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 He's gone to get your basket. 
 
 Maggie. 
 Oh! 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Will you stay and talk to me? 
 
 Maggie. 
 Yes — with pleasure. 
 
 [She sits on the settee watching Miss 
 Heseltine and waiting for her to 
 "begin the conversation. Miss Hesel- 
 tine slowly approaches Maggie and 
 then sits beside Tier. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Have you ever thought of marriage ? 
 
 Maggie. 
 [Cheerfully.] Oh, yes — often and often. 
 
50 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Thought what it means — to leave your pres- 
 ent life behind you and go and live his life with 
 him? You'd have to love him very much to 
 do that. 
 
 Maggie. 
 I should say so. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Perhaps you've already asked yourself 
 whether there's any one you'd be willing to 
 
 five up everything for? [Maggie smiles 
 nowingly sideways at Miss Heseltine.] Do 
 you sometimes ask yourself that question ? 
 
 Maggie. 
 Every time I meet a nice-looking man. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Then you've never thought of any man seri- 
 ously ? 
 
 Maggie. 
 Are you alluding to Mr. Worthington ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Rather taken hack and embarrassed.] Well, 
 yes — I — did mean 
 
 Maggie. 
 Did he ask you to — to ? 
 
A SINGLE MAN 5 1 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 
 Yes — to 
 
 Sound me. 
 That's it. 
 
 Maggie. 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 
 Maggie. 
 {Pleased and surprised.'} Well, I never ! 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 You may think it's funny for me to sound 
 you 
 
 Maggie. 
 I didn't think of that. What made him pitch 
 on you f 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [ With a touch of pride.} I know him better 
 than any one else does. I'm only his secretary 
 of course, but I've been working for him for 
 five years now, and what with dictating to me, 
 and talking about his work to me, and saying 
 his thoughts aloud to me 
 
 Maggie. 
 [ With no idea of giving offense."] He has 
 come to look upon you, I suppose, as part of 
 your machine. 
 
52 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Meekly, .] That's it. 
 
 Maggie. 
 [Impulsively seizing Miss Heseltine by 
 the arm.] Go on — tell me — what else did he 
 say ? [ Wriggling towards her. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 That's all. He just wanted me to find out if 
 there was any hope for him. 
 
 Maggie. 
 [Whispering loudly in Miss Heseltine's 
 ear.] Tell him " Yes." 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Have you made up your mind already ? 
 
 Maggie. 
 Ages ago. Mother and I have frequently 
 discussed the probabilities. [Giggling.'] "Mrs. 
 Worthington " — just think of it ! 
 
 [She laughs and kicks out her feet m 
 front. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Looking at her gravely.] I shouldn't have 
 thought it would make you laugh. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 53 
 
 Maggie. 
 [Sweetly.'] Why shouldn't I laugh if I'm 
 happy? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 I thought when you heard that a man like 
 Mr. Worthington wanted to make you his dear 
 wife — you'd feel more like going on your knees. 
 
 Maggie. 
 [Impressed.] Of course it has its serious side. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 That's what I want you to see — if you don't 
 think I'm taking a liberty in saying so. I'm 
 older than you, and I've had a harder life than 
 you. There were many things at my home to 
 make me grow up sad and serious minded : it's 
 all been bright for you. You've had no occa- 
 sion yet to take life seriously — but you will 
 have when you marry. You'll find him diffi- 
 cult to understand at times — moody, and even 
 a little irritable, like all very clever people are ; 
 then you must be patient, and remember that 
 your husband is a great man. Some days he'll 
 take himself off to the clouds, and then, if you 
 think of yourself more than him, you'll be say- 
 ing, " I might as well not exist for all the notice 
 he takes of me." Those are the hardest times — 
 the times when he doesn't seem to notice your 
 
54 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 existence. But if you take a kind of pride in 
 keeping quiet and not bothering him, and not 
 letting other peopie bother him — it'll make it 
 easier for you. It'll all be quite easy if you love 
 him enough. That's what it needs — real love — 
 deep love [bending forward site takes her hands], 
 love that knows how to wait patiently. Look 
 after him well — won't you ? [Her voice falters.] 
 Excuse me preaching you such a sermon. {Re- 
 enter Robin, with the empty basket. Miss Hes- 
 eltine goes towards him.] I've done what you 
 wanted me to [Robin smiles], and now, if you 
 don't mind, I'll go home. I've got a headache. 
 [Exit Miss Heseltine quickly. 
 
 Robin. 
 [Looking after Miss Heseltine.] I'm so 
 sorry, Miss Heseltine, so very sorry ! [He turns 
 to Maggie, who rose when he entered. They 
 are both exceedingly embarrassed and stand 
 smiling foolishly at each other. After a pause 
 he says.] Well — Maggie. 
 
 Maggie. 
 [Looking at the ground.] Well — Robin. 
 
 [Robin looks at the basket in his hand, 
 then looks about him for a place to 
 deposit it, makes a few hesitating 
 movements, and finally puts it on 
 the writing-table and comes towards 
 Maggie. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 55 
 
 ROBIN. 
 [Very nicely and gently, .] You are very 
 sweet. [Maggie puts up her face expecting to 
 be hissed ; he kisses her.] Dear Maggie, I am 
 very much touched that you care for me. 
 [Maggie, smiling, sits on the settee. He sits, 
 taking her hand and lookmg at if] What dear 
 little hands ! [He puts his arm round her waist 
 and kisses her again.] 
 
 [The door is suddenly thrown open. 
 Enter Isabella, followed by Louise 
 Parker. Isabella comes marching 
 gaily in, dressed in her out-door 
 clothes. Louise is tall, graceful, af- 
 fected, beautifully dressed and twenty- 
 nine, 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Speaking as she enters.] Here's Louise ! 
 [She stops petrified, as she sees Robin and Mag- 
 gie sitting in a sentimental attitude on the set- 
 tee.] Oh ! 
 
 [Robin and Maggie, very much embar- 
 rassed, jump up as they enter. Louise 
 comes towards Robin, who goes towards 
 her, holding out his hand. 
 
 Robin. 
 How d'you do, Miss- Miss 
 
56 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Louise. 
 {Languidly giving him her hand.~\ Parker 
 — Louise Parker. 
 
 Eobin. 
 I hope you've had a nice journey from — 
 from 
 
 Louise. 
 
 Leamington. 
 
 [There is a pause of embarrassment. 
 Eobin looks at Maggie and goes to 
 her, 
 
 Maggie. 
 [ Whispering to Eobin.] Hadn't you better 
 tell them we are engaged ? 
 
 Eobin. 
 Yes. {Turning to Isabella and Louise 
 who look towards him as he speaks.'] Miss Cot- 
 trell has just consented to become my wife. 
 
 {He takes Maggie's hand. Another long 
 pause of embarrassment. ISABELLA 
 and Louise look at each other in con- 
 sternation. Eobin looks at Maggie. 
 
 Maggie. 
 {Going to Isabella.] I know without you 
 telling me that you congratulate me. Thank 
 you very much ! {She shakes Isabella warmly 
 
A SINGLE MAN $7 
 
 by the hand. Isabella does not respond. She 
 does nothing but submit to have her hand 
 shaken. Maggie then turns to Louise and 
 shakes her warmly by the hand.~\ Thank you 
 very much. [Louise submits in the same man- 
 ner as Isabella. Maggie turns to Robin.] 
 I'll be off home now to tell the family the 
 joyful news. 
 
 [She takes her basket from the table and 
 goes to the window. 
 
 Robin. 
 I'll come with you. [To Isabella and 
 Louise.] You'll excuse me, I'm sure — under 
 the circumstances. I shall be back to lunch. 
 Come along, Maggie. 
 
 [Robin and Maggie go off. Louise 
 looks after them, then at Isabella. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [In great distress.] My poor Louise — what 
 must we do ? 
 
 Louise. 
 We must lay our heads together, dear, and 
 see if we can't wean him away from her. 
 
 [She unfastens her coat as the curtain 
 falls. 
 
THE SECOND ACT 
 
 SCENE.— Kobin WoRTHlNGTON's drawing- 
 room. A large French window stands wide 
 open and all the windows afford a view of 
 Robin's garden / a different view from that 
 seen from his study window. The fireplace 
 is banked up with ferns and flowering plants. 
 There are plenty of comfortable armchairs, a 
 cushion seat and two settees. Against the 
 wall a cabinet. Up by the window a good- 
 sized oval table is laid with a white cloth and 
 tea-things for eight people. Chairs around 
 this table. 
 
 Three weeks have passed by since the first 
 act. It is half-past four on an afternoon in 
 June. 
 
 Henry and Isabella and Louise Parker 
 are in the room. Henry is looking, off from 
 the window. ISABELLA is seated on one sofa 
 and Louise on the other. Henry wears 
 tennis flannels, and ISABELLA and LOUISE 
 are charmingly dressed for a garden party. 
 
 Laughter and noise are heard off in the gar- 
 den ; the loud young voices of MAGGIE and 
 Dickie Cottrell and Bertha Sims. 
 The voice of BERTHA is then heard above 
 the laughter. 
 
 58 
 
A SINGLE MAN 59 
 
 Bertha. 
 [In the garden.] Stop it, Dickie ! Come on, 
 Mag! Play! 
 
 [The laughter and noise die away. 
 
 Henry. 
 Robin's engagement really has rejuvenated 
 him. There he is, running about the tennis 
 court like a boy of fourteen, picking up balls for 
 Maggie in the most gallant way. [To Isa- 
 bella.] There's no doubt about it — he's tre- 
 mendously in love with her. 
 
 Louise. 
 [Languidly. ~\ He has only been engaged to 
 her for three weeks yet. [Henry looks at 
 Louise with marked disapproval. Isabella 
 merely looks resigned and bored. Louise goes 
 towards the window, saying graciously to Isa- 
 bella as she passes her.] I'm going out to 
 talk to Lady Cottrell. [She goes out. 
 
 Henry. 
 [Indignantly.] However much longer does 
 that woman intend to stay ? 
 
 Isabella. 
 [designed.] I wish I knew. 
 
60 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Henry. 
 It's monstrous ! Lingering on week after 
 week, uninvited — making up to Kobin in this 
 extraordinary fashion. 
 
 Isabella. 
 Louise has not improved since she left school. 
 
 Henry. 
 The way she manoeuvres to get him alone, 
 insists upon reading everything he writes, and 
 is always trying to give the conversation an 
 intellectual turn. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Letting herself go in irritation against 
 Louise.] Oh, yes— and the way she keeps 
 coming down-stairs in one elaborate gown after 
 another, gliding about so gracefully — and he 
 takes no notice of her. 
 
 Henry. 
 A good thing for us that he doesn't see what 
 she's up to — since she's our friend. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Meekly.] Mine, dear. 
 
 Henry. 
 [Stamping about.] What is her object in it 
 all? Does she think she'll get Kobin away 
 from Maggie ? 
 
A SINGLE MAN 6l 
 
 Isabella. 
 That was what she said she meant to do 
 when she first came. But, as you know, dear, 
 I soon let her see I couldn't countenance any- 
 thing of that sort. It's one thing to try and 
 make a match, but it's quite another thing to 
 try and break off an engagement. 
 
 Henry. 
 Doesn't she see that ? 
 
 Isabella. 
 When a woman doesn't wish to see a thing 
 she has very little difficulty in persuading her- 
 self that it is not so. I can quite understand 
 that it was very disappointing for Louise to 
 come all the way from Leamington for noth- 
 ing — but it wasn't my fault that Kobin got 
 engaged just before she arrived. 
 
 Henry. 
 He probably wouldn't have taken any notice 
 of her anyway. 
 
 Isabella. 
 That's what I told her to try and console 
 her. 
 
 Henry. 
 
 What troubles me most is that it looks so bad 
 for you for her to be staying here so long and 
 
62 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 behaving in this way. It looks as though you 
 encouraged her. 
 
 Isabella. 
 I know. It presents me as a most repulsive 
 character. But what can I do? She simply 
 won't go. 
 
 Henry. 
 You've given her some good strong hints, 
 haven't you ? 
 
 Isabella. 
 Dozens ! 
 
 Henry. 
 What does she say ? 
 
 Isabella. 
 She doesn't say anything. She just stays. 
 It looks as if she meant to stay forever. 
 
 Henry. 
 I'm afraid you'll have to be rude to her. 
 
 Isabella. 
 I've been ruder to her already than I ever 
 was to any one in my life. 
 
 Henry. 
 I don't see how any one else can say any- 
 thing to her. You invited her. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 63 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 [Troubled.] Don't reproach me, darling. 
 You don't know how I regret writing that 
 letter. 
 
 Henry. 
 
 [Going towards her to comfort her.] I'm not 
 reproaching you, dear. 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 I can't help feeling you are displeased with 
 me. [She begins to cry. 
 
 Henry. 
 No, dear. 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 I'm afraid you are — but you know, Henry — 
 [she swallows her tears and looks up at Henry] 
 I do love you and baby. [They embrace.'] 
 
 [Enter Louise and Lady Cottrell. 
 Lady Cottrell is a strong, alert, 
 opinionative woman of fifty ; her 
 clothes are loose and comfortable with- 
 out being eccentric. 
 
 Louise. 
 
 Lady Cottrell and I have come in to see if 
 tea is ready. 
 
64 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Henry. 
 I suppose we must wait for Robin. 
 
 Lady Cotteell. 
 Not at all. Ring the bell. [She sits on the 
 sofa. Isabella obediently rings the bell.] He's 
 forgotten all about us. He thinks only of 
 Maggie. [Addressing Isabella.] Have you 
 heard ? We are going to have the wedding 
 quite soon. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Interested.] Oh — no — I hadn't heard. 
 
 Henry. 
 Nor had I. When is it to be ? 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 In six weeks. 
 
 [Louise places her hand to her heart. 
 Lady Cottrell stares at her with- 
 out betraying emotion of any hind. 
 Henry and Isabella exchange 
 glances. Louise totters towards Isa- 
 bella. 
 
 Louise. 
 [To Isabella.] Have you got your vinai- 
 grette about you ? 
 
A SINGLE MAN 65 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Irritably detaching a vinaigrette from the 
 long chain which she wears round her neck.'] 
 There ! 
 
 Louise. 
 Thank you, dear. [She sniffs the vinaigrette as 
 Isabella glances at her with the utmost dis- 
 approval. Louise smiles wanly at Lady Cot- 
 teell.] I felt a little faint. 
 
 Lady Cotteell. 
 
 Your dress is too tight. [Heney giggles. 
 Louise glances haughtily at Lady Cotteell, 
 turns from her as If not deigning to reply, as 
 she sniffs the vinaigrette, and sits down. Lady 
 Cotteell addresses Isabella.] That's the 
 cause of nearly all the fainting — tight-lacing. 
 [She pulls her dress away from her ^n front to 
 show that she is not tightly laced.'] I don't 
 faint! It's the cause of a great deal of bad 
 
 temper, too — not to mention biliousness 
 
 Yes. In six weeks. August the tenth. Why 
 should we wait ? Nothing to wait for except 
 the clothes. 
 
 Louise. 
 
 Do you think it's wise, dear Lady Cottrell, to 
 let your girl be married so young ? 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Angrily under her breath.] Louise ! 
 
66 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Lady Cotteell. 
 Wise! Of course I think it's wise or I 
 shouldn't let her do it. 
 
 Louise. 
 
 It seems to me to be thrusting responsi- 
 bilities upon her almost too early. {With 
 a rapid, affectedly impulsiwe movement, she 
 darts to the cushion seat and drops grace- 
 fully upon it almost at Lady Cottrell's 
 feet] J)o let her remain a child a little 
 longer. 
 
 [Isabella looks at Henry, who shrugs 
 his shoulders. 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 
 Every girl ought to be married by the time 
 she's twenty. I was — so were my two sis- 
 ters ; so was my eldest daughter, and so shall 
 Maggie be. Marriage comes natural to a girl 
 at that age. She loves her husband and obeys 
 him instead of sitting up and criticizing him 
 as they do if they haven't acquired the wifely 
 habit in good time — the good old habit of 
 subjection. It's all due to this present craze 
 for late marriages that we have so many 
 hysterical spinsters. They don't know what's 
 the matter with them, but their mothers do. 
 Nothing infuriates me more than the way our 
 modern young women spend the time when they 
 
A SINGLE MAN 67 
 
 ought to be having children, in thinking 
 and reading and writing and talking about 
 marriage; deciding among themselves what 
 men ought to be like. By the time they 
 think they are ready to put on their orange 
 blossoms, they've grown so exacting they 
 can't settle down to one man. Maggie shall 
 marry in good time. [Enter Gladys with 
 the tea, and plate of hot buns which she places 
 on the oval table up stage.] Tea ! [Cheer- 
 fully.'] I feel about ready for it after that 
 harangue. 
 
 [ Goes up to inspect the tea table. Gladys 
 goes out. Henby joins Lady Cot- 
 tkell at the tea table. Louise re- 
 mains drooping upon the cushion-seat 
 the picture of despair. Isabella 
 goes towards the window, passing be- 
 tween Louise and the sofa. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [As she passes Louise.] Get up » 
 
 Louise. 
 [Slowly rising to her full height and saying 
 tragically to herself] August the tenth ! 
 
 [She presses her hand to her temples. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [At the window^] They've finished their 
 game. 
 
68 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 HENEYo 
 Are they coming in ? 
 
 Isabella. 
 Yes. Racing to see who'll get here first. 
 Bertha Sims is last. 
 
 Lady Cotteell. 
 Who's first? 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 Your son. 
 
 [Enter Dickie Cotteell carrying a 
 racquet. He is a bright-faced, merry 
 boy of eighteen. He wears tennis flan- 
 nels. He enters running. 
 
 Dickie. 
 
 Here we are ! [Dickie runs m, then turning 
 to look at the others who are following.] Come 
 along, Mr. Worthington ! 
 
 [Bobltst and Maggie enter, hand in hand, 
 running. Eobin is rather blown. 
 
 Maggie. 
 I'd have won if you hadn't held me back. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 69 
 
 KOBIN. 
 [Protesting.'] I can run as fast as any of you. 
 
 Dickie. 
 
 Are you out of breath, Mr. Worthington ? 
 
 Kobin. 
 
 [Who obviously is out of breathy No, of 
 course I'm not out of breath. 
 
 Maggie. 
 Shall we all sprint back to the tennis lawn 
 and back again ? 
 
 Eobin. 
 
 [Very positively.] No! Certainly not ! 
 
 Dickie. 
 
 [Dancing up stage and looking off in the direc- 
 tion they home come.] Here comes Bertha ! Go 
 it, Bertha ! Kun, Bertha ! 
 
 [He claps his hands. 
 
 Maggie. 
 [Clapping her hands and dancing about 
 with Dickie, screaming.] Bertha ! Bertha ! 
 Bertha ! 
 
 [Enter Bertha Sims. Bertha is a fat 
 girl of sixteen. She is puffing and 
 blowing as she runs in. 
 
70 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Bertha. 
 I didn't get a fair start. 
 
 Kobin. 
 [Laughing.'] Poor Bertha ! 
 
 Dickie. 
 Good old Bertha ! 
 
 [He slaps Bertha soundly on the lack. 
 
 Bertha. 
 
 Don't ! 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 Dickie ! You mustn't do such things as that. 
 [Dickie is momentarily subdued. 
 
 Maggie. 
 [Dancing up to the tea table.] Come on, come 
 on, come on. Tea ! 
 
 [She seats herself at the tea table. 
 
 Kobin. 
 Come on, Dickie. We'll have tea at the big 
 table. 
 
 Dickie. 
 [Making Kobin pass in front of him.] i ou 
 must sit beside your inamorata. 
 
 Kobin. 
 [Going to the seat by Maggie, he says before 
 he sits.] Come along, Bertha. 
 
A SINGLE MAN ?l 
 
 Bertha. 
 Where shall I sit? 
 
 Robin. 
 Anywhere. 
 
 [Robin and Maggie pour out the tea to- 
 gether. 
 
 Dickie. 
 Don't make a fuss, Bertha. It doesn't mat- 
 ter in the least where you sit. 
 
 [Bertha sits down. 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 [To Louise.] I think we may as well let the 
 gentlemen wait upon us, don't you, Miss Parker ? 
 
 Louise. 
 August the tenth, did you say ? 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 Yes; I suppose you'll have gone away by 
 then? 
 
 Louise. 
 [Mysteriously.'] I don't know. 
 
 [There is some general chattering and 
 laughter at the tea table. 
 
 Henry. 
 May I give you some tea, Lady Cottrell ? 
 
72 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 
 Thank you. 
 
 [She takes a cup of tea from Henry. 
 
 Henry. 
 [Giving anotlier cup to Louise.] Tea ? 
 
 Louise. 
 Thanks. 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 
 . [Calling out] Dickie! Bring Miss Parker 
 and me some buns. 
 
 [Shrieks of laughter come from the tea 
 table. They all look towards it. 
 
 Kobin. 
 
 [Rising and scarcely able to speak for laugh- 
 ter.] Bertha — has just stuck her thumb in the 
 strawberry jam. 
 
 [He sits down shaking with laughter. 
 All the others laugh, too, except Louise. 
 Bertha, sucking Tier left thumb, laughs 
 round at them all, delighted with 
 herself. 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 
 [Turning to Louise says, laughing."] Bertha 
 has just stuck her thumb in the strawberry jam. 
 
 [Louise doesnH laugh. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 73 
 
 Dickie. 
 Oh, Bertha, you are a disgusting girl ! 
 
 Maggie. 
 Sit down ! 
 
 [She throws a piece of food at Dickie. 
 They all laugh and chatter round the 
 table. 
 
 Lady Cotteell. 
 
 [To Louise.] How delightful it is to see 
 Mr. Worthington unbend with the young peo- 
 ple ! No one would think, to look at him now, 
 that he's a clever man. 
 
 [Lady Cotteell and Louise turn to 
 look at Robin, who is whispering 
 with Maggie, his face nearly under 
 the brim of her hat. Louise rises 
 hastily, and goes up towards the 
 window. 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 [Anxiously to Heney.] What is Louise up 
 to now ? 
 
 Louise. 
 
 [Calling.'] Mr. Worthington. [Robin is so 
 engrossed in Maggie he doesnH hear Louise. 
 She calls louder.] Mr. Worthington ! 
 
74 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Robin. 
 {Turning to Louise.] Yes ? 
 
 Louise. 
 Do come here. I want to show you some- 
 thing. 
 
 Robin. 
 [To Maggie.] Excuse me a minute. 
 
 [He joins Louise. 
 
 Louise. 
 
 [Affectedly, indicating the view from the 
 window.] Aren't the various lights and shad- 
 ows in the garden lovely ? 
 
 Robin. 
 Lovely ! 
 
 [He hurries back to his seat beside 
 Maggie. 
 
 Louise. 
 [Gazing across the garden.] They remind 
 me of Bruges. 
 
 [She holes round and finds him gone, 
 then she gets a book and sits down. 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 [To Henry.] Trying to make out she's so 
 travelled. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 75 
 
 Beetha. 
 I say, can any of you do this ? 
 
 [She throws a lump of sugar in the air 
 and tries to catch it in her mouth, hut 
 fails. 
 
 Maggie. 
 Yes. [She throws a piece of food at Bertha. 
 
 Bertha. 
 Pig! 
 
 [She throws a piece of food bach at 
 Maggie. Maggie throws a bun at 
 Bertha. Lady Cottrell laughs 
 heartily. 
 
 Kobin. 
 Can you do this ? 
 
 [Juggling with some lumps of sugar. 
 
 Maggie. 
 [Taking lumps of sugar from the sugar-basin.] 
 Oh ! I must try that. One, two, three ! 
 
 [Juggling with them. 
 
 Dickie. 
 
 [Also juggling with lumps of sugar."] One, 
 two, three ! — Don't jog me. 
 
 Bertha. 
 Look ! [She tries to balance her teaspoon on 
 her nose. 
 
76 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 [Enter Miss Heseltine with a type- 
 written letter in her hand. She re- 
 mains near the door, a little timid 
 among all the noise and laughter 
 which seems to greet her. They sub- 
 side when she enters, and all look 
 towards her. Robin comes down to 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 
 Robin. 
 What is it, Miss Heseltine ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 
 You asked me to bring you this letter as soon 
 as it was written. 
 
 Robin. 
 
 Oh, yes. [Taking the letter from Miss Hes- 
 eltine he reads it over to himself.'] That 
 seems all right. [He looks at Miss Heseltine 
 and says kindly.] You look tired. You'd bet- 
 ter leave off for to-day and go home. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. . 
 I haven't finished typing the American article. 
 
 Robin. 
 Won't it do to-morrow ? 
 
A SINGLE MAN J7 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 You promised to send it off to-night. 
 
 Robin. 
 But I don't want you to overwork yourself. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 If I didn't overwork myself — / might lose 
 my head, too. 
 
 [She takes the letter out of his hand and 
 goes out quickly with it. Robin looks 
 after her till she has closed the door. 
 Louise comes towards him, smiling, 
 with a small volume in her hand. 
 
 Louise. 
 Mr. Worthington, have you read this new 
 volume of Eastern Poems ? 
 
 Robin. 
 [Preocoupied.] Yes. 
 
 Louise. 
 Do you think we are meant to take them 
 literally or allegorically ? 
 
 Robin. 
 Both. 
 
 [He passes Louise and sits on the cushion 
 seat, taking out his cigarette case and 
 helping himself to a cigarette, while 
 Louise sits on the settee and peruses 
 the volume of Eastern Poems. 
 
jZ A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Dickie. 
 [Coming to Robin.] Shall we go and play 
 some more tennis ? 
 
 Robin. 
 
 Not yet. 
 
 Dickie. 
 Why not ? What are we waiting for ? 
 
 Robin. 
 Digestion. 
 
 Dickie. 
 You don't need to digest a cup of tea and a 
 handful of buns. 
 
 Robin. 
 You don't. 7 do. 
 
 Dickie. 
 Mag! 
 
 Maggie. 
 
 Yes? 
 
 Dickie. 
 Make him come and play tennis. He's 
 slacking. 
 
 Maggie. 
 [Coming to Robin.] Don't make him play 
 if he doesn't want to. [Kindly to Robin.] 
 Fib go and play with them while you have 
 your snooze. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 79 
 
 ROBIN. 
 [Jumping up as if he had been shot] Snooze ! 
 I don't want a snooze ! [Gaily.'] Who's com- 
 ing to play tennis ? 
 
 Beetha. 
 [Still eating a bun.] I'm ready. 
 Maggie. 
 
 Come along then. 
 
 [Maggie goes into the garden, running. 
 
 Beetha. 
 Wait a tick. 
 
 [Exit Beetha, running and eating. 
 
 Dickie. 
 Come along, Mr. Worthington. 
 
 [Exit Dickie running. 
 
 Heney. 
 I say, Eobin, you'd much better not play 
 again immediately. 
 
 Robin. 
 Why? They do. 
 
 Heney. 
 They are a generation younger than you. 
 
 Robin. 
 I wish everybody wouldn't treat me as if I 
 were an old gentleman. 
 
 [He goes out after them. 
 
80 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Lady Cotteell. 
 I declare, Captain Worthington, your brother 
 is the youngest of the party. 
 
 Henry. 
 
 He'll pay for it to-morrow. He'll be so stiff 
 he won't be able to walk. 
 
 Lady Cotteell. 
 
 After a few sets of tennis ? He's not as old 
 as all that. 
 
 Heney 
 
 It's not the tennis that's going to find him 
 out. It's all that idiotic ragging and jumping 
 about and screaming. It's not natural at his 
 time of life. A man of such sedentary habits, 
 too. 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 If he's not very careful he'll break one of his 
 ligaments. 
 
 Louise. 
 
 It's so bad for him intellectually to mix with 
 such very young people. A man of his ability 
 ought not to have been so much amused when 
 Miss Sims stuck her thumb in the strawberry 
 jam. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 8 1 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 
 / was exceedingly amused. It was a 
 thoroughly characteristic example of British 
 wit and humour. 
 
 [She goes out. Isabella glances at 
 Louise who is again absorbed in the 
 Eastern Poems before she says to 
 Henry in an undertone. 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 I consider the way Louise behaved all through 
 tea was nothing short of scandalous. 
 
 Henry. 
 
 You'll really have to say something to her. 
 You'd better take this opportunity. 
 
 [Exit Henry. 
 
 Isabella. 
 Louise — I'm ashamed of you ! 
 
 Louise. 
 [In mild surprise.] Why ? 
 
 Isabella. 
 Everybody must have noticed. 
 
 Louise. 
 
 What? 
 
82 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Isabella. 
 The way you run after Eobin. [Louise 
 looks affronted.] Your attempts to wean him 
 away from Maggie — [with a reproving smile as 
 Louise is about to retort] your own words, 
 dear. [Louise hangs her head.] And it's not 
 only to-day, it's all the time. I don't know 
 what Lady Cottrell must think. 
 
 Louise. 
 [Retorting.] I am only treating Mr. Worth- 
 ington as I treat every man. 
 
 Isabella. 
 I hope not. 
 
 Louise. 
 I mean to say — I'm amazed you should see 
 anything to criticize in my behaviour. 1 am 
 sure no one — except you who know why you 
 invited me and are therefore, I suppose, on the 
 lookout for motives in everything I do — no one 
 else could say otherwise than that I treat Mr. 
 Worthington in a perfectly easy and friendly 
 manner. 
 
 Isabella. 
 It was the same thing at schooL 
 
 Louise. 
 I don't know what you mean. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 83 
 
 Isabella. 
 You can't have forgotten the young man with 
 the bicycle who lived opposite ! 
 
 Louise. 
 [Angry.] I wasn't the only one. You and 
 Jinny and Margaret were just as bad. 
 
 Isabella. 
 There ! That is an illustration of what I 
 mean. You think we were as bad as you. 
 
 Louise. 
 
 You were, 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 "We were all just as madly in love with him, 
 but we none of us went the lengths you did. 
 We only smiled at him and waved our pocket 
 handkerchiefs. You used to write him letters 
 and threw nosegays at him out of your bed- 
 room window — till he got in such a fright he 
 told his mother and she complained, and you 
 were expelled. 
 
 Louise. 
 [Crestfallen^ I don't see why you need rake 
 that up now. 
 
 Isabella. 
 I only remind you of it because you are still 
 doing exactly the same sort of thing. 
 
84 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Louise. 
 When have I ever written a letter to Mr. 
 Worthington ? When have I thrown a single 
 nosegay at him ? 
 
 Isabella. 
 You've got beyond that I should hope. What 
 I mean to say is — here you are again, making 
 the boldest advances — without apparently real- 
 izing that you are doing anything out of the 
 ordinary. 
 
 Louise. 
 [Childishly.] I'm very much hurt that you 
 should think such things about me. You've 
 made me feel horrid. 
 
 Isabella. 
 Let me give you a word of advice, Louise. 
 
 Louise. 
 Well, what is it ? 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 It's not the way to succeed in love to be so 
 persevering. 
 
 Louise. 
 [Sitting on the floor at Isabella's/^ m the 
 attitude of one willing to learn.] What do you 
 think would be a better way ? 
 
A SINGLE MAN 85 
 
 Isabella. 
 Be more reticent. If you don't encourage a 
 man too much he will make advances. 
 
 Louise. 
 [Thoughtfully.'] Not always. 
 
 Isabella. 
 You must show him now and then that you 
 like him. 
 
 Louise. 
 Of course. 
 
 Isabella. 
 But don't show him too often. Otherwise he 
 takes fright or gets bored — or says to himself, 
 "I can have her any time," and takes no 
 trouble, so nothing comes of it. 
 
 Louise. 
 That's so true ! 
 
 Isabella. 
 [ Warming to her subject.] Baffle them a bit. 
 Then they begin to wonder about you till their 
 heads become so full of you they can think 
 of nothing else. That's love. [As she meets 
 Louise's earnest and inquiring gaze she stops 
 short] Oh ! [ Uneasily.] I hope you don't 
 think I am giving you hints as to how to suc- 
 ceed with — any one in particular ? 
 
86 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Louise. 
 Oh, no, dear. We were speaking quite im- 
 personally. 
 
 Isabella. 
 I can't think how I allowed myself to be led 
 away into considering the best ways to attract 
 men except that the subject is so engrossing. 
 But that's not what we are talking about. I'll 
 have nothing to do with helping you to wean 
 Kobin away from Maggie. I've told you so re- 
 peatedly. I don't think you ought to be here. 
 
 Louise. 
 "Whenever I propose leaving, Mr. Worthing- 
 ton invariably asks me to stay on. 
 
 Isabella. 
 Mere politeness. 
 
 Louise. 
 I couldn't very well leave by the next train 
 because I found on my arrival that Mr. Worth- 
 ington was engaged. 
 
 Isabella. 
 I never suggested you should leave by the 
 next train. The right and proper thing for you 
 to have done was to have stayed here for two 
 or three days, and then had an engagement else- 
 where. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 87 
 
 Louise. 
 [Thoughtfully.] I had thought of leaving 
 to-morrow. 
 
 Isabella. 
 That's right. 
 
 Louise. 
 But I have just heard that the wedding day 
 is fixed for August the tenth. It'll look very 
 funny if I leave now. 
 
 Isabella. 
 It'll look much funnier if you don't. 
 
 Louise. 
 Every one would say, " Miss Parker stayed 
 until the wedding day was fixed, then, seeing 
 she had no chance, she left." Oh, no — I can't 
 leave now. It would be putting myself in a 
 very false position. 
 
 Isabella. 
 You canH hang on like this ! {Marching 
 towards Louise and saying with great determi- 
 nation.] You really must go — please, dear. 
 
 Louise. 
 [Calmly and seriously.'] And do you sin- 
 cerely believe, Isabella, that Maggie Cottrell 
 will make him happy ? 
 
88 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 That's nobody's business but his. He has 
 chosen her. He is engaged to her, and he is 
 going to be married to her in six weeks. 
 
 Louise. 
 
 [Moving about, as she says, dramatically. ~\ 
 It must be stopped ! Why can't you do some- 
 thing ? Why doesn't your husband interfere ? 
 He ought to save his brother. Poor Mr. 
 Worthington is out of his mind. He's in- 
 fatuated, bewitched. He'll be bored to death 
 in no time by that wretched chit of a child. 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 [Quite unimpressed by Louise's exhibition 
 of feeling.] When are you going to leave ? 
 
 Louise. 
 [Deliberately. ,] I haven't made up my mind. 
 
 Isabella. 
 I shall tell Henry. [Enter Kobin quickly. 
 
 Kobin. 
 
 [Indignantly.] What do you think? 
 They've got tired of playing tennis, and now 
 they want to play hide-and-seek all over the 
 garden ! I won't do it. [Isabella laughs. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 89 
 
 Louise. 
 
 [Smiling at Robin.] Poor Mr. Worthington ! 
 We'll protect you. 
 
 Eobin. 
 
 [Still speaking indignantly.'] I can't keep 
 this up. I've been on the go ever since 
 three o'clock. [He sits.] The more they run 
 about the livelier they get, but I don't. 
 [Miter Maggie. Robin does not see her, 
 as Ms back is towards her. Maggie puts 
 her finger to her lips as a sign to Isabella 
 and Louise not to let Robin know she is there. 
 She advances towards Robin smiling, and on tip- 
 toe, then suddenly puts her hands over his eyes 
 and laughs. Robin, taken hy surprise, is ex- 
 ceedingly annoyed, struggles, and says, crossly.] 
 Don't do that. Who is it ? [He frees himself, 
 rises, and seeing Maggie softens.] Oh! 
 Maggie, is it you? [He takes her hand and 
 says kindly.] I'm sorry I spoke crossly — but 
 you know, my dear — I think you are getting a 
 little old to do that sort of thing. 
 
 Maggie. 
 
 [Sweetly.] You said the other day that the 
 way I play and run about is one of my chief 
 charms in your eyes. 
 
90 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 ROBIN. 
 
 I like you to be playful prettily. 
 
 [Me talks apart with Maggie. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [To Louise as she goes towards the door.] 
 Come along, Louise. I don't think we are 
 wanted here. [She waits for Louise. 
 
 Louise. 
 [Rising reluctantly, glances at Robin and 
 Maggie, and then joins Isabella.] He is 
 beginning to get bored with her. I shall cer- 
 tainly not leave yet. 
 
 [Isabella and Louise go out 
 
 Maggie. 
 Shall we go out ? 
 
 Robin. 
 Presently. 
 
 Maggie. 
 It's a sin to stick in the house on a day like 
 this. [Robin invites her in smiling dumb show 
 to come and sit beside him on the sofa. She 
 comes towards him as she says.] Yery well. 
 We'll sit here just five minutes. 
 
 [She springs on to the sofa beside him 
 and nestles close up to him. He puts 
 his arm round her. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 91 
 
 ROBIN. 
 This is the nicest part of the whole day. 
 
 Maggie. 
 I love playing hide-and-seek. 
 
 Robin. 
 I love having you all to myself. 
 
 [MAGGIE smiles up m his face, then 
 gives his nose a little playful pinch. 
 He hisses her hand. 
 
 Maggie. 
 {Counting the buttons down his coat with her 
 forefinger. ,] One, two, three, four. I feel 
 terribly kiddish to-day. Some days — when it's 
 fine and bright like this — I just want to run 
 about very fast all the time like a field-mouse. 
 
 Robin. 
 Don't you ever want to sit still and bask like 
 a lizard ? 
 
 Maggie. 
 Oh, no, never — at least — not for long at a 
 time. I always want to be up and doing. I 
 feel as if I could dance and sing the minute I 
 get up in the morning. 
 
 Robin. 
 I can't bear being active before breakfast ! 
 
92 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Maggie. 
 
 Can't you ? / can. [He puts his arm 
 further round her to draw her closer to him.~\ 
 Wait a minute. That's not comfortable. [She 
 sits up and shakes herself, then leans her back 
 against his shoulder, mi a most unromantic posi- 
 tion.] There! That's better! [She lets her 
 head fall back on his shoulder, which places him 
 in a most uncomfortable position^] I could go 
 to sleep like this. 
 
 KOBIN. 
 
 /couldn't. 
 
 [Enter Gladys to clear away the tea- 
 things followed by Mrs. Higson. 
 Mrs. Higson is the housekeeper; a 
 middle aged respectable looking woman. 
 Maggie sits up and then goes to the 
 window. 
 
 Maggie. 
 
 She's come to clear away. We'd better go 
 out. 
 
 Eobin. 
 
 {Also rising.] She'll have finished in a min- 
 ute. [To Mrs. Higson.] We've made rather 
 a mess there, haven't we, Mrs. Higson ? 
 
 [Takes a cigarette. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 93 
 
 Mrs. Higson. 
 
 What does that matter, sir, so long as you 
 enjoyed yourselves ? 
 
 Robin. 
 After all — one is only middle-aged once. 
 
 Maggie. 
 
 I should enjoy a good game of hide-and- 
 see.nL. 
 
 [Robin takes out his match-box and 
 strikes a match. Maggie runs quickly 
 towards him and blows out his match. 
 
 Robin. 
 
 [ Taken by surprise, is annoyed.] Oh, don't 
 — please. What a silly thing to do. 
 
 Maggie. 
 [Laughs.'] All right. I won't do it again. 
 [Having gathered up everything Mks. Higson 
 goes out. Robin strikes a second match and 
 while he is doing so Maggie snatches the ciga- 
 rette out of his mouth and runs away with it, 
 saying gaily.] I didn't say I wouldn't do that. 
 I love playing tricks on people. [Gladys fol- 
 lows Mrs. Higson off with the tea-cloth and cake- 
 stand. Robin sits on the settee looking very 
 solemn.] You aren't cross, are you ? 
 
94 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 EoBIN. 
 No, dear, but you know — sometimes — you 
 are just a little bit rough. 
 
 [Maggie crosses to him and kisses Kim 
 on the cheek very nicely and gently, 
 then steps back. He smiles at her quite 
 won over. 
 
 Maggie. 
 Shall we go out now ? 
 
 Eobin. 
 Soon. [Leans towards her.] Sit down and 
 have a little talk first. 
 
 [Maggie, showing no inclination to be 
 cuddlesome, sits on the cushion seat. 
 
 Maggie. 
 What do you want to talk about ? 
 
 Eobin. 
 [Smiling.] August the tenth. 
 
 Maggie. 
 We talked about that this morning. 
 
 Eobin. 
 [ Wistfully.] Do you remember that even- 
 ing when we sat in this room for a long time, 
 holding each other's hands and hardly saying 
 a word ? 
 
A SINGLE MAN 95 
 
 Maggie. 
 [Cheerfully 7\ We were two sleepy things. 
 We'd been out in the air all day. 
 
 Kobin. 
 It was such a happy, restful evening. 
 
 Maggie. 
 Wasn't it — but when I'm feeling really strong 
 there's nothing I like so well as to dance till 
 midnight and end up with a good pillow fight. 
 
 Eobin. 
 [Slowly and thoughtfully.'] There is a great 
 difference — in our ages. 
 
 [Enter Miss Heseltine. She carries a 
 number of loose typewritten pages m 
 her hand. 
 
 Maggie. 
 Hullo, Miss Heseltine. 
 
 Kobin. 
 [To Miss Heseltine.] Do you want me 
 for anything ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 I can come later on, if it's inconvenient now. 
 
 Kobin. 
 If you wouldn't mind. 
 
96 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Maggie. 
 [Springing up.] No. This is business. [To 
 Miss Heseltine.] You told me I must never 
 interfere with his business. I'll go out and 
 play with Dickie and Bertha, /don't mind. 
 
 [She pats Kobin's arm and goes off ' to 
 the garden skippingly — and calling 
 "Dickie." 
 
 Miss Heseltkste. 
 [Ref erring to the pages in her hand.'] There 
 seems to be something wrong with this. 
 
 Eobin. 
 [Takes pages.] Is that the American article ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Yes. I wouldn't have disturbed you with it 
 now, only it must go to-night. 
 
 Eobin. 
 "What's wrong with it ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 You've written parts of it in the first person 
 singular and other parts in the first person 
 plural. 
 
 Eobin. 
 Not really ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Yes. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 97 
 
 ROBIN. 
 [Glancing down the sheets.] So I have. How 
 did I come to make such a mistake as that ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Primly.] You must have had your head 
 full of something else. 
 
 Robin. 
 [Turning over the sheets.] Like when I wrote 
 that article the other day and called beer rice. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Yes. And in the last chapter of the new 
 novel you called several of the characters by 
 the wrong names. 
 
 Robin. 
 [Looking at her before saying, gravely.] Has 
 all my work been careless lately ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Yes, very. 
 
 Robin. 
 Sit down, won't you, while I look over this. 
 [Miss Heseltine sits.] It means going 
 over the whole thing carefully from beginning 
 to end, and I am so tired ! [Turning over a 
 page or two.] T can't do any good with it till 
 I've had at least an nour's rest. 
 
98 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 
 That throws it so late. It has to be typed 
 after you've been through it. 
 
 Kobin. 
 
 [Sighing.'] Oh, dear, then I suppose I must, 
 but you know — it's not so much that I'm tired 
 physically. It's my brain — it's completely dis- 
 organized. I can't concentrate. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 
 I think / could make the necessary changes 
 if you'd trust it to me. [She comes towards him.] 
 I could take it home to do and bring it back to 
 you this evening. 
 
 Kobin. 
 
 "Why take it home ? Why can't you do it 
 here? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 There's too much noise in the garden. 
 
 Kobin. 
 [ With a weary little smile.] It isn't like our 
 usual quiet afternoons, is it ? 
 
 Miss Heseliine. 
 No, it isn't— not at aii. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 99 
 
 Kobin. 
 
 It won't be like this much longer. When 
 I'm married and we've settled down — you and I 
 will be able to work together peacefully again 
 — as we used to do. Shan't we ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Taking the pages from him.'] I'm afraid 
 not. 
 
 Robin. 
 
 Why not ? 
 
 Miss Heselthste. 
 Because when you are married — I shan't be 
 here. 
 
 Kobiist. 
 [Surprised.'] What do you mean ? You 
 won't be here ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 I'm leaving Farnham. 
 
 Robin. 
 Leaving ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Yes. 
 
 Robin. 
 Where are you going ? 
 
IOO A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 I don't know quite. I think I shall go and 
 live in London. 
 
 Eobin. 
 That's not far away. You can still come and 
 work for me— can't you ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 I don't think so. [Moves as if to go. 
 
 Eobin. 
 Wait a minute. I want to know about this. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 That's all. I find I must leave. 
 
 Eobin. 
 [Going towards her.'] People don't usually 
 leave without giving a reason. [Miss Hesel- 
 tine hesitates.'] I think you owe me some ex- 
 planation. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Looking at the pages in her hand.] I must 
 go and do this now. 
 
 Eobin. 
 [Takvng her by the arm.] Sit down and tell 
 me why you want to leave me. 
 
 [Miss Heseltine reluctantly sits again. 
 He watches her all the time, standing. 
 
A SINGLE MAN IOI 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 There's no particular reason — that I can give 
 you. 
 
 Eobin. 
 What do you intend to do after you leave 
 here? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 That hasn't been definitely decided yet. 
 
 Kobin. 
 Then why need you go ? [Miss Heseltine 
 looks on the ground.'] I don't want to be too 
 inquisitive, but it's so extraordinary that you 
 can't give me any reason. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 I need a change. 
 
 Eobin. 
 If it's a holiday you want 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Interrupting him.'] Oh, no, thank you. I 
 don't want a holiday. I had three weeks in 
 April. 
 
 Eobin. 
 And you'll be having another three or four 
 weeks quite soon — when I go away on my 
 honeymoon. 
 
102 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 I shall have left before that. 
 
 Kobin. 
 I had no idea you were dissatisfied. [Miss 
 Heseltine makes a restless, nervous movement.'] 
 If it's a question of earning more money — I shall 
 be very happy to meet you in any way I can. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 It's not that. Please don't think it's that. 
 I'm more than satisfied with what you give me. 
 
 Kobin. 
 Are you going to be married ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Almost angrily.] Of course not ! 
 
 [She turns away from him in her seat 
 
 KOBIN. 
 
 Then what is it ? [ With a ring of genuine 
 distress in his voice as he sits on the ottoman at 
 her feet.] Why — why go away and leave me ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Distressed by his distress, is greatly agitated.] 
 I must. I'm very sorry — but I must! 
 
 Eobin. 
 But I can't think what I shall do without you. 
 I shan't be able to get on at all. I can hardly 
 
A SINGLE MAN 10$ 
 
 imagine yet what it's going to be like here 
 without you. I've never thought of you leav- 
 ing me. You've been coming to me every day 
 for such a long time — five years — it's a long 
 time. [Miss Heseltine, unable to control her 
 agitation, rises. He rises almost at the same 
 time as he says.'] Don't decide yet — not just yet. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 
 I can't stay. It's no use pretending I can. 
 I can't ! I can't do it ! 
 
 Robin. 
 
 [Puzzled.'} Are you afraid your position 
 here is going to be made difficult after my 
 marriage ? [A pause for her to reply.] Is that 
 it ? [Another pause as before.] I don't see 
 why it need be difficult. Maggie is very good 
 about not disturbing me in my work hours. 
 She won't interfere with you. [Making light 
 
 of it.] If that's all it is [Miss Heseltine 
 
 bursts into tears. Robin ^s very much dis- 
 tressed to see her in tears and goes to her.] Miss 
 Heseltine ! What's the matter? I can't bear 
 to see you like this. What is it ? Is it some- 
 thing I've done? Have I hurt you without 
 knowing it ? [Putting his hands on her shoul- 
 ders and turning her towards him.] Miss Hesel- 
 tine ! Look at me ! — tell me ! why must you 
 leave me ? 
 
104 ** SINGLE MAN 
 
 [He gently pulls her hands away from 
 her face ; she looks up at him appeal- 
 ingly, unable to hide her love for him. 
 lie understands and stands looking at 
 her transfixed. 
 
 Maggie. 
 
 [From the garden.] Robin ! What are you 
 doing ? 
 
 Dickie. 
 [Also from the garden.] Where is he ? 
 
 Maggie. 
 
 In here. [When their voices are heard, 
 Robin steps back from Miss Heseltine. She 
 makes an undecided step or two as if she didn't 
 know where to go, then begms nervously gather- 
 ing up the pages. Enter Maggie followed by 
 Dickie and Bertha Sims, all darting about 
 and skipping. Maggie, speaking as she enters 
 and coming towards Robin.] We want to wind 
 up with something really silly before we go 
 home. 
 
 Robin. 
 [Protesting.] Oh, no — my dears — no ! 
 
 Dickie and Bertha. 
 Yes, yes. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 105 
 
 Bertha. 
 [Beginning to dance and sing by herself.] 
 Here we go round the mulberry bush. 
 
 Dickie. 
 [Singing.'] The mulberry bush. 
 
 Maggie. 
 [Joining in as well.] The mulberry bush ! 
 
 [They all laugh. 
 [ While this is going on Miss Hesel- 
 tine, with the pages in her hand, slowly 
 goes out. 
 [Louise comes in from the garden. Tak- 
 ing in the situation, she says, "Mr. 
 Worthington, too ! " and seizing him 
 by both hands dances him round. He 
 is then swept into the ring between 
 Dickie and Maggie. Louise tries 
 to enter the ring, first on Robin's left, 
 in which attempt she fails, and then on 
 his right, this time achieving success. 
 They all laugh and dance in a ring as 
 curtain falls. 
 
 THE CURTAIN FALLS 
 
THE THIRD ACT 
 
 SCEOTL — The same as the first act. The scene is 
 arranged as before except that the cradle is 
 no longer there. It is beginning to grow 
 dusk. E-OBIN, dressed as at the end of the 
 second act, is standing, with his hands in his 
 pockets, staring at MlSS HESELTINE's desk. 
 
 Robin. 
 
 [Slowly and thoughtfully, as if scarcely able 
 to credit what he says.'] Miss Heseltine ! 
 
 [Louise enters. She wears an elaborate 
 dinner gown. 
 
 Louise. 
 [In the doorway.] May I come in ? 
 
 Robin. 
 [Suddenly brought to himself.] Is it as late 
 as that f 
 
 Louise, 
 I dressed early. 1 mistook the time. The 
 drawing-room was deserted, so I thought I'd 
 come in here. I hope I don't intrude. 
 1 06 
 
A SINGLE MAN IO/ 
 
 Robin. 
 [Merely politely.] Not at all. 
 
 Louise. 
 
 [Smiling as if she had received a most press- 
 ing invitation to stay.] Thank you ! [She 
 closes the door and comes toioards Robin.] Has 
 she gone ? 
 
 Robin. 
 Yes. 
 
 Louise. 
 [ With a little sigh of satisfaction.] Ah ! 
 
 Robin. 
 She took her work home to do. 
 
 Louise. 
 Maggie ? 
 
 Robin. 
 Miss Heseltine. Oh, yes; those children 
 have all gone. Thank goodness ! [Hurriedly 
 correcting himself] The dears. 
 
 Louise. 
 Weren't you rather glad — between ourselves 
 — to see them go ? 
 
 Robin. 
 I don't feel safe even yet. I can't help 
 thinking that Bertha Sims is still lurking 
 
108 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 among the bushes— ready to spring out at me. 
 What's that noise ? [He goes to the window and 
 looks out, then closes the curtains.'] Only the 
 rooks going home. 
 
 [He goes towards the electric switch. 
 
 Louise. 
 
 [Sentimentally.] The twilight hour. [She 
 leans bach luxuriously and says languidly.] 
 How peaceful it is here ! How perfectly har- 
 monious ! [Robin turns on the electric light. 
 This surprises and disconcerts Louise.] Oh ! 
 [She sits up. Robin takes out his cigarette case 
 and helps himself to a cigarette. He is absorbed 
 in his own thoughts, and does not notice Louise.] 
 Have you got a cigarette to give me f 
 
 Robin. 
 
 [Offering her his cigarette case.] I beg your 
 pardon. My mind was full of something else. 
 
 Louise. 
 
 [Smiles at him as she slowly draws a cigarette 
 from the case.] Thank you very much. 
 
 Robin. 
 [After a moment's pause.] Don't mention it. 
 You want a light. 
 
 [He moves away for the match-box, which 
 is on the writing-table, brings it to 
 
A SINGLE MAN 109 
 
 Louise and offers it to her. Louise 
 smilingly makes a sign with her hands 
 for him to strike a match. He does 
 so. Louise does not offer to take the 
 match, but lights her cigarette from it 
 as he holds it. 
 
 Louise. 
 
 Ta! 
 
 Robin. 
 I beg your pardon ? 
 
 Louise. 
 
 Ta! [Robin lights his own cigarette then 
 throws the match in an ash-tray and sits on 
 a settee at some distance from Louise.] I 
 hope you don't object to women smoking ? 
 
 Robin. 
 I don't mind one way or the other. 
 
 Louise. 
 I was afraid you might think it unwomanly. 
 
 Robin. 
 I shouldn't like my wife to smoke. 
 
110 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Louise. 
 
 [Rising.'] I practically never smoke. [She 
 puts her cigarette on an ash-tray '.] 
 
 {Enter Gladys. 
 
 Gladys. 
 
 {Addressing Louise.] If you please, miss, 
 Mrs. Worthington sent me to say will you 
 kindly come and talk to her while she dresses ? 
 
 Louise. 
 
 {Sweetly to Gladys.] Tell Mrs. Worthington 
 I will come — presently. 
 
 Gladys. 
 Thank you, miss. [Exit Gladys. 
 
 Kobin. 
 
 If you want to go and talk to Isabella, don't 
 mind me. 
 
 Louise. 
 [Reproachfully.'] Do you want me to go ? 
 
 Kobin. 
 Oh, no — I didn't mean that — of course. 
 
A SINGLE MAN III 
 
 Louise. 
 [Archly.] Shall I stay? 
 
 EOBIN. 
 
 [After a pause, reluctantly.'] Do. 
 
 Louise. 
 I know you wouldn't say that unless you 
 meant it. [She sits by him.] You and I never 
 seem to be left alone together — do we ? 
 
 ROBIN. 
 
 [Carelessly.] Don't we? 
 
 Louise. 
 Never. And I always feel we should have 
 so much to say to each other if we could once 
 break through our British reserve. [He looks 
 at her in surprise. She smiles at him.] You 
 have drawn me to you by your writings. I am 
 one of your most devoted readers. I buy all 
 your books. Oftentimes — after reading one or 
 other of your various masterpieces — I have 
 turned from the contemplation of Robin Worth- 
 ington, the author, to the contemplation of 
 Robin Worthington the man. 
 
 Robin. 
 [Embarrassed.] Oh, yes ! 
 
 [Enter Gladys. 
 
112 
 
 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Gladys. 
 [Addressing Louise.] Mrs. Worthington 
 says will you please come at once. It's most 
 partickler. 
 
 Eobin. 
 [Attempting to rise.] Don't let me detain 
 you. 
 
 Louise. 
 [Preventing Robin rismg by laying her hand 
 on his arm, as she turns to Gladys and says 
 impatiently.] Say I am coming — presently. 
 
 Gladys. 
 
 Yes, miss. 
 
 [Exit Gladys. 
 
 Louise. 
 [Intensely.] I want to see you take your 
 place among the immortals. Y ou could if you 
 would. But you never will — until you have 
 the right woman beside you — a woman of 
 heart, brain, experience — a woman who has 
 lived and suffered — one who would help you in 
 your work, who would be capable of being at 
 the same time your companion and your inspira- 
 tion. [She drops her intense tone and says, col- 
 loquially.] Maggie Cottrell can't appreciate 
 you. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 113 
 
 ROBIN. 
 [Rising abruptly, and annoyed.] We won't 
 discuss her, please. 
 
 Louise. 
 {Reproachfully.] You are angry with me. 
 
 ROBIN. 
 
 {Turning to her.~\ No, I'm not angry, 
 but 
 
 Louise. 
 {Interrupting him by rising and saying 
 frankly.] Forgive me ! [She comes to him 
 and extends both her hands. Robin reluctantly 
 takes her hands.] 
 
 [Enter Gladys. 
 Gladys. 
 Mrs. "Worthington says 
 
 Louise. 
 {Losing her temper?] Tell her I'm busy. 
 {Exit Gladys. Louise plants herself in front 
 of Robin and looks earnestly in his face.] You 
 do forgive me ? 
 
 Robin. 
 {Bored.] Oh — yes, of course. 
 
 Louise. 
 Yes, but really. 
 
114 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 KoBIN. 
 
 I must go and dress. 
 
 [He tries to get past her. 
 
 Louise. 
 
 [Planting herself in front of him."] I ought 
 not to have spoken as I did of Maggie Cottrell 
 — but I can't bear to see you throwing your- 
 self away. 
 
 Kobin. 
 I shall be late. 
 
 [He makes another attempt to get past her. 
 
 Louise. 
 
 [Preventing him getting away by laying her 
 hand on his arm.] If only you were going to 
 marry some woman worthy to be your wife ! 
 
 Eobin. 
 
 [Trying to free himself.] Yes, but I'm not 
 — I mean I am. 
 
 [Miter Isabella, carrying her gloves, 
 and then Heney. Isabella wears a 
 smart dinner-gown, and Heney his 
 evening clothes. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Sharply as she enters.] Louise I I sent for 
 you three times. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 11$ 
 
 Louise. 
 [Sweetly as she goes towards Isabella.] I 
 know you did, dear. Was it anything that 
 mattered ? 
 
 [They talk together, Isabella obviously 
 chiding Louise. Hovm joins Henry 
 after beckoning him. 
 
 Robin. 
 [Drawing Henry aside.] I'm so glad you 
 came in. I was having such a time. 
 
 Henry. 
 What's happened ? 
 
 Robin. 
 I don't think I'm naturally the kind of fellow 
 who thinks every woman is in love with him — 
 but really — this afternoon! It must be my 
 lucky day. 
 
 [Isabella comes towards Robin when 
 she speaks, while Louise sits by the 
 fire. 
 
 Isabella. 
 Aren't you going to dress ? 
 
 Eobin. 
 Yes, I'll go now. 
 
 Isabella. 
 The cab will be here in about ten minutes. 
 
i6 
 
 A 
 
 SINGLE MAN 
 
 Robin. 
 
 What cab ? 
 
 
 
 Isabella. 
 To take us to the Hendersons'. 
 
 Robin. 
 [Addressing Henry and Isabella m turns 
 during the next speech.] Oh, dear me! yes. 
 We promised to go and dine at the Hendersons' 
 — didn't we? I'd forgotten all about it. I 
 don't want to go a bit. I say, couldn't you 
 three go without me ? 
 
 Henry. 
 I don't know, I'm sure. 
 
 Isabella. 
 What will Mrs. Henderson say ? 
 
 Robin. 
 Tell her I had to stay and work. You don't 
 mind, do you? I really need an evening to 
 myself. I shall dine quietly in my study, and 
 
 fo to bed early. [He takes his latch-key out of 
 is pocket and gives it to Henry.] There's 
 my latch-key. You don't mind, do you? 
 Thanks so much ; it's awfully kind of you. 
 
 [He goes out. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 117 
 
 Isabella. 
 How tiresome of him to back out! [To 
 Henry.] Have you got everything ? 
 
 Henry. 
 I think so. 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 Cigarettes ? 
 
 Henry. 
 [Feeling his breastpocket.'] Yes. 
 
 Isabella. 
 Watch? 
 
 Henry. 
 [Feeling his watch^ocket.] Yes. 
 
 Isabella. 
 Pocket-handkerchief ? 
 
 Henry. 
 
 Yes — [looks in sleeve and jpockef] no. 
 
 [Exit Henry. 
 
 Louise. 
 
 [Pressing her hands to her terrvples, and calling 
 out, as if in sudden pain.] Oh — oh ! 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Anxiously.'] What's the matter ? 
 
118 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Louise. 
 I've got such a splitting headache. It's as 
 if some one were driving a nail right through 
 my temple. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Coming towards Louise, much concerned.'] 
 I'm so sorry. 
 
 Louise. 
 I can't possibly go to the Hendersons'. 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 [Immediately suspicious^ she hacks away.~] 
 Louise ! 
 
 Louise. 
 You couldn't ask me to go to a dinner-party 
 with my head in this state. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Drily.'] You'll feel better soon. 
 
 Louise. 
 
 Whenever I have a headache it always lasts 
 all the evening. 
 
 Isabella. 
 We'll take some menthol with us. 
 
 Louise. 
 Think of driving in a closed cab ! 
 
A SINGLE MAN • 119 
 
 Isabella. 
 We'll have it open. 
 
 Louise. 
 That would blow our hair about. 
 
 Isabella. 
 We'll take veils. 
 
 Louise. 
 It's no use, dear. I'm suffering too much ; I 
 shouldn't enjoy myself. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Mercilessly.'] I don't ask that you should 
 enjoy yourself. I ask that you should come 
 with us. 
 
 Louise. 
 I really must stay at home. 
 
 Isabella. 
 Very well, then — we'll all stay at home. 
 
 [She sits down facing Louise. Louise 
 looks poutingly at Isabella a mo- 
 ment before she speaks. 
 
 Louise. 
 There's no dinner for you. 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 There's none for you, either. 
 
120 . A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Louise. 
 "What is enough for one is generally enough 
 for two — but it's not enough for four. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Muttering.] I thought so. 
 
 Louise. 
 I have no intention of dining with Mr. Worth- 
 ington. {Rising in Tier queenliest manner.] I 
 shall ask Mrs. Higson to serve me a snack in my 
 room. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Calmly ', but firmly.] I shall not go and 
 leave you here, Louise. 
 
 Louise. 
 [Reproachfully.] You don't trust me. 
 
 [Sits beside Isabella. 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 [In an ironically affectionate tone.] Darling 
 — you wrong me. I only meant — how could I 
 sit through an elaborate dinner if I knew that 
 my friend was suffering alone in her chamber ? 
 
 Louise. 
 That's very sweet of you. But think of poor 
 
A SINGLE MAN 1 21 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Henderson. They will be so dis- 
 appointed if you don't go. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Amiably.] Henry must make my excuses. 
 
 Louise. 
 But if three out of four of their guests don't 
 turn up ! 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 [Assuming gaiety and friendliness.] They 
 won't think much of themselves, will they? 
 [Louise looks away, looking cross.] You and 
 I will have a nice little mess of something all 
 by ourselves upstairs. It'll be just like the dear 
 old schooldays, when we used to have forbidden 
 feasts in our bedrooms. [She drops the gay and 
 friendly tone, and says, drily.] Is your head 
 any better ? 
 
 Louise. 
 [Seeing that her present line is hopeless, takes 
 a new one, and says solemnly.] Isabella — Belle 
 dear, I didn't tell you. I have made up my 
 mind to leave to-morrow. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [ Unable to conceal her delight] Not really ! 
 
122 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Louise. 
 [Pained.'] I know you wish it. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Politely ] Not on my own account. 
 
 Louise. 
 As I am leaving to-morrow, I should like to 
 stay at home this evening. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Suspiciously.] To say good-bye to Kobin ? 
 
 Louise. 
 [Coldly.] To pack. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Eagerly.] Pll help you with your packing. 
 
 Louise. 
 
 Thank you, dear; but I never can pack if 
 there's any one in the room. • 
 
 Isabella. 
 I'll sit on the landing and be ready when 
 you want me. 
 
 Louise. 
 [Losing her temper and rising abruptly.] 
 Don't be such a fool. 
 

 A SINGLE MAN 12$ 
 
 Isabella. 
 You needn't think I don't see through you. 
 
 Louise. 
 What d'you mean ? 
 
 Isabella. 
 I don't believe you have the slightest inten- 
 tion of leaving to-morrow. 
 
 Louise. 
 Do you think I'm a liar ? 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Cheerfully.'] Yes. 
 
 Louise. 
 How dare you say such a thing ? 
 
 Isabella. 
 As if I don't know what you are up to. 
 
 Louise. 
 [Defiantly.'] What am I up to — as you 
 term it ? 
 
 Isabella. 
 Do you want me to tell you 7 
 
 Louise. 
 [Haughtily.] Certainly. 
 
t24 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 As soon as Henry and I have left the house 
 you'll rush upstairs and put on a tea-gown — 
 the white one most likely, with the angel- 
 sleeves — and then — when you have calculated 
 that Robin will just about have begun his dinner 
 — you'll come floating in. You won't have had 
 any dinner. He'll feel obliged to ask you to 
 share his. You'll refuse at first — if you think 
 you stand any chance of being pressed — then 
 you'll sit down. You will begin the conversa- 
 tion by telling him that Maggie doesn't appre- 
 ciate him. That I believe is the usual opening 
 with those who attempt to make discord between 
 
 lovers 
 
 Louise. 
 
 [Exploding with wrath.'] Isabella, you're a 
 beast. 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 [ With great determination.'] You shan't stay 
 here alone with Robin because I won't allow it. 
 
 Louise. 
 [Changing her tactics, turns to Isabella 
 and says calmly and seriously.] He asked me 
 to remain„ 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Staring at Louise in amazement] He asked 
 you. . . . 
 
A SINGLE MAN 1 25 
 
 Louise. 
 
 [Going a little towards Isabella.] Not in 
 so many words — but saying he wants to be left 
 alone is an invitation to me to stay. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Bursting out laughing.] Louise ! 
 
 Louise. 
 I know it. While you were upstairs dress- 
 ing we had the most wonderful talk. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Immediately sobered.] What about ? 
 
 Louise. 
 It was not so much what we said as what we 
 left unsaid. When you sent for me I asked 
 him if he wished me to leave him, and he said 
 "No." He begged me to remain. He was 
 longing to confide in me. I felt it. He knows 
 he has made a mistake. He was just on the 
 point of admitting to me that Maggie Cottrell 
 is not the girl for him to marry — when you 
 came into the room. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Hardly hnowmg whether to believe Louise 
 or not.] I think it must be your imagination. 
 
126 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Louise. 
 You are responsible for what has happened. 
 You invited me here. You encouraged me to 
 fall in love with him. 
 
 Isabella. 
 There's no harm done, because you are not in 
 love with him. 
 
 Louise. 
 I soon could be. [Isabella turns away.] 
 Please let me stay behind. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [ With determination.] No. 
 
 Louise. 
 [falling on her knees in despair and grasp- 
 ing Isabella by the hand.] Isabella! Isa- 
 bella ! It's a crisis. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [ Very uneasy ?\ Louise ! Louise ! Suppose 
 somebody comes in ! [She wrenches her hand 
 away. Louise sinks upon the ground.] 
 
 [Miter Mes. Higson who has a white 
 linen table-cloth folded over her arm, 
 and a small tray-cloth. 
 
 Mes. Higson. 
 The cab's here, ma'am. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 1 27 
 
 Isabella. 
 Thank you, Mrs. Higson. [Mrs. Higson 
 
 lays the cloth down and begins to gatJier tJie 
 articles together on the writing-table. Isabella 
 is very firm as she addresses Louise.] Are you 
 ready ? 
 
 [Louise rises slowly and tragically from 
 the ground. Isabella pulls her 
 to her feet. Louise slaps her as & 
 releases herself. Isabella goes to the 
 door, pauses, turns to Louise, and 
 beckons her, as she says u Louise ! " 
 She waits till she sees Louise begin to 
 follow her, then goes out. Louise 
 pauses at the door, then hastily closes 
 it and turns to Mrs. Higson. 
 
 Louise. 
 By the way, Mrs. Higson, I may arrive home 
 a little in advance of the others. 
 
 Mrs. Higson. 
 
 [Stiffly, .] Indeed ! 
 
 Louise. 
 In case you should want to go to bed early-— 
 [smiles at Mrs. Higson in Ker most ingratia- 
 ting manner as she comes towards her] is there 
 an extra latch-key ? 
 
128 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Mes. HlGSON". 
 [Mistrustfully.'] Oh, no, miss — we've got no 
 extra latch-keys. 
 
 Louise. 
 Oh ! [Pauses.'] You needn't tell anybody I 
 asked you for one. 
 
 [Mes. Higson makes no response, "but 
 busies herself with the things on Rob- 
 in's desk. While she is doing this 
 Louise fumbles in her bag and takes 
 out a ten-shilling piece. Louise offers 
 Mes. Higson the ten-shillmg piece 
 with her sweetest smile. 
 
 Mes. Higson. 
 [Not offering to take if] Thank you, miss — 
 it will do when you leave. 
 
 Louise. 
 Oh ! [She puts the ten-shilling piece in her 
 bag, then goes to the door, where she pauses.] 
 You needn't tell anybody I offered it to you. 
 
 [Exit Louise. Mes. Higson ironically 
 kisses her hand after Louise, then un- 
 folds the small table-cloth, and lays it 
 on Miss Heseltine's desk. 
 [Enter Gladys with a tray containing 
 the glass and silver, etc., necessary for 
 Robin's dinner. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 129 
 
 Gladys. 
 They're off. I think they must be late. 
 
 Mes. Higson. 
 What makes you say that ? Mr. Burgess is 
 never late with his cab. 
 
 Gladys. 
 I only thought they might be because Mrs. 
 Worthington was that impatient — wouldn't get 
 into the keb without Miss Parker got in first. 
 Looked as if there'd 'ave bin words if Captain 
 Worthington 'adn't pushed 'em both in from 
 be'ind. 
 
 Mes. Higson. 
 
 'Elp me lay this cloth. [They lay the cloth 
 
 together as she continues^ I'm sure I don't 
 
 wonder he wants to dine quietly in his study 
 
 after all the racket there's been this afternoon. 
 
 Gladys. 
 
 [Grinning. ~\ They were playin' 'ide-an'-go- 
 seek. 
 
 Mes. Higson. 
 
 [Contemptuously, as she smooths the cloth.] 
 'Ide-an'-go-seek ! What it's going to be like 
 here after 'e's married, I can't think. Pande- 
 monium, / should say, with dirt on all the car- 
 pets. 
 
130 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Gladys. 
 I shan't mind the extra work if it makes 
 things 'urn a bit more. 
 
 Mrs. Higson. 
 Careful with that silver. 
 
 Gladys. 
 Cook and I was only saying this afternoon it 
 was quite refreshing to look out upon somethin' 
 besides lawns and flowers and green trees. 
 
 Mrs. Higson. 
 You won't welcome changes so much when 
 you reach my age. And it's not as if 
 you'd known Mr. Worthington the years / 
 'ave. And per'aps you 'aven't got the maternal 
 instinct. 
 
 Gladys. 
 \Prvrrdy.'] No, I 'aven't — an' I 'ope I won't 
 'ave before I get my marriage lines. 
 
 Mrs. Higson. 
 I think that's everything now. 
 
 {Enter Kobin. fte wears a dinner- 
 jacket and a black tie. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 131 
 
 Kobin. 
 
 [Speaking as he enters.] I'll have my dinner 
 as soon as it's ready. 
 
 [He takes a book from the bookshelves. 
 
 Mrs. Higson. 
 Gladys ! Tell cook. [Exit Gladys. 
 
 [The front door bell rings. Kobin 
 pauses and listens. 
 
 Kobin. 
 Who's that ? 
 
 Mrs. Higson. 
 Post most likely. What will you take to 
 drink, sir? 
 
 Kobin. 
 I think I could do with some champagne. 
 
 Mrs. Higson. 
 Yes, sir. 
 
 Kobin. 
 A small bottle. 
 
1 32 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Mes. Higson. 
 Yes, sir. 
 
 [i&ȣ Mes. Higson. Robin settles him- 
 self to read. Gladys comes in carry- 
 ing a roll of typewritten manuscript. 
 
 Gladys. 
 If you please, sir — with Miss 'Eseltine's com- 
 pliments. [She holds out the roll to Robin. 
 
 ROBIN. 
 
 [Takvng it.] Is Miss Heseltine here ? 
 Gladys. 
 
 Just gorn, sir. 
 Kun after her. 
 
 Robin. 
 
 Gladys. 
 Yes, sir. [She hurries to the door. 
 
 Robin. 
 No, don't. 
 
 Gladys. 
 No, sir. 
 
 [Exit Gladys. Robin spends a moment 
 or two in indecision, looks at the roll 
 of manuscript, leaves it on the settee, 
 rises, crosses to Miss Heseltine's 
 
A SINGLE MAN 133 
 
 desk and lays his hook upon it ; tlien 
 he goes to the window, and draws the 
 hack curtain. He opens the window 
 and looks out. 
 
 Kobin. 
 
 [Calling — not loudly. .] Miss Heseltine ! 
 
 [After a moment or two Miss Heseltine 
 appears at the window. She wears a 
 long, loose, ready-made coat, a cheap, 
 ordinary-looking hat, and makes, alto- 
 gether, a somewhat dowdy appearance. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [ Coming just inside the room.'] Did you wish 
 to speak to me ? 
 
 [They are hoth embarrassed and con- 
 strained when they meet. Miss Hesel- 
 tine's manner is extremely prim, to 
 cover her nervousness. 
 
 Eobin. 
 [Referring to the roll of manuscript in his 
 hand, which he takes from the settee.] What's 
 this thing ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 The American article. I thought you might 
 like to look it over before it goes. 
 
 Kobin. 
 Why didn't you bring it in? 
 
134 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 I didn't wish to disturb you. 
 
 Robin. 
 
 I see — thank you — well [Looking at 
 
 Miss Heseltine.] You know if it's all right. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 I can guarantee there are no mistakes in it 
 now. 
 
 Robin. 
 
 [Giving her the roll of manuscript.} Let it 
 go then. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 I'll take it home and put it up for post. 
 
 [She is going. 
 
 Robin. 
 You might as well do that here — at your 
 desk. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Hesitating a moment, she glances at him, and 
 then says.] Yery well — as I'm here. [Coming 
 to her desk.'] It won't take me but a few 
 minutes. 
 
 [She sits at her desk, opens a drawer and 
 takes out a large envelope in which she 
 places the American article. She does 
 
A SINGLE MAN 1 35 
 
 this with a good deal of fumbling and 
 fluttering of papers, owing to her nerv- 
 ousness. 
 
 KOBIN. 
 
 You must have worked very hard to get that 
 ready. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [ Without looking up.] It all had to be re- 
 written. 
 
 Kobin. 
 I hope you haven't gone without your dinner. 
 [Miss Heseltine begins to address the envelope, 
 apparently not having heard his last remark.] 
 You have dined— haven't you ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Still addressing the envelope and not looking 
 up.] Not yet. 
 
 EOBIN. 
 
 Are you going to have some dinner now f 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 I shan't have time. I'm due at an evening 
 party. 
 
 Kobin. 
 
 A dinner party ? 
 
136 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Oh, no— only games. 
 
 Kobin. 
 You won't get any dinner. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 There'll be light refreshments handed round 
 most likely. 
 
 [She stamps the envelope. 
 
 KOBIN. 
 
 [A little embarrassed and shy at giving the 
 invitation.'] Look here ! I'm having a bit of 
 beefsteak by myself, and Mrs. Higson is so con- 
 vinced I don't eat enough, she always gives me 
 twice as much as I can manage. Won't you 
 stay and share it with me ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Quickly and nervously as she rises.] Oh, 
 no, thank you — I can't do that. 
 
 Kobin. 
 You'd much better. You can go to the even- 
 ing party afterwards. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Quite impossible. Thank you all the same. 
 [She goes towards the window. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 1 37 
 
 KoBIN. 
 \Govag after her.] I shall be wretchedly 
 lonely all by myself. [Miss HmmuTiNE pauses 
 and looks at him.] You'd be doing me a kind- 
 ness if you'd stay. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 I don't think I'd better. 
 
 Kobin. 
 You won't enjoy your party if you don't eat 
 something first. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 I'm not expecting to enjoy it much, anyhow. 
 
 Kobin. 
 7" shan't enjoy my steak if you go hungry to 
 your party. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Won't you ? 
 
 Kobin. 
 [Trying to make her sorry for him.] No. 
 [A pause.] Nor my tomatoes. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Keally? 
 
138 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 ROBIN. 
 
 Really. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Then I'll stay — just a very few moments. 
 
 Robin. 
 [Smiling.'] That's right. [He draws the cur- 
 tain over the window. Enter Mes. Higson 
 with a dish containing a steak and tomatoes. 
 Robin speaks as Mrs. Higson enters.] Set a 
 place for Miss Heseltine. She's going to have 
 some dinner with me. 
 
 Mrs. Higson. 
 Yes, sir. [Mrs. Higson neitlier shows nor 
 feels any surprise when she hears that Miss 
 Heseltine is going to dine with Robin.] 
 We'd better cook you something extra, sir. 
 
 Robin. 
 I expect there's enough here. [He raises the 
 dish cover to see.] Oh, yes, quite. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 I don't think I can stay — really ! 
 
 Robin. 
 Oh, yes, you can ! [To Mrs. Higson.] A 
 place for Miss Heseltine. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 1 39 
 
 Mrs. Higson. 
 Yes, sir. 
 
 {Exit Mrs. Higson. 
 Robin. 
 [Smiling at the dish and talcing a long miff.] 
 Smells good — doesn't it ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Glancing longingly at the dish.] Delicious ! 
 But what about this ? [She holds up the envel- 
 ope in her hand.] I think I'd better take it to 
 the post. I could slip it in the letter-box on 
 my way to the party. 
 
 Robin. 
 [Taking the envelope out of her hand.] I'll 
 send somebody with that. [He throws the en- 
 velope down.] "Won't you take your things off ? 
 [He brings a chair to the table. When he has 
 done this, he stands with his hands on the back 
 of the chair, watching Miss Heseltine take 
 tier things off. Miss Heseltine takes off her 
 hat. Her hair is prettily arranged, quite differ' 
 ent from the usual plain style in which she 
 wears it. She next takes off her coat and places 
 it on the chair with her hat. When she has 
 taken off her coat she appears in a pretty, but 
 simple and modest evening dress, in which she 
 looks altogether charming. Robin cannot con- 
 ceal his pleasure in her unexpected appearance.] 
 
140 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 I've never seen you in an evening dress before. 
 [Enter Mrs. Higson with t/ie extra glasses, 
 plates, knives, forks, etc., etc., necessary for Miss 
 Heseltine, a small bottle of champagne and a 
 cork-screw. Robin opens the bottle of champagne 
 indicating the envelope containing the American 
 article as he says to Mrs. Higson.] Will you 
 have that thing sent to the post at once ? 
 
 Mrs. Higson. 
 Yes, sir. [Picks up the envelope. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Murmuring, half-fascinated and half- 
 alarmed^ Champagne ! 
 
 Robin. 
 Now then, Miss Heseltine, are you ready ? 
 [Robin sits behind the table. Miss Heseltine 
 sits at the end of it. Robin speaks next as Mrs. 
 Higson takes off the dish-cover.'] I told you 
 she always gives me much more than I can 
 eat. 
 
 [Smiles at Mrs. Higson, who smilingly 
 goes off with the dish-cover and the 
 envelope. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 I only want a very little corner. 
 
 Robin. 
 [Gutting apiece off the steak.] Like that ? 
 
A SINGLE MAN 141 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 It's too much ! 
 
 Eobin. 
 Nonsense ! Tomato ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Yes, please. [He serves her.] Thank you ! 
 [Then he helps himself. 
 
 EOBIN. 
 
 I hope you won't find it too underdone. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Oh, no, thank you ; I prefer it underdone. 
 
 Eobin. 
 How fortunate we both like our meat cooked 
 the same way. [Eobin offers to pour some 
 champagne into Miss Heseltine's glass.] 
 May I give you some champagne ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [In a flurry, not able to make up her mind 
 whether to accept champagne or not] Oh — I 
 don't know — no, I don't think so, thank you. 
 
 Eobin. 
 Just a drop. [He pours it out. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Is it nice ? 
 
142 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 KOBIN. 
 
 [Filling his own glass.] You know what it's 
 like. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 No, I don't. I never tasted it. 
 
 Eobin. 
 [Surprised.] Never tasted champagne ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 No. 
 
 KOBIN. 
 
 How's that? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Quite a lot of people have never tasted 
 champagne. 
 
 Kobin. 
 Think of that, now. [He takes a good long 
 drink. Miss Heseltine watches him with 
 curiosity, then raises her own glass to her lips, 
 frowning as she takes a little sip. Kobin 
 watches her with an amused smile till she takes 
 the glass away from her lips.] Do you like it ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Her frown relaxing slowly into a beaming 
 smile.] Yes. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 143 
 
 [From here on she becomes much more at 
 home and quite natural and easy in 
 her manner. 
 
 Robin. 
 [Eating.] I begin to feel better now. I 
 was nearly dead after those children had gone 
 home. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Also eating.] I'm not surprised. 
 
 Robin. 
 [Smilmg.] I adore their youth and their 
 vigour ; the movements of their strong straight 
 limbs ; their shouts and their bright, pretty 
 faces. Enchanting ! [ With a sigh.] But it's 
 no use trying to be one of them after forty. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 It's a change to be dining like this. 
 
 Robin. 
 Such a picnic. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 I mean, it's a change from high tea. 
 
 Robin. 
 [Smiling at her.] How different you look 
 this evening ! 
 
144 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 It's because I'm dressed up. You've always 
 seen me in workaday. 
 
 Robin. 
 Your hair looks so pretty. I never noticed 
 before that your hair was so pretty. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Pleased.] My hair is my best feature. 
 
 Robin. 
 Do you often go to parties ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 
 Oh, no — very seldom. I have such a limited 
 circle of acquaintances in Farnham. I don't 
 get much chance of meeting people, for one 
 thing ; and, living alone, the way I do, I need 
 to be cautious. It's very easy to find oneself 
 swallowed up in the wrong set before one 
 knows it. 
 
 Robin. 
 
 [ With deep meaning, thinhmg of the Cottrells.'] 
 Yery ! I suppose you'll go to plenty of parties 
 when you live in London. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 I don't expect to. I've lived there before, 
 you know. I find London much more dead 
 and alive than Farnham. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 145 
 
 ROBIN. 
 [Amazed.] London dead and alive ! 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Yes. 
 
 ROBIN. 
 
 I left because it's so noisy. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 You had your friends and your telephone. I 
 only had a bed-sitting room. I scarcely ever 
 went out with any one except my landlady, and 
 not very often with her. We occasionally did 
 a pit if we felt flush. 
 
 Robin. 
 [Sympathetically.] Is that the kind of life 
 you have to look forward to now ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 
 [Simply.] Yes. 
 
 Robin. 
 You've lived by yourself a long time ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Ever since father married again. 
 
 Robin. 
 [Gloomily.] When Fm married, I suppose 
 there'll be jolly tennis parties and gaiety and 
 
I46 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 fun every day of the week. [He looks at her.] 
 I wonder what is to become of me and my work 
 when you go ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Troubled.] I don't believe I could stay on. 
 
 [She sits back. 
 
 KOBIN. 
 
 [Nervously.] No. 
 
 Miss Heselttne. 
 It wouldn't do. 
 
 Eobin. 
 No. [lie lays his knife and fork toget/ter, 
 and assumes a businesslike manner.] Have 
 you finished ? 
 
 Miss Heselttoe. 
 Yes, thank you. 
 
 [She lays her knife and fork together. 
 
 Kobin. 
 
 I don't think we need ring the bell. Pll 
 change the plates. [He rises to do so. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Rising and speaking as if she were asking 
 him a favour?^ Let me. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 1 47 
 
 KOBIN. 
 Oh, no ; I'll do it. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 I should like to. Please sit down and let me 
 — let me wait upon you. 
 
 Robin. 
 [Humouring her.] Very well. [He sits. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 
 [Taking his plate as she says, smilmg.] " It 
 was Sunday evening, and both the servants had 
 gone to church ; so, as their custom was on these 
 occasions, they waited on themselves." 
 
 Robin. 
 What's that ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 A quotation out of one of your books. 
 
 Robin. 
 Which one ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 It never had a name. You began it about 
 four years ago, and tore it up after the second 
 chapter. 
 
 Robin. 
 What a memory you have ! 
 
148 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Yes, for some things. 
 
 [While this conversation is going on 
 Miss Heseltine changes the dishes 
 andjplates. 
 
 Kobin. 
 It doesn't seem right for me to be sitting 
 here while you do the waiting. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 It pleases me. 
 
 Kobin. 
 I never thought of waiting at table being a 
 pleasure. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Standing near him with a dish in her hands.] 
 It is, if you know how to dream. 
 
 Kobin. 
 [J^ot comprehending — echoes.] To dream ! 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 More than half a woman's life is made of 
 dreams. She couldn't bear it otherwise. 
 
 [She places the dish on the table. 
 
 Eobhst. 
 What's the good of a dream ? 
 
A SINGLE MAN 149 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [ With suppressed exaltation.'] Sometimes it 
 grows so vivid it almost seems to have come 
 true. [She gives a low-toned little laugh as she 
 looks towards her desk. Robin looks at her and 
 follows the direction of her eyes.] That's my 
 desk that I work at — our sideboard is. [She 
 goes to her desk. Robin watches her, smiling. 
 She carries the dish of fruit and two plates to 
 the table, and places them in front of him.] I 
 shall never be able to believe this really hap- 
 pened afterwards. [She returns to her place as 
 she says.] I expect I shall be trying to remem- 
 ber what story it was, where we dined together. 
 Whenever you dictate a novel to me I always 
 imagine that I'm the heroine. 
 
 Robin. 
 [Offering to refill her glass.] Let me give 
 you some more champagne ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Putting her hand over her glass.] No, thank 
 you. [Gravely.] They tell me it makes one 
 chatter. 
 
 Robin. 
 Please chatter. I want to know more about 
 you — [handing her fruit] what you think, what 
 you feel, what you are like, what you do with 
 
150 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 yourself when you are away from me. Though 
 I've known you so well for — how long is it ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Promptly.'] Five years last first of June. 
 
 Kobin. 
 And how many hours in all that time have we 
 spent alone in this room together ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Joyfully.] So many we couldn't possibly 
 count them up. 
 
 Kobin. 
 And yet, after all that, I am only just be- 
 ginning to get to know you. Why did you 
 never tell me about yourself ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 You never asked. 
 
 Kobin. 
 I wonder why. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 You were always working. 
 
 Eobin. 
 [After a moment's reflection.] What a lot of 
 time one wastes attending to one's work. [They 
 
A SINGLE MAN 151 
 
 go on eating before Robin says.] I suppose 
 I'm always thinking about myself and my own 
 things. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Kindly.] That's only because you are a 
 man. [He laughs. She becomes a little con- 
 fused.'] Though I'm sure I don't know why I 
 should be talking as if I knew all about it. I've 
 never known any man well with the exception 
 of you and father. 
 
 Robin. 
 Will you tell me about your father ? 
 
 [He takes a cigarette-case from his pocket. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 I'd rather not. I was very unhappy at home 
 — and to-night I want to forget all painful 
 things. I am weaving a wonderful memory for 
 the lonely evenings to come. [Robin sighs.] 
 You want a light for your cigarette. Wait 
 there, I'll get you one. 
 
 [Miss Heseltine goes to the mantel- 
 piece for a match, which she strikes, 
 then holds while he lights his cigarette. 
 Robin offers her his cigarette-case. 
 
 Robin. 
 Will you have a cigarette ? 
 
152 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Miss Heseltlnte. 
 [Primly, .] Oh, no, thank you — I don't think 
 I'll go as far as that. 
 
 [She returns to her place at the table. 
 
 BOBIN. 
 
 [After a pause.'] How restful you are ! 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Will you always think of me so ? I should 
 like you to think of me, after I'm gone, a little 
 differently from anybody else. 
 
 Eobin. 
 I can promise you that. [He smokes in 
 silence a moment before he says gloomily.'] It 
 gets worse and worse the more I think of it. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 What does ? 
 
 Kobin. 
 Your going away. I don't see how we shall 
 ever get through when it comes to the last day 
 — our last morning's work. It's so sad doing 
 anything the last time if it's something one has 
 done regularly every day for a long time. 
 
 Miss Heseltiste. 
 I remember when I left home — the last Sun- 
 day evening we sang a hymn. We always sang 
 
A SINGLE MAN I$3 
 
 a hymn on Sunday evening — the same hymn. 
 I was so sick of it. I used to have to play the 
 tune. I thought I should be so glad never to 
 have to do it any more ; but when it came to 
 doing it the last time, I couldn't see the notes. 
 I couldn't see the words, I couldn't see the 
 others — I was crying so. 
 
 Robin. 
 I shan't know what has become of you. You 
 might be unhappy or badly off, for all that 
 / shall know. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 I might write perhaps — now and again. 
 
 Robin. 
 [Sadly.'] Letters! Once a week, once a 
 month, two or three times a year. I shall 
 want to see you every day. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 I shall want to see you, too. 
 
 [They look at each other steadily for some 
 time before he speaks. 
 
 Robin. 
 You look as you looked this afternoon. It's 
 a wonderful look. I have never seen it in a 
 woman's eyes before. [He pulls himself to- 
 
154 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 gether, disgusted with himself.] I'm ashamed — 
 I'm ashamed to have said that. 
 
 [He rises from the table- 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Also risen — very gently and kindly.] Don't 
 be ashamed. I'm glad you know I love you. 
 [Robin turns and looks at her.] You've taken 
 it so kindly, I feel as if a great load had been 
 lifted off my heart. I've been set free — after 
 years of oppression. The pain it has been to 
 keep my secret all to myself. Like a child, I 
 had no right to, I hugged it and hid it — fearful 
 lest some one should discover it, and I should 
 be disgraced. And now you — of all people — 
 have found me out, and I'm not humiliated — 
 I'm happy. Though I know that to-morrow is 
 coming, to-night I can only feel — how good it 
 is for me that you should know. 
 
 Robin. 
 [Slowly ', quietly, and impressively. .] It seems 
 to me now as if I had always known. So si- 
 lently and steadily your influence has grown, it 
 possessed me unawares. [Speaking with sudden, 
 passionate energy.] I've made a dreadful 
 blunder. I'm terrified of my future. I can't 
 face it ! [Miss Heseltine sits on the settee. 
 He moves about as he speaks rapidly and ex- 
 citedly.] I was content the way we went on 
 
A SINGLE MAN 1 55 
 
 till Henry and Isabella came. It was seeing 
 them — their happiness, their affection, their 
 kisses, and caresses. I determined to marry 
 and be happy, as they are. I looked about me 
 for a wife, thought of all the girls I knew — all 
 except one. You were so near at hand, and 
 I was looking out into the world. I was 
 caught and carried away by the snares of the 
 charm of youth. I only see you in my work- 
 time — always quiet, always patient, always 
 ready, and never exacting. I took all that as 
 a matter of course — selfishly accepted it. How 
 dull of me never to have thought — what won- 
 derful qualities those in a woman ! [Speaking 
 like a lover, as he sits on the settee beside her!\ 
 I have never seen you as you are to-night. 
 [Miss Heseltine rises slowly and steps back 
 from him, fascinated, but afraid. He goes on 
 passionately.'] I ought to be holding my 
 tongue, stifling my heart as you did yours ; but 
 to-night I can't any more than you can. I 
 can't marry Maggie; it's not possible. She's 
 dear, she's sweet, she's lovely ; but she's a 
 child. She knows nothing, feels notjaing, un- 
 derstands nothing. She has no soul, and very 
 little heart. If I marry Maggie, I shall be 
 finished, destroyed, done' for. And now— now 
 that I know that I love you and that you love 
 me ! [Helplessly.'] What are we to do ? 
 
 [They stand looking helplessly at each 
 
156 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 other ; then by a mutual instinct go 
 towards each other, and fall into each 
 others arms. They remain some 
 moments locked in a close embrace. 
 The curtains over the windows are 
 parted. Louise is there. She has 
 time to stand and take in the situation 
 before they discover her presence. 
 Louise advances into the room, then 
 moves slowly and haughtily to the 
 door, observing the dinner-table as she 
 passes it. Robin and Miss Hesel- 
 tine watch her, dumbfounded. Lou- 
 ise goes out. Miss Heseltine turns 
 and looks at Robin, then covers her 
 face with her hands. 
 
 THE CUETAIN COMES SLOWLY DOWN 
 
THE FOURTH ACT 
 
 SCENE.— Kobin's study again. It is ten o'clock 
 in the morning on the day after the events 
 of the last two acts. KoBIN is seated at his 
 writing-table, his head on his hands. Enter 
 Lady Cottrell. Kobin rises when she 
 enters. 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 My husband has had a note from you asking 
 him to come and see you — so I came. 
 
 Kobin. 
 [ Worried.] Oh, but I want most particularly 
 to see Sir Richard. That's why I asked him 
 to call on me instead of going to call on him 
 because — well, you know what it's like at your 
 house. There's no privacy. Dickie or Maggie 
 or one of the others is apt to burst into the 
 room at any moment. I must see Sir Kichard 
 undisturbed. It's most important. I think I'll 
 run over and see him now — if you'll excuse me. 
 {He picks up a newspaper and thrusts it into 
 Lady Cottrell's hands.] There's the paper. 
 I'll send Isabella to you to keep you company. 
 
 [Exit Kobin, quickly. 
 
 157 
 
I58 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Lady Cotteell. 
 {Looking after Bobin in surprise.'] Odd ! 
 [Isabella enters followed by Heney. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Speaking as she enters.] Good-morning, 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 
 Lady Cotteell. 
 [Nods unceremoniously to them both without 
 rising or offering to shake hands.] Good-morn- 
 ing, good-morning. What's the matter ? 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 Nothing. 
 
 Heney. 
 
 Why? 
 
 Lady Cotteell. 
 [To Heney.] I thought from your brother's 
 strange manner that something must have hap- 
 pened since I saw you yesterday. 
 
 Heney. 
 [Looking at Isabella.] Not that I know of. 
 
 Isabella. 
 Nothing unusual. 
 
 Heney. 
 We dined at the Hendersons' last evening. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 1 59 
 
 Lady Cotteell. 
 Nothing else ? 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Looking at Heney.] No. 
 
 Heney. 
 Miss Parker had a headache and left the 
 party early. When we got home she had gone 
 to bed; so we went to bed, too — and — that's 
 about all. We got up and had breakfast as 
 usual this morning. 
 
 Lady Cotteell. 
 Nothing of any importance. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Seriously.'] Baby was rather fretful in the 
 night. 
 
 Lady Cotteell. 
 [Contemptuously.'] You won't call that im- 
 portant when you've got fourteen. 
 
 [Enter Louise. She enters quickly, and 
 with such an air of having something 
 important to tell that she attracts all 
 their attention. They watch her as she 
 closes the door and comes down among 
 them. 
 
160 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Louise. 
 I waited till Mr. Worthington went out. 
 There is something I think you all ought to 
 know. Sit down. 
 
 [She pushes Isabella into a chair and 
 waves the others to their seats. 
 
 Lady Cotteell. 
 I knew there was something. 
 
 [They watch Louise expectantly, 
 
 Louise. 
 Last night, when I left the Hendersons' [to 
 Lady Cotteell] I came away before the 
 others. I had a headache. [To Isabella.] 
 You remember. [Addressing them all.'] I 
 slipped away without a word, not wishing to 
 make a fuss. I got my cloak and when I came 
 out at their front door I was fortunate enough 
 to find a cab. [To Isabella.] The one that 
 brought that man who came after dinner. 
 [Addressing them all.] I told the cabman to 
 drive me to this gate, where I got out. [To 
 Lady Cotteell.] It was such a fine moon- 
 light night I thought I should like to walk 
 up the drive. When I got near the house I 
 heard sounds of revelry — [she looks round from 
 one to the other expecting to make a great effect; 
 
A SINGLE MAN l6l 
 
 they watch her with unmoved faces during 
 the whole of her recital'] issuing from this 
 window — sounds of revelry. [Site looks round 
 at them all again.] I naturally thought 
 it rather strange, so I stopped outside 
 the window and listened. I thought it might 
 be the servants taking advantage of our 
 absence. Not at all. I distinctly heard two 
 voices — Mr. Worthington's and a woman's. 
 [She looks from one to the other as before 
 expecting to make an effect — they all move for- 
 ward slightly^ I was just going to pass on 
 when a little gust of wind blew the curtains 
 apart. There was nothing for me to do then 
 but to walk into the room. I hardly like to 
 tell you what I saw — but I must. It's a duty. 
 The table was all in disorder as if two people 
 had been feasting together. I remember no- 
 ticing a champagne bottle — empty. The next 
 thing I saw was — Miss Heseltine — the type- 
 writer — in an evening dress. She was in Mr. 
 Worthington's arms. They were kissing each 
 other. 
 
 [She looks round at them all trium- 
 phantly expecting to make a sensation. 
 She apparently makes no effect of any 
 kind. They sit still gravely for some 
 moments before Lady Cottrell 
 speaks. 
 
1 62 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 [ With perfect composure^ I don't believe a 
 word of it. 
 
 Isabella. 
 Nor do I. 
 
 Henry. 
 Nor I. 
 
 Louise. 
 {Annoyed at the reception of her story.] But 
 I saw it. 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 Dreamt it ! Robin and his typist — I no more 
 believe it than if you'd told me you'd caught 
 Captain Worthington there kissing me. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [In dismay at the thought of such a thing.'] 
 Oh! 
 
 Louise. 
 If you don't believe me, ask the servants. 
 They can tell you whether Miss Heseltine dined 
 here or not. 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 Why shouldn't Miss Heseltine dine here? 
 [To Henry.] Do you see any reason why she 
 shouldn't? 
 
A SINGLE MAN 1 63 
 
 Henry. 
 No reason on earth. 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 [To Louise.] We none of us see any reason 
 against it. 
 
 Isabella. 
 They probably had some business to discuss. 
 
 Louise. 
 They were drinking champagne. 
 
 Henry. 
 
 Why shouldn't they drink champagne ? 
 
 Isabella. 
 We drank it ourselves at the Hendersons'. 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 [ To Henry cmd Isabella.] She seems to 
 think it's immoral to drink champagne. 
 
 Louise. 
 The woman was decollete. 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 [To Louise.] Is it the fashion where you 
 come from to dme high neck ? 
 
 Louise. 
 Oh! 
 
1 64 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Isabella. 
 [To Lady Cotteell.] I think Louise has 
 gone mad. 
 
 Henby. 
 [To Lady Cotteell, on the other side.] Try- 
 ing to find a queer meaning to a most ordinary 
 proceeding. It's monstrous ! 
 
 Isabella. 
 Disgusting ! 
 
 Lady Cotteell. 
 Foul! 
 
 Heney. 
 If he mayn't dine quietly with his secretary. 
 
 Isabella. 
 It may be indiscreet. 
 
 Lady Cotteell. 
 Don't be so provincial, Mrs. Worthington. 
 It isn't at all indiscreet. It might be for some 
 people if they were that kind of person, but a 
 serious man of his age dining alone with his 
 typist to talk about his business, dressed in suit- 
 able clothes and drinking what I often drink 
 myself, — I can't see anything in it at all. 
 
 Louise. 
 They were clasped together in a wild em- 
 brace. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 165 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 That I refuse to believe. 
 
 Henry. 
 So do I, absolutely. 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 And so do I. 
 
 Louise. 
 
 Can't you see what it all means ? "We were 
 all to have dined at the Hendersons' last even- 
 ing — we three — and Mr. Worthington. At the 
 last moment Mr. Worthington backs out — says 
 he wishes to dine alone. We are packed off. 
 In our absence comes this woman. Not a word 
 to any of us to say she is expected. I arrive 
 home early and find them in this most compro- 
 mising position. And it's not only what took 
 place last evening. Think of the hours and 
 hours a day they spend shut up in this room 
 together. 
 
 Henry. 
 
 Working. 
 
 Louise. 
 [Sharply to him.'] How do we know what 
 goes on ? 
 
 [Henry and Isabella exclaim to- 
 gether. 
 
1 66 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Henry. 
 What d'you mean ? 
 
 Isabella. 
 Louise! 
 
 Louise. 
 [Ignoring their exclamations, turns to Lady 
 Cottrell.] You surely won't let your daugh- 
 ter be engaged to a man while he is carrying 
 on an intrigue with another woman. 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 [Indignantly, .] Louise ! 
 
 Henry. 
 
 [At the same time that Isabella exclaims.'] 
 
 Really, Miss Parker, I 
 
 [All except Lady Cottrell talk at once. 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 [With authority.'] Leave her to me. [She 
 addresses Louise calmly hut witheringly.] We 
 decline to believe one word of your unsupported 
 testimony against our friends. You have told 
 us what is untrue. We know Mr. Worthington. 
 He is a man of exceedingly high character. 
 As for Miss Heseltine, I cannot say that I know 
 her — but I have observed her. She satisfies 
 me. I am convinced that she is a most respect- 
 able young woman. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 167 
 
 Louise. 
 How can you tell by observing a woman 
 whether she is respectable or not ? 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 I can sniff the difference. 
 
 Louise. 
 [To Isabella.] Surely you see 
 
 Isabella. 
 Hush, Louise. I'm ashamed of you — trying 
 to make a scandal out of nothing. 
 
 Louise. 
 [Excitedly.'] But it's true, I tell you — it's 
 true. They'll deny it, of course, and there's no 
 one to support my word, but it's true, it's true, 
 it's true ! 
 
 Henry. 
 [Indignantly.'] You've said enough and a 
 great deal more than enough. I take it upon 
 myself in my brother's absence to tell you to 
 leave the house. 
 
 Louise. 
 Oh! 
 
 Henry. 
 How you can do such a thing as this — after 
 accepting Eobin's hospitality — I can't trust my- 
 
1 68 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 self to say what I think of your conduct. You 
 will please leave the house at once. 
 
 Louise. 
 Do you think I would consent to remain one 
 moment longer in such a house as this ? 
 
 Isabella. 
 Louise ! 
 
 Louise. 
 [Addressing Isabella.] If you can't see 
 what's perfectly plain to any intelligent person 
 — that's your lookout. 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 Hush! 
 
 Louise. 
 
 It shall never be said of me that I condoned 
 immorality. I leave for Leamington immedi- 
 ately — immediately. 
 
 [Exit Louise. They watch her go out, 
 and then look at each other in amaze- 
 ment. 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 What is she thinking of to come to us with 
 such a story ? What is her motive ? 
 
 Isabella. 
 /know well enough what her motive is. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 169 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 
 Tell us. 
 
 Isabella. 
 Something must have happened last night. 
 He probably repulsed her, and this is ner 
 revenge. 
 
 Henry. 
 
 I see. 
 /don't. 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 
 Henry. 
 [To Isabella.] I suppose we had better 
 tell Lady Cottrell everything. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [In a whisper to Henry.] I don't want her 
 to know why I invited Louise here. 
 
 Henry. 
 [To Isabella.] No. [He goes toivards Lady 
 Cottrell.] I am sorry to have to tell you, 
 Lady Cottrell, that Miss Parker has been doing 
 her best all the time she has been here to get 
 Robin away from Maggie. 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 [Impressed and concerned.'] Indeed ! 
 
1 70 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 I've had the most dreadful time with her. I 
 haven't known what to do. Last evening she 
 actually told me she had had the most wonder- 
 ful talk with him, and that he had as good as 
 admitted to her that he didn't want to marry 
 Maggie. Of course, I knew it wasn't true; 
 but fancy her saying such a thing. And, later 
 on, when Robin backed out of going to the 
 Hendersons', she wanted me to let her stay be- 
 hind with him. But I wouldn't hear of it. I 
 made her come to the Hendersons' with us. 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 
 She seems to have found no difficulty in out- 
 witting you when she got there. 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 I couldn't keep my eye on her all the time. 
 She got out when I wasn't looking. Then I 
 suppose she hurried home, thinking she would 
 find Robin by himself, and would practice her 
 wiles upon him. But, of course, she found him 
 with Miss Heseltine. Then I should think that 
 he either repulsed her ; or, disappointed at not 
 finding him alone, she became so enraged she 
 worked herself into the state of mind in 
 which a woman can make herself believe any- 
 thing. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 171 
 
 Lady Cotteell. 
 I suppose she'll go and spread this nasty- 
 story. 
 
 Isabella. 
 I shouldn't wonder. 
 
 [Enter Robin. He halts and looks at 
 them. He is serious and worried. 
 Lady Cottrell, Henry, and Isa- 
 bella watch him in silence for a mo- 
 ment. 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 
 [To Henry and Isabella.] I think we'd 
 better tell him, don't you f [They all look at 
 Robin. Robin looks from one to the other for 
 an explanation. Lady Cottrell still ad- 
 dresses Henry and Isabella.] What do you 
 think ? Shall we tell him or not ? [Henry 
 goes slowly to Robin, lays his hand kindly on 
 his shoulder for a moment, then walks away. 
 Robin watches Henry, wondering, then turns 
 to Lady Cottrell and Isabella for an ex- 
 planation.] ' Perhaps we had better not tell 
 him after all. 
 
 Isabella. 
 
 I think we shall have to tell him. 
 
 Henry. 
 I think so, too. It appears, Robin, that last 
 evening 
 
1 72 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Isabella. 
 I can't think how she could. 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 Miss Parker says that Miss Heseltine is your 
 mistress. 
 
 [Robin is so taken aback and distressed 
 he canH speak for a moment, hut looks 
 round helplessly at the others. 
 
 Henry. 
 [Sympathetically.'] We don't believe it. 
 
 Isabella. 
 We told her so. 
 
 Robin. 
 Of course it's not true. [He sits at his desk. 
 They watch him anxiously. After a moment he 
 looks wp.~] You'd better tell me what else she 
 said. 
 
 Henry. 
 She said that you dined here last evening 
 alone with Miss Heseltine. 
 
 Robin. 
 That's true. 
 
 Henry. 
 And that you were drinking champagne. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 173 
 
 ROBIN. 
 
 That's true. 
 
 Heney. 
 
 She also said that you — that she saw you 
 
 \He hesitates, not quite knowing how to 
 express himself. 
 
 Lady Cotteell. 
 
 Embracing. 
 
 Robin. 
 
 [After a pause.'] I want to marry Miss Hes- 
 eltine. [They all look at Robin, then at each 
 other, mute with surprise. Robin addresses 
 Lady Cotteell.] That's what I went to tell 
 Sir Richard. I didn't see him. He'd gone out 
 — so I may as well tell you. I — I find I've 
 made a mistake, and I don't care for Maggie as 
 much as I thought I did ; so the only honourable 
 thing for me to do now is to break off my en- 
 gagement. 
 
 Heney. 
 
 {Dismayed, then slowly perceiving what he 
 imagines to be the truth.'] Bravo ! {They all 
 look at Heney in surprise.] I call that mag- 
 nificent. {To Robin.] To sacrifice yourself 
 in order to save Miss Heseltine's reputation. 
 It's noble. 
 
 Robin. 
 
 [Bewildered.'] But 
 
174 ^ SINGLE MAN 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Smiling at Kobin.] It's j ust like you, Kobin. 
 
 KOBIN. 
 
 But 
 
 Lady Cotteell. 
 [Beaming upon him.] Most chivalrous ! 
 
 Kobin. 
 [To Lady Cotteell.] Bu' 
 
 Lady Cotteell. 
 [Holding up her hand to silence Kobin as she 
 says.] But don't forget that one may carry 
 chivalry too far and become quixotic. 
 
 Kobin. 
 You don't understand. I love Miss Hesel- 
 tine. [They all laugh heartily. 
 
 Lady Cotteell. 
 
 My dear, good man — what is the use of try- 
 ing to bluff us ? 
 
 Kobin. 
 
 [Coming towards Lady Cotteell as he 
 speaks.] I'm very much in earnest, Lady Cot- 
 trell. I realize what a very serious matter it is 
 to break off an engagement, and I don't for one 
 moment want to underestimate my responsibili- 
 ties — but surely it is better to recognize my mis- 
 take now instead of later on. 
 
A SINGLE MAN I75 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 
 [Preparing to be indignant.'] To hear you 
 
 talk one would suppose — oh — [remembering he 
 
 is bluffing, as she thinks] but of course you don't 
 
 mean it. [SJie smiles and pats him on the arm. 
 
 ROBIN. 
 
 Can't you all see that this is quite a likely 
 thing to happen? It's most unfortunate. I 
 am much to blame — but it's not the first time 
 that a man has got engaged and then found out 
 that he loved some one else. 
 
 Isabella- 
 [Sweetly.] Robin, dear — if it were really 
 true that you love Miss Heseltine — you'd have 
 thought of it before now. 
 
 Robin. 
 That's the funny thing about it. I have 
 known her for five years, and I never discov- 
 ered I was in love with her till last evening. 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 Most unconvincing ! 
 
 [Lady Cottrell and Isabella laugh. 
 
 Robin. 
 [Distractedly.] Can't I make them under- 
 stand? [To Henry.] You, Henry. You 
 know when I mean a thing 
 
176 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Henry. 
 
 [Calmly and kindly and rather pompously.] 
 I believe you would make this sacrifice, but I 
 shall not let you. 
 
 Robin. 
 
 [Taken aback by Henry's superior attitude.'] 
 Oh — indeed ! [Derisively.] You won't let me. 
 We'll see about that. 
 
 Henry. 
 It's totally unnecessary. Take the advice of 
 a man of the world ; I'm younger than you, I 
 know — but you see — after all — you are only a 
 
 writer [Robin turns to him quickly as 
 
 if to retort] I don't mean to be offensive 
 
 Robin. 
 I'm sure you don't, Henry ; but if I did hap- 
 pen to want the advice of a man of the world 
 — I should never think of going to a thick- 
 headed soldier. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Indignantly when Henry is called a thick- 
 headed soldier. ~\ Oh ! 
 
 Henry. 
 [Coming to Isabella and speaking indul- 
 gently of Robin.] Never mind, dear. The 
 poor old fellow is so upset. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 1 77 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 [Reassuring Henry and Isabella.] He'll 
 come to his senses directly. 
 
 Henry. 
 I hope so. The trouble with him is — he 
 doesn't know life. He lives in a world of his 
 own — a world of romantic books where they 
 indulge in these heroic sacrifices. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [To Eobin.] You see, Eobin ; even if Louise 
 did go and spread this story, nobody would be 
 likely to believe her, so it wouldn't do Miss 
 Heseltine much harm. 
 
 Henry. 
 We shall all do what we can to protect Miss 
 Heseltine. 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 / will befriend the girl. I will go to her 
 now. 
 
 Robin. 
 [Coming quickly towardsLABY Cottrell.] 
 No. [Rises. 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 
 Where does she live ? 
 
 Eobin. 
 I shan't tell you. 
 
178 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 Maggie knows. 
 
 Robin. 
 Lady Cottrell ! I canH let you go to Miss 
 Heseltine. You'll talk her round. She'd pack 
 up her little box and go away without a word. 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 But I'm going to ask her to stay. To let 
 every one see that there isn't a word of truth 
 in Miss Parker's story — I shall ask Miss Hesel- 
 tine as a personal favour to me — to remain here 
 after your marriage. 
 
 ROBIN. 
 
 Impossible. 
 
 Lady Cottrell. 
 Not at all. Maggie is a sensible girl. She 
 knows that every literary man is closeted for 
 hours daily with a typist. She won't be jealous 
 of Miss Heseltine. I'll soon put everything all 
 right. You shall have them both. 
 
 {Exit Lady Cottrell. 
 
 Robin. 
 [Desperately.] I don't want Maggie. 
 
 Henry. 
 Why? 
 
A SINGLE MAN 179 
 
 ROBIN. 
 
 She's too young. 
 
 Isabella. 
 Three weeks ago you were all for youth. 
 
 Bobin. 
 I know I was, but I've had enough of it. 
 Maggie is just as sweet and pretty as she was 
 three weeks ago, but now that I've got to 
 know her better — I can't see anything m her 
 at all. 
 
 [Henry and Isabella both look ex- 
 tremely shocked. 
 
 Isabella. 
 If he really feels that way about her. 
 
 Henry. 
 
 [Smiles reassuringly at Isabella.] He 
 doesn't. I know exactly how he feels. [He 
 approaches Robin and says kindly^ You have 
 got what we call in my regiment " Bridegroom's 
 Funk." We all get it as the wedding-day ap- 
 proaches. I'd have given anything to get out 
 of marrying Isabella when it came to the last 
 week. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Indignantly '.] Oh — oh ! 
 
 [She bursts into tears and hurries towards 
 the window. 
 
l8o A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Henry. 
 [ Very much distressed, follows Isabella.] 
 Isabella ! Listen ! I only meant 
 
 Isabella. 
 [ Wailing as she goes out.] You don't love 
 me. {Exit Isabella. 
 
 Henry. 
 Isabella ! [Exit Henry. 
 
 Kobin. 
 Idiots ! 
 
 [Enter Miss Heseltine. She is with- 
 out her hat. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Pausing on the threshold.] I didn't know 
 whether to come as usual this morning or not. 
 
 Kobin. 
 I'm so glad you came. Now at last we can 
 talk sense. Shut the door, please. [Miss Hes- 
 eltine shuts the door and meets him.] She 
 told. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 I knew she would. 
 
 Kobin. 
 They won't believe her. 
 
A SINGLE MAN l8l 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Who won't? 
 
 KOBIN. 
 
 Lady Cottrell and Henry and Isabella. They 
 won't believe me either when I say that I want 
 to break my engagement and marry you. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Has Maggie been told ? 
 
 Kobin. 
 Not yet. She won't believe it when she is, 
 and even if she does, they'll all be at her, telling 
 her I don't mean what I say and urge her not 
 to let me off. I don't know what to do. They 
 won't any of them believe anything. It would 
 be awfully funny if it wasn't us. 
 
 [He paces up and down. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 I never thought of them taking it this way. 
 It simplifies it for us very much. 
 
 Kobin. 
 [Not comprehending.] Simplifies it ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 If they none of them believe there's been 
 anything between us. 
 
1 82 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 ROBIN. 
 
 It leaves me more than ever engaged to 
 Maggie. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 I don't want to make trouble. 
 
 Robin. 
 [Anxiously.] Oh, I say, you don't feel dif- 
 ferently about me this morning, do you ? 
 
 [He holds her hand. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [It is evident that she loves him more than 
 ever.] After what you said to me last night ? 
 No. [ With determination.'] But I don't think 
 it right or reasonable that I should come be- 
 tween you and not only Maggie, but your 
 family and friends. 
 
 Robin. 
 [Grimly.] I've got you all against me now. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 What could I bring you for all that you 
 would lose ? I've got no arts to hold you with, 
 nor beauty. I could only love you and work 
 for you. That isn't always enough. 
 
 Robin. 
 There's every reason why you and I should 
 marry. Let alone the great reason. Leaving 
 
A SINGLE MAN 1 83 
 
 love out of the question it's the only sensible 
 thing to do. We suit each other. We have 
 mutual interests and ideas. The same things 
 make us laugh. Besides which, we've got ac- 
 customed. I feel no strangeness in your com- 
 pany, none of that wearisome effort to be a kind 
 of person that I'm nothing like. With you I 
 could live my life, I could do my work, I 
 could be myself. Whereas with Maggie — poor 
 Maggie ! It isn't her fault she's so tiresome. 
 It's the fault of her youth. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Troubled.] I can't but remember that it 
 was I who sounded her for you — here in this 
 room — three weeks ago to-day. 
 
 EOBIN. 
 
 I don't think she cares for me much. I don't 
 think it's in her to care for any one much. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 That's what we want to think. 
 
 Eobin. 
 [With determination.'] If I were to marry 
 Maggie now, I should do her a very great 
 wrong. [Miss Heseltine shakes her head.] 
 Oh, yes I should. If I take her away from the 
 home where she's happy, playing with her 
 brothers and her friends, bring her here and 
 
1 84 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 don't love her — can't love her — it would be 
 cruel. I must tell her everything. I'll go and 
 see her now at once. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Anxiously.'] You will tell her, I suppose, 
 and then let her choose. 
 
 Robin. 
 [Pausing.] Choose ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Choose whether she will give you up or not. 
 
 Robin. 
 Suppose she chooses not to ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Simply.] You would have done the right 
 thing. 
 
 Robin. 
 [Doubtfully.] Yes. [After a moment's re- 
 flection^] But I should still be saddled with 
 Maggie. I can't pass the rest of my days with 
 a young woman who has no idea of life beyond 
 extracting the utmost merriment out of each 
 moment. I shall tell her just as kindly and as 
 gently as I can, but [Enter Maggie. 
 
 Maggie. 
 Good-morning. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 1 85 
 
 KOBIN. 
 
 Good-morning, Maggie. 
 
 Maggie. 
 I thought perhaps you'd be by yourself. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Am I in the way ? 
 
 Kobin. 
 [To Maggie.] Do you want to see me 
 alone ? 
 
 Maggie. 
 What I really wanted was to see her first 
 and you after. 
 
 Eobin. 
 Shall I leave you here with Miss Heseltine ? 
 
 Maggie. 
 
 Let me think. [She considers a moment while 
 they watch her.'] No ; on second thoughts, I'll 
 take you both together. I think I should feel 
 more courageous. And I shall only have to go 
 over the ground twice if I don't. [To Miss 
 Heseltine.] You are in the secret because, if 
 you remember, you sounded me about him. 
 
1 86 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 I haven't forgotten. 
 
 Maggie. 
 [Addressing them both.'] Would you mind 
 seating yourselves? [Maggie watches them 
 seat themselves first then she speaks very amiably, 
 addressing Robin.] I don't think you are 
 suited to me. I like you very much. You are 
 every bit as nice as you were three weeks ago, 
 but now that I've got to know you better, I 
 find that you depress me. [Robin and Miss 
 Heseltine look at each other trying very hard 
 not to smile.'] When you play with us, for in- 
 stance, I always feel you are trying to be 
 another kind of person from the one you really 
 are, and that you aren't thoroughly enjoying 
 yourself, and then I can't enjoy myself either. 
 It isn't your fault. It's the fault of your age. 
 I don't mean to say you are old, but you are 
 not quite this generation, are you ? 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Protesting.] Oh ! 
 
 [Robin and Maggie look towards Miss 
 Heseltine. 
 
 Robin. 
 [Smiling at Miss Heseltine as he says.] 
 There are always two points of view. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 187 
 
 Maggie. 
 [ To Miss Heseltine.] It's no use half say- 
 ing it or he won't catch my meaning. 
 
 Kobin. 
 I catch your meaning all right. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 
 [To herself in an undertone.] He is this 
 generation. 
 
 Maggie. 
 [To Bobin.] It was yesterday it was borne 
 in upon me so powerfully the immense differ- 
 ence in our ages. You mustn't think I haven't 
 thought about this very seriously. I sat up 
 quite late last night, talking it all over with 
 Bertha. We came to the conclusion that it 
 isn't fair to ask a girl of my age to marry a 
 man who has had his day. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 [Springing up amd saymg mdigncmiby to 
 Maggie.] Oh, no! 
 
 Maggie. 
 [To Miss Heseltine.] See here! You 
 were asked to stay in the room to give me 
 your moral support 
 
1 88 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 
 I know I was — but when I hear you talk like 
 that about him — even a secretary has her 
 feelings. 
 
 Maggie. 
 
 [Kindly to Miss Heseltine.] I mean to 
 say — he has lived and I haven't. The world 
 isn't all new and exciting to him the way it is 
 to me. I want parties and people all the time. 
 He's had all that and wants to settle down. 
 There's the difference between us. 
 
 Eobin. 
 You've hit the nail on the head, Maggie. 
 
 Maggie. 
 [Going to Kobin.] There's something else I 
 must tell you — something you may not like. 
 
 Kobin. 
 [Smiling hopefully.'] You've fallen in love 
 with a boy of your own age. 
 
 Maggie. 
 Oh, no. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 A man of your own age. 
 
 Maggie. 
 Nothing of that sort. It's this. There used 
 
A SINGLE MAN 1 89 
 
 to be some notion that it wasn't honourable for 
 a girl to break off her engagement unless the 
 man were willing to set her free. 
 
 Kobin. 
 [Pretending to Maggie to be seriously im- 
 pressed.] Indeed. 
 
 Maggie. 
 People don't hold that notion now. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 You don't say so ! 
 
 Maggie. 
 [To Eobin.] I thought you might be old- 
 fashioned and want to hold me to my promise. 
 
 Kobin. 
 [Airily.'] Oh, dear me, no — you'll find me 
 quite up-to-date on that point. 
 
 Maggie. 
 [Looking at Bobin with admiration."] I 
 must say you are taking it splendidly. 
 
 Eobin. 
 [Trying to speak gravely.] I am doing my 
 best to disguise my feelings. 
 
 [Miter Louise. She wears the travelling 
 clothes in which she arrived in the first 
 act, and seems rather hysterical. 
 
190 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 Louise. 
 [Crying.'] I'm not one to make trouble, but 
 I think you ought to know that I am being 
 turned out of the house for telling the truth. 
 [Addressing Robin.] I owe it to myself to 
 justify myself before the girl you are engaged 
 to. [Looking at Maggie.] Last night 
 
 Robin. 
 [Interrupting her.] No, Miss Parker, no. I 
 can't allow that. Besides, Miss Cottrell and 
 I are no longer engaged. 
 
 Louise. 
 [Greatly surprised.] What? 
 
 Robin. 
 She has broken it off. 
 
 Louise. 
 
 Good gracious ! 
 
 Maggie. 
 
 [Going to Robin, says kindly.] I do hope 
 you'll be able to find some one to console your- 
 self with — [with a meaning look and smile 
 towards Louise] some older person ; some one 
 who wants to get married as much as you do. 
 [ Whispering.] We've all noticed how fond she 
 is of you. [She goes to Miss Heseltine and 
 takes her by the arm.] Come, let us leave them 
 together. 
 
A SINGLE MAN 191 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 No. 
 
 [Louise glides slowly towards Robin 
 with her most seductive smile. He 
 steps hack a step or two, very much 
 embarrassed, as she approaches. Enter 
 Isabella and Henby. 
 
 Isabella. 
 [Speaking as she enters."] Louise ! 
 
 Louise. 
 [Annoyed at being interrupted, says irri- 
 tably.] What is it? 
 
 Isabella. 
 Your cab is here. 
 
 Louise. 
 You may send it away again. 
 
 [Smiling and unfastening her coat as 
 if she were going to stay. 
 
 Maggie. 
 [To Robin.] I'm sure you'll be happy to- 
 gether. I must be off home to tell mother 
 what I've done. [Exit Maggie. 
 
 Robin. 
 [Bracing himself] Miss Parker. 
 
 Louise. 
 [Smiling up at him.] Louise. 
 
192 A SINGLE MAN 
 
 ROBIN. 
 
 The next time you tell the truth please tell 
 the whole of it, and add that Miss Heseltine 
 and I are going to be married. [ To Miss Hes- 
 eltine.] I suppose we are going to get mar- 
 ried, aren't we ? [Taking her hands. 
 
 Miss Heseltine. 
 Yes, please. 
 
 Louise. 
 {Rising majestically and giving her hand to 
 Kobin.] Good-bye, Mr. Worthington. 
 
 Robin. 
 Good-bye, Miss Parker. It has been such a 
 pleasure having you here. 
 
 Louise. 
 Stop the cab ! 
 
 [Heney and Isabella bolt out of the 
 door. Louise stalks out majestically. 
 Miss Heseltine sits down at her 
 desk and begins writing on the type- 
 writer. Robin comes behind her, gently 
 draws her hands from the machine^ 
 and embraces her. 
 
 THE END OF THE PLAY 
 
& W. Pnero's mm 
 
 $me, 50 Cctttg <£acf> 
 
 THF MAfiTSTWATF Farce in Three Acts. Twelve males, four 
 111E iUAUlJlRAlL females< costumes, modern; scenery, all 
 
 interior. Plays two hours and a half. 
 
 THE NOTORIOUS MRS. EBBSMITH ™ ,^~. 
 
 Costumes, modern ; scenery, all interiors. Plays a full evening. 
 
 THF PRftFI Hi ATF pla, y in Four Act8, Seven males, five females . 
 111B rAUlMUAlJU Scenery> tliree interiors, rather elaborate ; 
 
 costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. 
 
 THE SCHOOLMISTRESS £££ 
 
 three interiors. Plays a full evening 
 
 THP 5PH ftftl MIQTflP W Farce in Three Acts. Nine males, seven 
 IflC aUlUUUnldlHEJd females. Costumes, modern; scenery, 
 
 THE SECOND MRS. TANQUERAY ^IVrLtt. E c g " 
 
 tumes, modern ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. 
 
 ^WFFT T A VFNflFP Comedy in Three Acts. Seven males, four 
 3WEC1 IfATUWLA females# Scene, a single interior; costumes, 
 modern. Plays a full evening. 
 
 THF TIWFS Comedv in Four Acts. Six males, seven females. 
 1 111} 1 U1E J Scene, a single interior ; costumes, modern. Plays a 
 full evening. 
 
 THF WFATCFR SFX Comedy in Three Acts. Eight males, eight 
 111G WEimEll JEA females Costumes, modern ; scenery, two 
 interiors. Plays a full evening. 
 
 A WIFE WITHOUT A SMILE r^iti 
 
 modern ; scene, a single interior. Plays a full evening. 
 
 Sent prepaid on receipt of price by 
 
 Salter % 'Baiter & Company 
 
 No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts 
 
THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE. LAST DATE 
 STAMPED BELOW 
 
 AN INITIAL FINE OF 25 CENTS 
 
 W1LL BE ASSESSED r™"™**^ J™£ 
 Tm<5 BOOK ON THE DATE DUE. THE PENAL.it 
 
 wiLI Increase to so cents on the fourth 
 
 d£ AND TOH.OO ON THE SEVENTH DAY 
 OVERDUE. 
 
 tton 
 
 AUG F 1937 
 
 s, foui 
 ry,va- 
 
 . Cos- 
 rening. 
 
 LD 21-100m-8,*34 
 
Gaylord Bros. 
 
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 Syracuse, N. Y. 
 
 PAT. JAN. 21, 1908 
 
 m 31593 
 
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