Class _:E£_^J_Ai Book Copyright N°_ ^' % COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. THE HYPOCRITES A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS BV HENRY ARTHUR JONES •' Expediency is man's wisdom : doing right is God's." Ths Pilgrim's Scrip. Copyright, 1908, by Henry Arthur Jonks NEW YORK SAMUEL FRENCH PUBLISHER 26 WEST 22D STREET LONDON SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 26 Southampton Street STRAND \UtJRARYofOCN».V:5J3S I wo Copies rtecu;iiH. MAY 19 1908 If* .1^ iqcB ^ JUC. Nu. TO PROFESSOR GEORGE P. BAKER, HARVARD UNIVERSITY. Dear Professor Baker, Will you accept the dedication of this play in remembrance of your kind companionship on the evening of its original performance in New York ; and in gratitude for the active sympathy you have always shown with the modern drama? I believe that the work you have begun at Harvard, and the interest you have there awakened in this much neglected art, will, with wise encouragement, have great and memorable results in time to come, on both sides the Atlantic. I am. Faithfully and gratefully yours, HENRY ARTHUR JONES. \%th September, 1906. PERSONS REPRESENTED, Sir John Plugenet. Mr. Wilmore, lord of the Manor of VVeybury. Lennard Wilmore, his son. Mr. Viveash, Lawyer and Estate Agent. The Reverend Everard Daubeny, Vicar of Weybury, Dr. Blaney. The Reverend Edgar Linnell, Curate of Weybury, GOODYER. Mrs. Wilmore. Helen Plugenet. Mrs. Linnell. Mrs. Blaney. Rachel Neve. Patty, servant at the Linnells'. SYNOPSIS OF SCENERY. ACT I. Scene. — Mrs. Wilmore's boudoir at the Manor House, Weybury. Time — An afternoon in October. ACT II. Scene. — Living-room at Edgar Linnell's. Time. — Two hours later on the same evening. ACT III. Scene. — Library at the Manor House. Time. — Morning, ten days later. ACT IV. Scene. — The same. Time. — Afternoon, a fortnight later. The following is the cast of characters at the first performance at the Nicks Theatre in London under the management of Charles Fro h man. PERSONS REPRESENTED. Sir John Plu genet, Bart., of Pluge- net Court Mr. C. V. France. Mr. Wilmore, lord of the Manor of Weybury Mr. Mr. J. H. Barnes. Lennard Wilmore, his son Mr. Vernon Steele. Mr. Viveash, Lawyer and Estate Agent Mr. Arthur Lewis. The Reverend Everard Daubeny, Vicar of Weybury Mr. Alfred Bishop. Dr. Blaney Mr. Cecil Brooking. The Reverend Edgar Linnell, Curate of Weybury Mr. Leslie Faber. Goodyer Mr. Fred Grove. Mrs. Wilmore Miss Marion Terry. Helen Plugenet Miss Viva Birkett. Mrs. LiNxNELl Mrs. Leslie Faber. Mrs. Blaney Miss Henrietta Watson. Rachel Neve Miss Doris Keane. Patty, servant at the Linnells'. . Miss Irene Clarke. The following is a copy of the first performance of the play at the Hudson Theatre, New York, on August joth, igo6. HUDSON THEATRE HENRY B. HARRIS Manager. Svening:s, 8.15, Matinees "Wednesdays and Saturdays, a. 15. FOURTH MONTH. CHARLES FROHMAN Presents the New Play, in Four Acts, THE HYPOCRITES By henry ARTHUR JONES *' Expediency is man's wisdom : doing right is God's."— The Pilgrim's Scrip. PERSONS REPRESENTED. Sir John Plugenet, Bart., of Pluge- net Court John Glendinning. Mr. Wilmore, Lord of the Manor of Weybury J- H. Barnes. Lennard Wilmore, his son. . . . Richard Bennett. Mr. Viveash, Lawyer and Estate Agent Arthur Lewis. The Reverend Everard Daubeny, Vicar of Weybury W. H. Denny. Dr. Blaney Cecil Kingston. The Reverend Edgar Linnell, Curate of Weybury Leslie Faber. Goodyer Jay Wilson. Mrs. Wilmore Jessie Millward. Helen Plugenet Viva Birkett. Mrs. Linnell Grace Hadsell. Mrs. Blaney Helen Tracy. Rachel Neve Doris Keane. Patty, servant at the Linnells' . . Louise Reed. O o m w O; ACT I. Scene. — Mrs. Wilmore's boudoir, the Manor House, IVeybury, a bright pretty room in an old English country house. A door at back, centre. A large sofa left of the door at back. A large bozv window opening out upon garden tip left. A cottage piano dozvn left, below window. A door np right. A fireplace down right, with a fire burning. A comfortable armchair above the fireplace. A table zvith chairs right centre. Time. — About four on an autumn afternoon. Discover Mrs. Wilmore seated at table talking to Mrs. Linnell, who is standing near. Mrs. Wilmore is a charming English lady of forty- five, well-bred, well-dressed, still attractive in face and figure, with easy, pleasant, zvinning manners. Mrs. Linnell is a bright, pretty, ordinary little lady, very tidily, but very cheaply dressed. Mrs. W. Mr. Wilmore is much annoyed by Mr. Linnell's conduct Mrs. L. I'm very sorry Mrs. W. My dear, your husband has been curate of Wey- bury for just a year. During that time we've had nothing but constant Httle upsets in the parish. Mrs. L. There were so many things to be reformed. II ACT I THE HYPOCRITES Mrs. W. Of course there were ! And we quite appreciate Mr. Linnell's zeal and courage in reforming them. But he makes us all thoroughly uncomfortable! ' Mrs. Wilmore rises. They move a little toe. How? Mrs. L. Mrs. W. We never know whose turn to be reformed may- come next. And we all know we need it ! Mrs. L. Edgar has only done what he thought right. Mrs. W. I dare say. But you have two little children, and your income is Mrs. L. A hundred and twenty a year. Mrs. W. A man can't afford extravagant notions of right and wrong on a hundred and twenty a year. ^ Go home and persuade your husband to drop all this unnecessary reforming. It's altogether too expen- sive a luxury for a man in his position. Mrs. L. I'll tell him what you say. Mrs. W. And one little hint. Now that Mr. Daubeny is appointed Dean of Gilminster, Mr. Wilmore, as lord of the Manor, has the presentation to the liv- ing here Mrs. L. Oh, Mrs. Wilmore ! 12 THE HYPOCRITES ACT I ^ Enter Goodyer, the butler. Good. (Announcing.) Mr. Viveash.^ Enter Mr. Viveash, a shrezvd, genial man of fifty, clever, alert, plausible, cynical, but with an air of bonhomie. In manners, dress, and culture, he is much above the ordinary country lawyer. Vive. {Coming cordially to Mrs. Wilmore.) How d'ye do? Mrs. W. How d'ye do? (Shaking hands.) The door, Goodyer. Vive. (To Mrs. Linnell.) How d'ye do? (Shaking hands. ) Mrs. L. How d'ye do? Vive. How's Linnell? What fresh mischief is he up to? Mrs. L. Mischief ? Vive. If he raises the pitch just half a note higher, he'll make the old place simply uninhabitable for a com- fortable hardened old sinner like me.^ Mrs. W. (To Mrs. Linnell.) Do you hear that? Mrs. L. Yes. Mrs. W. Good-bye, dear. (Shaking hands.) 13 * At back. Stands R. of door. * Mrs. Linnell moves L. c. as Viveash comes down ' Mrs. Linnell crosses in front of Vive- ash to Mrs. Wilmore. Viveash moves a little to R. ACT I THE HYPOCRITES * At back. • Viveash ad- vances to R. of Mrs. Wil- more. (Exit Mrs. Linnell ^ Goodyer, who has waited, closes it behind her. Viveash goes up very cor- dially to Mrs. Wilmore. His manner to her throughout is more that of an old friend than of a lawyer. ) Vive. Any news from Sir John? Mrs. W. Yes, a cable from Suez. He'll be home next week, and as he must return to India before Christmas, Lennard and Helen are to be married almost at once. Vive. Good.^ I don't like long engagements. What about the name? Mrs. W. Sir John insists that Lennard shall take the name of Plugenet on his marriage. Vive. V'/ell, considering how handsomely he has behaved over the settlements, that's not much ! Mrs. W. No, but miy boy is my boy, my only one, and to give up his father's name — however, as there's plenty of money, we may manage to get the old peerage revived. Vive. I'm sure you will. I'm sure you can manage any- thing, after watching the superb way you've man- aged this marriage ! I\Irs. W. It didn't need any managing. When Sir John had to go to India, he was obliged to leave Helen in somebody's care. I v/as a very old friend, and 14 THE HYPOCRITES ACT I Vive. He couldn't have left her in better hands. Mrs. W. Lennard was away in the Highlands making that railway. When he came back, what more natural than that Helen and he should fall in love with each other ? Vive. Very natural, very right, very satisfactory, same, I take off my hat to you !^ All the Mrs. W. You think I'm a scheming, match-making mother Vive. Every good mother must be scheming and match- making. Mrs. W. At any rate I've not acted meanly or selfishly. I've done it all for Len. Vive. I'm sure you have. And I do take off my hat to you.^ Mrs. W. It has turned out fortunately. When I remember that six months ago we were paupers, with all our land heavily mortgaged, and Lennard was a strug- gling engineer, with a few hundreds a year, and no prospects — and now ! Vive. Yes, it's a brilliant change of scene for all of us. I had terrible trouble to renew the mortgages. Mrs. W. I'm sure you had. 15 1 Viveash crosses above table, to R. of it, placing hands on table, leans over towards her. ' Viveash standing at fireplace. Mrs. Wil- more sits I.. of table. ACT I THE HYPOCRITES Vive. I had to come into it with my bit of property- Mrs. W. It was good of you. VlVE.1 Coming to- 7oards table again. * Rises and shakes hands with Viveash, who has come down table. * From K. door they cross back towards loindow L. Helen first, Lennard following. * Viveash crosses up and shakes hands with Helen up c. Lennard has crossed be- hind Helen and is noiv on her l. Mrs. Wil- niore has re- sumed her seat. * Lennard shakes hands with Vive- ash. By the way, Markdale is agent for the Plugenet es- tate. He's very old. When he drops off you might put in a good word for me to Sir John, Mrs. W. My dear old friend, I'm sure I can manage that.^ Enter right Helen Plugenet and Lennard Wil- MORE.^ She is a tall, delicate, refined girl of about twenty, dreamy, spiritiielle, unusual. Len- nard is an ordinary, handsome young English- man about tzventy-Hve. They are in outdoor clothes. Vive. I'm sure you can. {They shake hands cordially.} Vive. How d'ye do?^ {Shaking hands.) Hel. How d'ye do? Vive. How are you, Lennard? {Nodding to Lennard.)^ Len. How are you? ^ Vive. Now, when you two can spare me half an hour Hel. About the settlements? i6 THE HYPOCRITES ACT I Vive. Yes- Hel. Everything is to be just as Lennard wishes. Only please put in a clause that the little garden in the corner of my soul is to be my own — always my very own freehold. Vive. I must leave the corners of your soul to Daubeny. Hel. Oh, please don't ! Vive. Well then, to Linnell. Hel. At least, Mr. Linnell is sincere. Vive. Yes, confound him ! That's what makes him such a terrible nuisance. Hel. Now I know why Mr. Linnell is so much disliked. Mrs. W. Helen, ^ I hope you've reconsidered the question of the marriage Hel. No, dear. The quietest, simplest wedding at our own little church, and only Mr. Linnell to marry us. Why Mr. Linnell Mrs. W Hel. Because he's just a plain, ordinary curate, and I like him. 17 ' Helen crosses down to Mrs. Wilmore. Viveash and Lennard sit on sofa at back, talking. ACT I THE HYPOCRITES Mrs. W. You haven't spoken to him? Hel. Yes, last night. He has promised to marry us. (Mrs. Wilmore shozn's great disappointment.) Dear, you mustn't be angry with me. (Kissing her.) My marriage is the greatest event in all his- tory, and you must let me have my own wilful way.^ Mrs. W. Of course, dear, but I hoped Hel. • Viveash and Lennard rise and come doivn stage. Viveash l. c. Lennard l. • Lennard crosses to Helen C.Vive- ash sits on piano stool, polishes spec- tacles with handker- chief. ' As she crosses up to it. * Stops up L. C. looking after her. Crossing up to him. For a big, fashionable wedding in London. Then all my lilies would have withered ! What lilies? Mrs. W. Hel. The lilies I've been trying to grow in my own little garden.^ Len. I must take a look round that garden. Hel. No, Len, not at present. You'd only tread on the flower-beds. {Looking out of ivindow.)^ We must make haste if we are to get to the wish-tower for the sunset. Are you coming? {Exit.) Len. {Going after her.) ^ I wish I was a better fellow, for her sake! Mrs. W.^ Len, that's unworthy of you! You won't do any- thing now to break off the marriage ? i8 THE HYPOCRITES ACT I Len. No, of course not. I love her too much, but — she is too good for me. Mrs. W. (Kissing him.) There isn't any girl in England who's good enough for my boy. (Kissing him fondly. Exit Lennard.) Mrs. W. (Standing at windozv, looking after him.) What mother wouldn't be proud of him ! ViVE.l Well, we shall have no further trouble with him when he's once married. Mrs. W.2 Lennard never has given us any real trouble. Vive. Hum Mrs. W. Not more than any handsome, high-spirited boy naturally gives to his parents, eh? Vive. No — no, about the average. Mrs. W. Well, it's all over now. VlVE.^ Yes, all over. And we've only to shake hands, and congratulate ourselves that our little comedy will have such a happy ending — wedding bells — interior of the village church — shouts — dancing on the vil- lage green — curtain ! ' Carefully folds up handker- chief, and puts it in his pocket. ' Comes down c. a little. ' Vive ash rises and crosses toe. 19 ACT I THE HYPOCRITES Mrs. W. Yes, when Lennard and Helen stand at the altar next month, I shall feel I've reaped the harvest of my life. I shall have nothing to do but to rest and be happy. Vive. Not you ! You'll be v^orking night and day to get that peerage for Lennard. • Crosses to r. * At back. ' Viveash moves to- tvards l. as Daubeny comes down c. Mrs. Wil- viore advan- ces to meet him. * Mrs. Wilviore sits L. of table. • Viveash crosses round at hack of table OAid sits in chair be- low fireplace. Mrs. W. You shrivel me up with your cynicism ! ^ Enter Goodyear/ shozving in the Reverend Eve- RARD Daubeny,^ a fat, rosy vicar of sixty, pur- ring, placid, time-serving, self-indulgent. Good- YER announces " Mr. Daubeny." Daubeny en- ters, and GooDYER exit. (To Mrs. Wilmore.) friend ? Daub. How d'ye do, my dear How are you? Mrs. W. (Shaking hands.) Daub. Ah, Viveash! How are you ? Vive. (Shaking hands.) Mrs. W. Mr. Viveash is scoffing, as usual. Daub. Scold him well.^ Fie ! Fie ! Ah, you may scoff, Viveash, but whether we believe our religion, or whether we don't; whether it's true or whether it isn't, you can't deny that it's the linch-pin of society; and once take away the linch-pin ^ — by the way, Mrs. Wilmore, 20 THE HYPOCRITES ACT I your cook never sent mc the receipt for those heavenly devilled quails — what did you call them? Quails Estelle ! Mrs. W. Daub. Quails Estelle! My dear Vvufe was so enchanted with them. We thought they would make such an excellent entree for our first dinner party at the deanery. Mrs. W. When do you leave Weybury? Daub. In about a fortnight. Talking of my leaving, has Wilmore settled the presentation of the living here? Mrs. W. We half promised it to Mr. Linnell. Daub. Surely a half promise isn't binding. I tremble to think of my poor parish in the hands of that head- strong, misguided young man ! ^ Enter ^ Mr. Wilmore, in shooting costume. He is a stout, violent, sJioIlozi'; hot-tenipered, illogi- cal, English country gentleman, stuffed with all the prejudices of his class. He appears hastily and angrily at door at back, where he is seen giv- ing his gun to GooDYER. WiL. And, Goodyer, send over to Mr. Linnell, and tell him I wish him to see me here at once.^ Ah, how do, Viveash ? Daubeny, how are you ? Upon my word, things have come to a pretty pass ! "* 21 * Daubeny moves above table. ^ At back Vive- ash rises and sits again after Wilmore has sat. ' Enters and closes door after him. * Ci'osses and sits on chair at piano. ACT I THE HYPOCRITES Daub. I fear our friend Linnell has been injudicious again ! WiL. Injudicious! If you please, "The Blue Lion" is to be pulled down and turned into a model public- house and working-man's social recreation club! And our precious Mr. Linnell is the ringleader of the scheme ! Mrs. W. " The Blue Lion " has always been a dreadful, drunken, disreputable place! Why not turn it into a model public house ? WiL. Because Pelly wants it for one of his brewery houses. Naturally a big brewer like Pelly doesn't wish to have model public-houses dumped down everywhere in his own district. It would ruin his brewery. He has given me plainly to understand that if I don't put the stopper on Linnell, he'll take care Lennard shan't put up for the Gilminster divis- ion. What do you think of that, Viveash? Vive. It's hopeless for Lennard to stand for Gilminster without Felly's support. WiL. There you are! Pretty position for a man of my standing! My son can't serve his country in Par- liament because my curate — well, not precisely my curate, but, say, our curate — chooses to run amuck against an influential brewer, and sound churchman, like Pelly! Enter Goodyer,^ shozving in Mrs. Blaney, a country doctor's wife, about forty-Uve; a moral, 22 ^ At bach. THE HYPOCRITES ACT r ambiguous woman, soured by childlessness; formal ill-natured, with an air of melancholy res- ignation; dressed in a marked provincial style; quite provincial and middle-class in tone, manner and thought. Goodyer announces, " Mrs. Blaney." ^ {Exit Goodyer.) How d'ye do? Mrs. W. Mrs. B. How are you? (Shaking hands.) How d'ye do, Mr. Wilmore? {Shaking hands.y Mr. Viveash!^ Oh, Mr. Daubeny, I went over to the vicarage, and they told me you were here. Daub. I hope nothing serious has happened? Mrs. B. Yes.^ At least, it happened three weeks ago. Daub. What? Sarah Piper. Mrs. B. Daub. Ah, yes ! Ah, yes ! Most unhappy girl ! Vive. I'm told it's a remarkably fine child. Mrs. B. Yes, unfortunately. And why children should be allotted to a hussy like that, while those whose con- duct and respectability might surely entitle them to some consideration from Providence Daub. Ah, yes ! It's most inscrutable ! 23 * All rise as Mis. Blaney enters. Mrs. Wilmore crosses up c, shakes hands with Mrs. Blaney. « With Mr. Wilmore, tvho has ad- vanced to c. Viveash crosses up r., and bows to Mrs. Blaney. ' Crosses to Daubeny, who has moved to be- loto table. Mrs. Wil- more has joined Wil- more up L. c. Gets work bag from table up L. then drops down L. and sits at piano, ivorking. Wilmore standing r. of her. Vive- ash has come down c. * Mrs. Blaney sits L. of table. ACT I THE HYPOCRITES Vive. But three weeks — Sarah Piper hasn't already made a fresh contribution to Mrs. B. Yes. She has confessed who is — a — responsible. WiL. Who is the scoundrel? Mrs. B. I'm sorry to say he is a tenant of yours. WiL. No ! After the example I made of Peter Rawlins last year, surely no tenant of mine would dare to — No! Mrs. W. Who is it, Mrs. Blaney? Mrs. B. William Sheldrake. Mrs. W. I'm very sorry. Mrs. B. Yes. Such a quiet, respectable young man. Al- ways took off his hat with such a pleasant, modest smile. Oh, Mr. Daubeny, how is it that so many respectable people ? Daub. Very true ! Ah, yes ! Very true ! There does seem to be a far greater proportion than one would have supposed — it is truly appalling! (His hands on his fat stomach, tapping it zvith his fat fingers.) 24 THE HYPOCRITES ACT I Mrs. B. I often look round and ask myself, " Who is to be trusted? " Daub. Who indeed? Who indeed? Mrs. B. And I answer, " Nobody." Daub. Oh, come! come! Isn't that just a little too severe? Mrs. B. One cannot be too severe. As I was saying to Mr. Linnell about William Sheldrake WiL. Linnell ! ^ Does Linnell know ? Mrs. B. Yes, Sheldrake has confessed to him, and he thinks Sheldrake ought not to be made to marry the girl ! WiL. What? Mrs. B. j That's Mr. Linnell's opinion ! WiL. * Wihnore crosses to Mrs. Blaney. Viveash mov- ing behin d him to Mrs. Wilmore, gets chair from above piano and sits on her right. Mr. Linnell's opinion ! ^ Daubeny, do you hear your curate's opinion of the Ten Commandments? Mr. Linnell's opinion ! Upon my word ! Mr. Linnell's opinion ! Mr. Lin Enter GooDYER ^ announcing, "Mr. Linnell." Ed- gar Linnell enters at back, a pale, earnest, re- fined ascetic, about thirty, giving tJie impression of being overzvorked and underfed. He has bright, deep, sunken eyes, a beautiful smile, and 25 2 Crosses to top of table. ' At back. ACT I THE HYPOCRITES * standing l. c. Wilniore crosses to Linnell C. Mrs. Blaney crosses to head of table. a serene expression. Ordinarily his voice is softf and his manner subdued, gentle and self-con- trolled. GooDYER waits at door for him to enter, and then exit. Lin. (Co^j- fo Mrs. WiLMORE.) How d'ye do? Mrs. W. {Shakes hands a little coldly.) How d'ye do? (Linnell after just bowing to Daubeny and Mrs. Blaney, advances to Mr. Wilmore. ^Vil- MORE stands indignant, repellent. LiN.i Is anything the matter ? Wil. I understand William Sheldrake has confessed to you that he — and you're actually encouraging him to desert his wretched victim ? LiN. No. The whole case is most difficult. I'd rather not discuss it here. Wil. I daresay. But I insist on discussing it here. Mrs. B. We mustn't shirk our duty merely because it is shocking and disagreeable.^ LiN. Sheldrake has thoroughly repented. Wil. Repented? Rubbish! Blatant rubbish! Lin. • Mrs. Blaney crosses and sits down r., Daubeny having cross- ed up to fire- place. The girl has a bad character, and I believe it was she who tempted him. 26 TPIE HYPOCRITES ACT I ^Sits L. of table. Daub. Oh! Oh! Come! Come! Come! Lin. He never promised to marry her. She is every way below him, in class, in manners, in conduct, in feel- ing for what is right ! WiL. Feeling for what is right! Rubbish, sir! Blatant claptrap ! ^ Lin. Sheldrake's sisters are living with him. For their sake, I believe it will be a wrong thing to bring a girl of that stamp into the family. Mrs. B. But what can be done with her? We must up- hold the sacredness of marriage. Lin. That's exactly what I am doing. WiL. What ! Upon my word ! I never heard of any- thing so monstrous — so subversive of all the princi- ples and convictions that have guided my entire life. Lin. Have you anything more to say to me ? WiL. Yes. I hear you're supporting this scheme for turn- ing " The Blue Lion " into a working-man's club. Lin. Yes. An anonymous donor has come forward with the money 27 ACT I THE HYPOCRITES WiL. Some election dodge of the dissenters, eh, Daubeny ? Daub. Well, without being uncharitable towards our dis- senting friends WiL. Just so. I wish to do them every justice, but, throughout my life, I have never met with more than six dissenters whom I could trust. I hope I have misjudged them. Lin. It is expressly stipulated that politics and religion are to be excluded. Religion excluded ! ]\Irs. B. Lin. Since our object is to avoid disputes; and supply the working men with pure recreation, and pure beer! WiL. Pure beer ! And pray, sir, do you constitute your- self the sole judge of pure beer? Lin. No, I rarely taste it. WiL. Then what is your objection to Felly's entire? Lin. I have none, WiL. Then why do you set yourself against a man who must surely be a far better judge of pure beer than you? 28 THE HYPOCRITES ACT I Daub. I must say, Linnell, your action strikes me as most injudicious. Mr. Pelly is a large subscriber to our schools WiL. And thereby provides sound food for the children's minds, while he provides sound beer for the parents' bodies. Daub. In your position, your conduct involves the Church herself. You are placing her in antagonism to the w^orld around her. Lin. She always has been in antagonism to the world around her! She always will be! Daub. Yes, yes — in a sense. But these are troublous times for the Church. What the Church needs to-day is "safe men," pre-eminently "safe men"! (Tap- ping his sentiments into his stomach with his fat fingers.) Safe Christian men! Lin. Have I done anything a Christian ought not to do? WiL. It's very difficult to say what a Christian ought or ought not to do in these days, but at any rate he oughtn't to upset the parish. Mrs. B. It must set a bad example to the whole neighbour- hood when they see their own clergyman wilfully flying in the face of all morality. Mrs. W. You surely don't wish to get out of touch with your people? 29 ACT I THE HYPOCRITES * Extending his arms in in- terrogation. • Wilmora makes same movement. • Rises and crosses to Linnell, a. No, I don't wish. Lin. Daub. Then, my dear Linnell, why do it? Why stir up strife in a peaceable parish like ours?^ Why? Why? Why? WiL. Yes, indeed, why? Why? Why?^ (Linnell doesn't reply.) You see you have no answer I Daubeny, perhaps you'll leave this in my hands. Certainly. Daub. WiL. I'm a very easy-going man as a rule, but there comes a time when my good-nature kicks, and says,* " I've had just enough of this." (To Linnell.) If you wish to remain in Weybury, you will please write to Mr. Pelly that you've advised your friends to withdraw from your " Blue Lion " fad, as it is unworkable. Do you understand? Lin. (After a longish pause.) Yes. WiL. Pelly is very much upset at your attitude, might send him some little word of apology. Lin. Apology ? ! WiL. (Angrily.) Yes, sir, apology! word? Lin. Yes. Apology. 30 You Did you catch the THE HYPOCRITES ACT I WiL. You will also please go this evening to William Sheldrake, and say that I insist he makes an honest woman of Sarah Piper. Lin. By what process ? WiL. {Enraged.) By what process? By the good, plain, old-fashioned process of holy-matrimony. He will have the banns put up next Sunday. Lin. If he refuses? WiL. Then I give him notice to leave his farm next Michaelmas. Lin. Mr. Viveash is your estate agent. Wouldn't such a message come more fittingly from him ? ^ WiL. No, sir, I choose you to deliver it, because I wish you to represent the moral aspect of the case. Vive. {Who has been listening and zvatcliing most atten- tively all through.) Perhaps Pd better go with Linnell and represent the legal aspect. WiL. That's as you please, so long as Sheldrake under- stands he has got to marry the girl. Enter Goodyer, door right. Good. Tea is served in the drawing-room, ma'am.^ * {Exit, leaving door open.) 31 ' Viveash rises and replaces chair. ' Mrs. Wilmore rises. Vive- ash turns lier chair to- wards piano, and moves up back c. * Cue for Floats, 1st Border arid Arcs (Prompt.) to change. For particulars see Lighting riot. ACT I TME HYPOCRITES Daub. (Rising with alacrity.) Ah! WiL. Now, Mrs. Blaney/ I feel I can go into tea with a clear conscience ! ^ (Looking sternly at Linnell os he goes off. Exeunt Mrs. Blaney and Wilmore, door right.) Daub. (To Mrs. Wilmore.) I hope your cook has pro- vided some of those delicious hot tea-cakes. * Mrs. Blaney rises, crosses up c. and Exits. » Wilmore Exits. Daiib- eny meets Mrs. Wil- more up c. • Patting Mrs. Wilmore's hand. * Closes door. Yes, I think. Mrs. W. Daub.^ There's a very excellent, dear creature! (Exit right.) Mrs. W. Aren't you coming to tea, Mr. Linnell? Lin. Would you mind if I stay here? I have to write my letter of " apology " to Mr. Pelly, Mrs. W. Y^ou'll find pens and paper. Come, Mr. Viveash. (Exit right. Viveash is foUozcing her, but stops at door and looks at Linnell, zvho has stood calm and bitter without moving.'^ Conies iip to him and puts his hand on Linnell's shoulder.) Vive. Linnell, you won't mind my speaking plainly? Lin. Speak on. 32 THE HYPOCRITES ACT I Vive. For a man with a wife and two children, aren't you behaving hke — well, like a silly jackass? Lin. How? Vive. Here is a good fat living waiting for you. Can't you let this sleepy old place go on its sleepy old way? Can't you shut your eyes, hold your tongue, and just flick a bit of butter into our friend Wil- more's ears every now and then, eh? Isn't it worth doing ? Lin. Perhaps, but I can't do it. Vive. Why not? Lin. I spent many I had a long. Before I entered the priesthood months in questioning my motives, dark tim.e, but I could see one thing clearly, and I shaped my whole life to it. I resolved I would always fearlessly say what I thought to be true, al- ways fearlessly do what I thought to be right, and never think of consequences. That's what I'm striving to do now. Vive. Where do you expect it will land you? Lin. (Looks at him zvith a grave smile.) Well, if not in Paradise, at least in self-respect. Vive. I should say it would land you in the workhouse. My dear Linnell, you aren't a baby; you're an edu- cated man. Open your eyes! Look at the world 33 ACT I THE HYPOCRITES * Moves a little R.C. around you, the world we've got to live in, the world we've got to make our bread and cheese in! Look at society. What is it? An organized hy- pocrisy everywhere! We all live by taking in each other's dirty linen, and pretending to wash it; by cashing each other's dirty little lies and shams, and passing them on! Civilization means rottenness, when you get to the core of it! It's rotten every- where ! And I fancy it's rather more rotten in this rotten little hole than anywhere else.^ (Linnell makes a protest.) Oh, yes it is! ' I've been forty years in a lawyer's office here. I know the history of every family in the place ! If I were to take the roof off every house, and show you what's under- neath — ! What's the use? It's a lovely, pictur- esque little township, nestling at the foot of the un- dulating downs. Let it nestle ! Take the guide- book view of the place! Let sleeping dogs lie! Think it over. Do as I say, and you'll be Vicar of Weybury in three months, and, who knows, Dean of Gilminster before you die! • Crosses up to door R. ' Crosses up to c. after him. * Viveash stops at door. • Crosses back to him, claps him on shoul- ders, makes gesture of despair at LinnelVs ob- stinacy and Exit R. * Linnell goes to h ead of table, puts hat on lower end of it. LiN. Thank you. I'm afraid I must go on my way to the workhouse. Vive. (Shrugs his shoulders.) By Jove, you will!^ Lin, (Quickly.) ^ Forgive me!^ I'm sure your advice has been most friendly. I wish I could take it. But I can't, I'm not built that way. (Viveash looks at him,^ goes off.^) Lin, (Speaking to himself in a calm, bitter tone.) Dear Mr. Pelly, you are a rich brewer; I am a poor cu- rate; therefore I apologize to you. You want " The 34 THE HYPOCRITES ACT I Blue Lion " for your own profit ; I want it for the profit of my working men; therefore I apologize to you, {He laughs a little, bitter laugh, and sits dozvn at table to write.) Enter Goodyear ^ shozving in Rachel Neve.^ She is a beautiful girl, about tzventy, plainly dressed. She has a quiet, shrinking, modest manner, and delicate, refined features, vuith a settled, frightened expression on them. She carries a little hand-bag and an umbrella. Good. Mrs. Wilmore is taking tea just now. Rach. I sent her a note this morning, telling her I would take the liberty of calling.^ Good. {Placing a chair for her.) What name? Rach. Miss Neve.'* Good. I'll tell Mrs. Wilmore.^ {Exit GooDYER.^ While he has been speaking to Rachel he has turned up the electric lights."^ It has been grozjuing gradually dark, and the sunset at zvindozv fades azvay into night. Linnell has just risen, and bozved very slightly to Rachel. During folloiving scene he zvrites at table, and tears it up. Rachel has seated herself. He goes on zvrifing. She takes a folded letter out of her hand-bag, glances through it, and puts it back.) I beg pardon- Rach. 35 * At back standing L. of door, this time only. ' Who crosses to c. Good- yer moves down on her ' Ooodyer gets chair from above piano and places it L. c. on a line ivith Linnell. Linnell rises, botes to Rachel and sits again. ■ Sits. ^ Goodyer crosses tip back, closes door, stvitch- es on lights and Exits. Right. * For particttr lars of change see Lighting Plot. ACT I THE HYPOCRITES Lin. Can I be of any service to you? Rach. Perhaps you could tell me. I'm a teacher of draw- ing, and I've asked Mrs. Wilmore to see me, be- cause I was told she is the leading lady in the neighbourhood. ' Right • At back. Lin. Yes? Rach. I hoped she might recommend me. I believe there is no drawing-master in Weybury? Lin. No, but there are several in Gilminster. Have you any friends in Weybury? Rach. No. I had a friend who lived near here Enter Goodyer.^ Good. Mrs. Wilmore will see you in a few minutes. Rach. Thank you. (Exit Goodyer.)^ Lin. And this friend ? Rach. That was a long time ago. Do you know of any rooms in Weybury, not expensive? I'm troubling you? Lin. Not at all. I'll write out one or two addresses for you. 36 THE HYPOCRITES ACT Thank you. Rach. Lin. (Writing.) Where are your own friends — your father and mother ? Rach. My mother died ten years ago. My father is an artist. Times were rather hard, so last spring he took an offer from a railway company in Canada to make sketches for their advertisements. He's there now. Lin. And he left you alone? Without resources? Rach. No, I was to have joined him, but — I stayed in England. Lin. And your other friends? Rach. I have no other friends. Lin. None? Rach. No near friends. My father has always gone from place to place painting landscapes, so we had no regular home. Lin. (Rises and goes to her with a sheet of paper.) I've written several addresses there. (Giving her the paper. Rach. Thank you. 37 ACT I THE HYPOCRITES * Hiding her face luith hand. Lin. {Looking at her sympathetically.) I'm afraid you've not come on a very hopeful errand. And your health has suffered Rach.i {Quickly.) It's nothing. I'm quite well. Lin. My name's Linnell. I'm the curate here. If my wife or I can be of any use to you, we live in the station road, close to the station. Rach. Thank you. {He goes hack to table and seats himself to write,) Rach. {Again taking out the letter from hand-hag and looking round as if limiting for some one.) Has Mrs. Wilmore any daughters whom I could teach? Lin. No. She has an only son. Rach. And I suppose — this son — he's too old? Lin. For a drawing-mistress? Yes, I'm afraid. He's going to be married next month. {He has spoken casually, with his head over the table. A spasm of horror and fright passes over Rachel's face. She sits overwhelmed for some seconds. He continues writing. At length she puts hack the letter in hand-bag, rises and stag- gers towards door at hack.^) • Bias to sup- port herself by the chair. • And crossing to her quickly. Lin. {Rising.)^ Is anything the matter? 38 THE HYPOCRITES ACT I Rach. (Who has recovered herself.) No, I thought per- haps Mrs. Wilmore might be too busy (Mrs. Wilmore enters}) Lin. Here is Mrs. Wilmore.^ (VivEASH follows Mrs. Wilmore on?) Mrs. W. Miss Rachel Neve? Rach. Yes. Mrs. W. You wrote me this morning. You wish to ask my advice about giving drawing lessons in Weybury?^ You seem to be ill Rach. No— I Mrs. W. You've only just arrived in Weybury. Did you get any lunch ? Rach. No. I've had nothing. I suppose it's that. Mrs. W. They shall get you something. (Rings bell.) Rach. Oh, please don't trouble. I shall be better in a mo- ment. Mrs. W. My dear child, you're fainting from want of food. (GooDYER appears.) * Goodyer, show this young lady into the library, and give her some cold meat and tea. 39 Right. * Linnell moves up c. as Mrs. Wilmore comes to c. ' And remains above table. Linnell m.oves round back to doum R. * Rachel again staggers. Mrs. Wil- more advan' ces quickly to her assist' ance. • Quickly re- covering. • At back. Mrt. Wilmore up R. c. ACT I THE HYPOCRITES Goodyer stands out- side room at back. Rachel moves up to door. ' No answer. From Rachel, who shoics anxiety. * At back. Mrs. Wilmore crosses up and closes door. * Viveash crosses down • Coviing down C. a little. • Crossinri to- wards door ■» Moving to c. • And makes significant gesture that T,inn Advances to her. * Half turning away from him. Turning to him again. * Helen crosses up c. and turns to him. • Crosses to door right, and turns to him. Len- nard has crossed to c. No — no *- Hel. Oh, Len, I love you so much. You know father has told Mr. Viveash to settle everything upon you. Len. You're too good — too generous! Hel. No — that's nothing. I've settled more than that! I've settled all my love for always! I've given you all — everything that doesn't belong to God. And I can't bear What? Len. Hel. To think you haven't settled everything upon me ! ^ (Bursting into tears.) Len. I have. You're a little hysterical. Hel. No. I'm quite calm and sensible.^ Len, there is no one (Passionately.) — No woman can ever come between us, and say that you Len. Dearest, you're distressing yourself about nothing. (He tries to kiss her, but she escapes from his em- brace. ) Hel. You won't tell me.^ If you hide anything from me, I shall be the most miserable girl that ever lived.^ Are you coming in to tea? 44 THE HYPOCRITES ACT I Len. In a few minutes. I must give Jenkins orders about the beaters to-morrow. (Exit Helen. ^ He stands distressed and per- plexed, makes a gesture as if dismissing the sub- ject, and is going off at back when he comes face to face zi'ith Rachel, who enters. Len. Rachel ! Rach. Lennard ! Len. My God ! Rack. Forgive my coming. I was obliged Len. Shush! (Closes door.) You've not gone out to your father? Rach. I daren't! Len. Daren't? Rach. Can't you guess? Len. Rachel 1 Rach. I've just heard you are to be married.^ It isn't true? Len. Yes. (She makes a gesture of despair.) I told you it was impossible our friendship could con- tinue. Rach. Friendship ? ! ^ 45 Right. ' He moves away from her to L. c. by chair. Ra- chel follow- ing on his B. ' Rachel turns to chair l. of table. .CT I THE HYPOCRITES * He advances to her. * Turning to him. • He moves away a step toward L. * He advances to her quickly. Len.1 And we parted and said good-bye. Rach. You promised we should meet again, when I came back to England. Len. Why didn't you go to your father as we arranged? Rach. There was no boat for a fortnight. Then I began to be afraid. So I stayed on in England till I was sure ^ — Lennard, it's the worst. Len. Good Heaven ! But when I left you three months ago, you had no thought Rach. Not then. Oh, this suspense has been terrible! Lennard, you will marry me, you promised? Len. I was free then. I'm not free now. Rach. And you never told me you were engaged! Len. I wasn't actually engaged when I last saw you. Rach. But you were going to be. And it was to get rid of me ! ^ Do you remember all you said to me ? And you never meant it I Len. Yes.^ I did mean it. I did love you, Rachel. And even now — if there were any way out of it! That's 46 THE HYPOCRITES ACT I impossible now ! But of course I'll see you through as far as I can. {She shows despair, sits down help- lessly.) ^ Why did you come here? Why didn't you write to me? Rach. I thought you might be away on some engineering M^ork, and then the letter would be opened. I did write this morning {Half taking the letter out of the hand-hag. Len. Where are you living? Rach. I stayed at my cousin's till yesterday. I came here, thinking perhaps I could give drawing lessons, and then if your mother should only take to me, all might be well. Oh, what shall I do? Len. There's no absolute danger yet, for some months, is there? Rach. Not till the spring. Len. That gives you time to turn round. Rach. But it must come ! And then ! I can't face it ! ^ Len.^ Rachel! Don't give way like this! Rachel! He is bending over her, consoling her, when Mrs. Wilmore enters, rights Mrs. W.^ Lennard ! ^ You know this lady ? 47 ' L. of table. * Buries her face in her arms on table. * Quickly bend- ing over her. * Sees Lennard bending over her and closes door. * He crosses L. c. * Mrs. Wilmore comes to c. ACT I THE HYPOCRITES Len. * Advancing to her. Yes— I- Mrs. W. And you allow her to come here? Len.^ Mother, I've behaved like a scoundrel to her. Mrs. W. We won't talk of that now. {To Rachel.) Will you please leave at once? Len. Mother, she's the best and truest girl ! Her only fault is that she trusted to my word, and I broke it! We must help her. Mrs. W. Certainly, We'll do whatever is right. {To Rachel.) Please go now. {Going towards door at hack. Len. Mother, it isn't only herself. (Mrs. Wilmore looks inquiringly.) There will be another. Mrs. W. Len. Another? My child ! Mrs. W. {To Rachel.) Is this true? Rach. Oh, I think I shall kill myself! Mrs. W. Hush ! Of course we'll help you, but you mustn't be seen in Weybury. {Takes out zvatch.) Let me think. You'll just have time to catch the 6.15 to 48 THE HYPOCRITES ACT I Gilminster. Go there, to " The Bear Hotel." Stay there to-night. I'll come to you to-morrow morning, and arrange something. You'll go? Rach.i Yes. But Lennard Mrs. W. {Quickly.) My son's name mustn't be mentioned. Promise me you won't bring him into this. Rach. Of course I won't! I promise. Mrs. W. Remember that. It's the only condition on which I can help you. You understand? Rach. Yes. I love him too much to Mrs. W. Hush ! You've no time to spare.^ Rach. (Going tozvards Lennard.) Good-bye. Oh! I can't {Nearly breaks down.) Mrs. W. {Intercepting.)^ Please — no scenes here. Y^ou must go. {She goes towards door.) Len. Rachel,^ you forgive me? {She nods.)^ Mother, I can't let her go like this ! Mrs. W.« {Intercepting, very imperious.) Lennard, you for- get what is due to me, and to — others. Let me save you from the consequences of your folly, if I can." {Rings bell. Lennard goes np to sofa.) 49 * Rachel rises. ' Crosses up to door. ' Coming down quickly again and opens it. Rachel cross- ing up R. c. * Rachel stops. ^ Lennard ad- vances. * Closing door quickly. ' Laughter heard out- side, also talking. Ra- chel backs to above table. Mrs. IVil- niore to R. of door as Vive- ash and Lin- nell enter. ACT I THE HYPOCRITES * Viveash comes to Mrs. Wilmore. Linnell re- mains in L. of doorway. * Viveash cross- es down L. » Waits in passage. Viveash and Linnell enter at hack.^ Vive, Oh, you're still busy, Mrs. W, No. Is it anything important? Vive. No. A marriage has been arranged between Wil- liam Sheldrake and Sarah Piper.^ Mrs, W. Oh, I'm glad. That's settled then. Enter Goodyer at hack with a paper on tray. Good. Cook asked me to give you this receipt, ma'am. Mrs. W. Oh, yes. {Takes receipt.) Enter Mrs, Blaney, right. Mrs, W. Goodyer, show this young lady out, and put her into the way to the station. Good. Yes, ma'am,^ Mrs, W. {To Rachel.) You'll find "The Bear" a very comfortable hotel. Till to-morrow, then. Good- night, {Shaking hands.) Rach. Good-night. {Going off.) Lin. {As Rachel passes him.) I hope you'll be success- ful. {Offers hand.) Good-night. 50 THE HYPOCRITES ACT I Rach. Good-night. (Shakes hands with him, and hurries off * withoitt looking up. GooDYER closes the door, and exit after her.^ Vive. So you're going to take up Missy? Mrs. W.=^ Oh, no. I'm shopping in Gihninster to-morrow, and I've promised to give her a few introductions — that's all ! Mrs. B.^ Dear Mrs. Wilmore, be very careful. She struck me as Mrs. W. How? Mrs. B. Well, she seemed to avoid meeting my glance. I think it's such a good plan to fix your eye steadily upon persons, such as servants and governesses — like this ^ — give them one piercing look, and if they flinch, have nothing to do with them ! Daubeny enters,^ follozvcd by Wilmore. Daub. (To Mrs. Wilmore.) Ah! Ah! I'm sure you've forgotten it again ! Mrs. W. No, here it is. (Giving him the receipt.) Daub. Thanks. My best respects to your cook. Quails Estelle! (SitSj"^ takes out his spectacles, and affectionately ponders his receipt.) 51 ' At back. ' Linnell cross- es down to Viveash. ' Corning down L. of table. Mrs. Blaney, who has watched Ra- chel off, comes down R. of table. * Speaking across table. " Suits action to the word. ' Right. Cross- es above table. ' In armchair above fire- place. ACT I THE HYPOCRITES * Crosses c. to Linnell. Mrs. Wilmore crosses up to Lennard by sofa. Mrs. Blaney has crossed up to above table. WiL. {To Linnell and Viveash.) ^ Did you give Wil- liam Sheldrake my message? Vive. Oh, yes. We put the matter to William in a nut- shell, didn't we, Linnell? And the result is, up go William and Sarah's banns next Sunday. WiL. That is so far satisfactory. Daub. Most satisfactory! (Folds up his receipt carefidly, and puts it in his pocket.) WiL. On consideration, Linnell, you might take up this subject in your discourse next Sunday. Lin. What? WiL. Eh, Daubeny? Daub. An excellent idea! WiL. Unless you prefer to deal with it yourself, eh? Daub. No, ril leave it in Mr. Linnell's hands. Mrs. B. It's high time that somebody instilled some sort of morality into our young people. WiL. (To Linnell.) Next Sunday evening then.^ You'll please let William Sheldrake and Sarah Piper 52 • Crosses and sits at head of table. Viveash has crossed up to up R. back c. THE HYPOCRITES ACT I and the members of their family know that I wish them all to be present. Lin. What? You wish me to start this wretched pair on their newly married life by crying out their fault from the housetops, and shaming them before all their neighbours ! WiL. (Very angry.) Yes, sir, I do! Wretched pair in- deed! Don't they deserve to be wretched? Shame them? Don't they deserve to be ashamed? I beg you will hold them up severely as a warning to others. And I beg you will represent my attitude in this matter as dictated by the fatherly interest I take in all my tenants! (Tapping the table vigor- ously with his foreiingers to emphasise his senti- ments.) And I beg you will let it be understood that I have only one rule in these cases, that I will tolerate no tampering with the plain dictates of morality on my estate ! ( Ceases tapping the table, and rises zvith a self-satisfied air.)^ And I don't doubt we shall all be very much edified next Sunday evening! (Goes towards the group of Daubeny, ViVEASH and Mrs. Blaney, turns round to Lin- NELL.) Did you hear what I said? Lin. Yes, I heard you. (WiLMORE goes to the group, and is seen to be jus- tifying his outburst to them in a vigorous, self- satisfied way. Mrs. Wilmore and Lennard have remained near window at back, listening zvith great apprehension. Linnell stands calm, self-controlled. curtain. Two hours pass between Acts I and 11.^ 53 * Crosses to Linnell. * Act plays 36 minutes. H I— I « O o ^1 ACT II. Scene. — Sitting-room at Mr. Linnell^s. A plainly, sparely furnished room in an old ram- bling house. On the left is a bozv ivindozv looking out on the street. On the right is a fireplace zvith fire burning. In the back wall to the right is a door leading to the staircase, ivith one step show- ing below it. In the back wall a little to the left is a door leading into a passage, and beyond the passage another door leading into Edgar Lin- nell's study. When these doors are open, a view is obtained of the study beyond them. In the back zvall to the left is a small zvindozv zuith little red curtains, drawn apart, so that the passage can again be seen, lighted by an oil lamp, and leading up to the front door of the house. An easy chair above the fireplace with a table above it against the left zvall. Another table is dozvn stage left with chairs to the right and above it. Cheap prints on the zvalls. Cheap, but not ugly, furni- ture. The place gives an impression of genteel poverty, but contains nothing in bad taste. The Time is about eight on the evening of the same day, and the room is lighted zvith oil-lamps. On the table to the left are a rug, and the umbrella and hand-bag zuhich Rachel has carried in Act Discover Patty shozving in Mrs. Blaney. Patty is the Linnells' servant, a neat, sharp, little country girl in a cotton frock.^ Mrs. B. Dr. Blaney is still here? 55 * Mrs. Blaney enters to l. c. Patty follows to R. of her, leaving room- door open, through which is seen door of room opposite, als& a little open^ ACT II THE HYPOCRITES Patty, Yes, ma'am. In the study with Mr. and Mrs. Lin- nell binding up the poor young lady's foot. Mrs. B. (At door, listening across the passage.) How did the accident happen? Patty. The lady slipped down the steps at the station, and sprained her foot so bad as she couldn't walk. Mrs. B. What made them bring her here? Patty. Mrs. Linnell was going by train to Gilminster to do her shopping, and saw the young lady fall. And, as our house was close by, she had her brought here in Mr. Perry's new red van. Mrs. B. (Listening.) I can hear Mr. Linnell's voice, and the Doctor's, but I can't distinguish a word. Patty. Oh, isn't it annoying, ma'am, when you just can't catch (Mrs. Blaney frowns at Iier,^ and comes azvay from door to the table, examines the rug, um- brella, and hand-bog. Mrs. B. Do these belong to the young person? Patty. Yes, ma'am.^ Mrs. B.3 A very peculiar rug ! Much more like a man's rug than a lady's ! ^ 56 * Crosses to top of table. * Patty comes to R. of table. * Takes it up and exam- ines it. * Puts it down again and takes up urn- brella. THE HYPOCRITES ACT II Patty. It has got a man's look about it! Mrs. B. And quite a common umbrella. (Examining the texture. ) ^ Patty. Yes, ma'am. Not a penny more than seven and sixpence. Mrs. B. {Taking up the hand-bag, looking at the initials.) R. N. I suppose it's the drawing-mistress person who called on Mrs. Wilmore. {She has managed to open the hand-bag and peep in.^ Suddenly.) Patty, please tell Dr. Blaney his dinner is getting cold, and that I'm waiting. Patty. Yes, ma'am.^ (Patty goes across passage, and is seen to enter the study door opposite. The moment her back is turned, Mrs. Blaney takes a folded letter out of the hand-bag, hesitates, puts it back, looks long- ingly at bag, gives zvay to her curiosity,'^ takes out the letter, reads: "Wednesday morning" — that's this morning. Glancing round at study door, reads : " I am in Weybury,^ and must see you at once." — The study door, which has been open a little zvay, is opened wide by Dr. Blaney, who appears at it, speaking oif into study. He is a stout, middle-aged man, with a bland, sleek, formal, deferential, bedside tnanner. Dr. B. {At the study door.) Rest the foot entirely.^ Don't leave that sofa. Above all, no excitement. Perfect quiet. Good evening. 57 ' and putting it down on table. Patty takes it up at once — Mrs. Blaney picks up hand-bag. ^ As she holds hand-bag it falls open, disclosing a letter inside. Rei^laces bag on table. 'Pn Wilmore crosses down R. to beloto table. ACT III THE HYPOCRITES * Crosses hack to c. to Mrs. Wilmore. Sir J. (Looking at his zvatch.) I'm driving Helen across to the Oakleys. I can drop her, and be back here at twelve. Vive. Twelve. I'll have everything and everybody here ready for you. Sir J. Do. There's a good fellow ! ^ Extraordinary af- fair ! You say Lennard did know this girl in Scot- land? Mrs. W. Oh, yes. Sir J. What sort of terms were they on? Mrs. \V.2 Sir John, if I tell you something in absolute con- fidence Sir J. You know you can trust me. Mrs. W.3 There were two or three young fellows down there making this railway. One of them went to South Africa. When it became necessary for Miss Neve to know his present address, she naturally came to his old chum to find out. » Turning to- tvards him confidently. • Rises and moves to Sir John. I see. Sir J. Mrs. W. I had to drag this out of Lennard. He's a dear, loyal fellow. He'd rather lie under an unjust sus- picion himself than betray his chum. You under- stand ? 104 THE HYPOCRITES ACT III Sir J. Ah, yes, Mrs. W. I may rely you'll never make use of this? Sir J. Of course not. Well,^ that partly explains — but^ why should this parson stick to his stupid blunder? Mrs. W. The man's a fanatic! WiL. A harebrained, cantankerous fanatic! Wants to dump down model public-houses all over the coun- try, and ruin the brewers. VlVE.^ Poor Linnell is a moral maniac, who will some day discover that the world is square, because he pro- fesses rectilinear principles. Mrs. W. Hush! {As Helen and Lennard enter at baek.^) Hel. (Goes affectionately to Mrs. Wilmore.) Good morning, dear. (Kissing her.) Mrs. W. How are you, dear? Hel. How d'ye do, Mr. Viveash? Vive. Good morning. Hel. You're talking about Mr. Linnell. I want you to give me back my promise, and let me see him. 105 * Moving to- wards L. ' Stopping and turning to Mrs. Wil- more. * Viveash has come again below h. table. * Sir John moves to- wards sofa. Lennard comes to c. by him, and shakes hands with him. ACT III THE HYPOCRITES Up c. * Crosses up to R. of Helen, in front of table, Mrs. Wilmore crosses round and up to win- dow. Mrs. W. My dear, you've left this entirely in your father's hands. If you see Mr. Linnell now, it will be going over to the enemy. Hel. I can't think of Mr. Linnell as an enemy. Sir J. Lennard, you see Nell is fretting. I needn't ask you Hel. (Goes very quickly to Lennard.^) No, you needn't ask him ! Len, I love you, and I will trust you. I do trust you, entirely! (Lennard takes her hand, kisses it warmly.) WiL. There's a noble girl for you ! ^ My dear Helen, I'm proud of you ! I feel my dear boy's happiness will be safe in your keeping. Hel. Don't let us speak another word of this hateful thing. But when my father has cleared it up, I want you all to be very kind to Mr. Linnell. He's not to be punished. WiL. I must say I hope his conscience won't spare him! Hel. Whatever mistake he has made, I'm sure he is act- ing honestly. Vive. That's a bad excuse for setting houses on fire ! Sir J. Now, Nell, I'll just drop you at the Oakleys. We must hurry on. {Looking at his zvatch.) 1 06 THE HYPOCRITES ACT III * Crosses down and kisses her, Lennard opens door. Hel. Good-bye, Mrs. Wilmore.^ (Kissing her.) Mrs. W. Good-bye, dear. Hel. Good-bye, Mr. Wilmore. WiL. Good-bye, my daughter that is to be! (Shaking hands, is about to kiss her, but she makes as if she did not see it.) Hel. Come and put me in the dogcart, Len. (Exit at back, followed by Lennard.) WiL. What a noble girl, Plugenet ! What a noble girl ! Sir J. At twelve o'clock here, Viveash. Vive. At twelve o'clock. Au revoir. Sir J. (Exit Sir John at back. Wilmore closes the door after him.^ Wilmore, Mrs. Wilmore, and ViVEASH stand looking at each other. At length Viveash takes out his watch.) Vive. There's no time to waste.^ I'll call and tell the Blaneys to be here. They're safe? Mrs. W. Oh, yes, they're on our side.* 107 'And stands at it, tapping floor with his foot. * Viveash crosses up to door. Wil- more moves over to up l. * Moves R. c. towards Viveash. ACT III THE HYPOCRITES ^ Moving to- wards Mrs. Wilmore. WiL. They ought to be. I got Blaney appointed pubhc vaccinator. Vive. {To Mrs. Wilmore.^) You'd better have one more dig at Linnell, and persuade him he's mis- taken, eh! WiL. He's an obstinate beast! In fact, as you very justly observed, Linnell's really a maniac. Vive. He's certainly guilty of the criminal lunacy of not knowing on which side his bread is buttered. WiL. If he won't listen to reason, what then? Mrs. W. Crush him ! Either my Lennard has to go down» or this man. If he won't retract, crush him ! Crush him ! Crush him ! Vive. I'll send him on to you. {Going up to hack.) WlL.2 {Very anxiously.) Viveash, we shall pull through this? Vive. {Looks dubious, shrugs his shoulders.) It all de- pends on the girl. If you can't get her as tight as wax WiL. Well? * Crossing up to Viveash. Vive. Then, for heaven's sake, draw back, and pull your- selves out of it as best you can ! 1 08 THE HYPOCRITES ACT III Mrs. W. We can't draw back now ! ^ WiL. It would be worse than telling the truth at first. Vive. I'll bring her along to you. Get her as tight as wax, or {Makes a significant gesture, and exit at back.) WiL. This is a nice position for a man with my honour- able record ! ^ Throughout my whole life, I've never had to do so much violence to my conscience. Mrs. W.-* Oh, strangle that conscience! WiL. Strangle my conscience ? ! Upon my word ! I don't believe women have any moral principles at all ! ^Irs. W. We haven't ^ — when it comes to saving those we love. There's where we tower above you little creatures ! Now will you help me save Lennard ? WiL. I'm doing all I can. You must own all through these painful circumstances I've preserved a high moral tone to everybody Mrs. W. You overdo it.^ If you don't take care your moral principles will ruin us. WiL. Really, Charlotte! Upon my word! {He is going off at back, and turns?) That case of Sheldrake 109 • Moving down R. c. again. ^ Moving l. again. ' Crossing to Mrs. WiU more b. C. * Crossing to L. c. * Crossing up to hitn. * Moving about impatiently. ' To Mrs. Wil- more, who is up L. C. ACT III THE HYPOCRITES and Sarah Piper has come up again. I'd better let him off, eh ? Mrs. W. No, you'd better preserve your high moral tone with him — at least till this is over! WiL. Very well. It will prove that I do act up to my principles as a general rule. Crossing to below R. table. » Turning to him. * Wilmore crosses to him. • Mrs. Wil- more cross- ing to Wil- more c. Mrs. W.i Yes ! We all act up to our principles when it costs us nothing! WiL. Upon my word, Charlotte ! I will not endure these constant insinuations that I am What? 2 Mrs. W. WiL. That I am — a — no better than I should be ! (Lennard enters, sulky, dejected, self -contemptu- ous, tliroivs himself into a chair.^ Wilmore zvatches him ivith growing anger, and when Len- nard is seated,'^ bursts out furiously.) WiL. This is all your doing, sir! I bring you up in the strictest path ! I set before you an example that any son might be proud to copy, and instead of walking in my footsteps, you bring this hussy here Mrs. W.^ Will you cease? Will you cease? And remember that I knozu you! (Wilmore fires up and is about to speak.) I tell you, I know you! (Wilmore goes out at back, silenced and abashed.) no THE HYPOCRITES ACT III Mrs. W. (Goes to Lennard.'^) OhLenlLen! (She bursts into tears.) Len. My poor darling I^ Don't cry! Mother, it's a thundering shame you've got to do this for mel What a cad I've been ! Mrs. W. Hush ! ^ Oh, Len, if I can only save you ! And I will! Len. I'm not worth saving! I'm only worth kicking! What a howling skunk I felt just now when Helen stuck by me ! Mrs. W. Don't talk like that ! ^ You've done no worse than others, only it has come to light ! Sir John is com- ing! You'll be questioned. — You'll say just what I've told you? Len. Yes, I've got it all ready .^ Mrs. W.« Remember, it's all your future! You won't fail? Len. No, I won't fail, dear. I can see what a plucky fight you're making, an dit's all for me! Well, I'm going to back you up. You make dead sure of that, you best mother that ever lived! Whatever comes of it, I'm going to back you up through thick and thin. (Giving her his hand.) Mrs. W. (Kissing him passionately.) We shall win, Len! We You're my own son! Now I'm 1 shall win! Now I'm brave again ! 1 Falls on her knees, by him, buries her face in her hands. ' Putting his arm round her. * Looking up at him. * Rises and moves to C. ' Rising and follotving. ' Putting her hands on his shoulders. Ill ACT III THE HYPOCRITES * Lennard moves below L. c. chair. Mrs. Wil- more moires toward l. c. as Linnell comes R. c. ■ Lennard crosses up L. c. Linnell puts his hand on his shoul- der and stops him as he is passing him. Mrs. Wil- more has moved below L. c. chair. Enter Goodyer, annoimcing Mr. Linnell.^ Enter Linnell, looking ill and more haggard than he- fore, but with a look of desperate determination on his face. Mrs. W. Good morning. Good morninpf. Lin. Len. Good morning, Linnell. Lin. Good morning. (To Mrs. Wilmore.) Mr. Vive- ash says you wish to see me? Mrs. W. Yes. Lennard, you needn't wait.^ Lin. {Stopping him.) Yes, please — one moment. You know I've no wish to discover your fault. I'd willingly bury it. But I can't bury the conse- quences. You can't bury the consequences. Come then, face them like a man. (Linnell has put his hand on Lennard's shoulder. Lennard tries to shuffle uneasily away from him.) Len. Upon my soul, Linnell, I don't understand a word of what you're talking about! {About to go off left, but Linnell, ivho has one hand on one shoulder, claps the other hand on the other shoulder, and turns Lennard round face to face with him.) ( Very sternly. ) Lin. You don't understand ? 112 You THE HYPOCRITES ACT III shall ! You've behaved like a scoundrel to one poor girl! You've wrecked her life, and you're leaving her to bear her shame and despair alone! You mean to behave like a scoundrel to another, who has given you all her love and faith, and all her estate ! And your mother is helping you ! Mrs. W. (Indignant.) Air. Linnell! Lin. (Repeats, looking fixedly at Mrs. Wilmore.) Your mother is helping you ! The mother loves her son, and she helps him build his house on this filthy bog of deceit ! You can't do it ! Your house will tumble on your heads ! When 1 meet Sir John Plugenet, I must tell him the truth ! I must show you a seducer! Don't force me to show you a coward and a liar into the bargain ! Do you under- stand me now? Have I spoken plainly? (Lennard has shozvn some uneasiness, hut he nerves himself, gets away from Linnell's grasp, and laughs at him contemptuously.) Len. My good Linnell, have you still got that bee in your bonnet ? (Exit left, with a contemptuous laugh at Linnell.) Lin. Then you take your stand upon your lie ? So be it ! I'll be here at twelve to meet Sir John Plugenet. (Going off at hack. Mrs. Wilmore has shoum impatience and rage at Linnell's words to Lennard, hut with a great eifort she controls herself, and speaks ivith outzvard calm, which, however, betrays suppressed anger and determi- nation.) 113 ACT III THE HYPOCRITES Mrs. W. Mr. Linnell ^ — one moment. (Linnell comes dowfi.^) As you seem determined to rake out this * Moving up l. c. towards him. « To her. c. mare's nest- LlN. Mare's nest?! Mrs. W. Perhaps we'd better leave metaphors, and look at the plain facts. Lin. Will you ? Dare you ? Mrs. W. There's no evidence to connect Lennard with this girl. You haven't one single particle of proof. Lin. Well? Mrs. W. Sir John and Miss Plugenet fully accept our ex- planation. You'll merely waste your time in trying to convince them. You'll only prove yourself a more obstinate and misguided fanatic than people already think you. Lin. People think me an obstinate and misguided fanatic? Mrs. W. Didn't you know it? Lin. No! How strange! And I thought myself just a plain, ordinary, honest man! Mrs. W. After this inquiry is ended, you will leave Weybury with the reputation of having started a malicious 114 THE HYPOCRITES ACT III slander against one of your parishioners. Mr. Daubeny cannot possibly recommend you to another curacy. Your career will be ended. You will go down Lin. Let me go down! If the truth is to go down, let me go down with it ! I couldn't wish a better end ! Mrs. W. Ah ! You're seeking martyrdom ! I'm afraid you'll find it! What will become of your children? Lin. They will be catered for — like the sparrows. Mrs. W.^ Very much like the sparrows, I should say; with crumbs of charity, and what they can pick up on the roadside. Why won't you be sensible?" I offer you one last chance. If you refuse, think what your children's future must be! Lin. Beggary ! Beggary ! I know it ! But faith and truthfulness with it ! That's a good legacy after all ! You can't match it ! Just think what your child's future must be ! Lies ! Lies ! And nothing but lies ! You won't do it ! You'll draw back. I offer you one last chance. Come out of this refuge of lies Mrs. W. (Impatient and indignant.) simply useless to talk further. step or two and then conies hack to him.) You're determined to ruin Lennard? My good man, it's {She goes azvay a Lin. I think you're determined to ruin me. so? 115 Isn't that * Moving a little to- ivards l. c. ' Moving up to him again. ACT III THE HYPOCRITES Mrs. W. Yes ! If you drive me to it. And I shall be merci- less. Do you understand? Lin. I understand. Mrs. W. There is no more to be said.^ * Crosses to top of table. Linnell moires below R. c. table as Viveash enters to c. ' Crossing to Linnell r. * Mrs. Wilmore raoves round to below table L., and then to mantel- piece^ lean- ing on same, burying her head in her hands. ' Linnell cross- es up to door. ■{Shrugs (Viveash enters?') Vive. You've finished with Mr. Linnell? Mrs. W. Quite. He persists in this story, and- hcr shoulders.) Vive. Nonsense.^ Come, Linnell, you're not so mad as to stick to Lin. I'm so mad as to stick to the truth. Take me on that level, please. (Viveash stands nonplussed for a moment, and exchanges a look with Mrs. Wilmore.) Vive. Very well.^ Sir John Plugenet has instructed me to collect all the particulars of this afifair. Would you mind making your statement to me ? Lin. Certainly. In writing? Vive. Oh, no. This little inquiry is quite informal. Sup- pose we have five minutes together in the garden,^ and see if we can throw some light on this plaguey business ? ii6 THE HYPOCRITES ACT III LlN> {Looking from one to the other.) for Mrs. Wilmore in this ? You're acting Yes. Vive. Lin. Is it light she wants? {To Mrs. Wilmore.) Is it Hght you want? Or dust and darkness? Ask her! {Exit at hack.^ Mrs. Wilmore and Viveash look at each other with some alarm.^) Vive. Confounded^ righteous, stiff-necked beggar! {Pointing off left.) The girl's in there. You must nail her! {Exit after Linnell.^) Mrs. W. {Goes to door left, opens it, and speaks off.) Will you come here, please? {Enter Rachel in out-of-door clothes. She is still looking pale and ill, her manner is frightened and subdued, and she limps a little.) Mrs. W. {Shakes hands.) Good morning, dear. Rach. Good morning,^ Mrs. W. Now, my dear. Sir John Plugenet will be here soon. He'll question you severely. You won't break down ? Rach. {Calmly.) No, I shan't break down. Mrs. W. {Looking at her searchingly.) You're quite sure you won't betray yourself? 117 * At door. * Closes door. ' Mrs. Wil- more sUs in chair L. c. * Viveash com- ing c. to Mrs, Wilmore. 6 Mrs. Wil- more stands c. deciding Iter line of action, then c rosses to door L. 8 Crosses dotvn and stands R. o/l. c. chair. Mrs. Wilmore closes door and crosses donm to Ra- cheVs R. ACT III THE HYPOCRITES * Rachel sits L. C. Rach. (Firmly) Quite sure.^ Mrs. W. Thank you, dear ! I can't tell how deeply I feel for * Rises and crosses to Mrs. Wil- more. you in all this. But it will soon be over now. Rach. (Seated at table, left.) If I do this, I may see Len- nard sometimes? Mrs. W. I'm afraid that's impossible. Mr. Viveash and I think it advisable you should not live in England. Rach. Then I shall never see Lennard again! Won't he wish ever to see me ? Mrs. W. It wouldn't be right. It wouldn't be wise. Rach. But won't he want to know what has become of me ? And I love him so ! I love him now more than ever ! Didn't he send me any message ? Mrs. W. He begs you to do this for his sake. Rach. He begs me? Yes. You will? Mrs. W. Rach. Yes, of course. But won't he wish to know what has become of — of his child? If I should die! Then it would grow up without a mother, and per- haps be cruelly treated, and have no one to teach it to do what is right. (With sudden passion.^) ii8 THE HYPOCRITES ACT III That would be dreadful! I know I've done wrong myself, but I want my child to do what is right! And — if I should die — wouldn't Lennard wish to see his child — never see his child ^ — never know how it is brought up Mrs. W.2 If anything should happen to you, I promise you I'll look after the child myself. Rach. Yes — but Lennard — won't he care?^ Oh! (Mrs. Wilmore makes a gesture of despair^) Mrs. W. My dear, you must give up Lennard absolutely from this time, or you will expose and ruin him. Rach. (Quickly.) You know I wouldn't do that. I'll do whatever you wish. (ViVEASH re-enters, looking harassed and discon- certed.^ Mrs. W. (Goes to him.) Well? (ViVEASH shakes his head, and shrugs his shoul- ders, looks at Rachel, and then inquiringly at Mrs. Wilmore.^) Mrs. W. Miss Neve is quite ready to meet Sir John Plugenet. She says there isn't the least truth in Mr. Linnell's slander. She had only the slightest acquaintance with Lennard in Scotland.'^ Isn't that so, dear? Yes. Rach. 119 Breaking down. 2 Mrs. Wil- more puts her hands on EacheVs shoulders. • Makes gesture of despair, and collapses in chair l. c. burying her face on table. * And crosses to top of table, lean- ing over it towards jBo- chel. ^ Remains up c. « Viveash points to Rachel, * Crosses round to B. of Rachel again. ACT III THE HYPOCRITES Vive. In that case, we can very soon settle the whole mat- ter.^ You'd better write a little note to Mrs. Wil- more putting that in so many words. Pens, ink and paper? Here we are! (Putting paper and ink in front of her, offering her a pen.) * Crosses to table, takes chair from above fire- place, and sits L. of table facing Bachel. ' Also at Mrs. Wilmore. • Crossing to- wards her and putting her hand on her shoulder. What must I say? Rach. Vive. When you were in Scotland last spring, you became deeply attached to a gentleman — who promised you marriage? Yes. Rach. Vive. We needn't mention his name — call him Mr. X. That gentleman was not Mr. Lennard Wilmore? (Rachel looks at him,'^ hut does not speak.) Mrs. W. It was not my son?^ No. Rach. Vive. Begin your letter by saying that. Rach. But won't that be perjury? Vive. My dear young lady, you've just stated to Mrs. Wilmore and me that Mr. Lennard Wilmore was not — Mr. X. You also made that statement in the presence of Mrs. Blaney and Mrs. Linnell in Mr. Linnell's house. It will be perjury if you draw back now. 1 20 THE HYPOCRITES ACT III Rach. I won't draw back. But you won't send me out of England — away from him? I can't go! {Break- ing dozvn, sobbing a little. ) Vive. Come! Come! We mustn't get tearful! Every- thing will be arranged for your comfort. Rach. {Looking from one to the other.) That means you will send me out of England. You'll let me see Lennard before I go? Vive. But you say Mr. Lennard Wilmore is the merest acquaintance. Rach. {Wildly.) You know, you know what he is to me! ^ (Mrs. Wilmore makes a gesture of despair to ViVEASH.) Mrs. W. Sir John will be here.^ Tell her nothing can be done for her unless Lennard is cleared from this. Rach. You needn't fear ! I shall clear him ! ^ But after- v/ards, I may see him once, just for a few minutes? Oh, do let me! I won't make a scene. Just once! (Viveash and Mrs. Wilmore look at each other. Mrs, Wilmore nods.) Vive. I see no harm in your having one short interview with Mr. Lennard Wilmore. Burying her face in her arms on the table. 2 Crosses to head of table to Viveash. 3 Mrs. Wil. more moves back to c. again. Oh, thank you Rach. 121 ACT III THE HYPOCRITES * Moving tip to above Ra- chel. Vive. At my office — with certain precautions. Rach. Thank you very much. {To Mrs. Wilmore.) Thank you. Vive. Come! Time presses! The letter! (Again push- ing paper towards her.) Rack. Tell me exactly what to say, and I'll say it. Mrs. W.i Mr. Viveash, can't you draft out something? (Signing to him.) Vive. I'd rather leave her quite free to make her own statement, in her own words. Mrs. W. I'll put it into her own words, and see that she copies it. (Signing to him.) Vive. Oh, very well. (Writes hurriedly.) I believe it has been arranged that a suitable provision shall be made for Miss Neve's future. Has any amount been named? Mrs. W. No. Vive. (Always writing.) To prevent any future mis- understanding it would be better to fix the exact amount. Mrs. W. My dear, what do you think ? 122 THE HYPOCRITES ACT III Rach. {Hopeless.) I don't mind. It doesn't matter. Mrs. W. But please say. What sum yearly would make you quite happy and comfortable? Rach. Whatever you please. But I am to see Lennard — just once — before I go? {Enter GooDYER at hack, announcing Mr. Dau- BENY. Enter Daubeny. Exit Goodyer. Daub. Good morning, my very dear friend ! {Shaking hands with Mrs. Wilmore.^) Mrs. W. Good morning. Daub. {Bows very slightly to Rachel, zvho slightly re- turns it.) Good morning, Viveash, Vive. {Always writing.) Good morning. Daub. I met Sir John, and he asked me to — a — but — {glancing at Rachel) I'm intruding? Mrs. W. Mr. Viveash, would you rather finish that in the next room? Vive. {Writing.) I've just finished. Daub. You're sure? Because — {Glancing again at Rachel, who sits pale and self-absorbed.) Oh, 123 Upc. ACT III THE HYPOCRITES by the way, Mrs. Wilmore, my dear wife has just posted you an invitation for our dinner party. We've fixed it for the second. Are you free on that date? Mrs. W. Yes, I think. ^ * Her attention is divided be- tween Rachel and Dau- beny. ^ Dauheny takes a step to R. and back to her again. * Rises and hands paper to Rachel. * Viveash sits again. Daub.^ Oh, you really must be free, there's a sweet lady! We're so anxious to get just exactly the right peo- ple, and to have everything go off well. VlVE.^ I think that is precisely the statement you wish to makcf Read it over.'* (Rachel reads over what Viveash has liritten.) Daub. {In a low aside to Mrs. Wilmore.) I suppose that is the young person ? Mrs. W. Yes. Daub. Poor soul ! Sir John insisted on my being present, but really in these tiresome, unpleasant affairs — Oh, yes — now whom would you like to take you in to dinner? The Bishop? Mrs. W. I don't care. Daub. Very well, I shall bestow you on the Bishop. Rather dry, our good Bishop, eh? He's a great Orientalist. I'll send you his brochure on the new gospel. Mrs. W. (Ahvays zvatching Viveash a^d Rachel.) New gospel ? What new gospel ? 124 THE HYPOCRITES ACT III Daub. Haven't you heard? Somebody has just discovered a valuable new gospel, with quite new readings, in a Syrian monastery. Our good Bishop dabbles a great deal in apocryphal gospels. Now I take a more practical view of Christianity. (ViVEASH has been conferring zvith Rachel upon the paper he has zvritten. Mrs. Wilmore has been keenly watching.) Vive. (Rising.) Is that right? Rach. Yes. Vive. Mrs. Wilmore, if you please. (Mrs. Wilmore goes ^ to Viveash, and Viveash just shozvs her the paper, and zvhispers instruc- tions, pointing to the other room. Rachel sits pale and distracted.) {Enter Goodyer at back, announcing, " Doctor and Mrs. Blaney." Enter Dr. and Mrs. Blaney. Exit Goodyer.) Mrs. B. Good morning, Mrs. Wilmore. Mrs. W. How d'ye do? (Shaking hands.) Mrs. B. How d'ye do,^ Mr. Daubeny? Daub. How d'ye do, my dear friend? (Blaney has meantime shaken hands zinth Mrs. Wilmore, and nodded to Viveash, zvho has nod- ded in return.) 125 • To Viveash above table. Daubeny moves to- wards R. table. ^ Crosses to- wards R. C table. ACT III THE HYPOCRITES Bluney cross, es ui back and down r. ' Viveash opens door. * Mrs. Blaney crosses to l. looking off at door. Then cro.sses back to c. Vive- ash follows to her L. • Viveash crosses at back to above table R. Dr. B. (To Rachel, very coldly.) self so far recovered? Rach. I trust you find your- Yes, thank you.^ Mrs. B. (Looking at Rachel.) Mr. Viveash asked us to meet Sir John. Perhaps we're too early? We might wait in another room. Mrs. W. Oh, no. Please sit down. (Going to door, left.) Miss Neve, will you please come this way ? ^ (Rachel limps quickly across the room, ashamed, zvith eyes cast dozvn, and goes off, left, Mrs. Blaney watching her fiercely all the time.) Mrs. W. I'll be back in a few minutes. (Exit, left.^) Mrs. B. I was quite right about that girl. Have you ever noticed, Mr. Daubeny, how that class of person always avoids meeting the glance of a truly good woman ? ■* Daub. Do they now? I've not observed Mrs. B. Yes. The doctor's profession bringing him con- stantly into contact with undesirable persons, I have felt it my duty to share his labours Daub. Very charming of you ! Quite charming ! I'm sure our dear friend appreciates 126 THE HYPOCRITES ACT III Dr. B. (StiflJy.) Mrs. Blaney is an admirable helpmeet in many respects. Mrs. B. And having no home ties of my own Dr. B. (Annoyed.) Yes, yes, my dear Mrs. B. I have been able to devote myself entirely to the interests of public morality, whereas if Providence had smiled on our union Dr. B. We needn't pursue the subject. Mrs. B. No, but if Providence had seen fit Dr. B. My dear Matilda, nothing is to be gained by repin- ing. Mrs. B. I'm not repining, but while persons like this draw- ing-mistress are allowed to flaunt their delin- quencies Daub. Very true ! Ah, yes ! Very true ! By the way, my dear friend,^ (to Viveash) now we're all alone, and all good neighbours, I hope our young friend Lennard hasn't got himself into a very bad mess Vive. Oh no ! Daub. Because we don't want any washing of dirty linen, do we? It's so bad for society, gives such a handle 127 1 Crosses to above R. table. Vive- ash comes down on his R. Mrs. Bla- ney advances nearer to table. Bla- ney is on B. of table. ACT III THE HYPOCRITES to the lower classes, and in these democratic days — now, do tell me, there isn't going to be a scandal ? (Anxiously.) Vive. Oh no ! Oh no ! Daub. Because I've just sent out the invitations for my first dinner-party in Gilminster, and I've asked the Wilmores and Sir John Plugenet. And if there is to be an exposure — really I don't know what I should do. Vive. You needn't be alarmed. We shall bring Lennard off with flying colours. Daub. I'm delighted ! Sir John seems bent on fishing things out. You'll be able to satisfy him, eh? Vive. Well, the girl herself declares that Linnell is abso- lutely mistaken. Daub. She does? Vive. Of course, if it comes to a question of hard swear- ing, and Linnell says one thing and we say another, then I hope Mrs. Wilmore may rely that her old friends will rally round her, and see that her version is believed. Daub. Of course we shall ! Linnell came to me with a long rigmarole about a letter that the girl had written ta Lennard Mrs. B. Yes, quite between ourselves, while I was waiting- 128 THE HYPOCRITES ACT III for the Doctor that night, this young person's things were on the table, and a letter had fallen out of her bag Dr. B. (IVarningly.) My dear! Vive. (Quickly) Did you see the contents? Mrs. B. Of course not ! But, as it was lying open I couldn't help catching sight of the word " shame," and Dr. B. My dear, I think you must be mistaken. Vive. Do you intend to say anything about this letter? (Dr. Blaney makes her an authoritative gesture to say " No.") Mrs. B. Oh no ! I shouldn't dream of mentioning it ! ^ (Re-enter Mrs. Wilmore zuith a letter in her hand.^ ) Mrs. W. (To ViVEASH.) Will you please see what Miss Neve has written? (Giving him letter.) It's past twelve.^ Sir John ought to be here. Vive. (N'odding.) Couldn't be better! I'll take care of it, shall I ? 4 (Enter Wilmore at back.) WiL. How d'ye do, Daubeny? (Shaking hands.) 129 * Crosses to Blaney. They have a few words in dumb show, Mrs. Blaney angrily crosses and sits L. of R. table. • Crosses to C. Viveash meets her there. 8 Crosses down and sits h. C. * Crosses to top of table. ACT III THE HYPOCRITES • Half rising and bowing. Daub. Good morning, my dear friend. WiL. Mrs. Blaney, how are you ? Mrs. B.i How d'ye do? WiL. Ah, Blaney! We meet under very strange circum- stances! That a son of mine should be accused of — ! And this upstart surate! I hope, Daubeny, that when he leaves Weybury you'll take care he doesn't annoy us any further? Daub. Yes. It's a little difficult to know what to do with him. What do you propose ? WiL. I hope he will have the grace to disappear entirely ! That is my invariable attitude towards any scoun- drel who crosses my path — " Disappear! Clear out of my way! Don't force me to take any further notice of you ! " ^ • Crosses to be- low sofa L. Daub. An admirable rule ! • Comes c. (Enter Goodyer at back, sJiozving in Sir John Plugenet, Exit Goodyer.) Sir J. Fm a little late.^ How do, Blaney? Dr. B. How are you, Sir John ? Sir J. How are you? {To Mrs. Blaney.)' 130 THE HYPOCRITES ACT III Mrs. B.i Good morning, Sir John. Sir J. (Looking round.) Mr. Linnell is not here? WiL. Yes, I had him shown into another room until such time as we required him. (Rings bell.) Sir J. We must have Lennard too. WiL. Lennard is only too anxious to face his traducer.^ (GooDYER appears at door at back.) WiL. Ask Mr. Lennard and Mr. Linnell to come here. (Exit GoODYER.) Sir J. And Miss Neve herself? Vive. In the next room. Mrs. W. She's ready to come in at any moment, but I'm sure you'd wish to spare her as far as possible. Sir J. Certainly. VlVE.^ Meantime, there is Miss Neve's own statement in her own words. Just cast your eye over that. (Giving him the letter Mrs. Wilmore has brought in.) (Enter Lennard at back. Throughout the scene he assumes a careless, confident manner, but at moments he betrays intense anxiety and ex- changes furtive looks zvith his mother.) 131 * Rises and bows and sits again. 2 Crosses doton ' Crosses to Sir John. ACT III THE HYPOCRITES Len. How are you? (To Daubeny.) Daub. Good morning, my dear young friend. (SJiaking hands. ) Len. How d'ye do, Mrs. Blaney ? Mrs. B. How d'ye do? Len. Good morning, Blaney. Sir J. {Having read the letter.) But this is positively conclusive. Vive. I thought you'd say so. Sir J. What can Mr. Linnell say to this? ^ {Enter Goodyer at hack, announcing " Mr. Lin- nell." Enter Linnell. Exit Goodyer. Lin- nell bozus as he comes in. Sir John, poisoned against him by the Wilmores and Viveash, re- gards him zmth evident distrust and coldness.) Mrs. W. {Introducing.) Mr. Linnell — Sir John Plugenet. LlN.2 Good morning, Sir John. Sir J. {Very coldly.) Good morning, sir. Vive. We may as well come to business at once. Will you be seated ? ^ 132 1 Putting state- ment in pocket. Vive- ash crosses back to head of table, and places chair from up L. back at top of table for Sir John. ' Coming to c. on Sir John's ' Wilmore sits doirn L. Vive- ash L. of Ii. table as be- fore. Sir John at head of table. Mrs. Wilmore is already seat- ed R. of same, Linnell re- mains stand- ing up c, Daubeny sits in arm-chair up R. back c. Le7inard crosses and stands on his R. Mrs. Bla- ney is al- ready seated L. of R. table. Blaney sits down B. THE HYPOCRITES ACT III (Daubeny, Mrs. Wilmore, Mrs. Blaney, Dr. Blaney sit. ViVEASH scats himself, and makes notes all the while.) Vive. Mr. Linnell, I must ask you formally to withdraw certain damaging statements you have made regard- ing Mr. Lennard Wilmore and Miss Neve. WiL. And apologize! (A pause.) Sir J. (Sternly to Linnell.) What have you to say, sir? Lin. (Glancing round him.) Nothing. Sir J. What?! You mal<:e this dreadful accusation, and then you run away from it? Lin. I'm not running away. I'm here. Sir J. But you've repeated this slander? Lin. Not to a single person since that night. WiL. But it's all over the town! Lin. Not through any word of mine. I've no wish to re- peat this story even now — unless you force me. Sir J. Perhaps, sir, but before you leave this room you must either repeat it, or withdraw it absolutely. | 133 ACT III THE HYPOCRITES * Turning to Lennard. Lin. If you please. Through an accident I became aware of Mr. Lennard Wihnore's fault. I urged him to own the truth to you.^ I urge him still, I entreat him, with all Vive. (Dry, hard.) Mr. Linnell, please reserve your sentimental appeals for the pulpit. Sir John wants to get at the facts. LiN. I'll give them to him. Sir J. (Cold, distrustful.) I shall be obliged. LlN.2 • Coming down c. While Miss Neve w^as in my house, a letter she had it was ad- It spoke of written tumbled on the floor. Thinking it was ad dressed to myself, I began to read it. the writer's shame and distress WiL. But what reason had you for connecting the writer's shame and distress with Mr. Lennard Wilmore? Lin. It said " I shall call on your mother this afternoon, and " Vive. But, you may have observed, other people besides Mr. Lennard Wilmore have mothers. Lin. Yes, it is customary. (Advancing a little tozvards Mrs. Wilmore.) Mothers who bring their sons up to love the truth and hate lies 134 THE HYPOCRITES ACT III Sir J.^ What? Mr. Linnell! You accuse a lady in Mrs. Wilmore's position!^ — Viveash, I shall lose my patience. VlVE.^ Keep calm, Sir John! We shall soon explode this bag of moonshine.^ {To Linnell.) You're sure this letter didn't read, " I'll call on your grand- mother? " Lin. No — the girl didn't mock at her agony. Do you? Vive. What became of this letter? Miss Neve burnt it. Lin. Vive. That's a pity. Mrs. Wilmore, will you please ask Miss Neve whether the letter Mr. Linnell picked up that night was written to your son, and whether it contained any reference whatever to you, or to him? (Mrs. Wilmore.^) Lin. Why ask her? You know she'll say " No." Mrs. W. Surely Miss Neve must know to whom she wrote that letter. {Exit Mrs. Wilmore, left.^) VlVE.^ Have you any other evidence against Mr. Len- nard Wilmore? Yes, his own word.® Lin. I3S * Sir John rises. ' Crosses up to R. end of sofa. * Rises and puts his and Sir John's chair under table. * Leaning over back of chair. " Rises. • Lennard hcts crossed, opened door for her, and stands look- ing after her, ' Crosses to above L. C chair. * Sir John crosses to L. of Daubeny. Lennard comes down L. to below table. ACT III THE HYPOCRITES ' Moving a step or two to- wards L. ' Rises, crosses and stands v-ith back to fireplace. » Mrs. Tr,7- more enters from L. a?)d comes to be- low sofa. My word? Len. Lin. You owned to me ^ you had betrayed this girl under a promise of marriage; and you begged me to hide it! Len. What? I asked you what bee you'd got in your bonnet ! WiL. A bee in his bonnet! Now that to me exactly de- scribes the situation. Daub. A very happy phrase ! A bee in his bonnet ! ( Tap- ping his stomach.) Vive. I suppose what really happened, Lennard, was this — Mr. Linnell told you this poor girl's story; you pitied her, and then he muddled up Lin. (Sternly.) Please don't put his lie into his mouth! He has it pat enough! WlL.2 Lie! We're using very pretty language now! Mrs. B. And in the presence of ladies! ^ Dr. B. Violent language is generally associated with a bad case. Lin. Yes, and sometimes with a good case, too! 136 THE HYPOCRITES ACT III Sir ]} Lennard, my boy,^ you are to take my name, and be my son. Tell me — Is there any truth in what Mr, Linnell says? Len. (Catches sight of his mother's anxious face, and, after the faintest faltering, says Urnily. ) No, not the least. Sir J. You did not confess you had betrayed this girl? Len. {Quite firmly.) No, Sir John. (Mrs. Wilmore shows immense relief.) Sir J. {Relieved. SJiakcs his hand cordially.') I believe you. And now, tell this man to his face that he is mistaken. He'll know what that means. (Mrs. Wilmore shon's anxiety.) Len. {Steps firmly to Linnell and says fiercely.) Mr. Linnell, you are mistaken ! (Mrs. Wilmore sliozvs great relief. Linnell Hanies zvith resenfnioit, is about to reply, but stops and stares round, grozving bczvildercd, and beginning to realice the hopelessness of his posi- tion; at length drops into chair, ^ and buries his face in hands on table.) Mrs. W. {Comes forzvard.) Miss Neve says most positively that the letter Mr. Linnell picked up was not written to Lennard, and had no reference to him or to me. Sir J. {To Linnell.) You hear that Miss Neve denies 137 * Crosses down R. c. ' Lennard crosses to him. Mrs. Wilmore crosses to l. of Danbeny. ' R. of L. table. Sir John moves up a step or two. Lennard turns to Mrs. Wilmore. ivho hascom.e a little doivn c. ACT III THE HYPOCRITES Lin. Oh, yes, she denies. They all deny ! And Mr. and Mrs. Wilmore! Let them deny too! If you please, both of you, deny, deny, deny ! WiL. So we're to be dragged into it! So we knew Lin. * Dr. Blaney rises and moves up r. a little. • Coming a little nearer hiin. Len- nard moving a little up c. • Rises and crosses round to Blaney. They move up R. and Daubeny joins them. ( To WiLMORE. ) Aye, you knew ! For you offered me the living to hold my tongue ! ( To Mrs. Wil- more.) And you — you begged me with tears to save your boy. Well, I've done my best to save him ! You must go your way and ruin him ! Go on and ruin him ! ^ Sir J. (Struck by the sincerity of Linnell's utterance.) Wilmore — Mrs. Wilmore, surely you didn't beg Mr. Linnell to Mrs. W.2 My dear Sir John, when we got there, we found Mr. Linnell in an excited state — with this bee in his bonnet — his own wife implored him to with- draw his silly statement. Mrs. Blaney, you remem- ber? Mrs. B. Oh, yes. Poor Mrs. Linnell said she was sure he didn't mean it, and told him to beg Mr. Wilmore's pordon.^ (Linnell is overwhelmed. Sir John looks at ViVEASH, who shrugs his shoulders contemptu- ously. ) Vive. Have you any further evidence to offer us? (Linnell, growing more and more bewildered, shakes his head.) 138 THE HYPOCRITES ACT III Vive. Sir John, will you please show him Miss Neve's letter to Mrs. Wilmore. Sir J. Ah, yes ! ^ (Bringing out the letter which Viveash has given him.) Please read that. To what end? l^IN. Sir J. Please read it. (Linnell takes the letter, and looks at it mechanically, not trying to understand it.) You see, the girl herself declares Mr. Lennard Wil- more is nothing to her. Lin. She knows! She knows! Vive. I'm glad you admit she knows.^ Sir J. "Well, what have you to say ? Lin. Nothing. (Giving back the letter.) Sir J. Nothing, sir? Nothing? LlN.^ (Suddenly.) Yes! Please bring Miss Neve here Mrs. W. (Alarmed.) Sir John, you shall see Miss Neve and question her yourself, but Dr. Blaney will say if she is in a fit state 139 ' Crosses to Linnell. Mrs. Wilmore crosses down to his R. Lennard crosses to above R. C. chair. ' Leaning over Lin- nell's chair. » A pause- then sud- denly rising. ACT III THE HYPOCRITES ' Coming down R. again. * Lennard crosses down to below R. table. Bla- ney has moved up R. to Mrs. Bla- ney and Duubeny again. Sir John crosses R. c. Vive- ash crosses to Wilmore at fire, sjjeuks to him for a moment, then crosses at back of table to Sir John c. * Then, looking at Linnell. * Linnell cross- es up and stands at back by door. * Viveash moves lip back. Dr. B.i I must certainly forbid any violent or distressing scenes. It would be highly dangerous to my patient. Lin, Then why is she here, if not to get at the truth? Sir John, for the sake of your daughter's happiness, I demand to ask Miss Neve one question in the pres- ence of your future son-in-law. Vive. Surely Miss Neve's statement is sufficiently explicit. Lin. I demand to put them face to face. Sir J. Mrs. Wilmore, I think we might ask Miss Neve to please step here for a moment. Mrs. W. If you wish. (She just glances at Viveash, who just signs assent. ) I do. I'll fetch her. Sir J. Mrs. W. (Mrs. Wilmore goes off left, leaving the door open?') Vive. {To Sir John.) Sir John, you'll take care Miss Neve is not frightened ^ or brow-beaten ? ^ Sir J. We will treat her with every consideration.' 140 THE HYPOCRITES ACT III Mrs. W. (Appears at door, left, looking off.) please ^ If you (Rachel enters very slozvly, limping a little, with calm, set, determined face, and downcast eyes. She just raises them to meet Lennard's glance for an instant.^) Mrs. W. This is Sir John Pkigenet — Miss Neve. John and Rachel hozv slightly.^) Lin, (Sir Good morning, Miss Neve.^ {He holds out Jiis hand. ) Rach. Good morning. (SJie just looks at him, does not give her hand at first, bnt as he holds his out, at length she gives hers. He takes it, holds it, and leads her towards Lennard.^) Lin. {To Lennard.) Will you please look at this lady? Vive. What now ? Lin. {To Rachel.) Will you please look at Mr. Wil- more? I charge you both, as you will answer at that dreadful day when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed (Lennard draws back a little. Rachel also shows a very slight sign of faltering, which she in- stantly controls.) Vive. {Very firmly.) Sir John, I must protest against 141 ' Comes to up * She comes to L, of table L. ' Rachel comes down L. to below table. * Crossing dotvn to be- low L. table. Mrs. Wil- viore crosses to above r. table. Vive- ash comes to above L. C. chair. " R. Linnell standing l. of R. c. chair, between Ba- chel and Lennard. ACT III THE HYPOCRITES ^^' this paltry theatrical appeal ! Miss Neve has scarcely recovered from her illness * Holding up his hand to stop him. * Advancing a little. • Linnell looks at Sir John. Then from Len- ■nurd to Ra- chel. Tlien hopcles.'ily fiac/.-.s np to bark c. Ea- chel s'lipports herself on chair. Sir John taM s a step towi rds her. If you please, Mr. Viveash! Let me put them to their oath. VlVE.2 Doctor Blaney ! Sir John ! Sir J. Mr. Linnell, will you please stand aside? If you please, sir, I'll question Miss Neve myself.^ (To Rachel, very kindly.) I'm deeply grieved to trouble you. You know my daughter is to be mar- ried to this gentleman? Rach. Yes. Sir J. Please forgive my asking. Has he ever been more to you than an acquaintance? Rach. No. Sir J. Has he ever spoken to you any word of love? Rach. No. Sir J. Have you the least claim upon him as a lover? Rach. No. Sir J. That is your solemn word — your solemn oath, in the presence of Heaven? You have no claim what- ever upon Mr. Lennard Wilmore? 142 THE HYPOCRITES ACT III Rach. (Quite Urmly, and then looking at Sir John.) none whatever ! No, Sir J. Thank you for having spoken out so plainly. That sets the question at rest forever.^ (Rachel has anszvered quite firmly and steadfastly throughout , but at the end she drops back into a chair a little exhausted. Sir J.2 It has been too much for you? Rach. No — no — please don't trouble. Sir J. (Turns to Linnell.) Mr. Linnell, I daren't trust myself to speak to you ! You, a clergyman, v^hose first care it should be to hush all slander and evil speaking WiL. Leave this house, sir ! ' (Linnell, bewildered, dazed, looks round, goes up to door at back, dazed.) Mrs. W. {As he passes her.) I told you how this would end. Lin. (Suddenly turns at door.^) It's not ended! Sir John, tell your daughter to look ! There's a rat under the floor of her new home! (Szveeping his hand round to Wilmore, Mrs. Wilmore, and Lennard.^) You know it, all of you! You liars! You hypocrites! You time-servers! Damned 143 » Takes a step to c. Quickly turn- ing to Ra- chel. Lin- nell crosses doten c, irntching her anxiously Mrs. Wil- more moves tip to back c. chair. ' Sir John moves to above Ra- chel. * Crosses to nim and catching hold of him, ex- citedly. * Backing up to door. ACT III THE HYPOCRITES * Coming down L. c. and pointing to Wilmore. ' Up back c. Lennard has come round back of R. table, threat- ening!;/ to Linneil. Ra- chel after rising has made for the door but staggers when she is C. Lennard, who is just behind Iter, instinctively catches her and holds her facing him. ' Mrs. Wil- more comes down to be- hind R. c. chair. Sir John comes down R. c. Viveash comes to be- low sofa. * Viveash throws him- self on sofa. Wilmore crosses beloiv table. * Lennard turning to Sir John. ® To Linneil, who has come down L. c. * Buries his face in his hands. Act plays 44 minutes. time-servers ! ' You know it ! You know the rat's festering under the floor! (Coming down to Rachel.) You know it too! Ah! You know it (Rachel starts up frightened and staggers. Vive- ash and Sir John ptdl Linnell azvay.^) Rach. (Struggling to get free.) No! No! Not youl Don't — don't touch me ! They'll think — Oh, let me go! 3 Len. (Clasping her fiercely, kissing her.) Rachel! Oh, what a hound ! What a cur I've been ! Rachel ! Rachel, forgive me!'* (She revives, struggles free from him, and goes off left.)^ Sir John, I'm a scoundrel ! I daren't face Miss Plugenet, but ask her Sir J. (Turns azvay from him with an angry gesture.) Mrs. Wilmore, you knew this! And you lied to me and fooled me! Mrs. W. What have you done, Len? Len.^ Linneil, I beg your pardon. I've behaved like a "^ Lin. That's past! Look up! Look up, my friend! You've cleared yourself ! You've owned your fault! You're a free man from this hour! (Shak- ing hands warmly.) Curtain. A fortnight passes hetzveen Acts III and IV, 144 s o ^ 1^ O \^_3 I 9seo:!iooa [ ^2 eess^oo^ I MOpUI^ < 71 O " ^.2 ACT IV. Scene : The same as Act III. An afternoon about a fortnight later. Discover Mrs. Wilmore look- ing eagerly oft at zvindoiv. She goes to bell ^ and rings it, then returns to window, and again looks off.) {Enter Goodyer.^) Mrs. W. Goodyer, wasn't that Mr. Lennard who went into the lodge just now? Good. Yes, ma'am. Mrs. W. With the young lady who Yes, ma'am. Good. Mrs. W. Please go across to the lodge and tell him I cannot see him— or the young lady. Good. Yes, ma'am. {Looking off.) Here is Mr. Len- nard, ma'am. (Lennard enters at back. Exit Goodyer.) Len.^ Mother ! Mrs. W.^ No, Lennard! No! I can never feel you're really my son again till you've given up this girl 145 * At back. * At back. * Advamces to her. * Above R. c. chair. ACT IV THE HYPOCRITES Len. That will be "never." But you don't mean it! Mrs. W. I do. To be talked about all over the county, and "cut" by our old friends! To be turned out of our old home, and thrown back into poverty ! That's enough for me to bear, without taking to my heart the cause of it all. * Crosses L. c. ' Crosses to fireplace. Len. I am the cause of it all. Mrs. W. No, she is the cause of it all ! Len. No, L I alone. It was my folly and cowardice. Now I'm trying to repair the mischief I've done. Mrs. W. By this impossible marriage ! Len. I love her! I've never really loved anybody else. It all came back when she stood there so bravely. Mother, you wouldn't have me behave like a cad and a villain to her a second time? Mrs. W. It's useless to talk. I can never receive Miss Neve into our family. You must choose between her and me Len. Then I choose her. So be it.i for this.2 Mrs. W. I've to thank your friend Mr. Linnell 146 THE HYPOCRITES ACT IV Len.i Yes, Linnell is our friend. He has seen Sir John Plugenet, and brought him round Mrs. W. I don't wish him brought round. He has behaved infamously in spreading this scandal through the county. We are utterly disgraced and ruined! (Enter Viveash and Wilmore.^ Wilmore is pompously self-pitying. Lennard bozvs to him, hut he barely nods to Lennard in return.) Vive. Well, how are you? {Shaking hands with Mrs. Wilmore. ) AlRS. W. As you see.^ Vive.4 Glad to see you back home, Lennard. WlL.^ Lennard is not at home ; except in the sense of being present here for the moment. He is still enjoying the hospitality of his bosom friend Linnell. Vive. Surely, Wilmore, you won't turn your only son out of doors? WiL. I shall certainly not welcome him here until he has given up his idea of marrying this — a — young per- son. Len. I'm sorry, father. Mr. Linnell is to marry Miss Neve and me to-morrow morning in London. What? WiL. 147 • Coming dovm c. Mrs. Wilmore crossing to above table. 2 At back Wil- more closes door after him. Len- nard moves to above R. c table. ' Sitting at L. c. table. * Crosses be- hind table and doimi L. " Standing at door. ACT IV THE HYPOCRITES Mrs. W. {Heartbroken.) Lennard! Lennard! WiL. And pray what happens after that? Len. Sir John Plugenet has been kind enough to get me a railway appointment in India. * Crosses to her. Wilmore crosses to above r. c. table. Indeed ! WiL. Len. Through Linnell's influence. Rachel and I leave for India next week. And I'm going to pull my- self together, and make a thundering hard try to be a better sort of chap for the future.^ Mother, you'll help us? Mrs. W. No, Lennard, no! Len. I've brought her over from Gilminster. If you won't come to our wedding at least you'll see her, and wish us happiness? Mrs. W. I can't ! I can't! WiL. Where is this young person? Len. Across at the lodge. WiL. In my lodge! On my premises! Len. Yes, father. I think my future wife is quite good 148 THE HYPOCRITES ACT IV enoug-h company for your gardener! Mother, you'll see her? Mrs. W. No — no Vive. I think you'd better.^ {Enter Goodyer at back, announcing^ Mr, Dau- BENY. Exit Goodyer.) Daub. Ah, my dear friends! How are you, Mrs. Wil- more? (Shaking hands with her.) Enjoying this marvellous autumn weather, I trust? Mrs. W. Yes. Daub. That's right ! You're looking more charming than ever! (Nodding to Viveash.) Ah, Viveash! Lennard ! Vive. How are you? Len. How d'ye do? (Viveash Jias whispered to Lennard. Lennard goes off, left.) Daub.^ Wilmore, my dear old friend, I do trust you aren't allowing this tiresome little affair of Lennard's to depress your spirits? WiL. No. I am bearing up wonderfully well on the whole.'* Daub. That's right. 149 ' Lennard crosses be- hind table to Vhieash. 2 Wilmore makes ges- ture of an- noyance and crosses down R. 8 Crossing to- wards Wil- * Sits R. of R. table. Vive' ash sits L. be- low fireplace. ACT IV THE HYPOCRITES WiL. I can safely say that throughout this undeserved affliction I have borne myself like a Christian, and a gentleman * Crossing to- wards Mrs. Wilmoi-e. Daub. I'm sure you have ! And that must be a great con- solation to you ! WiL. We all have to suffer for the wrongdoings of others Daub. We do! We do! Very true! Ah, yes! Ah, yes! ^ Well, we shall be safely ensconced in the Deanery to-night. I ran over to say " Good-bye." My dear wife would have come, but she has one of her hack- ing coughs. However, she sent her love — and — sympathy. By the way, Mrs. Wilmore, you didn't answer her note? Mrs. W. About your dinner party? Daub. Yes. As Sir John Plugenet is to be there we thought it only kind to you to give you a chance of — avoiding him. Mrs. W. Have you given Sir John Plugenet the same chance of avoiding us? Daub. I don't cjuite follow. Mrs. W. Mrs. Daubeny suggests we should decline to come to your dinner party. 150 THE HYPOCRITES ACT IV * Wilmore rises with impa- tience. Daub. No, indeed ! Don't put it like that ! Such old friends! But being our first dinner party, we're anxious to avoid — any little discord/ Mrs. W. I see ! Please tell Mrs. Daubeny we withdraw our acceptance of your kind invitation. Daub. We must have a little cosy family dinner — just our four selves. Now name your own day. Mrs. W. Thank you.^ I cannot fix one at present. Daub. Well, don't be long about it, there's a dear, amiable lady ! Viveash, my dear friend, when you're over at Gilminster, you'll drop in and lunch with us? Vive. Delighted. Daub. Do, now. (Going off, suddenly bethinking him- self.) Wilmore,^ I hear you're leaving Weybury, which I do hope is not true. But if you are, and if you should be disposing of your cellar, you might put an old friend in the way of buying what re- mains of that port — you know that delicious, soft, silky, sixty-eight?"* Now there's a hint for you, my dear friend ! Do take it ! Good-bye ! WiL. Good-bye. Daub. (To Mrs. Wilmore.) Don't worry about this affair of Lennard's. It will soon blow over — soon blow over. Good-bye, Viveash, my dear friend. 151 ' i?2.ses. Vive- ash also. ' Crossing over to him. * Mrs. Wil- more has gone above table to fire- place and rang bell, and returned to above l. c. chair. ACT IV THE HYPOCRITES Vive. Good-bye. (GooDYER appears at door}) Daub. Good-bye, dear friends. Good-bye, (Exit^ fol- lowed by GoODYER.) Mrs. W. You see ! We are to be cut by everybody ! ^ WiL. Yes, I met the new Wesleyan minister yesterday, and instead of bowing respectfully to me, as he ought, he stared up at the front of his new chapel. I'm sure he was chuckling up his sleeve! Vive. Let's hope he was meditating a lapse into Gothic for his next meeting house. ^ At back standing out- side. *At back Wilmore crosses up R. c. Viveash moves rottnd L. and back to c. • Crosses dov)n below L. table and to fire- place. Coming down * Coming to be low table. WiL. You can chaff, Viveash ! you're not losing the honourable record of a lifetime, laboriously spent in advancing the highest morality and soundest Churchmanship amongst your neighbours VlVE.4 No, but I'm losing the few shekels I'd laboriously scraped together in fostering litigation amongst such of my neighbours as were fools enough to go to law. What's the use of harking back ? We're in a very awkward position, and only one man can pull us out — Linnell. Mrs. W. Linnell ! ^ Vive. Linnell. Of course this business has put Linnell in high favour with Sir John. Now, I'm persuading 152 THE HYPOCRITES ACT IV Linnell that Sir John was very unchristianlike in making a fuss and blackguarding you all over the county. Linnell is persuading Sir John that he was very unchristianlike, and Sir John is beginning to feel that he was very unchristianlike; so I fancy he'll help us out of our hole with the mortgages; especially as your property would be a very good investment for him, and round off the Plugenet estate.^ But we must get Linnell to pull the strings with Sir John for us. Mrs. W. I will owe nothing to Mr. Linnell, except my own, and my son's disgrace and ruin. (Enter Goodyer at back.) Good. Miss Plugenet and Mr. Linnell are in the drawing- room, ma'am.^ They wish to see you alone for a few minutes. Mrs. W. I will see Miss Plugenet. Linnell. Vive. I cannot receive Mr. Oh, I think you will. (To Goodyer.) All right, Goodyer. We'll come into the drawing-room. (Exit Goodyer.^) Vive. (To Mrs. Wilmore.) Come, old friend!"* You've lost a great deal, but don't lose your nerves, don't lose your temper, don't lose your hold of the situation. I shall send Linnell to you. (Exit.Y WiL.*' Charlotte, I think you might come and help us pull the strings 153 • Crossing to- wards Mrs, Wilmore. * Wilmore, be- hind h. c. table, slams book. ' Leaving door open. * Taking hand. ^ At back. * Crossing up R. c. ACT IV THE HYPOCRITES • Crossing up to Wilmore. * Moves aivay to L. C. Mrs. W. I've pulled all my strings ! They've all broken ! ^ Please tell Mr. Linnell I will not receive him — and leave me alone.- (Throwing herself in a chair in despair. ) WiL. {Looking at her.) Yes, it's a pretty state of affairs. However, I can honestly say I've acted throughout according to the dictates of my conscience • Crosses and sits R. c. • Goes tip to her, offering his hand, which she ignores and crosses to- wards L. C. chair. ^ At back, closes door. Mrs. W. (Enraged.) Conscience! Conscience! Conscience! Oh, stamp on it ! Stamp on it ! What's the use of a conscience like yours, that always works wrong ^ WiL. Upon my word! Really, Charlotte! My own wife too! (Helen appeal's at the door at back, zvJiich has been left open.) Hel. (Coldly bozvs.) I beg pardon WiL. Please come in. Miss Plugenet (Helen enters.) PIel. (Entering.) May I have a few words with Mrs. Wilmore? WiL. Certainly.^ I — a — I — a (Helen takes no notice of him. He pompously pidls himself together and exit.)^ 154 THE HYPOCRITES ACT IV Hel.1 (Pale, subdued.) I couldn't leave Weybury with- out saying " Good-bye " to you. Mrs. W. Thank you. It's kind of you. Hel. Your son is not at home to-day Mrs. W. Y'es, Lennard is at the lodge. Hel. Then I mustn't stay.^ Good-bye. Mrs. W.^ Good-bye, dear. Oh, Helen, I'm so sorry! (The two zvonien cry together.^) And your heart is broken too ! Hel. No, not quite. ]\Ir. Linnell has been so kind. Mr. Linnell ! ^ ]Mrs. W. Hel. He has taught me to bear it, and to grow strong and better by it. I shall have a higher life, if not a happier life. A high life can't be a happy life, can it? I'm going to work with Mr. Linnell in London. Mrs. W. In London? Hel. I've managed to get him appointed to the vicarage of St. James's, Shadwell. It's a poor living, but it's just what he wished, and what I wish. We are leaving to-night. He wants to see you. He's wait- ing in the next room. * Comes c. 2 Holds ont her (ir))is to- ivdrds Mrs. M'ilniore. ^ Rises and em- braces her. * Taking Helen'' s face in her hands. * Backing a step. 155 ACT IV THE HYPOCRITES Mrs. W. I can't see him. The man who has brought me to the dust ! I can't ! ^ * Crosses h. c. * Helen tunis and again holds out her arms to Mrs. Wilmore. * Embracing her. * Helen hacks to above r. c. chair. Mrs. Wilmore moves to l. c. chair. ' At L. of open door. * Who also em- braces her. "* At back. Len- nard closes door, and conies to R. of Rachel, and brings her down a step. • Lennard brings her down to c. He moves to R. c. Hel. Good-bye then.^ Mrs. W. Good-bye.^ Oh, Helen, it's all over! All my wishes ! All my life ! I'm dead ! No, worse than that! I'm living, with nothing to live for! (Wip- ing aivay her tears.) Good-bye! Hel. Good-bye ! {They are embracing when the door at hack opens, and Rachel enters, shozvn in and followed by Lennard. Rachel comes dozvn a fezv steps. Mrs. Wilmore and Helen then disengage themselves,^ and Rachel and Helen recognise each other.) Len. (Showing great shame.) I beg pardon. I didn't know (He is going off.) Hel. No, please stay. I'm going. (He stands deeply ashamed.^ Helen goes towards door, then stops, looks at Rachel a moment, goes to her.) I hope you will be very happy! (Kisses Rachel.*^ Exit.'') Len. Mother, we're leaving England in a few days. Haven't you a word to say to her? Mrs. W. (To Rachel.) Yes. Please come to me.^ I don't wish to speak unkindly, but, through you, Lennard's career has been destroyed for the time 156 THE HYPOCRITES ACT IV Rach. Oh, don't say that! Mrs. W. I must. My son was in a great position. He might have hoped for any honours — the highest — he had a splendid future. To-day he's a disgraced pauper — through you ! Len. Mother ! ^ Mother ! Rachel, come away with me. Mrs. Vv^. No, Lennard, please let her hear me! {To Rachel.) I'm not reproaching you. It's done. But now you're going to do him a further in- jury Rach. No! No! Mrs. W. Yes ! If you leave him, and go out of his life, this disgrace will pass away and be forgotten. In a few years he will redeem his mistake, and make a good marriage. Won't you give him a chance? Haven't you done him harm enough? Rach. Oh, what am I to do? Len. Come away with me! Mother, I'll never give her up now. Mrs. W. Then I hope she'll have the good sense and the good feeling to give you up. Rachel ! Len. 157 ' Coming up to Rachel and taking her hand. ACT IV THE HYPOCRITES Mrs. W. Keep silence, Lennard, if you please, and let me save you from this last dishonour. What do you say? Rach. I love him so much ! I can't give him up now ! You won't ask me! I've promised Mr. Linnell ! (LiNNELL appears at door.) Ah, tell me!^ Must I give Lennard up? Is it for his good? Tell me I ought, and I'll try to do it,^ even now ! Mrs. W.^ Mr. Linnell, please keep away from us now ! I won't have you interfere in this. {To Rachel.) You've heard what I said! Don't listen to him. • Crossing up R. c. Len- nard follows on her e. * Turning to Lennard ivho takes her in his arms. • Crossing up L. C. * Coming down a little. * Crosses up to door. « Mrs. Wil- more slams door and crosses down L,. c. again. LlN.4 She will listen to me. And you will listen to me. Mrs. W. I won't! Go, please! {Pointing.^) The door I The door! Lin. {To Lennard.) Miss Neve, Lennard, please leave me a few minutes with Mrs. Wilmore. {Motioning them to door, left.) Mrs. W. No! No! Lin. If you please, Lennard ! Len. Rachel {Taking her off, left.) Mrs. W.^ Is it always to be so? Will you always come in my way? Lin. Always! till you're in the right way. 158 1 THE HYPOCRITES ACT IV I won't hear you! Ah, but you will! Mrs. W. Lin. Mrs. W. No ! No ! You've broken up my home, you've de- feated all my hopes, you've ruined my son, you're parting me from him now when I love and need him most, you're sending him away to India to die, per- haps, out there — I may never see him again. You've done all this! Well, you've done it! So be satis- fied with your work, and let me be ! ^ Lin. My work isn't finished Mrs. W. Not finished?! Pray, what more have you to do? Lin. To open your eyes! To make you see what you would have done ! ^ Think of it ! And you asked me, God's minister, to wink at your foul trick and help you — help you prepare a long life of treachery and distrust for your son and his bride ! Look at it ! Where is your conscience? Where is your eye- sight? Ah, but you wouldn't have done it! Very shame would have stopped you Mrs. W. You have stopped me ! So be content. Lin. No, riot till you own your son is doing right. Mrs. W. To marry that girl ? ^ 159 • Crosses down to below table. * Crosses down to her. * Turning up to him. ACT IV THE HYPOCRITES Lin. Yes! They love each other. Their future will be all the more secure from their bitter remembrance of the past. They'll work out their repentance in a great love. He'll build his house on the true love of man and wife. It will stand. His hopes, his honour, his safety, his duty, his happiness, — all lie with her. Can't you see that? Mrs. W. I can see nothing, except that I am to lose Lennard. You've robbed me of him! You've robbed me of him!i Lin. No! No! Or if I have, it's only to give him back to you ! I took him from yo.u a coward, a de- ceiver, a seducer, ready to act a base He and live an idle, selfish life upon the money of a woman he didn't really love — I give him back to you an honourable, upright man, ready to work and to face life bravely with the woman he does love. Ah! Take him from me — take the new Lennard to your heart, and thank God for giving you a son you can be proud of! Mrs. W. I can't! I can't! I can't bear to think ^ — I can't owe anything to you ! ' Falls in chair R. o/l. table, burying her face in her hands. * Crosses to r. He follows. » Sits R. c. Lin. Don't think of me as your creditor. Think of me as your servant ! God's servant, and therefore your servant, sent to hold a light to your path, and smooth it where it's rough and thorny ! Won't you let me do that? Won't you understand that I'm your friend, and your servant? Won't you? Mrs. W. (After a pause.) I'll try ,^ but Lennard — Lennard is going from me. 1 60 THE HYPOCRITES ACT IV Lin. No! Go with him! Remember he loves her! Remember all she has suffered for his sake ! Won't you try and love her too? Think how easily you can make them happy! Think how easily you can make her love you ! They need your help and sympathy. Come to their marriage to-morrow, and go out to India with them. If you refuse, he will still make her his wife. You can't hinder that. Then you will remember all your life that you parted from him in anger. If, as you said, he should die out there ^ Mrs. W. Bring them in! Bring them in! (LiNNELL goes off dooK, left, brings on Rachel, and Lennard follows.) Mrs. W. {To Rachel.) Come to me, my dear. {The two women embrace in tears. ) Mother ! Len. Lin. Now my work in Weybury is finished! To-mor- row all your lives begin anew ! Curtain. ' Mrs. Wilmcre rising and taking his hands and pushing him towards h. * Rachel on Mrs. WiU move's R. Lennard comes to her L. Mrs. WiU more em- bracing them. Lin- nell standing up L. Act plays 18 minutes. l6i PROPERTY PLOT. ACT J. Aubusson carpet, green velvet pile surround, down. Cottage piano down l. On piajio. (Bowl of flowers, 2 photographs in frames, 2 books.) I Chair (white enamelled wood and unbleached chintz) in front of piano. I Chair above piano. Curtains and loops (chintz) on window opening. Pole and rings. Small buhl table up l. at back. On table. (Small bowl of roses, 2 photographs in frames, i book, and) work-bag with work in it for " Mrs. Wilmore." Chesterfield sofa, chintz covered, L. b. c. 3 Magazines on same. Small table b. c. left of door. On table. (Bowl of roses, 2 photographs in frames, i book.) Small arm-chair R. of door B. c. Small table R. b. c. On table. (Bowl of roses, 2 photographs in frames, 2 books.) Small high-backed arm-chair in corner up R. Large easy-chair above fire, and facing it. Small arm-chair down R., below fireplace. Large inlaid satinwood and mahogany table R. c. On table. (Writing materials, bell, blotting pad, 3 magazines, 2 books, inkstand, etc, stationery box.) Waste-paper basket under table to r. I Small chair above table. I Small chair l. of table. 162 THE HYPOCRITES 071 wall L. Below window opening. 2 plates I gj^g ^j^jj^^_ Q^ ^^jj^^ gj^gjj^ 2 vases. J 2 Water-colors in gilt frames. One on each side of electric brackets. Over window opening. 2 Vases, I large plate. On wall. Back. 3 Plates, 2 vases— on china shelf. 2 Water-colors in gilt frames. One on each side \ l. of of electric bracket. j door c. Over door c. 1 Large plate. R. of door c. 2 Plates, 2 vases — on china shelf. 2 Water-colors in gilt frames. One on each side of electric bracket. On 7uall R. 2 Plates — above door r. on china shelf. Over door R. 3 Small vases. I Water-color in gilt frame. I Vase above fireplace on china shelf. On mantelpiece. 1 Buhl clock. 2 Vases. I Plate, below fireplace on china shelf. Hand Props. Lady's hand-bag initialled " R. N.") | ^^^ ,,^^^^ ^^^^^,. with note mside. Umbrella. j Double-barrelled gun. For " Mr. Wilmore." Salver and receipt. For " Goodyer." ACT II. Cheap brussels carpet, with red felt surround, down. I Chair (old mahogany and horse-hair) down l. Curtains (old red plush) and pole over recess window L. I Small oak table in recess. 163 THE HYPOCRITES On table. 3 Small flowering plants in pots. Small toy-horse under table. White blinds to recess windows. Round table l. c. with old-fashioned table-cloth. On table, (discovered at rise of curtain.) Lady's hand-bag with note. ) tt j ti • a i. t ^ ^ K Hand Props, in Act I. Umbrella. ) Rug and strap. I Small chair R. of table. I Small easy chair L. af table and above it. Old-fashioned couch at back l. I Small chair between doors at back. 1 Oak bookcase with desk. 2 Silver cups on top of bookcase. On desk of bookcase. I Stuffed toy dog. I ditto monkey. 3 Picture books. Papers, etc., in drawers. Toy go-cart in front of bookcase. 1 Square oak table up R. On table. 3 Books. 2 Magazines. Work-basket. " The Church Times." Ujider table. Box of toy blocks scattered. 3 Loose picture books. Steel fender and fire-irons to fireplace R. On Mantelpiece. Clock, 2 brass candlesticks, 2 cone shells. 2 China ornaments. Small looking-glass with visiting cards around. I Small chair and i hassock below fireplace R. Special arm-chair R. c. Rag doll under chair. On wall down l. 164 THE HYPOCRITES ( Oil painting in oak frame. ) ( Small sample in maple frame under painting. J Oil painting above window l. Print over door R. at back. Betiveen doors at back. 2 Small silhouettes. 1 Small picture. Racing scull above doors, on back flats. Print over door L. at back. Small picture in gilt frame L. of door L. at back. Pair small red plush curtains over small window l. at back. 2 China dogs on sill of same. Turkey rug down in passage at back door L. Li inner room. Round table. On table. Blotting-pad, inkstand. 3 Magazines, 2 books. Church notices. On ivallvi. Above looking-glass. I Print. Print on black frame. | ^^ ^^^j ^ ^ Oil pamting under it. J Small water-color down r. f door slam and knocker I 1-eady off \.. at back. Hand props. Net-bag for '•' Mrs. Blaney." Crutch walking-stick, for " Miss Neve." Letter in bag (discovered), and letter placed in arm-chair above. Table l. c. — Also letter ready for " Patty." No envelopes. ACTS nia?id IV. For alteration of position for Act IV see 160 page. Stage cloth — dark stained parquet — down. Persian rug — going from p. side to c. I Tiger skin in front of fireplace. 165 THE HYPOCRITES I Rug in passage at back, outside door c. I ditto in front of window up p.. Dark oak arm-chair in green leather down L. below fire- place. Stove hearth. On 7nantelpiece. ( I Chippendale clock. ) I 2 China ornaments. ) I small chair above fireplace. Round table l. c. On table. Blotting pad, inkstand, note-paper. Pens and pencils. Low chair with high back r. of table. Leather hassock under table. I Small chair in l. corner. Walls (back and R.) lined with bookcases, books in shelves. 1 Bust on top shelf of bookcase l. of door c, also i china vase. 2 large china vases ditto R. of ditto. I Bust on ditto up r. above window. I Bust on top shelf ditto down R. Large settee in green leather in front of bookcase l at back. I arm-chair below and R. of door c. I Small table up R. at back, r. of arm-chair. On table. I Globe and stand. I Small arm-chair in r. corner. Curtain pole with green plush curtains over window up r. I Arm chair in recess of window. I Small arm-chair down R. Round table r. c. On table. 4 Books. Small chair l. of table. I Large oil painting in gilt frame down L. I Large oil painting in gilt frame over bookcase l., at back. I ditto ditto R., ditto. 1 ditto ditto down R. i66 THE HYPOCRITES Alieratio7i of position of furniture for Act IV. Arm-chair down l. is placed r. of table R. c. Arm-chair down r. is placed down l. Chair up l. in comer is removed altogether. Chair r. of table l. c. is placed above table. Small table up r. at back (with globe) is placed close to bookcase at back r. and near r. corner. 167 LIGHTING PLOT. ACT I Fixtures. ' One 2-light bracket on wall l. To Two 5 -light brackets on Back Flats, light , { One c. between door and window. ) at ' I One c. between door and r. door, j cue. Two 2-light brackets on wall R. (one each side of fireplace.) All Louis XV. gilt, with light green silk shades. Ti 11 u r R- of door at back. I Bell push j Fire alight in w. I. brazier. Floats. I circuit amber, i circuit white ) Full up \st Border, i circuit white. j To open. I Pale amber arc on backing l. ) rp I ditto focussed into room by sofa, j ^ I Strip of 3 amber globes outside door at back. I do, do. do. door r. At Cue. " Tea is served in the drawing-room, tnd'am.'" Floats and ist border checked very slowfy to one-half : arcs change very slowfy to dark amber, rose-pink following. (Sunset effect.) At Cue. IVheti " Goody er^^ turns switch at back. Brackets alight. Arcs slowly out. At Cue. After '■^ LinnelV and " Vive ash " Fxeunt at back. Blue very slowly into arcs l. (Moonlight effect.) 1 63 THE HYPOCRITES ACT II. Fixtures. Table lamp alight on table in window l. Ditto ditto above fireplace. Hanging lamp alight outside little window in hall, f All cheap brass, with opaque shades — supposed ) I to be oil lamps. j Imitation coal fire alight in grate, with hole to receive letter. Man ready at back with taper to burn same. I Strip of 3 amber lights in hall. 1 ditto ditto in room at back. Floats. I circuit amber, i circuit white. Full up. No border. ACTS III and IV. Fixtures. Two 2-Hght brackets, one above, one below fireplace. Two ditto. one each side of door at back. Oxidized silver with dark green silk shades ) Not to light. j 2 Bell pushes (To ring), one r. of door at back, one above fireplace. Log fire alight. Floats. I circuit amber, i circuit white. ) ^ ,, \st Border. ditto. ditto. j ^* I Amber (pale) arc on backing r. I ditto through window, focussed up stage. 1 Red arc through fireplace, focussed up stage. 2 Lengths of lo amber globes outside door at back. I ditto of 3 amber globes outside door up l. { 169 00«l 61 ^^W i MAY 19 1S08 'V^. LEJL '08 THE PLAYS OF HEM^Y ARTHUR JONES THE HYPOCRITES a pla^ In four Bete BY HENRY ARTHUR JONES AUTHOR OF "THE LIARS," "MICHAEL AND HIS LOST ANGEL," "THE TEMPTER," "THE CRUSADERS," "JUDAH," "THE CASE OF REBELLIOUS SUSAN," "THE DANCING GIRL," "THE MIDDLEMAN," "THE ROGUE'S COMEDY," "THE TRIUMPH OF THE PHILISTINES," "THE MASQUERADERS," "THE MANCEUVRES OF JANE," "CARNAC SAHIB," "THE GOAL," "MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE," "THE LACKEY'S CARNIVAL," "THE PRINCESS'S NOSE," ETC. " Expediency is man's wisdom: doing right is God's." THE PILGRIM'S SCRIP. Copyright, 1908, by Henry Arthur Jones PRICE 50 CENTS ^ NEW YORK SAMUEL FRENCH publisher 24 West 220 Street LONDON SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 26 Southampton St., Strand ^ f