Delphi Collected Works of W. Somerset Maugham (Illustrated)
Page 355
Penelope.
Nonsense. Of course I forgive you. It doesn’t matter a bit.
Dickie.
[With a gesture of desperation.] The whole thing’s Greek to me. I loved you always, Pen. I never ceased for a moment to love you.
Penelope.
My dear, you need not protest so much. It doesn’t very much interest me either way.
Dickie.
What a fool I was! I ought to have known that if you took it so calmly it could only be because you didn’t care. If a woman doesn’t make scenes it can only mean that she doesn’t love you.... You used to love me?
Penelope.
Yes.
Dickie.
How can you be so fickle? I never thought you’d treat me like this.
[Penelope looks about as if she’d lost something.
Dickie.
What are you looking for?
Penelope.
I fancied you’d lost your sense of humour. I was just seeing if I could find it.
Dickie.
How can I have a sense of humour when I’m suffering?
Penelope.
[Starting at the word.] Suffering?
Dickie.
The tortures of the damned. I want you. I want your love.
[He does not see Penelope’s face. An expression of remorse comes into it at the pain she is causing him. She outlines a gesture towards him, but quickly restrains herself.
Penelope.
[With a mocking laugh.] Poor darling.
Dickie.
[Furiously.] Don’t laugh at me.
Penelope.
I wasn’t. I was quite sorry for you.
Dickie.
D’you think I want your pity?
Penelope.
I’m very unfortunate. I seem quite unable to please you. I think it’s just as well that I’m going away for a week.
Dickie.
[Starting up.] No, you’re not going away.
Penelope.
[Raising her eyebrows.] What makes you think that?
Dickie.
Because I forbid you to.
Penelope.
[Smiling.] And are you under the delusion that at your command I shall fall flat on my face?
Dickie.
I’m the master of this house, and I mean to make myself respected.
Penelope.
My dear, since you pay the rent and the taxes it’s quite right that you should rule this house with a rod of iron if you wish it. Personally, at the moment I only want to get out of it.
Dickie.
You’re not going out of it.
Penelope.
Do you propose to keep me here against my will?
Dickie.
Certainly, if needful.
Penelope.
H’m.
[She gets up and goes to the door. He intercepts her, locks the door, and puts the key in his pocket.
Penelope.
Brute force.
Dickie.
I think it’s about time I showed you I’m not going to be made a perfect fool of.
[Penelope shrugs her shoulders and sits down. Suddenly she chuckles.
Dickie.
I don’t see anything to laugh at.
Penelope.
I do. It’s so mediæval. And are you going to feed me on bread and water?
Dickie.
[Angrily.] Ugh. [He looks at her.] Now, look here, Pen, be reasonable about it. Why the deuce d’you want to go for this stupid trip?
Penelope.
I refuse to discuss the matter till you’ve opened the door.
Dickie.
It’s not the time of year for a motor trip. [Pause. Penelope looks straight in front of her, taking no notice of what he says.] It’ll rain cats and dogs, and you’ll catch a beastly cold. You’ll probably get pneumonia. [Pause.] I’m feeling awfully run down, and I shouldn’t wonder if I were sickening for something myself. [Penelope smothers a giggle and continues to stare into vacancy. Dickie breaks out passionately.] But don’t you see that if I’m preventing you from going, it’s because I can’t bear to let you out of my sight? I want you. I want you always by me. I want you to love me.... Oh, if you only knew how much I love you, you wouldn’t be so heartless.
Penelope.
[Turning to him and speaking quite calmly.] But surely, if you cared for me, you wouldn’t try to deprive me of a little enjoyment. You’d be willing to sacrifice yourself sometimes. You’d have a certain regard for my wishes. You wouldn’t put every absurd obstacle in the way when the chance offers for me to have some amusement.
[Dickie looks at her for a moment then turns away and walks up and down, with downcast head. He takes the key out of his pocket and silently puts it on the table beside her.
Penelope.
What does that mean?
Dickie.
[In a broken voice.] You’re quite right. I’ve simply been beastly selfish. I was only thinking of myself. I dare say I bore you. Perhaps you’ll like me better when you’ve been away for a few days.
[Penelope is so moved that she can hardly keep up her acting any longer. She struggles with herself, and in a moment masters the desire to throw herself in his arms.
Penelope.
Since you locked the door, perhaps you’ll be good enough to unlock it.
[Without a word he takes the key and goes to the door. He unlocks it.
Penelope.
Am I to understand that you offer no objection to my trip?
Dickie.
If it’ll give you pleasure to go, I shall be pleased to think you’re happy. I only want you to be happy.
Penelope.
Would you rather I stayed?
Dickie.
No.
[Penelope gives a slight start. This is not at all what she wants.
Penelope.
Oh!
Dickie.
I don’t know what I shall do without you. I feel as if I were only now getting to know you. It’s as though — oh, I don’t know how to express it.
Penelope.
But you’ve just said you would rather I went.
Dickie.
I don’t want to think of myself any more. I want to think only of you. It makes me so happy to think of you, Pen. I want to sacrifice myself.
Penelope.
[Relieved.] Will you go to my room and see if my bag has been taken down?
[He goes out for a moment. She remains with an ecstatic look on her face. He comes back.
Dickie.
Yes. Peyton’s taken it.
Penelope.
Then — [she gives him a look from beneath her eye-lashes] — ring and tell her to bring it up again.
Dickie.
[Hardly able to believe his good fortune.] Pen!
Penelope.
Are you pleased?
Dickie.
Oh, you’re much too good to me. I can’t tell you how grateful I am. Oh, Pen, if you only knew how much I adore you!
[He falls on his knees and passionately kisses her hands. She can hardly restrain herself from lifting him up and flinging her arms round his neck.
Dickie.
Is there any chance for me at all? D’you think you’ll ever love me as you used to?
Penelope.
How can I tell?
Dickie.
Oh, why can’t we go back to the beginning? D’you remember how we loved one another then? You used to come down with me every day when I went out, and when I came back you always ran down to kiss me. And d’you remember how you used to sit on my chair in the morning while I smoked my pipe and we read the paper together?
Penelope.
[Concealing a smile.] How you must have hated it!
Dickie.
Hate it? I’ve never been so happy in my life.
Penelope.
At all events I hope we shall always continue to be good friends.
Dickie.
[Starting up.] Friends! What’s the goo
d of offering me your friendship when I’m starving for your love? How can you make me so unhappy?
Penelope.
[Smiling indulgently.] But I’m not going to make you unhappy. I hope I shall always be very pleasant and agreeable.
Dickie.
What d’you think I care for that? Pen, promise that you’ll try to love me?
Penelope.
[With a smile.] Yes, I’ll try if you like.
Dickie.
I’ll make you love me. I’ll never rest till I’m sure of your love.
Penelope.
And when you are sure of it I suppose you won’t care twopence for me any more?
Dickie.
Try me! Try me!
[He kisses her hands again. He does not see her face. She smiles and shakes her head.
Dickie.
I never knew that you were so adorable. It fills me with rapture merely to kiss your hands.
[Penelope gives a little laugh and releases herself.
Penelope.
Now I must just go to the Hendersons and tell them I can’t come motoring.
Dickie.
Can’t you telephone? I don’t want to let you out of my sight.
Penelope.
They’re not on the telephone. It’ll be more convenient for me to go.
Dickie.
Very well. If you must, I suppose you must.
[She smiles and goes to the door. When she reaches it he stops her.
Dickie.
Oh, Pen!
Penelope.
Yes.
Dickie.
At what time will you be back?
[Recognising the phrase, she gives a gesture of amusement, quickly kisses her hand to him, and slips out of the door.
THE EXPLORER
CONTENTS
CHARACTERS
THE FIRST ACT
THE SECOND ACT
THE THIRD ACT
THE FOURTH ACT
CHARACTERS
This play was first produced at the Lyric Theatre on Saturday, June 13, 1908, with the following cast:
Alexander Mackenzie
Lewis Waller
Richard Lomas
A. E. George
Dr. Adamson
Charles Rock
Sir Robert Boulger, Bt.
Owen Roughwood
George Allerton
Shiel Barry
Rev. James Carbery
S. J. Warmington
Captain Mallins
A. Caton Woodville
Miller
Charles Cecil
Charles
P. Digan
Mrs. Crowley
Eva Moore
Lady Kelsey
Mary Rorke
Lucy Allerton
Evelyn Millard
THE EXPLORER
CHARACTERS
Alexander Mackenzie
Richard Lomas
Dr. Adamson
Sir Robert Boulger, Bt.
George Allerton
The Rev. James Carbery
Captain Mallins
Miller
Charles
Lady Kelsey
Mrs. Crowley
Lucy Allerton
Time: The Present Day.
Scene: The First and Third Acts take place at Lady Kelsey’s house; the Second at Mackenzie’s camp in Central Africa; and the Fourth at the house of Richard Lomas.
The Performing Rights of this play are fully protected, and permission to perform it, whether by Amateurs or Professionals, must be obtained in advance from the author’s Sole Agent, R. Golding Bright, 20 Green Street, Leicester Square, London, W.C., from whom all particulars can be obtained.
THE EXPLORER
THE FIRST ACT
Scene: Lady Kelsey’s drawing-room in Mayfair. At the back is a window leading on to a balcony. On the right a door leads to the staircase, and on the left is another door. It is the sumptuous room of a rich woman.
[Lady Kelsey is seated, dressed in black; she is a woman of fifty, kind, emotional, and agitated. She is drying her eyes. Mrs. Crowley, a pretty little woman of twenty-eight, very beautifully dressed, vivacious and gesticulative, is watching her quietly. The Rev. James Carbery, a young curate, tall and impressive in appearance, ponderous and self-important, is very immaculate in a silk waistcoat and a large gold cross.
Carbery.
I cannot tell you how sincerely I feel for you in this affliction, Lady Kelsey.
Lady Kelsey.
You’re very kind. Every one has been very kind. But I shall never get over it. I shall never hold up my head again.
Mrs. Crowley.
Nonsense! You talk as if the whole thing weren’t perfectly monstrous. Surely you don’t for a moment suppose that your brother-in-law won’t be able to explain everything away?
Lady Kelsey.
God forbid! But still, it’s dreadful to think that at this very moment my poor sister’s husband is standing in the felon’s dock.
Carbery.
Dreadful, dreadful!
Lady Kelsey.
If you only knew the agonies I’ve suffered since Fred was arrested! At first I couldn’t believe it, I wouldn’t believe it. If I’d only known such a thing was possible, I’d have done anything to help him.
Carbery.
But had you any idea he was in difficulties?
Lady Kelsey.
He came to me and said he must have three thousand pounds at once. But I’d given him money so often since my poor sister died, and every one said I oughtn’t to give him any more. After all, someone must look after his children, and if I don’t hoard my money a little, George and Lucy will be penniless.
Mrs. Crowley.
Oh, you were quite right to refuse.
Lady Kelsey.
I thought it would only go in senseless extravagances as all the rest has gone, and when he said it was a matter of life and death, I couldn’t believe it. He’d said that so often.
Carbery.
It’s shocking to think a man of his position and abilities should have come to such a pass.
Mrs. Crowley.
Dear Mr. Carbery, don’t draw the very obvious moral. We’re all quite wretched enough as it is.
Lady Kelsey.
And two days later Lucy came to me with a white face to say that he had been arrested for forging a cheque.
Carbery.
I only met him once, and I’m bound to say I thought him a most charming man.
Lady Kelsey.
Ah, that’s what ruined him. He was always so entirely delightful. He could never say no to any one. But there’s not an atom of harm in him. I’m quite certain he’s never done anything criminal; he may have been foolish, but wicked never.
Mrs. Crowley.
Of course he’ll be able to clear himself. There’s not the least doubt about that.
Lady Kelsey.
But think of the disgrace of it. A public trial. And Fred Allerton of all people! The Allertons were always so proud of their family. It was almost a mania with them.
Mrs. Crowley.
For centuries they’ve cherished the firm belief that there was no one in the county fit to black their boots.
Carbery.
Pride goeth before a fall.
Mrs. Crowley.
[Smiling.] And proverbs before a clergyman.
Lady Kelsey.
They wouldn’t give him bail, so he’s remained in prison till now. Of course, I made Lucy and George come here.
Mrs. Crowley.
You’ve been quite charming, Lady Kelsey, as every one knew you’d be. But don’t think of these wretched weeks of suspense. Think only that Mr. Allerton has got his chance at last. Why, the trial may be over now, and he may this very minute be on his way to this house.
Carbery.
What will he do when it’s over? The position will be surely a little unpleasant.
Lady Kelsey.
I’ve talked it over with Lucy, and — I’ve made it
possible for them all to go abroad. They’ll need rest and quiet. Poor things, poor things!
Carbery.
I suppose Miss Allerton and George are at the Old Bailey.
Lady Kelsey.
No, their father begged them to stay away. They’ve been in all day, waiting for the papers.
Mrs. Crowley.
But who is going to bring you the news? Surely you’re not going to wait for the papers?
Lady Kelsey.
Oh, no, Dick Lomas is coming. He’s one of the witnesses for Fred, and my nephew Bobby Boulger.
Mrs. Crowley.
And what about Mr. Mackenzie? He told me he would be there.
Carbery.
Is that the great traveller? I thought I saw in the paper that he’d already started for Africa.
Lady Kelsey.
Not yet. He’s going at the beginning of the month. Oh, he’s been so good to us during this time. All our friends have been good to us.
Carbery.
I shouldn’t have thought there was much of the milk of human kindness to overflow in Alexander Mackenzie. By all accounts he dealt with the slave-traders in Africa with a good deal of vigour.
Mrs. Crowley.
The slave-traders must be quaking in their shoes if they know he’s starting out again, for he’s made up his mind to exterminate them, and when Alec Mackenzie makes up his mind to do a thing, he appears to do it.
Lady Kelsey.
He has the reputation of a hard man, but no one could be more delightful than he has been to me.
Mrs. Crowley.
I don’t think I like him, but he’s certainly a strong man, and in England just now every one’s so weak and floppy, it’s rather a relief to come across somebody who’s got a will of iron and nerves of steel.
[George Allerton comes in. He is a very
young man, good-looking, though at the
moment pale and haggard, with a rather
weak face.
George.
I thought Lucy was here. [To Carbery and Mrs. Crowley.] How d’you do? Have you seen Lucy?
Mrs. Crowley.
I went to her room for a moment.
George.
What is she doing?
Mrs. Crowley.
Reading.