Delphi Collected Works of W. Somerset Maugham (Illustrated)

by William Somerset Maugham

  Christina.

  So I notice.

  Violet.

  [With a smile.] I suppose I couldn’t persuade you to pour it out.

  Christina.

  [Gratified.] Certainly, if you wish it.

  [She sits down in front of the teapot and pours out cups of tea. Arthur comes in.]

  Arthur.

  Hulloa, Christina, are you pouring out the tea?

  Christina.

  Violet asked me to.

  Violet.

  If only I weren’t here it would be quite like old times.

  Arthur.

  I understand you want to see me, Violet.

  Violet.

  Oh, I hope you haven’t come out here on purpose. I sent the message that I wished to have a word with you when convenient, but I didn’t want to hurry you. I was quite prepared to go to you.

  Arthur.

  That sounds very formidable. I had a few minutes to spare while some letters were being prepared for me to sign. But in any case I’m always at your service.

  Violet.

  The Khedive’s mother has asked me to talk to you about a man called Abdul Said.

  Arthur.

  Oh!

  Violet.

  She thought if I put the circumstances before you....

  Arthur.

  [Interrupting.] What has he got to do with her?

  Violet.

  He’s been employed for years on an estate of hers up the Nile. His mother was one of her maids. It appears she gave her a dowry when she married.

  Arthur.

  [Smiling.] I see. I gathered that Abdul Said had powerful influence somewhere or other.

  Christina.

  Who is this man, Arthur?

  Arthur.

  He’s been sentenced to death for murder. It was a perfectly clear case, but there was a lot of perjury and we had some difficulty in getting a conviction. What has the Princess asked you to do?

  Violet.

  She explained the whole thing to me, and then she asked if I wouldn’t intercede with you. I promised to do everything I could.

  Arthur.

  You shouldn’t have done that. The old lady knows quite well an affair of this sort is no business of yours. I wish you’d told her so.

  Violet.

  Arthur, what could I do? His wife was there, and his mother. If you’d seen them.... I couldn’t bear to look at their misery and do nothing. I said I was sure that when you knew all the facts you’d reprieve the man.

  Arthur.

  It’s not in my power to do anything of the sort. The prerogative of mercy is with the Khedive.

  Violet.

  I know, but if you advise him to exercise it he will. He’s only too anxious to, but he won’t move without your advice.

  Arthur.

  It’s monstrous of the Princess to try and make use of you in this way. She prepared a complete trap for you.

  Anne.

  What did the man do exactly?

  Arthur.

  It’s rather a peculiar case. Abdul Said had a difference of opinion with an Armenian merchant and shortly after his only son fell ill and died. He took it into his head that the Armenian had cast the evil eye on him, and he took his gun, waited for his opportunity, and shot the Armenian dead. The man isn’t a criminal in the ordinary sense of the word, but we can’t afford to make exceptions. If we did there’d be a crop of murders with the same excuse. I looked into the case this morning and I see no reason to advise the Khedive to interfere with the course of justice.

  Violet.

  This morning? When you came in to luncheon full of spirits, laughing and chaffing, had you just sent a man to his death? How horribly callous!

  Arthur.

  I’m sorry you should think that. I give every matter my closest attention, and when I’ve settled it to the best of my ability I put it out of my mind. I think it would be just as unwise to let it affect me as for a doctor to let himself be affected by his patients’ sufferings.

  Violet.

  It seems to me horrible to slaughter that wretched man because he’s ignorant and simple-minded. Don’t you see that for yourself?

  Arthur.

  I’m afraid I’m not here to interpret the law according to my feelings but according to its own spirit.

  Violet.

  It’s easy to talk like that when you haven’t got any feeling one way or the other. Don’t you realise the misery of that man condemned to die for what he honestly thought was a mere act of justice? I wish you’d seen the agony of those poor women. And now they’re more or less happy because I promised to help them. The Princess told them I had influence with you. If she only knew!

  Arthur.

  You should never have been put in such a position. It was grossly unfair. I’ll take care that nothing of the sort occurs again.

  Violet.

  D’you mean to say you’ll do nothing? Won’t you even go into the matter again — with a little sympathy?

  Arthur.

  I can’t!

  Violet.

  It’s the first thing I’ve ever asked you, Arthur.

  Arthur.

  I know. I’m only sorry that I must refuse you.

  Violet.

  This is the first sentence of death in Egypt since our marriage. Don’t you know what it would mean to me to think I’d saved a man’s life? The Khedive is waiting to sign the reprieve. It only requires a word from you. Won’t you say it? I feel that the gratitude of these poor women may be like a blessing on us.

  Arthur.

  My dear, I think my duty is very clear. I must do it.

  Violet.

  It’s clear because all that grief means nothing to you. What do you care if a man is hanged whom you’ve never even seen? I wonder if you’d find it so easy to do your duty in a matter that affected you. If it meant misery or happiness to you. It’s easy to do one’s duty when one doesn’t care.

  Arthur.

  You’re quite right. That is the test: if one can do one’s duty when it means the loss of all one holds dear and valuable in the world.

  Violet.

  I hope you’ll never be put to it.

  Arthur.

  [With a chuckle.] My dear, you say that as though you hoped precisely the contrary.

  Violet.

  Must I write to the Princess and say I was entirely mistaken, and I have no more influence over you than a tripper at Shepheard’s Hotel?

  Arthur.

  I’d sooner you didn’t write to her at all. I will have a message conveyed which you may be sure will save you from any humiliation.

  Violet.

  [Icily.] I’m afraid you have a lot of business; you mustn’t let me keep you.

  [He looks at her reflectively for a moment and then goes out. There is an awkward silence.]

  Violet.

  Those good people we had to luncheon to-day would be amused to see what the power amounts to that they congratulated me on.

  Christina.

  There’s very little that Arthur would refuse you. He’d do practically anything in the world to please you.

  Violet.

  It’ll be a long time before I ask him to do anything else.

  Christina.

  Don’t say that, Violet. Because I came here to-day on purpose to ask you to use your influence with him.

  Violet.

  You see how much I have.

  Christina.

  That was a matter of principle. Men are always funny about principles. You can never get them to understand that circumstances alter cases.

  Violet.

  Arthur looks upon me as a child. After all, it’s not my fault that I’m twenty years younger than he is.

  Christina.

  I want your help so badly, Violet. And you know, the fact that Arthur has just refused to do something for you is just the reason that will make him anxious to do anything you ask now.

  Violet.

  I don’t want to expose myself to the humi
liation of another refusal.

  Christina.

  It’s so important to me. It may mean all the difference to Henry’s future.

  Violet.

  [With a change of manner, charmingly.] Oh! I’d love to do anything I could for Henry.

  Christina.

  The Khedive has asked Arthur for an English secretary. It seems to me that Henry has every possible qualification, but you know what Arthur is; he’s terrified of the least suspicion of favouring his friends and relations.

  Violet.

  My dear Christina, what can I do? Arthur would merely tell me to mind my own business.

  Christina.

  He wants to give the post to Ronald Parry....

  Violet.

  [Quickly.] Ronny? But Ronny’s going to Paris. It’s all arranged.

  Christina.

  It was. But Arthur thinks it essential that he should stay in Egypt.

  Violet.

  Did you know this, Anne?

  Anne.

  Not till just now.

  Violet.

  Does Ronny know?

  Anne.

  I don’t think so.

  [Violet is aghast. She does all she can to hide her agitation. The two women watch her, Christina with cold curiosity, Anne with embarrassment.]

  Violet.

  I’m ... I’m awfully surprised. It’s only an hour or two ago that Ronny and I bade one another a pathetic farewell.

  Christina.

  Really? But there was never any talk of his going till the day after to-morrow. You were in a great hurry with your leave-takings.

  Violet.

  I thought he’d be busy packing and that I mightn’t have another chance.

  Christina.

  You’ve been so intimate, I’m sure he would have been able to snatch a moment to say good-bye to you and Arthur before his train started.

  [Violet does not quite know what this speech means. She gives Christina a look. Anne comes to the rescue quickly.]

  Anne.

  Ronny has been acting as Violet’s secretary to a certain extent. I expect they had all sorts of little secrets together that they wanted to discuss in private.

  Christina.

  Of course. That’s very natural. [With great friendliness.] If I thought I were robbing you of anyone who was indispensable to you I wouldn’t ask you to put in a good word for Henry. But, of course, if Ronald became the Khedive’s secretary he couldn’t exactly continue to write letters and pay bills for you, could he?

  Violet.

  I’m rather taken aback. I’d got it fixed in my head that Ronny was going.

  Christina.

  I can promise you that in helping Henry you’re not doing any harm to Ronald. Anne is very anxious that he should leave Egypt. Isn’t that so?

  Anne.

  In a way. Henry is proposing to spend the rest of his official life in Egypt. An appointment like this is naturally more important to him than it would be to Ronny, who is by way of being a bird of passage.

  Christina.

  Exactly. Ronny has had his experience here. If he stayed longer it would only be waste of time. Anne naturally wants to have him near her. I daresay she’s a little afraid of his getting into mischief here.

  Anne.

  I don’t know about that, Christina.

  Christina.

  My dear, you know how susceptible he is. There’s always the possibility that he’ll fall in love with someone who isn’t very desirable.

  Violet.

  I’ve got an awful headache.

  Christina.

  Why don’t you take a little aspirin? I’m quite sure that if you set your mind to it you can persuade Arthur to give the job to Henry. And that would settle everything.

  Violet.

  And if I can’t persuade him?

  Christina.

  Then you must put it to Ronny.

  Violet.

  I?

  Christina.

  You see, if he refused the appointment and left Egypt, then I’m convinced Arthur would accept Henry.

  Violet.

  Why should I put it to Ronny?

  Christina.

  [Pleasantly.] You’ve been so very friendly, haven’t you? If you suggested to him that ... he’s standing in Henry’s way....

  Violet.

  I should have thought it was for Anne to do that.

  Christina.

  How simple-minded you are! A man will often do for a pretty woman what he won’t do for his sister.

  Violet.

  You want me to make him go?

  Christina.

  Don’t you think yourself that would be the very best thing ... for all parties?

  [Violet and Christina look steadily at one another. Violet sinks her eyes. She knows that Christina is aware of her love. She is terrified. Ronald comes in. He is in the highest spirits.]

  Ronny.

  I’ve been sent to have a cup of tea. Sir Arthur is coming along in a minute. I’ve got some news. I’m staying in Egypt. Isn’t it splendid?

  [Violet gives a little gasp.]

  Violet.

  Is it settled then?

  Ronny.

  Did you know? I thought it would be a surprise.

  Violet.

  No. I’ve just heard.

  Ronny.

  Isn’t it magnificent?

  Christina.

  You’re very changeable. It’s only a few months ago that you were constantly telling Henry you’d had enough of the country.

  Ronny.

  Never. I love it. I should like to stay here all my life.

  Christina.

  Fancy that!

  Ronny.

  [Addressing himself to Violet.] It would be madness to leave a place where you’re so happy, wouldn’t it? I feel so intensely alive here. It’s a wonderful country. One lives every minute of the day.

  Christina.

  You’re so enthusiastic. One would almost think you’d fallen in love.

  Violet.

  Ronny is naturally enthusiastic.

  Ronny.

  [To Christina.] And why shouldn’t I have fallen in love?

  Christina.

  Won’t you tell us who with?

  Ronny.

  [With a chuckle.] I was only joking. Isn’t it enough to have a splendid job in a country where there’s so much hope? Sir Arthur has given me a marvellous opportunity. It’ll be my fault if I don’t make the most of it.

  Christina.

  [Dryly.] Shall I give you a cup of tea?

  Ronny.

  [Chaffing her.] D’you think I want calming down? I feel like a prisoner who was going to be hanged and has just had a free pardon. I don’t want to be calmed down. I want to revel in my freedom.

  Christina.

  All that means, I take it, that you don’t want tea.

  Ronny.

  It’s no good trying to snub me. I’m unsnubable to-day. You haven’t congratulated me, Anne.

  Anne.

  My dear, you’ve been talking nineteen to the dozen. I’ve not had the chance to get a word in edgeways.

  Ronny.

  [To Violet.] Will you put my name back on your list for that dinner? It would have broken my heart to miss it.

  Violet.

  Your official position rather alters things, doesn’t it? I would never dare to ask you now just to make an even number.

  Ronny.

  Oh, well, I’m sending out the invitations. I shall write a formal letter to myself, explaining the circumstances, and I daresay I shall see my way to accept.

  Christina.

  Dear Ronald, you might be eighteen.

  [Arthur comes in with Henry Pritchard. This is Christina’s son, a pleasant, clean young man, but in no way remarkable.]

  Arthur.

  Henry tells me he’s come to fetch you away, Christina.

  Christina.

  So you lose not a moment in bringing him here.

  Arthur.

 
Really, Christina, you do me an injustice. I can’t bear to think you should be parted from your precious boy an instant longer than necessary.

  Henry.

  [Shaking hands with Violet.] How is my stately aunt?

  Violet.

  Merry and bright, thank you.

  Henry.

  You know I’m having a birthday soon, don’t you?

  Violet.

  What of it?

  Henry.

  I’ve always been given to understand that aunts give their nephews ten shillings on their birthday.

  Violet.

  Do they? I am glad. I’d love to press ten shillings into your willing hand.

  Henry.

  Halloa, Ronny. Lucky devil. I congratulate you.

  Ronny.

  That’s awfully good of you, old man.

  Arthur.

  On what? Christina!

  Christina.

  I told Henry. I didn’t think it would matter, I thought it better that he should know.

  Henry.

  I say, Uncle Arthur, I’m afraid mother has been giving you a rotten time. It’s not my fault, you know.

  Arthur.

  What isn’t?

  Henry.

  Well, when mother told me at luncheon that the Khedive had applied for an English secretary, I saw by the beady look in her eye that if I didn’t get the job she was going to make things unpleasant for somebody.

  Christina.

  Really, Henry, I don’t know what you mean.

  Henry.

  Well, mother, you’re an old dear....

  Christina.

  Not so old either.

  Arthur.

  Certainly not, Henry. Let us have none of your nonsense.

  Henry.

  But you know perfectly well that you’d cheerfully bring the British Empire tumbling about our ears if you could get me a good fat billet by doing so.

  Arthur.

  Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings....

  Christina.

  You’ve got no right to say that, Henry. I’ve never asked anything for you that it wasn’t practically your right to have.

  Henry.

  Well, mother, between you and me I don’t mind telling you that Ronny is much more suited to this particular job than I am. Only a perfect fool would have hesitated, and for the honour of the family we can’t suspect Uncle Arthur of being that.

  Arthur.

  You see what comes of bringing up a boy properly, Christina; you’ve made him a decent fellow in spite of yourself.

  Christina.

  You’re a tiresome creature, Henry, but I’m attached to you. You may kiss me.