"Innocent"; a play in a prologue, four acts and an epilogue

Prologue

The present.

A corridor in a hotel in Mukden, Manchuria.

Act I. Two years previous to the Prologue. In this instance the action of the play goes backward, not forward. A room in the home of Peter McCor¬ mick, Mukden.

Epilogue

The present; immediately following the Prologue. The same scene as the Prologue.

NOTE: There will be no wait between the Prologue and the First Act nor between the Last Act and the Epilogue.

“ INNOCENT.”

PROLOGUE.

The scene is the corridor of a hotel in Mukden, Manchuria.

The time is about three years ago.

It is evening and the electric lights, with blue globes about them, are burning.

On the wall is a telephone.

When the curtain rises two Chinese servants, Sin- Tschu and Tan-Lo, are discovered playing a game of dice. Sin-Tschu is shaking three dice in a black leather box. He throws.

Tan-Lo. How many?

Sin-T. (Counting dice ) Twice four—once two!

Ten.

Tan-Lo. (Counting after Sin-T.) Twice four— once two!—Ten! Not velly hard to count. (Tan-Lo throws) One five—once four—one three! Twelve. I win. (Sin-Tschu counts after Tan-Lo, who holds out his hand and Sin-Tschu pays him a copper coin) One more time?

Sin-T. One! If I lose him—have no more.

(Tan-Lo hands box to Sin-Tschlt.)

INNOCENT.

Tan-Lo. Throw!

(Sin-Tschu throws .)

Sin-T. ( Counting dice ) Once six—once four— once five! Fifteen! Velly good! velly good!

(Tan-Lo counts dice after Sin-Tschu.)

Tan-Lo. That right. (Tan-Lo shakes dice')

Sin-T. This time for me! This time for me!

Tan-Lo. Wait. {He continues to shake the dice ) Me velly lucky—and what is to happen—will happen —everything! {He throws the dice ) Twice five— once six! Sixteen! I win !

(Sin-Tschu counts the dice after Tan-Lo and in pantomime shows his anger at being beaten. Tan-Lo holds out his hand for the money, which Sin-Tschu reluctantly pays him.)

Sin-T. You velly lucky! Me not lucky.

Tan-Lo. It is as you are born.

Sin-T. Let us play again.

Tan-Lo. For what?

Sin-T. For the next tip.

Tan-Lo. No matter how much?

Sin-T. No matter.

Tan-Lo. No. If from a German—yes — if from English—yes—if from American—half.

Sin-T. Everything or not at all.

Tan-Lo. I lucky! I win! You know him-

Sin-T. Just same—I play all or nothing.

Tan-Lo. Velly well. The first tip—all —no mat¬ ter how much.

Sin-T. Yes. (Sin-Tschu shakes the dice and is just about to throw when the hotel bell rings out¬ side. Sin-Tschu puts down the box)

Tan-Lo. A guest — he come.

INNOCENT.

(The hotel Porter enters, followed by Denes. The Porter carries a man’s small hand bag. Denes is not shaved and his clothes, though of good cut and quality, are the worse for wear. The Porter is English and speaks with a slight Cockney accent .)

Porter. You can have room five, sir, or room three, sir.

Denes. Did you say—five?

Porter. Yes, sir.

Denes. Ha! I’ll take that.

Porter. I think that perhaps three would be a little more comfortable, sir.

Denes. Just the same, I’ll take—five.

Porter. Yes, sir—very good, sir! And your other luggage, sir?

Denes. {Pointing to bag ) That’s all.

Porter. I’m sorry, sir, but under the circum¬ stances, I know you’ll be asked to pay in advance, sir.

Denes. What’s the price of—five?

Porter. With board, sir, twenty-eight dollars, Mexican, by the week, sir. (Denes takes the money from his pocket-book and hands it to the Porter) Thank you, sir. (Denes gives the Porter a tip) Thank you again, sir! I’ll get you a receipt for this, sir. {He indicates the money given him by Denes for his board and gives the bag to Sin-Tschu, who takes it to room five) You know, sir, that the rules are not mine, sir. If they were-

Denes. I understand.

Porter. Yes, sir.

(Sin-Tschu re-enters.)

Denes. Is Mr. Horace Irving still in Mukden?

Porter. Yes, sir. He’s in the Chinese service and lives quite near here.

Denes. Thanks. (Denes exits to room five)

INNOCENT.

Porter. A queer fish, but he paid up all right? A good tip, too. You never can tell. (Porter exits)

(The two servants squat again and get ready to play.)

Sin-T. No tip for us.

Tan-Lo. There will be. I know him. He Mister Sigray. Great fliend Mr. McClormick, where I work before I turn Chlistian.

Sin-T. He not know you.

Tan-Lo. He will. You see. ( He hands box to Sin-Tschu) Play.

(Denes appears at the door of his room and watches.)

Sin-T. Not one time—best two times—out of three times.

Tan-Lo. Why—if you are going to lose?

Sin-T. It make it longer—that is what I like! Tan-Lo. Velly well.

(Sin-Tschu shakes the dice. There is a pause.)

Denes. What are you playing for?

(Sin-Tschu stops shaking the dice.)

Sin-T. For next tip.

Denes. The next tip?

Sin-T. Yes. He win everything—so we play for that.

Denes. Good! I like your spirit.

Tan-Lo. How do, Mr. Sigray!

Denes. How do you know me}

Tan-Lo. Me Tan-Lo—work Mr. McClormick! Also see you some time Sunday School. “ Love your

INNOCENT.

neighbor”—“There is but one God!” You know me—T an-Lo ?

Denes. Yes, I remember now! But after Mr. McCormick died and—Innocent came to live with me—I thought you turned Christian and went to the Mission.

T an-Lo. Yes, me turn Chlistian. Look—pigtail gone. ( He takes off his cap and shows that he has no pigtail ) After while mission no good—no give money and plesents—so come here with Sin-Tschu.

Denes. Tell me—in what God do you believe now ?

Tan-Lo. On Saints days in Chlistian God! On week days—in the old ones. Two Gods better than one—take more care of you. That’s reason I win always from Sin-Tschu. {To Sin-Tschu) Play.

Denes. Just a minute! As I understand it, you are playing for the next tip.

Tan-Lo. Yes.

Sin-T. That is it.

Denes. Good! Play for that! {He throws down his pocket-hook. There is a pause ) Play for it.

(Tan-Lo and Sin-Tschu make a rush for the pocket-book. Tan-Lo secures it and opens it. When he sees the money he is astounded. He shows it to Sin-Tschu.)

Tan-Lo. Look!

Sin-T. {To Denes) You mean?

Denes. Yes. Go on.

Tan-Lo. No. It is too much! Plenty both of us—we will divide.

Denes. {To Sin-Tschu) What do you say?

Sin-T. I play.

Tan-Lo. But it is enough for both—and you will lose.

Sin-T. Still—I play.

INNOCENT.

Denes. Good for you! And yet, why not! After all everything’s a gamble—business, happiness, love, life, everything—and some are born to win and others —to lose—and what is to be—will be.

Sin-T. Come. ( He shakes the dice)

Tan-Lo. Listen, Sin-Tschu! If we play I shall win—still it is enough—and I will divide. (Pause) Well?

Sin-T. I play.

(Denes laughs.)

Denes. There’s the gambler for you! And I hope you’ll win —though I know you won’t.

Tan-Lo. It is settled. Two out of three?

Sin-T. Yes!

Tan-Lo. Then play.

(Sin-Tschu shakes and throws. Denes stands watching.)

Sin-T. (Counting) Twice three—once four! Ten!

(Tan-Lo shakes and throws.)

Tan-Lo. Once five—once six—once four—fifteen! I win.

(Sin-Tschu throws again.)

Sin-T. Once one, once five, once three! Nine! Tan-Lo. Now it is mine! Watch— (Tan-Lo throws) Twice two—once four! Eight!

(Sin-Tschu laughs. Denes exits to room.)

Sin-T. Not yet yours! Not yet! (Sin-T. utters a silent prayer, then shakes and throws. Counting) Twice five—once four—Fourteen! Good! Good!

INNOCENT.

(Tan-Lo takes box and shakes the dice, but before he throws a shot is heard. They stop quickly and remain quiet. There is a pause. Tan-Lo picks up dice and hides pocket-book. There is a pause. The Porter rushes on.)

I

Porter. What is it? What’s the matter? Tan-Lo. ( Pointing ) There.

(The Porter enters room five. There is a pause. The Porter re-enters. In his hand he has a piece of note paper with writing on it.)

Porter. He’s dead! And this was in his hand. (He reads) “ Send for Mr. Horace Irving to take charge of my body and tell him to look in my bag.” What a scandal for the hotel! But Mr. Irving is in the Chinese service. Perhaps he can help us keep it quiet.

Tan-Lo. Perhaps.

(Porter goes to ’phone and calls up Irving.)

Porter. (At ’phone) Hello! Is this Mr. Irving? (Pause) A stranger has shot himself, sir, and he left a note to send for you. (Pause) Yes. In the hotel. (Pause) No. There’s no mistake, sir. It is for Mr. Horace Irving. (Pause) You’ll come? (Pause) Thank you, sir. (Pause) Will you be long, sir? (Pause\ That’s very good, sir! Good-bye, sir. (He replaces the ’phone) He’ll be here soon. I’ll wait for him. (There is a pause) Sin-T. I count fourteen! You play.

Tan-Lo. No.

Sin-T. You play.

Tan-Lo. No!

Sin-T. Then give me his money! (Pause) Give. (Tan-Lo slowly and deliberately hands the purse

INNOCENT.

to Sin-Tschu, who is surprised at Tan-Lo’s easy acquiescence and is suspicious that there is something wrong. There is a pause. Sin- Tschu opens purse and looks at the money. There is a pause.')

Tan-Lo. ( Quietly ) Do not send for me when they put you in prison.

Sin-T. Me—prison?

Tan-Lo. He saw. (Tan-Lo indicates where Porter exits) They say—you stole.

Sin-T. But he—( He indicates Room 5)— gave it. Tan-Lo. No can prove.

Sin-T. You saw.

Tan-Lo. No one believe! White man do many crazy things—but, give that—no one believe. ( There is a pause ^ Remember what I say—when they put you in prison—( There is a pause. Sin-Tschu offers purse to Tan-Lo) No.

Sin-T. But I not want go prison! What I do? Tan-Lo. Put—there. (Tan-Lo indicates Room

Sin-T. Hide where no one find—then get after? Tan-Lo. Fool! No. He saw. {Indicates where Porter went) Put him back!

(Sin-Tschu exits to Room 5. There is a pause. Sin-Tschu re-enters.)

Sin-T. I put it on floor—close him.

Tan-Lo. He is lying on floor?

Sin-T. Yes, with knees pull up. Like this— ( Business for Sin-Tschu) You look. (He indicates for Tan-Lo to look in Room 5. Tan-Lo looks in Room 5)

Tan-Lo. It is like you say.

Sin-T. White people are put in long box and then in the ground.

Tan-Lo. And there they stay — so they tell at

INNOCENT.

Mission—till last trump sound—then they live again! I wonder if he live again.

Sin-T. White people know nothing of true God! White people not know that death but a moment and that after soul rests and is happy.

Tan-Lo. No. If they did they never send-

(Porter enters followed by Irving.)

Porter. He’s lying on the floor in there, sir, just as he fell.

(Irving looks into Room 5.)

Irving. My God, it’s Denes! (Irving enters Room 5. Off ) Denes! Speak to me! It’s Horace! Denes! ( There is a pause.. Irving re-enters)

Porter. Dead—isn’t he, sir?

Irving. Yes. He was my friend when I was here before. Why, I visited him only three months ago at Budapest. And now-!

Porter. Have you any idea why he did it, sir?

Irving. I know why he did it!

Porter. In the note he left, sir, he said you were to look in his bag.

Irving. Fetch it.

Porter. Yes, sir. (Porter enters Room 5. There is a pause. Porter re-enters) Here’s his ]3urse as well, sir. (He gives purse to Irving) The bag’s very light, sir. He seems to have taken every¬ thing out.

(Irving opens the bag. From it he takes a small diary.)

Irving. (Reading) “ To my friend, Horace Irving. The Journal of my Life.” Leave me alone, please, all of you. I’ll call you when I want you. (Chinese and Porter exeunt. Irving reads) “ My dear Horace: When you receive this, though near, I

INNOCENT.

shall be far away. This journal is now all that re*- mains of my life and I wish you to read it because I realize that I have wronged you and I want you to understand and forgive. I have been weak, I know,, but that has really been the extent of my folly, that and the fact that I loved. All that has happened to me; in the last three years I have written here and when you have read it I beg that you will forgive me the wrong I did you and think of me only as you knew 7 me during the years of our friendship. Good-bye. (Irving stops reading , turns toward the stage and says ) Denes! Denes!

A QUICK CHANGE IS MADE TO ACT I.

Act I. I

The scene is a room in the home of Peter Mc¬ Cormick in Mukden.

The time is morning about two years earlier than the date of the prologue.

Irving is discovered. He is smoking a cigarette and is evidently waiting for some one.

There is a pause.

The door-bell rings.

Tan-Lo enters. He is a Chinese servant, the one Seen in the Prologue , but he wears a pigtail. He comes on slowly and without apparent interest.

I

Irving. Perhaps that's Mr. Sigary.

Tan-Lo. Perhaps! I see. (Tan-Lo exits. Off stage ) Mr. Irving—he waiting see you.

INNOCENT.

Denes. (Off stage) Very well, Tan-Lo. (Denes venters briskly, followed by Tan-Lo) Sorry I kept you waiting.

Irving. It’s only been two or three minutes.

Denes. I was detained.

Irving. That’s all right.

Denes. Seen McCormick?

Irving. No. He’s sleeping, and as he isn’t ex¬ pecting me, I thought I’d wait till you came.

Denes. I see. (To Tan-Lo) Has the Doctor Keen here this morning?

Tan-Lo. No. Not to-day.

Denes. He came last night?

Tan-Lo. Yes. Last night.

Denes. What did he say?

Tan-Lo. Not know what doctor say. Know wb»t Mr. McCormick say.

Denes. Well?

Tan-Lo. He say “ Go to Hell ” velly plain. Velly-—velly plain. “ Go to hell-—Go to hell.”

Denes. Tell Mr. McCormick that Mr. Irving and I have come to see him.

Tan-Lo. I tell—I tell. (Tan-Lo exits)

Irving. McCormick may be ill, but evidently he hasn’t lost his spirit.

Denes. He’ll never do that. He’ll die fighting and cursing to the finish.

Irving. He’s a devil and bad to the marrow, but one can’t help liking him.

Denes. I know / can’t.

Irving. You’re the closest friend he has.

Denes. Yes.

Irving. Practically the only one.

Denes. Practically.

(Tan-Lo re-enters.)

Tan-Lo. In one—two—three minute*'—he come.

Denes. Very well.

INNOCENT.

Tan-Lo. Mr. Sigary!

Tan-Lo.. You come teach Sunday School again— velly soon?

Denes. I don’t know.

Tan-Lo. I like you teach—velly funny, velly funny.

Denes. What’s funny?

Tan-Lo. “ Love your enemies ”—“ If fliend hit you this side of face, ask fliend hit you this side of face.” Velly funny! Velly funny!

Denes. I see you’ve not turned Christian yet.

Tan-Lo. Not yet! Good place here, Mr. Mc- Clormick. If Mr. McClormick die—and not get ’notlier good place—p’laps I turn Chlistian velly soon. P’laps! P’laps! (Tan-Lo exits)

Irving. There’s the spirit.

Denes. Yes. He’ll turn Christian if McCor¬ mick dies and he doesn’t get another place.

Irving. What’s really the matter with McCor¬ mick?

Denes. Dissipation.

Irving. Nothing else?

Denes. That and its results!

Irving. Too bad!

Denes. How long have you known him?

Irving. Personally since I came out here some nine years ago. I’d heard of him in England long before that, though.

Denes. Soldier, wasn’t he?

(Irving nods.)

Denes. Cashiered I believe?

Irving. Yes.

Denes. Why? (There is a pause) Don’t tell me if it’s only gossip or scandal.

INNOCENT.

Irving. There was no secret about it. He got into debt and forged another officer’s name. Only his family’s position and good of the regiment saved him from prosecution.

Denes. And then he came out here.

Irving. Not immediately. He was an extremely fascinating and ingratiating man and some houses continued to receive him.

Denes. Well?

Irving. He repaid the kindness of one of them b}' eloping with a young daughter, although he had a wife living at the time.

Denes. Innocent’s mother I suppose?

Irving. Innocent?

Denes. McCormick’s daughter.

Irving. Is that what he calls her?

Denes. Yes.

Irving. You’re the only man I know who has seen her. I don’t know any woman who has seen her either for he never takes her anywhere and no woman I know would come here. What is she like?

Denes. Like?

Irving. Yes. Is she—pretty—for instance?

Denes. To tell the truth I don’t know. I’ve only seen her once or twice and I paid no particular at¬ tention to her. (Slight jiause) What became of the mother ?

Irving. She died in France, I believe, a few months after the girl was born. And, by the way, what’s to become of the girl?

Denes. I’ve thought of that. If anything hap¬ pened to him, don’t you think either family would receive her?

Irving. I’m afraid not. She must be about eighteen now and neither his family nor the mother’s has ever set eyes on her! No! Knowing our people as I do, I think there’s precious little she can expect from them!

Denes. I see.

INNOCENT.

Irving. And if McCormick lives—what then?

Denes. Why ?

Irving. Whatever else she may be, the daughter is a white girl with gentle blood in her veins-!

Denes. Yes.

Irving. Who has never been allowed to associate with white people; who must be ignorant-!

Denes. No. He’s taught her.

Irving. I mean ignorant of life and the world. That’s true, isn’t it?

Denes. Absolutely.

Irving. In a year or two she’ll be a woman. Well, what’s to become of her? What can become of her?

Denes. I don’t know. Do you?

Irving. No.

Denes. It’s a dreadful position for her—dread¬ ful !

Irving. Yes. Another proof that the sins of the fathers-!

(McCormick enters, unseen by others .)

McC. Shall be visited on the children. {He comes down) Hello Irving!

Irving. Mr. McCormick-

McC. {To Denes) Hello!

Denes. Good morning. I was telling Irving you weren’t well and that I was coming to see you and he offered to come too.

McC. .Good of him, I’m sure—and I’m feeling better to-day.

Irving. Splendid.

McC. You were talking about me.

Denes. No.

Irving. Of course not.

McC. You’re liars.

Denes. McCormick!

Irving. Oh, I say!

McC. You’re liars, both of you—and what’s more

INNOCENT.

you know it and you know that I know it! You were talking about me and— (He breaks off suddenly ) Tan-Lo! Tan-Lo! Where is that slant-eyed son of a pigtailed father! Tan-Lo! Tan-Lo! (Tan-Lo rushes on ) Why the devil don’t you come when you’re called?

Tan-Lo. I come soon—velly, velly soon.

McC. And where are the lights, eh? Where are the lights?

Tan-Lo. Me make! Me make!

McC. You’d better! And be quick about it or that infinitesimal soul of yours will be making a hurried journey to hell! (He pushes Tan-Lo) Get on with you!

(Tan-Lo hurries about lighting the lights. Mc¬ Cormick goes up stage to the sideboard .)

Irving. (To Denes) Lights? (Denes nods warningly') But now—in the morning?

Denes. (To Irving) Always.

Irving. (To Denes) Oh!

(McCormick brings down stage some heavy Malaga wine and crystal glasses which he places on the table. Tan-Lo finishes with the lights and exits .)

McCormick. (Asking Irving to drink ) Mr.

Irving?

Irving. No, thank you.

McC. .It’s the gift o’ the gods.

Irving. Not for me.

McC. (To Denes) And you?

Denes. No thanks.

McC. Just as you say. But you don’t know what you’re missing. (He fills a glass and is about to raise it toward his lips)

INNOCENT.

McC. Eh?

Denes. I—I wouldn’t if I were you.

McC. But you’re not me. (McCormick laughs and raises it toward his lips)

Denes. Please, McCormick, please. (McCor¬ mick stops and looks at Denes) You haven’t even had breakfast! ( Slight pause ) And remember what

the doctor said!

McC. I know! I’m headed straight for death—- so what good can it do to break the journey.

Denes. McCormick!

Irving. Please!

McC. You mean well—I know that—or I’d crack the heads o’ both o’ you for your damned imperti¬ nence. ( He raises the glass) This is my friend— yes, more than my friend—my lady love! When I’m down on my luck, she cheers me; when the world seems blackest, she smiles on me. Whatever my mood, she understands it and shares it with me; no matter how low I may go, she’ll be faithful and stick to me ! So—here’s to her ! (He drinks. There is a pause. He re-fills the glass)

Denes. No more now.

McC. Just this one.

Irving. McCormick!

Denes. Please!

McC. This one and that’s all. It’s a promise. (He holds the glass to his nose and sniffs the bouquet in a characteristic manner) The perfume of it— more fragrant than the lotus blossoms and more delicate than the wild violet that grows in the greenest grass in the greenest country in all the world! And the color of it. Look! (He holds the glass so that the sunlight streams on it) What precious stone is as beautiful as that? There’s the swaying of ripened wheat, the soft shimmer of wavy blonde hair, the look of worship in glorious gold brown eyes! Small wonder I love it. Small wonder. (He drinks , then

INNOCENT.

puts the glass down ) You’re English, I know, Mr, Irving.

Irving. Yes.

McC. Well, we’ll try not to hold it against you!

Irving. Thank you.

McC. And what brought you out here to the East—to Manchuria?

Irving, I came as an attache of the Embassy.

McC. And now you’re in the Chinese service.

Irving, Yes, but very soon I’m going backhome.

McC. And you think that in time you’ll marry a pink-cheeked, white-frocked girl and be happy ever after, content with the raising of a family, with an occasional glimpse of the sun, with the sight of a cricket game at the Oval once in a while, a night now and then at the play, and when wifie has a headache a visit to one of those mausoleums which you English •call clubs. That’s the idea, isn’t it?

Irving. That’s it exactly !

McC. Well, accept my assurance that you won’t do it.

Irving. And why?

McC. Because you’ve heard the East a calling! That’s why. (Irving laughs ) You may laugh, but it’s the trutli just the same.

Irving. We’ll see.

McC. You mean— you’ll see! (To Denes) I suppose you expect to go back as well?

Denes. Yes, to Budapest, the most fascinating city in the world, with its opera, its gaiety and its beauti¬ ful women. Of course I expect to go back. If I hadn’t expected to, ever since I came here three years ago, I certainly should have sold my little house in the city—yes, and the little farm too—and though the house is mortgaged to the limit, one way or an¬ other I’ve managed to keep them both.

McC. A farm, eh?

Denes. Just a bit of a place—barely enough to

INNOCENT.

turn round on; still it’s mine and ready for me to gis to in case I ever get tired of my beloved and beauti¬ ful Budapest.

McC. And when do you think you’ll go back there?

Denes. In six months or a year perhaps. I won¬ der if the boys will be glad to see me and if I’ll be able to take my old place again in the favorite corner.

McC. And the girls—the sweetheart you left be¬ hind? For you did leave one, didn’t you?

Denes. She’s forgotten me long ago., ;

Irving. Then she wasn’t the right kind.

Denes. She didn’t pretend to be anything that she wasn’t. So long as luck was with me and I could give her the things she expected, everything was pleasant and happy, but when the luck turned and went against me-!

McC. She went too.

Denes. In a perfectly satisfactory manner. I was never rich—had just enough to keep me decently as a bachelor if I had been satisfied to let the money remain invested—but I wasn’t, and it went —(To McCormick) You know how.

(McCormick nods .)

McC. Gambling.

Denes. Yes. To me there’s a thrill in it that nothing else can give.

McC. I’ve felt it, too, in the days gone by.

Denes. Well, when I couldn’t go even an inch further, I laid the matter before my uncle. He de¬ voted two hours of his valuable time to lecturing me on the folly of my ways and finally agreed to send me out here to represent his paper; so I invited her to a little farewell dinner, explained exactly how matters stood, gave her more money than I could afford, and we kissed each other good-bye.

McC. And the matter was ended.

INNOCENT.

Denes. Yes.

McC. As you say, in a very satisfactory manner. ({There is a pause )

Irving. I’m glad you’re feeling better, Mr. Mc¬ Cormick. I came to find out if there’s anything I can do for you.

McC. Thank you, but there’s not.

Irving. You’re quite sure.

McC. Quite.

Irving. Then I’ll move along. Good-bye.

McC. Good-bye, and thank you again.

Irving. Not at all! (To Denes) Good-bye,’ old 'man.

Denes. Good-bye. See you this evening.

Irving. Certainly ! And Mr. McCormick--

McC. Yes.

Irving. I shall find the white-frocked, pink¬ cheeked girl and we’ll love each other to the very end. You’ll see. Good-bye. (Irving exits)

McC. A nice boy, a clean boy, with a young man’s Idea of love.

Denes. Don’t you believe in love?

McC. Believe in it? Once, I’d have died for love of a woman, and she did die for love of me. Yes, and she knew me for what I was; she knew I was wrong right through and yet she gave up every¬ thing for me—everything! Yes, and she would have Jived only slie was too delicate, too sensitive for the fight we had to make. She was hurt too much by frigid silences, by the pulling aside of another wo¬ man’s skirt, by being looked at without being seen! I knew she was slipping away from me and I remembered that Wilde had written “ Man always kills tlie tiling he loves ” and I hated him for it, hated liim with the liate one man always gives an¬ other when he tells him the truth he doesn’t want to believe! And I said “ she shan’t die. She shan’t. I’ll keep her in spite of everytliing and every body.”

INNOCENT.

But I knew I couldn’t—I knew it—even when I said it. ( There is a pause ) You guess who it was.

Denes. Innocent’s mother.

McC. Yes. When Innocent came, she wouldir’fc have died had she been home with her family and her friends—and so—I killed her.

Denes. McCormick !

McC. I did. I killed her as surely as if I’d stabbed her with a knife. ( There is a pause ) And now—there’s Innocent! And I’ve grown to love her -—and I wonder. I wonder! ( There is a pause ) The sins of the fathers! ( There is a pause ) The truest thing ever written—but it’s hell on the children.

Denes. You mean?

McC. Innocent! She has my blood in her veins*

Denes. She has her mother’s blood too.

McC. But suppose mine is the stronger? Sup¬ pose she takes after me?

Denes. Really now, McCormick!

McC. That’s what I’m afraid of—what I’ve been fighting all these years! Do you know what my be¬ setting sin was—the fact that I couldn’t do without the things that I couldn’t afford. I was the son of a poverty-stricken Irish baronet and I had the tastes of an Emperor.

Denes. Has she ever shown—any-!

McC. No. But then she’s had no chance. I’ve kept all knowledge of the world away from her. I’ve been her only companion. I’ve selected her books, I’ve taught her everything she knows. If ever a man tried to keep the mind and heart of his child pure and clean, believe me, I am that man.

Denes. I know it. Then why should you im¬ agine—-—

McC. Because I’m afraid. I love her! And “ Man always kills the thing he loves.” (He speaks fiercely) Curse him for saving that. May his soul

INNOCENT.

rot in hell for it. Curse him and damn him—that’s what I say. ( He goes to pour out some wine)

Denes. McCormick!

McC. ( Stops and looks at him) Well!

Denes. You promised.

McC. What? Oh, so I did. But just this one?

Denes. No!

McC. Only one! What do you say?

Denes. You promised.

McC. Sure I did. But—! Eh? (Pause) Eh?

Denes. No. (There is a pause)

McC. Oh! What’s a promise more or less when your heart’s burning up! (He starts to pour out the drink)

Denes. McCormick!! (There is a pause)

McC. Oh, very well! (He puts the glass down) But I almost got it, didn’t I,—eh? (There is a pause) And what was I speaking of! (Pause) In¬ nocent ! Oh, yes ! Innocent! Do you know why I’ve kept her with me all alone? Of course you don’t, so I’ll tell you. I want her to be happy. But only the contented woman is happy and only the ignorant woman is contented.

Denes. I don’t agree with you. Some of the happiest women I’ve known were well read and charming.

McC. But still they were ignorant—ignorant of the world and of life. They knew only their own little circle! And they were religious women, too, weren’t they?

Denes. Yes.

McC. That’s the kind that are happy and that’s the kind I want Innocent to be. I’m not a religious man myself, as you may know, but I’ve taught it all to Innocent from baptism to hell fire and she believes it. You shall see. (He calls) Innocent! Innocent, darling! Innocent!

(Innocent enters in Chinese dress.)