Scene: The morning-room in the Consular Agent's house at Cairo.
The windows are Arabic in character and so are the architraves of
the doors, but otherwise it is an English room, airy and spacious.
The furniture is lacquer and Chippendale, there are cool chintzes
on the chairs and sofas, cut roses in glass vases, and growing
azaleas in pots; but here and there an Eastern antiquity, a helmet
and a coat of mail, a piece of woodwork, reminds one of the
Mussulman conquest of Egypt; while an ancient god in porphyry,
graven images in blue pottery, blue bowls, recall an older
civilisation still.
When the curtain rises the room is empty, the blinds are down so
as to keep out the heat, and it is dim and mysterious. A Servant
comes in, a dark-skinned native in the gorgeous uniform, red and
gold, of the Consular Agent's establishment, and draws the blinds.
Through the windows is seen the garden with palm-trees, oranges and
lemons, tropical plants with giant leaves; and beyond, the radiant
blue of the sky. In the distance is heard the plaintive, guttural
wailing of an Arab song. A Gardener in a pale blue gaberdine
passes with a basket on his arm.
Servant.
Es-salâm 'alêkum (Peace be with you).
Gardener.
U'alêkum es-Salâm warahmet Allâh wa barakâta (And with you be peace and
God's mercy and blessing).
[The Servant goes out. The Gardener stops for a moment to nail
back a straggling creeper and then goes on his way. The door is
opened. Mrs. Appleby comes in with Anne Etheridge and they are
followed immediately by Violet. Anne is a woman of forty, but
handsome still, very pleasant and sympathetic; she is a woman of
the world, tactful and self-controlled. She is dressed in light,
summery things. Mrs. Appleby is an elderly, homely woman, soberly
but not inexpensively dressed. The wife of a North-country
manufacturer, she spends a good deal of money on rather dowdy
clothes. Violet is a very pretty young woman of twenty. She looks
very fresh and English in her muslin frock; there is something
spring-like and virginal in her appearance, and her manner of dress
is romantic rather than modish. She suggests a lady in a
Gainsborough portrait rather than a drawing in a paper of Paris
fashions. Luncheon is just finished and when they come in the women
leave the door open for the men to follow.]
Mrs. Appleby.
How cool it is in here! This isn't the room we were in before lunch?
Anne.
No. They keep the windows closed and the blinds drawn all the morning so
that it's beautifully cool when one comes in.
Mrs. Appleby.
I suppose we shan't feel the heat so much when we've been here a few
days.
Anne.
Oh, but this is nothing to what you'll get in Upper Egypt.
Violet.
[As she enters.] Is Mrs. Appleby complaining of the heat? I love it.
Anne.
Dear Violet, wait till May comes and June. You don't know how exhausting
it gets.
Violet.
I'm looking forward to it. I think in some past life I must have been a
lizard.
Mrs. Appleby.
I dare say the first year you won't feel it. I have a brother settled in
Canada, and he says the first year people come out from England they
don't feel the cold anything like what they do later on.
Anne.
I've spent a good many winters here, and I always make a point of
getting away by the fifteenth of March.
Mrs. Appleby.
Oh, are you staying as late as that?
Anne.
Good gracious, no. You make Lady Little's heart positively sink.
Violet.
Nonsense, Anne, you know we want you to stay as long as ever you can.
Anne.
I used to have an apartment in Cairo, but I've given it up now and Lady
Little asked me to come and stay at the Agency while I was getting
everything settled.
Mrs. Appleby.
Oh, then you knew Sir Arthur before he married?
Anne.
Oh, yes, he's one of my oldest friends. I can't help thinking Lady
Little must have great sweetness of character to put up with me.
Violet.
Or you must be a perfect miracle of tact, darling.
Mrs. Appleby.
My belief is, it's a little of both.
Anne.
When Arthur came to see me one day last July and told me he was going to
marry the most wonderful girl in the world, of course I thought
good-bye. A man thinks he can keep his bachelor friendships, but he
never does.
Mrs. Appleby.
His wife generally sees to that.
Violet.
Well, I think it's nonsense, especially with a man like Arthur who'd
been a bachelor so long and naturally had his life laid out before ever
I came into it. And besides, I'm devoted to Anne.
Anne.
It's dear of you to say so.
Violet.
I came here as an absolute stranger. And after all, I wasn't very old,
was I?
Mrs. Appleby.
Nineteen?
Violet.
Oh, no, I was older than that. I was nearly twenty.
Mrs. Appleby.
[Smiling.] Good gracious!
Violet.
It was rather alarming to find oneself on a sudden the wife of a man in
Arthur's position. I was dreadfully self-conscious; I felt that
everybody's eyes were upon me. And you don't know how easy it is to make
mistakes in a country that's half Eastern and half European.
Anne.
To say nothing of having to deal with the representatives of half a
dozen Great Powers all outrageously susceptible.
Violet.
And, you know, there was the feeling that the smallest false step might
do the greatest harm to Arthur and his work here. I had only just left
the schoolroom and I found myself almost a political personage. If it
hadn't been for Anne I should have made a dreadful mess of things.
Anne.
Oh, I don't think that. You had two assets which would have made people
excuse a great deal of inexperience, your grace and your beauty.
Violet.
You say very nice things to me, Anne.
Mrs. Appleby.
Your marriage was so romantic, I can't see how anyone could help feeling
very kindly towards you.
Violet.
There's not much room for romance in the heart of the wife of one of the
Agents of the foreign Powers when she thinks she hasn't been given her
proper place at a dinner party.
Mrs. Appleby.
I remember wondering at the time whether you weren't a little overcome
by all the excitement caused by your marriage.
Violet.
I was excited too, you know.
Mrs. Appleby.
Everyone had always looked upon Sir Arthur as a confirmed bachelor. It
was thought he cared for nothing but his work. He's had a wonderful
career, hasn't he?
Violet.
The Prime Minister told me he was the most competent man he'd ever met.
Anne.
I've always thought he must be a comfort to any Government. Whenever
anyone has made a hash of things he's been sent to put them straight.
Violet.
Well, he always has.
Mrs. Appleby.
Mr. Appleby was saying only this morning he was the last man one would
expect to marry in haste.
Violet.
Let's hope he won't repent at leisure.
Anne.
[Smiling.] Mrs. Appleby is dying to know all about it, Violet.
Mrs. Appleby.
I'm an old woman, Lady Little.
Violet.
[Gaily.] Well, I met Arthur at a week-end party. He'd come home on
leave and all sorts of important people had been asked to meet him. I
was frightened out of my life. The duchesses had strawberry leaves
hanging all over them and they looked at me down their noses. And the
Cabinet Ministers' wives had protruding teeth and they looked at me up
their noses.
Anne.
What nonsense you talk, Violet!
Violet.
I was expecting to be terrified of Arthur. After all, I knew he was a
great man. But you know, I wasn't a bit. He was inclined to be rather
fatherly at first, so I cheeked him.
Anne.
I can imagine his surprise. No one had done that for twenty years.
Violet.
When you know Arthur at all well you discover that when he wants
anything he doesn't hesitate to ask for it. He told our hostess that he
wanted me to sit next to him at dinner. That didn't suit her at all, but
she didn't like to say no. Somehow people don't say no to Arthur. The
Cabinet Ministers' wives looked more like camels than ever, and by
Sunday evening, my dear, the duchesses' strawberry leaves began to curl
and crackle.
Anne.
Your poor hostess, I feel for her. To have got hold of a real lion for
your party and then have him refuse to bother himself with anybody but a
chit of a girl whom you'd asked just to make an even number!
Mrs. Appleby.
He just fell in love with you at first sight?
Violet.
That's what he says now.
Mrs. Appleby.
Did you know?
Violet.
I thought it looked very like it, you know, only it was so improbable.
Then came an invitation from a woman I only just knew for the next
week-end, and she said Arthur would be there. Then my heart really did
begin to go pit-a-pat. I took the letter in to my sister and sat on her
bed and we talked it over. "Does he mean to propose to me," I said, "or
does he not?" And my sister said: "I can't imagine what he sees in you.
Will you accept him if he does?" she asked. "Oh, no," I said. "Good
heavens, why he's twenty years older than I am!" But of course I meant
to all the time. I shouldn't have cared if he was a hundred, he was the
most wonderful man I'd ever known.
Mrs. Appleby.
And did he propose to you that week-end, when he'd practically only seen
you once before?
Violet.
I got down in the afternoon and he was there already. As soon as I
swallowed a cup of tea he said: "Come out for a walk." Well, I'd have
loved a second cup, but I didn't like to say so, so I went. But we had a
second tea in a cottage half an hour later, and we were engaged then.
[Appleby comes in with Osman Pasha. Mr. Appleby is a self-made
man who has entered Parliament; he is about sixty, grey-bearded,
rather short and stout, with some accent in his speech, shrewd,
simple and good-natured. He wears a blue serge suit. Osman Pasha
is a swarthy, bearded Oriental, obese, elderly but dignified; he
wears the official frock-coat of the Khedivial service and a
tarbush.]
Appleby.
Sir Arthur is coming in one moment. He is talking to one of his
secretaries.
Violet.
Really, it's too bad of them not to leave him alone even when he's
snatching a mouthful of food.
Osman Pasha.
Vous permettez que j'apporte ma cigarette, chère Madame.
Violet.
Of course. Come and sit here, Pasha.
Appleby.
I wanted to tell his Excellency how interested I am in his proposal to
found a technical college in Cairo, but I can't speak French.
Violet.
Oh, but his Excellency understands English perfectly, and I believe
really he talks it as well as I do, only he won't.
Osman Pasha.
Madame, je ne comprends l'anglais que quand vous le parlez, et tout
galant homme sait ce que dit une jolie femme.
Anne.
[Translating for the Applebys.] He says he only understands English
when Lady Little speaks it, and every nice man understands what a pretty
woman says.
Violet.
No one pays me such charming compliments as you do. You know I'm
learning Arabic.
Osman Pasha.
C'est une bien belle langue, et vous, madame, vous avez autant
d'intelligence que de beauté.
Violet.
I have a Copt who comes to me every day. And I practise a little with
your brother, Anne.
Anne.
[To Mrs. Appleby.] My brother is one of Sir Arthur's secretaries. I
expect it was he that Mr. Appleby left with Sir Arthur.
Violet.
If it is I shall scold him. He knows quite well that he has no right to
come and bother Arthur when he's in the bosom of his family. But they
say he's a wonderful Arabic scholar.
Osman Pasha.
Vous parlez de M. Parry? Je n'ai jamais connu un Anglais qui avait une
telle facilité.
Anne.
He says he's never known an Englishman who speaks so well as Ronny.
Violet.
It's a fearfully difficult language. Sometimes my head seems to get tied
up in knots.
[Two Saises come in, one with a salver on which are coffee cups and
the other bearing a small tray on which is a silver vessel containing
Turkish coffee. They go round giving coffee to the various people, then
wait in silence. When Sir Arthur comes in they give him his coffee and
go out.]
Anne.
It's wonderful of you to persevere.
Violet.
Oh, you know, Ronny's very encouraging. He says I'm really getting on. I
want so badly to be able to talk. You can't think how enthusiastic I am
about Egypt. I love it.
Osman Pasha.
Pas plus que l'Égypte vous aime, Madame.
Violet.
When we landed at Alexandria and I saw that blue sky and that coloured,
gesticulating crowd, my heart leapt. I knew I was going to be happy. And
every day I've loved Egypt more. I love its antiquities, I love the
desert and the streets of Cairo and those dear little villages by the
Nile. I never knew there was such beauty in the world. I thought you
only read of romance in books; I didn't know there was a country where
it sat by the side of a well under the palm-trees, as though it were at
home.
Osman Pasha.
Vous êtes charmante, madame. C'est un bien beau pays. Il n'a besoin que
d'une chose pour qu'on puisse y vivre.
Anne.
[Translating.] It's a beautiful country. It only wants one thing to
make it livable. And what is that, your Excellency?
Osman Pasha.
La liberté.
Appleby.
Liberty?
[Arthur has come in when first Violet begins to speak of Egypt and he
listens to her enthusiasm with an indulgent smile. At the Pasha's remark
he comes forward. Arthur Little is a man of forty-five, alert, young
in manner, very intelligent, with the urbanity, self-assurance, tact,
and resourcefulness of the experienced diplomatist. Nothing escapes him,
but he does not often show how much he notices.]
Arthur.
Egypt has the liberty to do well, your Excellency. Does it need the
liberty to do ill before it loses the inclination to do it?
Violet.
[To Mrs. Appleby.] I hope you don't mind Turkish coffee?
Mrs. Appleby.
Oh, no, I like it.
Violet.
I'm so glad. I think it perfectly delicious.
Arthur.
You have in my wife an enthusiastic admirer of this country, Pasha.
Osman Pasha.
J'en suis ravi.
Arthur.
I've told Ronny to come in and have a cup of coffee. [To Anne.] I
thought you'd like to say how d'you do to him.
Anne.
Are you very busy to-day?
Arthur.
We're always busy. Isn't that so, Excellency?
Osman Pasha.
En effet, et je vous demanderai permission de me retirer. Mon bureau
m'appelle.
[He gets up and shakes hands with Violet.]
Violet.
It was charming of you to come.
Osman Pasha.
Mon Dieu, madame, c'est moi qui vous remercie de m'avoir donné
l'occasion de saluer votre grâce et votre beauté.
[He bows to the rest of the company. Arthur leads him towards the
door and he goes out.]
Anne.
You take all these compliments without turning a hair, Violet.
Arthur.
[Coming back.] You know, that's a wonderful old man. He's so
well-bred, he has such exquisite manners, it's hard to realise that if
it were possible he would have us all massacred to-morrow.
Appleby.
I remember there was a certain uneasiness in England when you
recommended that he should be made Minister of Education.
Arthur.
They don't always understand local conditions in England. Osman is a
Moslem of the old school. He has a bitter hatred of the English. In
course of years he has come to accept the inevitable, but he's not
resigned to it. He never loses sight of his aim.
Appleby.
And that is?
Arthur.
Why, bless you, to drive the English into the sea. But he's a clever old
rascal, and he sees that one of the first things that must be done is to
educate the Egyptians. Well, we want to educate them too. I had all
sorts of reforms in mind which I would never have got the strict
Mohammedans to accept if they hadn't been brought forward by a man whose
patriotism they believe in and whose orthodoxy is beyond suspicion.
Anne.
Don't you find it embarrassing to work with a man you distrust?
Arthur.
I don't distrust him. I have a certain admiration for him, and I bear
him no grudge at all because at the bottom of his heart he simply
loathes me.
Appleby.
I don't see why he should do that.
Arthur.
I was in Egypt for three years when I was quite a young man. I was very
small fry then, but I came into collision with Osman and he tried to
poison me. I was very ill for two months, and he's never forgiven me
because I recovered.
Appleby.
What a scoundrel!
Arthur.
He would be a little out of place in a Nonconformist community. In the
good old days of Ismael he had one of his wives beaten to death and
thrown into the Nile.
Appleby.
But is it right to give high office to a man of that character?
Arthur.
They were the manners and customs of the times.
Mrs. Appleby.
But he tried to kill you. Don't you bear him any ill will?
Arthur.
I don't think it was very friendly, you know, but after all no statesman
can afford to pay attention to his private feelings. His duty is to find
the round peg for the round hole and put him in.
Anne.
Why does he come here?
Arthur.
He has a very great and respectful admiration for Violet. She chaffs
him, if you please, and the old man adores her. I think she's done more
to reconcile him to the British occupation than all our diplomacy.
Mrs. Appleby.
It must be wonderful to have power in a country like this.
Violet.
Power? Oh, I haven't that. But it makes me so proud to think I can be of
any use at all. I only wish I had the chance to do more. Since I've been
here I've grown very patriotic.
[Ronald Parry comes in. He is a young man, very good-looking, fresh and
pleasant, with a peculiar charm of manner.]
Arthur.
Ah, here is Ronny.
Ronny.
Am I too late for my cup of coffee?
Violet.
No, it will be brought to you at once.
Ronny.
[Shaking hands with Violet.] Good morning.
Violet.
This is Mr. Parry. Mr. and Mrs. Appleby.
Ronny.
How d'you do?
Arthur.
Now, Ronny, don't put on your Foreign Office manner. Mr. and Mrs.
Appleby are very nice people.
Mrs. Appleby.
I'm glad you think that, Sir Arthur.
Arthur.
Well, when you left your cards with a soup ticket from the F.O. my heart
sank.
Appleby.
There, my dear, I told you he wouldn't want to be bothered with us.
Arthur.
You see, I expected a pompous couple who knew all about everything and
were going to tell me exactly how Egypt ought to be governed. A Member
of Parliament doesn't inspire confidence in the worried bosom of a
Government official.
Violet.
I don't know if you think you're putting Mr. and Mrs. Appleby at their
ease, Arthur.
Arthur.
Oh, but I shouldn't say this if I hadn't been most agreeably
disappointed.
Mrs. Appleby.
I never forget the days when Mr. Appleby used to light the kitchen fire
himself and I used to do the week's washing every Monday morning. I
don't think we've changed much since then, either of us.
Arthur.
I know, and I'm really grateful to the Foreign Office for having given
you your letter.
Mrs. Appleby.
It's been a great treat to us to come and see you. And it's done my
heart good to see Lady Little. If you don't mind my saying so she's like
a spring morning and it makes one glad to be alive just to look at her.
Violet.
Oh, don't!
Arthur.
I'm inclined to feel very kindly to everyone who feels kindly towards
her. You must enjoy yourselves in Upper Egypt and when you come back to
Cairo you must let us know.
Appleby.
I'm expecting to learn a good deal from my journey.
Arthur.
You may learn a good deal that will surprise you. You may learn that
there are races in the world that seem born to rule and races that seem
born to serve; that democracy is not a panacea for all the ills of
mankind, but merely one system of government like another, which hasn't
had a long enough trial to make it certain whether it is desirable or
not; that freedom generally means the power of the strong to oppress the
weak, and that the wise statesman gives men the illusion of it but not
the substance—in short, a number of things which must be very
disturbing to the equilibrium of a Radical Member of Parliament.
Anne.
On the other hand, you'll see our beautiful Nile and the temples.
Arthur.
And perhaps they'll suggest to you that however old the world is it's
ever young, and that when all's said and done the most permanent on the
face of the earth is what seems the most transitory—the ideal.
Appleby.
Fanny, it looks to me as though we'd bitten off as big a piece of cake
as we can chew with any comfort.
Mrs. Appleby.
Oh, well, we'll do our best. And though I never could do arithmetic I've
always thought perhaps one might be saved without. Good-bye, Lady
Little, and thank you for having us.
Violet.
Good-bye.
[There are general farewells and they go to the door. Ronny opens it
for them. They go out.]
Ronny.
I forgot to tell you, sir, Mrs. Pritchard has just telephoned to ask if
she can see you on a matter of business.
Arthur.
[With a grim smile.] Say I'm very busy to-day, and I regret
exceedingly that it will be quite impossible for me to see her.
Ronny.
[With a twinkle in his eye.] She said she was coming round at once.
Arthur.
If she's made up her mind to see me at all costs she might have saved
herself the trouble of ringing up to find out if it was convenient.
Anne.
Your sister is a determined creature, Arthur.
Arthur.
I know. I have some authority in the affairs of this country, but none
over dear Christina. I wonder what she wants.
Violet.
Let us hope for the best.
Arthur.
I've noticed that whenever anyone wants to see me very urgently it's
never to give me anything. When Christina wants to see me urgently my
only safety is in instant flight.
Violet.
You must be nice to her, Arthur. If you're not she'll only take it out
of me.
Arthur.
It's monstrous, isn't it?
Violet.
After all, she kept house for you for ten years. Admirably, mind you.
Arthur.
Admirably. She has a genius for order and organisation in the house.
Everything went like clockwork. She never wasted a farthing. She saved
me hundreds of pounds. She led me a dog's life. I've come to the
conclusion there's nothing so detestable as a good housekeeper.
Violet.
How fortunate you married me, then! But you can't expect her to see that
point of view. It's very hard for her to be turned out of this very
pleasant billet, and it's natural that when you won't do something she
asks you she should put it down to my influence.
Anne.
It must have been a very difficult position for you.
Violet.
I did all I could to make her like me. I did feel rather like a usurper,
you know. I tried to make her see that I didn't at all want to put on
airs.
Arthur.
Fortunately she's taken it very well. I confess I was a little nervous
when she told me she meant to stay on in Egypt to be near her son.
Anne.
It would be a detestable person who didn't like Violet, I think.
Arthur.
Detestable. I should have no hesitation in having him deported.
Ronny.
I think I'd better be getting back to my work.
Anne.
Oh, Ronny, would you like me to come and help you with your packing?
Violet.
[To Ronny.] Are you going somewhere?
Ronny.
I'm leaving Cairo.
Anne.
Didn't you know? Ronny has just been appointed to Paris.
Violet.
Is he going to leave Egypt for good?
[She is taken aback by the news. She clenches her hand on the rail of a
chair; Arthur and Anne notice the little, instinctive motion.]
Ronny.
I suppose so.
Violet.
But why was it kept from me? Why have you been making a secret of it?
Arthur.
Darling, no one's been making a secret of it. I—I thought Anne would
have told you.
Violet.
Oh, it doesn't matter at all, but Ronny has been in the habit of doing
all sorts of things for me. It would have been convenient if I'd been
told that a change was going to be made.
Arthur.
I'm very sorry. It was only arranged this morning. I received a telegram
from the Foreign Office. I thought it would interest Anne, so I sent
Ronny along to tell her.
Violet.
I hate to be treated like a child.
[There is a moment's embarrassment.]
Anne.
It was stupid of me. I ought to have come and told you. I was so pleased
and excited that I forgot.
Violet.
I don't quite know why you should have been so excited.
Anne.
It will be very nice for me to have Ronny so near. You see, now I've
given up my flat I shan't come to Egypt very often and I should never
have seen Ronny. I can run over to Paris constantly. Besides, it's a
step, isn't it? And I want to see him an Ambassador before I die.
Violet.
I don't see what good it will do him in Paris to speak Arabic like a
native.
Arthur.
Oh, well, that is the F.O. all over. The best Persian scholar in the
Service has spent the last six years in Washington.
Ronny.
It's been a great surprise for me. I expected to remain in Egypt
indefinitely.
Violet.
[Recovering herself.] I expect you'll have a very good time in Paris.
When do you go?
Ronny.
There's a boat the day after to-morrow. Sir Arthur thought I'd better
take that.
Violet.
[Scarcely mistress of herself.] As soon as that! [Recovering,
gaily.] We shall miss you dreadfully. I can't imagine what I shall do
without you. [To Anne.] You can't think how useful he's been to me
since I came here.
Ronny.
It's very kind of you to say so.
Violet.
He's invaluable at functions and things like that. You see, he knows
where everyone should sit at dinner. And at first he used to coach me
with details about various people so that I shouldn't say the wrong
thing.
Arthur.
If you had you'd have said it so charmingly that no one would have
resented it.
Violet.
I'm so afraid that the man who takes Ronny's place will refuse to write
my invitations for me.
Arthur.
It's not exactly the duty of my secretaries.
Violet.
No, but I do hate doing it myself. And Ronny was able to imitate my
handwriting.
Arthur.
I'm sure he could never write as badly as you.
Violet.
Oh, yes, he could. Couldn't you?
Ronny.
I managed to write quite enough like you for people not to notice the
difference.
Violet.
You know, there are thirty-two invitations to do now.
Anne.
Why don't you send cards?
Violet.
Oh, I think a letter is so much more polite. Somehow I don't feel old
enough to ask people to dine with me in the third person.
Ronny.
I'll come and do them the moment Sir Arthur can let me go.
Arthur.
You'd better do them before Violet goes out.
Violet.
That'll be very soon. The Khedive's mother has asked me to go and see
her at half-past three. I'll get the list now, shall I? I don't think
I'll wait for Christina. If she wants to see you on business I dare say
she'd rather I wasn't there.
Arthur.
Very well.
Violet.
[To Ronny.] Will you come here when you're ready?
Ronny.
Certainly.
[She goes out.]
Arthur.
Have you finished that report yet?
Ronny.
Not quite, sir. It will be ready in ten minutes.
Arthur.
Put it on my desk.
Ronny.
All right, sir.
[Exit. Arthur and Anne are left alone. He looks at her
reflectively.]
Arthur.
Violet is very sensitive to anything that might be considered a slight.
Anne.
It's very natural, isn't it? A high-spirited girl.
Arthur.
She likes me to tell her my arrangements. It gives her a little feeling
of importance to know things before other people.
Anne.
Oh, of course. I quite understand. I should do the same in her place.
Arthur.
I ought to have remembered and told her that Ronny was going. She was
just a little vexed because she thought I'd been fixing things up behind
her back.
Anne.
Yes, I know. It would naturally put her out for a moment to learn on a
sudden that one of the persons she'd been thrown in contact with was
going away.
Arthur.
[With a twinkle in his eye.] I'm wondering if I must blame you for the
loss of an excellent secretary.
Anne.
Me?
Arthur.
I don't know why the F.O. should suddenly have made up their minds that
your brother was wanted in Paris. Have you been pulling strings?
Anne.
[Smiling.] What a suspicious nature you have!
Arthur.
Anne, own up.
Anne.
I thought Ronny was getting into a groove here. There didn't seem to be
much more for him to do than he has been doing for some time. If you
will have the truth, I've been moving heaven and earth to get him
moved.
Arthur.
How deceitful of you not to have said a word about it!
Anne.
I didn't want to make him restless. I knew he'd be mad to go to Paris. I
thought it much better not to say anything till it was settled.
Arthur.
D'you think he's mad to go to Paris?
Anne.
[Fencing with him.] Any young man would be.
Arthur.
I wonder if he'd be very much disappointed if I made other arrangements.
Anne.
What do you mean, Arthur? You wouldn't prevent him from going when I've
done everything in the world to get him away.
Arthur.
[Abruptly.] Why should you be so anxious for him to go?
[She looks at him for an instant in dismay.]
Anne.
Good heavens, don't speak so sharply to me. I told Violet just now. I
wanted him to be more get-at-able. I think he stands a much better
chance of being noticed if he's in a place like Paris.
Arthur.
[With a smile.] Ah, yes, you said you were coming less frequently to
Egypt than in the past. It might be worth while to keep Ronny here in
order to tempt you back.
Anne.
Egypt isn't the same to me that it was.
Arthur.
I hope my marriage has made no difference to our friendship, Anne. You
know how deeply I value it.
Anne.
You used to come and see me very often. You knew I was discreet and you
used to talk over with me all sorts of matters which occupied you. I was
pleased and flattered. Of course I realised that those pleasant
conversations of ours must stop when you married. I only came here this
winter to collect my goods and chattels.
Arthur.
You make me feel vaguely guilty towards you.
Anne.
Of course you're nothing of the sort. But I don't want Violet to feel
that I am making any attempt to—to monopolise you. She's been charming
to me. The more I know her the more delightful I find her.
Arthur.
It's very nice of you to say so.
Anne.
You know I've always had a great admiration for you. I'm so glad to see
you married to a girl who's not unworthy of you.
Arthur.
I suppose it was a dangerous experiment for a man of my age to marry a
girl of nineteen.
Anne.
I think one can admit that. But you've always been one of the favourites
of the gods. You've made a wonderful success of it.
Arthur.
It needs on a husband's part infinite tact, patience, and tolerance.
Anne.
You have the great advantage that Violet is genuinely in love with you.
Arthur.
I suppose only a fatuous ass would confess that a beautiful girl was in
love with him.
Anne.
You make her very happy.
Arthur.
There's nothing I wouldn't do to achieve that. I'm more desperately in
love with Violet even than when I first married her.
Anne.
I'm so glad. I want nothing but your happiness.
Arthur.
Here is Christina.
[The door opens as he says these words and an English Butler ushers
in Mrs. Pritchard. She is a tall, spare woman, with hair turning grey,
comely, upright in her carriage, with decision of character indicated by
every gesture; but though masterful and firm to attain her ends, she is
an honest woman, direct, truthful and not without humour. She is
admirably gowned in a manner befitting her station and importance.]
Butler.
Mrs. Pritchard.
[Exit.]
Arthur.
I knew it was you, Christina. I felt a sense of responsibility descend
upon the house.
Christina.
[Kissing him.] How is Violet?
Arthur.
Lovely.
Christina.
I was inquiring about her health.
Arthur.
Her health is perfect.
Christina.
At her age one's always well, I suppose. [Kissing Anne.] How d'you do?
And how are you, my poor Arthur?
Arthur.
You ask me as though I was a doddering old gentleman, crippled with
rheumatism. I'm in the best of health, thank you very much, and very
active for my years. [Christina has seen a flower on the table that has
fallen from a bowl, and picks it up and puts it back in its place.] Why
do you do that?
Christina.
I don't like untidiness.
Arthur.
I do.
[He takes the flower out again and places it on the table.]
Christina.
I was expecting to find you in your office.
Arthur.
Do you think I'm neglecting my work? I thought it more becoming to wait
for you here.
Christina.
I wanted to see you on a matter of business.
Arthur.
So I understood from your message. I feel convinced you're going to put
me in the way of making my fortune.
Anne.
I'll leave you, shall I?
Christina.
Oh, no, pray don't. There's not the least reason why you shouldn't hear
what it's all about.
Arthur.
You're not going to make my fortune after all. You're going to ask me to
do something.
Christina.
What makes you think that?
Arthur.
You want a third person present to be witness to my brutal selfishness
when I refuse. I know you, Christina.
Christina.
[Smiling.] You're much too sensible to refuse a perfectly reasonable
request.
Arthur.
Let us hear it. [She sits down on the sofa. The cushions have been
disordered by people sitting on them and she shakes them out, and pats
them and arranges them in their place.] I wish you'd leave the
furniture alone, Christina.
Christina.
I cannot make out what pleasure people take in seeing things out of
their proper place.
Arthur.
You're very long in coming to the point.
Christina.
I hear that the Khedive has quarrelled with his secretary.
Arthur.
You're a marvellous woman, Christina. You get hold of all the harem
gossip.
Christina.
It's true, isn't it?
Arthur.
Yes. But I only heard of it myself just before luncheon. How did it come
to your ears?
Christina.
That doesn't matter, does it? I have a way of hearing things that may be
of interest to me.
Arthur.
I'm afraid I'm very dense, but I don't see how it can be of any
particular interest to you.
Christina.
[Smiling.] Dear Arthur. The Khedive has asked you to recommend him an
English secretary.
Anne.
Has he really? That's a change. He's never had an English secretary
before.
Arthur.
Never.
Anne.
It's a wonderful opportunity.
Arthur.
If we get the right man he can be of the greatest possible help. If he's
tactful, wise, and courteous, there's no reason why in time he shouldn't
attain very considerable influence over the Khedive. If we can really
get the Khedive to work honestly and sincerely with us, instead of
hampering us by all kinds of secret devices, we can do miracles in this
country.
Anne.
What a splendid chance for the man who gets the job!
Arthur.
I suppose it is. If he has the right qualities he may achieve anything.
And after all, it's a splendid chance to be able to render such great
service to our own old country.
Christina.
Has the Khedive given any particulars about the sort of man he wants?
Arthur.
He naturally wants a young man and a good sportsman. It's important that
he should be able to speak Arabic. But the qualifications which will
satisfy the Khedive are nothing beside those which will satisfy me. The
wrong man may cause irreparable damage to British interests.
Christina.
Have you thought that Henry would be admirably suited?
Arthur.
I can't say I have, Christina.
Christina.
He's young and he's very good at games. He speaks Arabic.
Arthur.
Quite well, I believe. I think he's very well suited to the post he has.
It would be a pity to disturb him when he's just got at home with the
work.
Christina.
Arthur, you can't compare a very badly paid job in the Ministry of
Education with a private secretaryship to the Khedive.
Arthur.
The best job for a man is the one he's most fitted to do.
Christina.
You've got no fault to find with Henry. He's a very good worker, he's
honest, industrious, and painstaking.
Arthur.
You don't praise a pair of boots because you can walk in them without
discomfort; if you can't you chuck them away.
Christina.
What d'you mean by that?
Arthur.
The qualities you mention really don't deserve any particular reward. If
Henry hadn't got them I'd fire him without a moment's hesitation.
Christina.
I have no doubt you'd welcome the opportunity. It's the greatest
misfortune of Henry's life that he happens to be your nephew.
Arthur.
On the other hand, it's counterbalanced by his extraordinary good luck
in being your son.
Christina.
You've stood in his way on every possible occasion.
Arthur.
[Good-humouredly.] You know that's not true, Christina. I've refused
to perpetrate a number of abominable jobs that you've urged me to. He's
had his chances as everyone else has. You're an admirable mother. If I'd
listened to you he'd be Commander-in-Chief and Prime Minister by now.
Christina.
I've never asked you to do anything for Henry that wasn't perfectly
reasonable.
Arthur.
It's evident then that we have different views upon what is reasonable.
Christina.
I appeal to you, Anne: do you see any objection to suggesting Henry to
the Khedive as a private secretary?
Arthur.
I knew that's what she wanted you here for, Anne, to be a witness to my
pig-headed obstinacy.
Christina.
Don't be absurd, Arthur. I'm asking Anne for an unprejudiced opinion.
Arthur.
Anne is unlikely to have an opinion of any value on a matter she knows
nothing about.
Anne.
[With a chuckle.] That is a very plain hint that I can't do better
than hold my tongue. I'll take it, Christina.
Christina.
It's so unreasonable of you, Arthur. You won't listen to any argument.
Arthur.
The only one you've offered yet is: here's a good job going, Henry's
your nephew, give it him. My dear, don't you see the Khedive would
never accept such a near relation of mine?
Christina.
I don't agree with you at all. The fact of his asking you to recommend
an English secretary shows that he wants to draw the connection between
you and himself closer. After all, you might give the boy a chance.
Arthur.
This is not an occasion when one can afford to give a chance. It's hit
or miss. If the man I choose is a failure the Khedive will never ask me
to do such a thing for him again. I can't take any risks.
Christina.
Will you tell me what qualifications Henry lacks to make him suitable
for the post?
Arthur.
Certainly. It's true he speaks Arabic, but he doesn't understand the
native mind. Grammars can't teach you that, my dear, only sympathy. He
has the mind of an official. I often think that you must have swallowed
a ramrod in early life and poor Henry was born with a foot-rule in his
inside.
Christina.
I am not amused, Arthur.
Arthur.
I have no doubt in course of time he'll become a very competent
official, but he'll never be anything else. He lacks imagination, and
that is just as necessary to a statesman as to a novelist. Finally he
has no charm.
Christina.
How can you judge? You're his uncle. You might just as well say I have
no charm.
Arthur.
You haven't. You're an admirable woman, with all the substantial virtues
which make you an ornament to your sex, but you have no charm.
Christina.
[With a grim smile.] I should be a fool if I expected you to pay me
compliments, shouldn't I?
Arthur.
You would at all events be a woman who is unable to learn by experience.
Christina.
Besides, I don't agree with you. I think Henry has charm.
Arthur.
Why do we all call him Henry? Why does Henry suit him so admirably? If
he had charm we would naturally call him Harry.
Christina.
Really, Arthur, it amazes me that a man in your position can be
influenced by such absurd trifles. It's so unfair, when a boy has a
dozen solid real virtues that you should refuse to recommend him for a
job because he hasn't got in your opinion a frivolous, unsubstantial
advantage like charm.
Arthur.
Unsubstantial it may be, but frivolous it certainly isn't. Believe me,
charm is the most valuable asset that any man can have. D'you think it
sounds immoral to say it compensates for the lack of brains and virtue?
Alas! it happens to be true. Brains may bring you to power, but charm
enables you to keep it. Without charm you will never lead men.
Christina.
And do you imagine you're likely to find a young Englishman who's a
sportsman and an Arabic scholar, who has tact, imagination, sympathy,
wisdom, courtesy and charm?
Anne.
If you do, Arthur, I'm afraid he won't remain here very long, because I
warn you, I shall insist on marrying him.
Arthur.
It's not so formidable as it sounds. I'm going to suggest Ronny.
Christina.
[Astounded.] Ronald Parry! That's the very last person I should have
thought you'd be inclined to suggest.
Arthur.
[Sharply.] Why?
Anne.
[With dismay.] You don't really mean that, Arthur?
Arthur.
Why not?
Christina.
[To Anne.] Didn't you know?
Anne.
It's the last thing that would ever have entered my head.
Christina.
I thought you'd made all arrangements for sending him away.
Arthur.
I made no arrangements at all. I received a telegram from the F.O.
saying that he'd been appointed to Paris.
Anne.
[After a very short pause.] Don't you think you'd better leave it at
that?
Arthur.
No, I don't. I'm going to wire to London explaining the circumstances
and suggesting that I think him very suitable for the post that's just
offered itself.
Anne.
[Trying to take it lightly.] I feel rather aggrieved, after all the
efforts I've made to get him appointed to Paris.
Christina.
Oh, he owes that to you, does he? You thought it would be better for him
to leave here?
Arthur.
[Deliberately.] I don't quite understand what you're driving at,
Christina.
Christina.
[Taking him up defiantly.] I cannot imagine anyone more unsuitable
than Ronald Parry.
Arthur.
That is for me to judge, isn't it?
Anne.
Perhaps the Foreign Office will say they see no reason to change their
mind.
Arthur.
I don't think so.
Anne.
Have you told Ronny?
Arthur.
No, I thought it unnecessary till I'd found out whether the Khedive
would be willing to take him.
Christina.
I'm amazed, Arthur. When Henry told me Ronald Parry was going I couldn't
help thinking it was very desirable.
Arthur.
Why?
[She looks at him, about to speak, then hesitates. She does not
dare, and resolves to be silent. Anne comes to the rescue.]
Anne.
Christina knows that I shall be very little in Egypt in future and how
fond Ronny and I are of one another. We naturally want to be as near
each other as we can.
Christina.
[With a chuckle.] It really amuses me that you should refuse to give a
good job to Henry because you've made up your mind to give it to Ronald
Parry.
[Arthur walks up to her deliberately and faces her.]
Arthur.
If you've got anything to say against him say it.
[They stare at one another for a moment in silence.]
Christina.
If you have nothing against him there's no reason why I should.
Arthur.
I see. I have a good deal to do this afternoon. If you have nothing more
to say to me I'd like to get back to my work.
Christina.
Very well, I'll go.
Arthur.
You won't stop and see Violet?
Christina.
I don't think so, thank you.
[She goes out. He opens the door for her.]
Anne.
Why didn't you tell me just now that you'd decided to keep Ronny in
Cairo?
Arthur.
I thought it was unnecessary till everything was settled. I daresay
you'll be good enough to hold your tongue about it.
Anne.
Have you definitely made up your mind?
Arthur.
Definitely.
[They look at one another steadily.]
Anne.
I think I'll go up to my room. I keep to my old habit of a siesta after
luncheon.
Arthur.
I wish I could get Violet to take it.
Anne.
She's so young, she doesn't feel the need of it yet.
Arthur.
Yes, she's so young.
[Anne goes out. For a moment Arthur gives way to discouragement.
He feels old and tired. But he hears a footstep and pulls himself
together. He is his usual self, gay, gallant and humorous, when
Violet enters the room.]
Violet.
I saw Christina drive away. What did she want?
Arthur.
The earth.
Violet.
I hope you gave it her.
Arthur.
No, I'm trying to get the moon for you just now, darling, and I thought
if I gave her the earth it really would upset the universe a little too
much.
Violet.
I thought I'd better do these invitations before I dressed.
Arthur.
You're not going to put on a different frock to go and have tea with the
Khedive's mother? You look charming in that.
Violet.
I think it's a little too young. It was all right for the morning.
Arthur.
Of course you are older this afternoon, that's quite true.
Violet.
Can you spare Ronny just now?
Arthur.
[After an instant's pause.] Yes, I'll send him to you at once.
Violet.
[As he is going.] I shall be back in time to give you your tea.
Arthur.
That will be very nice. Good-bye till then.
[He goes out. She is meditative. She gives a slight start as
Ronny comes in.]
Violet.
I hope I haven't torn you away from anything very important.
Ronny.
I was only typing a very dull report. I'd just finished it.
Violet.
You mustn't ever bother about me if it's not convenient, you know.
Ronny.
I shan't have much chance, shall I?
Violet.
No.... Look, here's the list.
[She hands him a sheet of paper on which names are scribbled, and
he reads it.]
Ronny.
It looks rather a stodgy party, doesn't it? I see you've crossed my name
out.
Violet.
It's not much good asking you when you won't be here. Whom d'you advise
me to ask in your place?
Ronny.
I don't know. I hate the idea of anyone being asked in my place. Shall I
start on them at once?
Violet.
If you don't mind. I have to go out, you know.
[He sits down at a writing table.]
Ronny.
I'll start on those I dislike least.
Violet.
[With a chuckle.] Don't you remember when Arthur said I must ask the
Von Scheidleins how we hated to write them a civil letter?
Ronny.
[Writing.] Dear Lady Sinclair.
Violet.
Oh, she asked me to call her Evelyn.
Ronny.
Hang! I'll have to start again.
Violet.
It always make me so uncomfortable to address fat old ladies by their
Christian names.
Ronny.
I'll end up "yours affectionately," shall I?
Violet.
I suppose you're awfully excited at the thought of going?
Ronny.
No.
Violet.
It's a step for you, isn't it? I ... I ought to congratulate you.
Ronny.
You don't think I want to go, do you? I hate it.
Violet.
Why?
Ronny.
I've been very happy here.
Violet.
You knew you couldn't stay here for the rest of your life.
Ronny.
Why not?
Violet.
[With an effort at self-control.] Who is the next person on the list?
Ronny.
[Looking at it.] Will you miss me at all?
Violet.
I suppose I shall at first.
Ronny.
That's not a very kind thing to say.
Violet.
Isn't it? I don't mean to be unkind, Ronny.
Ronny.
Oh, I'm so miserable!
[She gives a little cry and looks at him. She presses her hands to
her heart.]
Violet.
Let us go on with the letters.
[Silently he writes. She does not watch him, but looks hopelessly
into space. She is unable to restrain a sob.]
Ronny.
You're crying.
Violet.
No, I'm not. I'm not. I swear I'm not. [He gets up and goes over to
her. He looks into her eyes.] It came so suddenly. I never dreamt you'd
be going away.
Ronny.
Oh, Violet!
Violet.
Don't call me that. Please don't.
Ronny.
Did you know that I loved you?
Violet.
How should I know? Oh, I'm so unhappy. What have I done to deserve it?
Ronny.
I couldn't help loving you. It can't matter if I tell you now. It's the
end of everything. I don't want to go without your knowing. I love you.
I love you. I love you.
Violet.
Oh, Ronny!
Ronny.
It's been so wonderful, all these months. I've never known anyone to
come up to you. Everything you said pleased me. I loved the way you
walk, and your laugh, and the sound of your voice.
Violet.
Oh, don't!
Ronny.
I was content just to see you and to talk with you and to know you were
here, near me. You've made me extraordinarily happy.
Violet.
Have I? Oh, I'm so glad.
Ronny.
I couldn't help myself. I tried not to think of you. You're not angry
with me?
Violet.
I can't be. Oh, Ronny, I've had such a rotten time. It came upon me
unawares, I didn't know what was happening. I thought I only liked you.
Ronny.
Oh, my dearest! Is it possible ...?
Violet.
And when it struck me—oh, I was so frightened. I thought it must be
written on my face and everyone must see. I knew it was wrong. I knew I
mustn't. I couldn't help myself.
Ronny.
Oh, say it, Violet. I want to hear you say it: "I love you."
Violet.
I love you. [He kneels down before her and covers her hands with
kisses.] Oh, don't, don't!
Ronny.
My dearest. My very dearest.
Violet.
What have I done? I made up my mind that no one should ever know. I
thought then it wouldn't matter. It needn't prevent me from doing my
duty to Arthur. It didn't interfere with my affection for him. I didn't
see how it could hurt anyone if I kept my love for you locked up in my
heart, tightly, and it made me so happy. I rejoiced in it.
Ronny.
I never knew. I used to weigh every word you said to me. You never gave
me a sign.
Violet.
I didn't know it was possible to love anybody as I love you, Ronny.
Ronny.
My precious!
Violet.
Oh, don't say things like that to me. It breaks my heart. I wouldn't
ever have told you only I was upset by your going. If they'd only given
me time to get used to the thought I wouldn't ... I wouldn't make such a
fool of myself.
Ronny.
You can't grudge me that little bit of comfort.
Violet.
But it all came so suddenly, the announcement that you were going and
your going. I felt I couldn't bear it. Why didn't they give me time?
Ronny.
Don't cry, my dearest, it tortures me.
Violet.
This is the last time we shall be alone, Ronny. I couldn't let you go
without ... oh, my God, I can't bear it.
Ronny.
We might have been so happy together, Violet. Why didn't we meet sooner?
I feel we're made for one another.
Violet.
Oh, don't talk of that. D'you suppose I haven't said to myself: "Oh, if
I'd only met him first"? Oh, Ronny, Ronny, Ronny!
Ronny.
I never dared to think that you loved me. It's maddening that I must go.
It's horrible to think of leaving you now.
Violet.
No, it's better. We couldn't have gone on like that. I'm glad you're
going. It breaks my heart.
Ronny.
Oh, Violet, why didn't you wait for me?
Violet.
I made a mistake. I must pay for it. Arthur's so good and kind. He loves
me with all his heart. Oh, what a fool I was! I didn't know what love
was. I feel that my life is finished, and I'm so young, Ronny.
Ronny.
You know I'd do anything in the world for you.
Violet.
My dear one. [They stand, face to face, looking at one another
wistfully and sadly.] It's no good, Ronny, we're both making ourselves
utterly miserable. Say good-bye to me and let us part. [He draws her
towards him.] No, don't kiss me. I don't want you to kiss me. [He
takes her in his arms and kisses her passionately.] Oh, Ronny, I do
love you so. [At last she tears herself away from him. She sinks into a
chair. He makes a movement towards her.] No, don't come near me now.
I'm so tired.
[He looks at her for a moment, then he goes back to the table and
sits down to write the letters. Their eyes meet slowly.]
Ronny.
It's good-bye, then?
Violet.
It's good-bye.
[She presses her hands to her heart as though the aching were
unendurable. He buries his head in his hands.]
END OF THE FIRST ACT
