William Maugham - Plays - Lady Frederick, The Explorer, A Man of Honour

I never saw anything so melodramatic.

Hold your tongue, Paradine. [ Turning to Mereston.] My dear Charlie, I came to Monte Carlo to be amused. Your mother has persecuted me incessantly. Your uncle – is too well-bred to talk to his servants as he has talked to me. I've been pestered in one way and another, and insulted till my blood boiled, because apparently they're afraid you may want to marry me. I'm sick and tired of it. I'm not used to treatment of this sort; my patience is quite exhausted. And since you are the cause of the whole thing I have an obvious remedy. I would much rather not have anything more to do with you. If we meet one another in the street you need not trouble to look my way because I shall cut you dead.

[ In an undertone. ] Thank God for that.

Mother, mother. [ To Lady Frederick.] I'm awfully sorry. I feel that you have a right to be angry. For all that you've suffered I beg your pardon most humbly. My mother has said and done things which I regret to say are quite unjustifiable.

Charlie!

On her behalf and on mine I apologise with all my heart.

[ Smiling. ] Don't take it too seriously. It really doesn't matter. But I think it's far wiser that we shouldn't see one another again.

But I can't live without you.

[ With a gasp. ] Ah!

Don't you know that my whole happiness is wrapped up in you? I love you with all my heart and soul. I can never love any one but you.

[ To Lady Mereston.] Now you've done it. You've done it very neatly.

Don't think me a presumptuous fool. I've been wanting to say this ever since I knew you, but I haven't dared. You're brilliant and charming and fascinating, but I have nothing whatever to offer you.

[ Gently. ] My dear Charlie.

But if you can overlook my faults, I daresay you could make something of me. Won't you marry me? I should look upon it as a great honour, and I would love you always to the end of my life. I'd try to be worthy of my great happiness and you.

You're very much too modest, Charlie. I'm enormously flattered and grateful. You must give me time to think it over.

Time?

But I can't wait. Don't you see how I love you? You'll never meet any one who'll care for you as I do.

I think you can wait a little. Come and see me to-morrow morning at ten, and I'll give you an answer.

Very well, if I must.

[ Smiling. ] I'm afraid so.

[ To Lady Frederick.] I wonder what the deuce your little game is now.

[She smiles triumphantly and gives him a deep, ironical curtsey.

Sir, your much obliged and very obedient, humble servant.

Scene: Lady Frederick's dressing-room. At the back is a large opening, curtained, which leads to the bedroom; on the right a door leading to the passage; on the left a window. In front of the window, of which the blind is drawn, is a dressing-table. Lady Frederick's maid is in the room, a very neat pretty Frenchwoman. She speaks with a slight accent. She rings the bell, and the Footman enters .

As soon as Lord Mereston arrives he is to be shown in.

[ Surprised. ] Here?

Where else?

[ The Footman winks significantly. The Maid draws herself up with dignity, and with a dramatic gesture points to the door .

Depart.

[ The Footman goes out .

[ From the bedroom. ] Have you drawn the blind, Angélique?

I will do so, miladi. [ She draws the blind, and the light falls brightly on the dressing-table. ] But miladi will never be able to stand it. [ She looks at herself in the glass. ] Oh, the light of the sun in the morning! I cannot look at myself.

[ As before. ] There's no reason that you should – especially in my glass.

But if 'is lordship is coming, miladi must let me draw the blind. Oh, it is impossible.

Do as you're told and don't interfere.

[ The Footman enters to announce Mereston. The Maid goes out.

Lord Mereston.

[ As before. ] Is that you, Charlie? You're very punctual.

I've been walking about outside till the clock struck.

I'm not nearly dressed, you know. I've only just had my bath.

Must I go?

No, of course not. You can talk to me while I'm finishing.

All right. How are you this morning?

I don't know. I haven't looked at myself in the glass yet. How are you?

A 1, thanks.

Are you looking nice?

[ Going to the glass. ] I hope so. By Jove, what a strong light. You must be pretty sure of your complexion to be able to stand that.

[ Appearing. ] I am.

[ Going forward eagerly. ] Ah.

[ She comes through the curtains. She wears a kimono, her hair is all dishevelled, hanging about her head in a tangled mop. She is not made up and looks haggard and yellow and lined. When Mereston sees her he gives a slight start of surprise. She plays the scene throughout with her broadest brogue.

Good-morning.

[ Staring at her in dismay. ] Good-morning.

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