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

Very well. You've had your chance.

But, by Jove, you must have a good hand to throw away a card like that. What have you got – a straight flush?

I may be only bluffing, you know.

Lord, it does me good to hear your nice old Irish brogue again.

Faith, and does it?

I believe you only put it on to get over people.

[ Smiling. ] Begorrah, it's not easy to get over you.

Lord, I was in love with you once, wasn't I?

Not more than lots of other people have been.

And you did treat me abominably.

Ah, that's what they all said. But you got over it very well.

I didn't. My digestion was permanently impaired by your brutal treatment.

Is that why you went to Carlsbad afterwards instead of the Rocky Mountains?

You may laugh, but the fact remains that I've only been in love once, and that was with you.

[ Smiling as she holds out her hand. ] Good-night.

For all that I'm going to fight you now for all I'm worth.

I'm not frightened of you, Paradine.

Good-night.

[ As he goes out , Captain Montgomerie enters .

[ Yawning and stretching her arms. ] Oh I'm so sleepy.

I'm sorry for that. I wanted to have a talk with you.

[ Smiling. ] I daresay I can keep awake for five minutes, you know – especially if you offer me a cigarette.

Here you are.

[He hands her his case and lights her cigarette.

[ With a sigh. ] Oh, what a comfort.

I wanted to tell you, I had a letter this morning from my solicitor to say that he's just bought Crowley Castle on my behalf.

Really. But it's a lovely place. You must ask me to come and stay.

I should like you to stay there indefinitely.

[ With a quick look. ] That's charming of you, but I never desert my London long.

[ Smiling. ] I have a very nice house in Portman Square.

[ Surprised. ] Really?

And I'm thinking of going into Parliament at the next election.

It appears to be a very delightful pastime to govern the British nation, dignified without being laborious.

Lady Frederick, although I've been in the service I have rather a good head for business, and I hate beating about the bush. I wanted to ask you to marry me.

It's nice of you not to make a fuss about it. I'm very much obliged but I'm afraid I can't.

Why not?

Well, you see, I don't know you.

We could spend the beginning of our married life so usefully in making one another's acquaintance.

It would be rather late in the day then to come to the conclusion that we couldn't bear the sight of one another.

Shall I send my banker's book so that you may see that my antecedents are respectable and my circumstances – such as to inspire affection.

I have no doubt it would be very interesting – but not to me.

[She makes as if to go.

Ah, don't go yet. Won't you give me some reason?

If you insist. I'm not in the least in love with you.

D'you think that much matters?

You're a friend of Gerald's, and he says you're a very good sort. But I really can't marry every one that Gerald rather likes.

He said he'd put in a good word for me.

If I ever marry again it shall be to please myself, not to please my brother.

I hope I shall induce you to alter your mind.

I'm afraid I can give you no hope of that.

You know, when I determine to do a thing, I generally do it.

That sounds very like a threat.

You may take it as such if you please.

And you've made up your mind that you're going to marry me?

Quite.

Well, I've made up mine that you shan't. So we're quits.

Why don't you talk to your brother about it?

Because it's no business of his.

Isn't it? Ask him!

What do you mean by that?

Ask him? Good-night.

Good-night. [ He goes out. Lady Frederick goes to the French window that leads to the terrace and calls .] Gerald!

Hulloa!

[He appears and comes into the room.

Did you know that Captain Montgomerie was going to propose to me?

Yes.

Is there any reason why I should marry him?

Only that I owe him nine hundred pounds.

[ Aghast. ] Oh, why didn't you tell me?

You were so worried, I couldn't. Oh, I've been such a fool. I tried to make a coup for Rose's sake.

Is it a gambling debt?

Yes.

[ Ironically. ] What they call a debt of honour?

I must pay it the day after to-morrow without fail.

But that's the day my two bills fall due. And if you don't?

I shall have to send in my papers, and I shall lose Rosie. And then I shall blow out my silly brains.

But who is the man?

He's the son of Aaron Levitzki, the money-lender.

[ Half-comic, half-aghast. ] Oh lord!

The scene is the same as in Act I. Admiral Carlisle is sleeping in an armchair with a handkerchief over his face . Rose is sitting on a grandfather's chair, and Gerald is leaning over the back .

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