Fashions for men, and The swan

Unassuming Lady—[As she goes.] Thank you. I will telephone you on Wednesday about noon, and if the materials have arrived I will come in during the afternoon some time. Good day.

Juhasz—Good day, madame.

Philip—Good day.

Unassuming Lady—[To Philip.] Good day. [She exits. Philip closes the door. Juhasz returns to the counter down right and begins clearing away.]

Juhasz—[Gloomily.] This place gets more like a graveyard every day.

Philip—I don’t see how you can say that, Mr. Juhasz. You’ve only been back two weeks, and in those two weeks you have done more business than you used to do in two months.

Juhasz—[Morosely.] Not enough to suit me.

Philip—It has become the fashion to buy here. Everybody in Budapest seems anxious to help you.

Juhasz—Because they are sorry for me. I don’t want them to be sorry for me.

Philip—Nonsense! It’s because they like you. You ought to be very happy.

Juhasz—I’m not happy. Do you understand? And I won’t be happy until I have paid him back every heller he laid out for me.

Philip—At this rate it won’t take long.

Juhasz—I haven’t slept in two weeks, and I shan’t sleep while I remain under obligation to him.

Philip—I really don’t see why you are so angry with the Count. After all, he did it for your good.

Juhasz—He did it for his own good. And now he laughs at me ... he and ... Paula.... [The door opens. Oscar stands irresolutely on the threshold. He is shabby and crestfallen.]

Oscar—Good morning.

Juhasz—Good morning.

Oscar—Good morning, Philip.

Philip—How do you do? [Turns his back on Oscar and, with ostentatious delicacy, exits through the archway. There is a pause.]

Oscar—He’s angry with me. [A pause.] I hope ... you are not.

Juhasz—No. [He continues to clear away.]

Oscar—I hope you don’t mind my coming here. I have several reasons for coming. First, I consider it my duty....

Juhasz—Please! You have no more duties where I am concerned.

Oscar—Oh, but I have!

Juhasz—Yes, I know. You can’t pay me.

Oscar—Not at present. Unfortunately!... In the second place, I owe Philip three kronen ... [fumbles in his pocket] that I want to pay him.... In the third place, knowing what a kind heart you have——

Juhasz—[Impatiently.] Say what you have to say, and make it short. I am busy.

Oscar—[With an ironic glance around the empty shop.] One would never think it.

Juhasz—Well, if it interests you, business is fine. I’ve done more in the past two weeks than I used to do in two months. Yes!

Oscar—Really? Really? I am very glad to hear it.

Juhasz—[Impatiently.] Well? Say what you have to say, and get it over with.

Oscar—Why, er ... to be brief ... I want a job.

Juhasz—Where?

Oscar—Here.

Juhasz—With me? You want a job here?

Oscar—Yes.

Juhasz—[Almost speechless with astonishment.] Well!... My dear man.... [He comes around to the front of the counter, trying vainly to find words to express his feelings.]

Oscar—If you knew how poor we are——

Juhasz—So ... so ... you take me for an utter idiot!

Oscar—Please don’t say that ... please!

Juhasz—You must. To ask me that.

Oscar—I’ve been everywhere. I’ve been at Laszlo and Barna’s, at Chellis’s, at Semlinger and Weiss’s, at Stein’s, at Brunner’s, at Kramer’s, at Gold’s, at Reedo’s, at Kelamen’s ... every shop in town ... and they all know that I am the most competent man in the business ... but they all gave me the cold shoulder ... [points accusingly at Juhasz] ... on your account!

Juhasz—On my account? That’s very likely!

Oscar—It’s true. They all say they won’t have an employe who could abuse the confidence of a man like you. Yes ... you can stare ... but it’s true. You are keeping me out of a job.

Juhasz—I am?

Oscar—If you were a plain, ordinary man ... like everyone else, nobody would care what had happened between us....

Juhasz—Now, really, this is——

Oscar—I am practically boycotted, that’s what I am! Can I help it if you are a saint? Wouldn’t I have fallen in love with your wife just the same if you had been a scoundrel? Why should I be held answerable for your virtues?

Juhasz—No, that’s not fair.

Oscar—I acted honestly and fairly toward you.

Juhasz—Let us say you did.

Oscar—And certainly Adele did.

Juhasz—That’s true.

Oscar—And now look at me.... I had no supper last night, if you want to know it.... Neither I nor your wife.

Juhasz—When you can’t buy her supper, then she’s my wife, eh?

Oscar—Go on and joke about it.... But we went to bed without supper.

Juhasz—But then ... she was your wife.

Oscar—Your jokes don’t alter the facts. You are responsible for this.

Juhasz—For what?

Oscar—For the fact that we are starving. For the fact that I am shabby. And for ... [raises his trousers leg] the fact that my socks are in holes.... And for the boycott against me.... But if you don’t care whether your former wife starves or not—— [Juhasz reaches for his purse. Oscar puts out a firm, protesting hand.] No, my friend, no! [Heroically.] We don’t accept alms.... Believe me, you’d be the last I’d come to for a job if I had only myself to consider. You can imagine what I went through before I brought myself to the point of crossing your threshold. And now if, after all, you send me away too——

Juhasz—[Touched, but refitting his impulse.] Will it always be like this?... Why can’t they let me be? [Turns, comes down right, passes behind the counter. Philip enters through the archway.]

Oscar—[Follows Juhasz.] Well ... what do you say?

Juhasz—[Through his clenched teeth.] I can’t.... You mustn’t ask it of me. I’ll do anything but that.... My dear fellow, you must see I can’t do that....

Oscar—[Bends over the counter toward him.] Then, at least, will you give me six pair of black socks? [Raises his trousers leg.] Mine are in tatters.

Juhasz—Oh!

Oscar—You won’t even do that for me?

Juhasz—[Impatiently.] Certainly I will.... [Takes a box from the shelves, throws it on the counter.]

Oscar—You are not going to offer me those HBs.

Juhasz—What kind do you want then?

Oscar—You might at least give me KMs.

Juhasz—I have no more KMs. They are all gone. [Puts out another box.] Here are some AWs. [Opens the box.] They are very good. [Shows him a pair.]

Oscar—Are you trying to tell me these are good? [Fingers them.] Cobweb?

Juhasz—Not at all. [He feels them too.]

Oscar—[Feels them again.] Why, if I put these flimsy things on now they’d be in holes before I got home.

Juhasz—They don’t knit socks of steel wire, you know. [The Thorough Young Lady enters.]

Thorough Young Lady—Good morning. [Philip, Juhasz and Oscar return her greeting simultaneously. Oscar, socks in hand, even bows and smiles to her. She addresses Oscar.] I’d like a dozen very fine men’s handkerchiefs.

Oscar—[Sadly, pointing to Philip.] There, please.

Thorough Young Lady—Yes. [She goes to Philip at the back counter.]

Oscar—It’s enough to break your heart. [He looks back at them enviously, dangling the socks from his hand.]

Thorough Young Lady—[To Philip.] Now I don’t want the kind that fade when they are washed.

Philip—All our handkerchiefs are absolutely fast colors, madame. [Puts out a box full.] Won’t you sit down?

Thorough Young Lady—Thanks. [She sits and examines the handkerchiefs.]

Philip—These are batiste, madame, and these are French linen.

Thorough Young Lady—Haven’t you got these in a bigger size?

Philip—Yes, ma’am. [Puts out another box.] These are bigger.

Thorough Young Lady—Are these the very largest?

Philip—[Indicating others in the same box.] Those are larger.

Thorough Young Lady—Are these the largest you carry?

Philip—There is no larger handkerchief made, ma’am. [He opens an enormous handkerchief.]

Juhasz—[Impatiently.] Do you want these socks or not?

Oscar—It’s enough to break your heart! Why doesn’t he show her the Rumbergers?

Juhasz—He knows what he’s doing. [Impatiently.] Please don’t take up any more of my time. You can have these if you want them.

Oscar—These shoddy things!

Juhasz—I can’t be bothered with you any longer.

Oscar—You can’t palm them off on any customer, yet you expect me to take them. Why, they are the worst quality in the shop! [The Dissatisfied Lady enters.]

Juhasz—Good morning. [Leaving Oscar, he goes to the back counter.]

Dissatisfied Lady—[Joins Juhasz.] Good morning, Mr. Juhasz. I want to look at some nice neckties. To-morrow is my husband’s birthday, and I want to get him some for a surprise.

Juhasz—Will you step this way, please?

Dissatisfied Lady—He told me exactly the kind he wanted, and said I could go as high as a hundred kronen.

Juhasz—I see. A real surprise.

Dissatisfied Lady—Yes.

Thorough Young Lady—No, no, no ... not lilac.

Juhasz—Instead of buying ready-made ones, why not select your patterns and have them made up?

Philip—This is the newest color, Jerusalem blue.

Dissatisfied Lady—You are sure you could get them out for me in time.

Juhasz—Oh, yes. That would give you the choice of some very nice silks in restricted patterns.

Thorough Young Lady—This straw color is very attractive.

Dissatisfied Lady—I might look at them.

Juhasz—We never cut more than one tie of each pattern. Would you step in here? [He indicates the archway. The Nervous Gentleman enters.]

Philip—Good day, sir.

Nervous Gentleman—Good day.

Juhasz—[To the Nervous Gentleman.] Good day. Just a moment, sir.

Philip—[To the Thorough Young Lady.] These are Rumbergers. A very well-known brand.

Juhasz—[Flashes Oscar a look of triumph.] After you, madame. [Follows the Dissatisfied Lady off through the archway.]

Philip—Will you have a seat, sir? I’ll be with you in just a moment.

Nervous Gentleman—Thank you. [He remains standing at the counter, right.]

Philip—Pastel green, pastel brown, pastel blue, pastel yellow.

Thorough Young Lady—I don’t know what pastel is.

Philip—Pastel is four kronen fifty, madame.

Thorough Young Lady—You haven’t got something about half pastel, have you.

Philip—Yes, we have. [Puts out still another box. To the Nervous Gentleman.] Won’t you sit down, sir? Mr. Juhasz will be there in a moment.

Nervous Gentleman—That’s all right.

Philip—These are lighter ... two kronen apiece lighter. [The Nervous Gentleman comes down to the end of the counter where Oscar stands disconsolately before the open box of socks, one pair still held in his hand.]

Thorough Young Lady—And what about these darker shades? [The Nervous Gentleman pokes in the box of socks.]

Philip—They are one krone fifty darker.

Thorough Young Lady—I’d like something between the two.

Philip—[Pulls down another box.] Between the two.

Oscar—[Deferentially.] Those are socks, sir.

Nervous Gentleman—I see they are.

Oscar—[Very deferentially.] Would you like to look at some, sir?

Nervous Gentleman—Yes.

Oscar—[Shows the pair he is holding in his hand.] Black. Fil d’Ecosse.

Thorough Young Lady—I’m afraid they are too expensive. Let me look at the first ones again.

Nervous Gentleman—[Looks at his watch.] I’m afraid I can’t wait.

Philip—One moment more, sir. Mr. Juhasz will be right in.

Nervous Gentleman—I know what your moments mean. [Picks up a sock.]

Oscar—[Ingratiatingly.] Mr. Juhasz will be right in, sir. Now here is an exceptionally fine stocking, sir. [Shows him the pair he has been holding.]

Nervous Gentleman—[Compares it with the one he is holding.] Just the same as this, isn’t it?

Oscar—Just the same. Genuine Fil d’Ecosse.

Nervous Gentleman—Is it really good?

Oscar—Absolutely. [He is at the end of the counter now.]

Nervous Gentleman—It looks good.

Oscar—You wouldn’t want a better sock, sir.

Philip—[Who has been watching them; angrily.] Coming right away, sir. One second more!

Nervous Gentleman—[Looks at him, then at Oscar.] You ... work here?

Oscar—Well ... not exactly, sir.... I ... I ... I’m a relation of Mr. Juhasz’s.

Nervous Gentleman—Because I can’t wait any longer.

Oscar—[Goes swiftly behind the counter.] Then just let me wait on you, sir ... until Mr. Juhasz comes. This is a fine quality, sir, absolutely first class.

Nervous Gentleman—Will these tear easily?

Oscar—[Laughs.] These? These are the strongest Fil d’Ecosse made. [Pulls at the hose.] They’re like steel.

Nervous Gentleman—They look good.

Oscar—And they will feel good on the foot.

Nervous Gentleman—I want a good quality.

Oscar—[Spluttering in his eagerness.] We sell nothing but first-class goods, sir. You won’t find a more durable Fil d’Ecosse anywhere. My ... my brother-in-law imports it direct from England.

Nervous Gentleman—I’ll take some. Then I want some with colored clocks.

Oscar—How many of these, sir?

Nervous Gentleman—Well, if they are really so good, give me a dozen pair.

Oscar—Yes, sir. Twelve. [Counts them briskly.]

Thorough Young Lady—Do you mind letting me look at those first ones again? [The Dissatisfied Lady and Juhasz re-enter.]

Dissatisfied Lady—[Speaking as she enters.] ... and my husband is very fond of bow ties, those gay ones they are wearing now. [Comes down left.]

Juhasz—[Without noticing Oscar, he comes down to the table at left.] The bow ties are here, madame. Considered very smart just now. Restricted pattern, too. We only make up two or three of each. A man doesn’t like to see the tie he is wearing ... [Now he sees Oscar, who has just climbed up on a stool to reach some boxes on the top shelves. They look into each other’s eyes across the shop. Juhasz’s mouth remains open, the word sticks in his throat, his hand, holding a necktie, remains poised in the air.]

Oscar—[Quickly.] The gentleman couldn’t wait. He was about to walk out. I didn’t want to see a customer walk out of the shop, so I just showed him one or two things in a hurry.... I’d like to know about what size. Will you show me your hand, please? [The Nervous Gentleman extends his hand. Oscar, looks at Juhasz again, greatly flustered, takes the Nervous Gentleman’s hand, shakes it cordially.] How do you do? [He stares at Juhasz anxiously.]

Nervous Gentleman—What do you say?

Oscar—Oh, pardon me! ... Will you close your hand, sir? [The Nervous Gentleman extends his fist. Oscar measures a sock over it.] These are just right.

Thorough Young Lady—[To Philip.] Let me see? Will they wear?

Juhasz—[To the Dissatisfied Lady.] A man doesn’t like to see the same tie he is wearing on somebody else. [He is still staring at Oscar.]

Oscar—[Rapidly.] Three pair.... Yes, sir. And a dozen of these ... and now—— [Scans the shelves.] Long black Fil d’Ecosse with clocks. [Takes down a box and throws it on the counter.] These are really excellent. [Opens the box in feverish haste, shows the socks.] We are the only ones in the city who carry them.... You can do almost anything to this stocking without harming it ... boil it, bake it, soak it in lye, in alcohol, in vitriol.... May I see your hand again?

Dissatisfied Lady—[Who has been rummaging in the box, now has several neckties in her hand.] These aren’t bad.

Nervous Gentleman—[Extends his fist.] It’s socks I want, you know, not gloves.

Oscar—Ha, ha, ha! That’s good! [Measures.] These are exactly right.

Nervous Gentleman—Sure they won’t be too small?

Oscar—Perhaps just a half size larger. [Turns to the shelves again.]

Philip—The color won’t run if they are washed in lukewarm water.

Thorough Young Lady—Are you quite sure? [The Nervous Gentleman takes the socks from Oscar and inspects them.]

Dissatisfied Lady—These aren’t exactly what I wanted either, but I’ll take them. How much does it all come to?

Juhasz—[Still watching Oscar. His voice trembles.] Seven kronen.... And these are five-fifty ... these long ones ... nine kronen eleven.

Thorough Young Lady—What did you say these were?

Dissatisfied Lady—I’m sure my husband won’t like them.

Thorough Young Lady—[Rises.] Yes, perhaps I had better look at them too.

Nervous Gentleman—And now I want a couple of pair with some sort of design, not clocks.

Oscar—Stars, circles, dots, triangles, squares, circles, stars, squares, dots——

Nervous Gentleman—Some very quiet design.

Oscar—[Contemplates the shelves.] Quiet, quiet ... Just a moment, sir. I’ll bring it right here. [He hurries off through the archway.]

Dissatisfied Lady—These are rather good. But I only see one.

Juhasz—There must be more. [He rummages in the box.]

Thorough Young Lady—Now, if you don’t mind, we will go over the lot from the beginning. Seeing so many kinds gets one all confused.

Philip—Just as you say, madame.

Oscar—[Re-enters with a box.] How do you like these, sir? [Puts it on the counter.]

Nervous Gentleman—Too loud. Much too loud. I want something very quiet.

Oscar—[Greatly perturbed.] If I only knew where they were. [In perplexity.] Quiet, quiet, quiet ... [Looks at Philip.] If I only knew where those ... [As Philip ignores him, he raises his voice.] They used to be kept here on the third shelf.

Juhasz—[Grudgingly, angrily.] Fourth shelf ... on the end. [Philip angrily bangs a box down on the counter.]

Oscar—My God! [Startled, puts his hand over his heart.] Thank you, thank you, sir! ... On the end ... [Transported with joy.] Very kind of you, sir! [He is almost weeping.] Fourth shelf ... on the end. Thank you, sir!

Dissatisfied Lady—[Who has by this time accumulated a handful of neckties.] That will be all. ... Just these ten.

Juhasz—[Going to the cashier’s desk.] We will send them this afternoon, madame.

Dissatisfied Lady—How much do I owe?

Juhasz—Five times seven ... and five times five fifty.... Sixty-two fifty.

Dissatisfied Lady—[Gives him a hundred krone note.] If you please.

Juhasz—[Has gone behind the cashier’s desk.] Sixty-two fifty. [Rings the cash register, makes change.] And fifty are sixty-three, ninety, one hundred. Thank you.

Dissatisfied Lady—This afternoon without fail.

Oscar—[Raises his head.] 16 Nador Street, Fourth Floor, Apartment 1.

Dissatisfied Lady—That’s right. Good day. [She exits. Juhasz escorts her to the door, closes it after her, turns, glares at Oscar and comes toward him slowly.]

Oscar—[Watches him come, fearfully, as if he expected to have his ears boxed.] One with blue stars, these with the white squares, and would you like these violet dots, and these with the very dainty circles, and these....

Nervous Gentleman—Hold on. I only want three. Let me see. [He examines the socks. Juhasz passes them slowly, and goes to the Thorough Young Lady whom Philip is showing a bath-robe.]

Thorough Young Lady—It looks like a night-gown.

Nervous Gentleman—Put these three aside.

Juhasz—[Who is standing now between the two counters.] Show the lady those hooded robes.

Nervous Gentleman—[Rises.] And now quickly, for I am late, a white cap, please.

Oscar—[Looks at Juhasz.] A white cap.

Juhasz—[Looks at Oscar sternly.] I’ll get it for the gentleman. [He exits through the archway.]

Oscar—[Crestfallen.] The chief will bring it right in, sir. [There is a pause. Oscar rubs his hands.] We have some very nice neckwear.

Nervous Gentleman—I don’t need any, thanks.

Oscar—Tennis shoes?

Nervous Gentleman—Thank you, no.

Oscar—Sport shirts?

Nervous Gentleman—[Nervously.] Don’t need any. I need a white cap. Nothing else. [A brief pause.]

Oscar—Belts?

Nervous Gentleman—No.

Oscar—[With a furtive glance at Philip.] Bathrobes? [The Nervous Gentleman shakes his head.] White gaiters?

Nervous Gentleman—[Sharply.] Thank you, no! [Rises.] I asked for a white cap. [A brief pause.]

Oscar—Nice walking stick?

Nervous Gentleman—[Crossly.] No ... A cap is what I asked for.

Oscar—[Offended.] It will be here right away. [Crosses to the table down left, takes a stick from the rack which stands there, flourishes it.] This is a very unusual stick, sir.

Nervous Gentleman—I said I didn’t want one.

Oscar—Yes, sir. [He flourishes the stick, demonstrating its lightness. The Nervous Gentleman sullenly watches him balancing it, bending it, testing its suppleness.]

Nervous Gentleman—Let me see.

Oscar—[Gives it to him.] Light as a feather.

Nervous Gentleman—[Balances and bends it.] I don’t need it. [Returns it to Oscar.] I have more sticks now than I can use.

Oscar—Just as you say, sir. [Juhasz re-enters with the cap.]

Juhasz—Here you are, sir. White flannel.

Nervous Gentleman—That’s right. [Puts it with his other purchases.] A dozen black socks, a dozen with clocks, these three figured ones, and the cap.

Juhasz—Shall we send them?

Nervous Gentleman—4 Sas Street ... Lissauer.... With the bill.

Juhasz—[Makes a note of it.] Yes, sir.

Nervous Gentleman—[Pulls the stick out of Oscar’s hand.] What does this stick cost?

Oscar—Twenty-four kronen.

Nervous Gentleman—Oh, put it on the bill too. Good day. [He exits with the stick.]

Thorough Young Lady—No monogram. Just two letters.

[Juhasz begins to replace the boxes on the shelves down right. Paula enters from the street. She is very beautifully dressed.]

Paula—Good morning. [She comes slowly down to Juhasz. Philip looks up, stares at her in blank amazement.]

Juhasz—[Pauses in the act of lifting a big box.] Good morning. [There is a pause.]

Thorough Young Lady—And now let us go over them once more to see if they are all here. How many should there be?

Philip—[Confused.] Just as you say.

Thorough Young Lady—How many?

Philip—Oh! How many? Forty-eight.

Thorough Young Lady—Let us count them over. [They count.]

Paula—[Extends her hand to Juhasz.] How are you, Mr. Juhasz?

Juhasz—[Puts down the box.] Thank you ... very well. [Extends his hand to her over the counter.] Won’t you sit down?

Paula—[After a pause.] I can hardly believe it is only two weeks since I saw you.

Juhasz—That’s not a very long time.

Paula—No. [She looks at him.] I’ve come ... I’ve come to buy a few things.

Juhasz—How odd!

Paula—Odd?

Juhasz—For you to come here ... as a customer.

Paula—Yes, as a customer. [A pause.]

Juhasz—I shall be happy to give you satisfaction ... as a customer. Perhaps ... I ought to make things a bit cheaper for you.

Paula—I don’t want things cheaper, thank you. ... Why do you look at me like that?

Juhasz—You came in so ... unexpectedly.... Have you got leave of absence?

Paula—Oh, I’m not at Gerelypuszta any more. I’m back in town again. So is the Count. That is, he’s at Monte Carlo just now.

Juhasz—Monte Carlo. Great railway junction. Gambling casinos.

Paula—No. He has gone there to shoot pigeons.

Juhasz—He never used to like that kind of sport.

Paula—He is passionately fond of it now.... Ever since you went away. When he hears that there is to be a slaughter of pigeons somewhere he rushes to the spot.... I was supposed to have gone to Monte Carlo with him, but I didn’t.

Juhasz—You didn’t go.

Paula—No. I had too many things to attend to at home first. [Takes off her gloves, produces a list.] There are so many things I want, and they are so hard to get here.

Juhasz—Hard ... here ... Yes.... Very hard. [There is a pause.] And what is it you wish, Miss Paula?

Paula—[Sits, consults her list.] You used to have some very fine French pajamas for ladies. How well I remember them! They are a hundred kronen the pair, aren’t they?

Juhasz—Yes.

Paula—How many have you left?

Juhasz—I still have them all. Eight pair.

Paula—I’ll take them all.

Juhasz—[Astounded.] You?

Paula—Yes, please. And to save time won’t you get your pencil and take down my whole order? I want it sent ... with the bill, as soon as possible, please. I shall be in town only a few days more. The address is 128 Andrassy Street.

Juhasz—[Writes.] What apartment?

Paula—The whole second floor.

Juhasz—[Writes, greatly bewildered.] Eight pajamas. Whole second floor.

Paula—[Reads from her list.] Twenty-four white neckties.

Juhasz—For yourself?

Paula—No, for my butler. I like him to wear a fresh tie every day.

Juhasz—[Writes; his voice trembles.] Twenty-four white ties for butler.

Paula—Twenty-four pair of white lisle gloves.

Juhasz—[Writes.] For the butler?

Paula—No, for my page boy.

Juhasz—[Writes.] Page boy.

Paula—And some gloves for myself. Those motoring gloves ... with the ends like a funnel.... You know what I mean.

Juhasz—Gauntlets.

Paula—Gauntlets, yes.

Juhasz—[Writes disconsolately.] Gauntlets.

Paula—[Sighs.] Gauntlets.

Juhasz—But ... they are only worn for driving.

Paula—I drive my own car.

Juhasz—[Sits down.] A big car?

Paula—It’s standing out front.... Fifty horse-power.

Juhasz—Fifty? [Writes.] Gauntlets.... How many pair? ... Fifty?

Paula—Six will be plenty until I get to Paris. I can buy more there if I need them. You can get everything in Paris.

Juhasz—Yes.... You can get everything in Paris.... A wonderful city.

Paula—But so far to motor to.... I’m afraid the journey will be tiresome.

Juhasz—You won’t be bored.... You probably aren’t going alone....

Paula—Certainly not.

Juhasz—Your mother?

Paula—No. Mother is in Vienna, but from there she is going on to Wiesbaden to wait for us. We will pick her up on our way home.

Juhasz—[Earnestly, aroused.] Is there anything the matter with your mother?

Paula—Her health, you mean? No. She’s only going to Wiesbaden to play cards. [There is a pause. She reads from her list.] Could you have a footman’s cap made up for me quickly?

Juhasz—Footman?

Paula—I’ve been so annoyed about his cap. The one he brought with him was all covered with gold braid. He looked just like a hotel doorman. What I wish you’d get for me is something discreet and in good taste, something suitable for a private dwelling.

Juhasz—A private dwelling....

Paula—Yes. For a lady living alone.

Juhasz—[Tremblingly writes.] Footman ... cap ... private dwelling.... I’ll look around at the cap-maker’s.

Paula—I shall be awfully obliged. [She rises. There is a pause.]

Juhasz—[Rises.] Not at all. It’s I who am obliged.

Paula—[Meets his eyes steadily.] Why do you look at me so strangely?

Juhasz—[Looks down at his list.] I’m pleased to see how clever you have been.... Butler, motor car, private dwelling, white gloves. I didn’t know....

Paula—You didn’t know?

Juhasz—No.

Paula—But ... the whole city knows——

Juhasz—Let us not talk about that, Paula. The important thing is that you are happy. Is his excellency well?

Paula—[Nervously.] He is a perfect gentleman. One must say that for him.

Juhasz—Certainly.

Paula—After he had gone to the trouble and expense of buying and furnishing a whole house for me.... You probably know the place ... that little mansion in Biedermeyer style that belonged to the late Count Schattenheim....

Juhasz—Yes....

Paula—He bought it for me and furnished it beautifully and then he had the tact to go off to Monte Carlo. And when he got there he sent me a thousand-word telegram.

Juhasz—A thousand. That’s a lot of words.

Paula—A telegram to the effect that he had gone off because he didn’t wish to influence my decision in any way.... I must be free to shape my own destiny, he said.... The mansion was mine ... on the day that ... of my own free will ... I entered it. On the desk in my boudoir ... he said ... I would find a telegram already written and addressed. It consists of a single word, “Come.” ... Twenty-eight hours after I send that telegram he will knock on my door.... So far ... that is all that’s happened.... Tactful of him, wasn’t it?

Juhasz—Very.

Paula—That was ten days ago.

Juhasz—Yes?

Paula—[More and more nervously.] I haven’t sent the telegram yet. [There is a pause.]

Juhasz—[More and more calmly.] I can imagine how eagerly he must be awaiting it.

Paula—He said he would wait fourteen days. I have four days left....

Juhasz—From what you ordered here, I observe——

Paula—[Sharply.] I haven’t sent the telegram yet. [A pause.]

Juhasz—One needs time for everything.

Paula—I have four days left. [Nervously.] And as the last day draws nearer ... I have been wondering ... because you have always been so good to me ... what you would think about it.

Juhasz—I should consider it very clever of you.

Paula—Are you advising me to do it?

Juhasz—I am reconciling myself to the idea.

Paula—You ... you would despise me, Mr. Juhasz, wouldn’t you?

Juhasz—How can you suppose such a thing?

Paula—You see how....

Juhasz—I see how clever you are. And how happy you will be.

Paula—[Sharply.] I’ll send it off ... this afternoon.

Juhasz—Then the Count ought to receive it to-night.

Paula—Yes.

Juhasz—I can imagine ... how happy he will be.

Paula—Yes. He loves me ... very much.

Juhasz—I know. [There is a pause. The Patient Lady enters.]

Patient Lady—Good morning.

Philip—Good morning, madame. I’ll be with you in a moment.

Paula—[Sulkily.] I don’t want to detain you. Good-bye, Mr. Juhasz. [She extends her hand. He takes it.]

Juhasz—Good-bye. [Oscar enters through the archway. The Patient Lady goes to him.]

Paula—There is something I forgot.

Juhasz—Yes?

Paula—You used to have a certain French perfume.

Juhasz—Yes.

Paula—It seems to me it was called “Exquisite heur.” A very strong, sensuous perfume. A perfume for bad women.

Juhasz—Oh!

Paula—At least you said only bad women would use it, and even they ... only for ... the most intimate occasions.

Juhasz—[Wincing.] Yes, I have some left.

Paula—I’ll have a bottle, please.... Two bottles....

Juhasz—You are a bit cruel, Paula. You might at least have bought that somewhere else.

Paula—I’d rather buy it here.

Juhasz—As you like. [To Oscar.] The lady wants some perfume. [Oscar takes his place.] That penetrating stuff.... Exquisite heur. [Sharply.] That perfume for harlots! [To the Patient Lady.] What can I show you, madame?

Oscar—Yes, sir.

Patient Lady—I’d like to look at some scarfs, Mr. Juhasz. And a nice sweater.

Juhasz—Shall we look at the sweaters first? [Indicates the archway.] Will you step in here, please? [She exits through the archway. He follows her. Paula stares thoughtfully after them.]

Oscar—[Shrilly.] Exquisite heur?

Paula—[Starts.] For mercy’s sake ... you?

Oscar—It’s me.

Paula—Mr. Oscar! You here again?

Oscar—I’m here, but I’m not Mr. Oscar any more. [He goes quickly to the table down left, selects a bottle of perfume, gives it to her.] Exquisite heur. [Crosses right, behind the counter.]

Paula—[Shakes her head.] What are you doing here?

Oscar—[Cheerfully.] My affairs didn’t go so well.

Paula—Where is Mrs.——

Oscar—She’s my wife now.

Paula—And Mr. Juhasz took you back? You must have begged him on your knees.

Oscar—That wouldn’t have done any good. You have to know how to handle him. There were a lot of customers here, and I started right in waiting on one. Pure psychology! I know Mr. Juhasz backwards.... He hasn’t got the heart to throw anybody out.... Is there anything else I can get you?

Paula—No, thank you. [The Old Gentleman enters.]

Old Gentleman—Good morning.

Oscar—Good morning, professor. [To Paula.] See you again. [To the Old Gentleman.] What can I do for you, sir?

Old Gentleman—I want a pair of inexpensive gloves.

Oscar—Inexpensive. Yes, sir. What kind? Won’t you sit down?

Old Gentleman—Swedish. Size nine and a half. Dark gray. [Sits at about the middle of the right counter.]

Oscar—[Lays out a box.] Dark gray. Swedish. Nine and a half. [To Paula, who is crossing slowly to the table down left.] See you again some time. [To the Old Gentleman.] How do you like these? [Opens and expands a pair.]

Old Gentleman—Are they Swedish?

Oscar—Why, old Heinrich Ibsen himself wasn’t as Swedish as these gloves are.

Old Gentleman—Ibsen was a Norwegian.

Oscar—I said he wasn’t as Swedish! Ha, ha! [Passes over the gloves. Juhasz and the Patient Lady enter through the archway.]

Patient Lady—[As she enters.] Now about the scarfs.

Juhasz—[Comes down to the table.] They are here, madame. [Shows her one.] They are quite new.

Patient Lady—I saw some like these at Braun’s some time ago.

Oscar—Not like those you didn’t, madame, not like those! [He is forcing a glove on the Old Gentleman’s hand.] Now push, push hard!

Juhasz—[Has passed to the end of the counter down right.] Here are some in plain colors. [Puts out a box.] They are in much better taste. Sit down, please. [The Patient Lady sits at the counter. Juhasz is behind it. Paula, at the table down left, is looking at him sulkily.]

Oscar—Push, professor, push! [Helps him.]

Old Gentleman—If I do it will burst.

Oscar—Don’t you care.

Old Gentleman—Better stretch it a bit more.

[Paula takes off her gloves. Then her hat. Throws them determinedly on the table. All look at her.]

Oscar—[Loudly, quickly, to bridge the uncomfortable silence which ensues.] Perhaps we had better take a half size larger, professor. Just one moment....

[Meantime Paula has gone to the cashier’s desk, glanced back at Juhasz once more, and now, with a petulant stamp of her foot, she goes behind the desk. A sudden silence falls. She rolls up her sleeves and sits in the cashier’s place. Her face is resolutely set. Oscar, Philip and Juhasz watch her, aghast.]

[He is greatly distressed; his voice trembles.] We often sell several of these to the same customer ... three or four at a time ... even more ... I recommend them highly, madame. [There is a pause. Paula sits obstinately behind the cashier’s desk.]

Oscar—Just push a little harder, please. [He helps the Old Gentleman.] Push, push!

Patient Lady—I’ll take these three. What do they cost?

Juhasz—[His voice trembles.] Forty kronen each, madame.

Patient Lady—[Rises.] Send them, please. [Fumbles in her purse.] Three times forty.... One hundred and twenty.

Juhasz—Yes. One hundred and twenty.

Patient Lady—After all, I think two will be plenty.... Let me see which two. [They compare the scarfs.]

Thorough Young Lady—[Rises.] What does it all come to? [She has money in her hand.]

Philip—Three hundred and ten kronen, madame.

Thorough Young Lady—[Turns toward the cashier’s desk.] Three hundred and ten. [She is about to go to Paula.]

Philip—[Loudly, harshly.] No, no! [She turns to him in surprise.] You can pay me, please.

Thorough Young Lady—Not the cashier?

Philip—[With conviction.] No. [She pays him.]

Philip—Thank you, madame. Three hundred and ten. I’ll get them out for you Thursday without fail.

Thorough Young Lady—I think that’s everything. If I find I have forgotten anything I’ll come in again to-morrow morning. Good day.

Philip—[Sees her to the door.] Good day, madame.

Paula—[Echoes his salutation, very loudly.] Good day! [Philip gives her a disdainful glance and returns to the back counter where he begins to clear away.]

Patient Lady—One is prettier than the other.... Oh, well, send the three of them. Three times forty ... [takes out money] makes one hundred and twenty.

Juhasz—[Uneasily.] One hundred and twenty.

Patient Lady—[With a glance at Paula.] Do I pay the cashier?

Juhasz—[Very uncomfortable.] Perhaps ... it’s all the same ... you had better pay me.

Patient Lady—[Puts the money down.] One hundred and twenty.

Juhasz—One hundred and twenty. Thank you, madame. [Puts the money in his pocket.] They will be delivered this afternoon.

Patient Lady—Thank you. Good day. [Goes to the door.]

Juhasz—Good day, madame.

Philip—[Holds the door open for her.] Good day.

Paula—[Emphatically, with a bow.] Good day! [The Patient Lady exits.]

Philip—[To Paula, with an inflection of contemptuous amazement.] Good day? [The Aristocratic Lady enters.]

Paula—Good day.

Philip—[Very cordially.] Good day.

Aristocratic Lady—[To Philip.] What about my raincoat?

Philip—We are expecting it from Vienna any day, madame.

Old Gentleman—[Takes the package which Oscar has made up for him.] What do I owe?

Oscar—Twenty-four kronen.

Old Gentleman—I suppose you can change a thousand.

Oscar—[Hesitates, leans over the counter, looks from Paula to Juhasz, then calls.] I ... eh ... a thousand?... Oh, Mr. Juhasz! The gentleman wants to know if we can change a thousand. [There is a painful silence.]

Paula—[Rises, addresses the Old Gentleman sweetly.] Certainly, sir.

Oscar—Just a moment, sir. [The Old Gentleman, on the point of going to Paula, pauses, in surprise.]

Juhasz—[In great perplexity.] How much does the gentleman pay?

Oscar—[Leaning far out over the counter, looks from Juhasz to Paula then back again.] Twenty-four.

Juhasz—[After a short inward struggle.] Cash! Twenty-four out of a thousand! [The Old Gentleman goes to Paula, pays her.]