The Devil

I know. I met him in Paris. He told me—

OLGA

We are living there now—we are giving the ball.

DEVIL

Am I mistaken? Am I not invited?

OLGA, in a very low voice, dropping her head

Yes—yes, you are.

DEVIL, very polite

Madame, you asked me a little while ago what I wanted. That's what I wanted. Thank you.

[Bows and turns towards C. Silence.

OLGA

But my husband—

DEVIL, turning to her

Will be delighted. I've just come from Odessa. I have good news. Wheat is rising—this year's crop turned out worse than they thought it would.

OLGA, greatly pleased

Yes? The crop is bad?

[The DEVIL goes to big chair and kneels on it L.

DEVIL

So you do love your husband? You're glad the crop is a failure?

OLGA

Of course I am.

[As if she was somewhat ashamed about her husband's speculations.

We want the wheat to be bad because that will drive the price up.

KARL

What of that?

OLGA

My husband will make lots of money.

DEVIL, to OLGA

And you will get that new gown.

OLGA

How do you know I want a new dress?

DEVIL

You have a new hat—a very pretty one—and you will certainly want a new dress to wear with it.

OLGA

You must be married.

DEVIL

Married? Not the least—but I have an eye for feminine vanities. Oh, no! A wife is like a single eyeglass—it looks very nice, but one is better off without it.

OLGA, R.

You seem to have strong views against marriage. May I ask why?

DEVIL, shaking his finger

Because you are plotting matrimony against Karl, and I want to save him.

KARL, starts toward him; stops C.

I beg your pardon—

DEVIL

An artist ought never to marry—his wife will swear on the wedding day to stand by his side all through life. The day after the wedding she will stand in his way.

OLGA

Not the real wife.

DEVIL

The real wife is always the other man's wife.

OLGA

You're a cynic.

DEVIL

Oh, no, not cynical, only careful. A tigress who has married—I mean eaten—a man, is no longer dangerous—you can ride on her back through the jungle. But, you must wait till she has married—I mean eaten—somebody; then she is quite safe.

KARL

Better to keep away from the tigress—and stay at home.

DEVIL

Then why didn't you stay at home P Why did you refuse a legitimate position—good, everyday morals—a decent occupation at so much a week? You wanted to go into the jungle—and there you are. Now fight your battle—hunt tigers—but don't get married!

[He now changes his tone, goes into the church chair, on whose back he leans his two arms, speaking as if from a pulpit. It is almost dark, and during this scene it becomes darker yet.

And yet—what a splendid couple you two would make.

[OLGA, standing quite near the DEVIL but not looking at him, buries her face in her hands.

Wake up!

[To KARL:

You, with your talent, your splendid youth!

[To OLGA:

You, with your temperament, and beauty and longing!

KARL crosses to R.

Stop! Stop! I beg you—

[OLGA backs to R. of back of chair, as though to protect DEVIL.

—for years we have been just good friends.

DEVIL

[He now begins to speak in almost a whisper, but getting warmer and warmer, the more embarrassed KARL and OLGA become.

You may say what you like, but I can read your eyes; they say to me: "Don't believe him, he lies."

[Goes to fire and warms his hands, KARL stands below OLGA.

KARL

Don't interrupt me. For six years we have been —good friends, nothing else. Olga cares nothing for me—and I—and I—

DEVIL, quickly

What will you give me to interrupt you now?

OLGA

I don't know what you, who profess to know everything, know about us, but anyone who thinks Karl capable of one base thought must be very low and contemptible himself.

DEVIL

[Goes behind OLGA and whispers into her ear. At the end of the speech he is a little to the L. of them by the big chair.

It's not a base thought: it's a great thought—a thought that brings joy and warmth and light into your wretched little lives. But joy has its price—and you must pay it, you misers! The drunkard dies of drink, but while he is drunk angels in heaven sing to him. The poet dies in the ecstasy of his sweetest song. It is a coward's bravery that turns away from the wine, the song—and the lips of woman. The smallest candle-end shows you it is worth while to burn up for the sake of a little warmth—a little light. The only end of life is to burn—to burn yourself up. You must flame and blaze like a torch and toss the fire about you. I know: your moralists tell you to love one another—don't believe them—your grubby little earth with its paltry million years is not ripe for such a love as that. It can only breed monks, madmen, Methodists. Don't be a fool, be a rogue—but be a jolly rogue—and the world is yours! Look at me! I own the earth. Here is the key of life—Love yourself—only yourself. Dress yourself in the softest garments—kiss the sweetest lips—drink of the wine of Life—Drink! Drink! Drink!

[Bell rings sharply—nobody moves.

OLGA, after a pause, in a low voice

My husband—

DEVIL

[Steps down from the chair, crossing C., snaps his fingers angrily, and says afterwards, in a cold, cynical tone:

Mr. Wheat.

[HEINRICH opens the door, and HERMAN comes in. HEINRICH follows him, but stops short at the door.

HERMAN

I'm afraid I'm late. My agent hasn't telephoned me yet, but I didn't want to make you wait too long. Rather dark in here!

[HEINRICH touches a button, lighting the lights, and exits.

HERMAN, sees the DEVIL, presenting himself

I'm Herman Zanden, of Zanden Brothers & Wilde.

[DEVIL mutters something and shakes hands with him C.

OLGA, coming down R. KARL goes behind big chair

Strange man.

HERMAN

Pleased to meet you.

[Converses with KARL a few moments; then to OLGA:

Well, my dear, where's the picture? Mayn't I see it?

KARL, in the big chair, leaning over back

There's nothing to see—there is no picture.

HERMAN, looking at his watch

What have you been doing?

KARL

Nothing. (Silence.) It's been dark for the last hour.

HERMAN

Yes, but I've been gone two hours.

DEVIL, steps to the front L. C. very politely

It was all my fault. We have been chatting. We've had a very interesting discussion. And Madame was kind enough to invite me for this evening.

HERMAN

Oh! I'm very pleased.

DEVIL, crosses to couch L. and sits

Thank you. I have just come from Odessa. I had a talk with the Russian Wheat King. He tells me—

HERMAN

Yes, I've heard; wheat's going up.

OLGA, frightened

Isn't that good for us?

HERMAN

No, dear. I did not tell you this is the first year I am short on wheat.

KARL

What does it mean to be short on wheat?

DEVIL, seated on couch L.

It means digging a ditch for others and falling into it yourself.

[To HERMAN:

I don't think you've any cause for uneasiness. I have inside information that the American crop will be excellent.

HERMAN, C.

If that is the case, I shall be safe.

DEVIL

You will be quite safe.

HERMAN

Do you also deal in wheat?

DEVIL

Yes and no. I dabble in everything. And always at improper moments. (Rises.)

KARL, has been talking to OLGA, but now goes over to HERMAN

I'm afraid I can't come before eleven o'clock this evening.

[Continues talking to HERMAN, and both go to fire.

OLGA, crosses and meets DEVIL, C.

I must speak to you at once—alone.

[Looks around as if she wanted to say that her husband and KARL were in the way.

DEVIL

Alone? Delighted!

[Crosses by her and goes up C. OLGA goes behind couch and DEVIL addresses HERMAN.

By the way, if you want to see something delightfully bad, you ought to take a look at the sketch Karl made yesterday of your wife.

HERMAN, coming down

Where is the sketch?

DEVIL

In the studio.

[HERMAN takes KARL'S arm and walks to door of the studio; in going into the studio speaks to KARL.

HERMAN

I'm sorry you didn't start Olga's portrait today. What were you talking about all the time?

[Goes into studio.

DEVIL, to OLGA

I'll wait for you here.

[He steps back into the room just in time to see MIMI enter from the hall.

MIMI, comes right in, crossing to C. Excuse me—

DEVIL

You want to see the painter?

MIMI, excited

Yes, please.

DEVIL, very gently, pushing MIMI out of the door into the hall and speaking through the door

One minute, my dear. There are some visitors here. Sit down there. I'll call you.

OLGA, comes quickly from the studio

I wanted to tell you—to tell you—

DEVIL, R. C.

It is not true.

OLGA

What is not true?

DEVIL

Whatever you are going to tell me.

OLGA

But believe me.

DEVIL

Surely no woman can expect that.

OLGA

But I am telling you the truth.

DEVIL

Ah! I might believe you if you said you were not speaking the truth.

OLGA

Must I think and speak only as you wish me to?

DEVIL

Not yet. Now what can I do for you?

OLGA, very earnestly L. C.

Don't come tonight. Now my husband has come, I am myself again, and your manner grates upon me. I had begun to feel as if some strange force—some invisible hand—was clutching me —holding me in spite of myself. There is a mystery about you. It frightens me. I thanked God when I heard that bell ring. He came just in time.

DEVIL

To point a moral and break up a charming party. We were just beginning to understand each other.

OLGA

Oh please stop!

DEVIL

Are you afraid?

OLGA

No, but I ask you not to come to our house this evening.

DEVIL, with a very polite bow, then drawing himself up

I shall come.

OLGA

And if my husband asks you not to come?

DEVIL

Your husband has already asked me to come.

OLGA

And if, in the presence of my husband, I ask you not to come?

DEVIL

Well, I'll make a compromise with you. If you repeat your invitation in your husband's presence, I shall accept; if you do not, I will not come.

OLGA, breathing freely

That's nice of you—the first really nice thing you've said. I like you much better.

[KARL and HERMAN come back from the studio, and HERMAN starts to talk at once to the DEVIL, KARL goes toward OLGA, who meets KARL up C.

OLGA, to HERMAN

Shall we go?

HERMAN

Yes, dear; put your coat on.

[Comes down L. DEVIL crosses to HERMAN.

KARL, meets OLGA, they go up to recess. He helps OLGA to put her coat on.

I see now how bad the sketch is.

[Holds mirror for OLGA while she puts her hat on.

OLGA

Please don't look at me like that.

KARL

Even if I don't look at you, I see you just the same, Olga.

OLGA, covering her face with her hand

We must give up the portrait, Karl ... I'm going away ... away somewhere.

DEVIL, L., with HERMAN.

You don't say? You represent Holman & Co. in London? When I am in Odessa I am always old Mr. Holman's guest. A charming old gentleman. No doubt you have heard the rumors. It seems they've been mixed up with some unfortunate ventures which have seriously affected their standing.

HERMAN, seated on couch

Strange! Another friend of mine spoke to me about it only yesterday.

DEVIL

Yes, but that isn't all. He's the president of some trust company, and in order to boom the stocks he—but it's a long story, I won't bore you with it now.

[Makes as if he wanted to go.

HERMAN

My dear sir, this concerns me more than I can tell you. The fact is—I—I am heavily interested.

[OLGA has her hat on and turns, listening to HERMAN and the DEVIL.

DEVIL

You don't say. But it's a long story.

HERMAN

Well, then—tonight.

DEVIL

Oh, I am so sorry. I have excused myself already to Madame, but I had forgotten all about a call I must pay at the Russian Embassy this evening.

HERMAN

Well, lunch with me tomorrow?

DEVIL, with a gesture of regret

I'm afraid it will be impossible. I leave tomorrow at nine o'clock for—Spain.

HERMAN, to himself

H'm! I must have this information.

[HERMAN crosses to C., speaking to his wife

My dear, won't you please ask the Doctor to try and arrange to come to our house this evening?

OLGA, somewhat embarrassed

Well, but if pressing business....

DEVIL, L. C.

It is not so very pressing. Of course, it would mean a little sacrifice.

HERMAN, C., looking at OLGA

Well—

OLGA, R. C.

Much as I would like to see you, Doctor, I cannot ask you to sacrifice anything for our sake.

DEVIL, as if suddenly remembering something

Come to think of it, the Russian Ambassador left town yesterday, so if Madame—

HERMAN, goes up C. DEVIL crosses to her R. C.

Well, my dear?

OLGA, in a tone of resignation

I hope we shall have the pleasure this evening—

DEVIL, crosses to OLGA

Pardon me. You said—

OLGA, very slowly

I hope we shall have the pleasure of your company this evening?

[Goes to door R.

DEVIL, ironically

Madame, I thank you for your invitation; I shall be most charmed.

HERMAN, coming down to KARL

And you don't come before eleven?

KARL, by big chair

No; I expect an art dealer.

HERMAN, suggestively

I know your art dealers. Fie! And you going to be married.

OLGA, curiously, and a bit jealous

What is it?

KARL

Oh, nothing.

DEVIL, up C. as if listening

I think somebody knocked at the door.

HERMAN

I didn't hear anything.

DEVIL

Yes, there it goes again.

[Cynically.

Probably the art dealer.

[Goes to hall door, which he opens, steps out, speaking into the hall.

Oh, it's you, my dear. Come in.

[Swings MIMI into room past OLGA, landing her C.

MIMI, as she comes in embarrassed

Good evening.

[HEINRICH enters from studio.

KARL, up C. embarrassed

Good evening.

[MIMI goes up L.

DEVIL, R. C., in a low tone to HERMAN

We'd better go.

[MIMI and OLGA stare at one another.

[Cynically to HERMAN:

The Art Dealer!

HERMAN, laughing, going to door

Well, au revoir.

[Exit.

DEVIL, to OLGA

Quite a little comedy.

OLGA, at door R.

You think so?

KARL, to MIMI, pointing to the studio

Please step in there, Fräulein; I'll be with you in a minute.

[KARL turns to OLGA with hand out-stretched, as if to say good-bye. OLGA pretends not to see it and bows coldly.

DEVIL, whispers to OLGA

You were good enough to invite me for this evening: I am now going to repay your kindness. In five minutes I shall be back here to interrupt this tête-à-tête. Watch me forget my overcoat.

[He takes the overcoat which KARL had put on a chair at the beginning of the act when he came in. HEINRICH helps the DEVIL to put on the overcoat, but notices that it is his master's.

HEINRICH

Pardon, sir; but this is not your overcoat. This—

DEVIL, aside to HEINRICH

Shut up!

[DEVIL goes off; HEINRICH follows him out.

KARL, comes C. to MIMI

Didn't I promise you I'd come? What do you want?

MIMI, coming to him

Were you ashamed to have those people see me?

KARL

I told you, I'd come. What more do you want?

MIMI

I was downstairs in the lunch room and thought it all over. Dear Karl, don't be mean—don't get married.

KARL

But—Mimi!

MIMI

I never used to care, but now that I've seen those people I—I can't bear it. Don't get married!

[Cries.

KARL

You mustn't cry—it spoils your beauty.

MIMI

Oh, I'm a fool.

KARL

Now, you're talking sense.

MIMI

I've been a silly girl—but it's all over now. I'm sensible again. You are going to settle down and marry Elsa and be the most famous portrait painter in all Europe.

KARL

Mimi, child—don't speak of portraits. I feel at this moment as if I never wanted to hear the word portrait again. I'd like to run away from everything, Mimi. What do you say?

[Goes to couch L. and sits.

Suppose you and I get married and go away—far away into the country—or to the United States, where we'd never be heard of again.

MIMI, kneels beside him

Do you mean that?

KARL, recklessly

Yes—yes!

MIMI, gives him her hand

That's mighty nice of you, Karl.

[Rises, goes L. C.

But no! even if you really mean it—which you don't—

[Makes an effort to control herself.

KARL, interrupting

Mimi!

MIMI

No, Karl; I'd only keep you back—you must marry in your own set.

[Changes tone.

But don't run away—with—with anybody. Good-bye.——-

KARL

No, don't go! Now you have come, you might as well stay a while—take your hat off.

[Helps her off with her hat and jacket.

I'm glad you came back. Now, let's be sensible—and talk it over. You know I really am fond of you—after all, I am your best friend and you are my—my—

[The DEVIL has silently opened the door and comes in.

DEVIL

My—my overcoat must be somewhere. Your stupid servant gave me yours.

[Takes coat off.

It's funny, but every time I come here, you are helping some lady to take off her things.

[MIMI goes to couch.

MIMI, horrified

Well, I never.

[Exit.

DEVIL

You have every qualification for a ladies' tailor.

KARL

You are very kind.

DEVIL

Don't mention it.

KARL, impolitely

I'll fetch your overcoat; I don't want to detain you.

[Puts out lights and goes towards studio.

DEVIL

The hanger was torn off. I asked your man to mend it and bring it here when it was done.

[Sits up C. Silence.

I just saw something very touching.

KARL

What?

[Goes to C. and sits on arm of chair by DEVIL.

DEVIL

The way that woman clung to her husband's arm as if for protection.

KARL

For protection? (Sneeringly.) From you?

DEVIL

Look here, my boy; do you think you are wise to be such a fool?

[KARL rises, starts away, DEVIL catches him by hand.

KARL

I don't want to talk about it. You don't seem to understand my position. I have seen this woman for years every day, and I never even thought—and if I had thought—I should have laughed at myself.

DEVIL, rises, takes both KARL'S hands

Look at her! She's yours. Think what it means —joy, unspeakable joy—the most supreme joy one can have. And to think that you are too lazy to stretch out your hand! Why, another one would toil day and night, would risk life and limb for such a prize—and it just drops at your feet—a windfall.

KARL

I suppose that's why—

[In a tone as if he didn't think much of it.

—just a windfall.

[Sits on couch.

DEVIL, sits on table L. C.

Last fall, on the sixth of September—I shall never forget the date—something strange happened to me. I put on an old suit I hadn't worn for a long time, and as I picked up the waistcoat, a sovereign fell out. God knows how long it had been there. As I turned this sovereign over to look at it, it suddenly slipped through my fingers and rolled away. I looked and looked, but my sovereign was gone. I become nervous: I can't find the sovereign. I search around for half an hour, three quarters of an hour, still I can't find it. I get angry, I get furious. I shift the furniture—no sovereign. I call my man—we both look everywhere until it's dark. I'm perspiring and trembling—I have but one idea: I must get that sovereign back. Suddenly a suspicion comes into my mind—I get up from my knees. I scream at the top of my voice to my servant: "You thief, you have found the sovereign and put it into your pocket." The man gets angry and answers me disrespectfully. I am about to strike him when I see the blade of a knife shining in his hands. I draw my revolver—

[Takes a shining revolver out of his pocket and rises.

—and with this revolver I nearly killed a man for a sovereign—

[Look from KARL.

—I didn't need and had never missed—just a found sovereign.

[Puts revolver on table.

KARL, embarrassed

I give found money away.

[Turns on couch from him.

DEVIL

I would have given it away, but—it slipped through my fingers, and whatever slips through our fingers, that is just the one thing we want.

[Goes to KARL.

We break our necks for it: that's human nature. And if it once slips through your fingers, you will run after your found sovereign. And then, when it is too late, you will discover it was worth having.

KARL

To draw a revolver for a found sovereign?

DEVIL, sitting by him

And that little woman will become dearer and more precious to you every day—you will realize that she could have given you wings—that her temperament, her beauty, her passion, would have been the inspiration of your work— all this you'll realize when she has slipped away. You could have become a master—a giant! Not by loving your art, but by loving her—but you won't know it till it is too late—too late.

[He now takes the shawl with which OLGA had draped her shoulders.

This shawl has touched her bosom—

[Throws one end over KARL'S shoulder, forcing him to see it. KARL clasps the shawl and touches his lips to it.

Think what you might have been to one another! What divine happiness, not because she is beautiful—no, but because you—

KARL, throws shawl L. of couch

Be quiet! Be quiet! Do you want to drive me mad?

DEVIL, rises and goes to head of couch

A life that has not been squandered—has not been lived—

KARL

Why do you tell me all this? Why? What do you want?

[Throws himself face down on couch.

What do you want?

[Horrified, turns to him.

Who sent you?

DEVIL, darkly

Nobody! No one! I am here.

[Touches KARL'S forehead.

KARL

No! And a thousand times no.

[Throws himself face down again on couch. Screams very loud.

No! Do you hear me? No! I have known her all these years, and we've been good friends only—and we'll remain good friends, nothing else. I don't want the found sovereign!

[Moving to end of couch.

DEVIL, coming down L. of couch; very emphatically

And if it slips away?

[Silence. Then quickly:

If another man runs away with it—?

KARL, suddenly jumping at a conclusion

Who?

[Looks at the DEVIL.

DEVIL, triumphant

I. (Silence.)

KARL

You?

[Laughs and turns from him.

DEVIL

Tonight! This very night she'll be mine!

[Laughs.

Oh, what joy! What exquisite joy. For ten thousand years I have had no prettier mistress!

KARL, turning to him

What do you say?

DEVIL, sitting L. head of couch

Mistress, I said. Come tonight—to her house—when the lights are burning—when the air seems to be filled with music and perfume. You'll see—before day dawns.

KARL

Enough! Enough!

DEVIL

How you will run after your lost sovereign! Every hour when you wonder where she is, she spends with me. A carriage passes: your heart stands still. Who's in that carriage? Shall I tell you? We! You see a couple vanish around a corner, clinging lovingly to one another. Who were they? We! Always we. A light goes out in some window. Who put that light out? We! We sit in every carriage, we vanish around every corner—clinging lovingly together; we stand behind every window curtain in close embrace, looking into your tortured face, your maddened eyes—and we cling closer—closer—and we laugh—-we laugh!

[Laughs long.

KARL

[Throws himself face down, back to audience, on couch, in terrible state of excitement, screaming at top of his voice:

You fiend!

[Reaches for revolver with R. hand. DEVIL grabs his hand and holds revolver. KARL draws away and sits staring straight ahead, DEVIL rises, leaves revolver on table, lights cigarette, then comes below table.

[HEINRICH enters the room noiselessly, carrying a lighted candle, goes behind the DEVIL and helps him to put his fur coat on.

[DEVIL puts his silk hat on, gives a tip to HEINRICH, takes up the revolver, puts it into his pocket, and says to KARL with a sad smile, in a warm tone like a father speaking to his son:

DEVIL

You see, my boy, one may draw a revolver for a lost sovereign.

[Goes to the door. As he opens the door, a look of devilish satisfaction comes into his eyes.

CURTAIN

ACT II

SCENE.—A conservatory in Zanden's house. The L. side of the stage as well as the whole back of the stage is taken up by large bay windows, through which one sees into the garden. In the distance the wall surrounding the house, and some trees in the garden. It is winter. Bright weather, but it has been snowing. In the garden as well as in the street, electric lamps. On the R. side of the stage there are two doors, one quite near to the footlights, leading into the apartment—one in the rear, leading to the hall. There is a platform about two yards long and two yards wide, between these two doors. Five steps lead from this platform towards the footlights, and five steps on the side of the platform to the middle of the stage. On the top of the platform a door leading to the ball-room. When this door is opened, one generally hears the ball music. At the foot of the stairs, about three yards from the footlights, two square columns having a brass ornament with eight electric lamps attached. There are heaps of plants and flowers about the room. Two chairs and a table stand on the R. side of the stage, about three yards from the footlights, two chairs and a table on the L. side of the stage, about five yards from the footlights. There are two settees, L. and R. On the table L. writing material. It is about one o'clock at night.

[Guests in fancy costumes are moving about as the Curtain goes up.

FIRST LADY GUEST, sitting L. of table R.

Who is the dark man you left so suddenly in the ball room?

SECOND LADY GUEST, enters and comes down stairs to back of table L.

I don't know his name.

FIRST LADY GUEST

A most disagreeable man.

SECOND LADY GUEST, crosses to group L. C.

Oh, dreadful! He behaved shockingly to my husband. He told him that it will be so cold tonight that his teeth will shiver in their box.

FIRST LADY GUEST

Olga tells me he is a friend of Herr Karl's, and she only invited him as a compliment to him.

SECOND LADY GUEST (stout)

He insisted on telling me of a remedy for obesity. I don't consider myself stout—do you?

ELSA, C., laughingly

No! I think I'm just right. He sounds interesting—I'd like to meet him.

FIRST LADY GUEST

You'll be sorry if you do.

ELSA

Oh, indeed.

SECOND LADY GUEST

He'll be very disagreeable, I assure you.

ELSA

I'm not afraid of him.

[Wants to go up steps.

FIRST GENTLEMAN GUEST, L. C.

Miss Elsa, I really think you had better not.

SECOND LADY GUEST

If Miss Elsa wants to speak to him let her do so. I think she is the only one really capable of putting him in his place.

THIRD LADY GUEST, seated L. of table R.

Oh, she'll make him sit up.

ELSA

Thanks, awfully. Oh, I know what you call me—the blue-stocking—sassy Elsa—

SECOND LADY GUEST

Elsa, I never said you were a blue-stocking.

FIRST LADY GUEST

I never called you Sassy Elsa.

ELSA

But I am—you know I am—

[Pointing at herself.

That's why nobody dares to tell me how to get thin.

SECOND LADY GUEST

The impertinence!

ELSA

Well—you asked for it.

SECOND LADY GUEST, to FIRST LADY GUEST

It will serve her right if—

ELSA, on the stairs

I'd just like to see him—

[The DEVIL is standing in front of her. Everybody is silent.

DEVIL, in evening dress, red carnation in buttonhole; after some silence

I never dreamed how quiet it could be when seven ladies are not talking.

[Protesting movement on the part of the GUESTS.

Oh, I know—you have been very merciful to me in my absence.

ELSA, on stairs

You needn't think I am afraid to say what I think to your face. I was just about to—

[She makes a movement showing that she wanted to look for him.

DEVIL

You did well to stay. They would have said much worse things about you—they would have spoken about your approaching engagement to Karl.

ELSA

What!

[Astonished.

You know?

DEVIL

To my friend Karl—they want to throw you into his arms.

[The OTHERS laugh.

[In a low voice to ELSA:

I'd like to speak to you—alone.

ELSA

Here?

[Gesture that she thinks this impossible in a crowded room.

DEVIL

We'll be alone in no time.

[ELSA goes to sofa and sits L. of table L.

FOURTH LADY GUEST, crosses to him; to DEVIL

I'm very glad you spoke that way to Elsa. You have quite won me over, and I don't mind telling you I came very near having to pick a bone with you.

DEVIL, R. C., to FOURTH LADY GUEST, who is very thin—looking at her from head to foot

By the way, speaking of bones—

FOURTH LADY GUEST

What! Again!—oh!

[Walks off highly offended.

FIRST GENTLEMAN GUEST, very effeminate, smiling to the DEVIL

Bravo! I couldn't do that—not that I lack courage. I am famous for my courage—I just love a fight—I once slapped the face of an athlete who dared to insult a lady.

DEVIL

You coward!

FIRST GENTLEMAN GUEST

What—coward?

DEVIL

Yes, coward. If you dared to slap the face of a cripple I might admire your courage.

[FIRST GENTLEMAN GUEST starts to answer, but afterwards makes a gesture seeming to say nothing can be done with the DEVIL—going off slowly up the stairs.

SECOND GENTLEMAN GUEST, after a few seconds talking quietly to the DEVIL

Oh-h-h! You are a free-thinker. So am I!

DEVIL, as if astonished

You think?

SECOND GENTLEMAN GUEST

I do.

DEVIL

What with?

[Exit SECOND GENTLEMAN GUEST, angrily.

[To SECOND LADY GUEST, the stout one, seated R. of table L.

A pity you don't dance—there's nothing like it for reducing the figure.

[SECOND LADY GUEST rushes of.

DEVIL, L. to the THIRD LADY GUEST, pointing at FOURTH

Her husband must be in the furniture business.

THIRD LADY GUEST

Yes, who told you?

DEVIL

Her dress—it is the very latest pattern for arm-chairs and settees—but please don't say I said so.

THIRD LADY GUEST, smiling

Certainly not.

[Goes to chair of FIRST LADY GUEST.

Jane—

DEVIL, joins ELSA. To ELSA

Look—she's telling her.

THIRD LADY GUEST, to FIRST LADY GUEST

But promise me not to be angry.

DEVIL

She promises.

FIRST LADY GUEST

I promise.

THIRD LADY GUEST

He said that—

DEVIL

Look out for the explosion.

FIRST LADY GUEST, rises

Oh, I never—

DEVIL

Now—watch her go.

FIRST LADY GUEST

I never!

[Goes off over the staircase.

THIRD LADY GUEST, going after her

But, Jane, you promised me—

[Exit.

DEVIL

Voilà! I am now at your disposal.

ELSA, on settee L.

Aren't you surprised I haven't gone? You insulted me, too. I only stay because I want to speak to you.

DEVIL, L. C., ironically

Charmed, I'm sure.

ELSA

Oh, don't try to be polite—just be yourself. I'm not afraid of you.

DEVIL

I know it.

ELSA, crosses up to C.

Perhaps you know my nickname—Saucy Elsa?

[DEVIL nods his head.

DEVIL

Yes.

ELSA

Politeness would only embarrass me—and I have chosen you to deliver a message to that crowd —only because you can be so delightfully rude.

DEVIL

I am at your entire disposal.

ELSA

Now, how can I be saucy when you talk like that?

DEVIL

I am your devoted servant.

ELSA

You're impossible.

DEVIL

Shall we end this conference?

[DEVIL starts up C.

ELSA, goes to table R. C. and leans against it

Not yet, please. You informed me just now that I am the girl they want to throw into the arms of your friend Karl.

DEVIL

Yes.

ELSA

You forget to say I am the girl who allows herself to be thrown in your friend's arms. Is that right?

DEVIL

Yes.

ELSA, stands and pushes forward chair Please sit down.

[DEVIL bows, but remains standing.

ELSA, in a very loud voice. Crosses and sits

Please sit down. I don't ask you out of politeness, but because I want to set you right in this matter—and it is much easier for me to set you right when you sit down and I stand up. I don't want people to make fun of me—I know what they say—do you understand me?

DEVIL, gets up

I do.

ELSA

Sit down, please. (He does so.) I don't want people to smile and congratulate me to my face, and laugh behind my back. I won't have it—and as you started this subject I shall entrust you with the mission of enlightening our friends out there.

DEVIL

Your confidence honors me.

ELSA

Don't think for a moment that I have taken these people seriously—I have no more interest in them than I have for yesterday's newspaper. But I don't choose to have them think that they have fooled me into marrying Karl. And—

DEVIL, starts to rise. She stops him

Pardon me.

ELSA

I see through their scheme. But I shall marry him just the same, if he will have me. Do you understand me? I shall marry him—

DEVIL

Pardon me. I don't think you will.

ELSA

You will see.

DEVIL

You have been kind enough to honor me with your confidence, and now I will be quite frank with you. This marriage cannot come off.

[Stands up.

ELSA, points to chair

Please sit down.

DEVIL, takes her hands and swings her into chair