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.
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.
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.
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.
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.]
The scene is the garden of the Consular Agent's residence. It is an Eastern garden with palm-trees, magnolias, and flowering bushes of azaleas. On one side is an old Arabic well-head decorated with verses from the Koran; a yellow rambler grows over the ironwork above. Rose-trees are in full bloom. On the other side are basket chairs and a table. At the bottom of the garden runs the Nile and on the farther bank are lines of palm-trees and the Eastern sky. It is towards evening and during the act the sun gradually sets.
The table is set out with tea-things. Anne is seated reading a book. The gardener in his blue gaberdine, with brown legs and the little round cap of the Egyptian workman, is watering the flowers. Christina comes in.
Anne.
[Looking up, with a smile.] Ah, Christina!
Christina.
I was told I should find you here. I came to see Violet, but I hear she hasn't come back yet.
Anne.
She was going to see the Khedive's mother.
Christina.
Anne.
Would you like tea? I was waiting till Violet came in. I expect she's been made to eat all sorts of sweet things and she'll want a cup of tea to take the taste out of her mouth.
Christina.
No, don't have it brought for me.... I can never quite get over being treated as a guest in the house I was mistress of for so many years. [To the Gardener.] Imshi (Get out).
Gardener.
Dêtak sa 'ideh (May thy night be happy).
[He goes out.]
Anne.
Your knowledge of Arabic is rather sketchy, Christina.
Christina.
I never see why I should trouble myself with strange languages. If foreigners want to talk to me they can talk to me in English.
Anne.
But surely when we're out of our own country we're foreigners.
Christina.
Nonsense, Anne, we're English. I wonder Arthur allows Violet to learn Arabic. I can't help thinking it'll make a bad impression on the natives. I managed this house on fifty words of Arabic.
Anne.
[Smiling.] I'm convinced that on a hundred you'd be prepared to manage the country.
Christina.
I don't think you can deny that I did my work here competently.
Anne.
You're a wonderful housekeeper.
Christina.
I have common sense and a talent for organisation. [Pursing her lips.] It breaks my heart to see the way certain things are done here now.
Anne.
You must remember Violet is very young.
Christina.
Much too young to be a suitable wife for Arthur.
Anne.
He seems to be very well satisfied, and after all he is the person most concerned.
Christina.
I know. His infatuation is—blind, don't you think?
Anne.
[Coolly.] I think it's very delightful to see two people so much in love with one another.
Christina.
D'you know that I used to be fearfully jealous of you, Anne?
Anne.
[Amused.] I know that you thoroughly disliked me, Christina. You didn't trouble to hide it.
Christina.
I was always afraid that Arthur would marry you. I didn't want to be turned out of this house. I suppose you think that's horrid of me.
Anne.
No, I think it's very natural.
Christina.
I didn't see why Arthur should marry. I gave him all the comforts of home life. And I thought it would interfere with his work. Of course I knew that he liked you. I suffered agonies when he used to go and dine with you quietly. [With a sniff.] He said it rested him.
Anne.
Perhaps it did. Did you grudge him that?
Christina.
I knew you were desperately in love with him.
Anne.
Need you throw that in my face now? Really, I haven't deserved it.
Christina.
My dear, I wish he had married you. It never struck me he'd marry a girl twenty years younger than himself.
Anne.
He never looked upon me as anything but a friend. I don't suppose it occurred to him for an instant that my feeling might possibly be different.
Christina.
It was stupid of me. I ought to have given him a hint.
Anne.
[With a smile.] You took care not to do that, Christina. Perhaps you knew that was all it wanted.
Christina.
[Reflectively.] I don't think he's treated you very well.
Anne.
Nonsense. A man isn't obliged to marry a woman just because she's in love with him. I don't see why loving should give one a claim on the person one loves.
Christina.
You would have made him a splendid wife.
Anne.
So will Violet, my dear. Most men have the wives they deserve.
Christina.
I marvel at your kindness to her. You're so tolerant and sympathetic, one would never imagine she's robbed you of what you wanted most in the world.
Anne.
I shouldn't respect myself very much if I bore her the shadow of a grudge. I'm so glad that she's sweet and charming and ingenuous; it makes it very easy to be fond of her.
Christina.
I know. I wanted to dislike her. But I can't really. There is something about her which disarms one.
Anne.
Isn't it lucky? It's a difficult position. That irresistible charm of hers will make everything possible. After all, you and I can agree in that we both want Arthur to be happy.
Christina.
I wonder if there's much chance of that.
[Anne looks at her for a moment inquiringly, and Christina coolly returns the stare.]
Anne.
Why did you come here this afternoon, Christina?
Christina.
[With a faint smile.] Why did you take so much trouble to get your brother moved to Paris?
Anne.
Good heavens, I told you this morning.
Christina.
D'you think we need make pretences with one another?
Anne.
I don't think I quite understand.
Christina.
Don't you? You wanted Ronny to leave Egypt because you know he's in love with Violet.
[For a moment Anne is a little taken aback, but she quickly recovers herself.]
Anne.
He's very susceptible. He's always falling in and out of love. I had noticed that he was attracted, and I confess I thought it better to put him out of harm's way.
Christina.
How cunning you are, Anne! You won't admit anything till you're quite certain the person you're talking to knows it. You know as well as I do that Violet is just as much in love with him.
Anne.
[Much disturbed.] Christina, what are you going to do? How could I help knowing? You've only got to see the way they look at one another. They're sick with love.
Christina.
What did Arthur expect? I've never seen a couple more admirably suited to one another.
Anne.
I thought no one knew but me till this morning, when you were talking to Arthur. Then I thought you must know too. My heart was in my mouth, I was afraid you were going to tell him. But you didn't, and I thought I'd been mistaken.
Christina.
You didn't give me credit for very nice feeling, Anne. Because I didn't act like a perfect beast you thought I must be a perfect fool.
Anne.
I know how devoted you are to your son. I didn't believe you'd stick at anything when his interests were at stake. I'm sorry, Christina.
Christina.
Pray don't apologise. I didn't know it myself. It was on the tip of my tongue to tell Arthur, but I simply couldn't. I couldn't do anything so shabby.
Anne.
Oh, Christina, we mustn't ever let him know, we can't make him so miserable. It would break his heart.
Christina.
Well, what is to be done?
Anne.
Heaven knows. I've been racking my brains. I can think of nothing. I'd arranged everything so beautifully. And now I'm helpless. I thought even of going to Ronny and asking him to refuse any job that will keep him here. But Arthur looks upon it as so important. He'll insist on Ronny's accepting unless his reasons for going are—what's the word I want?
Christina.
Irrefutable. It seems very hard that my boy should be done out of such a splendid chance by Ronny. Except for your brother I'm sure Arthur would give it to Henry.
Anne.
[Diplomatically.] I know he has the highest opinion of Henry's abilities.
Christina.
You can't expect me to sit still and let things go on.
Anne.
Arthur is perfectly unconscious. He thinks Violet is as much in love with him as he is with her. You couldn't be so cruel as to hint anything to him.
Christina.
How you adore him, Anne! You may set your mind at rest. I'm not going to say a word to Arthur. I'm going to speak to Violet.
Anne.
[Frightened.] What are you going to say?
Christina.
I'm going to ask her to do all she can to persuade Arthur to give Henry the job. And then Ronny can go to Paris.
Anne.
You're not going to tell her you know?
Christina.
[Deliberately.] If it's necessary she must make Ronny refuse the appointment. He must invent some excuse that Arthur will accept.
Anne.
But it's blackmail.
Christina.
I don't care what it is.