Delphi Collected Works of W. Somerset Maugham (Illustrated)
Page 372
Etchingham.
What d’you mean?
George Winter.
Well, we’ll attack the Lewishams. I’ll get on to MacLaren’s at once. Go to the post office and wire to Bennett. He’s sure to call at the office. Sell Lewishams. He’ll twig. By George, that’s the ticket. Why didn’t I think of it before? We’ll make the Lewishams sorry they started this game.
Etchingham.
But supposing ...?
George Winter.
Good God, man, don’t suppose, do as I tell you. Don’t you see we’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain? I know my luck’s in. And I follow my luck. That’s genius.
[Etchingham with a sigh and a shrug of the shoulders goes out to send the telegram. George Winter begins to walk excitedly up and down.
CURTAIN.
SCENE II
The scene takes place in the sitting-room of the Palace Hotel, but it is eleven o’clock at night. Only a reading lamp is lit, the light of which falls on Catherine and Lady Francis. Catherine is working at some embroidery.
Lady Francis.
Can you see, dear? Wouldn’t you like some more light?
Catherine.
[With an affectionate smile.] No, the light hurts my eyes.
Lady Francis.
You’re looking very pale, darling.
Catherine.
I haven’t been sleeping very well here. We’re so near the trains, and they seem to run all night.
Lady Francis.
I wonder how George can stand it. His room is practically on the railway.
Catherine.
Thank heaven, it’s over. We shall know the result in half an hour, and to-morrow we can go.
Lady Francis.
What are you going to do?
Catherine.
What can I do? Nothing.
Lady Francis.
I’m afraid you’re very unhappy, Kate.
Catherine.
[Smiling.] Please don’t think that, mother.
Lady Francis.
You’ve given up everything for our sake.
Catherine.
I wish I could think so. I gave up my divorce because — because I was afraid. I couldn’t risk the regret that Robert might feel later. I should always have been looking for it.... One must never forget that love is a woman’s whole life, but it’s never more than part of a man’s, never.
Lady Francis.
What did you tell him?
Catherine.
I wrote and said I found it impossible to go on with my action. I begged him not to try to move me. I told him I was very unhappy.
Lady Francis.
Poor child.
Catherine.
He wrote very kindly. He made it as easy for me as he could. And now it’s all over. I’ve lost my last chance of happiness. I’m bound to my husband for the rest of my life.
Lady Francis.
And do you still love Robert?
Catherine.
[Smiling.] Yes. And I’m glad of what I’ve done. The only thing that helps me is the pride I take in all the great things he’s going to do. And it will have been me. I gave him the opportunity.
[Anne comes in. She is wearing a coat and skirt and a hat.
Anne.
Well! You are strange people. How on earth can you sit there and sew while the counting’s going on? I’ve never been so excited in my life.
Catherine.
Why have you come back?
Anne.
Well, it’s nearly finished now. Teddie said there’d be rather a scrummage when the result was known, and I’d better get out of the way.
Catherine.
[Smiling.] Obedient creature.
Anne.
It rather amuses me to be ordered about. Besides, I couldn’t help seeing that nobody wanted me. Teddie promised he’d bolt round as soon as the result was out. I say, let’s have some light, shall we?
[She turns on the electricity, and the room is suddenly a glare of light.
Lady Francis.
You’ll blind us.
Anne.
I love an election. I’ve never had such a time in my life. I’ve enjoyed every minute of these three weeks. I hope Teddie’ll go into Parliament.
Lady Francis.
[Raising her eyebrows.] On four hundred a year?
Anne.
Oh, George will give us a rise. He says Teddie’s awfully useful. George is good, isn’t he?
Catherine.
I’m glad you’re so happy, darling.
Anne.
[Abruptly, after a little, quick look at her.] You’re not angry with us, Kate?
Catherine.
Good heavens, why should I be?
Anne.
You know, it’s so dreadfully hard to pretend I haven’t got eyes in my head.... Why don’t you make it up with George, Katie?
Catherine.
I don’t know what makes you think there’s anything to make up.
Anne.
Oh, my dear, what I didn’t guess for myself Teddie told me.
Catherine.
He would have been wiser to mind his own business.
Anne.
It was rather....
Catherine.
If you knew how things were between George and myself, and you were willing to accept his favours what do you expect me to say? I didn’t ask you not to. I knew if I had you would only have refused. I’m cynical enough to know that in this world each of us takes care of his own interests.
Lady Francis.
My dear, don’t be so bitter.
Anne.
One has to take people as one finds them; George has always been charming to me. If you’d only make allowances for him....
Catherine.
[Interrupting vehemently.] Oh, my dear, don’t. I’m not in the humour to stand that. Leave me to lead my own life without interference. Surely it’s enough that to bind me to him George should give you an income to marry on. You can’t want more from me than that.
Anne.
Oh, my dear, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to say anything that would hurt you.
Catherine.
[Recovering herself.] You haven’t. Forgive me. I didn’t mean to make a scene, but my nerves are a little upset. I’m a very weak, selfish woman, audit’s dreadfully hard to be half as angelic as you think me. I’m very glad that you’re going to marry Teddie. You’re in love with one another, and if you haven’t much money, what does it matter? I’m sure you’ll be tremendously happy.
Anne.
You are a dear.
[Francis Etchingham comes in. He is wearing a dinner jacket and a black tie. Anne springs up impulsively.
Anne.
Is it over?
Etchingham.
No, I was too anxious to stay any longer.
Lady Francis.
But George is going to get in?
Etchingham.
Who can tell? The seat has always been lost or held by a handful of votes.
Anne.
But how did it seem to be going?
Etchingham.
Winter, Morrison, Winter, Morrison. One vote on one side, one vote on the other. It seemed interminable.
Lady Francis.
He won by seventy-five last time.
Etchingham.
Who can tell the effect of all these rumours and suspicions and attacks? They may just have made the difference. Oh, it’s maddening.
Catherine.
Sit down, father, and rest. You look quite done up.
Etchingham.
Even George is anxious. I know his face so well. He’s trying to appear as if he were certain.
Anne.
No human being could help being anxious.
Lady Francis.
[With a sudden start.] I thought I heard some shouting.
Anne.
Oh, I wish I hadn’t come away.
Lady Francis.
Let’s open the window. Perhaps
we shall hear something.
[Lady Francis and Anne go to the window and open it.
Lady Francis.
No, I was mistaken.
Anne.
Listen. I’m sure I hear cheering.
[She goes out on to the balcony. She and Lady Francis are half hidden from view, so that it may be supposed the following scene between Catherine and Lord Francis is not heard by them.
Etchingham.
[In a low voice to Catherine.] Oh, my dear, will you ever forgive me?
Catherine.
Oh, father, don’t. It was very noble of you not to tell me anything before I decided. Now that I know the whole truth....
Etchingham.
The only hope we’ve got is to go on. If he gets in, if we can pull things together, we may get out of the muddle. He’s positive of it. The only thing that held me up was the thought of all of you. If I’d gone to the police there and then — or made away with myself, it would have meant the ruin of all of you.
Catherine.
And of all the unhappy people who’ve trusted everything they had to George.
Etchingham.
You think I was right, Kate, don’t you? It wasn’t just cowardice on my part?
Catherine.
I hope you were right.
Etchingham.
But if it was all in vain? If he’s not able to float the company and the truth comes out, then I shall have sacrificed you for nothing.
Catherine.
Oh, don’t think of it.
Etchingham.
I believe if he wins the election he’ll be strong enough to force the issue on them.
Catherine.
But if the mine’s worthless?
Etchingham.
We’re going to buy the shares in when the tide turns in Central America. Things are looking brighter already. He’s promised me that no one shall lose a farthing. When that’s done I go. Oh, how thankful I shall be!
Catherine.
Oh, I know, I know.
Etchingham.
I had to tell some one, and I couldn’t tell your mother.
Catherine.
I’m glad you told me. It makes it easier to bear now we both know.
Anne.
At last!... Father, father.
[She comes back into the room, excitedly, and at the same time a vague, muffled shouting is heard in the distance. Etchingham springs to his feet.
Etchingham.
Thank God. The suspense was awful.
Lady Francis.
There’s no mistaking it this time.
Etchingham.
Is he in? Is he in?
Anne.
Of course he’s in. I’ve never felt so confident in my life.
Etchingham.
If it’s all right, then we’re safe. I’m sure it’s the beginning of the turn.
Lady Francis.
Why doesn’t Teddie make haste?
Anne.
Listen to the shouting. Isn’t it splendid?
[More shouting is heard, this time a little louder.
Etchingham.
I expect they’re reading out the figures.
[Teddie O’Donnell rushes in, rather dishevelled, with his hat on the back of his head.
O’Donnell.
He’s in!
Anne.
How ripping!
[Francis Etchingham sinks into a chair, too overcome to speak, trying to compose himself. Catherine puts her hand on his shoulder to show her sympathy.
Lady Francis.
What’s the majority?
O’Donnell.
Twenty-seven.
Anne.
I say, what a squeak!
O’Donnell.
Just at the end I thought we were beaten. It was Morrison, Morrison, Morrison, until I almost screamed.
Etchingham.
Well, he’s in at all events.
Anne.
I am glad.
[She throws her arms impulsively round O’Donnell’s neck and kisses him.
O’Donnell.
By Jove, it was a moment to live for when the figures were read out. You never heard such shouting.
Catherine.
Where is he now?
O’Donnell.
When I left he was making a speech to the crowd. But one couldn’t hear a word, because every one was shouting at the top of his voice. I simply bellowed.
Anne.
[Enthusiastically.] Aren’t you glad, Kate?
Catherine.
[Smiling.] Yes, very glad.
Anne.
How can you take it so quietly!
Lady Francis.
Is he coming here?
O’Donnell.
Yes. I forgot to give you his message. He sent his love to Kate, and said he’d be here in two twos.
Anne.
I wish he’d hurry up. Isn’t he a darling?
O’Donnell.
He’s the greatest man I’ve ever known. He’s a perfect stunner. I don’t know what there is about him, but you can’t help believing in him. And he was so splendid this morning about those confounded lies in the paper. All the rest of them were as frightened as rabbits, but he never turned a hair.
Anne.
[Excitedly.] There’s a car.
O’Donnell.
That’s it, I bet you anything you like.
Anne.
How jolly of him to come quickly! [She runs to the door and opens it.] George, George!
[George Winter comes in boisterously and clasps Anne in his arms.
Anne.
Isn’t it splendid!
George Winter.
Glorious victory, what!
[He is followed by Colonel Boyce, James Ford, Mr. Swalecliffe, and two other men.
Etchingham.
Thank God!
George Winter.
You haven’t been worried about it? I knew I’d get in. I never had a moment’s doubt about it.
James Ford.
[Drily.] No one can say you don’t believe in yourself.
George Winter.
Hang it all, if you don’t believe in yourself, how can you expect other people to believe in you? Drinks, gentlemen!
O’Donnell.
Shall I ring?
George Winter.
I told the waiter on my way up. Here they are. [A couple of waiters come in with glasses and bottles of champagne.] No teetotalism to-night, Mr. Swalecliffe. By Jove, I’m thirsty. Pour it out. Pour it out.
Swalecliffe.
I never touch alcohol, Mr. Winter.
George Winter.
Poor is the heart that never rejoices. Have you all got glasses, gentlemen? Come on, Lady Francis. Don’t be backward, Anne.
Anne.
Yes, please.
George Winter.
That’s right. Now then, Teddie. All ready? Gentlemen, I give you my wife, to whom this glorious victory is due.
All.
Mrs. Winter, Mrs. Winter. Catherine.
Catherine.
[Embarrassed and shy.] Thank you very much.
[There are shouts outside, cheers: Winter, Winter, For he’s a jolly good fellow.
George Winter.
Hulloa, they’ve come round to the hotel.
Anne.
Just look at the crowd.
O’Donnell.
Shall I open the window?
George Winter.
[Stepping forward.] Yes.
[At his appearance the shouts break out more tumultuously. Cheer upon cheer is heard. George Winter puts up his hand for silence.
George Winter.
Gentlemen, we’ve won a great fight. We’ve won in face of a campaign of lies, of misrepresentation, and of scandal. Truth always prevails. Honesty is the best policy. A glorious victory, gentlemen, and a triumph for English honesty, English plain dealing, and English integrity. Gentlemen, I drink your health.
[He drinks his glass of champagne before the crowd. The che
ering which has been going on all through the speech now grows louder and louder. There are shouts of Mrs. Winter.
George Winter.
Kate, they want you.
Catherine.
No. Please not.
George Winter.
Come. No false modesty. Give them a bow, that won’t hurt you.
[He takes her hand and draws her to the window. The crowd bursts out again into cheering. George Winter comes back into the room.
George Winter.
My word, what a moment!
Boyce.
You must be dead beat.
George Winter.
I? Fresh as a daisy. Nothing can beat me.
O’Donnell.
[Taking out his watch.] By Jove, I had no idea it was so late.
Boyce.
I think I’ll be getting along.
George Winter.
Oh, nonsense! Why, the evening’s only just beginning.
Boyce.
I’m dog tired.
Swalecliffe.
I must be getting away, too. My wife will be wanting to know all about it.
George Winter.
Well, if I can’t persuade you, I suppose I can’t. I hope you’ll all have as good a night as I mean to.
Swalecliffe.
You think it’s all right about — about that matter?
George Winter.
Don’t you worry your head. It’s as right as rain. I tell you that nothing I touch can fail.
Swalecliffe.
Then good-night.
George Winter.
Good-night.
[Colonel Boyce, Swalecliffe, and the other two men who came in with them, go out.
George Winter.
You’re not going yet, Ford?
James Ford.
No. If you don’t mind I’d like to have a word with you when you can spare me a few minutes.
George Winter.
As many as you like. I’m ready now.
Lady Francis.
If you’re going to talk business, we’d better leave you.
James Ford.
I’m in no hurry, my lady.
Lady Francis.
It really is getting very late.
O’Donnell.
Aren’t you too tired for business now?
George Winter.
Tired? I don’t know what it is to be tired. When you write my biography, young man, you can say that after the hardest fought battle of the election, when the cheers of the multitude were still ringing in his ears, he sat down at midnight, fresh as paint, and talked business with the shrewdest man in Middlepool till break of day.
James Ford.
[Drily.] It’ll be more accurate if you say for ten minutes.