Delphi Collected Works of W. Somerset Maugham (Illustrated)

by William Somerset Maugham

  Christina.

  I was just as good a dancer as anybody else in my day.

  Arthur.

  When Christina says that she means she was a great deal better.

  Henry.

  Come on, mother, or it’ll be over before we begin.

  Christina.

  Don’t be rough with me, Henry.

  [They go into the house.]

  Appleby.

  We rather fancied ourselves too, Fanny, once upon a time. What d’you say to trying what we can do, my dear?

  Mrs. Appleby.

  You be quiet, George. Fancy me dancing with my figure!

  Appleby.

  I don’t deny you’re plump, but I never did like a scrag. Perhaps it’s the last chance we shall ever have.

  Mrs. Appleby.

  What would they say at home if they ever come to hear you and me had been dancing? Really, George, I’m surprised at you.

  Arthur.

  [Amused.] I won’t tell.

  Appleby.

  You know you want to, Fanny. You’re only afraid they’ll laugh. Come on, or else I shall dance by myself.

  Mrs. Appleby.

  [Getting up.] I see you’ve quite made up your mind to make a fool of yourself.

  [They go out. Arthur watches them, smiling.]

  Arthur.

  What good people! It’s really a treat to see them together.

  Violet.

  Mr. Appleby is very enthusiastic about you. He was telling me just now about his trip in Upper Egypt. He’s tremendously impressed. He said I ought to be very proud of you.

  Arthur.

  I can’t imagine any remark more calculated to make you dislike me.

  [She gives him a long look and then glances away. When she speaks it is with embarrassment.]

  Violet.

  Are you satisfied with me, Arthur?

  Arthur.

  My dear, what do you mean?

  Violet.

  Since that afternoon when I told you....

  Arthur.

  Yes, I know.

  Violet.

  We’ve never talked about it. [Giving him her hand.] I want to thank you for having been so good to me.

  Arthur.

  I’m afraid you haven’t got much to thank me for. It would have been easier if I’d been able to help you, but I didn’t see anything I could do but just sit still and twiddle my thumbs.

  Violet.

  I’ve felt your confidence in me and that has been a help. You’ve never given the slightest sign that anything was changed. You used sometimes to ask me what I’d been doing during the day. Of late you haven’t even done that.

  Arthur.

  I didn’t want you to suspect for a moment that your actions were not perfectly free.

  Violet.

  I know. No one could have been more considerate than you’ve been. Oh, I’ve been so unhappy, Arthur. I wouldn’t go through the last six weeks for anything in the world.

  Arthur.

  It’s torn my heart to see you so pale and wan. And when, often, I saw you’d been crying I almost lost my head. I didn’t know what to do.

  Violet.

  I couldn’t help it if I loved him, Arthur. That wasn’t in my power. But all that was in my power I’ve done. Somehow I’ve managed not to be alone with him.

  Arthur.

  Haven’t you had any explanation with him?

  Violet.

  There didn’t seem to be anything to explain. D’you think I ought to have told him I didn’t love him? I couldn’t, Arthur. I couldn’t.

  Arthur.

  My dear! My dear!

  Violet.

  Once or twice he wrote to me. I knew he would and I’d made up my mind not to read the letters. But when they came I couldn’t help myself. I had to read them. I was so wretched and it meant so much to me that he loved me. [Arthur makes an instinctive movement of pain.] I didn’t mean to say that. Please forgive me.

  Arthur.

  I think I understand.

  Violet.

  I didn’t answer them.

  Arthur.

  Did he only write once or twice?

  Violet.

  That’s all. You see, he can’t make it out. He thinks I’ve treated him badly. Oh, I think that’s the hardest thing of all. I’ve seen the misery in his eyes. And there was nothing I could do. I hadn’t the courage to tell him. I’m weak. I’m so horribly weak. And when I’m with him alone I.... Oh, it is cruel that I should make him suffer so when he loves me.

  Arthur.

  I don’t know what to say to you. It seems cold comfort to say that you must set your hope in the merciful effects of time. Time will ease your pain and his. Perhaps the worst is over already.

  Violet.

  I hope with all my heart it is. I couldn’t have borne any more, Arthur. I’m at the end of my strength.

  Arthur.

  Dear heart, you’re tired physically now. We’ll send these people away and you must go to bed.

  Violet.

  Yes. I’m exhausted. But I want to tell you, Arthur, I think you’re right. The worst is over. I’m not suffering quite so much as I did. I find it a little easier not to think of him. When I meet him I can manage to be gay and flippant and indifferent. I’m so glad, Arthur.

  Arthur.

  You’ve been very brave. I told you we were all strong enough to bear the burdens that are laid upon us.

  Violet.

  You mustn’t think too well of me. I couldn’t have done what I have except for the consciousness of his great love for me. Is that awfully disloyal of me, Arthur?

  Arthur.

  [Gravely.] No, darling.

  Violet.

  You can understand, can’t you? It means so much to me. It’s helped me more than anything else in the world. It’s the only thing that made these past weeks not intolerable. I’m satisfied to know he loves me. I want nothing more.

  [Mr. and Mrs. Appleby come in. Arthur immediately assumes a chaffing manner.]

  Arthur.

  Why, what’s this? You haven’t given in already?

  Appleby.

  The spirit is willing enough, but the flesh is weak.

  Mrs. Appleby.

  We wouldn’t like it talked about at home, but the fact is we got a bit out of breath.

  Violet.

  Well, sit down a moment and rest yourself.

  Mrs. Appleby.

  Just a moment if you don’t mind, and then we’ll be going.

  [Christina appears with Henry.]

  Arthur.

  Here is poor Christina in a state of complete mental and physical collapse.

  Christina.

  Don’t be ridiculous, Arthur.

  Arthur.

  How did you get on?

  Henry.

  First rate. Only mother won’t let herself go. I kept on telling her there’s only one thing to do in modern dancing — let all your bones go loose and leave the man to do the rest.

  Christina.

  [With a chuckle.] I think modern dancing is an abandoned pastime. Nothing will induce me to let all my bones go loose.

  Henry.

  Mother’s idea of dancing is to keep herself to herself.

  Christina.

  [Looking at him affectionately.] You’re an impudent boy.

  Mrs. Appleby.

  [To Violet.] I do wish I’d seen you dancing with Mr. Parry. He’s a wonderful dancer.

  Violet.

  He does dance well, doesn’t he?

  Henry.

  Haven’t you danced with him to-night, Violet?

  Violet.

  No. He came rather late and my card was filled up. I promised him an extra, but some stuffy old diplomatist came and asked me for a dance, so I gave him Ronny’s.

  Mrs. Appleby.

  It’s too bad. It must be a rare sight to see you and Mr. Parry waltzing together.

  Violet.

  How do you know he dances so well?

  Mrs. Appleb
y.

  There were two or three dances at our hotel last week and we saw him then.

  Violet.

  Oh, I see.

  Appleby.

  [With a chuckle.] I like that young man. When he gets hold of a good thing he freezes on to it.

  Violet.

  Oh?

  Appleby.

  There’s a young American girl staying at the hotel. She’s a Miss Pender. I wonder if you know her?

  Violet.

  No, I don’t think so. We get to know very few of the winter visitors.

  Mrs. Appleby.

  She’s a perfect picture to look at. And a beautiful dancer.

  Appleby.

  Everyone was looking at them last night. They made a wonderful pair.

  Violet.

  Do you know this lady, Henry?

  Henry.

  Yes, I’ve met her two or three times. She’s very pretty.

  Appleby.

  I don’t think anyone else had much of a look in with her.

  Henry.

  Well, you needn’t be disagreeable about it.

  Appleby.

  As far as I could see she danced with Mr. Parry pretty well all the time.

  Mrs. Appleby.

  It was a treat to see them together.

  Violet.

  [A little uncertainly.] If one gets hold of a partner who suits one I always think it’s better to stick to him.

  Mrs. Appleby.

  Oh, I don’t think it was only that. She’s so much in love with him that she can’t help showing it.

  Henry.

  I never saw such a fellow as Ronny. When there is a bit of luck going he always gets it.

  Violet.

  And is he in love with her too?

  Appleby.

  Oh, one can’t tell that.

  Mrs. Appleby.

  If he isn’t he very soon will be. She’s too pretty for any man to resist long.

  Arthur.

  [Lightly.] You know them, the brutes, don’t you?

  Mrs. Appleby.

  Bless their hearts, I don’t blame them. What are pretty girls for except to make nice men happy? I was a pretty girl myself once.

  Arthur.

  And was Mr. Appleby a nice man?

  Appleby.

  I think I must have been, for you’ve certainly made me happy, my dear.

  Mrs. Appleby.

  I wish you’d put that in writing, George. I’d like to have a little something like that by me when you’ve got a bit of a chill on your liver.

  Appleby.

  H’m, I think bed’s the place for you, Fanny. Say good-night to her ladyship and let’s be going.

  Mrs. Appleby.

  Good-night, Lady Little, and thank you so much for asking us. We have enjoyed ourselves.

  Violet.

  Good-night.

  Appleby.

  Good-night.

  Arthur.

  I hope you’ll have a pleasant journey home. Lucky people, you’ll see the spring in England. When you get back the hedgerows will be just bursting into leaf.

  [The Applebys go out.]

  Violet.

  How old is this American girl, Henry?

  Henry.

  Oh, I don’t know, about nineteen or twenty.

  Violet.

  Is she as pretty as they say?

  Henry.

  Rather.

  Violet.

  Is she fair?

  Henry.

  Very. She’s got wonderful hair.

  Violet.

  You’ve never mentioned her. Do you think Ronny is in love with her?

  Henry.

  Oh, I don’t know about that. She’s great fun. And you know, it’s always flattering when a pretty girl makes a dead set at you.

  [There is a momentary silence. Violet is extremely disturbed by the news that has just reached her. Arthur realises that a crisis has come.]

  Christina.

  [In a matter-of-fact way.] Let us hope that something will come of it. There’s no reason why Ronny shouldn’t marry. I think men marry much too late nowadays.

  [Anne and Ronny appear.]

  Anne.

  I’m absolutely ashamed of myself. I half expected to find you’d all gone to bed.

  Violet.

  [Smiling.] Have you been having a jolly dance?

  Anne.

  Think of having a good band and the whole floor to oneself. By the way, Violet, the band want to know if they can go away.

  Violet.

  I’m sorry I had to cut your dance, Ronny.

  Ronny.

  It was rotten luck. But I suppose on these occasions small fry like me have to put up with that sort of thing.

  Violet.

  If you like we’ll have a turn now before we send the band away.

  Ronny.

  I’d love it.

  [Arthur gives a little start and looks at Violet curiously. Anne is surprised too.]

  Christina.

  If you’re going to start dancing again we’ll go. Henry has to be at his office early in the morning.

  Violet.

  Good-night, then.

  Christina.

  [Kissing her.] Your dance has been a great success.

  Violet.

  It’s nice of you to say so.

  Christina.

  [To Arthur.] Good-night, dear old thing. God bless and guard you always.

  Arthur.

  My dear Christina, why this embarrassing emotion?

  Christina.

  I don’t know what we should do if anything happened to you.

  Arthur.

  Don’t be an idiot, my dear; nothing is going to happen to me.

  Christina.

  [With a smile.] I can’t get you out of thinking me a perfect fool.

  Arthur.

  Be off with you, Christina. If you go on finding out things that are not your business I shall have you deported.

  Violet.

  What has she found out now?

  Arthur.

  A trifle that we thought it wouldn’t hurt the public to know nothing about.

  Christina.

  [Shaking hands with Ronny.] I don’t grudge you your job any more. We’re all under a debt of gratitude to you.

  Ronny.

  I had a bit of luck, that’s all. It’s nothing to make a fuss about.

  Arthur.

  Go and have your dance, darling. It’s really getting very late.

  Violet.

  [To Ronny.] Are you ready?

  Ronny.

  What shall we make them play?

  [They go out.]

  Christina.

  Good-night, Anne.

  Anne.

  [Kissing her.] Good-night, my dear. [Henry shakes hands with Anne and Arthur. He and his mother go out.] I suppose I mayn’t ask what Christina was referring to?

  Arthur.

  I can’t prevent you from asking.

  Anne.

  But you have no intention of answering. What is the matter, Arthur? You look so deadly white.

  Arthur.

  Nothing. I’m tired. I had a busy day and now the dance. [The sound of a waltz is heard.] Oh, damn that music!

  Anne.

  Sit down and rest yourself. Why don’t you have a smoke! [Putting her hand on his arm.] My dear friend.

  Arthur.

  For God’s sake don’t pity me.

  Anne.

  Won’t you talk to me frankly? I may be able to help you. In the old days you used to bring your troubles to me, Arthur.

  Arthur.

  I tell you I’m only tired. What is the use of talking about what can’t be helped?

  Anne.

  You must know that I notice most things that concern your happiness. [Looking away.] Why did you imagine I took so much trouble to get Ronny moved to Paris?

  Arthur.

  I suspected. Ought I to thank you? I’m too miserable and too humiliated.

  Anne.

  Hav
e you heard about a Miss Pender? She’s an American girl.

  Arthur.

  Of course I have. It’s my business to know everything that goes on in Cairo.

  Anne.

  Don’t you think that may be the solution?

  [Henry comes in.]

  Arthur.

  [Sharply.] What d’you want?

  Henry.

  I beg your pardon. Mother left her fan here.

  [He takes it up from a chair.]

  Arthur.

  I thought you’d gone five minutes ago.

  Henry.

  Oh, we just stood for a moment to look at Ronny and Violet dancing. Upon my soul it’s a fair treat.

  Arthur.

  They make a wonderful couple, don’t they?

  Henry.

  I’m afraid Violet’s awfully tired. She’s not saying a word and she’s as white as a sheet.

  Arthur.

  I’ll send her to bed as soon as they’ve finished.

  Henry.

  Good-night.

  Arthur.

  [Smiling.] Good-night, my boy.

  [Exit Henry.]

  Anne.

  Is anything the matter?

  Arthur.

  Tell me about this American girl. She’s in love with Ronny, isn’t she?

  Anne.

  Yes, that’s obvious.

  Arthur.

  And he?

  Anne.

  He’s been very unhappy, you know.

  Arthur.

  [Almost savagely.] That is a calamity which I find myself able to bear with patience.

  Anne.

  And now he’s surprised and pleased. I’ve met her. Poor dear, she did everything to make me like her, because Ronny was my brother. She’s awfully pretty. He’s not in love with her yet. But I think he may be. He’s on the brink and if there were nothing else he’d fall over.

  Arthur.

  That is what I suspected. You know, Anne, the longer I live the more inexplicable I find human beings. I always thought I was by way of being a fairly decent fellow. I never knew what mean beastliness there was inside me. It would be quite impossible for me to tell you how I hate your brother. I’ve had to be jolly and affable with him and, by George, I wanted to kill him.

  Anne.

  Why didn’t you let him go? Are you sure it was necessary to give him that job?

  Arthur.

  Already he’s been invaluable.

  Anne.

  Then one can only hope for the best.

  [There is a moment’s pause. When Arthur speaks it is at first rather to himself than to Anne.]

  Arthur.

  No one knows what I’ve gone through during the last few months. I’ve been devoured with jealousy and I knew it would be fatal if I showed Violet the least trace of ill-temper. I kept on saying to myself that it wasn’t her fault if she was in love with Ronny. [Humorously.] You can’t think how devilish hard it is not to resent the fact that somebody doesn’t care for you.