Act III

Scene: A smoking-room at Lady Kelsey's, leading by an archway into a drawing-room at the back. On the right is a glass door which leads into the garden. On one side is a sofa; on the other a table with cigarettes, matches, whiskey, sodas, etc.

Lady Kelsey is giving a dance, and the music of the Lancers is heard vaguely from the ball-room as the curtain rises. Mrs. Crowley and Sir Robert Boulger are sitting down. Lady Kelsey comes in with the Rev. James Carbery.

Lady Kelsey.

Oh, you wretched people, why aren't you dancing? It's too bad of you to hide yourselves here!

Mrs. Crowley.

We thought no one would find us in the smoking-room. But why have you abandoned your guests, Lady Kelsey?

Lady Kelsey.

Oh, I've got them all comfortably settled in the Lancers, and I'm free to rest myself for a quarter of an hour. You don't know what agonies I've been suffering the whole evening.

Mrs. Crowley.

Good gracious me! Why?

Lady Kelsey.

I'm so afraid Alec Mackenzie will come.

Boulger.

You needn't worry about that, Aunt Alice. He'll never venture to show his face.

Lady Kelsey.

I didn't know what to do. It was impossible to put the dance off. It's too dreadful that these horrible revelations should....

Carbery.

[Supplying the word.] Transpire.

Lady Kelsey.

Yes, transpire on the very day I've at last persuaded Lucy to come into the world again. I wish Dick would come.

Boulger.

Yes, he'll be able to tell us something.

Mrs. Crowley.

But will he?

Carbery.

Wherever I go people are talking about Mr. Mackenzie, and I'm bound to say I've found nobody who has a good word for him.

Boulger.

[Bitterly.] Humpty-dumpty's had a great fall.

Carbery.

I wonder if I might have a cigarette?

Mrs. Crowley.

I'm sure you might. And if you press me dreadfully, I'll have one, too.

Boulger.

Don't press her. She's already had far too many.

Mrs. Crowley.

Well, I'll forego the pressing, but not the cigarette.

Carbery.

[Handing her the box and giving her a light.] It's against all my principles, you know.

Mrs. Crowley.

What is the use of principles except to give one an agreeable sensation of wickedness when one doesn't act up to them?

[Dick comes in as she speaks.

Dick.

My dear lady, you're as epigrammatic as a dramatist. Do you say such things from choice or necessity?

Lady Kelsey.

Dick!

Boulger.

Dick.

Mrs. Crowley.

Mr. Lomas!

Carbery.

Ah!

[The four exclamations are simultaneous.

Dick.

This enthusiasm at my appearance is no less gratifying than unexpected.

Lady Kelsey.

I'm so glad you've come at last. Now we shall get at the truth.

Boulger.

[Impatiently.] Well?

Dick.

My dear people, what are you talking about?

Boulger.

Oh, don't be such an ass!

Mrs. Crowley.

Good heavens, didn't you read the Times this morning?

Dick.

I only came back from Paris to-night. Besides, I never read the papers except in August.

Mrs. Crowley.

[Raising her eyebrows.] When there's nothing in them?

Dick.

Pardon me, I'm an eager student of the sea-serpent and the giant gooseberry.

Lady Kelsey.

My dear Dick, it's too shocking. I wish I'd had the courage to write and ask Mr. Mackenzie not to come. But since you both came back from Africa a month ago he's been here nearly every day. And he's been so good and kind to us, I couldn't treat him as though there was no doubt the story was true.

Boulger.

There can't be the least doubt about it. By George, I should like to kick him.

Dick.

[Dryly.] My dear chap, Alec is a hardy Scot and bigger than you, so I shouldn't advise you to try.

Boulger.

I was engaged to dine with him to-night, but I wired to say I had a headache.

Lady Kelsey.

What will he think if he sees you here?

Boulger.

He can think what he jolly well likes.

Lady Kelsey.

I hope he has the sense to stay away.

Carbery.

I think you're pretty safe now, Lady Kelsey. It's growing late.

Dick.

Will some one kindly explain?

Mrs. Crowley.

D'you mean to say you really don't know—seriously? After all, you were with him.

Lady Kelsey.

My dear Dick, there are two columns of fiery denunciation in this morning's Times.

[Dick is a little startled, but at once collects himself.

Dick.

Oh, that's only the reaction. That's nothing. Since he arrived in Mombassa, after three years in the heart of Africa, he's made almost a triumphal progress. Of course, it couldn't last. The reaction was bound to come.

Boulger.

[Looking at him steadily.] The article is signed by a man named Macinnery.

Dick.

[Calmly.] Alec found Macinnery half starving at Mombassa, and took him solely out of charity. But he was a worthless rascal, and he had to send him back.

Boulger.

He gives ample proof for every word he says.

Dick.

Whenever an explorer comes home, there's some one to tell nasty stories about him. People forget that kid gloves are not much use in a tropical forest, and grow very indignant when they hear that a man has used a little brute force to make himself respected.

Lady Kelsey.

Oh, my dear Dick, it's much worse than that. First poor Lucy's father died....

Dick.

You're not going to count that as an overwhelming misfortune? We were unanimous in describing that gentleman's demise as an uncommonly happy release.

Lady Kelsey.

But Lucy was heart-broken all the same. And when her life seemed to grow a little more cheerful, came her brother's tragic death.

Dick.

[Abruptly, to Mrs. Crowley.] What is it exactly?

Mrs. Crowley.

The long and short of it is that Mr. Mackenzie was the cause of George Allerton's death.

Dick.

Lucy's brother was killed by the slave-traders.

Boulger.

Mackenzie sent him into a confounded trap to save his own dirty skin.

Lady Kelsey.

And the worst of it is that I think Lucy is in love with Mr. Mackenzie.

[Boulger makes a slight movement, and for a moment there is an uncomfortable pause.

Carbery.

I saw him this evening in Piccadilly, and I almost ran into his arms. It was quite awkward.

Dick.

[Frigidly.] Why?

Carbery.

I don't think I want to shake the man's hand. He's nothing short of a murderer.

Boulger.

[Savagely.] He's worse than that. He's ten times worse.

Lady Kelsey.

Well, for heaven's sake be polite to him if he comes to-night.

Carbery.

I really couldn't bring myself to shake hands with him.

Dick.

[Dryly.] Don't you think you'd better wait for evidence before you condemn him?

Boulger.

My dear fellow, the letter in the Times is absolutely damning. Interviewers went to him from the evening papers, and he refused to see them.

Dick.

What does Lucy say of it? After all, she's the person most concerned.

Lady Kelsey.

She doesn't know. I took care that she shouldn't see the paper. I wanted to give her this evening's enjoyment unalloyed.

Mrs. Crowley.

Take care, here she is.

[Lucy comes in.

Lady Kelsey.

[Smiling and reaching out her hand.] Well, darling?

Lucy.

[Going to Lady Kelsey.] Are you growing very tired, my aunt?

Lady Kelsey.

I can rest myself for the time. I don't think any one else will come now.

Lucy.

[Gaily.] You faithless woman, have you forgotten the guest of the evening?

Lady Kelsey.

Mr. Mackenzie.

Lucy.

[Bending over her.] My dear, it was charming of you to hide the paper from me this morning....

Lady Kelsey.

[Startled.] Did you see the letter? I so wanted you not to till to-morrow.

Lucy.

Mr. Mackenzie very rightly thought I should know at once what was said about him and my brother. He sent me the paper himself this evening.

Boulger.

Did he write to you?

Lucy.

No, he merely scribbled on a card: "I think you should read this."

Boulger.

Well, I'm damned!

Lady Kelsey.

What did you think of the letter, Lucy?

Lucy.

[Proudly.] I didn't believe it.

BOULGER.

[Bitterly.] You must be blinded by your—friendship for Alec Mackenzie. I never read anything more convincing.

Lucy.

I could hardly believe him guilty of such an odious crime if he confessed it with his own lips.

Boulger.

Of course, he won't do that.

Dick.

Did I ever tell you how I made acquaintance with Alec? In the Atlantic—about three hundred miles from land.

Mrs. Crowley.

What a perfectly ridiculous place for an introduction.

Dick.

I was a silly young fool in those days, and I habitually played the giddy goat. In the course of which, I fell overboard and was proceeding to drown when Alec jumped in after me. It was an incautious thing to do, because he very nearly got drowned himself.

Lucy.

That's not the only heroic thing he's done.

Dick.

No, it's one of his hobbies to risk his life to save unnecessary and useless people. But the funny thing is that ever since he saved mine, he's been quite absurdly grateful. He seems to think I did him an intentional service and fell into the water on purpose to give him a chance of pulling me out.

Lucy.

[With a long look at Dick.] It's very kind and good of you to have told that story.

[The Butler comes in and announces Alec Mackenzie.

Butler.

Mr. Mackenzie.

Alec.

[Blandly.] Ah, I thought I should find you here, Lady Kelsey.

Lady Kelsey.

[Shaking hands with him.] How d'you do? We've just been talking of you.

Alec.

Really?

Lady Kelsey.

It's so late, we were afraid you wouldn't come. I should have been dreadfully disappointed.

Alec.

It's very kind of you to say so. I've been at the Travellers', reading various appreciations of my own character.

Lady Kelsey.

[Somewhat embarrassed.] Oh, I heard there was something about you in the papers.

Alec.

There's a good deal. I really had no idea the world was so interested in me.

Lady Kelsey.

It's charming of you to come to-night. I'm sure you hate dances!

Alec.

Oh, no, they interest me enormously. I remember, one of the Kings of Uganda gave a dance in my honour. Ten thousand warriors in war-paint. I assure you it was most impressive.

Dick.

My dear fellow, if paint is the attraction you really need not go much farther than Mayfair.

Alec.

[Pretending for the first time to notice Boulger.] Ah, there's my little friend Bobbie. I thought you had a headache?

Lady Kelsey.

[Quickly.] I'm afraid Bobby is dreadfully dissipated. He's not looking at all well.

Alec.

[Good-humouredly.] You shouldn't keep such late hours, Bobbie. At your age one wants one's beauty sleep.

Boulger.

It's very kind of you to take an interest in me. My headache has passed off.

Alec.

I'm very glad. What do you use—Phenacetin?

Boulger.

It went away of its own accord—after dinner.

Alec.

[Smiling.] So you resolved to give the girls a treat by coming to Lady Kelsey's dance? How nice of you not to disappoint them! [He turns to Lucy and holds out his hand. They look into one another's eyes. She takes his hand.] I sent you a paper this evening.

Lucy.

It was very good of you.

[Carbery comes forward and offers his arm.

Carbery.

I think this is my dance, Miss Allerton. May I take you in?

Alec.

Carbery? I saw you in Piccadilly just now! You were darting about just like a young gazelle. I had no idea you could be so active.

Carbery.

I didn't see you.

Alec.

I observed that you were deeply interested in the shop windows as I passed. How are you?

[He holds out his hand, and for a moment Carbery hesitates to take it. But Alec's steady gaze compels him.

Carbery.

How d'you do?

Alec.

[With an amused smile.] So glad to see you again, old man.

[Dick gives an audible chuckle, and Carbery, reddening, draws his hand away angrily. He goes to Lucy and offers his arm.

Boulger.

[To Mrs. Crowley.] Shall I take you back?

Mrs. Crowley.

Do!

Lady Kesley.

Won't you come, Mr. Mackenzie?

Alec.

If you don't mind I'll stay and smoke just one cigarette with Dick Lomas. You know I'm not a dancing man.

Lady Kelsey.

Very well.

[All go out except Alec and Dick.

Dick.

I suppose you know we were all beseeching Providence you'd have the grace to stay away to-night?

Alec.

[With a smile.] I suspected it, I confess. I shouldn't have come only I wanted to see Lucy. I've been in the country all day, and I knew nothing about Macinnery's letter till I saw the placards at the station.

Dick.

Macinnery proposes to make things rather uncomfortable, I imagine.

Alec.

[With a smile.] I made a mistake, didn't I? I ought to have dropped him in the river when I had no further use for him.

Dick.

What are you going to do?

Alec.

It's not easy to clear myself at a dead man's expense. The earth covers his crime and his sins and his weakness.

Dick.

D'you mean to say that you are going to sit still and let them throw mud at you?

Alec.

When George was dead I wrote to Lucy that he died like a brave man. I can't now publish to the whole world that he was a coward and a rogue. I can't rake up again the story of her father's crime.

Dick.

[Impatiently.] Surely, that's absolutely quixotic.

Alec.

No, it isn't. I tell you I can't do anything else. I'm bound hand and foot. Lucy has talked to me of George's death, and the only thing that has consoled her is the idea that in a manner he had redeemed his father's good name. How can I rob her of that? She placed all her hopes in George. How could she face the world with the knowledge that her brother was rotten to the core, as rotten as her father.

Dick.

It seems awfully hard.

Alec.

Besides, when all is said and done, the boy did die game. Don't you think that should count for something? No, I tell you I can't give him away now. I should never cease to reproach myself. I love Lucy far too much to cause her such bitter pain.

Dick.

And if it loses you her love?

Alec.

I think she can do without love better than without self-respect.

[Lucy comes in with Mrs. Crowley.

Lucy.

I've sent my partner away. I felt I must have a few words alone with you.

Dick.

Shall I take Mrs. Crowley into a retired corner?

Lucy.

No, we have nothing to say that you can't hear. You and Nellie know that we're engaged to be married. [To Alec.] I want you to dance with me.

Alec.

It's very good of you.

Mrs. Crowley.

Don't you think that's rather foolish, Lucy?

Lucy.

[To Alec.] I want to show them all that I don't believe that you're guilty of an odious crime.

Alec.

They've said horrible things about me?

Lucy.

Not to me. They wanted to hide it from me, but I knew they were talking.

Alec.

You'll grow used to hearing shameful things said of me. I suppose I shall grow used to it, too.

Lucy.

Oh, I hate them.

Alec.

Ah, it's not that I mind. What torments me is that it was so easy to despise their praise, and now I can't despise their blame.

Mrs. Crowley.

[Smiling.] I believe you have some glimmerings of human nature in you after all.

Lucy.

When you came to-night, so calm and self-possessed, I admired you as I'd never admired you before.

Alec.

It's easy enough to command one's face. I learnt to do that in Africa when often my life depended on my seeming to have no fear. But in my heart ... I never knew that I could feel so bitter. And yet, after all, it's only your good opinion that I care for.

Lucy.

I've trusted you implicitly from the first day I saw you.

Alec.

Thank God for that! To-day is the first time I've wanted to be assured that I was trusted. And yet I'm ashamed to want it.

Lucy.

Ah, don't be too hard upon yourself. You're so afraid of letting your tenderness appear.

Alec.

The only way to be strong is never to surrender to one's weakness. Strength is merely a habit like everything else. I want you to be strong, too. I want you never to doubt me whatever you may hear said.

Lucy.

I gave my brother into your hands, and told you that if he died a brave man's death I could ask for no more.

Alec.

I should tell you that I've made up my mind to make no answer to the charges that are made against me.

[There is a very short pause, while he looks at her steadily.

Mrs. Crowley.

But why?

Alec.

[To Lucy.] I can give you my word of honour that I've done nothing which I regret. I know that what I did was right with regard to George, and if it were all to come again I would do exactly as I did before.

Lucy.

I think I can trust you.

Alec.

I thought of you always, and everything I did was for your sake. Every single act of mine during these four years in Africa has been done because I loved you.

Lucy.

You must love me always, Alec, for now I have only you. [He bends down and kisses her hand.] Come!

[He gives her his arm and they walk out.

Mrs. Crowley.

I feel as if I should rather like to cry.

Dick.

Do you really? So do I.

Mrs. Crowley.

Don't be so silly.

Dick.

By the way, you don't want to dance with me, do you?

Mrs. Crowley.

Certainly not. You dance abominably.

Dick.

It's charming of you to say so. It puts me at my ease at once.

Mrs. Crowley.

Come and sit on the sofa and talk seriously.

Dick.

Ah, you want to flirt with me, Mrs. Crowley.

Mrs. Crowley.

Good heavens, what on earth makes you think that?

Dick.

It's what a woman always means when she asks you to talk sensibly.

Mrs. Crowley.

I can't bear a man who thinks women are in love with him.

Dick.

Bless you, I don't think that. I only think they want to marry me.

Mrs. Crowley.

That's equally detestable.

Dick.

Not at all. However old, ugly, and generally undesirable a man is, he'll find a heap of charming girls who are willing to marry him. Marriage is still the only decent means of livelihood for a really nice girl.

Mrs. Crowley.

But, my dear friend, if a woman really makes up her mind to marry a man, nothing on earth can save him.

Dick.

Don't say that, you terrify me.

Mrs. Crowley.

You need not be in the least alarmed, because I shall refuse you.

Dick.

Thanks, awfully. But all the same I don't think I'll risk a proposal.

Mrs. Crowley.

My dear Mr. Lomas, your only safety is in immediate flight.

Dick.

Why?

Mrs. Crowley.

It must be obvious to the meanest intelligence that you've been on the verge of proposing to me for the last month.

Dick.

Oh, I assure you, you're quite mistaken.

Mrs. Crowley.

Then I shan't come to the play with you to-morrow?

Dick.

But I've taken the seats, and I've ordered an exquisite dinner at the Carlton.

Mrs. Crowley.

What have you ordered?

Dick.

Potage Bisque... [She makes a little face.] Sole Normande... [She shrugs her shoulders.] Wild Duck.

Mrs. Crowley.

With an orange salad?

Dick.

Yes.

Mrs. Crowley.

I don't positively dislike that.

Dick.

And I've ordered a souffl� with an ice in the middle of it.

Mrs. Crowley.

I shan't come.

Dick.

I shouldn't have thought you kept very well abreast of dramatic art if you insist on marrying every man who takes you to a theatre.

Mrs. Crowley.

[Demurely.] I was very nicely brought up.

Dick.

Of course, if you're going to make yourself systematically disagreeable unless I marry you, I suppose I shall have to do it in self-defence.

Mrs. Crowley.

I don't know if you have the least idea what you're talking about. I'm sure I haven't!

Dick.

I was merely asking you in a rather well-turned phrase to name the day. The lamb shall be ready for the slaughter!

Mrs. Crowley.

Couldn't you infuse a little romance into it? You might begin by going down on your bended knees.

Dick.

I assure you that's quite out of fashion. Lovers, nowadays, are much too middle-aged, and their joints are creaky. Besides, it ruins the trousers.

Mrs. Crowley.

At all events, there can be no excuse for your not saying that you know you're utterly unworthy of me.

Dick.

Wild horses wouldn't induce me to make a statement which is so remote from the truth.

Mrs. Crowley.

And, of course, you must threaten to commit suicide if I don't consent.

Dick.

Women are such sticklers for routine. They have no originality.

Mrs. Crowley.

Very well, have it your own way. But I must have a proposal in due form.

Dick.

Only four words are needed. [Counting them on his fingers.] Will you marry me?

Mrs. Crowley.

That is both clear and simple. I reply in one: No!

Dick.

[As though he were not sure that he had heard correctly.] I beg your pardon?

Mrs. Crowley.

The answer is in the negative.

Dick.

You're joking. You're certainly joking.

Mrs. Crowley.

I will be a sister to you.

Dick.

Do you mean to say you deliberately refuse me?

Mrs. Crowley.

[Smiling.] I promised you I would.

Dick.

[With much seriousness.] I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Mrs. Crowley.

[Puzzled.] The man's mad. The man's nothing short of a raving lunatic.

Dick.

I wanted to see if you were really attached to me. You have given me a proof of esteem which I promise you I will never forget.

Mrs. Crowley.

[Laughing.] You're a perfect idiot, Mr. Lomas!

Dick.

It's one of my cherished convictions that a really nice woman is never so cruel as to marry a man she cares for.

Mrs. Crowley.

You're much too flippant to marry anybody, and you're perfectly odious into the bargain.

[She goes out. Dick, chuckling, lights a cigarette. Alec comes in and lies down lazily on the sofa.

Alec.

Why, Dick, what's the matter? You look as pleased as Punch.

Dick.

My dear fellow, I feel like the Terrible Turk. I've been wrestling, and I thought I was going to have a fall. But by the display of considerable agility I've managed to keep my legs.

Alec.

What do you mean?

Dick.

Nothing. It's merely the gaiety of forty-two.

[Boulger comes into the room, followed immediately by Mallins and Carbery. He starts slightly when he sees Alec, but then goes over to the table on which is the whiskey.

Mallins.

May we smoke here, Bobby?

Boulger.

Certainly. Dick insisted that this room should be particularly reserved for that purpose.

[The Butler comes in with a small silver salver, and takes up one or two dirty glasses.

Dick.

Lady Kelsey is the most admirable of all hostesses.

Alec.

[Taking a cigarette from his case.] Give me a match, Bobby, there's a good boy. [Boulger, with his back turned to Alec, takes no notice. He pours himself out some whiskey. Alec smiles slightly.] Bobby, throw me over the matches!

Boulger.

[With his back still turned.] Miller!

Butler.

Yes, sir?

Boulger.

Mr. Mackenzie is asking for something.

Butler.

Yes, sir!

Alec.

You might give me a light, will you?

Butler.

Yes, sir!

[The Butler takes the matches to Alec, who lights his cigarette.

Alec.

Thank you. [Complete silence is preserved till the Butler leaves the room.] I perceive, Bobbie, that during my absence you have not added good manners to your other accomplishments.

Boulger.

If you want things, you can ask the servants for them.

Alec.

[Good-humouredly.] Don't be foolish, Bobbie!

Boulger.

Would you be so kind as to remember that my name is Boulger?

Alec.

[Smiling.] Perhaps you would like me to call you Sir Robert?

Boulger.

I should prefer that you would call me nothing at all. I have absolutely no wish to know you.

Alec.

Which shows that your taste is as bad as your breeding.

Boulger.

[Angrily, walking up to him.] By God, I'll knock you down!

Alec.

You could hardly do that when I'm already lying on my back.

Boulger.

Look here, Mackenzie, I'm not going to let you play the fool with me. I want to know what answer you have to make to all these charges that have been brought against you.

Alec.

Might I suggest that only Miss Allerton has the least right to receive answers to her questions? And she hasn't questioned me.

Boulger.

I've given up trying to understand her attitude. If I were she, it would make me sick with horror to look at you. Since this morning you've rested under a direct accusation of causing George's death, and you've said nothing in self-defence.

Alec.

Nothing.

Boulger.

You've been given an opportunity to explain yourself, and you haven't taken it.

Alec.

Quite true.

Boulger.

Are you not going to deny the charge?

Alec.

I'm not.

Boulger.

Then I can only draw one conclusion. There appears to be no means of bringing you to justice, but at least I can refuse to know you.

Alec.

All is over between us. And shall I return your letters and your photograph?

Boulger.

I'm not joking.

Alec.

It's singular that though I'm Scotch and you are English I should be able to see how ridiculous you are, while you're quite blind to your own absurdity.

Dick.

Come, Alec! Remember he's only a boy.

Boulger.

[To Dick Lomas.] I'm perfectly able to look after myself, and I'll thank you not to interfere. [To Alec.] If Lucy's so indifferent to her brother's death that she's willing to keep up with you, that's her own affair ...

Dick.

[Interrupting.] Come, Bobbie, don't make a scene.

Boulger.

[Furiously.] Leave me alone, confound you!

Alec.

Do you think this is quite the place for an altercation? Wouldn't you gain more notoriety if you attacked me in my club or at Church parade on Sunday?

Boulger.

It's mere shameless impudence that you should come here to-night. You're using these wretched women as a shield, because you know that as long as Lucy sticks to you there are people who won't believe the story.

Alec.

I came for the same reason as yourself, dear boy. Because I was invited.

Dick.

Now then, Bobbie, shut up!

Boulger.

I shan't shut up. The man's got no right to force himself here.

Dick.

Remember that you're Lady Kelsey's nephew.

Boulger.

I didn't ask him. D'you think I'd have come if I knew he was going to be here? He's acknowledged that he has no defence.

Alec.

Pardon me, I acknowledge nothing and deny nothing.

Boulger.

That won't do for me. I want the truth, and I'm going to get it. I've got a right to know.

Alec.

[Beginning to lose his temper.] Don't make an ass of yourself, Bobby.

Boulger.

By God, I'll make you answer!

[As he says this he goes up to Alec furiously, but Alec. with a twist of his arm, hurls him back.

Alec.

I could break your back, you silly boy.

[With a cry of anger Boulger is about to spring at Alec when Dick gets in the way.

Dick.

Now then, no scenes. And you'll only get the worst of it, Bobby. Alec could just crumple you up. Take him away, Mallins. Don't stand there like a stuffed owl, Carbery.

Boulger.

Let me alone, you fool!

Mallins.

Come along, old chap.

Boulger.

[To Alec.] You damned skunk!

Dick.

Now then, be off with you. Don't make a silly ass of yourself.

[Boulger, Mallins and Carbery go out.

Dick.

Poor Lady Kelsey! To-morrow half London will be saying that you and Bobby had a stand-up fight in her drawing-room.

Alec.

[Furiously.] The damned cubs!

Dick.

The position is growing confoundedly awkward!

Alec.

They lick my boots till I loathe them, and then they turn against me like a pack of curs. Oh, I despise them—these silly boys who stay at home wallowing in their ease while men work. Thank God, I've done with them all now. They think one can fight one's way through Africa as easily as one walks down Piccadilly. They think one goes through hardships and dangers, illness and starvation, to be the lion of a dinner-party in Mayfair.

Dick.

My dear Alec, keep calm.

Alec.

[With a visible effort containing himself completely, with studied nonchalance.] D'you think that I look wildly excited?

Dick.

[Ironically.] I don't think butter would melt in your mouth.

[Dick and Alec go out into the garden. In a moment Boulger comes in with Lady Kelsey.

Boulger.

Thank heaven, there's nobody here.

Lady Kelsey.

I think you're dreadfully foolish, Bobby. You know how Lucy resents any interference with her actions.

Boulger.

Won't you sit down? You must be dreadfully tired.

Lady Kelsey.

Why won't you wait till to-morrow?

Boulger.

I feel that it ought to be settled at once.

[Lucy appears.

Lucy.

Did you send for me, my aunt? Mr. Carbery said you wanted to speak to me here.

Lady Kelsey.

Yes, I gave him that message.

Boulger.

I asked Aunt Alice to beg you to come here. I was afraid you wouldn't if I asked you.

Lucy.

[Lightly.] What nonsense! I'm always delighted to see you.

Boulger.

I wanted to speak to you about something, and I thought Aunt Alice should be present.

Lucy.

Is it so important that it can't wait till to-morrow?

Boulger.

I venture to think it's very important.

Lucy.

[Smiling.] I'm all attention.

[He hesitates for a moment, then braces himself to the ordeal.

Boulger.

I've told you often, Lucy, that I've been in love with you for as many years as I can remember.

Lucy.

Surely you've not snatched me from the unwilling arm of my partner in order to make me a proposal of marriage?

Boulger.

I'm perfectly serious, Lucy.

Lucy.

[Smiling.] I assure you it doesn't suit you at all.

Boulger.

The other day I asked you again to marry me, just before Alec Mackenzie came back.

Lucy.

It was very charming of you. You mustn't think that because I laugh at you a little I'm not grateful for your affection.

Boulger.

Except for that letter in this morning's Times, I should never have dared to say anything to you again. But that changes everything.

Lucy.

I don't understand what you mean.

Boulger.

[After a little pause.] I ask you again if you'll be my wife? When Alec Mackenzie came back I understood why you were so indifferent to me, but you can't marry him now.

Lucy.

You have no right to talk to me like this.

Boulger.

I'm the only man who's related to you at all, and I love you with my whole soul.

Lady Kelsey.

I think you should listen to him, Lucy. I'm growing old, and soon you'll be quite alone in the world.

Boulger.

I don't ask you to care for me. I only want to serve you.

Lucy.

I can only repeat that I'm very grateful to you. I can never marry you.

Boulger.

[Beginning to lose his temper again.] Are you going to continue to know Mackenzie? If you'll take the advice of any unprejudiced person about that letter, you'll find that he'll say the same as I. There can be no shadow of doubt that Mackenzie is guilty of a monstrous crime.

Lucy.

I don't care what the evidence is. I know he can't have done a shameful thing.

Boulger.

But have you forgotten that it's your own brother he killed? The whole country is up in arms against him, and you are quite indifferent.

Lucy.

[Much moved.] Oh, Bobbie, how can you be so cruel?

Boulger.

If you ever really cared for George at all, you must wish to punish the man who caused his death.

Lucy.

Oh, why d'you torment me? I tell you that he isn't guilty. It's because I'm convinced of that ...

Boulger.

[Interrupting.] But have you asked him?

Lucy.

No.

Boulger.

He might give you the truth.

Lucy.

I couldn't do that.

Boulger.

Why not?

Lady Kelsey.

It's very strange that he should insist on this silence.

Lucy.

Do you believe that story too?

Lady Kelsey.

I don't know what to believe. It's so extraordinary. If the man's innocent, why doesn't he speak?

Lucy.

He knows I trust him. I couldn't cause him the great pain of asking him questions.

Boulger.

Are you afraid he couldn't answer them?

Lucy.

No, no, no!

Boulger.

Well, just try. After all, you owe as much as that to the memory of George.

Lady Kelsey.

I think it's very unreasonable, Lucy. He knows we're his friends. He can count on our discretion.

Lucy.

I believe in him implicitly. I believe in him with all the strength I've got.

Boulger.

Then, surely it can make no difference if you ask him. There can be no reason for him not to trust you.

Lucy.

Oh, why don't you leave me alone?

Boulger.

Ask him point blank. If he refuses to answer you ...

Lucy.

[Hastily.] It would mean nothing. Why should he answer? I believe in him absolutely. I think he's the greatest and most honourable man I've ever known. I care more for his little finger than for the whole world. I love him with all my heart. And that's why he can't be guilty of this horrible crime. Because I've loved him for years, and he's known it. And he loves me. And he's loved me always.

[Alec and Dick stroll in from the garden.

Lucy.

Alec, Alec, I want you! Thank God, you've come!

Alec.

[Going to her quickly.] What is it?

Lucy.

Alec, you must tell them now about you and me.

[Alec looks at Lucy for a moment, and then turns to Lady Kelsey.

Alec.

I think perhaps we ought to have told you before, Lady Kelsey. But we wanted to enjoy our little secret by ourselves.

Lady Kelsey.

I'm afraid to understand.

Alec.

I have asked Lucy to be my wife, and she....

Lucy.

[Interrupting him.] She said she would be honoured and deeply grateful.

Lady Kelsey.

[Greatly embarrassed.] I hardly know what to say.... How long have you been engaged?

Lucy.

Won't you tell me you're pleased, my aunt? I know you want me to be happy.

Lady Kelsey.

Of course, I want you to be happy. But I—I....

[Boulger turns on his heel and walks out.

Dick.

[Offering his arm to Lady Kelsey.] Wouldn't you like to go back to the drawing-room?

[She allows herself to be led away, helplessly. Alec and Lucy are left alone.

Alec.

[With a smile.] I don't think our announcement has been received with enthusiasm.

Lucy.

You're not angry with me, Alec?

Alec.

Of course not. Everything you do is right and charming.

Lucy.

I shall really think I'm a wonderful person if I've taught you to pay compliments.

Alec.

I'm so glad to be alone with you. Now, at all events, people will have the sense to leave us by ourselves.

Lucy.

[Passionately.] I want your love. I want your love so badly.

Alec.

[Taking her in his arms.] My darling!

Lucy.

[Clinging to him.] The moment I'm with you I feel so confident and happy.

Alec.

Only when you're with me? [Lucy looks at him for an instant. He repeats the question in a caressing voice.] Only when you're with me, darling?

Lucy.

Why d'you think I made you tell them we were engaged?

Alec.

You took me by surprise.

Lucy.

I had to tell them. I couldn't keep it back. They made me suffer so dreadfully.

Alec.

The brutes! Tell me what they did.

Lucy.

Oh, they said horrible things about you.

Alec.

No more than that?

Lucy.

It's nothing to you. But to me.... Oh, you don't know what agony I endure. I'm such a coward! I thought I was so much braver.

Alec.

I don't understand you.

Lucy.

I wanted to burn my ships behind me. I wanted to reassure myself. [Alec makes a slight movement away from her, but she holds him back anxiously.] Forgive me, dear. You don't know how terrible it is. I stand so dreadfully alone. Every one is convinced that you caused poor George's death—every one but me. [Alec looks at her gravely, without speaking.] I try to put the thoughts out of my head, but I can't—I can't. That letter in the Times looks so dreadfully true. Don't you see what I mean? The uncertainty is more than I can bear. At the first moment I felt so absolutely sure of you.

Alec.

And now you don't?

Lucy.

I trust you just as much as ever. I know it's impossible that you should have done a shameful thing. But there it stands in black and white, and you have nothing to say in answer.

Alec.

I know it's very difficult. That is why I asked you to believe in me.

Lucy.

I do, Alec—with all my soul. But have mercy on me. I'm not so strong as I thought. It's easy for you to stand alone. You're iron, but I'm a weak woman.

Alec.

Oh, no, you're not like other women. I was proud of your unconquerable spirit.

Lucy.

It was easy to be brave where my father was concerned, and George, but you're the man I love, and it's so different. I don't know any more how to stand alone.

[Alec looks at her, thinking, but does not reply for a moment.

Alec.

Do you remember that only an hour ago I told you that I'd done nothing which I wouldn't do again? I gave you my word of honour that I could reproach myself for nothing.

Lucy.

Oh, I know. I'm so utterly ashamed of myself. But I can't bear the doubt.

Alec.

Doubt! You've said the word at last.

Lucy.

I tell every one that I don't believe a word of these horrible charges, and I repeat to myself: I'm certain, I'm certain that he's innocent. And yet at the bottom of my heart there's a doubt, and I can't crush it.

Alec.

Is that why you told them we were engaged to be married?

Lucy.

I wanted to kill that gnawing pain of suspicion. I thought if I stood up before them and cried out that my trust in you was so great, I was willing to marry you notwithstanding everything, I should at least have peace in my own heart.

[Alec walks up and down. Then he stops in front of Lucy.

Alec.

What is it precisely you want me to do?

Lucy.

I want you to have mercy on me because I love you. Don't tell the world if you choose not to, but tell me the truth. I know you're incapable of lying. If I only have it from your own lips I shall believe, I want to be certain, certain!

Alec.

Don't you realise that I would never have asked you to marry me if my conscience hadn't been quite clear? Don't you realise that the reasons I have for holding my tongue must be of overwhelming strength?

Lucy.

But I am going to be your wife, and I love you, and you love me.

Alec.

I implore you not to insist, Lucy. Let us remember only that the past is gone and we love one another. It's impossible for me to tell you anything.

Lucy.

Oh, but you must now. If any part of the story is true, you must give me a chance of judging for myself.

Alec.

I'm very sorry, I can't.

Lucy.

But you'll kill my love for you. The doubt which lurked at the bottom of my soul now fills me. How can you let me suffer such maddening torture?

Alec.

I thought you trusted me.

Lucy.

I'll be satisfied if you'll only tell me one thing: only tell me that when you sent George on that expedition you didn't know that he'd be killed. [Alec looks at her steadily.] Only say that, Alec. Say that's not true, and I'll believe you.

Alec.

[Very quietly.] But it is true.

[Lucy does not answer, but stares at him with terrified eyes.

Lucy.

Oh, I don't understand. Oh, my dearest, don't treat me as a child. Have mercy on me! You must be serious now. It's a matter of life and death to both of us.

Alec.

I'm perfectly serious.

Lucy.

You knew that you were sending George into a death-trap? You knew he couldn't escape alive?

Alec.

Except by a miracle.

Lucy.

And you don't believe in miracles?

Alec.

No.

Lucy.

Oh, it can't be true. Oh, Alec, Alec, Alec! Oh, what shall I do?

Alec.

I tell you that whatever I did was inevitable.

Lucy.

Then if that's true, the rest must be true also. Oh, it's awful. I can't realise it. Haven't you anything to say at all?

Alec.

[In a low voice.] Only that I've loved you always with all my soul.

Lucy.

You knew how much I loved my brother. You knew how much it meant to me that he should live to wipe out my father's dishonour. All the future was centred on him, and you sacrificed him.

Alec.

[Hesitatingly.] I think I might tell you this. He had committed a grave error of judgment. We were entrapped by the Arabs, and our only chance of escape entailed the almost certain death of one of us.

[An inkling of the truth seizes Lucy, and her face is suddenly distorted with horror. She goes up to him impulsively. Her voice trembles with emotion.

Lucy.

Alec, Alec, he didn't do something—unworthy? You're not trying to shield him?

Alec.

[Hoarsely.] No, no, no!

Lucy.

[With a gasp of relief, almost to herself.] Thank God! I couldn't have borne that. [To Alec, hopelessly.] Then I don't understand.

Alec.

It was not unjust that he should suffer for the catastrophe which he had brought about.

Lucy.

At those times one doesn't think of justice. He was so young, so frank. Wouldn't it have been nobler to give your life for his?

Alec.

Oh, my dear, you don't know how easy it is to give one's life. How little you know me! Do you think I should have hesitated if my death had been sufficient to solve the difficulty? I had my work to do. I was bound by solemn treaties to the surrounding tribes. It would have been cowardly for me to die. I tell you, my death would have meant the awful death of every man in my party.

Lucy.

I can only see one thing, that you took George, George of all others.

Alec.

I knew at the time that what I did might cost me your love, and though you won't believe this, I did it for your sake.

[At this moment Mrs. Crowley enters with Sir Robert Boulger. She has a cloak on.

Mrs. Crowley.

I was just coming to say good-night. Bobby is going to drive me home. [She suddenly notices Lucy's agitation.] What on earth's the matter?

[Lady Kelsey and Dick Lomas come in. Lady Kelsey looks at Lucy and then goes up to her impulsively.

Lady Kelsey.

Lucy, Lucy!

Lucy.

[Brokenly.] I'm no longer engaged to Mr. Mackenzie. He can't deny that what is said about him is true.

[They look at him in astonishment, but he makes no movement.

Mrs. Crowley.

[To Alec.] Haven't you anything to say at all? You must have some explanation to offer?

Alec.

No, I have none whatever.

Dick.

Alec, old man, have you realised all that this means?

Alec.

Quite. I see now that it was inevitable.

Lucy.

[With a sudden burst of furious anger.] You killed him! You killed him as surely as if you'd strangled him with your own hands.

[Robert Boulger goes to the door and flings it open. Alec gives Lucy a look, then slightly shrugs his shoulders. He walks out without a word. The moment he has gone Lucy sinks down and bursts into passionate tears.

END OF THE THIRD ACT.