Strange Interlude/Act 6
SECOND PART
ACT SIX
ACT SIX
Scene: The same—an evening a little over a year later. The room has undergone a significant change. There is a comfortable, homey atmosphere as though now it definitely belonged to the type of person it was built for. It has a proud air of modest prosperity.
It is soon after dinner—about eight o’clock. Evans is sitting by the table at left, glancing through a newspaper at headlines and reading an article here and there. Nina is in the chair at center, knit ting a tiny sweater. Marsden is sitting on the sofa at right, holding a book which he pretends to be looking through, but glancing wonderingly at Evans and Nina.
There is a startling change in Evans. He is stouter, the haggard look of worry and self-conscious inferiority has gone from his face, it is full and healthy and satisfied. There is also, what is more remarkable, a decided look of solidity about him, of a determination moving toward ends it is confident it can achieve. He has matured, found his place in the world.
The change in Nina is also perceptible. She looks noticeably older, the traces of former suffering are marked on her face, but there is also an expression of present contentment and calm.
Marsden has aged greatly. His hair is gray, his expression one of a deep grief that is dying out into a resignation resentful of itself. He is dressed immaculately in dark tweed.
Nina
[Thinking]
I wonder if there’s a draft in the baby’s room? . . . maybe I’d better close the window? . . . oh, I guess it’s all right . . . he needs lots of fresh air . . . little Gordon . . . he does remind me of Gordon . . . something in his eyes . . . my romantic imagination? . . . Ned said that . . . why hasn’t Ned ever written? . . . it’s better he hasn’t . . . how he made me suffer ! . . . but I forgive him . . . he gave me my baby . . . the baby certainly doesn’t look like him . . . everyone says he looks like Sam . . . how absurd! . . . but Sam makes a wonderful father . . . he’s become a new man in the past year . . . and I’ve helped him . . . he asks me about everything . . . I have a genuine respect for him now . . . I can give myself without repulsion . . . I am making him happy . . . I’ve written his mother I’m making him happy . . . I was proud to be able to write her that . . . how queerly things work out! . . . all for the best . . . and I don’t feel wicked . . . I feel good . . .
[She smiles strangely]
Marsden
[Thinking]
What a change! . . . the last time I was here the air was poisoned . . . Darrell . . . I was sure he was her lover . . . but I was in a morbid state . . . why did Darrell run away? . . . Nina could have got Sam to divorce her if she really loved Darrell . . . then it’s evident she couldn’t have loved him . . . and she was going to have Sam’s baby . . . Darrell’s love must have seemed like treachery . . . so she sent him away . . . that must be it . . .
[With satisfaction]
Yes, I’ve got it straight now. . . .
[With contemptuous pity]
Poor Darrell . . . I have no use for him but I did pity him when I ran across him in Munich . . . he was going the pace . . . looked desperate . . .
[Then gloomily]
My running away was about as successful as his . . . as if one could leave one’s memory behind! . . . I couldn’t forget Mother . . . she haunted me through every city of Europe . . .
[Then irritatedly]
I must get back to work! . . . not a line written in over a year! . . . my public will be forgetting me! . . . a plot came to me yesterday . . . my mind is coming around again . . . I am beginning to forget, thank God! . . .
[Then remorsefully]
No, I don’t want to forget you, Mother! . . . but let me remember . . . without pain! . . .
Evans
[Turning over a page of his paper]
There’s going to be the biggest boom before long this country has ever known, or I miss my guess, Nina.
Nina
[With great seriousness]
Do you think so, Sammy?
Evans
[Decidedly]
I’m dead sure of it.
Nina
[With a maternal pride and amusement]
Dear Sam . . . I can’t quite believe in this self-confident business man yet . . . but I have to admit he’s proved it . . . he asked for more money and they gave it without question . . . they’re anxious to keep him . . . they ought to be . . . how he’s slaved! . . . for me and my baby! . . .
Evans
[Has been looking at Marsden surreptitiously over his paper]
Charlie’s mother must have hoarded up a half million . . . he’ll let it rot in government bonds . . . wonder what he’d say if I proposed that he back me? . . . he’s always taken a friendly interest . . . well, it’s worth a bet, anyway . . . he’d be an easy partner to handle . . .
Marsden
[Staring at Evans wonderingly]
What a changed Sam! . . . I preferred him the old way . . . futile but he had a sensitive quality . . . now he’s brash . . . a little success . . . oh, he’ll succeed all right . . . his kind are inheriting the earth . . . hogging it, cramming it down their tasteless gullets! . . . and he’s happy! . . . actually happy! . . . he has Nina . . . a beautiful baby . . . a comfortable home . . . no sorrow, no tragic memories . . . and I have nothing! . . . but utter loneliness! . . .
[With grieving self-pity]
If only Mother had lived! . . . how horribly I miss her! . . . my lonely home . . . who will keep house for me now? . . . it has got to be done sympathetically or I won’t be able to work . . . I must write to Jane . . . she’ll probably be only too glad . . .
[Turning to Nina]
I think I’ll write to my sister in California and ask her to come on and live with me. She’s alone now that her youngest daughter is married, and she has very little money. And my hands are tied as far as sharing the estate with her is concerned. According to Mother’s will, I’m cut off too if I give her a penny. Mother never got over her bitter feeling about Jane’s marriage. In a way, she was right. Jane’s husband wasn’t much—no family or position or ability—and I doubt if she was ever happy with him.
[Sarcastically]
It was one of those love matches!
Nina
[Smiling—teasingly]
There’s no danger of your ever making a love match, is there, Charlie?
Marsden
[Wincing—thinking]
She can’t believe any woman could possibly love me! . . .
[Caustically]
I trust I’ll never make that kind of a fool of myself, Nina!
Nina
[Teasingly]
Pooh! Aren’t you the superior bachelor! I don’t see anything to be so proud of! You’re simply shirking, Charlie!
Marsden
[Wincing but forcing a teasing air]
You were my only true love, Nina. I made a vow of perpetual bachelorhood when you threw me over in Sam’s favor!
Evans
[Has listened to this last—jokingly]
Hello! What’s this? I never knew you were my hated rival, Charlie!
Marsden
[Dryly]
Oh—didn’t you really?
[But Evans has turned back to his paper]
[Thinking savagely]
That fool, too! . . . he jokes about it! . . . as if I were the last one in the world he could imagine . . .
Nina
[Teasingly]
Well, if I’m responsible, Charlie, I feel I ought to do something about it. I’ll pick out a wife for you—guaranteed to suit! She must be at least ten years older than you, large and matronly and placid, and a wonderful cook and housekeeper—
Marsden
[Sharply]
Don’t be stupid!
[Thinking angrily]
She picks someone beyond the age! . . . she never imagines sex could enter into it! . . .
Nina
[Placatingly—seeing he is really angry]
Why, I was only picking out a type I thought would be good for you, Charlie—and for your work.
Marsden
[Sneeringly—with a meaning emphasis]
You didn’t mention chaste. I couldn’t respect a woman who hadn’t respected herself!
Nina
[Thinking—stung]
He’s thinking of those men in the hospital . . . what a fool I was ever to tell him! . . .
[Cuttingly]
Oh, so you think you deserve an innocent virgin!
Marsden
[Coldly—controlling his anger]
Let’s drop me, if you please.
[With a look at her that is challenging and malicious]
Did I tell you I ran into Doctor Darrell in Munich?
Nina
[Startled—thinking frightenedly and confusedly]
Ned! . . . he saw Ned! . . . why hasn’t he told me before? . . . why did he look at me like that? . . . does he suspect? . . .
[Trying to be calm but stammering]
You saw—Ned?
Marsden
[With savage satisfaction]
That struck home! . . . look at her! . . . guilty! . . . then I was right that day! . . .
[Casually]
Yes, I chanced to run into him.
Nina
[More calmly now]
Why on earth didn’t you tell us before, Charlie?
Marsden
[Coolly]
Why? Is it such important news? You knew he was there, didn’t you? I supposed he’d written you.
Evans
[Looking up from his paper—affectionately]
How was the old scout?
Marsden
[Maliciously]
He seemed in fine feather—said he was having a gay time. When I saw him he was with a startling looking female—quite beautiful, if you like that type. I gathered they were living together.
Nina
[Cannot restrain herself—breaks out]
I don’t believe it!
[Then immediately controlling herself and forcing a laugh]
I mean, Ned was always so serious-minded it’s hard to imagine him messed up in that sort of thing.
[Thinking in a queer state of jealous confusion]
Hard to imagine! . . . my lover! . . . oh, pain again! . . . why? . . . I don’t love him now . . . be careful! . . . Charlie’s staring at me. . . .
Marsden
[Thinking—jealously]
Then she did love him! . . . does she still? . . .
[Hopefully]
Or is it only pique? . . . no woman likes to lose a man even when she no longer loves him. . . .
[With malicious insistence]
Why is that hard to imagine, Nina? Darrell never struck me as a Galahad. After all, why shouldn’t he have a mistress?
[Meaningly]
He has no tie over here to remain faithful to, has he?
Nina
[Struggling with herself—thinking pitiably]
He’s right . . . why shouldn’t Ned? . . . is that why he’s never written? . . .
[Airily]
I don’t know what ties he has or hasn’t got. It’s nothing to me if he has fifty mistresses. I suppose he’s no better than the rest of you.
Evans
[Looking over at her—tenderly reproachful]
That isn’t fair, Nina.
[Thinking proudly]
I’m proud of that . . . never anyone before her . . .
Nina
[Looking at him—with real gratitude]
I didn’t mean you, dear.
[Thinking—proudly]
Thank God for Sammy! . . . I know he’s mine . . . no jealousy . . . no fear . . . no pain . . . I’ve found peace . . .
[Then distractedly]
Oh, Ned, why haven’t you written? . . . stop it! . . . what a fool I am! . . . Ned’s dead for me! . . . oh, I hate Charlie! . . . why did he tell me? . . .
Marsden
[Looking at Evans—contemptuously thinking]
What a poor simpleton Sam is! . . . boasting of his virtue! . . . as if women loved you for that! . . . they despise it! . . . I don’t want Nina to think I’ve had no experiences with women. . . .
[Mockingly]
So then it’s Sam who is the Galahad, eh? Really, Nina, you should have him put in the Museum among the prehistoric mammals!
Evans
[Pleased—comes back kiddingly]
Well, I never had your chances, Charlie! I couldn’t run over to Europe and get away with murder the way you have!
Marsden
[Foolishly pleased—admitting while denying]
Oh, I wasn’t quite as bad as all that, Sam!
[Scornfully ashamed of himself—thinking]
Poor sick ass that I am! . . . I want them to think I’ve been a Don Juan! . . . how pitiful and disgusting! . . . I wouldn’t have a mistress if I could! . . . if I could? . . . of course I could! . . . I’ve simply never cared to degrade myself! . . .
Nina
[Thinking—tormentedly]
The thought of that woman! . . . Ned forgetting our afternoons in nights with her! . . . stop these thoughts! . . . I won’t give in to them! . . . why did Charlie want to hurt me? . . . is he jealous of Ned? . . . Charlie has always loved me in some queer way of his own . . . how ridiculous! . . . look at him! . . . he’s so proud of being thought a Don Juan! . . . I’m sure he never even dared to kiss a woman except his mother! . . .
[Mockingly]
Do tell us about all your various mistresses in foreign parts, Charlie!
Marsden
[In confusion now]
I—I really don’t remember, Nina!
Nina
Why, you’re the most heartless person I’ve ever heard of, Charlie! Not remember even one! And I suppose there are little Marsdens—and you’ve forgotten all about them too!
[She laughs maliciously—Evans laughs with her]
Marsden
[Still more confused—with a silly idiotic smirk]
I can’t say about that, Nina. It’s a wise father who knows his own child, you know!
Nina
[Frightenedly—thinking]
What does he mean? . . . does he suspect about the baby too? . . . I must be terribly careful of Charlie! . . .
Evans
[Looking up from his paper again]
Did Ned say anything about coming back?
Nina
[Thinking—longingly]
Come back? . . . oh, Ned, how I wish! . . .
Marsden
[Looking at her—meaningly]
No, he didn’t say. I gathered he was staying over indefinitely.
Evans
I’d sure like to see him again.
Nina
[Thinking]
He has forgotten me . . . if he did come, he’d probably avoid me. . . .
Marsden
He spoke of you. He asked if I’d heard whether Nina had had her baby yet or not. I told him I hadn’t.
Evans
[Heartily]
Too bad you didn’t know. You could have told him what a world-beater we’ve got! Eh, Nina?
Nina
[Mechanically]
Yes.
[Joyfully—thinking]
Ned asked about my baby! . . . then he hadn’t forgotten! . . . if he came back he’d come to see his baby! . . .
Evans
[Solicitously]
Isn’t it time to nurse him again?
Nina
[Starts to her feet automatically]
Yes, I’m going now.
[She glances at Marsden, thinking calculatingly]
I must win Charlie over again . . . I don’t feel safe . . .
[She stops by his chair and takes his hand and looks into his eyes gently and reproachfully]
Marsden
[Thinking shamefacedly]
Why have I been trying to hurt her? . . . my Nina! . . . I am nearer to her than anyone! . . . I’d give my life to make her happy! . . .
Nina
[Triumphantly]
How his hand trembles! . . . what a fool to be afraid of Charlie! . . . I can always twist him round my finger! . . .
[She runs her hand through his hair, and speaks as though she were hiding a hurt reproach beneath a joking tone]
I shouldn’t like you any more, do you know it, after you’ve practically admitted you’ve philandered all over Europe! And I thought you were absolutely true to me, Charlie!
Marsden
[So pleased he can hardly believe his ears]
Then she did believe me! . . . she’s actually hurt! . . . but I can’t let her think . . .
[With passionate earnestness, clasping her hand in both of his, looking into her eyes]
No, Nina! I swear to you!
Nina
[Thinking—cruelly]
Pah! . . . how limp his hands are! . . . his eyes are so shrinking! . . . is it possible he loves me? . . . like that? . . . what a sickening idea! . . . it seems incestuous somehow! . . . no, it’s too absurd! . . .
[Smiling, gently releases her hand]
All right. I forgive you, Charlie.
[Then matter-of-factly]
Excuse me, please, while I go up and feed my infant, or we’re due to hear some lusty howling in a moment.
[She turns away, then impulsively turns back and kisses Marsden with real affection]
You’re an old dear, do you know it, Charlie? I don’t know what I’d do without you!
[Thinking]
It’s true, too! . . . he’s my only dependable friend . . . I must never lose him . . . never let him suspect about little Gordon . . .
[She turns to go]
Evans
[Jumping up, throwing his paper aside]
Wait a second. I’ll come with you. I want to say good night to him.
[He comes, puts his arm about her waist, kisses her and they go out together]
Marsden
[Thinking excitedly]
I almost confessed I loved her! . . . a queer expression came over her face . . . what was it? . . . was it satisfaction? . . . she didn’t mind? . . . was it pleasure? . . . then I can hope? . . .
[Then miserably]
Hope for what? . . . what do I want? . . . If Nina were free, what would I do? . . . would I do anything? . . . would I wish to? . . . what would I offer her? . . . money? . . . she could get that from others . . . myself? . . .
[Bitterly]
What a prize! . . . my ugly body . . . there’s nothing in me to attract her . . . my fame? . . . God, what a shoddy, pitiful! . . . but I might have done something big . . . I might still . . . if I had the courage to write the truth . . . but I was born afraid . . . afraid of myself . . . I’ve given my talent to making fools feel pleased with themselves in order that they’d feel pleased with me . . . and like me . . . I’m neither hated nor loved . . . I’m liked . . . women like me . . . Nina likes me! . . .
[Resentfully]
She can’t help letting the truth escape her! . . . “You’re an old dear, do you know it, Charlie?” Oh, yes, I know it . . . too damned well! . . . dear old Charlie! . . .
[In anguish]
Dear old Rover, nice old doggie, we’ve had him for years, he’s so affectionate and faithful but he’s growing old, he’s getting cross, we’ll have to get rid of him soon! . . .
[In a strange rage, threateningly]
But you won’t get rid of me so easily, Nina! . . .
[Then confusedly and shamefacedly]
Good God, what’s the matter with me! . . . since Mother’s death I’ve become a regular idiot! . . .
Evans
[Comes back from the right, a beaming look of proud parenthood on his face]
He was sleeping so soundly an earthquake wouldn’t have made him peep!
[He goes back to his chair—earnestly]
He sure is healthy and husky, Charlie. That tickles me more than anything else. I’m going to start in training him as soon as he’s old enough—so he’ll be a crack athlete when he goes to college—what I wanted to be and couldn’t. I want him to justify the name of Gordon and be a bigger star than Gordon ever was, if that’s possible.
Marsden
[With a sort of pity—thinking]
His is an adolescent mind . . . he’ll never grow up . . . well, in this adolescent country, what greater blessing could he wish for? . . .
[Forcing a smile]
How about training his mind?
Evans
[Confidently]
Oh, that’ll take care of itself. Gordon was always near the top in his studies, wasn’t he? And with Nina for a mother, his namesake ought to inherit a full set of brains.
Marsden
[Amused]
You’re the only genuinely modest person I know, Sam.
Evans
[Embarrassed]
Oh—me—I’m the boob of the family.
[Then hastily]
Except when it comes to business. I’ll make the money.
[Confidently]
And you can bet your sweet life I will make it!
Marsden
I’m quite sure of that.
Evans
[Very seriously—in a confidential tone]
I couldn’t have said that two years ago—and believed it. I’ve changed a hell of a lot! Since the baby was born, I’ve felt as if I had a shot of dynamite in each arm. They can’t pile on the work fast enough.
[He grins—then seriously]
It was about time I got hold of myself. I wasn’t much for Nina to feel proud about having around the house in those days. Now—well—at least I’ve improved. I’m not afraid of my own shadow any more.
Marsden
[Thinking strangely]
Not to be afraid of one’s shadow! . . . that must be the highest happiness of heaven! . . .
[Flatteringly]
Yes, you’ve done wonders in the past year.
Evans
Oh, I haven’t even started yet. Wait till I get my chance!
[Glances at Marsden sharply, makes up his mind and leans forward toward him confidentially]
And I see my real chance, Charlie—lying right ahead, waiting for me to grab it—an agency that’s been allowed to run down and go to seed. Within a year or so they’ll be willing to sell out cheap. One of their people who’s become a good pal of mine told me that in confidence, put it up to me. He’d take it on himself but he’s sick of the game. But I’m not! I love it! It’s great sport!
[Then putting the brake on this exuberance—matter-of-factly]
But I’ll need a hundred thousand—and where will I get it?
[Looking at Marsden keenly but putting on a joking tone]
Any suggestion you can make, Charlie, will be gratefully received.
Marsden
[Thinking suspiciously]
Does he actually imagine I . . . ? and a hundred thousand, no less! . . . over one-fifth of my entire . . . by Jove, I’ll have to throw cold water on that fancy! . . .
[Shortly]
No, Sam, I can’t think of anyone. Sorry.
Evans
[Without losing any confidence—with a grin]
Check! . . . That’s that! . . . Charlie’s out . . . till the next time! . . . but I’ll keep after him! . . .
[Contemplating himself with pride]
Gee, I have changed all right! I can remember when a refusal like that would have ruined my confidence for six months!
[Heartily]
Nothing to be sorry about, old man. I only mentioned it on the off chance you might know of someone.
[Trying a bold closing stroke—jokingly]
Why don’t you be my partner, Charlie? Never mind the hundred thousand. We’ll get that elsewhere. I’ll bet you might have darn fine original ideas to contribute.
[Thinking—satisfied]
There! . . . That’ll keep my proposition pinned up in his mind! . . .
[Then jumping to his feet—briskly]
What do you say to a little stroll down to the shore and back? Come on—do you good.
[Taking his arm and hustling him genially toward the door]
What you need is exercise. You’re soft as putty. Why don’t you take up golf?
Marsden
[With sudden resistance pulls away—determinedly]
No, I won’t go, Sam. I want to think out a new plot.
Evans
Oh, all right! If it’s a case of work, go to it! See you later.
[He goes out. A moment later the front door is heard closing]
Marsden
[Looks after him with a mixture of annoyance and scornful amusement]
What a fount of meaningless energy he’s tapped! . . . always on the go . . . typical terrible child of the age . . . universal slogan, keep moving . . . moving where? . . . never mind that . . . don’t think of ends . . . the means are the end . . . keep moving! . . .
[He laughs scornfully and sits down in Evans’ chair, picking up the paper and glancing at it sneeringly]
It’s in every headline of this daily newer testament . . . going . . . going . . . never mind the gone . . . we won’t live to see it . . . and we’ll be so rich, we can buy off the deluge anyway! . . . even our new God has His price! . . . must have! . . . aren’t we made in His image? . . . or vice-versa? . . .
[He laughs again, letting the paper drop disdainfully—then bitterly]
But why am I so superior? . . . where am I going? . . . to the same nowhere! . . . worse! . . . I’m not even going! . . . I’m there! . . .
[He laughs with bitter self-pity—then begins to think with amused curiosity]
Become Sam’s partner? . . . there’s a grotesque notion! . . . it might revive my sense of humor about myself, at least . . . I’m the logical one to help him . . . I helped him to Nina . . . logical partner . . . partner in Nina? . . . what inane thoughts! . . .
[With a sigh]
No use trying to think out that plot tonight . . . I’ll try to read. . . .
[He sees the book he has been reading on the couch and gets up to get it. There is a ring from the front door. Marsden turns toward it uncertainly. A pause. Then Nina’s voice calls down the stairs]
Nina
The maid’s out. Will you go to the door, Charlie?
Marsden
Surely.
[He goes out and opens the front door. A pause. Then he can be heard saying resentfully]
Hello, Darrell.
[And someone answering “Hello, Marsden” and coming in and the door closing]
Nina
[From upstairs, her voice strange and excited]
Who is it, Charlie?
Darrell
[Comes into view in the hall, opposite the doorway, at the foot of the stairs—his voice trembling a little with suppressed emotion]
It’s I, Nina—Ned Darrell.
Nina
[With a glad cry]
Ned!
[Then in a voice which shows she is trying to control herself, and is frightened now]
I—make yourself at home. I’ll be down—in a minute or two.
[Darrell remains standing looking up the stairs in a sort of joyous stupor. Marsden stares at him]
Marsden
[Sharply]
Come on in and sit down.
[Darrell starts, comes into the room, plainly getting a grip on himself. Marsden follows him, glaring at his back with enmity and suspicion. Darrell moves as far away from him as possible, sitting down on the sofa at right. Marsden takes Evans’ chair by the table. Darrell is pale, thin, nervous, unhealthy looking. There are lines of desperation in his face, puffy shadows of dissipation and sleeplessness under his restless, harried eyes. He is dressed carelessly, almost shabbily. His eyes wander about the room, greedily taking it in]
Darrell
[Thinking disjointedly]
Here again! . . . dreamed of this house . . . from here, ran away . . . I’ve come back . . . my turn to be happy! . . .
Marsden
[Watching him—savagely]
Now I know! . . . absolutely! . . . his face! . . . her voice! . . . they did love each other! . . . they do now! . . .
[Sharply]
When did you get back from Europe?
Darrell
[Curtly]
This morning on the Olympic.
[Thinking—cautiously]
Look out for this fellow . . . always had it in for me . . . like a woman . . . smells out love . . . he suspected before . . .
[Then boldly]
Well, who gives a damn now? . . . all got to come out! . . . Nina wanted to tell Sam . . . now I’ll tell him myself! . . .
Marsden
[Righteously indignant]
What has brought him back? . . . what a devilish, cowardly trick to play on poor unsuspecting Sam! . . .
[Revengefully]
But I’m not unsuspecting! . . . I’m not their fool! . . .
[Coldly]
What brought you back so soon? When I saw you in Munich you weren’t intending—
Darrell
[Shortly]
My father died three weeks ago. I’ve had to come back about his estate.
[Thinking]
Lie . . . Father’s death just gave me an excuse to myself . . . wouldn’t have come back for that . . . came back because I love her! . . . damn his questions! . . . I want to think . . . before I see her . . . sound of her voice . . . seemed to burn inside my head . . . God, I’m licked! . . . no use fighting it . . . I’ve done my damnedest . . . work . . . booze . . . other women . . . no use . . . I love her! . . . always! . . . to hell with pride! . . .
Marsden
[Thinking]
He has two brothers . . . they’ll probably all share equally . . . his father noted Philadelphia surgeon . . . rich, I’ve heard . . .
[With a bitter grin]
Wait till Sam hears that! . . . he’ll ask Darrell to back him . . . and Darrell will jump at it . . . chance to avert suspicion . . . conscience money, too! . . . it’s my duty to protect Sam . . .
[As he hears Nina coming down the stairs]
I must watch them . . . it’s my duty to protect Nina from herself . . . Sam is a simpleton . . . I’m all she has . . .
Darrell
[Hearing her coming—in a panic—thinking]
Coming! . . . in a second I’ll see her! . . .
[Terrified]
Does she still love me? . . . she may have forgotten . . . no, it’s my child . . . she can never forget that! . . .
[Nina comes in from the rear. She has put on a fresh dress, her hair is arranged, her face newly rouged and powdered, she looks extremely pretty and this is heightened by the feverish state of mind she is in—a mixture of love, of triumphant egotism in knowing her lover has come back to her, and of fear and uncertainty in feeling her new peace, her certainties, her contented absorption in her child failing her. She hesitates just inside the door, staring into Darrell’s eyes, thinking a fierce question]
Nina
Does he still love me? . . .
[Then triumphantly as she reads him]
Yes! . . . he does! . . . he does! . . .
Darrell
[Who has jumped to his feet—with a cry of longing]
Nina!
[Thinking with alarm now]
She’s changed! . . . changed! . . . can’t tell if she loves! . . .
[He has started to go to her. Now he hesitates]
[His voice taking on a pleading uncertain quality]
Nina!
Nina
[Thinking triumphantly—with a certain cruelty]
He loves me! . . . he’s mine . . . now more than ever! . . . he’ll never dare leave me again! . . .
[Certain of herself now, she comes to him and speaks with confident pleasure]
Hello, Ned! This is a wonderful surprise! How are you?
[She takes his hand]
Darrell
[Taken aback—confusedly]
Oh—all right, Nina.
[Thinking in a panic]
That tone! . . . as if she didn’t care! . . . can’t believe that! . . . she’s playing a game to fool Marsden! . . .
Marsden
[Who is watching them keenly—thinking]
She loves his love for her . . . she’s cruelly confident . . . much as I hate this man I can’t help feeling sorry . . . I know her cruelty . . . it’s time I took a hand in this . . . what a plot for a novel! . . .
[Almost mockingly]
Darrell’s father died, Nina. He had to come home to see about the estate.
Darrell
[With a glare at Marsden—protestingly]
I was coming home anyway. I only intended to stay a year, and it’s over that since—
[Intensely]
I was coming back anyway, Nina!
Nina
[Thinking with triumphant happiness]
You dear, you! . . . as if I didn’t know that! . . . oh, how I’d love to take you in my arms! . . .
[Happily]
I’m awfully glad you’ve come, Ned. We’ve missed you terribly.
Darrell
[Thinking—more and more at sea]
She looks glad . . . but she’s changed . . . I don’t understand her . . . “we’ve missed” . . . that means Sam . . . what does that mean? . . .
[Intensely, pressing her hand]
And I’ve missed you—terribly!
Marsden
[Sardonically]
Yes, indeed. Darrell, I can vouch for their missing you—Sam in particular. He was asking about you only a short while ago—how things were going with you when I saw you in Munich.
[Maliciously]
By the way, who was the lady you were with that day? She was certainly startling looking.
Nina
[Thinking—triumphantly mocking]
A miss, Charlie! . . . he loves me! . . . what do I care about that woman? . . .
[Gaily]
Yes, who was the mysterious beauty, Ned? Do tell us!
[She moves away from him and sits down at center. Darrell remains standing]
Darrell
[Glaring at Marsden, sullenly]
Oh, I don’t remember—
[Thinking apprehensively with a bitter resentment]
She doesn’t give a damn! . . . if she loved me she’d be jealous! . . . but she doesn’t give a damn! . . .
[He blurts out resentfully at Nina]
Well, she was my mistress—for a time—I was lonely.
[Then with sudden anger turning on Marsden]
But what’s all this to you, Marsden?
Marsden
[Coolly]
Absolutely nothing. Pardon me. It was a tactless question.
[Then with continued open malice]
But I was starting to say how Sam had missed you, Darrell. It’s really remarkable. One doesn’t encounter such friendship often in these slack days. Why, he’d trust you with anything!
Nina
[Wincing—thinking]
That hurts . . . hurts Ned . . . Charlie is being cruel!
Darrell
[Wincing—in a forced tone]
And I’d trust Sam with anything.
Marsden
Of course. He is a person one can trust. They are rare. You’re going to be amazed at the change in Sam, Darrell. Isn’t he, Nina? He’s a new man. I never saw such energy. If ever a man was bound for success Sam is. In fact, I’m so confident he is that as soon as he thinks the time is ripe to start his own firm I’m going to furnish the capital and become his silent partner.
Darrell
[Puzzled and irritated—thinking confusedly]
What’s he driving at? . . . why doesn’t he get the hell out and leave us alone? . . . but I’m glad Sam is on his feet . . . makes it easier to tell him the truth. . . .
Nina
[Thinking—worriedly]
What’s Charlie talking about? . . . it’s time I talked to Ned . . . Oh, Ned, I do love you! . . . you can be my lover! . . . we won’t hurt Sam! . . . he’ll never know!
Marsden
Yes, ever since the baby was born Sam’s been another man—in fact, ever since he knew there was going to be a baby, isn’t it, Nina?
Nina
[Agreeing as if she had only half-heard him]
Yes.
[Thinking]
Ned’s baby! . . . I must talk to him about our baby.
Marsden
Sam is the proudest parent I’ve ever seen!
Nina
[As before]
Yes, Sam makes a wonderful father, Ned.
[Thinking]
Ned doesn’t care for children . . . I know what you’re hoping, Ned . . . but if you think I’m going to take Sam’s baby from him, you’re mistaken! . . . or if you think I’ll run away with you and leave my baby . . .
Marsden
[With the same strange driving insistence]
If anything happened to that child I actually believe Sam would lose his reason! Don’t you think so, Nina?
Nina
[With emphasis]
I know I’d lose mine! Little Gordon has become my whole life.
Darrell
[Thinking—with a sad bitter irony]
Sam . . . wonderful father . . . lose his reason . . . lit- tle Gordon! . . . Nina called my son after Gordon! . . . romantic imagination! . . . Gordon is still her lover! . . . Gordon, Sam and Nina! . . . and my son! . . . closed corporation! . . . I’m forced out! . . .
[Then rebelling furiously]
No! . . . not yet, by God! . . . I’ll smash it up! . . . I’ll tell Sam the truth no matter what! . . .
Nina
[Thinking with a strange calculation]
I couldn’t find a better husband than Sam . . . and I couldn’t find a better lover than Ned . . . I need them both to be happy . . .
Marsden
[With sudden despairing suspicion]
Good God . . . after all, is it Sam’s child? . . . mightn’t it be Darrell’s! . . . why have I never thought of that? . . . No! . . . Nina couldn’t be so vile! . . . to go on living with Sam, pretending . . . and, after all, why should she, you fool? . . . there’s no sense! . . . she could have gone off with Darrell, couldn’t she? . . . Sam would have given her a divorce . . . there was no possible reason for her staying with Sam, when she loved Darrell, unless exactly because this was Sam’s baby . . . for its sake . . .
[Hectically relieved]
Of course! . . . of course! . . . that’s all right! . . . I love that poor baby now! . . . I’ll fight for its sake against these two! . . .
[Smilingly gets to his feet—thinking]
I can leave them alone now . . . for they won’t be alone, thanks to me! . . . I leave Sam and his baby in this room with them . . . and their honor . . .
[Suddenly raging]
Their honor! . . . what an obscene joke! . . . the honor of a harlot and a pimp! . . . I hate them! . . . if only God would strike them dead! . . . now! . . . and I could see them die! . . . I would praise His justice! . . . His kindness and mercy to me! . . .
Nina
[Thinking—with horrified confusion]
Why doesn’t Charlie go? . . . What is he thinking? . . . I suddenly feel afraid of him! . . .
[She gets to her feet with a confused pleading cry]
Charlie!
Marsden
[Immediately urbane and smiling]
It’s all right. I’m going out to find Sam. When he knows you’re here he’ll come on the run, Darrell.
[He goes to the door. They watch him suspiciously]
And you two probably have a lot to talk over.
[He chuckles pleasantly and goes into the hall—mockingly warning]
We’ll be back before long.
[The front door is heard slamming. Nina and Darrell turn and look at each other guiltily and frightenedly. Then he comes to her and takes both of her hands uncertainly]
Darrell
[Stammeringly]
Nina—I—I’ve come back to you—do you—do you still care—Nina?
Nina
[Giving way to his love passionately, as if to drown her fears]
I love you, Ned!
Darrell
[Kisses her awkwardly—stammering]
I—I didn’t know—you seemed so cold—damn Marsden—he suspects, doesn’t he?—but it makes no difference now, does it?
[Then in a flood of words]
Oh, it’s been hell, Nina! I couldn’t forget you! Other women—they only made me love you more! I hated them and loved you even at the moment when—that’s honest! It was always you in my arms—as you used to be—those afternoons—God, how I’ve thought of them—lying awake—recalling every word you said, each movement, each expression on your face, smelling your hair, feeling your soft body—
[Suddenly taking her in his arms and kissing her again and again—passionately]
Nina! I love you so!
Nina
And I’ve longed for you so much! Do you think I’ve forgotten those afternoons?
[Then in anguish]
Oh, Ned, why did you run away? I can never forgive that! I can never trust you again!
Darrell
[Violently]
I was a fool! I thought of Sam! And that wasn’t all! Oh, I wasn’t all noble, I’ll confess! I thought of myself and my career! Damn my career! A lot of good that did it! I didn’t study! I didn’t live! I longed for you—and suffered! I paid in full, believe me, Nina! But I know better now! I’ve come back. The time for lying is past! You’ve got to come away with me!
[He kisses her]
Nina
[Letting herself go, kissing him passionately]
Yes! My lover!
[Then suddenly resisting and pushing him away]
No! You’re forgetting Sam—and Sam’s baby!
Darrell
[Staring at her wildly]
Sam’s baby? Are you joking? Ours, you mean! We’ll take him with us, of course!
Nina
[Sadly]
And Sam?
Darrell
Damn Sam! He’s got to give you a divorce! Let him be generous for a change!
Nina
[Sadly but determinedly]
He would be. You must be just to Sam. He’d give his life for my happiness. And this would mean his life. Could we be happy then? You know we couldn’t! And I’ve changed, Ned. You’ve got to realize that. I’m not your old mad Nina. I still love you. I will always love you. But now I love my baby too. His happiness comes first with me!
Darrell
But—he’s mine, too!
Nina
No! You gave him to Sam to save Sam!
Darrell
To hell with Sam! It was to make you happy!
Nina
So I could make Sam happy! That was in it too! I was sincere in that, Ned! If I hadn’t been, I could never have gone to you that first day—or if I had, I’d never have forgiven myself. But as it is I don’t feel guilty or wicked. I have made Sam happy! And I’m proud! I love Sam’s happiness! I love the devoted husband and father in him! And I feel it’s his baby—that we’ve made it his baby!
Darrell
[Distractedly]
Nina! For God’s sake! You haven’t come to love Sam, have you? Then—I’ll go—I’ll go away again—I’ll never come back—I tried not to this time—but I had to, Nina!
Nina
[Taking him in her arms—with sudden alarm]
No, don’t go away, Ned—ever again. I don’t love Sam! I love you!
Darrell
[Miserably]
But I don’t understand! Sam gets everything—and I have nothing!
Nina
You have my love!
[With a strange, self-assured smile at him]
It seems to me you’re complaining unreasonably!
Darrell
You mean—I can be—your lover again?
Nina
[Simply, even matter-of-factly]
Isn’t that the nearest we can come to making everyone happy? That’s all that counts.
Darrell
[With a harsh laugh]
And is that what you call playing fair to Sam?
Nina
[Simply]
Sam will never know. The happiness I have given him has made him too sure of himself ever to suspect me now. And as long as we can love each other without danger to him, I feel he owes that to us for all we’ve done for him.
[With finality]
That’s the only possible solution, Ned, for all our sakes, now you’ve come back to me.
Darrell
[Repulsed]
Nina! How can you be so inhuman and calculating!
Nina
[Stung—mockingly]
It was you who taught me the scientific approach, Doctor!
Darrell
[Shrinking back from her—threateningly]
Then I’ll leave again! I’ll go back to Europe! I won’t endure—!
[Then in a queer, futile rage]
You think I’ll stay—to be your lover—watching Sam with my wife and my child—you think that’s what I came back to you for? You can go to hell, Nina!
Nina
[Calmly—sure of him]
But what else can I do, Ned?
[Then warningly]
I hear them coming, dear. It’s Sam, you know.
Darrell
[In a frenzy]
What else can you do? Liar! But I can do something else! I can smash your calculating game for you! I can tell Sam—and I will—right now—by God, I will!
Nina
[Quietly]
No. You won’t, Ned. You can’t do that to Sam.
Darrell
[Savagely]
Like hell I can’t!
[The front door is opened. Evans’ voice is immediately heard, even before he bounds into the room. He rushes up to Ned hilariously, shakes his hand and pounds his back, oblivious to Darrell’s wild expression]
Evans
You old son of a gun! Why didn’t you let a guy know you were coming? We’d have met you at the dock, and brought the baby. Let me have a look at you! You look thinner. We’ll fatten you up, won’t we, Nina? Let us do the prescribing this time! Why didn’t you let us know where you were, you old bum? We wanted to write you about the baby. And I wanted to boast about how I was getting on! You’re the only person in the world—except Nina and Charlie—I would boast about that to.
Nina
[Affectionately]
Mercy, Sam, give Ned a chance to get a word in!
[Looking at Ned pityingly but challengingly]
He wants to tell you something, Sam.
Darrell
[Crushed—stammers]
No—I mean, yes—I want to tell you how damn glad I am . . .
[He turns away, his face is screwed up in his effort to hold back his tears]
[Thinking miserably]
I can’t tell him! . . . God damn him, I can’t! . . .
Nina
[With a strange triumphant calm]
There! . . . that’s settled for all time! . . . poor Ned! . . . how crushed he looks! . . . I mustn’t let Sam look at him! . . .
[She steps between them protectingly]
Where’s Charlie, Sam?
Marsden
[Appearing from the hall]
Here, Nina. Always here!
[He comes to her, smiling with assurance]
Nina
[Suddenly with a strange unnatural elation—looking from one to the other with triumphant possession]
Yes, you’re here, Charlie—always! And you, Sam—and Ned!
[With a strange gaiety]
Sit down, all of you! Make yourselves at home! You are my three men! This is your home with me!
[Then in a strange half-whisper]
Ssshh! I thought I heard the baby. You must all sit down and be very quiet. You must not wake our baby.
[Mechanically the three sit down, careful to make no noise—Evans in his old place by the table, Marsden at center, Darrell on the sofa at right. They sit staring before them in silence. Nina remains standing, dominating them, a little behind and to the left of Marsden]
Darrell
[Thinking abjectly]
I couldn’t! . . . there are things one may not do and live with oneself afterwards . . . there are things one may not say . . . memory is too full of echoes! . . . there are secrets one must not reveal . . . memory is lined with mirrors! . . . he was too happy! . . . to kill happiness is a worse murder than taking life! . . . I gave him that happiness! . . . Sam deserves my happiness! . . . God bless you, Sam! . . .
[Then in a strange objective tone—thinking]
My experiment with the guinea pigs has been a success . . . the ailing ones, Sam, and the female, Nina, have been restored to health and normal function . . . only the other male, Ned, seems to have suffered deterioration.
[Then bitterly humble]
Nothing left but to accept her terms . . . I love her . . . I can help to make her happy . . . half a loaf is better . . . to a starving man. . . .
[Glancing over at Evans—bitterly gloating]
And your child is mine! . . . your wife is mine! . . . your happiness is mine! . . . may you enjoy my happiness, her husband! . . .
Evans
[Looking at Darrell affectionately]
Sure good to see Ned again . . . a real friend if there ever was one . . . looks blue about something . . . oh, that’s right, Charlie said his old man had kicked in . . . his old man was rich . . . that’s an idea . . . I’ll bet he’d put up that capital . . .
[Then ashamed of himself]
Aw hell, what’s the matter with me? . . . he’s no sooner here than I start . . . he’s done enough . . . forget it! . . . now anyway . . . he looks pretty dissipated . . . too many women . . . ought to get married and settle down . . . tell him that if I didn’t think he’d laugh at me giving him advice . . . but he’ll soon realize I’m not the old Sam he knew . . . I suppose Nina’s been boasting about that already . . . she’s proud . . . she’s helped me . . . she’s a wonderful wife and mother . . .
[Looking up at her—solicitously]
She acted a bit nervous just now . . . queer . . . like she used to . . . haven’t noticed her that way in a long time . . . suppose it’s the excitement of Ned turning up . . . mustn’t let her get over-excited . . . bad for the baby’s milk. . . .
Marsden
[Glancing furtively over his shoulder at Nina—broodingly thinking]
She’s the old queer Nina now . . . the Nina I could never fathom . . . her three men! . . . and we are! . . . I? . . . yes, more deeply than either of the others since I serve for nothing . . . a queer kind of love, maybe . . . I am not ordinary! . . . our child . . . what could she mean by that? . . . child of us three? . . . on the surface, that’s insane . . . but I felt when she said it there was something in it . . . she has strange devious intuitions that tap the hidden currents of life . . . dark intermingling currents that become the one stream of desire . . . I feel, with regard to Nina, my life queerly identified with Sam’s and Darrell’s . . . her child is the child of our three loves for her . . . I would like to believe that . . . I would like to be her husband in a sense . . . and the father of a child, after my fashion . . . I could forgive her everything . . . permit everything . . .
[Determinedly]
And I do forgive! . . . and I will not meddle hereafter more than is necessary to guard her happiness, and Sam’s and our baby’s . . . as for Darrell, I am no longer jealous of him . . . she is only using his love for her own happiness . . . he can never take her away from me! . . .
Nina
[More and more strangely triumphant]
My three men! . . . I feel their desires converge in me! . . . to form one complete beautiful male desire which I absorb . . . and am whole . . . they dissolve in me, their life is my life . . . I am pregnant with the three! . . . husband! . . . lover! . . . father! . . . and the fourth man! . . . little man! . . . little Gordon! . . . he is mine too! . . . that makes it perfect! . . .
[With an extravagant suppressed exultance]
Why, I should be the proudest woman on earth! . . . I should be the happiest woman in the world! . . .
[Then suppressing an outbreak of hysterical triumphant laughter only by a tremendous effort]
Ha-ha . . . only I better knock wood . . .
[She raps with both knuckles in a fierce tattoo on the table]
before God the Father hears my happiness! . . .
Evans
[As the three turn to her—anxiously]
Nina? What’s the matter?
Nina
[Controlling herself with a great effort comes to him—forcing a smile—puts her arms around him affectionately]
Nothing, dear. Nerves, that’s all. I’ve gotten over-tired, I guess.
Evans
[Bullying her—with loving authority]
Then you go right to bed, young lady! We’ll excuse you.
Nina
[Quietly and calmly now]
All right, dear. I guess I do need to rest.
[She kisses him as she might kiss a big brother she loved—affectionately]
Good night, you bossy old thing, you!
Evans
[With deep tenderness]
Good night, darling.
Nina
[She goes and kisses Charlie dutifully on the cheek as she might her father—affectionately]
Good night, Charlie.
Marsden
[With a touch of her father’s manner]
That’s a good girl! Good night, dear.
Nina
[She goes and kisses Darrell lovingly on the lips as she would kiss her lover]
Good night, Ned.
Darrell
[Looks at her with grateful humility]
Thank you. Good night.
[She turns and walks quietly out of the room. The eyes of the three men follow her.]
CURTAIN