The crusaders

Dick. I'd break my word a thousand times for you.

Cynthia {still pacing. Contemptuously). Would you?

Dick. I'd sell myself body and soul for you !

Cynthia {contemptuously). Would you?

Dick. Upon my honour I would !

Cynthia {stops. Same contemptuous tone). Would you sell your honour too ?

Dick {comes dozun to her; tries to put his arms round her). Yes, my honour too !

Cynthia {contemptuous laugh ; gets a7vay from him). Your honour ?

Would you ?

Dick {coming to her). Don't trifle with me any longer, Cynthia. See what a fool you make of me ! I don't care how long I dance after you

— if you only love me at last.

74 THE CRUSADERS act ii

Cynthia. Then let it be at last! I don't think I've yet sunk low enough.

Good night! {Getting away from hi/n up stage.) Dick {goes round the other way and intercepts her. Passionately). I can't say it ! If I leave you to-night, I shall only come back to-morrow

loving you more madly than ever. I won't leave you till you say " Yes."

(Cynthia is going into cottage. Dick intercepts her, and gets her a little way down the stage.) Cynthia, we were made for one another.

Cynthia. Yes, I think we were. We're just on each other's level.

Dick. What do you mean?

Cynthia. I'm weak and vain and frivolous — I can't be faithful for five minutes. There's no truth in me. Do you love me ?

Dick. Yes.

Cynthia. I hate and despise myself, and I hate and despise you ! Do you love me ?

Dick. Yes.

Cynthia. I don't love you — I don't admire you — I don't respect you !

Do you love me? {Comes down stage.)

Dick {coming to her). Yes, with all my heart.

Cynthia {7vith a loud, contemptuous laugh). Oh, you were right! We were made for one another. ( Coming down in front.) Dick (following her, clasping her). To-night?

ACT 11 THE CRUSADERS 75

Cynthia {looks at him suddenly). Hush ! I heard something !

(Lis/efis.) Yes, some one's coming. Go ! Dick. Not till you say " Yes."

Cynthm {liste?iing). There's some one coming ! Dick. Say''Yes."

(JV/iispers.) You may as well say it now; you'll say it some time. Give me that rose. (Cynthl4 breaks away from Dick, looks at him desperately, then dashes the rose at his feet) Dick {picks it up).

At your window — soon? (Cynthia watches him off^

Philos enters at rose-arch, slowly, catitiously, looking round. He is worn and rather aged since last act, with traces of hardship and suffering. Cynthia, looking off after Dick, turns and sees Philos. She stands still. He watches her with intense devotion, coming toivards her. She comes doivn in front of scat.

Philos {coming towards her, utters a cry of satisfaction) . Ah ! my dearest ! {Looks at her full of devotion; tumbles at her feet.) Oh! how I have longed for this moment ! {Presses the folds of her dress to his lips.) {A long pause.)

Cynthia. You've not met Una Dell ?

Philos. No. I've been watching for her to come back with your message. What does it matter? She could but have brought you to me — I have found the way to you alone.

Cyni'hia {aside). He does not know.

76 THE CRUSADERS act ii

Philos. Oh, I'm starved and parched for lack of you ! I'm sick with hunger for the sight of you ! Speak to me, Cynthia ! speak to me !

Cynthu. What can I say ?

Philos {rises from grounit). Tell me what I know, that you have counted the moments of my absence ; that every moment has been a year ! Oh, I cannot say what I would! I'm in a dream! {Rising; she turns away from him.) Let me look at you ! It is you ! It is the one dear form that has been with me all the year through. You have never left me ! You made that place bright and sacred to me ! Oh, my heart has been breaking a hundred times, but you gave me courage, you gave me life — I shall never die while you love me !

{Thegirls' voices singing the rose-song heard in the distance.) Cynthia {aside). I cannot tell him.

Philos. Ah ! Hark! The rose-song! All the old times come back ! It's the past year that's a dream. My fear, my sufferings, my despair, are all gone ! It's you, it's this moment, that are real! You are with me, my bride ! Give me that kiss you promised me !

Cynthm {suddenly). Hark ! I have visitors here ! You have taken me by surprise — don't think me cruel or unkind — I can't yet realise that you are here. I have begged Lord Burnham not to send you back to that dreadful country.

ACT II THE CRUSADERS 77

Philos. You have interceded for me? Don't fear ! They will not dare to touch me. The country is with me.

Cynthia. Una Dell has a letter for you. You are to meet Lord Burnham here at eleven to-morrow morning.

Philos. At eleven to-morrow !

C\TSTHU. Don't stay ! I want to think. You must give me time to think

— I don't know what I'm saying — you mustn't stay now — good night ! {Foiiiiing him off.) You'll do as I wish?

Philos. Your least word is enough. Good night! {Raises her hand to his lips.) To-morrow !

C\'NTHU.. Yes, to-morrow.

Philos {comes to her beseechingly). It is a hundred years.

C\TsTHLA. {with a forced smile). It will be soon enough ! {Aside, sadly, as he turns arcay.) It will be soon enough ! {Exit Philos left.) CxyrmiA {alone). What have I done? what have I done ? ( Exit into cottage door at back.)

{Rather long pause. Light seeii in balcony

window right.) { Clock in dista?ice strikes eleven. Pause.) Re-enter Philos down stage left; creeps to seat, looking at balcony window.

Philos {standing in front of scat). She is there ! {Looking up at balcony windotv.) Her room ! her

78 THE CRUSADERS act ii

light ! Oh, I cannot leave you ! And you were with me just now ! Here you stood and breathed this air! Oh, if time would stand still, and make one moment of our meeting eternal! To-morrow ! tomorrow !

Re-enter Dick from archway, cautiously. (Philos crouches in arm of seat, watching.')

Dick. All safe and quiet! I've played a waiting game, and I've won.

{Going up the steps.) I deserve my luck !

Philos {watches). That man !

Dick {taps at balcony). Cynthia !

Vnii^os {aside). Cynthia!

Dick {tappinglouder). Cynthia! Cynthia!

Cynthia {opens the window a little). Leave me ! Go ! {Trying to shut the 7i'indow.)

Dick {trying to force his way in). But you promised—

Cynthia. Not now! not now! Do you hear? Not now !

Dick. Why not?

C^'nthia. Mr. Ingarfield has been here —

Dick. Ingarfield! He's nothing to you —

Cynthl\. He loves me !

Dick. Poor fool!

Cynthia. Yes, poor fool! I want to be alone, to think. Do you hear ?

Good night! Go! {Shuts window in his face.) ACT II THE CRUSADERS 79

"Dick {frying at tin7idoiv). Cynthia! {Trying window.) Fastened !

Cynthia !

Re-enter Pals.-vm at arc/noay. Goes to cottage door left, unobserved.

Dick {desperately). Do you hear? Let me in ! {Tapping, trying window; Palsam and Philos watchtJig, unseen by each other.) You promised ! {Forces window open, and enters.) I will come in ! Philos.

Oh!

Palsam {whispers). .Who was it? Mrs. Blake! Mrs. Blake ! {Taps door very gently.)

(Philos rises, goes o?i balcony steps, 7vith a gesture of despair turns away, comes dozvn left.) (Palsam goes to door of Mrs.

CampionBlake's cottage, taps, sees Ixgarfield comi?ig front balcony.) Philos {looks up to balcony). Poor fool!

{Exit dozen stage left.) (Palsam comes doiun stage, looking after Ingarfield, and in a surprised tone exclaims :) Palsam. Mr. Ingarfield !

{Exit after Ingarfield.) Dick {re-enters upon balcony). Damn that fellow Ingarfield !

8o THE CRUSADERS act ii

(Cynthia appears at door of cottage at hack, looks round cautiously to see that all is safe, tlien flies over to Mrs. CampionBlake's door, batters at it with all her might for some seconds^ Cynthia

{hysterically). Let me in! let me in! I'm frightened ! I — oh ! let me in !

Quick ! ciuick ! Ah 1 (The door opens; Cynthia, fainting, hysteric, tumbles in ; the door closes.)

Curtain.

{One night passes betweeti Acts II. and III.) ACT III

Scene — Morning Room in the Rose Cottage. Enter Mrs. Campion-Blakf. from door at back.

Mrs. Cam. {speaking as she enters^. Hush, sir ! hush !

Palsam enters.

You don't wish all the sen^ants to hear, I suppose ?

Palsam {stern, self-important, very business-like, goes to seat and sits down; Mrs. Campion-Blake follows him down). Why not ? It's the truth !

Mrs. Ca]\l It's not the truth !

Palsam. Mr. Ingarfield did not deny it. INIrs. Greenslade does not deny it.

Mrs. Caisl Slie's too indignant !

Palsam {shakes his head, smites malignantly). I know the signs of guilt! I've had too much experience !

G 8i

82 THE CRUSADERS act hi

Dick enters.

Dick. What's the matter?

Palsam. Sir, a very terrible scandal has occurred, which I shall be compelled to make public.

Dick. You don't say so ?

Palsam. Yes. Last night, after endeavouring for nearly an hour to get at the truth from Miss Pattison about the rose-farmers, I was obliged to leave; and happening to cross the lawn outside —

Dick {rather alarnied^. You came by here?

Palsam. I did.

(Mrs. Campion-Blake is paeing backwards atid forwards in a distressed way.

Dick {half puzzled, half alarmed). What did you see?

Palsam. Enough to convince me that the man who has placed himself at our head for the reformation of London is a character of the worst possible type.

Dick {astonished). My father?

Palsam. No ; I do not accuse your father at present. I mean Mr.

Ingarfield.

Dick {puzzled). Ingarfield !

Palsam. A hypocrite and a scoundrel! I saw him entering a window of this house last night at an hour when everybody ought to have been asleep.

Dick. You surprise me ; but — {puzzled). The rascal ! the villain !

ACT III THE CRUSADERS 83

Palsam. I shall expose him ! I shall expose the lady too !

Mrs. Cam. Indeed you shall not! Mrs. Greenslade was not —

Dick {at the me?itiofi of Mrs. Greenslade's name, quickly'). Mrs.

Greenslade's name must not be mentioned in this affair.

Palsam. Oh yes, it must!

Dick {standing over Palsam, in a low, firm tone). There will be a horse-whipping for the man who does mention it!

Palsam {in a quiet, determined voice). I shall not be deterred by a horse-whipping. I have set myself the inexpressibly painful task of rooting out vice from English life, and it's my duty to make an example of every one whom I detect.

Dick {indignantly). But good Heavens, sir ! {Seizes him.) You shall not leave this room till you have promised me —

Mrs. Cam. {coming l>et7aeen t/iem). Hush! Leave him alone! Do you hear? {Sepai-afes them.) You won't stop his mouth that way.

Palsam. No, nor any other way. Having warned Mrs. Greenslade, I now consider myself at liberty to make the matter public. Good morning !

Mrs. Caim. {stopping him). Listen, Mr. Palsam. If I could prove you are mistaken —

Palsam. How ?

Mrs. Cam. Will you promise not to mention this for an hour?

84 THE CRUSADERS act hi

Palsam {hikes out his tvatch). It is now half-past ten. I will not mention it till half-past eleven.

Mrs. Cam. I'm sure, when I've made enquiries, I can bring you the clearest proof of that lady's innocence.

Palsam {sini/ing). Of course I should be only too pleased to find her innocent, if I could find one or more persons equally guilty. But I'm not at all hopeful. I have now another painful duty to perform.

Mrs. Cam. What's that?

Palsam. To obtain the whole truth from Miss Pattison about the rose-farmers. {Authoritatively, didactically.) Mind you, this all comes from not leaving matters in my hands. If I were allowed to do as I please, I could reform London in six months. (Firmly.) At half-past eleven !

{Exit.)

(Dick and Mrs. Campion-Blake watch him off, theft look at each other.)

Mrs. Cam. {angrily). You see what you've done?

Dick {pretetiding innocence). What I've done?

Mrs. Cam. Don't pretend innocence ! Mrs. Greenslade has told me all !

Dick. But Palsam saw Ingarfield !

Mrs. Cam. Nonsense ! Palsam is short-sighted, and has somehow mistaken you for him. Oh, I knew there would be some scandal ! And

— {Suddenly stops, cries out horror stficken.) Dick. What's the matter now?

Mrs. Cam. The Duchess gives a garden party next ACT III THE CRUSADERS 85

Friday, to meet the committee of the London Reformation League?

And everybody is to be there ! (^Transfixedwith horror.

Dick {quietly). By Jove ! Everybody kv7/ be there !

Mrs. Cam. {enraged). Something must be done ! Do you hear?

Dick. Well, Til horsewhip Palsam ! It's my duty as a man of honour, and FU do it!

Mrs. Cam. That's no use ! It would only spread the scandal far and wide. {Facing desperately^ Think ! think ! What can we do ?

Dick. Why not tell the truth ?

Mrs. Cam. The truth? That you were seen outside her balcony last night!

Dick. No, not me ! Ingarfield !

Mrs. Cam. You or Ingarfield ! That doesn't matter ! It's Mrs.

Greenslade's reputation I must and will save at all costs. So far as Ingarfield is concerned, the story would do very well. {Suddenly.) It would rid us of him. Very well; Mr. Palsam saw Mr. Ingarfield — but it was outside Mrs. Greenslade's balcony — how do you account for that ?

Dick. I can't. It looks cuspicious !

Mrs. Cam. {enraged). Suspicious ! Will you once for all realise the fearful mess we're in ? Won't you do something to repair the mischief you've caused?

Dick. That I've caused ! Let me tell you, Mrs. Blake, I've been used very badly in this matter. If Mrs. Greenslade had placed her reputation in my

86 THE CRUSADERS act ni

keeping, everything would have been right. Still, I'll do all I can ; and if you'll say what story you're going to tell, I'll stick to it. Only let's be careful about details.

Mrs. Cam. But what story can we tell ?

Dick. Well, I'm not a good hand at inventing; but you may rely on me for any amount of backing up,

Mrs. Cam. How can we clear Mrs. Greenslade ?

Dick. But she's really innocent!

Mrs. Cam. I know.

Dick. Why not prove it?

Mrs. Cam. How can I ? Palsam will say one thing, I shall say another, and between us Mrs. Greenslade's reputation will be torn to rags. Oh ! why don't you suggest something? Think! think! think!

Enter Victorine.

ViCTORiNE. Pardon, madame ! Madame will know if Mr. Palsam is still here ?

Mrs. Cam. No, he has gone; but he will come back at half-past eleven. How is Mrs. Greenslade, Victorine ?

ViCTORiXE. Madame is not well. She has had some frightens —

bad messages. I do not like that Mr. Palsam. Every time he sees me he make his eyes stop still at me — he not say nothing, but he think much — he think, " Oh, you are a wicked French devil !" {Pause.) ACT III THE CRUSADERS 87

Mrs. Cam. {looks at Victorine. Suddenly her face brightens and shows she sees a way out of her difficulty. She goes vety sweetly to

Victorine, and says in a quiet, persuasive totie). Victorine, I want to speak to you for a few minutes quite alone.

Victorine. Certainly, madame.

Mrs. Cam. {sa?ne gentle, sweet, persuasive manner'). Now keep somewhere close here, and I'll come to you directly.

Victorine. Yes, madame.

{Exit. Leaves door open.)

Mrs. Cam. {to Dick). You stay somewhere about the lawn. Be ready to come in and confirm my story, if necessary.

Dick. Hadn't we better arrange the details ?

Mrs. Cam. {looks off at open door). Here's Mrs. Greenslade ! Leave all to me !

{Exit Dick.)

Cynthia enters.

C\'N'THiA. Has Mr. Palsam gone?

Mrs. Cam. Yes; but he's coming back. He's determined to expose you.

Cynthia. What can I do?

Mrs. Cam. Will you trust everything to me ; I believe I can save you.

Cynthia. Am I worth saving ?

Mrs. Cam. Do you realise the awful position you're in ?

88 THE CRUSADERS act hi

Cynthia. Yes. Mr. Palsam means to spread a horrible tale about me.

Of course, I don't wish to be spattered with mud. I don't want people to think badly of me, and yet if they knew the exact truth —

Mrs. Cam. There's no such thing as the exact truth. What we've got to do is to stop that man's tongue. I think you ought to be very grateful to me, when I'm ready to go anywhere, do anything, say anything, and all for your sake.

Cynthia. Oh, don't think me ungrateful! Only since last night I've felt myself such a hypocrite !

Mrs. Cam. Hypocrite?

Cynthia. Yes ; and I hate hypocrites !

Mrs. Cam. So do I. No one hates hypocrisy more than I do. But how are you a hypocrite?

Cynthia. I keep on saying one thing and practising another.

Mrs. Cam. That isn't hypocrisy. Everybody does that. Hypocrisy is when you know you're thoroughly bad at heart, and cloak it over by pretending to be very religious—^like Chadband or Stiggins. There's really very little hypocrisy in England to-day, except in the small dissenting sects. But come ! we've only half an hour. Will you leave everything to me?

Cynthia. Shall you have to say anything that's not the truth ?

Mrs. Cam. I shall only deviate very slightly. And surely, to save such a reputation as yours, it's worth sacrificinsj somethinij !

ACT III THE CRUSADERS 89

Cynthia. Then the better the reputation, the more falsehoods it's worth while to tell to save it ?

Mrs. Cam. Really, Cynthia, you are the most exasperating woman —

when I'm doing all I can !

Cynthia {running to her quickly). No, no! I don't mean to be unkind.

{Kisses her.) There ! I'll leave it all in your hands.

Mrs. Cam. Very well! I may have to spend a few hundreds —

Cynthia. Whatever is necessary.

Mrs. Cam. Now go and lie down, and have a headache all day; and be very indignant at Mr. Palsam's accusation.

Cynthia. Oh, that's my part, is it ? What a farce it is !

Mrs. Cam. What's a farce ?

Cynthia. Life !

Mrs. Cam. A farce ?

Cynthia. Yes; just to keep the husk of reputation, and know there's no grain there ! And that man Ingarfield last night was not afraid of prison, or hunger, or death ! And I'm afraid of the truth ! I'm afraid of what people will say of me ! Oh, I am small ! I am contemptible !

Mrs. Cam. {goes to her). Cynthia !

Cynthia. Very well! Do as you please I I'll say nothing! {Exit.) Mrs. Cam. Was there ever such an unselfish, devoted friend as I am? {Exit.)

90 THE CRUSADERS act hi

Dick and Lord Burnham enter at window left.

Lord Burnham. You here! You've not kept your promise !

Dick. Well, the fact is, there's some scandal here —

Lord Burnham {quickly). Scandal! Not about you?

Dick. Oh, no ! It's about this fellow Ingarfield. I don't quite know the details ; but there's going to be a devil of a row !

Lord Burnham. Is there? He was to meet me here at eleven. {Sits, takes out his watch.) The papers this morning are full of these confounded mass meetings !

Dick. What's the latest about Costa Rica?

Lord Burnham. We shall have to pay for the revolution. We're in to the tune of four millions; only as it was all part of this confounded London Reformation scheme of Ingarfield's, it's only fair that Greenslade's million and a half should go towards it.

Dick. And the other two millions and a half?

Lord Burnham {pulling a long face). Twopence on the income tax.

Dick. And the " ne'er-do-wells " ?

Lord Burnham. Bring them back to London.

Dick. And the Government?

Lord Burnham. Out we go! The ungrateful rascals ! Take them threepence off the income tax.

ACT III THE CRUSADERS 9I

they don't say "Thank you." Put a penny on, and they kick you out.

Mrs. Campion-Blake enters right, evidently in very good spirits.

Mrs. Cam. Ah ! Good morning, Lord Burnham ! {Shaking hands.) Who would have supposed this about Mr. Ingarfield ? (Dick listens

carefully^

Lord Burnham. What?

Mrs. Cam. It seems he's quite a Lothario, a Don Juan !

Lord Burnham. Nonsense !

Mrs. Cam. Fact! And who do you think is one of his latest victims?

{Looks round at Dick; exchanges a glance of intelligence.') Mrs.

Greenslade's French maid, Victorine !

Lord Burnham {i^ery much astonished). You don't say so ?

Mrs. Cam. Yes ; the girl doesn't deny it; in fact, she's just made a full confession to me.

(Lord Burnham looks from one to the other inc7-eduloiisly.) Dick. Oh, there's no doubt about it — unfortunately !

Lord Burnham. But we're all on his committee for reforming London

— and I'm the President! {Begins to laugh, sees the Joke of it more and more, looks frotn one to the other.)

92 THE CRUSADERS act hi

Mrs, Cam. It's no laughing matter, Lord Burnham ! Unfortunately, Mr.

Palsam has discovered everything.

Lord Burnham. Palsam has discovered — {Roars with laughter?) Palsam has discovered — {Another roar.) By Jove ! there will be a devil of a row !

Dick {venturing, looking to Mrs. Campion-Blake for approi'dl as he goes along). Yes. Palsam happened to be passing outside at the very moment, and saw Romeo Ligarfield scaling Juliet Victorine's balcony.

Lord Burnham {exploding with laughter). Romeo Ingarfield — Juliet Victorine — {Another roar of laughter; recovers himself, pulls himself together very solemnly, then moralises in a severe vein.) Now, all this arises from the folly and nonsense of trying to reform London.

Dick {cordially). That's just what I said all along. London don't want any reforming. {Suddenly starts up, very excited, very elated; rises, and comes to Lord Burnham.) By Jove !

Lord Burnham. What is it?

Dick. The indignation meetings against the Government ! Ingarfield's political friends ! They'll cut him dead ! It doesn't matter how many revolutions he causes, they'll stick to him like leeches ; but they'll drop him like a hot potato if he's been within fifty miles of a French maid !

Lord Burnham. To be sure ! Very lucky for us ! Well, there's some good, after all, in Balsam's system of

ACT III THE CRUSADERS 93

suspecting everybody, for he's discovered a thoroughgoing hypocrite at last ! Bravo, Palsam !

{Exit at zvlndow.')

FiGG enters breathlessly at back,

FiGG. Mrs. Blake, has Jawle been in to breakfast?

Mrs. Cam. No ; why ?

FiGG. Then the great deed is done ! Jawle has set the seal on his philosophy in the large pond at the end of the grounds !

Dick. He can't have been such a fool!

FiGG. Fool! It was the only solution of the lifeproblem that continually pressed upon him.

Mrs. Cam. Do you really mean that he has drowned himself?

FiGG {coming fu7iereaUy down). I have traced his footsteps to the pond. The extraordinary size and shape of his boots render their indentations in the mud quite unmistakable. If we could fathom the depths under the trees, I have no doubt we should there discover what, only a few hours ago, was Jawle ! {Sits sad and dejected on sofa, looks unutterably sad.)

Mrs. Cam. {going to Figg very angrily). If anything has really happened, you are quite as guilty as he is !

Figg. There is no question of guilt! Jawle's great tragic contempt of human life must not be confounded

94 THE CRUSADERS act hi

with a paltry, every-day, newspaper suicide. (JVi//i a sviile of benevolent piiy.)

(Mrs. Campion-Blake makes a movement. FiGG silences her tvith a gesture.) FiGG. Jawle has quitted this despicable sphere in a manner worthy of himself. There is a natural fitness about it! A kind of a — celebration.

Mrs. Cam. {pacing up and down). Nonsense ! nonsense ! There's no natural fitness in celebrating your coroner's inquest in a friend's house, where you are only on the merest visiting terms.

FiGG. Pardon me — you quite mistake the situation ! (Mrs.

Campion-Blake makes an angry, impatient gesture, goes and throws herself in a chair, sits there showing signs of impatience at Figg's harangue.) FiGG (rising). Our feelings of personal sorrow must be stifled in the contemplation of a great national event. In fact, I shall insist on making it a great national event. I shall myself pronounce

the funeral oration. The ordinary method of interment would be distasteful to Jawle.

Jawle enters at windoiv. Waddles down to sofa behind FiGG.

I shall cremate him ! (Catches sight of Jawle. His features drop their expression of sfnug, cofnplacent, affected solem?iity, and he endeavours to express surprised pleasure, but can hardly coficeal his disap

ACT III THE CRUSADERS 95

poinimcnt. Stands nonplussed for some moments, then ejaculates a feeble "Oh /" Pauses, stares at Jawle tji a sickly, embarrassed way.) I was really afraid that you had decided — to — a — a — a —

Jawle {majestically). No ; not at present! (Goes to arm-chair and sits.)

FiGG. I'm so glad — so very glad !

Jawle. No. I happened to fall in with that hitherto terribly misguided young man, Mr. Ingarfield —

Mrs. Cam. Mr. Ingarfield !

Jawle. Yes; to my surprise, he has embraced my doctrine of the absolute folly and depravity of the human herd. And my satisfaction in securing such a disciple has induced me to postpone my intention of drawing the curtain over this scene of misery and littleness.

{Places his hands on his stomach, and goes into a profound 7-evcrie.)

Mrs. Cam. {coming to Figg). INIr. Figg, Mrs. Greenslade is so dreadfully ill this morning, will you kindly excuse her entertaining you any longer? Under the circumstances, you won't mind — {Shaking hands with Figg.)

Figg. Not at all! So sorry she is ill! We'll renew our visit on the first occasion.

Mrs. Cajni. Delighted — so sweet of you to come back — but you'll please get Mr. Jawle to set the seal on his philosophy in somebody else's pond, not in ours. (Very winningly.) So pleased to have seen you — so very pleased! {Shaking hands.) Goodbye ! {Goes to Jawle.) Good-bye, Mr. Jawle !

96 THE CRUSADERS act hi

(Jawle is completely absorbed; takes no

notice, his large, blank face blandly gazing into nothingness. Suddenly he gives vent

to his peculiar melancholy chuckle^

Mrs. Cam. (/;/ a louder tone). Good-bye ! (Goes and rings bell.) Good-bye ! good-bye !

(Jawle takes no notice. Figg looks at Jawle with great admiration.) Figg {admiringly, pointing to Jawle). That curious habit of burying himself. {To Dick.)

Dick. Make haste and cremate him ! That'll cure him !

Mrs. Cam. {having rung bell, returns to Jawle, stands over hitn ; very emphatically). Good-bye, Mr. Jawle !

Jawle {conies to himself witii an effort, looks round, rouses hitnself, rises, places his fat paw in Mrs.

Campion-Blake's hand). Ah ! {Stands absorbed.)

Worrell enters at door at back.

Mrs. Cam. I trust there is no immediate danger of —- of— your —

Jawle. No ; {rises) I shall school myself to endure the vast spectacle of human imbecility, selfishness, and emptiness for some short time longer. The word " emptiness " reminds me I have had no breakfast.

Mrs. Cam. {takes his hand, and gradually gets him up stage. To Worrell). Some breakfast for Mr. Figg and Mr. Jawle. {Getting Jawle and Figg 7ip towards the door.)

ACT III THE CRUSADERS 97

Jawle {turning round plaintively-). That cold veal pie I had for breakfast yesterday morning was singularly ill adapted to one whose digestive and other vital processes are as slow as mine.

Mrs. Cam. {getting Jawle and Figg a little nearer door). Some fish, Worrell !

Jawle {meditatively). Yes; and would you think me rude if I suggested a little of that really excellent Chambertin? I have noticed it disposes me to form a slightly more favourable estimate of mundane conditions.

Mrs. Cam. {getting them a little nearer door). Some of the best Burgundy, Worrell !

(Worrell stands at back, waiting for Jawle, holding the door open.) Jawle {placing his fat hand in Mrs. CampionBlake's). Pray, thank Mrs. Greenslade for her kind hospitality. I trust I have amply repaid it by showing her the pernicious folly of her scheme for reforming London, and I — ( Goes into a profound reverie. Mrs. CampionBlake looks despairingly at Figg, motions him to take Jawle off.) Figg {prompting Jawle). Breakfast!

Jawle {j-oiising himself). Ah ! {Smiles seraphically. Goes off at back, uttering his peculiar jnelancholy chuckle. Figg folloivs him. Mrs.

CampionBlake gives a sigh of relief.)

Dick. Your version seems to be getting on splendidly. Can't you let me have a few more details?

H

98 THE CRUSADERS act hi

Mrs. Cam. Victorine has consented to get us out of our difficulty.

Dick. And Ingarfield?

Mrs. Cam. Ingarfield must help us too ! He surely can't refuse to join us in clearing Mrs. Greenslade's reputation !

Enter Worrell at back announcing. Worrell. Mr. Ingarfield !

Entc7- Philos at back, worn, calm, pale, broken, contemptuous, indifferent.

{Exit Worrell at back).

Mrs. Cam. {hurriedly to Philos). One moment, Mr, Ingarfield ! {Draws him down stage.) You were here last night; you have compromised a lady — Mr. Palsam is determined to ruin her reputation. Victorine has promised to take the whole matter upon herself. To save that lady, will you aid in this deception ?

Philos {looks at her; turns and looks at Dick, who turns 7-ound. A pause). Yes !

Mrs. Cam. {shows satisfaction). You'll say nothing till I've cleared Mrs. Greenslade ?

Philos. Nothing ! {Exit Mrs. Campion-Blake.)

Enter Lord Burnham. Comes dojvn.

Philos. You sent for me. I'm here. What do you want?

ACT III THE CRUSADERS 99

Lord Burnham. I wish to tell you that we have arranged with the Costa Rica Government to compound their claims, and they agree to release you from the consequences of your folly.

Philos. My folly ! Their oppression drove the men mad ! Go on !

Lord Burnham. That arrangement was concluded by cable last night, I am sorry to say.

Philos {indifferently'). Sorry !

Lord Burnham. If this scandal about you had leaked out first, we could have snapped our fingers at your political friends, and sent you back to Costa Rica to stand your trial.

Philos. Send me back. (Calni/y.) I did not escape for my own sake, but only that the truth might be known, and the innocent saved from suffering with the guilty. Send me back ! Anything further?

Lord Burnham. You agree to place yourself entirely in our hands ?

Philos {indifferently). In yours — or anybody's.

Lord Burnham. I have now to get Mrs. Greenslade's consent. And I trust this will be a lesson to you not to meddle again with the working arrangements of this very excellent planet.

Philos {looks at him steadily, pauses; then in the same calm, indiffei-ent tone). No ; as the devil seems to manage it very well, I'll leave it in his hands for the future.

(Lord Burnham shrugs his shoulders, and exit.)

THE CRUSADERS

Palsam enters at window.

Palsam. Mr. Ingarfield, I have prepared a written statement of last night's unfortunate affair.

Philos {calm, conversational tone). Are there plenty of lies in it?

Palsam. Lies ?

Philos. When one lives in a world of lies, lies are the only truth ; and the man who tells the truth is simply a fish who has been fool enough to jump out of water. {Goes up back, stands with back to audience d7iring the following scene.)

Mrs. Campion-Blake re-enters with a rather large envelope.

(Palsam comes down stage.)

Mrs. Cam. {going towards Palsam cordially). Ah ! I told you I should be able to get at the truth !

Palsam {suspiciously). The truth?

Mrs. Cam. Read that! ( Gives him the envelope, watches him closely).

Palsam {pulling out paper from envelope). I warn you I am not to be imposed upon by any trumped-up tale ! {Looks suspiciously at her, then at Dick, then at Ingarfield. Opens the paper with apparent suspicion, begins to read it very carefully and suspiciously. Suddenly drops his suspicious manner.) Ah ! I read that French maid's character the moment I set eyes on her !

ACT III THE CRUSADERS loi

Mrs. Cam. {sympathisingly sighs). Ah ! I'm afraid you were right!

Palsam. Yes; I have quite a remarkable gift of judging people's character. Of all the thousands of people whom I've suspected, I've never found myself at fault! There's always been something in it!

Mrs. Cam, (si'g/is). Ah! {Sy/iipa/hisingly.) I shouldn't wonder !

Palsam {Jiaving considered letter'). I should like to put a few plain questions to this young person.

Mrs. Cam. {qi/ick/y). She is perfectly ready to sign that confession in your presence ; but she refuses to be questioned further.

Palsam. Ah ! They can none of them bear to be cross-questioned.

{Returns to tetter carefully.)

Mrs. Cam. {luatcliing him closely). Of course you will apologise to the lady whom you have wronged with your unjust suspicions?

Palsam {cordially). Oh, yes; I'll apologise most heartily ! I must say it gives me unspeakable pleasure to find that we may ascribe the whole of this painful affair to the low standard of morality prevailing among the French. What is to become of this young person?

Mrs. Caisl She leaves for France to-night.

Palsam. Wouldn't it be advisable to keep her here, and thoroughly reform her first, and then send her back to reclaim her countrymen?

What a glorious thing it would be if we could be the instruments of reforming the French nation ! We must think that UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

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I02 THE CRUSADERS act hi

over! {Turns half round to Ingarfield.) Mr. Ingarfield, what have you to say to this confession?

Philos {back to audience; does not turn round). Nothing !

Palsam. Of course, you will have no further association with us ?

Philos {saine attitude). God forbid !

Palsam. This young person will sign this in my presence.

Mrs. Cam. (rising, going towards door). Yes — this way. {Opens door. Aside.) It's wonderful how little I've had to deviate from the truth

! {Exit.)

Palsam. I'm so glad that we can still pride ourselves upon preserving our superior tone of national morality ! {Exit.) Dick {to Philos). My friend, you take the advice of a man of the world

: Don't you try any more of this mending and tinkering society. You see where it lands you ! It's no good trying to live up to it — you can't

— and then you only find out what a fool you've l)een to pretend to be better and wiser than other people. (Philos looks straight at him.) Now, you take a leaf out of my book. I enjoy life ! I take the world as I find it, and a damned good sort of a world it is ! And if it's good enough for me, why isn't it good enough for you, eh ?

Philos. A hen-roost is good enough for fleas, and a dead dog for blow-flies; but this world is not good enough for me, because it holds men like you !

ACT III THE CRUSADERS 103

Dick. What the devil do you mean ?

Philos incomes quickly doivn frotii window and stands face to face with Dick). I've saved her — my character's gone ! I'm the laughing-stock of the country — that's nothing ! Now about the future !

Dick. Future? Whose future?

Philos. Her future; and {comes close to him), damn you, your future, if it has to do with hers !

Dick {pauses, looks at Philos, speaks in a calm voice). What do you know?

Philos. I saw you enter her window last night!

Dick. You saw me !

Philos. And heard you and her speak of a poor fool who loved her !

Well, you see what this poor fool is ready to do for her !

Dick. Yes.

Philos. Now — either you love her or you do not. Her reputation is safe. If you don't love her well enough to brave all fortunes with her, so that she may be secure whatever happens, take your oath to leave her this hour, and never see her again — and if you break that oath, by God ! I'll kill you ! If you do love her, and she loves you, do for her a hundredth part of what I'd do, make your love your religion, put all these lies behind your back, own her openly before all the world, and let them rave their tongues out ! You've dared to do wrong; dare not to lie about it! Which is it to be ?

Dick {after a long pause, very calmly, in ordinary I04 THE CRUSADERS act hi

tone), Mr. Ingarfield, perhaps you won't believe me. Frankly, I should tell you this if it were not true; so take your choice : Mrs. Greenslade is innocent.

Philos. Innocent ?

Dick. She saw you, spoke to you last night ! That saved her ! Do you believe me ?

Philos {looks at him very searching^ for a few seconds). Yes. {Turns 7'cry imperatively.) Then you'll leave her?

Dick. Yes ; this morning. And you'll allow me to put Mr. Palsam right about —

Philos. It's too late for that. He believes this tale; if you change it, you'll rouse his suspicions, and perhaps she will be sacrificed.

Dick. But your character ?

Philos. My life is ended. I care no more for life or reputation than if I were dead.

Dick. But it's monstrous — as a man of honour, I really cannot —

Philos (interrupting him on the word honour). As a man of honour —

let me be !

(Dick goes to table at back, gets his hat, comes down, and is about to speak to Philos, but is overcome; lualks to window.) Dick (ashamed). I've behaved like a blackguard !

(Exit.)

Philos (seated on sofa alone). All's over ! What am I waiting for? Still hungering for her footfall or her least whisper !

ACT III THE CRUSADERS 105

Enter Worrell at hack, sliowing in Una, who brings a spj-ay of blighted roses, and walks down stage to Philos.

Worrell. Mrs. Greenslade is engaged, but I'll tell her you're here. {Exit at back.)

Una {seeing Philos ; looking at him). You know ! She has told you !

Ah ! I knew I should find you here !

Philos. I'm waiting to see Lord Burnham — That's a lie ! I'm waiting because I can't drag myself away from her.

Una {coming to him). Where have you been through the night?

Philos. I don't know — anywhere ! Oh, Una ! {Looking up to her for sympathy^

Una {softly). What is it? (Philos bursts into tears.) What is it? Tell me

! Come, tell me all!

Philos {between his sobs). This thing — this dream

— this sweetness — this wofuan that I loved — oh, but I love her still! — she's the spring of every pulse of me that beats — she plays with my heart as the moon plays with the tides, and rolls me round the earth at her will — oh, I loved her ! I loved her 1 And I love her still! I'm hers ! I'm hers ! No ! no ! I will not be such a slave ! I will forget her

— I'll — I'll — {Buries his face in his hands, sobbing^

Una {standing over him, stretching out her arms io6 THE CRUSADERS act hi

towards him, aside). Won't my love do for you ! ( Concjuers herself; speaks to him again, like a mother to a ehild.) There ! there ! Cry away ! Shall I cry with you? Listen ! I've been longing for the moon for years, and breaking my heart because I can't get it; and the moon takes no notice of me ! Do you hear? Am I not a baby, to long for the moon? There ! there ! there ! Cry, child, cry, and ease your heart!

Philos {partially recovering, lookiiig at her through his tears). Oh, I'm weak, I'm cowardly !

Una. Ah, but you'll be strong by and bye ! You'll be master of yourself as you have never been before, and you'll set your face like flint to your work ! And then you won't mind losing your parsley garland !

Philos. My parsley garland !

Una. Yes; we're all of us racing for parsley garlands on this silly earth. What does it matter whether we win or lose ? It's only a few parsley leaves. The prize is nothing ! The race is all ! Ah ! (Laughing at hijn.) You're better ! A heartache isn't much more than a toothache, is it? Will you come and race for another parsley garland?

Will you make London fit to live in? (Showing him the roses.) Look!

Philos. Blighted !

Una. Yes; the head gardener says it's no use trying to grow roses here. The London smoke kills them.

THE CRUSADERS

107

Philos. That's what I've been trying to do. I've been trying to grow roses in the London smoke.

(Una goes up stage.)

Lord Burnham enlers.

Lord Burnham (coming towards sofa). Mr. Ingarfield, Mrs.

Greenslade consents that the Greenslade bequest be applied to the claims of the Costa Rica Government.

Philos. Very well.

Lord Burnham. So the net result of our reforming London is a revolution in South America, and twopence on the income tax.

Enter Mrs. Campion-Blake and Palsam.

Mrs. Cam. Now you're quite satisfied ? Palsam {amiably). Oh, quite !

Send for Mrs. Greenslade, and let me make an ample apology !

Worrell enters at back with large parcel.

Worrell {coming down to Mrs. Campion-Blake with the parcel). A parcel for you, madam, by special messenger.

Mrs. Cam. The new programme ! Let the messenger wait.

{Openingparcel.) And tell Mrs. Greenslade that Mr. Palsam wishes to see her here.

{Exit Worrell.)

Mrs. Cam. {opens the parcel, and brings out the io8 THE CRUSADERS act hi

neiv proi:;ram)nc, a f^orgeoiis blue sathi affair, with gold letters.

Displaying it). Isn't it perfectly exquisite ?

Lord Burnham. Very pretty pattern !

Una. What's it for?

Mrs. Cam. It's the new programme for reforming London.

Una. Oh, I see ; you're going to cover London with blue satin, so that Londoners may get an idea of what the sky is like ! {£xit at window.) Cynthia enters very slowly.

(Philos turns round; their eyes meet; she shows great shame ; her eyes drop.) Cynthia. You asked to see me, Mr. Palsam. Palsam. I'm very proud to acknowledge that I was entirely mistaken. I have discovered the real offender. Mr. Ingarfield (Dick enters at windotv), you will acknowledge your hypocrisy in the fullest terms ?

Cynthia. What ! {Looks enquiringly at Mrs. Campion-Blake.) (Philos looks at Dick.)

Palsam. I shall exact from you, sir, a public confession in the same terms as this. {Showing letter.)

Cynthia. Confession ? Give that to me ! {Looks at Mrs. CampionBlake enquiringly. To Mrs. Blake.) What have you done?

(Philos and Dick look at each other. Cynthl\. reads the letter, shows great indignation.)

ACT III THE CRUSADERS 109

Mrs. Cam. My dear — of course — you had no idea — it's surprised you !

Cynthia {having read letter 7vith the deepest shame and indignation'). Oh! {Tears it up in great anger ^

Mrs. Cam. Take care ! What are you doing? You've ruined yourself!

Cynthia. No ; I think I've saved myself!

Palsajvi. Why did you tear that confession?

Cynthia. Because it's false !

Palsam. False ! Then what am I to believe ?

Cynthia. Believe what you please !

Palsam. If I thought you were guilty —

Cynthia. If you thought I were guilty, you would blacken me ! Spy !

spy ! spy ! Blacken me, then ! Lord Burnham, I am innocent! Defend me against this man ! {Looks up, meets Philos's eyes, covers her face with her hands, bows her head, titters a cry of the greatest shame, rushes off in an agony of shame.)

{Pause. Philos goes to door after her ; stands there watching.)

Lord Burnham. You hear, sir ! You're evidently mistaken ; and if this tale is made public, all that is certain to be proved is that you have tried to ruin a lady's reputation. You'll gain nothing by making a scandal. You'll be best to hold your tongue.

Palsam {after a pause). I'll keep silence on one condition.

Lord Burnham. \\t\\ ?

no THE CRUSADERS act hi

Palsam. My lord, you are addicted to horse-racing. I'll never mention this painful affair if you'll promise to sell your horses, and promise never —

Lord Burnham {tvith a contemptuous laugh, turns mvay). No ; I'm damned if I do !

Palsam. Then I'm very sorry I shall be compelled to make it public.

Dick. Make what pubUc?

Palsam. What I saw last night.

Dick. What did you see ?

Palsam. I saw Mr. Ingarfield at that balcony.

Dick {aside to Philos). Why don't you speak?

Philos {tooks at Dick and Palsam). I've nothing to say. {Goes to back.)

Dick. It's false ! Mr. Palsam, you saw me !

Palsam. You ?

Lord Burnham. Dick !

Dick. My honour, sir, Mrs. Greenslade is innocent

— save her, sir ! ( Very appealingly to Lord Burnham.)

{Pause. Lord Burnham, perplexed, tvalks

up towards Mrs. Campion-Blake, who has

been listening to foregoing scene.)

Mrs. Cam. {to him). She'd much better have kept to the truth as I had arranged it!

Lord Burnham {to Palsam). You'll hold your tongue if I sell my stud and give up racing?

Palsam. Yes.

Lord Burnham. Very well; I'll do it! ( Cotnitig a step or tiuo towards Dick. Dick takes Lord Burn

ACT III THE CRUSADERS iii

ham's hand, wrings it heaj-tily, exchanges a look with Philos, and goes off at window.) And if I ever hear one word against this lady —

Palsam. Oh, you won't! I've given you my word, and I always speak the truth.

Lord Burnham. And let me tell you, sir, you've acted the part of a busy-body, mischief-maker, and scandal-monger, and the sooner you leave this house the better. {Drives the words home into Palsam, and then goes calmly and sits on sofa.)

{Pause. Palsam stands imperturbable in the middle of the stage.) Palsam. My lord, there's one thing more before we part.

Lord Burnham {angrily). Well? Palsam. You have never shown any real interest in the reformation of London. (Lord Burnham shows

great impatience.) There is to be a great temperance fete at the Crystal Palace next month. Now, you have a cellar of very expensive wines. It would be a noble and graceful action on your part if you would consent to preside at the Crystal Palace, and publicly pour away all your expensive wines into the gutter —

(Lord Burxham rises enraged; goes up to Palsam with a threatening gesture. Pals.AM remains quite calm. Lord Burnham makes an effort to speak, looks at Palsam, finally cojnes aivay and drops on to sofa.) 112 THE CRUSADERS act hi

Lord Burnham {^helplessly, in a low voice). Will somebody take it away !

Palsam. I'm going, my lord. {Leaiis over back of so/a, and speaks in Lord Burnham's/^?^*?.) I'll call to-morrow at your town house for your decision about the Crystal Palace. Good-morning !

(^Exit at windo^u?)

Mrs. Cam. Lord Burnham ! (Lord Burnham looks up.) I don't blame you \ but I never knew anything so mismanaged as this reformation of London ! I've been connected with bazaars and charities of all sorts, and I've always made them most successful! And I'm quite sure I could have made this reformation of London a gigantic success !

Lord Burnham. Then take it, my dear lady, take it, and make it a gigantic success ! I don't want to reform London !

Mrs. Cam. {growing more indignant; rings hell). And it's sure to get into the papers — and after all I've done ! However, I wash my hands of the whole affair !

Lord Burnham. So do I ! so do I !

Mrs. Cam. I never was so annoyed in my life —

Worrell enters at door right.

{ With great dignit}'.) Tell Mrs. Greenslade I leave for town by the next train. {Going t/p stage, turns.) Tell Mrs. Greenslade that the Duchess of Launceston and Mrs. Campion-Blake resign their places on the committee ! (Worrell exits.)

ACT III THE CRUSADERS 113

{Pause. Mrs. Caisipion-Blake stalks up to door at back, opens it, turns, stalks back to table, takes up the blue satin programme, goes back same style. Exit with great offended dignity, carrying the blue satin programme ^ Lord Burnham {regretfully^. And I was fond of a bit of racing !

Una enters windoiv. Philos comes dotvn.

{Rising.^ Heigho ! I'm afraid, INIiss Dell, there is no way of mending society.

Una. If everybody mended himself, Lord Burnham, society wouldn't want any mending.

Lord Burnham. Ah ! but who's going to begin ? {Meeting Philos, who is coming dozvn.) Mr. Ingarfield, I did you an injustice. (Offering hand, Philos takes it.) You must come with me to town, and we'll get this Costa Rica affair settled.

Cynthia enters.

{Seeing Cynthia, hurrying to window?) I'll see if my carriage is ready.

( Goes up to back, into window^ C\"NTHIA {ivalking towards Philos 7oifh the deepest shafne). I can't say anything ! Can you forgive me

? (Philos boics.) You'll forget me?

(Philos looks at her and shakes his head. He goes fro?n her, and throws himself on sofa.)

I

114 THE CRUSADERS act hi

Cynthia {going to Una) . I have broken his heart ! Help me to heal it !

Help me to give him courage !

Una {comes dotvn to Philos, tries to assume a bright, cheerful tone).

Come, comrade ! though we women are false, the world must wag, and we must help it! Come ! your work ! {Laying her hand on his shoulder.)

Philos {rising, bewildered, dreamy). My work! What work ?

Una. To make London beautiful ! London healthy ! London clean !

From north to south, from east to west, in every street, in every home !

Lord Burnham. What madness !

Una. Oh, yes; it's madness ! Century after century the same mad chase, the same mad dream ! We hunt for what we shall never find, we dream what will never come true. We know it; but still we pursue, and still we dream ! Our Duicinea is always false, but we always think her true ; we give our strength for a parsley garland ; we drain Europe of its flower of manhood to buy a little sacred spot in Jerusalem ; we ride shameless through Coventry; we spill our blood like water for the Stuarts; we send Paris, red with butchery, dancing after liberty, equality, fraternity; we tilt at every windmill, we dash ourselves on every pike ! Oh, you are right! We are mad enough !

But our madness keeps the world alive ! Your sanity ACT in THE CRUSADERS 115

Stagnates! Our madness breeds your ideals; and you're dead, you're dead, you're dead without ideals !

{Exit Lord Burnham at 7aindow.) {To Philos.) Come along! Let the past alone! Begin afresh to-day ! Come !

Philos {rises, with face full of resolve). I will; and I'll never look behind till my work is done ! {To Cynthu.) Good-bye!

C\'NTHiA. Good-bye !

Philos {turns back, beseechingly). Give me that kiss you promised me ! {She kisses his forehead.) Can't you love me?

Cy'nthia. You saved me ! Do with me as you please ! {She drops at his feet.)

(Una looks at them, then goes off hopelessly at door at back.) Curtain.

^7

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Document Outline

• The crusaders