One Day More | Page 9

forcible). If I make him once see that you've come back, he will be as sane as you or I. All his mad notions will be gone. But that other is quite sensible. And you mustn't quarrel over it.
(_Moves up to back of stage. Harry follows a little behind, away from audience_.)
Harry's Voice (Calm). Let's hear what it is.
(_Voices cease. Action visible as before. Harry steps back and walks hastily down. Bessie at his elbow, follows with her hands clasped?_)
(Loud burst of voice.)
Harry (Raving to and fro). No! Expects me--a home. Who wants his home?... What I want is hard work, or an all-fired racket, or more room than there is in the whole of England. Expects me! A man like me--for his rotten money--there ain't enough money in the world to turn me into a blamed tame rabbit in a hutch. (_He stops suddenly before Bessie, arms crossed on breast. Violently_.) Don't you see it?
Bessie (Terrified, stammering faintly). Yes. Yes. Don't look at me like this. (Sudden scream.) Don't quarrel with him. He's mad!
Harry (Headlong utterance). Mad! Not he. He likes his own way. Tie me up by the neck here. Here! Ha! Ha! Ha! (Louder.) And the whole world is not a bit too big for me to spread my elbows in, I can tell you--what's your name--Bessie. (Rising scorn). Marry! Wants me to marry and settle.... (Scathingly.) And as likely as not he has looked out the girl too--dash my soul. Talked to you about it--did he? And do you happen to know the Judy--may I ask?
(Window in Hagberd's cottage runs up. They start and stand still.)
Capt. H. (Above, begins slowly). A grinning information fellow from a crazy town. (Voice changes.) Bessie, I see you. . . .
Bessie (Shrill). Captain Hagberd! Say nothing. You don't understand. For heaven's sake don't.
Capt. H. Send him away this minute, or I will tell Harry. They know nothing of Harry in this crazy town. Harry's coming home to-morrow. Do you hear? One day more!
(Silence.)
Harry (Mutters). Well!--he is a character.
Capt. H. (Chuckles softly). Never you fear! The boy shall marry you. (Sudden anger.) He'll have to. I'll make him. Or, if not--(Furious)--I'll cut him off with a shilling, and leave everything to you. Jackanapes! Let him starve!
(Window rumbles down.)
Harry (Slowly). So it's you--the girl. It's you! Now I begin to see.... By heavens, you have a heart as soft as your woman's voice.
Bessie (Half averted, face in hands). You see! Don't come near me.
Harry (Makes a step towards her). I must have another look at your pale face.
Bessie (_Turns unexpectedly and pushes him with both hands; Harry staggers back and stands still; Bessie, fiercely_). Go away.
Harry (Watching her). Directly. But women always had to get me out of my scrapes. I am a beggar now, and you must help me out of my scrape.
Bessie (_Who at the word "beggar" had begun fumbling in the pocket of her dress, speaks wildly_). Here it is. Take it. Don't look at me. Don't speak to me!
Harry (Swaggers up under the lamp; looks at coin in his palm). Half-a-quid. . .. My fare!
Bessie (Hands clenched). Why are you still here?
Harry. Well, you are a fine figure of a girl. My word. I've a good mind to stop--for a week.
Bessie (Pain and shame). Oh!.... What are you waiting for? If I had more money I would give it all, all. I would give everything I have to make you go--to make you forget you had ever heard my voice and seen my face. (Covers face with hands.)
Harry (Sombre, watches her). No fear! I haven't forgotten a single one of you in the world. Some've given me more than money. No matter. You can't buy me in--and you can't buy yourself out. . .
(_Strides towards her. Seizes her arms. Short struggle. Bessie gives way. Hair falls loose. H. kisses her forehead, cheeks, lips, then releases her. Bessie staggers against railings_.)
(Exit Harry; measured walk without haste)
Bessie (Staring eyes, hair loose, back against railings; calls out). Harry! (Gathers up her skirts and runs a little way) Come back, Harry. (Staggers forward against lamp-post) Harry! (Much lower) Harry! (_In a whisper) Take me with you. (Begins to laugh, at first faintly, then louder._)
(_Window rumbles up, and Capt. H.'s chuckle mingles with Bessie's laughter, which abruptly stops_.)
Capt. H. (Goes on chuckling; speaks cautiously). Is he gone yet, that information fellow? Do you see him anywhere, my dear?
Bessie (Low and stammering). N-no, no! (Totters away from lamp-post) I don't see him.
Capt. H. (Anxious). A grinning vagabond, my dear. Good girl. It's you who drove him away. Good girl.
(Stage gradually darkens)
Bessie. Go in; be quiet! You have done harm enough.
Capt. H. (Alarmed). Why. Do you hear him yet, my dear?
Bessie (Sobs, drooping against the railings). No! No! I don't. I don't hear him any