Plays By John Galsworthy

Updated: 2024-4-18

Status: Completed

Plays By John Galsworthy Novel Chapters

List of most recent chapters published for the Plays By John Galsworthy novel. A total of 333 chapters have been translated and the release date of the last chapter is Apr 02, 2024

Latest Release: Chapter 1 : The First Series Plays, Complete.by John Galsworthy.THE SILVER BOX A COMEDY IN THREE ACT
The First Series Plays, Complete.by John Galsworthy.THE SILVER BOX A COMEDY IN THREE ACTS PERSONS OF THE PLAY JOHN BARTHWICK, M.P., a wealthy Liberal MRS. BARTHWICK, his wife JACK BARTHWICK, their son ROPER, their solicitor MRS. JONES, their charwoman MA

103 WALTER. My father here?c.o.kESON. [Always with a certain patronage as to a young man who might be doing better] Mr. James has been here since eleven o'clock.WALTER. I've been in to see the pictures, at the Guildhall.c.o.kESON. [Looking at him as 2024-4-23
104 WALTER. 'City of Rangoon'.JAMES. We ought to wire and have him arrested at Naples; he can't be there yet.c.o.kESON. His poor young wife. I liked the young man. Dear, oh dear! In this office!WALTER. Shall I go to the bank and ask the cas.h.i 2024-4-23
105 JAMES. It's a matter of form; but I can't stand upon niceness over a thing like this--too serious. Just talk to Mr. Cowley.He opens the door of FALDER'S room.JAMES. Bring in the papers in Boulter's lease, will you, Falder?c.o.kESON. [B 2024-4-23
106 c.o.kESON. I couldn't leave it.JAMES. Exactly; he therefore gave the cheque to Davis. It was cashed by you at 1.15. We know that because the cas.h.i.+er recollects it for the last cheque he handled before his lunch.FALDER. Yes, sir, Davis gave it to 2024-4-23
107 WALTER. But to brand him like this?JAMES. If it had been a straightforward case I'd give him another chance. It's far from that. He has dissolute habits.c.o.kESON. I didn't say that--extenuating circ.u.mstances.JAMES. Same thing. He's 2024-4-23
108 JUDGE. Is this relevant, Mr. Frome?FROME. My lord, I submit, extremely--I shall be able to show your lords.h.i.+p that directly.JUDGE. Very well.FROME. In these circ.u.mstances, what alternatives were left to her?She could either go on living with this dr 2024-4-23
109 FROME. Quite so. It's very unfortunate that we've not got him here.Now can you tell me of the morning on which the discovery of the forgery was made? That would be the 18th. Did anything happen that morning?c.o.kESON. [With his hand to his ear] 2024-4-23
112 RUTH. Only that I never bowed down to him. I don't see why I should, sir, not to a man like that.THE JUDGE. You refused to obey him?RUTH. [Avoiding the question] I've always studied him to keep things nice.THE JUDGE. Until you met the prisoner-- 2024-4-23
113 FALDER. No, sir. I don't really.FROME sits down, and CLEAVER rises.CLEAVER. But you remember running, do you?FALDER. I was all out of breath when I got to the bank.CLEAVER. And you don't remember altering the cheque? FALDER. [Faintly] No, sir.CL 2024-4-23
114 FALDER. Yes, and while I was running.FROME. And that lasted till the cas.h.i.+er said: "Will you have gold or notes?"FALDER. Yes, and then I seemed to come to myself--and it was too late.FROME. Thank you. That closes the evidence for the defence 2024-4-23
115 ACT III SCENE I A prison. A plainly furnished room, with two large barred windows, overlooking the prisoners' exercise yard, where men, in yellow clothes marked with arrows, and yellow brimless caps, are seen in single file at a distance of four yard 2024-4-23
116 c.o.kESON. I'm afraid it'll prey on my mind. I see a lot of them about working together.THE GOVERNOR. Those are local prisoners. The convicts serve their three months here in separate confinement, sir.c.o.kESON. But we don't want to be unre 2024-4-23
117 THE CHAPLAIN. Our friend seems to think that prison is a hospital.c.o.kESON. [Returning suddenly with an apologetic air] There's just one little thing. This woman--I suppose I mustn't ask you to let him see her. It'd be a rare treat for the 2024-4-23
118 THE GOVERNOR. How are your eyes?CLIFTON. I don't complain of them. I don't see the sun here. [He makes a stealthy movement, protruding his neck a little] There's just one thing, Mr. Governor, as you're speaking to me. I wish you'd 2024-4-23
119 FALDER. Very little. Between two o'clock and getting up's the worst time.THE GOVERNOR. How's that?FALDER. [His lips twitch with a sort of smile] I don't know, sir. I was always nervous. [Suddenly voluble] Everything seems to get such a 2024-4-23
120 SCENE III FALDER's cell, a whitewashed s.p.a.ce thirteen feet broad by seven deep, and nine feet high, with a rounded ceiling. The floor is of s.h.i.+ny blackened bricks. The barred window of opaque gla.s.s, with a ventilator, is high up in the middl 2024-4-23
121 RUTH. [With a laugh] My employer happened then--he's happened ever since.c.o.kESON. Dear! Oh dear! I never came across a thing like this.RUTH. [Dully] He's treated me all right. But I've done with that.[Suddenly her lips begin to quiver, an 2024-4-23
122 He bows his head and leans dejectedly silent over the table.c.o.kESON. I feel for you--I do really. Aren't your sisters going to do anything for you?FALDER. One's in consumption. And the other---- c.o.kESON. Ye...es. She told me her husband wasn 2024-4-23
123 JAMES. I thought so. [To WALTER] No, my dear boy, it won't do. Too shady altogether!c.o.kESON. The two things together make it very awkward for you--I see that.WALTER. [Tentatively] I don't quite know what we have to do with his private life.JAM 2024-4-23
124 FALDER beckons from the window.c.o.kESON. [In a low fl.u.s.ter to JAMES and WALTER] No, Mr. James.She's not been quite what she ought to ha' been, while this young man's been away. She's lost her chance. We can't consult how to sw 2024-4-23
125 WISTER. Sorry to disturb you, sir. A clerk you had here, two years and a half ago: I arrested him in, this room.JAMES. What about him?WISTER. I thought perhaps I might get his whereabouts from you.[There is an awkward silence]c.o.kESON. [Pleasantly, comin 2024-4-23
127 The Third Series Plays, Complete.by John Galsworthy.THE FUGITIVE A Play in Four Acts PERSONS OF THE PLAY GEORGE DEDMOND, a civilian CLARE, his wife GENERAL SIR CHARLES DEDMOND, K.C.B., his father.LADY DEDMOND, his mother REGINALD HUNTINGDON, Clare's 2024-4-23
128 GEORGE. Reggie Huntingdon, and the Fullartons.LADY DEDMOND. [Softly] You know, my dear boy, I've been meaning to speak to you for a long time. It is such a pity you and Clare--What is it?GEORGE. G.o.d knows! I try, and I believe she does.SIR CHARLES. 2024-4-23
129 [A short silence.]LADY DEDMOND. There's a Mr. Malise coming here to-night. I forget if you know him.HUNTINGDON. Yes. Rather a thorough-bred mongrel.LADY DEDMOND. He's literary. [With hesitation] You--you don't think he--puts--er--ideas into 2024-4-23
130 HUNTINGDON. Bring the tray along, old man.GEORGE takes up the tray, stops to look at CLARE, then allows HUNTINGDON to shepherd him out.LADY DEDMOND. [Without looking at CLARE] Well, if we're going to play, Charles? [She jerks his sleeve.]SIR CHARLES. 2024-4-23
131 CLARE. Haggle? [She shakes her head] What have I got to make terms with? What he still wants is just what I hate giving.MRS. FULLARTON. But, Clare---- CLARE. No, Dolly; even you don't understand. All day and every day --just as far apart as we can be 2024-4-23
132 CLARE. No, thank you.PAYNTER. No, ma'am. Good-night, ma'am.[He withdraws.]GEORGE. You needn't have gone out of your way to tell a lie that wouldn't deceive a guinea-pig. [Going up to her] Pleased with yourself to-night? [CLARE shakes h 2024-4-23
133 GEORGE. That's not my opinion; nor the opinion of anyone, so long as you behave yourself.CLARE. That is--behave as you think right.GEORGE. Clare, you're pretty riling.CLARE. I don't want to be horrid. But I am in earnest this time.GEORGE. S 2024-4-23
134 MRS. MILER. There's a man 'angin' about below.MALISE looks up; seeing that she has roused his attention, she stops. But as soon as he is about to write again, goes on.MRS. MILER. I see him first yesterday afternoon. I'd just been out t 2024-4-23
135 CLARE. If I don't go back to him I couldn't take it.MALISE. Good!CLARE. I've thought of nursing, but it's a long training, and I do so hate watching pain. The fact is, I'm pretty hopeless; can't even do art work. I came to as 2024-4-23
136 TWISDEN. In your position, Mrs. Dedmond--a beautiful young woman without money. I'm quite blunt. This is a hard world. Should be awfully sorry if anything goes wrong.CLARE. And if I go back?TWISDEN. Of two evils, if it be so--choose the least!CLARE. 2024-4-23
137 SIR CHARLES. What![She looks at MALISE]LADY DEDMOND. You ought to be horribly ashamed. CLARE. Of the fact-I am.LADY DEDMOND. [Darting a glance at MALISE] If we are to talk this out, it must be in private.MALISE. [To CLARE] Do you wish me to go? CLARE. No. 2024-4-23
138 CLARE. Take care.But MALISE, after one convulsive movement of his hands, has again become rigid.GEORGE. I don't pretend to be subtle or that kind of thing; but I have ordinary common sense. I don't attempt to be superior to plain facts---- CLARE 2024-4-23
139 There is a long silence. Without looking at him she takes up her hat, and puts it on.MALISE. Not going?[CLARE nods]MALISE. You don't trust me?CLARE. I do! But I can't take when I'm not giving. MALISE. I beg--I beg you! What does it matter? Use me! Get 2024-4-23
140 HAYWOOD. [Shaking his head] Them books worth three pound seven!MALISE. It's scarce, and highly improper. Will you take them in discharge?HAYWOOD. [Torn between emotions] Well, I 'ardly know what to say-- No, Sir, I don't think I'd like to 'ave to do 2024-4-23
141 HUNTINGDON. My--my father and myself.MALISE. Go on.HUNTINGDON. We thought there was just a chance that, having lost that job, she might come to you again for advice. If she does, it would be really generous of you if you'd put my father in touch with her 2024-4-23
142 CLARE. [Stealing a look at him] One followed me a lot. He caught hold of my arm one evening. I just took this out [She draws out her hatpin and holds it like a dagger, her lip drawn back as the lips of a dog going to bite] and said: "Will you leave me al 2024-4-23
143 MALISE. I couldn't even get the costs.CLARE. Will they make you bankrupt, then? [MALISE nods] But that doesn't mean that you won't have your income, does it? [MALISE laughs] What is your income, Kenneth? [He is silent] A hundred and fifty from "The Wa 2024-4-23
144 Mrs. Fuller--wants you, not Mr. Malise.CLARE. Mrs. Fullarton? [MRS. MILER nods] Ask them to come in.MRS. MILER opens the door wide, says "Come in," and goes. MRS.FULLARTON is accompanied not by FULLARTON, but by the lawyer, TWISDON. They come in.MRS. FU 2024-4-23
145 CLARE. Go away! Go away!MRS. FULLARTON. Love!--you said!CLARE. [Quivering at that stab-suddenly] I must--I will keep him.He's all I've got.MRS. FULLARTON. Can you--can you keep him? CLARE. Go!MRS. FULLARTON. I'm going. But, men are hard to keep, even w 2024-4-23
146 ARNAUD'S eyebrows rise, the corners of his mouth droop. A Lady with bare shoulders, and crimson roses in her hair, comes along the corridor, and stops for a second at the window, for a man to join her. They come through into the room. ARNAUD has sprung t 2024-4-23
147 YOUNG MAN. The wine, quick.ARNAUD. At once, Sare.YOUNG MAN. [Abruptly] Don't you ever go racing, then?CLARE. No.[ARNAUD pours out champagne] YOUNG MAN. I remember awfully well my first day. It was pretty thick--lost every blessed bob, and my watch and ch 2024-4-23
148 YOUNG MAN. A peach?[ARNAUD brings peaches to the table]CLARE. [Smiling] Thank you.[He fills their gla.s.ses and retreats]CLARE. [Raising her gla.s.s] Eat and drink, for tomorrow we--Listen! From the supper-party comes the sound of an abortive chorus: "Wi 2024-4-23
149 THE PIGEON A Fantasy in Three Acts PERSONS OF THE PLAY CHRISTOPHER WELLWYN, an artist ANN, his daughter GUINEVERE MEGAN, a flower-seller RORY MEGAN, her husband FERRAND, an alien TIMSON, once a cabman EDWARD BERTLEY, a Canon ALFRED CALWAY, a Professor SIR 2024-4-23
150 ANN. Where?WELLWYN. Just on the Embankment.ANN. Of course! Daddy, you know the Embankment ones are always rotters.WELLWYN. Yes, my dear; but this wasn't.ANN. Did you give him your card? WELLWYN. I--I--don't ANN. Did you, Daddy?WELLWYN. I'm rather afrai 2024-4-23
151 [She comes in stolidly, a Sphinx-like figure, with her pretty tragic little face.]WELLWYN. I don't remember you. [Looking closer.] Yes, I do. Only-- you weren't the same-were you?MRS. MEGAN. [Dully.] I seen trouble since.WELLWYN. Trouble! Have some tea? 2024-4-23
152 WELLWYN. I see. And when he's not flying it, what does he do?MRS. MEGAN. [Touching her basket.] Same as me. Other jobs tires 'im.WELLWYN. That's very nice! [He checks himself.] Well, what am I to do with you?MRS. MEGAN. Of course, I could get me night 2024-4-23
153 FERRAND. I 'ave a little the rheumatism.WELLWYN. Wet through, of course! [Glancing towards the house.] Wait a bit! I wonder if you'd like these trousers; they've--er--they're not quite---- [He pa.s.ses through the door into the house. FERRAND stands a 2024-4-23
154 WELLWYN. [Still dubiously.] You--you're sure you've everything you want?FERRAND. [Bowing.] 'Mais oui, Monsieur'.WELLWYN. I don't know what I can do by staying.FERRAND. There is nothing you can do, Monsieur. Have confidence in me.WELLWYN. Well-keep th 2024-4-23
155 FERRAND. I am an interpreter.MRS. MEGAN. You ain't very busy, are you?FERRAND. [With dignity.] At present I am resting.MRS. MEGAN. [Looking at him and smiling.] How did you and 'im come here?FERRAND. Ma'moiselle, we would ask you the same question. MRS 2024-4-23
156 WELLWYN. Um![They look at TIMSON. Then ANN goes back to the door, and WELLWYN follows her.]ANN. [Turning.] I'm going round now, Daddy, to ask Professor Calway what we're to do with that Ferrand.WELLWYN. Oh! One each! I wonder if they'll like it.ANN. Th 2024-4-23
157 TIMSON. [Reluctantly.] It so 'appens, you advanced me to-day's yesterday.WELLWYN. Then I suppose you want to-morrow's?TIMSON. Well, I 'ad to spend it, lookin' for a permanent job. When you've got to do with 'orses, you can't neglect the publics, o 2024-4-23
158 ANN. [Blankly.] Oh! [As WELLWYN strikes a match.] The samovar is lighted. [Taking up the nearly empty decanter of rum and going to the cupboard.] It's all right. He won't.WELLWYN. We'll hope not.[He turns back to his picture.]ANN. [At the cupboard.] Da 2024-4-23
159 [While Ann sits down to make tea, he goes to the door and opens it. There, dressed in an ulster, stands a thin, clean-shaved man, with a little hollow sucked into either cheek, who, taking off a grey squash hat, discloses a majestically bald forehead, whi 2024-4-23
160 ANN. You'd better open the door, Daddy.[WELLWYN opens the door. SIR, THOMAS HOXTON is disclosed in a fur overcoat and top hat. His square, well-coloured face is remarkable for a ma.s.sive jaw, dominating all that comes above it. His Voice is resolute.]HO 2024-4-23
161 MEGAN. [After scrutiny.] I seen her look like it--once.WELLWYN. Good! When was that?MEGAN. [Stoically.] When she 'ad the measles.[He drinks.]WELLWYN. [Ruminating.] I see--yes. I quite see feveris.h.!.+ BERTLEY. My dear WELLWYN, let me--[To, MEGAN.] Now, 2024-4-23
162 TIMSON. [Extremely unsteady.] Just cause and impejiment. There 'e stands. [He points to FERRAND.] The crimson foreigner! The mockin'jay!WELLWYN. Timson!TIMSON. You're a gen'leman--I'm aweer o' that but I must speak the truth--[he waves his hand] an 2024-4-23
163 BERTLEY. But suppose I can induce your husband to forgive you, and take you back?MRS. MEGAN. [Shaking her head.] 'E'd 'it me.BERTLEY. I said to forgive.MRS. MEGAN. That wouldn't make no difference. [With a flash at BERTLEY.] An' I ain't forgiven him 2024-4-23
164 Why do you let things lie about in the street like this? Look here, Wellyn![They all scrutinize TIMSON.]WELLWYN. It's only the old fellow whose reform you were discussing.HOXTON. How did he come here?CONSTABLE. Drunk, sir. [Ascertaining TIMSON to be in t 2024-4-23
165 WELLWYN. Ah! [Abstractedly feeling in his pockets, and finding coins.] Thanks--thanks--heavy work, I'm afraid.H'MAN. [Receiving the coins--a little surprised and a good deal pleased.] Thank'ee, sir. Much obliged, I'm sure. We'll 'ave to come back fo 2024-4-23
166 BERTLEY. And yet! Some good in the old fellow, no doubt, if one could put one's finger on it. [Preparing to go.] You'll let us know, then, when you're settled. What was the address? [WELLWYN takes out and hands him a card.] Ah! yes. Good-bye, Ann.Good- 2024-4-23
167 FERRAND. [Earnestly.] Monsieur, do you know this? You are the sole being that can do us good--we hopeless ones.WELLWYN. [Shaking his head.] Not a bit of it; I'm hopeless too.FERRAND. [Eagerly.] Monsieur, it is just that. You understand.When we are with y 2024-4-23
168 WELLWYN. Ah, yes I know.MRS. MEGAN. I didn't seem no good to meself nor any one. But when I got in the water, I didn't want to any more. It was cold in there.WELLWYN. Have you been having such a bad time of it?MRS. MEGAN. Yes. And listenin' to him upse 2024-4-23
169 CONSTABLE. Come, sir, come! Be a man![Throughout all this MRS. MEGAN has sat stolidly before the fire, but as FERRAND suddenly steps forward she looks up at him.]FERRAND. Do not grieve, Monsieur! This will give her courage.There is nothing that gives more 2024-4-23
170 [Simultaneously they place their lips smartly against the liquor, and at once let fall their faces and their gla.s.ses.]CHIEF HUMBLE-MAN. [With great solemnity.] Crikey! Bill! Tea!. . . . 'E's got us![The stage is blotted dark.]Curtain. THE END THE MOB 2024-4-23
171 MENDIP. Go into that philosophy of yours a little deeper, Stephen-- it spells stagnation. There are no fixed stars on this earth.Nations can't let each other alone.MORE. Big ones could let little ones alone.MENDIP. If they could there'd be no big ones. 2024-4-23
172 SIR JOHN. What in G.o.d's name is your idea? We've forborne long enough, in all conscience.MORE. Sir John, we great Powers have got to change our ways in dealing with weaker nations. The very dogs can give us lessons-- watch a big dog with a little one. 2024-4-23
173 And poor Helen, and Father! I beg you not to make this speech.MORE. Kit! This isn't fair. Do you want me to feel myself a cur?KATHERINE. [Breathless] I--I--almost feel you'll be a cur to do it [She looks at him, frightened by her own words. Then, as the 2024-4-23
174 OLIVE. I can. [Wheedling] If you pay them, Mummy, they're sure to play another.KATHERINE. Well, give them that! One more only.She gives OLIVE a coin, who runs with it to the bay window, opens the aide cas.e.m.e.nt, and calls to the musicians.OLIVE. Catch 2024-4-23
175 KATHERINE. I think that is just what he might be. [Going to the window] We shall know soon.[SIR JOHN, after staring at her, goes up to HUBERT.]SIR JOHN. Keep a good heart, my boy. The country's first. [They exchange a hand-squeeze.]KATHERINE backs away f 2024-4-23
176 WREFORD. [A broad faced soldier, dressed in khaki with a certain look of dry humour, now dimmed-speaking with a West Country burr]That's right, zurr; all's ready.HELEN has come out of the window, and is quietly looking at WREFORD and the girl standing t 2024-4-23
177 KATHERINE. No, dear.OLIVE. That's lucky for them, isn't it?HUBERT comes in. The presence of the child give him self-control.HUBERT. Well, old girl, it's good-bye. [To OLIVE] What shall I bring you back, chick?OLIVE. Are there shops at the front? I thou 2024-4-23
178 SHELDER. We've come with the friendliest feelings, Mrs. More--but, you know, it won't do, this sort of thing!WACE. We shall be able to smooth him down. Oh! surely.BANNING. We'd be best perhaps not to mention about his knowing that fighting had begun.[A 2024-4-23
179 MORE. Is it?BANNING. Ah! no, but we don't want to part with you, Mr. More.It's a bitter thing, this, after three elections. Look at the 'uman side of it! To speak ill of your country when there's been a disaster like this terrible business in the Pa.s 2024-4-23
180 MORE. [Flinging up his head] That's reality! By Heaven! No!KATHERINE. Oh!SHELDER. In that case, we'll go.BANNING. You mean it? You lose us, then![MORE bows.] HOME. Good riddance! [Venomously--his eyes darting between MORE and KATHERINE] Go and stump the 2024-4-23
181 MORE. You shall have it in a nutsh.e.l.l!A s...o...b..Y. [Flinging a walnut-sh.e.l.l which strikes MORE on the shoulder] Here y'are!MORE. Go home, and think! If foreigners invaded us, wouldn't you be fighting tooth and nail like those tribesmen, out the 2024-4-23
182 Two flung stones strike MORE. He staggers and nearly falls, then rights himself.A GIRL'S VOICE. Shame!FRIENDLY VOICE. Bravo, More! Stick to it!A ROUGH. Give 'im another!A VOICE. No! A GIRL'S VOICE. Let 'im alone! Come on, Billy, this ain't no fun!Sti 2024-4-23
183 KATHERINE. [Putting away the letters] Come, Olive!OLIVE. But what are they?KATHERINE. Daddy means that he's been very unhappy.OLIVE. Have you, too?KATHERINE. Yes. OLIVE. [Cheerfully] So have I. May I open the window?KATHERINE. No; you'll let the mist in 2024-4-23
184 HELEN. You didn't hear that cry. [She listens] That's Stephen.Forgive me, Kit; I oughtn't to have upset you, but I couldn't help coming.She goes out, KATHERINE, into whom her emotion seems to have pa.s.sed, turns feverishly to the window, throws it op 2024-4-23
185 KATHERINE. For G.o.d's sake, Stephen!MORE. You!--of all people--you!KATHERINE. Stephen![For a moment MORE yields utterly, then shrinks back.]MORE. A bargain! It's selling my soul! He struggles out of her arms, gets up, and stands without speaking, stari 2024-4-23
186 MORE. Thanks! I'll see that Katherine and Olive go.MENDIP. Go with them! If your cause is lost, that's no reason why you should be.MORE. There's the comfort of not running away. And--I want comfort.MENDIP. This is bad, Stephen; bad, foolish--foolish. W 2024-4-23
187 MORE. Chose!SIR JOHN. You placed yourself in opposition to every feeling in her.You knew this might come. It may come again with another of my sons.MORE. I would willingly change places with any one of them.SIR JOHN. Yes--I can believe in your unhappiness 2024-4-23
188 Kit! Do see!KATHERINE. I'm strangled here! Doing nothing--sitting silent--when my brothers are fighting, and being killed. I shall try to go out nursing. Helen will come with me. I have my faith, too; my poor common love of country. I can't stay here wi 2024-4-23
190 The Fourth Series Plays, Complete.by John Galsworthy.A BIT O' LOVE PERSONS OF THE PLAY MICHAEL STRANGWAY BEATRICE STRANGWAY MRS. BRADMERE JIM BERE JACK CREMER MRS. BURLACOMBE BURLACOMBE TRUSTAFORD JARLAND CLYST FREMAN G.o.dLEIGH SOL POTTER MORSE, AND OTH 2024-4-23
191 [MERCY kicks her viciously and sobs. STRANGWAY comes from the door, looks at MERCY sobbing, and suddenly clasps his head. The girls watch him with a queer mixture of wonder, alarm, and disapproval.]GLADYS. [Whispering] Don't cry, Mercy. Bobbie'll soon c 2024-4-23
192 MRS. BURLACOMBE. Whatever she been duin'? Havin' kittens?JIM. No. She'm lost.MRS. BURLACOMBE. Dearie me! Aw! she'm not lost. Cats be like maids; they must get out a bit.JIM. She'm lost. Maybe he'll know where she'll be.MRS. BURLACOMBE. Well, well. 2024-4-23
193 STRANGWAY. No; going fast: Wonderful--so patient.MRS. BRADMERE. [With gruff sympathy] Um! Yes. They know how to die! [Wide another sharp look at him] D'you expect your wife soon?STRANGWAY. I I--hope so.MRS. BRADMERE: So do I. The sooner the better.STRANG 2024-4-23
194 [Getting no reply from Tibby JARLAND, she pa.s.ses out. Tibby comes in, looks round, takes a large sweet out of her mouth, contemplates it, and puts it back again. Then, in a perfunctory and very stolid fas.h.i.+on, she looks about the floor, as if she ha 2024-4-23
195 BEATRICE. [Recovering her pride] What are you going to do, then?Keep us apart by the threat of a divorce? Starve us and prison us?Cage me up here with you? I'm not brute enough to ruin him.STRANGWAY. Heaven!BEATRICE. I never really stopped loving him. I 2024-4-23
196 CREMER. Yes, zurr. [A quiver pa.s.ses over his face.]STRANGWAY. She didn't. Your wife was a brave woman. A dear woman.CREMER. I never thought to luse 'er. She never told me 'ow bad she was, afore she tuk to 'er bed. 'Tis a dreadful thing to luse a wi 2024-4-23
197 MRS. BRADMERE. Evening, Mr. Trustaford. [To BURLACOMBE]Burlacombe, tell your wife that duck she sent up was in hard training.[With one of her grim winks, and a nod, she goes.]TRUSTAFORD. [Replacing a hat which is black, hard, and not very new, on his long 2024-4-23
198 CLYST. [Moving for the cider] Aw, indade!G.o.dLEIGH. No tale, no cider!CLYST. Did ye ever year tell of Orphus?TRUSTAFORD. What? The old vet. up to Drayleigh?CLYST. Fegs, no; Orphus that lived in th' old time, an' drawed the bastes after un wi' his musi 2024-4-23
199 G.o.dLEIGH. "His 'eart She 'ath Vorgot!"FREMAN. 'E's a fine one to be tachin' our maids convirmation.G.o.dLEIGH. Would ye 'ave it the old Rector then? Wi' 'is gouty shoe?Rackon the maids wid rather 'twas curate; eh, Mr. Burlacombe?BURLACOMBE. [ 2024-4-23
200 [Excitedly gathering at the window, they all speak at once.]CLYST. Tam's hatchin' of yure cuc.u.mbers, Mr. G.o.dleigh.TRUSTAFORD. 'E did crash; haw, haw!FREMAN. 'Twas a brave throw, zurely. Whu wid a' thought it?CLYST. Tam's crawlin' out. [Leaning 2024-4-23
201 [Voice from the dumb-as-Etches: "Mr. Trustaford 'e's right."]FREMAN. What I zay is the chairman ought never to 'ave vacated the chair till I'd risen on my point of order. I purpose that he goo and zet down again.G.o.dLEIGH. Yu can't purpose that to 2024-4-23
202 please to come quick.JARLAND. Come on, mates; quietly now![He goes out, and all begin to follow him.]MORSE. [Slowest, save for SOL POTTER] 'Tes rare lucky us was all agreed to hiss the curate afore us began the botherin' old meetin', or us widn' 'ard 2024-4-23
203 STRANGWAY. What I did to Tam Jarland is not the real cause of what you're doing, is it? I understand. But don't be troubled. It's all over. I'm going--you'll get some one better. Forgive me, Jarland.I can't see your face--it's very dark.FREMAN'S V 2024-4-23
204 [Noting the overcoat and hat on the window-sill she moves across to ring the bell. But as she does so, MRS. BURLACOMBE, followed by BURLACOMBE, comes in from the house.]MRS. BRADMERE This disgraceful business! Where's Mr. Strangway? I see he's in.MRS. B 2024-4-23
205 But come! Live it down![With anger growing at his silence]Live it down, man! You can't desert your post--and let these villagers do what they like with us? Do you realize that you're letting a woman, who has treated you abominably;--yes, abominably --go 2024-4-23
206 CONNIE. Mercy, don't! Mrs. Burlacombe'll hear. Ivy, go an' peek.[Ivy goes to flee side door and peers through.]CLYST. [Abandoning the chase and picking up an apple--they all have the joyous irresponsibility that attends forbidden doings] Ya-as, this is 2024-4-23