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GESCHENK VAN DEN HEER A. J. VAN HUFFEL DEN HAAG.
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2289 9139



"STRAIGHT OUT"
BY
JAN FABRICIUS
ADAPTED BY
A. P. PEACOCK
L. A. DICKHOFF |r. - THE HAGUE



ERRATA
Page 23 line 2 for he, read she.
-„ 33 „ 1 „ year, „ years.
„ 35 „ 8 „ you, „ your.
„ 48 „ 14 „ mouth, „ month.
„ 50 „ 10 „ ohe, „ she.
„ 56 „ 6 „ an, „ and.
58 „ 10 „ Certamley, „ Certainly.
63 „ 6 „ sacastically, „ sarcastically.
„ 66 „22 „ as, „ us.
„ 67 ., 23 „ pf, o*-
71 „ 19 „ Assocition, „ Association.
„ 87 „ 1 „ pour, „ par.
94 „ 10 „ breached, „ breeched.
„124 „22 „ langhed, „ laughed.
„ 133 „ 7 „ call, „ all.
145 „20 „ whilskey, „ whiskey.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
THIS BOOK IS PRINTED BY DRUKKERII LEVISSON, THE HAOUE, WITH OLGA-TYPE OF lOH. ENSCHEDÉ & ZONEN AT HAARLEM (HOLLAND)



|AN FABRICIUS






PREFACE
|an Fabricius, the popular Dutch Dramatist, is a Personality well worth studying. He is emphatically a self-made man; but a self-made man in the field of intellect. There is nothing about him to connect him with the parvenu, the self-made man of commerce or the Stock-Exchange. By his own will-power alone he has raised himself from the position of carpenter's boy to that of the most popular and successful Dramatic Author among his own contrymen.
It was with a feeling of pride for the honour done me mingled with fear for my capabilities, that I accepted his editor's proposal to translate his works into Ënglish. That I can give them their full value as written in his clear, sharp style in his mother-tongue is of course almost impossible; but I believe that even in my modest renderings the Genius of the man will appear.
Bom in the year 1871 at Assen (Holland), the young Fabricius enjoyed none of the advantages of Public School or University training. At an early age he had to begin to work for his living. But then, young as he was, his determination to improve himself by every means in his power was clearly shown. Not content with the learning acquired in the Elementary School, he began to teach himself French — to go to Paris was the dream of his boyhood — and lost his first job, that of carpenter's boy, through insisting on using the newly planed boards for his French exercises.



The love of letters was always strong within him, and, as he says in his dry humour, he took the first step towards them by entering a printing office as Printer's Devil. Then, ever striving upward, he worked his way from printer's devil to compositor, reporter, sub-editor, editor.
To show how popular he is in his own country, 1 may mention that I have before me a copy of the "Nieuwe Courant" of 28th. February 1915, in which his plays are advertized to be given in no less than three different Theatres on the same evening.
Mr. Fabricius was for many years in |ava, and knows the Dutch Indies and Singapore through and throughs thus he gives true local colour to all his works, when the scène is laid in the East; and this is in connection with his strong characterization, carries a wonderful conviction with it.
1 am convinced that when his works are known in England he will be equally popular with my countrymen as with his own.
A. PHILIP PEACOCK.



DRAMATIS PERSON/E.
William Strong. Dolly, his wife. Dieuwke Eylinga. Mary, her little sister. H a r d i u s, a Bank manager. Kraneck, a Stock-broker.
Koert Fa Ik, a private in the Dutch Indian army. Steven Tysen, a missionary. Louis Volders. Van Buuren.
The scène is laid in Batavia (Netherlands-lndia). Time — the present.



Closer description of the characters.
WilliamStrong. Robust, of muscular buiW. Verycalm, completelly governing himself unde,: near y every circumstance. Ruddy, noJ ,c^rjJ f^ns Atóough his sharply outlined head betokens a f.rrrt wi l and greatintelligence; he is more or less awkward m hts movements in society. From t.me to tmne he undèrlines the sharpness of a remark by d.rectong a pTerc Sriightning - quick, look at the person to whom he is speaking. Immediately thereafter h,s face resumés its usual, consciously calm, appearance. Somet.mes in he Sle of a conversation he jumps up suddenly, and walts up and down without however losmg any of his outward calm. The one s.ngle t.me that hs passion masters him, a dreadful srme .s seenon lus face. He has a deep, strong vo.ce; h.s words often fa l on the ear like the regular blows of a sledge-hammer.
Dolly. A pretty brunette - passionate - with the manners of a village shop-girl.
Di e U W k e (pronounced |uka). A simply gracieus lady. Very beautiful.
M a r y. Hair down her back; piquante face. Strongwilled.
Hardius. 'Distingué' - Intelligent face. High forehead. Firm look. Even in his conversations with



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Strong he is under all circumstances — a gentleman Never for a moment does he lose the appearance of a' most polite, energetic man, accustomed to command.
Kraneck. Irreproachably dressed in the latest fashion. An old young man. Foppish moustache. When from time to time he gives utterance to a short, dry, laugh, neither face nor eyes take part in it. A crafty business-man.
Koert Falk (pronounced Coort — with the 'oo' as in 'soon' — Follük). In appearance and behaviour a man of undeniably good family. When drunk, a continuous but stereotyped smile passes over his lips, with which he tries to hide his condition.
Steven. A man 'serving the Lord with gladness'. His eyes sparkle behind his gold spectacles. Clean shaven.
Louis Volders. Lower-middleclass Don |uan.
Van Buuren. Middle-aged. Weak. A look of care on his face.






ACT I.
Scène. — The front veranda of a bungalow in Batavia (Dutch-Indies) seen from the high-road. From this side the visitors enter. On either side of this entrance, which can be closed by drawing the curtains that meet in the middle is a palm-tree in a tub. In the middle background a high Venetian folding door stands wide open, above which is a square opening of the same width, with Venetian blind. Right and left of the door, windows, the Venetian shutters of which are open, so that one can clearly see the inside veranda behind, in the centre of which background is a passage, through which the garden is visible. In the middle of the wall to the right the same sort of door as in the back, of wfiich also the Venetian shutters are open, but the inner glass-doors (covered with curtains) are shut. The wall right, the back, the back of the inside veranda and the ceiling are white. The walls in the front veranda are scantily but tastefully hung with a few brackets (on which flowers) and paper 'swallows', which last are pinned to the wall in a graceful curve. Left front, a large round marble table surrounded by chairs. Left corner front, a hatrack. Right front, a set of cane furniture. Electric crown lamp over both tables. Right back, obliquely in the corner, a long cane chair. The curtains left are opened wide. The appartment has a snow white appearance.



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Strong (in white trousers and buttoned-up white coat, black stockings and patent leather shoes. A handkerchief hangs out of his right hand coat pocket, with which he now and then wipes his forehead. He is standing on a chair pinning a swallow to the wall. He takes a couple of steps backward and looks at his work, whistling the while. Takes a fan from the table right, steps on the chair and nails that to the wall Then he takes the chair with him to the middle of the room and sits astride leaning his arms on lts back, and looks at his work, singing sottly: -)
1've follow'd many a devious track, Crossed over many a sea.
(He picks his chair up again, rummages amongstthe ornaments on the table; takes a hammer in his hand).
Steven (enters from left and stands by the entrance. He wears a frock coat and ordinary soft black hat).
Strong (examines the ornaments one after the other while he continues to sing Verhulst's ballad).
My purse is light, my face tann'd black, A threadbare coat is on my back, But 1, praise God, am true old jack, And bring my heart with me, And bring my heart.... (he sees Steven).
Steven. Good morning.
Strong. (Waves his hammer above hs head).



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Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath Day!
Steven. Why do you profane it?
Strong. Is it profanation to discipline myself with a* text from the Bible?
Steven. If in joke — yes.
Strong. Steven, reverend sky-pilot and Padre, 1 feel just like throwing any thing really holy out of my house.... but that does not affect you. So sit down, man!
Steven. (Hangs his hat on the rack, on the side next the audience.) Wil!, 1 dont know you for yourself (goes as he speaks to table left, lays down his prayer book, and rubs his glasses).
Strong. Just out of Church?
Steven. Just out of Church.
Strong. Then fasten your attention on earthly things now. You see that rubbish there? (Points to table right.)
Steven (nods).
Strong. And that wall?
Steven. Yes — without my glasses.
Stronjg. You understand I am not making that so fine for nothing?



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Steven. I understand it is being made beautiful in honour of Dolly's advent as Mrs William Strong.
Strong. Just so. But you did not know that Dolly was already on her way here.
Steven. What?
Strong. She went on board at Amsterdam yesterday. Sit down, man!
Steven. Oh!! (sits down) Yes ? then I quite understand your being so lively.
Strong. (Leans with half his body over the table towards Steven.) Between you and me — between you and me and the bed-post — my wife is going to have a real good time with me. But if you mention it to anyone, even in a whisper, I'll shy a cobble stone through the windows of your go-to-meeting house!
Steven. So Dolly will be with you in four weeks' time ?
Strong. Next month she may be here! Yes; (puiling out a letter) here it iswritten down in this letter. In this lovely letter, full of mistakes in spelling and grammar.
Steven. Teil you what! a totally different life is dawning for you, old friend.



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Strong. A different life? Home life has only just begun. Not that I regret the five years I lived in Mrs Eylinga's pavilion. The dear old lady and her daughters, Dieuwke and Mary, made those years pleasant enough. But what is going to be now is quite another thing.
Steven. Mrs Eylinga will miss you. You were the only one who had any control over her little Mary.
Strong. Yes — A strange child, Mary — A little rough....
Steven. Much too rough!
Strong. You should have known ber sister Dieuwke! She is one degree worse. When she went to Holland.... for her education, ha! ha!.... she promised me a basting when she came back after a year or two.... She is coming back very soon, I hear. ( shall be curious to see what they have made of her in Holland!
Steven. How old are the girls ?
Strong. Oh.... a pair of children yet....
Steven. Come, I say? Children? How old is Mary? Fifteen or sixteen?



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Strong. Something like that.... yes. And Dieuwke... let's see... she was eighteen when I saw her last, and she's been three years away, so that impudent baggage is now one or two and twenty! And, would you believe it, if she rushed in here at this moment, it would not be two minutes before she was sitting on one of my knees and Mary on the other.
Steven. You naturally don't see so much of Mary now as when you were living in her mother's pavilion.
Strong. Oh yes; she comes here every day.
Steven. With her lessons still?
Strong. With her exercises — yes. Yes I help her with them yet faithfully. That's why she still calls me "Master"! It happens sometimes naturally that she comes to me with things that I am not quite up to, for they teach such a lot of 'poppy-cock' at school; but still she is not contented till I have told her that it seems to me to be all right.
Stevens. It is a pity the child is so passionate.



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Strong. Yes; that seems to run in the blood of both of them.
Steven. (Standing up and looking at the walls.) She is, indeed, a strange child.
Strong. I've hung up new birds all over.
(He points to the door right). Only in that room
there will be nothing done. That is to be Dolly's own boudoir.
Steven. For herself alone?
Strong. Yes, that is her sanctum.
Steven. Is that any reason not to do anything to it?
Strong. Yes; she must do it up herself.
Steven. That's one way of looking at it!
Strong. You mustn't put a house in order all over for your wife. You must leave her something to do for herself.
Steven. I can quite imagine your longing for next mouth.
Strong. Dry up, old man. Why I actually sang this morning.
Steven. You were still doing so when I came in.
Strong. Well keep your mouth shut about



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it, but... (restraining himself) I can hardly believe yet that she is to be here so soon as my own little wife. 1 hardly dare say the word yet!
Steven. When 1 think how you, the former blacksmith's lad, have worked all these years you have been in the Indies — how you have studied night and day and risen higher and higher — Good Gracious! — I ask myself: — who could have conceived, when we left the village school together, that you....
Strong. "Red Bill".
Steven. (Smiling.) Yes - "Red Bill"! That Red Bill would ever work himself up to such a place in society!
Strong. And you, then? The terror of the whole neighbourhood! "Steven-theHighlander". Remember ?
Steven. (Nods and laughs.) Ha-ha-ha!
Strong. Who before daybreakon Sunday went out with me to steal apples from the puritanical parson's garden.
Steven. Yes — Scandalous!
Strong. And whom the catechistdeclared a heathen because he had swopped his New



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Testament away for half an ounce of black shag.
Steven. Oh shut up !
Strong. 'Who-could -have-conceived' that that unparallelled ne'er-do-weel would be sitting in my house in such a slap-up coat wiping his specs — the gold giglamps of Steven-the-Highlander!
Steven. Oh dear, oh dear! Strong. Dolly ought to see us together like this, just for once!
Steven. Black and White. Strong. Kwik and Kwak. Steven. She would look surprised.
Strong. Here's something will make you look surprised! Just read this letter.
Steven. From whom?
Strong. Fawkner and Co.
Steven. From your Directors ?
Strong. Just read it.
Steven, (reads) "The Board have great pleasure in informing Mr Strong that they value his extraordinary energy very highly and have decided to reward the exemplary



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marmer in which he does his duty by increasing his salary from this date by (looking at Strong) a hundred guilders a month." I'm delighted at that, Will - delighted!
Strong. I've not accepted it.
Steven. Not what?
Strong. I've refused.
Steven. Refused!
Strong. I went with this letter to the Manager, Mr Fawkner, and says I: "May I make a counter offer?" "Certainly" says he.... "Them I propose", says I, "that you reduce my salary.... Iets say fifty guilders a month...."
Steven. Reduce....
Strong. "....butthat you promise me that in a year, two years, three years — how long does not matter — I shall be adjunct' Manager."
Steven. And then ?
Strong. He could not consider it even in principle.
Steven. And then?
Strong. Then — i threw up my position.



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Steven. (Standing up.) That was — that was — gross ingratitude!
Strong. I will be what 1 can be. Not so much to be it, as to prevent other people from stopping me.
Steven. How — hard — you — are!
Strong. If the knife must be used, I use it.
Steven. Ah, yes; that I appreciate in you! I should be very ungrateful if I did not acknowledge that when you use the knife a right good surgeon is at work. I have often feit my task — as an unsupported parson — too weighty for my weak powers. I have even been a waverer, Will! And who was it then that kept me straight? Who took me by the shoulders and shook me wide awake, setting the feet of the doubter once more on firm ground? Who was it?
Strong. (Smiling.) From the way you ask, people would say it was me.
Steven. (Eamestly.) So they would — and rightly. Sometimes I have been unable to draw from my sacred faith the great force that is necessary to overcome great difficulties. Then I have come to you — to you,



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who say you are a freethinker. Then has my heart been afraid, for I knew, when I came to you, you would shatter something 1 had considered fine. But my unrest drove me to you. And then you did shatter — piece after piece! At first it seemed to me as if you had made up your mind to annihilate me with your words.
Strong. (Smiling.) If you want to putanyone straight, you must catch tight hold of him. or he will slip through your fingers again.
Steven. But just when 1 have thought that I had nothing left - that I had lost everything — with a single word you have started me in an entirely new direction.
Strong. I just took you by the ears and shoved you in your own direction. (Smiling) And if I sometimes hurt you — well you know — Will Strong (setting his teeth) likes the shortest way — he goes straight out!
Steven. When you have 'shoved me straight out' as you express it, everything has been bright again, and I have been at perfect peace. If you hurt me I knew it was for my good. — But here in this case of your Manager, there was no reason to hurt



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anyone. In this case you have given pain to one whose intentions towards you were good and kind. The question in this case was your interest — your interest, your own interest and not that of anyone else!
Strong. That is no reason why I should not do my best for it.
Steven. Of course not. But if everthere was occasion for you to handle a business some what less hardly this was it.
Strong. We understood one another best so — and besides, if I had said anything else than what I meant — oh, if you do shake your head, it comes to the same thing — anything but what I meant, it would have troubled me more than repulsing him pointblank. I would rather quarrel with some one else than with myself.
Steven. And what are you going to do now?
Strong. Haven't an idea. Wait and see. Steven. Indeed?
Strong. Mr Hardius is coming to see me by and by, he has just telephoned me. Steven. Eh! The Great Hardius! And



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why should he come to see you? one might ask.
Strong. (Shrugging his shoulders.) He thinks in millions, and he and his Bank are interested in so many things, that I shan't tire myself with guessing.
Steven. I wonder what he wants with you.
Strong. All I know is that Van Buuren is coming with him.
Steven. Which Van Buuren? The lawyer?
Strong. No; the Manager of the Electric Railway. - Well yes - the Manager! He will have nothing to say of course, because (gayly) Mr Hardius is his Managing Director.
Steven. That tells everything.
Strong. Ha, ha! Yes!
Steven. It is a good thing Dolly is not here yet.
Strong. Why ? - Are you uneasy ?
Steven. About you? - The idea never entered my head. But she might make herself uneasy about you.
Strong. Not a bit of it! We know each other too well.



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Steven. That'» true. She knows what he has in you, and besides she is of a pretty cheerful nature.
Strong. Yes. - What a little devil she was, eh! When she was in that haberdasher's shop, l just about ruined myself buying neckties. But that's not opening my mouth very wide for I had the whole sum of seven guilders a week then. But I stuck fast to a new necktie every Saturday evening — never missed one! Good God! that's nó more than five years ago!
Steven. (Nods reflectively.) You've not seen one another in those five years. There's a big alteration come in you.
Strong. (Sharply.) There's not the slightest alteration in me!
Steven. Oh come, I say!
Strong. What I want now, I wanted ten years ago; and what f wanted ten years ago, I want now.
Steven. Oh, I know — you want to rise! Always to rise!
Strong. To remain what I am is what I want! Precisely the same! I am simply carrying out my programme.



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Steven. Your — programme?
Strong. I drew that up some years ago. I went out one good Sunday morning, and bought sixpen'orth of cigars — at four for three pence; remember 'em ?
Steven. I do! At least six of them must be speckled, or we would not have them!
Strong. Then I took a bit of a walk past the forge and saw old-man Beukers standing there. Just a few days before they had treated him to a big supper, because he had been employed in the forge for forty years.
Steven. I remember old-man Beukers.
Strong. Forty years at the works. The old fellow simply could not keep away from them. Sundays or week-days he had to have a look at the forge. He had become a part of the works. In the course of years he had actually taken on the colour of the works — grizzled, grey, and grimy. The old man stood there with his warped back and crooked fingers doubled up against the dirty window-panes of the forge, looking in. At that moment I had a vision of myself there — an old man of sixty, standing before the



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works, with just such a bent back and bent fingers as old-man Beukers. Then I said out loud to myself "That be damned!"
Steven (frowns).
Strong. 1 went straight back home and said to father: "Dad, I've just made^ up a sort o' plan. In half-a-year's time I'm off out of the forge; in two years l'll wear a white shirt at my work; in ten years l'll be receving a salary for brain work!"
"Well, lad," said he; "seems to me now you're saying just how you would like it to be."
"Hold on" says 1; TH write it down for you." I wrote it down for him; and I assure you you never laid down the Book of Books with more holy earnestness than that with which he folded that paper up and hid it in his tobacco-box (much affected). It stayed in there till the day of his death.
Steven. (Presses his hand.) You can sometimes appear so pitilessly hard that it does one good to see the softer inner side of you for once.
Strong. (Continuing.) But l m no Streber, as the Germans say, I want no place that



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does not come to me by right. It is not for you alone I look 'Straight Out', but for myself too. I have never chosen a devious path. I wish (assuming with a smile Steven's manie' °f speech) to be measured with a judicial look.
Fa Ik (in full uniform of a private in the DutchIndian army, i. e, his heimet has a brass 'plume' and he wears galloons across his breast, enters during the last words hesitatingly. From the stiff way in which he holds himself one can see that he is drunk. He salutes).
Steven. Pardon — a visitor!
Strong. (Turning round.) Eh, what ? What do you want?
Fa Ik. Are you not Mr Strong? - Will Strong? (He glances at Steven.)
Strong. Yes, that's me. F a I k. (With a sidelong glance at Steven.) I should ' awfully like to speak to you.
Steven. l'll just go inside.
Strong. No; stay where you are.
Steven. No - certainly not (off through the door at back. He is seen passing behind the window right).
Fa Ik. (Selutes again.) I.... er....



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Strong. Make yourself at home. Have you a message?
Falk. (Taking off his heimet.) You evidently don't recognize me.
Strong. No — yes, one moment — No; that cannot be!
Falk. Koert Faik!
Strong. But Mr Falkl Good Lord, is it possible! Sit down. Let me take your hat.
Falk. Pardon, I prefer to keep hold of it (he sits down).
Strong. Good God! You given up the old effeminate life and become a soldier! (Sits down.)
Falk. Do me a favour, please.
Strong. With pleasure.... if I can.
Falk. (Stands at 'attention'.) Don't call me 'Mister'.
Strong. But, Mr Falk, L.. I cannot dq otherwise.
Falk. The rolls are reversed now, Mister Strong. (He sits down again.)
Strong. Excuse me. I'm simply sitting and staring at you.
Falk. Formerly in Holland you would



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never have thought to see me in a soldier's uniform.
Strong. Well — te speak the truth — No. I did not think you serious enough to be a soldier.
Falk. Nor 1.
Strong. (Noticing for the first time that he is drunk.) H'm.
Falk. But it is my own fault, I'm only a private.
Strong. (More coolly.) Have you been long a — a private?
Falk. Soldier? A good five months! But no common soldier! I've got a comfortable billet. That's sufficiënt.
Strong. Indeed — ah — yes.
Falk. I passed your house twice last week, but I did not dare to come in. You are now Le Grand Seigneur!
Strong. But you dared to come in this time?
Falk. There's luck in odd numbers! That's sufficiënt.
Strong. Yes, that's sufficiënt.



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Falk. I also used to know the Johnny who was with you here just now.
Strong. Yes ?
Falk. Yes — the tin sky-pilot.
Strong. H'm.
Falk. Yes, Stephen - the - Highlander!
Strong. He has remained a decent man, don't you think?
Falk. He gets in nobody's way.
Strong. No — he is not a nuisance to anyone.
Falk. He can't be - much too plebeian for that.
Strong. No, he can't! But — what does such a man as you actually know about him?
Falk. He's a little tin sky-pilot - that's sufficiënt.
Strong. H'm — yes.
Falk. I saw in the paper that you are married ?
Strong. Yes — yes I am married.
Falk. Might I pay my respects to M" Strong ?



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Strong. My wife is not here yet (looking blackly at Falk); and besides....
Falk. Pardon! Your wife and I used to be very good friends.
Strong. Shall 1 teil you something?
Falk. (Standing up.) Here!
Strong. You are drunk.
Falk. Pardon! That's not the right word. But I've had a drink — that's sufficiënt.
Strong. (Standing up.) I'll play with you with the cards on the table.
Falk. (Saluting bare-headed.) Yours truly, Koert Falk!
Strong. I am sorry to see you disgrace the uniform you wear in this manner, and if my father had not for twenty years Kept the garden tidy for your father....
Falk. I don't put on any frills about that.
Strong. No, there's no reason to put on frills about it — no reason at all. Still I beg you to let me finish my say, if it is only for the sake of those manners which you will not yet have quite lost.
Falk (salutes bare-headed).
Strong. I say — If your father had not



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for so many years been the support of my parents, I should fire you out of my door like a tramp.
Falk. That's sufficiënt. (Puts his heimet on.)
Strong. Send you away, I do; but at the same time I invite you to come back again when you are sober. I should like to talk to you, but not now. There is the door.
Falk. Sir, — my father's honour — —
Strong. Yes — I should not mention my father's honour, if I were you. Cood-bye.
Falk. (Holds ont his hand to Strong, who affects not to see it.) Sans rancune, Strong! You're the same old paving-stone! (Salutes.) Mr Strong, I have the honour of bidding you good-bye (goes to the door).
Mary (in simple white frock, with short skirt and short sleeves, low patent leather shoes, and soeks, without a hat, and carrying school-books and copybooks, enters from left).
Falk (stops halfway to the door, makes rightabout turn, and salutes Mary, who passes him with a nod. Falk off).
Mary (looks after Falk; then turns to Strong and j salutes him).
Strong. (Excitedly.) You little rogue! Hold your hand flatter! Flatter yet! (He goes to the



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door, and says in a trembling voice.) The beastly cad!
Mary. Who are you cross with now, Master ?
Strong. (Goes up to her, smiling.) People say I have a heart of stone, don't they? Mary. That's what they say.
Strong. I have no pity on any human being ?
' Mary. Not a bit.
Strong. I don't feel what other people feel.
Mary. That's it.
Strong. No one can stand me.
Mary (presses her lips together).
Strong. (Turns from her and rummages abstractedly amongst the ornaments on the table.) I say, that nobody can stand me!
Mary. (Takes him by the arms and turns him to her.) Have you coughed it all up, Ducky? Do you think it can matter a pin's prick to me, what they say? Didn't, I always stand up for you, as long as you lived in the cottage in our compound ?



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Strong. For five year, Mary.
Mary. Haven't I always asked you to help me with my work?
Strong. Always. But we have rows over the French.
Mary. Yes, we do have rows over the French.
Strong. And when your sister Dieuwke— that splendid counterpart of you — was at home three years ago, she and I used to have rows — but only over arithmetic, for — 1 didn't know much French then. Say — what are you giggling for?
Mary. You're always gassing about Dieuwke!
Strong. Well, and what then?
Mary. Well, that's why Tm giggling.
Strong. 1 don't see anything ridiculous in it.
Mary. There is nothing ridiculous in it. Strong. Then why are you laughing? Mary. I laugh 'cos I laugh. You need not always have a reason for it. Strong (shrugs his shouiders).



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Mary. Now do come here and help me a bit with my work. Have you a pencil for me?
Strong. (Hands her a pencil.) Here you are. Mary. Thanks. (Opens her copy-book.) What is a prose-writer?
Strong. (Sleepily.) That is a man who writes prose.
Mary. Yes, of course — but in French? Strong. Oh, French? Shall we try for once not to have a row?
Mary. Oh, do hurry up — a prose-writer? Strong. Un prosateur. Mary. (Writes.) Un prosateur. Strong. With an V.
Mary. Something new again (corrects it). — Now — gravitation?
Strong. L'attraction.
Mary. What a donkey! I knew that of myself.
Strong. I can quite believe that. Mary. (Irritably.) Well didn't I say so? What is 'to dispel melancholy'? Strong. Désennuyer.



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35
Mary. Désennuyer? that is 'to dispel' — I want 'to dispel melancholy' — 'it is calculated to dispel melancholy'.
Strong. That is — désennuyer.
Mary. All the same to me! 'the surrender' ?
Strong. La reddition. But all that lot you could have found in you dictionary.
Mary. Left it in school.
Strong. (Looking over her shoulder.) Now — what have you written ?
Mary. L'areddition — so you said, — Tapostrophe, a-r-r-e....
Strong. No, certainly not. Reddition; — la reddition.
Mary. (Throws her copy-book across the room.) Why couldn't you say so at first! 1 can't take such a messed up thing as that to school.
Strong. (Takes her by the arm.) Piek it up!
Mary. Leave go of me then!
Strong. Piek it up!
Mary. Ough I! You're hurting me.
Strong. Piek it up!
Mary (picks it up).



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Stro ng. Good. And now the sooner you are off the better I shall like it (sits down with his back to her).
Mary. I don't care a bit how grumpy you are. (Sits on his knee.) Are you cross with me?
Strong. Haven't you gone yet?
Mary. (Jumps off his knee.) Cross then! — 1 don't care! (Stops in the doorway — a short pause — then eagerly.) If I beg pardon, will it be all right?
Strong. (Calmly.) I should like you to do so once.
Mary. (Shrugs her shoulders — short pause — sits on his knee again.) It was beastly of me ! Is it all right now?
Strong. I thought we were chums, Mary.
Mary. And we jolly well are.
Strong. Listen, girlie, and get it well into that little head of yours, what I'm going to say — If you and Dieuwke don't alter your ways, both of you will suffer for it as long as you live. Say — why do you always laugh everytime I mention Dieuwke ?
Mary (rocks herself on his knee).



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37
Strong. Oh yes, that there's something brewing in this little noddle is easy enough to see; but 1 haven't the least idea which way the wind is going to blow.
Mary. Afraid ?
Strong. Yesjook! haven't I turned pale?
Mary. Come - l'll kiss it all away. (Kisses his cheek) There yöu are!
Strong. That's very nice.
Mary. Now its all straight between us again, isn't it ?
Strong. Yes - it must be so always. But there are some things you've got to break yourself of, Mary.
Mary. Yes?
Strong. Yes - you mustn't - er - sit on my knee like this. You are getting a big girl now.
Mary. (lumps off.) Oh, mayn't I do that anymore? Golly, what a big woman I must be getting! Oh, what do I care what I may or mayn't? dumps on his knee again and rumples his hair with her fingers.) I used to think you awful nice, but 1 don't now.
Strong. Have 1 altered then?



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Mary. Oh, course, I like you, You've got pluck at anyrate, I can't stand a funk. And then you never teil lies. But your getting married — that I think dégoutant.
Strong. (Laughing silently.) Dégoutant!,
Mary. Shall you kiss your wife when she is here!
Strong. Well, I rather think so — if she will let me.
Mary. Lordy! then you're going 'to make love'!
Strong. Perhaps. Should you think that so awful of me!
Mary. (Jumping from his knee.) Jiminy! I can't stand it. Then you're no better than all the other men. I can't understand what a woman like that wants! If a man 'made love' to me I'd spank his face.
Strong. Well now, fortunately you have plenty of time for that.
Mary. (Sitting on his knee again and playing with his hair.) Say, do you know, you're not exactly my ideal to marry.
Strong. No?
Mary (shakes her head).



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39
Dieuwke (in light walking-dress, has entered from left during the last words, to which she has stood listening; she now shuts her Japanese parasol with a rattle).
Strong. Hillo! Get up, Mary (takes a couple of steps towards Dieuwke).
Dieuwke. I beg your pardon, but is this Mr Strong's?
Strong. Quite right.
Dieuwke. Perhaps you are Mr Strong himself ?
Strong. Yes — please come in. Mary, run off to your mother with my respects.
Mary. Eh ? Must I go ?
Strong. (Casts a rebuking glance at her. Softly.) Mary!
Dieuwke. Mary, you just run home like the devil!
Strong (stares in astonishment at Dieuwke).
Mary. (Makes merry behind Strong's back and nods to Dieuwke, who ignores her.) That S right down mean of you both.
Strong. (More astonished than ever. He looks sharply at Dieuwke.) God Almighty!
Mary. (Dancing.) Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!



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Dieuwke (offers her hond to Strong who seizes it in both his).
B o t h (make a spontaneous movement as though they were going to kiss).
Strong. (Restraining himself.) Dieuwke! Where did you drop from?
Mary. You were going to kiss her! — Why don't you?
Strong (kisses her shyly on the cheek and they clasp hands silently).
Mary (waltzes round the room with outstretched arms).
Dieuwke. Do your guests always stand ? Strong. Sit down — sit down! My God! what a surprise for me!
Dieuwke. (To Mary.) Do you sit on men's knees yet?
Mary. Have you never sat on his knee?
Dieuwke. (Laughing.) I can't remember.
Strong. Come, girls, sit down.
A11 (sit down).
Strong. How is it you've come back so suddenly.... er.... Miss Eylinga? You were not to come before the autumn.



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41
Dieuwke. 'Miss Eylinga' was to returji in the autumn, but 'Miss Eylinga' got a chance of travelling with a nice family and so Miss Eylinga' came unexpectedly four months earlier.
Mary. Thats' how it is, 'Mister Strong'!
Strong. Shut up, Kid. (To Dieuwke.) May I still call you by your Christian name?
Dieuwke. What a question?
Mary. Course you mayl
Strong (throws a parrying glance at Mary).
Dieuwke. And.... how have you goft ón without me ali this time? You must have missed me awfully.
Strong. Good Lord! how beautiful you've grown!
Dieuwke. (To Mary.) He's paying compliments! — he never used to. Where did you learn to do that?
Strong. Well' you are beautiful — and that»' all about it.
Mary. (Dances herself up and down in her chair.) He is shy! He is shy! For the first time in his life, he is shy!



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Strong. (Standing up surlily.) I? Not at all! Why should I be? (To Dieuwke.) And yet, damn it all, I am!
Dieuwke (laughs and makes a despairing gesture to Mary).
Mary. Oh yes, Dieuwke, he means it, for just now he called you my 'splendid counterpart'.
Dieuwke. You don't say so!
Mary. Say, what are you doing with a prayer-book ?
Dieuwke. Hello! Another surprise ?
Mary. (Reads in the fly-leaf) "S. Tijssen" — Oh, its the Missionary's. Has he been here ?
Strong. (Smiling.) 1'd forgotten all about him in all this excitement. He is sitting in my office. Run and teil him, Mary, will you?
Mary trips on her toes through the door back, and is seen disappearing behind the window right).
Strong. (Looking after her.) We shall see some more fun from her.
Dieuwke. Come here. Let me have a
good look at you Your hair is a bit....
Strong. Redder. Dieuwke. No.... lighter.



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43
Strong. Redder. Dieuwke. Lighter.
Both. (Faster and faster.) 'Redder'. 'Lighter'. 'Redder' 'Lighter'. 'Redder* 'Lighter' (till both burst out laughing).
Strong. I see you will still have the last word.
Dieuwke. Because it is lighter.
Strong. It's redder.
Dieuwke. (Pinching his ear.) And 1 am a 'splendid counterpart', eh? A splendid counterpart, eh?
Strong. I only said that because you were going to give me a tanning when you came back.
Dieuwke. And I will give it you, right enough, manniken! Beg my pardon!
Strong. You're puiling my ear out by the roots!
Dieuwke. Beg my pardon!
Strong. If I won't — what then?
Dieuwke. Beg my pardon!
Strong. Then — in Heaven's name — pardon I



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Dieuwke. That's better.
Strong. (Takjng refuge behind a chair.) If we come to settling accounts, I shall be murdered.
Dieuwke. I've got pretty strong, eh?
Strong. Rather! Strike me lucky! but you're a full grown woman, when I look at you from here.
Dieuwke. I am really, don't you think?
Strong. Yes, indeed I do.
Dieuwke. Give me your hand then. — No, don't be afraid — I shan't hurt you. (She squeezes Strong's hand with all her might.) What do you think of that?
Strong. Well, to teil the truth, 1 never thought you would develope into such a spanking girl as you have.
Dieuwke. Is that all?
Strong. What more must I say?
Dieuwke. Aren't you a wee bit glad that I am back?
Strong. A wee bit — yes.
Dieuwke. (Turns him round once; and then stands still.) What was it you said when I left three years ago?



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45
Strong. What was it I said?
Dieuwke. Yes; what were your last words ?
Strong. Don't remember.
Dieuwke. You do remember.
Strong. Well - but I shant teil you.
S> i e u w k e. "Dieuwke, even the most beautiful woman is ugly, if she is ill-mannered". Is that word for word?
Strong. Word for word.
Dieuwke. Why wouldn't you teil me, then?
Strong. Because you have improved yourself ?
Dieuwke. How do you know that?
Strong. Because you have remembered my words so well.
Dieuwke. Not a day has gone by but I have remembered them.
Strong. And 1 can see it in your eyes, and in your whole behaviour.
Dieuwke. In my behaviour of a couple of minutes ago?



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Strong. Why, yes. Then you were just trying to throw dust in my eyes.
Dieuwke. Well, God alm.... (Covers her mouth with her hand.) Oh, dear! I am afraid I'm just the same.
Strong. Minus two trifles.
Dieuwke. Only minus?
Strong. And also plus a few trifles. «■
Dieuwke. But otherwise still the same.
Strong. Yes, thank God!
Dieuwke. (Taking both his hands.) Would you like me to be different to what I am ?
Strong. lts' just damnable, how pretty you've got!
D i e u w k e. I want to know, if you would like tó see anything changed in me.
Strong. Well, no. Judging from the first look I should say you were just about right as you are!
Dieuwke (turns coquettishly round with her hands behind her head).
Strong. What did your mother say, when you feil like a thunderbolt into the house?
Dieuwke. She was naturally in the seventh heaven.



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47
Strong. Could not you have writte" beforehand ?
Dieuwke. Oh, yes; but I wouldn't.
Strong. Just like you.
Dieuwke. A couple of months ago, mother wrote me to look out and see if 1 could not find some nice family to travel with, and I happenned to meet with some people who were going by this boat and who were wilKng to take me with them.
Strong. Friends of yours?
Dieuwke. Friends of the Directress of the School for Housekeeping, where I attended classes. Uncle at once took my ticket — et me voila!
Strong. So now you ara a 'finished young lady?
Dieuwke. Yes; my head is chock-ablock full. You couldn't get a grain more sense into it.
Strong. And naturally you have a host of things to teil one about.
Dieuwke. Any amount. When will you come?
Strong. When you like.



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Dieuwke. Now?
Strong. No, I can't come now — I expect a couple of visitors in a minute or two. Will your mother be at home this evenirig ?
Dieuwke (nods).
Strong. And you?
Dieuwke (nods).
Strong. Shall I come this evening? Dieuwke (nods). (A short pause.)
Strong. Why don't you congratulate me ?
Dieuwke (looks at him interrogatively).
Strong. Don't you know that I was married last mouth?
Dieuwke (staresat him with widely opened eyes). Strong. Don't you believe it? Dieuwke. You — married ? Strong. Didn't they teil you at home? Dieuwke. No.
Strong. Well, no; there was too little time, eh ? And there was so much to talk over about you. — Now don't look so embarrassed!



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49
Dieuwke. (Forcing herself to look onimated).
I am not in the least embarrassed. I congratulate you.
Strong. Thank you.
Dieuwke. When does she come here?
Strong. Next month.
Dieuwke. Is she pretty ? - but of course she is.
Strong. Might be worse. But very simpte. - Do you know what I should like toask you ?
Dieuwke. No. What is it?
Strong. Will you give my wife a little help?
Dieuwke. 1 help her? How?
Strong. Well, you see — she hasn't learned so very much.
Dieuwke. (Ironically). Oh — and because I'm 'finished' — — —
Strong. Yes, because you are a 'finished young lady, you might give her of your affluence.
Dieuwke (nods).
Strong. Will you?
Dieuwke (nods again).



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Strong. (Hesitalingly.) Because, you see, she — really needs it.
Mary. (F rom behind.) Will!
Dieuwke. No need to explain. I think I understand.
Mary. (Appears at window right.) Will, do come here!
Strong. What is it?
Mary. Do just come here! (runs off gayly when ohe sees that Strong consents).
Strong. (To Dieuwke.) Naturally she has got her claws in the missionary's wool (exit, passing behind window right).
Dieuwke (alone. Sits at table leaning her head on her hand. She shows no symptoms of 'love-atfirst sight'. But she gives just one look at the door through which Strong has disappeared and says: —) Married! (Enter Strong, Mary, and Steven from back).
Otron g. (To Dieuwke, who stands up.) Dieuwke, may I introducé one of my old school friends to you? Mr Tijssen, Miss Eylinga.
Dieuwke (makes a friendly bow).
Steven (bows somewhat awkwardly).
Mary (in the mean time takes a (apanese fan from the table right, and lays it on Steven's hat on the hat — rack).



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51
Strong. Now I will give you six guesses at what these two were doing there. Here's a pretty parson for you! He sits on Sunday morning — with your precious little sister....
Mary. He means me! Strong. — on a Sunday morning... doing... what?
Dieuwke. I couldn't guess.
Mary. Playing dominoes.
Strong. Yes, playing dominoes!
Steven. (Shyly.) Well, you see, I heard from your sister you had just come and I did not want to disturb you.
Dieuwke. That was very kind of you — and I see no harm at all in your game of dominoes.
Strong. Now he wants to make it all square with you. But you see what can happen to a missionary who comes to the tropics.
Steven. (To Dieuwke.) Mr Strong is unusually gay today, don't you think?
Mary. But it was not becoming in aa parson!



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Strong. Now, friends, I must send you all away.
Dieuwke. Do you hear, Mary ? Are you ready ?
Mary. 1'm always ready. Aint I Master? (shaking hands with Strong).
Strong. Yes... for some school-boys' devilment.
Mary. Good-bye, Master.
Strong. Let me hear no complaints about you.
Mary. So long!
Dieuwke. Good-bye, woman-connoiseur! (shaking hands with Strong).
Strong. Good-bye, Princess! Dieuwke. We shall see you this evening? - there's such a lot to talk about! Strong. I hope so.
Dieuwke. Good-bye, Mr Tijssen. (gives him a friendly nod).
Strong (begins to clear up the papers on the table; he takes them into the room right).
Steven. Please give my respects to your mamma, Miss Eylinga.



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53
Dieuwke. Thanks — I will.
Mary. (Giving Steven her hand.) Good-bye, Mr Tijssen. Will you play dominoes with me again ?
Strong. On Sunday!
Mary. Yes.
Steven. I am at your service.
Mary. Bye-bye!
Dieuwke and Mary (off to left).
Steven (delays his departure till Strong has cleared things up).
Will. Did you want to say anything? Steven. (Picks up his prayer book.) I really had something to ask you.
Strong. Then you must really say what it is.
Steven. Yes — er — its' a rather difficult
Strong. What is the money for?
Steven. You are a connoiseur of men too?
Strong. Is it for your church? Steven. You know it has always been



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my heart's desire to have a little tower to my church. And now I have just organised a lottery for the cost of one.
Strong. And I must buy a couple of tickets? All right. By means of the works of the Devil, we will help you to put a spire on the house of God.
Steven. (Going to the hat-rack.) Excuse me, but every lottery is not — - Hellol How did this fan come on my hat?
Strong. There comes Hardius's carriage. (Steven hands him the fan.) What am I to do with this thing?
Steven. It was lying on my hat.
Strong. Oh! That smells of Mary a mile off.
Steven. I know nothing about it So long! (Shakes hands.)
Strong. So long!
Steven (off left. He takes off his hat to Hardius and Van Buuren, who are just entering, they return his greeting).
W i 11 (throws the fan on table right).
Hardius and Van Buuren (enter left. The former is dressed like Strong and wears a sunhelmet. Van Buuren in white trousers, black morning coat and black hat).



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55
Strong (goes to meet them).
Hardius. (Shaking hands.) Good morning, Mr Strong.
Strong. Good morning, Mr Hardius. (Shaking hands with Van Buuren.) Good morning, Mr Van Buuren.
Van Buuren. Good morning.
Strong. Shall I hang your hats up ? (Takes Van Buuren's hat and hangs it on the rack.)
Van Buuren. Thanks.
Hardius. I've hung mine up, thanks.
Strong. Won't you sit down?
Hardius. Thanks.
A11 (sit down by the table left, Hardius facing the audience, with Strong at his right and Van Buuren at his left).
Hardius. You are a business-man too; shall we come straight to business?
Strong. One moment! Will you have a cigar?
Hardius. (Takes a cigar from WilI's case.) Merci! Van Buuren. Thank you, no, I won't smoke.
Strong and Hardius (light their cigars).



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Strong. Now, then — I'm 'all ear'. Hardius. (To Van Buuren.) Shall I just — er — — ?
Van Buuren. Yes, yes. Certainly. Yes.
Hardius. (To Strong.) I hear you have resigned your post at Fawkner an Co's?
Strong (nods).
Hardius. Is your decision — er — irrevocable ?
Strong (nods again). Hardius. I am sorry for that.
Strong (shrugs his shoulders almost imperceptibly).
Van Buuren. Yes that is■ a great pity.
Hardius. (Forcing an easy manner.) I ask yOU,
because 1 am very good friends with Fawkner. I said to him straight out — "I don't think it wise of you to let Strong go." Especially as he acknowledges — frankly acknow» ledges — that you have made a model business of their factory. Enfin! He's a young man yet! But any way you are leaving! — — — Have you looked round yet to see if there is another suitable position vacant for you anywhere? Strong. Not yet.



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57
Hardius. Dear! dear! — and that so soon after your marriage; Mrs Strong wiH be here directly, I understand?
Strong. Yes; but we can leave that out of the question now.
Hardius. Mr Strong. I have kept an eye on you from time to time in your work, and I have heard people speak of you a lot — always most favourably, I must say. They say you are sometimes — how shall I put it? — er — difficult — — but there, everyone has his peculiarities — I have myself. Well now, the fact is, that - let me just teil in confidence — that the 'Electric', under the management of our friend, M' Van Buuren here, is making plans to extend the scope of its operations. You are, of course, aware that I am the Managing Director, and that our main object at this moment is to get a line to the coast. Now by far the greater part of the money has been advanced by me, and — — —
Strong. Pardon my interrupting you: but you mean, of course, by your Bank.
Hardius. (Surprised.) Yes, yes, of course. It is therefore of the greatest interest to me that the matter should be taken up as



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quickly as possible. As soon as ever we get the concession we shall begin building. The money is lying there ready.
Strong. And do you think that with money you can get all you want?
Hardius. No; that's just it — you have hit the nail precisely on the head. The business wants not only new money, but (To Van Buuren.) — I may speak frankly ?
Van Buuren. Yes, yes. Certamly. Oh yes.
Hardius. — but new blood. Van Buuren. Yes, that's so — yes — that is so.
Strong. (Looking calmly from the one to the other.) H'm!
Hardius. To put it shortly, we had thought of you! We think that in you we see a good adjunct-manager. It is true that in the Articles of Association no mention is made of such a functionary, but we shall easily be able to settle that. You understand, what 1 propose — or that my Bank, then — proposes is carried.
Strong. Oh yes, 1 quite understand that.






(Mr. Nico de |ong.) Hardius. Is that your final word ? Page 59.



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59
Hardius. Before going into details, I should like to hear from you in a couple of words what you think of my offer.
Strong. (Looks at Hardius without allowing his face to express anything.) I won't take it on.
Hardius. Good Lord, Mr Strong! What a pity, what a great pity. I had imagined that the salary — — —
Strong. That can make no difference to me.
Hardius. Well, if you refuse so decidedly, without even taking the matter into consideration — — —
Strong. There is no need to take it into consideration.
Hardius. Is that your final word ?
Strong. I only say a thing once; and that is always my final word. 1 refuse.
Hardius. Let me also be laconic — — Why?
Strong. Because the management won'tdo.
Van Buuren (attempts to assume an air).
Hardius. Assuming that to be true, then surely the management is in need of assistance, and that assistance I see in you.



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Strong. Botching! You know that just as well as I.
Hardius. You are right — you are right. But (restrains himself with difficulty; coughs; flicks off the ash from the end of his cigar).
Van Buuren. Yes, as a matter of fact that is so. Yes-oh yes.
Strong. (To Hardius.) Your company has one great enemy. That is the Manager.
Hardius (to Van Buuren.)What did 1 say?
Strong. Have you said that, too?
Hardius. Word for word.
Strong. Then it would have been better for you to have held your tongue; for it was you that introduced that enemy, when you put his capital into the business and took the 'Manager' as an 'extra'.
Hardius. (Angry, but mastering himself.) Mr Van Buuren — I ask you as man to man — Last year, when you were nominated, did you, or did you not, accept the entire responsibility as to your fitness? Yes, or no?
Strong (has risen and walks backwards and forwards).
Van Buuren. Yes; that is so, yes. And



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61
I acknowledge that I am not altogether up to the work.
Hardius. Do you hear that?
Strong (langhs inwardly).
Van Buuren. But it is not my fauft only that the thing won't run on greased wheels. If you had not stuck to your own concession with all your might, in direct opposition to the wishes of the share holders — —
Strong. Do you hear that?
Ha rd i us. (To Van Buuren.)Rememberwhom you are speaking to! Mr Strong, I should very much like to teil you in a few words just how matters stand. You know, of course, that our Company at first applied for a concession for a line to run straight out to the coast?
Strong. Yes, 1 know.
Hardius. Have you seen the plans ?
Strong. No; but 1 know precisely where the line ought to run.
Hardius. Straight out to the coast?
Strong. Yes, I know.
Hardius. Well now, we have never been able to get that concession through with the Government.



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Strong. I knew that too.
Hardius. Whatever we did and whatever we demonstrated — the Government would have nothing to do with it. The trouble is principally a matter of a military nature. The War Office apparently sees in that line a danger for the defense of the country.
Strong. You don't know the — — motives for that?
Hardius. No. Two of us, members of the Board, took a lot of trouble to fish out what it was wherein that danger lay. But it was impossible. They 'could not go into further explanations'. There were 'difficulties', — and 'difficulties' and yet again 'difficulties' — and so everything simply, went to pot.
Strong. Yes, that was a nuisance.
Hardius. I have always considered it a great pity: for, according to my honest conviction, if that little sea-side place had railway-connection, it would become one of the principal ports of this country. (He stands up, filled with his thoughts.) And within a year after we have laid the first rail across the sleepers the number of factories will



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63
be trebled! The whole of the sugar land will be brought into a flourishing condition by that line! I teil you, Strong, I have been red hot with that idea!
Strong. Stick to it, then, Mr Hardius!
Hardius. (Sacastically.) Yes — yes — my good man, three little words like that are easily said — 'Stick to it! I said that to myself a hundred times, till I got angry. 'Stick to it'! But the bureaucrats snatched it out of my hand — — (Bitterly.) It is the first big thing that — — I've failed in. We were forced to give up that concession! (to Van Buuren). Is that true or not?
Van Buuren. Yes, to lay the line straight out was impossible.
Strong. (Angrily.j Impossible! Impossible!
Hardius. Yes, on my word — i mpossible! Everything that could be done was done — take my word for that.
Van Buuren. But my difficulty now is that you want the line to run in a different way to what the majority of the shareholders want; and between you and them I am squeezed, like a lemon in lemon — squeezer.
Strong. (Smilling.) That I fully believe.



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Hardius. Well, what can 1 do about it ? When the Government refused the concession for the straight line for the thitd time, I at once began getting out plans for a new line.
Strong. torunthrough your plantations!
Hardius. So did the straight line, too!
Strong. I simply state the fact to show that you are not quite an impartial judge of the question.
Hardius. Well now, I can defy that allegation with a clear conscience. Since we were forced to make a bend, that bend seemed to me to be the best. And in addition to that, comes the fact that I have everything almost ready, so that next month we shall probably be in a position to send the papers in to the Government, whereas, nota bene, there is not a single tracing of the other people's schemes in existence.
Van Buuren. Who can help that, if you set to with all you might?
Hardius. But that is the -resuk of *ny diligence 1 Of course, I devote myself heart and soul to whatever 1 do! 'I *m up to my



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65
work! But after all I am not working against the interests of the shareholders.
Van Buuren. 1 said - against their wishes.
Hardius. Very well. If you do not understand the meaning of your words here
is a man, who does not need three seconds to draw his conclusions from them! Do you think I want to be the dupe of your silly half-baked arguments?
Strong. Don't get excited, Mr Hardius. My opinion of you is precisely the same now as when you came here. Don't you mmd what conclusions I make.
Hardius. But I do mind - I mind very much!
Strong. All right - then let us stick to facts. — At first you wanted the line to run straight out to the coast.
Hardius. Yes. Not I only, but nearly all the Board as well.
Strong. But you did not get the concession.
Hardius. No, we shan't get that concession.



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Strong. I don't know about that. I am just summing up the f a c t s. — You did not get that concession. Hardius. We did not. Strong. From then to the present moment the wishes of you and of the other Directors of the 'Electric' are divided as to — — — through whose grounds shall the 'Electric' run now?
H ar d i u s. Yes, that is so. Strong. And Mr Hardius and his friends are in the minority?
Hardius. What has that to do with it? Van Buuren. Well, that's just why it is so hard for me?
Strong. Let us stick to the point. You, Mr Hardius. are for the plan - I speak without the least secondary meaning, for I perfectly understand it - you are for the plan by which the property of your bank will be benefited, and the — (smiling) the majority of Board support - - let as call it 'other interests.
Hardius. I accuse no one.
Strong. Neither do I. 1 state alone, that,



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with your plan, the interests of your estates will be served; and that, with the other plan, those of the other land-owners would profit. Or am 1 mistaken ?
Hardius. No - that's true, of course.
Strong. Just so. But (With emphasis.) with all that 'Straight Out' is the line! No other plan comes near it. I am not saying that carelessly - to-day is not the first time I have talked it over.
Hardius. But, good Godl if we begin to talk about that we shall never get any f urther!
Strong. Perhaps not.
Hardius. If you will come to my office, T will give you, with the greatest pleasure, the most thorough information about what we are doing now.
Strong. Very kind of you. But — what would be the good?
Hardius" So you won't take it on?
Strong (shakes his head).
Hardius. I know lots pf men who would be glad to accept what you are throwing oway.
Strong. Dozens.



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Hardius. (Considers n moment — then goes to Strong.) In a word — Will you be Manager?
Strong. M anager. You are bidding up.
Hardius. You force me to do so yourself.
Strong. And — er — what about Mr Van Buuren.
Hardius. He resigns — — voluntarily.
Van Buuren. Yes; I've got to - yes.
Strong. (Sitting down.) You are quite at liberty to say "That's none of your business"; but, except your shares, have you anything ?
Van Buuren. No, I have nothing else — no.
Strong. So if you are no longer Manager, you have no income?
Van Buuren. (With difficulty restrainlng himself from crying.) No, not a penny.
Stro ng. (To Hardius.) Is that O. K.7
Hardius. I have been troubled just as much about Mr Van Buuren as you are, but, after all, that is a matter which — er
Strong. Is closely connected with my wish to supplant him.
Hardius. Then you force me to say in



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plain words that our present Manager has shown himself to be totally incapable of guiding matters - in no matter which direction.
Strong. (With eyes half-dosed.) Which Manager do you mean ? — this man (glancing at Van Buuren) who is called so ? or that one (looking at Hardius) who is so in reality?
Hardius. Now, that is a little more than I can stand!
Strong. (Springing up with angry gesture.) Or I! (Ironically.) Have you any wish to have your 'Management' criticised? I will help you. - (Shortly.) I propose that Mr Van Buuren resigns as Manager, but that he has — I don't care in what capacity — a salary, about which we can speak later.
Hardius. I never took you for a man to — er — coddle weaklings!
Strong. If you and I were alone together. I would teil you why I think that this man, whose money you have — er — let us say 'employed' — ought not to be kicked into the gutter.
Hardius. They were not far wrong when they said that you were a little — — Strong. No; they were quite right. But



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one gets used to it. It will be just the same tomorrow.
Hardius. (Gayly.) I must say you are treating us in a manner surprising in a man without a job, to whom a splendid position is offered. (Dryly ieering.) Perhaps you have further conditions?
Strong. Just one little trifle. You have, of course, been accustomed to — er — meddle in the business of the Company?
Hardius. Well, that is to say - the Management always handle the current business with me first.
Strong. That stops when I'm Manager. ' Hardius. No, that will not stop. From the very beginning I have been accustomed to that, and I should not like to see any change at all introduced.
Strong. That may be. It may very possibly be a custom of yours. But you will agree with me that it is a damned bad custom.
Hardius. I don't see it at all. Not at all!
Strong. I'm surprised at that. I thought you knew quite well that a Manager would not Iet you take the everyday troubles



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off his honds. (With a sarcastic smile.) Of course I mean a Manager who is a Manager — not one who runs off whilst you are doing his work — such a man is only a semi — Manager.
Hardius. Come, come, Mr Strong; don't look at things so blackly. You can draw the lines too sharply even in business.
Strong. (In a friendly tone.) I can't agree with you there. And (pointing his finger at Hardius) you can't agree with yourself there!
Hardius. Yes I can. 1 consider such a manner of doing business quite natural. As managing-Director I represent the Management.
Strong. So I should be 'Manager' and you the 'Management'. Where can that arrangement be found?
Hardius. In the Articles of Assocition, of course.
Strong. In which article?
H a r d i us (to Van Buuren.) Article 10, isn't it?
Van Buuren (who cannot speak, nods).
Strong. Then article 10 will have to be amended.



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Hardius. Or it will not be amended?
Strong. Yes. — And then I shall not be Manager. 1 have never sat mum-chance.What I am, I am. That is all that a working-man should say of himself.
Hardius. (Walks up and down. ) Mr Strong, this is one of the few times in my life that I have seemingly allowed the law to be laid down to me. But, although I do not think your manner of acting altogether sympathetic, it has strengthened my confidence in you. I see in you the 'motor* of any business for which you are working. You talk like a man, and 1 like that. Thus, then, you apply for the vacant position of Manager of the 'Electric'?
Strong. If I don't, will Mr Van Buuren — 'resign' ?
Hardius. I said the 'vacant* position', and I am sorry that I must say so.
Strong. Then I accept in principle. You know my conditions.
Hardius. I should only wish, that, in your conception of the height of authority, which in such a man as you I can approve, you will remember that I am the original



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founder of the business, and that my Bank is rather heavily interested in it.
Strong. Oh, you can, of course, talk over everything with me everyday; and I assure you I shall listen carefully to all you say; but I shall 'do the doing'. And if I do anything that you or anybody else says, it will be because I think it good.
Hardius. (Shortly and crossly.) Right!
Strong. And Mr Van Buuren will have a situation?
Hardius. Yes — do you want it in black and white?
Strong. (Looking indifferent.) No. I'm satisfied with Mr Hardius's word!
Hardius. Well then, I, Hardius, promise you that.
Strong. Good!
Hardius. When do you leave Fawkner's?
Strong. The time is not yet agreed on, but we shall put that right. I am the best of friends with Fawkner.
Hardius. You?
Strong. Why not?



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Hardius. (Thinks it amusing. ) Oh! Yes? Then we will call a special meeting as soon as possible and nominate you provisionally at a Board-meeting — subject, of course. to ratification by the General meeting later.
Strong. (Ironically.) Do you think they will ratify it?
Both (laugh).
Van Buuren (passes his hand stealthily across his eyes).
Hardius. Come! I must be off, (takes his hat) Good-bye, Mr Strong.
Strong. Bonjour, Mr Hardius.
Hardius (shakes hands with Strong and turns expectantly to Van Buuren).
Van Buuren. Yes, I'm going to stop here a bit — — yes.
Hardius. Oh, you're going to stop? (Shakes. hands with him.) Well, Mr Van Buuren, it has been a heavy day with you. But you knew it must come some time soon. I dare swear that this way suits you down to the ground. I think that, as the business now stands, we ought to congratulate each other, eh?
Van Buuren. (Raises his head; Speaks with



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difhculty). You surely don't look for thanks from me?
Hardius. Ah yes; it is a disagreeable story for you. The turning points of Life, Mr Van Buuren! But Time cures all. Enfin! Goodbye, gentlemen.
Strong (nods).
Van Buuren (keeps in his courageous attitude). Hardius (off left). (A short pause).
Strong. So! Now you are standing a lot better in your shoes than when you came here.
Van Buuren (takes Strong's hand in both of his and sobs).
Strong. Hello! What's the matter now ?
Van Buuren. I've been so anxious — so anxious, for months!
Strong. Come, man; take a tumble!
Van Buuren. I put my last cent into this business.
Strong. Perhaps that was not very sensible, but it cannot be helped now. At all events you will still earn a decent living.



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Van Buuren. I have you to thank for that — he would have let me go to the devil.
Strong. Oh! I don't know. Don't let's bother about that! You must think — 'It might have been worse'! Come now, be a man!
Van Buuren. 1 am so deeply grateful to you!
Strong. Nonsense! It was all a matter — of — course.
Van Buuren. But I wam you — be on your guard against that man!
Strong. Don't be afraid. — I'm pretty wide — awake.
Van Buuren. He is so hard, so terribly hard.
Strong. True, he didn'tspare you, — but there were reasons for that.
Van Buuren. He spares no one. He won't spare you either.
Strong. Of course not — why should he?
Van Buuren. Yes — you are Strong — But Hardius is powerful and — not to be trusted.
Strong. On the contrary, he is quite to be trusted. If he wasn't he would not



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be so strong. Only he is one of those men in v/hom the 'businesss-man' comes up in op position to the 'man'. (With a smile.) It would be worth while to haul out the 'man' that is in him. (Restrained.) Not an easy job, propably.
Van Buuren. (Turns his grief-stricken face to the side through which Hardius has gone.) The great Hardius will run his line, precisely as the great Hardius wishes!
Strong (forgetting himself for an instant, pulls two chairs to him with one movement). Strong. We shall see!
Curtain.






ACT II.
Scène — the same. — Strong's sun — heimet and Kraneck's hat, in the latest fashion, are hanging on the hat-rack.
K r a n e c k (in a flannel suit, turned — up trousers and black cummerband, is rocking himself in a chair by the table right, and playing with a pair of gold glasses, which hang at his neck by a black ribbon).
Dolly (is heard singing at back. After a few moments she passes behind the window left, enters through the door back. She wears a beautiful sarong, a kabaja with fine brood lace, and gold embroidered high-heeled shoes).
Kraneck (stands up and bows).
Dolly. Good morning, Sir. I was obliged to let you wait, but I hope my servant offered you a seat.
Kraneck. Yes certainly, madam. Thanks for the attention.
Dolly. Please sit down. My 'usband will be 'ere direkly.
Kraneck. May I introducé myself? My name is Kraneck.



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Dolly. (Nods.) Oh, thank you. Won't you sit down?
Kraneck. Après vous, madame.
Dolly. (Not understanding.) I really don't know. I only asked you to sit down.
Kraneck. After you, mevrouw, — after you!
Dolly (makes a 'bob', and sits down).
Kraneck. (Wipes a smile away and sits down.) I need scarcely ask if I have the pleasure of seeing Mrs Strong?
Dolly. (Giving a little nod.) Yes, that's me.
Kraneck. You have not been in the country long, have you, Mrs Strong?
Dolly. Just a fortnight — at your service.
Kraneck. That is a very short time — I might perhaps bid you welcome to Batavia.
Dolly. Now that's real kind of you.
Kraneck. Might I ask if you had a good voyage ?
Dolly. Well now, on the 'ole we 'ad beautiful weather. Only crossin' the Bay of Bisky we got it in the neck. It was" 'Old



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me, Charlie \" there — ha, ha! Such a storm you could 'ardly keep in your bunk, and them bunks on board is so small.
Kraneck. Yes, that is true.
Dolly. But afterwards, in the — er Eastern Ocean, isn't it? — I could have crossed that three times over. That was fine. Stretched out full length in your deck chair, eh! —
Kraneck. You agree with Mr Kipling, eh?
'The Indian Ocean sets an' smiles So sof', so bright, so blooming blue; There's "not a wave for miles an' miles, Excep' the jiggle of 'er screw'.
Dolly. My word! 1 dont know who M' Couplin is, but he's 'it the nail on the 'ead there!
Kraneck. Expressed in elegant English too, don't you think?
Dolly. Fine — Most potry is such high sounding nonsense; but that is natural as measles.
Kraneck. (Puts on his gold glasses with some show.) So in the Eastern Ocean you began to feel the witchery of the East?



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Dolly. Downright fine, I teil you! The only pity was l travelled first-class, and that's so awful stiff.
Kraneck. Indeed. Curious that you found it so. It is not everyone whjj thinks that. Lots of people know no better than to imagine that that is as it ought to be. But they are idiots, of course, eh?
Dolly. V/ould you believe that sometimes for days together I went about with the second class folks? They was people one was used to anyway; who one could talk to! One feels the need of that sotnetimes. Is that a fact or not?
Kraneck. You take the very words out of my mouth!
Dolly. There we did have fun sometimes! My gracious! when I think of that! For meals and sleeping, of course, I went back to firstclass. That's Captain's orders — and besides it was paid for, you see. No, my dear, if I ever go to sea again, you don't catch me going first — class, I can teil you — it gives me the needie!
Kraneck. (Much amused.) Very interesting — very interesting indeed!



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Dolly. (Confidentially.) Sure as I sit here, there wasn't one of them first — classers, who you could get thick with a bit. Oh yes — the Captain and the mates, and so on — that's their business. But for the others! — They were all so — so — I don't know — so — — —
Kraneck. Yes, I quite understand it from your point of view.
Strong (dressed as in Act I, enters from back passing behind window left).
Dolly. There comes my 'usband. Kraneck. (Altering his manner immediately.) Good morning, Mr Strong.
Strong. Good morning, M' Kraneck. You wish to speak to me?
Kraneck. If it is not inconvenient.
Dolly. (Does not know if she ought to shake hands with Kraneck.) Good-bye, Sir.
Kraneck. (making a low bow.) Good-bye, Mre Strong.
Dolly (makes a 'bob' and starts for the door).
Strong. Ta-ta, Dolly! (Pi nches her ear behind Kraneck's bock.)
Dolly. Ta-ta! (Goes to door right.)



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Strong (looks smilingly after her).
Dolly (turns round at the door and nods friendlily to him; then off by door right).
Kraneck. I hope 1 don't disturb you?
Strong. (Rather coldly.) No, no. (Points to a chair.)
Both (sit down at table right).
Strong (looks at Kraneck coolly andexpectantly).
Kraneck. I have come to you really to — er — how shall I say it?
Strong. Say it just as you mean it.
Kraneck. (Waits a moment to see if Strong will let anything out.) It might be called a scheme for a little mutual agreement — er — 1 say, a scheme. It can be amended from A to Z. You, as the new Manager of the 'Electric', of course know that the former application for a concession for a line straight out to the coast resulted in a big duck's egg. The question now. is — How will the line run now? Pardon me a moment — I quite understand that you can't give an answer to that with absolute certainty: but you naturally know more or less how the feeling among the members of the Board is — 1 mean, if Hardius has any chance of succeeding with his plan.



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Strong. I know nothing about that; and, if I did, I should not teil you anything about it.
Kraneck. I'really mean — With which of the two plans are you in sympathy?
Strong. What has that to do with you ?
Kraneck. I am not the only one in the swim! 1 can assure you there are lots of others interested at this moment.
Strong (shrugs his shoulders).
Kraneck. (Craftily.) Look here — Mr Hardius is anything but a man to be sneezed at, but if you have really put your shoulder to the other wheel, I should say he hadn't much chance! It is odd that he is evidently working hard, whilst you are apparently doing nothing
I say apparently, for one never guite
knows what you have up your sleeve! Your former chief, Fawkner, used to say. "If Strong is doing nothing; — — Keep your eyes skinned !" ha, ha!
Strong. I should pref er it, if you would just teil me what you have come to say.
Kraneck. Quite right — strictly speaking, all these things are none of my business.
Strong. Strictly speaking — they are not.



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Kraneck. As a matter of fact I take more interest in the business side — that's what I'm a broker for, eh ? Ha, ha! I'm looking out with great interest to the issue of the new shares.
Strong. Are new shares to be issued?
Kraneck. So they are not to be issued?
Strong. Oh! You prefer me to put the question that way? — Are there no new shares to be issued?
Kraneck. Pardon — you twist things round.
Strong. Would you rather I twisted you round ?
Kraneck. Yes! I knew quite well I had no clodhopper to deal with in you!
Strong. Did you think so?
Kraneck. Hard-baked! — browned all over!
Strong. And your little agreement?
Kraneck. One moment! Let me teil you that I have earned a decentish little bit out of your shares.
Strong. Out of my shares?



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Kraneck. Well naturally — c'est pour manière de dire. With the shares of the 'Electric', of course. Didn't they jump up above a bit when you were nominated? But I had it all in my eye beforehandl Haven't skirmished around on 'Change for eight years for nothing, ha, hal When I heard the great Hardius had introduced you to a meeting of Directors, I bought, quick as Iight, agreasyfifty thousand shares in the 'Electric' for monthly settlement. Thinks I - Mr Strong cut Fawkner's and at a meeting with Hardius — — that spells reconstruction. Not so dusty, eh? How was that worked out? Well calculated or not? A week later 1 fired the shares with a graceful curve on the market again. The new bloom off a bit eh?! Ha, ha! And little Kraneck stuck a cool five thousand guilders in his jeans! Doesn't happen everyday, what ?
Strong. And you calculated all that on your own ?
Kraneck. Dead alone! Oh yes, I've always known that one day or other he would have his eye on you, what? Look at Fawkner's factory, and you will know what kind Will Strong is. Mon Dieu! a man



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like you breaks his own way without any trouble; I've always said so.
Strong. I am still waiting -to hear your scheme for a little agreement.
Kraneck. Well, look here! - Hardius and his party have — — —
Strong. I am not aware that Mr Hardius has a party.
Kraneck. Let's say then — Mr Hardius's National Bank has always kept the 'Electric' in its own hands - well, yes — Van Buuren! — We know all about him, eh? But having you as Manager will be a dig in the ribs for them (sets his glasses on more firmly). ParbleU! that will open Hardius's eyes for him! If in the future he wants to poke his nose into the books, he will have to come and tap politely and gently at your door first, what?
Strong. You seem to know the ropes.
Kraneck. Begin to see that now, eh? I know, too, the Articles of Association have been amended; and that now the 'Management' consists of the Manager — assisted by the Directors! Thunder! that made old Hardius's heart bleed, I bet! I



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congratulate you! But have a care! — look out for him! I teil you — look out for Hardius!
Dolly (comes through door right and goes to the entrance).
Strong. Not without your hat in the sun, Dolly! What are you after now?
Dolly. Going to water the flowers.
Strong. Shall I teil one of the servantsto?
Dolly. No, I like doing it myself.Well then
Til put a hat On. (Off through door back, passes behind window left. Strong looks after her smiling.)
Kraneck. To put it shortly: — From now on you are the man! You're the one who watches all the 'faits et gestes' of the Company, and who will first of anybody be aware of all marters of importance (Scrutinizingly.) You are the one, too, who will be able to foresee a rise or fall in the shares.
Strong. (Understanding him.) H m !
Kraneck. You will know first of all, too, with positive certainty, the particular estates through which the line will run — or not run — and whose shares consequently will rise or drop plumb to blazes.



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Strong. That is knowledge worth having.
Kraneck. Yes; but you can't make much out of it; because you can't use it on the Market — you would attract too much attention. The stock-broker must help the Manager here, and, vice-versa, the Manager must help the broker. Simple comme bonjour, n'est ce pas? — You know I'm a sworn broker. Suppose that, each time there is anything of special importance on hand, you give me the tip on the quiet half-a-day ahead — only a supposition, ha, ha!
Strong. So that you can buy or sell
on the Exchange according to what I
but we understand each other.
Kraneck. Now, do you see?!
Strong. I begin to notice that with my knowledge I am likely to become a dangerous man. I knew that already, for (ironically) you must not take me for a bigger fooi than I am; but I was never so inwardly convinced of it as I am now.
Kraneck. Of course. Every one who knows something is always dangerous. He's got to be paid! A man who only just works has no show. Work is a subordinate idea.



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Strong. You are really becoming amusing.
Kraneck. Lord bless you, why? You know quite well I am right. A man who only works is worth nothing.
Strong. 1 always heard the labourer was worthy of his hire.
Kraneck. His hire! -. well yes. But his hire is nothing. If you work you must work to get to know something. It is only when you know something that you begin to be worth anything.
Strong. Any money, you mean.
Kraneck. Yes, money — money, of course, money makes the mare go — you naturally agree with me there. (He pulls a closed envelope out his inner pocket. Cautiously.) I _ er — reckon the amount of our winnings that we can earn together on every such little job will come, on an average, to the sum that I give — er — that I have here by me. (He pushes the envelope to the left.)
Dolly (now in a garden hat, passes behind the window left through the door back and disappears through the entrance).
Strong (looks hard at Kraneck).
Kraneck. Ha, ha!



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Strong. (Laughs softly. Holds the envelope against the light. Weighs it gayly in his hand.) There is quite a lot in it.
Kraneck. And to be earned with a turn of the hand. Without your Company suffering that much harm from it! For you need never teil me what you know in words. Just give me a sign. Winking your left eye, means. "Buy". Winking your right, "Sell", ha, ha!
Strong. You are not afraid I might wink the wrong eye?
Kraneck. Not for a second. A man like you doesn't do that.
Strong. Really.
Kraneck. Yes, really. And I see quite well what you are thinking. Bribery, eh?
Strong. Something very like it.
Kraneck. 1 see literally no harm in that, ha, ha! At least if you will let me bribe you.
Strong. Ah! But please understand it interests me more what I see in it, than what you do.
Kraneck. Come don't be mealy — mouthed! Every body can be bought, what?
Strong. Did you think so?



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Kraneck. Of course, yes - every one has his price. The man who costs most is honest.
Strong. (Laying the envelope down.) And how must the receipt for this money run?
Kraneck. Your word is good enough for me.
Strong. I say! — should you do that with every one with whom you started a little business like this?
Kraneck. Pardon. My proposal is based on mutual trust and confidence.
Strong. When you came here to honour me with you confidence, were you not for one little minute afraid you might be kicked out.
Kraneck. Ah, mon cher, entre amis on sait bien ce que parler veut dire. Ha, ha!
Strong. (Ploys with the envelope.) I could, with a bit of a row, drub you out of my door. For I think if I planted my fist between your shoulders you would be under-dog.
Hardius. Ha, ha! Yes, I think so too, ha, ha! But you won't do that, you are a lot too sensible for that!



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Strong. No; I shall not do it, because it is 'not my nature to'. But you will find this way of answering equally clear no doubt! (He flips the envelope from the table with his finger.)
Kraneck. (Springs up, picks up the envelope and puts it in his pocket.) Now I will just teil you something! You think yourself a devil of a fine fellow now you are boss of this business!! But let me teil you — in business, compared with me, you are a half-breached snot-nose!
Strong. Thank God for that!
Kraneck. If you talk of influence — — (He leans across the table towards Strong and taps himself on the chest.)
Strong. Quite true. It is possible that there are only two pebbles on the beach; and that you are one of them. But, (standing up) as fate will have it, you see, I am the other.
Kra neck. I have not done with you yet; we shall meet one another and have another talk later.
Strong. I remember my old dad used often to say 'The soup is never supped so hot as it is dished up'!
Kraneck. Just you ask on 'Change what Kraneck is!



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Strong. God bless me, man, there is no need to ask anybody that! I can see it clearly enough for myself. Now, be off! You are out of place here.
Dolly (up from left humming).
Kraneck. (Seesher.) You are right. I am out of place in such polished, superlatively well — bred surroundings! (Bows exaggeratedly low to Dolly and goes off left.)
Dolly. My goodness me! What a rum chap!
Strong. An enemy rather. Dolly. And just now he was as nice as nice. Have you been 'aving a row with 'im?
Strong. It was not worth while — he's not up to my weight.
Dolly. But I'd be careful. His falseness stares out his face like a bad'alf-crown on the counter.
Strong. I shall just walk over him — and if I can't do that I shall trample on him!
Dolly. I don't know - I'd like to 'ave a yard or two of 'im and examine the quality of the stuff.
Strong. Do you know what generally



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happens with people like that? l'll teil you: — At the end of a week you think no more about them; and at the end of a month you've forgotten the name of such a man.
Dolly. If I had 'eard you talk like that in the old days, so — so — indifferent, shall 1 call it? 1 should 'ave put it down to the ignorance of a country bumkin. 1 wouldn't have thought you at all the gentleman.
Strong. What did you imagine a gentleman was like at that time?
Dolly. Oh, not near so starchy as you, and more sprightly — like than you. A little more this kind of thing — (She assumes the holding of a dandy).
Strong (gayly.) And now in spite of my stiffness and lack of that pretty style you yet consider me a gentleman?
Dolly. Yes 1 think you quite the gentleman now 1 And you talk so much finer than you used to.
Strong. That's only on the outside.
Dolly. But 1 think it awful nice!
Strong. Oh yes, it has its value too. And, if I might give you a hint, take a little



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care about that yourself. For insta nee, don't throw away quite so many'h's'!
Dolly. My cackle isn't exactly high — class, you mean?
Strong. (holding her by her arms.) Let US say rather that we should both find a little outside polish an improvement. Well, dear, if you will try to be a good comrade to me, I will try to be a good guide for you.
Dolly. 1 ain't got no 'ead — head-for learning; — but I d o learn something from Dieuwke everyday.
Strong. There's a wise little woman! You must piek up all you can from Dieuwke.
Dolly. Yesterday she made me a duck of acourtesy — like this — look.(She courtesies
not too ungracefully.)
Strong. Bravo I How came she to do that?
Dolly. Oh, she just did it. Perhaps because I'd stuck a rosé in my hair.
Strong. Ha, yes! Trust Dieuwke for anything like that!
Dolly. I says to 'er — her —' Would you believe it — if I was to stand on the top of my nob, I couldn't begin to make a courtesy like that!' Guess what she said!



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Strong. H'm?
Dolly. 'Try to do it first right side up!'
Strong. I am very glad you are such good friends.
Dolly. Lordy! 'ere comes company for you. l'll cut my lucky!
Strong. Quick! give me a kiss — here behind the door. (He draws her quickly to the door right, where they kiss, laughingly. Dolly off. Strong goes to the entrance.)
Hardius. (Dressed as in Act I, enters from left.) Nice, cool morning.
Strong. Good morning, Mr Hardius.
Hardius. (Hangs his hat on the hat-rack.) May I come in?
Strong. You are welcome!
Hardius. They told me at the office you were at home. I thought to myself — Come — l'll go and see him!
Both (sit down).
Hardius. You have received my plans and the papers, no doubt?
Strong. Yes; I have looked through them.
Hardius. You have surely not looked at them all?



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Strong. Oh yes; from beginning to end.
Hardius. That's quick — No sooner received them than you set to work! For that a man must be Strong; or — (laughing) Hardius! Then of course you have signed the application for the concession,
Strong. No I have not — and I do not intend to.
Hardius. What?
Strong. I say I am not going to set my name to it.
Hardius. (Angrily.) Indeed! And why not, may I ask?
Strong. Because at present I have no great liking for that concession.
Hardius. Oh, in-deed! So the Manager appointed by me — —
Strong. You mean, of course, the Manager appointed by the General Meeting.
Hardius. Er - yes, has a greater liking for the other party's projects.
Strong. I know no party. I only know my duty.
Hardius. Indeed! And your duty makes



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you give the preference to (langhing) plons which are still - as always - 'not quite ready' 1
Strong. They are quite ready.
Hardius, Then you don't know what you are talking about.
Strong. One moment! (Off by door at back, he passes behind window right.)
Hardius (annoyed, lights a cigar).
Strong. (Returns directly with a large roll of drowing-paper, and two portfolios of different colour and shape. He puts one down in front of Hardius.} This is your application for the concession, which 1 have not signed. (He throws the other portfolio on the table.) And this is mine, which I have signed. (He lays the roll of paper on ihe table.)
Hardius. And may I ask what that applies for?
Strong. Has not the Government been
asked three times for a line Straight
Out to the coast?
Hardius. Yes three times; and three times in vain!
Strong. Just so. Well - this is the fourth time. (Sits down.)



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Hardius. dumping up.) What is that?
Strong. Of course you understand me quite well, but I will teil you once more. I want to try for it- in my way. 1 am no strategist, but still I am sure there is a good deal to say in favour of the straight line from a military point of view. Anyway I have tested my opinion with that of a couple of experts in military matters, with whom I thoroughly discussed the whole question — you need not laugh for they were no raw lads — and I have ended, as 1 say, by asking for the original concession, for the fourth time.
Hardius. You have already done so?!
Strong. The papers were sent in last week. I have received them back personally
from the General Staff you see 1 confess
everything honestly! This map must be drawn over again, because my tracing deviates a tiny little bit from the original plan. Great undertakimgs are sometimes shipwrecked from smali causes, eh? Anyhow, after talking for three hours, I got a promise that they will look into the matter again.
Hardius. Indeed — Indeed - Indeed! So they will 'look into the matter again',



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eh? I know only too well what that means. Thus we are once more going to squander time and money on that hopeless business - And that, too, without consulting the Management.
Strong. 1 beg your pardon. 1 am the Management now - you used to be.
Hardius. Let us say then - without taking into account the monied interests, which are represented in it.
Strong. I thought those interests had been entrusted to me.
Hardius. You are playing with those interests.
Strong. I do not consider that you, however great you may be, are in a position to judge about that.
Hardius. And the other Directors! Do you imagine they will sympathize with your frivolous way of doing business?
Strong. No, 1 quite understand that, for the present at least, 1 must do without sympathy. That is why I took my own way.
Hardius. With or without any chance of success!



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Strong. No — with a chance of success! The man who begins something without a chance of success is an idiot.
Hardius. Or an idealist, like you!
Strong. As you like.
Hardius. Then, as I understand you, this plan — — —
Strong. Falls to pieces — yes — as you say.
Hardius. Very nice, I must say!
Strong. You wished things to be managet! differently — Well, they are being managed differently!
Hardius. I looked upon you as the 'motor' of our Company, but I see now that you are the 'break'.
Strong. (A little mysteriously.) I am putting the break on you! you were just going to jump the track!
Hardius. You dare to speak without mincing marters!
Strong. Yes, I dare do that.
Hardius. (Looks hard into Strong's eyes for a moment.) You refuse to sign these papers?



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Strong. Flatly!
Hardius. And am I to report this — clownish outburst to the Directors?
Strong. Oh, yes! By all means! Flatly! That word is the key-note of my refusal! If you take that word to them they will not be able to misunderstand you. You said once that, to be a good business man, you must be able to say 'no'. Well I say 'no' now!
Hardius. I am sorry for you! For your own sake I should like to induce you to change your mind, but I see you are a brick wall - and I do not run my head against brick walls.
Strong. Oh, I say! - here's a nice catalogue of sins you've laid to my charge!
- I am an 'idealist' I am 'frivolous' 'a clown
— 'grizzly' (Throws a piercing glance at Hardius.) No, not 'grizzly' eh? -1 was first the 'motor', then the 'break', and now I am a 'brick wall'! Shall I teil you what I am ? - I am Strong! - And don't you forget Hl
Hardius. You notice that your hostile attitude does not make me forget myself even for a moment ?
Strong. Certainly. And I note it with



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pleasure. It shows that you have listened to me attentively.
Hardius. It can at the same time show you (sharply) that, thanks to my education, I have learned under all circumstances ever to take up a correct and business like attitude. And that is also the reason why I ask you now. — Do you know what you are staking on this game ?
Strong. I do.
Hardius. And that you run the risk of being suspended to-day ?
Strong. No, that I did not know, I did not reckon on being played a dirty trick by a man of education. I can only submit however. If you th|nk that the right thing to do, then, so do I!
Hardius. I am only speaking of the chance.
Strong. With Mr Hardius I am not afraid of that!
Hardius. I only fear that, if you continue to act like this, your whole future will go amiss.
Strong. (Striking his fists together.) That I have in these!



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Hardius. Yes, that sounds very pretty, but what would such a future be?
Strong. I don't know. I do not trouble myself about details.
Hardius. You're a foo an obstinate
fellow.
Strong. Perhaps. But one thing is certain. — I am the Manager.
Hardius. 1 should be content with your 'managing', if there existed the very smallest chance of your getting the straight line through. I proved that, in all conscience, by devoting myself wholly to the plan for three months. If you should succeed in getting it, the population of the whole district would be indebted to you.
Strong. Exactly. That is why I will try. There is a question here of the vital interests of a whole district! A short time ago you expressed it so well yourself — 'Direct communication will make the coast-town the principal port of the country'. (Staring abstractedly into the distance.) it seems to me that it would be interesting, after a year or so, to take a look at that port, with a couple of big Ocean-steamers lying in it.



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Hardius. Yes. I know. I have dreamed of that too. And upon my honour, if you should bring it about, — I should not be jealous for a moment, nor should I in anyway grudge you your success. 1 will teil you something more:—The concession would not have been granted an hour, before you would have a deputation here in your own house from the whole commercial circle here — with me at its head; I give you my word for that! — which would come to bring you the thanks of the entire population. But — you — will — not — get — it — done! You are a smart leader, but you wish to be more. You wish to bring something about, which could not be done even with the help of great influence.
Strong. Wish? Nay, I will. That's where it is!
Hardius. You do not seem to realize that your influence cannot compare with that of others — — (simply, and without any show of bragging) with mine for instance.
Strong. Whether great influence such as yours in the first place is necessary here, I do not know. But, (with emphasis) what I



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do know is, at the present moment your influence is against me.
Hardius. I stand in your way in order to serve a good cause.
Strong. For the same reason I push you to one side.
Hardius. That same pushing will not prove very pleasant for you. (Gently.) If necessary, I shall kick.
Strong. (Looks him firmly in the eyes fot a moment.) Well, then, - Kick! 1 will abide the issue.
Hardius. (Taking his hat.) Then 1 have nothing more to say here. (A short pause.) And yet — and yet — I think it a sad thing
— for you! Strong. H'm.
Hardius. Upon my word, I think it sad
— in spite of all! I mean it, as true as I stand here.
Strong. Do you know what you think sad at this moment? 1 will teil you. You do not think it sad if a human being is ruined. No, you do not think that sad, (He holds his hands out to Hardius.) These — if these should be lost — that you would



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think sad ! A pair of strong hands that have swung a sledge-hammer; and a brain that thinks as sharply and quickly as your banker's brain; and a will so strong that you do not know its scope in the least. A ca pi tal of working power, — that is thé word. Ah! if capital should be lost! That you would think sad ! Such a capital and such a man you could express in ciphers, like any other capital — couldn't you ? — Couldn t you? A human being may go to the devil, mayn't he? You are not your brother's keeper? But if the Profits are affected — then it is sad!
Hardius. (Gently.) You misjudge me.
Strong. That may be. I hope so for your sake. But this time you reckoned without your host. That was all I wished to say.
Dieuwke (appears at the entrance and stands there in the full sunlight, unperceived by the others.)
Hardius. (Going up to Strong.) I never heard such language addressed to me — — — —
Strong., Then it was time you did.
Hardius. — — but 1 have just learned something from you. I don't mind telling



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you that. There is a substratum of truth in what you say.
Strong. It is all true.
Hardius. No; not all. I shall appreciate it, if a man like you will accept my word for that. I like an honest man. If I see such a one throwing away his future, 1 greatly and sincerely regret it. But I have strength of mind enough to subdue such sensibility in the interests of the business for which I am working. And that is the case here. So — — beware.
Strong. All right!
Hardius. (Chokes down his anger, then calmly.) I shall give you fair play. 1 shall not have you suspended.
Strong. I have never expected anything else from you.
Hardius. The General Meeting must choose between our respective views.
Strong. That is only reasonable.
Hardius. Then the fight will be between my experience and your obstinate head.
Strong. Say straight out — your influence.
Hardius. As you will — only — I shall not spare you.



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Strong. Please don't! That is just what I need! It is the bended bow that shows its strength, as you know very well.
Hardius. Do we part as friends ?
Strong. Friends? — no. I do not like misusing that word. But I will gladly shake hands with you. (He shakes hands with Hardius.)
Hardius. I have warned you!
Strong. And I have warned you!
Hardius. (Puts his hot on, goes to the entrance; sees Dieuwke, who ad vances, as if she had just come in. He takes his hat off to her, moving to one side.) I beg your pardon. (Off.)
Strong and Dieuwke (stand looking at one another from a short distance).
Strong. (Without going to meet her.) Did you hear anything.
Dieuwke. A little. But that little was a great deal.
Strong. Do you know that the existence of one of us is at stake?
Dieuwke (nods).
Strong. (Softly; threatening.) Against which of us is there the most reason for one to be on one's guard — Against him or me?



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Dieuwke. Both; (Looking outside and whispering.) but against him most.
Strong. (With a bitter laugh.) Indeed. So you believe that, too?
Dieuwke. I have never entreated anything of you; but now I implore you to do something for me.
Strong. Granted.
Dieuwke. Let me help you!
Strong. How could you help me?
Dieuwke. Give me the auswer to that yourself. I don't know what there is to do.
Strong. What there is to do in this case is no woman's work.
Dieuwke. No woman's work! — poor old boy! As if sometimes a woman cannot do ten times as much as a man! (Gently.) I mean, of course, a woman who — (checks herself.) — —
Strong. Who what?
D i e uwke. (Choosimg her words carefully.) Who longs to; as I do.
Strong. Let me teil you then that you have already done enough to help me, just by wishing to.



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Dieuwke. No, that is not enough. I want more. I want much more!
Strong. What can a woman do more for a man than believe in him, like you do in me ?
Dieuwke. I will show you, as soon as you honour me by giving me some of your 'man's' work to do. Or are you afraid to make the venture?
Strong. Your head is a good one and you have a strong will. But these little hands are too small for difficult work.
Dieuwke. If my head does not fail —
Strong. (With a glance at the portfolio.) No, that is good enough; but there is power of endurance needed.
Dieuwke. l'll answer for my power of endurance! But — —
Strong. Oh, there is a 'but', is there?
Dieuwke. (Nods.) Shall I teil you a secret?
Strong. Is it a great secret?
Dieuwke. A very great one. It is some thing you have never yet known.
Strong. You don't say so!



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Dieuwke. Will you never teil anyone else?
Strong. Never!
Dieuwke. (Mysteriously.) Do you know what a woman can do besides believing in a man? (more mysterionsly) she can wish to be paid for it!
Strong. (Merrily pulls out his purse.) In advance ?
Dieuwke. Yes, in advance! Attention! Now comes the secret. If the man in whom she believes allows her to work for him; (getting more and more excited) lays an embargo on her time, her person, her brain, and her hands; if he demands of her everything that she with her heart and soul can do for him - that is the pay she longs for!
Strong. (Looks at her dreamily. Then with a jerk brings himself back to reality.) You wish to?
Dieuwke. I do indeed. Strong. All right. You see that portfolio there?
Dieuwke. Yes.
Strong. That contains all sorts of papers with reference to a concession, which — I



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must get. It is for a rail way that is of importance for the whole district. The entire population hankers after this line. (Pointing through the entrance.) He there spent a lot of work on it before me; and all his influence was of no avail. He tried three times, but could not get it.
Dieuwke. It was fine in him to try, Will!
Strong. It was. I am convinced that at first he was animated by the thought of doing something good and fine, for he is a man with really broad conceptions.
Dieuwke. Then I don't see what keeps you two apart.
Strong. When he failed, he began tampering with things. He leaves the people for whom he was working to their fate and has eyes for nothing now but connecting certain properties in which he is interested. Evidently he has met with opposition, and (laughing sarcastically) the great Hardius cannot stand that!
Dieuwke. There are others who cannot stand being opposed.
Strong. Exactly. And that 'keeps us apart'.



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Dieuwke. Do you know what I think such a pity? — That two men like you and him cannot pull together.
Strong. The time will come, I hope, when we shall.
Dieuwke. When will that be?
Strong. (Setting his teeth.) When we fully know how we are matched one against the other I First we must both know that thoroughly.
Dieuwke. Do you want the one line
Strong. The line that runs straight out!
Dieuwke. — — only because — he could not get it?
Strong. Three times he tried and could not get it!
Dieuwke. Is that the only reason why you want it?
Strong. No. My aspiration is in nowise less lofty than his was. I know that my objective is good! If I had not that incentive I should not set myself so strenuously against him! But in addition to that I think it necessary to show the 'great Mr Hardius' who and what he is for once. (Setting his teeth.)



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And over and above that 1 have set my hand to the task.
Dieuwke. (Holding his arms.) How far have you got?
Strong. Whether the concession is granted or not depends entirely on the War Department. If I can get that behind me I can do what I like with the others. (Smiling slyly.) I have a declaration of approval from the General Staff in my pocket.
Dieuwke. Does that mean much?
Strong. I am al most there now I think. But I have little time and a difficult job. I thought I should have to go soon to have a private interview with the Commandant of the Army here. "Soon" is now: — tomorrow! And for that I need those papers. But probably I shall be obliged to leave them there. Therefore, cost what it will, I want to have a copy of them to keep.
Dieuwke. I quite understand.
Strong. At twelve o'clock tomorrow I shall be standing in the private room of the Commandant — with duplicates of those papers. Before then I must go over everything once more carefully. And you?



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Dieuwke. And I shall copy the papers.
Strong. It will take seventeen or eighteen hours of uninterrupted work.
Dieuwke. What time is it now?
Strong. just on two.
Dieuwke. Can 1 begin now?
Strong. Not yet. Some time before six I shall receive a few more data from the Chief of Staff. They must be incorporated. Let us say - at six.
Dieuwke. At six I will begin. Eighteen hours later will be - let's see - twelve tomorrow. By twelve o'clock tomorrow the duplicates shall be on your desk.
Dolly. (Enters from right with her hat on still.) It's a good thing 1 aint a jealous old cat, or else — — —!
Strong. Or else?
Dolly. (Gayly.) Or else! that's all. (To Dieuwke). Whatever's brought you here so late?
Dieuwke. I came to ask you to go with me to the concert tonight; but I withdraw my invitation before it is given.
Dolly. Why?



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Dieuwke. I've got some work to do.
Strong. This clever young lady is going to take a whole heap of work off my hands.
Dolly. Indeed, Miss Book-learning are you going to do that? And are you going to stop a bit now?
Dieuwke. It is so late - you must have your siësta.
Dolly. It's not two yet. I never siësta tore two.
Dieuwke. Five minutes then. Dolly. Right oh! - five minutes. l'll just take my at - hat-off. (Exit into room right.) Strong. (Presses Dieuwke's hand.) Thankyou.
Dieuwke. What for? For that houror-two s work ?
Strong. No; for what you are doing for her.
Dieuwke. I take that ill of you. Strong. Do you? Dieuwke. Yes, I do. Strong. Really?
Dieuwke. Yes, really. You ought not to be surprised at that.



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Strong. So I am not to say one little word ?
Dieuwke. The idea ought not to enter your head.
Strong. Then I won't.
Dieuwke. (Standing resolutely before him.) Why do you consider me inferiorto yourself?
Strong. 1 am so damned (Dieuwke tries to put her hand over his mouth) grateful to YOU ! 1 used to think that 1 was still the boss over such little kids as you; but now I begin to see what a lot 1 have to learn from you.
Dieuwke. (Pulling his ears.) I am a little kid, am I? Eh? Am 1 a little kid?
Strong. No! Ough! You're a great, big, strapping woman! The devil! 1 must be off! - Dolly! (Off right.)
Dieuwke (stares after him. Her bosom heaves. She puts her hands up to cover her eyes, but is immediately able to command herself).
Strong and Dolly (enter from right, the latter without her hot).
Strong (picks up the portfolio and roll of paper from the table, and takes them through the door back, passing behind the window right).



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Dolly, Here we are again! Now we'll have a nice chat!
Dieuwke. But it can only be a very, very little one. I must sleep this afternoon. Both (sit down).
Dolly. Very well — if you must, you must. Are you coming to read out to me again this evening?
Dieuwke. Not this evening. Did not I teil you your husband has given me some work to do?
Dolly. Let 'im wait — He's got plenty of time!
Dieuwke. (Laughing.) I'm af raid that won't do — he is in a hurry for this work.
Dolly. Nonsense — he ain't never in a hurry. That's just what's so comic in him. If he is in an 'urry, he's just twice as dawdly as ever.
Dieuwke. That's only in appearance.
Dolly. Well anyway you can't see it in 'im — that's what's so rum! If he gets 'ot
hot arguing about some pet hobby
of his — well hot for him — do you know what he says then? (She stands up and imitates, down



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to the smallest detail, Strong's attitude and somewhat hesitating manner of speaking. Before she speaks she puffs away the smoke from an imaginary cigar.) "Yes — er — I really do feel something for that!" (She laughs, and sits down again.)
Dieuwke. To you he says something different to that, doesn't he?
Dolly. To me — well. yes. He's a good old chap. But he don't give other folks much chance of seeing inside of him! Dieuwke. (A little obsently.) No-O — — Dolly. Are we going to have some reading again tomorrow evening?
Dieuwke. Tomorrow evening? Yes — that's all right.
Dolly. What a lot of right down fine writers there is, eh? Now I've been times and times past Will's book-case, but may 1 get in the family-way — — —
Dieuwke (puts her hond over Dolly's mouth).
Dolly. — — get a boil, if 1 knew there was such books. My Gracious me! as a ordinary young lady, you never hear of such, do you now ? If you ever do read, why its a nice novel or something like that — and them's real pretty too!



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Dieuwke. Yes — some are really beautiful.
Dolly. But honest is honest: — it makes a lot of difference how they are read out. You can do it A one. Sure as sure! — 1 cant say it properly of course, but, when you was reading away again last night, thinks I to myself. My gracious! What a sight finer the world is than a body knows herself! At a time like that you would never want to play the goat, with anyone — not with your husband nor nobody.
Dieuwke. Your husband? Surely you have never deceived him?
Dolly. Now, 'deceived' is a big word! But, do you know I once saw some playacting, and there was an old cove in it that kep 'on saying "We're no saints". That 'it it right on the spot! We ain't no saints!
Dieuwke. Look at me, Dolly — no — straight in the eyes.
Dolly (laughs).
Dieuwke. I was beginning to think something; but your laugh is too pure. Dolly. For a Saint? Dieuwke. No - for the other thfng.



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Were you speaking in general, when you said that just now? Or were you thinking of some particular case?
Dolly. What do you mean?
Dieuwke. What were you thinking about just now, when you said that?
Dolly. (Laughing.) About nothing.
Dieuwke. (Reservedly.) Oh.
Dolly. You ain't cross with me?
Dieuwke. No, of course not — if you don't wish to talk about it, we won't.
Dolly. (Hesitatingly.) I wish I durst teil you about it. Then I should have it off my chest anyway. (She looks round at the door back and says in a very low voice.) I come out here first'dass on the boat, you know.
Dieuwke. H'm?
Dolly. Well now, on board there the folks was as stiff — as a gent's new doublé collar! I won't say they was rude — but friendly? — as friendly as a landlord asking for last quarter's rent! They never langhed 'cept by theirselves in their own set, and — well — I hadn't got no set. (Dieuwke lays her hand on Dolly's.) So a time or two I looked



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the folks up in the second-class. They set together ever so much more sociable-like there, and didn't pull no go — to — meeting faces, if you said something a bit funny.
Dieuwke. Was it Mr Strong's wish that you should travel first-class?
Dolly. Not exactly. When he sent the money for the journey and my outfit, he wrote that I was to travel just as I liked best.
Dieuwke. And so you chose first-class.
Dolly. Oh I don't know about choosing. There was the money for it, and I thought: — l'll take a bit of a fling for once."
Dieuwke. And you sometimes visited the second-class?
Dolly. (From this point speaks gradually more hesitatingly. She tries airily to talk herself free from her embarrassment.) Well, you see, We had lots
more fun there! And — er — what else was it I was agoing to teil you about?
Dieuwke. "We are no saints."
Dolly. Oh yes! So 1 was. Well, there was some one in the second — class, who was real nice to me. Every time I came



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Dieuwke. Was it a lady?
Dolly. No-o — er — it wasn't a lady.
Dieuwke. Indeed.
Dolly. But he was a perfick gent.
Dieuwke. And — er — ?
Dolly. Well yes. When a chap acts real friendly to you, you jolly soon get thick together. And no wonder, eh? (Short pause.) When it was warm evenings on the Ocean, and we was sitting side by side on deck in the moonshine. we talked over all sorts of things. And he had used to fetch me a glass of lemonade or something like that sometimes, if I was thirsty, or he'd beg a
extra tart off the steward for me (Glibly
trying to 'get it over' quickly.) And then one time the silly went and gave me a kiss! (Nervously.) Do you think that was dreadfuliy naughty?
Dieuwke. Is that — all?
Dolly. Depends what you call all.
Strong. (At back.) Good-bye, girls. Tm off to the office. (Takes his sun-helmet from the hat-rack.) Going as far as that, Dieuwke?
Dieuwke. Which way do you go ?
Strong. I go — so (pointing).



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Dieuwke. (Pointing in the other direction.)
And I go — so.
Strong. (Pinching Dolly's chin.) Going to
take your siësta at once? Dolly. Yes, dear.
St rong. (To Dieuwke.) Good-bye, Princess.
Dieuwke. (Nods and smiles.) Good-bve. Will.
Strong. Going to stop with Dolly a little longer.
Dieuwke. Yes, just for a few minutes.
St rong. Here at six o'clock?
Dieuwke. To the minute.
Strong. (To Dolly.) She is going to work for me.
Dolly. Yes, so she told me.
Strong. (Kisses her.) I shall soon teil you all about it. You will pull the blinds down as soon as Dieuwke's gone?
Dolly. Yes, dear.
Str O n g (waves his hand to Dieuwke).
Dieuwke (nods back.)
Strong (off).



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Dolly. Are you coming back at six?
Dieuwke. Yes, I'm coming to fetch my work then.
Dolly. (Anxious to resumé the conversation of a moment ago.) That's right; then I shall see you again directly.
Dieuwke. (With emphasis.) Have you told me absolutely all?
Dolly. H'm.
Dieuwke. Quite-quite everything?
Dolly. Didn't I say "We're no saints".
Dieuwke (looks at her sternly for some moments, drumming on the table with her fingers).
Dolly. (Very nervous.) What is done is done, eh?
Dieuwke. Does your husband know anything about it?
Dolly (shakes her head).
Dieuwke. And do you think be deserves such treatment at your hands?
Dolly (shakes her head again). Dieuwke. (Gently.) Teil him to-day, Dolly. Dolly. Never in my blessed life! Dieuwke. Then I am terribly disappointed in you.



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Dolly. I aint got the pluck to do it I Dieuwke. You must. Dolly. I dursn't.
Dieuwke. Is it that you are afraid of giving him pain ? or are you afraid for yourself ?
Dolly. I don't know — I dursn't. Dieuwke. (Throws her arm round Dolly's waist.) It willl hurt him terribly, but you must teil him. Dolly. (Uneasily.) He will carry on so! Dieuwke. You are afraid for yourself! Dolly. Yes, I am, too! I know I am!
Dieuwke. If he should hear of it from anyone else, it will be a thousand times worse.
Dolly. That can't happen: there's no one what knows about it.
Dieuwke. There are two people, besides me, who know.
Dolly. Two?
Dieuwke. You and he!
Dolly. Oh, he'11 keep his mouth shut all right.



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Dieuwke. Are you sure af that?
Dolly. Certain sure.
Dieuwke. Well in your place I should
still teil You can at once assuage your
self-reproach by honestly confessing everything to your husband; and then you will be rid of the dreadful fear that he may hear of it from the other.
Dolly. God — a — mercy! but why in 'eaven's name should 'e split?
Dieuwke. I don't know. I only contend that it is possible. I don't know — but I think your keeping silence, apart from everything else, is dangerous as well.
Dolly. Lord's sake, Dieuwke, don't scare me so!
Dieuwke. Do now, Dolly, think seriously about it. You have done wrong, dear! You may be certain that your husband will never conceal anything from you as long as he lives. Go and lie down now. It is a very good thing that you will be quite alone for a little. I am convinced that, by and by, when you have pondered over everything, you will own that I am right. Swallow the bitter pill tonight, Dolly! Yes? You will?



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No I won't listen to another word. You two must put that straight between you. And I shall keep the strictest silence, be sure of that. Good-bye, Dol! (She runs away hastily waving her hand to Dolly.)
Dolly (alone. Sits still for a few moments. Pulls herself together by taking a few steps about the room. Lets the blinds down, left. Off back past window left).
Volders (in rough suit, European style, pushes one of the blinds a little aside, puts his head in; coughs a couple of times; lets the blind fall straight again; and waits outside.
Dolly. (Has taken off her kabaja, and, evidently in haste, thrown a handsome lapanese kimono round her. She appears behind the window left, and leans her elbows on the sill.) Yes! Yes! Who is there?
Volders. (Puts his head in again, and whispers.) It's me.
Dolly. My God!
Volders. May 1 come in?
Dolly. (Enters through the door back, fastening her kimono as the comes. She pulls one half of the blind a little way up. Uneasily: -) Didn't I think it myself! Speak of the devil — — —!
Volders (enters, stooping under the blind).
Dolly. (Lets the blind down again.) My Gracious! how you startled me!



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Volders. Bonjour! (Lays his hot on the window-sill.)
Dolly. I won't have anything more to do with you!
Volders. Well, that's friendly, I don't think!
Dolly. My husband's only just this second gone out.
Volders. Yes, I know. I waited for that. I've been doing sentry-go for the last hour.
Dolly. And he may he back directly minute!
Volders. (Incredulously.) Do you believe that yourself?
Dolly. (Shivers nervously.) I don't know.
Volders. (Catches her round the waist.) I haven't had a kiss from you for a fortnight.
Dolly. (Defends herself passionately.) Leave me go, can't you? I won't, I teil youl
Volders. Oh! You won't! And how about a fortnight ago, ducky, when we were cuddling on board?
Dolly. We aren't on board any Ionger.
Volders. Come, Dol! Don't let two such jolly kids as you and me begin playacting with each other!



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Dolly. I'm an honest woman.
Volders. Weren't you then?
Dolly. Oh my God - if that had only never been!
Volders. Must yours truly have never been ?
Dolly. I'm so call - of - a - shake'! Volders. (Pinches her chin.) I asked if I must never have been. Dolly (shakes her head).
Volders. Right oh! So I thought! Come along, old girl, and sit down by me. Dolly. No, Lou, I dursn't.
Volders. (With his arm round her waist leads her to a chair; he sits down and sets her on his knee: Dolly laughingly tries to prevent him.) There we was! Now I rekernize you again! We never see nothing of one another here hardly, do we?
Dolly. Have you got a situation yet?
Volders. Yes; I'm a giddy cutter again. I ve took pity on my old employer and gone back to the old shop.
Dolly. Gent's Tailoring?



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Volders. Yes did you think it was
'an-'am-an-beef' shop? (They laugh.)
Dolly. Why 'aven't you been here before?
Volders. Couldn't. They couldn't spore me. Well, yes. - Yesterday; but your other 'alf stayed at home. I cooled my 'eels for three hours.
Dolly. You should have come in. I'd have introduced you to 'im.
Volders. To teil you Gods'truth, I ain't spoiling to meet him. His face gives me the pip. (Fingering her kimono.) I'd rather look at you in a thing like this than him in an extra-superfine suit, cut-out with my own hands.
Dolly. You're a cheeky little devil.
Volders. What? [Say now! Do you remember — — — that night?
Dolly. (Puts her hand over his mouth). If you say another word l'll never speak to you to everlasting Amen!
Volders. What blooming difference can it make to you? You're married all safe.
Dolly. I've been most dreadful sorry about it!



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135
Volders. About what? About being married ?
Doily. No, about — — — (Bashfully.) I suppose you wouldn't believe that, would you?
Volders. Don't think nothing about it, and you won't feel nothing about it! According to the latest phylorserfee you must get all the pleasure out of life that you blooming well can get. l'll make that clear as mud to you. See here now: — We all wear clothes, don't we?
Dolly, Well, what in mercy's that to do with it?
Volders. 'Old 'ard! Did folks used to wear clothes a million years ago? Not a stitch! For there weren't no tailors nor cutters then. And yet them people was just as decent as you and me, Why ? And why shouldn't we be decent if we wandered down the high street stark naked?
Dolly. Naturally because no lady would ever dare to do such a thing. It wouldn't be proper!
Volders. Proper? Scats! lts because we're used to 'em ? Everything what people



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is used to is decent. Now we're used to love and such between man and woman — between one man and one woman. Earlier, folks used to treat one another more brotherly-like in these little matters. Then any body made love to every body anyhow and every where. — What are you cackling at?
Dolly. (Laughing). What price Adam and Eve?
Volders. Oh then there was only just them two. They couldn't help theirselves, poor things! But if I can get my fun, I've a right to take it - that's what I say!
Dolly. Oh yes! with all that fine talkeetalkee you're only thinking of number one! You've got a tongue would wheedle a girl off of a church pew!
Volders. 'Scuse me! I learned that from Schopenhauer.
Dolly. And who's he ? just such another scalliwag as you — I'H go bail!
Both (laugh).
Dolly. Just look at my hand. It's shaking from nerves.



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137
Volders. Are you dotty? We aren't doing nothing.
Dolly. Nothing? oh! Just let my hushand catch you like this — that's all!
Volders. Rats! He must say, like the Frenchman did; — Lissemie-de-missemiesemm i ssemice!
Dolly. If he said a single word, I should die of surprise.
Volders. Do you feel that way inside you?
Dolly. P'raps he wouldn't say a word. Believe me or not — if the roof feil in he'd never turn a hair!
Volders. Then keep your peepers open — Still waters run deep!
Dolly. But' what he'd do — I dursn't even think! For though perhaps he says nothing and you can't notice nothing about him, yet he fears neither man nor devil — Oh — you may laugh!
Volders. So you don't trust him either.
Dolly. Not trust him! I'd rather trust one like him than a whole box of things like you!



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Volders. Oh! Then you like him better than me?
Dolly. Of course I do! Let me go now, do!
Volders. Bong! Then l'll skedaddle. God bless you my child — You'11 never see your lover any more!
Dolly. It's rotten mean of you to carry on like that! Why can't we be just good friends ?
Volders. Good-bye.
Dolly. What do you want to be so silly for ?
Volders. Who is letting 'the golden chance go by'? You, or me?
Dolly. If you knew what me and my husband was to one another, you wouldn't talk that way!
Volders. Talkee — talkee — talkee! Do gas about something else. (Puts his arm round her again.) Where's the servants?
Dolly. I don't know — do you want a drink?
Vo 1 d e r S. No. (Puts her on to his knee again.) No, I don't want a drink. (Looks towards the window left.) Is that your bedroom?



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139
Dolly. (Teasingly.) No.
Volders. Tis, though!
Dolly. Tisn't, thoughI
Volders. 'Tis, though!
Dolly. I say it isn't!
Volders. Then why were you standing there just now half out of your dress?
Dolly. I was standing there in négligé because my bedroom is next door.
Volders. (Looking at door right.) What room is that?
Dolly. That's my boudoir.
Volders, You were in négligé, end that's your boudoir — come off! — Who taught you all those fine words?
Dolly. P'raps you think I didn't know em before I
Volders. Never heard an echo of 'em!
May I take a peep at your boudoir?
Dolly. Why? Volders. Because!
Dolly. Come along then. There's nothing
to see No, dickey bird, I'm not going
with you.



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Volders. Come! Don't act like a kid! Dolly. I won't go — sure as eggs! Volders. What did you promise me? Dolly. Leave hold of me!
Volders. What on earth's the matter ? He won't be here for an hour yet at least.
Dolly. That's nothing to do with it.
Volders. Have you shoved everything between us aside, Dolly? and me been thinking of you night and day!
Dolly. Course I haven't — you were a deal too nice to me for that.
Volders. What's wrong then ?
Dolly. I'm married now.
Volders. And weren't you married — that night?
Dolly. (Stamping.) If — spite of all I can do — you can't talk of anything else, you'd better get out.
Volders. Come, kid, do have a bit of sehse! Listen now; and, if its illogical, just say so! What harm can there be in your showing me over your house? And suppose — ha, ha! — that 1 did just steal a kiss?



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141
Would that kill you? There ain't a soul to see us!
Dolly. Whether they see us or not — 1 won't — I won't I
Volders. P raps you won't believe me. but — 'cross — my — heart — and — die' — if I'm telling you a lie. Since I bid you 'Good day' on board, I've never eat another meal hearty! That's as true as that your vinegar faced husband gives me the gr — — — stomach — ache!
Dolly. He's not vinegar faced! He's a through and through good husband.
Volders. He's as red and vinegary as tomato ketchup! "Red hair and alder wood never grow on good ground!"
Dolly. Old wives' fiddle-faddle! I get on first-rate with him.
Volders. I fancied you thought better of me. I did indeed! I fancied you thought a lot of me?
Dolly. I think a deal too much of you.
Volders. Well then? (Motions smilingly to her to go with him into the boudoir.)
Dolly. Oh, d o go away now.



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Volders. Couldn't think of it. Dolly. You can come back another time, but do, do go away now!
Volders (draws her head back on to his arm
and kisses her).
Dolly. (Imploringly.) No, Lou — — (She hears voices in the distance; starts; runs to the entranoe; looks through the blind.) Good God!! Here comes Will!
Volders (from whose arms Dolly has h'teraHy torn herself, retires to back, more or less taken aback).
Strong. (From outside.) It's really a conjuring trick to open these things from this side.
Dolly. (Pulls up one of the blinds.) Wait a minute! l'll help yon.
Strong and Falk (enter, Falk on Strong's left. The 'plume' in Falk's heimet is replaced by a 'stopper').
Strong. Hello! What's all this ? Not gone to siësta yet?
Dolly. (Takes hold of his arms and kisses him.) No, not yet. How soon you are back!
Strong. Yes. And see whom I've brought with me. Don't you remember him?
Falk. (Who is standing exactly between Strong and Volders salutes.) Good afternoon, MnStrong.



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143
Dolly. Of course I do I How are you, M' Falk? I saw you when you left Amsterdam a year ago.
Falk. Half-a-year, Mra Strong.
Dolly. Half-a-year? Oh, yes — quite possibly.
Strong. (To Falk.) Meeting you has made her quite nervous! (He sees Volders.) Hallo 1 (Looks alternately at Volders and Dolly).
Volders. (Takes a step forward.) May I introducé myself? 1 am Mr Volders. Dolly. Yes; this is U' Volders, Will.
Volders. 1 am delighted to make your acquaintance.
Dolly. We was in the same boat together, coming over here from Holland.
Volders. I hope I ain't intruding?
Dolly. He came to bring us a visit.
Volders. I thought I ought to pay my 'visite de congestion'.
Strong. Oh, Mr Falk, would you kindly come back in ten minutes or so ?
Falk. Of course — of course — with pleasure. (Off left).
Strong (goes off left for a moment).



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Dolly. (Hoarsely.) Go away!
Volders. Why? I aint done nothing!
Dolly. For God's sake, go, Lou!
Volders. Damned if 1 do!
Dolly. He will half kill you — I saw it in his eyes!
St rong. (Re-enters from left.) Have you just come to India?
Volders. Yes; that is — for the second time.
Strong. So you know that, here, this is exactly the time that visits are not paid?
Volders. Oh, yes; but I thought Mrs Strong and me know each other so well!
Strong (goes to window left; takes hat from window sill; looks at it; throws it outside; motions Volders to follow it).
Volders. Strike me dotty, sir! What do you mean?
D O! 1 y (begins to cry).
Strong. I advise you to make haste.
Volders (approaches Dolly and makes her a short bow).
Strong. (Calmly.) A little quicker, if you



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145
don't want me to smash your skull. (Advances to him slowly with his hands in his pockets.)
Volders. (Drawing back in a funk.) You insolent boor, you! D'ye think I'm afraid of you ? You red-headed nigger you! Yah! you nigger! (Off left.)
Dolly. You are called Strong, and very likely you are Strong — and so are most brutes!
Strong. Hello? Have I two people to settle with?
Dolly. Did you expect I.should allow my friends to be kicked out like that by you and not say nothing?
Strong. The fewer of those sort of 'friends' you have the better I shall like it!
Dolly. 'Those sort of friends' ? What's wrong with 'those sort of friends'? Are they worse than that 'friend' there (Points to the entrance.) — that whilskey—soaked Burgomaster's son?
Strong. What he is, 1 don't yet know. That has yet to be seen. But the present question is not about him, I think. If Fate had not willed that I should come home to fetch some figures — — —



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Dolly. Well, what then ? You and your figures! A pretty hg ure you are yourself!
Strong. 1 take it you don't know, so I teil you now. A self-respecting woman does not receive a visit from any gentleman at this hour, if her husband is not at home. I say 'gentleman' simply by way of speaking.
Dolly. Gentleman? Indeed? He no gentleman? Just as much a gentleman as you are! Are you a gentleman ? You belong to the blacksmith's! Yes; just go back to the blacksmith shop! (Sobs.)
Strong. (Sits down at table left.) Come and sit down here, Dolly.
Dolly. No! I won't sit down!
Strong. Ought it to be like this between us, Dolly?
Dolly. Doesn't matter to me how it ought to be! What can it matter to me how it ought to be?
Strong. I don't know what you are taking on so about. I have not uttered one single reproach.
Dolly. Of course I take it to heart. Him and me are no strangers. We was weeks long together on the same shtp.



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Strong. Yes, you feel it in that way. I quite understand. But that fellow had earned such a lesson richly. He must pay his visits of 'congestion' elsewhere.
Dolly. I don't see why he should not come here.
Strong. Because I won't have him here. At least not like just now.
Dolly. Two years ago you didn't talk that way! Then you used to sneak into the shop red as a pillar-box. Then you knew just as little as me of the 'p' s' and 'q' s' of the great world.
Strong. Listen, Dolly. Just now you said: — I learn something from Dieuwke every day'. I am right glad of that, for you need it, dear. Not that I should like to see you less simple; but in many things you cannot stand the comparison.
Do 11 y. Take her then! Then you'll have a wife to your taste!
Strong. (Sunk in thought.) Perhaps so. If I see and hear you often as you are now, it may be dangerous for me to recali to mind (speaking to himself) what — to my shame be it said! — has sometimes come into



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my thoughts. (To Dolly.) For God's sake. Dolly, do try a little more to be one with me. I longed for you for so many years; and 1 always thought you such a good, plaindealing, lassie.
Dolly. Oh! So I'm not good enough for you!
Strong. (Affected.) I don't know. I always thought you were. In my thoughts I have never made a 'woman-of-the world' of you. For me you were always a world of simplicity. I thought that it would be something delightful for a husband to be the whole world to his wife. And to whom could one be that better than to a simple, little, country-bred wifie? I thought it so fortunate that I had understood the advice of my dear, good, old mother. — If you ever marry, my boy, marry a woman who believes better than she understands'. But I am afraid your belief and trust in your husband is in a woeful state.
Dolly. Do you know what I can believe in men?
Strong. We are not talking about 'men'. 1 spoke of your confidence in me, your husband, Dolly. It appears to me that you



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spend your stock of confidence with a somewhat too general Iiberality. And that was not the belief my mother meant!
Dolly. Ho, yes! - that mother of yours !
Strong. Don't you dare to say one evil word about her for — — —
D o II y. Lord, man, she's an angel. I've always said so!
Strong. Just teil me, Dolly, - Why did you marry me.
Dolly. I wish to Goodness I never had!
Strong. I asked you, why you did?
w/P0"Y' } WaS dotty when 1 done it! When you're se ven and twenty and not married, you're crazier than crazy - Then a girl takes anything she can get.
Strong. (Swallowing a lump in his throat.) That may be, yes. But five years ago you were only twenty two.
Dolly. Then it was only 'walking out' with you! A girl does that more than once. Ihat doesnt tie one down to nothing!
Strong. Oh! But let us talk in earnest for once, Dolly.
Dolly. For once! Talk in earnest for



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once! — Why you always do nothink else! Is it a wonder I like to talk to somebody else sometimes?
Strong. If you consider that so absolutely necessary (although quite master of himself, his lip trembles) there is - by taking one bold step — a way of arranging it.
Dolly. Then just teil me how!
Strong. I will keep that, as a pleasant surprise, for the right time. But, for the present, remember — Until that time - I forbid you to receive that man!
Dolly. (Hisses.) And if I do receive him?
Strong (goes and stands directly in front of her)
Dolly (continues to look at him, biting her lips nervously).
Strong. You quite understand? Dolly (goes off laughing, passing behind window left).
Strong (looks after her. He draws a deep breath. Walks up and down with his hands, working restlessly, in his pockets).
Falk (enters from left).
Strong. Ah yes - to be sure! Come in, Mr Falk. Pray take a seat. (Points to a chair near table left.)



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151
Falk. (Sits down and lays his heimet on the table in front of him.) Before you say anything I should like to apologize for the very ungentlemanly way in which I came to see you some five or six weeks ago. I have regretted it very sincercly.
Strong. (Gives him a quick grip of the hand acj-oss the table, with a gesture, as much as to say „We won't say any more about that".) 1 intended to write to you one of these days, but, now that chance has brought us together, it seems to me better to say at once what I wanted to say to you.
Falk. I did not dare to come again on my own initiative.
Strong. No — and there was good reason for that. Now listen, Mr Falk. You don't expect me to talk to you about 'Shakespeare and the musical glasses' eh?
Falk. No
Strong. Now see here: - At one time in our dull little hole of a village you were the son of our Burgomaster, and I was Red Bill'! Then — 1 was no fit company for you — — —
Falk. But, Mr Strong



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Strong. Just so! You've got it right there! I am 'Mister' Strong! And you? — Adrunken private in the Indian Army! And a drunken private in the Indian Army is no fit company for me. Now don't mistake my meaning! Were you a Duke's son, that uniform would honour you, if you wore it honourably. But you looked upon it as an escape from disgrace; and now that you wear it you disgrace it! A soldier's life is as difficult as glorious. It is beset with temptations that only a strong will can resist; and whatever will you once had has been washed away with whiskey!
Falk. You are hard!
Strong. I am simply stating the facts. I never mince matters. I couid have said it more smoothly, but you would not have understood me so well.
Falk. You are needlessly hard. 1 feel my position quite well without your help.
Strong. What is wrong with your position? This (picking up Falk's heimet) is a fitting head-gear for a prince! — no, it is the man inside the uniform that disgraces the little village in which he was bom! There is no one whom we civilians ought to respect



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more than a soldier — an honest soldier who answers to call of Crown and Country. But - are you that? You call me needlessly hard; but you don't know how hard it is to be hard. Now, which is the harder of us two? — You, who with a smile on your lips have covered the grey head of your father with disgrace, or I, who am seeking the hardest words I can find to show Koert Falk what he is?
Falk (pants).
Strong. (Stands up; takes a few steps; turns to Falk and still standing says: -) When I stood by my father's death bed, he gave me his hand. "My boy", said he. "when the father drops the axe, the son must piek it up." "Right, father!" said I. He smiled again at me, and — — died.
(A short pause.)
Falk (stares before him with trembling lips).
Strong. If I have once staked my carroty head on the game of life, I can smile whilst" my dearest ideals (just glancing at the window left) - piece by piece - pff! - fall to pieces. But (in a grating voice) 1 — remain — Will Strong!
Falk (stands up, as though out of respect).



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Strong. (Smiling.) It is not an easy job, to make me take a back seat! Only when I hear beautiful singing — then I own myself beaten. (He goes to Falk.) But when I see Mr Koert Falk, who was at a big public school, when I held a sledge-hammer in my fist, — when I see him a whiskeyrotted colonial — — —
Falk (passes the back of his hand across his eyes, and sobs).
Strong. (Sternly.) Quit crying! — — when I see that gentlemanly lad, on whom his father, my father's master, had set all his hopes, stand in front of me, a disgrace to the uniform he wears (almost whispering) — — then I feel — — sick!
Falk. (Passes his hand again across his eyes.) Yes, I know I am a black sheep. The best thing you can do is to leave me to my fate.
Strong. Ha! (Takes a few steps in the room.) Yes, now we are getting on! (Suddenly stands still.) Come! Just say to me 'It shall be "different!'
Falk. But what else can I be now?
Strong. Where there is a Will !
Falk. Sergeant, perhaps. And what is that?



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S t r o n g. A sober, self-respecting sergeant is an honour to his country. We civilians ought to be deeply thankful that there are such good, strong, men who give their time, and perhaps their lives, to enable us to do our duty in safety. But you are not a 'good, strong, man'. Many a woman would make a better soldier than you! Let's sit down, and see what can be- done. (They both sit.) What do you do in your everyday capacity now?
Falk. I'm in the office of the General Staff — they are educating me for the topographical service.
Strong. Then, you draw?
Falk. Yes, now, I'm drawing every day.
Strong. Have you any knowledge of Office Routine ?
Falk. I passed myexam.forbook-keeping, at the secondary school.
Strong. Now, you admit you are not man enough to be a soldier? Well — Can't you get a substitute?
Falk. A substitute?
Strong. Yes — how much does it cost to get a substitute for a man who finds he is not fit to be a soldier?



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Falk. Different amounts, I believe. Three or four hundred guilders. It depends on the length of service.
Strong. Could you get a substitute?
Falk. I have no money.
Strong. No; naturally.
Falk. And my father won't pay another cent for me.
Strong. He's quite right! But suppose you had the money?
Falk. Perhaps not then ?
Strong. Why not?
Falk. Because my punishment sheet is not — a blank!
Strong. Is there much on it?
Falk. A bit too much — — all for — —
Strong. I understand.
Falk. A man can only leave the service if he has a good record.
Strong. What? (Smiling.) Why, those are just the men they ought to keep! Falk. Yes — that is so. Strong. So they won't let you go?



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Falk. I don't think so — unless I make it so hot that they kick me out — with - eh?
Strong. With what ?
Falk. With a note for the police. 'Keep your eye on him!'
Strong. Now, "take the other view — Suppose, for a bit, you were so careful that there were no more entries against you! — And that you could find a substitute — and that there was some one, with more or less influence, who went to the powers that be — some one who can say what he means straight out! — Would there be any chance then that they would let you go?
Falk. Well, yes! Perhaps. But then there is the money.
Strong. We won't go into that again. (Walks up and down.) Would you like to take off a uniform you are not fit to wear, and come and work in my office?
F a 1 k. 1 — — in your office! (He leans his
elbows on the table and bites his thumb nervously.)
Strong. I asked you if you would like to Well?



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Falk (with difficulty restraining himself from an outbreak. nods).
Strong. Then — between man and man
— Drop the drink! Come to me next month and say "For four weeks I have not touched a drop, and to-day I haye written to my father, to say "I am going to be a different man". Then one of two things — Either I shall not be able to help you, because I've had a slap in the face myself
— or I shall. In which case I will do all I possibly can for you — and, if the army can spare you, we will walk together into my office. Will you do that?
Falk. (Taking his heimet.) I do not know what l ought to say?
Strong. Say nothing — that's best! I suppose you have not a looking-glass — a big mirror, in which you can see yourself from head to foot — at the barracks?
Falk. No — we haven't.
Strong. Have you a little one in which you can see your face?
Falk. Oh yes — several little ones.
Strong. Well, when you are alone, stand in front of that little glass, look yourself in






(Mrs. Guste Chrispijn — Mulder.) Dolly, Here's to you!...... Page 159.



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the eyes, and swear aloud that you will do what seems so difficult for you now.
Falk. I promise you 1 will.
Strong. And above all don't forget that letter to your father!
Falk. 1 shall teil him, too, what sort of man Will Strong is!
Strong. That's not necessary. Heknows "Red Bill"?
Falk. (Salutes.) Thanks awfully, Mr Strong. Good-bye.
Strong. So long !
Falk (goes off left).
Strong (watches him to the entrance).
Dolly (passing behind the window left. comes up from back. She holds a big glass of water in front of her. Stands waiting in the middle of the room, with a smiling face).
Strong (turns round, and stands looking at her in astonishment).
Dolly. Now! Let's drown our quarrel in a drink? Here's to you!
Strong (all astonishment, sits down on a chair by table left, and continues to stare at her with wide-open eyes.
Curtain.






ACT III.
Scène. — The same room; Dieuwke's hat and Mary's schoolbooks on the table left. On the table right a vase of flowers. In the left corner back a small side table on which also is a vase of flowers. Some miniature vases hang on the wall right, with a few loose flowers in them. Over the door back the wall is tastefully decorated with green.
Dieuwke. (In walking-dress, is standing by table left, decorating a chair with some loose flowers.) Will you arrange the flowers on that table?
Dolly. (In peignoir, is standing by table right.) 1've just begun to.
Mary (who has some extra lace and ribbons on her dress, is standing watching what Dolly is doing).
Dieuwke. How's that?
Dolly. Fine! Bet you he says directly — 'That's Dieuwke's work'!
Dieuwke. Why?
Dolly. Oh, well — who else would bring him flowers?



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Dieuwke (does her work excitedly; humming a tune the while).
Mary. Will He be long yet, M" Strong?
Dolly. I shouldn't think so. - Pretty rosé, eh?
Mary. You must put that in his button — hole, when he comes.
Dolly. Shan't we be grand! (Hums Dieuwke's song with her.)
Mary. (Goes to table left and takes her books with a sigh.) I do wish I was grown up!
Dieuwke. (Without looking up.) When you are grown up, you won't have any more wishes left.
Mary. The first thing I shall do will be to chuck all irregular verbs to the — — into a corner.
Dieuwke. Quite right! Dolly. Hurry up and learn 'em. Go, now, and sit in my room, or in my husband's study. Mary. Thanks, yes. I shall be quieter there. Dolly. All right — off you go! Mary. Call me as soon as he is here. Dolly. l'll Iet you know. Mary (goes to back, passing behind window right).



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Dieuwke. (Looking at the green over the doorway.) There ought to be 'Best wishes for your birthday' up there.
Dolly. Oh, he's got to be content with it as it is. If you look round, it ain't so dusty, eh?
Dieuwke. Yes, he'll open his eyes! (Continues to hum whilst she goes on decorating the chair.)
Dolly. (After a short pause — without looking up from her flowers.) Say — Dieuwke!
Dieuwke. (Without looking up.) Hm?
Dolly (says nothing).
Dieuwke. (Looking up.) What is it?
Dolly. (Laughing.) Oh, nothing!
Dieuwke (continues to hum her song).
Dolly. (Without looking up.) If anyone threatened you, what should you do?
Dieuwke. Threatened me? How do you mean — threatened?
Dolly. Well then — if anyone made you afraid ?
Dieuwke. (Eamestly.) Who is making you afraid ?
Dolly. (Bending low over her flowers.) I mean



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— If they should write anything to Will, would he believe it? (Hums.)
Dieuwke. (Looks at Dolly. When she sees how nervous she is, she goes upto her.) Has anyone been threatening you?
Dolly (hesitates a moment, and then nods.)
Dieuwke. Has the man of 'then' threatened you?
Dolly (nods).
Dieuwke. (Gives a little start; then, calmly.) Has he been here?
Dolly. (Shakes her head.) He's written me, though. (Pulls a letter from her bodi ce and gives it to Dieuwke.) See !
Dieuwke (reads it.)
Dolly. (After Dieuwke has been reading a few minutes.) Do you believe anything of it ? There's no sense in what he says! Will would never believe the crazy things he says about me!
Dieuwke. (Handing the letter back.) Whether Will would believe it or not, I don't know.
Dolly. What a scabby cad, eh?
Dieuwke. But you can do a lot in this case.



(Mrs. Guste Chrispijn- Mulder.) Dolly. He's written me, though. - See! Page 164.






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Dolly The only thing is _ I must get anead of this letter by telling him ?
Dieuwke. Precisely - that is the only tning.
Dolly And today, for a choice! On his birthday!
Dieuwke. I couldn't suggest a better day tor you!
^k1/." ïet' 'ft ?asy enou9h for YO" to say that! I should like to see you do it?
Dieuwke. It is hard, Dolly - that 1 own. But it must be done.
Dolly. (Struggles a little with herself.) You teil him then!
Dieuwke. I?
Dolly. Yes - you _ _ you don't exactly ,ump at that eh ? (With a nervous shiver.) You teil him. Teil him I asked you to Just teil him all - all! Then he'II know it all at once.
Dieuwke. J must not do that. Dolly. Why mustn t you ? D i e U w k e. (Blushing, and with forced liveliness ) Ihat - er - would be wrong - anything



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like that. It would not be right. If I told him, people might think — — no, no. You must teil him yourself.
Dolly. 1 believe you're moré nervous than me!
Dieuwke. I am not in the least nervous ?
Dolly. Oh, no! Not 'alf! (Slowly, and with fear in her voice.) 1 know very well what you are afraid of!
Dieuwke. (Uneasily.) Afraid? I? Why?
Dolly. You are afraid of what will happen.
Dieuwke. Nothing will happen! Nothing at all! You get things into your head, that you see from a totally wrong point of view — I could swear you do!
Dolly. Don't beat about the bush, Dieuwke. You're just as scared as I am.
Dieuwke. I am not — I teil you!
Dolly. Well, God knows 1 am, Dieuwke! 1 am! And so are you! You know what a treat he'11 be, if he can't hold himself in any longer!
Dieuwke. (Surprised.) Is that what you are afraid of?
Dolly. (Shutting her eyes.) I dursen't think about it!



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Dieuwke. (With a sigh of reliëf.) Oh!
Dolly. And don't you teil him neither, Dieuwke! (Hoarsely.) What would happen if he knew, I don't know. But, when I think of it, I feel as if the house was falling in on top of me!
Dieuwke. (Sees Mary passing behind window right.) Hush! Here comes Mary!
Mary (enters back).
Dieuwke. Yes; you are right. We might have a few more flowers.
Mary. May I help you to piek them? (Points to door right.) We can find plenty at that side of the garden.
Dieuwke. That's right! May we go through your room, Dolly?
Dolly. Of course!
Mary.^ (Puts her arm through Dolly's.) Heigh! But you're coming with us, aren't you, Mrs Strong?
Dieuwke. No, you mustn't bother Mrs Strong today, Mary.
Mary. Eh ? Am I bothering you, Mr' Strong? No - for you are laughing!



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Dolly (Iets her take her with her to the door). Falk (dressed as in Act II, enters from left). Dolly. (Sees him and says to the two girls:) You two be off! l'll follow you in a moment.
Dieuwke and Mary (off). Falk. (Salutes.) Good morning, Mre Strong. Dolly. How are you, Mr Falk? Come in. Falk. (Hangs his heimet on the hat-rack.) How are ybu?
Dolly. All right, thanks. And you?
Falk. Couldn't be better.
Both (sit down near table left).
Dolly. Did you want to speak to my husband ?
Falk. Yes, I should like to see him. Is he at home?
Dolly. No; but he may be here any minute.
Falk. (Takes hold of his watch-chain.) Oh! (With an embarrassed laugh.) I d forgotten.
Dolly. Forgotten what?
Falk. Well I pulled at my watch-chain, but



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Dolly. But what?
Falk. There's no watch to it! Of course you understand?
Dolly. (Laughs.) Did you want to know the time?
Falk. No thanks. 1've any Ood's amount of time! If I intrude, please go on with what you were doing.
Dolly. Have you just fallen out the clouds? I haven't seen you in a month.
Falk. It's this way, Mrs Strong, Your husband and 1 made an agreement a month ago; and I've come now to — er — to teil him the result.
Dolly. Goodness! How different your face looks in uniform, eh?
Falk. Yes, 1 know I don't suit the uniform — but 1 hope soon to be wearing mufti again.
Dolly. Really? And what are you going to do then?
Falk. I hope to enter civilian life again, Mrs Strong.
Dolly. 'Mrs Strong', 'Mrs Strong' - Say, dry up with your 'Mrs Strong'-ing me! You didn't talk to me so a year ago!



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Falk. (Embarrassed.) You were not married then.
Dolly. Oh, all right! You understand, eh? Well? And what are you going to do then?
Falk. If everything goes right, it's quite possible I may have a job in your husband's office.
Dolly. My Gracious ! What as ?
Falk. I don't know yet exactly, Mrs Strong.
Dolly (not understanding shrugs her shoulders).
Falk. Your husband doesn't know either exactly. And besides he was to wait and see if I-er-he is waiting for the message I've come to bring him.
Dolly. You're going to get a'shop' under him, without knowing what it is, and he doesn't know what it is, 'cos he's waiting till you give him — — May I get in the . . . a boil, I mean — if I understand one word of it! Angfine! You're going back into mufti ?
Falk. Yes, Mrs Strong.
Dolly (whistles).
Falk. I beg your pardon, Mrs Strong?



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171
Dolly. Oh, nothing! You're going to be the little gent again! And I say: — (She whistles.)
Falk. Mrs Strong, 1 — er — — —
Dolly. Say, look here! You're acting now as if you had never pestered my life out with your love-making when you were still a big swell — that's all right. That I think proper of you; indeed you mustn't try any of your familiarities now, or yöu will go away with a flea in your ear. But your treating me now, all of a sudden, as if we was total strangers, and saying 'Yes, Mre Strong' and 'No, Mrs Strong' — That just gripes me.
Falk. I am really not doing it, MrsStrong, to increase the distance between us. On the contrary 1 think it very jolly of you to call me simply by my own name. But it is impossible for me to call you anything else but 'Mre Strong'.
Dolly. And where do I come in with all that?
Falk. I don't do it for your sake alone; but also out of respect for your husband.
Dolly. Well I never! And that from



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a beauty like you, who used to paint the town red ! Ha-ha-ha !
Falk. I have more than common reasons, strictly to observe all the forms towards the wife of let me say it straight out
— — of my benefactor! Dolly (stands up).
Falk (makes a movement to do so too).
Dolly. No, sit still! Just like that. With the same solemn old mug as you're wearing now. No-no-sit still, and keep just the same! Then l'll show you the difference between. Koert Falk of a year and a half ago and Koert Falk of today. Now you must suppose I'm walking by your side.
- No^ - that I'm a little ahead of you. Now I'm Koert Falk - of a year and a halt ago — (Through the scène she acts, she changes her voice and bearing alternately).
Falk (shows that he is afraid Strong may come in).
Dolly. 'Say, Dolly! Dolly! Pst!!'
'I beg you to let me alone, you are annoying me.'
'But, dear little Dolly, how can that be? I have not said a single word!'
'Look here, Mr Falk! I'm not your class — you know that as well as me.'



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'Good God, Dolly! What an old-fashi oned idea; What do we young people of to-day care about class? With a girl, the only question is: - Is she fetching? Yes. Is she jolly? Yes. Will she do for 'a woman-ofthe-world? - By all the gods of Pimpelus, yes! (She laughs.)
Strong (dressed as in Act II, but now with a European hat, enters from left, and remains standing in the entrance).
Dolly. (Continues, with her back half turned to both the men.) 'Say, Dol! Let's go for a little stroll together tonight! Say! Do, Dol! Do now!'
'You know quite well that I am sort of engaged.' fShe laughs inwardly.) - 'What difference does that make? That can't affect you much at this distance! And you mustn't stick to the same man always — That would be too damn slow.'
Falk. Oh, Mrs Strong, do stop, please!
Dolly. (Laughs; sits down to left of table right. She turns her chair so as to face the audience. She sees Strong standing, looking at her sternly. Gives a little start; but recovers herself at once.) Oh! here's my husband!



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Falk. (Jumps up, startled.) How do you do, Mr Strong ?
Strong (harigs his hat up. He behaves as if he had seen nothing; but converses with Falk noticeably quickly, and somewhat absently).
Dolly. (With a friendly manner.) How do, Will ? (She arranges here and there a flower on the table. Gives one furtive look at Strong.)
Strong. (Sits down at table left.) You are prompt to time. It is exactly four weeks. You see I've kept count. But now I am not ready. I am expecting a decision every day — It is lasting longer than I thought it would. Enfin! If it turns out wrong — we shan't forget one another! In that case there'H be another opportunity tomorrow or next day! You know what I've promised you.
Falk. (Standing up.) You won't mind if I come back?
Strong. (Stands up too.) Let us arrange that you come back as often as you feel inclined. I shall teil you as soon as I know anything. — That may be tomorrow — or perhaps today — as likely as later. You have — — kept your promise ?
Falk. In every way.
Strong. Good!



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Falk. I came here to teil you that.
Strong. Right! We are not school —girls — so we will leave sentiment out of it.
Falk. (Takes his heimet.) I thank you from a full heart for the present. I shall not disappoint you.
Strong. I am not afraid of that.
Falk. Good-bye, Mr Strong. (Puts his heimet on and salutes.) Good-day, Mre Strong.
Dolly. Are you going away? Good-bye, Mr Falk.
Falk (off to left).
Strong (looks at Dolly; takes hold of the back of the decorated chair, without looking at it; feels the flowers; looks at them; crushes them without moving a muscle of his face).
Dolly. Is it so late again?
Strong. I must have a talk with you.
Dolly. A pleasant sort of birthday that!
Strong. (Opens his hands and drops the crumpled up flowers.) There you have my estimate of the pleasure of my birthday!
Dolly. Oh, you haven't got me there! Those are Dieuwke's!



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Strong. What would you think of our getting a divorce?
Dolly. (Opens her eyes wide.) Just a bagatelle, eh?!!
Strong. That's why it would not be difficult for you.
Dolly. My God, Will! what do you "want to squable about now ? I never quarrel!
Strong. We don't seem to be able to pull together, Dolly.
Dolly. A pair is not necessary for a donkey-cart!
Strong. Our marriage has been a disillusion for me —
Dolly. A how much ?
Strong. It was a silly thing to do on both parts.
Dolly. In-deed ! What is there silly, about it, I'd like to know ! Can I do any more for you than I do do?,
Strong. 1 don't know — — I used to see something in you that I can't find now. There never was, of course, a ha'p 'orth of community of soul between us, but, you see, I imagined there was.



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'Dolly. I know I can't talk up to your style any longer, I've seen that ever so long. You used to be quite a different sort of chap to what you are now, let me teil you !
Strong. You are right. I fully acknowledge that it is my fault. But that takes nothing from the fact that my disillusion is infinitely greater than you are even able to comprehend.
Dolly. You ought to write me again about those 'Castles in the air' you built for our wedding ! Does you blooming castle look so comfy now ?
Strong. A heap of ruins ! For the last month 1 have been trying to put the broken stones together again, but now I begin to see that it avails me nothing.
Dolly (looks at him without understanding what he means).
Strong. No, I know you can't understand me. All that glides smoothly over you.
Dolly. If you won't say what you mean, how can I understand what you do mean?
Strong. (Sits down.) No that's true ! You can't understand. If you could conceive



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what I had dreamed our marriage was to be, you would not throw yourself away like you do.
Dolly. 1? When?
Strong. Not a moment ago! When I came in! Perhaps you don't even remember it yourself! 1 had hoped that after our 'talk' last mouth — that afternoon your 'gentleman' friend was here — you would have seized every opportunity to show me that we at least understood one another that day.
Dolly (sobs).
S t ro n g. I have sometimes asked myself these last weeks if the fault lay with me. Every time that 1 have again missed something in you, 1 have thought: — 'I must learn to be content with less' — (Moved) But when there is so little left it becomes difficult, Dolly!
Dolly. (Flying into a passion.) If 1 only just
once knew what bug was biting you now! If you right-down must have me different from what I am, teil me anyway how you want me to be ! 1 don't know! Cross-myheart-and-die, I don't know!



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Strong. Well to begin with — — You mustn't throw yourself at everyone's head as you were doing just now!
Dolly. What ? Oh, yes — you can play dog-in-the-manger! That's what's the trouble with you !
Strong. Do you know what I can't play at ? — I can't play at keeping up this life any longer — that is beyond me. With you as my wife I can't look the world in the face!
Dolly. Oh, yes! I'd just like to see you once bow your red head before the world!
Strong. Well, no — I must say that's not my way — no. But sometimes I myself feel the need of support. (Langhs bitterly.) You can't imagine that, eh ?
Dolly. Of course I can! Everybody wants that! But do you think that with other married folk it's all 'beer and skittles'. Bah! You won't find that nowhere!
Strong. What happens to others is not the questJon. But in my home it shall be different! (Trembling.) Even if we two have each to go our separate way!
Dolly. And what about me then? What



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must I, as a divorced woman, do for a living ?
Strong. Is that all you care about?
Dolly. Is that nothing to care about? Shall you 'care about' that I shall have enough to live on?
Strong. Yes; I will care for that.
Dolly. That's easy saymgs!
Strong. What I say I do. I give you my word that you shall never have cause for solicitude.
Dolly. Ho! I know all about that! A girl has^ to trust a man's word, and then in a pig's whistle she's flat on her back in the mud! (Weepingly.) Oh yes; I can see 'em pointing their fingers at me in our village! (She throws her arms round his neck.) God's sake, Will, don't send me away! That would be too hawful! l'll do anything you ask, but don't send me away! For Christ's sake don't send me away 1
Strong. (With warmth.) Do you really care about me then, Dolly?
Dolly. Of course I do! (Sobs.)
Strong. If that is really true, Dolly, do



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try to do your little bit to bring us closer to each other!
Dolly. I will - I will with all my heart!
Strong. Come then! Let us two make a rresh start!
Dolly. That's good! (Laughing through her tears). And now I promise you that in the future l'll be as proper as proper! To everyone! He called me 'Mrs Strong' and he shall find that I am 'Mrs Strong' - Bet your bottom dollar on that!
Srrong. (Smiling.) But be just yourself with everybody, Dolly! 'Pon my word, darling, I don't want you to be anything but just your own dear little self! There is one thing, however, we must think about - From now on, we must be able to trust one another! There may be lying and deceit all over the world, but between man and wife there can only be - the truth ! Do you agree to that?
Dolly. (With possion.) Yes, yes! - l'll keeD to that!
Strong. Then all those other days are forgotten, and this is the first day of our wedded life!



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Dolly. Well now, 1 must say, you are a good'un!
Mary. (puts her head through the window right.) Many happy returns ! (Rushes through door back.) May 1 interrupt you ?
Dolly. (Gayly.) You have done already!
Mary. I can't congratulate you so warmly as Mre Strong does, but you shall have two kisses from me Here's one — — — and here's another (kisses him on both cheeks). And here's a birth-day present for you! Nice, eh ?
Strong. It's a beauty of a pin, dearie! Have you seen it, Dolly?
Dolly. (Takes the pin.) Yes, it is a pretty pin. Two red stones — just a pair of cat's eyes!
Mary. Oh no!
Dolly. (Laughs and holds the pin against Strong's face.) Scatsü
Strong. (Taking the pin.) Thanks awfully, Mary. I shall wear it today, dear.
Dolly. (Clearing up the litter of flowers on the table.) Gven like that, it won't bring him luck!
Mary. Oh yes, of course! 1 mustn't give him anything sharp as a present!



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Strong. (Taking out his purse.) Must I buy it?
Mary. I mustn't give you anything sharp.
Strong. You're not so superstitious, surely ?
Mary. I know it's superstition; but I mustn't do it. It would stab our friendshiD to death!
Strong. And yet you give me a sharp pinl Dolly. (Going off laughing, with the flowers she has cleared up.) No; you must pay a ha'p'ny for it. (Exit back behind window left.)
Mary. See! (Takes a halfpenny from Strong's purse.) Now you have bought it.
Strong. Are you as superstitions as all that?
Mary. I'm not superstitious at all; but that always comes true. Strong. Does it?
Mary.. Yes. But now I make you a present of this ha'p'ny! — Strong. Oh! You can do that? Mary. Of course —
Strong. Then we can remain good friends now?



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Mary. (Nods.) Say — Dieuwke's still in the garden gathering more flowers for you.
Strong. Is she? But you shouldn't let the cat out of the bag like that!
Mary. That wasn't why I told you. I wanted to talk to you all alone — That's why I told you.
Strong. Oh — and what did you want to say?
Mary. To teil you a tiny little secret. Strong. Between us two? Mary. Yes.
Strong. well, fire away — I'm listening. (Sits down.)
Mary. (Sits on his knee.) If you laugh at me, I shall smack your face.
Strong. If you can't express yourself more becomingly, I shall send you off.
Mary. (Tousles his hair.) I'm a wee — wee — little bit in love!
Stro n g. Are you now! In love ? And — who's the lucky man?
Mary. He's in the sixth at the Grammar school.
Strong. What's his name?



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Mary. No; I shall do just like Dieuwke, and never say a word.
Strong. Just like Dieuwke ?! Is Dieuwke in love too then?
Mary (makes a gesture as much as to say 'Tsn't she though"; and jumps off his knee laughing loudly). Strong. What's all that mean?
Mary (embarrassed, because she has said too much).
Strong. (Seizes her hands.) You just come here, kid!
Mary. (Trying to turn it into a joke.) Yes, master!
Strong. No — — no, nonsense now! What was it you just said?1
Mary. I told you he's called 'Jack'.
Strong. Yes — — and what else?
Mary. What else? Nothing else!
Strong. What has Dieuwke to do with it?
Mary. (Laughingly tries to wrest herself free.) Just playing a joke on you!
Strong. Oh. And how came you to think of it?
Mary. Just nonsense of course. (Wresting



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together can get rich. What Jack can't do Dick can, and what Dick doesn't know Jack does. We'11 work together. The one with the strength of his will, and his good name — that's you. The other with his shrewd penetration, and the charm of his manners.
Strong. That is you ?
Kraneck. Do you tumble to it ? When once we take hold of anything, then you will be the bull-dog, who takes tight hold, and holds tight! And I ? — moi, je suis de tous bons accords! Ha, ha ! And there's nothing to be ashamed of in being rich, eh ? — Look! Now for the first time I see in your face that you begin to have a bit of feeling for it!
Strong. You'll feel yourself real 'handy', won't you ?
Kraneck. Handy ?! If it should ever be necessary to mess things up a bit, I teil you I can net up the meshes so artistically, that there isn't a God-damned lawyer in the world can disentangle the knots!
Strong. What are you trying to demonstrate now ? — That you are a common cheat — or that you are something fine ?



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Kraneck. I am demonstrating that you never can handle the public too badly! If you treat them like dogs, you make most. But — Charming! Always charming! — and at the same time a little mean.
Strong. Charming and mean?
Kraneck. Why, yes! - it's the same thing! Do you know what we must do? Strong. Not yet.
Kraneck. Listen a tick! You and l'll start a Company. I have men-of-straw enough. Would you like to know who?
Strong. No — never mind that.
Kraneck. (Has kept moving his chair nearer to Strong, so that now he has his face turned to the audience.) The most taking bait of all is a mining concern, — and the rottenest is the best!
Strong. The rottenest!!
Kraneck. Yes the rottenest. We will buy some waste-paper shares for a song, and juggle you amongst my men-of-straw into the management.
Strong. Of the rotten concern?
Kraneck. Of the rotten concern. Then



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we begin at once with 'reconstruction* — ha, ha!
Strong. Reconstruction of the rotten concern ?
Kraneck. Why, yes. We'11 give it another name, that's all. The silly public will just go for it. By God! they'11 jump at it, Ha, ha ! And then you and I will have a row.
Strong. Have a row ? Why ? And we were just so nicely on the way to become as thick as thieves!
Kraneck. You and I will have a row. I shall spread it round that your Company isn't worth a damn; but I shall say it in such a way that people won't believe me. Then you will say that I'm a Har and not fit to be trusted.
Strong. Couldn't say that!
Kraneck. Oh, just say it — they'11 believe you ! Then you'U make out a statement showing that the condition of the undertaking —
Strong. Of the rotten undertaking ?
Kraneck. (Laughing.) Pardon! You won't add that! That the situation is anything



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but bad; and that you will prove this. Then you conjure up splendidly suppositious reports, and with all that hanky-panky we drive the price of the shares up. Then I sell all the shares a little below market price, - to spite you, as people'll think. Then — — —
Strong (seizes Kraneck; lifts him off his chair; gives him a kick; and hurls him to the entrance).
Kraneck (has been able to catch up his hat from the table. He falls against Hardius, who is just entering, and who takes him over, as it were, from Strong, and chucks him out).
Hardius. I did not know that you were so expansive.'
Strong. Sometimes; if the disgust gets too sickening!
Hardius. You shouldn't! Always keep in a good humour! I do.
Strong. You're in a good humour today — I can readily believe.
Hardius. Your house looks quite festive, eh ?
Strong. Oh, the flowers! (Excited-Walks into the room.) Yes it is a fête in my honour. it s my birthday to-day. (Stands at a distance from Hardius.)



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Hardius. My congratulations ?
Strong. Thanks Well?
Hardius. Well ?
Strong. The Great Hardius!
Hardius. Wilhelmus Triumphator!
Strong. Have you come here to kick a dead lion ? I did not think that of you. You know I never thought you what one would call a 'sensitive' man. But your hurrying here to crow over me, disappoints me in you. For the rest you know pretty well how 1 shall take it.
Hardius. I know.
Strong. If a man is only honest with himself, you can't get your knife into him so damned quick. If you attack him he can almost always retort. "You can't touch me!" Because generally you attack him the wrong way. He is sheathed in plate-armour from which most bullets rebound — Even the dum-dum you've come to fire at me today!
Hardius. I doubt it. I think this time I shall hit you.
Strong. A la bonne heure! I have lost. (Crosses his arms over his chest.) And now what?



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Har d i us. That is precisely what 1 thought will Strong's answer would be.
Strong. The only result is that the line will now make a couple of bends. But on me the circumstance has not the least influence. If I once start for a point, I don't turn out of the way. My line runs now, as always precisely 'Straight Ont'. (With halfclosed eyes.) Can the Great Mr Hardius repeat that conscienciously ?
Hardius. (Softly.) Yes - on his honour, he can.
Strong. Then I apologise for my question. And there only remains for me to say: - I admit I've lost! I must begin again from the beginning. - Well - 1 shall begin again with an added disappointment, with more experience and with yet more courage !
Hardius. I won't leave you any longer under a delusion which must be painful even for you. Mr Strong, what I have for days
and days hoped honestly hoped has
happened. 1 have come to congratulate you on the acquisition of your concession! Yes — I can fairly say - your concession. Of course, I understand your astonished face —because that gentleman whom you just nowshowed



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Strong. I usually do, don't I? Dieuwke. Your first birthday in your own house naturally seems strenge to you.
Strong. I'm not used to it! Yes that's it. (Leans .his back against a chair, and passes his hand over the back whilst he attempts to smile.) And I am actually going to have a band here!
Dieuwke. Well? What is the harm of that, Will?
Strong. (With emotion.) And for the first time in my life I don't know how to say what I have to say.
Dieuwke. Then it is serious.
Strong. It is very serious — There is — someone, who —, thinks of me — in a way that pains me like the devil!
Dieuwke. Who is the some one?
Strong (does not reply, but looks at her straight).
Dieuwke. (Throws her head up.) Let them think what they like about you! You are still the same.
Strong. No. I am not the same! That's the trouble! I have to put some one straight, and I am afraid 1 am not able to.
Dieuwke. Will Strong — not able to?



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Strong. (Puiling himself together.} Yes, just that! I have to say something to you Dieuwke.
Dieuwke. (Forgetting herself more end more.) Out with it — all that you've got to say! Show me proofs that you are a — a thief, if you like. Pile those proofs up! Have those proofs ratified! Have them sworn to by a thousand thousand people! Say yourself, if you like, 'I am a thief'! — Then all the world will think they know something! — But I — 1 alone — shall know that Will Strong is still Will Strong!
Strong. (Much moved.) Yes; Mary saw the truth!
Dieuwke. What has Mary seen? Strong. What is going on in your heart, Dieuwke.
Dieuwke (embarrassed but still excited). Strong. Must we teil it one another in words, dear?
Dieuwke (with tears in her eyes, shakes her head).
Strong. (Stands up; walks up and down. Then warmly: —) That flower we must pull up, Dieuwke — — Root and branch!



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Dieuwke. (Sobs.) Don't be angry with me, Will!
Strong. (Takes both her hands.) I shall never be angry with you, dear!
Dieuwke. (Lays her head on his shoulder.) I know how wicked of me it is. But I can't help it, Will?
Strong. (Soothing her.) What is there wicked about it, dear heart?
Dieuwke. (Sobbing.) Because you're married !
Strong. That doesn't make you wicked, Dieuwke love!
Dieuwke. You say so, but you don't mean it. I know quite well how you think about it.
Strong. (Sets her in a chair opposite to him, takes her hand in his and strokes it. His voice trembles a little.) Listen, Dieuwke! When you came back after such a long time, your sweet blue eyes laughed into mine like the fresh Spring. And when we were together in the evenings and Mary had gone to bed, and your mother sat dozing unnoticed in her chair, an enchanting picture used to come before my eyes, which I brushed away — just in time —



(Mr. Frits Tartaud and Mrs. Alida Tartaud.)
Strong. ... an enchanting picture used to come before my eyes Page 204.



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207
you away into full, glad life! But I should not be I, if I did that. When I gave my hand to my wife, 1 voluntarily took upon myself a duty; and there is nothing in the world — nothing, Dieuwke! — that could make me happy, if I had failed in my duty.
Dieuwke. If Will Strong forgot his duty I could not love him as I do!
Strong. That's right. That is precisely how it should be, love! And now we have both the same task to perform. And that is — — Heads up! You too! You just as lively as I!
Dolly (appears behind rhe window left, and, leaning her elbows on the sill, looks at the speakers, who do not see her).
Dieuwke. I shall sing — always sing!
Strong. (Clapping his hand into hers.) So we are — — chums!
Dolly. (Sings.) "Such friends as we will never, never part"! (Bursts out laughing and comes in.) Have you two made some sort of bargain ?
Strong. Yes — we have made an agreement.



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Mary. If a man's called 'Jack' — do you think it pretty ?
Strong. Is he called Jack?
Mary. I,never thought Jack was such a pretty name !
Strong. Ah - So he's Jack! And does Jack love you ? But of course he does!
Mary. I think so.
Strong. Don't you know for sure?
Mary. Well of course not!
Strong. He hasn't told you so, then.
Mary. I'd like to see him have the cheek!
Strong. Has he never said anything to you about your lovely hair — or anything like that?
Mary. I'd like to see him dare!
Strong. But mustn't there be something like that in such a case?
Mary. Let him try it once!
Strong. Oh, I see Liebe ohne Worte!
Mary. Do you think it funny ?
Strong. Have you said nothing at all to one another about it?



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herself free.) Good-bye, Grumpy! l'll be back again directly. (Exit laughing, passing behind window right.)
Strong (much affected, remains standing. He watches her through the window).
Kraneck. (Dressed almost as in Act II enters. He observes Strong for a moment.) Good morning, Mr Strong.
Strong. (To Kraneck — painfully affected.) W ell damn my eyes! What next! Get out! I've no use for you! — Or — no — come here! Ha-ha! A little diversion will do me good I
Kraneck. I've no very pretty message for you!
Strong. Indeed. And you feel very sorry to have to bring it, eh?
Kraneck. Pardon! I'm too much of an outsider in the matter to — — —
Strong. 'To mourn with those that mourn!' aren't you! Well now. Full steam ahead! — You see I am steel-plated!
Kraneck. You are excited.
Strong. Give your message!
Kraneck. Your concession has been refused.



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Strong. (Taken aback.) How do you know that?
Kraneck. I've come straight from the National Bank.
Strong. What does the National Bank know of my concession?
Kraneck. I spoke to Hardius himself.
Strong. (Distrustfully.) Did he teil you?
Kraneck. Personally.
Strong. If my concession had been refused, I should have received notice of it before Mr Hardius.
Kraneck. Officially, yes! But Hardius has more friends in court than you. Didn't you know that before?
Strong. And ? For that was not all
you wanted to say to me. (Encourages him by motioning him confidentially to a chair opposite himself; both sit down. Strong with his back to the entrance. rle plays with Kraneck through this scène like a cat with a mouse.) You have, of course, a new little proposition'?
Kraneck. Perhaps I have another little proposition, yes.
Strong. A plan for a little mutual agreement ?



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Kraneck. You appear to take things pretty lightly.
Strong. (Produces his purse and takes out a halfpenny.) Do you see what that is?
Kraneck. Ha, ha! That's a halfpenny.
Strong. Yes — a halfpenny. A halfpenny I earned myself.
Kraneck. Ah? Awful clever of you!
Strong. An ordinary, honestly earned, halfpenny. (Very friendlily.) You don't see a thing like that everyday, do you ?
Kraneck. (Ironically.) Remarkably interesting ! — such an honestly earned halfpenny ! Quite different to any other halfpenny !
Strong. (With conviction.) Oh, quite different ! Such a little common halfpenny — such a halfpenny I have earned myself — is why I can take things so lightly now. You would say — how is that possible? wouldn't you ? (Puts the halfpenny back in his pocket.)
Kraneck. It gives me real pleasure to see you get over it like that!
Strong. Did you think me the sort of man to 'take it lying down' ?



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Kraneck. If I'd thought that I shouldn't be sitting here. I know I have to do with a man who can build up something new from every ruin.
Strong. There are ruins from .which not the most miserable hut could be built.
Kraneck. But we shall be able to build a nice little palace out of this one.
Strong. H'm — beg pardon! I was wandering somewhat in my thoughts.
Kraneck. I'm telling you — You are a man of exceptional intelligence. You have a keen wit and a strong will!
Strong. Will Strong — Strong will, eh? now comes your proposition!
Kraneck. (Now and then interrupted by an inward chuckle from Strong.) You and I are bom
Managers! We become that in spite of ourselves — or, if the process takes too long, we make ourselves such — n'importe how.
— We can't alter that — that is the fact!
— That's how it goes! We can see over the heads of the crowd. To look at, we're absolutely unlike — Yet we found one another out first chop. Opposite poles attract one another, eh? People like you and me



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out so gently will have told you exactly the opposite.
Strong. Why, he gave you yourself as his authority !
Hardius. Quite so! In my gladness over the news I gave myself a moment's fun by leading him a little astray !
Strong. You say — your gladness.
Hardius. I say — my gladness. I congratulate not only you and our Company; but in the first place I congratulate myself! I m not saying that in order to keep you, as a business man, my friend; but because I think I have acquired a still bigger concession than you have ! I have brought it so far with myself that I can now stand before you — a delighted man — I am glad that 1 can congratulate you.
Strong (presses his hand silently).
Hardius. (Warmly.) For me, you put the break on just in time.
Strong. I thought it necessary. A Great man is like Caesar's wife — people must not be able to say anything but good of him.
Hardius: (Gayly.) I hold myself at your service for the future!



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Strong. I should be too glad to take that without your offering it.
Hardius. Has my bullet hit you this time.
Strong. Yes, this time you've attacked me successfully.
Hardius. We part then as friends?
Strong. (Shaking hands.) Delighted! If I may reckon a man of your stamp among my friends, I'm getting on above a bftrt
Hardius. My door will always stand open for you!
Strong. I know that! Now, do me a favour — Sit down a minute whilst we drink a glass of wine to our success!
Hardius. To your success. To the great victory that will make your name in a single day!
Strong. To our success — and to our friendship!
Hardius. Oh, we're going to do that within the next half hour!
Strong. Must we wait half an hour?
Hardius. Yes.
Strong. Why?



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Hardius. Because then I shall come back at the head of the deputation I talked to you about last month.
Strong. No, man - that's nonsense! 1 won't have anything to do with that!
Hardius. My dear Sir, this time you'11 have to bow that stiff neck of yours — we are too many for you! I have naturally telephoned the Directors right and left. You can't help believing that! And that's not all.
Strong. Then now comes the very worst for sure!
Hardius. Yes, now comes the worst. Three fourths of the staff of the 'Electric' are coming here in a lump - preceded by their own brass band!
Strong. Lord Jesus! No!!
Hardius. The rest of them must stay at work, otherwise you would have had the whole lot!
Strong. (Laughing.) 1 shall fasten all the doors and windows!
Hardius. Then we shall break them in, Au revoir!
Strong. Come, Mr Hardius,<lo stop that nonsense!



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Hardius. So long! (off).
Strong (alone; stands by entrance left).
Dieuwke. (Comes almost immediately through door right. She has loose flowers in her hand. She stops at the door.) Many happy returns, Will!
Strong. Thanks, Dieuwke, dear! (Goes to meet her.)
Dieuwke. (Comes to meet him and presses his hand.) Must I say what I wish you in so many words?
Strong. (Smiling.) No; you needn't do that.
Dieuwke. Here's another handful of flowers for you. I will put them here (lays them on the table right) — but this little beauty I'm going to put in your button-hole (does so).
Strong. What was it you called that at school? — Dissimilar magnitudes, wasn't it?
Dieuwke. What?
Strong. Well — 'Red Bill' and a rose-bud!
Dieuwke. How modest! There now; let that stay there!
Strong. I'm not vain enough to take it out.
Dieuwke. Ha, ha! You mean a flower doesn t affect your beauty!



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Strong. No, it isn't that exactly. But when you were fastening it in my coat, and when I saw all those other flowers there round about me, I feit all of a sudden like a — — (wipes something from his forehead). Yes — yesl
Dieuwke. Like what? Teil me.
Strong. Like a prize oxü
Dieuwke. Now — that's awfully interesting !
Strong. You know that such a beast, when he has got so far as to be decorated with ribbons and rosettes, is on the threshold of the slaughterhouse.
Dieuwke. Are you saying that to make your birthday cheerful?
Strong. No. I say it because I begin to feel afraid.
Dieuwke. (Anxious and surprised.) You? afraid ?
Strong. Yes — afraid. There is something here. (Grasping his throat.) And now with all those flowers as well — Enfin! J've told you.
Dieuwke. Do you mean what you say?






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with my rough hand. (He stands up with a sudden ierk.)
Dieuwke. (Standing up and looking at him joyfully.) Will!
Strong. I confess this to you to show that
you are not the only one! (Puts both
his hands on her sides.)
Dieuwke. Oh, what bliss! Oh, how heaveniy!
Strong. I had to do violence to myself to bridle myself. But (in a hard voice.) 1 d i d bridle myself. And I demand that of you too.
Dieuwke. (Gladly.) Oh, I shall be able to. I have no fear now about my fate.
Strong. Dare to bear it — that is stronger than fate!
Dieuwke. I shall dare!
Strong. (With emphasis.) This is the first time we have spoken about it — and the last!
Dieuwke. Very well, Will. I shall think alone — such heaveniy thoughts?
Strong. No; that you shall not do! If you do that, you will help yourself to go under. You must drive everything away — just as I have.



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Dieuwke. Have you driven everything away, Will? Everything?
Strong. Everything!
Dieuwke. That is the first time you ever told me a lie!
Strong. Everything! I will drive everything away?
Dieuwke. You will; but — you can't! Any more than I ? Together we have seen the Sun of Love rise for us. We shall never forget that?
Strong. It was not a sun. It was a glistening meteoric stone — — which hit us both.
Dieuwke. But it gave us no pain. Strong. And its light lasted but a single second.
Dieuwke. Not true once more! I still see its light, and I shall continue to see it as long as I live. I shall be able to drive away everything — my wishes, my hopes, my desires for a — — future, everything — — except the joy, when you told me what I am to you.
Strong. If I did not keep a tight hand on myself, 1 should piek you up and carrv



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Dolly. Well, I only hope it will turn out something good for me!
Strong. We will hope ït will; for that is why we made it. (Firmly.) Isn't that so, Dieuwke ?
Dieuwke (nods).
Dolly. Well, I can do with it! Is there any news?
Strong. Yes; I have rather weighty news.
Dieuwke (questions him with a look).
Dolly. Must be something important, if you speak so jolly solemn!
Strong. I have got my railway line through with the Government.
Dolly. (Stupidly.) Oh! And you're pleased at that, of course, eh? You think it nice? Yes? Eh?
Strong. (Smiles.) Well — yes — rather!
Dieuwke (gives a sob nervously).
Dolly. Golly! — Look there! She's going to cry!
D i e u w k e (laughs softly through her tears).
Dolly. (Looks at Strong.) Now what do you say to that?



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Dieuwke. (Takes Strong's hand.) I congratulate you from the bottom of my heart I
Strong. Thanks — But now — no more nerves!
Mary. (Enters from left. She has letters and newspapers in wrappers in her hand.) Took 'em from the postman, Master. - All birthday letters!
Strong. There will be more calculations than congratulations. In these 'birthday letters', 1 think!
Mary. (Hands them one by one to Strong.) 'Mr Strong' - 'W. Strong, Esq.', 'Mr W. Strong' — a paper — another paper — And another letter to - 'W. Strong'. What an uncivilized brute! — to 'W. Strong'!
Dolly (looks on at a distance with anxious curiosityX
Strong. The address doesn't matter. Give it here. And do you know, Mary, a band's coming to play here.
Dieuwke. A band? Mary. When?
Strong. (Is al ready busy looking at the letters and laying them aside one by one.) It may be here any minute.



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Mary. Why? What's the band coming to play here for?
Strong. (Looks at the last letter a little Jonger, and opens it while speaking. Dolly follows all his movements furtively with her eyes. To Mary: —) There's a deputation coming to intrude themselves on our peace. (Begins to read the letter.)
Mary. (To Dieuwke.) Is that 'Strike-me-dead' true?
Dieuwke. Yes, quite true!
Mary. (Taking Dieuwke's hand.) Come on then! Let's go and see if they are coming!
Dieuwke. (Gives Strong a hand.) Good-bye, Will! (Excitedly.) Heigh! Ho! Here we go!
Dieuwke and Mary (rush out through the entrance hand in hand).
Dolly (has become more and more uneasy. When Strong raises his eyes ifrom the Jetter and looks at her, she tries to smile in a friendly way. Then, as he continues to look at her, she becomes more and more nervous).
Strong (finishes reading the letter, and again looks at Dolly).
Dolly (hums the tune she was singing just now, and pulls the flowers about on the table right), Strong (continues looking at her).



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Dolly. The colours of flowers always seem to match some how, eh? You can mix 'em up with one another as much as you like, but the colours always go well together!
Strong. You have a good deal of colour too!
Dolly. Ha, ha! Have I?
Strong. What makes you so nervous?
Dolly. I? Nervous? (She laughs.) 1 can't help laughing at you!
Strong. Do you by any chance know this handwriting?
Dolly. That writing ? No, 1 don't know it!
Strong. Think!
Dolly. No. How should I know it!
Strong. Come and sit down here.
Dolly. (Looking, frightened, at him.) God's sake, Will! What do you want?
Strong. (Draws hls chair towards her, so that they sit facing each other without having the table between them. He looks at her a moment in silence. Then:-) Is it true, Dolly, what this letter says?
Dolly. No — There isn't a partiele of truth in it!



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Strong. Oh, so! Now we are getting on! Then you know from whom this dirty anonymous rag comes?
Dolly. No, I dont! I don't know nothing about it!
Strong. Do you know what he has written!
Dolly. He's written a pack of lies — every word of it!
Strong. Who has written lies? Dolly. Of course it comes from that chap! I understand that right enough! Strong. Who has written lies?
Dolly. God, Will! Don't look at me like that!
Strong. (Seizes hold of her wrist.) What have you done with that fellow?!
Dolly. Will! Oh God, Will! Don't believe a word be says! It's all lies, what's in that letter!
Strong. The letter has not betrayed you. You have betrayed yourself! What have you done with that fellow?!
Dolly. I don't know. My God, Will, I don't know!



(Mr. Frits Tartaud and Mrs. Guste Chrispijn —Mulder.) Strong. What have you done with that fellow?!. . . Page 212.






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Strong. But I know, as certainly as if I saw it written in letters of scarlet on your forehead here! But you shall teil it me — you — with your own lips!
Dolly. Oh, oh, oh, Will!!
Strong. (Seizes her other wrist.) That afternoon, when I caught you together — did you, then — you know what 1 am asking you — Yes or no!
Dolly (shakes her head in deadly fear of Strong, on whose face a terrible smile appears, which shows his almost unbridled passion).
Strong. And on board. In the first month of our married life — when you were actually on your way to your bridegroom. — What happened then ?!
Dolly. (Hoarsely.) Nothing 1
Strong. You're lying! You're lying! I have read it here — here!
Dolly. (Hoarsely.) I'm not lying!
Strong. Once more — and for the last time. — Yes or no!
Dolly (Hesitates — tries to wrench herself free).
Strong. (Whispering hoarsely.) Yes, Or, no !
Dolly (Hesitates — and then nods).



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Strong (releases her with a sob. lumps up. Goes to the entrance and looks out. Exerts all his force. to command himself).
Dolly (sobs; and sidles away in fear when Strong comes back).
Strong. (Stands in front of her.) Now. I'm going to speak to you in such a way, that if anyone spoke so to me. I should sink into the ground! What no mortal man has been able to do, you have done! I am bankrupt! (He holds his fists before her face.) You — you have kicked all that was beautiful in my life into the gutter! What I held sacred, you have spewed upon! You have taken my all from me! Taken even more than I had! I have nothing left! I lie now, helpless, in a pit of poverty!
Dolly. (Trembling all over.) Let me teil you how it all happened!
Strong. That is a thing not to be told! That cannot be glossed over with words! You can pray for pardon — but it is not to be glossed over with words.
Dolly. (Raising her head passionately.) Then I really don't know what I can say!
Strong. You must say nothing! — not a word! Take to your knees — that is all



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that there is for you to do. A storm must pass over your head! - A fearful thunder storm! And if, during that storm, you kneel down and pray — there may be salvation, even for you!
Dolly (hides her head in her hands.)
Strong. You may then be saved. But for me there is no salvatiom! Of me nothing remains but this lump of flesh and bone, that stands before you now! In me is left no hope — no belief!
Dolly. Let's have a divorce then, Will!
Strong. And you? What should you do then?
Dolly. -1 don't know. I've no idea what would become of me!
Strong. I know. I know exactly! And because I know, I teil you: Stay here.
Dolly. You said you would like a divorce yourself, a little while ago.
Strong. A little while ago — yes! Then we could both have gone our separate way. But if now — now that you must feel yourself over the ears in sin — if I sent you away now — there would be no salvation for you! You would go straight to Heil!
m
1



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You would be surrounded with an atmosphere of unutterable remorse and bitterness! N o w I teil you: — Stay h e r e I i don't know if you appreciate the fact that 1 am only thinking of you! (A bross bond is heord in the distonce.)
Dolly (sinks down ot his feet and tries to embroce his knees).
Strong. (Steps back.) No! Don't kneel to me! 1 have nothing to give now buj my head — my hard, carroty, head!
Dolly (throws herself into a chair, lamenting loudly, with her head on the table. One hears now — afthough still vaguely — that the approaching band is playing a lively march).
Strong. (Hears the music, and bursts into o cutting laugh.) Do you hear that? That band is playing in my honour! — 'Pon my word lama success! What I have willed with my head has been a success. Only what I
have longed for here (laying his hand on his breast) has been trampled to dust — by my own wife! My God! — What a load lies on your conscience!
Dolly. Lord, Will! l'll behave, and put it all straight again.
Strong. What you can make straight



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again - do that for yourself! Perhaps you may once more set a crown — be it but a little one — on that once dear head. If you wish to do that - go (he motions with his head in the direction of Dolly's boudoir) to your room. Then, (disdainfully) you can remain in
this house in safety. But (threateningly) if you
don't wish to do that - I shall kick you out of my house like a mangy cur! (The band comes nearer).
Dolly (jumps up, as if bitten by a viper. As Strong continues to look at her without any expression on his face, she begins, as though in submission, to sob softly, without covering her eyes, and, bowed down with shame, leaves by the door right).
Strong (alone. Supports himself by leaning his back against a table. Draws himself up again; stands without any support; and then walks, with his chest thrown out, to the ent ra nee; where he stands in the full sunlight).
(The band is now playing close to the house).
C urta i n.
F1NIS.