  The scene is a spacious sitting-room in the Palace Hotel at Middlepool. It is sumptuously furnished with the lack of taste peculiar to such apartments. Everything is large and rich and rather stiff. It is obvious that the decorations have been carried out on contract by a first-rate firm. They are calculated to give the business man who engages the room the impression that he is getting his money’s worth. On the left is a large French window, opening to the floor and looking on the square in front of the hotel. At the back is a door leading into George Winter’s bedroom. On the right are two doors; one leads into the passage, and the other is that of Catherine’s room. There is a telephone on the table. It is some weeks later, between ten and eleven on the morning of the election. Lord Francis Etchingham, Fred Bennett, James Ford, Colonel Boyce, and Mr. Swalecliffe. Mr. Swalecliffe is standing at the window. When the curtain rises there is an excited buzz of conversation. Boyce is at the telephone. Boyce. [Speaking into the receiver.] Yes, Colonel Boyce. Be sure you don’t make a mistake. Swalecliffe. I can’t imagine what’s become of him. One would have thought.... Etchingham. [To Colonel Boyce.] If he’s not there, you’d better try somewhere else. James Ford. [Shouting.] For goodness’ sake let me hear myself speak. [These speeches are said simultaneously, and immediately afterwards is heard the dull roar of a train passing through the station, and a long, shrill whistle. Etchingham starts nervously. Etchingham. Oh, confound those trains. James Ford. [Impatiently.] I should have thought you’d got used to them by now. Etchingham. Good Lord, I’ve not slept for a week. They go on all night. Bennett. They worried me a bit last night. And when I did get to sleep I heard them whistling away through my dreams. Boyce. They don’t seem to trouble Winter. Etchingham. If they did I suppose he wouldn’t come to this hotel. James Ford. [Nodding in the direction of George Winter’s room.] He sleeps next door, doesn’t he? Boyce. He told me he slept like a top last night. Bennett. [Simultaneously.] He looked as fresh as paint this morning. Etchingham. And his room’s practically on the line. James Ford. Oh, nonsense. Etchingham. Yes, it is. You just walk down a flight of steps into the garden, and there you are within twenty feet of the line. James Ford. Worst place in Middlepool for a hotel. I told them so when they came to me about it. Wanted me to put money in it. Not me. Swalecliffe. [Breaking in before James Ford has finished.] Surely Mr. Winter ought to be here by now. James Ford. You won’t make him come any quicker by looking out of the window. Boyce. Every moment’s valuable. Something ought to be done at once. Etchingham. [Interrupting.] Don’t you know where he is, Colonel? Boyce. He was booked to speak to the men at Parker and Gibbons at 10.30. But you know what he is. Half a dozen places at once. He’s about the most difficult person to catch I know. Swalecliffe. Have you sent down to Parker and Gibbons? Boyce. Yes, of course I have; I’ve sent a dozen fellows after him to tell him to come to the hotel at once. Bennett. [Talking through.] You’ve been careful? You’ve not ...? Boyce. You don’t think I’m a beginner at this game, do you? Bennett. Well, I didn’t know how you’d made him understand what had happened. James Ford. He’s not made him understand. When Winter’s told he’s expected at the Palace at once he’ll guess something’s in the wind. Swalecliffe. You’re sure he won’t go to the Committee Rooms? Boyce. If he does he’ll be sent on. I thought it would cause a lot of gossip if we had a meeting there. That’s why I suggested the hotel. Etchingham. [Interrupting.] I wish to goodness you wouldn’t look so depressed, Mr. Swalecliffe. Swalecliffe. You’re a business man, Mr. Ford. D’you think there’s any truth in this article? James Ford. You’d better ask Lord Francis. He’s chairman of the new company; I’m only an investor. Bennett. Of course there’s nothing in it. The whole thing’s a malicious libel. James Ford. Well, we’ll hear what Winter’s got to say about it. Etchingham. [Simultaneously.] My Lord, I wish he’d come. Bennett. [To James Ford.] You don’t mean to say you think there’s anything in it? James Ford. I’ve applied for ten thousand shares. You don’t suppose I like it when an article comes out in a financial paper on the day of issue that the mine’s practically worked out, and Winter’s expert has reported that the ore’s not worth the cost of crushing. Boyce. Everybody who’s got a penny to spare in Middlepool has applied for shares. James Ford. George Winter told me it was the biggest thing he’d ever had. Bennett. He’s never let you down before. Why should he let you down now? James Ford. I don’t say he’s let me down. But he told me to put my shirt on it, and ... I don’t want ten thousand worthless shares. Boyce. The damnable thing is that it should happen on the day of the election. Etchingham. It would be monstrous if people didn’t vote for him because of an article in a London newspaper. Boyce. You know what people are. They lose their heads. The seat has always been won and lost on the wobblers. James Ford. Oh, the first thing is to win the seat. Swalecliffe. Well, we shan’t do that unless Mr. Winter comes at once and we make up our minds what to do. Etchingham. Ring up the Committee Rooms, Boyce, and ask if anything’s been heard of him. Boyce. All right. I’ll do that. Swalecliffe. I was never so taken aback as when Boyce showed me the telephone message from London. Etchingham. When do the London papers get here, Mr. Ford? James Ford. They ought to be here by half-past ten. Boyce. [Speaking into the receiver.] Put me on 78, will you? Etchingham. [Simultaneously.] Why the devil don’t they bring them in? Bennett. Don’t worry. I’ve told a waiter to bring them as soon as they arrive. Boyce. [At the telephone.] I say, is that you, Masters? Has Mr. Winter been there? Well, send Rogers. Here. No, here, confound you! The Palace. [Putting down the receiver.] No, nothing’s been seen of him since early this morning. Etchingham. I wonder what the other side are going to do when they hear this. James Ford. Oh, don’t you be afraid. They heard about the attack as soon as ever we did. Bennett. You ought to have held the line and prevented them from getting on to London. Boyce. Good God, one can’t think of everything at once. Etchingham. It seems to me the whole thing has been about as disgracefully mismanaged as it could be. Boyce. If you’d ever tried to run an election you’d know it wasn’t so easy as all that. Etchingham. I’m not an election agent. It’s not my business. James Ford. Come, come, gentlemen, it’s no good quarrelling about it. [These three speeches are spoken at once. Swalecliffe. How is the polling going on? Boyce. Oh, I think we shall have the heaviest poll we’ve ever had. James Ford. Of course there’ll be some slackening off just now. A lot of working men voted when the polling stations opened. Boyce. There’ll be twice as many at the dinner-hour. Swalecliffe. You don’t know what the Tories are doing, Colonel? Boyce. I should think I did know. They’re going to set up the article as soon as it comes in. Etchingham. The whole article? Boyce. The whole confounded thing. James Ford. And placard the streets with it. They’ve made arrangements to print off a thousand, and they’ve got their bill stickers all ready and waiting. Etchingham. It’s infamous. James Ford. Nonsense! It’s business. We’d have done the same if we’d had the luck to get such a stick as this to beat Morrison with the very morning of the election. Swalecliffe. The comfort is, they don’t know Morrison and they do know Winter. James Ford. That’s the danger, too. They may know him too well. Etchingham. I don’t know what the devil you mean by that. You seem to forget that you’re speaking of my son-in-law. James Ford. Oh, we’re not here to pay one another compliments. Bennett. If you’ll wait a minute or two he’ll be here himself and you can say to him anything you want to. Boyce. What I can’t make out is why he chose this particular day to bring out his company. Bennett. He didn’t think the election would take place just yet. James Ford. Every one’s been talking of a general election for the last two months. Bennett. You know it was sprung upon us at the end. Swalecliffe. Couldn’t he have kept the issue back? Etchingham. He’d got everything fixed up by then. James Ford. [Speaking through.] Of course he could. It was only his obstinacy. I told him it was a bad time to give an American issue to the public. Etchingham. Well, you weren’t obliged to apply for shares, were you? James Ford. Tell me something I don’t know next, will you? Etchingham. I can tell you there’s no harm in keeping a civil tongue in your head. James Ford. Thank you, I don’t want lessons in manners from you. Bennett. You won’t do yourselves much good by losing your tempers. Swalecliffe. Why doesn’t Mr. Winter come? Boyce. I dare say he’s sent his car to take some one to the poll and he’s had to walk. Etchingham. It seems to me that you’ve bungled everything you could. Boyce. I don’t know why the devil you should blame me. [A waiter comes in with newspapers on a tray. Bennett. Here they are at last. [They crowd round the waiter and take the papers from him. The waiter goes out. Etchingham. Thank God, now we shall know the worst. Boyce. The Financial News. James Ford. No, that’s got nothing. Bennett. Here it is. The Financial Standard. James Ford. Give it me. [He takes the paper from Bennett and opens it. Etchingham watches him anxiously. Swalecliffe. I wish to goodness I’d never thought of stocks and shares. I knew it was wrong. Oh, what a punishment! James Ford. [Impatiently.] We can’t all read the paper at once. Bennett. Spread it out on the table. That’s the best way. [Bennett and Ford rapidly run their eyes down the article. Bennett. Steep, isn’t it? James Ford. If the Tories print this it’ll about bust us. Etchingham. The whole thing’s a pack of lies. It’s scandalous that such methods should be used to influence an election. James Ford. [To Swalecliffe.] D’you want to read it? Swalecliffe. What does it say? Bennett. Merely what they phoned down from London. James Ford. But it puts it about as hot as I’ve ever seen a financial article. Etchingham. D’you think it’ll interfere with the issue? James Ford. It’ll bust it. Etchingham. Can’t something be done to find Winter? Boyce. All we can do is to wait. Etchingham. Hang it all, we can’t go on waiting, and waiting, and waiting. Isn’t there one of you who can do something? James Ford. Keep your head, man, that’s about the best thing you can do. [Edward O’Donnell hurries in. O’Donnell. It’s all right. I’ve got him. Etchingham. Thank God. O’Donnell. I told him to hurry up. He was just going to speak to some fellows in a factory. Swalecliffe. He’s coming? O’Donnell. Yes, rather. He said he’d be here in a jiffy. James Ford. Did he want to know what it was about? O’Donnell. There was no time for him to ask. And he was talking to a whole crowd when I found him. Swalecliffe. He knows it’s important? Bennett. Don’t be afraid about that. If he says he’ll come at once, he’ll come. Boyce. Here he is. Etchingham. [At the same time.] At last. [George Winter comes in and surveys them for a moment. He smiles sardonically. George Winter. Quite a party. Etchingham. We thought you were never coming. George Winter. What’s the trouble? James Ford. [Pointing to the paper.] That’s the trouble. Bennett. The Financial Standard has got an attack on the Campo del Oro. George Winter. [Calmly.] Is that all? James Ford. It’s a good deal. George Winter. The Lewishams have got The Financial Standard in their pockets. James Ford. You read it. Swalecliffe. They say there’s no gold in the mine. George Winter. What do they know about it? They’ve not been there and my expert has. James Ford. That’s just it. They say you’re floating it on the report the owners gave you when you bought it, and you’re holding back Macdonald’s. George Winter. [Looking over the article.] It’s extraordinary what a lot the papers know. [The telephone rings.] What is it? [He listens for a moment.] London call. You’d better go and speak to them, Fred. [Down the receiver.] No, don’t connect with me. Mr. Bennett will come along. [Bennett goes out.] It’s one of my brokers. Now let’s go on. As abuse I don’t really think very much of it. I could have said much unpleasanter things about myself. Swalecliffe. You seem to take it very calmly. George Winter. I’ve not been fighting the Lewishams for ten years without getting some pretty hard words broken on my back. James Ford. D’you see that bit about where the money came from? Etchingham. I didn’t see that. George Winter. I’ll read it you, shall I? [Reading.] “It is stated that Mr. Winter paid eighty thousand pounds for this precious mine. It would perhaps be interesting to inquire how he was able to raise such a sum at a time not only of general stringency, but of peculiar difficulty in the Central American market. Perhaps Mr. Winter, like King Midas, is able to turn into gold everything he touches and he may have been able to change his office furniture into precious metal. Perhaps not.” Childish, isn’t it? Do they think I’m going to let out my little trade secrets to please them? James Ford. But where did you get the money? [Etchingham gives a slight start, but George Winter remains perfectly cool. George Winter. My dear fellow, you don’t suppose I stole it, do you? That’s where the born financier comes in. He makes money as a conjurer makes a white rabbit appear out of a silk handkerchief. James Ford. [Drily.] A very satisfactory explanation. [For an instant, hardly perceptible to the others, the eyes of George Winter and James Ford meet. George Winter. But that’s hardly the point, is it? [During the rest of the scene James Ford is thinking the matter over. His eyes rest on George Winter as if he were trying to guess something. Boyce. Something must be done at once. George Winter. Have the Tories got hold of it? Boyce. They’re printing the article on posters. George Winter. Nuisance, isn’t it? [He pauses to reflect for a moment. Mr. Swalecliffe breaks in upon his thoughts. Swalecliffe. Is there any truth at all in that article, Mr. Winter? George Winter. Not a word. Swalecliffe. It puts me in a very awkward position. George Winter. What’s the matter with you? Swalecliffe. I thought the shares would go to a premium before they were issued. George Winter. [Smiling.] Like the San JosÉ tramways, eh? Swalecliffe. Mr. Ford says this will—bust the issue. George Winter. Nice of him.... Been having a little gamble, have you? Swalecliffe. If it was a certainty I didn’t see there could be any harm in it. George Winter. [With a chuckle.] Like playing with loaded dice? How many shares have you applied for? Swalecliffe. Five hundred. George Winter. Sporting of you. Swalecliffe. I didn’t mean to take them up, you understand. I haven’t got more than five hundred pounds in the world. I thought they were bound to go up half a crown and.... George Winter. Five hundred half crowns are quite worth having, aren’t they? Swalecliffe. It’s been a lesson to me. I’ll never do anything like it again. I shan’t have the chance. If I have to pay for the shares.... George Winter. Get my cheque book, Teddie. O’Donnell. Yes, sir. Swalecliffe. What are you going to do? George Winter. I don’t want anyone to come into this concern who doesn’t believe in it. Make out a cheque for five hundred pounds to Mr. Swalecliffe. [O’Donnell writes out a cheque during the next speeches. Swalecliffe. That’s very generous of you. George Winter. Generous? Not a bit of it. You don’t think I mind having five hundred shares more, do you? Swalecliffe. D’you think they’re worth it? George Winter. They’ll be worth ten pounds a piece in six months, or I’m a Dutchman. [O’Donnell hands him the cheque-book and a pen. George Winter signs his name and tears out a cheque. James Ford. [While he is doing this.] That looks as if you had confidence in the mine. George Winter. [Handing the cheque to Swalecliffe.] Here you are. [To James Ford.] D’you want me to buy your shares off you? James Ford. [With a quiet smile.] Not just yet, thank you. Swalecliffe. But what’s the meaning of the article, then? George Winter. Why, it’s as plain as a pikestaff. The Lewishams were willing to give their eyes for the mine, but I was too much for them. Now they’re crabbing it. That’s all. [He says this with great assurance, as if it thoroughly explained the whole thing. Swalecliffe. But then.... George Winter. Pay that into your bank and hand over the certificate to me when you get it. Swalecliffe. D’you think they’ll go to a premium? George Winter. I’ve no doubt of it. I dare say the five hundred half-crowns will be just as useful to me as to you. But I shall hold on. I want a bigger profit than that. Swalecliffe. But if they’re good enough for you, they’re good enough for me. George Winter. No, you’ve taken my cheque now. It’s too late. Swalecliffe. There’s your cheque. You can have it back again. I’m going to keep the shares. George Winter. [Good-humouredly.] Well, I don’t mind. It won’t make much difference to me. But don’t sell them, whatever you read in the papers. What’s a profit of half a crown? Wait till you’ve got a profit of five pounds, and then you can think of selling them. Swalecliffe. [With a gasp.] Five pounds? That would be two thousand five hundred. George Winter. [Turning to Colonel Boyce.] Wait a minute. Get on to Bishop and Jones. Boyce. The printers? George Winter. We must answer this article. I’ve just been thinking what we’d better say. [He sits down and begins to write, while Colonel Boyce goes to the telephone. Boyce. What’s their number, d’you know? James Ford. 703, I think. Boyce. Is that the Exchange? Give me 703, will you? That is Bishop and Jones, the printers, isn’t it? George Winter. I’m going to make it hot and strong. O’Donnell. Isn’t there anything I can do? Boyce. Are you Bishop and Jones? George Winter. Tell them to have everything ready to print off a couple of thousand posters at once. You’re just coming round in the car. Boyce. Hulloa? Will you get everything ready to print off a couple of thousand posters at once. I’m just coming round. Colonel Boyce. Yes. That’s it. George Winter. [Speaking through Colonel Boyce’s instructions to the printers.] What d’you think of this, Ford? James Ford. Let’s have a look. George Winter. You see we’ve got the advantage that they have to print a whole article. And we only need a couple of sentences. James Ford. Yes, that seems all right. Etchingham. Couldn’t be better. George Winter. Make a copy of it, Teddie. Hurry up. Boyce. We haven’t got any time to lose. George Winter. The car’s at the door. O’Donnell. I shan’t be a minute. George Winter. You can get hold of the bill-posters, can’t you? Boyce. Oh, yes, there’ll be no bother about that. O’Donnell. Here you are. That’s done. George Winter. Take it, Boyce. And hurry up. Boyce. [Taking a copy of the reply.] Trust me. [He goes out. George Winter. [Handing O’Donnell a second copy.] Teddie, jump into a cab and go round to the newspaper offices. And tell them to put that in their next edition. Biggest type they’ve got. Then go to the Committee Rooms and wait. I’ll ring you up there or come round. O’Donnell. All right. George Winter. And hustle, or I’ll sack you. [He goes out, and as he does so Bennett comes in. James Ford. You’re taking it better than I expected. George Winter. What do you expect me to do; bang my head on the floor and tear out my hair? Can’t afford it. Takes me all my time to keep my hair on. Etchingham. Here’s Bennett. George Winter. Well? Bennett. Nothing much has happened. They’re a bit excited in the City. James Ford. No bad drop in anything? Bennett. Nothing to speak of. James Ford. That’s a relief. George Winter. Everything is sound. No one would be such a fool as to do a bear. Bennett. I’m getting on to MacLaren and Hewitt. George Winter. That’s all right. I wanted them. James Ford. Are they brokers? George Winter. Yes. Look here, Ford. I’m due to speak in the Cattle Market now. I wish you’d go down and keep them going till I turn up. I shall only be ten minutes. You’ve got the line all right, Fred? Bennett. Yes. James Ford. Well, I don’t mind if I do that. There’s nothing I can do here, is there? George Winter. No, leave it all to me. Your interests are my interests. James Ford. I’ll make tracks. George Winter. That’s good. [James Ford goes out. Bennett. Governor, I thought I’d better not say too much while he was there. George Winter. I saw something was up. That’s why I got rid of him. Bennett. Things are rotten. Etchingham. Good Lord. Bennett. The Lewishams are going for us. George Winter. I thought they would as soon as I saw the article. Bennett. Who’s given it away, d’you think? George Winter. How do I know? That doesn’t matter. The only thing is to face it. Etchingham. D’you mean our shares are falling, Mr. Bennett? Bennett. There’s a lot of selling. George Winter. I wish we could corner them. I’d like to give the bears a lesson. Bennett. If it goes on there’ll be a panic. George Winter. You’ve told the brokers to do all they can to prevent its going too far? Bennett. I’ve told them to buy, but carefully. George Winter. You must go up to London, Fred. There’s no one there with a head on his shoulders. Bennett. I thought that was the best thing myself. I’ve looked out the trains. I can just catch the express. I shall be there soon after one. George Winter. Then bolt at once. I give you a free hand. Bennett. If the slump can be stopped, I’ll stop it. George Winter. It’s not a matter of can. It must be stopped. And wire reassuring messages. We must hang on to the telephone for all we’re worth. Bennett. Good-bye. George Winter. And come back when the House closes. We must talk over things. Bennett. All right. Good luck. [He goes out. Etchingham. Is it all up with us, George? George Winter. What the dickens are you talking about? Etchingham. They’ve found out the truth. It’s there in black and white that the wretched mine’s worthless. George Winter. They can’t prove anything. Etchingham. Ever since I knew I’ve scarcely closed my eyes at night. I wish I’d shot myself when you first told me. George Winter. My dear fellow, you’re much more comfortable here than you would be at Kensal Green. Etchingham. And the worst of it is.... [He breaks off.] At first I was overcome with the horror of it. But little by little I’ve got used to it, used to your being a thief and a swindler. George Winter. [With a chuckle.] You put things rather bluntly, don’t you? Etchingham. And Bennett was a convict. It all seems quite natural now. And I can talk and laugh with you. And I eat by your side every day. George Winter. One can’t make a fortune without taking risks. Etchingham. There are always those missing bonds. They’re in my thoughts day and night. George Winter. No one can make inquiries for three weeks. By Etchingham. But will you be able to go to allotment? George Winter. Of course we shall. This article isn’t going to do us any harm. I shall win the seat. That’ll give these Middlepool people confidence. Etchingham. George, I believe Ford is uneasy. I don’t trust him. Supposing he found out about the bonds? George Winter. It might be devilish expensive. Etchingham. You’ll never buy him. George Winter. I never met the man yet who hadn’t his price. Flattery if he’s a fool, hard cash if he’s a wise man. But a price of some sort. There’s always a price. Etchingham. Take care of Ford, George. George Winter. [With a smile.] I’m not frightened. Etchingham. Sometimes I’m afraid, you’re so confident. It’s impossible a thing like this can end well. George Winter. I believe in my star. I’ve been in tight corners before, but I’ve wriggled out of them. I’m stronger than ever I was. I’ve got ten times more brains than any of my competitors. The ball is at my feet and I’ve only got to set it rolling. What d’you think difficulties are to me? I’ve never been in better spirits, so alert, so buoyant, as during these last weeks when my neck has been in a noose and every policeman I passed might have a warrant in his pocket for my arrest. If there were ten times more difficulties I’d overcome them all. In ten years I shall be the richest man in London. In fifteen I shall be a peer. My God, I feel as if the world were an orange and I’d got my teeth into it, and I shall suck it dry. Etchingham. I wonder how many ruined lives will be sacrificed to give you all you want. You walk over dead bodies and broken hearts. George Winter. Rot! I flutter the will-o’-the-wisp of gain before the covetous, and they follow. They want to make money without working for it. Well, I’m cleverer than they are. Swalecliffe gambles with his five hundred pounds. His five hundred pounds will find Etchingham. What d’you mean? George Winter. Well, we’ll attack the Lewishams. I’ll get on to MacLaren’s at once. Go to the post office and wire to Bennett. He’s sure to call at the office. Sell Lewishams. He’ll twig. By George, that’s the ticket. Why didn’t I think of it before? We’ll make the Lewishams sorry they started this game. Etchingham. But supposing ...? George Winter. Good God, man, don’t suppose, do as I tell you. Don’t you see we’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain? I know my luck’s in. And I follow my luck. That’s genius. [Etchingham with a sigh and a shrug of the shoulders goes out to send the telegram. George Winter begins to walk excitedly up and down. CURTAIN. SCENE IIThe scene takes place in the sitting-room of the Palace Hotel, but it is eleven o’clock at night. Only a reading lamp is lit, the light of which falls on Catherine and Lady Francis. Catherine is working at some embroidery. Lady Francis. Can you see, dear? Wouldn’t you like some more light? Catherine. [With an affectionate smile.] No, the light hurts my eyes. Lady Francis. You’re looking very pale, darling. Catherine. I haven’t been sleeping very well here. We’re so near the trains, and they seem to run all night. Lady Francis. I wonder how George can stand it. His room is practically on the railway. Catherine. Thank heaven, it’s over. We shall know the result in half an hour, and to-morrow we can go. Lady Francis. What are you going to do? Catherine. What can I do? Nothing. Lady Francis. I’m afraid you’re very unhappy, Kate. Catherine. [Smiling.] Please don’t think that, mother. Lady Francis. You’ve given up everything for our sake. Catherine. I wish I could think so. I gave up my divorce because—because I was afraid. I couldn’t risk the regret that Robert might feel later. I should always have been looking for it.... One must never forget that love is a woman’s whole life, but it’s never more than part of a man’s, never. Lady Francis. What did you tell him? Catherine. I wrote and said I found it impossible to go on with my action. I begged him not to try to move me. I told him I was very unhappy. Lady Francis. Poor child. Catherine. He wrote very kindly. He made it as easy for me as he could. And now it’s all over. I’ve lost my last chance of happiness. I’m bound to my husband for the rest of my life. Lady Francis. And do you still love Robert? Catherine. [Smiling.] Yes. And I’m glad of what I’ve done. The only thing that helps me is the pride I take in all the great things he’s going to do. And it will have been me. I gave him the opportunity. [Anne comes in. She is wearing a coat and skirt and a hat. Anne. Well! You are strange people. How on earth can you sit there and sew while the counting’s going on? I’ve never been so excited in my life. Catherine. Why have you come back? Anne. Well, it’s nearly finished now. Teddie said there’d be rather a scrummage when the result was known, and I’d better get out of the way. Catherine. [Smiling.] Obedient creature. Anne. It rather amuses me to be ordered about. Besides, I couldn’t help seeing that nobody wanted me. Teddie promised he’d bolt round as soon as the result was out. I say, let’s have some light, shall we? [She turns on the electricity, and the room is suddenly a glare of light. Lady Francis. You’ll blind us. Anne. I love an election. I’ve never had such a time in my life. I’ve enjoyed every minute of these three weeks. I hope Teddie’ll go into Parliament. Lady Francis. [Raising her eyebrows.] On four hundred a year? Anne. Oh, George will give us a rise. He says Teddie’s awfully useful. George is good, isn’t he? Catherine. I’m glad you’re so happy, darling. Anne. [Abruptly, after a little, quick look at her.] You’re not angry with us, Kate? Catherine. Good heavens, why should I be? Anne. You know, it’s so dreadfully hard to pretend I haven’t got eyes in my head.... Why don’t you make it up with George, Katie? Catherine. I don’t know what makes you think there’s anything to make up. Anne. Oh, my dear, what I didn’t guess for myself Teddie told me. Catherine. He would have been wiser to mind his own business. Anne. It was rather.... Catherine. If you knew how things were between George and myself, and you were willing to accept his favours what do you expect me to say? I didn’t ask you not to. I knew if I had you would only have refused. I’m cynical enough to know that in this world each of us takes care of his own interests. Lady Francis. My dear, don’t be so bitter. Anne. One has to take people as one finds them; George has always been charming to me. If you’d only make allowances for him.... Catherine. [Interrupting vehemently.] Oh, my dear, don’t. I’m not in the humour to stand that. Leave me to lead my own life without interference. Surely it’s enough that to bind me to him George should give you an income to marry on. You can’t want more from me than that. Anne. Oh, my dear, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to say anything that would hurt you. Catherine. [Recovering herself.] You haven’t. Forgive me. I didn’t mean to make a scene, but my nerves are a little upset. I’m a very weak, selfish woman, audit’s dreadfully hard to be half as angelic as you think me. I’m very glad that you’re going to marry Teddie. You’re in love with one another, and if you haven’t much money, what does it matter? I’m sure you’ll be tremendously happy. Anne. You are a dear. [Francis Etchingham comes in. He is wearing a dinner jacket and a black tie. Anne springs up impulsively. Anne. Is it over? Etchingham. No, I was too anxious to stay any longer. Lady Francis. But George is going to get in? Etchingham. Who can tell? The seat has always been lost or held by a handful of votes. Anne. But how did it seem to be going? Etchingham. Winter, Morrison, Winter, Morrison. One vote on one side, one vote on the other. It seemed interminable. Lady Francis. He won by seventy-five last time. Etchingham. Who can tell the effect of all these rumours and suspicions and attacks? They may just have made the difference. Oh, it’s maddening. Catherine. Sit down, father, and rest. You look quite done up. Etchingham. Even George is anxious. I know his face so well. He’s trying to appear as if he were certain. Anne. No human being could help being anxious. Lady Francis. [With a sudden start.] I thought I heard some shouting. Anne. Oh, I wish I hadn’t come away. Lady Francis. Let’s open the window. Perhaps we shall hear something. [Lady Francis and Anne go to the window and open it. Lady Francis. No, I was mistaken. Anne. Listen. I’m sure I hear cheering. [She goes out on to the balcony. She and Lady Francis are half hidden from view, so that it may be supposed the following scene between Catherine and Lord Francis is not heard by them. Etchingham. [In a low voice to Catherine.] Oh, my dear, will you ever forgive me? Catherine. Oh, father, don’t. It was very noble of you not to tell me anything before I decided. Now that I know the whole truth.... Etchingham. The only hope we’ve got is to go on. If he gets in, if we can pull things together, we may get out of the muddle. He’s positive of it. The only thing that held me up was the thought of all of you. If I’d gone to the police there and then—or made away with myself, it would have meant the ruin of all of you. Catherine. And of all the unhappy people who’ve trusted everything they had to George. Etchingham. You think I was right, Kate, don’t you? It wasn’t just cowardice on my part? Catherine. I hope you were right. Etchingham. But if it was all in vain? If he’s not able to float Catherine. Oh, don’t think of it. Etchingham. I believe if he wins the election he’ll be strong enough to force the issue on them. Catherine. But if the mine’s worthless? Etchingham. We’re going to buy the shares in when the tide turns in Central America. Things are looking brighter already. He’s promised me that no one shall lose a farthing. When that’s done I go. Oh, how thankful I shall be! Catherine. Oh, I know, I know. Etchingham. I had to tell some one, and I couldn’t tell your mother. Catherine. I’m glad you told me. It makes it easier to bear now we both know. Anne. At last!... Father, father. [She comes back into the room, excitedly, and at the same time a vague, muffled shouting is heard in the distance. Etchingham springs to his feet. Etchingham. Thank God. The suspense was awful. Lady Francis. There’s no mistaking it this time. Etchingham. Is he in? Is he in? Anne. Of course he’s in. I’ve never felt so confident in my life. Etchingham. If it’s all right, then we’re safe. I’m sure it’s the beginning of the turn. Lady Francis. Why doesn’t Teddie make haste? Anne. Listen to the shouting. Isn’t it splendid? [More shouting is heard, this time a little louder. Etchingham. I expect they’re reading out the figures. [Teddie O’Donnell rushes in, rather dishevelled, with his hat on the back of his head. O’Donnell. He’s in! Anne. How ripping! [Francis Etchingham sinks into a chair, too overcome to speak, trying to compose himself. Catherine puts her hand on his shoulder to show her sympathy. Lady Francis. What’s the majority? O’Donnell. Twenty-seven. Anne. I say, what a squeak! O’Donnell. Just at the end I thought we were beaten. It was Morrison, Morrison, Morrison, until I almost screamed. Etchingham. Well, he’s in at all events. Anne. I am glad. [She throws her arms impulsively round O’Donnell’s neck and kisses him. O’Donnell. By Jove, it was a moment to live for when the figures were read out. You never heard such shouting. Catherine. Where is he now? O’Donnell. When I left he was making a speech to the crowd. But one couldn’t hear a word, because every one was shouting at the top of his voice. I simply bellowed. Anne. [Enthusiastically.] Aren’t you glad, Kate? Catherine. [Smiling.] Yes, very glad. Anne. How can you take it so quietly! Lady Francis. Is he coming here? O’Donnell. Yes. I forgot to give you his message. He sent his love to Kate, and said he’d be here in two twos. Anne. I wish he’d hurry up. Isn’t he a darling? O’Donnell. He’s the greatest man I’ve ever known. He’s a perfect stunner. I don’t know what there is about him, but you can’t help believing in him. And he was so splendid this morning about those confounded lies in the paper. All the rest of them were as frightened as rabbits, but he never turned a hair. Anne. [Excitedly.] There’s a car. O’Donnell. That’s it, I bet you anything you like. Anne. How jolly of him to come quickly! [She runs to the door and opens it.] George, George! [George Winter comes in boisterously and clasps Anne in his arms. Anne. Isn’t it splendid! George Winter. Glorious victory, what! [He is followed by Colonel Boyce, James Ford, Mr. Swalecliffe, and two other men. Etchingham. Thank God! George Winter. You haven’t been worried about it? I knew I’d get in. I never had a moment’s doubt about it. James Ford. [Drily.] No one can say you don’t believe in yourself. George Winter. Hang it all, if you don’t believe in yourself, how can you expect other people to believe in you? Drinks, gentlemen! O’Donnell. Shall I ring? George Winter. I told the waiter on my way up. Here they are. [A couple of waiters come in with glasses and bottles of champagne.] No teetotalism to-night, Mr. Swalecliffe. By Jove, I’m thirsty. Pour it out. Pour it out. Swalecliffe. I never touch alcohol, Mr. Winter. George Winter. Poor is the heart that never rejoices. Have you all got glasses, gentlemen? Come on, Lady Francis. Don’t be backward, Anne. Anne. Yes, please. George Winter. That’s right. Now then, Teddie. All ready? Gentlemen, I give you my wife, to whom this glorious victory is due. All. Mrs. Winter, Mrs. Winter. Catherine. Catherine. [Embarrassed and shy.] Thank you very much. [There are shouts outside, cheers: Winter, Winter, For he’s a jolly good fellow. George Winter. Hulloa, they’ve come round to the hotel. Anne. Just look at the crowd. O’Donnell. Shall I open the window? George Winter. [Stepping forward.] Yes. [At his appearance the shouts break out more tumultuously. Cheer upon cheer is heard. George Winter puts up his hand for silence. George Winter. Gentlemen, we’ve won a great fight. We’ve won in face of a campaign of lies, of misrepresentation, and of scandal. Truth always prevails. Honesty is the best policy. A glorious victory, gentlemen, and a triumph for English honesty, English plain dealing, and English integrity. Gentlemen, I drink your health. [He drinks his glass of champagne before the crowd. The cheering which has been going on all through the speech now grows louder and louder. There are shouts of Mrs. Winter. George Winter. Kate, they want you. Catherine. No. Please not. George Winter. Come. No false modesty. Give them a bow, that won’t hurt you. [He takes her hand and draws her to the window. The crowd bursts out again into cheering. George Winter comes back into the room. George Winter. My word, what a moment! Boyce. You must be dead beat. George Winter. I? Fresh as a daisy. Nothing can beat me. O’Donnell. [Taking out his watch.] By Jove, I had no idea it was so late. Boyce. I think I’ll be getting along. George Winter. Oh, nonsense! Why, the evening’s only just beginning. Boyce. I’m dog tired. Swalecliffe. I must be getting away, too. My wife will be wanting to know all about it. George Winter. Well, if I can’t persuade you, I suppose I can’t. I hope you’ll all have as good a night as I mean to. Swalecliffe. You think it’s all right about—about that matter? George Winter. Don’t you worry your head. It’s as right as rain. I tell you that nothing I touch can fail. Swalecliffe. Then good-night. George Winter. Good-night. [Colonel Boyce, Swalecliffe, and the other two men who came in with them, go out. George Winter. You’re not going yet, Ford? James Ford. No. If you don’t mind I’d like to have a word with you when you can spare me a few minutes. George Winter. As many as you like. I’m ready now. Lady Francis. If you’re going to talk business, we’d better leave you. James Ford. I’m in no hurry, my lady. Lady Francis. It really is getting very late. O’Donnell. Aren’t you too tired for business now? George Winter. Tired? I don’t know what it is to be tired. When you write my biography, young man, you can say that after the hardest fought battle of the election, when the cheers of the multitude were still ringing in his ears, he sat down at midnight, fresh as paint, and talked business with the shrewdest man in Middlepool till break of day. James Ford. [Drily.] It’ll be more accurate if you say for ten minutes. George Winter. But so much less effective. Anne. I’m sure you’ve been drinking too much champagne, George. George Winter. [Laughing.] Nonsense. I could drink a gallon, and be as sober as a judge at the end of it. Anne. Well, good-night. George Winter. [Kissing her.] Good-night, my chick. Have you named the happy day yet? Lady Francis. Good-night. George Winter. [To O’Donnell.] And you can add that I enveloped my mother-in-law in my arms. Lady Francis. [With a smile, warding off his attempt to embrace her.] I congratulate you. It’s been a great triumph. George Winter. Oh, it’s only the beginning. I’ve got the world at my feet. In ten years I shall be crying like Alexander because there are no more worlds to conquer. O’Donnell. You don’t want me any more, do you? [Lady Francis and Anne go out. George Winter. No, go to bed. You’re young, and you want your beauty sleep. I’ll be bound you’re not worried by the trains. Where’s your room? O’Donnell. It’s just above yours. But I sleep like a top. George Winter. That’s a good sign. You’ll be as great a man as I am one of these days. O’Donnell. [With a laugh.] Good-night. George Winter. [To Etchingham.] And you’d better go off too, old man. You look tired out. Etchingham. [Wearily.] It’s been an exciting day for all of us. George Winter. It’s been one of the days that make life worth living. Etchingham. Good-night. [As they go out Catherine comes forward. Catherine. I won’t say good-night to you just yet. If Mr. Ford is not going to keep you long I should like to speak to you afterwards. James Ford. It’ll be ten minutes at the utmost, Mrs. Winter. George Winter. [With exaggerated gallantry.] I’m at your disposal, darling, now and always. [With a slight bow to James Ford, Catherine goes out. George Winter. I told you I was justified in trusting my luck. Everything is coming out right. The Lewishams won’t be able to stand against me much longer. They’ll have to take me in. We’ll combine our interests, and then we shall hold Central America in the hollow of our hands. You’ll be in it too, James. You’re going to be a richer man than you guess. And when I’m in with the Lewishams I shall bide my time. Manny Lewisham can’t last much longer, and his sons are fools. When he’s gone I shall get the whole business in my hands. I’ve got ten times more brains than anyone in that market. There’s no one who can stand against me. James Ford. [Quietly.] You haven’t forgotten that article in The Financial Standard? George Winter. [Gaily.] Oh, is that what you want to talk to me about? I tell you that shan’t disturb my night’s rest. By the way, that reminds me: if I have won the election it was through no help of yours. I asked you to go down and speak in the Cattle Market, and when I got there I found there’d been no sign of you. It might have been devilish awkward. James Ford. Well, it so happens it didn’t matter. George Winter. Where did you get to after all? James Ford. [Looking at him.] I went up to London! George Winter. [Indifferently, doing all he can to hide his suspicion.] Did you? James Ford. [Very quietly, almost diffidently.] I was struck by one of the paragraphs in the article. The one about where you got the money from. George Winter. [With a smile.] I noticed that seemed to bother you a bit. James Ford. Things were pretty tight at that time. George Winter. A man in my position can always lay his hands on money. James Ford. It was a big sum. George Winter. Fair to moderate. [There is a very short pause. The two men, both shrewd, hard and keen, face one another like two duellists. James Ford. It struck me that the Middlepool Investment [He watches George Winter for the effect of this statement. George Winter. [With a smile.] Well, they’re lying there still. James Ford. Will you take your oath on that? George Winter. Yes. James Ford. The more I thought of it, the more nervous I was. I went to the bank. [George Winter gives him a rapid look, but otherwise makes no sign that he realizes his theft is discovered. James Ford. They showed me an order for delivery of the bonds signed by you, Etchingham, and Bennett. George Winter. Have a cigar, will you? James Ford. George Winter. If they’re in their place when the auditor makes his examination no one has any question to ask. James Ford. [More sternly.] You had no more right to touch them than my office boy has the right to take a sovereign from the petty cash. George Winter. What the devil d’you mean by that? James Ford. I’m a director of the Middlepool Investment Trust. I insist on the bonds being produced at once. George Winter. They shall be produced in a fortnight. James Ford. No, no, my friend, that won’t do. George Winter. [Impatiently.] Don’t be a fool, James, you know as well as I do that business is business. James Ford. Yes, and not theft. George Winter. [Apparently flying into a passion.] How dare you speak to me like that! James Ford. It’s no good trying to bluster with me, George. I’ve seen you do it at shareholders’ meetings and very effective it is sometimes, but this isn’t the time for it. [There is a pause. George Winter considers the position and determines to face it. George Winter. All right then.... I knew the mine was a good thing. I pledged the bonds to pay for it. I shall get them back as soon as the money comes in from the issue. Now you’ve got it. James Ford. It’s theft pure and simple. George Winter. [Insolently.] I suppose you want to come in with me. [He does not notice James Ford’s instinctive movement of repulsion.] I’ll give you your shares for nothing. That means ten thousand pounds, and if you hold on to them they’ll be worth fifty thousand in a year. James Ford. Thank you. I’m not going to risk a lifetime’s honest work for a few thousand pounds. George Winter. Then what do you want? James Ford. Nothing. George Winter. [With a slight smile.] You’ve been Mayor of Middlepool twice, and you’ve done a lot of work for the party. I can’t help thinking it’s almost time the Government showed some appreciation of your services. James Ford. You’ve mistaken your man, George Winter. I’ve worked like a nigger for thirty years. I’ve not let any chance slip by me, but I’ve never done anything that a man need be ashamed of. I’ve built up an honest business to leave to my sons, and an honest name. I’m too old to start being a rogue now. George Winter. [Impatiently.] I thought you wanted to talk business. James Ford. Right’s right, and wrong’s wrong. You can’t get over that. I couldn’t rest for a moment if I thought any act of mine wasn’t above board. It’s no credit of mine, I’m just made that way. George Winter. [As if he were talking to a child.] Come, James, we’ve been good friends for twenty years. James Ford. [In a low voice.] This afternoon, when I found out what you’d done—well, I could have cried. [There is a real anguish in his tone which startles George Winter. For the first time he realizes that the affair is serious. He begins to get frightened. George Winter. [Quickly, hoarsely.] But you don’t mean seriously.... James Ford. [Desperately.] How can I make you understand? You don’t seem to see that now I know what you’ve done I’m just filled with horror and loathing. If you’ve done this God knows what else you haven’t done. I don’t want to be hard on you. I must do my duty. I’m a director of the company. I put all my friends in it. I put my sister into it. And this mine. Is it true what that paper says? For all I know that’s a swindle too. George Winter. [With sudden anxiety.] You’re not going to push me down now that I’m almost at the top of the tree? I’ve got the world at my feet. If you’ll only give me a month I can put everything straight. James Ford. Five minutes ago it was a fortnight. I don’t believe it. These things don’t come right. When a George Winter. If you give me away now it’ll mean a general smash. The only chance of saving things is to go on. The money’s gone. You won’t get it back by giving me up to the police. James Ford. I must take my chance of that. After all, if I don’t speak it makes me a party to the crime. It can be proved that I went to the bank to-day. George Winter. Now you’re saying something I can understand. If I show you by plain figures that I can put everything right if you’ll only give me time.... James Ford. I tell you I can’t. I’ve got my wife to think of, and my boys. It’s theft, it’s the money of orphans and widows that you’ve taken, and there’s only one course open to me. George Winter. What are you going to do? James Ford. [Brokenly.] My God, what can I do? I trusted you as I would have trusted my sons. George Winter. Out with it! James Ford. I must—I must consult the Chief Constable. George Winter. You wouldn’t do that? You don’t seriously mean that you’d go to the police? It’s madness. It’s so impractical. It’s stupid. James Ford. I could never respect myself again if I.... It’s a matter between my conscience and myself.... Oh, George, why have you put me in this position? George Winter. Look here, old man, I’ve done wrong. I admit it. I’ve done something that other men have done before me and it’s come out all right. At the time I thought the slump would only last a few days, and I thought I should be able to replace the bonds in a week. It’s the only slip I’ve made. Don’t be too hard on me.... [With a break in his voice.] Have mercy as you hope in your turn to have mercy shown to you. Don’t ruin me for this one mistake. Let it mean something to you that I’m humiliating myself before you.... It wasn’t a crime. It was only thoughtlessness. Give me another chance. [James Ford, with his face between his hands, thinks it over. He is deeply moved by George Winter’s appeal. George, watching him keenly, thinks he is going to yield. George Winter. We’ve gone through bad times and good together. I’ve been a good friend to you. You’ve never had anything to reproach me with till now. James Ford. [Brokenly.] I can’t risk the money of all these poor people again. George Winter. Will it satisfy you if I give up the directorship of the Middlepool Trust? Give me six months to save my face and I’ll resign. [James Ford looks up at him, wondering if he can put any trust in George Winter. George waits for the decision with beating heart. He feels almost sick with fear. James Ford. I’ll tell you what I’ll do. If the bonds are in their place by four o’clock to-morrow I’ll say nothing. George Winter. [Astounded.] To-morrow? It can’t be done. It’s impossible. James Ford. That’s all I can do for you. George Winter. [Hardly knowing what he is saying.] But no one could get it. You know it’s impossible. Even James Ford. That’s my last word. George Winter. You might as well send for the police at once. Oh, my God! It’s impossible. James Ford. If the money is not there by the time the bank closes I shall apply for a warrant. George Winter. D’you know what that means? It means a trial, and then—and then prison. James Ford. I can’t do more for you than I’ve offered. [The finality of this, the deep regret and the decision in Ford’s tone, are like a blow in the face to George Winter. He gives a sudden start, and throwing off his humbleness, flies into ungovernable passion. He whips himself into a rage as he flings the scornful invective at James Ford and ends up on the last words in a positive scream of fury. George Winter. Oh, it’s infamous. It’s damned hypocrisy. You don’t care if I’ve taken the money or not. You’re afraid of your own skin. And you’re jealous of me. It’s envy. I knew you envied me all the time. D’you think I’ve been taken in by you? You were a little tin god in Middlepool till I came along. You didn’t fight me like a man. You just sided with me, waiting for your chance to trip me up. You think when I’m gone you’ll have the field to yourself. Why shouldn’t you be the member as well as I? It’s mean. It’s mean. You with your damned Christianity, your parrot cries of honesty. Damn you! Damn you! Damn you! James Ford. [Quietly.] You see, you’ve gone too far. I shall never make you understand. You can’t realize that a man may be honest, even if he loses by it, just because he can’t help it, because he’s made straight as some men are made crooked. George Winter. It’s childish. James Ford. You’ve got through the world by knowing that nine men out of ten are rascals. You’ve forgotten that the tenth man must cross your path at last. [When he hears these words George Winter gives a start, and he looks at Ford with staring, terrified eyes. He passes his hand over his forehead, trying to recall. George Winter. [Almost to himself.] Who said that to me before? [There is a pause. James Ford. Good-bye, George. My promise holds. George Winter. [Bitterly.] It’s no good to me. I’m like a rat in a trap. You can get what fun you like out of seeing me wriggle. [For a moment James Ford looks at him, then silently goes out. George Winter is seized with a horrible, convulsive trembling. He shakes as a man might shake in an ague. With his quick mind he sees that no subtlety will save him now; he is up against the blank wall of a character as strong as his own. In a moment Catherine enters the room. George Winter. What the devil d’you want? Catherine. I heard Mr. Ford go. May I speak to you now? [George Winter makes an effort to appear composed. George Winter. Well? Catherine. Now that the election is over you can have no further use for me. I’ve carried out my part of the bargain scrupulously. George Winter. [Putting his hand in a dazed way to his head.] I don’t know what you’re talking about. Catherine. I understand that I’ve condoned all your offences towards me, and I’m helpless now to do anything. So you need have no fear that I shall interfere with you in any way. [He turns round and looks at her. He takes in at last what she is saying.] But there’s no reason that I should expose myself any longer to a humiliation that I found unbearable. I’ve come to tell you that now I’ve done all you exacted I’m going to leave you, this time for good. I’m starting early to-morrow morning for the Continent with my friend Barbara Herbert, and I shall not return. You can devise whatever explanation you think necessary, and you may be quite sure I shan’t contradict it. I shall be gone by the time you get up. You will find in my room all the trinkets you’ve given me. I wish to take nothing with me that I have received from you. George Winter. [With clenched teeth.] Are you leaving your clothes? Catherine. [She waits for a moment to see if he has anything further to say, but as he remains silent she goes towards the door. As she is about to go out he bursts into a peal of laughter. She stops with a start and looks at him. His laughter grows, peal upon peal. It becomes wild and shrill and hysterical. He bellows with laughter. Already half frightened, not understanding, Catherine makes a step or two back into the room. Catherine. What’s the matter? George, George! [He laughs still, and then suddenly breaks into a sob. He gives way entirely, and bursts into uncontrolled weeping. Catherine. [Coming down to him.] George, what is it? George Winter. For God’s sake give me a drink. [She hurries to the half-empty bottle of champagne on the table and pours out a glass of wine. He drinks it at a gulp. George Winter. [Recovering himself.] That’s rich, that is. Rich. [Again he bursts into laughter. Catherine. What is it, George? It’s not because I’m going away? George Winter. Your going away doesn’t matter a damn to me. It means that I’ve been done in the eye. Those swindling rogues, the Lewishams, have got me at last. That article’s done the trick and I’m dished. You can go your own way now, Kate. You’ve got the better of me after all. Catherine. I don’t understand. George Winter. James Ford knows that the bonds have gone. And he’s going to Scotland Yard. Catherine. Oh! And father? George Winter. Oh, I can’t worry about your father now. He must look after his own skin. I’ve got enough to do to think of myself. Catherine. What shall I do? George Winter. He’ll give me till to-morrow to replace them, but I can’t. It’s impossible. And he knows I can’t. Catherine. Can’t we sell things? There’s my jewellery. George Winter. A drop in the ocean. How can I get eighty thousand pounds in a falling market. Catherine. [Horrified.] D’you mean to say they’ll arrest you? George Winter. [With a dull roar, like a wild beast at bay.] No. D’you think I’m going to stand that, and a trial, and—and all the rest? Catherine. [Wringing her hands.] Is there no chance that you may get off? George Winter. Bennett would give me away to save himself. I know him. There’s not a man I can trust. The only Catherine. D’you think there’s any hope of your getting away? George Winter. My way. Yes. Catherine. [Understanding.] Oh, George, you wouldn’t do that. George Winter. What else d’you expect me to do? D’you think I’m going to bolt to America, to be brought back in six months by a couple of detectives? Not much. Catherine. Wouldn’t it be better to stay and face it? If you’ve done wrong, can’t you accept your punishment? You’re young still. George Winter. They won’t have mercy on me. It’ll mean ten years. And when I come out, it’ll mean hiding, doing odd jobs, like Bennett, dirty work for other men who won’t risk their own skins. And what d’you suppose a life like that is worth to me? I want the power, and the notoriety, and the glamour. I wanted men to point me out in the street. I’ve aimed too high to be content with anything but the highest. Catherine. Oh, it’s horrible. George Winter. Come, Kate—honestly—if you loved me, wouldn’t you wish me to make an end of it? Catherine. [After a long look at him.] Oh, don’t ask me. George Winter. Will you do something for me? It’s the last thing I’ll ever ask you. Catherine. I’ll do anything I can. George Winter. I want half an hour to myself. You must let no one come to me under any pretext whatever. Catherine. [With a cry of horror.] You’re not going to do it now? George Winter. I don’t trust James Ford. He may have gone to Scotland Yard already. Perhaps the detectives are already on their way. Catherine. You’ve said yourself that he’s to be relied on. George Winter. Oh, I’m frightened. And what’s the good? I’m dead beat. Perhaps to-morrow I shouldn’t have the nerve. Catherine. Oh, it’s awful. George Winter. [With a laugh.] Why, it’s your freedom. [He goes to the table and pours himself out a glass of brandy. George Winter. I’m mixing my liquors. Bad habit, isn’t it? You’ll be ravishing in black, darling. It always suited you. [Catherine gives an inarticulate sob. George Winter, shrugging his shoulders, goes towards the door. George Winter. Will you promise to prevent anyone from disturbing me? Catherine. Yes. George Winter. In half an hour you can go to bed.... I hope you’ll sleep as soundly as I shall. [He goes out and locks the door behind him. Catherine hides her face in her hands and moans with fright and horror. In a Catherine. I thought you’d gone to bed. O’Donnell. I feel so awfully wide awake. I came in to see if I could find a book. Catherine. [Pointing to a table.] There are some over there. O’Donnell. You’re looking dreadfully done up. Why don’t you turn in? [At that moment shouts are heard in the square below, cheers and cries of Winter. Catherine. [Frightened.] What’s that? O’Donnell. [Going to the window.] Oh, it’s closing time. Enthusiastic politicians who’ve been turned out of the public-houses. [Cries of Winter, Winter. Catherine. Oh, send them away, I can’t bear it. O’Donnell. [Opening the window and calling out.] Mr. Winter has gone to bed, gentlemen, and I strongly recommend you to follow his example. [He shuts the window, amid the laughter and cheers of the roisterers. They go away singing. Catherine clenches her hands to prevent herself from screaming. O’Donnell. [With a laugh.] Splendid, aren’t they? Catherine. Now, you really must go to bed. O’Donnell. [Taking a book from the table.] All right. I dare say we shall have a busy day to-morrow.... I really think this is the happiest day I’ve ever had. Life is jolly, isn’t it? Catherine. [With a strange look at him.] Yes. O’Donnell. Good-night. Catherine. [With a sudden start.] Oh! O’Donnell. What’s the matter? Catherine. I thought I heard a sound. O’Donnell. I didn’t. The hotel’s as still as death, for a wonder. I hope the trains won’t disturb you to-night. Catherine. Good-night. [He goes out. Catherine turns and looks at the door of George Winter’s room. She takes a step towards it. Catherine. George! [She listens, but there is no answer. With a gesture of horror she turns away. Fred Bennett bursts into the room. Bennett. I beg your pardon. I didn’t expect to find any one here. Where’s the Governor? Catherine. I don’t know. Bennett. I want to see him at once. Catherine. He can’t see any one to-night. Bennett. He’ll see me. Catherine. He left instructions that no one was to bother him. Bennett. It’s a matter of life and death. Catherine. [With a shiver of apprehension.] I tell you, you can’t see him. Bennett. Isn’t he in his room? Catherine. No. Bennett. [Going towards the door.] Are you sure? Catherine. [Getting in his way.] He’s tired out. Can’t you let him rest? Bennett. Oh, but you don’t know what’s happened. The mine’s all right. For goodness’ sake, let me go to him. Catherine. [Quickly.] What do you mean? Bennett. [The words tumbling over one another in his hurry.] The manager had taken Macdonald in, hadn’t shown him a new shaft they’d sunk. The place is crammed full of gold. It was only a dodge of the Lewishams. I did what the Governor told me. I just flooded the market with selling orders of their stocks, and at closing time Manny Lewisham sent for me. I smelt a rat. I was too clever for him. He’s offered to take the Governor in. He’ll buy a huge block of shares to-morrow at par. He’s going to pay on the nail. And we’re safe, we’re safe, we’re safe. Catherine. D’you mean to say.... Bennett. [Interrupting.] It’s what the Governor’s been fighting for for ten years. At last he’s got there. The shares’ll be worth anything you like in a month. It means wealth, safety, everything. Catherine. Then George is.... Bennett. He’s at the top of the tree. He’s where he ought to be. In ten years he’ll be in the House of Lords. Would you like to tell him yourself? [Catherine hesitates for a moment. She sees her chance of freedom slipping away from Catherine. I don’t know where he is. Bennett. You don’t know? Catherine. He went down to the smoking-room. Bennett. I must find him. [He runs towards the door, but before he can get out Catherine has a revulsion of feeling. She gives a cry. Catherine. No, stop. He’s in his bedroom. Oh, be quick! Be quick! [Bennett stops and looks at her with surprise. She runs to the door and beats against it with her hands. Catherine. George, George, George! Open the door! George, George! Bennett. What’s the matter? What d’you mean? Catherine. George! It’s all right. Open the door, for God’s sake. [To Bennett.] Oh, can’t you open the door? Bennett. Good God, what’s he doing? Catherine. George, George! [Bennett puts his shoulder against it and tries to burst the door open. It does not yield. Bennett. Governor. It’s me. Catherine. He locked it. Break the glass. [She gives him a bronze ornament which is at her hand, and he breaks it against the pane of glass which is above the lock. The glass splinters. He puts his hand in and turns the key. Then he opens the door and bursts in. Bennett. He’s not there. Catherine. He must be. He must be. Bennett. The windows are wide open. He must have gone out. Catherine. There’s nowhere to go. There’s only about two yards of garden and then the line. Call out. Bennett. Perhaps he’s in the garden. [Bennett runs out through the door of George Winter’s room. As he does this, Francis Etchingham comes in from the left, in his pyjamas and a dressing-gown. Etchingham. I say, what the devil’s all this row? It’s bad enough to have the trains banging under one’s window all night long. Upon my soul. Catherine. Where’s George? Father, father! Etchingham. How the deuce should I know? [Bennett comes back. Bennett. He’s not in the garden anywhere. Catherine. Oh, I’m so frightened! Etchingham. What on earth’s the matter with you, Kate? Catherine. Oh, my God, my God! Bennett. We can’t find the Governor. Etchingham. Perhaps he’s gone for a walk. Catherine. Along the line? [Teddie O’Donnell comes running in. He has taken his coat and waistcoat off. O’Donnell. I say, I’ve just seen a most awful accident. A man’s been run over on the line. [Catherine gives a shrill scream of horror, and, falling on her knees, hides her face. THE END.
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