Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1897-08-05
A DRAnA IN CAr1EO.
By E. Philips Oppenheim.
(Mr Herbert Ordish. Lord Haughton
Lady Bertha Merton.(
SCENE

DraW1ng-roOm of a bijou residence
III Mayfair, close to the park. Lady
Bertha Merton alone, standing at win
Cow and looking out thoughtfullv into
the twilight. A hanson drives rapidlv
to the door and pully up. She steps
back into the room and throws herself
into an easy-chair.
Lady Bertha-HOw absurd If he had
seen me standing there, no doubt he
would have had the conceit to imagine
that L was watching for him. It was
quite chance that he didn't look in.
Listen! Yes, there is his step in the
nall. He will be here directly, and
what am L to say to him? | suppose it
must be yes-and yet (hesitates) am
a little afraid Of him, l wonder? T
Wish L felt happier about it. | wish
yes, L do wish that it we're
Enter footman closely followed by
tall, fair man in tweed travelling
suit and very dusty.
Lady Bertha (surprised)-M Or
dish! Why, this is an unexpected visit
thought that you were in Rome
Herbert Ordish (holding both her
hands and trying to look into her facet
Unexpected, yes. But you know the
pIoverb! [ was in Rome three DAVIS
ago
Lady Bertha gently withdrawing
her hands)-And whatever has brought
you pack so suddenly? Not bad news.
hope. Sir George is not worse?
Herbert Ordish-Oh, no. nv father
is all right. A matter of business
friend needed my help. It NAV he
only a trifiing matter, but I had TO
come L fear from the doubtful wav
III winch your man admitted me that
you are expecting one else
Ferhaps my visit is inopportune. 7
suppose | ought to apologize for nv
AZURE, too! L am not in calling trim
OUT came her from CharIng Cross.
Lady Bertha-You need not anolo-
slze for anything. You know that I
am delighted to see you. 1t is true
that L am expecting-some one else
but that need not interfere with vour
visit. Tell me, how is Rome looking?
Is 1t full, and have you met Lady Mar
garet yet? What sort of an English
set is it this season-amusing
Herbert Ordish-I am afraid that
Shall De but very unsatisfactory
neWsmonger. [ have been too busy
TO pay calls or accept invitations Nv
work just lately has left me with very
little spare time on my hands. 7 met
Lady Margaret quite by accident at
Meggio's studio on Sunday. had
news of you from her.
Lady Bertha-News of me? Really
Herbert Ordish (slowly)-Yes. 1t is
that which brought me to England.
Lady Bertha (taking up a fire screen
and shading her face)-You are talk
Ing in enigmas
Herbert Ordish-Enigmas which T
propose to solve. Crises and stands
over Lady Bertha, looking tenderly
Down at herr Bertha, I was told that
you were going to be married? Is this
true?
Lady Bertha-It is-a little prema-
ture, at any rate!
Herbert Ordish-Bertha, Lady Nor
toni You know that mine is noor
Iamlly-that my fathers estates are
heavily incumbered and that T am
earning my own living as a Journalist
But for this the words which are in
my heart to say to you now would
nave been spoken long ago. | have
waited, hoping I scarcely know for
what, and l should have gone on
waiting if it had not been for LADY
Margaret's warning. The fear of los
ing you was horrible Bertha. YOU
Know that love you, You know that
| have loved you through all these
weary years. Tell me
F'octman announces Lord Haughton
Enter Lord Haughton, middle-aged.
cynical, distinguished, dressed in
trock coat and gray trousers. with an
orchid in his buttonhole.
Lady Bertha (-ising and holding out
her hand)-How do you do. Lord
Haughton? You are late-comer this
afternoon. l had almost given Won
up.
Lord Haughton-I am only too fat
tered that you should have thought of
my coming at all, The fact is I lunch
ed
Lady Bertha (interrupting)-T
will do, if you please. A mans ex-
cuses and amateur pianoforte playing
4