Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1897-08-05
A DRArlA IN CAnEO.
By E. Philips Oppenheim.
tMr Herbert Ordish Lord Haughton.
Lady Bertha Merton.)
SCENE

| lMT IleIDSIl oTulsu. LOTu f1duSnIOl.
Lady Bertha Merton.)
SCENE.
Drawing-room of bijou residence
in Mayfair, close to the park. Lady
| Bertha Merton alone, standing at win
dow and looking out thoughtfully into
the twilight. A hanson drives rapidly
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 | was watching for him. 1t was
quite chance that he didn't look in.
Listen! Yes, there is his step in the
| hall. He will be tere directly, and
what am | to say to him? suppose it
must be yes-and yet (hesitates)-am
| little afraid Of him, I wonder? |
wish | felt happier about it. wish
yes, ! do wish that it were
Enter footman, closely followed by
tall, fair man in tweed travelling
suit and very dusty.
Lady Bertha (surprised) MIR. 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 face)
Unexpected, yes. But you know the
ploverb! | was in Rome three days
ago.
Lady Bertha gently withdrawing
her hands)-And whatever has brought
you back so suddenly? Not bad news.
| hope. Sir George is not worse?
Herbert Ordish-Oh, no, my father
is all right A matter of business-a
friend needed my help. 1t may be
only a trifiing matter, but had to
come. I fear from the doubtful way
in which your man admitted me that
you are eXpecting-some ore else,
Perhaps my visit is inopportune. |
suppose | ought to apologize for my
attire, too! am not in calling trim,
but | came her from Charlng Cross.
Lady Bertha-You need not apollo
gize for anything. You know that I
am delighted to see you. 1t is true
that ! am expecting-so one else,
but that need not interfere with your
visit. Tell me, how is Rome looking?
Is it full, and have you met Lady Mar
garet yet? What sort of an English
set is 1t this season-amusing?
Herbert Ordish-I am afraid that l
shall be but very unsatisfactory
newsmoneer. [ have been too busy
to pay calls or accept invitations. My
work just lately has left me with very
little spare time on my hands. | 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 n fire screen
and shading her face)-You are talk
ing in enigmas.
Herbert Ordish-Enigmas which |
propose to solve Crises and stands
over Lady Bertha, looking tenderly
down at herr Bertha, 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 Mer-
toni You know that mine is a poor
family-that my fathers estates are
heavily incumbered and that I am
earning my own living as journalist
But for this the words which are in
my heart to say to you now would
have been spoken long ago. | have
waited, hoping ! scarcely know for
what and | 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
FoCtman announces Lord Haughton.
cynical. distinguished dressed in
frock coat anC gray trousers, with an
orchid in his buttonllole
Lady Bertha ("ising and holding ont
her hand)-How do you do, Lord
Haughton? You are a late-comer this
afternoon. | had almost given you
up.
Lord Haughton-I am only too fiat
tered that you should have thought of
my coming at all! The fact is lunch
ed
Lady Bertha Gnterruptingl-Th
will do, if you please. A mans ex-
cuses and amateur pianoforte playing
are two things in this world to which
! simply cannot listen. They are too
utterly crude, Let me introduce you to
an old friend of mine, Mr.. Herbert
Ordish. Mr.. Ordish, this is Lord
Haughton.
The two men face one another and
both perceptibly start. Lord Haugh-
! ton grows suddenly pale. He extends
his hand and rapidly draws it back.
Herbert Ordish has calmly clasped his
behind his back Lord Haughton re-
covers his composure with a visible
effort, but neither of the men speak.
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