## ACT I

**Scene 1:** The conservatory of Mr. van der Luyden's house on Astor Place. An evening in November.

**Scene 2:** Madame Olenska's little house on West Twenty-third Street. An Afternoon in March.

## ACT II

**Scene 1:** Mr. Letterblair's law office on lower Broadway. The following autumn.

**Scene 2:** At Madame Olenska's. An evening a week later.
(The curtain will fall for a moment during this scene to indicate the passing of a night)

## ACT III

**Scene 1:** Mrs. van der Luyden's drawing room. An evening of the next week.

**Scene 2:** Madame Olenska's apartment on the Rue de Varenne, Paris. Forty years later.

**TIME:** The early '70's.

**PLACE:** New York and Paris.

I-2.

### Miss Fordyce

When he asked her for the first time I was just at her el-
bow. I couldn't help overhearing. And he actually said....
(She lowers her voice, and they all bend
their heads to listen)

### Jackson

(With elaborate flattery to his charming
companion)

Do you realize what you've done, Jessie, while my back was
turned? You've grown up.

### Miss Lefferts

(Giggling)

People do, you know.

### Jackson

(With sentiment)

Yesterday you were in pinafores. Tonight you're breaking
hearts. May I have the next schottische?

### Miss Lefferts

(Consulting her program with hollow
regret)

I'm afraid everything is promised before the cotillion.

(There is a burst of laughter from the
group on the other side of the stage as
Miss Fordyce finishes her anecdote.
Cries of "He didn't!" "My dear!" "Did
May know you heard him?" In the ballroom
a waltz begins)

### Hamilton

(To Miss Fordyce as he rises)

This is our waltz.

### Miss Fordyce

(Springing to her feet)

It's my favorite! I don't want to miss a note of it!

### Delancy

(To Miss Duane)

May I have the one after this?

### Miss Duane

(Smiling)

I think you may.

### Delancy

(Crossing to Miss Lefferts)

I believe this is ours, Jessie.

### Miss Lefferts

(Greeting him with relief.)

I-3.

Yes.

(Over her shoulder.)

I'm so sorry Mr. Jackson.

Jackson

I shall try again after supper.

(He crosses the stage to Miss Duane.)

May I have the pleasure, Miss Lucy?

Miss Duane

(Not overjoyed.)

Thank you, Mr. Jackson.

Jackson

(As they follow the others toward the ballroom.)

Stunning party, isn't it? One can always rely on the van der Luydens.

(Mr. and Mrs. van der Luyden, a coldly conventional old pair, with an atmosphere of chilly formality, enter with Mrs. Mingott, an enormously fat, determined old lady, very regal in full evening dress and the family diamonds, obviously accustomed to taking the stage when she enters a social gathering. She takes it now with easy informality.)

Mrs. Mingott

(Benevolent but vague.)

Ah, what a sweetly pretty sight! Youth and beauty amid the begonias. . . quite like a ballet at the opera or something. Now let me see who you are. Why, It's Nellie Lefferts' girl! What's your name, child? No, don't tell me... give me time. Julia? Janet? Jessie? That's it. . . little Jessie Lefferts. I didn't know you under all that hair.

(The young people laugh.)

And pretty Alice Fordyce...your eyes are so big I should think you'd be afraid of falling into them. Now who's this? Lucy Duane?

Miss Duane

(Smiling)

Yes, Mrs. Mingott.

Mrs. Mingott

You're rather like your great-aunt Lizzie tonight. That was just her blue. You haven't her looks, my dear. These young men won't believe that, but Sillerton Jackson remembers her well, back in the forties, don't you Sillerton?

(Jackson looks distinctly annoyed.)

I-4.

Mrs. van der Luyden

Ah, we have no real belles nowadays. New York's grown too
big for them.

Van der Luyden

(In complimentary vein)

Yet charming young ladies still flourish, I observe.

Miss Fordyce

Such a lovely party, Mrs. van der Luyden.

Jackson

The first ball of the season has a special charm.

(He and the young people disappear into
ballroom)

Mrs. Mingott

(Calling after him)

Don't dance too much, Sillerton! Play a little whist with
the chaperones, now and then.

(Turning to the van der Luydens)

He's seventy, if he's a day. Aren't men absurd?

Van der Luyden

(His attention caught by a flowering
plant)

Catherine! Louisa! The japonica lucida has bloomed at last!

Mrs. van der Luyden

(Hurrying to his side)

How exquisite! See Catherine! It's Henry's new camellia from
Brazil!

Mrs. Mingott

(Firmly)

No camellia ever meant anything to me except for the man
who sent it. Now what is this you want to tell me? Say
it quickly and go back to your duties. You ought to be in
the drawing-room, receiving your guests.

(She seats herself carefully on a small
bamboo bench)

Mrs. van der Luyden

(Sitting beside her)

Catherine dear, we have such happy news. As Henry's cousin
we want you to be among the first to know. May is engaged
to Newland Archer.

Mrs. Mingott

Why, Louisa, what a nice match! His mother must have left
him very well off.

Mrs. van der Luyden

And Henry went to school with his father.

I-5.

Mrs. Mingott

I remember his grandfather's sermons. Fifty-five minutes
of fire and brimstone.

Mrs. van der Luyden

It's to be announced at supper before the cotillion. Henry's
going to make a little speech.

Mrs. Mingott

(Musing)

Newland Archer...why, I've known him from his crib! I suppose May can make him give up all his political nonsense?

Mrs. van der Luyden

We sincerely hope so, Catherine. He was doing so well at the
bar...and then to begin hobnobbing with those common Irish-
men!

(She shakes her head in disgust)

Mrs. Mingott

He'll settle down once he's married. May will attend to that.

(Preparing to rise)

And now I'm going back to that comfortable sofa to watch my
Ellen. I like to look at her. She's so European.

Mrs. van der Luyden

(Enigmatically)

Perhaps a little too European.

Van der Luyden

At her first New York ball, yes. Isn't she a trifle...con-
spicuous?

Mrs. Mingott

(Tartly)

Conspicuously well-dressed...if that's what you mean.

Mrs. van der Luyden

She's your grandchild, Catherine, so of course you don't
know how people are talking.

Van der Luyden

She ought to be more discreet...considering her position.

Mrs. Mingott

What's wrong with her position?

Mrs. van der Luyden

(Outraged)

What's wrong?

I-6.

Van der Luyden

(Shocked)

A young American girl, shipwrecked on a foreign marriage,
returning to New York, a derelict, without her husband and
without her fortune?

Mrs. Mingott

(Spiritedly.)

She has her life before her. And she's very charming.

Mrs. van der Luyden

Women who leave their husbands shouldn't be too charming.

Mrs. Mingott

(Impatiently.)

Out with it, Louisa. What's the accusation?

Mrs. van der Luyden

(At bay)

She's seeing far too much of Julius Beaufort.

Mrs. Mingott

What of it? Beaufort's an amusing fellow.

(Kissing her fat hand enthusiastically.)

Viennese to the finger tips, after twenty years in New York!

Mrs. van der Luyden

Yes, but walking with him up Fifth Avenue where everyone can
see...

Van der Luyden

(Darkly)

Or driving with him in his little blue brougham where no one
can.

Mrs. van der Luyden

And after all the scandal about them in Europe when she left
her husband.

Mrs. Mingott

(Sharply.)

Stuff and nonsense! Ellen's always had attention.

Van der Luyden

Yes, in those fast foreign capitals. But she shouldn't have
it here. Not from Julius Beaufort!

Mrs. van der Luyden

With his poor American wife up in the country at Peekskill,
raising her tulips.

Mrs. Mingott

(Lightly.)

And never daring to raise her voice!

I-7.

Mrs. van der Luyden

It's not a joke, Catherine. Why, I've heard that Ellen is
going to a party of his at Delmonico's on Sunday night!

(Impressively.)

Sunday night!

Mrs. Mingott

Well, what of it?

Van der Luyden

(Warningly.)

This isn't Paris, Catherine.

Mrs. Mingott

(Ironically.)

You surprise me, Henry.

Mrs. van der Luyden

I hear at the last one a woman got up on the table and sang
the kind of song they sing at the places you go to in France!

Mrs. Mingott

Take care, Louise

I'm going to blush!

Mrs. van der Luyden

Don't be frivolous, Catherine. Ellen's behavior is unlady-like and you ought to stop her.

Mrs. Mingott

(Cheerfully.)

I gave up arguing with young people forty years ago.

Mrs. van der Luyden

Does that mean you won't speak to her about Beaufort?

Mrs. Mingott

Ellen's quite able to take care of herself. But Beaufort reminds me. Fetch him, Henry. I'm facing a deficit at the Half-Orphans' home and I want a thumping big cheque!

Mrs. van der Luyden

Oh, Catherine, how can you!

Van der Luyden

(Resigned.)

I'll look him up.

Mrs. Mingott

(Gaily, as he leaves)

Tell him I'm waiting for him here beneath the Brazilian
petunias or gladiolas or whatever they are.

(Van der Luyden disappears into the
ball-room)

I-9.

Mrs. Mingott

(Laughing and tapping his arm with her fan)

So you flew on the wings of the wind, up the slopes of
Olympus!

Beaufort

Only to find my Venus all too adequately chaperoned by...

(With a little bow to Mrs. van der Luyden)

Juno herself!

(Mrs. van der Luyden looks vaguely insulted)

Mrs. Mingott

(Grinning)

Louisa doesn't wholly approve your ardor.

(To Mrs. Van der Luyden)

Go back to your duties, dear, I'm pining for a tete-a-tete
and I don't want anyone to share my transports.

Mrs. van der Luyden

(Rising)

More people will be coming now, after the opera.

(She departs with dignity)

Mrs. Mingott

(Calling after her)

Send me the engaged couple. I want to congratulate them.

Beaufort

(Still bantering)

Listen, celestial one! Can you resist that entrancing
rhythm? Come, let us abandon ourselves to the seductions
of the polka!

Mrs. Mingott

Never mind, Beaufort! I could dance in my time. Why, in
the spring of '21 I taught the Virginia reel to General
Lafayette.

Beaufort

Ah, happy General! Will you promenade, then, or will you
merely stay here and let me make love to you?

Mrs. Mingott

(Indicating a seat beside her)

Oh, make love, make love! You wouldn't be the first man to
compromise me in a conservatory!

Beaufort

(Fervently)

Nor the last!

Mrs. Mingott

But I didn't entice you here to sing my own charms, Beaufort.
I have in mind something more serious.

I-10.

(She leans forward impressively and taps
his sleeve with her fat little hand)

Let my Ellen alone.

Beaufort

(Slightly taken aback, but always
suavely mocking)

What man could let Madame Olenska alone? What man does?

Mrs. Mingott

Oh, you look very innocent, but it doesn't deceive me!

Beaufort

(Reproachfully.)

Why, Mrs. Mingott!

Mrs. Mingott

I'm handling this affair without gloves, man to man. Ellen's
not your kind. Oh, she's a Polish countess and a fascinating
 creature, and all that, but *au fond* she's American through
and through. Over there she may have misled you. But
Europe's one thing, Beaufort. New York's another. You and
I know that morals are merely a matter of geography. Ellen's
life may have been broken by that scoundrel of a husband.
She may have been very foolish, very indiscreet. But she
won't resort to lovers on West Twenty-third Street. She has
her old Granny to look after her now, and she's going to be
looked after. Let her alone!

Beaufort

Mrs. Mingott, it's you who are European? Not since my young
days in Vienna have I heard such suspicions!

Mrs. Mingott

Nonsense, I know you! What about your affair with silly little Mrs... but no matter! It's only in relation to Ellen that I take you seriously. Now as to this Sunday orgy you're planning at Delmonico's...

Beaufort

I thought Madame Olenska might enjoy... a little conversation
again.

Mrs. Mingott

(With a sympathetic sigh)

I dare say she would. We're a dull lot.

(Her eye begins to kindle)

What are you having?

Beaufort

Campanini and Nilsson to sing, Saramonte and a Steinway.

Mrs. Mingott

I mean what food?

I-14.

Archer

When will you marry me?

May

Newland, dear, you're so impatient! Why aren't we very well off as we are?

Archer

But we might be so much better off.

May

Everyone has long engagements. Besides, Mama wants a year for my trousseau and the linen.

Archer

May: You do love me?

May

Of course I do, Newland.

(Overcome by this avowal he suddenly gives way to emotion. He kisses her impetuously on the lips. She draws back as if startled)

Archer

(Smiling into her eyes)

What's the matter?

May

(Avoiding his glance, with rising embarrassment)

Oh...nothing.

Archer

May: Look at me! Can't you understand how I want you?

May

(Hiding her increasing confusion with laughter.)

Mercy, Newland! Shall we elope?

Archer

If you only would.

May

Oh, you do love me, Newland, don't you? I'm so happy!

Archer

Then why not be happier?

May

Do you expect me to behave like a girl in a novel?

Archer

Why not?

I-15.

May

Well, in the first place... wouldn't it be rather vulgar?

Archer

Would it? Do you know you have an adorable nose?

May

Newland, you don't take me seriously.

Archer

Yes, I do, dear. When will you marry me?

May

(Sighing)

Newland, you really are difficult. Why can't you be like
other people?

Archer

But I am. Look at me! Look at my tie! Look at my waistcoat!
We're all alike! That's the trouble with us, May.

May

Oh, you know what I mean. And even your tie...

(She looks at him critically.)

I wish you'd wear...you're the only man who... Try to look like...

nice...

(She breaks off almost tearfully)

Oh, well! You'll never care about those things.

Archer

I care about you.

(She melts at that and lets him kiss her)

May

(In his arms)

You are a dear, Newland!

(She picks some lilies of the valley
from her bouquet and puts them in his
button-hole)

There! That's better. Now will you do something for me?

Archer

I'll do anything you want always.

May

Well, then, you can do something tonight, before you run off
to those horrid Irishmen. You can be nice to Ellen. Poor
dear Ellen. She knows so few people after all those years
abroad. Ask her to dance, Newland. She won't have many
partners.

I-16.

## Archer

(Resigned.)

Oh, Lord! Well all right, but you'll have to point her out.
I haven't seen her since I was in short trousers.

## May

She's had such a sad life and we all feel so sorry for her...

(A waltz begins and through the ballroom
door comes the sound of men's eager voices
and laughter. The lighter tones of a woman's
voice ring out, gaily, above the little
clamour.)

## The Woman's Voice

(In the ballroom beyond)

But I can't waltz with you all! It's impossible!

## Archer

(To May)

This is our dance.

+

## May

No, it's the duke's. Why not dance it with Ellen? We'll
go and find her.

(The sound of talk and laughter has grown
nearer and at this moment Ellen appears at
the ballroom door, the centre of a little
group of men. She is a beguiling figure,
radiant, glamorous, with the mysterious au-
thority of beauty. The Duke of St. Austrey, -
a ruddy, out-of-doors Englishman - Beaufort,
Sillerton Jackson, young Delancy and Hamilton
are pressing about her.)

Oh...here she is now.

## Ellen

(Her back toward May and Archer.)

No, no! It's Mr. Beaufort's! I promised him this waltz.

## Delancy

Not this one! Give this one to me.

## Hamilton

Don't listen to him, Madame Olenska! He's had three already.

## The Duke

This is mine. You said you'd sit it out with me...

## Jackson

Madame Olenska! You promised! Really you did...

I-18.

## Beaufort

So? Lucky Archer! Auf wiederschen.

(She smiles at him. He follows May and the Duke into the ballroom. As they disappear she drops down on the seat beneath the camel-lias, informal and charming. A marked contrast to stiff little May on the bamboo chair a few moments before. She is utterly oblivious of herself, her gown, awkwardly graceful in her careless pose. Obviously a woman to whom nothing matters but the personal relationship, but that tremendously. She smiles invitingly up at Archer over her eagle feather fan)

## Ellen

I remember you but you don't remember me. Do you?

## Archer

Of course I do. Little Ellen Mingott, with brown curls that bobbed like shavings when she danced the schottische.

## Ellen

Ah, then you've kept me tucked away somewhere after all. I'm so glad.

## Archer

Do you like being back?

## Ellen

In New York? I love it, but I find it rather touching too. I seem to see everyone in knickerbockers and pantalettes!

## Archer

You've been away too long.

## Ellen

(Lightly)

Oh, centuries! It's a previous incarnation. But it's coming back to me, and with it all the funny little things I thought I'd forgotten.

## Archer

Including me?

## Ellen

Of course. We coasted down Murray Hill together.

## Archer

You had a little red hood and scarlet mittens and a ridiculous little sled called the Snow Queen!

I-19.

Ellen

Yes, you laughed at it. It was so high and so tiny.

Archer

(Laughing again)

Well, it wouldn't steer.

Ellen

(In eager explanation)

I couldn't kick with my feet! I had to sit up on it and
I always ended in the snowdrift at the corner of 33rd Street.

Archer

I pulled you up the hill once. Do you remember that?

Ellen

Yes. On your Red Rover. And you were rather ashamed of me.

Archer

(Apologetically)

Well, you were so little.

Ellen

Too little.

Archer

Why too little?

Ellen

(Triumphantly)

Ah, there's something you've forgotten! The cotillion you wouldn't dance with me!

Archer

(Firmly)

There never was any such cotillion.

Ellen

Oh, yes there was! Here at the van der Luyden's, too, at a
Christmas party. I was eight years old...much too young to
have come. But Granny always indulged me. You were at least
thirteen...and my secret hero.

Archer

Was I?

Ellen

Yes. I was very romantic and I had no partner for the cotillion. So Cousin Louisa insisted on your sacrificing yourself.

I-21.

Ellen

Oh, we spent the winters wandering about Italy and the summers at German spas and watering places. I have such a kaleidoscope of memories, all mixed up, of galleries and governments and churches and tutors and hoop-rolling in public gardens with little black-eyed foreign children I never knew more than a week or two at a time. And always and forever that background of hotels.

Archer

Didn't you go to school?

Ellen

Yes, when I was fifteen I went to the Sacred Heart in Paris. It seemed so happy and peaceful after all the traveling, and the good sisters were heavenly to me. There was one who taught me music...dear Madame Blanche. Of course I adored her and planned to take the veil myself. I suppose all girls go through that phase but Granny heard about it and arranged things differently. So my childhood ended when I was seventeen.

Archer

How do you mean ended?

Ellen

Little girls grow up when they're married don't they? Well I married. That's my story. What's yours?

Archer

Oh, the usual thing. Harvard, you know, the grand tour of Europe, and then the law school. I was just starting to practise in '61, when the war broke out. I went with the Seventh Regiment.

Ellen

Were you wounded?

Archer

No. Four years without a scratch. But afterwards I couldn't settle down again to the law.

Ellen

You found it dull?

Archer

Yes, and...and unnecessary, too. I mean the law's a defense of the established order and I saw so much that wasn't worth defending.

Ellen

(Who has begun to listen attentively)

Perhaps that was because you weren't very old.

I-22.

## Archer

I suppose so. Anyway, I went West and joined up with Custer to fight Indians. We licked the Cheyennes in northwestern Kansas. But all the time we were pushing them over the Rockies, herding them in reservations, killing their buffalo and clearing the plains for the prairie schooner I had the funniest feeling I was on the wrong side. I mean I...I...

(He breaks off apologetically with a boyish grin)

Oh, I can't help it! Perhaps I was born to fight for the under dog!

## Ellen

(With real sadness)

You poor man!

## Archer

No, lucky man. Although it's hard to keep on believing you're a crusader when everyone else says you're a fool.

(Smiling)

Especially when you have a tendency to agree with them!

## Ellen

Do they all say that?

## Archer

Almost all.

## Ellen

I don't. I say you're splendid.

(As he starts to protest)

Sh! Don't argue now! Go on with the story.

## Archer

All right. I came back to my law office. I'm with old Mr. Letterblair, you know, your mother's cousin. We've had some big fights.

## Ellen

What was the biggest?

## Archer

You're sure it won't bore you?

## Ellen

Quite sure.

## Archer

(Pleased)

Well, it is interesting...that is, if you're interested. But most ladies...

I-24.

been around it a good deal and I've come to a few conclusions. One of them is that nations seem to last just as long as the moral good in them outweighs the bad. Now we're headed for big things. We've saved the Union and we're opening up the West. We're going to get richer and stronger and greater all the time. I shouldn't be surprised if we ended by being the greatest nation on earth. But all that greatness is going to bring us great temptations too. It's the way with success. And whether we stay up or go down, live or die, depends on how we meet those temptations. I'm thirty-two. If I'm lucky I may live fifty years. Well, I want to spend those fifty years trying to keep our moral balance on the right side. I can't do it without power. That's why I'm in politics. But it's not for myself. You see that, don't you? It's just to help me do my job as well as I can. Oh, I may fail...the way I've failed in this attack on Tweed. I may not be strong enough or big enough to come out on top but anyhow I'm going to have a whack at it. My flag's up! My hat's in the ring! I'll keep on fighting while there's a breath in my body and...

(Breaking off.)

but good Lord, I'm making a speech.

Ellen

(Who has been listening with a glowing attention)

No, it isn't a speech! It's adventure! It's romance! It's young America riding out in quest of the Grail!

Archer

(Grinning)

Now you're laughing at me, too.

Ellen

(Aflame.)

I'm not! And you won't fall! You will come out on top. I know you will. Don't listen to all these stupid little New Yorkers with their stupid rich empty little lives. They're all your enemies...just like Tweed and his gang only more dangerous. Those are the only enemies to be afraid of...the friends who love you and want to make you like themselves. Oh, I hope, I do hope, that when you...

(She breaks off suddenly in embarrassment)

Archer

(Curious)

Go on and finish it.

Ellen

(Smiling a little)

I'm afraid I haven't known you long enough.

Archer

What about the Snow Queen and Red Rover?

I-25.

## Ellen

That's true. I'd forgotten them.

(Frankly.)

I hope that when the time comes for you to settle down and
marry, you'll find the woman who can really help you. You'll
need help...it's not an easy road you've chosen, is it?
And the right woman will make all the difference. Oh, I
don't insist upon a lady politician! But if she's interested
enough in you she'll be interested in tea and coffee
if you owned a grocery shop. If she's the right kind, you
can fight the devil from a fortress and sanctuary. If she's
the wrong kind, you'll be left shattered in the garden of
the enchantress and you won't do any fighting any more.

## Archer

How do you mean, enchantress?

## Ellen

(Lightly.)

Isn't there always an enchantress waiting for the young
knight errant to come riding by...especially if he's good
looking and wears nice armor. She sits and sings beneath
her apple-tree and in the high walls that surround her there's
a little door. Such an easy inviting little door...usually
a trifle ajar. But if the young man goes through and it
shuts behind him, he is lost. Oh, he may enjoy himself inside...
he probably will, but the main thing is that he
never, never, never will get out.

## Archer

I suppose you mean I must keep away from bad women. Well, I
do.

## Ellen

(Smiling)

That's good. But the enchantress isn't always a bad woman.
As a matter of fact she's usually a helpless human being,
who clings to a man and cries like a frightened child, "Oh,
don't leave me! I have no one else! Don't leave me or I'll
die!" That's her only spell but it's enough. The man feels
sorry for her...and his life is ruined.

## Archer

I see. But you needn't worry. I'm quite safe.

## Ellen

Then nothing can stop you and you're bound to win. I'm proud
to think I recognize it, here in the very beginning. I'll
remember that, later on, when you're a white-haired statesman
and I'm a garrulous little old lady! When the crowds are
cheering you in the street and you're bowing right and left
in a very lordly manner, I'll tell the nearest policeman that
I backed you when you ran for alderman.

I-26.

### Archer

(Grinning)

You can tell him that you and Mr. Barney Maloney, the saloon-keeper, were about the only ones who did.

### Ellen

Very well. And meanwhile we're going to be great friends?

### Archer

Of course. That is, if you'll let me.

### Ellen

(Extending her hand)

It's a bargain?

### Archer

(Taking it)

It's a bargain.

(They shake hands)

### Ellen

(Looking up at him mischievously.)

Will you seal it by giving me back my lost cotillion.

Will you dance it with me here tonight?

(His face lights up, then clouds again)

### Archer

If I only could! But I've got to run off to a Firemen's

Ball on Second Avenue. I've an astonishingly wide acquaintance

in the Fire Department!

### Ellen

(Jumping up and laughing gaily.)

Oh, but, you can't turn me down again. I'll go with you, and we'll dance it there!

### Archer

Would you really? Just as you are?

### Ellen

Of course! Unless you think I ought to put on a fireman's uniform.

### Archer

But you look so...so...

### Ellen

(Gaily)

Overdressed? Well what about you, in your white gloves, white waistcoat, dancing pumps, and those...

(She points to the lilies of the valley in his button-hole)

They're dandified. You shouldn't wear them...

I-27.

There!

(She takes them out of his button-hole
and they fall to the floor.)

(A little embarrassed Archer stoops to
pick them up.)

No, don't pick them up! They're quite the wrong thing.

Archer

(With growing embarrassment)

Sometimes we like a touch of the wrong thing.

Ellen

(Laughing)

Do we? Let me provide it, then. I'll give you one of
my gardenias...

(She has taken it from the cluster at her
shoulder and is putting it in his button-
hole when May and the duke enter from the
ballroom. May observes them for a moment
then advances composedly and slips her arm
about Ellen's waist)

May

I see you're getting acquainted with your new cousin.

Ellen

(In blank amazement)

My new cousin...?

May

Why, Newland, you funny thing! Didn't you tell her about
our engagement?

(A momentary silence.)

Ellen

(Recovering rapidly)

No, No, dear. He didn't.

(With one arm through May's she extends
her left hand to Archer in congratulation.)

I do congratulate you! She's charming.

(The orchestra is heard in the ballroom
beyond)

The Duke

This really is my dance, Madame Olenska.

Ellen

Yes, of course it is.

(To Archer)

I think I'll stay here for the cotillion, after all.

(She takes the Duke's arm)

How gay that polka is!

(She turns to the ballroom and speaks
to Archer over her shoulder)

I-28.

I loved our talk. Come and see me, won't you? I shan't
offer any more advice!

(A parting smile as she goes off with the
Duke.)

May
(Disapprovingly.)

She ought to know that in New York an engaged man doesn't
call on married women. Do you think she's attractive?

Archer
(Disarmingly.)

Why...I don't know.

May
What did she mean about not offering any more advice?

Archer
(Vaguely.)

Oh, she was just talking.

May
(Patronizing)

Poor Ellen! She's dreadfully foreign. She never could understand us...could she, dear?

(She smiles up at him happily as

THE CURTAIN FALLS

I-30.

The Duke

(Sighing)

I can understand that.

(He hands her the box of flowers)

Will you put these roses into water?

(A bell rings without. It is a
jingling 1870 doorbell.)

Anastasia

(Radiant)

Ah! That will be the signora!

(She hurries out carrying the flowers.
The duke stands looking impatiently at
the door. It is opened almost immediate-
ly by Anastasia to admit Sillerton Jack-
son. He enters expectantly, checking his
disappointment at the sight of the duke,
who entirely fails to check his disappoint-
ment at the sight of him.)

Anastasia

(In a brave attempt to discourage Jackson)

I do not know, sir, when the signora will be home. Often it
is late...oh, very late.

(To the Duke, regretfully)

I am sorry, milor.

(She departs)

Jackson

(Effusively)

Why, duke! What a pleasure!

The Duke

(Coldly)

How'd you do, Jackson?

(Looking at his watch)

Half past four. I must leave in a moment.

Jackson

Whither away?

The Duke

I am meeting Beaufort at the train. He's taking me up to
Peekskill to spend Sunday with his wife.

Jackson

Lord love us! That's a terrible prospect. Are you interested
in tulip bulbs? Do you go in for early service? Better cut
and run while there's still time.

The Duke

Ah, thanks. But Mrs. Beaufort's counting on me.

I-31.

**Jackson**

Good stolid wife, Katrina Beaufort. Knows what not to see.

**The Duke**

(Impersonally)

Beaufort tells me it's lovely country.

**Jackson**

How does he know? He's never there. He's always down here
running after some woman. They say now it's Ellen Olenska,
again. I understand he knew her abroad.

**The Duke**

(Frigidly)

Everyone in Europe knew Madame Olenska.

**Jackson**

Yes, but she oughtn't to see too much of Beaufort here. A
woman in her position...eh, duke?

**The Duke**

(With rising indignation)

The position of Madame Olenska is very distinguished.

**Jackson**

Oh, quite. I saw her husband once in London. A sneering
fellow...rather handsome head, but eyes with a lot of lashes.
I'm told he ran through her money like water. Yes, she's had
plenty of provocation, still...there's been a lot of talk!
Of course I don't believe she had an affair with Beaufort,
myself. But I'll wager that wasn't his fault. I'm sure he
tried.

**The Duke**

No man who knew Madame Olenska in Europe could make that
mistake, Mr. Jackson.

**Jackson**

(Fraternally)

No Anglo-Saxon, perhaps, but Beaufort's an Austrian Jew.
Changed his name from Schoehmacht. Oh, clever fellow, big
banker, knows a lot about art and all that, but Jews don't
get the finer distinctions...especially when it comes to
women.

**The Duke**

Don't they? To me all Americans seem rather alike.

(The jingling doorbells rings without)

Perhaps that's Madame Olenska, now.

(As he speaks, the door is opened by
Anastasia and Ellen enters. She is in
bonnet and furs, fresh and lovely from
the March cold. Behind her looms the
tall figure of Julius Beaufort, sable-

I-32.

lined overcoat thrown open, hat in hand)

Ellen

(To the Duke.)

Oh, my dear, I'm afraid I've kept you waiting! How do you
do, Mr. Jackson?

(They shake hands.)

Mr. Beaufort was showing me some houses. You see Granny
thinks I ought to move. She says I'm living in a hovel and
she's offered me a mansion on 38th Street. But I don't think
I'll change. I love my hovel. Come in and sit down, all of
you!

The Duke

Isn't it getting rather late, Beaufort? What about our train?

Beaufort

Train? Ah, yes, of course. I'm afraid I must ask you to go
up to Peekskill alone, duke. I have some important business
that will keep me here till morning.

The Duke

Really? What a bore!

Jackson

Oh, I don't know. Perhaps his important business is con-
nected with a very pretty woman.

Beaufort

(Calmly.)

A pretty woman is a business in herself.

(Anastasia enters with the roses in a vase.)

Ellen

Oh, che belle rose! Mi le ha mandate?

Anastasia

(Indicating the Duke.)

Le ha mandate milor.

(She places them on the piano and goes out.)

Ellen

(Going over to the flowers and touching
them lovingly)

They're exquisite. And I recognize them, too. They're just
like those you picked for me that day on your terrace at
Pallanza.

The Duke

Almost. As near as I could find.

I-33.

Ellen

How nice of you to remember!

(To the others)

The Duke has a villa on Lago Maggiore; a garden like a dream,
with cypresses and roses and marble stairways leading to the
water.

(The Duke holds out his hand)

Must you go?

The Duke

I feel that I, at any rate, must think of Peekskill.

Beaufort

(Cheerfully)

Quite right, my dear fellow. Tell my wife to have the car-
riage meet me at the morning train. If you want a quick
drive behind two clever trotters, meet me yourself.

The Duke

I'll be on the platform.

Beaufort

Yes, that will let you out of going to church.

Ellen

(Holding out her hand)

Goodbye, Mr. Jackson. I'm sorry to have missed you, too.
Perhaps the duke will give you a lift.

The Duke

(Much amused)

Why, certainly, Jackson. Very glad of your company.

Jackson

(Helpless and a bit bewildered)

Well...er...just a moment, duke.

(To Ellen)

How about a little Bohemian dinner in my rooms next Monday?
I'll get Lester Wallack and two or three other fellows and
that little Spanish ballerina who's made a furore down at
Tony Pastor's.

Ellen.

(Looking him up and down. Very grande
dame)

Thank you, Mr. Jackson, but I am dining with my grandmother
on Monday and going to the opera.

The Duke

(Impatient)

Come, come, Jackson.

I-34.

## Jackson

So sorry. Well...au revoir.

(The Duke and Jackson go out. Ellen turns to Beaufort with a little laugh. She unties her velvet bonnet, tosses it off with her furs and mantle and stands warming her hands before the fire.)

## Ellen

How could you do that to the poor Duke?

## Beaufort

Why escort him to Peekskill when I can have tea with you?

## Ellen

And now we are to talk business?

## Beaufort

You made away with old Sillerton very cleverly yourself.

## Ellen

He'd have been here all afternoon if I hadn't.

## Beaufort

He's not the American type I most admire!

## Ellen

All patriotism has a limit. Mine's Mr. Jackson.

## Beaufort

(Innocently)

Isn't he Newland Archer's uncle?

## Ellen

We're not responsible for our uncles.

## Beaufort

Where is Archer, by the way? I haven't seen him since before the election. Was he annoyed by his defeat?

## Ellen

Oh, I don't think so.

## Beaufort

Where's he keeping himself?

## Ellen

He went south to visit the van der Luydens.

(She drops down on the chaise-lounger by the fire)

## Beaufort

I see. His pretty fiancée.

I-35.

(Slight pause)

Do you believe in him?

Enormously.

Ellen

Beaufort
The charm of the unfamiliar.

Ellen
Why unfamiliar? We're both good Americans. We speak the
same language.

Beaufort
You are a linguist, my friend. You speak many languages.

Ellen
But we all have our mother tongue.

Beaufort
And you share Archer's native woodnotes wild? I doubt it.

Ellen
You would. We Americans are beyond you.

(Anastasia enters with the tea tray and
places it on a small table at Ellen's knee.)

You don't understand us any better than Anastasia does.

I understand you.

Ellen
No. Anastasia does that. Eh, carissima. Dove credi tu che
io debbo stare?

Anastasia
La signora appartine alla sua Patria.

Ellen
You see? She says I belong here with my own people! Grazie
cara! Non ho bisogno di altro.

(Anastasia departs.)

Beaufort
Just now, perhaps, because they happen to amuse you.

Ellen
(Busying herself with the tea things.)
They happen to interest me.

Beaufort
In any case, you'll only do them harm.

I-36.

Ellen

(Stopping for a moment)

Harm?

Beaufort

Take this young Newland Archer for example who is to marry
your little blond cousin. You give him a glimpse of some-
thing beyond his horizon, something that fascinates in its
promise of unimagined charm. But what good can you do him?
You will enter his life only to leave it...and leave it the
poorer for your passing.

Ellen

(Filling his cup)

Perhaps I shan't pass.

Beaufort

You can't stay away from Europe. It holds you just as it
holds me after twenty years.

Ellen

But you <u>are</u> European.

Beaufort

Oh, words! European, American! I'm not speaking of tech-
nical nationalities, but of states of mind.

(Suddenly)

Do you remember the day I first had tea with you on the Palazzo
Ludovici?

Ellen

Of course. Who brought you? Bibi Hohenlohe?

Beaufort

Yes. Young Hohenlohe. I'll never forget you in that Roman
drawing-room, surrounded by your little court. It was a per-
fect setting.

Ellen

(Trapped into sentiment)

Oh, Rome! Rome is a place apart. I did love that drawing
room...and the city outside! There used to be a certain
color in the evening sky...clear orange, fading to an un-
earthly green at the horizon. We saw it the night we drove
out to Frascati.

Beaufort

(Slowly)

I remember another drive...in Paris after Princess Mathilde's
party. We went around the Bois for hours. You wore a man-
tilla of black lace and there was the scent of lilacs in the
moonlight...unseen lilacs. The air was heavy with them.

I-37.

Ellen

Yes, and the woods all silvery and the acacias like white
ghosts. I remember everything. Even those mysterious
couples sitting on the benches, strolling down the moon-
lit alleys, driving past us through the summer night.

Beaufort

Men and women who know how to live, who know what living's
for.

Ellen

(With a little effort to shake off the spell)

How far away it seems!

Beaufort

Can you ever forget it?

Ellen

(Bitterly.)

I wish I could. My life in Europe wasn't all gaiety and
beauty. You haven't forgotten, have you?

Beaufort

(Very gravely.)

No, I haven't forgotten. I remember you crying all night
in that railway carriage on the way to Prague. I can hear
you know. And I can see your white face, above your furs,
staring out over the Austrian hillsides in the grey light
of that Austrian dawn.

Ellen

I was so desperate.

(Firmly.)

But I've put my despair behind me. I want to forget it.

Beaufort

And stretch out your hand for the happiness that waits you
beyond...

(He stops short.)

Ellen

Beyond what?

Beaufort

Who knows? Perhaps beyond the imagination of this little
city...

(His eyes meet hers. A pause.)

Ellen

But suppose I find happiness here on Twenty-third Street?
Suppose I...

(She breaks off abruptly.)

Ah, well, give me a cigarette.

I-39.

## Beaufort

Why? It shouldn't, you know, Americans don't understand Leonardo...yet.

## Ellen

So you want it?

## Beaufort

I have always wanted it.

## Ellen

(With veiled irony)

For your collection?

## Beaufort

For myself. My gallery would exist only as a setting for that perfect canvas.

## Ellen

Is she so beautiful then...this Unknown Lady?

## Beaufort

Some might not think so.

## Ellen

What is she like?

## Beaufort

(Gazing gravely at the lady before him)

She is smiling, with a little touch of mockery. But her gaiety is tender and in her eyes is knowledge. I think she has known disillusion, but she has kept her charity. There is sadness in her face, something a little wistful and unattained. It is only the loves of revery that have touched it with desire. She sits against a background of white flowers. For me she is the perfect woman, beheld at last and infinitely desired.

## Ellen

(A little shakily)

I think you...you overestimate her charm.

## Beaufort

As to that, my friend, I am the best judge.

## Ellen

Is she...the picture, I mean, on the market?

## Beaufort

No.

## Ellen

But you hope it will fall into your hands.

I-40.

**Beaufort**

My hands are open. Men of my race have learned to wait.

**Ellen**

It is the collector's instinct. I am sure it has brought
you a great many charming pictures already.

**Beaufort**

If I achieve this Leonardo, it will hang over my hearth.

**Ellen**

(Rather mischievously.)

But I thought you had a Holbein there...a tranquil Holbein,
in a wide lace ruff with a little Dutch cap on her fair
hair.

**Beaufort**

Haven't you an English saying, "The heart is where the
heart is?" If that is true...and I believe it is, my
Leonardo would hang over it.

(The doorbell rings.)

**Ellen**

You won't achieve your Leonardo. Give it up! Let it stay
with the Americans! Perhaps, they understand it better
than you think. Perhaps, like wide-eyed children, they too
are lovers of the beautiful.

(The door is opened by Anastasia.)

**Anastasia**

(Announcing.)

Il signorino.

(Archer enters.)

**Ellen**

(Beaufort watches Ellen intently. She
expresses nothing but friendly cordiality.)

Newland! I thought you were in Florida! Anastasia, bring
some fresh tea for Mr. Archer. When did you get back?

**Archer**

This afternoon.

**Ellen**

Really? How nice of you to come at once with the latest
news of the van der Luydens!

(To Beaufort.)

Please stay, Mr. Beaufort.

**Beaufort**

I should be in the way. I feel you and Archer are going
to talk politics.

I-41.

Ellen

(Laughing)

Of course we are, and in the vernacular too.

Beaufort

(Kissing her hand)

Au revoir, comtesse. In any vernacular you speak with the
tongue of men and angels.

Ellen

But it profiteth me nothing? You're a bird of ill-omen.
Goodbye.

(Beaufort goes out and Archer turns to
with a cheerful smile)

Come and sit by the fire, Newland! Was it delightful at
St. Augustine? How is Cousin Louisa?

Archer

(Rather formally)

Quite well, thanks.

Ellen

And Cousin Henry? Did he introduce you to all his oranges?

Archer

(Smiling a little)

Yes, but he wouldn't let me eat them.

Ellen

(Smoothly)

And May...how's dear May?

Archer

(Not looking at her)

She's...very well.

Ellen

When are they coming home?

Archer

I'm not quite sure.

Next month, I believe.

Ellen

(Surprised)

Next month! But doesn't May have to...

Archer

(Interrupting her)

I really don't know what their plans are.

(She looks at him sharply)

I-43.

### Archer

It seemed to me as if there were about fifteen hundred.

### Ellen

(Kindly)

And they didn't amuse you?

### Archer

No, they didn't.

### Ellen

Then I think you were wise to leave us all and go south.

### Archer

I couldn't help it. I went straight from here to the station and got my ticket. I left the next morning.

### Ellen

I thought it must have been rather sudden; you see, you didn't let me know.

### Archer

I didn't think you cared much whether I went or stayed.

### Ellen

(Gently)

That's not very nice of you, Newland. I thought we were going to be friends and I'm always interested in what my friends do and where they go and how they like it when they get there. You did like it, didn't you?

### Archer

Not very well.

### Ellen

I'm sorry. Florida sounds so beautiful.

### Archer

I suppose it is. But I wasn't very happy down there. Things didn't go right. That's what I've come to tell you about... one of the things.

### Ellen

I don't think I want to hear.

### Archer

But I...

### Ellen

(Interrupting)

I don't think I'd better hear. You see I couldn't do anything about it.

I-44.

(As he starts to speak)

Don't be discouraged, Newland. I don't know what's hap-
pened, but whatever it is, it's not her fault. She's so
loyal and affectionate and she tries so hard to please
those ridiculous parents. When you have her all to your-
self, it will be quite different. She'll follow you and
believe in you and work for you just because she loves you
and she wants to make you happy...

(As he again starts to speak)

Oh, I know! It's a difficult time, being engaged. Everyone
finds it so. Be patient, Newland. Trust her. Trust her
love for you and everything will be all right.

(Humorously)

There! I promised once not to give you any more advice and
look at me!

(As Anastasia enters)

Never mind! Here comes Anastasia with your tea and your
crumpets and your strawberry jam!

(To Anastasia)

Un po piu vicino, cara. Grazie...va bene!

(To him)

Anastasia spoils you. She doesn't treat everyone like this.

(Anastasia retires with a beaming smile. Ellen busies herself with the tea things. During the following scene she deliberately exerts all her charm and tact to keep Archer from telling her what has happened in Florida, a subject which she instinctively fears)

Quite strong and plenty of cream, isn't it? Two lumps.
Le voila, Monsieur!

(She gives him his cup)

Now let's talk about something delightful. Oh, I know, I've
made a new friend!

Archer
(Recently)

It seems to me you have friends enough already.

Ellen
I have very few.

Archer
Only about fifteen hundred.

Ellen
Well, I have another one now. Don't you want to know who he
is?

Archer
No, I don't.

I-45.

Ellen

His name's Barney Maloney.

Archer

What?

Ellen

I wanted to hear all about the campaign...all the things I knew
you'd never tell me. So I went to see Barney.

Archer

(Incredulously)

In the saloon?

Ellen

(Laughing)

No. Over it. I called on Mrs. Maloney and Barney came
upstairs for tea. He and I held the twins while Mrs.
Maloney made the toast.

Archer

(Simply)

You're astounding.

Ellen

Barney says Tweed is shaking in his shoes at the thought
of your being state senator...when's the election?

Archer

Next November, but I may lose again.

Ellen

Barney says you won't. He says you're bound to win. He
says you'll start a landslide, with everyone climbing into
the band wagon.

Archer

Does he?

(Looking at her in admiration)

I never realized until I met you that women could sympathize
with men. I mean, know them, know a lot of them, all kinds...
and really understand.

Ellen

Oh, understanding! That's bought by experience. Sometimes
the price is too high.

Archer

Is it experience that makes you so different?

Ellen

(Lightly)

Am I different? I don't want to be?

I-46.

## Archer

Well, you are. Why, just this room...it's so foreign, so artistic, so like you. I...I can't tell you how wonderful it seems to be back in it again.

## Ellen

You're very kind.

(She looks up into his eyes. Her own drop before his eager gaze)

But of course, May asked you to be kind to me.

## Archer

I didn't need any asking.

## Ellen

(A little bitterly)

May thinks I'm a poor, helpless creature and I suppose I am, but women here are so self-sufficient. They seem never to want men, never to feel the need...no more than the blessed in heaven.

## Archer

What sort of need?

## Ellen

Don't ask me!

Don't ask me!

I don't speak your language!

## Archer

Can't I speak yours?

## Ellen

Mine! You don't know it. Oh, don't you see? I only want to be safe! Safe in your straight little streets, with your good kind people! Safe from the world...safe from my own emotions!

## Archer

(Boyishly)

I understand...really I do. Oh, I haven't had a life like yours...all brilliance and glamour, in those lovely places, with art and music and clever conversation. Why, I've only been abroad as a tourist. But I know what it's like to come in from the open to a tiny little world of prejudice. I know how you feel. I feel just that way, myself. And I've been home for more than two years.

## Ellen

(Suddenly)

Where were you two years ago this March?

## Archer

(Reflecting)

Let me see. I was on a hunting trip in Southern Wyoming.

I-47.

## Ellen

**What's it like in southern Wyoming?**

## Archer

Oh, space and silence. Plains and rivers and sky. All the sky there is, stretching over you empty, just broken a bit by the prairie ridges and maybe a clump of cottonwood trees.

## Ellen

**(Whispering, her eyes shut)**

Yes.

## Archer

I used to ride all day and look at it and wonder how the future was going to change it. Of course it's wilderness now, but it won't always be wild. I remember one evening we rode right into the construction gang that's building the Union Pacific. That's the new transcontinental railroad, you know. Just two rails shining in the sunset and stopping in the middle of the sage-brush! But I knew that beyond the Rockies two other rails were coming out to meet these, and when they do...! We'll have conquered the continent!

## Ellen

**And then what?**

## Archer

Then we'll build cities and dig mines and plant crops and make such opportunities for the boys and girls as the children nowadays have never known. I think of it all as a kind of millennium!

**(He smiles boyishly)**

Oh, I suppose it won't really be that. Nothing ever is. But those men out in Wyoming, laying those rails, are building the future more than all our Wall Street bankers. Lord, I wish I were out there again. I mean I...

**(Breaking off)**

## Ellen

I?

**(Indifferently)**

Oh, I was on the Riviera. Won't you have another crumpet?

## Archer

Thanks, I'm not very hungry today. Was it lovely there?

## Ellen

Yes. We were at Monte Carlo. My husband is fond of gambling.

## Archer

But what did you do?

I-49.

## Archer

Does he send you flowers often?

## Ellen

Yes. These are to recall the Bois de Boulogne. We were speaking of it when you came in. How stupid of him to send me lilacs! Lilacs to remind me of the Europe I'm trying to forget. I don't want them. I won't have them in the house!
(Tossing them to her maid)

Throw them in the dust-bin, Anastasia! Allon tu nateli!
Buttateli via! Presto, presto, presto!

## Anastasia

(Touching the lilacs gently)

Oh, Signora, abbiate pietà di loro! Essi non hanno colpa!
Sono tanto belli!

## Ellen

(To Archer)

Anastasia says it's not the fault of the poor flowers.
There's a sick lady across the street. To her Beaufort's
lilacs will mean only spring time.

(To Anastasia)

Ebbene, portali alla povera signora difronte che e ammolata.
(Impulsively throwing her velvet mantle over
Anastasia's shoulders)

Ecco! Capriti col mio mantella carissima, e portali tu
stesso! Vola!

(She almost pushes Anastasia out of the
door and then turns to Archer, laughing
excitedly)

There! You didn't know I had a temper, did you? Don't
look so solemn. I'm not angry with you!

## Archer

(Unsteadily)

Ellen...

(He tries to take her hand)

## Ellen

(Bluding him and running to the piano)

Basta! Basta! Shall I play you the last Strauss Waltz?

## Archer

(Thickly)

Ellen, I...

## Ellen

(At the piano)

It's adorable! I can't remember it...oh, yes!
(She begins the waltz. Archer goes to
the window and stands for a moment with
his back to her looking out. Suddenly
he turns in desperation and goes to the piano)

I-50.

Ellen.

Archer

Yes?

Ellen
(Continuing to play)

Archer
May's broken her engagement.

What?

Ellen
(Stopping at once)

Archer
May's broken our engagement. That's what happened at St. Augustine.

Oh, no! Oh, no!

Ellen

Archer
Yes. That's what I came to tell you. I wanted to tell you at once, but you wouldn't let me.

Ellen
I didn't know. I didn't realize. I thought it was just a... just...

Archer
Just a lover's quarrel? Well, it isn't. It's the end.
(She rises from the piano and returns quietly to the chaise-longue)

Ellen
Tell me.

Archer
It began the day I came here and met all those fellows. I was miserable. I thought somehow I'd offended you and you'd stopped being interested in me. So I decided to go South and ask May to marry me, at once. But that wasn't the real reason. I didn't admit the real reason even to myself. Do you know what it was?

(She shakes her head)

It was fear. I was afraid of something inside of me. Something that was getting bigger and stronger every day and I knew that pretty soon it would get so big and so strong that I couldn't control it and I'd do something terrible...like throwing one's fiancee overboard, for instance.

Ellen
(Staring at him)
Please, Newland! Don't tell me any more.

I-51.

## Archer

No, you've got to hear the whole thing. I went down there
and I took for granted everything was going to be all right.
It was at first. The van der Luydens were glad to see me
and May was just as pretty...just as sweet as she ever was.
She read Tennyson aloud to me in the mornings, and in the
afternoons we went for long buggy rides back in the pine
woods or on the beach. But gradually little by little, I
knew something was wrong. She was the same girl I'd fallen
in love with last summer, but I wasn't the same man. I'd
changed. I'd changed in my feeling about her.

## Ellen

(With almost a moan)

Oh!

## Archer

(Relentlessly)

Yes, I had. I didn't want to make love to her any more.
Of course I did, because I thought I ought to. And I
thought, too, that doing it would bring back the old feel-
ing. But it didn't. And after awhile...May knew.

## Ellen

(As if warding off some horror)

Oh, no!

She couldn't! She didn't!

## Archer

Yes, she did. And last Tuesday it came to a climax.

## Ellen

(Hardly breathing)

How?

## Archer

(Not looking at her)

We were sitting on the porch, after supper. Mr. van der
Luyden had gone to bed with a headache and Mrs. van der
Luyden was taking care of him. May said she had something
very important to ask me. Do you know what it was?

## Ellen

(Faintly)

No.

## Archer

It was to give up politics, now that I'd lost the election.
She wanted me to promise never to go in for them again. She
asked me to do it for her sake.

## Ellen

(Quickly)

Oh, but that wasn't May! Cousin Louisa put her up to it.

I-53.

### Archer

I felt as if something in me had got out of jail. I was free, Ellen. I'm free now!

### Ellen

(Almost to herself)

Poor May! Oh, poor child.

### Archer

(His tone softens)

I know. But May's wonderful. I wish you could have seen her when she put her head up and smiled and began wishing me good luck. Right in the middle of it she stopped and went in the house. I think she was crying, I don't know. I think I was crying myself. Well, I got back to my hotel and I took the train next morning for New York.

### Ellen

(Eagerly)

But you don't think that's the end? Why that's nothing! That's only a little flash of jealousy that flared up for a minute. It's so usual. It might happen to anybody. May understands that now. She's wise and sensible. She'd never let anything so unimportant wreck her life.

(As he tries to interrupt)

Oh, I know! I know just how her mind works. Why, by the time you took your train she was beside herself with terror and regret! She'd handed you over to another woman, and the moment she realized that, she made up her mind she wouldn't let you go!

### Archer

(Troubled)

She's not the kind that turns back. When May decides a thing it stays.

### Ellen

I know. But the great decision of May's life came long before last Tuesday. It came the day she decided to marry you. That's the important thing. That's what she's going to cling to now. The other was just an outburst...something she'd been holding back, something emotional. May's too young to have any respect for emotions, that's why she'll change her mind. It's perfectly natural. I'd do it myself. Any woman would. The only difference is I'd do it because I knew I loved the man. And May will do it for exactly the same reason, but she won't think so. She'll think she's doing it entirely to save him.

### Archer

From what?

### Ellen

I-56.

(A pause. Suddenly as if wrung from him
by torture, he utters a half-strangled
imprecation. Ellen goes to him quickly
and puts her hand on his arm. The tele-
gram lies on the floor unheeded)

Ellen
(Quietly)

Steady now! Steady!

Archer
(Hoarsely)

She...she knew I'd come straight here. She knew I'd...
oh, my God!

(He breaks off as if in physical pain)

Ellen
(Still quietly)

Ssh!

(Again there is a pause)

Archer

She can't do it, Ellen. It's not fair. She let me go. It
was all settled and done with.

Ellen
(Smiling a little)

Just a lover's quarrel...after all!

Archer
(Savagely)

Don't be foolish! I took her at her word! The engagement's broken!

Ellen
It can be mended, can't it?

Archer

But I don't want it mended! I'm in love with another woman
and I...

Ellen
(Interrupting him)

And this other woman...married as I understand it, to another
man...is she in love with you?

(A pause)

Archer
(Slowly)

I don't know. But I'd hoped somehow, sometime that she might
be.

(His look is a supplication)

I-57.

Ellen

(With a little laugh)

Don't try living on hope. It's a meager diet. You wouldn't thrive on it.

Archer

Does that mean you...?

(He cannot go on)

Ellen

It means a great many things, Newland. It means you're going to marry May and...

Archer

(Sharply)

No!

Ellen

(Continuing)

And it means you're going to be happy with her, too. May's a darling and she adores you. I always told you that.

(Patting his arm)

Do you know what I think, Newland? I think you've been rather lonely and a little bit tired... a little bit overwrought... But now it's going to be all right. Oh, you'll see! Everything's changed. Everything's turning your way... opportunity, happiness, love. And very soon... much sooner, my friend, than you have any conception of!... what happened here this afternoon in my funny little room on West Twenty-third Street will seem like nothing but a dream. One of those queer dreams, where one can't remember whether it was pleasant or unpleasant. All one knows is, there was something... and now it's gone.

(She pats him again as one would a child)

There! That's over! Now run home, my dear, and get your own telegram.

(She is fairly pushing him toward the door)

Archer

(Bewildered)

But Ellen... Ellen...

Ellen

Don't forget to tell that rector! Easter's only four weeks off. You'll be frightfully busy. I may not see you till the wedding, so take care of yourself. Don't work too hard with Barney Maloney! Goodbye!

Archer

(On the threshold)

But... but you can't send me off like this! You can't...

(He seizes her hands)

ACT 11

## SCENE 1

Mr. Letterblair's law office on a December afternoon. It is solidly furnished with every Victorian luxury. The effect is very different from that of the commercial law-office of today. The room is the professional sanctum of the old-fashioned lawyer, the conventional gentleman and scholar. The walls are lined with law books, bound in tan calf. A big leather arm chair faces Mr. Letterblair's desk at left. Two more at right, flank the fireplace, where a small coal fire is smouldering in an English hob grate. From the window at left can be seen a little glimpse of Trinity Church and churchyard, buried in snow. At back is the door leading to outer office. The curtain rises on Mr. Letterblair, the accredited advisor of three generations of New York gentility, seated at his desk. His silvery head is bent over some legal documents which he is hurriedly sorting to place in a brief-case at his elbow. A lawyer's green bag, already stuffed with papers, lies beside it. A black Gladstone travelling bag, with a rug folded on top of it, stands on the floor, by the door. As he disposes of the last document he rings a bell on the desk. TOM HAMILTON last seen at Mrs. Van der Luyden's party, comes in immediately. He is Mr. Letterblair's clerk.

Hamilton

(Cheerfully)

Yes, sir?

Letterblair

No sign of Mr. Archer yet?

Hamilton

No, sir.

Letterblair

When was his train due from Albany?

Hamilton

At half-past two, sir.

(Looking at his watch)

It's ten to three, now. He should be here any minute.

2-2

Letterblair

Those Broadway horsecars are infernally slow. Well, I can't
wait much longer. Take this brief case and call me a cab.

Hamilton

(Taking case)

Yes, sir.

Letterblair

If Mr. Archer comes after I've gone, tell him to...

Hamilton

(Looking out through the door)

It's all right, sir. Here he is.

(ARCHER enters wearing overcoat and carrying his hat. He seems older and grayer than in the preceding act, but his smile is still disarming)

Archer

Hello, Tom. How do you do, sir?

Letterblair

(Shaking hands warmly)

Ah, just in time, my boy.

Archer

I got your telegram, sir, and came down at once. What's up?

(He takes off his overcoat and puts it on a chair)

Letterblair

Just a minute. When you get that cab, Hamilton, tell it to wait.

Hamilton

Yes, sir.

(He goes out closing the door behind him)

Letterblair

(Heartily)

Well, Newland, I'm glad to see you! We miss you in the office.
How's the boy senator?

Archer

(Grinning)

Still very green, sir.

2-3

Letterblair

And the pretty young wife? Does she like Albany? Now, sit
down, my boy, and listen to me. That Chesapeake Canal case is
coming up before the Supreme Court tomorrow and I'm taking the
four o'clock for Washington. Before I leave though I want to
hand over to you a little matter which I prefer not to mention
to the other partners...for family reasons.

Archer

(Caught by his tone)

Whose family, sir?

Letterblair

Your wife's and mine. The Mingott family. You may or may not be
surprised to hear, Newland, that I've had a letter from the
Countess Olenska stating that she wishes to bring suit for
divorce.

Archer

(After a slight pause)

Really! I'm surprised. She was in Newport all summer. I
haven't seen her since my wedding last spring.

Letterblair

Her decision is very sudden. She has met, I may add with considerable opposition.

Archer

From the family?

Letterblair

Yes. There's the devil to pay. Mrs. Mingott wrote me yesterday
in great distress. She wants me to enter into a friendly
conspiracy with herself and the Van der Luydens to make the
countess change her mind. I asked them to meet me here today
at three o'clock and talk it over. Then this morning I'm
called to Washington. So I telegraphed you to come down and
handle it while I'm away.

Archer

(Quietly)

That's impossible!

Letterblair

(Looking up sharply)

Why?

Archer

I'm very busy. I have this railroad bill coming up.

(He gathers conviction as he speaks)

No, I can't take on anything more.

2-4

Letterblair

(Easily)

Oh, yes, you can. See the Mingott faction today and find out
what it's all about. Then have a confidential talk with Madame
Olenska tomorrow. I've made an appointment with her for five
o'clock. I don't doubt you can have everything cleared up and
go back to Albany tomorrow night. Well, what about it?

Archer

I should very much prefer you to consult one of the other partners.

Letterblair

(Testily)

But this is a family matter. After all, she's your wife's
cousin. Don't forget that!

Archer

I know. And to try into the affairs of my wife's cousin is
extremely distasteful to me.

Letterblair

(Impatiently)

Don't be ridiculous, Newland. It's only to help her in a very
difficult situation.

Archer

Can't she wait until you're free?

Letterblair

She won't wait a moment. She says she must bring a action immediately.

Archer

(After a brief struggle with inner scruples.)

Do you know... did she say... does she want to marry again?

Letterblair

Probably. She didn't mention it in her letter.

(Looking at his watch and rising)

Now, I really must be going.

Archer

(Firmly)

I won't take the case. She wouldn't want me to.

Letterblair

Why, don't you get on with her?

Archer

Not especially.

Letterblair

That's all right. Makes it easier in fact. More impersonal.

2-5

## Archer

(Obstinately)

I won't take it.

## Letterblair

I must say, Newland, your attitude amazes me. If I didn't ...

(A bell rings without)

I suppose that's Mrs. Mingott and the Van der Luydens now. You'll have to settle it between you.

(As he speaks HAMILTON throws open the door to the outer office)

## Hamilton

This way, Mrs. Mingott.

(MRS. MINGOTT'S ample form appears. The anxious face of MRS. VAN DER LUYDEN is seen over her shoulder. Mr. Van der Luyden's nervous countenance looms palely beyond. They enter in marked agitation)

## Mrs. Mingott

(Bearing down on Letterblair)

Well, Stephen! Do you think you can bring my poor child to reason?

## Letterblair

(Shaking hands)

We'll do our utmost, Catherine.

## Mrs. van der Luyden

(Seeing Archer)

Newland! My dear boy! What a surprise!

## Van der Luyden

(Shaking hands)

How do you do, Newland? We're counting on you, Letterblair.

## Letterblair

(Bluntly)

I've been called to Washington. I've an argument up before the Supreme Court. I telegraphed Archer to come down and help you, but he says he won't.

## Mrs. Mingott

What!

## Mrs. van der Luyden

(Sadly)

Well, I hardly wonder. I'm sure it's all very unpleasant. And I'm not surprised that dear Newland would prefer to keep out of it.

2-6

Letterblair
I can't see that he has a leg to stand on.

(HAMILTON appears with his hat and coat)

Hamilton
Not much time, sir.

Letterblair
I have just twenty-four minutes to catch the ferry.

(Struggling into his overcoat with
the help of Hamilton)

Goodbye, ladies. Good afternoon, Van der Luyden. I leave you
with confidence in Archer's hands. He's a little pig-headed
today, but he's sound...very sound!

(He goes out with Hamilton)

Mrs. Mingott
(Turning on Archer)
Now, Newland, what's all this nonsense? If Letterblair can't
take the case, you've got to.

Mrs. Van der Luyden
If you could, Newland dear...for May's sake.

Archer
I'm awfully sorry, but I've no time.

Mrs. Mingott
Bosh!

Mrs. Van der Luyden
We know you're out of sympathy with Ellen. We all are. But
I don't think you ought to consider that now.

Mrs. Mingott
And even if you disapprove of her you might as a lawyer make
her change her mind. That's more than her grandmother can do.

(She sinks into an armchair with
dignity and sits enthroned amid her
billowing draperies. Mrs. Van der
Luyden perches primly on the edge
of the other chair. Van der Luyden
retreats to the fireplace. ARCHER
sits at Letterblair's desk, unwill-
ingly facing them)

Archer
(Bluntly)
Why does she want a divorce?

Mrs. Mingott
Well, the fact is, she's had a letter from Ladislas.

2-7

## Archer

Her husband.

### Mrs. Mingott

Yes, from Count Olenski. It came day before yesterday, in my care. It gave me quite a turn when I recognized his seal. I took it over to her that morning. She was at her little piano when I arrived, trying over some new music, apparently as happy as a lark.

### Mrs. van der Luyden

Of course she's easily upset.

### Mrs. Mingott

She's not, Louisa! If she were I could understand. She's always shown the greatest courage and control. But the mere sight of this letter simply devastated her. She wouldn't open it, Newland. She wouldn't touch it. She just threw it away from her and stood there staring at it with her great brown eyes as if it were a snake. "I don't want to hear from him, Granny," she said. "I don't want to think of him. I just try to tell myself we're not in the same world."

### Mrs. van der Luyden

(Judicially)

Hysterical.

### Mrs. Mingott

I had to open it myself and read it aloud to her. And it was charming, Newland. Ladislas is a thorough scamp, of course, but he has charm. He wants her back on her own terms. He takes all the blame.

### Mrs. van der Luyden

And what's more he offers her a very generous financial settlement.

## Archer

How can he? He hasn't a cent.

### Mrs. van der Luyden

He hadn't a cent, my dear, but that's all changed now.

(Very impressively)

His aunt, the Countess Sobieski, has passed away.

## Archer

(Drily)

Leaving him a fortune?

### Van der Luyden

A very substantial fortune.

2-8

Mrs. van der Luyden
But only on condition that Ellen returns to him.

Archer
But that's outrageous! That's impossible!

Mrs. van der Luyden
Not at all, Newland. We mustn't be unfair to Count Olenski. He's behaving in a most gallant, a most chivalrous way. He says he adores her, that he's never ceased to adore her.
(Delicately)

But he makes no demands.

Van der Luyden
She has only to sit at the head of his table and bear his name before the world.

Mrs. van der Luyden
Poor Count Olenski! He's coming over to plead with her. In fact he's on the ocean now.

Archer
I see. And that distresses Madame Olenska?

Mrs. Mingott
Distresses her? Why, the poor child's wild with terror! "I'm so afraid, Granny," she kept saying. "You don't know, Granny! You don't understand! I'm so horribly afraid!" And she began tearing through the morning Times trying to find what day his boat lands. Then, when she discovered it was Tuesday, she wanted Letterblair's address, and to know how long it took to get a divorce.

Mrs. van der Luyden
Silly.

Mrs. Mingott
Anastasia came in. She seemed to understand and got her quiet again. So I went home, wrote Letterblair myself and called on Henry and Louisa. There's only one thing to be done. We've got to stop her.

Archer
Why, Mrs. Mingott? On account of the money?

Mrs. Mingott
It's a world of temptation, Newland, and a pretty woman is never safe in it alone. I'm here now, but I shan't live forever. Who'll look after her then?

2-9

Mrs. van der Luyden

You see, Newland dear, we're all of one opinion.

(She smiles brightly)

Ellen may be a little stubborn, but we're quite determined to give the poor child's story a happy ending!

Mrs. Mingott

(Firmly)

Every family has traditions, Newland. I feel the greatest sympathy for Ellen but after all Mingott's don't divorce.

Mrs. van der Luyden

Dear Ellen has been tried. But we all know that many happy and successful marriages are one long sacrifice.

Van der Luyden

(Crularly from the hearth-rug)

I have no wish to extenuate the count's transgressions, Newland. But still...there were compensations.

Mrs. van der Luyden

(Gently)

She had her establishments in Paris and Rome and Monte Carlo and her yacht at Cowes and her grouse moor in Scotland.

Mrs. Mingott

Nonsense, Louisa! He had them with her money.

Mrs. van der Luyden

Well, she had the title and the family sables and that quaint old castle in Galicia...

Mrs. Mingott

(Cutting in)

Until it was sold at auction to pay his creditors! No, she went to him, with her mother's millions and she left him with two trunks and a hatbox!

Van der Luyden

But what's the use of a divorce? She'll never get back a cent of her money.

(Pointedly)

And unless, of course, she's thinking of marrying again...

Mrs. van der Luyden

After all, Catherine, the Duke of St. Austrey did follow her over here and he hung around Newport all last summer and he's still paying her conspicuous attentions!

2-10

Mrs. Mingott

(Exasperated)

How many times do I have to tell you she won't look at him.
No, all the poor child wants is her freedom!

Mrs. van der Luyden

Can freedom compensate her for the publicity of a law suit?

Mrs. Mingott

We feel, Newland, that the price is too high.

Mrs. van der Luyden

Why, it would be in all the newspapers.

Van der Luyden

I hope I'm a man of courage, Newland, but my wife and I should
have to leave New York. Temporarily, of course. But s till...
leave New York!

Archer

It might not be so bad, sir. If the count's a gentleman...that
is, if he's willing to co-operate...

Mrs. Mingott

(Quietly)

He won't.

Archer

What?

Mrs. Mingott

He'll fight it with every means at his command.

Archer

But what means has he?

(There is an awkward pause)

Mrs. van der Luyden

We may as well tell him, Catherine.

(To Archer)

I don't suppose you've heard anything about it, Newland, but
dear Ellen has been sadly indiscreet.

Van der Luyden

(With due solemnity)

If she brings this suit, she'll have to face a very grave counter-
charge.

Archer

A countercharge? Why...

(With dawning realization)

But that's impossible!

2-11

Mrs. van der Luyden

(Primly)

Ellen left her husband, Newland, under very unconventional
circumstances.

Van der Luyden

If she had only consulted someone at the time!

Mrs. van der Luyden

She did. That's the whole difficulty. She consulted Mr. Beau-
fort.

Van der Luyden

An Austrian!

Mrs. van der Luyden

A notorious libertine!

Van der Luyden

And a married man!

Archer

(Coldly)

Excuse me, sir. But as I'm not taking the case, these are
things I've no right to hear.

Mrs. Mingott

(Deeply moved)

Newland, I'm an old woman. And I love my granddaughter. I've
always loved her. I've always been proud of her. Don't make
me tell this story to a stranger!

(A slight pause)

Archer

(Softening)

Very well, Mrs. Mingott, I'll do whatever I can. But of course...
of course these charges are ridiculous.

Mrs. van der Luyden

Why Newland, she lost her head and telegraphed him to come to
her rescue. Unfortunately he was in Vienna. He dropped every-
thing and took the first train. Oh, she's always admitted that
it was Mr. Beaufort who helped her run away.

Archer

What of it? I don't doubt she very much needed help.

van der Luyden

Imprudent, though, to go with him to Dresden.

Mrs. van der Luyden

To be seen with him in Paris...

2-12

### Van der Luyden

To let him put her on her boat at Liverpool after a fortnight in London.

(Reflectively)

Yes, the count has in his hands the makings of a very ugly scandal.

### Archer

(Very angry, very quiet)

She was a most unhappy lady, in great distress. She was young, she was frightened, she was desperate.

### Van der Luyden

(Dryly)

You put the case very neatly for the count.

### Mrs. van der Luyden

You see, now, Newland, why we can't let her bring this dreadful suit.

### Archer

(Incredulous)

You don't mean you believe she's guilty?

(A pause)

Mrs. Mingott, you don't believe it?

### Mrs. Mingott

(Suddenly looking very old)

I don't know.

(There is the sound of speech and movement in the outer office)

### Hamilton's Voice

(Heard outside)

I understood your appointment was for tomorrow, Madame Olenska.

### Ellen's Voice

(Outside)

I know, Mrs. Hamilton. But my family are here, so I am quite sure it will be all right if I go in.

(As he opens the door for her)

Thank you.

(At the sound of her voice ARCHER has risen abruptly and turned away to the window, where he stands with his back toward the door. She enters swiftly. She is wrapped in a cloak and furs, her hands tightly clasped in her lovely little muff. Her face is very pale but there is something gallant in her smile. Throughout the scene that follows, her mental agitation, increasing at moments to the point of terror, is clearly evident)

2-13

Ellen

(As she comes in)

Is Granny here?

(Seeing Mrs. Mingott)

Granny dear, I went up to see you and Hortense told me you were
all down here having a conference with Mr. Letterblair. So
I thought I'd join it and we could...

(ARCHER turns and she sees him)

Oh!

Mrs. van der Luyden

(With an admirable attempt at
social ease)

How strange, my dear! We were just speaking of you.

Ellen

I don't doubt it, Cousin Louisa. Where's Mr. Letterblair?

Van der Luyden

(Conciliatory)

He's been called to Washington.

Ellen

(In marked dismay)

To Washington?

Mrs. Mingott

Yes. He asked Newland here to take his place and advise you.

(HELLEN and ARCHER look quickly at one
another then turn away)

Archer

(In stiff apology)

If I'd known what he wanted, I shouldn't have come.

Ellen

(Also stiffly)

I see.

Mrs. Mingott

And now Newland says he won't take the case.

Mrs. van der Luyden

He hesitates to intrude.

Van der Luyden

(In dignified admonition)

That's an impression you should correct, my dear.

Ellen

I think I should prefer not to consult Newland.

2-14

Ellen, how can you be so perverse!
Mrs. van der Luyden

I think, my dear, you should ask his opinion.
Mrs. Mingott

Ellen
(Turning despairingly to Newland)
I can't wait. I need advice. I need it terribly!

Archer
(Very formal)
I am, of course, at Madame Olenska's service.

Mrs. van der Luyden
I'm sure we're all very grateful to Newland for taking time
from his busy life to...

Mrs. Mingott
(Interrupting her by rising abruptly)
Oh, Louisa, what's the use of talking? Leave everything to
Newland! And now we'll go straight home and let him have his
little chat with Ellen all alone.

(She advances to Archer with outstretched
hand)
Thank you, my dear boy. I knew we could count upon you.

Mrs. van der Luyden
(Privately to Ellen)
Now, Ellen, don't be headstrong! Listen to reason!

(To Archer)
You'll come to dinner, Newland, won't you? It's been so long
since we...

Van der Luyden
(To Ellen)
Don't worry, dear. We'll take good care of you.

(To Archer at door)
Be firm, my dear boy. Firm and frank. No beating about the
bush!

(He claps him encouragingly on the
shoulder and follows the ladies into the
outer office. ARCHER closes the door
after them and faces Ellen. The stage
is between them)

Ellen
This is...this is just what I hoped to avoid.

Archer
I know. They were too much for you.

2-15

Ellen

(Desperately)

You see I'm in...in great trouble. I...

(She pauses trying to control herself)

Archer

(Gently)

It's my business to help people in trouble. That is if they
will let me.

(He moves forward the big chair by
the fire)

Ellen

(Sinking into it)

Can you help me to get my divorce? Can you help me to get it
immediately?

Archer

(Soothingly)

I think so.

(With some little hesitation)

And now if I'm to be your lawyer, may I ask you a few questions?

Ellen

Certainly.

Archer

(Always looking at the fire)

Is there any chance of your husband...fighting the case?

Ellen

How could he?

Archer

(His hesitation increasing)

There's no possibility of his bringing countercharges?

Ellen

(Vaguely)

Countercharges?

Archer

Yes. Saying things that might be disagreeable to you. Things
that might harm you...no matter how untrue they were.

Ellen

(Simply)

But if they were untrue, how could they harm me?

Archer

New York is a very small world, Ellen. It is ruled by a few
people with old-fashioned ideas. Our legislation favors divorce.
Our social customs don't.

2-16

Ellen

Never?

Archer

Never if the woman, however injured, however irreproachable,
has appearances in the slightest degree against her.

(A pause)

Ellen

What have Granny and the van der Luydens been telling you?

Archer

They've told me that if your bring suit against your husband
he may reply with certain accusations against you.

Ellen

I see. But they would be only accusations.

Archer

Of course. And yet the results might be...might be embarrassing.

Ellen

Why?

Archer

When you left your husband...did you go alone?

Ellen

(Quietly)

No, I couldn't. I was in a remote corner of Galicia, without
friends, without money. There were threats. There were...other
things. I telegraphed to Julius Beaufort, begging him to help
me. He did what no one else would have done. He faced my hus-
band. He took me away.

Archer

(With something smouldering beneath
his tone)

Then it's true.

Ellen

(Calmly)

Yes. I owe him a great debt.

Archer

He...travelled with you to Dresden? To Paris? To London?

Ellen

Yes. He put me on the boat at Liverpool.

2-17

Archer

(After a little pause)

He...loved you?

Ellen

Yes. But he was magnificent. He never reminded me of it.

Archer

(In a rush of relief)

But then...then...

Ellen

Do Granny and the van der Luydens believe that Julius Beaufort
was my lover? Oh, Newland, do you?

Archer

(Roughly)

You know very well, I don't believe a damned word of it.

Ellen

(In a whisper)

Thank you.

Archer

(Turning on her)

But all the same you were very silly! You ought to have known
better! You ought to have realized you...

Ellen

(Smiling a little as she interrupts)

Don't scold me! And besides, I didn't lose my head entirely.
Remember, I had Anastasia.

Archer

Antastasia?

Ellen

She was with me every minute. Wouldn't her evidence prevent...
misconstructions?

Archer

(Decisively)

Yes. You'll win your case.

Ellen

And I'll be free? Completely and absolutely free?

Archer

Yes. Free to make any plans you wish.

Ellen

(Puzzled)

Plans? How do you mean?

2-18

## Archer

You might intend...to marry again.

## Ellen

(Hagerly)

Oh, no. Not that! I just want to be out of his power, out of his reach...no matter what happens, no matter what he does! I want to be separated, cut off entirely! I want the break to be so definite, so final that he can never think of me again!

## Archer

And that's all?

## Ellen

(Panting a little)

That's all. To me it's enough.. (A brief pause)

## Archer

Mrs. Mingott says he wrote you a letter. May I read it?
(She produces it from her little bag and hands it to him silently. He reads it, puts it back into the envelope and returns it to her)

Thank you. It's a clever letter.

## Ellen

He doesn't mean a word of it. He doesn't like me really. He finds me...only disconcerting.

## Archer

Are you quite sure?

## Ellen

Quite. It's the money he wants.
(With a sudden access of terror)

And he's coming after it! He's on the ocean now! Every minute that goes by brings him a little nearer! He'll get me, Newland! I know he'll get me unless you stop him! That's why I want the divorce, why I want it immediately! You see how important it is, don't you? You see now why I must have it started by Tuesday, before he lands!

## Archer

But he can't hurt you. Even if he's here, he can't hurt you.

## Ellen

Oh yes, he can! You don't understand. He's a spider...a creeping spider, and I'm caught in his web! Oh, I'm so frightened. Look

2-19

at my hands shake...and he's miles away! I know it's ridiculous.
I know it's silly of me but I can't help it!

(Her voice breaks)

Oh, Newland, I haven't anyone else! Stand by me! Hold me!
Keep me close!

### Archer

(Taking her hand and patting it
as if she were a child)

Of course I will. There, now! Stop trembling! This is New York.
This is home. And I'm here to protect you.

(He takes her clasped hands in his)

### Ellen

(Trying to laugh)

My...my legal advisor!

### Archer

(Cheerfully)

That's right! Now come over and sit in the client's chair...
it's a very comfortable one, we always see to that!

(He has gently led her over and put
her in the armchair by the desk)

There!

(He seats himself at the desk)

Now just pretend I'm Mr. Letterblair, and we'll be quite business-
like and work it out together! How's that?

(He smiles at her in friendly fashion
and picks up a professional pencil)

Suppose you begin by giving me the facts.

### Ellen

(After a little pause)

It's very hard to speak to you of Ladislas.

### Archer

(Gently)

I understand, you have your loyalty...your pride.

### Ellen

No! He's forfeited loyalty. And I'm far beyond pride. It's...
it's you, Newland.

### Archer

Me?

### Ellen

Yes. Do you know, I never dreamed there could be a man like you?
Doing a man's work in the world and yet living like a child in
the open sunshine. You are like a child, Newland. I can't bear
to smirch you with my degradation.

2-20

## Archer

(Very gently)

Tell me, just once, my dear, and then forget it forever.

## Ellen

(After a slight pause)

I was quite young when I married him...barely seventeen. Such
happiness as I had didn't last very long. Six weeks of me was
enough for him. And then...

(She pauses)

## Archer

Other women?

## Ellen

Oh, yes, other women. But I didn't mind them so much...after
the first. She was a peasant...on the estate, you know...hardly
older than I was. She's always haunted me. She...had the baby
I wanted.

(Her voice hardens)

But it wasn't the women. They all have women. That's taken for
granted.

## Archer

What was it, then?

## Ellen

(Slowly)

I think it was his mind...his thoughts even more than his actions.
It was the horror of living with those unimaginable thoughts!
The first year was the worst. I was so young, so lonely, and
I did so want a child! Of course now I thank God I never had
one. That's my only mercy. You see, he's not...not really sane.

## Archer

You mean that literally?

## Ellen

Yes. Of course, he's brilliant...that's what makes it so terrible.
He has knowledge, taste, cultivation. He collects Renaissance
enamels. Scholars come from all over Europe to look at them
and he meets them with a scholarship equal to their own.

(With bitter irony)

You didn't know he was an authority on the early Byzantine
church, did you? He and a funny little Santa Claus of a Leipzig
professor! You should hear them discussing dogmas and heresies
over their after-dinner coffee!

## Archer

Have you proofs of his infidelity?

## Ellen

The women, you mean?

2-21

(He nods)

No. Of course I could get them easily enough.

(Opening her little bag and taking
from it some papers)

But I have here three written statements...affidavits, do you
call them? ...which I think will be sufficient basis for my
suit.

(Handing him the first)

This is from a French doctor.

Archer

(As he reads it)

The brute! The blackguard.

Ellen

Oh, no. That isn't the worst kind of cruelty. He never did it
again. After that Anastasia protected me.

(She gives him the second document)

This is from a Polish priest.

Archer

(Reading it)

But good God! This...this was a child!

Ellen

Yes. The daughter of a tenant. It was hard to hush it up.

Such a nice little girl! The priest was her friend.

(Giving him the third paper)

This is the last. A hotel-keeper in Monte Carlo...quite well-known and reliable.

Archer

(As he reads it)

But this is...this is incredible!

(He gulps)

I...I didn't know such things...existed.

Ellen

Of course they black-mailed him later. Quite large sums. I
made the payments.

Archer

But the man's a criminal! It's a case for the police!

Ellen

You don't know Europe. He has everything on his side...rank, money, power.

Archer

But his family! Surely there was someone to...to.

Ellen

He had no family, except his aunt, the Countess Sobieska. She

2-22

was very rich and religious. She had the Church behind her. And
she loved him. She loved him in spite of everything. To her, he
was just a lost child. I tried to feel that way about him, too.
But it's no use. I can't! I can't! To me he's a monster, a
demon, something...something out of the pit! And when I think
that he's on his way to New York, and I may have to see him, hear
his voice, be in the same room with him...oh! Oh!
(Her terror again threatens to overwhelm her)

Archer
(Soothingly)

Ssh! It's all right! It's all right!
(She controls herself)

Has Mrs. Mingott read these?
(He indicates the papers)

Ellen

No. I couldn't tell her. She's old. She loves me. I'm her
lost child. She made my marriage. No, I couldn't tell her. It
would break her heart.

(ARCHER rises and strides to the window
behind him. He stands with his back to
the room, looking out at the snow-frosted
steeple of Trinity, gleaming in the late
afternoon sunshine, under a stainless New
York sky. There is a silence. Finally
she speaks)

Well, there it is. You know all my secrets.
(He remains motionless at the window. Her
voice is breaking)

Newland, don't stand like that! Look at me! What are you thinking?

Archer

(Turning)

I was thinking how we coasted down Murray Hill together...and
how you looked in that little red hood.

Ellen
(Suddenly bursting into tears)

Oh, Newland! Newland! Don't! I can't bear it!
(She rises and walks away)

Archer

(Following her)

Why didn't you tell me, Ellen? Why didn't you tell me long a go?
Why didn't you send for me to help you?

2-23

Ellen

Why didn't I send for you?

(She makes a gesture of despair)

Oh, Newland, you shouldn't be here, now! You shouldn't have
come back into my life.

Archer

(Passionately)

All I know is I never should have left it.

Ellen

Don't say that! You're safe! You're happy! Everything has turned
out right!

Archer

(Savagely)

Right?

(He gives a kind of laugh)

My God!

Ellen

Oh, no! No! I've staked everything I have on the success of
your marriage.

Archer

(Bitterly)

My marriage! Ellen, we can't go on like this. It's past human
endurance.

Ellen

(Pitifully)

My dear! Can't you endure it...if I can?

(He looks at her for a moment, then
realization comes)

Archer

(Transfigured)

You too? Oh, Ellen...you, too!

(He starts towards her)

Ellen

(Stopping him)

No, wait! I won't have happiness bought by disloyalty. I
won't betray kindness and goodness and affection. Oh, Newland,
don't spoil it all now! I know it's hard...but we did it before.
We can do it again, if we're only brave...if we only stop and
think!

Archer

I can't think...

2-28

And we are in New York. I wonder that Europeans care to visit us. Why do you?

Saramonte
Because Americans pay me twelve hundred dollars a night for a little Chopin.

Ellen
(Laughing)

Oh, you are shameless!

No. I am practical.

Ellen
And you, duke?

Beaufort
Oh, he's here for a vacation.

Ellen
I see. He may look as if he were calling on a lady in her New York drawing-room, but he is really sitting under the palm trees of some desert isle three thousand miles from Piccadilly, listening to the native tom-toms in the company of a female cannibal who counts for nothing in the British scheme of things.

Beaufort
Lovely cannibals count supremely. They eat men.

Ellen
Only the missionaires who come to convert them. They never eat their fellow countrymen. And why are you here...if your life is in such danger?

Beaufort
(Quietly)
I am waiting for my Leonardo.

Ellen
Still?

Beaufort
Always.
(There is a wail of wind in the street outside)

Saramonte
Per dios! Listen to the wind!

Ellen
The storm's turning into a blizzard.
(To Saramonte)

2-29

You have bad weather for your journey, senor.

(Casually)

And Count Olenski for his landing.

Beaufort

(Ingenuously)

Count Olenski landing?

Saramonte

Ah, I did not know!

Beaufort

Yes, he's off Sandy Hook docks tomorrow at noon.

this minute, on board the Italia. He

Saramonte

(Innocently)

What a happy day for you, Madame la Comtesse!

Ellen

(With quiet dignity)

He is not coming here.

This is... a business trip only.

Beaufort

I must put him up at a club.

What's his hotel?

Ellen

I don't know.

(There is a brief pause)

Saramonte

(Rising from the piano)

Ah, well, I must be off.

Ellen

No, No! Not yet!

Saramonte

I have a rendezvous with

an American sleeping-car.

Beaufort

How romantic!

Where are you going?

Saramonte

God and my manager must answer that. Buffalo, Chicago, Milwaukee... some Academy of Music on the frontier. All I know is there will be a piano and a pitcher of ice water.

Beaufort

And twelve hundred dollars.

Saramonte

(Piously)

2-30

Thank God!

(He moves toward Ellen)

Ellen

Hasta luego, senor.

Saramonte

Hasta otra vez se dio quiere.

(He bends over her hand)

Adios, bellita senora.

Ellen

Adios, grand artiste.

(SARAMONTE goes toward the door)

The Duke

(To Ellen)

Goodnight.

Ellen

(Smiling)

Goodnight. Have you been very bored?

The Duke

No. Why?

Ellen

It's so hard to tell. You just sit there and think British thoughts and never say a word.

The Duke

(A little grimly)

My thoughts are...somewhat British. Can I help you tomorrow?

Ellen

(Understanding)

No. It's quite all right.

(He takes her hand)

Goodnight...and thank you.

The Duke

(To Beaufort, as he turns toward the door)

Give you a lift, Beaufort? Bad night. Hard to pick up a hansom.

Beaufort

(Smiling)

Thank you. I have my little brougham. Goodnight.

2-32

Ellen

I shall not see him.

Beaufort

After he has crossed three thousand miles of ocean to see you?

Ellen

(Bitterly)

No, not to see me. To recover his fortune.

Beaufort

Ach, so? There is a scheme on foot?

Ellen

Yes. Not a pretty scheme.

Beaufort

I...thought so.

(He takes another sandwich)

Nevertheless, my friend, you will see him.

Ellen

Why?

Beaufort

Because Count Olenski has the excellent habit of getting what he wants.

Ellen

(Looking at him)

Not always. I remember a time when he failed most miserably.

Beaufort

(Finishing his sandwich)

Yes. I assisted in that failure. But then I, too, have a habit of getting what I want. This time, however, I may not be at hand to...to influence your husband.

Ellen

(With a shiver)

Ah, don't!

Beaufort

He is a fascinating fellow. He will come, be seen, and conquer! He will captivate the van der Luydens. He will persuade even your grandmother that a bad husband is better than none.

Ellen

I shan't listen to him! I can't make me!

I shan't look at him!

They...they

(Her voice breaks a little hysterically)

2-33

Beaufort
I think they can. Unless...

Ellen
Unless?

Beaufort
(Smiling)
Unless, once more, you run away.

Ellen
(Almost humorously)
And where should I run to this time?

Beaufort
(Lightly)
To safety, as before.

Ellen
(Smiling)
I thought I was safe on West Twenty-third Street.

Beaufort
I don't blame you for thinking so. It's the safest and -- to
me, at any rate -- the most charming street in the world. It's
dangerous only when Count Olenski is steaming up the Ambrose
Channel. Of course he doesn't do that every night. But when
he does...when he does, my friend, take my advice and put an
ocean between you.

Ellen
But if I did, I couldn't keep it there. He would only pursue
me, and we should both spend the rest of our lives going back-
wards and forwards across the North Atlantic as passengers on
the Cunard Line!

Beaufort
The steamers of the Cunard Line are like hotels. And you, I
know, are not fond of hotels. Listen!

(He rises from the arm of the easy-chair and walks slowly over to the fire)
I have made a plan.

Ellen
What is it?

Beaufort
My yacht's in the harbor. It leaves no trail. Set sail with
me tomorrow for the Caribbean.

2-34

Ellen

(Laughing)

Have you by any chance a rope ladder a bout you? Shall I leave
a note on my pin cushion.

Beaufort

(Disregarding her levity)

I have arranged a party that will amuse you.

Ellen

(Still smiling)

Will it? Are you so sure?

Beaufort

Yes. No dull New Yorkers. Delightful European exiles, like
ourselves.

Ellen

Charming! Who are they?

Beaufort

First, Sandro Malatini and his fiddle. His concert tour's just
over.

Ellen

You don't mean you've asked him?

Beaufort

He accepted with alacrity. He was always one of your admirers,
wasn't he?

Ellen

I liked his wife. And the others? I take it, there are others.

Beaufort

Of course. Young Hoheniche. He says Wall Street is killing
him and I think he's right. He needs fresh air. You don't
object to him?

Ellen

He's rather decorative.

Beaufort

(Gravely)

And he imitates the sound of drawing a champagne cork so
realistically!

Ellen

How splendid! He could entertain us on dull evenings.

Beaufort

That's what I thought. And I've asked another friend of yours.

2-35

Old Lady Hollingsworth.

(Smiling)

The darling!

Ellen

Beaufort

She's been in Washington, you know. Her son's in the Embassy.

Ellen

I had a note from her.

Beaufort

Do you remember her that night in the Casino at Nice?

Ellen

(Laughing)

Only too well.

(Reminiscently)

Dear Lady Holly! She is amusing, though.

Beaufort

They all are. I told you it would be a charming party. Is there anyone else you'd like?

Ellen

Yes. Just one.

Beaufort

Who?

Ellen

(With a twinkle)

Mrs. Beaufort.

(There is a brief pause)

Beaufort

(Blandly)

My wife, unfortunately, does not care for water.

Ellen

No?

Beaufort

She is a bad sailor. She never joins me on the yacht.

(They look at one another for a moment and then cannot help laughing)

Ellen

I don't know why I'm laughing. You're outrageous!

2-36

## Beaufort

I thought I was displaying tact. Would you consider it too early if we sailed at ten?

## Ellen

Now please....!

## Beaufort

I'm serious. It seems there is a tide at ten o'clock...and Count Olenski's boat is due at twelve.

(ELLEN'S mirth stops suddenly.

Despite the lightness of his

tone he is watching her intently)

But don't let that worry you. By twelve we shall be swinging down the river, our flags flying and our troubles left behind.

(The wind wails without)

Listen to the storm! I seem to hear in it the voices, the cruel and stupid voices, of the world. Well, let it howl. We are escaping from it, you and I together, and in three days... three little days, my dear, we shall be sailing into Paradise.

## Ellen

It always sounded rather tropical.

## Beaufort

It is. There is a little town called St. Pierre in the French West Indies. You've heard of it?

(She shakes her head)

I thought not. It's such a twinkling, gay, heartbreaking little town, just tucked away somewhere in all that blue, safe and forgotten in a lonely sea. I spent a month there once. The days are fairy tales. The nights are love songs.

## Ellen

(A little wistfully)

Are they?

## Beaufort

Yes. And there's an old white house which overlooks the bay. It has a garden filled with yellow roses. It's stood there for a hundred years, just waiting.

## Ellen

For what?

## Beaufort

For you and me to come and live in it.

## Ellen

Poor, disappointed house!

## Beaufort

No, happy house. Because at last we're going to.

2-37

Ellen

Are we?

Beaufort

Of course. We'll breakfast on that rusty balcony, then go
down to the beach and swim like children in a lapis-lazuli
ocean. And then we'll ride up the white raod winding through
the canefields into the green twilight of the tropic forest.
But we won't stop there. We'll go on past the black Chrsit
half buried in the red liana blossoms, past Morne Bleu with
its jasmine-covered ruins, up, up to where the dead volcano
dreams fiery dreams of when the world was young. Oh, yes,
you'll like St. Pierre.

Ellen

I know I should.

Beaufort

You mean 'shall.' And every evening we'll dine out in the old
garden, under the stars, with the palms like pillars of silver
in the moonlight and the warm sea wind blowing on our faces.
And we'll watch the great waves catch fire and blaze and smoulder
as they break on the beach below...

Ellen

Stop! I don't want to hear about it! I don't want to hear about
anything beautiful. What's the use?

Beaufort

(His voice shaken)

You were made for beauty. You were made for love!

(The clock strikes on the mantel)

What's that? Twelve? I didn't know it was so late.

Ellen

You're going?

Beaufort

Not yet. Unless, of course, you wish me to. And even then...not
yet.

(Counting the final strokes)

Ten. Eleven. Twelve! You heard a little French clock strike
midnight, didn't you? I heard a great bell, striking the hour
of my fate. It is in your hands. My whole life is in those two
white hands. Take it, my dear. Take it as a great sculptor takes
a lump of clay. Mold it. Make it into something beautiful. I
want it to be beautiful. I've always wanted it.

Ellen

No, no! Don't say these things to me!

2-38

## Beaufort

I must. The hour has struck. And the old words are ringing in
my ears, "Lo, at midnight a cry was made, Behold, the Bride-
groom cometh! Go ye out to meet him!

(Suddenly he sits beside her on the
chaise lounge and takes her hands in
both of his)

My dear, my dear! I'm not the bridegroom I should like to be!
I'm not all fresh and young and splendid, with spring in my
heart and the morning in my eyes. I'm an old man whose road
has always stretched uphill. I'm hungry and thirsty and in-
finitely tired. And now, across my path at evening, falls the
light from your window.

## Ellen

Does that mean... so much to you?

## Beaufort

Yes. In your house is food and warmth and shelter. I need them, Ellen. I need them terribly.

## Ellen

(Looking at him)

You've never talked to me like this before.

## Beaufort

I knew the hour would come. And it has come. All the veils
are torn away. I am showing myself to you for the first time
as I am. Not Herr Schönmacht or Mr. Julius Beaufort, not the
dilettante or the Jewish banker...only a poor, shivering soul,
stripped of everything except its worship, its longing, its
unappeasable desire!

## Ellen

Please! Please!

## Beaufort

Ellen, I'm standing at your threshold. I am waiting for the
sound of your feet on the stair.

## Ellen

It's no use.

## Beaufort

I am knocking at your door in the darkness. Let me in! For
God's sake, let me in!

## Ellen

I can't.

## Beaufort

Be merciful...

2-39

Ellen

(Deeply moved)

I tell you I can't! My door is locked! I haven't the key!

Beaufort

You have given it a way?

Ellen

I never had it. That door locks me in as securely as it locks
you out. It will never open.

Beaufort

Never?

Ellen

Never, never in this world.

(A brief pause. They look at one
another)

My dear, I can't. I wish I could, but...I can't.

Beaufort

Couldn't you...even try?

Ellen

(Shaking her head)

No. One can't control love. One can't tell it to come...or go.

There is nothing...don't you see?...that one can do about it.

We must live with it or without it, as the Fates decree.

(Her voice begins to tremble)

We can't...we can't even understand why things happen. We
only know that suddenly, sometime in our lives, there is light
where there was darkness. Or perhaps...perhaps there is only
darkness where there was once transfiguring light...

(In spite of herself her voice chokes.

She cannot go on)

Beaufort

(Very gently)

You know. You've felt it, too. You know.

Ellen

Why not?

Beaufort

He came? The Bridegroom came?

Ellen

(Slowly)

He came and entered...and I drove him a way.

Beaufort

Your husband?

2-40

Ellen

(Trying to smile)

Of course. Who else?

Beaufort

(Softly)

It was not your husband.

Ellen

Wasn't it? Ah, well, that's unimportant. Whoever he was...he's gone.

Beaufort

He will come back.

Ellen

No.

Beaufort

He will come back to his bride.

(She cannot answer. Very deliberately he releases her hands, rises, crosses the room, and stands for a moment with his back to her. When he turns, he is his usual, imperturnable, smiling self)

Madame Olenska, shall we forget the last six minutes? It won't be difficult. Shall we pretend your little clock is just now striking midnight?

(Counting as if he hears it)

Nine. Ten. Eleven. Twelve.

(Briskly)

Dear me, I had no idea it was so late. Will you forgive me for being tiresome and come on Friday afternoon to hear the Philharmonic play the new Brahms symphony?

Ellen

But the yachting trip...?

Beaufort

(Blandly)

Oh, there will be no yachting trip. I am detained by pressing business at the bank.

(He takes her hand ceremoniously)

Till Friday, then?

Ellen

(A little doubtful)

I'm not...quite sure.

Beaufort

(Somewhat bitterly)

May not the Countess Olenska still be the guest of Mr. Julius Beaufort at a concert?

2-43

never counted on not finding you alone. I waited to see the
windows darken.

(ELLEN has put down the lamp and
is now touching his hands, taking
his hat from him as if he were a
child)

Ellen

Newland! You're half frozen! Give me your coat...and your
muffler.

(As in a dream, he lets her take
them)

Now sit down by the fire.

(She seats him in the armchair
and turns to pour him wine from
the decanter on the table.)

Drink this!

(She bends over him)

Oh, my dear, you're shivering! Why didn't you come in at once?

No, don't try to talk! Just drink the wine.

(He obeys)

Archer

I...I hope you'll excuse me. It was just the cold...and the
waiting.

Ellen

(Dropping down on her knees beside
him, touching his hands)

You're warmer already. You'll be all right in a moment.

Archer

(Turning passionately at her
touch)

Ellen! Ellen! Look at me!

(She raises her eyes to his)

Oh, my dear! You're just the same!

Ellen

(Smiling)

Why shouldn't I be?

Archer

Do you know...thinking about you, out there in the dark...why,
I could hardly remember you! It's always like that. Each time
you...you happen to me all over again.

Ellen

Oh, that! Yes...I know.

2-44

Archer
You mean it's the same...with you?

Ellen
(Simply)
Yes.

Archer
(With triumphant eyes)
Ellen!
(He tries to take her hands in his, but she rises abruptly)

Ellen
Why have you come? I mustn't see you. You mustn't see me. I told you last week it was impossible.

Archer
(Rising also)
I've come to my senses. I've come to bring you to yours. I've come to take you away with me forever.

Ellen
You're mad!

Archer
No, I'm sane at last. I knew it must happen. You knew it, too. We both knew it from the moment that I kissed you. Ellen, you can't take back that kiss! It changed everything...all my life and yours, too! We must have each other. Nothing else counts.
(He seizes her hands again. Unresisting, she looks mutually up at him. He rushes on in a torrent)

Ellen! Ellen, listen to me! I've thought of everything...our loyalty to others, our honesty to ourselves, our folly, our madness in trying to deny our love for each other! We can't do it! We shouldn't do it! We have a right to happiness!

Ellen
(Drawing away from him)
Don't! This isn't you. It's just a moment of weakness. You must go. You must go back to your own life. I don't belong in it, Newland! I don't! I don't!

Archer
Yes, you do! And anyway, it's too late.

Ellen
Why?
I've told May.

2-45

Ellen

(Aghast)

Oh, Newland! Oh, how could you?

Archer

(A little wildly)

Listen to me, dearest! I've been in hell all week. Knowing that scoundrel was coming, knowing you needed me, thinking of you every minute...with May beside me! Oh, Ellen! Ellen! You've been at least alone!

Ellen

(With an instinctive movement
of pity)

My dear, my dear...

Archer

It wasn't until last night that it really came to me...that I felt quite certain of what we had to do.

(He speaks rapidly, as one recalling
a hideous dream)

It was May, the sight of May that brought it home to me. We were alone after dinner. She was sewing by the fire. She was so pretty, Ellen...so placid and serene. I watched her hands. They looked so capable, moving back and forth in the lamplight. I watched her gold thimble and her wedding-ring. All they meant was domesticity. Nothing more. I swear it, Ellen...

(His voice is breaking)

Nothing more...even to May! Well, I watched her and I knew that in all the years to come I never could share a single thought with her...or a single feeling. She looked so young, Ellen, and so strong. I knew we'd go on for endless evenings, just like that...she and I...until we died. And then I thought... Ellen, I couldn't help it...what if she should die? Die soon, and leave me free. She might. People do. Even young people, sometimes. And suddenly I realized what I was thinking. I realized I was looking at May and wishing her dead...just because she stood between us.

Ellen

(In horror)

Newland! Don't talk like that! Don't think like that! You mustn't!

Archer

Oh, that's over. It was over in a moment...when I saw that our going away together would solve everything. It's so simple. It came to me like a great light. It drove all the shadows away. May wasn't an enemy longer. She was just someone I felt terribly sorry for. You understand that, don't you?

Ellen

And you told her? You told her...about us?

2-46

### Archer

No. Not then. I thought it all over. I lay awake all night, planning. This morning I made my arrangements...took the train at noon. I left May a letter.

### Ellen

(With a piteous gesture of remonstrance)

A letter? Oh, Newland!

### Archer

There was no use talking. It would only have hurt her. Nothing could have changed me. I left everything in her hands. She can say what she likes, do what she likes...give any story to the family or to the world. I told her the truth.

(His face lights up)

I told her I loved you...that I'd always loved you, since the night we met. I told her I'd learned through loving you what love could mean. I told her I shouldn't have married her. I asked her to forgive me, and to remember it was only because I was trying so hard to do the right thing that I'd done her that great wrong.

### Ellen

(Pitifully)

Oh, Newland! Think what you're doing now to yourself and your life and your future!

### Archer

What do I care about my future? I mean that kind of a future. It's all attended to. I wrote my party leader. I left the note with May's letter and asked her to forward it to the Capitol this evening. I asked her to read it so she'd know exactly what I said. I just told them I was leaving the country unexpectedly on a personal matter, so I couldn't bring up my railroad bill on the twentieth.

### Ellen

(Who has been gazing at him in
growing horror)

So I've ruined you. I knew I should. I couldn't touch your life without spoiling it.

(Eagerly)

Oh, but it's not too late! You can go back! You can't tell them it was all a mistake! May will forgive. She can't help it. She loves you.

### Archer

That's all finished...dead and buried. I shall never go back. I shall never leave you.

### Ellen

(Looking at him steadily)

2-47

And what do you want, Newland? Do you want me to be your
mistress, since I can't be your wife?

### Archer

No. I don't want that and you know it. I want to marry you. I want to have you always, with no shadow between us. Ellen, dearest, there needn't be! Only come away with me tomorrow, anywhere...anywhere you say! Just come! May will set me free. We'll get your divorce. It'll be all right...

### Ellen

(Interrupting)

Stop, Newland! Oh, can't you see? I couldn't take you on those
terms? It would be robbing May of everything. I'd rather be
your mistress than your wife!

### Archer

Don't talk nonsense! You can't rob May of what she hasn't got,
of what she's never had! I'm going to take you off to a place
where things like that don't count...where we'll just be two
human beings who love each other, who are the whole of life
to each other, and nothing else in the world matters!

### Ellen

(Sadly)

Ah, my dear, where is that place? Have you ever been there?
I know so many who tried to find it and they all got out by
mistake at some wayside station...like Boulogne or Pisa or
Monte Carlo. And it wasn't at all different from the old
world they had left, only smaller and dingier and more prom-
iscuous.

### Archer

Oh, that's Europe! This country's different. We don't think
like that over here. We'll go West, you and I. I'll have
my career out there, where there's room for it! You'll love
the West, Ellen. And we'll be married. We'll have a home
there, too, in some new city. And children, Ellen...your
children and mine! Splendid sons and daughters.

### Ellen

(With deep emotion)

Our sons and daughters.

### Archer

Do you think I could let any other woman be their mother?

2-48

Ellen

(Tremulously)

Oh...

(Then recovering herself with a
desperate effort)

No! No! It's a dream... a beautiful dream! It can't come true!

Archer

I'll make it.

Ellen

You can't! You say you can make a career out there, but you can't!
Your whole life will be a failure. You can't do anything, any-
where... if you put me first!

Archer

All right! I'll be a failure, then.

Ellen

And it will be my fault. You'll blame me for it... oh, yes you
will! I can see it like the writing on the wall! You wouldn't
put it into words. You're too generous for that. But you'd
feel it! You'd realize what I'd done to you. And you'd hate
me...

Archer

(Breaking in)

Hate you?

Ellen

(Swept on)

Yes, and you'd be right! Oh, Newland, you don't know me! You
don't understand me! I'm not what you think. I'm light! I'm
selfish! I'm frivolous and pleasure-loving! Even if you could
marry me, Newland, it wouldn't make any difference. I'd spoil
your life just the same. I'd care too much! I'd keep you to
myself! I'd kill every chance of doing your work in the world!

Archer

All right, then. I'll forget the world. I'll live for you and
you only.

(As she starts to protest)

It's no use! It's too late! Do you remember what you told me that
first night at the van der Luydens? About the enchantress and
her garden and the little door? Well, I've gone through it. It's
shut behind me. I'm safe inside. And oh, my dearest! I'm going
to stay here forever!

2-49

Ellen

You won't be happy! You can't be! Newland, I'm not the great
love of your life. Your great love is the country! You're
dedicated to all those boys and girls of the future. Be true
to them! They need you! They have no one else! And you can't
help them, you can't defend them, Newland, with a stain on your
honor!

Archer

Without you nothing's worth defending.

Ellen

But it is! You know it is!

(Looking up at him, her eyes shining)

My darling, listen to me. We're here tonight in this little
room of mine close together and shut-in and safe, but we can't
go on. We're chained to different destinies. Oh, I'm not
afraid of separation! I'll have you always in my heart, even
if you're half the world away! I've been lonely and despairing
and afraid. But the loneliness and the fear and the darkness are
all gone. When I turn back into my thoughts, I'll find you there.
You must think of me like that, Newland...a child, a frightened
child, going into a room at night where there's always a light!

Archer

(Incredulous)

You mean I won't see you again? This is the end?

Ellen

(At the end of her strength)

It must be, Newland. Have pity on me! Have pity! It's the
last thing I ask of you.

Archer

(Desperately)

But, Ellen...

Ellen

(Bursting suddenly into hysterical
sobs)

Go away! Go away! It's too much! I can't stand it! I can't
stand it a moment longer! Why don't you go? Oh, my God, why
don't you go...why don't you go?

Archer

(Realizing it is hopeless)

All right...

(He turns abruptly and goes. ELLEN
watches him cross the room, her eyes
wide with pain. As he reaches the
door she utters a sharp, involuntary
cry)

2-51

(It stays down for a few seconds to indicate the passing of the night. It rises upon the same scene at ten o'clock next morning. The lamps are extinguished and the fire is dead. As the curtains are still drawn, the room is in semi-darkness. Archer's coat and hat have been removed from the table. Otherwise everything presents exactly the same appearance as in the previous scene. After a moment of emptiness ANASTASIA appears, looking a trifle sleepy and weary. She carries a dust cloth and some kindling wood, done up in a newspaper. She puts these down on the hearth, then opens the curtains letting in a flood of morning sunshine. As she does so the doorbell rings peremptorily. ANASTASIA looks quickly around the room and catches sight of Archer's muffler, which is still hanging over the back of an armchair, where it was dropped by Ellen the night before. She picks it up and, holding it surreptitiously under her apron, hurries out to answer the second ring of the doorbell. In a moment she returns, obviously in a state of some confusion and bewilderment, to usher in May Archer. MAY is very calm and self-possessed, pink-cheeked and pretty, carefully and fashionably dressed in a light colored mantle and bonnet, becomingly muffled in pale fluffy furs.

May

(Entering)

Please tell Madame Olenska that Mrs. Newland Archer is here. (She casts an appraising glance around the room)

Anastasia

(All nervous smiles)

Yes, madame. I am sorry. I think...I think the signora, she is still asleep.

(She furtively plumps up a sofa cushion and makes a vain gesture toward recovering the duster)

May

(Glancing at her watch)

At ten in the morning?

2-53

from its ebony surface. She surveys her glove tip with a little patronizing smile, claps her finger-tips lightly together to remove the dust and resumes her detached scrutiny of the room. Her eyes fall upon the muffler, lying where Anastasia dropped it. She stands for a moment, quite still, looking down at it. Then she stOPS and picks it up, holding it for an instant, almost incredulously, in her hands. Automatically, her face clouded with thought, she begins to fold it neatly, smoothing out the silken creases with her little gloved hands. That done, she stands still holding it, looking at it fixedly. Suddenly, shaken out of her pretty composure, she presses it to her lips. Her little pink face is eruiously crinkled with a gust of emotion. But she puts the muffler quietly down again in an inconspicuous position on the table at her side. She walks gracefully over to the fireplace, takes her stand on the hearth rug, glances once more at her watch and again expectantly at the door. ELLEN enters. She is very pale and beautifully dressed in rather formal negligee. She advances calmly into the room. Her expression, as she looks at May, is completely enigmatic, but very tender, with a strange tranquillity that seems drawn from some secret inner source. Through-out the scene that follows she preserves a cruiously detached attitude, as of one so deeply plunged in the depths of thought and emotion that the world without means nothing to her.)

Ellen

(Quietly)
Good morning, May.

May

(With a pleasant smile)

Good morning, dear. I've just arrived from Albany. I came at a moment's notice...to see my doctor.

Ellen

(Very gently)
Yes? Won't you sit down?

May

(Doing so)

2-54

I will, dear. I mustn't get overtired.
(Looking up ingenuously into
Ellen's face)

Did you see Newland last night, by any chance?

Ellen
Yes. He dropped in rather late. I'd been giving a little
party for Saramonte...you know, the pianist.

May
Oh...I thought I understood Anastasia to say that he wasn't here.

Ellen
(As she drops down on her chaise-lounge)
Poor Anastasia! All Americans look alike to her.

May
She's not very efficient, is she? But it's hard to get good
parlor maids. I've had three myself this autumn. Did you
talk with Newland last night? Or were there too many people?

Ellen
No, I talked with him.

May
Did he seem tired, Ellen?

Ellen
I thought he seemed...rather under a strain.

May
That's just what I think, Ellen. I'm worried about him. He's
not himself. I see it in lots of little ways. Oh, a wife can
tell! He hasn't been sleeping well this week, and he doesn't
eat anything. He's worn to a shadow. You must have noticed
it.

Ellen
Yes. I did.

May
I think something's bothering him. Oh, of course it can't be
important...so long as he keeps his sense of proportion. But
I think that's what he's been losing lately.

(She smiles brightly at Ellen)

Nothing ought to count with Newland, ought it, except his career?

2-55

Ellen

(Quietly)

Nothing.

May

(Still smiling)

I've come to see that so clearly. I know I used to be awfully
stupid about politics and reform and all the things he's so
interested in. But now I firmly believe he'll be the next
governor. Papa says all the big bankers think he'll end in
Washington! Of course he ought to...with the family connection.
But wouldn't it be splendid! Some United States senators are
really very distinguished. And Ellen dear, do you know...

(With another generous smile)

I shall always give you the credit for seeing it first.

Ellen

(Blankly)

Seeing what first?

May

Why, that reform could lead to anything pleasant. Anything
attractive, I mean...anything one would care to do. You saw
it first. It was very clever of you.

Ellen

(With a faint smile)

Thank you.

May

So now you must help us save him, Ellen, from all this worry about
little things...things that don't really matter, when you look
at his life as a whole. My dear, he's so impulsive! He dashed
off yesterday without word, just leaving me a note to give to
his party leader. And do you know what he said in it? He
said he was going away on a matter of great importance and
couldn't get back to present his railroad bill on the twentieth!

Ellen

Really?

May

Of course I kept the note.

(Very earnestly)

He's got to come back, Ellen. The Governor says that bill is
the turning-point of his career! His business here...whatever
it is...can be arranged, I'm sure. He didn't mention it to you
last night, did he?

Ellen

He said nothing about business.

2-57

(She gives a little shiver as of
cold)

May

(Sympathetically)

You don't look well, dear. How have you been? Here I've talked
all this time about Newland and me when I haven't seen you for
months! What are your plans?

Ellen

My plans?

(She turns now to face May)

Oh...they're rather in the making.

May

I thought you were so wise, dear, to give up your divorce. Mamma
was very gratified. She wrote me such a happy letter. She said
your husband was coming over to beg you to forgive him.

(Rather timidly)

Oh, Ellen, if...if you only could!

Ellen

I have. You're the first person I've told. He arrived last
night. When he goes back to Europe I shall go with him.

May

(Her face lighting up)

Ellen!

Do you mean it?

(Her voice, tremulous with relief,
betrays the strain she has been under)

Ellen

Yes. I want to leave New York. I'm afraid it has grown too
much for me, May. I'm afraid it's rather dangerous.

May

(Uncertainly)

It's...it's funny to think of New York as dangerous.

Ellen

All life is dangerous when you come to live it. Don't you think
so, May?

May

I'm so glad you're going back. I've always felt you should. I
never thought I knew you well enough to say it before, but don't
you really think a woman's place is with her husband? She can
do so much for him...even when he doesn't know she's doing it,
We wives all know that.

Ellen

Yes. We know that.

2-59

Ellen

As soon as possible. Next week perhaps.

May

Then I'll see you again. I can't go back to Albany just yet.
I want to be near my doctor. I feel I can't be too careful...
just at first.

Ellen

No. You can't be too careful.

May

(Brightly)

So it isn't goodbye. I'm staying with Mamma. We must give
you a party, dear. I want so much to meet your husband.

(She turns toward the door)

Isn't that Newland's muffler?

(She picks it up)

How absurdly careless of him! I'll take it with me.

Ellen

Will you tell Newland I'm going?

May

Didn't you tell him last night?

Ellen

No. I only made up my mind this morning.

May

Really? I'll miss you so much, dear. We'll all miss you. Poor
Cousin Catherine and Papa and Mamma and, of course, Newland.

I've always said, Ellen, you brought so much into our lives...so
much that was foreign and...and fascinating!

(They are at the door)

Ellen

(Gently)

Did I? You're looking so well, my dear...so very pretty.

May

I'm feeling awfully well.

(She puts up her little pink face to be kissed)

I suppose it's because I'm so happy!

Ellen

(With a smile not quite of this earth)

So am I. I'm so happy for both of you.

(MAY goes out as

THE CURTAIN FALLS

3-2

Mrs. van der Luyden

(At the desk)

There! That's the seating. It's a little difficult when
there's so much family. Your Uncle Sillerton is on my right.
Mr. Beaufort will take you in.

May

(Placidly)

Very well, Mamma. But I don't like him.

Mrs. van der Luyden

Who does? It was your idea to ask him when the Count dropped
out.

May

Ellen suggested it. She always enjoys Mr. Beaufort.

Mrs. van der Luyden

I can't understand why.

May

I think he amuses her.

Mrs. van der Luyden

(Resigned)

Well, if amusement is what people want! I believe in taking
treating seriously. I hope the canvas backs will be
good. Last time Papa thought they were a little rare.

May

What color is the Roman punch?

Mrs. van der Luyden

Pink. To match the roses. We're giving Ellen a very handsome send-off. I hope she appreciates it.

May

I'm afraid she never notices whether things are nice.

Mrs. van der Luyden

Yes, the count is really much more sensitive.

May

Oh, he's a dear! Wait till you see the emeralds he brought
her! I don't know how she ever quarreled with him.

Mrs. van der Luyden

(Tolerantly)

I have no doubt there were faults on both sides.

Van der Luyden

(Entering fussily)

Has any word come from Newland?

3-3

Not yet, Papa.

May

Van der Luyden
There! What did I tell you? We'll be a man short!

(Calmly)
I don't think so, Papa.

May

Van der Luyden
Of course we shall. Ring for Sands.

(May obeys)

My dear, I can't decide whether to give them the 1815 Madeira
or only the '38.

Mrs. van der Luyden
Oh! My dear! The 1815, of course...for Ellen's farewell
dinner.

Van der Luyden
Well, I don't know. I've ordered up the '46 Clos Vougeot,
as it is.

(To the BUTLER who has just
entered)
Mr. Archer isn't coming, Sands. Take away his place.

May
Not yet, Papa! Please! Wait five minutes!

Van der Luyden
Five minutes, Sands. You understand?

Sands
Yes, sir.

Mrs. van der Luyden
Tell Mary to give the ducks exactly a quarter of an hour.
Put them in the oven at eight-ten.

Van der Luyden
Yes, this time I insist on their being right...the blood
just running.

Sands
Very good, sir.
(He turns toward the door)

Van der Luyden
(Making a desperate decision)
And Sands! The 1815 Madeira.

Sands
Yes, sir.
(HE goes out)