## SCENES

Scene 1: Apartment of the Crespos on Riverside Drive, New York. Afternoon. January, 1937.

Scene 2: <u>Corredor</u> of Techoh, the family <u>hacienda</u>, Yucatan. A Sunday afternoon in February.

Scene 3: Dona Candita's bedroom. Half an hour later.

Scene 4: A hemp field, by a Mayan ruin. An hour later.

Scene 5: The hemp mill. That night.

## INTERMISSION

Scene 6: The <u>corredor</u> again, seven months later. October. Six o'clock in the morning.

Scene 7: Inside Beto's <u>Jacal</u>. Noon, two months later. December.

Scene 8: The bedroom again, that night.

## SCENE ONE

### SCENE:

The small living room in the apartment of the Crespo family on Riverside Drive, New York City, an afternoon in January, 1937. The room is crowded with evidences of Yucatan, messy but comfortable. On the walls are family pictures, especially one of Don Alonso Tucro. Outside, it is cold winter. Frost and sleet are at the windows, and the sky is dismal.

DONA CANDITA - the sweet-birdlike mother of the family, sits listening raptly to the vespers music on the radio.

MARUCA, the old servant, comes in, having heard the music from the kitchen.

### Maruca

(With a happy, incredulous smile)

Dona Candita!

### Dona Candita

Sh, Maruca! It is from the Church of the Sorrows. The vespers music.

### Maruca

I could not believe! So beautiful!

(THEY both listen. The music dims down as they talk)

### Dona Candita

Yes, Maruca, it is beautiful. I was there -- in that very church, the same one, this morning. But this is different, it seems to come from far away.

### Maruca

(protesting)

Up the Riverside Drive, it is but a step, Senora. A few blocks only.

### Dona Candita

Farther, farther! Not from New York, this cold, cold country -- this, this -- No, no, the music seems not from here.

### Maruca

It makes the Senora think of Yucatan.

I - 2.

Dona Candita

Yes, home. The Cathedral in the Plaza Grande where we used
to go. So long ago.

Maruca

(comfortingly)

Not so long.

Dona Candita

Too long.

Maruca

Senora. Do not cry. New York is a fine city.

Dona Candita

Yes, it is fine.

Maruca

Your dear husband, your children are here. This is home now.

Dona Candita

Home, yes. I am happy. It has happened like this. It must
be the will of our dear Lord, of the Blessed Virgin. This
morning on the Drive -- at six -- it was snowing -- I gave the
pigeons some scraps of bread from my pocket. They followed
me. I am happy here. I am content.

(She breaks down)

I will go to my room now.

(She gets up)

Maruca

(Touched and distressed)

Dona Candita. Do not be unhappy. You know we cannot go back
to Yucatan. Mexico is in revolution. We would all be
murdered.

Dona Candita

(Smiling, more cheerful)

Maruca -- how far behind you are! They say I am a child --
even my children they laugh at me. I have borne four chil-
dren, and they tell me I have a child's mind! But you -- you
are a little Nina in the cradle, Maruca! The Revolution was
over many, many years ago.

Maruca

Senora!

Dona Candita

Twenty years ago. Even I know that. There is peace in
Mexico.

Maruca

Then why do we stay here?

I - 3.

Dona Candita

My husband, Don Severo, wants to stay. He wants to be a great surgeon.

Maruca

Why?

Dona Candita

Why? Do not ask the ways of men. Men are very strange. In Yucatan, we could be so happy, so happy! And warm, Maruca. It is so warm there now -- with flowers opening at night and miles of the green hemp! I will pray that we go back. I would never do it -- but lately my husband seems to feel all is hopeless, so difficult.

Maruca

I have notice' that.

Dona Candita

He used to walk with a springing step, and his eyes glittered
and he was very proud and joyous. But lately...! Oh, I
think he would leave in a minute! I will pray now -- this
instant

(She starts, remembers, draws out a
little fancy bottle)

Maruca - this morning at the church, I got this holy water.
Just now I sprinkled some about the room here -- and see!
That is why the radio suddenly began to give us the vespers
music! Jazz it was playing before -- very sinful -- swing,
they call it! But a few drops only -- like this -- !

(She sprinkles a little about)

Maruca

Verdad?

Dona Candita

Oh yes, it is so, it is a miracle, Maruca! If I sprinkle now
a little bit of the holy water in my husband's room -- who
knows? Perhaps his heart will be changed, and we can go
back to the Hacienda, back to beautiful Techoh. You think
this is foolish, Maruca?

Maruca

No, no, no, Senora! In that way I cured a toothache last
week. And also a roast can be made to cook in an hour -- I
know this by experience. Of course I believe!

Dona Candita

Dear good Maruca -- you are the only one who understands me.
The others make such fun of me.

Maruca

Senorita Pilar does not make fun of you.

I - 4.

Dona Candita

No. Pilar believes in the Church, as she was taught. But the others!

Maruca

You must not mind the younger ones teasing you.

Dona Candita

I do not mind. I am only afraid for their souls, Maruca. My babies must not be lost. Oh, I must be a very sinful woman to have let my darling children become such mockers and scoffers!

Maruca

You are not sinful.

Dona Candita

Yes - I will pray for them.

Maruca

You needn't pray for <u>la nina Pilar</u>, Senora. <u>She</u> does not scoff.

Dona Candita

No. Pilar is a good girl. She will manage.

Maruca

Her grandfather, Don Alonso Tuero, would be proud of her. Proud!

(She studies Don Alonso's portrait)

The Tueros were a great, great family, Senora! It shows in the face.

Dona Candita

(Coming over)

Pilar is <u>like</u> her grandfather. Her mouth is the same.

Maruca

Her will is the same.

Dona Candita

(With a little laugh)

And her temper! To think such a strong girl should come from such a weak vessel! Truly, it is miraculous, Maruca. I will never get over it.

Maruca

You are laughing, Senora! How good it is to hear!

Dona Candita

(Softly, happily)

I am seeing such things! The flowers under the snow, I can smell them, Maruca! A ship blown into safe harbor, the harbor of Progreso. Sunlight slants and falls -- through clouds, through leaves, upon the floor of the Cathedral. It

I - 5.

Dona Candita (Cont'd.)

touches the face, the pitiful wounds, the body of joy! We
must have something special, something Yucatan for supper
tonight!

Maruca

Si, si, Senora! Si. Frijol con puerco.

Dona Candita

Yes! And the papazul I was making for Sunday! I will go
now -- and sprinkle the holy water.

(GRAZIELA - CHELA - comes in, flinging
aside her coat. She is dark, young,
lively. The radio switches, after a
short muttered announcement, to a
rhumba)

Chela

Mamacita!

(She kisses her rapturously)

Little mother! Look at her, Maruca, she looks about ten --
twelve at most. And the smile! Somebody's been giving her
a new doll.

Dona Candita

Where have you been?

Chela

(mockingly)

"Where have I been?" Rehearsal, baby, rehearsal.

Dona Candita

What is rehearsal?

Chela

It's a very naughty word -- and you wouldn't understand. Oh,
mama -- it's wonderful! I have a dance number -- and I'm to
do a song all by myself -- something like that one. Think
of it!

(She begins to hum and dance to the radio)

Maruca

What's happened to the radio?

(DONA CANDITA merely lifts her hands
and eyes in resignation to the caprices
of heaven, and starts to go. MARUCA
goes out into the kitchen)

Chela

Mama, imagine! I am just an amateur yet they give me a
chance like this! Isn't it wonderful!

(TRINO comes in, drawing materials and

I - 6.

a canvas under his arm. He is dark and
rather shy, a little somber. A sullen
and searching fire is in him.)

Dona Candita

If you are happy, it is wonderful.

(SHE goes out)

Trino

What's wonderful, Chela?

Chela

(Seizing him)

Oh, Trino darling! Berman says I get the job! I'm going
to sing, I'm going to dance!

Trino

Chela! What do you know!

Tell me all about it!

Chela

At the audition I was scared wall-eyed, and my legs knocked.

Whew! Just to think of it!

Trino

I know.

Chela

But it must have been all right, because Berman said, "Honey,
you get the job. Why, kid, you're a combination of Lupe
Velez, Libby Holman, and somebody I met in a whore-house in
Rio." Then he gave me a pat on the fanny and said, "Scram,
beautiful. Come back tomorrow at ten - in shorts."

Trino

Why shorts?

Chela

I don't know. My legs, I guess.

Trino

Sounds tough enough.

Chela

Oh, it's tough, I guess, Trino. But you have to start some-
where. It's a job.

Trino

Yes, honey, you did it.

Now you're going to be famous!

What did I tell you!

Chela

Oh, I don't know, Trino.

It takes a long time and I'm just

starting and -- What's that?

Trino

Just a picture.

I - 7.

Chela
Let's see.

Trino
Flowers.

Chela
Oh, it's beautiful!

Trino
Pretty, I guess. But what of it?

Chela
You're an artist, that's what of it!

Trino
It doesn't seem to matter. With the horrible things going on in the world.

(Genuinely troubled)

This morning -- did you see the headlines? How can Spain go on -- our own people, brothers almost -- how can they have the heart to struggle on against such odds? The Fascist powers allied against them. Bombs from the air tearing them apart. It's sickening!

Chela
Don't think of it, little brother. You can't do anything -- so try to forget it. What does Locher say about you?

Trino
Oh.

Chela
Tell me.

Trino
He says I have talent.

Chela
Of course you have! Hang the picture up, <u>chiquito</u>.

Trino
Where?

Chela
(Pointing to the space where the por-
traits hang)

There. Where we can see it.

Trino
(Doubtfully)
Should I?

Chela
But yes! That's the place for it.

I - 9.

(TRINO moves to obey. PILAR goes over
and snaps off the radio. DONA CANDITA
comes in)

Pilar.

Dona Candita

Where's father?

Pilar

He has not come home yet.

(Seeing the picture on the floor, picking it up - admiringly)

Flowers! Trino!

(She flashes a happy look at Trino, takes
the picture with her, out of the room)

(sullenly)

We were dancing.

Chela

Yes, I saw that.

Pilar

You have no right to shut us up the way you do!

Chela

I haven't said a word to you.

Pilar

You know what I mean!

Chela

I have what rights I can get. So have you. Why don't you
get them? Because you're a weakling -- you're both weak-
lings.

(She hangs up her coat)

I'm sorry if you hate me. But you'll have to think of some-
thing better. I'm used to it - and it makes very little
impression on me. I have other things to think about just
now. Important things.

(DONA CANDITA comes back in)

Mother.

Yes, Pilar.

Dona Candita

You want to go back to Yucatan, don't you, mamacita?

Oh, but yes, Nina!

Dona Candita

I pray for it night and day!

I - 10.

Pilar
We're going. I've had enough.

Dona Candita
Truly?

Pilar
Immediately.

Dona Candita
But your father -- ?

Pilar
He'll agree.

Dona Candita
Oh, I don't think he will.

Pilar
He'll have to.

Dona Candita
He thinks he must stay for a while longer in New York.

Pilar
What do I care what he thinks!

Dona Candita
He's your father.

Pilar
"He's my father." Shall I tell you what he is? A failure --
that's what he is! I'll tell him so!

Dona Candita
(shocked)
Pilar! You wouldn't!

Pilar
I would! I'm going to. Tonight I'll tell him.

Dona Candita
Please don't, Pilar! He'll be angry.

Pilar
What do I care for his anger? Is he God? I'm sick of the
whole mess. It's time something was done! Father won't
make decisions. I will.

Dona Candita
(distressed)
Please, Pilar, baby. You're tired. Don't do anything to
upset him. He'd never forgive you. You know the way
he is.

I - 12.

Pilar

No one's giving orders.

(Gathering her courage)

Oh, don't you see what's in front of your eyes? Everything's going to pieces here.

Don Severo

Be silent!

Pilar

Why do we have to be silent about it? Save your lies for the world. Let's have the truth here at home!

Don Severo

I don't care to hear this.

Pilar

Please, please listen to me. This afternoon I was at the del Hoyos. You should see what's happened to them! The great del Hoyos are trying to be New Yorkers. Their drawing room is full of drunken bums, cheap cafe society, maudlin, jittery imbeciles, just like the rest of New York! The girls drink like fish, Carmela takes heroin. Grace is gone out of them completely, their manners are the manners of pigs, they stink with filth and decay. My God, is that what we're going to turn into? No, no! I won't have it! Look at us. Poor mamacita - her head buried in the Church -- like an ostrich. Look at Trino, thinks he's an artist. Good God, who'd spit on an artist? Grandfather would roll in his grave. And Chela sucking around Broadway with her tongue out after lecherous Jews who might give her a job.

Chela

(Interrupting defiantly)

I've got a job. I've got it!

Pilar

Yes? In what? A lousy tenth-rate Hot-cha show. And Fernando -- hanging around with strikers -- taxi-driving raffraff, and little painted girls from the factories. What does he care about them, anyway? Just a girl to sleep with - and you know it! A God-damned paternalistic condescending Communist the party wouldn't have for a million dollars! Our family -- mother's family at least -- used to amount to something. It can again. But not here. We're going back -- where we came from -- where our roots are, where there's something to live for, something to fulfill!

Don Severo

(troubled)

We're staying here. We can't go back. You don't understand.

Pilar

Oh, I understand you very well, Father. You jumped at

I - 13.

## Pilar (Cont'd.)

the chance to run away from Yucatan in the Revolution -- not to save your life, or the lives of mama and Fernando and me -- Oh no! You were jealous of the Tueros, mama's family, their money and power. You wanted to show them up. You'd get out of the country, you'd flee to New York, study, become a great surgeon, illustrious, world-famous! You'd go back and cut them dead -- or if you spoke at all, you'd deign to bow to them only, with rude arrogance.

Don Severo

Pilar, I forbid you!

## Pilar

(Unheeding, full of smoldering violence, and finally a choked anger)

I was there, don't forget. I was a child - but I remember -- everything! I see every day, every night of that flight from Pueblo to pueblo in the bolan -- Fernando, mother and me -- tossed and pitched till we were black and blue, and dying for food. I see you, papa, very clearly -- your frightened face - riding beside us - like something desperate and hunted. And at night - in the hot dark jungle peace - screwing whatever you could find! Passing on your sickness and incompetence to fill the world, to overwhelm the world and destroy it! For you are sick, and you are incompetent! Oh, I know, mi papa-cito! I've been to the hospital, I've talked with Dr. Easton, and I know. You'll never be a great surgeon. You won't even be passable... You're a failure, a failure! We're all -- all -- failures! It's time we faced it!

(There is a horrible silence. After a moment, PILAR recovers enough to speak)

I'm sorry. It was rotten of me.

Don Severo

(After a moment - huskily)

You've said everything.

Pilar

(brokenly)

Father!

Don Severo

We'll go back. Maybe it's best. For all of us.

Pilar

Just for a year, Father! Let's try it, shall we? It'll be better. I know it will!

Don Severo

I hope so. We'll go Tuesday -- if we can get ready.

I - 15.

Fernando

But I - I - there's a meeting next Thursday. I promised to speak.

Chela

(bitterly)

You won't be able to, Chiquito. Things like that don't count. Pilar wants to go. Pilar!

Fernando

Oh.

Dona Candita

(Blissfully, her face transfigured)

You see, Maruca! What did I say? Only a little holy water - and a lot of faith!

CURTAIN

II - 3.

Cuco

Josefa, shut up! It's lucky you don't belong to me, Beto.

Beto

Yes.

Cuco

I'm going to report you to el Senor Crespo, you know that, don't you?

Beto

As you like.

Cuco

(furiously)

Get out of here, all of you!

An Indian

Are we not to play, Senor?

Cuco

Yes, of course you're to play! When you see them coming. Keep a sharp lookout, too. They'll be here any minute now.

Indians

Si, Senor. We understand. Valdez, go and stand by the gate to warn us.

(The Indians go out)

Cuco

Damned stupid insulting bastard!

Josefa

If you weren't such a softie, Cuco, you'd have taken a whip to him.

(With a knowing look)

Bastard is right, you know that, don't you? Who do you think he looks like, eh, Cuco?

Cuco

What the hell do I care who he looks like?

Josefa

Let's see - Don Severo was a man in the old days, they tell me! 1917, 1937 -- Oh, yes, I see it all! Madre de Dios! That Beto! The Indians are getting so impudent it makes my blood boil!

(She is suddenly overcome with ridiculous fury)

Where _is_ that boy? I'll scratch his eyes out!

Cuco

(Stopping her)

Josefa!

II - 4.

Josefa

(struggling)

I will! Let me go! I'll teach him to be rude to ladies.
I'll teach him!

(CUCO pushes her down into a chair roughly)

Josefa

(In silly consternation)

You pushed me! My own brother!

Cuco

Josefa -- you're a mess.

Josefa

It's a man's world. You're all brutes.

(Cunningly and accusingly)

I know what's got into you, though. You smell a woman coming.
It's Pilar. I know.

Cuco

Listen, you idiot -- I saw Pilar last when she was five years
old, and scrawny as an ant-eater. She's probably buck-
toothed, and ugly as you are, and I wouldn't spit on her
for seaweed.

Josefa

(exasperatingly)

All the same, you've gone to a lot of trouble.

Cuco

Look, Josefa -- we're friends of the Crespo family, and
always have been. The least we can do is try to welcome
them home.

Josefa

You've run their *hacienda* for them for years -- as if it
were your own. Isn't that enough? No, it seems not! This
past week you've practically done the house over for them.
I never saw such scrubbing and digging and white-washing!
Neglecting your business too -- and for what?

Cuco

(absorbed)

Josefa -- do you see that crack in the plaster? A vine had
grown up there and was tearing the house down -- just the way
they do at the ruins of Uxmal. I had it cut down only last
week -- and look at it! Grown a foot already!

Josefa

Don't change the subject. I know what's on your mind. I
always know what's on a man's mind. One thing. Just one.
Well, thank God, the Crespos are a *good* family, anyway.
There's Tuero blood in it. But I predict New York hasn't

II - 6.

Chela

Yes, yes - do as I tell you. And tell the man to wait.

Lucio

Si, senorita.

(He hurries out with them. CHELA nods
to the players, then sees Pilar)

Pilar

(Coming down)
Chela, what is it?

Chela

It's *my* business.

Pilar

But what are you doing?

Chela

Don't mind me. You're home. Enjoy it!

(The other CRESPOS, the SALDIVARS, and
MARUCA come in, calling to the players
as they do so)

Crespos and Saldivars

Gracias, gracias, all! Que bonito! You play very well. That
will do for the present. Later, you can play some more. Etc.

Don Severo

(When they are in)

Cuco, I wouldn't have known you. You must have been about
nine when I saw you last.

Cuco

Eleven, Senor.

Don Severo

A little boy, I needn't tell you how grateful I am for everything you've done.

(DONA CANDITA goes to Pilar, hugs her
ecstatically, beaming with childish
happiness)

Cuco

I've served myself, too, Don Severo. An overseer's salary
is something to have in these times.

Don Severo

Yes, I suppose so. You and your sister will stay for supper,
of course.

Josefa

Con mucho gusto, Don Severo.

II - 8.

Beto

Dead, Senor.

Don Severo

(Almost inaudible now)

I see.

(He rouses himself to his duty)

You can go now. In future, be careful to obey. This time I
won't punish you.

(TRINO, seeing the implications of the
scene, goes over to Beto, holds out
his hand)

Trino

My name is Trino.

(BETO looks, in quiet surprise. After
a moment he takes the proffered hand)

Beto

Gracias.

(PILAR gasps indignantly. JOSEFA looks
angrily, but triumphantly at Cuco. In
the shocked silence, BETO goes out)

Pilar

You don't have to give your hand to an Indian!

Trino

(With quiet significance)

I think you do. I think so.

Pilar

Don't talk nonsense!

Dona Candita

In Merida, as we came through - there was the Cathedral.

(They all look at her rapt expression)

I had to stop and give thanks. And here -- the way I have
dreamed it. Flowers and music ... the cattle at the drink-
ing trough as before ... the soft air ... home ... my
family ... God is good...

(Her eyes cloud with tears. She sits
down)

Pilar

(Going to her)

Mother, dear.

Dona Candita

(ashamed)

Don't mind me. I am happy. Maruca, go and see about --

No --

II - 9.

Dona Candita (Cont'd.)

(She gets up)
I'll come with you.

Don Severo
Candita can't wait to get back to her kitchen.

Dona Candita
Charcoal is best for cooking. Uhhh!
(She shudders)

The smell of gas -- I can forget it now.
(SHE and MARUCA start out)

Chela
Mother, please. Just a -- I have something to say.

(MARUCA disappears)

Fernando
(Half-derisively, but good-naturedly)
Flowers, music, home!

Chela
Be quiet, Fernando. This is hard for me to do, hard for me
to speak. I ask you to forgive me beforehand if I hurt
anybody.

Dona Candita
Why, child!

Don Severo
What is it, Chela?

Chela
(Troubled, but resolved)
You know I had a job when we left New York so suddenly. I
didn't want to come. I had to agree. There was nothing else
for me to do, because somebody has always told me what to do,
made up my mind for me. I knew there was nothing here for
me, I'd never have a chance to make a life for myself. I
was right. I don't like it here and I'm not going to stay!

Dona Candita
But Chelita, see, it is beautiful, you will come to love it.

Chela
No, I won't. I hate it already. Something horrible hangs in
the air! I'm afraid!

Don Severo
Make her lie down and rest. She's upset. Please excuse her,
Cuco. You know how it is.

Dona Candita
You're tired, Chelita. The trip. Oh, that boat! I too can
feel it still!

II - 10.

Chela

(Febrile and tortured)

I'll never like it here. Hemp, hemp, nothing but hemp and
horizon and sky! No hill to go over, no vista to hope for.
It's so open, it shuts you in because no barrier is in sight.
But the barriers are there, just the same! The miles that
stretch out and out till your mind cracks to think of them!
And if you escape the miles -- the sea and the jungle. Rest-
less and crawling and fetid and menacing. It's awful!

Pilar

Why do you want to escape? Everything is here -- everything!

Chela

If there's something inside you you like, you can bear it.
I hate everything I am, every thought I ever conceived, every-
thing I ever did. It's *myself* I want to get out of!

Pilar

You're sick.

Chela

Yes, it's sickness, if you like. But I'll cure it -- or die
of it -- in my own way. That way isn't to be found here.

Pilar

And where will you find it, do you think?

Chela

Havana.

Pilar

Havana!

Chela

(defiantly)

Yes, Havana!

Pilar

(outraged)

The sink of the world, for God's sake!

Chela

I don't care.

Pilar

And what will you do in that pestilential sewer, tell me that?

Chela

Work.

Pilar

Doing what?

II - 11.

Chela

You all saw the man on the boat I talked to a great deal. I introduced him. Carlos Rivas.

Pilar

My God!

Chela

Save your "My Gods", Pilar! He's as good family are you are, if that's what worries you.

Pilar

The Rivases don't even mention his name. Carlos! That slick, pomaded little pimp!

Chela

He offered me a job in Havana before he got off the boat. He begged me to get off the boat with him. He says I have talent.

Pilar

Talent! My God! Brainless innocence! Don't you know yet there are just two careers open to Latin women? Only two! Marriage or prostitution. Take your pick. I guess you've taken it. It can't be marriage our little perfumed friend offers you. He'll put you in a house -- don't you know that? I hope it's a swell one -- with a good bed, and a high-class trade. **Políticos** or nothing, put your foot down. It's important to be high-class!

Chela

(furiously)

I'll remember, Pilar! And perhaps someday I'll ask you to visit me in my red plush parlor, and offer you a shot of **tequila** and a reefer.

(subsiding)

It's not that kind of a job. I have a contract to sing in a cabaret. It's good any time for two weeks... It's signed.

(She brings it out. PILAR takes it, tears it in two pieces, and throws it on the floor. CHELA picks it up)

A torn contract is still a contract. You wouldn't know that.

Dona Candita

Chela, my little one. I was so happy.

Chela

I'm sorry, **mamacita**!

Dona Candita

Once you had a baby brother. He was ill of pneumonia. He suffered so. You don't remember. At the ninth day they told me he would live. He smiled at me. Yes, he winked at me from his cradle! His dear bright eyes! Picture my joy. That night -- he died. Picture my grief. On the heels of joy, death, dark wings.

II - 12.

Chela

Mother, trust me!

Don Severo

I can't tell you not to go, Chela. I can't tell you not to
break your mother's heart.

Pilar

I can tell her! She's not going. Cuco, please run and tell
the man to take the bags out of the car again.

Trino

Cuco, don't do it! You have no right to interfere!

Pilar

Neither do you. Oh, this is bad enough -- and outsiders to
see it! Can't you hold your tongue?

Cuco

I'm not an outsider, Pilar. Don't think of me that way.

Pilar

But the talk! The talk! This isn't New York.

Cuco

No one will talk.

(He looks sharply at his sister)

No one.

Pilar

Thank you, Cuco. Give me a cigarette.

Cuco

(Offering them)

You're trembling.

(He lights her cigarette)

Dona Candita

(Not wanting to hear any more)

I'll go now. Supper must be --

Pilar

Wait, mother. Chela - once and for all - do you want to
disgrace us?

Chela

Myself only.

Pilar

That's ridiculous and you know it! We'll be the joke of
Merida! We still have to hold up our heads. Someone has to.

Trino

You'll do that, Pilar! You - you only. For all of us!
That's the way it will end.

II - 13.

Pilar

(struck)

No, no, I can't. Is everybody against me? You can't do this
to me!

Trino

We'd all run if we had the courage. I would. Fernando
would, too.

Fernando

Leave me out of it! I'll do my own talking.

Chela

(gently)

Pilar, I'm sorry for you. It's the first time in my life.
I've always been afraid of you. Try to think as well of me
as you can.

Pilar

Well, go -- if you're going. Why do you stand there?

Chela

I'm not going at your orders, Pilar. I've chosen to go.

Pilar

Get it over with, then.

Chela

(Like a child)

Yes. Will anyone see me off? Will anyone wave to me from
the portal?

Trino

Yes, honey.

Chela

(Tears welling up in her eyes)

Thank you.

(She and TRINO go off. After a moment,
DON SEVERO goes gravely too. At this,
DONA CANDITA, who has been afraid he
won't, but who hasn't dared make the
move, hurries off after him. Next
FERNANDO goes.

PILAR turns to look. CUCO is watching
her. Then she goes quietly, firmly,
into the house. CUCO stares after her,
like a man struck dumb)

Josefa

Whew!

(She goes and throws herself, fat and
ridiculous and acid, into the hammock)

["II - 14.", "Josefa (Cont'd.)", "A nest. Veritably a nest! Oh, the smell! I'm ill! Wait,\ntill I tell this in Merida.", "Cuco", "She's beautiful... and alone. My God, courage!", "Josefa", "A woman is supposed to keep her mouth shut, except to say\n"Yes".", "(sitting up)", "Would you look at a girl who smokes in public, swears in pub-\nlic, wears her hair like a harlot, and doesn't know the way\ndecent women are supposed to behave? Would you?", "(No answer from CUCO)", "They say such women will do anything.", "(in disgust)", "What is it about a man - every man - ? The minute they see\na cheap woman -- itch, itch, itch! - all over the place!", "Cuco", "Be quiet, Josefa.", "Josefa", "I won't be quiet! Would you marry a girl whose brother shakes\nhands with Indians, and whose sister is a cabaret singer, or\nworse?", "Cuco", "Certainly. I intend to.", "Josefa", "You wouldn't dare.", "(She throws herself back in the hammock)", "Cuco", "Wait and see.", "(He goes over, in a burst of high\nspirits)", "Wait -- wait and see, Josefa!", "(He gives the hammock a terrific push)", "Josefa", "(Swinging wildly, in consternation)", "Cuco! You're murdering me!", "CURTAIN"]

III - 2.

Pilar

Pray sometime for me.

Dona Candita

But I do -- all the time, Pilar. What is it?

Pilar

I feel very low and hateful.

(She goes to her Mother for comfort,
kneels down, her head in Dona Can-
dita's lap)

Dona Candita

You!

Pilar

Yes. I've driven Chela away.

Dona Candita

But no, that is nonsense. She wanted to go.

Pilar

I didn't even say "goodbye" to her.

Dona Candita

Never mind.

Pilar

I was despicable of me, and I feel sick about it. I only
mean to do right for us all. And look at the way it makes
me act. There must be something wrong with me.

Dona Candita

Nothing is wrong, Pilar. You are a Tuero - truly. You must
do what has to be done.

Pilar

Yes, I forced us all to come back here. If I hadn't, we
wouldn't have lost Chela like this. It's like a warning.
I feel it.

Dona Candita

Now see, Pilar, that is all you know. It was the will of
Heaven that sent us back. The Blessed Virgin was at work to
do good to us. I know exactly how it happened.

(She smiles at her secret)

Pilar

(Getting up, still troubled)

Was it a mistake, maybe, just the same?

Dona Candita

Oh no, Pilar. How could it be? God does not make mistakes.

III - 3.

Pilar

(Trying to shake off her dark premonition)

At any rate, you are glad to be here, aren't you, Mama?

Dona Candita

Glad? It is Heaven almost.

Pilar

(Grasping at every straw)

And Father. He seems already ten years younger.

Dona Candita

Yes, he does! Have you notice'? In a week, you won't know
him. He will be like the dashing young doctor I married.

Such good food we will give him to eat!

Pilar

But Chela's gone.

Dona Candita

She'll come back.

Pilar

Changed, mother, don't you think?

Dona Candita

All is change. Except the true heart. Chela's heart is true
and good.

Pilar

The boys don't like it here either. I feel it.

Dona Candita

It is strange to them now. But Fernando was born here, he
will begin to remember things his baby eyes looked on. And
Trino will come to love it, as we do.

(She goes to Pilar)

Don't worry, Pilar. You -

(chidingly)

- are a little child to worry about such grown-up matters.

Pilar

(Looking about)

There they all are. Watching us.

Dona Candita

Yes. Just the same. When we fled - twenty years ago - they
were there - there was no time to pack them. And there they
are still - to welcome us home.

Pilar

Do they believe in us, or are they waiting to see how puny
the blood stream has become after all?

Dona Candita

Their eyes are on us with hope.

III - 4.

Pilar

They look a little grim to me just now.

Dona Candita

They never have before. You used to look at them by the
hour. See, <u>chiquita</u>, there is your great uncle, Jose, smiling
away with his young bride. Nothing is grim about that!

Pilar

No, Mother.

Dona Candita

And there is you, Pilar, with your curls. You were very
pretty. Everybody adored you. I had a hard time keeping you,
they all wanted you so! You were a Tuero from the first. You
were such a little princess -- with your imperious ways! What
is that little girl in the wicked pictures that talk?

Pilar

Shirley Temple.

Dona Candita

Yes. Oh, you were a little Shirley Temple -- only an aristocrat! You were like the little Princess Elizabeth of England -- and you knew your place, too! Such a fuss we made over you! Such orders you gave ... such storms of anger! It makes me laugh to think of! Once when you were little - not yet three - we let you take some flowers in to your grandfather, Alonso. He had company with him, if you please -- the great Don Porfirio Diaz himself! They sent me a message, written out -- "The little Pilar you will have all your life. Let us keep her for a week." And a big seal, with ribbons! What could I do? When you came home -- it was in a cart with two tiny ponies. And you wore a little lace dress from Paris. There you are!

(She studies the picture with pleasure)

Pilar

(Quietly, absorbed, not looking)

Why is this, mama? If you look about you closely -- no
matter who you are -- what the circumstances of your life
are -- it makes you afraid. Only if you look back is the
heart truly joyous. Where must one look, then?

Dona Candita

Joy and pain -- in the past, are all one -- and the color
of delight. It is safe to rest the eyes there. But in the
present -- try to look only at pleasant things. If things
are not pleasant, look to the Church. Time passes then,
and the knife-cut in the bleeding flesh is only a slight
scar, and the memory of life lived.

Pilar

(restlessly)

It's the way of a child. It's <u>your</u> way, Mama. I don't want to be a child.

III - 6.

Pilar

I've barely met the man.

Dona Candita

All the same, you've seen him. And he likes you. He has his
own business, too - the cigar factory - money. And you know
who the family is. It's enough.

Pilar

(thoughtfully)

I could give myself to a man, I think. But I shouldn't care
to marry one for life.

Dona Candita

Holy Mother of God - don't think such thoughts!

(She snatches her little bottle of holy
water, and sprinkles some about the room)

Pilar

I'm sorry. You're shocked.

Dona Candita

In my own bedroom, to hear such sentiments!

Pilar

(Amused and charmed by her mother)

Mother - you're like a little bird!

(She hugs her tenderly)

How did you get to be so good?

Dona Candita

Oh, it is not so. I am a very wicked creature.

(PILAR laughs)

Pilar

You're a sweet. In this room - I am at home. Why is that?

Is it you - or the room?

Dona Candita

You were born here.

Pilar

You were a bride here. Look - here you are dressed for your
wedding - with that angel face.

Dona Candita

(Looking - carried back)

Severo was so handsome. And is still. The girls were all
after him, I can tell you!

(And then she sees what forbidden
topics she has strayed into. Her
eyes go down quickly)

III - 7.

Pilar

Yes, I know.

(She looks at her mother, who turns away)

I - I didn't mean to remind you.

Dona Candita

(Distressed and loyal)

Please, Pilar! Severo has always been a good husband to me.

Pilar

Of course, mother.

(Looking now at the picture of herself
in the pony cart... to drop the pain-
ful subject)

Now would you believe it! Is *that* what I looked like in the
pony cart?

Dona Candita

Exactly.

Pilar

I remember the ponies. One of them used to follow me for
sugar. This one, I think. That's a cute little face -- the
Pilar that was - for heaven's sake. And look at me now!

Dona Candita

(gravely)

I am looking at you, baby. I see our future in your face.
You are strong -- and your eyes have a light in them.

(Light again)

Your own mother admires you -- which in this day and age they
tell me is a miracle.

Pilar

(touched and happy)

Mother, you make me feel so good, so far from evil! I could
conquer the world. I am happier than I've ever been - since
I was a child. I won't fail you, *mamacita!*

(FERNANDO bursts into the door, excited
and jittery with pleasure about something)

Fernando

Mother!

Dona Candita

Yes, Fernando.

Fernando

Do you remember your old friend, Amira Lujan?

Dona Candita

Amira? Is she here?

III - 8.

Fernando

(Stopping her)

No, mother, listen. She's sent her daughter -- with a
message. She and the <u>nana</u> have just driven out.

Dona Candita

Amira's daughter - imagine! I'll come at once.

Fernando

Let her come here -- the daughter.

Dona Candita

But my room -- the mess! I've not unpacked.

Fernando

Please, <u>mamsie</u>!

Dona Candita

Why is this? Why?

Fernando

They're all there talking in the <u>corredor</u>. The Saldivars too.
She's shy with them. Let me bring her here, <u>mama</u>, please!

Dona Candita

Very well, then. Only --

Fernando

You blessed little thing!

(He kisses his mother ecstatically,
and then in an excess of good spirits
hugs Pilar)

I'll get her!

(He hurries out)

Pilar

(gaily)

It's all working out! Mother, you were so right. Fernando's
himself again.

(She is hurrying out)

Dona Candita

Where are you going?

Pilar

There's something I must do. I've been spiteful and mean to
Trino. I'll make it up with him. We're the same blood.

He'll love me again, won't he, <u>mama</u>? I'll make him. I'm
tired of discord. I'll humble myself if I have to. Then
we'll all be together again!

(She hurries out happily)

(DONA CANDITA straightens a few things
quickly. FERNANDO brings in NINON, a
pretty girl, but common, with extreme

III - 10.

Ninon

(bursting out)

You'll understand only too well after you've been here twenty-four hours! Things aren't the same as --

(Then, seeing Dona Candita, her old face, her gray hair)

You - you're older than I thought you'd be.

Dona Candita

The years leave their traces.

Ninon

That used to be the rule, all right.

Dona Candita

Your mother is my age exactly.

Ninon

Oh, but you'd never believe it! You wouldn't know mother, if she stood right here in front of you.

(Bursting out spitefully)

She runs me a race, I can tell you! Practically swipes the boys from under my nose. Her hair blackened and red on her nails -- even her toes -- !

Dona Candita

Red on her toes?

Ninon

And no stockings just to show them off. You know - like the girls in the technicolor pictures.

Dona Candita

The girls here in Merida like that? I thought only in New York... the big cities of the world.

Ninon

Only mother is like that, Mrs. Crespo. My God, even I don't paint my toenails! I'm not that low.

(bitterly)

The mighty Iujans have gone to the dogs - you may as well know now as later, Mrs. Crespo. Oh, when we had money, they forgave us being a little unconventional! But it's quite different now. The old dames don't visit us any more -- which I can tell you is a relief to me. The vicious old gossip-mongers! We're beyond the tracks -- as they say in the States - and nobody - nobody who is anybody -- would be caught dead speaking to us. Now -- there it is!

Dona Candita

I see. Your poor mother. And no friend to comfort her. Tell her I'll come to see her - tomorrow.

Ninon

They all say that -- but they never come.

IV - 2.

Beto

There is strong blood in your veins.

Trino

No, Beto, not in mine. Listen, Beto, my grandfather was a tyrant, an oppressor. It's no wonder he was at home here. Slaves to command - to torture if it pleased him - forcing them to work like beasts to fill his own money-bags. Women slaves to enjoy at night. The rich gluttonous old Spanish bastard! It's no wonder he was just like that with that old despot, Don Porfirio Diaz. They were birds of a feather. You should hate them -- hate us all -- hate me.

Beto

We don't hate. We Mayans have never hated.

Trino

It would be better if you had. Look at these ruins - at the ruins of Chichen Itza, Uxmal -- a dozen cities, their walls down, their story in dust. The Toltecs crushed and buried your temples under their own. The Spaniards came, and put yokes around your necks, hating your freedom and your beauty. A little hate would have saved you. The *machete* was in your belt - and you wouldn't use it!

Beto

Hate kills the people it inhabits.

Trino

And the people it's directed against, Beto?

Beto

No, we don't die. Trino. A horse, covered with iron to protect him, his feet sharp shod, his nostrils snorting, goes into battle. Against what? Nothing. No enemy. What happens? He sinks in the spongy grass, the marsh. The *cenote* filled with reeds and rushes swallows him. Nothing has happened. All is as it was before.

Trino

Do you like your lot, then?

Beto

We bear it. We are grass.

Trino

Trampled underfoot, bruised and bleeding - you bear it!

Beto

Yes.

Trino

And you -- you personally, Beto -- do you like your lot?

Beto

Who am I -- personally?

IV - 3.

Trino

Flesh and bone! Hope in you -- or not in you!

Beto

I don't know such words.

I work. That's all I know.

Trino

You should hope and struggle and fail -- and rise up and
fight and conquer!

Beto

What should I conquer?

Trino

The earth.

Beto

(With a mounting asperity)

Like your ancestors. And what happens after they conquer?
They decay. Look at those haughty ones and wonder. Look
at yourself. Who are you to instruct me?

Trino

Don't be offended, Beto. If you are not my friend, I have
no friend.

(BETO looks at him quietly a moment,
then turns away)

Beto

(softly)

We have no right to be friends.

Trino

Why not?

Beto

I feel it.

Trino

I am white and you are Indian. And this is Mexico. Is
that it?

Beto

Perhaps.

Trino

But the land is yours - soon, Beto. The government is giving
it back to you. They have said so.
(gently)

I ask for your friendship. You are my superior.

Beto

You think of high and low. You are not to be trusted.

## SCENE FIVE

### SCENE:

The hemp mill, that night after supper. Moonlight. Under a shed, on a platform reached by steps, is the simple machine with its belt and claws and hopper, where the hemp is shredded before drying. Down front, at one side, a tiny car, on its tracks, is loaded with green hemp. Beyond the mill and the open shed can be seen the hemp fields in the moonlight. The reddish glow of an open fire is inside the shed.

Sitting or sprawling on the hemp mill and on the platform and floor are Indians, the inevitable machetes in their belts. Two of them are twanging away at guitars. They are all singing a rousing song.

BETO, TRINO and FERNANDO are listening. The song finishes. Shouts of all. The mood is high and excited.

Beto, Trino, Fernando

(During the hubbub)

Hurray, hurray!

Trino

Sing it again! Again!

Fernando

(Who has been drinking)

Yes, again! Or something else! The Alma y Vida. I'll give you presents. I'll give you wine!

Trino

It isn't yours to give.

Fernando

So?

Trino

(sharply)

No! Nor theirs to accept! They have better stuff to drink!

Fernando

What have they got?

V - 3.

(The Indians begin to play loudly.
The brothers subside)

(PILAR and CUCO hurry in gaily, followed
by the breathless JOSEFA)

Pilar

Fernando!

Fernando

(sulkily)

Well?

Pilar

The de la Sornas are giving a party at their <u>hacienda</u>. They
have an orchestra from Cuba, <u>bals de carnets</u>, punch and
champagne, everything!

Fernando

Let them have it.

Pilar

(gaily)

I wouldn't stop them! I can hear the music -- the gaiety!
Aren't you even interested?

Fernando

(Snapping his fingers)

Not that much.

Pilar

Oh, but you will be, when you hear! We're all invited.
Josefa says so. Isn't it so, Josefa?

Josefa

They gave me the message. "Invite all the Crespos", they
said. They're full of curiosity to see you.

Fernando

Let them die of it.

Josefa

What?

Fernando

Let them die of it. I'm not going.

Pilar

But Fernando. I can't go without you, without someone.

Fernando

What's the matter with Cuco?

Pilar

I have to have a chaperon. A brother, at least.

V - 4.

Fernando

Why?

Pilar

(With good-natured raillery)

It's the custom, silly. He thinks he's in the States.

Fernando

I know damn well I'm not in the States.

Pilar

(At his angry manner)

What is it, Fernando?

Fernando

(And now it's out)

Is Ninon invited? Is she? Is her mother, Amira Lujan, invited?

Pilar

I don't know. I'm sure, I --

Josefa

No, they're not, I can tell you!

Fernando

No, of course not. And why is that? Tell me why? The Lujans aren't good enough, is that it?

Josefa

Nobody invites the Lujans any more. Those awful people! It isn't done. Good families wouldn't think of having them in their house.

Fernando

To hell with them, then!

And you, too!

Cuco

Hey, now!

(Then genially and kiddingingly)

Oh, so there is the wind and where it blows! Ninon. I noticed you casting your eyes at the little Ninon all during supper. But of course you couldn't have known about her -- or you'd have restrained your animal instincts.

Fernando

I know everything about her -- everything.

Cuco

That I seriously doubt. My innuendos at supper ought to have informed you.

Fernando

You didn't have to be rude to her, my fine Senor! Nor you