A garden. Overgrown. Bitter.
A gate ajar baring its secrets
to the cruel air.
A woman enters from the doorway
of the old stone house, that is
half hidden by unkempt vines.
As she approaches, a man, who has
been lying beside the little pool,
raises his head from his folded
arms.

The Woman.
I will do what you want. I will let you go, ... or
I will go. I have decided.

The Man.
sitting up.
Now that you have said that, I don't know what I want.
I don't want to give up the house and garden. It has
so much that is bone of my bone. I built so much of
it with my bare hands.

The Woman.
I know. With my bare hands, I dug the garden.

The Man.
If you go; ... where would you go?

The Woman.
Into the world. Into life. You have shut me off from
life. I would go to that place. try to find it.

The Man.
Do you remember when we came here? Is it so short a
time we have borne this bitterness? We came here joy-
ful...free...in love. In love!

The Woman.
I never loved you.

2.

The Man.

hurt.

Oh, yes. Oh, yes....don't you remember how you loved
me? And how finally you fell asleep here in my arms,
and the moon came up?

The Woman.

I never loved you.

The Man.

And the moon shone in your face, and you were beautiful.

She is beautiful as she remembers,
but he does not look at her.
As he continues to speak the
mask returns.

Why were you so beautiful? Where has it gone, that light
I used to see in your face? Why did we buy this land?
I have already forgotten.

The Woman.

You wanted to make a garden where I had slept in your
arms.

The Man.

Were we ever here before this hour?

The Woman.

No. This could not be the spot.

The Man.

drawing a painted stick
from the earth.

Look! Here is the stick I drove in that night, lest we
miss the place.

The Woman.

It was not here. It was not you. It was not us! It was
not us!

The Man.

I remember, I tell you.

3.

The Woman.

I have forgotten. Between that hour and this stand the broken years. Perhaps I never knew...there is nothing in me that glows at your words. Let me go now, and this is over...is done.

The Man.

How can I stand it here without you? I will go, and you shall stay.

The Woman.

Oh, no! Oh, no! I have lost everything here. I could not stay. You know why I cannot stay.

The Man.

Can't you let me forget that?

The Woman.

How can you forget it? I live it...sleep it...eat it with tears. Betrayal...betrayal! I never betrayed you!

The Man.

Would God you had! Then you'd understand. Then you'd have some pity.

The Woman.

Ah, yes, I pity you. I pity both of us, that had this lovely thing and lost it. My arms are doubly empty that have no child, ...and no lover!

The Man.

You did not want me.

The Woman.

You never looked at me to see if I wanted you.

The Man.

You, too, were looking elsewhere. While I sat watching in that room, not daring to heave...not daring to move... the essence of all I sought to hold escaped. Escaped slowly, never to be recaptured.

The Woman.

You did not speak.

The Man.

I had no words.

4.

The Woman.

You should have searched your heart, and torn them
out to help me.

Perhaps The Man.

Perhaps. I only know I would have more of you with
3000 leagues between us than I have now. . than I
have had since then. Truly, Truly, he that keeps
his own soul must lose it! It is not by watching
that the thing is done.

The Woman.

Talk! Talk! You have words enough now when I have
no need of you. Go to your woman across the hills..
your black-haird bird! And breed yourself an army
of children. What do I care?

The Man.

I will!

He springs up angrily.

I will go somewhere. Anywhere!

The Woman.

To her?

The Man.

How can I dare? What have you left me?

He goes into the house.
The Woman sits on the low
stone bench, her arms around
her knees, brooding.

A Gypsy enters.

The Woman.

Who are you? What do you want?

The Gypsy.

I come again.

9.

The Woman.

I cannot.

The Gypsy.

He may come back. Do not do what you think of doing.

The Woman.

Will it stop him?

The Gypsy.

Yes, it will stop him....but you will have to finish out
your story. You cannot leave it so unended!

The Woman.

How can I?

The Gypsy.

One day....one day of spring you will remember....and that day
be given to you. All those who by their own desire break
their stories before they are ended, are given one day to
return and finish them. If you are patient you will have many
days.....if you are rash you have but that one day, that
you cannot choose, that you may not refuse.

The Woman.

One day...that I cannot choose, that I may not refuse...
I wonder!

The Gypsy.

Wonder, lady. It is what the stars are made of. It last
longer than love.

The Woman.

Tell me Gypsy, will I have the courage to do what is in
my mind?

The Gypsy.

I will not tell you that.

The Woman.

Do you know?

The Gypsy.

I think that I do.

The Woman.

Then I am answered. I could give you another gold coin
Gypsy.

10.

The Gypsy.

Why should you? I have told you all I know.

The Woman.

It is not knowledge I want. It is peace. Have you the
instrument of peace?

The Gypsy.

I do not know what you want.

The Woman.

thrusting out her hands.

Does it not say there? There? Is it not written on my face?

Look Gypsy...I want this!

She seizes the handle of
a dagger that the Gypsy wears
thrust into the bodice of her
low cut dress.

The Gypsy.

I will not give you that.

The Woman.

Here is money. ...gold and silver.

The Gypsy.

Would you trade for it the little silver coin.

The Woman.

My passport to Paradise. Why not? Wait!

She goes in taking the knife
with her. The gypsy dances,
a strange swaying sinister
motion, as she hums an old
tune.
The Man enters. The Gypsy still
dances.

The Gypsy.

Come be gypsy, sir.

The Man.

I couldn't dance your tune. I've a tune of my own. Dance
to this.

11.

He whistles a rolicking air,
and she dances gaily, flirtatiously.

The Man.

It looks easy. I'll take a turn or two myself.

They dance.

No, Stop a minute. Is it fortunes you tell?

The Gypsy.

Oh, no. I am a peddler, sir. I come from the caravan of Tarmee, with things to sell.

The Man.

What things?

The Gypsy.

Peace, and advice, and escape.

The Man.

Don't talk riddles. Have you anything to sell?

The Gypsy.

Yes, that I have. See.

She unwraps a kerchief that she takes from her stocking.

A ruby. Could you buy?

The Man takes it between thumb and forefinger, examines it.

The Man.

Looks real enough. Where does it come from?

The Gypsy.

From the East.. from far away over many mountains. You want.. huh? You want so much to see it lie on her little white throat?

The Man.

No thank you.

Gives it back.

The Gypsy.

Such a young thing loves jewels. You not make her happy? Look! Give me six gold pieces and that is yours.

The Man.

Stolen..

The Gypsy.

angrily.

Why do you say so?

12.

The Gypsy.
angrily.

Why do you say so?

The Man.
Because that is too cheap.

The Gypsy.
Not too cheap if I make a friend of you. Kind sir, you buy?

The Man.
No.

The Gypsy.
Maybe you like better the gay innocent little tourmalines?

She loosens a string from
her neck.

The Man.
No thanks, not today.

The Gypsy.
Not even for her, the pale face one, your wife? You make
her one last gift?

The Man.
troubled.
Why do you say that?

The Gypsy.
I see. You save all for your long journey.

The Man.
Why..

The Woman returning looks
levelly at the Man.

The Woman.
coldly.

Oh! ... Here Gypsy. Here is your coin. We will not need
you any more.

The Man.
Are you buying something?

insert page 14.

## The Woman.

Nothing. Nothing.

She looks at some little
flower growing at her feet.

Nothing alive but a wake robin. Poor little wake robin!
What lured you to such a dismal place?

She moves along the path,
then tears a flower from a
plant.

Love lies Bleeding! This was aptly named.

## The man.

There used to be such quantities of Sweet Sultan.

## The Woman.

Oh, yes. You wore the first one I ever gave you in your coat
nearly a week. Sorry there are none now. I should give
you one for your journey. When are you going?

15.

She wanders about the garden
looking at it for the last time.
She touches the shrubs, and
tears with her fingers at the
gentle old tree, so drowsy in
the afternoon sun.

## The Woman.

Oh, wither, wither and die, that there may be no
beauty again in this corner of the earth. Garden,
that was fed from my heart, vanish forever, as my
youth has vanished. Hateful shrubs put forth no
green leaves ever again. Be dusty as my heart,
O once beloved spot! O, lovely fragrant earth!
O, Moon, put out your light when passing here...
Here may you see only death and desolation!

She takes the stilletto
from her bosom.

O, tree! Shelter no more lovers under your shimmer-
ing leaves, lest they should end, as I now end!

She wanders out of sight, but
we hear the rustle of her fall,
and the red petals of the flower-
ing shrub, scatter over the walk
and drift across the pool.
Then all is still.
The Man comes out of the house,
knapsack in hand.
When he reaches the little bend
in the walk he stands in horror.
Then he bends down as

## The Curtain Falls.

2.

The Man.

who knows the real
reason the other will not
enter.

You're a busy man aren't you? Never yet have you had a
moment to come in and look around. You know you promised
to give me some tips on my roses. I've had no success
with roses for years. They used to be so full of bloom.
Come on in. The garden will not harm you.

XXXXXXXX Adam.

takes a step in, pauses,
and then blurts out,

There are those as say different.

The Man.

What? What do they say?

ADAM

XXXXXXXX

I don't believe it... They only say it on account
of that Gypsy funeral you had for your lady. Set their
flesh creeping to hear those songs they sung winding away
over hill and valley. Some folk hearx 'em still
on quiet nights...

The Man.

Hear what?

Adam

XXXXXXXX.

Hear the songs for the dead, the way they sung them that
night, winding away over the hills to Tarmee..

The Man.

Well, I dare say they hear the gypsies passing by.

Adam

XXXXXXXX.

No gypsy has been seen in these parts for years. Not
since that night, sir. Not since that warm fair night, when
the stars hung so low a man could have plucked them from
the sky with his naked hand. Oh, sir, I'll ne'er forget
that night. I hid in the bushes to watch them go past...
And they never came back again.

The Man.

Someone told me yesterday that he had seen the gypsies
outside of Silver Hollow, at sunrise, walking the road
and headed this way.

5.

Then he hears the strange
Gypsy air that they sang
the night they carried The
Woman away. He sinks back
upon his knees, and covers
his face with his hands.

The Gypsy whom we have seen
before comes quietly through
the gate.

The Gypsy.
Ho, Man! They are singing for you.

The Man.
Tell them to go away!

The Gypsy.
You have something for us?

The Man.
No.

The Gypsy.
You buy?...Look!

She opens her kerchief and shows
him gems. He shakes his head.
The song outside changes, into
a gay

Can you still dance?

He shakes his head.

We have come for you! Come along/ The road is free. The road is wide, and there is deep forgetfulness upon the hills in the sun.

The Man.
I must stay here until the garden blooms.

The Gypsy.
You are a man made to be walking the roads of the world.
Living the life of the camp with the sky for a roof...
lighting yourself to your bed, with the stars hung on
pine trees... standing like a birch tree beside the still
stream where we go to bathe.. You would dive without
frightening the fishes... like a true gypsy.. You would
see the year turn.. lying in the free meadows with the
autumn set like a flower garden upon the hills. There
you lie blowing milkweed silk into the blue sky, with your
freedom in your heart. What are the four walls

6.

The Gypsy. [continued]

of a garden to the glories of the earth? If you seek walls,
we can take you to the walled cities set on secret hills...
little lost cities, that even the people who live there
never see. Towns set high on the rocky hills. We know all
the secret passages and the deep vaults cut down into the
mountain, where half the jewels of the world are hid. These
things we would show you.

The Man.

Why?

The Gypsy.

Because you are a lonely man, and we are solitary people.
Long ago I lost my true love.

The Man.

Ah! Would I make you less lonely?

The Gypsy.

Alas! I cannot read my own fate.
One can only hope!

looking into her hand.
She smiles suddenly.

The Man.

I know my fate. Memory...and regret.

The Gypsy.

No, you do not. You will forget these years as though they
had never been. You'll see. Your mind will be wiped clean
of sorrow, like a sponge passing across a child's slate.

The Man.

Death?

The Gypsy.

There are some veils no one can see through. You will
not come?

The Man.

I must wait.

8.

The Girl.

I heard that you couldn't make your garden grow,
and so I came to see what was the matter.

The Man.

You heard? Where?

The Girl.

vaguely.

Somewhere. What are those?

The Man.

Columbine.

The Girl.

laughing.

Oh! you _should_ have columbine, my dear. They just suit you. You should wear a crosspatch suit, and walk among them haughtily, and after much, much, deliberation, take a pinkish one for your buttonhole!

The Man.

Why...where...? Who said that to me before?

The Girl.

I'm sorry. I hoped to be original. Let me dig a bit.

She finds a grass pad on a bench, and puts it upon the path to kneel on. She directly faces the audience now.

Do go on with your work. I won't stay if you let me interrupt you.

Reluctantly he continues putting in pansies. After a pause.

Aren't these sweet William?

The Man.

My name is John.

The Girl.

Aren't these sweet, John? What is this little purple and white striped flower? Oh, I know it is my wake robin! The darts.

The Man.

You know it's awfully nice of you to help me!

9.

The Girl.

Well, I love doing it. It's what I do mostly, ...gardens.
I'm supposed to know a lot about it. I have a lovely one.

The Man.

Oh, have you? Where?

The Girl.

growing vague again.

Ah...ah... why, isn't that strange...I can't tell you where.

Her face is clouded by her bewilderment.

I _must_ have known! Perhaps, I've just forgotten! / Oh, look!

The Man.

What? What is it?

The Girl.

An oriole. Oh, what a lovely thing!

She points, and the man comes over to her, the better to see it, and his face is the face of a boy.

She seizes his arm without looking at him.

There! There! There's a cardinal too.

The Man.

No, that's a grosbeak... on a*taller*.

The Girl.

No! No! It's a cardinal! You don't know a thing about it.

The Man.

You're right. Oh, hear them all!

The Girl.

Oh, yes...heavenly...heavenly. That's a song sparrow. And what is that little watery note? How sweet it is! How sweet!

The Man.

You've brought them back I do believe.

10.

The Girl.

Why, aren't they here all the time. Of course they are.
Look! There's a little nest in that bush. Oh, John!
Look! Listen! There's a wren in every blossom!

The Man.

It almost seems as if I hadn't heard a bird song for
years.

Man. I can't think of your name.

He hesitates. The Girl.

See, that butterfly...what a big fellow...

Girl. Silly! It's...that's funny, she follows him with her eyes.

John! Did you know the cosmos ________?

The Man.

No? Oh, let me put this big one in your hair.

The Girl.

If it's all the same to you, sir...I'd rather have that
yellow rosebud.

The Man.

What! Roses, too!

The Girl.

Only one,...but fit for a bride.

The Man.

cutting the bud with the
garden shears.

since the subject came up...

As he comes near her to put
the rose in her hair the garden
has silently come into bloom,
and we see it as it was so
many years ago, when John and
his young wife first planned it.
John doesn't think of that time.
He is happy....perhaps that
happiness has merked with this,
and he no longer knows time.
He pauses now, looking at her.

John.

Tell me, what makes a garden bloom? You told me once that
you knew all about gardens. What makes it bloom?

11.

## The Girl.

Love. Didn't you know? Poor John..did no one ever tell you?

He has put the rose in her hair.
Now he takes both her hands
and looks into her eyes.

## John.

How right...how right you are in everything...and how
lovely, lovely...love...

They neither of them think
it strange that he kisses her.
The garden sings and blossoms.

2.

John.

Hoo-hoo! ... Darling!

The Girl's head appears at an upper window. Her hair is about her face, and about her shoulders is thrown a very very pretty

The garden, left alone, fairly glows with happiness. Through the silence comes the sound of a bell, ringing gaily, temptingly outside the brick wall. John bounds out of the house.

What is it? Oh, hello!

It's a fine day.

John.

Coming! It's a superfine day.

What have you?

He opens the gate, and there stands a regular Simple Simon of a person, with a small push cart. His yellow hair stands straight out under a high hat such as cook's wear, and he is almost covered by an immaculate apron. His incredible trousers are checked largely with blue and white.

Cherries... would melt in

But you're the Muffin Man.

I am that. The cherries were for a surprise for you.

The muffins are for today. How many would you be

John.

Come in! Come in, man. Can you get your cart through the gate?

The Girl.

Let me see... how many?

One for me, and two for you... I'll be right along.

Allus have.

Thomas.

He trundles it in proudly.

My! My! don't the garden look lovely today.

John.

I'll go get a dish. John, yourself to some flowers.

We think so! What have you there?

Thomas.

Cherries... Look 'ee.

He lifts them up.

Try one. Melt in your mouth.

He tries one himself, and finds them so good that he continues to eat them during the scene.

Call 'er out.

John.

The garden, left alone, fairly
glows with happiness. Through
the silence comes the sound of
a bell, ringing gaily, tempting-
ly outside the brick wall.
John bounds out of the house.

John.

Coming!

John.

Thomas.

for his name is Thomas.

Allus have.

He trundles it in proudly.

John.

Thomas.

Cherries... Look 'ee.

He lifts them up.

Try one. Melt in your mouth.

Call 'er out.

John.

2.

John.

Hoo-hoo! ...Darling!

The Girl's head appears at an
upper window. Her hair is about
her face, and about her shoulders
is thrown a very, very pretty
negligee.

The Girl.

What is it? Oh, hello! Good afternoon.

Thomas.

It's a fine day.

The Girl.

It is. It's a superfine day.

What have you?

Thomas.

Cherries...would melt in your mouth.

The Girl.

But you're the Muffin Man!

Thomas nudges John, and
laughs as though she has
made a joke.

Thomas

I am that. The cherries were for a surprise for you.
The muffins are perfect today. How many would you be
wanting?

The Girl.

Let me see..how many John? One for me, and two for
you....I'll be right down.

She disappears from the
window.

John.

I'll go get a dish. Help yourself to some flowers
why don't you?

Thomas.

Now that's real good of you...but I won't trouble
you.

4.

The Girl.

Oh, delicious! We must have them for tea. Let me see---
at least half a dozen...and the muffins. How good they
smell! Two for me, and four for you, dear. What a nice
tea we'll have.

John.

We'll spread it on the grey rock, shall we?

The Girl.

Oh, yes! I feel as though I hadn't had tea in ten
years. I can't tell you how I'm looking forward to it!

Thomas has closed his little
box, wrapped the cherries
deftly in a square white paper,
and now John is searching
his pockets for money to pay.

John.

Where?...now, where...?

Thomas.

Never mind. It's *next* Thursday you generally pay me.

John.

So it is. Oh, wait now...wait a bit. Here's quite a lot
of something.

He takes it out.

No.No. Those are dandelions. I put them there when I took
them out of the petunias. Darling...have you...?

The Girl.

Oh, my dear, of course. I was dreaming. Look in the little
sandalwood box that has my long white gloves in it, and
the little silver coin, ...you know.

John.

I know.

The Girl.

Well, don't take that, but there are surely some little
gold pieces too.

John.

I'll be right down.

He dashes off.

5.

The Girl.

He is always like that. Throws his money away with the clippings from the irises, and puts the dandelions into his pockets.

proudly.

Thomas.
That's what makes him have such a good garden.

The Girl.
Really? How is that?

Thomas.
His mind's on it.

The Girl.
I see. Yes. That's sense.

Thomas.
Well, see you Thursday.

The Girl.
No. No wait a moment. He'll be right down. Let me get you some flowers.

Thomas.
Lookee... He have give me most of the garden before you came down.

The Girl.
Oh, lovely. Then let me put them on for you.

She takes the nosegay, and prepares to pin it on his coat.

Thomas.
Don't you think...in my hat....would look rakish?

The Girl.
I think it would look magnificent. Bend your head down a little.

7.

The Girl.

Shall I? All right.

She is prodigal with flowers,
but pauses in the midst of
her decoration to call.

John, toss me the tea cloth, will you?

John.

Right. Look out!

A lace cover comes flying through
the door. She drapes it over the
rock. More flowers.

The Girl.

Shall we have cushions?

John.

I usually take only sugar and milk.

The Girl.

I always have two cushions and lemonx.

She goes inside and gets the
cushions which she places on
either side of the rock.

You'll bring the spoons and cups and things, won't you, Cook?

John.

inside.

If you call what you've done setting the table.

The Girl.

That's exactly what I call it!

John.

coming out with the tray.

Then here! Although cups aren't in my department, Miss.

He arranges the table.

She settles herself to purr. .
She gives him a cup of tea, and
then munches a cookie.

9.

It's Adam, isn't it?
The Girl.

Adam
XXXXXX.

Scared and almost trembling.
Yes, John. Are you a gypsy that you know my name?

John.
No, no. It's my wife. You know my wife!

The Girl.
Do you say your wife?

Did you
Adam
XXXXXX.
The Girl.

Yes.
The Girl.

Why..why..I thought your wife was dead!
Adam
XXXXXX.

But here I am.
The Girl.

Adam
XXXXXX.
completely bewildered looks
about at the unfamiliar
garden. He is puzzled and
frightened.

You don't look unlike her. I think I am mistaken in the
garden.

Looks at John closely.
Why sir, this morning I could have sworn you were another
man.

John.
This morning? Why, it wasn't this morning. I saw you last...
let me see... it has been some time since I saw you. We
stopped to chat at the Fair at Goostown last week.

Adam
XXXXXX.

his eyes stfafting out of
his head.

Last week! Why, man, the Fair at Goostown was twelve years
ago...maybe thirteen!

10.

John.

I don't mean that one. I mean the one last week.

~~Adam~~

desperately.

I'm in the wrong garden sir.. I'll just be getting on..
Excuse me for interrupting.. Good day..

He stumbles out hastily.
The Girl laughs, and John
joins her. They try to keep
their giggles down for fear
he'll hear them.

The Girl.

Adam

Poor madman! Poor thing! Who is he? Isn't he Beginning
from over by Prettymarsh. He's been here a week or two
yesterday, and the garden is never so green before. But
I recognize this by his resemblements. He's
quite mad.

He's

John.

He seemed all right when last I saw him. He must have
had sunstroke or something. Poor fellow! He'll be over
tomorrow full of apologies for acting so strangely.

Then suddenly without thinking.

More tea, Marjorie?

The Girl.

delightedly.

That's my name! How did you know? I do believe that's
my name!

John.

Of course it's your name. More tea, darling?

Marjorie.

That's my name too, isn't it?

John.

Oh, yes, and dearest and dear, and sweetheart, and
beloved... Beloved!

Marjorie.

Yes. Thank you. It's all very puzzling. I'm obviously
English.

John.

Why?

12.

John.

Yes, you're different from anybody else in the world.

Marjorie.

But I don't mean quite that. Is it a difference such as
tea and coffee, or roses and delphinium, or is it a
difference such as the light one sees after a rain
sometimes, compared to ordinary sunshine? I mean, is
it a *disturbing* difference?

John.

slowly.

It's not disturbing exactly...but it is a thoughtful
difference...it is a *different* difference.

Marjorie.

I've noticed it. It makes me wonder. (Quite outside of
myself you know.) As though I weren't really anybody,
but just *something* looking on at myself. I feel as
though there were two silver chains upon my wrists,
and they hung from a great way off....and I feel as
if at any moment there may come a tug upon my arm, and
I wouldn't be here any more.

Hohn.

What would I do if you weren't here any more?

Marjorie.

You must go and find some lovely girl, and get her to
come and live in your garden with you.

John.

Wouldn't you mind? Doesn't the thought of that hurt
you?

Marjorie.

Of course not. You can find love again in another's
arms. Perhaps even now she is waiting for you. You
must find her..go to her.. I want you to be happy.

John.

Did you ever say this to me before?

Marjorie.

smiling at him tenderly.

I don't think so. But you must be happy, John. It's what
I came for.

13.

John.

Then never leave me!

Marjorie.

Never. Never. Oh, John surely I've promised that
before. I don't want to leave you. Oh, John, John,
John! Hold me!

He puts his arms about her.
Can't you keep me here? Surely there is something
you can do. Look at me. Know me! I am a part of you.
You can keep me, can't you? Dearest, dearest...

John.

I think so. Don't. Don't. You are trembling. Why,
you're trembling like a little bird. Have you flown
so far, my fledgling?

Marjorie.

Oh, far, far. Over the edge of the world.

John.

Then rest. Come dear.

He leads her to a bench.
Her head is on his shoulder.
She speaks dreamily.

Marjorie.

If I should ever die dear, I should come back to you;
and it would be the real me at last. You would
know me then. We would know how we loved each other.
You'd promise to know me, John?

John.

I would know you, Marjorie. I know you now.

Marjorie.

happily.

And I know you. Bravest, gayest, gentlest of men.
Someone told me once that if one died suddenly,
that one was given a day of spring to come back
and finish whatever one had left undone. Do you
think it is true? It's a sweet idea.

14.

John.

It might be true. I am sure that I would always
find you.

Marjorie.

I am sure of it now. It is a gay thought...and yet...
to die with the sunset a second time! Could one risk
that, beloved?

John.

One risks all.

Marjorie.

Yes. At least people like us must. The sun is setting.
How glorious! Do you see the green in the sky, just
there, above the rose? From my garden once...

She sits up suddenly.

John! My garden! The other one, you know. I thought I
must have dreamed it! I'm remembering! Where is it?
Oh, John! John...don't let me! I don't want to know!
I mustn't remember. See...Look at my wrists! What do
you see?

John.

Nothing. Nothing. Sweet, ...peace...peace..!

Marjorie.

Oh, to leave you now, when I know. When I love you
so! Take my hands. Yes,...Yes,...I _feel_ you there!
Oh, sun! Wait! Wait!

She covers her eyes.

It is not down yet. Not yet! Is it? Is it?

John.

Marjorie! Marjorie! You mustn't. You are frightening
me. All day you have been so strange. What is it?
You must tell me.

Marjorie.

When I came into this garden this morning I had
forgotten!

2.

The Man

hurt.

Oh, yes. Oh, yes...don't you remember how you loved me?
And how finally you fell asleep here in my arms, and the
moon came up?

The Woman.

I never loved you.

The Man.

Why were you so beautiful?
used to see in your face?
have already forgotten.

Where has it gone, that light I
Why did we buy this land? I

The Woman.

The Man.

The Woman.

The Man.

The Woman.

The Man.

I remember, I tell you.

3.

The Woman.

The Man.

The Woman.

The Man.

Can't you let me forget that?

The Woman.

How can you forget it? I live it...sleep it...eat it with tears. Betrayal...Betrayal! I never betrayed you!

The Man.

The Woman.

Ah, yes, I pity you. I pity both of us, that had this lovely thing and lost it. My arms are doubly empty that have no child,... and no lover!

The Man.

You did not want me.

The Woman.

The Man.

You, too, were looking elsewhere. While I sat watching in that room, not daring to leave...not daring to move.. the essence of all I sought to hold escaped. Escaped slowly, inevitably, never to be recaptured.

The Woman.

You did not speak.

The Man.

I had no words.

4.

The Woman.

The Man.

Perhaps. I only know I would have more of you with 3000 leagues
between us than I have now... than I have had since then. Truly,
truly, he that keeps his own soul must lose it! It is not by watching
that the thing is done.

The Woman.

Talk! Talk'. You have words enough now when I have no need of you.
Go to your woman across the hills..your black-haired bird! And breed
yourself an army of children. What do I care?

The Man.

I will!

He springs up angrily.

The Woman.

To her?

The Man.

A Gypsy enters.

The Woman.

The Gypsy.

I come again.

6.

The Gypsy.

Never have you seen Gypsy like me, lady. If you give me
the silver coin I tell you wonderful things.

The Woman.

Why I do not think I have such a coin.

The Gypsy.

You have, lady. A little Grecian piece. It was given you
for love...that you might belong forever to someone who kiss
you between the bfeasts. Ah! You like to forget that eh?
Then give me the money. I promise you can forget then. You
can forget for long time. I tell you what..You give it to me,
and I make a spell with it, for you..When the sum slant along
the wall, just so, then you will forget, and you will never
remember again. Not for ...four,maybe five, maybe ten years.

The Woman.

I will not give it to you. Why do you want it?

The Gypsy.

Because a coin given in love is luckiest piece in the world
to gypsy woman. It buy her way to Paradise.

The Woman.

It bought mine. How do you know it was given in love?

The Gypsy.

Oh, great love. The man who give you that coin he like to
die of broken heart for love of you.

The Woman.

Pity he didn't.

The Gypsy.

Say not that. He love much better than you, that man.

The Woman.

I did not ask you for a fortune. You had best be on your way.

The Gypsy.

I do not tell fortunes. I have a curious brain. I read fate.
Only once in a half moon I speak like this. I walk many miles
to speak to you, lady.

The Woman.

Then you can go away again!

11.

The Gypsy. angrily.

Why do you say so?

The Man.

Because that is too cheap.

The Gypsy.

The Man.

No.

The Gypsy.

The Man.

No thanks, not today.

The Gypsy.

The Man. troubled.

Why do you say that?

The Gypsy.

The Man.

Why...

The Woman. coldly.

The Man.

Are you buying something?

13.

The Woman.

Yes. I am surprised that you still remember it.

The Man.

I am surprised that you no longer value it.

The Woman.

Why? I once gave you...no matter.

pause.

I bought with it something I needed more than memory.

The Man.

What?

The Woman.

Nothing. Nothing.

Nothing alive but a wake robin.
you to such a dismal place.

The Man.

The Woman.

The Man.

You know that I am going?

The Woman.

Yes, I shall go myself shortly.

The Man.

Where will you go? When?

The Woman.

Before you do. The garden...

her voice falters and she weeps.

The garden! Ah! look around you. It was once so beautiful. This is what we have done to it. This is what we have done to our beautiful life. How would we?

14.

The Man.

It was your doing, not mine.

The Woman.

Cruel! Can we not search our hearts and speak to each other once
... once before the end.

The Man.

What is there to say? We thought we loved each other and now
the dream is ended.

The Woman.

Yes, that is it. Let me learn the lesson. We thought we loved.
When was that?

The Man.

No. No. We loved. We loved each other. No dream. Oh! love...

The Woman.

Oh, no. I have learned my lesson. We thought we loved.

The Man.

Here. Here at this place, have you forgotten? We were lifted off
the earth by a shining cloud, wrapped in each other's arms. We
loved, we were one. Do you remember, dear? Look at me.

The Woman.

turning away.

You can find love again in another's arms. Go to her! Have you
forgotten, even now she is waiting for you? Do not keep her
waiting. You were ever an impetuous lover.

The Man.

So! Goodbye. When I come back through this garden, it will
be for the last time. Have you nothing to say to me?

The Woman.

strangely.

If one of us should die, could we not come back to find the other?

If I should come it would be the real me at last. Perhaps I could
come through that gate... would I find you? Would you know me then,
any more than you know me now?

The Man.

bitterly.

I know you now.

2.

The Man.

You're a busy man aren't you? Never yet have you had a
moment to come and look around. You know you promised
to give me some tips on my roses. I've had no success
with roses for years. They used to be so full of bloom.
Come on in. The garden will not harm you.

Adam

The Man.

What? What do they say?

Adam.

I don't believe it... they only say it on account of that
Gypsy funeral you had for your lady. Set their flesh
creeping to hear those songs they sung winding away over
hill and valley. Some folk hear 'em still on quiet nights.

The Man.

Hear what?

Adam.

Hear the songs for the dead, the way they sung them that night,
wind-ing away over the hills to Tarmee...

The Man.

Well, I daresay they hear the gypsies passing by.

Adam.

Wait, No gypsy has been seen in these parts for years. Not
since that night, sir. Not since that warm fair night, when
the stars hung so low a man could have plucked them from the
sky with his right hand. Oh, sir, I'll never forget that
night. I hid in the bushes to watch them go past...and they
never came back again.

The Man.

Someone told me yesterday that he had seen the gypsies outside
of Silver Hollow at sunrise, walking the road and headed this
way.

3

Adam.

I don't like it! That Tarmee tribe are carrion crows.
They come only when they scent evil or death.

The Man.

Such gay singing people! I'd like to see a bit of color
about the roads again.

Adam.

Ah, yes! Gay, colorful people, but they are half out of
the world. Half in, and half out....drawing power from
both sides. They work spells those gypsies, whenever they
pass by, which God be thanked is not often. Things happen.
Strange shapes, strange dreams. I've had a few myself.

The Man.

You!......don't say? What sort?

Adam.

I had a fearful time with a fire dream once.

The Man.

A fire dream?

Adam.

Um...The Gypsies were encamped in a birch copse near Pretty-
marsh. (long before you came here)...and I think the sound
of their songs drifted into my sleep. It worked a spell, let
me tell you, I won't forget for many a year.

The Man

politely.

A spell you say? And you dreamed of fire through the night?

Adam.

Aye! Dreamed of fire all night long and when I woke, my barn
was in ashes!

The Man.

Oh, that was hard luck.

Adam

There's many could tell a like tale. Next morning the
Gypsies passed single file over the steep hill above
Prettymarsh rather than pass by my door! Aye, many could
tell a like tale. They know things before they happen all
right!

5.

Then he hears the strange Gypsy
air that they sang the night they
carried the Woman away. He sinks
back upon his knees, and covers his
face with his hands.

The Man.
No.

The Gypsy.
You buy?...Look!

Can you still dance?

He shakes his head.

We have come for you! Come along. the road is free. The road
is wide, and there is deep forgetfulness upon the hills in the
sun.

The Gypsy.
You are a man made to be walking the roads of the world.
Living the life of the camp with the sky for a roof...
lighting yourself to your bed, with the stars hung on pine
trees...standing like a birch tree beside the still stream
where we go to bathe...You would dive without frightening the
fishes...like a true gypsy...You would see the year turn...lying
in the free meadows with the autumn set like a flower garden upon
the hills. There you lie blowing milkweed silk into the blue sky,
with freedom in your heart. What are the four walls

8.

The Girl.

The Man.

You heard? Where?

The Girl.

Vaguely.

Somewhere. What are those?

The Man.

Columbine.

The Girl.

Laughing.

Oh! You should have columbines, my dear. They just suit
you. You should wear a crosspatch suit, and walk among them
haughtily, and after much, much, deliberation, take a pinkish
one for your buttonhole!

The Man.

The Girl.

Aren't these sweet William?

The Man.

My name is John.

The Girl.

Aren't these sweet, John? What is this little purple and white
striped flower? John: Painted trillium, I think. Oh, I know, it is
my wake robin! The darlings!

The Man.

11.

The Girl.

Love, didn't you know? Poor John...did no one ever tell you?

John.

2.

John.

Hoo-hoo! ...Darling!

The Girl's head appears at an
upper window. Her hair is about
her face, and about her shoulders,
is thrown a very, very pretty
ball.

The Girl.

Thomas.

It's a fine day.

The Girl.

Strawberries.

Thomas.

Cherries... would melt in your mouth.

The Girl.

But you're the Muffin Man!

Thomas.

The Girl.

John.

Thomas.

Now that's real good of you....but I won't trouble
you.

13.

John.

Then never leave me!

Marjorie.

Never. Never. Oh, John surely I've promised *that*
before. I don't want to leave you. Oh, John, John,
John! Hold me!

He puts his arms about her.

John.

Marjorie.

John.

Then rest. Come dear.

He leads her to a bench.

Her head is on his shoulder.

She speaks dreamily.

Marjorie.

John.

Marjorie.

happily.

Someone told me once that if one died suddenly,
that one was given a day of spring to come back
and finish whatever one had left undone. Do you
think it is true? (It's a sweet idea.)

A garden. Overgrown.

A WOMAN enters from the doorway of the old stone house, that is half hidden by tangled vines. As she approaches, a MAN, who has been lying beside the little pool, raises his head from his folded arms.

The Woman

I will do what you want. I will let you go..... or I will go. I have decided.

The Man

(Sitting up)

Now that you have said that, I don't know what I want. I don't want to give up the house and garden. I built so much of it with my bare hands.

The Woman

I know. I dug the garden.

The Man

If you go... where would you go?

The Woman

Into the world.. into life. You have shut me off from life. I would try to find it.

The Man

Do you remember when we came here? Is it so short a time we have borne this bitterness? We came here joyful... free... in love. In love!

The Woman

I never loved you.

2.

## The Man

(Hurt)

## The Woman

I never loved you.

## The Man

(SHE is beautiful as she remembers, but
he does not look at her. As he continues
to speak the mask returns.)

## The Woman

## The Man

## The Woman

## The Man

(Drawing a painted stick from the earth.)

## The Woman

## The Man

I remember, I tell you.

## The Woman

3.

The Man

The Woman

The Man

Can't you let me forget that?

The Woman

How can you forget it? I live it...sleep it...eat it with
tears...Betrayal! I never betrayed you!

The Man

The Woman

Ah, yes, I pity you. I pity both of us, that had this lovely
thing and lost it. My arms are doubly empty that have no
child... and no lover!

The Man

You did not want me.

The Woman

The Man

You, too, were looking elsewhere. While I sat watching in
that room, not daring to leave...not daring to move...the
essence of all I bought to hold, escaped. Escaped slowly,
inevitably, never to be recaptured.

The Woman

You did not speak.

The Man

I had no words.

The Woman

4.

## The Man

## The Woman

Talk! Talk! You have words enough now when I have no need of you. Go to your woman across the hills...your black-haired bird! And breed yourself an army of children. What do I care?

## The Man

I will!

(He springs up angrily.)

## The Woman

To her?

## The Man

(He goes into the house. The WOMAN sits on the low stone bench, her arms around her knees, brooding.)

(A GYPSY enters.)

## The Woman

## The Gypsy

I come again.

## The Woman

You have never been here before.

## The Gypsy

Oh, yes...you forgot? Pretty Lady...perhaps you did not see me that day.

## The Woman

What day?

5.

## The Gypsy

Maybe four, maybe five, maybe ten years have gone by...who can say?..except the man who carry time within his head. It is all the same to us who live under the sun. Cross my palm with silver lady.

## The Woman

Why? Why should I?

## The Gypsy

Cross my palm with a silver, lady, then I tell you why. Then I tell you many things. I tell you who you love.

## The Woman

I love no one.

## The Gypsy

I tell you who break the pretty little heart of you, so it could hold no more love, not ever. I tell you that. I tell you who lay with you under the moon, maybe four, maybe five, maybe ten years gone by. A bit of silver, lady.... even of such little value as the silver coin from Greece that lies even now under your small white gloves that smell of sandelwood, and that have lain there such a long time.

## The Woman

Please go away. I do not like you!

## The Gypsy

No. You like not the brain to consider the things of the heart, poor lady.

## The Woman

You think yourself very wise, but we have seen gypsies pass before. I know your tricks.

## The Gypsy

## The Woman

6.

## The Gypsy

You have, lady. A little Grecian piece. It was given you
for love...that you might belong forever to someone who kiss
you between the breasts. Ah! You like to forget that, eh?
Then give me the money. I promise you can forget then. You
can forget for long time. I tell you what..You give it to me,
and I make a spell with it, for you..When the sun slant along
the wall, just so, then you will forget, and you will never
remember again. Not for...four, maybe five, maybe ten years.

## The Woman

## The Gypsy

## The Woman

## The Gypsy

## The Woman

Pity he didn't.

## The Gypsy

Say-not that. He love much better than you, that man.

## The Woman

## The Gypsy

## The Woman

Then you can go away again!

(The GYPSY turns to go, without a
word for her rudeness.)

7.

The Woman

(In a changed voice)

No, stay! Is it my palm you want?

(She holds out her hand, almost shyly.)

The Gypsy

Both hands. Have you silver?

The Woman

No. Wait.

(She goes in and returns with her pocketbook. Takes a gold piece.)

Will gold do, Gypsy?

The Gypsy

I like better the little coin in the sandalwood box...but
gold can be used, lady.

(She holds out her palm, and the WOMAN crosses it with a gold piece. Then the GYPSY takes both of the woman's hands, and holds them tightly in her own. She peers into the woman's face almost fiercely, and as the WOMAN turns away she looks deeply into the palms of her hands, as though she were very near-sighted.)

The Gypsy

No one gives away gold who does not feel that life is finished.
Oh, Woman, what I see here I tell you not to do!

The Woman

Only tell me what you see.

The Gypsy

I see in truth what I only felt when I entered your garden.
He that you love..will leave you before the moon rises. Let
him go. Let him go and you will be happy.

The Woman

I cannot.

The Gypsy

He will come back. Do not do what you think of doing.

The Woman

Will it stop him?

9.

## The Gypsy

I do not know what you want.

## The Woman

(Thrusting out her hands.)

Look Gypsy...I want this!

(She seizes the handle of a dagger
that the Gypsy wears thrust into the
bodice of her low cut dress.)

## The Gypsy

I will not give you that.

## The Woman

Here is some gold and some (giver bracelet)

## The Gypsy

Would you trade for it the little silver coin?

## The Woman

(Music from the gypsy band begins softly.)

(The WOMAN goes in taking the knife with her. The GYPSY dances, a strange swaying sinister motion, as she hums an old tune, that the gypsies are playing in the distance. The MAN enters. The GYPSY still dances.)

## The Gypsy

Come be Gypsy, Sir.

## The Man

I couldn't dance your tune.

(The music changes, grows gayer, lighter.)

There's a tune more to my liking. Dance to that!

(He whistles the rolicking air, and SHE
dances gaily, flirtatiously.)

(THEY dance.)

No, stop a minute. Is it fortunes you tell?

10.

The Gypsy

Oh, no. I am a pedlar, sir. I come from the caravan of Tarmee, with things to sell.

The Man

What things?

The Gypsy

The Man

The Gypsy

Yes, that I have. See.

(She unwraps a kerchief that she takes from her stocking.)

A ruby. Could you buy?

(The MAN takes it between thumb and forefinger, examines it.)

The Man

The Gypsy

From the East...from far away over many mountains. You want... huh? You want so much to see it lie on her little white throat?

The Man

No, thank you.

(Gives it back.)

The Gypsy

The Man

Stolen..

The Gypsy

(Angrily.)

Why do you say so?

11.

The Man

Because that is too cheap.

The Gypsy

The Man

No.

The Gypsy

Maybe you like better the gay innocent little tourmalines?
(She loosens a string from her neck.)

The Man

No thanks, not today.

The Gypsy

The Man

(Troubled)

Why do you say that?

The Gypsy

The Man

Why...

(The WOMAN returning looks levelly
at the Man.)

The Woman

(Coldly.)

The Man

Are you buying something?

The Woman

Yes. Did you hear me, Gypsy?

12.

The Gypsy

I hear, but I am slow to leave this little garden planted with
so much love.

(The MAN laughs loudly.)

The Gypsy

(Gravely)

I hurt you, sir. I beg your pardon.. Lady, this coin you give
me, I will never part with..it shall be buried with me.

The Man

What coin is that?

The Woman

Something I no longer have any use for, John.

The Man

Let me see it, Gypsy.

The Gypsy

No. No. It must not lie even for a moment in your hand.
Your thoughts would burn away its usefulness. I should not
want it then. But now this coin has magic...magic, of all
the Greeks, and all the moonlight in the whole world..Magic of
three seas that it crossed before it found you...magic of the
soft breasts it lay upon...

The Woman

Be still! You have your price, now go!

The Gypsy

I go. I go singing.

(She leaves, and a song is heard. There
is an awkward silence between the MAN and
WOMAN, having in it no longer the desire
to be broken. The WOMAN moves over to the
grey bushes along the wall, and absently
clips a few dried leaves away with her thumb
and forefinger. The Gypsy's song rises in
the air, and then dies away.)

The Man

You gave away the little diobol.

The Woman

13.

The Man

The Woman

(Pause)

The Man

What?

The Woman

Nothing. Nothing.

(She looks at some little flower growing at her feet.)

Nothing alive but a wake robin. Poor little wake robin! What lured you to such a dismal place.

(She moves along the path, then tears a flower from a plant.)

The Man

The Woman

The Man

You know that I am going?

The Woman

The Man

Where will you go? When?

The Woman

Before you do. The garden...

(Her voice falters and she weeps.)

The garden! Ah! look around you. It was once so beautiful. This is what we have done to it. This is what we have done to our beautiful life. How could we?

The Man

It was your doing, not mine.

14.

The Woman

Cruel! Could we not search our hearts and speak to each other
once ... once before the end.

The Man

The Woman

The Man

The Woman

The Man

The Woman

(Turning away.)

The Man

The Woman

(Strangely)

If one of us should die, could he not come back to find the other?
If I should come it would be the real me at last. Perhaps I
could come through that gate... would I find you? Would you
know me then, any more than you know me now?

The Man

(Bitterly)

I know you now.

15.

## The Woman

How can you, when I do not know myself? Don't go. Let us
see what we can make of life still. Don't go!

(He looks at her. Her glance falls.)

Yes, go! I have nothing left.

## The Man

(Gravely)

It is better so.

(He goes into the house.)

(She wanders about the garden looking
at it for the last time. She touches
the shrubs, and tears with her fingers
at the gentle old tree, so drowsy in
the afternoon sun.)

## The Woman

Oh, wither, wither and die, that there may be no beauty again
in this corner of the earth. Garden, that was fed from my
heart, vanish forever, as my youth has vanished. Hateful shrubs
put forth no green leaves ever again. Be dusty as my heart,
once beloved spot! Lovely fragrant earth! O, Moon, put out
your light when passing here...Here may you see only death and
desolation!

(She takes the stilletto from her bosom.)

Tree! Shelter no more lovers under your shimmering leaves,
lest they should end, as I now end!

(She wanders out of sight, but we
hear the rustle of her fall, and
the red petals of the flowering shrub,
scatter over the walk and drift across
the pool. Then all is still. The MAN
comes out of the house, knapsack in hand.
When he reaches the little bend in the
walk he stands in horror. Then he bends
down as

THE CURTAIN FALLS

2.

## The Man

(Who knows the real reason the other
will not enter)

## Adam

(Takes a step in, pauses, and then
blurts out)

## The Man

What? What do they say?

## Adam

I don't believe it...they only say it on account of that
Gypsy funeral you had for your lady. Set their flesh creep-
ing to hear those songs they sung winding away over hill
and valley, Some folk hear 'em still on quiet nights.

Right to the doorway of the ancient church-

## The Man

Hear what?

## Adam

Hear the songs for the dead the way they sung them that
night, winding away over the hills to Tarmee...

## The Man

## Adam

No gypsy has been seen in these parts for years. Not since
that night, sir. Not since that warm fair night, when the
stars hung so low a man could have plucked them from the sky
with his hand. Oh, sir, I'll never forget that night. I
hid in the bushes to watch them go past...and they never came
back again.

## The Man

3.

Adam

The Man

Such [narr] singing people! I'd like to see a bit of color about
the roads again.

Adam

Ah, yes! [narr] colorful people, but they are half out of the
world. Half in, and half out...drawing power from both sides.
They work spells those gypsies, whenever they pass by, which
God be thanked is not often. Things happen. Strange shapes,
strange dreams. I've had a few myself.

The Man

You!....don't say? What sort?

Adam

The Man

A fire dream?

Adam

The Man

(Politely)

Adam

The Man

Oh, that was hard luck.

Adam

4.

## Adam (cont'd)

(He looks off dreamily remembering the
past, then he decides to tell all, and
comes down to the Man, blurring it out,
shame-faced)

Had one of 'em read my hand once...well, it would surprise
you!

## The Man

(Kindly)

I'm sure it would.

## Adam

Said I'd live till the day I saw a ghost in the flesh.

(He chuckles)

Takes a bit of silver but it's worth it!

(He suddenly thinks he has said too
much)

You mustn't mind what an old hand at gabble, like myself, says
to you. Tell you what, I'll come in and give you a hand
with those roses...let's see...soon's ever Daisy Day is
passed. Maybe I'll even be back in the day...

(He starts out)

## The Man

Will you? That's good of you. I'll bear a lighter heart.
I know what you've always done with them hereabouts.

## Adam

There's a great secret with roses. You must treat them as
children...expect something of them. They'll soon come
round. Well, good-day to you.

(Exit)

## The Man

Wait a bit!...oh, well.

(He goes back to his digging.)

(Suddenly over the wall, on every side
GYPSY faces peer. You see them crowd-
ing in the gateway. They are laugh-
ing and the sounds ring in the air, but
the faces disappear before the man sees
them, although he looks around uneasily
and shivers.

5.

(Then he hears the strange Gypsy air
that they sang the night they carried
the Woman away. He sinks back upon
his knees, and covers his face with
his hands.)

(The GYPSY whom we have seen before
comes quietly through the gate)

The Gypsy

The Man

Tell them to go away!

The Gypsy

You have something for us?

The Man

No.

The Gypsy

You buy?....Look!

(She opens her kerchief and shows him
gems. He shakes his head. The song
outside changes, into a gayer tune.)

Can you still dance?

(He shakes his head)

We have come for you! Come along. The road is free. The road is wide, and there is deep forgetfulness upon the hills in the sun.

The Man

The Gypsy

You are a man made to be walking the roads of the world.
Living the life of the camp with the sky for a roof....
lighting yourself to your bed, with the stars hung on pine
trees....standing like a birch tree beside the still stream
where we go to bathe...You would dive without frightening the
fishes...like a true gypsy...You would see the year turn...
lying in the free meadows with the autumn set like a flower
garden upon the hills. There you lie blowing milkweed silk
into the blue sky, with freedom in your heart. What are the

6.

The Gypsy

four walls of a garden to the glories of the earth? If you
want walls, we can take you to towns set high on golden
hills... We know all the secret passages and the deep vaults
out down into the mountain, where half the jewels of the world
are hid. These things we would show you.

The Man

Why?

The Gypsy

The Man

Why? Would I make you less lonely?

The Gypsy

(Looking into her hand)

Alas! I cannot read my own fate.
(She smiles suddenly)

But there is sometimes-- hope!

The Man

The Gypsy

The Man

Death?

The Gypsy

The Man

I must wait.

The Gypsy

And you will not buy?

(She opens her small pack)

7.

The Man

(Searching his pockets finds a coin)
What will this buy?

The Gypsy

(Gives him a small red object, about the size of a strawberry)
This. It is a love charm.

The Man

Must I swallow it?

The Gypsy

(Laughing)
No, bury it...two inches in sweet earth near a pomegranate.
Have you a pomegranate bush?

(THE MAN indicates them)

Good...although a lilac would do...

(He turns to obey...amused)

The Gypsy

Farewell.

(She goes out, and the sound of singing grows fainter in the distance)

(As he bends over the earth, the gate swings slowly open, as if of itself. The sky is dyed an ineffable blue. A YOUNG GIRL in soft misty clothes comes into the garden. The gate closes)

The Girl

Hello!

The Man

(Turning eagerly at the sound of her voice)
Why...why...hello!

The Girl

9.

The Girl

The Man

The Girl

Well, I love doing it. It's what I do mostly....gardens.
I'm supposed to know a lot about it. I have a lovely one.

The Man

Oh, have you? Where?

The Girl

(Growing vague again)

Ah...Ah...why, isn't that strange...I can't tell you where.

(Her face is clouded by her bewilderment)

I must have known! Perhaps, I've just forgotten! But I have
seen these flowers growing on a hillside, as big around as
this...

(She curves her arms in a wide circle)

Thin gold they were, but transparent, like great goblets of
glass, and the crystal stamens were tipped with crimson!

The Man

(Tenderly)

Dream flowers!

The Girl

Maybe. Oh, look!

The Man

What? What is it?

The Girl

(She points, and the man comes over to
her, the better to see it, and his face
is the face of a boy. She seizes his
arm without looking at him)

The Man

No, that's a great deal more for a tanager.

10.

The Girl

NO! No! It's a cardinal! You don't know a thing about it.

The Man

The Girl

The Man

The Girl

Why, aren't they here all the time? Of course they are.
look! Listen! There's a wren in every blossom!

The Man

It almost seems as if I hadn't heard a bird song for years.
(He hesitates)

Darling! The strangest thing has happened. I can't think
of your name.

The Girl

Silly! It's...that's funny, I've forgotten too. Well, one
of us will think of it in a minute!

See, that butterfly...what a big fellow...
(She follows it with her eyes)

John! Did you know the flowers and the sweet sultana are open?

Violets are up

The Man

NO? Oh, let me put this big one in your hair.

The Girl

The Man

What! Roses too!

The Girl

Only one...but fit for a bride.

JOHN bounds out of the house.

John

Coming!

(He opens the gate, and there stands
a regular Simple Simon of a person,
with a small push cart. His yellow
hair stands out under a high hat
such as cooks wear, and he is almost
covered by an immaculate apron. His
trousers are checked with blue and
white.)

John

Thomas

Allus have.

(He trundles it in proudly)
My! My! Don't the garden look lovely today.

John

Thomas

Strawberries...Look 'ee.

(He lifts them up.)
Try one. Melt in your mouth.
(He tries one himself, and finds them
so good that he continues to eat them
during the scene.)

Call 'er out.

John

Hoo-hoo! ... Darling!

2.

(The GIRL'S head appears at an upper
window. Her hair is about her face,
and she wears a scarf over her
shoulders)

The Girl

What is it? Oh, hello!

Good afternoon.

Thomas

It's a fine day.

The Girl

Thomas

Strawberries

The Girl

But you're the Muffin Man!

(THOMAS nudges JOHN, and laughs as
though she has made a joke.)

Thomas

Knee

The Girl

Let me see...how many, John? One for me, and two for you...
I'll be right down.

(She disappears from the window)

John

I'll go get a dish. Help yourself to some flowers, why don't you?

Thomas

4.

## The Girl

John

## The Girl

(THOMAS has closed his little box,
wrapped the cherries deftly in a
square white paper, and now JOHN
is searching his pockets for money
to pay.)

Strawberries

John

Where ... now, where...?

Thomas

Never mind. It's next Thursday you generally pay me.

John

(He takes it out.)

No. No. Those are dandelions. I put them there when I took
them out of the potunias. Darling...have you...?

## The Girl

Oh, my dear, of course. I was dreaming. Look in the little
sandalwood box that has my long white gloves in it, and the
little silver coin...you know.

John

I know.

## The Girl

Well, don't take that, but there are surely some little
old pieces, too.

5.

John

I'll be right down.

(He dashes off.)

The Girl

(proudly)

Thomas

The Girl

Really? How is that?

Thomas

His mind's on it.

The Girl

I see. Yes. That's sense.

Thomas

Well, see you Thursday.

The Girl

No. No, wait a moment. He'll be right down. Let me get you some flowers.

Thomas

Lookee...He have give me some down.

most of the garden before you

The Girl

(She takes the nosegay, and prepares to pin it on his coat.)

Thomas

Don't you think...in my hat...would look rakish?

6.

## The Girl

(He does so, and she pins the flowers like a cockade upon his hat.)

## Thomas

Now that's very sweet of you, ma'm. 'Tisn't every man that gets a nosegay in his hat put in by such beautiful fingers... begging your pardon if I take a liberty, ~~but~~ *mamá* -

## The Girl

It is your great charm of manner and your knack of ~~hitting~~ *enhancing* the simple truth that makes everyone your slave, Thomas.

## Thomas

You're a great lady that even remembers a person's name... and what a line you have! Sounds as though you picked it up in heaven, it do for sure!

## John

(Rushing from the house.)

Here you are! Here you are!

## Thomas

But that's too much. Oh, much too much.

## John

Never mind. It's for last Thursday, and for next Thursday too. Good day... Good day...

## Thomas

Good day to you both...and thank you.

(Exits.)

## John

Good day...oh, damn! I bet the kettle has boiled over. I'll go see.

## The Girl

Shall I make the tea, darling? I really do it much better than you do.

7.

John

That's vanity. You set the table.

The Girl

Shall I? All right.

(She is prodigal with flowers, but pauses in the midst of her decoration to call.)

John

Right. Look out!

(A lace cover comes flying through the door. She drapes it over the rock. More flowers.)

The Girl

Shall we have cushions?

John

The Girl

I always have two cushions and lemon.

(She throws the cushions on the table.)
(He goes inside and gets the cushions which she places on either side of the rock.)

John

(Inside.)

The Girl

8.

John

(Coming out with the tray)
Then here! Although cups aren't in my department, Miss.

(He arranges the table. She settles herself to pour. She gives him a cup of tea, and then munches a cookie.)

The Girl

Um...but I'm so hungry. I'm as empty as...my grave!

John

Dearest!

The Girl

Was that horrid? I don't know why.

John

I don't know why, either.

(She pours out her tea.)

The Girl

The reason it suddenly seemed so horrid to me, was that I had the strangest picture flash into my mind as I said it. I saw myself recing down a hillside at night...a coolish sort of night...but not unpleasant...and there was a yellow-ish light streaming behind me. And as I ran I noticed that there were gravestones on each side of me. I wasn't frightened. The strange thing was, that I didn't feel anything at all. I didn't seem to touch the earth.

John

Sounds like a nightmare.

(There is a loud knocking at the gate. They look up startled, as ADAM enters. He stops just inside the gate with astonishment.)

Adam

What have you done here! Why, what's come over it? I came to help you with the garden, but you don't need help, do you? What have you done to it?

(He sees the Girl.)

Oh! You have company, too. I'll be getting along.

10.

Adam

(His eyes starting out of his head)

Last week! Why, man, the Fair at Goostown was ~~eighteen~~ years ago...maybe ~~thirteen~~!

John

Adam

(Desperately)

I'm in the wrong garden, sir... I'll just be getting on...

Excuse me for interrupting... Good day...

(He stumbles out hastily. The
GIRL laughs, and JOHN joins her.
They try to keep their giggles
down for fear he'll hear them.)

The Girl

Poor man! Poor thing! She's here? Isn't he Adam from
over by Prettymarsh. What's happened to him? He looks so
old! He's quite old.

John

(Then suddenly without thinking.)

More tea, Marjorie?

The Girl

(Delightedly)

John

Marjorie

That's my name too, isn't it?

John

11.

Marjorie

John

Why?

Marjorie

To have such a stream of names, and to be Marjorie besides.
Haven't we done all this before, John?

John

Something very like it -
I know that is what you meant.
Planted in the garden.
You know that we love you.

Marjorie

I only half remember. But I really think today is the
nicest of all, don't you?

John

The very nicest day in any world.

Marjorie

Then let's take this day to remember...as a kind of pattern.
This day is to be the sign and symbol of our lives...of our
life together.

John

Right. It is a perfect day. If this were all it has been
enough.

Marjorie

But it is all. Didn't you know?

John

What do you mean, Marjorie? You must tell me what you mean.

Marjorie

(Wondering)

What did I say? Oh, John, don't look like that. Never be
frightened, my dear. I learned that from them.

12.

John

From whom?

Marjorie

Then. You know. I told you about my garden and everything.

John

You seem just slipping through my fingers when you talk
like that.

Marjorie

(Troubled)

Is there something strange about me, John?

John

Marjorie

John

(Slowly)

It's not disturbing exactly...but it is a thoughtful
difference... it is a *different* difference.

Marjorie

I've noticed it. It makes me wonder. (Quite outside of
myself you know.) As though I weren't really anybody,
but just *something* looking on at myself. I feel as
though there were two silver chains upon my wrists,
and they hung from a great way off...and I feel as if
at any moment there *might* come a tug upon my arm, and
I wouldn't be here any more.

John

Marjorie

13.

John

Marjorie

Of course not. You can find love again in another's arms. Perhaps even now she is waiting for you. You must find her...go to her...I want you to be happy.

John

Marjorie

(Smiling at him tenderly.)

John

Then never leave me!

Marjorie

(He puts his arms about her.)

John

Marjorie

John

Then rest. Come, dear.

(He leads her to a bench. Her head is on his shoulder. She speaks dreamily.)

14.

Marjorie

If I should ever die, dear, I should come back to you;
and it would be the real me at last. You would know
me then. We would know how we loved each other. You'd
promise to know me, John?

John

Marjorie

(Happily)

And I know you. Bravest, gaiest, gentlest of men.
Someone told me once that if one died suddenly,
that one was given a day of spring to come back and
finish whatever one had left undone. Do you think it
is true? It's a sweet idea.

John

Marjorie

I am sure of it now. It is a good thought...and yet...to
die with the sunset a second time! Could one risk that,
beloved?

John

One risks all.

Marjorie

(She sits up suddenly.)

John, my garden! The other one, you know. I thought I
must have dreamed it! I'm remembering! Where is it?
Oh, John! John...don't let me!...I don't want to know!
I mustn't remember. See...Look at my wrists! What do
you see?

John

Nothing. Nothing. Sweet...peace...peace...

2.

## The Man

(Hurt)

Faces and audience

## The Woman

I never loved you.

The Man

(Still facing audience.)

Why were you so beautiful? Where has it gone, that light I
used to see in your face? Why did we buy this land? I have
already forgotten.
(Sit on bench, R.)

## The Woman

## The Man

## The Woman

(Walks downstage center)

## The Man

## The Woman

It was not here. It was not you. It was not us! It was
not us!
(Walks few steps L.)

The Man

(Timing toward her)

I remember, I tell you.

## The Woman

I have forgotten. Between that hour and this stand the broken
years. Perhaps I never knew...there is nothing in me that glows
at your words. Let me go now, and this is over...is done.
(Turn and starts up the steps)

2

5.

## The Gypsy

Maybe four, maybe five, maybe ten years have gone by...who can say?..except the man who carry time within his head. It is all the same to us who live under the sun. Cross my palm with silver, lady. (Holds her hand out to women)

## The Woman

Why? Why should I?

## The Gypsy

Cross my palm with silver, lady, then I tell you why. Then I tell you many things. I tell you who you love.

## The Woman (puts up and crosses her arms)

I love no one.

## The Gypsy (watches her, thenandelos, stands close to her as she speaks)

I tell you who break the pretty little heart of you, so it could hold no more love, not ever. I tell you that. I tell you who lay with you under the moon, maybe four, maybe five, maybe ten years gone by. A bit of silver, lady.... even of such little value as the silver coin, from Greece that lies even now under your small white gloves that smell of sandalwood, and that have lain there such a long time.

## The Woman (Draws away from Gypsy)

## The Gypsy

## The Woman

## The Gypsy

## The Woman

Why I do not think I have such a coin. (Faces front and walks to Lench, R.)

5

7.

The Woman

(In a changed voice)

The Gypsy

Both hands. Have you silver?

The Woman

No. Wait.

Will gold do, Gypsy?

The Gypsy

(She holds out her palm, and the WOMAN crosses it with a gold piece.) Then the GYPSY takes both of the woman's hands, and holds them tightly in her own. She peers into the woman's face almost fiercely, and as the WOMAN turns away she looks deeply into the palms of her hands, as though she were very near-sighted.)

The Gypsy

The Woman

Only tell me what you see.

The Gypsy

The Woman

I cannot.

The Gypsy

The Woman

Will it stop him?

7.

9.

The Gypsy

I do not know what you want.

The Woman

(Thrusting out her hands.)

Look Gypsy...I want this!

The Gypsy

I will not give you that.

The Woman

Here is money...gold and silver.

The Gypsy

The Woman

The Gypsy

Come be Gypsy, Sir.

The Man

I couldn't dance your tune.

(THEY dance.)

10.

The Gypsy (at R. center)

The Man

What things?

The Gypsy

The Man (Turning L. side back when)

The Gypsy

Yes, that I have. See.

A ruby. Could you buy?

(Walks to him, centre)

The Man

The Gypsy

From the East...from far away over many mountains. You want.. huh? You want so much to see it lie on her little white throat?

The Man

No, thank you.

(Gives it back.)

The Gypsy (Steps right, crossing wire mesh in her hand)

Look! ✓ Give me six gold pieces and that is yours.

(Steps L. side quickly)

The Man

Stolen..

The Gypsy

(Angrily.)

Why do you say so? Not?

18

13.

The Man

The Woman

(Turning to face him)

(Pause)

(Walks L.)

The Man

What?

The Woman

Nothing. Nothing.

The Man

(More weeks R.)

The Woman

Oh, yes. You wore the first one I ever gave you in your coat nearly a week. Sorry there are none now. I should give you one for your journey. When are you going? (She is back by bench, L.)

The Man

(Turning to her as she stands, R.)

You know that I am going?

The Woman

The Man

Where will you go? When?

The Woman

Before you do. The garden...

The garden! Ah! look around you. It was once so beautiful. This is what we have done to it. This is what we have done to our beautiful life. How could we? (Walks few steps toward center)

The Man

It was your doing, not mine.

13.

14.

The Woman

Cruel! Can we not search our hearts and speak to each other
once ... once before the end. (Tches couple steps toward him.)

The Man

(Turns away, R.)

The Woman

(Coming to center, d.s.)

The Man

(comes to her.)

The Woman

The Man

Here. Here at this place, have you forgotten? We were lifted
off the earth by a shining cloud, wrapped in each other's arms.
We loved, we were one. Do you remember, dear? Look at me. (Here he

touches her arms and she quickly moves away.)

The Woman

(Turning away.)

(walks L.)

The Man

(Pans)

(woman stands around him, sterilized.)

(Walks up 2 steps, turns to her and sets her back a step.)
(Stands extreme left, facing R.)

The Woman

(Strangely)

he

If one of us should die, could we not come back to find the other?
If I should come it would be the real me at last. Perhaps I
could come through that gate... would I find you? Would you
know me then, any more than you know me now? (Walks over toward him one last time.)

The Man

(Bitterly)

I know you now.

14.

2.

The Man

Adam

The Man

What? What do they say?

Adam

I don't believe it...they only say it on account of that
Gypsy funeral you had for your lady. Set their flesh creep-
ing to hear those songs they sung winding away over hill
and valley. Some folk hear 'em still on quiet nights.

The Man

Hear what?

(Turns around after placing paragraphs, L.)

Adam

The Man

(Walks centric)

Adam

No gypsy has been seen in these parts for years. Not since
that night, sir. Not since that warm fair night, when the
stars hung so low a man could have plucked them from the sky
with his hand. Oh, sir, I'll ne'er forget that night. I
hid in the bushes to watch them go past.....and they never came
back again.

The Man

17

7.

The Man

What will this buy?

The Gypsy

This. It is a love charm.

The Man

Must I swallow it?

The Gypsy

(Laughing)

Have you a pomegranate bush? (Wanders R., looking around the garden.)

(THE MAN indicates them) no

Well, then a cedar

Good...although a lilac would do... (She turns toward gate)

(He turns to obey...amused)

The Gypsy (Standing at gate, watching him.)

Farewell.

(As he bends over the earth, the gate swings slowly open, as if of itself. The sky is dyed an ineffable blue. A YOUNG GIRL in soft misty clothes comes into the garden. The gate closes) (She slowly walks toward workcenter, listening around the garden and at the gate, until music stop. The Girl)

Hello!

The Man

(Working L.)

Why...why...hello!

The Girl

Sc. II

22

8.

The Man

You heard? Where?

The Girl

(Vaguely)

Somewhere. What are those?

The Man

Columbine.

The Girl

(Laughing)

Oh! You should have <u>columbines</u>, my dear. They just suit you. You should wear a crosspatch suit, and walk among them haughtily, and after much, much, deliberation, take a pinkish one for your buttonhole!

The Man

The Girl

Let me dig a bit.

(She finds a grass pad on a bench, and puts it upon the path to kneel on. She directly faces the audience now)

Do go on with your work. I won't stay if you let me interrupt you. (Knells at flower garden, L.)

(Reluctantly he continues putting in pansies. After a pause)

Aren't these sweet William?

The Man

My name is John.

The Girl

The Man

Painted trillium, I think.

23

10.

The Girl

The Man

The Girl

The Man

The Girl

The Man

The Girl

John! Did you know the cosmos and the sweet sultan are open?

The Man

(Kneels to get it.)

The Girl

If it's all the same to you, sir...I'd rather have that
yellow rosebud. (She turns him around and look R.)

The Man

What! Roses too!

(Sitting over to rose, R.)

The Girl

(Walks few steps to center.)

25

2.

The Girl

What is it? Oh, hello!

Good afternoon.

Thomas

It's a fine day.

The Girl

there?

Thomas

Strawberries

The Girl

But you're the Muffin Man!

Thomas

(Craves to sit next to John)

I am that. The strawberries were for a surprise for you. The muffins are perfect today. How many would you be wanting?

particularly fine

The Girl

John

platter

(Runs up the steps)

Thomas

25

4.

## The Girl

Oh, delicious! We must have them for tea. Let me see--
at least half a dozen...and the muffins. How good they
smell! Two for me, and four for you, dear. What a nice
tea we'll have.

John

## The Girl

John

Where ... now, where...?

Thomas

John

(He takes it out.)

No. No. Those are dandelions. I put them there when I took
them out of the petunias. Darling...have you...? (Turns to her.)

## The Girl (standing at foot of steps)

Oh, my dear, of course. I was dreaming. Look in the little
sandalwood box that has my long white gloves in it, and the
little silver coin..you know.

John

I know.

## The Girl

Well, don't take that, but there are surely some little
gold pieces, too. besides.

30

6.

## The Girl

## Thomas

Now that's very sweet of you, ma'm. 'Tisn't every man that gets a nosegay in his hat put in by such beautiful fingers... begging your pardon if I take a liberty, my lady.

## The Girl

It is your great charm of manner and your knack of hitting (upon) the simple truth that makes everyone your slave, Thomas.

## Thomas

## John

(Rushing from the house.)

Here you are! Here you are! (Gives Thomas a coin)

## Thomas

John (standing center, with arm around girl.)

## Thomas

Good day to you both...and thank you. (Evitably wheeling on this cent.)

(Exits.)

John

Good day... oh, damn! I bet the kettle has boiled over. I'll go see. (Hurries up the steps)

## The Girl

32

8.

John

(Coming out with the tray)

Then here!

(She puts tray upon middle of bench, etc.)

The Girl (Sitting atuppstage end of bench.)

Um...but I'm so hungry.

I'm as empty as...my grave!

John

Dearest!

The Girl

Was that horrid?

I don't know why.

John

I don't know why, either.

(He sits on downrestage end of bench.)

(She pours out her tea.)

The Girl

The reason it suddenly seemed so horrid to me, was that I
had the strangest picture flash into my mind as I said it.
I saw myself racing down a hillside at night...a coolish
sort of night...but not unpleasant...and there was a yellow-
ish light streaming behind me. And as I ran I noticed
that there were gravestones on each side of me. I wasn't
frightened. The strange thing was, that I didn't feel
anything at all. I didn't seem to touch the earth.

John

Sounds like a nightmare.

(He drinks a little of his tea.)

Adam

(He sees the Girl.)

(She has turned around on the bench so
that she faces Adam.)
(Chuchurries
over there.)

Oh! You have company, too.

I'll be getting along.

12.

John

From whom?

Marjorie

Them. You know. I told you about my garden and everything.

John

Marjorie

(Troubled)

John

Marjorie

John

(Slowly)

Marjorie

I've noticed it. It makes me wonder. (Quite outside of
myself you know.) As though I weren't really anybody,
but just *something* looking on at myself. I feel as
though there were two silver chains upon my wrists,
and they hung from a great way off...and I feel as if
at any moment there may come a tug upon my arm, and
I wouldn't be here any more.

John

Marjorie

38

13.

John

Marjorie

John

Marjorie

(Smiling at him tenderly.)

John

Then never leave me!

Marjorie

(He puts his arms about her.)

John

Marjorie

John

Then rest. Come, dear.

39

14.

Marjorie

John

Marjorie

(Happily)

John

Marjorie

I am sure of it now. It is a gay thought...and yet...to
die with the sunset a second time! Could one risk that,
beloved?

John

One risks all.

Marjorie

(She sits up suddenly.)

John, my garden! The other one, you know. I thought I
must have dreamed it! I'm remembering! Where is it?
Oh, John! John...don't let me!..I don't want to know!
I mustn't remember. See...Look at my wrists! What do
you see?

John

Nothing. Nothing. Sweet...peace...peace...!

15.

Marjorie

Oh, to leave you now, when I know. When I love you so!
Take my hands. Yes...Yes...I feel you there! Oh, sun!
Wait! Wait!

(She covers her eyes.)

(Turns R, puts Real down on arm
on back of bench.)

John (sharpener and lifting her to a standing position in his arms.)

Marjorie! Marjorie! You mustn't. You are frightening
me. All day you have been so strange. What is it? You
must tell me what it is.

Marjorie

John

This morning! Why, baby, we've had it for years. Three
years. We were married three years ago. It's nearly an
anniversary. I'm sure it is. And we always have tea in
the garden.

Marjorie

You've forgotten. That's part of it. Oh, John, we've been
happy, haven't we? Haven't we been happy? Say it! Say it!

Say we've been happy!

John

We've been happy, and I love you. No one but you.

Marjorie

We've been happy, and I loved you...John. Good-bye....
Sweet.

John (Looking d.s.)

How quickly it is growing dark.

(The gate swings open silently.
It looks as though a grey-robed,
grey-cowled figure were standing
there, but perhaps it is the
gathering dusk.)

Marjorie - Good-bye... Sweet (Turns him and walks to gate.)

John: - Marjorie! (He turns and looks after her.)

41

ONE DAY OF SPRING.

Talk with E.V.V.

February 24, 1961

Some of this will be her comments, some mind and some my thoughts
as I read and discussed it.. where possible I'll mark her comments

---
It doesn't "tuck in under" What do we gain ...E.V.V.
***
both guilty.. He too should have his moment of revelation
She comes back and redeems herself.. her contrition,.. the reality
of her feeling.. both must expiate..
She comes to tell him that he must have the future.. to release him.
to will him on..

M last line cut.. a speech telling him to be happy.. etc. freeing him/
E.V.V. though second scene after gypsy, repetitious.. (I doo a bit)
but it should go further there.. he, explained.. some of it could be
used in 1st scene.. (E.V.)

E How did the gypsy know about the obol? It would make the woman super
stitious... under her spell, surprised.. she should show more surprise.

--- contrition... made her bigger more important...?
She should say.. Will it stop him.. I'll do anything to stop him...
1st act needs to get darker.. He should have one gesture..
progressive to bitterness.

1st act the garden is dying... 2nd act dead.

He can't go for the memory of her dead body lies across his way..
We must believe in their love in their marriage.. something said
about marriage.. that mysterious bond.

Adam scene.. he can't leave it..???

Last act. Shesays. Life is to be shared. He must forget her.
E.V.V.'s story.. man always late for lunch etc.. wife always pleasaant
One day he talks for 3 hours with a woman in book shop.. suddenly
remembers.. my wife expected me for lunch at 1.
Will she be very angry.. asked the woman.. Oh, no, she 's hever angry..
she'll give me whatever food there is... she _never_ scolds.
Ah, she has you forever! said the woman. "You will never be free from
_a_woman_ like_ that!"

***

I remember my remorse.. my remorse.

He: I too, I too have felt remorse..

She You must be happy again. It is what I came for. To tell you that
life must be shared... I gave up my part in your life... and bitterly
I grieved for that... but now you must forget me... dear John, darling John!
You must not live alone. I had much to expiate... but you have
forgiven me now... I know for you remember only how you loved me!
We had everything... together we had everything... and together we
destroyed it.

Three acts take
the first

Why not the story of a frozen-hearted woman
and is allowed to return for a day, in exactly the
guise she desires. She comes to the friend she has
betrayed by her coldness- she finds her love and is
now able to tell him all she has in her heart. She is
wrapped in a srtange light -- and yet the thing that
makes her content to go back is that she is recognized
by her love - tho she returns as a young girl.

You are so like someone I loved once-- but she is dead.

Perhaps I am she. I don't know who I am.

This woman is irked by her body. It galls her spirit
hampers her. She wants to be rid of it. To be poured in
some freer mould. She despises herself for the things
she says and does.

She has loved a rooster, so she returns to find him
a tramp on a park bench.- This thing has always tugged
at her. She explains about the other woman, to whom she
has betrayed him. Her pride has made her lock her thots in
her breast.

The dead who die by their own wills are allowed a day of spring-
to come back and finish up all they have left undone.

The Old Garden.

I should come through that gate just as I used, but it
would be the real me, at last.

You would be here. I could only come if you willed it.
You know, I believe that I could come back, but I wonder if I
should know that I had-- or why I had, or who I was before.
The thought that I might not know you, is unbearable to me--
And think if you finally won through the veils, back to life
without knowing, and suddenly remembered that you were dead!
What terror! To die with the sunset-- a second time.

She does come back, but she doesn't remember who she is,
nor whyx she is there-- until he recognizes her, and then in
terror she remembers and vanishes.

She runs to the gate. Opens through the wicket. Shrinks
in horror, but is forced to open it. There is a great shadowy
figure robed in grey. As she passes through the gate, it's
arms open, enfold her- She disappears, and the gate closes
by itself.

Why not the story of a frozen-hearted
woman, who dies,
and is allowed to return for a day, in exactly the
guise she desires. She comes to the friend she has
betrayed by her coldness- she finds her love and is
now able to tell him all she has in her heart. She is
wrapped in a srtange light -- and yet the thing that
makes her content to go back is that she is recognized
by her love - tho she returns as a young girl.

The dead who die by their own wills are allowed the day of Spring -
to come back and finish up all they have left undone.

## The Old Garden.

Three acts take place in the ramshackle garden of an old house. In the first act the woman's mother returns to her and tells her that she is the job she-left unfinished. She comes as a gypsy, and pretends to tell her fortune, warning her against her nature, her coldness her pride etc.

In the second act the woman commits suicide, by poisoning herself and she dies in the garden. She does it to keep the man she loves, an whom she has always thot loved her, although she is so cold and silent a woman no one would dare tell her-to keep him from marrying a girl, her friend. She knows by this that a suspicion of double dealing-and infidelity will fall upon him. It so happens.

In the third act, she returns not knowing who she is now why she came. She is a lovely impulsive girl now- and does finally discover that her love loved her.

A plan.. a warning, to take what you have.
Life holds no more adventure than the moment,
No better love than love.

The woman comes into the deserted garden She
speaks to a man who is lying face downwards
in the grass.

He does not, can not answer.

Bitterness wells up, overflows. They torture
each other with suppressed venomous voices.

This was their garden that they made when they
loved. This the spot where they stood and
were wrapt into the beauty of first love.

Between that hour and this stand the broken
years..

He asks five questions

She makes five bitter answers.

If I had never spoken that first bitter word
the woman cries suddenly, as her love, for it
is her love goes out from her forever. He
goes into the house to get some things in a knapsack
and she kills herself and falls across his path
to freedom.. "Not that way! Not that way shall
you save your soul.

He is living alone.. It is spring.

2nd act. The garden blooms again. A lovely
girl comes in He is working half behind a hedge
and she helps him plant flowers, discusses
the color scheme.. advices and helps him..
As she talks the garden seems to blossom, until
it is perfect as it must have been years before
Suddenly lifting his face to her it has become
the face of youth. He gets up.. She knows him
as some one she should know... and he he cannot
be sure.. He asks her five questions and now they
have the right answers...

Is the gypsy in this act... tells them that
any one who ends his life is given a day of spring
to come back and finish his life beautifully..

She says.. It seems as if this all happened long
ago..

He can't remember who he is... And she says "I shall
call you John.. then he says oddly
enough you've hit on my name. John.. that's part
of it, I'm sure.. but can't you remember the rest?

2.

She can't.. not even her own name, or why she came
in there nor where from.. They laugh, they kiss
Life is beautiful..

3rd act.. They have spent a wonderful day
and the sun is setting. He has made the tea,
and they have it on the grass. He remembers
her name.. Marjorie.. Marjorie. I know it now..
But where.. where.. As the last rays fall she
has remembered all. And he. Perhaps she has
grown older, (but sweetly) into the woman of
the first act.. A grey mist has gathered
at the gate.. It swings slowly wide.. She shrinks
but knows she must go.. It seems that great
arms enfold her as she goes from him and the gate
swing shut.. We wonder if he has died sitting
there, so still he is.

Gypsy predicts John's state of mind for ensuing scenes
this may make it clearer to audience..

Gypsy.

You will forget the last ten years as though they had never been..
You'll see! Your mind will be wiped clean of sorrow and regret..
like a sponge passing across a child's slate..

End of second act white heat of innocent young
passion.. ecstacy.

Marjorie.

Never believe anything of me but that I love you.. cries John.
To touch your hand binds me to you.. I could not let you go if
I would ... We are one, my sweet, my love..

Kiss me! Cries the swooning Marjorie..

You are trembling, my fledgling or ett...

What are questions that Marjorie, or John answers so untruthfully
in the first and so truly in the last.

Do you love me..

Marjorie.. I hate you// The unrolling of their life today by their
discussion of casual things..

Marjorie.

If my babay had lived..

John.

Did it ever occur to you that I was disappointed too.. That the coming
of that child meant something to me apart from you even.. a separate
existence, complete beautiful.. clean something of both of us of
love.. how can a man put these things into words.

Marjorie.

Oh, I hate you more than ever for not having told me. Now that's
its too late too bitterly late... I see that you might have helped me
to bear it..

John.

I had no words.

Marjorie.

Then you should have searched your heart, and torn them out to help
me..

John.

You did not turn to me.

Marjorie.

You did not look at me to see if I needed you..

Should 2nd Perkins scene go into 2nd act.

Does John nearly go away with gypsies?

Do you live half the time in another world..

A play should make an audience say either,
Oh, now I see!..or Yes, Yes, go on!

If the man doesn't understand what he has
done to hurt her so deeply, and at the end
of the play he does. He says forgive me..
she forgives him.. it is absolution. and
so freedom.

We see someone too proud to speak.. I know what is wrong.. but they will not speak.

First act..gay.. comedy, but with tragic undercurrents reveiled to audience.. They pretend, but there is no love.

Hurt people..not angry people,

DEEMS TAYLOR
EAST FIFTY-SEVENTH STREET

Newark

Marjorie.

I was in a hospital, and where were you? Lying with some light woman!

John.

She's not a light woman. She's just a silly girl, who follows her heart.

Marjorie.

Dress her up to suit yourself.

John.

I told you that I'm sorry. Can't you let me forget it.

Marjorie.

How can you forget it? I live it.. sleep it... eat it with tears... betrayal... betrayal. I never betrayed you.

John.

Would God you had, Then you'd understand... then you'd have some pity.

Marjorie.

Ah, yes, I pity you. I pity both of us, that had this lovely thing and lost it. My arms are doubly empty that have no child, and... no lover!

John.

You don't want a lover... At least you don't want a lover that tramps three miles every day just for the sight of another woman.

Marjorie.

white, hurt, shaken..

Is that true?

John. (who has gone too far)

Do you think I am saying it just for the pleasure of hurting you?

Marjorie.

Yes.

John.

Well, I'm not. Of course it's true. She doesn't lecture me. She's only glad to see me.. she doesn't care even if I love her..if I'll only come to her. That's balm to a man... Can you imagine what a relief that is?

Marjorie,

scornfully.

So! That's what you want.. well, take it.

John.

I'm going to.

Marjorie,

So that's what this daily going out is.. this long ramble upon the hills! A woman! I might have guessed it.

not daring to leave not daring to move.. the essence of all I sought
to hold escaped...escaped slowly, inevitably...never to be recaptured.
I had to leave him and escape.. would have more of you with 3000 leagues between us than
I have now.. than I have had since then... Truly truly, he who keeps
his own soul must lose it! It is not by watching that the thing is
done.

Woman.

Don't talk.. You have words enough now, when I have no need of you..
Go to your woman across the hills, your blackhaired bird.. and breed
yourself an army of children.. what care I..

Man.

I will.. I will go somewhere.. anywhere.. x

Woman.

To her?

Man.

How can I dare.. what have you left me?

He goes in.

are rash... you have but that one day, that you cannot choose,
that you may not refuse.

Woman.

One day.. that I cannot choose, that I may not refuse... I wonder.

Gypsy.

Wonder, lady.. it is what the stars are made of.. It last longer than
love.

Woman.

Tell me Gypsy.. Will I have the courage to do what is in my mind?

Gypsy.

I will not tell you that.

Woman.

Do you know?

Gypsy.

I think that I do..

Woman.

Then I am answered. I could give you another gold coin, Gypsy..

Gypsy.

Why should you.. I have told you all I know..

not

Woman.

It is/knowledge I want.. it's peace.. Have you the instrument of peace
with you?

Gypsy.

I do not know what you want..

Woman.

Does it not say there... there... is it not written in my face...

Look Gypsy.. I want xxxxxxxx. this..

She seizes the handle of a dagger that
the Gypsy wears thrust into the neck
of her low cut dress.

Gypsy.

I will not give you that..

Woman.

Here... is money.. gold.. and silver...

Gypsy.

Would you trade it for the little silver coin...

Woman.

My passport to paradise... Why not? Wait!

She goes in taking the knife with her..

The man enters, as the gypsy is dancing..

The gypsy is dancing a strange sinister
swaying kind of a dance... and continues
after he has entered..

Gypsy..

Come be gypsy, sir...

Man.

Why not? But I couldn't dance your tune.. I've a tune of my own...

Dance to this...

He whistles or sings a rockicking air,
and she dances gaily...flirtaiously..

16.

She wanders about the garden
looking at it for the last
time. She touches the shrubs,
and tears with her fingers at
the gentle old tree, so drowsy
in afternoon sun.

## The Woman.

Oh, wither, wither and die, that there may be no beauty
again in this corner of the earth. Garden that was fed
from my heart, vanish forever, as my youth has vanished,
Hateful shrubs put forth no green leaves ever again. Be
dusty as my heart, oh, once beloved spot, oh, lovely
fragrant earth! Oh, moon put out your light when passing
here. Here may you see only death and desolation!

She raises the stilletto,
then pauses.

Oh, tree! Shelter no more lovers under your shimmering
leaves, lest they should end as I now end!

She stabs herself. She falls.
Her dying fingers clutch at
the red flowers at her head,
and scatter them in her agony.
The Man comes out. He stands
looking at her in horror for
one terrible instant. Then he
kneels beside her, but she
writhes away, and will not let
him touch her.

## The Man.

Is this my work?

## The Woman.

This is the price I pay to keep you. You cannot go now. You
can never go...to her.

## The Man.

My dear! My dear! It wasn't true. I don't love anyone...

## The Woman.

You said it just to hurt me! You hate me so much?

## The Man.

No. No.

She wanders about the garden looking
at it for the last time..

She touches the shrubs, and tears with
her fingers at the gentle old tree, so
drowsy in the afternoon sun..

Woman.

Oh, wither... wither, and die... that there may be no sign of
beauty again in this corner of the earth.. Garden that was fed
with my heart vanish forever, as my youth has vanished... Hateful
shrubs put forth no green leaves ever again.. Be dusty as my heart,
oh, once beloved spot... oh, lovely fragrant earth... Oh, moon...
put out your light when passing here... Here may you see only
death and desolation...

She raises the stilletto.. the pauses ..

Oh, tree! shelter no more lovers under your shimmering leaves...
lest they end as I now end!

She stabs herself.. She falls, and her dying
fingers clutch at the red flowers at her head,
and scatter the flowers in her agony..

The man comes out.. He stand looking at her
in horror for one terrible instant..

Then he kneels beside her, but she writhes
away, and will not let him touch her..

WOMAN'S MAN.

Is this my work?

Woman.

This is the price I pay to keep you.. You cannot go now.. You
can never go... Always between you shall I lie cursing you.. until
all withers that you touch... You can never leave this garden..
We sowed it together.. You must reap it.. alone..

She dies..

Man.

My dear, my dear! It wasn't true.. I haven't been going to see
anyone.. I don't love anyone else.. I don't want anyone else..
I'm sorry I've been so rotten to you!

Woman.

You said it just to hurt me ! You hate me so much?

Man

No, no.

Woman.

Always between you I shall lie.. cursing you.. until all withers
that you touch... all! all!... This is our garden... but you alone
must reap it... reap it...

When the curtain rises on the second act we see the man pottering around his garden. He has grown older, and a sternness has settled on his features, not often seen on the faces of those who work with flowers. The garden is droopy. The old pattern of it is faint beneath the weeds, and unflowering shrubs. He is resolutely setting out some plants nevertheless.

An old countryman comes in to the garden gate.. he's in the market

Countryman.
There ye be! I fetched up the pansies for you.

Man.
Bring them in, won't you? I'm grateful for your trouble..

Countryman,
brings a box of pansies to the gate, but pauses again just inside.

Here they be.. Good sturdy plants.. I'll warrant these'll not die on ye!

Man.
Bring them in, Mr. Perkins -
Countryman.
Could you take them? I'm in a hurry.. Got to take some xanthi tomatoes

bushes, all the way down Hented Lane..

Man.

Showing that he knows the real reason the other will not enter.

You're a busy man, aren't you. Never yet have you had a moment to come in and look around.. You know you promised to give me some tips in my roses.. I've had no success with roses for years.. They used to be so full of roses.

Countryman. half coming used to be... then panning blurring it out.

Man.
What? What do they say?
Countryman.
I don't set no store by it.. But some few liked that gypsy funeral you had for your lady.. Set their flesh creeping to hear those songs they sung winding away over hill and valley.. Seems like some folks hears them still on quiet nights..

Man.
Hear what?
Countryman.
Hear the songs for the dead... the way they sung them that night... winding away over the hills to Tarmee...

Man.
Well, I daresay, they hear the gypsies passing by..

Countryman.
No gypsy has been seen in these parts, for ten years... Not since that night, sir.. Not since that warm, fair night, when the stars hung so low a man could have plucked them from the sky with his naked hand.. Oh, sir, I'll never forget that night... I hid in the bushes to watch them go past..

Man.
What has that to do with the garden..

When the curtain rises on the second act we see the man pottering around his garden. He has grown older, and a sternness has settled on his features, not often seen on the faces of those who work with flowers. The garden is droopy. The old pattern of it is faint beneath the weeds, and unflowering shrubs. He is resolutely setting out some plants nevertheless. An old countryman comes in to the garden gate. He is in the market.

Countryman.

Man.

Countryman,

Here they be. Good sturdy plants. I'll warrant these'll not die on ye!

Man.

Bring them in, Mr. Perkins —

Countryman.

Could you take them? I'm in a hurry. Got to take some xanthi tomatoes bushes, all the way down Hented Lane.

Man.

You're a busy man, aren't you. Never yet have you had a moment to come in and look around. You know you promised to give me some tips on my roses. I've had no success with roses for years. They used to be so full of roses. Come on in, the garden will not harm you.

Countryman.

half coming inside - then pausing
blurring it out.

Man.

What? What do they say?

Countryman.

I don't set no store by it. But some few liked that gypsy funeral you had for your lady. Set their flesh creeping to hear those songs they sung winding away over hill and valley. Seems like some folks hears them still on quiet nights.

Man.

Hear what?

Countryman.

Man.

Countryman.

No gypsy has been seen in these parts, for ten years... Not since that night, sir. Not since that warm, fair night, when the stars hung so low a man could have plucked them from the sky with his naked hand. Oh, sir, I'll never forget that night... I hid in the bushes to watch them go past.

Man.

What has that to do with the garden?

Perkins.

That Tarmee tribe are carrion crows.. They come only when they scent evil.. or death...

John.

Such gay singing people!

Perkins.

Ah! yes.. but they are half out of this world those people.. half in and half out... drawing power from both sides.. They work spells those people.. whenever they pass by, which God be thanked is not often. Things happen. Strange shapes, strange dreams.. I've had a few myself.

John.

You! don't say.. What sort?

Perkins.

I had a fearsome time with a fire dream once.

John.

A fire dream.

Perkins.

Um. The gypsies were encamped in an birch copse near Prettymarsh. and I think the sound of their songs drifted into my sleep. It worked a spell, let me tell you, I won't forget for many a year.

John. politely-

A spell you say? And you dreamed of fire through the night.

Perkins.

Aye! Dreamed of fire fearsome, and when I woked, my barn was in ashed!

John.

Oh, that was hard luck.

Perkins.

There's many could tell a like tale. Next morning the gypsies passed single file over the steep hill above Prettymarsh rather than pass by my door! Aye, many could tell a like. They know things before they happen all right.

Then shamed faced.. he blurts.

Had one of 'em read my hand once.. Well, it'd surprise you.

John.

I'm sure it would..

Perkins.

Said I'd live till the day I saw a ghost in the flesh..

chuckles..

Guess what? Working at the矿工的家,听他们 talking, Takes a bit of silver but its worth it..

insert beginning above.

Perkins.

Oh, sir.. Someone did tell me that the gypsies were seen outside of Millownx Silver Hollow come sunrise.. walking the road, and headed this way..

John.

Good.. I'd like to see a bit of color about the roads again..

Perkins.

I don't like it...

2.

Countryman.

Naught.. Save that it don't ever bloom to speak of.. and it once
the lovliest garden in all the country round.

Man.

I know.. But I'm working at it.. I'll make it bloom.. If you'd
if any of you who shrink past on the opposite side of the road,
would give me a couple of days honest labor, instead of talking
imaginative rot..

Countryman.

I think folks talk very little hereabouts. You mustn't mind what
an old hand at gabble like myself says to you.. Tell you what,
I'll come in and give you a hand with those roses, that I will,
let's see.. soon's ever Daisy day is past..

Man.

Will you? That's good of you.. I'll sleep with a lighter heart..

Yours is the hand that brings the roses forth.. I know what you've
always done with them hereabouts.

Countryman.

There's a great secret with roses.. you must treat them as children
expect something of them.. they'll soon come round.. Well, good day
to you..

He goes out..

Man.

Here, wait a bit.. Oh, well..

He goes back to his digging.. Suddenly
over the walls oxx on every side gypsy
faces peer,.. they are smiling.. they
are laughing.. and the sounds ring through
the air, but the faces disappear before
the man sees them, although he looks around
uneasily, and shivers.. The gypsys
look over again.. and laugh, and then
he hears the strange gypsy air that they
sang when they carried the woman away..
He sinks back upon his knees and covers
his face with his hands..
The gypsy who came in the first act comes
in...

Gypsy.

Ho, man! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! They are singing for you..

Man.

Tell them to go away..

Gypsy.

You have something for us..

Man.

No.. No..

Gypsy..

You buy.. look..

She opens the kerschief, and shows him gems.. He
shakes his head.. The song changes outside, gay
rocklicking..

Then you dance..

He shakes his head..

Oh, come along with us.. The road is free.. The road is wide, and there
is deep forgetfulness upon the hills in the sun..

Man.

It is here that I must stay.. until the garden blooms again..

Gypsy..

["The man kneels bending over a bed of flowers,\ndigging about the plants to loosen the earth.\nThe gate swings slowly open, as if of itself,\nThe sky is dyed x_x_x_x_x_x_x_x_x_x_x_x_x_x_x

And there! Isn't that a cardinal..

Man.

No its a grosbeak..

Girl.

No.. no.. it is a cardinal!

Man.

You're right.. Oh, hear them all..

Girl.

Oh, yes.. heavenly, heavenly.. That's a song sparrow.. and what is that little watery note.. how sweet it is! How sweet how sweet!

Man.

You've brought them back I do believe..

Girl.

Why aren't they here all the time.. Of course they are.. look, there, a little nest in that bush..

Oh, John, there's a tree.

I haven't heard a bird song for years and years...

Girl..

John, did you know that the cosmos are open..

John.

No? Oh, let me put this big fellow in your hair..

Girl.

If it's all the same to you, sir.. I'd rather have that yellow boe bud.

John.

What roses too!

Girl.

Only one.. but fit for a bride..

John.

Since the subject came up...

putting it off with his pocket knife..

As he comes near to put the rose in her hair.. the garden has silently come into bloom... and we see it as it was so many years ago, when John John and his young wife first worked together there... John doesn't think of that time.. He is happy.. perhaps that happiness has merged with this, and he no longer knows time.

He pauses now..

Tell me.. what makes a garden bloom.. You told me once that you knew all about gardens.. What makes it bloom..

Girl

Love.. Didn't you know? Poor John, did no one ever tell you..

He has put the rose in her hair.. Now he takes both her hands, and looks into her eyes..

John.

How right.. how right you are in every thing... and how lovely, lovely love...

They neither of it think it strange that he kisses her..

The garden sings and blossoms..

Lilly! It's

Girl

a look of astonishment comes into his eyes.

Why, that funny, I're forgotten - you're so

forgotten - you're so

At the end of the second act Marjorie
and John go into the house together..

At the rise of the third John comes out
alone. He comes as though in answer to the
sound of a bell rung gaily temptingly out
side the high brick wall that surrounds
the garden.

John.

Coming!

He opens the gate and there stands a regular
Simple Simon of a person... with a small
push cart... His yellow hair stands stfaigh
out under a high white hat such as cookswear,
and he is almost covered by an immaculate
apron. His incredible trousers are checked
largely, blue and white.

Come in, come in.. man.. can you get your cart through the gate..
Thomas..

for his name is Thomas.

Allus have...

He trundles it in proudly..

My! My don't the garden look lovely today...
John.

Thomas.

Cherries.. Look ee..

He lifts them up..

Try one.. melt in your mouth...

He tries one himself, and finds them so
good that he continues to eat them during
the scene..

Call 'er out.

John..

Hoo-hoo.. darling!

Girl.

Her hair about her face, and a very, very
pretty negligee showing about her
shoulders.

What is it? Oh, hello!

Good afternoon.

Thomas.

It's a fine day.

Girl.

It is.. it is a superfine day.. What have you..

Thomas.

Cherries.. would melt in your mouth... AMEXXY
Girl.

But you're the muffin man.

Thomas.

michigan Joker

I am that.. the cherries were for a surprise for you... The muffins
are perfect today.. How many would you be wanting..

Girl.

Let me see.. How many John.. One for me.. and two for you.. I'll be
right down...

John.

I'll go get a plate..

Help yourself to some flowers.. who don't you.

Thomas.

Now that's real good of you..

But I won't trouble you..

John.

Oh, do.. Anything you like..

Thomas.

eats another cherry and considers.. He
walks about from flower bed to flower
shrub, considering.. Then he sees a
flower to his liking.. and finally
picks it.. This makes him so happy
that he hums a little tune.. it sounds
like a folk song folk and he gathers
a little nosegay while he sings it..

John coming out with a plate for the
muffins, joins in, and when they end
they strike a posture, hands in air.

John.

There! Melt in your mouth..

I guarantee it.

He takes one out and breaks it.. giving
John the smallest piece... The other he
eats with evident relish..

John.

You're right.. Oh, while we're about it.. I'd better have some cherries.

The girl comes out.. She has put on
a dress she found in the closet.. and
she has tied a ribbon around her hair..

Thomas..

Oh.. wait till I show you now.. the best of all.. little sugared
cakes would melt in your mouth.. How many.. Here, try this my lady,

He gives her one and takes one himself.

Girl.

Oh, delicious! We must have them for tea .. Let me see .. at least
half a dozen.. and the muffins.. how good they smell.. two for me
and four for you, dear... What a nice tea we'll have..

John.

We'll spread it on the gray rock, shall we..

Girl.

Oh, yes.. Thank you.. I feel as though I hadn't had tea in ten years!

I can't tell you how I'm looking forward to it..

Thomas has closed his little oven box,
wrapped the cherries deftly in a square
of white paper.. and now John is searching
his pockets for some money to pay...

John.

Where?... now, where...

Thomas..

Never mind... It's next Thursday you generally pay me..

John.

So it is.. Oh, wait now.. wait a bit.. here's quite a lot of something..

No.. no.. those are dandelions.. I put them there when I took them

out of the petunias.. Darling have you?
Girl..

Girl..

Oh, my dear, of course.. I was dreaming.. Look in the little sandalwood

k

John.
Good-day

Oh, damn.. I bet the kettle's boiled over.. I'll go see..
Marjorie.

Shall I make the tea, darling.. I really do it much better than you
do.

John.
That's vanity... You set the table.

Marjorie. al right.

Marjorie. She is prodigal with flowers,
but pauses in the midst of her
decoration to call.

John, toss me the tea cloth will you.

John.
Right.. Look out.
a lace cover comes flying through the
door.. Marjorie drapes it over the rock.
More flowers..

Marx
Marjorie.

Shall we have cushions.

Marjorie.
I always have two cushions, and lemon.

She goes in and gets the cushions which
she places on either side of the rock.

You'll bring spoons and cups and things, won't you cook?

John.
If you call what you've done setting the table.

Marjorie.
That's exactly what I call it!
John.

She takes the thing. He puts the tray down.
Marjorie settles herself to pour ..

She gives him a cup of tea, and then
munches a cookie..

John.
Won't you join me?
Marjorie.

Umhum.. but I'm so hungry.. I'm as empty as... my grave.
John.

Marjorie.
Was that horrid? I don't know why.

John.
I don't know why either.

Marjorie pours out her tea.
Marjorie.

The reason it seemed suddenly horrid to me was that I had the strangest
picture flash into my mind as I said it.. I saw myself racing down a
hillside at night.. a coolish sort of night, but not unpleasant..
and there was a yellowish light streaming behind me.. and as I ran
I noticed there were gravestones on each side of me.. I wasn't frightened.
The strange thing was.. that I didn't feel anything at all.. I didn't
seem to touch the earth..

John.
Sounds like a nightmare..

John..

suddenly, but without thinking.

More tea, Marjorie?

Girl.

delightedly.

John.

Of course, it's your name. More tea, darling?

Marjorie.

That's my name too, isn't it?

John.

Oh, yes, and dearest, and dear, and sweetheart, and beloved..beloved.

Marjorie.

John.

Why?

Marjorie.

To have such a stream of names, and to be Marjorie besides. Haven't we done all this before, John.

John.

Why, of course, beloved. Every day... every day since the day we planted the garden. You know that as well as I.

Marjorie.

I half remember many things, but I really think today is the nicest of all don't you?

John.

Marjorie.

Then let's take this day to remember... as a kind of pattern. This day is to be the sign and symbol of our lives..of our life together.

John.

Marjorie.

John.

Marjorie.

wondering.

What did I say? Oh, John don't look like that. Never be frightened
my dear. I learned that from them.

John.

From whom?

2.

Marjorie.

John.

Marjorie.

John.

Yes. You're different from anybody else in the world.

Marjorie.

such as tea and coffee, or

But I don't mean quite that. Is it a difference/Яківські roses and delphinium...or is it a difference such as the light one sees after a rain sometimes, compared to ordinary sunshine. I mean, is it a disturbing difference?

John.

slowly.

It's not disturbing exactly... but it's a thoughtful difference... it's a different difference.

Marjorie.

I've noticed it. It makes me wonder.. quite outside myself you know.. As though I weren't really anybody.. but just something looking on at myself.. I feel as though there were two silver chains upon my wrists. and they hung from a great way off. .. and I feel as if at any moment there may come a tug upon my arm, and I wouldn't be here any more.

John.

Marjorie.

John.

Wouldn't you mind.. Doesn't the thought of that hurt you..

Marjorie.

Of course not. I'd love it.. I want you be happy.. It's what I came for.

John.

Then never leave me..

Marjorie.

Never never.. Oh, John surely I've promised that before...I don't want to leave you.. Oh, John, John, John! Hold me.

He puts his arms about her.

Can't you keep me here? Surely there is something you can do. Look at me. Know me! I am a part of you.. You can keep me, can't you? Dearest, dearest..

3.

John.

I think so. Don't. Don't. You are trembling. Why, you're like (1st) a little bird. Have you flown so far, my fledgling?

Marjorie.

Oh, far far. Over the edge of the world.

John.

Then rest.. come dear..

Marjorie.

If I should ever die dead.. I should come back to you. And it would be the real me at last. You would know me then. We would know how we loved each other. You'd promise to know me, John?

John.

I would know you Marjorie.. I know you now..

Marjorie.

happy

And I know you. Bravest gayest, gentlest of men. Someone told me once that if one died suddenly that one was given a day of spring to come back and finish whatever one had left undone. Do you think it's true? It's a sweet idea.

John.

Marjorie.

I'm sure of it now. It's a gay thought.. and yet, ..to die with the sunset a second time! Could one risk that beloved?

John.

One risks all.

Marjorie.

Yes. At least people like us must. The sun is setting. How glorious! Do you see the green in the sky.. just there about the rose? From my garden once...

She sits up suddenly.

John! My garden! The other one you know, I thought I must have dreamed it! I'm remembering! Where is it? Oh, John! John.. Don't let me! I don't want to know! I mustn't remember.. See.. Look at my wrists! What do you see?

John.

Nothing. Nothing.. Sweet.. Peace! Peace!

Marjorie.

Oh, to leave you now, when I know. When I love you see! Take my hands.. Yes, yes.. I feel you there! Oh, sun! Wait! Wait!

She covers her eyes.

John.

4.

John.

Marjorie! Marjorie! You mustn't. You are frightening me. All day you have been so strange.. What is it? You must tell me.

Marjorie.

When I came into this garden this morning.. I had forgotten.

John. We've had it

This morning! Why baby, Xanadu, wherefore here for years.. Three years.. We were married three years ago.. It's nearly an anniversary.. I'm sure it is.. and we always have tea in the garden..

Marjorie.

You've forgotten.. That's part of it.. Oh, John. We've been happy haven't we? Haven't we been happy. Say it! Say it!

John.

We've been happy, and I love you.. No one but you.

Marjorie.

We've been happy, and I loved you.. John.. Goodbye.. sweet.

John.

The gate swings open silently.

It looks as though a grey robed figure, grey cowled were standing there.. but perhaps it is the gathering dusk..

Marjorie.

kisses John passionately.

John! That kiss was given you by a ghost.

She floats away.. quickly, quickly.

The grey arms of the figure seem to enfold her... She is gone.. The gate closes of itself upon emptiness..

John sinks upon the bench with bowed head.

One might almost think he had died, so still he is.

It has grown so dark that one almost fancies he is an old man.

## THE CURTIS STRING QUARTET

<table><tr><td>JASCHA BRODSKY</td><td>Violin</td></tr><tr><td>BENJAMIN SHARLIP</td><td>Violin</td></tr><tr><td>MAX ARONOFF</td><td>Viola</td></tr><tr><td>ORLANDO COLE</td><td>Violoncello</td></tr></table>

## PROGRAMME

<table><tr><td>Quartet in B flat Major—Opus 67</td><td>Brahms</td></tr><tr><td>Vivace</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Andante</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Agitato</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Allegretto con variazioni</td><td></td></tr></table>

Intermission eight minutes

# ONE DAY OF SPRING

by

MARY KENNEDY

(first time on any stage)

## CAST

<table><tr><td>The Man</td><td>RICHARD SHATTUCK</td></tr><tr><td>The Woman</td><td>MARY KENNEDY</td></tr><tr><td>The Gypsy</td><td>ANNE MAUCLAIR</td></tr><tr><td>A Countryman</td><td>GEORGE YOUNG</td></tr><tr><td>A Muffin Man</td><td>ROBERT WARFIELD</td></tr><tr><td>The Shadow</td><td>STUART C. EATON</td></tr></table>

The action takes place in a garden.

There will be no intermission. The closing curtains and musical interludes, denote a lapse of time.

Music by Sam Barber.

Played by The Curtis String Quartet.

Voice, Sam Barber.

The Gypsy chorus is under the direction of Christopher Honaas.

## GYPSY CHORUS

<table><tr><td>ELEANOR REESE</td><td>MILFORD DAVIS</td></tr><tr><td>KATHARINE WINCHESTER</td><td>LYMAN GREAVES</td></tr><tr><td>HELEN WELCH</td><td>BONAR COLLINSON</td></tr><tr><td>HAZEL BOWEN</td><td>THEODORE EHRLICH</td></tr><tr><td>DOROTHY SMITH</td><td>WILLIAM PAGE</td></tr><tr><td>DOROTHEA YUST</td><td>JOHN BEAUFORT</td></tr></table>

The Gypsy dance in Act I, created by Barbara Parsons.

The play directed by Annie Russell.

A garden. Overgrown.

## THE WOMAN

I will do what you want. I will let you go. . . . or I will go.
I have decided.

## The Man

(Sitting up)

## The Woman

I know. I dug the garden.

## The Man

If you go. . . where would you go?

## The Woman

Into the world. . into life. You have shut me off from life.
I would try to find it.

## The Man

Do you remember when we came here? Is it so short a time we have
borne this bitterness? We came here joyful. . . free. . . in love.
In love!

## The Woman

I never loved you.

2.

## The Man

(Hurt)

Oh, yes. Oh, yes. . .don't you remember how you loved me? And how
finally you fell asleep here in my arms, and the moon came up?

## The Woman

I never loved you.

## The Man

## The Woman

## The Man

## The Woman

No, This could not be the spot.

## The Man

## The Woman

## The Man

I remember, I tell you.

## The Woman

I have forgotten. Between that hour and this stand the broken years.
Perhaps I never knew . . .there is nothing in me that glows at your
words. Let me go now, and this is over. . .is done.

## The Man

3.

The Woman

The Man

Can't you let me forget that?

The Woman

How can you forget it? I live it. . .sleep it. . .eat it with tears . .
Betrayal! I never betrayed you!

The Man

The Woman

Ah, yes, I pity you. I pity both of us, that had this lovely thing and
lost it. My arms are doubly empty that have no child. . . and no lover!

The Man

You did not want me.

The Woman

The Man

You, too, were looking elsewhere. While I sat watching in that room,
not daring to leave. . .not daring to move. . .the essence of all I sought
to held escaped. Escaped slowly, inevitably, never to be recaptured.

The Woman

You did not speak..

The Man

I had no words.

The Woman

The Man

Perhaps. I only know I would have more of you with 3000 leagues between us than I have now. . . than I have had since then. Truly, truly, he that keeps his own soul must lose it! It is not by watching that the thing is done.

The Woman

Talk! Talk! You have words enough now when I have no need of you. Go
to your woman across the hills. .your black-haired bird! And breed
yourself an army of children. What do I care?

4.

The Man

I will!

(He springs up angrily.)

The Woman

To her?

The Man

(A GYPSY enter.)

The Woman

Who are? What do you want?

The Gypsy

I come again.

The Woman

The Gypsy

Oh, yes. . .you forgot? Pretty Lady. . .perhaps you did not see me
that day.

The Woman

What day?

The Gypsy

Maybe four, maybe five, maybe ten years have gone by. . .who can say?. . . except the man who carry time within his head. It is all the same to us who live under the sun. Cross my palm with silver lady.

The Woman

Why? Why should I?

The Gypsy

The Woman

I love no one.

5

## The Gypsy

I tell you who break the pretty little heart of you, so it could hold no more love, not ever. I tell you that. I tell you who lay with you under the moon, maybe four, maybe five, maybe ten years gone by. A bit of silver, lady . . . even of such little value as the silver coin from Greece that lies even now under your small white gloves that smell of sandalwood, and that have lain there such a long time.

## The Woman

## The Gypsy

## The Woman

You think yourself very wise, but we have seen gypsies pass before, I know your tricks.

## The Gypsy

Never have you seen a gypsy like me, lady. If you give me the silver coin I tell you wonderful things.

## The Woman

## The Gypsy

You have, lady. A little Grecian piece. It was given you for love. . . that you might belong forever to someone who kiss you between the breasts. Ah! You like to forget that, eh? Then give me the money. I promise you can forget them. You can forget for long time. I tell you what...You give it to me, and I make a spell with it, for you. . . When the sun slant along the wall, just so, then you will forget, and you will never remember again. Not for...four, maybe five, maybe ten years.

## The Woman

## The Gypsy

## The Woman

## The Gypsy

7.

The Gypsy

The Woman

Only tell me what you see.

The Gypsy

I see in truth what I only felt when I entered your garden. He
that you love...will leave you before the moon rises. Let him go.
Let him go and you will be happy.

The Woman

I cannot.

The Gypsy

The Woman

Will it stop him?

The Gypsy

Yes, it will stop him...but you will have to finish out your story.
You cannot leave it so unended!

The Woman

How can I?

The Gypsy

One day...one day of spring you will remember...and that day be
given to you. All those who by their own desire break their
stories before they are ended, are given one day to return and
finish them. If you are patient you will have many days...if you
are rash you have but that one day, that you cannot choose, that you
may not refuse.

The Woman

One day...that I cannot choose, that I may not refuse...I wonder!

The Gypsy

The Woman

There is a thought that lies rotting in my mind - tell me Gypsy,
will I have the courage to do it?

9.

The Gypsy

Come be Gypsy, Sir.

The Man

I couldn't dance your tune.

(He whistles the rollicking air, and SHE
dances gaily, flirtatiously.)

(THEY dance.)

The Gypsy

The Man

What things?

The Gypsy

The Man

The Gypsy

Yes, that I have. See.

A ruby. Could you buy?

The Man

The Gypsy

From the East...from far away over many mountains. You want...huh?
You want so much to see it lie on her little white throat?

The Man

No, thank you.

(Gives it back.)

10.

The Gypsy

The Man

Stolen.

The Gypsy

(Angrily.)

Why do you say so?

The Man

Because that is too cheap.

The Gypsy

The Man

No.

The Gypsy

The Man

No thanks, not today.

The Gypsy

The Man

(Troubled)

Why do you say that?

The Gypsy

The Man

Why...

11.

The Woman

(Coldly.)

The Man

Are you buying something?

The Woman

Yes. Did you hear me, Gypsy?

The Gypsy

(The MAN laughs loudly.)

The Gypsy

(Gravely)

I hurt you, sir. I beg your pardon.. Lady, this coin you give me, I will never part with...it shall be buried with me.

The Man

What coin is that?

The Woman

The Man

Let me see it, Gypsy.

The Gypsy

The Woman

The Gypsy

I go. I go singing.

(She leaves, and a song is heard, There is an awkward silence between the MAN and WOMAN, having in it no longer the desire to be broken. The WOMAN moves over to the grey bushes along the wall,

13.

## The Woman

Before you do. The garden...

## The Man

It was your doing, not mine.

## The Woman

## The Man

## The Woman

## The Man

No, No. We loved. We loved each other. No dream. Oh! love...

## The Woman

## The Man

## The Woman

(Turning away.)

## The Man

## The Woman

(Strangely)

If one of us should die, could he come back to find the other? If
I should come it would be the real me at last. Perhaps I could come
through that gate... would I find you? Would you know me then, any
more than you know me now?

It is the garden still. It is cleaner
than in the first act, the walks are
swept, and the little pool is clear
of leaves...but there are few flowers.
It has a desolate air as though spring
had passed it by. The MAN grown older,
is pottering about...clipping the hedge
with great shears...A sternness has
settled upon his features, an expression
not often seen in the faces of those
who work with flowers. After a minute
he lays aside his shears, and gazes
ruefully about his droopy garden, then
he begins to put in some plants that
are lying heads out of paper sacks upon
the brick walk.

An old COUNTRYMAN peers in the wicket.

## Countryman

Here you are. I fetched up the pansies for you.

## The Man

## Countryman

(Who brings a box of pansies to the gate
but pauses again just inside)

Here they are! Good sturdy plants. I'll warrant these'll not
die on you!

## The Man

Bring them in, Adam.

## Countryman

Could you take them? I'm in a hurry. Got to take some tomato
bushes, all the way down Hented Lane.

## The Man

2.

Adam

(Takes a step in. pauses, and then
blurts out)

The Man

What? What do they say?

Adam

I don't believe it...they only say it on account of that Gypsy
funeral you had for your lady. Set their flesh creeping to hear
those songs they sung winding away over hill and valley. Some
folk hear 'em still on quiet nights.

The Man

Hear what?

Adam

The Man

Adam

No gypsy has been seen in these parts for years. Not since that
night, sir. Not since that warm fair night, when the stars shung
so low a man could have plucked them from the sky with his hand.
Oh, sir, I'll ne'er forget that night. I hid in the bushes to
watch them go past....and they never came back again.

The Man

Adam

The Man

Adam

Ah, yes! Gay, colorful people, but they are half out of the world.
Half in, and half out...drawing power from both sides. They work
spells those gypsies, whenever they pass by, which God be thanked is
not often. Things happen. Strange shapes, strange dreams. I've had
a few myself.

3.

The Man

Adam

The Man

A fire dream?

Adam

Um...The Gypsies were encamped in a birch copse near Pretty-marsh.
(long before you came here)...and I think the sound of their songs
drifted into my sleep. It worked as spell, let me tell you, I won't
forget for many a year.

The Man

(Politely)

Adam

Aye! I dreamed of fire all night long and when I woke, my barn was
in ashes!

The Man

Oh, that was hard luck.

Adam

(He looks off dreamily remembering the
past, then he decides to tell all and
comes down to the Man, blurting it out,
shame-faced)

The Man

(Kindly)

I'm sure it would.

Adam

(He chuckles)

You mustn't mind what an old hand at gabble, like myself, says to
you. Tell you what, I'll come in and give you a hand with roses...

5.

The Gypsy (cont'd)

Can you still dance?

(He shakes his head)

The Man

The Gypsy

You are a man made to be walking the roads of the world. Living the
life of the camp with the sky for a roof...lighting yourself to
your bed, with the stars hung on pine trees...standing like a
birch tree beside the still stream where we go to bathe...You would
dive without frightening the fishes,.. like a true gypsy...You would
see the year turn...lying in the free meadows with the autumn set
like a flower garden upon the hills. There you'd lie blowing milk-
weed silk into the blue sky, with freedom in your heart. What are the
four walls of a garden to the glories of the earth? If you want
walls, we can take you to towns set high on golden hills... We know
all the secret passages and the deep vaults cut down into the mountain,
where half the jewels of the world are hid. These things we would show
you.

The Man

Why?

The Gypsy

The Man

The Gypsy

(Looking into her hand)

(She smiles suddenly)

The Man

The Gypsy

The Man

Death?

13.

Marjorie

(She covers her eyes.)

John

Marjorie

John

Marjorie

John

Marjorie

John

(The gate swings open silently.
It is dusk. Marjorie takes his face
between her hands and kisses him.)

Marjorie

Good-bye sweet.

John

Marjorie!

Marjorie

John, that kiss was given you by a ghost!

(She floats away...quickly...quickly...
She is gone. The gate closes of itself,
upon emptiness.)

JOHN sinks upon the bench with bowed head.

It has grown dark.)

7.

The Girl

The Man

You heard? Where?

The Girl

(Vaguely)

Somewhere. What are those?

The Man

Columbine.

The Girl

(Laughing)

The Man

The Girl

Aren't these sweet William?

The Man

My name is John.

The Girl

The Man

Painted trillium.

9.

The Man

The Girl

The Man

The Girl

The Man

The Girl

John! Did you know the violets are up and the narcissus are open?

The Man

No! Oh, let me put this big one in your hair.

The Girl

The Man

What! Roses too!

The Girl

The Man

(Cutting the bud with the garden shears)

I seem to hold all time in my hands, with this small rose that
blossoms out of season.

(As he comes near her to put the rose in her hair the
garden has come into blossom, and we see it as it was
it was so many years ago, when John and his young

10.

wife first planned it. JOHN doesn't think
of that time. He is happy...perhaps that
happiness has merged with this, and he no
longer knows time.. He pauses now, looking
at her)

## The Girl

Love. Didn't you know? Poor John...did no one ever tell you?

(He has put the rose in her hair. Now he
takes both her hands and looks into her eyes)

## John

How right..how right you are in everything...and how lovely, lovely...
love....

(They neither of them think it strange that
he kisses her. The garden sings and blossoms.)

JOHN bounds out of the house.

John

Coming!

John

Come in! Come, man. Can you get your cart through the gate?

Thomas

Allus have.

My! My! (He trundles it in proudly)
Don't the garden look lovely today.

John

Thomas

Strawberries... Look 'ee.

Call 'er out.

John

Hoo-hoo! ... Darling!

(The GIRL'S head appears at an upper window.
Her hair is about her face, and she wears a
scarf over her shoulder)

The Girl

Thomas

It's a fine day.

2.

The Girl

Thomas

Strawberries...would melt in your mouth.

The Girl

But you're the Muffin Man!

(THOMAS mudges JOHN, and laughs as though she has made a joke.)

Thomas

I am that. The berries were for a surprise for you. The muffins are perfect today. How many would you be wanting?

The Girl

John

Thomas

John

Oh, do. Anything you like.

(Exits)

(THOMAS eats another cherry and considers. He walks about from flower bed to shrub considering. Then he sees a flower that he cannot resist, and picks it. This makes him so happy that he hums a little tune. It sounds like a folk song, and he gathers a little nosegay as he sings it.)

JOHN coming out with a plate for the muffins,
joins in, and when they end they strike a
posture hands in air.

Then THOMAS hastily getting down to business
opens the little oven where the muffins are kept.)

3.

Thomas

There! Melt in your mouth...I guarantee it.

(He takes one out and breaks it, giving JOHN the smallest piece ... the other he eats with evident relish.)

John

You're right. Oh, while we're about it I had better have some
strawberries.

(The GIRL comes out. She has tied a ribbon around her hair.)

Thomas

Now! Wait till I show you...the best of all. Little sugared cakes
would melt in your mouth. How many? Here, try this, my lady.

(He gives her one, and takes one himself.)

The Girl

Oh, delicious! We must have them for tea. Let me see...at least
half a dozen...and the muffins. How good they smell! Two for me,
and four for you, dear. What a nice tea we'll have.

John

The Girl

(THOMAS has closed his little box, wrapped
the strawberries deftly in a square white
paper, and now JOHN is searching his
pockets for money to pay.)

John

Where ... now, where...?

Thomas

John

So it is. Oh, wait now...wait a bit. Here's quite a lot of something.
(He takes it out.)

No. No. Those are dandelions. I put them there when I took them
out of the petunias. Darling...have you...?

4.

The Girl

John

I know.

The Girl

Well, don't take that, but there is surely some other money too.

John

I'll be right down.

(He dashes off.)

The Girl

(proudly)

Thomas

The Girl

Really? How is that?

Thomas

His mind's on it.

The Girl

I see. Yes. That's sense.

Thomas

Well, see you Thursday.

The Girl

Thomas

Lookee...He have give me most of the garden before you came down.

The Girl

5.

The Girl (cont'd.)

Thomas

The Girl

Thomas

Now that's very sweet of you, mam. 'Tisn't every man that gets
a nosegay in his hat put in by such beautiful fingers...begging
your pardon if I take a liberty, mam.

The Girl

It is your great charm of manner and your knack of enhancing the
simple truth that makes everyone your slave, Thomas.

Thomas

John

(Rushing from the house.)

Here you are! Here you are!

Thomas

John

Thomas

(Exists.)

John

6.

The Girl

John

The Girl

Shall I? All right.

John

Right. Look out!

The Girl

Shall we have cushions?

John

The Girl

(He throws the cushions out and
she places them on either side
of the rock.)

John

(Inside.)

The Girl

John

(Coming out with the tray)

7.

The Girl

John

Dearest!

The Girl

John

I don't know why, either.

(She pours out her tea.)

The Girl

The reason it suddenly seemed so horrid to me, was that I had the strongest picture flash into my mind as I said it. I saw myself racing down a hillside at night...a coolish sort of night...but not unpleasant...and there was a yellowish light streaming behind me. And as I ran I noticed that there were gravestones on each side of me. I wasn't frightened. The strange thing was, that I didn't feel anything at all. I didn't seem to touch the earth.

John

Sounds like an nightmare.

Adam

What yave you done here! Why, what's come over it? I came to help you with the garden, but you don't need help, do you? What have you done to it?

(He sees the Girl.)

John

Not at all. Surely you know my wife? Mr...Mr... Isn't that stupid of me I've forgotten your name.. Oh, that is bad of me! And funny thing is I've been forgetting things all day.

The Girl

It's Adam, isn't it?

8.

Adam

(Scared and almost trembling.)
Yes. Are you a gypsy that you know my name?

John

No, No. It's my wife. You know my wife!

Adam

Did you say your wife?

The Girl

Yes.

Adam

Why...why...I thought your wife was dead!

The Girl

But here I am.

Adam

(Completely bewildered looks about at the
unfamiliar garden. He is puzzled and
frightened.)

(Looks at John closely.)

John

This morning? Why, it wasn't this morning. I saw you last...let me see...it has been some time since I saw you. We stopped to chat at the Fair at Goostown last week.

Adam

(His eyes starting out of his head)
Last week! Why, man, the Fair at Goostown was twelve years ago...
maybe thirteen!

John

Adam

9.

The Girl

Poor thing! Isn't he Adam from over by Prettymarsh. What's happened
to him? He looks so old!

John

He seemed all right when last I saw him. He must have had sun-
stroke or something. Poor fellow! He'll be over tomorrow full of
apoligies for acting so strangely.

More tea. Marjorie?

The Girl

(Delightedly)

John

Marjorie

That's my name, too, isn't it?

John

Marjorie

Yes. Thank you, It's all very puzzling. I'm obviously English.

John

Why?

Marjorie

John

Something very like it.

Marjorie

John

10.

Marjorie

John

Marjorie

But it is all, didn't you know?

John

Marjorie

(Wondering)

John

From whom?

Marjorie

John

Marjorie

(Troubled)

John

Marjorie

But I don't mean quite that. Is it a difference such as tea and
coffee, or roses and delphinium, or is it a difference such as the
light one sees after a rain sometimes, compared to ordinary sunshine?
I mean, is it a disturbing difference?

John

(Slowly)

It's not disturbing exactly...but it is a thoughtful difference...
it is a different difference.

11.

Marjorie

I've noticed it. It makes me wonder. (Quite outside of myself you know.) As though I weren't really anybody, but just something looking on at myself. I feel as though there were two silver chains upon my wrists, and they hung from a great way off...and I feel as if at any moment there might come a tug upon my arm, and I wouldn't be here any more.

John

Marjorie

John

Marjorie

Of course not. You can find love again in another's arms. Perhaps even now she is waiting for you. You must find her...go to her... I want you to be happy.

John

Marjorie

(Smiling at him tenderly.)

John

Then never leave me!

Marjorie

(He puts his arms about her.)

John

12.

Marjorie

John

Then rest. Come, dear.

(He leads/her to a bench. Her head is on his shoulder. She speaks dreamily.)

Marjorie

John

Marjorie

(Happily)

John

Marjorie

John

One risks all.

Marjorie

(She sits up suddenly.)

John