One Day More eBook

Joseph M. Carey
This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 33 pages of information about One Day More.

One Day More eBook

Joseph M. Carey
This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 33 pages of information about One Day More.

Harry (Headlong utterance).  Mad!  Not he.  He likes his own way.  Tie me up by the neck here.  Here!  Ha!  Ha!  Ha! (Louder.) And the whole world is not a bit too big for me to spread my elbows in, I can tell you—­what’s your name—­Bessie. (Rising scorn).  Marry!  Wants me to marry and settle.... (Scathingly.) And as likely as not he has looked out the girl too—­dash my soul.  Talked to you about it—­did he?  And do you happen to know the Judy—­may I ask?

(Window in Hagberd’s cottage runs up.  They start and stand still.)

Capt.  H. (Above, begins slowly).  A grinning information fellow from a crazy town. (Voice changes.) Bessie, I see you. . . .

Bessie (Shrill).  Captain Hagberd!  Say nothing.  You don’t understand.  For heaven’s sake don’t.

Capt.  H. Send him away this minute, or I will tell Harry.  They know nothing of Harry in this crazy town.  Harry’s coming home to-morrow.  Do you hear?  One day more!

(Silence.)

Harry (Mutters).  Well!—­he is a character.

Capt.  H. (Chuckles softly).  Never you fear!  The boy shall marry you. (Sudden anger.) He’ll have to.  I’ll make him.  Or, if not—­(Furious)—­I’ll cut him off with a shilling, and leave everything to you.  Jackanapes!  Let him starve!

(Window rumbles down.)

Harry (Slowly).  So it’s you—­the girl.  It’s you!  Now I begin to see....  By heavens, you have a heart as soft as your woman’s voice.

Bessie (Half averted, face in hands).  You see!  Don’t come near me.

Harry (Makes a step towards her).  I must have another look at your pale face.

Bessie (Turns unexpectedly and pushes him with both hands; Harry staggers back and stands still; Bessie, fiercely).  Go away.

Harry (Watching her).  Directly.  But women always had to get me out of my scrapes.  I am a beggar now, and you must help me out of my scrape.

Bessie (Who at the word “beggar” had begun fumbling in the pocket of her dress, speaks wildly).  Here it is.  Take it.  Don’t look at me.  Don’t speak to me!

Harry (Swaggers up under the lamp; looks at coin in his palm).  Half-a-quid. . ..  My fare!

Bessie (Hands clenched).  Why are you still here?

Harry.  Well, you are a fine figure of a girl.  My word.  I’ve a good mind to stop—­for a week.

Bessie (Pain and shame).  Oh!....  What are you waiting for?  If I had more money I would give it all, all.  I would give everything I have to make you go—­to make you forget you had ever heard my voice and seen my face. (Covers face with hands.)

Harry (Sombre, watches her).  No fear!  I haven’t forgotten a single one of you in the world.  Some’ve given me more than money.  No matter.  You can’t buy me in—­and you can’t buy yourself out. . .

Copyrights
Project Gutenberg
One Day More from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.