Complete Project Gutenberg John Galsworthy Works eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 6,432 pages of information about Complete Project Gutenberg John Galsworthy Works.

Complete Project Gutenberg John Galsworthy Works eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 6,432 pages of information about Complete Project Gutenberg John Galsworthy Works.

The governor.  I’ll make a point of seeing him to-day.

Cokeson.  I’m much obliged to you.  I thought perhaps seeing him every day you wouldn’t notice it.

The governor. [Rather sharply] If any sign of injury to his health shows itself his case will be reported at once.  That’s fully provided for. [He rises]

Cokeson. [Following his own thoughts] Of course, what you don’t see doesn’t trouble you; but having seen him, I don’t want to have him on my mind.

The governor.  I think you may safely leave it to us, sir.

Cokeson. [Mollified and apologetic] I thought you’d understand me.  I’m a plain man—­never set myself up against authority. [Expanding to the chaplain] Nothing personal meant.  Good-morning.

     As he goes out the three officials do not look at each other,
     but their faces wear peculiar expressions.

The chaplain.  Our friend seems to think that prison is a hospital.

Cokeson. [Returning suddenly with an apologetic air] There’s just one little thing.  This woman—­I suppose I mustn’t ask you to let him see her.  It’d be a rare treat for them both.  He’s thinking about her all the time.  Of course she’s not his wife.  But he’s quite safe in here.  They’re a pitiful couple.  You couldn’t make an exception?

The governor. [Wearily] As you say, my dear sir, I couldn’t make an exception; he won’t be allowed another visit of any sort till he goes to a convict prison.

Cokeson.  I see. [Rather coldly] Sorry to have troubled you. [He again goes out]

The chaplain. [Shrugging his shoulders] The plain man indeed, poor fellow.  Come and have some lunch, Clements?

     He and the doctor go out talking.

     The governor, with a sigh, sits down at his table and takes up a
     pen.

The curtain falls.

SCENE II

Part of the ground corridor of the prison.  The walls are coloured with greenish distemper up to a stripe of deeper green about the height of a man’s shoulder, and above this line are whitewashed.  The floor is of blackened stones.  Daylight is filtering through a heavily barred window at the end.  The doors of four cells are visible.  Each cell door has a little round peep-hole at the level of a man’s eye, covered by a little round disc, which, raised upwards, affords a view o f the cell.  On the wall, close to each cell door, hangs a little square board with the prisoner’s name, number, and record.

     Overhead can be seen the iron structures of the first-floor and
     second-floor corridors.

     The warder instructor, a bearded man in blue uniform, with an
     apron, and some dangling keys, is just emerging from one of the
     cells.

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Complete Project Gutenberg John Galsworthy Works from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.