Complete Plays of John Galsworthy eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 1,284 pages of information about Complete Plays of John Galsworthy.

Complete Plays of John Galsworthy eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 1,284 pages of information about Complete Plays of John Galsworthy.

Burney.  Oh! very steady old man.  The mother dead long before I took the place.

Paynter.  Not a penny, I suppose?

Burney. [Shaking her head] No; and seven of them.

Paynter. [At sound of the hall door] The Governor!

     Burney withdraws through the curtained door.

George Dedmond enters from the hall.  He is in evening dress, opera hat, and overcoat; his face is broad, comely, glossily shaved, but with neat moustaches.  His eyes, clear, small, and blue-grey, have little speculation.  His hair is well brushed.

George. [Handing Paynter his coat and hat] Look here, Paynter!  When I send up from the Club for my dress things, always put in a black waistcoat as well.

Paynter.  I asked the mistress, sir.

George.  In future—­see?

Paynter.  Yes, sir. [Signing towards the window] Shall I leave the sunset, sir?

But George has crossed to the curtained door; he opens it and says:  “Clare!” Receiving no answer, he goes in.  Paynter switches up the electric light.  His face, turned towards the curtained door, is apprehensive.

George. [Re-entering] Where’s Mrs. Dedmond?

Paynter.  I hardly know, sir.

George.  Dined in?

Paynter.  She had a mere nothing at seven, sir.

George.  Has she gone out, since?

Paynter.  Yes, sir—­that is, yes.  The—­er—­mistress was not dressed at all.  A little matter of fresh air, I think; sir.

George.  What time did my mother say they’d be here for Bridge?

Paynter.  Sir Charles and Lady Dedmond were coming at half-past nine; and Captain Huntingdon, too—­Mr. and Mrs. Fullarton might be a bit late, sir.

George.  It’s that now.  Your mistress said nothing?

Paynter.  Not to me, sir.

George.  Send Burney.

Paynter.  Very good, sir. [He withdraws.]

     George stares gloomily at the card tables.  Burney comes in
     front the hall.

George.  Did your mistress say anything before she went out?

Burney.  Yes, sir.

George.  Well?

Burney.  I don’t think she meant it, sir.

George.  I don’t want to know what you don’t think, I want the fact.

Burney.  Yes, sir.  The mistress said:  “I hope it’ll be a pleasant evening, Burney!”

George.  Oh!—­Thanks.

Burney.  I’ve put out the mistress’s things, sir.

George.  Ah!

Burney.  Thank you, sir. [She withdraws.]

George.  Damn!

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Project Gutenberg
Complete Plays of John Galsworthy from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.