FullReads

Warland. If I only had a head for business, now, I might have done something by this time. But I’d sooner break stones in the road.

Isabel. It must be very hard to get an opening in that profession. So many of my friends have aspired to it, and yet I never knew any one who actually did it.

Warland. If I could only get the secretaryship. How that kind of life would suit you! It’s as much for you that I want it–

Isabel. And almost as much for the butcher. Don’t belittle the circle of your benevolence. (She walks across the room.) Three o’clock already– and Marian asked me to give orders about the carriages. Let me see–Mr. Oberville is the first arrival; if you’ll ring I will send word to the stable. I suppose you’ll stay now?

Warland. Stay?

Isabel. Not go to Washington. I thought you spoke as if he could help you.

Warland. He could settle the whole thing in five minutes. The President can’t refuse him anything. But he doesn’t know me; he may have a candidate of his own. It’s a pity you haven’t seen him for so long–and yet I don’t know; perhaps it’s just as well. The others don’t arrive till seven? It seems as if–How long is he going to be here? Till to-morrow night, I suppose? I wonder what he’s come for. The Merringtons will bore him to death, and Adelaide, of course, will be philandering with Lender. I wonder (a pause) if Darley likes boating. (Rings the bell.)

Isabel. Boating?

Warland. Oh, I was only thinking–Where are the matches? One may smoke here, I suppose? (He looks at his wife.) If I were you I’d put on that black gown of yours to-night–the one with the spangles.–It’s only that Fred Langham asked me to go over to Narragansett in his launch to-morrow morning, and I was thinking that I might take Darley; I always liked Darley.

Isabel (to the footman who enters). Mrs. Raynor wishes the dog-cart sent to the station at five o’clock to meet Mr. Oberville.

Footman. Very good, m’m. Shall I serve tea at the usual time, m’m?

Isabel. Yes. That is, when Mr. Oberville arrives.

Footman (going out). Very good, m’m.

Warland (to Isabel, who is moving toward the door). Where are you going?

Isabel. To my room now–for a walk later.

Warland. Later? It’s past three already.

Isabel. I’ve no engagement this afternoon.

Warland. Oh, I didn’t know. (As she reaches the door.) You’ll be back, I suppose?

Isabel. I have no intention of eloping.

Warland. For tea, I mean?

Isabel. I never take tea. (Warland shrugs his shoulders.)

II

The same drawing-room. Isabel enters from the lawn in hat and gloves. The tea-table is set out, and the footman just lighting the lamp under the kettle.

Isabel. You may take the tea-things away. I never take tea.

Footman. Very good, m’m. (He hesitates.) I understood, m’m, that Mr. Oberville was to have tea?

Isabel. Mr. Oberville? But he was to arrive long ago! What time is it?

Footman. Only a quarter past five, m’m.

Isabel. A quarter past five? (She goes up to the clock.) Surely you’re mistaken? I thought it was long after six. (To herself.) I walked and walked–I must have walked too fast … (To the Footman.) I’m going out again. When Mr. Oberville arrives please give him his tea without waiting for me. I shall not be back till dinner-time.

Footman. Very good, m’m. Here are some letters, m’m.

Isabel (glancing at them with a movement of disgust). You may send them up to my room.

Footman. I beg pardon, m’m, but one is a note from Mme. Fanfreluche, and the man who brought it is waiting for an answer.

Isabel. Didn’t you tell him I was out?

Footman. Yes, m’m. But he said he had orders to wait till you came in.

Isabel. Ah–let me see. (She opens the note.) Ah, yes. (A pause.) Please say that I am on my way now to Mme Fanfreluche’s to give her the answer in person. You may tell the man that I have already started. Do you understand? Already started.