PAGE 10
The Parlor-Car
by
MR. RICHARDS: “Why, if you have no doubt upon the subject, my opinion is of no consequence.”
MISS GALBRAITH: “Yes. But what do you think? If you think differently, and can make me see it differently, oughtn’t you to do so?”
MR. RICHARDS: “I don’t see why. As you say, all is over between us.”
MISS GALBRAITH: “Yes.” After a pause, “I should suppose you would care enough for yourself to wish me to look at the matter from the right point of view.”
MR. RICHARDS: “I don’t.”
MISS GALBRAITH, becoming more and more uneasy as the noise of the approaching train grows louder: “I think you have been very quick with me at times, quite as quick as I could have been with you last night.” The noise is more distinctly heard. “I’m sure that if I could once see it as you do, no one would be more willing to do anything in their power to atone for their rashness. Of course I know that everything is over.”
MR. RICHARDS: “As to that, I have your word; and, in view of the fact, perhaps this analysis of motive, of character, however interesting on general grounds, is a little” –
MISS GALBRAITH, with sudden violence: “Say it, and take your revenge! I have put myself at your feet, and you do right to trample on me! Oh, this is what women may expect when they trust to men’s generosity! Well, it IS over now, and I’m thankful, thankful! Cruel, suspicious, vindictive, you’re all alike, and I’m glad that I’m no longer subject to your heartless caprices. And I don’t care what happens after this, I shall always–Oh! You’re sure it’s from the front, Allen? Are you sure the rear signal is out?”
MR. RICHARDS, relenting: “Yes, but if it will ease your mind, I’ll go and look again.” He rises, and starts towards the rear door.
MISS GALBRAITH, quickly: “Oh, no! Don’t go! I can’t bear to be left alone!” The sound of the approaching train continually increases in volume. “Oh, isn’t it coming very, very, VERY fast?”
MR. RICHARDS: “No, no! Don’t be frightened.”
MISS GALBRAITH, running towards the rear door. “Oh, I MUST get out! It will kill me, I know it will. Come with me! Do, do!” He runs after her, and her voice is heard at the rear of the car. “Oh, the outside door is locked, and we are trapped, trapped, trapped! Oh, quick! Let’s try the door at the other end.” They re-enter the parlor, and the roar of the train announces that it is upon them. “No, no! It’s too late, it’s too late! I’m a wicked, wicked girl, and this is all to punish me! Oh, it’s coming, it’s coming at full speed!” He remains bewildered, confronting her. She utters a wild cry, and as the train strikes the car with a violent concussion, she flings herself into his arms. “There, there! Forgive me, Allen! Let us die together, my own, own love!” She hangs fainting on his breast. Voices are heard without, and after a little delay The Porter comes in with a lantern.
PORTER: “Rather more of a jah than we meant to give you, sah! We had to run down pretty quick after we missed you, and the rain made the track a little slippery. Lady much frightened?”
MISS GALBRAITH, disengaging herself: “Oh, not at all! Not in the least. We thought it was a train coming from behind, and going to run into us, and so–we–I” –