Part 7 (1/2)

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 s.h.i.+lling, 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 sc.r.a.pes. I am a beggar now, and you must help me out of my sc.r.a.pe.

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. . .

(_Strides towards her. Seizes her arms. Short struggle. Bessie gives way.

Hair falls loose. H. kisses her forehead, cheeks, lips, then releases her. Bessie staggers against railings_.)

(Exit Harry; measured walk without haste)

Bessie (_Staring eyes, hair loose, back against railings; calls out_).

Harry! (_Gathers up her skirts and runs a little way_) Come back, Harry.

(_Staggers forward against lamp-post_) Harry! (_Much lower_) Harry! (_In a whisper_) Take me with you. (_Begins to laugh, at first faintly, then louder._)

(_Window rumbles up, and Capt. H.'s chuckle mingles with Bessie's laughter, which abruptly stops_.)

Capt. H. (_Goes on chuckling; speaks cautiously_). Is he gone yet, that information fellow? Do you see him anywhere, my dear?