Part 22 (1/2)

CHARACTERS

GEORGE MARDEN, J.P.

OLIVIA (his wife).

DINAH (his niece).

LADY MARDEN (his aunt).

BRIAN STRANGE.

CARRAWAY PIM.

ANNE.

The first performance of this play in London took place at the New Theatre on January 5, 1920, with the following cast:

George Marden--BEN WEBSTER.

Olivia--IRENE VANBRUGH.

Dinah--GEORGETTE COHAN.

Lady Marden--ETHEL GRIFFIES.

Brian Strange--LESLIE HOWARD.

Carraway Pim--DION BOUCICAULT.

Anne--ETHEL WELLESLEY.

MR. PIM Pa.s.sES BY

ACT I

(The morning-room at Marden House (Buckinghams.h.i.+re) decided more than a hundred years ago that it was all right, and has not bothered about itself since. Visitors to the house have called the result such different adjectives as ”mellow” ”old-fas.h.i.+oned,” ”charming”--even ”baronial” and ”antique”; but n.o.body ever said it was ”exciting.”

Sometimes OLIVIA wants it to be more exciting, and last week she let herself go over some new curtains. At present they are folded up and waiting for her; she still has the rings to put on. It is obvious that the curtains alone will overdo the excitement; they will have to be harmonised with a new carpet and cus.h.i.+ons. OLIVIA has her eye on just the things, but one has to go carefully with GEORGE. What was good enough for his great-great-grandfather is good enough for him.

However, we can trust OLIVIA to see him through it, although it may take time.)

(There are two ways of coming into the room; by the open windows leading from the terrace or by the door. On this pleasant July morning MR. PIM chooses the latter way--or rather ANNE chooses it for him; and old MR. PIM, wistful, kindly, gentle, little MR. PIM, living in some world of his own whither we cannot follow, ambles after her.)

ANNE. I'll tell Mr. Marden you're here, sir. Mr. Pim, isn't it?

PIM (coming back to this world). Yes--er--Mr. Carraway Pim. He doesn't know me, you understand, but if he could just see me for a moment--er--(He fumbles in his pockets) I gave you that letter?

ANNE. Yes, sir, I'll give it to him.

PIM (bringing out a letter which is not the one he was looking for, but which reminds him of something else he has forgotten). Dear me!

ANNE. Yes, sir?