The Greatest Plays of William Somerset Maugham. Уильям Сомерсет Моэм

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      I could have borne it if you'd been happy.

      Basil.

      Now nothing can separate us, Hilda. You belong to me for ever.

      Hilda.

      God help me! What have I done?

      Basil.

      If we lose our souls, what does it matter? We gain the whole world.

      Hilda.

      Oh, Basil, I want your love. I want your love so badly.

      Basil.

      Will you come with me, Hilda? I can take you to a land where the whole earth speaks only of love—and where only love and youth and beauty matter.

      Hilda.

      Let us go where we can be together always. We have so short a time; let us snatch all the happiness we can.

      Basil.

      [Kissing her again.] My darling.

      Hilda.

      Oh, Basil, Basil.... [She starts away.] Take care!

      [The Butler comes in.]

      Butler.

      Mrs. Kent.

      [Jenny enters hurriedly, as he gives her name. The Butler at once goes out.

      Basil.

      Jenny!

      Jenny.

      I've caught you.

      Basil.

      [Trying to be urbane—to Hilda] I think you know my wife.

      Jenny.

      [In a loud angry voice.] Oh, yes, I know her. You needn't introduce me. I've come for my husband.

      Basil.

      Jenny, what are you saying?

      Jenny.

      Oh, I don't want any of your Society shams. I've come here to speak out.

      Basil.

      [To Hilda.] Would you mind leaving us alone?

      Jenny.

      [Also to Hilda, passionately.] No, I want to speak to you. You're trying to get my husband from me. He's my husband.

      Basil.

      Be quiet, Jenny. Are you mad? Mrs. Murray, for God's sake leave us. She'll insult you.

      Jenny.

      You think of her, you don't think of me. You don't care how much I suffer.

      Basil.

      [Taking her arm.] Come away, Jenny.

      Jenny.

      [Shaking him off.] I won't. You're afraid to let me see her.

      Hilda.

      [Pale and trembling, conscience-stricken.] Let her speak.

      Jenny.

      [Going up to Hilda threateningly.] You're stealing my husband from me. Oh, you.... [She is at a loss for words violent enough.

      Hilda.

      I don't want to make you unhappy, Mrs. Kent.

      Jenny.

      You can't get round me with polite words. I'm sick of all that. I want to speak straight.

      Basil.

      [To Hilda.] Please go. You can do no good.

      Jenny.

      [Still more vehemently.] You're stealing my husband from me. You're a wicked woman.

      Hilda.

      [Almost in a whisper.] If you like I'll promise you never to see your husband again.

      Jenny.

      [With angry scorn.] Much good your promises will do me. I wouldn't believe a word you said. I know what Society ladies are. We know all about them in the City.

      Basil.

      [To Hilda.] You must leave us alone.

      [He opens the door, and she goes out, looking away from him.

      Jenny.

      [Savagely.] She's frightened of me. She daren't stand up to me.

      Basil.

      [As Hilda goes.] I'm so sorry.

      Jenny.

      You're sorry for her.

      Basil.

      [Turning on her.] Yes, I am. What d'you mean by coming here and behaving like this?

      Jenny.

      I've caught you at last.... You liar! You dirty liar! You told me you were going to Chancery Lane.

      Basil.

      I have been to Chancery Lane.

      Jenny.

      Oh, I know you have—for five minutes. It was only an excuse. You might just as well have come here straight.

      Basil.

      [Angrily.] How dare you follow me?

      Jenny.

      I've got a right to follow you.

      Basil.

      [Unable to contain himself.] What d'you want here?

      Jenny.

      I want you. D'you think I didn't guess what was going on? I saw you come in with Halliwell. Then I saw him go out with his wife. Then another man went out, and I knew you were alone with her.

      Basil.

      [Sharply.] How did you know?

      Jenny.

      I gave the butler a sovereign, and he told me.

      Basil.

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