The Greatest Plays of William Somerset Maugham. Уильям Сомерсет Моэм

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ it if I don't love you. I can't help it if I—if I love some one else.

      Jenny.

      [Dazed and cowed.] What are you going to do?

      Basil.

      I'm going away.

      Jenny.

      Where?

      Basil.

      God knows.

      [There is a knock at the door.

      Basil.

      Come in.

      [The Butler enters with a note, which he gives to Basil.

      Butler.

      Mrs. Murray told me to give you this note, Sir.

      Basil.

      [Taking it.] Thank you.

      [He opens and reads it as the Servant goes out of the room, then looks up at Jenny, who is anxiously watching him.

      [Reading.] "You may tell your wife that I've made up my mind to marry Mr. Brackley. I will never see you again."

      Jenny.

      What does she mean?

      Basil.

      [Bitterly.] Isn't it clear? Some one has asked her to marry him, and she means to accept.

      Jenny.

      But you said she loved you.

      [He shrugs his shoulders without answering. Jenny goes up to him imploringly.

      Jenny.

      Oh, Basil, if it's true, give me another chance. She doesn't love you as I love you. I've been selfish and quarrelsome and exacting, but I've always loved you. Oh, don't leave me, Basil. Let me try once more if I can't make you care for me.

      Basil.

      [Looking down, hoarsely.] I'm very sorry. It's too late.

      Jenny.

      [Despairingly.] Oh, God, what shall I do? And even though she's going to marry somebody else, you care for her better than any one else in the world?

      Basil.

      [In a whisper.] Yes.

      Jenny.

      And even if she does marry that other man she'll love you still. There's no room for me between you. I can go away like a discharged servant.... Oh, God! oh, God! what have I done to deserve it?

      Basil.

      [Touched by her utter misery.] I'm very sorry to make you so unhappy.

      Jenny.

      Oh, don't pity me. D'you think I want your pity now?

      Basil.

      You had better come away, Jenny.

      Jenny.

      No. You've told me you don't want me any more. I shall go my own way.

      Basil.

      [Looks at her for a moment, hesitating; then shrugs his shoulders.] Then good-bye.

      [He goes out, and Jenny, looking after him, passes her hand wearily over her forehead.

      Jenny.

      [With a sigh.] He's so glad to go.... [She gives a little sob.] They've got no room for me.

      [She takes up from the floor the photograph on which she stamped, and looks at it; then sinks down, burying her face in her hands, and bursts into a passion of tears.

      END OF THE THIRD ACT.

      THE FOURTH ACT

       Table of Contents

       The Next Morning.

      [The scene is the same as in the Second Act, the drawing-room at Basil's house in Putney. Basil is sitting at the table, with his head in his hands. He looks tired and worn; his face is very white, and there are great black lines under his eyes. His hair is dishevelled. On the table lies a revolver.

      [A knock at the door.

      Basil.

      [Without looking up.] Come in.

      [Fanny enters.]

      Fanny.

      [Subdued and pale.] I came to see if you wanted anything, sir.

      Basil.

      [Looking up at her slowly, his voice is dull and hoarse.] No.

      Fanny.

      Shall I open the windows, Sir? It's a beautiful morning.

      Basil.

      No, I'm cold. Make up the fire.

      Fanny.

      Wouldn't you like a cup of tea? You ought to 'ave something after not going to bed all night.

      Basil.

      I don't want anything.... Don't worry, there's a good woman.

      [Fanny puts coals on the fire, while BASIL listlessly watches her.

      Basil.

      How long is it since you sent the telegrams?

      Fanny.

      I took them the moment the office was opened.

      Basil.

      What's the time?

      Fanny.

      Well, sir, it must be 'alf-past nine by now.

      Basil.

      Good Heavens, how slowly the hours go. I thought the night would never end.... Oh, God, what shall I do?

      Fanny.

      I'll make you a strong cup of tea. If you don't 'ave something to pull you together—I don't know what'll 'appen to you.

      Basil.

      Yes, СКАЧАТЬ