Plays: Lady Frederick, The Explorer, A Man of Honour. W. Somerset Maugham

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СКАЧАТЬ out.] Did you ever hear such a conversation in your life between a young unmarried couple?

      Rose.

      My dear papa, we must be prepared for everything.

      Admiral.

      In my youth young ladies did not refer to things of that sort.

      Lady Frederick.

      Well, I don't suppose they're any the worse for having an elementary knowledge of natural history. Personally I doubt whether ignorance is quite the same thing as virtue, and I'm not quite sure that a girl makes a better wife because she's been brought up like a perfect fool.

      Admiral.

      I am old-fashioned, Lady Frederick; and my idea of a modest girl is that when certain topics are mentioned she should swoon. Swoon, madam, swoon. They always did it when I was a lad.

      Rose.

      Well, father, I've often tried to faint when I wanted something that you wouldn't give me, and I've never been able to manage it. So I'm sure I couldn't swoon.

      Admiral.

      And with regard to this ridiculous discussion as to which University your son is to be sent, you seem to forget that I have the right to be consulted.

      Gerald.

      My dear Admiral, I don't see how it can possibly matter to you.

      Admiral.

      And before we go any further I should like you to know that the very day Rose was born I determined that her son should go to Cambridge.

      Rose.

      My dear papa, I think Gerald and I are far and away the best judges of our son's welfare.

      Admiral.

      The boy must work, Rose. I will have no good-for-nothing as my grandson.

      Gerald.

      Exactly. And that is why I'm resolved he shall go to Dublin.

      Rose.

      The important thing is that he should have really nice manners, and that they teach at Oxford if they teach nothing else.

      Lady Frederick.

      Well, don't you think you'd better wait another twenty years or so before you discuss this?

      Admiral.

      There are some matters which must be settled at once, Lady Frederick.

      Lady Frederick.

      You know, young things are fairly independent nowadays. I don't know what they'll be in twenty years' time.

      Gerald.

      The first thing the boy shall learn is obedience.

      Rose. Certainly. There's nothing so hateful as a disobedient child.

      Admiral.

      I can't see my grandson venturing to disobey me.

      Lady Frederick.

      Then you're all agreed. So that's settled. I came to tell you your carriage was ready.

      Admiral.

      Go and put on your bonnet, Rose. [To Lady Frederick.] Are you coming with us?

      Lady Frederick.

      I'm afraid I can't. Au revoir.

      Admiral.

      A tout à l'heure.

      [He and Rose go out.

      Gerald.

      Have you ever seen in your life any one so entirely delightful as Rose?

      Lady Frederick.

      [Laughing.] Only when I've looked in the glass.

      Gerald.

      My dear Elizabeth, how vain you are.

      Lady Frederick.

      You're very happy, my Gerald.

      Gerald.

      It's such a relief to have got over all the difficulties. I thought it never would come right. You are a brick, Elizabeth.

      Lady Frederick.

      I really think I am rather.

      Gerald.

      The moment you promised to arrange things I felt as safe as a house.

      Lady Frederick.

      I said I'd do my best, didn't I? And I told you not to worry.

      Gerald.

      [Turning round suddenly.] Isn't it all right?

      Lady Frederick.

      No, it's about as wrong as it can possibly be. I knew Cohen was staying here, and I thought I could get him to hold the bills over for a few days.

      Gerald.

      And won't he?

      Lady Frederick.

      He hasn't got them any more.

      Gerald.

      [Startled.] What!

      Lady Frederick.

      They've been negotiated, and he swears he doesn't know who has them.

      Gerald.

      But who could have been such a fool?

      Lady Frederick.

      I don't know, that's just the awful part of it. It was bad enough before. I knew the worst Cohen could do, but now.... It couldn't be Paradine.

      Gerald.

      And then there's Montgomerie.

      Lady Frederick.

      I shall see him to-day.

      Gerald.

      What are you going to say to him?

      Lady Frederick.

      I haven't an idea. I'm rather frightened of him.

      Gerald.

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