The Greatest Plays of William Somerset Maugham. Уильям Сомерсет Моэм

      THE FIRST ACT

       Table of Contents

       Sitting-room of Basil's Lodgings in Bloomsbury.

      In the wall facing the auditorium, two windows with little iron balconies, giving a view of London roofs. Between the windows, against the wall, is a writing-desk littered with papers and books. On the right is a door, leading into the passage; on the left a fire-place with arm-chairs on either side; on the chimney-piece various smoking utensils. There are numerous bookshelves filled with books; while on the walls are one or two Delft plates, etchings after Rossetti, autotypes of paintings by Fra Angelico and Botticelli. The furniture is simple and inexpensive, but there is nothing ugly in the room. It is the dwelling-place of a person who reads a great deal and takes pleasure in beautiful things.

      Basil Kent is leaning back in his chair, with his feet on the writing-table, smoking a pipe and cutting the pages of a book. He is a very good-looking man of six-and-twenty, clean-shaven, with a delicate face and clear-cut features. He is dressed in a lounge-suit.

      [There is a knock at the door.

      Basil.

      Come in.

      Mrs. Griggs.

      Did you ring, sir?

      Basil.

      Yes. I expect a lady to tea. And there's a cake that I bought on my way in.

      Mrs. Griggs.

      Very well, sir.

      [She goes out, and immediately comes in with a tray on which are two cups, sugar, milk, &c.

      Basil.

      Oh, Mrs. Griggs, I want to give up these rooms this day week. I'm going to be married. I'm sorry to leave you. You've made me very comfortable.

      Mrs. Griggs.

      [With a sigh of resignation.] Ah, well, sir, that's lodgers all over. If they're gents they get married; and if they're ladies they ain't respectable.

      [A ring is heard.

      Basil.

      There's the bell, Mrs. Griggs. I dare say it's the lady I expect. If any one else comes, I'm not at home.

      Mrs. Griggs.

      Very well, sir.

      [She goes out, and Basil occupies himself for a moment in putting things in order. Mrs. Griggs, opening the door, ushers in the new-comers.

      Mrs. Griggs.

      If you please, sir.

      [She goes out again, and during the next few speeches brings two more cups and the tea. [Mabel and Hilda enter, followed by John Halliwell. Basil going towards them very cordially, half stops when he notices who they are; and a slight expression of embarrassment passes over his face. But he immediately recovers himself and is extremely gracious. Hilda Murray is a tall, handsome woman, self-possessed and admirably gowned. Mabel Halliwell is smaller, pretty rather than beautiful, younger than her sister, vivacious, very talkative, and somewhat irresponsible. John is of the same age as Basil, good-humoured, neither handsome nor plain blunt of speech and open.

      Basil.

      [Shaking hands.] How d'you do?

      Mabel.

      Look pleased to see us, Mr. Kent.

      Basil.

      I'm perfectly enchanted.

      Hilda.

      You did ask us to come and have tea with you, didn't you?

      Basil.

      I've asked you fifty times. Hulloa, John! I didn't see you.

      John.

      I'm the discreet husband, I keep in the background.

      Mabel.

      Why don't you praise me instead of praising yourself? People would think it so much nicer.

      John.

      On the contrary, they'd be convinced that when we were alone I beat you. Besides, I couldn't honestly say that you kept in the background.

      Hilda.

      [To Basil.] I feel rather ashamed at taking you unawares.

      Basil.

      I was only slacking. I was cutting a book.

      Mabel.

      That's ever so much more fun than reading it, isn't it? [She catches sight of the tea things.] Oh, what a beautiful cake—and two cups! [She looks at him, questioning.]

      Basil.

      [A little awkwardly.] Oh—I always have an extra cup in case some one turns up, you know.

      Mabel.

      How unselfish! And do you always have such expensive cake?

      Hilda.

      [With a smile, remonstrating.] Mabel!

      Mabel.

      Oh, but I know them well, and I love them dearly. They cost two shillings at the Army and Navy Stores, but I can't afford them myself.

      John.

      I wish you'd explain why we've come, or Basil will think I'm responsible.

      Mabel.

      [Lightly.] I've been trying to remember ever since we arrived. You say it, Hilda; you invented it.

      Hilda.

      [With a laugh.] Mabel, I'll never take you out again. They're perfectly incorrigible, Mr. Kent.

      Basil.

      [To John and Mabel, smiling.] I don't know why you've come. Mrs. Murry has promised to come and have tea with me for ages.

      Mabel.

      [Pretending to feel injured.] Well, you needn't turn me out the moment we arrive. Besides, I refuse to go till I've had a piece of that cake.

      Basil.

      Well, here's the tea! [Mrs. Griggs brings it in as he speaks. He turns to Hilda.] I wish you'd pour it out. I'm so clumsy.

      Hilda.

      [Smiling at him affectionately.] I shall be delighted.

      [She proceeds to do so, and the conversation goes on while Basil hands Mabel tea and cake.