In Honour Bound Part 8

PHILIP. Oh, have some pity on me!

LADY C. That is but fair: for you have pitied _me_. (_rises_) You shall not ask me for the doc.u.ment you want; but you shall have it.

PHILIP. Ah, you don't understand----

LADY C. A letter with my signature. I understand.

PHILIP. But----

LADY C. I only ask one favour in return.

PHILIP. Whatever I can do----

LADY C. Once whilst you were away, I was so foolish as to write to you. Whether or not my note was forwarded, I don't know; but if you received it----

PHILIP. I did.

LADY C. Please to return it to me; that is all I ask. (_slight pause_) Well?

PHILIP. I regret----

LADY C. Surely you will do that?

PHILIP. I can't.

LADY C. Can't! Why? (_slight pause_)

PHILIP. (_drops his head_) I have destroyed it.

LADY C. Ah! (_turns up and sits at desk_) Sit down a moment whilst I write the letter. (_writes rapidly_)

PHILIP. It would be to no purpose.

LADY C. Oh, I will make it to the purpose. (_writing_)

PHILIP. Ah, if you only understood my situation!

LADY C. Pray sit down. (_continues writing_)

PHILIP. (_sits on the end of lounge facing the audience--aside_) How shall I tell her who it is requires it? (_rises--aloud_) Lady Carlyon----

LADY C. (_writing_) In one moment.

PHILIP. (_sits--aside_) How am I to say it? (_pause--during which LADY CARLYON finishes and folds up the letter_)

LADY C. (_rising and advancing_) There is the letter. (_puts it in his hand_)

PHILIP. It is of no use. (_rises_)

LADY C. It is signed.

PHILIP. That is the very reason. How can I show your signature----

LADY C. You have my leave. The guardian is a gentleman, I hope.

PHILIP. Undoubtedly.

LADY C. Then he will not betray me.

PHILIP. But you don't know---- (_door opens, L._)

LADY C. My husband! hush!

_Re-enter SIR GEORGE, L. PHILIP hides behind his back the hand which holds the letter._

SIR G. Rose has gone up stairs, but I've sent word you want her. Are you no better? You're upset to-night.

PHILIP. It is my fault, Sir George. I've just been telling your wife of my difficulties.

SIR G. You couldn't have done better. I'm sure she will agree with me, that you should get the signature required. That is the only difficulty in the matter.

PHILIP. But it is insurmountable. If I had the signature, how could I use it?

SIR G. Not without permission.

PHILIP. No!

LADY C. But you _have_ permission!

(_quickly and inadvertently_)

SIR G. What?

LADY C. (_aside_) I've said too much.

SIR G. How did you get it? There's no post at this hour.

PHILIP. (_with his disengaged hand produces ROSE'S envelope from his pocket_) In the letter which you gave to me----

SIR G. Oh--ah!

PHILIP. And which I have just opened.

SIR G. The letter in the lady's handwriting.

PHILIP. Of her own accord, she releases me----

SIR G. This is a marvellous coincidence.