The Tyranny of Tears Part 5

Parbury.

Of nothing in the world!

Gunning.

[Slapping him on the back.] Hero!

Enter Mrs. Parbury, L., wearing a bright smile, which fades when she sees Gunning.

Parbury.

Mabel, I want to present you to my dear old friend, George Gunning. My wife, George.

[Gunning crosses to Mrs. Parbury. Shakes hands.

Mrs. Parbury.

How do you do? I'm very pleased.

[She gives him simultaneously a cold smile and a stiff handshake.

Gunning.

I'm very delighted to meet Clement's wife.

Mrs. Parbury.

You'll let me give you some tea?

[Goes to tea-table; sits on sofa.

Gunning.

Thank you. [Aside to Parbury.] She's charming!

[Parbury digs him in the ribs. Gunning goes to tea-table. Parbury sits at desk.

Mrs. Parbury.

[Handing Gunning tea-cup.] I've given you no sugar.

Gunning.

I'll take one piece.

[Does so.

Enter Miss Woodward, R.I.E., with MS., which she hands to Parbury.

Parbury.

Thank you.

[He reads and signs letters.

Mrs. Parbury.

Clement, come for your tea.

Parbury.

In one moment, dear.

Mrs. Parbury.

Miss Woodward, you will take tea?

Miss Woodward.

Thank you, yes.

Gunning.

[To Mrs. Parbury.] Allow me.

[Takes Miss Woodward's cup to her, and offers her bread and b.u.t.ter, &c.

Miss Woodward.

Thank you.

Parbury.

You've often heard me speak of Gunning, Mabel; we were at Cambridge together.

Mrs. Parbury.

Oh yes, I remember! [To Gunning.] You were very great friends?

Gunning.

Inseparables!

Parbury.

I should say so!

Mrs. Parbury.

[Uneasily.] Indeed!

Parbury.

[Comes over and takes his tea.] You see, Gunning had been my f.a.g at Harrow, and my ill-treatment of him inspired a dog-like devotion. [To Miss Woodward.] Let me take your cup. [Adds in a lower voice.] I've an idea!

[Miss Woodward goes to desk; Parbury follows her to desk.]

Gunning.

Let me.

[a.s.sists Mrs. Parbury with the tea service.

Parbury.

[To Miss Woodward in a low voice.] I think I can finish the article in three sentences. Take your notes into the other room; I'll join you in a moment.

[Miss Woodward gathers her notes and exits R.]

Mrs. Parbury.

[Pouring out a fresh cup of tea for Gunning.] But of course it's not in the nature of things that college friendships, however strong, can last always. Time estranges, doesn't it, Mr. Gunning, and fate drives people into different-well, different ways of life, doesn't it? Some men marry soon. Are you married, Mr. Gunning?

Gunning.

Alas, no, Mrs. Parbury!

Parbury.

He has too much respect for your s.e.x, dear. Forgive me for three minutes.

[Exit Parbury, R.

Mrs. Parbury.

Not married! Well, I should have thought-- Gunning.

That I'm old enough to know better. I admit it.

[Sits R.C.

Mrs. Parbury.

Well, I was going to say that in marriage a man changes so much. He becomes more-more-- Gunning.

[Gently.] Respectable?

Mrs. Parbury.

Well, I wasn't going to say quite that; though, as you suggest it, no doubt it is true. I was going to say more responsible. He enters into a broader, a fuller life; he gains in n.o.bility, don't you think?

Gunning.

[Amused.] Oh, no doubt Clement has improved enormously!

Mrs. Parbury.

I'm so glad you recognise that. You may smoke, Mr. Gunning, if you care to.

Gunning.

Thank you. I'll steal one of Clement's cigarettes if I may?

[Takes cigarette from box on desk.

Mrs. Parbury.

Of course Clement was always good and strong and clever. It only wanted marriage to-to-- Gunning.

To perfect him!

Mrs. Parbury.

Well, I was going to say to complete him; but it comes to the same thing, doesn't it?

Gunning.

Quite, quite!

Mrs. Parbury.

I found my happiness when I married Clement.

Gunning.

You had been looking for it?

Mrs. Parbury.

Of course; isn't that every woman's duty?

Gunning.

Yes, yes; and every man's?

Mrs. Parbury.

[Less confidently.] Well, yes, I should think so.