Washington Square Plays Part 15

HETTY [to HARRIET]. You managed the order very neatly. She doesn't suspect that you wanted it.

HARRIET. Now if I am not satisfied with my portrait I shall blame you, Margaret, dear. I am relying upon your opinion of John's talent.

MAGGIE [to MARGARET]. She doesn't suspect what you came for. Run home and tell John!

HARRIET. You always had a brilliant mind, Margaret.

MARGARET. Ah, it is you who flatter, now.

MAGGIE [to MARGARET]. You don't have to stay so long. Hurry home!

HARRIET. Ah, one does not flatter when one tells the truth.

MARGARET [smiles]. I must be going or you will have me completely under your spell.

HETTY [looks at clock]. Yes, do go. I have to dress for dinner.

HARRIET [to MARGARET]. Oh, don't hurry.

MAGGIE [to HETTY]. I hate you!

MARGARET [to HARRIET]. No, really I must, but I hope we shall see each other often at the studio. I find you so stimulating.

HETTY [to MAGGIE]. I hate you!

HARRIET [to MARGARET]. It is indeed gratifying to find a kindred spirit.

MAGGIE [to HETTY]. I came for your gold.

MARGARET [to HARRIET]. How delightful it is to know you again.

HETTY [to MAGGIE]. I am going to make you and your husband suffer.

HARRIET. My kind regards to John.

MAGGIE [to HETTY]. He has forgotten all about you.

MARGARET [rises]. He will be so happy to receive them.

HETTY [to MAGGIE]. I can hardly wait to talk to him again.

HARRIET. I shall wait, then, until you send me word?

MARGARET [offering her hand]. I'll speak to John about it as soon as I can and tell you when to come.

[HARRIET takes MARGARET'S hand affectionately. HETTY and MAGGIE rush at each other, throw back their veils, and fling their speeches fiercely at each other.]

HETTY. I love him--I love him----

MAGGIE. He's starving--I'm starving----

HETTY. I'm going to take him away from you----

MAGGIE. I want your money--and your influence.

HETTY and MAGGIE. I'm going to rob you--rob you.

[There is a cymbal crash, the lights go out and come up again slowly, leaving only MARGARET and HARRIET visible.]

MARGARET [quietly to HARRIET]. I've had such a delightful afternoon.

HARRIET [offering her hand]. It has been a joy to see you.

MARGARET [sweetly to HARRIET]. Good-bye.

HARRIET [sweetly to MARGARET as she kisses her]. Good-bye, my dear.

Curtain.

IV. HELENA'S HUSBAND

An Historical Comedy

By Philip Moeller

Copyright, 1915, by Philip Moeller

"Helena's Husband" was produced by the Washington Square Players, under the direction of Philip Moeller, at the Bandbox Theatre, New York City, beginning October 4, 1915.

In the cast, in the order of their appearance, were the following:

HELENA, Queen of Sparta. Noel Haddon TSUMU, her slave. Helen Westley MENELAUS, the King. Frank Conroy a.n.a.lYTIKOS, his librarian. Walter Frankl PARIS, a shepherd. Harold Meltzer

The scene was designed by Paul T. Frankl and the costumes by Robert Locker.

"Helena's Husband" was subsequently revived by the Washington Square Players at the Comedy Theatre, New York City, beginning June 5, 1916, with Margaret Mower playing the part of Helen.

CHARACTERS

HELENA, the Queen TSUMU, a black woman, slave to Helena MENELAUS, the King a.n.a.lYTIKOS, the King's librarian PARIS, a shepherd

SCENE: Is that archeolological mystery, a Greek interior. A door on the right leads to the KING'S library, one on the left to the apartments of the QUEEN. Back right is the main entrance leading to the palace. Next this, running the full length of the wall, is a window with a platform, built out over the main court. Beyond is a view of hills bright with lemon groves, and in the far distance shimmers the sea. On the wall near the QUEEN'S room hangs an old shield rusty with disuse. A bust of Zeus stands on a pedestal against the right wall. There are low coffers about the room from which hang the ends of vivid colored robes. The scene is bathed in intense sunlight.

TSUMU is ma.s.saging the QUEEN.