Why Marry? Part 71

Words cannot describe my happiness, either.

[_She resumes her seat, and all gather round to congratulate JEAN and REX._

JOHN

[_rapping for quiet_]

One moment, one moment. Another toast, another toast! [_Others quiet down._] We have with us to-night one who, in honoring whom we honor ourselves, one who with capital back of him would soon become the greatest scientist in America! [_JUDGE leads applause_, "hear, hear!"

_etc. JOHN raises gla.s.s._] To the distinguished guest whom I am proud to welcome to my humble board, to the n.o.ble humanitarian whom Mr. Baker delights to honor, to the good friend whom we all admire and trust, Doctor Ernest Hamilton!

[_All applaud and about to drink health, JUDGE jumps up._

JUDGE

And to his fair collaborator! the brave woman who at this modern warrior's side daily risks her life for others, handling death and disease in those mighty but unsung battles for the common weal!

[_Applause._] A New Woman? No, friends, look behind the stupid names the mob would cast, like stones to destroy, look and you will see your true conservative--willing to appear radical in order to conserve woman's work in the world! willing to appear ridiculous to right ancient wrongs!

willing even to appear _wrong_--for those she loves! Ah, the same old-fashioned woman we all adore, in a form so new we blindly fail to understand her glorious advent before our very eyes! To Helen, the gracious embodiment of all that is sweetest, n.o.blest, and best in womanhood--to Helen! Our lovely Helen!

JOHN

[_up again at once_]

Family approval, social esteem, and an honored career--all this is theirs for the asking! To-day to me they have confessed their love--to-night to you I now announce ... their engagement! Long life and happiness to Helen and Ernest!

[_Great enthusiasm--even pounding on the table. ERNEST arises, looking surprised. JOHN signalling to rest of family to join in._

THE FAMILY

[_gla.s.ses raised, drowning out ERNEST_]

Long life and happiness, long life and happiness!

ERNEST

[_raises hand_]

Wait! Before you drink this toast.... [_The gla.s.ses stop midway. Sudden silence._] Your congratulations we appreciate, your kind wishes we desire--but not on false pretences. We are not engaged to be married.

[_In the tense silence a shudder ripples the family joy._

REX

[_apart to JEAN_]

Gee! They had a sc.r.a.p, too?

JOHN

[_up, nervously. ERNEST still standing_]

If I may interrupt.... He has financial reasons--I respect him for it. But this very day the Baker Inst.i.tute in recognition of Doctor Hamilton's distinguished services to humanity has doubled his salary--doubled it! It's all right now--it's all right.

REX

[_apart to JEAN_]

Four thousand, eh?... get a very decent touring car for that.

ERNEST

[_to all_]

That is very kind, but that is not the point. True, our mutual needs are such that we cannot live nor work apart, but our convictions are such that we cannot live and work _together_--in what you have the humor to call "holy wedlock." Now, Helen, the motor is waiting.

[_Sensation. Gasps of amazement and horror. Some jump up from table. A chair is upset. ERNEST holds HELEN'S wrap. General movement and murmurs._

JOHN

[_barring way_]

You leave this house only over my dead body.

[_Others gather around lovers._

JUDGE

[_to all_]

Stand back!... Let him among you who has a purer ideal of love, a higher conception of duty cast the first stone.

[_All stop. Silenced._

THEODORE

But this man and this woman would destroy marriage!