Kitabı oku: «Plays: Lady Frederick, The Explorer, A Man of Honour», sayfa 12

Уильям Сомерсет Моэм

Yazı tipi:

Basil

[In a madness of joy.] Yes. I love you with all my heart.

Hilda

I could have borne it if you'd been happy.

Basil

Now nothing can separate us, Hilda. You belong to me for ever.

Hilda

God help me! What have I done?

Basil

If we lose our souls, what does it matter? We gain the whole world.

Hilda

Oh, Basil, I want your love. I want your love so badly.

Basil

Will you come with me, Hilda? I can take you to a land where the whole earth speaks only of love – and where only love and youth and beauty matter.

Hilda

Let us go where we can be together always. We have so short a time; let us snatch all the happiness we can.

Basil

[Kissing her again.] My darling.

Hilda

Oh, Basil, Basil… [She starts away.] Take care!

[The Butler comes in.]

Butler

Mrs. Kent.

[Jenny enters hurriedly, as he gives her name. The Butler at once goes out.

Basil

Jenny!

Jenny

I've caught you.

Basil

[Trying to be urbane—to Hilda] I think you know my wife.

Jenny

[In a loud angry voice.] Oh, yes, I know her. You needn't introduce me. I've come for my husband.

Basil

Jenny, what are you saying?

Jenny

Oh, I don't want any of your Society shams. I've come here to speak out.

Basil

[To Hilda.] Would you mind leaving us alone?

Jenny

[Also to Hilda, passionately.] No, I want to speak to you. You're trying to get my husband from me. He's my husband.

Basil

Be quiet, Jenny. Are you mad? Mrs. Murray, for God's sake leave us. She'll insult you.

Jenny

You think of her, you don't think of me. You don't care how much I suffer.

Basil

[Taking her arm.] Come away, Jenny.

Jenny

[Shaking him off.] I won't. You're afraid to let me see her.

Hilda

[Pale and trembling, conscience-stricken.] Let her speak.

Jenny

[Going up to Hilda threateningly.] You're stealing my husband from me. Oh, you… [She is at a loss for words violent enough.

Hilda

I don't want to make you unhappy, Mrs. Kent.

Jenny

You can't get round me with polite words. I'm sick of all that. I want to speak straight.

Basil

[To Hilda.] Please go. You can do no good.

Jenny

[Still more vehemently.] You're stealing my husband from me. You're a wicked woman.

Hilda

[Almost in a whisper.] If you like I'll promise you never to see your husband again.

Jenny

[With angry scorn.] Much good your promises will do me. I wouldn't believe a word you said. I know what Society ladies are. We know all about them in the City.

Basil

[To Hilda.] You must leave us alone.

[He opens the door, and she goes out, looking away from him.

Jenny

[Savagely.] She's frightened of me. She daren't stand up to me.

Basil

[As Hilda goes.] I'm so sorry.

Jenny

You're sorry for her.

Basil

[Turning on her.] Yes, I am. What d'you mean by coming here and behaving like this?

Jenny

I've caught you at last… You liar! You dirty liar! You told me you were going to Chancery Lane.

Basil

I have been to Chancery Lane.

Jenny

Oh, I know you have – for five minutes. It was only an excuse. You might just as well have come here straight.

Basil

[Angrily.] How dare you follow me?

Jenny

I've got a right to follow you.

Basil

[Unable to contain himself.] What d'you want here?

Jenny

I want you. D'you think I didn't guess what was going on? I saw you come in with Halliwell. Then I saw him go out with his wife. Then another man went out, and I knew you were alone with her.

Basil

[Sharply.] How did you know?

Jenny

I gave the butler a sovereign, and he told me.

Basil

[Looking for a word to express his contempt.] Oh, you … you cad! It's only what I should have expected you to do.

Jenny

And then I waited for you, and you didn't come. And at last I couldn't wait any longer.

Basil

Well, you've finished it now.

[Jenny catches sight of a photograph of Basil, standing on a table.

Jenny

[Pointing to it.] What's she got your photograph here for?

Basil

I gave it to Mrs. Murray before I was married.

Jenny

She's got no right to keep it there.

[She takes the photograph and flings it violently on the floor.

Basil

Jenny, what are you doing?

[Jenny digs her heel into it savagely, viciously.

Jenny

[Hissing the words.] Oh, I hate her. I hate her.

Basil

[Striving to contain himself.] You drive me perfectly mad. You'll make me say things that I shall regret all my life. For Heaven's sake, go.

Jenny

I shan't go till you come with me.

Basil

[Beside himself.] I choose to remain.

Jenny

What d'you mean?

Basil

Look here, until to-day I swear to you before God that I've never done anything or said anything that you couldn't have known. Do you believe me?

Jenny

I don't believe that you're not in love with that woman.

Basil

I don't ask you to.

Jenny

What!

Basil

I said, until to-day I've been absolutely faithful to you. Heaven knows, I've tried to do my duty. I've done all I could to make you happy. And I've struggled with all my might to love you.

Jenny

Say it out if you've got anything to say, I'm not afraid to hear.

Basil

I don't wish to deceive you. It's best that you should know what has happened.

Jenny

[Scornfully.] Now for another thumping lie.

Basil

This afternoon I told Hilda I loved her… And she loves me too.

Jenny

[With a cry of rage.] Oh!

[She hits at his face with her umbrella, but he wards the blow, and, snatching the umbrella from her, throws it away.

Basil

You've brought it on yourself. You made me too unhappy.

[Jenny, panting and bewildered, stands helpless, trying to control herself.

Basil

And now it's the end. The life we led was impossible. I tried to do something that was beyond my power. I'm going away. I can't and I won't live with you any longer.

Jenny

[Frightened at herself and at what he says.] Basil, you don't mean that?

Basil

I've struggled against it for months. And now I'm beaten.

Jenny

You've got me to count with. I won't let you go.

Basil

[Bitterly.] What more d'you want? Isn't it enough that you've ruined my whole life?

Jenny

[Hoarsely.] You don't love me?

Basil

I never loved you.

Jenny

Why did you marry me?

Basil

Because you made me.

Jenny

[In a whisper.] You never loved me – even at the beginning?

Basil

Never.

Jenny

Basil!

Basil

It's too late now to keep it in. I must tell you and have done with it. You've been having it out for months – now it's my turn.

Jenny

[Going up to him and trying to put her arm round his neck.] But I love you, Basil. I'll make you love me.

Basil

[Shrinking from her.] Don't touch me!

Jenny

[With a movement of despair.] I really think you loathe me.

Basil

For Heaven's sake, Jenny, let us finish with it. I'm very sorry. I don't wish to be unkind to you. But you must have seen that – that I didn't care for you. What's the good of going on humbugging, and pretending, and making ourselves utterly wretched?

Jenny

Yes, I've seen it. But I wouldn't believe it. When I've put my hand on your shoulder, I've seen that you could hardly help shuddering. And sometimes when I've kissed you, I've seen you put out all your strength to prevent yourself from pushing me away.

Basil

Jenny, I can't help it if I don't love you. I can't help it if I – if I love some one else.

Jenny

[Dazed and cowed.] What are you going to do?

Basil

I'm going away.

Jenny

Where?

Basil

God knows.

[There is a knock at the door.

Basil

Come in.

[The Butler enters with a note, which he givesto Basil.

Butler

Mrs. Murray told me to give you this note, Sir.

Basil

[Taking it.] Thank you.

[He opens and reads it as the Servant goes out of the room, then looks up at Jenny, who is anxiously watching him.

[Reading.] "You may tell your wife that I've made up my mind to marry Mr. Brackley. I will never see you again."

Jenny

What does she mean?

Basil

[Bitterly.] Isn't it clear? Some one has asked her to marry him, and she means to accept.

Jenny

But you said she loved you.

[He shrugs his shoulders without answering. Jenny goes up to him imploringly.

Jenny

Oh, Basil, if it's true, give me another chance. She doesn't love you as I love you. I've been selfish and quarrelsome and exacting, but I've always loved you. Oh, don't leave me, Basil. Let me try once more if I can't make you care for me.

Basil

[Looking down, hoarsely.] I'm very sorry. It's too late.

Jenny

[Despairingly.] Oh, God, what shall I do? And even though she's going to marry somebody else, you care for her better than any one else in the world?

Basil

[In a whisper.] Yes.

Jenny

And even if she does marry that other man she'll love you still. There's no room for me between you. I can go away like a discharged servant… Oh, God! oh, God! what have I done to deserve it?

Basil

[Touched by her utter misery.] I'm very sorry to make you so unhappy.

Jenny

Oh, don't pity me. D'you think I want your pity now?

Basil

You had better come away, Jenny.

Jenny

No. You've told me you don't want me any more. I shall go my own way.

Basil

[Looks at her for a moment, hesitating; then shrugs his shoulders.] Then good-bye.

[He goes out, and Jenny, looking after him, passes her hand wearily over her forehead.

Jenny

[With a sigh.] He's so glad to go… [She gives a little sob.] They've got no room for me.

[She takes up from the floor the photograph on which she stamped, and looks at it; then sinks down, burying her face in her hands, and bursts into a passion of tears.

END OF THE THIRD ACT

THE FOURTH ACT

The Next Morning

[The scene is the same as in the Second Act, the drawing-room at Basil's house in Putney. Basil is sitting at the table, with his head in his hands. He looks tired and worn; his face is very white, and there are great black lines under his eyes. His hair is dishevelled. On the table lies a revolver.

[A knock at the door.

Basil

[Without looking up.] Come in.

[Fanny enters.]

Fanny

[Subdued and pale.] I came to see if you wanted anything, sir.

Basil

[Looking up at her slowly, his voice is dull and hoarse.] No.

Fanny

Shall I open the windows, Sir? It's a beautiful morning.

Basil

No, I'm cold. Make up the fire.

Fanny

Wouldn't you like a cup of tea? You ought to 'ave something after not going to bed all night.

Basil

I don't want anything… Don't worry, there's a good woman.

[Fanny puts coals on the fire, while BASIL listlessly watches her.

Basil

How long is it since you sent the telegrams?

Fanny

I took them the moment the office was opened.

Basil

What's the time?

Fanny

Well, sir, it must be 'alf-past nine by now.

Basil

Good Heavens, how slowly the hours go. I thought the night would never end… Oh, God, what shall I do?

Fanny

I'll make you a strong cup of tea. If you don't 'ave something to pull you together – I don't know what'll 'appen to you.

Basil

Yes, make it quickly, I'm thirsty… And I'm so cold.

[A ring at the front door is heard.

Basil

[Jumping up.] There's some one at the door, Fanny. Hurry up.

[She goes out, and he follows her to the door of the room.

Basil

Fanny, don't let any one up beside Mr. Halliwell. Say I can see no one. [He waits for a moment, anxiously.] Is that you, John?

John

[Outside.] Yes.

Basil

[To himself.] Thank God!

[John comes in.

Basil

I thought you were never coming. I begged you to come at once.

John

I started immediately I got your wire.

Basil

It seems hours since the girl went to the post-office.

John

What's the matter?

Basil

[Hoarsely.] Don't you know? I thought I had said it in my telegram.

John

You simply wired that you were in great trouble.

Basil

I suppose I thought you'd see it in the papers.

John

What on earth d'you mean? I've not seen a paper. Where's your wife?

Basil

[After a pause, almost in a whisper.] She's dead.

John

[Thunderstruck.] Good God!

Basil

[Impatiently.] Don't look at me like that. Isn't it plain enough? Don't you understand?

John

But she was all right yesterday.

Basil

[Dully.] Yes. She was all right yesterday.

John

For goodness sake tell me what you mean, Basil.

Basil

She's dead… And she was all right yesterday.

[John does not understand. He is greatly distressed, and does not know what to say.

Basil

I killed her – as surely as if I'd strangled her with my own hands.

John

What d'you mean? She's not really dead!

Basil

[In agony.] She threw herself into the river last night.

John

How awful!

Basil

Haven't you got something more to say than how awful? I feel as if I were going mad.

John

But I can't understand! Why did she do it?

Basil

Oh – yesterday we had an awful row … before you came.

John

I know.

Basil

Then she followed me to … to your sister-in-law's. And she came up and made another scene. Then I lost my head. I was so furious, I don't know what I said. I was mad. I told her I'd have nothing more to do with her… Oh, I can't bear it, I can't bear it.

[He breaks down and hides his face in his hands, sobbing.

John

Come, Basil – pull yourself together a bit.

Basil

[Looking up despairingly.] I can hear her voice now. I can see the look of her eyes. She asked me to give her another chance, and I refused. It was so pitiful to hear the way she appealed to me, only I was mad, and I couldn't feel it.

[Fanny comes in with the cup of tea, which Basil silently takes and drinks.

Fanny

[To John.] He ain't slept a wink all night, sir… No more 'ave I, for the matter of that.

[John nods, but does not answer; and Fanny,

wiping her eyes with her apron, leaves theroom.

Basil

Oh, I'd give everything not to have said what I did. I'd always held myself in before, but yesterday – I couldn't.

John

Well?

Basil

I didn't get back here till nearly ten, and the maid told me Jenny had just gone out. I thought she'd gone back to her mother's.

John

Yes?

Basil

And soon after a constable came up and asked me to go down to the river. He said there'd been an accident… She was dead. A man had seen her walk along the tow-path and throw herself in.

John

Where is she now?

Basil

[Pointing to one of the doors.] In there.

John

Will you take me in?

Basil

Go in alone, John. I daren't, I'm afraid to look at her. I can't bear the look on her face… I killed her – as surely as if I'd strangled her with my own hands. I've been looking at the door all night, and once I thought I heard a sound. I thought she was coming to reproach me for killing her.

[John goes to the door, and as he opens it, Basil averts his head. When John shuts the door after him, he looks at it with staring, frightened eyes, half mad with agony. He tries to contain himself. After a while John comes back, very quietly.

Basil

[Whispering.] What does she look like?

John

There's nothing to be afraid of, Basil. She might be sleeping.

Basil

[Clenching his hands.] But the ghastly pallor…

John

[Gravely.] She's happier than she would ever have been if she'd lived.

[Basil sighs deeply.

John

[Seeing the revolver.] What's this for?

Basil

[With a groan of self-contempt.] I tried to kill myself in the night.

John

H'm!

[He takes the cartridges out and puts the revolveri his pocket.

Basil

[Bitterly.] Oh, don't be afraid, I haven't got the pluck… I was afraid to go on living. I thought if I killed myself it would be a reparation for her death. I went down to the river, and I walked along the tow-path to the same spot – but I couldn't do it. The water looked so black and cold and pitiless. And yet she did it so easily. She just walked along and threw herself in. [A pause.] Then I came back, and I thought I'd shoot myself.

John

D'you think that would have done any one much good?

Basil

I despised myself. I felt I hadn't the right to live, and I thought it would be easier just to pull a trigger… People say it's cowardly to destroy oneself, they don't know what courage it wants. I couldn't face the pain – and then, I don't know what's on the other side. After all, it may be true that there's a cruel, avenging God, who will punish us to all eternity if we break His unknown laws.

John

I'm very glad you sent for me. You had better come back to London, and stay with me for the present.

Basil

And d'you know what happened in the night? I couldn't go to bed. I felt I could never sleep again – and then, presently, I dozed off quite quietly in my chair. And I slept as comfortably – as if Jenny weren't lying in there, cold and dead. And the maid pities me because she thinks I passed as sleepless a night as she did.

[A sound of voices is heard outside, in altercation. Fanny comes in.

Fanny

Please, sir, Mr. James.

Basil

[Angrily.] I won't see him.

Fanny

He won't go away, I told 'im you was too ill to see anybody.

Basil

I won't see him. I knew he'd be round, curse him!

John

After all, I suppose he has a certain right to come here – under the circumstances. Hadn't you better see what he wants?

Basil

Oh, he'll make a scene. I shall knock him down. I've suffered too much through him already.

John

Let me see him. You don't want him to make a fuss at the inquest.

Basil

I've been thinking of that. I know the stories he and his people will make up. And the papers will get hold of it, and every one will blackguard me. They'll say it was my fault.

John

D'you mind if I have a talk to him? I think I can save you from all that.

Basil

[Shrugging his shoulders, impatiently.] Do whatever you like.

John

[To Fanny.] Show him up, Fanny.

Fanny

Yes, sir.

[She goes out.

Basil

Then I shall go.

[John nods, and Basil goes out by the door next to that of the room in which Jenny is lying. James Bush appears.

John

[Grave and cold.] Good morning, Mr. Bush.

James

[Aggressively.] Where's that man?

John

[Raising his eyebrows.] It's usual to take one's hat off in other people's houses.

James

I'm a man of principle, I am; and I keep my 'at on to show it.

John

Ah, well, we won't discuss the point.

James

I want to see that man.

John

May I ask to whom you're referring? There are so many men in the world. In fact, it's very over-crowded.

James

Who are you, I should like to know?

John

[Politely.] My name is Halliwell. I had the pleasure of meeting you at Basil's rooms in Bloomsbury.

James

[Aggressively.] I know that.

John

I beg your pardon. I thought you were asking for information.

James

I tell you I want to see my brother-in-law.

John

I'm afraid you can't.

James

I tell you I will see 'im. He's murdered my sister. He's a blackguard and a murderer, and I'll tell him so to his face.

John

[Sarcastic.] Take care he doesn't hear you.

James

I want him to hear me. I'm not frightened of him. I should just like to see him touch me now. [He sidles viciously to John.] H'm, you tried to keep me out, did yer? Said I couldn't come to my sister's 'ouse – and kept me waitin' in the 'all like a tradesman. Oh, I'll make you all pay for this. I'll get my own back now. Measley set of West End curs, that's all you are.

John

Mr. Bush, you'll be so good as to keep a civil tongue in your mouth while you're here – and you'll talk less loudly.

James

[Scornfully.] Who says so?

John

[Looking at him quietly.] I do.

James

[Less decisively.] Don't you try and bully me.

John

[Pointing to a chair.] Won't you sit down?

James

No, I won't sit down. This ain't the 'ouse that a gentleman would sit down in. I'll be even with 'im yet. I'll tell the jury a pretty story. He deserves to be strung up, he does.

John

I can't tell you how extremely sorry I am for what has happened.

James

Oh, don't try and get round me.

John

Really, Mr. Bush, you have no reason to be indignant with me.

James

Well, I don't think much of you, any 'ow.

John

I'm very sorry. Last time we met I thought you a very amiable person. Don't you remember, we went and had a drink together?

James

I don't say you're not a gentleman.

John

[Taking out his cigar-case.] Won't you have a cigar?

James

[Suspiciously.] Look here, you're not trying to bluff me, are you?

John

Certainly not. I wouldn't dream of such a thing.

James

[Taking a cigar.] Larranaga.

John

[With an acid smile.] Nine pounds a hundred.

James

That's one and nine apiece, ain't it?

John

How quickly you reckon!

James

You must be pretty oofy to be able to afford that.

John

[Drily.] It does inspire respect, doesn't it?

James

I don't know what you mean by that. But I flatter myself I know a good cigar when I see it.

[John sits down, and James Bush, without thinking, follows his example.]

John

What d'you think you'll get out of making a row at the inquest? Of course, there'll be an inquest.

James

Yes, I know there will. And I'm lookin' forward to it, I can tell you.

John

I wouldn't have said that if I'd been you.

James

[Quite unconscious of the construction that may be put on his last words – full of his own grievances.] I've 'ad something to put up with, I 'ave.

John

Really?

James

Oh, he's treated me shockin'! He simply treated me like dirt. I wouldn't 'ave stood it a minute, except for Jenny's sake. I wasn't good enough for 'im, if you please. And the way he used to look right through me as if I wasn't there at all – Oh, I'll be even with 'im now.

John

What are you going to do?

James

Never you mind. I'm going to make it hot for 'im.

John

D'you think that'll do you any good?

James

[Springing up.] Yes. And I mean to…

John

[Interrupting.] Now sit down, there's a good chap, and let's have a little talk about it.

James

[Angrily.] You're trying to bamboozle me.

John

Nonsense.

James

Oh, yes, you are. Don't try to deny it. I can see through you as if you was a pane of glass. You people in the West End – you think you know everything.

John

I assure you…

James

[Interrupting.] But I've had a City training, and you can lay anything you like there ain't no flies on me.

John

We're both men of the world, Mr. Bush. Will you do me a great favour as a – friend?

James

[Suspiciously.] That depends on what it is.

John

It's merely to listen to me quietly for two or three minutes.

James

I don't mind doing that.

John

Well, the fact is – Basil's going away, and he wants to get rid of the furniture and the house. What d'you think it's worth, as an auctioneer?

James

[Looking round.] It's a very different business what a thing's worth, and what it'll fetch.

John

Of course, but a clever man like you…

James

Now then, no bluff. I tell you it won't work with me… D'you include plate and linen?

John

Everything.

James

Well, if it was well sold – by a man as knew his business…

John

If you sold it, for instance?

James

It might fetch a hundred pounds – it might fetch a hundred and fifty.

John

That wouldn't be a bad present to make to any one, would it?

James

No. I think I can agree with you there.

John

Well, Basil thought of giving the entire contents of the house to your mother and sister.

James

To tell you the truth, it's no more than he ought to do.

John

The condition is, of course, that nothing is said at the inquest.

James

[With a sneer.] You make me laugh. D'you think you can gag me by giving a houseful of furniture to my mother?

John

I had no such exalted opinion of your disinterestedness, Mr. Bush. I come to you now.

James

[Sharply.] What d'you mean by that?

John

It appears that you owe Basil a good deal of money. Can you pay it?

James

No.

John

Also it appears that there was some difficulty with your accounts in your last place.

James

That's a lie.

John

Possibly. But altogether I fancy we could make it uncommonly nasty for you if you made a fuss. If dirty linen is going to be washed in public – there's generally a good deal to be done on both sides.

James

I don't care. I mean to get my own back. If I can only get my knife into that man – I'll take the consequences.

John

On the other hand – if you won't make a fuss at the inquest, I'll give you fifty pounds.

James

[Jumping up indignantly.] Are you trying to bribe me?

John

[Calmly.] Yes.

James

I would 'ave you know that I'm a gentleman, and what's more, I'm an Englishman. And I'm proud of it. You ought to be ashamed of yourself. I've never 'ad any one try and bribe me before.

John

[Indifferently.] Otherwise you would, doubtless, have accepted.

James

I've got more than half a mind to knock you down.

John

[With a slight smile.] Come, come, Mr. Bush, don't be ridiculous. You'd far better keep quiet, you know.

James

[Scornfully.] What do you think fifty pounds is to me?

John

[With a sharp look.] Who spoke of fifty pounds?

James

You did.

John

You must have mistaken me. A hundred and fifty.

James

Oh! [At first he is surprised, then, as the amount sinks into his mind, grows doubtful.] That's a very different pair of shoes.

John

I don't ask you to say anything untrue. After all, it's not worth while for a man of the world like you – a business man – to give way to petty spite. And we don't want to have any scandal. That would be just as unpleasant for you as for us.

James

[Undecided.] There's no denying that she was hysterical. If he'd only treated me like a gentleman, I shouldn't have had anything to say.

John

Well?

James

[With a foxy, keen glance at John.] Make it two 'undred, and I'll say done.

John

[Firmly.] No. You can take a hundred and fifty, or go to the devil.

James

Oh, well, 'and it over.

John

[Taking a cheque out of his pocket.] I'll give you fifty now and the rest after the inquest.

James

[With a certain admiration.] You're a sharp 'un, you are.

[John writes out the cheque and gives it to James Bush.

James

Shall I give you a receipt? I'm a business man, you know.

John

Yes, I know; but it's not necessary. You'll tell your mother and sister?

James

Don't you fear. I'm a gentleman, and I don't go back on my friends.

John

Now I think I'll say good morning to you. You can understand that Basil isn't fit to see any one.

James

I understand. So long.

[He stretches out his hand, which John shakes gravely.]

John

Good morning.

[Fanny comes in by one door as James Bush

goes out by another.]

Fanny

Good riddance to bad rubbish.

John

Ah, Fanny, if there were no rogues in the world, life would really be too difficult for honest men.

[Fanny goes out, and John walks to the door and calls.]

John

Basil – he's gone… Where are you?

[Basil comes out of the room in which is lying Jenny's body.]

John

I didn't know you were in there.

Basil

I wonder if she forgives me?

John

I wouldn't worry myself too much if I were you, Basil, old man.

Basil

If you only knew how I despise myself!

John

Come, come, Basil, you must make an effort…

Basil

I've not told you the worst. I feel such a cad. There's one thought that's been with me all night. And I can't drive it away. It's worse than anything else. It's too shameful.

John

What do you mean?

Basil

Oh, it's so despicable. And yet it's too strong for me… I can't help thinking that I'm – free.

John

Free?

Basil

It's treachery to her memory. But you don't know what it is when your prison door is opened. [As he speaks he grows more and more excited.] I don't want to die. I want to live, and I want to take life by both hands and enjoy it. I've got such a desire for happiness. Let's open the windows, and let the sunlight in. [He goes to the window and flings it open.] It's so good just to be alive. How can I help thinking that now I can start fresh? The slate is wiped clean, and I can begin again. I will be happy. God forgive me, I can't help the thought. I'm free. I made a ghastly mistake, and I suffered for it. Heaven knows how I suffered, and how hard I tried to make the best of it. It wasn't all my fault. In this world we're made to act and think things because other people have thought them good. We never have a chance of going our own way. We're bound down by the prejudices and the morals of everybody else. For God's sake, let us be free. Let us do this and that because we want to and because we must, not because other people think we ought. [He stops suddenly in front of John.] Why don't you say something? You stare at me as if you thought me raving mad!

John

I don't know what to say.

Basil

Oh, I suppose you're shocked and scandalised. I ought to go on posing. I ought to act the part decently to the end. You would never have had the courage to do what I did, and yet, because I've failed, you think you can look down on me from the height of your moral elevation.

John

[Gravely.] I was thinking how far a man may fall when he attempts to climb the stars.

Basil

I gave the world fine gold, and their currency is only cowrie-shells. I held up an ideal, and they sneered at me. In this world you must wallow in the trough with the rest of them… The only moral I can see is that if I'd acted like a blackguard – as ninety-nine men out of a hundred would have done – and let Jenny go to the dogs, I should have remained happy and contented and prosperous. And she, I dare say, wouldn't have died… It's because I tried to do my duty and act like a gentleman and a man of honour, that all this misery has come about.

John

[Looking at him quietly.] I think I should put it in another way. One has to be very strong and very sure of oneself to go against the ordinary view of things. And if one isn't, perhaps it's better not to run any risks, but just to walk along the same secure old road as the common herd. It's not exhilarating, it's not brave, and it's rather dull. But it's eminently safe.