[Francis Etchingham comes in. He is wearing a dinner jacket and a black tie. Anne springs up impulsively.
Anne.
Is it over?
Etchingham.
No, I was too anxious to stay any longer.
Lady Francis.
But George is going to get in?
Etchingham.
Who can tell? The seat has always been lost or held by a handful of votes.
Anne.
But how did it seem to be going?
Etchingham.
Winter, Morrison, Winter, Morrison. One vote on one side, one vote on the other. It seemed interminable.
Lady Francis.
He won by seventy-five last time.
Etchingham.
Who can tell the effect of all these rumours and suspicions and attacks? They may just have made the difference. Oh, it’s maddening.
Catherine.
Sit down, father, and rest. You look quite done up.
Etchingham.
Even George is anxious. I know his face so well. He’s trying to appear as if he were certain.
Anne.
No human being could help being anxious.
Lady Francis.
[With a sudden start.] I thought I heard some shouting.
Anne.
Oh, I wish I hadn’t come away.
Lady Francis.
Let’s open the window. Perhaps we shall hear something.
[Lady Francis and Anne go to the window and open it.
Lady Francis.
No, I was mistaken.
Anne.
Listen. I’m sure I hear cheering.
[She goes out on to the balcony. She and Lady Francis are half hidden from view, so that it may be supposed the following scene between Catherine and Lord Francis is not heard by them.
Etchingham.
[In a low voice to Catherine.] Oh, my dear, will you ever forgive me?
Catherine.
Oh, father, don’t. It was very noble of you not to tell me anything before I decided. Now that I know the whole truth....
Etchingham.
The only hope we’ve got is to go on. If he gets in, if we can pull things together, we may get out of the muddle. He’s positive of it. The only thing that held me up was the thought of all of you. If I’d gone to the police there and then—or made away with myself, it would have meant the ruin of all of you.
Catherine.
And of all the unhappy people who’ve trusted everything they had to George.
Etchingham.
You think I was right, Kate, don’t you? It wasn’t just cowardice on my part?
Catherine.
I hope you were right.
Etchingham.
But if it was all in vain? If he’s not able to float the company and the truth comes out, then I shall have sacrificed you for nothing.
Catherine.
Oh, don’t think of it.
Etchingham.
I believe if he wins the election he’ll be strong enough to force the issue on them.
Catherine.
But if the mine’s worthless?
Etchingham.
We’re going to buy the shares in when the tide turns in Central America. Things are looking brighter already. He’s promised me that no one shall lose a farthing. When that’s done I go. Oh, how thankful I shall be!
Catherine.
Oh, I know, I know.
Etchingham.
I had to tell some one, and I couldn’t tell your mother.
Catherine.
I’m glad you told me. It makes it easier to bear now we both know.
Anne.
At last!... Father, father.
[She comes back into the room, excitedly, and at the same time a vague, muffled shouting is heard in the distance. Etchingham springs to his feet.
Etchingham.
Thank God. The suspense was awful.
Lady Francis.
There’s no mistaking it this time.
Etchingham.
Is he in? Is he in?
Anne.
Of course he’s in. I’ve never felt so confident in my life.
Etchingham.
If it’s all right, then we’re safe. I’m sure it’s the beginning of the turn.
Lady Francis.
Why doesn’t Teddie make haste?
Anne.
Listen to the shouting. Isn’t it splendid?
[More shouting is heard, this time a little louder.
Etchingham.
I expect they’re reading out the figures.
[Teddie O’Donnell rushes in, rather dishevelled, with his hat on the back of his head.
O’Donnell.
He’s in!
Anne.
How ripping!
[Francis Etchingham sinks into a chair, too overcome to speak, trying to compose himself. Catherine puts her hand on his shoulder to show her sympathy.
Lady Francis.
What’s the majority?
O’Donnell.
Twenty-seven.
Anne.
I say, what a squeak!
O’Donnell.
Just at the end I thought we were beaten. It was Morrison, Morrison, Morrison, until I almost screamed.
Etchingham.
Anne.
I am glad.
[She throws her arms impulsively round O’Donnell’s neck and kisses him.
O’Donnell.
By Jove, it was a moment to live for when the figures were read out. You never heard such shouting.
Catherine.
Where is he now?
O’Donnell.
When I left he was making a speech to the crowd. But one couldn’t hear a word, because every one was shouting at the top of his voice. I simply bellowed.
Anne.
[Enthusiastically.] Aren’t you glad, Kate?
Catherine.
[Smiling.] Yes, very glad.
Anne.
How can you take it so quietly!
Lady Francis.
O’Donnell.
Yes. I forgot to give you his message. He sent his love to Kate, and said he’d be here in two twos.
Anne.
I wish he’d hurry up. Isn’t he a darling?
O’Donnell.
He’s the greatest man I’ve ever known. He’s a perfect stunner. I don’t know what there is about him, but you can’t help believing in him. And he was so splendid this morning about those confounded lies in the paper. All the rest of them were as frightened as rabbits, but he never turned a hair.
Anne.
[Excitedly.] There’s a car.
O’Donnell.
That’s it, I bet you anything you like.
Anne.
How jolly of him to come quickly! [She runs to the door and opens it.] George, George!
[George Winter comes in boisterously and clasps Anne in his arms.
Anne.
George Winter.
Glorious victory, what!
[He is followed by Colonel Boyce, James Ford, Mr. Swalecliffe, and two other men.
Etchingham.
Thank God!
George Winter.
You haven’t been worried about it? I knew I’d get in. I never had a moment’s doubt about it.
James Ford.
[Drily.] No one can say you don’t believe in yourself.
George Winter.
Hang it all, if you don’t believe in yourself, how can you expect other people to believe in you? Drinks, gentlemen!
O’Donnell.
Shall I ring?
George Winter.
I told the waiter on my way up. Here they are. [A couple of waiters come in with glasses and bottles of champagne.] No teetotalism to-night, Mr. Swalecliffe. By Jove, I’m thirsty. Pour it out. Pour it out.
Swalecliffe.
I never touch alcohol, Mr. Winter.
George Winter.
Poor is the heart that never rejoices. Have you all got glasses, gentlemen? Come on, Lady Francis. Don’t be backward, Anne.
Anne.
Yes, please.
George Winter.
That’s right. Now then, Teddie. All ready? Gentlemen, I give you my wife, to whom this glorious victory is due.
All.
Mrs. Winter, Mrs. Winter. Catherine.
Catherine.
[Embarrassed and shy.] Thank you very much.
[There are shouts outside, cheers: Winter, Winter, For he’s a jolly good fellow.
George Winter.
Hulloa, they’ve come round to the hotel.
Anne.
Just look at the crowd.
O’Donnell.
Shall I open the window?
George Winter.
[At his appearance the shouts break out more tumultuously. Cheer upon cheer is heard. George Winter puts up his hand for silence.
George Winter.
Gentlemen, we’ve won a great fight. We’ve won in face of a campaign of lies, of misrepresentation, and of scandal. Truth always prevails. Honesty is the best policy. A glorious victory, gentlemen, and a triumph for English honesty, English plain dealing, and English integrity. Gentlemen, I drink your health.
[He drinks his glass of champagne before the crowd. The cheering which has been going on all through the speech now grows louder and louder. There are shouts of Mrs. Winter.
George Winter.
Kate, they want you.
Catherine.
No. Please not.
George Winter.
Come. No false modesty. Give them a bow, that won’t hurt you.
[He takes her hand and draws her to the window. The crowd bursts out again into cheering. George Winter comes back into the room.
George Winter.
Boyce.
You must be dead beat.
George Winter.
I? Fresh as a daisy. Nothing can beat me.
O’Donnell.
[Taking out his watch.] By Jove, I had no idea it was so late.
Boyce.
I think I’ll be getting along.
George Winter.
Oh, nonsense! Why, the evening’s only just beginning.
Boyce.
I’m dog tired.
Swalecliffe.
I must be getting away, too. My wife will be wanting to know all about it.
George Winter.
Well, if I can’t persuade you, I suppose I can’t. I hope you’ll all have as good a night as I mean to.
Swalecliffe.
You think it’s all right about—about that matter?
George Winter.
Don’t you worry your head. It’s as right as rain. I tell you that nothing I touch can fail.
Swalecliffe.
Then good-night.
George Winter.
Good-night.
[Colonel Boyce, Swalecliffe, and the other two men who came in with them, go out.
George Winter.
You’re not going yet, Ford?
James Ford.
No. If you don’t mind I’d like to have a word with you when you can spare me a few minutes.
George Winter.
As many as you like. I’m ready now.
Lady Francis.
If you’re going to talk business, we’d better leave you.
James Ford.
I’m in no hurry, my lady.
Lady Francis.
It really is getting very late.
O’Donnell.
Aren’t you too tired for business now?
George Winter.
Tired? I don’t know what it is to be tired. When you write my biography, young man, you can say that after the hardest fought battle of the election, when the cheers of the multitude were still ringing in his ears, he sat down at midnight, fresh as paint, and talked business with the shrewdest man in Middlepool till break of day.
James Ford.
[Drily.] It’ll be more accurate if you say for ten minutes.
George Winter.
But so much less effective.
Anne.
I’m sure you’ve been drinking too much champagne, George.
George Winter.
[Laughing.] Nonsense. I could drink a gallon, and be as sober as a judge at the end of it.
Anne.
Well, good-night.
George Winter.
[Kissing her.] Good-night, my chick. Have you named the happy day yet?
Lady Francis.
Good-night.
George Winter.
[To O’Donnell.] And you can add that I enveloped my mother-in-law in my arms.
Lady Francis.
[With a smile, warding off his attempt to embrace her.] I congratulate you. It’s been a great triumph.
George Winter.
Oh, it’s only the beginning. I’ve got the world at my feet. In ten years I shall be crying like Alexander because there are no more worlds to conquer.
O’Donnell.
You don’t want me any more, do you?
[Lady Francis and Anne go out.
George Winter.
No, go to bed. You’re young, and you want your beauty sleep. I’ll be bound you’re not worried by the trains. Where’s your room?
O’Donnell.
It’s just above yours. But I sleep like a top.
George Winter.
That’s a good sign. You’ll be as great a man as I am one of these days.
O’Donnell.
[With a laugh.] Good-night.
George Winter.
[To Etchingham.] And you’d better go off too, old man. You look tired out.
Etchingham.
[Wearily.] It’s been an exciting day for all of us.
George Winter.
It’s been one of the days that make life worth living.
Etchingham.
Good-night.
[As they go out Catherine comes forward.
Catherine.
I won’t say good-night to you just yet. If Mr. Ford is not going to keep you long I should like to speak to you afterwards.
James Ford.
It’ll be ten minutes at the utmost, Mrs. Winter.
George Winter.
[With exaggerated gallantry.] I’m at your disposal, darling, now and always.
[With a slight bow to James Ford, Catherine goes out.
George Winter.
I told you I was justified in trusting my luck. Everything is coming out right. The Lewishams won’t be able to stand against me much longer. They’ll have to take me in. We’ll combine our interests, and then we shall hold Central America in the hollow of our hands. You’ll be in it too, James. You’re going to be a richer man than you guess. And when I’m in with the Lewishams I shall bide my time. Manny Lewisham can’t last much longer, and his sons are fools. When he’s gone I shall get the whole business in my hands. I’ve got ten times more brains than anyone in that market. There’s no one who can stand against me.
James Ford.
[Quietly.] You haven’t forgotten that article in The Financial Standard?
George Winter.
[Gaily.] Oh, is that what you want to talk to me about? I tell you that shan’t disturb my night’s rest. By the way, that reminds me: if I have won the election it was through no help of yours. I asked you to go down and speak in the Cattle Market, and when I got there I found there’d been no sign of you. It might have been devilish awkward.
James Ford.
Well, it so happens it didn’t matter.
George Winter.
Where did you get to after all?
James Ford.
[Looking at him.] I went up to London!
George Winter.
[Indifferently, doing all he can to hide his suspicion.] Did you?
James Ford.
[Very quietly, almost diffidently.] I was struck by one of the paragraphs in the article. The one about where you got the money from.
George Winter.
[With a smile.] I noticed that seemed to bother you a bit.
James Ford.
Things were pretty tight at that time.
George Winter.
A man in my position can always lay his hands on money.
James Ford.
It was a big sum.
George Winter.
Fair to moderate.
[There is a very short pause. The two men, both shrewd, hard and keen, face one another like two duellists.
James Ford.
It struck me that the Middlepool Investment Trust had got a large batch of bonds lying in the bank.
[He watches George Winter for the effect of this statement.
George Winter.
[With a smile.] Well, they’re lying there still.
James Ford.
Will you take your oath on that?
George Winter.
Yes.
James Ford.
The more I thought of it, the more nervous I was. I went to the bank.
[George Winter gives him a rapid look, but otherwise makes no sign that he realizes his theft is discovered.
James Ford.
They showed me an order for delivery of the bonds signed by you, Etchingham, and Bennett.
George Winter.
Have a cigar, will you?
James Ford.
No.... What have you done with those bonds?
George Winter.
If they’re in their place when the auditor makes his examination no one has any question to ask.
James Ford.
[More sternly.] You had no more right to touch them than my office boy has the right to take a sovereign from the petty cash.
George Winter.
What the devil d’you mean by that?
James Ford.
I’m a director of the Middlepool Investment Trust. I insist on the bonds being produced at once.
George Winter.
They shall be produced in a fortnight.
James Ford.
No, no, my friend, that won’t do.
George Winter.
[Impatiently.] Don’t be a fool, James, you know as well as I do that business is business.
James Ford.
Yes, and not theft.
George Winter.
[Apparently flying into a passion.] How dare you speak to me like that!
James Ford.
It’s no good trying to bluster with me, George. I’ve seen you do it at shareholders’ meetings and very effective it is sometimes, but this isn’t the time for it.
[There is a pause. George Winter considers the position and determines to face it.
George Winter.
All right then.... I knew the mine was a good thing. I pledged the bonds to pay for it. I shall get them back as soon as the money comes in from the issue. Now you’ve got it.
James Ford.
It’s theft pure and simple.
George Winter.
[Insolently.] I suppose you want to come in with me. [He does not notice James Ford’s instinctive movement of repulsion.] I’ll give you your shares for nothing. That means ten thousand pounds, and if you hold on to them they’ll be worth fifty thousand in a year.
James Ford.
Thank you. I’m not going to risk a lifetime’s honest work for a few thousand pounds.
George Winter.
James Ford.
Nothing.
George Winter.
[With a slight smile.] You’ve been Mayor of Middlepool twice, and you’ve done a lot of work for the party. I can’t help thinking it’s almost time the Government showed some appreciation of your services.
James Ford.
You’ve mistaken your man, George Winter. I’ve worked like a nigger for thirty years. I’ve not let any chance slip by me, but I’ve never done anything that a man need be ashamed of. I’ve built up an honest business to leave to my sons, and an honest name. I’m too old to start being a rogue now.
George Winter.
[Impatiently.] I thought you wanted to talk business.
James Ford.
Right’s right, and wrong’s wrong. You can’t get over that. I couldn’t rest for a moment if I thought any act of mine wasn’t above board. It’s no credit of mine, I’m just made that way.
George Winter.
[As if he were talking to a child.] Come, James, we’ve been good friends for twenty years.
James Ford.
[In a low voice.] This afternoon, when I found out what you’d done—well, I could have cried.
[There is a real anguish in his tone which startles George Winter. For the first time he realizes that the affair is serious. He begins to get frightened.
George Winter.
[Quickly, hoarsely.] But you don’t mean seriously....
James Ford.
[Desperately.] How can I make you understand? You don’t seem to see that now I know what you’ve done I’m just filled with horror and loathing. If you’ve done this God knows what else you haven’t done. I don’t want to be hard on you. I must do my duty. I’m a director of the company. I put all my friends in it. I put my sister into it. And this mine. Is it true what that paper says? For all I know that’s a swindle too.
George Winter.
[With sudden anxiety.] You’re not going to push me down now that I’m almost at the top of the tree? I’ve got the world at my feet. If you’ll only give me a month I can put everything straight.
James Ford.
Five minutes ago it was a fortnight. I don’t believe it. These things don’t come right. When a man has crossed the line that separates honesty from dishonesty he never gets back.
George Winter.
If you give me away now it’ll mean a general smash. The only chance of saving things is to go on. The money’s gone. You won’t get it back by giving me up to the police.
James Ford.
I must take my chance of that. After all, if I don’t speak it makes me a party to the crime. It can be proved that I went to the bank to-day.
George Winter.
Now you’re saying something I can understand. If I show you by plain figures that I can put everything right if you’ll only give me time....
James Ford.
I tell you I can’t. I’ve got my wife to think of, and my boys. It’s theft, it’s the money of orphans and widows that you’ve taken, and there’s only one course open to me.
George Winter.
What are you going to do?
James Ford.
[Brokenly.] My God, what can I do? I trusted you as I would have trusted my sons.
George Winter.
James Ford.
I must—I must consult the Chief Constable.
George Winter.
You wouldn’t do that? You don’t seriously mean that you’d go to the police? It’s madness. It’s so impractical. It’s stupid.
James Ford.
I could never respect myself again if I.... It’s a matter between my conscience and myself.... Oh, George, why have you put me in this position?
George Winter.
Look here, old man, I’ve done wrong. I admit it. I’ve done something that other men have done before me and it’s come out all right. At the time I thought the slump would only last a few days, and I thought I should be able to replace the bonds in a week. It’s the only slip I’ve made. Don’t be too hard on me.... [With a break in his voice.] Have mercy as you hope in your turn to have mercy shown to you. Don’t ruin me for this one mistake. Let it mean something to you that I’m humiliating myself before you.... It wasn’t a crime. It was only thoughtlessness. Give me another chance.
[James Ford, with his face between his hands, thinks it over. He is deeply moved by George Winter’s appeal. George, watching him keenly, thinks he is going to yield.
George Winter.
We’ve gone through bad times and good together. I’ve been a good friend to you. You’ve never had anything to reproach me with till now.
James Ford.
[Brokenly.] I can’t risk the money of all these poor people again.
George Winter.
Will it satisfy you if I give up the directorship of the Middlepool Trust? Give me six months to save my face and I’ll resign.
[James Ford looks up at him, wondering if he can put any trust in George Winter. George waits for the decision with beating heart. He feels almost sick with fear.
James Ford.
I’ll tell you what I’ll do. If the bonds are in their place by four o’clock to-morrow I’ll say nothing.
George Winter.
[Astounded.] To-morrow? It can’t be done. It’s impossible.
James Ford.
That’s all I can do for you.
George Winter.
[Hardly knowing what he is saying.] But no one could get it. You know it’s impossible. Even if you gave me a week I couldn’t do it. I can’t, I can’t, I can’t. With the attack on us to-day we’re—we’re tottering. It’s as much as we shall be able to do to hold out till the tide turns. That’s not giving me a chance. Not a chance. To-morrow! It’s absurd!
James Ford.
That’s my last word.
George Winter.
You might as well send for the police at once. Oh, my God! It’s impossible.
James Ford.
If the money is not there by the time the bank closes I shall apply for a warrant.
George Winter.
D’you know what that means? It means a trial, and then—and then prison.
James Ford.
I can’t do more for you than I’ve offered.
[The finality of this, the deep regret and the decision in Ford’s tone, are like a blow in the face to George Winter. He gives a sudden start, and throwing off his humbleness, flies into ungovernable passion. He whips himself into a rage as he flings the scornful invective at James Ford and ends up on the last words in a positive scream of fury.
George Winter.
Oh, it’s infamous. It’s damned hypocrisy. You don’t care if I’ve taken the money or not. You’re afraid of your own skin. And you’re jealous of me. It’s envy. I knew you envied me all the time. D’you think I’ve been taken in by you? You were a little tin god in Middlepool till I came along. You didn’t fight me like a man. You just sided with me, waiting for your chance to trip me up. You think when I’m gone you’ll have the field to yourself. Why shouldn’t you be the member as well as I? It’s mean. It’s mean. You with your damned Christianity, your parrot cries of honesty. Damn you! Damn you! Damn you!
James Ford.
[Quietly.] You see, you’ve gone too far. I shall never make you understand. You can’t realize that a man may be honest, even if he loses by it, just because he can’t help it, because he’s made straight as some men are made crooked.
George Winter.
It’s childish.
James Ford.
You’ve got through the world by knowing that nine men out of ten are rascals. You’ve forgotten that the tenth man must cross your path at last.