Act II
SCENE.—A conservatory in Zanden’s house. The L. side of the stage as well as the whole back of the stage is taken up by large bay windows, through which one sees into the garden. In the distance the wall surrounding the house, and some trees in the garden. It is winter. Bright weather, but it has been snowing. In the garden as well as in the street, electric lamps. On the R. side of the stage there are two doors, one quite near to the footlights, leading into the apartment—one in the rear, leading to the hall. There is a platform about two yards long and two yards wide, between these two doors. Five steps lead from this platform towards the footlights, and five steps on the side of the platform to the middle of the stage. On the top of the platform a door leading to the ball-room. When this door is opened, one generally hears the ball music. At the foot of the stairs, about three yards from the footlights, two square columns having a brass ornament with eight electric lamps attached. There are heaps of plants and flowers about the room. Two chairs and a table stand on the R. side of the stage, about three yards from the footlights, two chairs and a table on the L. side of the stage, about five yards from the footlights. There are two settees, L. and R. On the table L. writing material. It is about one o’clock at night.
[Guests in fancy costumes are moving about as the Curtain goes up.
FIRST LADY GUEST, sitting L. of table R.
Who is the dark man you left so suddenly in the ball room?
SECOND LADY GUEST, enters and comes down stairs to back of table L.
I don’t know his name.
FIRST LADY GUEST
A most disagreeable man.
SECOND LADY GUEST, crosses to group L. C.
Oh, dreadful! He behaved shockingly to my husband. He told him that it will be so cold tonight that his teeth will shiver in their box.
FIRST LADY GUEST
Olga tells me he is a friend of Herr Karl’s, and she only invited him as a compliment to him.
SECOND LADY GUEST (stout)
He insisted on telling me of a remedy for obesity. I don’t consider myself stout—do you?
ELSA, C., laughingly
No! I think I’m just right. He sounds interesting—I’d like to meet him.
FIRST LADY GUEST
You’ll be sorry if you do.
ELSA
Oh, indeed.
SECOND LADY GUEST
He’ll be very disagreeable, I assure you.
ELSA
I’m not afraid of him.
[Wants to go up steps.
FIRST GENTLEMAN GUEST, L. C.
Miss Elsa, I really think you had better not.
SECOND LADY GUEST
If Miss Elsa wants to speak to him let her do so. I think she is the only one really capable of putting him in his place.
THIRD LADY GUEST, seated L. of table R.
Oh, she’ll make him sit up.
ELSA
Thanks, awfully. Oh, I know what you call me—the blue-stocking—sassy Elsa—
SECOND LADY GUEST
Elsa, I never said you were a blue-stocking.
FIRST LADY GUEST
I never called you Sassy Elsa.
ELSA
But I am—you know I am—
[Pointing at herself.
That’s why nobody dares to tell me how to get thin.
SECOND LADY GUEST
The impertinence!
ELSA
Well—you asked for it.
SECOND LADY GUEST, to FIRST LADY GUEST
It will serve her right if—
ELSA, on the stairs
I’d just like to see him—
[The DEVIL is standing in front of her. Everybody is silent.
DEVIL, in evening dress, red carnation in buttonhole; after some silence
I never dreamed how quiet it could be when seven ladies are not talking.
[Protesting movement on the part of the GUESTS.
Oh, I know—you have been very merciful to me in my absence.
ELSA, on stairs
You needn’t think I am afraid to say what I think to your face. I was just about to—
[She makes a movement showing that she wanted to look for him.
DEVIL
You did well to stay. They would have said much worse things about you—they would have spoken about your approaching engagement to Karl.
ELSA
What!
[Astonished.
You know?
DEVIL
To my friend Karl—they want to throw you into his arms.
[The OTHERS laugh.
[In a low voice to ELSA:
I’d like to speak to you—alone.
ELSA
Here?
[Gesture that she thinks this impossible in a crowded room.
DEVIL
We’ll be alone in no time.
[ELSA goes to sofa and sits L. of table L.
FOURTH LADY GUEST, crosses to him; to DEVIL
I’m very glad you spoke that way to Elsa. You have quite won me over, and I don’t mind telling you I came very near having to pick a bone with you.
DEVIL, R. C., to FOURTH LADY GUEST, who is very thin—looking at her from head to foot
By the way, speaking of bones—
FOURTH LADY GUEST
What! Again!—oh!
[Walks off highly offended.
FIRST GENTLEMAN GUEST, very effeminate, smiling to the DEVIL
Bravo! I couldn’t do that—not that I lack courage. I am famous for my courage—I just love a fight—I once slapped the face of an athlete who dared to insult a lady.
DEVIL
You coward!
FIRST GENTLEMAN GUEST
What—coward?
DEVIL
Yes, coward. If you dared to slap the face of a cripple I might admire your courage.
[FIRST GENTLEMAN GUEST starts to answer, but afterwards makes a gesture seeming to say nothing can be done with the DEVIL—going off slowly up the stairs.
SECOND GENTLEMAN GUEST, after a few seconds talking quietly to the DEVIL
Oh-h-h! You are a free-thinker. So am I!
DEVIL, as if astonished
You think?
SECOND GENTLEMAN GUEST
I do.
DEVIL
What with?
[Exit SECOND GENTLEMAN GUEST, angrily.
[To SECOND LADY GUEST, the stout one, seated R. of table L.
A pity you don’t dance—there’s nothing like it for reducing the figure.
[SECOND LADY GUEST rushes of.
DEVIL, L. to the THIRD LADY GUEST, pointing at FOURTH
Her husband must be in the furniture business.
THIRD LADY GUEST
Yes, who told you?
DEVIL
Her dress—it is the very latest pattern for arm-chairs and settees—but please don’t say I said so.
THIRD LADY GUEST, smiling
Certainly not.
[Goes to chair of FIRST LADY GUEST.
Jane—
DEVIL, joins ELSA. To ELSA
Look—she’s telling her.
THIRD LADY GUEST, to FIRST LADY GUEST
But promise me not to be angry.
DEVIL
She promises.
FIRST LADY GUEST
I promise.
THIRD LADY GUEST
He said that—
DEVIL
Look out for the explosion.
FIRST LADY GUEST, rises
Oh, I never—
DEVIL
Now—watch her go.
FIRST LADY GUEST
I never!
[Goes off over the staircase.
THIRD LADY GUEST, going after her
But, Jane, you promised me—
[Exit.
DEVIL
Voilà! I am now at your disposal.
ELSA, on settee L.
Aren’t you surprised I haven’t gone? You insulted me, too. I only stay because I want to speak to you.
DEVIL, L. C., ironically
Charmed, I’m sure.
ELSA
Oh, don’t try to be polite—just be yourself. I’m not afraid of you.
DEVIL
I know it.
ELSA, crosses up to C.
Perhaps you know my nickname—Saucy Elsa?
[DEVIL nods his head.
DEVIL
Yes.
ELSA
Politeness would only embarrass me—and I have chosen you to deliver a message to that crowd —only because you can be so delightfully rude.
DEVIL
I am at your entire disposal.
ELSA
Now, how can I be saucy when you talk like that?
DEVIL
I am your devoted servant.
ELSA
You’re impossible.
DEVIL
Shall we end this conference?
[DEVIL starts up C.
ELSA, goes to table R. C. and leans against it
Not yet, please. You informed me just now that I am the girl they want to throw into the arms of your friend Karl.
DEVIL
Yes.
ELSA
You forget to say I am the girl who allows herself to be thrown in your friend’s arms. Is that right?
DEVIL
Yes.
ELSA, stands and pushes forward chair Please sit down.
[DEVIL bows, but remains standing.
ELSA, in a very loud voice. Crosses and sits
Please sit down. I don’t ask you out of politeness, but because I want to set you right in this matter—and it is much easier for me to set you right when you sit down and I stand up. I don’t want people to make fun of me—I know what they say—do you understand me?
DEVIL, gets up
I do.
ELSA
Sit down, please. (He does so.) I don’t want people to smile and congratulate me to my face, and laugh behind my back. I won’t have it—and as you started this subject I shall entrust you with the mission of enlightening our friends out there.
DEVIL
Your confidence honors me.
ELSA
Don’t think for a moment that I have taken these people seriously—I have no more interest in them than I have for yesterday’s newspaper. But I don’t choose to have them think that they have fooled me into marrying Karl. And—
DEVIL, starts to rise. She stops him
Pardon me.
ELSA
I see through their scheme. But I shall marry him just the same, if he will have me. Do you understand me? I shall marry him—
DEVIL
Pardon me. I don’t think you will.
ELSA
You will see.
DEVIL
You have been kind enough to honor me with your confidence, and now I will be quite frank with you. This marriage cannot come off.
[Stands up.
ELSA, points to chair
Please sit down.
DEVIL, takes her hands and swings her into chair
No! You will sit down now because I am going to set you right. I know the reason of this marriage—but you—
[A MAN SERVANT crosses stage; DEVIL calls him.
You will find in my overcoat a small leather satchel—bring it here.
[MAN SERVANT goes off.
[Continuing to ELSA:
But you don’t know the reason—or you don’t want to know it. And you are about to consent to—
ELSA, interrupting
To what? To marry a man who is not madly in love with me—any more than I am with him. What of it? We are two perfectly sane people about to make a serious contract with our eyes wide open, instead of blinded by infatuation like crazy lovers in magazine stories. What other contract made by crazy people would be valid for one minute—and this is for a life-time—
[Enter SERVANT and hands bag to DEVIL and exits.
DEVIL, smiling
True—for a lifetime.
ELSA
You are a man of the world?
DEVIL, gravely
Of many worlds.
ELSA
[Looks up quickly as if about to ask the DEVIL what he means, but checks herself and continues:
Well, in this world—is it the man chooses the woman, or the woman who chooses the man?
DEVIL, smiling
We are the weaker sex.
ELSA
Answer me! Which chooses?
DEVIL
The man sometimes chooses the engagement ring—
ELSA, holding up her head proudly, and looking her very prettiest, straight into his eyes
Look at me, please.
[The DEVIL looks into her eyes.
ELSA, proudly
Now tell me, can I or can I not choose the man I will marry?
DEVIL, leaning on table R., in a courtly manner
It is written in your eyes—but—I never thought this subject would excite you so.
ELSA, seated L. of him, with animation
I won’t be laughed at—I don’t care what those people think (becoming excited). I know what I am doing, and in spite of everything I choose to become his wife.
DEVIL, takes out little red satchel and opens it
Why?
ELSA, beginning to lose control of herself
Because—because—
[Breaks down.
—because I love him.
[Begins to sob bitterly.
DEVIL
Allow me—
[Takes a little handkerchief out of the satchel and gives it to her.
I always carry this with me—it’s my weeping satchel—everything a woman needs for weeping.
ELSA, weeps a little harder; sobbing, wiping her eyes with the handkerchief
I love him.
[During the following dialogue the DEVIL takes out of the weeping satchel a little looking-glass, small comb, powder and puff, and gives her one after another.
DEVIL
And this is Saucy Elsa!
ELSA
No. Until tonight I was a young girl afraid of nobody—now I feel like an old woman.
[Takes mirror.
What am I to do?
[Looks, smiles quickly.
DEVIL
Don’t be discouraged. You will have to fight—you must attack the enemy. But first you must be pretty.
ELSA, takes puff and powder from him
I shall try to.
[Reaches out for it.
DEVIL
You must show a bold front—you will perhaps feel that it is hard for a young girl to fight a woman—your weapons are not quite so numerous as those of the married woman—who knows love already—who understands—may I say something shocking?
[During this speech ELSA hands back or the DEVIL takes all the articles except the handkerchief.
ELSA, looks at him, opening her eyes widely
Do you ever say anything that isn’t?
[Gives him handkerchief, rises.
DEVIL
Well, I won’t. But remember, you have one weapon which will deal the death blow to the most attractive woman—to the woman who knows every card in the game of love—that one weapon is purity.
ELSA
This sounds strange from you!
DEVIL
All the same—it may do you some good. And now—go dance with Karl—but don’t try to be a woman, be a girl. Don’t try to be saucy.
ELSA, L. C.
I’m not really saucy—I’m afraid it’s only a pose—
DEVIL
Don’t pose. Be yourself—be bashful—look at the young man as if you were only waiting for a pirate to steal you away from girl-land—and show you the way into Woman’s Land. Head high, my little girl—-that’s it—and if anybody dares to call you saucy again, tell him that you once met a gentleman at a ball to whom you thought to give a piece of your mind, that would make him feel very, very small—and instead you left with a piece of his mind, that made you feel very, very small—and made him feel—as if he were the greatest Scoundrel in the world—
[Taking a few steps to the footlights.
which perhaps he is.
[ELSA goes up the stairs, when KARL appears on the top of the stairs, DEVIL is standing at this moment behind one of the columns unseen by KARL—but quite near ELSA. ELSA turns towards the DEVIL, showing her back to KARL.
ELSA
So you don’t want me to be saucy?
DEVIL, whispering
No.
[ELSA goes up one step.
KARL, on top step
Oh, Elsa, there you are!
ELSA, dropping her eyelids
Yes.
KARL
Why aren’t you in the ball-room?
ELSA
I wanted to be alone. If anybody wants me he can find me.
[To DEVIL, whispers:
Is that better?
KARL
You look sad. Are you worried?
DEVIL, whispering to ELSA
Say no.
ELSA, leaning against pillar R.
No.
KARL, coming down
What has happened?
[Sees the DEVIL, DEVIL comes from behind pillar between them, meets KARL on lower step.
Oh, I understand—
DEVIL, finishing KARL’S sentence
—nothing.
[Goes up stairs.
KARL, nearing ELSA
You look lovely, Elsa. Do you know, this pensive air is very becoming to you—you’ve always been so cold and—haughty—it’s like finding a little white flower under the deep snow; you want to pick it up and kiss it—
[Takes both of ELSA’S hands in his.
This is the Elsa for me!
ELSA, ashamed
Karl!
DEVIL
You will excuse me. I must pay my respects to our hostess.
[He goes off quickly. KARL and ELSA sit down on the L. side of the stage.
ELSA
I don’t like that man. Who is he?
[Sits R. of table L.
KARL, sits on sofa L.
A casual acquaintance who insists upon posing as my friend. Don’t let us talk about him. I’m glad I found you here—something natural in this stifling artificial atmosphere. Doesn’t it seem close to you?
ELSA
Yes, as if some hot wind had passed through these rooms—it seems to take my breath away.
KARL
I’ve never heard you speak like that before. Why have you tried to hide—your real self from me?
[DEVIL appears on the platform, with OLGA. They come down the steps.
OLGA
Hadn’t we better leave the young couple alone?
DEVIL
You are much too considerate.
ELSA, to KARL
Olga—I suppose you’d like to speak to her?
KARL
I much prefer to talk to you.
[They continue talking.
[DEVIL and OLGA come down. She sits on sofa R., DEVIL in chair R.
OLGA
They seem to have found each other.
DEVIL
Possibly. Are you sorry?
OLGA
Oh, no.
DEVIL
Shall we leave?
OLGA
No, I like to see my plan bearing fruit.
[They continue speaking slowly.
ELSA
They are speaking about us.
KARL
What do we care? Let’s be happy—Elsa! I feel as if I had never known you before tonight.
ELSA, moves chair so she can hide OLGA from KARL. DEVIL repeats business
Why do you keep looking over there?
KARL
Oh, that’s only—I was quite unconscious—
[They continue speaking slowly.
OLGA
Let’s talk about something else. You are very naughty. You have come here in spite of my—
DEVIL, smiling
Invitation. I would have respected your wish but for one very good reason—I made a bold wager this afternoon.
OLGA
What?
DEVIL
I made a bet that you would fall in love with me this evening.
OLGA
Made a bet that I would fall in love with you? And with whom did you bet?
DEVIL
Karl.
OLGA
Karl? (Quickly.) And what did he say?
DEVIL
His answer was curious. I had better not tell you—I am afraid it would hurt you.
OLGA
No, it won’t. Please tell me.
[Turns and looks at KARL.
DEVIL, following her glance
Well, perhaps later. Your little plan bids fair to succeed.
OLGA, looking away quickly
I had forgotten their existence.
[Changing quickly the conversation.
[DEVIL pats OLGA’S hands.
You have fascinating eyes
[During the following few words between ELSA and KARL, the DEVIL whispers into the ear of OLGA, stroking her hand gently in order to arouse KARL’S jealousy.
KARL
I never saw you look so charming.
ELSA
I feel as if I had changed, perhaps you have something to do with it.
DEVIL
You seem like a different woman this evening—there is something about you—
OLGA
It is because I am with somebody I don’t quite understand—but who seems to me a man in every sense of the word.
[This last a little louder, for KARL’S benefit.
DEVIL
Your confession is charming. But I should be more ready to believe it, if you hadn’t made it.
[DEVIL kisses OLGA’S hand.
KARL
Our first love is generally our last, but our last love always our first—don’t you think so?
ELSA
I don’t know. I’ve never been really in love before—but have twice been disillusionized.
DEVIL
Love at first sight—
[The following eight sentences are spoken very rapidly, almost at the same time.
OLGA, distraite
You are right—for the first sight—that is to say—
KARL
[Now always looking at OLGA—OLGA always looking at KARL; the DEVIL looking pleased, ELSA looking furious.
Disillusions—well—yes, disillusions are—disillusions.
DEVIL
I should hate to have to give an account of myself.
OLGA
Yes, indeed—but, of course—it’s all a matter of taste.
ELSA
The way girls are brought up nowadays—
KARL
Exactly! Our bringing up—that is—I mean to say—of course—of course.
OLGA
We mustn’t forget—
KARL
I quite agree with you—if—if you know what I mean.
ELSA, getting up quickly and slapping her hand on the table
No, I don’t know what you mean.
[Crosses to stairs.
Take me to the ball-room—I’m engaged for the next dance.
KARL, also rising
Well,—
ELSA, almost crying, insisting
Let us go—I wish to go—
[She goes towards the stairs; KARL follows her, goes up side stairs, meeting her at the top as she passes OLGA.
OLGA
Oh! you are not in the ball-room.
ELSA, saucily
Can’t you see?
OLGA
You’d better hurry, dear.
ELSA
I hate dancing, but I shan’t miss one single dance tonight, just to spite some people. I shall dance to the last step.
[ELSA looks at OLGA in a very impertinent way. OLGA steps forward as if to give a reply, when KARL comes between them; offers his arm to ELSA.
[Exit ELSA and KARL up the staircase.
OLGA, angry
Did you hear that?
DEVIL
I did.
OLGA, rises, goes C.
What language! How dare she—she must think he loves her!
DEVIL, rises, goes to her C.
Wait! I’ll tell you now what Karl said to me this afternoon.
OLGA
When you wanted to bet?
DEVIL
When I bet you would fall in love with me.
[After a short silence.
He wanted to shoot me.
OLGA, trying to hide her joy
Karl!
DEVIL
Karl, with his own hands—with this pistol—
[Takes revolver out of his pocket.
I took it away from him.
OLGA
Karl wanted to kill you—why, Doctor Miller—
DEVIL, patting revolver
Yes, with this simple prescription—six pills.
[Puts revolver back in pocket.
OLGA
This afternoon, when you only spoke about me—he wanted to kill you—and now when he saw us here—saw you whisper in my ear—saw you take my hand—
[Goes L. to where KARL and ELSA had sat.
he must be in love with her.
DEVIL, crossing to L. C.
Don’t you think a man’s a fool to try to shoot his friend on account of a woman?
OLGA
Oh! Karl’s not a fool—he thinks the world of me. And you must have said things—but there is no doubt—that he and Elsa—like—perhaps love each other.
DEVIL, very cold, leaning over chair at table L.
Strange! Your being so annoyed at the apparent success of your pet scheme.
OLGA
You think it will succeed?
DEVIL
I don’t know. But it’s easy enough to find out.
OLGA
How?
DEVIL
This afternoon, when I told him I’d make you fall in love with me, he wanted to shoot—that’s love—don’t talk to me about respect— and thinking the world of you—they may fire cannons out of respect, but pistols—no—that’s love every time.
[OLGA protesting silently as if the matter was not quite important enough.
Of course, I know—this only interests you because it was you who planned the marriage, and after all you take a pride in the success of your scheme. Am I right?
OLGA, C. near him
Yes, yes.
DEVIL, behind pillar C.
Karl shall tell us himself which was the real thing —the attempted murder of this afternoon, or this little—flirtation with Elsa.
OLGA
You don’t mean to ask him—
[DEVIL shakes his head slowly, smiling.
you don’t mean to listen?
DEVIL
Certainly not.
OLGA
What then?
DEVIL
Very simple. But you must take my advice unconditionally—ask for no reasons—do exactly what I tell you.
OLGA, after careful reflection, slowly
Y-e-s.
DEVIL
I think I remember having seen you once at the Opera in a very beautiful cloak—fur—was it not?—and cloth—
OLGA
Yes.
DEVIL
With a long train? You must put that cloak on—close it as high as you can—and wrap yourself in it as if you were feeling cold. Only show the tips of your shoes—then come back here—
[She starts towards him. OLGA looks at the DEVIL, as if she wanted to ask the reason.
no questions.
OLGA, L. of pillar C.
It’s all very, very mysterious, but when you look at me that way, I—I—can’t refuse... your eyes seem to have all the world’s wisdom behind them.
DEVIL, R. of pillar C.
You have a poor opinion of me.
OLGA, turns from him
Shall I go at once?
DEVIL
At once. And if anyone remarks on it, say you felt cold in the conservatory.
OLGA, doubtfully
But suppose he says....
DEVIL, interrupting
Quick! He’s coming.
[KARL is coming down the stairs towards the footlights.
[OLGA has gone to the side stairs so that KARL cannot see her. She rushes off when he is down the stairs.
KARL
[Who has not seen her—hears the rustling of the silk and runs to the side stairs and looks off R.
Who was that?
DEVIL
Who?
KARL, coming down to C.
Somebody just ran out—does she want to avoid me?
DEVIL, goes R., lights cigarette
Nobody ran away from me. A very pretty girl, Miss Elsa!
KARL, goes to window L.
Yes.
[Silence.
DEVIL
What’s the matter?
KARL
Oh, nothing—I am not in particularly good humor—but why should I be?
DEVIL, lights a cigarette; offers one to KARL
Will you have one?
KARL, roughly
No, thank you.
[Uncomfortable silence.
DEVIL
You seem annoyed—
KARL, comes back C., as if in a mood to quarrel
Do you want to know why?
DEVIL
No.
KARL, nervous
Well, I’ll tell you—
DEVIL
[As if he wanted to go away and evade the conversation.
Better keep it to yourself.
KARL
But I will tell you. I’m astonished at the change that has come over you since this afternoon. I admit it upsets me, but don’t imagine it is on Olga’s account—if you don’t mind, we’ll leave her out of the discussion.
DEVIL
By all means.
KARL
I’ve made up my mind to propose to Elsa.
DEVIL, holds out his hand in an approving tone, takes KARL’S hand and shakes it
I am very, very glad.
KARL
You are glad?
DEVIL
I am indeed.
[KARL stares at him.
What’s the matter with you?
KARL, approaching the DEVIL threateningly
Look here, that was Olga who ran away just now.
DEVIL
Don’t be absurd.
[Looking at floor as if his secret was discovered.
Why should she run away from me—
KARL
You behave like a school boy.
DEVIL
What do you mean?
KARL
I mean, my dear Doctor—that you are not a gentleman.
DEVIL
I don’t quite follow you.
KARL
When a gentleman would be discreet—he even conceals his discretion.
DEVIL
Very thoughtless of me—but since you have found me out—By the way, what you said about your marriage—is it settled?
KARL, C.
It is.
DEVIL
You will not change your mind?
KARL
I shall not.
[Crosses to settee L. and sits.
DEVIL, sits in chair L.
Very good. Now I can tell you in confidence about—look here, you are quite sure you won’t change your mind?
KARL
No fear. What is it you want to tell me—tell me everything. I’d like to learn some of the tricks of the trade. I may need them—
DEVIL
Tricks of the trade? This from a man about to marry? I’m shocked.
KARL, ironically
You look it. What did you want to tell me about her?
DEVIL
About her?
KARL
About Olga.
DEVIL, looks to the ground as if he were ashamed
Oh, nothing.
KARL
Look here, I don’t mind telling you her husband is?
DEVIL
Deaf, blind, dumb.
[Indicating ears, eyes, mouth and forehead.
KARL, concealing his pain very badly
And to think—and this afternoon—at my house—was the first time—
DEVIL, goes back of settee
She’s a wonder! believe me, Karl, she’s a wonder. It’s just possible she’s good—a dash of goodness won’t hurt a pretty woman—but I hope not. I should then have to attribute my conquest to hypnotism—and that doesn’t flatter my vanity. What do you think? We had agreed—just now when she ran away—ah—
[Checks himself
So it was Olga!
DEVIL
Well, yes, it was—I hardly know how to tell you—It was a mad impulse. I proposed, just for fun, without the least idea she would take it up; it means risking her reputation and social position—everything—not to mention the risk of catching cold—
DEVIL
KARL, startled
What do you mean?
DEVIL
Well, this evening—before all her guests—there are a hundred and thirty I believe—
KARL, impatient
Yes, go on.
DEVIL
—before the élite of Vienna I may say—she will walk through the ball-room on my arm—in (suggestive pause)—an opera cloak.
KARL, not quite grasping it
An opera cloak?
DEVIL, suggestively
That’s all.
KARL
You mean to tell me—she—
DEVIL
She will be here in a moment—and then—before all Vienna—amid the bacchanalian ecstasy—of music, perfume, dancing—I will escort her through the ball-room like a classic goddess—like a modern Mona Vanna—in an opera cloak—
KARL
You liar!
DEVIL, apparently frightened
But, Karl—
KARL
It’s a lie. It’s a damnable lie.
DEVIL
You tried to catch me—and I have caught you. You love this woman.
KARL, L. C., very loudly
Yes, I love her. I have listened to all your lies—I have seen you as I’ve seen a hundred like you—steal a good woman’s reputation and call it success, social success—and boast about it as you drag her in the mud. You have trapped me, it’s true—but you will suffer for it. It is my turn now—and I’ll put you out of this house, you blackguard—get out before I kick you out.
DEVIL, C. backs up onto second step; stands
Wait! She is coming now.
[Points to door down R.
KARL
Get out, I said.
[The DEVIL goes back slowly up the stairs. KARL is about to follow him up as DEVIL is on third step, OLGA comes on in her opera cloak and comes down stairs to R. The DEVIL goes behind her. KARL backs over L. Long silence, KARL stares at OLGA and the DEVIL, speechless.
OLGA
Karl, you have not spoken to me once tonight.
DEVIL, stands very near to OLGA, cynically
The opera cloak—
OLGA
Everybody is gay, the girls dance as if it were their first ball—the young men as if it were their last.
DEVIL
Strange! that amidst all this gaiety Karl should be so sad.
OLGA
Sad?
KARL, with forced gaiety
Oh, no—never felt happier in my life.
OLGA
I am glad to hear it.
KARL
I feel like—like a boy—of twenty—like a fool.
DEVIL, coming down to C.
No! No!
KARL
I am going to take your advice from this on—I’m going to get drunk tonight.
OLGA, shocked
You, Karl? You drunk?
KARL, L.
Yes. I am doing things today that I never did before. I’ve never been engaged before.
OLGA, R.
And tonight?
KARL
Tonight I shall become engaged.
DEVIL
I have already offered him my congratulations—she’s a charming girl.
KARL
A splendid girl. Much too good for me—but marrying is something new to me—I want to try it. It is a sensation I have never had.
DEVIL
You don’t seem very gay for a bridegroom.
KARL
That’s only the last drop of single bitterness—the dregs of bachelorhood—I’ll soon get rid of that and then—
OLGA
Bravo, bravo!
KARL
Oh spare yourself. I’m only thinking of my own pleasure.
OLGA
Karl, I am afraid you have been drinking already.
KARL
You are at liberty to think what you please.
DEVIL
He is in a bad humor to-day. I told you.
KARL, cannot keep himself any longer
You will catch cold. Why don’t you take off your cloak?
[Goes C.
DEVIL, very quiet
Perhaps Madame is feeling cold.
OLGA, wrapping herself tighter in her cloak
Yes, I feel cold.
DEVIL
Any one not knowing you might think you wear this cloak just to show it off.
OLGA
Don’t let us speak about the cloak.
[To KARL in a different tone; crosses to KARL L. C.
You seemed to get on very well with Elsa?
KARL
Did I?
DEVIL
It was really charming to watch them.
OLGA
I feel very cold.
DEVIL
I thought you would.
KARL
Cold. I find it hot in here.
OLGA, crosses back R.
I feel cold.
DEVIL
Perhaps your dress is thin. The way lovely woman flirts with pneumonia—she wears her lung upon her sleeve.
OLGA
Everything sweet in life comes through carelessness.
KARL, L. C., very excited
And do you find boldness sweet?
OLGA
What’s that to you? Were you ever bold?
KARL, crosses to C., losing his self-control completely
Aren’t you afraid of me—you two?
[OLGA shivers.
DEVIL, R. C., coldly
I? Not even of the legitimate husband—much less a moralising bridegroom.
[HERMAN enters quickly from above stairs, comes down L., stands next to KARL.
HERMAN, banteringly
Ah, Olga! I see you are well taken care of.
DEVIL, bowing
It is a privilege.
HERMAN, taking KARL aside
Well, how are you and Elsa getting along?
[Goes with KARL towards the back of the stage.
OLGA, quickly to the DEVIL
What have you said to him about my cloak?
DEVIL
About your cloak? Why should I speak of your cloak?
OLGA
You must have said something about my cloak—I felt it he moment I came in.
DEVIL
What do you mean?
OLGA
The way he seemed to look through me. It was almost as if he imagined—what did you say? What did you insinuate?
DEVIL
Just what you are thinking.
OLGA, her hands dropping, her head falling backwards with closed eyes, shivering
Oh! How could you?
DEVIL, cynically
Come now, don’t pretend to be shocked. You admitted you felt it the moment you came in. The thought seemed to please you.
OLGA
How dare you speak to me like that! Oh! if I had known.
DEVIL
Then why didn’t you take off your cloak? When you saw—you didn’t even open it. Why don’t you open it now? The idea seems to please you still.
KARL, re-enters, angrily.
Olga!
OLGA
[A little scream.
Your arm, Doctor.
[DEVIL gives her his arm. As they are about to go upstairs, KARL comes back from R.
OLGA, looking coldly over shoulder at KARL
Are you going to stay here?
KARL
Yes; and you, too!
OLGA
What do you mean?
KARL
You stay here.
DEVIL
What’s that?
[OLGA tries to go away with the devil into the ball-room, but KARL steps into their way on the stairs.
KARL
Olga, you shall not go into the ball-room!
[DEVIL, as if about to leave them alone, is held off by KARL, who steps in front of him now.
You shall not leave—it concerns you, too.
OLGA
Doctor, give me your arm. Doctor!
KARL, in tone of command
Stop! We’ll settle this thing now—right here!
OLGA
Are you mad?
DEVIL, goes up stairs below KARL
If I didn’t think he was mad—
KARL
Take off that cloak.
OLGA, at L. foot of stairs firmly;
No
KARL
Take, off that cloak.
OLGA, to DEVIL
Please, Doctor, protect me.
KARL, half maddened
Then I’ll make you!
[KARL rushes down stairs, DEVIL catches him before he reaches the bottom and holds him back.
OLGA, standing very erect, to DEVIL
Why did you stop him—?
[DEVIL lets KARL go.
DEVIL, at foot of stairs, in a very low voice as if ashamed
Really, Madame, for all I know—
[Feigns embarrassment.
OLGA, to DEVIL
Will you please help me off with my cloak?
DEVIL, starts to help, then crosses to L. of her, with gesture of refusal.
Madame! Ah!
KARL, comes down to her, C.
I will.
OLGA, very loud
No.
[Wraps herself closer in the cloak.
[DEVIL and KARL stare at each other. The DEVIL shrugs his shoulders, OLGA goes up the stairs.
HERMAN, coming through the door Oh! There you are. My dear! His Excellency is looking for you. He is about to leave.
OLGA, as if very tired All right. Please help me off with my cloak.
HERMAN
All right, darling.
[Takes off her cloak and puts it over his arm. [OLGA stands in the same gown as she had on at the beginning of the act, with her back to the audience.
OLGA, looking at KARL and DEVIL, and speaking with ironical courtliness, taking HERMAN’S arm.
Gentlemen.
[Exit HERMAN with OLGA.
[KARL has been standing on one side of the stage as if dreaming, suddenly runs to the other side of the stage as if to choke the devil who stands there.
KARL, crossing to DEVIL, L. C.
What have you done?
[DEVIL thrusts revolver into KARL’S hand.
DEVIL
Look out! It’s loaded!
[KARL stands absolutely still, holding revolver. [To KARL, insolently:
If I hadn’t given you that pistol you might have slapped my face. Believe me, there’s nothing like turning the other cheek—if you turn it quickly enough—your enemy will miss both cheeks.
[KARL turns away angrily, lays revolver on table R.
[DEVIL goes down and takes revolver from table R.
[KARL stands absent-minded, when ELSA enters with her cloak ready to leave.
ELSA
Karl, I wanted to say good-bye to you.
KARL, as if the tone of her voice was awakening him
Oh! my dear, dear Elsa!
[About to go towards her to kiss her.
[The DEVIL comes back and steps between them.
[MAN SERVANT enters from behind stairs and speaks to ELSA.
MAN SERVANT
Your mother is waiting for you in the hall, Fräulein,
KARL
May I see you to your carriage?
[Offers ELSA his arm and they go off.
DEVIL, to MAN SERVANT
Will you accompany Miss Elsa to her carriage? It is slippery outside, she might fall.
[Exit MAN SERVANT, following KARL and ELSA.
OLGA, enters from R., agitated; sits at table L.
Your scheme was a great success.
DEVIL
What are you going to do?
OLGA, writes on an envelope
I’m going to write to him.
DEVIL, crosses to her, reads the envelope
To Karl—but what will you write?
OLGA
He wanted to settle my account. I will settle his. I will never see him again. Oh! To have thought me capable—of.... How could he? I despise him!
DEVIL
Pour quoi, Madame?
OLGA
Because—because—
DEVIL
Because you love him?
OLGA, frightened
What!
[Tries to get her thoughts together.
After what has happened, I hate him. And I shall tell him so.
DEVIL
I am very sorry.
[Takes pen from her.
OLGA
Don’t be sorry. I have much to thank you for. You have rendered me a service. I shall feel better when I have sent this letter off.
DEVIL
You’d better make it plain.
OLGA
I shall speak my mind—there shall be no mistake.
DEVIL
That’s it; express your real feelings.
[With ironical emphasis.
Cold. Harsh.
OLGA
Cold? Harsh?
DEVIL
Make an end of it—once for all.
[Dipping pen.
OLGA, taking pen
Once for all.
DEVIL
Now write.
[OLGA speaks the first sentence as she writes it. At the word “longer” the devil takes it up, finishing the sentence with a different meaning, and dictates rest of letter walking up and down.
OLGA, in hard voice, speaks while writing
Sir, your behavior of this evening has shown me that you are no longer—
DEVIL, continuing
—able to keep up the wretched farce of mere friendship. I read your inmost thought tonight and—Karl—the knowledge that you love me has made me unspeakably happy. Dearest—
[OLGA looks up at the DEVIL, who is standing now at her L. He repeats “Dearest” and points to letter. She resumes writing.
—why should we struggle any longer against the resistless tide that is drawing us together? My strength is gone.
[OLGA looks up again. The DEVIL repeats “My strength is gone” by motion of lips, making no sound. She writes:
—without you I am lost in the black waters—save me, Karl. With your strong arms about me—with your lips to mine—I care not where we drift. I am yours, all yours. You are the master of my soul. Do not leave me, Karl; I love you, I cannot live without you. God bless you!
[OLGA’S head falls forward on her arm
OLGA, as if awakening
What have I written?
DEVIL, folding letter
What was in your heart!
OLGA, laughs hysterically
I have written everything I had meant never to say.
DEVIL, taking up letter
If women wrote time tables, they would tell all the hours that the trains didn’t start and all the places you mustn’t stop at to get to your destination.
[DEVIL puts the letter into envelope.
OLGA, horrified
What are you doing?
DEVIL, coldly
I will deliver the letter. Women sometimes do not write what they want, but they always want what they write.
OLGA
He must not. He shall not see it.
[HERMAN comes down stairs
HERMAN
Good! You’re the kind of guest I like—when all the rest have deserted the ship you stay and keep the hostess company.
DEVIL, crosses to C., putting letter into his pocket
Madame has been so entertaining, that I—
HERMAN, crossing to bell R.
Well, let’s have another cognac before you go—quite en famille.
DEVIL
Thank you very much, but I have an important call very early in the morning. Madame,—
[Goes to OLGA, kisses her hand.
[To HERMAN:
I have spent a very pleasant evening at your house.
HERMAN, coming to him C., they shake hands
The pleasure is mine.
[DEVIL starts to go. OLGA utters a suppressed cry.
DEVIL
Madame?
OLGA, frightened to death, with a forced smile trying to appear undisturbed
There was a piece of paper here. Did you perhaps take it by mistake?
[She is almost crying from fright.
DEVIL, coming down stairs, taking the letter out of his pocket
[Going towards HERMAN as if he was going to give him the letter.
Do you mean this?
OLGA, deathly pale
No, no It was not that.
[Laughing bitterly.
DEVIL, bowing
Madame.
[Bows to HERMAN. Goes off upstairs. Bows low to both and goes out.
HERMAN crosses to OLGA
Well, I’m glad it’s over. You look tired, dearie.
OLGA, standing by table L.
I am tired.
HERMAN
You look flushed. But it’s very becoming, you never looked prettier.
[OLGA is leaning backwards over the table, he takes her hand.
My darling wife.
[Goes to kiss her.
OLGA, unkind
Please, please don’t.
HERMAN, crosses to C. Looks at his watch
It is after four o’clock, Olga.
[Tries to kiss her again.
OLGA
Please, please don’t. I feel so nervous.
HERMAN
Your cheeks are burning.
[Pats her cheeks.
OLGA, nervous, impatient
Please—
HERMAN
All right, all right, I’m going.
[He goes towards the door on the R.
Are you going to stay here?
OLGA, at table L.
Let me rest a minute.
HERMAN
As you please.
[MAN SERVANT comes in above platform, and goes up side stairs.
OLGA, to servant
What do you want?
MAN SERVANT
The lights, Madame.
OLGA
Turn off the lights.
[The MAN SERVANT puts all the lights out. The lamps in the street and the garden are lighted, but the room is dark.
HERMAN
It would be wiser to sleep, my dear.
[He waits a minute, shrugs his shoulders, then goes out R.
OLGA, stands leaning on the table
To go to sleep....
[The DEVIL can be seen outside in his fur overcoat, crossing through the garden. As he passes a lamp in the garden his shadow reaching up to the ceiling is thrown on the white wall of the room, OLGA is crossing to R. He takes his hat off, at which moment she sees the shadow on the wall, OLGA shrieks.
No!
[She drops into a chair.
CURTAIN