THE REASON[E]
A handsomely furnished sitting-room, the general entrance of which from the floor below is at the right. Beyond this a broad window is seen as the moonlight faintly filters through the trees outside. Directly opposite, some smoldering logs betray a fireplace, near which is another door opening into PAULA’S apartments. Large double doors in the center open into a hallway leading to library. A telephone is on a large writing-table, upon which a light, with a luxurious shade suspended above, casts a strong yellow glow. The furnishings show signs of tasteless wealth and are devoid of any feminine touch.
SABINE and RANDOLPH are bending over some documents.
SABINE is about thirty-three, clean-shaven with shrewd eyes and a conspicuously insinuating smile. The manner with which he feels for his words and his studied coolness suggest a deep and significant interest in the developments.
RANDOLPH is fifty, well-preserved and possessing the assurance of permanent prosperity: he is apparently without illusions as the lines about his slightly protruding eyes and thick lips indicate a dissipated life.
Though the two men are obviously considerate, there is concealed an instinctive mistrust. They are silent a long while until RANDOLPH looks up from the papers.
SABINE
Anything else?
RANDOLPH
How long will those compilations take?
SABINE
Same as the others.
RANDOLPH
A month each, eh? You’ve done ... let’s see....
SABINE
I’ve been your secretary for three months.
RANDOLPH
And you’ve been at these every evening—ever since I took you in.
SABINE
I wouldn’t put it that way.
RANDOLPH
You are sure you can still find all you need in my own library here?
SABINE
All I need—behind the closed doors.
RANDOLPH
(Casually)
I shall see that my orders not to disturb you are continued.
SABINE
I’ve noticed you never even come yourself.
RANDOLPH
I like to think of young genius being left alone.
SABINE
(Mock seriously)
And out of harm’s way?
RANDOLPH
Exactly—at night. (Half to himself.) Another month will about finish it.
SABINE
(Significantly)
Mr. Randolph, you are paying rather high for——
RANDOLPH
(Eyeing him quickly)
For what?
SABINE
(Turning the pages casually)
Unremunerative work.
RANDOLPH
One never pays too high for what one wants.
SABINE
Not at the time.
(They look at each other: SABINE slowly gathers the papers together and glances towards RANDOLPH who is coolly staring before him. There is a quiet pause. Then SABINE opens the library door and casually steps back.)
Your daughter. (Calmly to PAULA) Your father is here, Miss Randolph.
(PAULA enters with a book in hand. She is twenty-three and charming, with a sweet innocent air which suggests a hedged-in life. She is dressed in a simple tea-gown and her manner throughout is calm and unsophisticated.)
PAULA
Good evening, Mr. Sabine.
RANDOLPH
Where have you been, Paula?
PAULA
Getting a book.
RANDOLPH
You mustn’t read so much.
SABINE
Anything further, Mr. Randolph, before you go out?
RANDOLPH
No. But—but I don’t remember mentioning that I was going out.
SABINE
I thought you did. Good evening.
PAULA
(Good-naturedly)
Is Mrs. Sabine well?
SABINE
Not exactly.
RANDOLPH
Indeed?
SABINE
(Smiling)
My wife seems upset about something.
RANDOLPH
(Casually)
Why, she seemed well when she was here last, didn’t she, Paula?
PAULA
Yes, and so happy.
RANDOLPH
What’s the trouble?
SABINE
I’m not quite sure—yet.
RANDOLPH
Perhaps she needs a change.
SABINE
I’ll tell her you asked after her, Mr. Randolph.
RANDOLPH
Certainly. Do. But it was Miss Randolph who inquired.
SABINE
I thought it was you. (He smiles.) The air in the library has affected me. (He smiles.) Good evening.
(He leaves the room, slowly closing the door. There is a pause as PAULA looks curiously before her, while RANDOLPH, somewhat puzzled, goes up to door and sees that SABINE has gone into the library beyond.)
PAULA
I hope it’s nothing serious.
RANDOLPH
What?
PAULA
Mrs. Sabine.
RANDOLPH
Nothing, of course.
PAULA
Hasn’t she told you?
RANDOLPH
Me?
PAULA
You’re such good friends.
RANDOLPH
My dear, women with attractive husbands never confide in outsiders.
PAULA
(Innocently)
Don’t they?
RANDOLPH
(Laughing)
You know so little of life. (PAULA sighs in agreement.) And I wish you to keep your sweetness until you are married.
PAULA
Doesn’t one need it then?
RANDOLPH
You’ll understand when the time comes, child.
PAULA
(Enigmatically)
And one mustn’t before!
RANDOLPH
Children don’t realize how they unconsciously hold parents to higher things: it’s because of you, for instance, more than anything else since your dear mother died, that I’ve tried to keep my life an example.
PAULA
I’ve always had it before me, father. (Coming closer.) I’m deeply grateful for showing me what I, too, should be.
RANDOLPH
Yes, yes. (Patting her.) Now, dear, run along to bed: your eyes are tired.
PAULA
(Glancing at book)
I’m fond of reading.
RANDOLPH
(Humoring her throughout)
What do you like best?
PAULA
(Cheerfully)
Adventure.
RANDOLPH
With real heroes?
PAULA
(Referring to book)
I love those who keep cool in times of danger.
RANDOLPH
You’re only a child, after all, eh? (He pats her tenderly as she notices him glancing at his watch.)
PAULA
(Casually)
You are going out?
RANDOLPH
Yes: some business.
PAULA
Will you be late?
RANDOLPH
Do I disturb you?
PAULA
I can generally hear the machine from my room, before you turn up the path.
RANDOLPH
It’s easy nowadays to go fast in the dark.
PAULA
You will always toot the horn? (Reprovingly) Think of the danger to others.
RANDOLPH
Foolish girl! There’s no danger about here.
PAULA
No; of course not. (Goes to him.) Good night.
RANDOLPH
Dear, dear girl. (Looking at her.) It’s good to have such a daughter.
PAULA
And such a father. (They kiss; the telephone rings.) Oh, let me. (She goes to phone.) Good evening, Mrs. Sabine. (RANDOLPH starts a bit, unnoticed.) I thought you were ill. Mr. Sabine was telling father. I believe he’s in the library. Father will take the message: he’s here. Do take care of yourself: just think what Mr. Sabine would do if you were ill. Good night.
(She hands receiver to father, who half pauses, thinking she will leave the room; but she lingers over her book.)
RANDOLPH
Good evening. (Half pointedly) Yes, my daughter is here. Anything I can do? Do you want my advice? Oh, whatever is wisest. Of course I’ll tell Mr. Sabine. I hope it’s nothing serious. (He hangs up receiver, concealing from PAULA his displeasure.)
PAULA
She seemed excited.
RANDOLPH
Woman’s nerves.
PAULA
Funny I never have them.
RANDOLPH
You’re not married.
PAULA
You’re going to see her?
RANDOLPH
She’s on her way here.
PAULA
Here? Then you will tell Mr. Sabine she’s coming?
RANDOLPH
Yes. But you’re tired, dear.
PAULA
I’ll feel better with my things off. Good night. (She pauses at her door.) Father; she and Mr. Sabine are happily married, aren’t they?
RANDOLPH
Of course, of course.
PAULA
I’m glad to hear so.
RANDOLPH
Why?
PAULA
(Glancing at him)
Then it couldn’t be about that.
(She closes the door softly. RANDOLPH looks after her puzzled, then walks up and down alone very much irritated. He takes out his check book, glancing through the stubs cynically. Then he throws it back into the table drawer. Finally he picks up the phone, obviously switching it.)
RANDOLPH
Is that you, Sabine? You’ve found what you want? You won’t need me any more? Well, stick close to it. I just wished to see. Good night. (He switches it off again and impatiently waits.) Is that you, Brooks? Tell Toder to have the car ready. I may need it later. No, the closed car—it’s chilly. Oh, by the way, (trying to be casual), in case I should be out, Mr. Sabine is expecting Mrs. Sabine. Let her come right up to the library. What’s that? Better see who it is. (Showing displeasure.) I’ll tell Mr. Sabine myself. Yes; if you’re sure it’s Mrs. Sabine, better let her come up here. That’ll be all for to-night.
(He hangs up the receiver, walks up and down again and finally opens the hall door. There is quite a pause as he stands, smoking a cigarette, awaiting her. Finally, MRS. SABINE enters, leaving the door open.
She is in her late twenties, of rather restless beauty, which under her shifting expression becomes hard and cynical. She apparently has little resistance and suggests a love of excitement and sensation. Her manner is flighty though worldly. She is handsomely dressed, with beautiful furs upon her sensuous shoulders.)
RANDOLPH
(Abruptly)
What the devil does this mean?
MRS. SABINE
We’re alone?
RANDOLPH
Naturally.
MRS. SABINE
(Half flippantly)
I had to see you.
RANDOLPH
Why here?
MRS. SABINE
I couldn’t wait till you came to me.
RANDOLPH
(With strained jocularity)
Feather brain; what’s the trouble?
MRS. SABINE
Nothing—only my husband knows.
RANDOLPH
(Quickly)
About us?
MRS. SABINE
He’s known for some time.
RANDOLPH
And he only spoke——?
MRS. SABINE
To-day.
RANDOLPH
The devil! (Slowly) What’s the reason?
MRS. SABINE
Why he kept silent? (Shrugging shoulders) You men always have reasons.
RANDOLPH
What did he say?
MRS. SABINE
(Laughing cynically)
He smiled. It was so funny and so unexpected.
RANDOLPH
(Incredulously)
He didn’t make a scene?
MRS. SABINE
No. And I’d been rehearsing for weeks what I should say.
RANDOLPH
But didn’t he——?
MRS. SABINE
(Bitterly)
I tell you he didn’t even insult me!
RANDOLPH
Sh!
(He looks towards his daughter’s room and then crosses and closes the door through which MRS. SABINE has entered.)
MRS. SABINE
(After she has watched him)
Hasn’t he spoken to you?
RANDOLPH
Not yet.
MRS. SABINE
That’s like him. He said he’d wait till I broke the news to you.
RANDOLPH
And then?
MRS. SABINE
Then he said you would want to see him and (ominously) he’d do some talking.
RANDOLPH
(Recalling)
So that’s why he smiled just now.—Didn’t he say anything?
MRS. SABINE
He merely put his hands on your furs. I thought he’d believe I’d saved enough to buy them myself. He stroked them once or twice slowly—and smiled. But he said nothing. Then he led me to the window and pointed to your car—the extra one you forced upon us—when you began. He smiled; but he said nothing. He picked up a book: the work in the library was interesting; it kept him safe in the long winter evenings. I tell you he said it all in his smiles and never a word. (Violently) He disappointed me so! I’d be sorry for him a little if he’d only struck me. God! I hate men who only smile when they are angry. (RANDOLPH trying to quiet her.) Oh, I hate him with his penny a year. I hate him for asking me to marry him, and then not even striking me when he found out what I was!
RANDOLPH
But didn’t you even try to deny it?
MRS. SABINE
(Defiantly)
Why should I deny it?
RANDOLPH
(Cynically)
Of course not. Sooner or later, a woman always confesses to someone.
MRS. SABINE
(Quickly)
What did you want me to do? Think of you? I was sick of him. When I saw he wasn’t going to make a fuss, I didn’t think your well-known reputation would suffer; so I didn’t care about protecting myself. What’s the difference, anyhow? He can’t give me what I want: you can. If we can only keep it quiet, nobody need know—and it wouldn’t even reach your daughter’s ears.
RANDOLPH
(Angrily)
We’ll not discuss her.
MRS. SABINE
No. She’s a good woman—with her lily hands and her thin eyebrows. What does she know of life: the sordid soapy hours ending with the snore of a husband you hate. Ugh! (He walks up and down, irritated.) Well, then, what are we going to do to keep it from her?
RANDOLPH
That will depend on your husband and whether he’ll be sensible. (He goes to phone, switching it.)
MRS. SABINE
(Looking before her)
You did it beautifully, Randolph; with such knowledge of me and my kind. But don’t take too much credit. I’d have done it with any man who offered me what you did—if he’d come at the right time, as you did, and found me at the end of a trolley line like this.
RANDOLPH
(At phone)
Step here a moment, Sabine. Yes: your wife is here. (Cynically) She said you’d be expecting her. (He hangs up the receiver.) You could almost hear him smile.
MRS. SABINE
(Without self-delusion)
He couldn’t hold me: he was too poor.
RANDOLPH
No: you’re the sort that needs a diamond-studded clasp to keep her morals fastened on.
MRS. SABINE
And they’re your specialty.
RANDOLPH
I think Sabine and I can make some arrangement.
MRS. SABINE
Let’s be comfortable, that’s all I say. I’m so tired of making my lies fit. I’m willing to keep on with it. Why not? It’s all so easy with a woman once she’s slipped. Lots of us would be what I am if they could find a man to go through the marriage ceremony with them first.
(A knock is heard at the door—it seems almost sarcastic, as it waits for a reply.)
RANDOLPH
Come in.
(The door opens softly and SABINE enters slowly and comes down to them with the same smile. There is a pause. MRS. SABINE remains tense and seated.)
Have a cigarette?
SABINE
(They eye each other as they light up)
Thanks.
RANDOLPH
(Coming to the point)
You know.
SABINE
(Puffing throughout)
Yes.
RANDOLPH
Well?
SABINE
I repeat the word—well?
RANDOLPH
You will come to an understanding?
SABINE
Which means?
RANDOLPH
You are—shall I say agreeable?
SABINE
You love my wife?
RANDOLPH
(Courteously)
Naturally.
SABINE
And you, Mary?
MRS. SABINE
Would a woman do what I’ve done without love?
SABINE
Never.
RANDOLPH
Well, say something.
SABINE
(Calmly)
It seems very simple.
RANDOLPH
Which means?
SABINE
That I’d still like to complete the compilations in your library.
MRS. SABINE
(Rising, astonished)
You’re even willing to stay here?
RANDOLPH
(Quickly)
And live ostensibly at home—with your wife?
SABINE
(Calmly)
Why not? I have no place else to go and she merely wishes to be comfortable.
RANDOLPH
(Relieved)
You will not make a fuss?
SABINE
I’m sorry to disappoint my wife.
RANDOLPH
You will not let my daughter discover?
SABINE
No. I consider your position embarrassing enough.
RANDOLPH
(Eyeing him)
So your wife is worth nothing to you?
SABINE
(Quickly)
You’re mistaken there.
MRS. SABINE
Thanks. But how?
SABINE
Protection.
MRS. SABINE
Against what?
SABINE
Against Mr. Randolph.
RANDOLPH
Me?
SABINE
Exactly.
RANDOLPH
What the devil are you driving at?
SABINE
Perhaps if I take it kindly now, you will not blame me—in the future.
MRS. SABINE
Oh, I know we’ll get tired of each other if that’s what you’re suggesting.
SABINE
(Detecting an agreeing look in RANDOLPH’S face)
That may be what I mean. (Eyeing RANDOLPH keenly as he sees her bite her lips.) If that’s all, I’ll return to the library.
RANDOLPH
Have you no suggestions?
SABINE
(Coldly)
Be careful not to make a fool of me—in public.
MRS. SABINE
There speaks the man.
RANDOLPH
Then you’ll be silent?
SABINE
Until——
RANDOLPH
Until?
SABINE
Until you get your deserts.
RANDOLPH
A threat?
SABINE
(Smiling)
No. Only I know my wife.
MRS. SABINE
And that’s the sort of man I married. (To SABINE) Do you blame me for throwing you over?
SABINE
Have I?
MRS. SABINE
(Indignantly)
How dared you open me to this?
RANDOLPH
Don’t blame him, Mary.
MRS. SABINE
(Indignantly)
You knew, and you let him steal your wife.
SABINE
Some men like their women that way.
MRS. SABINE
Isn’t it funny! It’s losing its romance—being handed over like some food at supper. Isn’t it funny—and disappointing.
RANDOLPH
I can’t say I admire you, Sabine.
SABINE
No, you can’t. But you will when you know my wife better.
MRS. SABINE
(Losing control)
I’m more ashamed of you than I am of myself. Why didn’t you stop me if you knew? What’s the reason? Why didn’t you strike me? Why didn’t you, so I could feel you and I were quits? Why didn’t you—like that and that. (She strikes him furiously with her gloves once or twice, but he continues smiling.)
RANDOLPH
Mary, don’t let’s have a scene. Sh!
MRS. SABINE
I wanted a scene! And to think I wasn’t even worth insulting!
(She goes out quickly, leaving the hall door open. She has dropped her glove and as RANDOLPH, with a resigned, half-bored air, starts to follow her, SABINE stoops, picks up the glove and, smiling, halts RANDOLPH.)
SABINE
My wife dropped her glove. Will you take it to her? I have my work, and, as you remarked, another month will about finish it.
RANDOLPH
(Smiling in spite of himself)
Life would be so much simpler if all husbands were so considerate.
SABINE
The spice would be gone.
RANDOLPH
I suppose she is waiting——
SABINE
—For the glove. (Offering it to him.)
RANDOLPH
(Taking it)
Yes: for her glove.
SABINE
I’m glad you will drive in the closed car.
RANDOLPH
(At the door)
Our reputations must be protected.
SABINE
No man likes to be made a fool of.
RANDOLPH
(Slowly)
After all, she’s only a woman and they’re all alike, eh?
SABINE
(Slowly)
All alike. Yes.
RANDOLPH
(Casually)
You’ll find the cigarettes on the table.
SABINE
Thanks.
(RANDOLPH goes out, closing the door. Sabine stands a moment, then turns to the window and looks off till he sees the car has driven away. He turns down the light and then crossing eagerly, he knocks on PAULA’S door. He repeats this.)
Paula! Paula!!
(He stands waiting.)
[CURTAIN]