THE COLLECTED PLAYS OF W. SOMERSET MAUGHAM. Уильям Сомерсет Моэм

      D'you think that much matters?

      Lady Frederick.

      You're a friend of Gerald's, and he says you're a very good sort. But I really can't marry every one that Gerald rather likes.

      Captain Montgomerie.

      He said he'd put in a good word for me.

      Lady Frederick.

      If I ever marry again it shall be to please myself, not to please my brother.

      Captain Montgomerie.

      I hope I shall induce you to alter your mind.

      Lady Frederick.

      I'm afraid I can give you no hope of that.

      Captain Montgomerie.

      You know, when I determine to do a thing, I generally do it.

      Lady Frederick.

      That sounds very like a threat.

      Captain Montgomerie.

      You may take it as such if you please.

      Lady Frederick.

      And you've made up your mind that you're going to marry me?

      Captain Montgomerie.

      Quite.

      Lady Frederick.

      Well, I've made up mine that you shan't. So we're quits.

      Captain Montgomerie.

      Why don't you talk to your brother about it?

      Lady Frederick.

      Because it's no business of his.

      Captain Montgomerie.

      Isn't it? Ask him!

      Lady Frederick.

      What do you mean by that?

      Captain Montgomerie.

      Ask him? Good-night.

      Lady Frederick.

      Good-night. [He goes out. Lady Frederick goes to the French window that leads to the terrace and calls.] Gerald!

      Gerald.

      Hulloa!

      [He appears and comes into the room.

      Lady Frederick.

      Did you know that Captain Montgomerie was going to propose to me?

      Gerald.

      Yes.

      Lady Frederick.

      Is there any reason why I should marry him?

      Gerald.

      Only that I owe him nine hundred pounds.

      Lady Frederick.

      [Aghast.] Oh, why didn't you tell me?

      Gerald.

      You were so worried, I couldn't. Oh, I've been such a fool. I tried to make a coup for Rose's sake.

      Lady Frederick.

      Is it a gambling debt?

      Gerald.

      Yes.

      Lady Frederick.

      [Ironically.] What they call a debt of honour?

      Gerald.

      I must pay it the day after to-morrow without fail.

      Lady Frederick.

      But that's the day my two bills fall due. And if you don't?

      Gerald.

      I shall have to send in my papers, and I shall lose Rosie. And then I shall blow out my silly brains.

      Lady Frederick.

      But who is the man?

      Gerald.

      He's the son of Aaron Levitzki, the money-lender.

      Lady Frederick.

      [Half-comic, half-aghast.] Oh lord!

      END OF THE FIRST ACT