Exiles

going, whoever it is. He goes out quickly on the left and comes back at once with his straw hat in his hand. Beatrice He? Who? Richard O, probably Robert. I am going out through the garden. I cannot see him now. Say I have gone to the post. Goodbye. Beatrice With growing alarm. It is Robert you do not wish to see? Richard Quietly. For the moment, yes. This talk has upset me. Ask him to wait. Beatrice You will come back? Richard Please God. He goes out quickly through the garden. Beatrice makes as if to follow him and then stops after a few paces. Brigid enters by the folding doors on the right and goes out on the left. The hall door is heard opening. A few seconds after Brigid enters with Robert Hand. Robert Hand is a middlesized, rather stout man between thirty and forty. He is cleanshaven, with mobile features. His hair and eyes are dark and his complexion sallow. His gait and speech are rather slow. He wears a dark blue morning suit and carries in his hand a large bunch of red roses wrapped in tissue paper. Robert Coming towards her with outstretched hand which she takes. My dearest coz! Brigid told me you were here. I had no notion. Did you send mother a telegram? Beatrice Gazing at the roses. No. Robert Following her gaze. You are admiring my roses. I brought them to the mistress of the house. Critically. I am afraid they are not nice. Brigid O, they are lovely, sir. The mistress will be delighted with them. Robert Lays the roses carelessly on a chair out of sight. Is nobody in? Brigid Yes, sir. Sit down, sir. They’ll be here now any moment. The master was here. She looks about her and with a half curtsey goes out on the right. Robert After a short silence. How are you, Beatty? And how are all down in Youghal? As dull as ever? Beatrice They were well when I left. Robert Politely. O, but I’m sorry I did not know you were coming. I would have met you at the train. Why did you do it? You have some queer ways about you, Beatty, haven’t you? Beatrice In the same tone. Thank you, Robert. I am quite used to getting about alone. Robert Yes, but I mean to say⁠ ⁠… O, well, you have arrived in your own characteristic way. A noise is heard at the window and a boy’s voice is heard calling, “Mr. Hand!” Robert turns. By Jove, Archie, too, is arriving in a characteristic way! Archie scrambles into the room through the open window on the left and then rises to his feet, flushed and panting. Archie is a boy of eight years, dressed in white breeches, jersey and cap. He wears spectacles, has a lively manner and speaks with the slight trace of a foreign accent. Beatrice Going towards him. Goodness gracious, Archie! What is the matter? Archie Rising, out of breath. Eh! I ran all the avenue. Robert Smiles and holds out his hand. Good evening, Archie. Why did you run? Archie Shakes hands. Good evening. We saw you on the top of the tram, and I shouted Mr. Hand! But you did not see me. But we saw you, mamma and I. She will be here in a minute. I ran. Beatrice Holding out her hand. And poor me! Archie Shakes hands somewhat shyly. Good evening, Miss Justice. Beatrice Were you disappointed that I did not come last Friday for the lesson? Archie Glancing at her, smiles. No. Beatrice Glad? Archie Suddenly. But today it is too late. Beatrice A very short lesson? Archie Pleased. Yes. Beatrice But now you must study, Archie. Robert Were you at the bath? Archie Yes. Robert Are you a good swimmer now? Archie Leans against the davenport. No. Mamma won’t let me into the deep place. Can you swim well, Mr. Hand? Robert Splendidly. Like a stone. Archie Laughs. Like a stone! Pointing down. Down that way? Robert Pointing. Yes, down; straight down. How do you say that over in Italy? Archie That? Giù. Pointing down and up. That is giù and this is sù. Do you want to speak to my pappie? Robert Yes. I came to see him. Archie Going towards the study. I will tell him. He is in there, writing. Beatrice Calmly, looking at Robert. No; he is out. He is gone to the post with some letters. Robert Lightly. O, never mind. I will wait if he is only gone to the post. Archie But mamma is coming. He glances towards the window. Here she is! Archie runs out by the door on the left. Beatrice walks slowly towards the davenport. Robert remains standing. A short silence. Archie and Bertha come in through the door on the left. Bertha is a young woman of graceful build. She has dark grey eyes, patient in expression, and soft features. Her manner is cordial and selfpossessed. She wears a lavender dress and carries her cream gloves knotted round the handle of her sunshade. Bertha Shaking hands. Good evening, Miss Justice. We thought you were still down in Youghal. Beatrice Shaking hands. Good evening, Mrs. Rowan. Bertha Bows. Good evening, Mr. Hand. Robert Bowing. Good evening, signora! Just imagine, I didn’t know either she was back till I found her here. Bertha To both. Did you not come together? Beatrice No. I came first. Mr. Rowan was going out. He said you would be back any moment. Bertha I’m sorry. If you had written or sent over word by the girl this morning⁠ ⁠… Beatrice Laughs nervously. I arrived only an hour and a half ago. I thought of sending a telegram but it seemed too tragic. Bertha Ah? Only now you arrived? Robert Extending his arms, blandly. I retire from public and private life. Her first cousin and a journalist, I know nothing of her