DEARTH. Yes, it sounds extraordinary, but I did. It gave you a shock, and, for the moment, the world no longer seemed a safe place to you; your faith in me had always made it safe till then. You were suddenly not even sure of your bread and b.u.t.ter, and a frightened tear came to your eyes. I was in a nice state about it, I can tell you. (He is in a nice state about it still.)
MARGARET. Silly! (Bewildered) But what has that to do with my laugh, Daddy?
DEARTH. The laugh that children are born with lasts just so long as they have perfect faith. To think that it was I who robbed you of yours!
MARGARET. Don"t, dear. I am sure the laugh just went off with the tear to comfort it, and they have been playing about that stream ever since. They have quite forgotten us, so why should we remember them.
Cheeky little beasts! Shall I tell you my farthest back recollection? (In some awe.) I remember the first time I saw the stars. I had never seen night, and then I saw it and the stars together. Crack-in-my-eye Tommy, it isn"t every one who can boast of such a lovely, lovely, recollection for their earliest, is it?
DEARTH. I was determined your earliest should be a good one.
MARGARET (blankly). Do you mean to say you planned it?
DEARTH. Rather! Most people"s earliest recollection is of some trivial thing; how they cut their finger, or lost a piece of string. I was resolved my Margaret"s should be something bigger. I was poor, but I could give her the stars.
MARGARET (clutching him round the legs). Oh, how you love me, Daddikins.
DEARTH. Yes, I do, rather.
(A vagrant woman has wandered in their direction, one whom the shrill winds of life have lashed and bled; here and there ragged graces still cling to her, and unruly pa.s.sion smoulders, but she, once a dear, fierce rebel, with eyes of storm, is now first of all a whimperer. She and they meet as strangers.)
MARGARET (nicely, as becomes an artist"s daughter.) Good evening.
ALICE. Good evening, Missy; evening, Mister.
DEARTH (seeing that her eyes search the ground). Lost anything?
ALICE. Sometimes when the tourists have had their sandwiches there are bits left over, and they squeeze them between the roots to keep the place tidy. I am looking for bits.
DEARTH. You don"t tell me you are as hungry as that?
ALICE (with spirit). Try me. (Strange that he should not know that once loved husky voice.)
MARGARET (rushing at her father and feeling all his pockets.) Daddy, that was my last biscuit!
DEARTH. We must think of something else.
MARGARET (taking her hand). Yes, wait a bit, we are sure to think of something. Daddy, think of something.
ALICE (sharply). Your father doesn"t like you to touch the likes of me.
MARGARET. Oh yes, he does. (Defiantly) And if he didn"t, I"d do it all the same. This is a bit of _myself_, daddy.
DEARTH. That is all you know.
ALICE (whining). You needn"t be angry with her. Mister; I"m all right.
DEARTH. I am not angry with her; I am very sorry for you.
ALICE (flaring). if I had my rights, I would be as good as you--and better.
DEARTH. I daresay.
ALICE. I have had men-servants and a motor-car. DEARTH. Margaret and I never rose to that.
MARGARET (stung). I have been in a taxi several times, and Dad often gets telegrams.
DEARTH. Margaret!
MARGARET. I"m sorry I boasted.
ALICE. That"s nothing. I have a town house--at least I had ... At any rate he said there was a town house.
MARGARET (interested). Fancy his not knowing for certain.
ALICE. The Honourable Mrs. Finch-Fallowe--that"s who I am.
MARGARET (cordially). It"s a lovely name.
ALICE. Curse him.
MARGARET. Don"t you like him?
DEARTH. We won"t go into that. I have nothing to do with your past, but I wish we had some food to offer you.
ALICE. You haven"t a flask?
DEARTH. No, I don"t take anything myself. But let me see....
MARGARET (sparkling). I know! You said we had five pounds. (To the needy one.) Would you like five pounds?
DEARTH. Darling, don"t be stupid; we haven"t paid our bill at the inn.
ALICE (with bravado). All right; I never asked you for anything.
DEARTH. Don"t take me up in that way: I have had my ups and downs myself. Here is ten bob and welcome.
(He surrept.i.tiously slips a coin into MARGARET"S hand.)
MARGARET. And I have half a crown. It is quite easy for us. Dad will be getting another fiver any day. You can"t think how exciting it is when the fiver comes in; we dance and then we run out and buy chops.
DEARTH. Margaret!
ALICE. It"s kind of you. I"m richer this minute than I have been for many a day.
DEARTH. It"s nothing; I am sure you would do the same for us.
ALICE. I wish I was as sure.
DEARTH. Of course you would. Glad to be of any help. Get some victuals as quickly as you can. Best of wishes, ma"am, and may your luck change.