ACT III

Scene 7. The Same, a Few Days Later

Mr. Vetch has come to see Hyacinth on a matter of business.

Vetch

Dear Mr. Robinson, I’m so sorry for you. I wanted to write, but I promised Pinnie I wouldn’t. It wouldn’t have killed her if she had been like you or me. The doctor says she was impoverished—so weak and low she had nothing to go on.

Hyacinth

I don’t know what to say to you. I can never blame you when you’re so kind, but I wish to God I had known. Don’t you think you might have written me a word?

Vetch

No responsibility in my life has ever distressed me more. There were obvious reasons for calling you back, but Pinnie insisted that you must finish your visit. It was very difficult.

Hyacinth

I can imagine nothing more simple. When your nearest and dearest are dying, you’re usually sent for.

Vetch

My dear boy, this case was exceptional. Your visit to the Princess Casamassima had an aura of importance.

Hyacinth

It’s not important at all.

Vetch

Pinnie made a tremendous point of your not being disturbed. If she had been dying in a corner like a starved cat, she would have faced her fate alone, rather than cut short your visit by a single hour.

Hyacinth

She spun her ideas—she always did—out of nothing.

Vetch

She had made up her mind that you had formed a connection by means of which someday, by some means, you will eventually come into your own— We had to leave her that idea.

Hyacinth

Yes, of course. I’m glad I furnished Pinnie such entertaining ideas.

Vetch

Is she really a Princess?

Hyacinth (absently)

What? Yes, of course.

Vetch

If I can help you in any way, you must lean on me.

Hyacinth

That’s just what I was going to say to you.

Vetch

Have you been making love to this Princess?

Hyacinth

It’s not that way.

Vetch

Has she been making love to you then?

Hyacinth

If you saw her, you wouldn’t think that—

Vetch

How shall I ever see her?

Hyacinth

It’s not impossible. If you like, I shall introduce you now. (Vetch shakes his head sadly) She wants to meet all my friends in the Place. She’d be very interested in you because of your opinions.

Vetch

Ah, I’ve no opinions now. I only had them to frighten Pinnie.

Hyacinth (wryly)

She was easily frightened.

Vetch

And easily reassured. But, take care this great lady doesn’t lead you too far.

Hyacinth

How do you mean?

Vetch

Isn’t she a conspirator? A dabbler in plots and treasons?

Hyacinth

You should see this place. You should see what she wears—

Vetch

You mean she’s inconsistent? My dear boy, she’d be a strange woman if she wasn’t. Pinnie left you some money. She had insurance, would you believe it? Twenty pounds.

Hyacinth

Well, for me that’s a small fortune. Too bad she didn’t have the use of it.

Vetch

She had hoped you’d go abroad and see the world. She had a particular wish you’d go to Paris.

Hyacinth

Ah, Paris!

Vetch

She would have liked you to take a little run down to Italy.

Hyacinth

Doubtless that would be very jolly. But there’s a limit to what twenty pounds can buy.

Vetch

I propose to add my savings.

Hyacinth

That’s very kind, but you’re getting along and may need it.

Vetch

My dear boy, I shall look to you to be the support of my old age.

Hyacinth

You may do so with perfect confidence, so far as it lies within my power. But there is the danger you mentioned earlier. The trifling problem of my being imprisoned or hanged.

Vetch

It’s precisely because I think the danger will be less if you go abroad, that I urge you most passionately to take the chance.

Hyacinth

It is certainly a temptation. Something I should very much like to do.

Vetch

I believe it was Pinnie’s dearest wish. Do it for her.

Hyacinth

I will give it careful consideration. But I have obligations—

Vetch

I am sure, I am sure.

(Hyacinth and Vetch embrace, and Hyacinth exits. Vetch shakes his head sadly and is about to leave when Madame Grandoni appears.)

Grandoni

Mr. Vetch! Please do not go away, the Princess Casamassima has learned you are here and wishes to speak to you. She had received your note.

(Exit Grandoni and enter Princess.)

Princess

I know who you are, I know who you are.

Vetch

I wonder if you also know what I would like to speak to you about?

Princess

No, but it doesn’t matter, I am very glad. You must know how much interest I take in your nephew.

Vetch

It’s for his sake I ventured—

Princess

I hope you won’t ask me to give him up?

Vetch

On the contrary, on the contrary—

Princess

Surely he doesn’t think I shall cease to be his friend?

Vetch (very excited)

I don’t know what he thinks, I don’t know what he hopes. Properly speaking, it’s no business of mine. I’m not really a blood relation. I thank you for your great kindness to him.

Princess (considering)

All the same, I don’t think you like it.

Vetch

He has told me very little about you. He doesn’t know I have taken this step.

Princess

Step? That’s what people say when they’re doing something disagreeable.

Vetch

I seldom call on ladies. Now that I see you, now that I hear you, I begin to understand. Is there any chance that Hyacinth will return while I am here?

Princess

I have given Madame Grandoni instructions to occupy him until you are safely away.

Vetch

Please don’t tell him we have met.

Princess

I won’t, but he’ll guess it. He’s incredibly intuitive.

Vetch

How well you know him.

Princess

I’m extremely curious as to what you have to say to me. I remember about you now. You were a great democrat in the old days, but of late, you’ve ceased to care about the people.

Vetch

I see you think I’m a renegade. (excitedly) What I want is this—that you’ll—that you’ll—

Princess

That I will——?

Vetch

Princess, I’d give my own life for that boy— You’ve taken possession of his life.

Princess

Yes. But as I understand you, you don’t complain of it! I know the terrible story of his mother.

Vetch

It was my fault he ever heard of it. I thought it would do him good. I don’t know what was in my head. I wanted him to quarrel with society. Now I want him reconciled to it.

Princess

Ah, but he is! He’s a perfect little aristocrat.

Vetch

Those are not the opinions he expresses to me. He said only the other day that he would regard himself as the most contemptible of human beings if he did nothing.

Princess

I assure you the misery of the people is by no means always on his mind. He thinks civilization will be sacrificed utterly if the ignorant masses get the upper hand.

Vetch

He needn’t be afraid. That will never happen.

Princess

We can at least try.

Vetch (passionately)

Try what you like, Madame, but for God’s sake, get the boy out of this! The world’s very sad and hideous, and I am happy to say that I shall soon have done with it. But before I go, I want to save the child! If he doesn’t believe in it, what’s he in it for, Madame? What devilish folly has he undertaken?

Princess (after a pause)

He’s a strange mixture of contradictory impulses. How can I go into his affairs with you? How can I tell you his secrets. I don’t know them, and if I did—well, fancy me!

Vetch

Why do you take such a line? Why do you believe such things?

Princess

My dear sir, how do you know what I believe? You think me affected, but I’m only trying to be natural. And you? Are you not yourself a little contradictory? You don’t want our young friend to pry into the misery of the people—because it excites his sense of justice—

Vetch

I don’t care a fig for his sense of justice—or the misery of the people. I only want to help him, to get him free.

Princess

Don’t misrepresent him. He’s one of the most civilized men in the world.

Vetch

I don’t understand you. If you like him because he’s one of the lower orders, how can you like him because he’s a civilized little aristocrat?

Princess

Dear Mr. Vetch, I’m not bound to explain myself to you. Nothing is more annoying than to have one’s sincerity questioned. Let us say, he has his charms— Come, pull yourself together. We both take an interest in him, and I can’t see why we should quarrel about him.

Vetch

God knows, I don’t want to quarrel. I only want to get Hyacinth free.

Princess

Free from what?

Vetch

From some abominable secret brotherhood, some league of assassins that he belongs to—the thought of which keeps me awake at night. He’s just the sort of impressionable youngster to be made a cat’s-paw.

Princess

What grounds have you for believing this?

Vetch (a little more calmly)

Well, a great many; none of them very definite. His appearance, his manner— Dear lady, one feels those things, one guesses. I’ve appealed to the Poupins, and they assure me that he’s as dear to them as their own child. That doesn’t comfort me much for the simple reason that the old woman would be delighted to see her own son a martyr of the revolution. It may all be rubbish—but it’s dangerous rubbish.

Princess

Don’t speak to me of the French; I’ve never cared for them.

Vetch

That’s awkward if you’re a social revolutionary. You’re likely to meet them.

Princess

Why do you call me a socialist? I hate cheap labels. What is it you suspect—for you must suspect something?

Vetch

Well, that he may have drawn some accursed lot to do some idiotic thing—something in which he doesn’t believe.

Princess

If he doesn’t believe in it, he can easily let it alone.

Vetch

Do you think he’s a type to back out of his word?

Princess

One can never judge people in that way until they’re tested. Haven’t you ever taken the trouble to ask him?

Vetch

What would be the use? He’d tell me nothing.

Princess

I still don’t see exactly how I am to help you.

Vetch

Do you want him to commit some atrocity?

Princess

Certainly not. Trust me and trust him, too. He’s a gentleman and will behave as a gentleman.

Vetch

That’s exactly what I’m afraid of.

Princess

Leave him to me—

Vetch

I’ve supposed for a long time that it was you or his chemist friend who got him into this scrape. It was you I suspected most—but if it isn’t you, then—

Princess

I begin to lose patience with you! You had better go to him then!

Vetch

Of course, I’ll go to him. I scarcely know him, but I’ll speak my mind.

Princess

Better not! Leave him quiet. Leave him to me.

Vetch

Why not, why not? Doesn’t he know?

Princess

No, he doesn’t know; he has nothing to do with it. You’ll spoil everything. Leave Paul Muniment to me. Leave him to me.

Vetch (going)

I beg you, I beg you.

Princess

Rest assured, I will not let our friend come to any harm if I can help it.

Vetch

Thank you,—thank you very much. (bowing, he goes out)

(The Princess stands lost in thought for a few moments. Grandoni comes in.)

Grandoni

Mr. Muniment.

(Exit Grandoni. Enter Paul.)

Princess

So, you’ve come! I didn’t have to repeat my invitation.

Paul

It wouldn’t have done you any good if you had.

Princess

My silence wasn’t accidental.

Paul

I’ve only come now because my sister has hammered it at me that I ought to. I’ve been under the lash! If she had left me alone, I shouldn’t have come.

Princess

You practice a racy sort of frankness. I’m not used to failing when it comes to men.

Paul

Naturally, the awkward things I say amuse you.

Princess

Not at all! You simply are different—although I expected you to be like this. I know you a good deal already.

Paul

From Robinson, I suppose.

Princess

More particularly from Lady Aurora.

Paul

Oh, she doesn’t know much about me.

Princess

More than you think I fancy. She likes you.

Paul

Yes, she likes me.

Princess

And, I hope you like her.

Paul

Aye, she’s a dear old girl.

Princess

I don’t know that there’s anyone I envy so much. She’s got out of herself better than anyone I’ve ever known. She’s submerged herself in the passion of helping others. That’s why I envy her.

Paul (dryly)

It’s an amusement like any other.

Princess

Don’t belittle her. She has made a great many people less wretched!

Paul

How many, eh?

Princess

Well, one who’s very near and dear to you.

Paul

Rosy makes Lady Aurora considerably less wretched!

Princess

Very likely, of course, as she does me.

Paul

What are you wretched about?

Princess

Why nothing at all, and everything! Still, I’ve been able to do some good.

Paul

For the poor, you mean?

Princess

Not yet. It’s the convictions I’ve come to.

Paul

Convictions are a sort of innocent pleasure.

Princess

Having convictions is nothing. It’s acting on them.

Paul

Doubtless.

Princess

It’s far better, of course, when one’s a man.

Paul

Women do pretty well what they like. My sister and you have managed between you to bring me to this.

Princess

More your sister than I. But why are you so reluctant to come?

Paul

Because I don’t know what to make of you.

Princess

Most people don’t. But why not come see for yourself?

Paul

And, being a prudent man, I hesitate to venture—

Princess

You consider very carefully what you attempt?

Paul

That I do—I do.

Princess

To do anything in association with you would be very safe—it would be sure to succeed.

Paul

That’s what Robinson thinks. Poor fellow.

Princess

I care for him very much.

Paul

He’s a sweet little lad, and putting Lady Aurora aside, he’s quite the light of our little home.

Princess

Wouldn’t someone else do his work quite as well?

Paul

I’m told he’s a master hand.

Princess

I don’t mean his bookbinding.

Paul

Ah, that work.

Princess

Let me do it. I want to do something for the cause you represent. Try me, try me. I’m not trifling. No, I’m not trifling.

Paul

I was afraid you’d be like this.

Princess

Like what?

Paul

Very persuasive. Very convincing. I’ve always had a fear of clever women.

Princess

You’re the sort of man who ought to know how to use them.

Paul

I ought to—you’re right.

Princess

I should like to do it in his place—that’s what I should like.

Paul

You’ve got a lovely home.

Princess

Lovely? My dear, it’s hideous.

Paul

Well, I like it.

Princess

You should have seen me before.

Paul

I wish I had. I like solid wealth.

Princess

You’re as bad as Hyacinth. I’m the only consistent one.

Paul

I’d give my nose for such a place as this. You’re not reduced to poverty.

Princess

I’ve a little left.

Paul

I’d lay a wager you’ve a great deal.

Princess

I could get money—I could get money.

Paul (going)

I don’t trust women—I don’t trust clever women.

Princess

Will you come back?

Paul

Yes, I’ll come back.

(Exit Paul. After a moment, enter Grandoni.)

Grandoni

And, who may that be? Isn’t that a new face?

Princess

He’s a brother of the little person I took you to see— The chattering cripple with the wonderful manners.

Grandoni

Ah, she had a brother! So that was why you went.

Princess

There could have been no question of our seeing him. He was at his work.

Grandoni

And, is he to be the successor?

Princess

The successor?

Grandoni

To the little bookbinder?

Princess

What an absurd question!

(The Princess goes out angrily. Grandoni sinks into a chair and begins to knit. The Prince enters.)

Prince

What a black little hole it is. My wife should live here.

Grandoni

My dear friend, for all she’s your wife—

Prince

It’s true—it’s true! She has lovers! I’ve seen it with my own eyes and I’ve come here to know!

Grandoni

Coming here won’t help you much. If you’re seen, you know for yourself.

Prince

You’re afraid! You’re afraid!

Grandoni

Sit down and be quiet, very quiet. I’ve ceased to pay attention.

Prince

Do you know she’s gone to a house in a horrible quarter?

Grandoni

I think it highly probably, dear Prince.

Prince

And who is he? What does she want there? That’s what I want to discover.

Grandoni

I haven’t seen him—how can I tell you?

Prince

Is that kind to me—when I’ve counted on you?

Grandoni

I’m not kind any more, I’m angry.

Prince

Then, why don’t you watch her, eh?

Grandoni

It’s not her I’m angry with, it’s myself.

Prince (puzzled)

For what?

Grandoni

For staying in this house.

Prince

What a house for a Princess! She might, at least, live in a manner befitting her.

Grandoni

The last time you thought it too expensive.

Prince

Is it because things are so bad you must go? He was in the house for over an hour. I saw him come. I saw him go. Who is he? This new one?

Grandoni

Was it for this you came to London? You had better go back to Rome.

Prince

Of course, I’ll go back. But only if you tell me who this one is! How can you be so ignorant, dear friend, when he comes freely in and out of this place?

Grandoni

I sit in my room almost always now. I only come down to eat.

Prince

Better if you sat here. You could at least answer my questions.

Grandoni

I haven’t the least desire to answer them. You must remember that I’m not here as your spy— He’s a chemist’s assistant.

Prince

A chemist’s assistant. And the other one is a bookbinder.

Grandoni

Oh, him— You must wait till I’m free.

Prince

Free?

Grandoni

I must choose. I must hold my tongue if I stay. If I go away, I can tell you what I’ve seen—and plenty there is I’ve seen—more than I ever expected to.

Prince

Dearest friend, tell me this. Where does she go? For the love of God, what is that house?

Grandoni

I know nothing of their houses.

Prince

Then, there are others? There are many?

Grandoni

There’s a conspiracy.

Prince

You mean she’s joined a secret society? Anarchists? But, perhaps, they only pretend?

Grandoni

Pretend? That’s not Christina’s way! She has gone to those houses to break up society. She’s very much entangled. She has relations with people who are watched by the police.

Prince

And, is she watched by the police?

Grandoni

It’s very possible.

Prince

Will she bring us to that scandal?

Grandoni

There’s a chance she may get tired of it. Only the scandal may come before that.

Prince

She shall not break up society!

Grandoni

No, she’ll bore herself to death before the coup is ripe. Give her time—give her time.

Prince

Give her time to muddy my name—

Grandoni

You can say nothing that I haven’t said to her.

Prince

And how does she defend herself?

Grandoni

Defend herself? Did Christina ever do that! The only thing she says to me is: Don’t be afraid. I promise you, by all that’s sacred, you personally shan’t suffer— She speaks as if she had the power. That’s all very well. No doubt I’m a selfish old pig, but after all one has a heart for others, too—

Prince

And so have I. Give her time—it’s certain she’ll take it whether I give it or no. But I can, at least, stop giving her money.

Grandoni

She says you don’t give her much.

Prince

It’s enough to make all these scoundrels flock around her.

Grandoni

They’re not scoundrels. That’s the tiresome part of it.

Prince

Does this chemist take her money?

Grandoni

Perhaps—

Prince

Gigolo of revolution! And the famous Captain Sholto?

Grandoni

I haven’t seen him for some time.

Prince

He doesn’t like chemists and bookbinders?

Grandoni

It was he who first brought the bookbinder here—to please your wife.

Prince

And they’ve turned him out. Now, if only someone could turn them out.

Grandoni

Very true.

Prince

And the bookbinder. Is he still proposed for our admiration, or has he paid the penalties of his crimes?

Grandoni

His star is on the wane.

Prince

Poor fellow! Is the chemist his successor?

Grandoni

In some manner, I think so—

(Enter Hyacinth.)

Hyacinth

Excuse me, I wasn’t aware you had company.

Grandoni

My visitor’s going—but, I’m going, too. I’m all upset, therefore, kindly excuse me.

Prince

One moment, one moment. Please introduce me to the gentleman.

Grandoni (indicating the Prince to Hyacinth)

Prince Casamassima. He knows who you are.— If you talk long, she may come back.

(Exit Grandoni.)

Prince

Will you permit me to keep you one little minute? With Madame Grandoni I spoke of you. She told me you’ve changed your opinions. You desire no more the assassination of the rich?

Hyacinth

I’ve never desired any such thing!

Prince

Ah, no doubt I was mistaken. But today, you think we must have patience? That’s also my view.

Hyacinth

Oh yes, we must have patience.

Prince

If I’m not mistaken, you know very well the Princess.

Hyacinth

She’s been very kind to me.

Prince

She’s my wife—perhaps you know—

Hyacinth

Yes.

Prince

Of course, you think it strange, my conversation. I want you—I want you to tell me something. To what house has she gone? Will you tell me that? She has gone to a house where they conspire—where they prepare horrible acts. Does she go only for the revolution—or does she go to be alone with him?

Hyacinth

With him?

Prince

With this chemist friend of yours?

Hyacinth

With him? I know nothing of the matter. (hastily) And, I don’t care.

Prince

Then it’s not true that you hate those abominations?

Hyacinth

Oh yes, I hate those abominations.

Prince

I hoped you would help me.

Hyacinth

When we’re in trouble, we can’t help each other much.

BLACKOUT