ACT III

Scene 6. A Room in the Mansion of the Princess Casamassima

The Prince, an Italian nobleman, is talking to Madame Grandoni.

Prince (upset)

Never?

Grandoni

Surely, you know your wife as well as I do?

Prince

How can one know a woman like that? I hoped she’d see me five little minutes.

Grandoni

For what purpose?

Prince

To rest my eyes on her beautiful face.

Grandoni

Did you come to England for that?

Prince

For what else should I have come? She is killing me inch by inch.

Grandoni

She’d be much more likely to kill you if you were living with her.

Prince

She hasn’t killed you.

Grandoni

Oh, me? I’m past killing. I’m hard as stone. Our troubles don’t kill us—it’s we who must kill them. I’ve buried not a few.

Prince (uninterested in her philosophy)

How does she look today?

Grandoni

As always. Like an angel— I’m very sorry for you, Prince.

Prince

I wanted to see myself how she’s living.

Grandoni

That’s very natural.

Prince

I’ve been hearing things, lots of things.

Grandoni

Lots of rubbish, no doubt.

Prince

She spends a great deal of money.

Grandoni

Indeed, she does. She thinks she’s a model of thrift. If there’s a virtue she prides herself on, it’s her economy.

Prince

I wonder if she knows that I spend almost nothing at all. I’d rather live on bread and water than that she should fail to make a great appearance.

Grandoni

Her appearance is all that you could wish.

Prince

Why does this dreary country please her?

Grandoni

It’s the common people.

Prince

That’s what I’ve been hearing. Who was that man I met before?

Grandoni

The Princess’s bookbinder.

Prince

Her bookbinder? You mean one of her lovers!

Grandoni

Prince, how can you ever dream she’ll live with you again?

Prince

Why does she have him in her drawing room? Where were his books? His bindings?

Grandoni

I told you—she’s making a study of the people. The young man you saw is a study—or part of it.

Prince

The more I know, the less I understand. Is it your idea that she’s quite crazy? I don’t care if she is.

Grandoni

We are all quite crazy, I think. But the Princess no more than the rest of us. She must try everything. At present she’s trying democracy.

Prince

And what do people say?

Grandoni

Oh, a lady can do anything in this country.

Prince

There are things it’s better to conceal.

Grandoni

I may as well give you the key to your wife’s conduct: she’s ashamed of having married you.

Prince

Ashamed! Ashamed to be a Princess of the House of Casamassima?

Grandoni

She considers that as the darkest hour of her life, she sold herself to you for a title and a fortune. No matter that she wanted it at the time. She will spend the rest of her life doing penance for that sin.

Prince

I know she pretends to have been forced— Well, if not the bookbinder, what about this English Captain?

Grandoni

This English Captain?

Prince

Godfred Gerald Sholto.

Grandoni

He’s the last one you need worry about. He doesn’t count the least bit.

Prince (dumbfounded)

Why doesn’t he count?

Grandoni

Some people don’t, you know. He knows better than to even think he does.

Grandoni

Why not, when she receives him always—lets him go wherever she goes?

Grandoni

He’s a convenience—he works without wages.

Prince

Isn’t he in love with her?

Grandoni

Of course. But he has no more hope than you do.

Prince

Ah, poor fellow.

Grandoni

He accepts the situation better than you do.

Prince

Because he is allowed to see her.

Grandoni

But she takes no notice of him.

Prince

I will go. But tell her I may come back.

Grandoni

It’s utterly useless.

(The Prince bows to her very courteously and goes out. Grandoni walks around uneasily, then sinks into a chair. Enter Hyacinth with some books.)

Hyacinth

I’m afraid the books are very dusty.

Grandoni

The Princess will probably see you in a few hours.

Hyacinth

I really hope so.

Grandoni

People sometimes come and leave without seeing her. It all depends on her mood.

Hyacinth

Even after she has sent for them?

Grandoni

Who can tell whether she has sent for them or not?

Hyacinth

But, she sent for me.

Grandoni

Oh yes, she sent for you, poor young man. Sholto has come like that more than once, and gone away no better off.

Hyacinth

Captain Sholto?

Grandoni

She is a capriciossa.

Hyacinth

I don’t understand the way you speak of her. You seem her friend, yet you say things that are not very favorable to her.

Grandoni

I say much worse to her than I ever permit myself to say to you. I’m rude, but I’m not treacherous. At any rate, you are here.

Hyacinth

Decidedly, I am here.

Grandoni

And, how long shall you stay? Pardon me if I ask. That’s part of my rudeness.

Hyacinth

Till tomorrow morning. I must be at my work by noon.

Grandoni

That will do very well. You remember I told you to remain faithful?

Hyacinth

That was very good advice. But, I think you exaggerate my danger.

Grandoni

Impossible, I think. You’re one of those types that ladies like. I can be sure of that, I like you myself. At my age, a hundred and twenty!— Be happy, make yourself comfortable; but go home tomorrow! Perhaps I shall go tomorrow.

Hyacinth

I have to work. That’s reason enough for me.

Grandoni

Do you admire everything here? Does it give you pleasure?

Hyacinth

So much! I cannot tell you how much!

Grandoni

Poor boy.

(Enter the Princess.)

Princess (addressing herself immediately to Hyacinth)

Is it true that you’ve never seen a park or any of the beauties of nature?

Hyacinth

Perfectly true.

Princess

I’m so glad, I’m so glad. I’ve never been able to show anything new to anyone, especially to a fine, sensitive mind.— This place is tumbling to pieces. I don’t want you to think I’m sunk in luxury and throw money away. Never! Never!

Hyacinth

You live according to your means. I would live like this if I could.

Princess

Would you? But, you must learn for yourself what it really is before we blow it up. You and I are the barbarians, you know.

Hyacinth

You certainly don’t look that part.

Princess

Oh, I am whether I look it or not.

Hyacinth

The aristocracy isn’t all that bad.

Princess

If we believe in the coming democracy—why not try to put its spirit in our lives? I try to do it in my relations with you—but you hang ridiculously back. You’re really not a bit democratic.

Hyacinth

I’ve been cautioned against you.

Princess

I can very easily understand that— I’ve given no proofs as yet. Who was it that warned you against me?

Hyacinth

A friend of mine in London—Paul Muniment.

Princess

Paul Muniment?

Hyacinth

I mentioned him to you the first time we met. He’s awfully wise.

Princess

What does he know about me?

Hyacinth

Nothing except what I’ve told him.

Princess

Well, you mustn’t have given me a very good character.— I like his name, perhaps I should like him.

Hyacinth

You’d like him much better than you do me.

Princess

How do you know how much I like you or how little?— Never mind that, I like you a good deal. Now tell me what’s going on among your friends. Is anything going to be done?— You think I’m a police spy, don’t you?

Hyacinth

The idea never occurred to me.

Princess

It should—if you’re going to be a conspirator.

Hyacinth

If you were in with the police, you wouldn’t waste your time with me.

Princess

If would be my first care to make you think that. So much the better if you’ve no troublesome suspicions.

Hyacinth

There isn’t much to tell. I’ve taken an oath to sacrifice myself, that’s all.

Princess

To what?

Hyacinth

To whatever is asked. I gave my life away.

Princess

Be so good as to explain what you’re talking about?

Hyacinth

I really do trust you, but I’ll give you no names. There’s no special reason to go into details. They wanted an obliging man— Well, the place was vacant, and I offered my services.

Princess (abstractedly)

I suppose you’re right, we must pay for all we do. (after a moment) I think I know the person into whose power you’ve placed yourself.

Hyacinth

Possibly, but I doubt it.

Princess

You don’t think I’ve gone that far? Why not?

Hyacinth

If you’ve gone that far, you’ve gone very far indeed.

Princess

Does he, by any chance, want an obliging young woman?

Hyacinth

I don’t think he cares much for women.

Princess (lightly)

You’ve very nearly betrayed him to me. Have a care.

Hyacinth

I’ve seen the holy of holies. People go about thinking everything’s fine and all’s well with the world. But, there’s an immense underground. The upper classes know nothing about it. A vast trap is being prepared.

Princess

And so you’ve put your head in a noose. (pause) YOUR MAN’S DIEDRICH HOFFENDAHL!

Hyacinth

Well, you really have gone further than I thought.

Princess

So! You’ve taken a vow of blind obedience.

Hyacinth

Yes.

Princess

To kill if necessary?

Hyacinth

Yes.

Princess

It’s very serious, isn’t it? Very serious, indeed.

Hyacinth

The serious part is yet to come. For now, I simply wait.

Princess

Perhaps nothing will happen.

Hyacinth

That would be very disappointing. But I have decided to live each day, each hour—as if it might be my last.

Princess

There will probably be a great many good days left.

Hyacinth

The more the better. Only, I no longer care for the things you care for.

Princess

What are you talking about? We both believe in the same thing.

Hyacinth

Do we? From the moment I pledged my life to the people, I ceased to give a damn about them!

Princess

You not longer care for the revolution?

Hyacinth

Not a damn!

Princess

You’re very remarkable. You’re splendid.

Hyacinth

I’d like to be.

Princess

Yes—I see that. You want to be one of them. Fancy the strange, the bitter fate: to be a perfect gentleman in gesture and feeling, and yet to look at the good things of life only through the glass of a pastry cook’s window.

Hyacinth

Every class has its humble pleasures.

Princess

So your act is purely disinterested?

Hyacinth

I think it is correct to describe it that way.

Princess

That’s wonderful, really. Only no one will believe it, you know.

Hyacinth

That doesn’t matter to me. I’m glad YOU know. You’re the only one I’ve spoken to.

Princess

I’m flattered. You must trust me a good deal.

Hyacinth

I told you I do.

Princess (suddenly)

I am going to introduce you to Lady Marchmont! Will you let me?

Hyacinth

Yes, of course, but—

Princess

Then come along. She’s going to be here now.

Hyacinth

But, who is—

Princess

You’ll see.

(Exit Princess and Hyacinth. After a moment Grandoni stirs in her chair where she has been dozing. Sholto enters.)

Grandoni

I’m glad to see you! What good wind has brought you here?

Sholto

Didn’t you know I was coming?

Grandoni

I know nothing of the affairs of this house. I’ve given them up at last. I remain in my room, mostly. From the moment you come in it’s a little better. But, it’s very bad.

Sholto

What’s bad?

Grandoni

Perhaps you’ll be able to tell me where Christina is heading? I’ve always been faithful to her. I’ve always been loyal. But today, I’ve lost my patience.

Sholto

I’m not sure what you’re talking about, but if I understand you—I think it’s magnificent.

Grandoni

You’re worse than she is: you delight in all her antics because you’re cynical. It passes all bounds. The scandal’s too great.

Sholto

Dear Madame Grandoni, you cannot make it worse and you cannot make it better. Actually, no scandal can possibly attach itself to our friend.

Grandoni

What do you mean, when a lady has a bookbinder come live with her?

Sholto

It all depends who the lady is, and what she is.

Grandoni

She had better take care of one thing first—that she shall not have been separated from her husband—with a hundred stories!

Sholto

The Princess can carry off even that.

Grandoni

Who’s to know he’s her bookbinder? It’s the last thing you’d take him for.

Sholto

She has chosen him carefully.

Grandoni

Carefully!

Sholto

It was I who chose him, dear lady.

Grandoni

It was a fine turn you did him, poor young man.

Sholto

Certainly, he’ll be sacrificed. But haven’t I been sacrificed?

Grandoni

I hope he bears it as well as you! It’s too bad to spoil him for his station in life. How can he ever go back?

Sholto

Too bad! He’s an abominable little conspirator with I don’t know what bloody ideas. He gets what he deserves.

Grandoni

And, what does Christina deserve?

Sholto

Oh, lots of punishment. But it won’t be the loss of reputation. She’s too distinguished.

Grandoni

Why not?

Sholto

Because she has no regard for public opinion. Because she can do without it, it will never be taken from her.

Grandoni

At least you make another person in the house. So long as you are here, I won’t go off.

Sholto

Depend upon it, I shall hang on tight, till I am turned off.

Grandoni

How can you stand it?

Sholto

I want to watch what becomes of the little beggar.

Grandoni

He’s much too good for his fate. You’re horrible.

Sholto

And pray, wasn’t I too good for mine?

Grandoni (dryly)

By no means!

(Hyacinth enters and Grandoni retires to her chair.)

Sholto

Good morning, my dear fellow, I thought I should find you here.

Hyacinth

Who told you I was here?

Sholto

Why, I knew the Princess was capable of asking you, so—when I learned you were out of town, I concluded you must be here.

Hyacinth

I see. You’re sure Millicent didn’t tell you?

Sholto

Have you still got your back up a little?

Hyacinth

Not at all.

Sholto

You have no reason at all to be jealous.

Hyacinth

No.

Sholto

Just because you met her in the street after you met me in the same neighborhood is no reason to think she was coming to meet me.

Hyacinth

I agree perfectly.

(Pause.)

Sholto

How are you coming on? With the Princess, I mean.

Hyacinth

Very well, thank you.

Sholto

You understand my interest in you: I’m your sponsor. I put you forward.

Hyacinth

There are a great many things in the world I don’t understand—but the thing I understand least is your interest in me. If I were you, I wouldn’t give a damn for the sort of person I happen to be!

Sholto

That proves how different my nature is from yours! But, I don’t believe it, my dear boy, you’re too generous for that— It’s very grand, her having brought you down here. I wanted to see it with my own eyes.

Hyacinth

Hardly surprising, considering I was put forward by you.

Sholto

It doesn’t make any difference to her. It never signifies a lot to her what I may think. Look here, one good turn deserves another—get her to—put me forward, will you?

Hyacinth

I don’t understand you. Surely you don’t mean with Millicent?

Sholto (laughing amiably)

It isn’t possible you’re jealous? I don’t mean Miss Henning.— The courage of it, the insolence of it, there isn’t another woman in England who could carry it off.

Hyacinth

That’s nothing. Just now she introduced me to Lady Marchmont.

Sholto

God, did she dare do that? I’d have given ten pounds just to see it. There’s no one like her. Did you enjoy meeting the wife of our noble prime minister?

Hyacinth

Too much. Such excesses are dangerous. Well, I shall ask the Princess to keep you.

Sholto

Lucky little beggar, with your fireside talks! Where does she sit now in the evening? Never mind! I told you she’s the cleverest woman in Europe. But there are some mysteries you can’t see into unless you have a heart. Our Princess isn’t troubled by that sort of thing. My only motive is to watch her, adore her, to see her lead her life, and act out her extraordinary nature. The rest’s mere gabble.

Hyacinth

You don’t care for the social question, then?

Sholto

I only took it up because she did. My dear Robinson, for me there’s only one thing in life: to look at that woman when I can. Get her to keep me here.

Hyacinth

I’ll use what influence I have, but—

Sholto

It would be an act of common humanity.

Hyacinth

You took up the social question because she did? But why did she take it up?

Sholto

You’ll have to worm that out of her yourself.

Hyacinth

Do you mean the way she treats you proves she has no heart? What you said just now—

Sholto

I mean the way she treats you!

Hyacinth

You think I’m heading for a fall?

Sholto

Don’t say I didn’t warn you. The day I saw she was turning her attention to the rising democracy, I began to collect little democrats. That’s how I collected you.

BLACKOUT