The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson – Swanston Edition. Volume 15

Dorothy. O God, forgive me!

Fenwick. Ay, Dorothy, He will, as I do.

Dorothy. As you do? Do you forgive me, John?

Fenwick. Ay, more than that, poor soul. I said my life was done, I was wrong; I have still a duty. It is not in vain you taught me; I shall still prove to you that it was not in vain. You shall soon find that I am no backward friend. Farewell.

Musical Induction: “The Lass of Richmond Hill”

ACT II

The Stage represents George Austin’s dressing-room. Elaborate toilet-table, R., with chair; a cheval-glass so arranged as to correspond with glass on table. Breakfast-table, L., front. Door, L. The Beau is discovered at table in dressing-gown, trifling with correspondence. Menteith is frothing chocolate

SCENE I

Austin, Menteith

Menteith. At the barber’s, Mr. George, I had the pleasure of meeting two of the Dook’s gentlemen.

Austin. Well, and was his Royal Highness satisfied with his quarters?

Menteith. Quite so, Mr. George. Delighted, I believe.

Austin. I am rejoiced to hear it. I wish I could say I was as pleased with my journey, Menteith. This is the first time I ever came to the Wells in another person’s carriage; Duke or not, it shall be the last, Menteith.

Menteith. Ah, Mr. George, no wonder. And how many times have we made that journey back and forth?

Austin. Enough to make us older than we look.

Menteith. To be sure, Mr. George, you do wear well.

Austin. We wear well, Menteith.

Menteith. I hear, Mr. George, that Miss Musgrave is of the company.

Austin. Is she so? Well, well! well, well!

Menteith. I’ve not seen the young lady myself, Mr. George; but the barber tells me she’s looking poorly.

Austin. Poorly?

Menteith. Yes, Mr. George, poorly was his word.

Austin. Well, Menteith, I am truly sorry. She is not the first.

Menteith. Yes, Mr. George.

(A bell. Menteith goes out and re-enters with card.)

Austin (with card). Whom have we here? Anthony Musgrave?

Menteith. A fine young man, Mr. George; and with a look of the young lady, but not so gentlemanly.

Austin. You have an eye, you have an eye. Let him in.

SCENE II

Austin, Menteith, Anthony

Austin. I am charmed to have this opportunity, Mr. Musgrave. You belong to my old corps, I think? And how does my good friend, Sir Frederick? I had his line; but, like all my old comrades, he thinks last about himself, and gives me not of his news.

Anthony. I protest, sir, this is a very proud moment. Your name is still remembered in the regiment. (Austin bows.) The Colonel – he keeps his health, sir, considering his age (Austin bows again and looks at Menteith) – tells us young men you were a devil of a fellow in your time.

Austin. I believe I was – in my time. Menteith, give Mr. Musgrave a dish of chocolate. So, sir, we see you at the Wells.

Anthony. I have but just alighted. I had but one thought, sir: to pay my respects to Mr. Austin. I have not yet kissed my aunt and sister.

Austin. In my time – to which you refer – the ladies had come first.

Anthony. The women? I take you, sir. But then, you see, a man’s relatives don’t count. And besides, Mr. Austin, between men of the world, I am fairly running away from the sex: I am positively in flight. Little Hortense of the Opera; you know; she sent her love to you. She’s mad about me, I think. You never saw a creature so fond.

Austin. Well, well, child! you are better here. In my time – to which you have referred – I knew the lady. Does she wear well?

Anthony. I beg your pardon, sir!

Austin. No offence, child, no offence. She was a very lively creature. But you neglect your chocolate, I see?

Anthony. We don’t patronise it, Mr. Austin; we haven’t for some years: the service has quite changed since your time. You’d be surprised.

Austin. Doubtless. I am.

Anthony. I assure you, sir, I and Jack Bosbury of the Fifty-second —

Austin. The Hampshire Bosburys?

Anthony. I do not know exactly, sir. I believe he is related.

Austin. Or perhaps – I remember a Mr. Bosbury, a cutter of coats. I have the vanity to believe I formed his business.

Anthony. I – I hope not, sir. But as I was saying, I and this Jack Bosbury, and the Brummagem Bantam – a very pretty light-weight, sir – drank seven bottles of Burgundy to the three of us inside the eighty minutes. Jack, sir, was a little cut; but me and the Bantam went out and finished the evening on hot gin. Life, sir, life! Tom Cribb was with us. He spoke of you, too, Tom did: said you’d given him a wrinkle for his second fight with the black man. No, sir, I assure you, you’re not forgotten.

Austin (bows). I am pleased to learn it. In my time, I had an esteem for Mr. Cribb.

Anthony. O come, sir! but your time cannot be said to be over.

Austin. Menteith, you hear!

Menteith. Yes, Mr. George.