CROCKSTEAD. No--the home-grown article will do. One thing, though--I should like her to be--merciful. ALINE. I don't understand. CROCKSTEAD. I have a vague desire to do something with my money: my wife might help me. I should like her to have pity. ALINE. Pity? CROCKSTEAD. In the midst of her wealth I should wish her to be sorry for those who are poor. ALINE. Yes. And, as regards the rest-- CROCKSTEAD. The rest I leave to you, with absolute confidence. You will help me? ALINE. I will try. My choice is to be final? CROCKSTEAD. Absolutely. ALINE. I have an intimate friend--I wonder whether she would do? CROCKSTEAD. Tell me about her. ALINE. She and I made our debut the same season. Like myself she has hitherto been her mother's despair. CROCKSTEAD. Because she has not yet-- ALINE. Married--yes. Oh, if men knew how hard the lot is of the portionless girl, who has to sit, and smile, and wait, with a very desolate heart--they would think less unkindly of her, perhaps--[_She smiles._] But I am digressing, too. CROCKSTEAD. Tell me more of your friend. ALINE. She is outwardly hard, and a trifle bitter, but I fancy sunshine would thaw her. There has not been much happiness in her life. CROCKSTEAD. Would she marry a man she did not love? ALINE. If she did you would not respect her? CROCKSTEAD. I don't say that. She will be your choice; and therefore deserving of confidence. Is she handsome? ALINE. Well--no. CROCKSTEAD. [_With a quick glance at her._] That's a pity. But we can't have everything. ALINE. No. There is one episode in her life that I feel she would like you to know-- CROCKSTEAD. If you are not betraying a confidence-- ALINE. [_Looking down._] No. She loved a man, years ago, very dearly. They were too poor to marry, but they vowed to wait. Within six months she learned that he was engaged. CROCKSTEAD. Ah! ALINE. To a fat and wealthy widow-- CROCKSTEAD. The old story. ALINE. Who was touring through India, and had been made love to by every unmarried officer in the regiment. She chose him. CROCKSTEAD. India? [_He moves towards her._] ALINE. Yes. CROCKSTEAD. I have an idea that I shall like your friend. [_He takes her hand in his._] ALINE. I shall be careful to tell her all that you said to me--at the beginning-- CROCKSTEAD. It is quite possible that my remarks may not apply after all. ALINE. But I believe myself from what I know of you both that--if she marries you--it will not be--altogether--for your money. CROCKSTEAD. Listen--they're playing "God Save the King." Will you be my wife, Aline? ALINE. Yes--Harry. [_He takes her in his arms and kisses her._ CURTAIN THE MAN ON THE KERB A DUOLOGUE THE PERSONS OF THE PLAY JOSEPH MATTHEWS MARY (HIS WIFE) TIME--_The present_ SCENE--_Their home in the West End_ _Produced at the Aldwych Theatre on March 24, 1908_ THE MAN ON THE KERB