MRS. WESTERN. Be sensible, Harvey--you must realise yourself there's no alternative-- HARVEY. [_With a violent and uncontrollable outburst._] I vow and declare to you--if she goes, I go too! And the consequences will be on your head! [MRS. WESTERN _has also risen--they stand face to face, looking at each other--and for a moment there is silence. The door opens, and_ MISS FARREN _comes in, dressed as before. She walks straight to_ MRS. WESTERN. MISS FARREN. Mrs. Western, my things are packed, and on the cab-- HARVEY. [_Wildly._] My poor child, you're _not_ to go--I told you. MISS FARREN. [_With a demure glance at him, stopping him as he is moving towards her._] Of course I must--I can't stay here--that's not possible. My sister will take me in for to-night. MRS. WESTERN. Miss Farren, my husband has explained to me--I withdraw all-- MISS FARREN. [_Carelessly._] Oh, that's all right--though thank you all the same. And it really doesn't matter much. I was going to give notice to-morrow anyway-- HARVEY. [_Starting violently._] What! MISS FARREN. Well, I put it off as long as I could, Mr. Western, because ... But the fact is I'm going on the stage--musical comedy-- HARVEY. [_Breathless, staggering back._] You--are--going-- MISS FARREN. I've accepted an engagement--oh, I'm only to be a show-girl at first--but they believe I'll do well. They've been wanting me some time. And my _fiancé_ has persuaded me. HARVEY. [_Collapsing utterly, dropping into the chair by the fire._] Your-- MISS FARREN. [_Gravely._] My _fiancé_--yes. He's one of the comic men there. MRS. WESTERN. [_Who has been watching them both with an unmoved face._] I'll write a cheque for your salary, Miss Farren. [_She goes to the desk at back._ MISS FARREN. [_Coquettishly, to_ HARVEY.] I ought to have told you, I know, Mr. Western. But it _was_ so dull here--and you've been most awfully good to me. I can never be sufficiently grateful. HARVEY. [_With difficulty, his face turned away._] Don't mention it. And I hope you'll be happy. MISS FARREN. [_Lightly._] Thank you. I mean to try! [MRS. WESTERN _returns with a cheque which she hands to_ MISS FARREN. MRS. WESTERN. Here, Miss Farren. MISS FARREN. [_Putting it into her bag._] Thank you so much. Good-bye. MRS. WESTERN. If you should ever need a reference, don't be afraid to-- MISS FARREN. Oh, thanks, no more governessing for me. Good-bye! [_She trips out, without another glance at_ HARVEY, _who sits huddled by the fire._ MRS. WESTERN _moves slowly to the door. At the threshold she pauses, turns, and looks at_ HARVEY. MRS. WESTERN. I'll take care that the next governess--shall be quite as pretty as this one, Harvey. [_She opens the door and goes._ HARVEY _doesn't stir._ THE CURTAIN FALLS End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Five Little Plays, by Alfred Sutro