The Second Act

The scene is the same, two hours later. The cottage is in darkness, save for the firelight. On the table is spread a newspaper. A cup and saucer, a plate, a piece of bacon in the frying tin are on the newspaper ready for the miner's breakfast. Mrs. Holroyd has gone to bed. There is a noise of heavy stumbling down the three steps outside.

BLACKMORE'S VOICE

Steady, now, steady. It's all in darkness. Missis!—Has she gone to bed?

[He tries the latch—shakes the door.

HOLROYD'S VOICE (he is drunk)

Her's locked me out. Let me smash that bloody door in. Come out—come out—ussza! (He strikes a heavy blow on the door. There is a scuffle)

BLACKMORE'S VOICE

Hold on a bit—what're you doing?

HOLROYD'S VOICE

I'm smashing that blasted door in.

MRS. HOLROYD (appearing and suddenly drawing the bolts, flinging the door open) What do you think you're doing?

HOLROYD (lurching into the room, snarling)

What? What? Tha thought tha'd play thy monkey tricks on me, did ter? (Shouting) But[37] I'm going to show thee. (He lurches at her threateningly; she recoils)

BLACKMORE (seizing him by the arm)

Here, here,—! Come and sit down and be quiet.

HOLROYD (snarling at him)

What?—What? An' what's thäigh got ter do wi' it? (Shouting) What's thäigh got ter do wi' it?

BLACKMORE

Nothing—nothing; but it's getting late, and you want your supper.

HOLROYD (shouting)

I want nöwt. I'm allowed nöwt in this 'ouse. (Shouting louder) 'Er begrudges me ivry morsel I ha'e.

MRS. HOLROYD

Oh, what a story!

HOLROYD (shouting)

It's the truth, an' you know it.

BLACKMORE (conciliatory)

You'll rouse the children. You'll rouse the children, at this hour.

HOLROYD (suddenly quiet)

Not me—not if I know it. I shan't disturb 'em—bless 'em.

[He staggers to his armchair and sits heavily.

BLACKMORE

Shall I light the lamp?

MRS. HOLROYD

No, don't trouble. Don't stay any longer, there's no need.

BLACKMORE (quietly)

I'll just see it's all right.

[He proceeds in silence to light the lamp. Holroyd is seen dropping forward in his chair. He has a cut[38] on his cheek. Mrs. Holroyd is in an old-fashioned dressing-gown. Blackmore has an overcoat buttoned up to his chin. There is a very large lump of coal on the red fire.

MRS. HOLROYD

Don't stay any longer.

BLACKMORE

I'll see it's all right.

MRS. HOLROYD

I shall be all right. He'll go to sleep now.

BLACKMORE

But he can't go like that.

MRS. HOLROYD

What has he done to his face?

BLACKMORE

He had a row with Jim Goodwin.

MRS. HOLROYD

What about?

BLACKMORE

I don't know.

MRS. HOLROYD

The beast!

BLACKMORE

By Jove, and isn't he a weight! He's getting fat, must be—

MRS. HOLROYD

He's big made—he has a big frame.

BLACKMORE

Whatever he is, it took me all my time to get him home. I thought I'd better keep an eye on him. I knew you'd be worrying. So I sat in the [39]smoke room and waited for him. Though it's a dirty hole—and dull as hell.

MRS. HOLROYD

Why did you bother?

BLACKMORE

Well, I thought you'd be upset about him. I had to drink three whiskies—had to, in all conscience—(smiling)

MRS. HOLROYD

I don't want to be the ruin of you.

BLACKMORE (smiling)

Don't you? I thought he'd pitch forward onto the lines and crack his skull.

[Holroyd has been sinking farther and farther forward in drunken sleep. He suddenly jerks too far and is awakened. He sits upright, glaring fiercely and dazedly at the two, who instantly cease talking.

HOLROYD (to Blackmore)

What are thäigh doin' 'ere?

BLACKMORE

Why, I came along with you.

HOLROYD

Thou'rt a liar, I'm only just come in.

MRS. HOLROYD (coldly)

He is no liar at all. He brought you home because you were too drunk to come yourself.

HOLROYD (starting up)

Thou'rt a liar! I niver set eyes on him this night, afore now.

MRS. HOLROYD (with a "Pf" of contempt)

You don't know what you have done to-night.

HOLROYD (shouting)

I s'll not have it, I tell thee.

[40]

MRS. HOLROYD

Psh!

HOLROYD

I s'll not ha'e it. I s'll ha'e no carryin's on i' my 'ouse—

MRS. HOLROYD (shrugging her shoulders)

Talk when you've got some sense.

HOLROYD (fiercely)

I've as much sense as thäigh. Am I a fool? Canna I see? What's he doin' here then, answer me that. What—?

MRS. HOLROYD

Mr. Blackmore came to bring you home, because you were too drunk to find your own way. And this is the thanks he gets.

HOLROYD (contemptuously)

Blackymore, Blackymore. It's him tha cuts thy cloth by, is it?

MRS. HOLROYD (hotly)

You don't know what you're talking about, so keep your tongue still.

HOLROYD (bitingly)

I don't know what I'm talking about—I don't know what I'm talking about—don't I? An' what about him standing there then, if I don't know what I'm talking about?—What?

BLACKMORE

You've been to sleep, Charlie, an' forgotten I came in with you, not long since.

HOLROYD

I'm not daft, I'm not a fool. I've got eyes in my head, and sense. You needn't try to get over me. I know what you're up to.

[41]

BLACKMORE (flushing)

It's a bit off to talk to me like that, Charlie, I must say.

HOLROYD

I'm not good enough for 'er. She wants Mr. Blackymore. He's a gentleman, he is. Now we have it all; now we understand.

MRS. HOLROYD

I wish you understood enough to keep your tongue still.

HOLROYD

What? What? I'm to keep my tongue still, am I? An' what about Mr. Blackymore?

MRS. HOLROYD (fiercely)

Stop your mouth, you—you vulgar, low-minded brute.

HOLROYD

Am I? Am I? An' what are you? What tricks are you up to, an' all? But that's all right—that's all right. (Shouting) That's all right, if it's you.

BLACKMORE

I think I'd better go. You seem to enjoy—er—er—calumniating your wife.

HOLROYD (mockingly)

Calamniating—calamniating—I'll give you calamniating, you mealy-mouthed jockey: I'll give you calamniating.

BLACKMORE

I think you've said about enough.

HOLROYD

'Ave I, 'ave I? Yer flimsy jack—'ave I? (In a sudden burst) But I've not done wi' thee yet.

[42]

BLACKMORE (ironically)

No, and you haven't.

HOLROYD (shouting—pulling himself up from the armchair) I'll show thee—I'll show thee.

[Blackmore laughs.

HOLROYD

Yes!—yes, my young monkey. It's thäigh, is it?

BLACKMORE

Yes, it's me.

HOLROYD (shouting)

An' I'll ma'e thee wish it worn't, I will. What—? What—? Tha'd come slivin' round here, would ta? (He lurches forward at Blackmore with clenched fist)

MRS. HOLROYD

Drunken, drunken fool—oh, don't.

HOLROYD (turning to her)

What?

[She puts up her hands before her face. Blackmore seizes the upraised arm and swings Holroyd round.

BLACKMORE (in a towering passion)

Mind what tha'rt doing!

HOLROYD (turning fiercely on him—incoherent)

Wha'—wha'—!

[He aims a heavy blow. Blackmore evades it, so that he is struck on the side of the chest. Suddenly he shows his teeth. He raises his fists ready to strike Holroyd when the latter stands to advantage.

MRS. HOLROYD (rushing upon Blackmore)

No, no! Oh, no!

[She flies and opens the door, and goes out. Blackmore glances after her, then at Holroyd, who is preparing, like a bull, for another charge. The young man's face lights up.

[43]

HOLROYD

Wha'—wha'—!

[As he advances, Blackmore quickly retreats out-of-doors. Holroyd plunges upon him. Blackmore slips behind the door-jamb, puts out his foot, and trips Holroyd with a crash upon the brick yard.

MRS. HOLROYD

Oh, what has he done to himself?

BLACKMORE (thickly)

Tumbled over himself.

[Holroyd is seen struggling to rise, and is heard incoherently cursing.

MRS. HOLROYD

Aren't you going to get him up?

BLACKMORE

What for?

MRS. HOLROYD

But what shall we do?

BLACKMORE

Let him go to hell.

[Holroyd, who had subsided, begins to snarl and struggle again.

MRS. HOLROYD (in terror)

He's getting up.

BLACKMORE

All right, let him.

[Mrs. Holroyd looks at Blackmore, suddenly afraid of him also.

HOLROYD (in a last frenzy)

I'll show thee—I'll—

[He raises himself up, and is just picking his balance when Blackmore, with a sudden light kick, sends him sprawling again. He is seen on the edge of the light to collapse into stupor.

[44]

MRS. HOLROYD

He'll kill you, he'll kill you!

[Blackmore laughs short.

MRS. HOLROYD

Would you believe it! Oh, isn't it awful! (She begins to weep in a little hysteria; Blackmore stands with his back leaning on the doorway, grinning in a strained fashion) Is he hurt, do you think?

BLACKMORE

I don't know—I should think not.

MRS. HOLROYD

I wish he was dead; I do, with all my heart.

BLACKMORE

Do you? (He looks at her quickly; she wavers and shrinks; he begins to smile strainedly as before) You don't know what you wish, or what you want.

MRS. HOLROYD (troubled)

Do you think I could get past him to come inside?

BLACKMORE

I should think so.

[Mrs. Holroyd, silent and troubled, manœuvres in the doorway, stepping over her husband's feet, which lie on the threshold.

BLACKMORE

Why, you've got no shoes and stockings on!

MRS. HOLROYD

No. (She enters the house and stands trembling before the fire)

BLACKMORE (following her)

Are you cold?

[45]

MRS. HOLROYD

A little—with standing on the yard.

BLACKMORE

What a shame!

[She, uncertain of herself, sits down. He drops on one knee, awkwardly, and takes her feet in his hands.

MRS. HOLROYD

Don't—no, don't!

BLACKMORE

They are frightfully cold. (He remains, with head sunk, for some moments, then slowly rises) Damn him!

[They look at each other; then, at the same time, turn away.

MRS. HOLROYD

We can't leave him lying there.

BLACKMORE

No—no! I'll bring him in.

MRS. HOLROYD

But—!

BLACKMORE

He won't wake again. The drink will have got hold of him by now. (He hesitates) Could you take hold of his feet—he's so heavy.

MRS. HOLROYD

Yes.

[They go out and are seen stooping over Holroyd.

BLACKMORE

Wait, wait, till I've got him—half a minute.

[Mrs. Holroyd backs in first. They carry Holroyd in and lay him on the sofa.

MRS. HOLROYD

Doesn't he look awful?

[46]

BLACKMORE

It's more mark than mar. It isn't much, really.

[He is busy taking off Holroyd's collar and tie, unfastening the waistcoat, the braces and the waist buttons of the trousers; he then proceeds to unlace the drunken man's boots.

MRS. HOLROYD (who has been watching closely)

I shall never get him upstairs.

BLACKMORE

He can sleep here, with a rug or something to cover him. You don't want him—upstairs?

MRS. HOLROYD

Never again.

BLACKMORE (after a moment or two of silence)

He'll be all right down here. Have you got a rug?

MRS. HOLROYD

Yes.

[She goes upstairs. Blackmore goes into the scullery, returning with a lading can and towel. He gets hot water from the boiler. Then, kneeling down, he begins to wipe the drunken man's face lightly with the flannel, to remove the blood and dirt.

MRS. HOLROYD (returning)

What are you doing?

BLACKMORE

Only wiping his face to get the dirt out.

MRS. HOLROYD

I wonder if he'd do as much for you.

BLACKMORE

I hope not.

MRS. HOLROYD

Isn't he horrible, horrible—

[47]

BLACKMORE (looks up at her)

Don't look at him then.

MRS. HOLROYD

I can't take it in, it's too much.

BLACKMORE

He won't wake. I will stay with you.

MRS. HOLROYD (earnestly)

No—oh, no.

BLACKMORE

There will be the drawn sword between us. (He indicates the figure of Holroyd, which lies, in effect, as a barrier between them)

MRS. HOLROYD (blushing)

Don't!

BLACKMORE

I'm sorry.

MRS. HOLROYD (after watching him for a few moments lightly wiping the sleeping man's face with a towel) I wonder you can be so careful over him.

BLACKMORE (quietly)

It's only because he's helpless.

MRS. HOLROYD

But why should you love him ever so little?

BLACKMORE

I don't—only he's helpless. Five minutes since I could have killed him.

MRS. HOLROYD

Well, I don't understand you men.

BLACKMORE

Why?

MRS. HOLROYD

I don't know.

[48]

BLACKMORE

I thought as I stood in that doorway, and he was trying to get up—I wished as hard as I've ever wished anything in my life—

MRS. HOLROYD

What?

BLACKMORE

That I'd killed him. I've never wished anything so much in my life—if wishes were anything.

MRS. HOLROYD

Don't, it does sound awful.

BLACKMORE

I could have done it, too. He ought to be dead.

MRS. HOLROYD (pleading)

No, don't! You know you don't mean it, and you make me feel so awful.

BLACKMORE

I do mean it. It is simply true, what I say.

MRS. HOLROYD

But don't say it.

BLACKMORE

No?

MRS. HOLROYD

No, we've had enough.

BLACKMORE

Give me the rug.

[She hands it him, and he tucks Holroyd up.

MRS. HOLROYD

You only do it to play on my feelings.

BLACKMORE (laughing shortly)

And now give me a pillow—thanks.

[There is a pause—both look at the sleeping man.

[49]

BLACKMORE

I suppose you're fond of him, really.

MRS. HOLROYD

No more.

BLACKMORE

You were fond of him?

MRS. HOLROYD

I was—yes.

BLACKMORE

What did you like in him?

MRS. HOLROYD (uneasily)

I don't know.

BLACKMORE

I suppose you really care about him, even now.

MRS. HOLROYD

Why are you so sure of it?

BLACKMORE

Because I think it is so.

MRS. HOLROYD

I did care for him—now he has destroyed it—

BLACKMORE

I don't believe he can destroy it.

MRS. HOLROYD (with a short laugh)

Don't you? When you are married you try. You'll find it isn't so hard.

BLACKMORE

But what did you like in him—because he was good-looking, and strong, and that?

MRS. HOLROYD

I liked that as well. But if a man makes a nuisance of himself, his good looks are ugly to you, and his strength loathsome. Do you think I care about a[50] man because he's got big fists, when he is a coward in his real self?

BLACKMORE

Is he a coward?

MRS. HOLROYD

He is—a pettifogging, paltry one.

BLACKMORE

And so you've really done with him?

MRS. HOLROYD

I have.

BLACKMORE

And what are you going to do?

MRS. HOLROYD

I don't know.

BLACKMORE

I suppose nothing. You'll just go on—even if you've done with him—you'll go on with him.

[There is a long pause.

BLACKMORE

But was there nothing else in him but his muscles and his good looks to attract you to him?

MRS. HOLROYD

Why? What does it matter?

BLACKMORE

What did you think he was?

MRS. HOLROYD

Why must we talk about him?

BLACKMORE

Because I can never quite believe you.

MRS. HOLROYD

I can't help whether you believe it or not.

BLACKMORE

Are you just in a rage with him, because of to-night?

[51]

MRS. HOLROYD

I know, to-night finished it. But it was never right between us.

BLACKMORE

Never?

MRS. HOLROYD

Not once. And then to-night—no, it's too much; I can't stand any more of it.

BLACKMORE

I suppose he got tipsy. Then he said he wasn't a married man—vowed he wasn't, to those paper bonnets. They found out he was, and said he was frightened of his wife getting to know. Then he said they should all go to supper at his house—I suppose they came out of mischief.

MRS. HOLROYD

He did it to insult me.

BLACKMORE

Oh, he was a bit tight—you can't say it was deliberate.

MRS. HOLROYD

No, but it shows how he feels toward me. The feeling comes out in drink.

BLACKMORE

How does he feel toward you?

MRS. HOLROYD

He wants to insult me, and humiliate me, in every moment of his life. Now I simply despise him.

BLACKMORE

You really don't care any more about him?

MRS. HOLROYD

No.

[52]

BLACKMORE (hesitates)

And you would leave him?

MRS. HOLROYD

I would leave him, and not care that about him any more. (She snaps her fingers)

BLACKMORE

Will you come with me?

MRS. HOLROYD (after a reluctant pause)

Where?

BLACKMORE

To Spain: I can any time have a job there, in a decent part. You could take the children.

[The figure of the sleeper stirs uneasily—they watch him.

BLACKMORE

Will you?

MRS. HOLROYD

When would you go?

BLACKMORE

To-morrow, if you like.

MRS. HOLROYD

But why do you want to saddle yourself with me and the children?

BLACKMORE

Because I want to.

MRS. HOLROYD

But you don't love me?

BLACKMORE

Why don't I?

MRS. HOLROYD

You don't.

BLACKMORE

I don't know about that. I don't know anything[53] about love. Only I've gone on for a year now, and it's got stronger and stronger—

MRS. HOLROYD

What has?

BLACKMORE

This—this wanting you, to live with me. I took no notice of it for a long time. Now I can't get away from it, at no hour and nohow. (He still avoids direct contact with her)

MRS. HOLROYD

But you'd like to get away from it.

BLACKMORE

I hate a mess of any sort. But if you'll come away with me—you and the children—

MRS. HOLROYD

But I couldn't—you don't love me—

BLACKMORE

I don't know what you mean by I don't love you.

MRS. HOLROYD

I can feel it.

BLACKMORE

And do you love me? (A pause)

MRS. HOLROYD

I don't know. Everything is so—so—

[There is a long pause.

BLACKMORE

How old are you?

MRS. HOLROYD

Thirty-two.

BLACKMORE

I'm twenty-seven.

MRS. HOLROYD

And have you never been in love?

[54]

BLACKMORE

I don't think so. I don't know.

MRS. HOLROYD

But you must know. I must go and shut that door that keeps clicking.

[She rises to go upstairs, making a clatter at the stair foot door. The noise rouses her husband. As she goes upstairs, he moves, makes coughing sounds, turns over, and then suddenly sits upright, gazing at Blackmore. The latter sits perfectly still on the sofa, his head dropped, hiding his face. His hands are clasped. They remain thus for a minute.

HOLROYD

Hello! (He stares fixedly) Hello! (His tone is undecided, as if he mistrusts himself) What are—who are ter? (Blackmore does not move; Holroyd stares blankly; he then turns and looks at the room) Well, I dunna know.

[He staggers to his feet, clinging to the table, and goes groping to the stairs. They creak loudly under his weight. A doorlatch is heard to click. In a moment Mrs. Holroyd comes quickly downstairs.

BLACKMORE

Has he gone to bed?

MRS. HOLROYD (nodding)

Lying on the bed.

BLACKMORE

Will he settle now?

MRS. HOLROYD

I don't know. He is like that sometimes. He will have delirium tremens if he goes on.

[55]

BLACKMORE (softly)

You can't stay with him, you know.

MRS. HOLROYD

And the children?

BLACKMORE

We'll take them.

MRS. HOLROYD

Oh!

[Her face puckers to cry. Suddenly he starts up and puts his arms round her, holding her protectively and gently, very caressingly. She clings to him. They are silent for some moments.

BLACKMORE (struggling, in an altered voice)

Look at me and kiss me.

[Her sobs are heard distinctly. Blackmore lays his hand on her cheek, caressing her always with his hand.

BLACKMORE

My God, but I hate him! I wish either he was dead or me. (Mrs. Holroyd hides against him; her sobs cease; after a while he continues in the same murmuring fashion) It can't go on like it any more. I feel as if I should come in two. I can't keep away from you. I simply can't. Come with me. Come with me and leave him. If you knew what a hell it is for me to have you here—and to see him. I can't go without you, I can't. It's been hell every moment for six months now. You say I don't love you. Perhaps I don't, for all I know about it. But oh, my God, don't keep me like it any longer. Why should he have you—and I've never had anything.

MRS. HOLROYD

Have you never loved anybody?

[56]

BLACKMORE

No—I've tried. Kiss me of your own wish—will you?

MRS. HOLROYD

I don't know.

BLACKMORE (after a pause)

Let's break clear. Let's go right away. Do you care for me?

MRS. HOLROYD

I don't know. (She loosens herself, rises dumbly)

BLACKMORE

When do you think you will know?

[She sits down helplessly.

MRS. HOLROYD

I don't know.

BLACKMORE

Yes, you do know, really. If he was dead, should you marry me?

MRS. HOLROYD

Don't say it—

BLACKMORE

Why not? If wishing of mine would kill him, he'd soon be out of the way.

MRS. HOLROYD

But the children!

BLACKMORE

I'm fond of them. I shall have good money.

MRS. HOLROYD

But he's their father.

BLACKMORE

What does that mean—?

[57]

MRS. HOLROYD

Yes, I know—(a pause) but—

BLACKMORE

Is it him that keeps you?

MRS. HOLROYD

No.

BLACKMORE

Then come with me. Will you? (He stands waiting for her; then he turns and takes his overcoat; pulls it on, leaving the collar turned up, ceasing to twist his cap) Well—will you tell me to-morrow?

[She goes forward and flings her arms round his neck. He suddenly kisses her passionately.

MRS. HOLROYD

But I ought not. (She draws away a little; he will not let her go)

BLACKMORE

Yes, it's all right. (He holds her close)

MRS. HOLROYD

Is it?

BLACKMORE

Yes, it is. It's all right.

[He kisses her again. She releases herself but holds his hand. They keep listening.

MRS. HOLROYD

Do you love me?

BLACKMORE

What do you ask for?

MRS. HOLROYD

Have I hurt you these months?

BLACKMORE

You haven't. And I don't care what it's been if you'll come with me. (There is a noise upstairs and they wait) You will soon, won't you?

[58]

[She kisses him.

MRS. HOLROYD

He's not safe. (She disengages herself and sits on the sofa)

BLACKMORE (takes a place beside her, holding her hand in both his) You should have waited for me.

MRS. HOLROYD

How wait?

BLACKMORE

And not have married him.

MRS. HOLROYD

I might never have known you—I married him to get out of my place.

BLACKMORE

Why?

MRS. HOLROYD

I was left an orphan when I was six. My Uncle John brought me up, in the Coach and Horses at Rainsworth. He'd got no children. He was good to me, but he drank. I went to Mansfield Grammar School. Then he fell out with me because I wouldn't wait in the bar, and I went as nursery governess to Berryman's. And I felt I'd nowhere to go, I belonged to nowhere, and nobody cared about me, and men came after me, and I hated it. So to get out of it, I married the first man that turned up.

BLACKMORE

And you never cared about him?

MRS. HOLROYD

Yes, I did. I did care about him. I wanted to be a wife to him. But there's nothing at the bottom of him, if you know what I mean. You can't get anywhere[59] with him. There's just his body and nothing else. Nothing that keeps him, no anchor, no roots, nothing satisfying. It's a horrible feeling there is about him, that nothing is safe or permanent—nothing is anything—

BLACKMORE

And do you think you can trust me?

MRS. HOLROYD

I think you're different from him.

BLACKMORE

Perhaps I'm not.

MRS. HOLROYD (warmly)

You are.

BLACKMORE

At any rate, we'll see. You'll come on Saturday to London?

MRS. HOLROYD

Well, you see, there's my money. I haven't got it yet. My uncle has left me about a hundred and twenty pounds.