• BY W. SOMERSET MAUGHAM
• Plays:
  • EAST OF SUEZ
  • THE CIRCLE
  • THE EXPLORER
  • MRS. DOT
  • A MAN OF HONOUR
  • PENELOPE
  • JACK STRAW
  • LADY FREDERICK
  • THE TENTH MAN
  • LANDED GENTRY
  • THE UNKNOWN
  • SMITH
• Novels:
  • OF HUMAN BONDAGE
  • THE MOON AND SIXPENCE
  • THE TREMBLING OF A LEAF
  • LIZA OF LAMBETH
  • MRS. CRADDOCK
  • THE EXPLORER
  • THE MAGICIAN
  • THE MERRY-GO-ROUND
  • ———
  • ON A CHINESE SCREEN
  • THE LAND OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN
    (Sketches and Impressions in Andalusia)

EAST OF SUEZ

A PLAY IN SEVEN SCENES

BY
W. SOMERSET MAUGHAM

NEW

YORK
GEORGE H. DORAN COMPANY

COPYRIGHT, 1922.
BY GEORGE H. DORAN COMPANY
EAST OF SUEZ.
PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ

• Daisy
• George Conway
• Henry Anderson
• Harold Knox
• Lee Tai Cheng
• Sylvia Knox
• Amah
• Wu

The action of the play takes place in Peking

SCENES

EAST OF SUEZ

SCENE I

Scene: A street in Peking

Several shops are shown. Their fronts are richly decorated with carved wood painted red and profusely gilt. The counters are elaborately carved. Outside are huge sign-boards. The shops are open to the street and you can see the various wares they sell. One is a coffin shop, where the coolies are at work on a coffin: other coffins, ready for sale, are displayed; some of them are of plain deal, others are rich, with black and gold. The next shop is a money changer's. Then there is a lantern shop in which all manner of coloured lanterns are hanging. After this comes a druggist where there are queer things in bottles and dried herbs. A small stuffed crocodile is a prominent object. Next to this is a shop where crockery is sold, large coloured jars, plates, and all manner of strange animals. In all the shops two or three Chinamen are seated. Some read newspapers through great horn spectacles; some smoke water pipes.

The street is crowded. Here is an itinerant cook with his two chests, in one of which is burning charcoal: he serves out bowls of rice and condiments to the passers-by who want food. There is a barber with the utensils of his trade. A coolie, seated on a stool, is having his head shaved. Chinese walk to and fro.

Some are coolies and wear blue cotton in various stages of raggedness; some in black gowns and caps and black shoes are merchants and clerks. There is a beggar, gaunt and thin, with an untidy mop of bristly hair, in tatters of indescribable filthiness. He stops at one of the shops and begins a long wail. For a time no one takes any notice of him, but presently on a word from the fat shopkeeper an assistant gives him a few cash and he wanders on. Coolies, half naked, hurry by, bearing great bales on their yokes. They utter little sharp cries for people to get out of their way. Peking carts with their blue hoods rumble noisily along. Rickshaws pass rapidly in both directions, and the rickshaw boys shout for the crowd to make way. In the rickshaws are grave Chinese. Some are dressed in white ducks after the European fashion; in other rickshaws are Chinese women in long smocks and wide trousers or Manchu ladies, with their faces painted like masks, in embroidered silks. Women of various sorts stroll about the street or enter the shops. You see them chaffering for various articles.

A water-carrier passes along with a creaking barrow, slopping the water as he goes; an old blind woman, a masseuse, advances slowly, striking wooden clappers to proclaim her calling. A musician stands on the curb and plays a tuneless melody on a one-stringed fiddle. From the distance comes the muffled sound of gongs. There is a babel of sound caused by the talking of all these people, by the cries of coolies, the gong, the clappers, and the fiddle. From burning joss-sticks in the shops in front of the household god comes a savour of incense.

A couple of Mongols ride across on shaggy ponies; they wear high boots and Astrakhan caps. Then a string of camels sways slowly down the street. They carry great burdens of skins from the deserts of Mongolia. They are accompanied by wild looking fellows. Two stout Chinese gentlemen are giving their pet birds an airing; the birds are attached by the leg with a string and sit on little wooden perches. The two Chinese gentlemen discuss their merits. Round about them small boys play. They run hither and thither pursuing one another amid the crowd.

END OF SCENE I

SCENE II

A small verandah on an upper storey of the British American Tobacco Company's premises, the upper part of which the staff lives in. At the back are heavy arches of whitewashed masonry and a low wall which serves as a parapet. Green blinds are drawn. There is a bamboo table on which are copies of illustrated papers. A couple of long bamboo chairs and two or three smaller arm chairs. The floor is tiled.

On one of the long chairs Harold Knox is lying asleep. He is a young man of pleasing appearance. He wears white ducks, but he has taken off his coat, which lies on a chair, and his collar and tie and pin. They are on the table by his side. He is troubled by a fly and, half waking but with his eyes still closed, tries to drive it away.

Knox. Curse it. [He opens his eyes and yawns.] Boy!

Wu. [Outside.] Ye.

Knox. What's the time?

[Wu comes in; he is a Chinese servant in a long white gown with a black cap on his head. He bears a tray on which is a bottle of whisky, a glass and a syphon.]

Wu. My no sabe.

Knox. Anyhow it's time for a whisky and soda. [Wu puts the tray down on the table. Knox smiles.] Intelligent anticipation. Model servant and all that sort of thing. [Wu pours out the whisky.] You don't care if I drink myself to death, Wu—do you? [Wu smiles, showing all his teeth.] Fault of the climate. Give me the glass. [Wu does so.] You're like a mother to me, Wu. [He drinks and puts down the glass.] By George, I feel another man. The bull-dog breed, Wu. Never say die. Rule Britannia. Pull up the blinds, you lazy blighter. The sun's off and the place is like a oven.

[Wu goes over and pulls up one blind after the other. An expanse of blue sky is seen. Henry Anderson comes in. He is a man of thirty, fair, good-looking, with a pleasant, honest face. His obvious straightforwardness and sincerity make him attractive.]

Harry. [Breezily.] Hulloa, Harold, you seem to be taking it easy.

Knox. There was nothing to do in the office and I thought I'd get in my beauty sleep while I had the chance.

Harry. I thought you had your beauty sleep before midnight.

Knox. I'm taking time by the forelock so as to be on the safe side.

Harry. Are you going on the loose again to-night?

Knox. Again, Henry?

Harry. You were blind last night.

Knox. [With great satisfaction.] Paralytic.... Hulloa, who's this? [He catches sight of the Amah who has just entered. She is a little, thin, wrinkled, elderly Chinawoman in a long smock and trousers. She has gold pins in her sleek black hair. When she sees she has been noticed she smiles obsequiously.] Well, fair charmer, what can we do for you?

Harry. What does she want, Wu?

Knox. Is this the face that launched a thousand ships?

Amah. My Missy have pay my letter.

Harry. [With sudden eager interest.] Are you Mrs. Rathbone's amah? Have you got a letter for me?

Amah. My belong Missy Rathbone amah.

Harry. Well, hurry up, don't be all night about it. Lend me a dollar, Harold. I want to give it to the old girl.

[The Amah takes a note out of her sleeve and gives it to Harry. He opens it and reads.

Knox. I haven't got a dollar. Give her a chit or ask Wu. He's the only man I know who's got any money.

Harry. Let me have a dollar, Wu. Chop-chop.

Wu. My go catchee.

[He goes out. The Amah is standing near the table. While Knox and Harry go on talking she notices Knox's pin. She smiles and smiles and makes little bows to the two men, but at the same time her hand cautiously reaches out for the pin and closes on it. Then she secretes it in her sleeve.

Harry. I thought you were going to play tennis this afternoon.

Knox. So I am later on.

Harry. [Smiling.] Do it now, dear boy. That is a precept a business man should never forget.

Knox. I should hate to think you wanted to be rid of me.

Harry. I dote on your company, but I feel that I mustn't be selfish.

Knox. [Pulling his leg.] To tell you the truth I don't feel very fit to-day.

Harry. A little bilious, I dare say. Half a dozen hard sets are just what you want. [He hands Knox his coat.]

Knox. What is this?

Harry. Your coat.

Knox. You're making yourself almost more distressingly plain than nature has already made you.

[Wu comes back and hands Harry a dollar, and then goes out. Harry gives the dollar to the Amah.

Harry. Here's a dollar for you, amah. You go back to missy and tell her it's all right and will she come chop-chop. Sabe?

Amah. My sabe. Goo'-bye.

Knox. God bless you, dearie. It's done me good to see your winsome little face.

Harry. [With a smile.] Shut up, Harold.

[The Amah with nods, smiles and bows, goes out.

Knox. Harry, my poor friend, is it possible that you have an assignation?

Harry. What is possible is that if you don't get out quick I'll throw you out.

Knox. Why didn't you say you were expecting a girl?

Harry. I'm not; I'm expecting a lady.

Knox. Are you sure you know how to behave? If you'd like me to stay and see you don't do the wrong thing I'll chuck my tennis. I'm always ready to sacrifice myself for a friend.

Harry. Has it struck you that the distance from the verandah to the street is very considerable?

Knox. And the pavement is hard. I flatter myself I can take a hint. I wonder where the devil my pin is. I left it on the table.

Harry. I expect Wu put it away.

Knox. It's much more likely that old woman pinched it.

Harry. Oh, nonsense. She wouldn't dream of such a thing. I believe Mrs. Rathbone's had her for ages.

Knox. Who is Mrs. Rathbone?

Harry. [Not wishing to be questioned.] A friend of mine.

[George Conway comes in. He is a tall, dark man in the early thirties. He is a handsome, well-built fellow, of a somewhat rugged appearance, but urbane and self-assured.

George. May I come in?

Harry. [Eagerly, shaking him warmly by the hand.] At last. By Jove, it's good to see you again. You know Knox, don't you?

George. I think so.

Knox. I wash bottles in the B. A. T. I don't expect the legation bloods to be aware of my existence.

George. [With a twinkle in his eye.] I don't know that an Assistant Chinese Secretary is such a blood as all that.

Knox. You've just been down to Fuchow, haven't you?

George. Yes, I only got back this morning.

Knox. Did you see Freddy Baker by any chance?

George. Yes, poor chap.

Knox. Oh, I've got no pity for him. He's just a damned fool.

Harry. Why?

Knox. Haven't you heard? He's married a half-caste.

Harry. What of it? I believe she's a very pretty girl.

Knox. I daresay she is. But hang it all, he needn't have married her.

George. I don't think it was a very wise thing to do.

Harry. I should have thought all those prejudices were out of date. Why shouldn't a man marry a half-caste if he wants to?

Knox. It can't be very nice to have a wife whom even the missionary ladies turn up their noses at.

Harry. [With a shrug of the shoulders.] You wait till Freddy's number one in Hankow and can entertain. I bet the white ladies will be glad enough to know his missus then.

George. Yes, but that's just it. He'll never get a good job with a Eurasian wife.

Harry. He's in Jardine's, isn't he? Do you mean to say it's going to handicap a man in a shipping firm because he's married a woman who's partly Chinese?

George. Of course it is. Jardine's are about the most important firm in China and the manager of one of their principal branches has definite social obligations. Freddy Baker will be sent to twopenny halfpenny outports where his wife doesn't matter.

Knox. I think he's damned lucky if he's not asked to resign.

Harry. It's cruel. His wife may be a charming and cultivated woman.

Knox. Have you ever known a half-caste that was?

Harry. I have.

Knox. Well, I've been in this country for seven years and I've never met one, male or female, that didn't give me the shivers.

Harry. I've no patience with you. You're a perfect damned fool.

Knox. [A little surprised, but quite good-humoured.] You're getting rather excited, aren't you?

Harry. [Hotly.] I hate injustice.

George. Do you think it really is injustice? The English are not an unkindly race. If they've got a down on half-castes there are probably very good grounds for it.

Harry. What are they?

Knox. We don't much like their morals, but we can't stick their manners.

George. Somehow or other they seem to inherit all the bad qualities of the two races from which they spring and none of the good ones. I'm sure there are exceptions, but on the whole the Eurasian is vulgar and noisy. He can't tell the truth if he tries.

Knox. To do him justice, he seldom tries.

George. He's as vain as a peacock. He'll cringe when he's afraid of you and he'll bully when he's not. You can never rely on him. He's crooked from the crown of his German hat to the toes of his American boots.

Knox. Straight from the shoulder. Take the count, old man.

Harry. [Frigidly.] Oughtn't you to be going?

Knox. [Smiling.] No, but I will.

Harry. I'm sorry if I was rude to you just now, old man.

Knox. Silly ass, you've broken no bones; my self-esteem, thank God, is unimpaired. [He goes out.

Harry. I say, I'm awfully glad you're back, George. You can't think how I miss you when you're away.

George. As soon as the shooting starts we'll try and get two or three days together in the country.

Harry. Yes, that would be jolly. [Calling.] Wu.

Wu. [Outside.] Ye'.

Harry. Bring tea for three.

George. Who is the third?

Harry. When you said you could come round I asked somebody I want you very much to meet.

George. Who is that?

Harry. Mrs. Rathbone ... I'm going to be married to her and we want you to be our best man.

George. Harry.

Harry. [Boyishly.] I thought you'd be surprised.

George. My dear old boy, I am so glad. I hope you'll be awfully happy.

Harry. I'm awfully happy now.

George. Why have you kept it so dark?

Harry. I didn't want to say anything till it was all settled. Besides, I've only known her six weeks. I met her when I was down in Shanghai....

George. Is she a widow?

Harry. Yes, she was married to an American in the F. M. S.

George. Is she American?

Harry. Only by marriage. I'm afraid she didn't have a very happy married life.

George. Poor thing. I think I'd take a small bet that you won't beat her.

Harry. I mean to try my best to make her happy.

George. You old fool, I've never known a man who was likely to make a better husband.

Harry. I'm most awfully in love with her, George.

George. Isn't that ripping? How old is she?

Harry. Only twenty-two. She's the loveliest thing you ever saw.

George. And is she in love with you?

Harry. She says so.

George. She damned well ought to be.

Harry. I do hope you'll like her, George.

George. Of course I shall. You're not the sort of chap to fall in love with a woman who isn't nice.

[Harry walks up and down for a moment restlessly.

Harry. Will you have a whisky and soda?

George. No, thanks ... I'll wait for tea.

Harry. She ought to be here in a moment. [Suddenly making up his mind.] It's no good beating about the bush. I may as well tell you at once. Her—her mother was Chinese.

George. [Unable to conceal his dismay.] Oh, Harry. [A pause.] I wish I hadn't said all that I did just now.

Harry. Of course you didn't know.

George. [Gravely.] I should have had to say something very like it, Harry. But I shouldn't have put it so bluntly.

Harry. You said yourself there were exceptions.

George. I know. [Distressed.] Won't your people be rather upset?

Harry. I don't see how it can matter to them. They're nine thousand miles away.

George. Who was her father?

Harry. Oh, he was a merchant. He's dead. And her mother is too.

George. That's something. I don't think you'd much like having a Chinese mother-in-law about the place.

Harry. George, you won't let it make any difference, will you? We've known one another all our lives.

George. My dear old chap, as far as I'm concerned I shouldn't care if you married the first cousin of the Ace of Spades. I don't want you to make a hash of things.

Harry. Wait till you see her. She's the most fascinating thing you ever met.

George. Yes, they can be charming. I was awfully in love with a half—with a Eurasian girl myself years ago. It was before you came out to the country. I wanted to marry her.

Harry. Why didn't you?

George. It was up in Chung-king. I'd just been appointed vice-consul. I was only twenty-three. The Minister wired from Peking that I'd have to resign if I did. I hadn't a bob except my salary and they transferred me to Canton to get me away.

Harry. It's different for you. You're in the service and you may be Minister one of these days. I'm only a merchant.

George. Even for you there'll be difficulties, you know. Has it occurred to you that the white ladies won't be very nice?

Harry. I can do without their society.

George. You must know some people. It means you'll have to hobnob with Eurasian clerks and their wives. I'm afraid you'll find it pretty rotten.

Harry. If you'll stick to me I don't care.

George. I suppose you've absolutely made up your mind?

Harry. Absolutely.

George. In that case I've got nothing more to say. You can't expect me not to be a little disappointed, but after all the chief thing is your happiness, and whatever I can do I will. You can put your shirt on that.

Harry. You're a brick, George.

George. The little lady ought to be here, oughtn't she?

Harry. I think I hear her on the stairs.

[He goes to the entrance and then out. Wu brings in the tea and sets it on the table. George walks over to the parapet and looks thoughtfully before him. There is a sound of voices in the adjoining room.

Harry. [Outside.] Come in; he's on the verandah.

Daisy. [Outside.] One brief look in the glass and then I'm ready.

[Harry enters.

Harry. She's just coming.

George. I bet she's powdering her nose.

Daisy. Here I am.

[Daisy enters. She is an extremely pretty woman, beautifully, perhaps a little showily, dressed. She has a pale, very clear, slightly sallow skin, and beautiful dark eyes. There is only the very faintest suspicion in them of the Chinese slant. Her hair is abundant and black.

Harry. This is George Conway, Daisy.

[George stares at her. At first he is not quite sure that he recognizes her, then suddenly he does, but only the slightest movement of the eyes betrays him.

Daisy. How do you do. I told Harry I had an idea I must have met you somewhere. I don't think I have after all.

Harry. George flatters himself he's not easily forgotten.

Daisy. But I've heard so much about you from Harry that I feel as though we were old friends.

George. It's very kind of you to say so.

Harry. Supposing you poured out the tea, Daisy.

George. I'm dying for a cup.

[She sits down and proceeds to do so.

Daisy. Harry is very anxious that you should like me.

Harry. George and I have known one another since we were kids. His people and mine live quite close to one another at home.

Daisy. But I'm not blaming you. I'm only wondering how I shall ingratiate myself with him.

Harry. He looks rather severe, but he isn't really. I think you've only got to be your natural charming self.

Daisy. Have you told him about the house?

Harry. No. [To George.] You know the temple the Harrisons used to have. We've taken that.

George. Oh, it's a ripping place. But won't you find it rather a nuisance to have those old monks on the top of you all the time?

Harry. Oh, I don't think so. Our part is quite separate, you know, and the Harrisons made it very comfortable.

[Harold Knox comes in. He has changed into tennis things.

Knox. I say, Harry ... [He sees Daisy.] Oh, I beg your pardon.

Harry. Mr. Knox—Mrs. Rathbone.

[Knox gives her a curt nod, but she holds out her hand affably. He takes it.

Daisy. How do you do.

Knox. I'm sorry to disturb you, Harry, but old Ku Faung Min is downstairs and wants to see you.

Harry. Tell him to go to blazes. The office is closed.

Knox. He's going to Hankow to-night and he says he must see you before he goes. He's got some big order to give.

Harry. Oh, curse him. I know what he is. He'll keep me talking for half an hour. D'you mind if I leave you?

Daisy. Of course not. It'll give me a chance of making Mr. Conway's acquaintance.

Harry. I'll get rid of him as quickly as I can.

[He goes out accompanied by Knox.

Knox. [As he goes.] Good-bye.

[George looks at Daisy for a moment. She smiles at him. There is a silence.

George. Why didn't you warn me that it was you I was going to meet?

Daisy. I didn't know what you'd say about me to Harry if you knew.

George. It was rather a risk, wasn't it? Supposing I'd blurted out the truth.

Daisy. I trusted to your diplomatic training. Besides, I'd prepared for it. I told him I thought I'd met you.

George. Harry and I have been pals all our lives. I brought him out to China and I got him his job. When he had cholera he would have died if I hadn't pulled him through.

Daisy. I know. And in return he worships the ground you tread on. I've never known one man think so much of another as he does of you.

George. All that's rot, of course. Sometimes I don't know how I'm going to live up to the good opinion Harry has of me. But when you've done so much for a pal as I have for him it gives you an awful sense of responsibility towards him.

Daisy. What do you mean by that?

[A short pause.

George. I'm not going to let you marry him.

Daisy. He's so much in love with me that he doesn't know what to do with himself.

George. I know he is. But if you were in love with him you wouldn't be so sure of it.

Daisy. [With a sudden change of tone.] Why not? I was sure of your love. And God knows I was in love with you.

[George makes a gesture of dismay. He is taken aback for a moment, but he quickly recovers.

George. You don't know what sort of a man Harry is. He's not like the fellows you've been used to. He's never knocked around as most of us do. He's always been as straight as a die.

Daisy. I know.

George. Have mercy on him. Even if there were nothing else against you he's not the sort of chap for you to marry. He's awfully English.

Daisy. If he doesn't mind marrying a Eurasian I really don't see what business it is of yours.

George. But you know very well that that isn't the only thing against you.

Daisy. I haven't an idea what you mean.

George. Haven't you? You forget the war. When we heard there was a very pretty young woman, apparently with plenty of money, living at the Hong Kong Hotel on very familiar terms with a lot of naval fellows, it became our business to make enquiries. I think I know everything there is against you.

Daisy. Have you any right to make use of information you've acquired officially?

George. Don't be a fool, Daisy.

Daisy. [Passionately.] Tell him then. You'll break his heart. You'll make him utterly wretched. But he'll marry me all the same. When a man's as much in love as he is he'll forgive everything.

George. I think it's horrible. If you loved him you couldn't marry him. It's heartless.

Daisy. [Violently.] How dare you say that? You. You. You know what I am. Yes, it's all true. I don't know what you know but it can't be worse than the truth. And whose fault is it? Yours. If I'm rotten it's you who made me rotten.

George. I? No. You've got no right to say that. It's cruel. It's infamous.

Daisy. I've touched you at last, have I? Because you know it's true. Don't you remember when I first came to Chung-king? I was seventeen. My father had sent me to England to school when I was seven. I never saw him for ten years. And at last he wrote and said I was to come back to China. You came and met me on the boat and told me my father had had a stroke and was dead. You took me to the Presbyterian mission.

George. That was my job. I was awfully sorry for you.

Daisy. And then in a day or two you came and told me that my father hadn't left anything and what there was went to his relations in England.

George. Naturally he didn't expect to die.

Daisy. [Passionately.] If he was going to leave me like that why didn't he let me stay with my Chinese mother? Why did he bring me up like a lady? Oh, it was cruel.

George. Yes. It was unpardonable.

Daisy. I was so lonely and so frightened. You seemed to be sorry for me. You were the only person who was really kind to me. You were practically the first man I'd known. I loved you. I thought you loved me. Oh, say that you loved me then, George.

George. You know I did.

Daisy. I was very innocent in those days. I thought that when two people loved one another they married. I wasn't a Eurasian then, George. I was like any other English girl. If you'd married me I shouldn't be what I am now. But they took you away from me. You never even said good-bye to me. You wrote and told me you'd been transferred to Canton.

George. I couldn't say good-bye to you, Daisy. They said that if I married you I'd have to leave the service. I was absolutely penniless. They dinned it into my ears that if a white man marries a Eurasian he's done for. I wouldn't listen to them, but in my heart I knew it was true.

Daisy. I don't blame you. You wanted to get on, and you have, haven't you? You're Assistant Chinese Secretary already and Harry says you'll be Minister before you've done. It seems rather hard that I should have had to pay the price.

George. Daisy, you'll never know what anguish I suffered. I can't expect you to care. It's very natural if you hate me. I was ambitious. I didn't want to be a failure. I knew that it was madness to marry you. I had to kill my love. I couldn't. It was stronger than I was. At last I couldn't help myself. I made up my mind to chuck everything and take the consequences. I was just starting for Chung-king when I heard you were living in Shanghai with a rich Chinaman.

[Daisy gives a little moan. There is a silence.

Daisy. They hated me at the mission. They found fault with me from morning till night. They blamed me because you wanted to marry me and they treated me as if I was a designing cat. When you went away they heaved a sigh of relief. Then they started to convert me. They thought I'd better become a school teacher. They hated me because I was seventeen. They hated me because I was pretty. Oh, the brutes. They killed all the religion I'd got. There was only one person who seemed to care if I was alive or dead. That was my mother. Oh, I was so ashamed the first time I saw her. At school in England I'd told them so often that she was a Chinese princess that I almost believed it myself. My mother was a dirty little ugly Chinawoman. I'd forgotten all my Chinese and I had to talk to her in English. She asked me if I'd like to go to Shanghai with her. I was ready to do anything in the world to get away from the mission and I thought in Shanghai I shouldn't be so far away from you. They didn't want me to go, but they couldn't keep me against my will. When we got to Shanghai she sold me to Lee Tai Cheng for two thousand dollars.

George. How terrible.

Daisy. I've never had a chance. Oh, George, isn't it possible for a woman to turn over a new leaf? You say that Harry's good and kind. Don't you see what that means to me? Because he'll think me good I shall be good. After all, he couldn't have fallen in love with me if I'd been entirely worthless. I hate the life I've led. I want to go straight. I swear I'll make him a good wife. Oh, George, if you ever loved me have pity on me. If Harry doesn't marry me I'm done.

George. How can a marriage be happy that's founded on a tissue of lies?

Daisy. I've never told Harry a single lie.

George. You told him you hadn't been happily married.

Daisy. That wasn't a lie.

George. You haven't been married at all.

Daisy. [With a roguish look.] Well then, I haven't been happily married, have I?

George. Who was this fellow Rathbone?

Daisy. He was an American in business at Singapore. I met him in Shanghai. I hated Lee. Rathbone asked me to go to Singapore with him and I went. I lived with him for four years.

George. Then you went back to Lee Tai Cheng.

Daisy. Rathbone died. There was nothing else to do. My mother was always nagging me to go back to him. He's rich and she makes a good thing out of it.

George. I thought she was dead.

Daisy. No. I told Harry she was because I thought it would make it easier for him.

George. She isn't with you now, is she?

Daisy. No, she lives at Ichang. She doesn't bother me as long as I send her something every month.

George. Why did you tell Harry that you were twenty-two? It's ten years since you came to China and you were seventeen then.

Daisy. [With a twinkle in her eye.] Any woman of my age will tell you that seventeen and ten are twenty-two.

[George does not smile. With frowning brow he walks up and down.

George. Oh, I wish to God I knew nothing about you. I can't bring myself to tell him and yet how can I let him marry you in absolute ignorance? Oh, Daisy, for your sake as well as for his I beseech you to tell him the whole truth and let him decide for himself.

Daisy. And break his heart? There's not a missionary who believes in God as he believes in me. If he loses his trust in me he loses everything. Tell him if you think you must, if you have no pity, if you have no regret for all the shame and misery you brought on me, you, you, you—but if you do, I swear, I swear to God that I shall kill myself. I won't go back to that hateful life.

[He looks at her earnestly for a moment.

George. I don't know if I'm doing right or wrong. I shall tell him nothing.

[Daisy gives a deep sigh of relief, Harry comes in.

Harry. I say, I'm awfully sorry to have been so long. I couldn't get the old blighter to go.

Daisy. [With complete self-control.] If I say you've been an age it'll look as though Mr. Conway had been boring me.

Harry. I hope you've made friends.

Daisy. [To George.] Have we?

George. I hope so. But now I think I must bolt. I have a long Chinese document to translate. [Holding out his hand to Daisy.] I hope you'll both be very happy.

Daisy. I think I'm going to like you.

George. Good-bye, Harry, old man.

Harry. I shall see you later on in the club, sha'n't I?

George. If I can get through my work.

[He goes out.

Harry. What have you and George been talking about?

Daisy. We discussed the house. It'll be great fun buying the things for it.

Harry. I could have killed that old Chink for keeping me so long. I grudge every minute that I spend away from you.

Daisy. It's nice to be loved.

Harry. You do love me a little, don't you?

Daisy. A little more than a little, my lamb.

Harry. I wish I were more worth your while. You've made me feel so dissatisfied with myself. I'm such a rotter.

Daisy. You're not going to disagree with me already.

Harry. What about?

Daisy. About you. I think you're a perfect duck.

[The Amah appears.

Harry. Hulloa, who's this?

Daisy. Oh, it's my amah.

Harry. I didn't recognize her for a moment.

Daisy. She doesn't approve of my being alone with strange gentlemen. She looks after me as if I was a child of ten.

Amah. Velly late, missy Daisy. Time you come along.

Harry. Oh, nonsense.

Daisy. She wants me to go and be fitted. She never lets me go out in Peking alone.

Harry. She's quite right.

Daisy. Amah, come and be introduced to the gentleman. He's going to be your master now.

Amah. [Smiling, with little nods.] Velly nice gentleman. You keep missy Daisy old amah—yes? Velly good amah—yes?

Daisy. She's been with me ever since I was a child.

Harry. Of course we'll keep her. She was with you when you were in Singapore?

Daisy. [With a little sigh.] Yes, I don't know what I should have done without her sometimes.

Harry. Oh, Daisy, I do want to make you forget all the unhappiness you have suffered.

[He takes her in his arms and kisses her on the lips. The Amah chuckles to herself silently.

END OF SCENE II.

SCENE III

Scene: The Temple of Fidelity and Virtuous Inclination. The courtyard of the temple is shown. At the back is the sanctuary in which is seen the altar table; on this are two large vases in each of which are seven lotus flowers, gilt but discoloured by incense, and in the middle there is a sand-box in which are burning joss-sticks; behind is the image of Buddha. The sanctuary can be closed by huge doors. These are now open. A flight of steps leads up to it.

A service is finishing. The monks are seen on each side of the altar kneeling in two rows. They are clad in grey gowns and their heads are shaven. They sing the invocation to Buddha, repeating the same words over and over again in a monotonous chaunt. Daisy stands outside the sanctuary door, on the steps, listlessly. The Amah is squatting by her side. Now the service ends; the monks form a procession and two by two, still singing, come down the steps and go out. A tiny acolyte blows out the oil lamps and with an effort shuts the temple doors.

Daisy comes down the steps and sits on one of the lower ones. She is dreadfully bored.

Amah. What is the matter with my pletty one?

Daisy. What should be the matter?

Amah. [With a snigger.] Hi, hi. Old amah got velly good eyes in her head.

Daisy. [As though talking to herself.] I've got a husband who adores me and a nice house to live in. I've got a position and as much money as I want. I'm safe. I'm respectable. I ought to be happy.

Amah. I say, Harry no good, what for you wanchee marry? You say, I wanchee marry, I wanchee marry? Well, you married. What you want now?

Daisy. They say life is short. Good God, how long the days are.

Amah. You want pony—Harry give you pony. You want jade ring—Harry give you jade ring. You want sable coat—Harry give you sable coat. Why you not happy?

Daisy. I never said I wasn't happy.

Amah. Hi, hi.

Daisy. If you laugh like that I'll kill you.

Amah. You no kill old amah. You want old amah. I got something velly pletty for my little Daisy flower.

Daisy. Don't be an old fool. I'm not a child any more. [Desperately.] I'm growing older, older, older. And every day is just like every other day. I might as well be dead.

Amah. Look this pletty present old amah have got.

[She takes a jade necklace out of her sleeve and puts it, smiling, into Daisy's hand.

Daisy. [With sudden vivacity,] Oh, what a lovely chain. It's beautiful jade. How much do they want for it?

Amah. It's a present for my little Daisy.

Daisy. For me? It must have cost five hundred dollars. Who is it from?

Amah. To-day is my little Daisy's wedding-day. She have married one year. Perhaps old amah want to give her little flower present.

Daisy. YOU! Have you ever given me anything but a beating?

Amah. Lee Tai Cheng pay me necklace and say you give to Daisy.

Daisy. You old hag. [She flings the necklace away violently.]

Amah. You silly. Worth plenty money. You no wanchee, I sell rich Amelican.

[She is just going after the necklace, when Daisy catches her violently by the arm.

Daisy. How dare you? How dare you? I told you that you were never to let Lee Tai speak to you again.

Amah. You very angry, Daisy. You very angry before, but you go back to Lee Tai; he think perhaps you go back again.

Daisy. Tell him that I loathe the sight of him. Tell him that if I were starving I wouldn't take a penny from him. Tell him that if he dares to come round here I'll have him beaten till he screams.

Amah. Hi, hi.

Daisy. And you leave me alone, will you. Harry hates you. I've only got to say a word and he'll kick you out in five minutes.

Amah. What would my little Daisy do without old amah, hi, hi? What for you no talkee true? You think old amah no got eyes? [With a cunning, arch look.] I got something make you very glad. [She takes a note out of her sleeve.]

Daisy. What's that?

Amah. I got letter.

Daisy. [Snatching it from her.] Give it me. How dare you hide it?

Amah. Have come when you long Harry. I think perhaps you no wanchee read when Harry there. [Daisy tears it open.] What he say?

Daisy. [Reading.] "I'm awfully sorry I can't dine with you on Thursday, but I'm engaged. I've just remembered it's your wedding-day and I'll look in for a minute. Ask Harry if he'd like to ride with me."

Amah. Is that all?

Daisy. "Yours ever. George Conway."

Amah. You love him very much, George Conway?

Daisy. [Taking no notice of her, passionately.] At last. I haven't seen him for ten days. Ten mortal days. Oh, I want him. I want him.

Amah. Why you no talkee old amah?

Daisy. [Desperately.] I can't help myself. Oh, I love him so. What shall I do? I can't live without him. If you don't want me to die make him love me.

Amah. You see, you want old amah.

Daisy. Oh, I'm so unhappy. I think I shall go mad.

Amah. Sh, sh. Perhaps he love you too.

Daisy. Never. He hates me. Why does he avoid me? He never comes here. At first he was always looking in. He used to come out and dine two or three days a week. What have I done to him? He only comes now because he does not want to offend Harry. Harry, Harry, what do I care for Harry?

Amah. Sh. Don't let him see. Give amah the letter.

[She snatches it from Daisy and hides it in her dress as Harry comes in. Daisy pulls herself together.

Harry. I say, Daisy, I've just had the ponies saddled. Put on your habit and let's go for a ride.

Daisy. I've got a headache.

Harry. Oh, my poor child. Why don't you lie down?

Daisy. I thought I was better in the air. But there's no reason why you shouldn't ride.

Harry. Oh, no, I won't ride without you.

Daisy. Why on earth not? It'll do you good. You know when my head's bad I only want to be left alone. Your pony wants exercising.

Harry. The boy can do that.

Daisy. [Trying to conceal her growing exasperation.] Please do as I ask. I'd rather you went.

Harry. [Laughing.] Of course if you're so anxious to get rid of me....

Daisy. [Smiling.] I can't bear that you should be done out of your ride. If you won't go alone you'll just force me to come with you.

Harry. I'll go. Give me a kiss before I do. [She puts up her lips to his.] I'm almost ashamed of myself, I'm just as madly in love with you as the day we were married.

Daisy. You are a dear. Have a nice ride, and when you come back I shall be all right.

Harry. That's ripping. I shan't be very long.

[He goes out. The lightness, the smile, with which she has spoken to Harry disappear as he goes, and she looks worried and anxious.

Daisy. Supposing they meet?

Amah. No can. Harry go out back way.

Daisy. Yes, I suppose he will. I wish he'd be quick. [Violently.] I must see George.

Amah. [Picking up the necklace.] Velly pletty necklace. You silly girl. Why you no take?

Daisy. Oh, damn, why can't you leave me alone? [Listening.] What on earth is Harry doing? I thought the pony was saddled.

Amah. [Looking at the necklace.] What shall I do with this?

Daisy. Throw it in the dust-bin.

Amah. Lee Tai no likee that very much.

Daisy. [Hearing the sound of the pony, with a sigh of relief.] He's gone. Now I'm safe. Where's my bag? [She takes a little mirror out of it and looks at herself.] I look perfectly hideous.

Amah. Don't be silly. You velly pletty girl.

Daisy. [Her ears all alert.] There's someone riding along.

Amah. That not pony. That Peking cart.

Daisy. You old fool, I tell you it's a pony. At last. Oh, my heart's beating so.... It's stopping at the gate. It's George. Oh, I love him. I love him. [To the Amah, stamping her foot.] What are you waiting for? I don't want you here now, and don't listen, d'you hear. Get out, get out.

Amah. All-light. My go away.

[The Amah slinks away. Daisy stands waiting for George, holding her hands to her heart as though to stop the anguish of its beating. She makes a great effort at self-control as George enters. He is in riding kit. He has a bunch of orchids in his hand.

George. Hulloa, what are you doing here?

Daisy. I was tired of sitting in the drawing-room.

George. I remembered it was your wedding-day. I've brought you a few flowers. [She takes them with both hands.]

Daisy. Thank you. That is kind of you.

George. [Gravely.] I hope you'll always be very happy. I hope you'll allow me to say how grateful I am that you've given Harry so much happiness.

Daisy. You're very solemn. One would almost think you'd prepared that pretty speech beforehand.

George. [Trying to take it lightly.] I'm sorry if it didn't sound natural. I can promise you it was sincere.

Daisy. Shall we sit down?

George. I think we ought to go for our ride while the light lasts. I'll come in and have a drink on the way back.

Daisy. Harry's out.

George. Is he? I sent you a note this morning. I said I couldn't dine on Thursday and I'd come and fetch Harry for a ride this afternoon.

Daisy. I didn't tell him.

George. No?

Daisy. I don't see you very often nowadays.

George. There's an awful lot of work to do just now. They lead me a dog's life at the legation.

Daisy. Even at night? At first you used to come and dine with us two or three nights a week.

George. I can't always be sponging on you. It's positively indecent.

Daisy. We don't know many people. It's not always very lively here. I should have thought if you didn't care to come for my sake you'd have come for Harry's.

George. I come whenever you ask me.

Daisy. You haven't been here for a month.

George. It just happens that the last two or three times you've asked me to dine I've been engaged.

Daisy. [Her voice breaking.] You promised that we'd be friends. What have I done to turn you against me?

George. [His armour pierced by the emotion in her voice.] Oh, Daisy, don't speak like that.

Daisy. I've tried to do everything I could to please you. If there's anything I do that you don't like, won't you tell me? I promise you I won't do it.

George. Oh, my dear child, you make me feel such an awful beast.

Daisy. Is it the past that you can't forget?

George. Good heavens, no, what do I care about the past?

Daisy. I have so few friends. I'm so awfully fond of you, George.

George. I don't think I've given you much cause to be that.

Daisy. There must be some reason why you won't ever come near me. Why won't you tell me?

George. Oh, it's absurd, you're making a mountain out of a molehill.

Daisy. You used to be so jolly, and we used to laugh together. I looked forward so much to your coming here. What has changed you?

George. Nothing has changed me.

Daisy. [With a passion of despair.] Oh, I might as well batter my head against a brick wall. How can you be so unkind to me?

George. For God's sake ... [He stops.] Heaven knows, I don't want to be unkind to you.

Daisy. Then why do you treat me as an outcast? Oh, it's cruel, cruel.

[George is excessively distressed. He walks up and down, frowning. He cannot bear to look at Daisy and he speaks with hesitation.

George. You'll think me an awful rotter, Daisy, but you can't think me more of a rotter than I think myself. I don't know how to say it. It seems such an awful thing to say. I'm so ashamed of myself. I don't suppose two men have ever been greater pals than Harry and I. He's married to you and he's awfully in love with you. And I think you're in love with him. I was only twenty-three when I—first knew you. It's an awful long time ago, isn't it? There are some wounds that never quite heal, you know. Oh, my God, don't you understand? [His embarrassment, the distraction of his tone, and the way the halting words fall unwillingly from his lips have betrayed the truth to Daisy. She does not speak, she does not stir, she looks at him with great shining eyes. She hardly dares to breathe.] If ever you wanted revenge on me you've got it now. You must see that it's better that I shouldn't come here too often. Forgive me—Goodby.

[He hurries away with averted face. Daisy stands motionless, erect; she is almost transfigured. She draws a long breath.

Daisy. Oh, God! He loves me.

[She takes the orchids he has brought her and crushes them to her heart. The Amah appears.

Amah. You wantchee buy Manchu dress, Daisy?

Daisy. Go away.

Amah. Velly cheap. You look see. No likee, no buy.

Daisy. [Impatiently.] I'm sick of curio-dealers.

Amah. Velly pletty Manchu dresses.

[She draws aside a little and allows a man with a large bundle wrapped up in a blue cotton cloth to come in. He is a Chinese. He is dressed in a long black robe and a round black cap. It is Lee Tai Cheng. He is big and rather stout. From his smooth and yellow face his black eyes gleam craftily. He lays his bundle on the ground and unties it, showing a pile of gorgeous Manchu dresses. Daisy has taken no notice of him. Suddenly she sees that a man, with his back turned to her, is there.

Daisy. [To the Amah.] I told you I wouldn't see the man. Send him away at once.

Lee Tai. [Turning round, with a sly smile.] You look see. No likee, no buy.

Daisy. [With a start of surprise and dismay.] Lee!

Lee Tai. [Coming forward coolly.] Good afternoon, Daisy.

Daisy. [Recovering herself.] It's lucky for you I'm in a good temper or I'd have you thrown out by the boys. What have you brought this junk for?

Lee Tai. A curio-dealer can come and go and no one wonders.

Amah. Lee Tai velly clever man.

Daisy. Give me that chain. [The Amah takes it out of her sleeve and gives it to her. Daisy flings it contemptuously at Lee Tai's feet.] Take it. Pack up your things and go. If you ever dare to show your face here again, I'll tell my husband.

Lee Tai. [With a chuckle.] What will you tell him? Don't you be a silly girl, Daisy.

Daisy. What do you want?

Lee Tai. [Coolly.] You.

Daisy. Don't you know that I loathe you? You disgust me.

Lee Tai. What do I care? Perhaps if you loved me I shouldn't want you. Your hatred is like a sharp and bitter sauce that tickles my appetite.

Daisy. You beast.

Lee Tai. I like the horror that makes your body tremble when I hold you in my arms. And sometimes the horror turns on a sudden into a wild tempest of passion.

Daisy. You liar.

Lee Tai. Leave this stupid white man. What is he to you?

Daisy. He is my husband.

Lee Tai. It is a year to-day since you were married. What has marriage done for you? You thought when you married a white man you'd become a white woman. Do you think they can look at you and forget? How many white women do you know? How many friends have you got? You're a prisoner. I'll take you to Singapore or Calcutta. Don't you want to amuse yourself? Do you want to go to Europe? I'll take you to Paris. I'll give you more money to spend in a week than your husband earns in a year.

Daisy. I'm very comfortable in Peking, thank you.

Lee Tai. [Snapping his fingers.] You don't care that for your husband. He loves you. You despise him. Don't you wish with all your heart that you hadn't married him?

Amah. He very silly white man. He no likee Daisy's old amah. Perhaps one day he b'long sick. Daisy cry velly much if he die?

Daisy. [Impatiently.] Don't be such a fool.

Amah. Perhaps one day he drink whisky soda. Oh, velly ill, velly ill. What's the matter with me? No sabe. No can stand. Doctor no sabe. Then die. Hi, hi.

Daisy. You silly old woman. Harry's not a Chinaman and he wouldn't call in a Chinese doctor.

Lee Tai. [With a smile.] China is a very old and a highly civilized country, Daisy. When anyone is in your way, it's not very difficult to get rid of him.

Daisy. [Scornfully.] And do you think I'd let poor Harry be murdered so that I might be free to listen to your generous proposals? You must think I'm a fool if you expect me to risk my neck for that.

Lee Tai. You don't take any risk, Daisy. You know nothing.

Amah. Lee Tai velly clever man, Daisy.

Daisy. I thought so once. Lee Tai, you're a damned fool. Get out.

Lee Tai. Freedom is a very good thing, Daisy.

Daisy. What should I do with it?

Lee Tai. Wouldn't you like to be free now? [She looks at him sharply. She wonders if it can possibly be that he suspects her passion for George Conway. He meets her glance steadily.] One day Sen Shi Ming was sitting with his wife looking at a Tang bronze that he had just bought when he heard someone in the street crying for help. Sen Shi was a very brave man and he snatched up a revolver and ran out. Sen Shi forgot that he had cheated his brother out of a house in Hatamen Street or he would have been more prudent. Sen Shi was found by the watchman an hour later with a dagger in his heart. Who killed cock-robin?

Amah. Hi, hi. Sen Shi velly silly man.

Lee Tai. His brother knew that. They had grown up together. If I heard cries for help outside my house late in the night, I should ask myself who had a grudge against me, and I should make sure the door was bolted. But white men are very brave. White men don't know the Chinese customs. Would you be very sorry if an accident happened to your excellent husband?

Daisy. I wonder what you take me for?

Lee Tai. Why do you pretend to me, Daisy? Do you think I don't know you?

Daisy. The door is a little on the left of you, Lee Tai. Would you give yourself the trouble of walking through it?

Lee Tai. [With a smile.] I go, but I come back. Perhaps you'll change your mind.

[He ties up his bundle and is about to go. Harry enters.

Daisy. Oh, Harry, you're back very soon!

Harry. Yes, the pony went lame. Fortunately I hadn't gone far before I noticed it. Who's this?

Daisy. It's a curio-dealer. He has nothing I want. I was just sending him away.

[Lee Tai takes up his bundle and goes out.

Harry. [Noticing the orchids.] Someone been sending you flowers?

Daisy. George.

Harry. Rather nice of him. [To the Amah.] Run along, amah, I want to talk to missy.

Amah. All light.

Harry. And don't let me catch you listening round the corner.

Amah. My no listen. What for I listen?

Harry. Run along—chop-chop.

Amah. Can do. [She goes out.]

Harry. [With a laugh.] I couldn't give you a greater proof of my affection than consenting to have that old woman around all the time.

Daisy. I don't know why you dislike her. She's devoted to me.

Harry. That's the only reason I put up with her. She gives me the creeps. I have the impression that she watches every movement I make.

Daisy. Oh, what nonsense!

Harry. And I've caught her eavesdropping.

Daisy. Was it amah that you wanted to talk to me about?

Harry. No, I've got something to tell you. How would you like to leave Peking?

Daisy. [With a start, suddenly off her guard.] Not at all.

Harry. I'm afraid it's awfully dull for you here, darling.

Daisy. I don't find it so.

Harry. You're so dear and sweet. Are you sure you don't say that on my account?

Daisy. I'm very fond of Peking.

Harry. We've been married a year now. I don't want to hurt your feelings, darling, but it's no good beating about the bush, and I think it's better to be frank.

Daisy. Surely you can say anything you like to me without hesitation.

Harry. Things have been a little awkward in a way. The women I used to know before we married left cards on you—

Daisy. Having taken the precaution to discover that I should be out.

Harry. And you returned those cards and that was the end of it. I asked George what he thought about my taking you to the club to play tennis and he said he thought we'd better not risk it. The result is that you don't know a soul.

Daisy. Have I complained?

Harry. You've been most awfully decent about it, but I hate to think of your spending day after day entirely by yourself. It can't be good for you to be so much alone.

Daisy. I might have known Mrs. Chuan. She's a white woman.

Harry. Oh, my dear, she was—heaven knows what she was! She's married to a Chinaman. It's horrible. She's outside the pale.

Daisy. And there's Bertha Raymond. She's very nice, even though she is a Eurasian.

Harry. I'm sure she's very nice, but we couldn't very well have the Raymonds here and refuse to go to them. Her brother is one of the clerks in my office. I don't want to seem an awful snob....

Daisy. You needn't hesitate to say anything about the Eurasians. You can't hate and despise them more than I do.

Harry. I don't hate and despise them. I think that's odious. But sometimes they're not very tactful. I don't know that I much want one of my clerks to come and slap me on the back in the office and call me old chap.

Daisy. Of course not.

Harry. The fact is we've been trying to do an impossible thing. It's no good kicking against the pricks. What with the legations and one thing and another Peking's hopeless. We'd far better clear out.

Daisy. But if I don't mind why should you?

Harry. Well, it's not very nice for me either. It's for my sake just as much as for yours that I'd be glad to go elsewhere. Of course everybody at the club knows I'm married. Some of them ignore it altogether. I don't mind that so much. Some of them ask after you with an exaggerated cordiality which is rather offensive. And every now and then some fool begins to slang the Eurasians and everybody kicks him under the table. Then he remembers about me and goes scarlet. By God, it's hell.

Daisy. [Sulkily.] I don't want to leave Peking. I'm very happy here.

Harry. Well, darling, I've applied for a transfer.

Daisy. [With sudden indignation.] Without saying a word to me?

Harry. I thought you'd be glad. I didn't want to say anything till it was settled.

Daisy. Do you think I am a child to have everything arranged for me without a word? [Trying to control herself.] After all, you'd never see George. Surely you don't want to lose sight of your only real friend.

Harry. I've talked it over with George and he thinks it's the best thing to do.

Daisy. Did he advise you to go?

Harry. Strongly.

Daisy. [Violently.] I won't do it. I won't leave Peking.

Harry. Why should his advice make the difference?

Daisy. Why? [She is confused for a moment, but quickly recovers herself.] I won't let George Conway—or anybody else—decide where I'm to go.

Harry. Don't be unreasonable, darling.

Daisy. I won't go. I tell you I won't go.

Harry. Well, I'm afraid you must now. It's all settled. The transfer is decided.

Daisy. [Bursting into tears.] Oh, Harry, don't take me away from here. I can't bear it. I want to stay here.

Harry. Oh, darling, how can you be so silly! You'll have a much better time at one of the outports. You see, there are so few white people there that they can't afford to put on frills. They'll be jolly glad to know us both. We shall lead a normal life and be like everybody else.

Daisy. [Sulkily.] Where do you want to go?

Harry. I've been put in charge of our place at Chung-king.

Daisy. [Starting up with a cry.] Chung-king! Of course you'd choose Chung-king.

Harry. Why, what's wrong with it? Do you know it?

Daisy. No—oh, what am I talking about? I'm all confused. Yes, I was there once when I was a girl. It's a hateful place.

Harry. Oh, nonsense! The consul's got a charming wife, and there are quite a nice lot of people there.

Daisy. [Distracted.] Oh, what shall I do? I'm so unhappy. If you cared for me at all you wouldn't treat me so cruelly. You're ashamed of me. You want to hide me. Why should I bury myself in a hole two thousand miles up the river? I won't go! I won't go! I won't go! [She bursts into a storm of hysterical weeping.]

Harry. [Trying to take her in his arms.] Oh, Daisy, for God's sake don't cry. You know I'm not ashamed of you. I love you more than ever. I love you with all my heart.

Daisy. [Drawing away from him.] Don't touch me. Leave me alone. I hate you.

Harry. Don't say that, Daisy. It hurts me frightfully.

Daisy. Oh, go away, go away!

Harry. [Seeking to reason with her.] I can't leave you like this.

Daisy. Go, go, go, go, go! I don't want to see you! Oh, God, what shall I do?

[She flings herself doom on the steps, weeping hysterically. Harry, much distressed, looks at her in perplexity. The Amah comes in.

Amah. You make missy cly. You velly bad man.

Harry. What the devil do you want?

Amah. [Going up to Daisy and stroking her head.] What thing he talkee my poor little flower? Maskee. He belong velly bad man.

Harry. Shut up, you old ... I won't have you talk like that. I've put up with a good deal from you, but if you try to make mischief between Daisy and me, by God, I'll throw you out into the street with my own hands.

Amah. What thing you do my Daisy? Don't cly, Daisy.

Harry. Darling, don't be unreasonable.

Daisy. Go away, don't come near me. I hate you.

Harry. How can you say anything so unkind?

Daisy. Send him away. [She begins to sob again more violently.]

Amah. You go away. You no can see she no wanchee you. You come back bimeby. My sabe talk to little flower.

[Harry hesitates for a moment. He is harassed by the scene. Then he makes up his mind the best thing is to leave Daisy with the Amah. He goes out. Daisy raises her head cautiously.

Daisy. Has he gone?

Amah. Yes. He go drink whisky soda.

Daisy. Do you know what he wants?

Amah. What for he tell me no listen? So fashion I sabe he say something I wanchee hear. He wanchee you leave Peking.

Daisy. I won't go.

Amah. Harry velly silly man. He alla same pig. You pull thisa way, he pull thata way. If Harry say you go from Peking—you go.

Daisy. Never, never, never!

Amah. You go away from Peking you never see George anymore.

Daisy. I should die. Oh, I want him! I want him to love me. I want him to hurt me. I want.... [In her passion she has dug her hands hard into the Amah.]

Amah. [Pushing away Daisy's hands.] Oh!

Daisy. He loves me. That's the only thing that matters. All the rest....

Amah. Harry wanchee you go Chung-king. Missionary ladies like see you again, Daisy. Perhaps they ask you how you like living along Lee Tai Cheng. Perhaps somebody tell Harry.

Daisy. The fool. Of all the places in China he must hit upon Chung-king.

Amah. You know Harry. If he say go Chung-king, he go. You cly, he velly solly, he all same go.

Daisy. Oh, I know his obstinacy. When he's once made up his mind—[Contemptuously.]—he prides himself on his firmness. Oh, what shall I do?

Amah. I think more better something happen to Harry.

Daisy. No, no, no!

Amah. What you flightened for? You no do anything. I tell Lee Tai more better something happen to Harry. I say you not velly sorry if Harry die.

Daisy. [Putting her hands over her ears.] Be quiet! I won't listen to you.

Amah. [Roughly tearing her hands away.] Don't you be such a big fool, Daisy. You go to Chung-king and Harry know everything. Maybe he kill you.

Daisy. What do I care?

Amah. You go to Chung-king, you never see George no more. George, he love my little Daisy. When Harry gone—George, he come say....

Daisy. Oh, don't tempt me, it's horrible!

Amah. He put his arms round you and you feel such a little small thing, you hear his heart beat quick, quick against your heart. And he throw back your head and he kiss you. And you think you die, little flower.

Daisy. Oh, I love him, I love him!

Amah. Hi, hi.

Daisy. [Thinking of the scene with George.] He would hardly look at me and his hands were trembling. He was as white as a sheet.

Amah. [Persuasively.] I tell you, Daisy. You no say yes, you no say no. I ask Buddha.

Daisy. [Frightened.] What for?

Amah. If Buddha say yes, I talk with Lee Tai; if Buddha say no, I do nothing. Then you go to Chung-king and you never see George any more.

[The Amah goes up the temple steps and flings open the great doors. Daisy watches her with an agony of horror, expectation, and dread. The Amah lights some joss-sticks on the altar, and strikes a deep-toned gong. Harry comes in, followed by Lee Tai with his bundle.

Harry. [Anxious to make his peace.] Daisy, I found this fellow hanging about in the courtyard. I thought I'd like to buy you a Manchu dress that he's got.

Daisy. [After a moment's reflection, with a change of tone.] That's very nice of you, Harry.

Harry. It's a real beauty. You'll look stunning in it.

Lee Tai. [Showing the dress, speaking in Pidgin English.] Firs class dless. He belong Manchu plincess. Manchus no got money. No got money, no can chow. Manchus sell velly cheap. You takee, Missy.

[Daisy and Lee Tai exchange glances. Daisy is grave and tragic, whereas Lee Tai has an ironical glint in his eyes. Meanwhile the Amah has been bowing before the altar. She goes down on her knees and knocks her head on the ground.

Harry. What in God's Name is amah doing?

Daisy. She's asking Buddha a question.

Harry. What question?

Daisy. [With a shadow of a smile.] How should I know?

Harry. What's the idea?

Daisy. Haven't you ever seen the Chinese do it? You see those pieces of wood she's holding in her hands. She's holding them out to the Buddha so that he may see them and she's telling him that he must answer the question. [Meanwhile the Amah, muttering in a low tone, is seen doing what Daisy describes.] The Buddha smells the incense of the burning joss-sticks, and he's pleased and he listens to what she says.

Harry. [Smiling.] Don't be so absurd, Daisy. One might almost think you believed all this nonsense. Why, you're quite pale.

Daisy. Then she gets up. The pieces of wood are flat on one side and round on the other. She'll lift them above her head and she'll drop them in front of the Buddha. If they fall with the round side uppermost it means yes. [Daisy has been growing more and more excited as the ceremony proceeds. Now the Amah steps back a little and she raises her arms. Daisy gives a shriek and starts to run forward.] No! no! Stop!

Harry. [Instinctively seizing her arms.] Daisy!

[At the same moment the Amah has let the pieces of wood fall. She looks at them for an instant and then turns round.

Amah. Buddha talkee, can do.

Daisy. [To Harry.] Why did you stop me?

Harry. Daisy, how can you be so superstitious? What is the result?

Daisy. Amah asked Buddha a question and the answer is yes. [She puts her hand to her heart for an instant, then looking at Harry she smiles.] I'm sorry I was silly and unreasonable just now, Harry.

END OF SCENE III

SCENE IV

The sitting-room in the Andersons' apartments. At the back are two double doors. The lower part of them is solid, but above they are cut in an intricate trellis. The ceiling is raftered, painted red and decorated with dim, gold dragons; the walls are whitewashed. On them hang Chinese pictures on rolls. Between the doors is a little image of the domestic god, and under it a tiny oil lamp is burning. The furniture is partly Chinese and partly European. There is an English writing-table, but the occasional tables, richly carved, are Chinese. There is a Chinese pallet-bed, covered with bamboo matting, and there is an English Chesterfield. There are a couple of Philippine rattan chairs and one or two of Cantonese blackwood. On the floor is a Chinese carpet. A Ming tile here and there gives a vivid note of colour. It is a summer night and the doors are wide open. Through them you see one of the courtyards of the temple.

The Amah is seated in one of the blackwood chairs by the side of a table. She has her water-pipe. She puts a pinch of tobacco in and then going to the lamp under the image lights a taper. She seats herself again and lights her pipe. She smokes quietly.

Daisy comes in. She wears an evening dress somewhat too splendid for dinner with only her husband and a friend.

Amah. B. A. T. fellow, when he go?

Daisy. You know his name. Why don't you call him by it? I think he's going almost at once.

Amah. What for he go so soon?

Daisy. That's his business, isn't it? As a matter of fact his sister is arriving from England, and he has to go to meet her.

Amah. More better he go soon.

Daisy. Why do you smoke your pipe here? You know Harry doesn't like it.

Amah. Harry one big fool, I think. When you go to Chung-king?

Daisy. Harry hasn't said a word about it since.

Amah. You got key that desk?

Daisy. No. Harry keeps all his private papers there.

[The Amah goes up to the desk and tries one of the drawers. It is locked and she cannot open it.

Amah. What Harry do now?

Daisy. He and Mr. Knox are drinking their port.

[The Amah takes out a skeleton key out of her pocket and inserts it in the lock. She turns the key.

Amah. Velly bad lock. I think him made in Germany. Hi, hi. [She opens the drawer and takes out a revolver. She hands it to Daisy.] Lee Tai say, you take out cartridges.

Daisy. What do you mean? [She suddenly guesses the truth and gives a cry.] Oh!

Amah. [Hurriedly putting her hand over Daisy's mouth.] Sh, you no make noise. [Holding out the revolver.] Lee Tai say, more better you do it.

Daisy. Take it away. No, no, I won't, I won't.

Amah. Sh, sh. I do it. I sabe.

[She takes the cartridges out of the revolver and hides them about her. Daisy looks at her with horror.

Daisy. It's not for to-night?

Amah. I no sabe.

Daisy. I won't have it. Do you hear? Oh, I shall go mad!

Amah. Then Harry shut you up. Hi, hi. All same Chung-king.

[She puts the revolver back into the drawer and shuts it just as Harry and Harold Knox come in. They wear dinner jackets.

Knox. Hulloa, there's the little ray of sunshine. I missed your bonny face before dinner.

Amah. You velly funny man.

Knox. No wonder I dote upon you, dearie. You're the only attractive woman I've ever been able to persuade that I was a humourist.

Harry. [Catching sight of the Amah's water-pipe.] I told you I wouldn't have your disgusting pipe in here, amah.

Amah. Belong velly nice pipe.

Harry. I swore I'd throw the damned thing out myself if I found it lying about.

Amah. [Snatching it away.] You no touch my pipe. You velly bad man. Velly bad temper. You no Christian.

Harry. A fat lot you know about Christianity.

Amah. I know plentything about Christianity. My father velly poor man. He say, you go and be Christian. I go Catholic mission and they baptize me. English Church missionary, he come along and say, Catholic mission no good, you go to hell, I baptize you. All right I say, you baptize me. By and by Baptist missionary come along and say, English Church mission no good, you go to hell, I baptize you. All right, I say, you baptize me. By and by Presbyterian missionary come along and say, Baptist mission no good, you go to hell, I baptize you. All right, I say, you baptize me. [To Knox.] You know Seventh Day Adventists?

Knox. I've heard of them.

Amah. By and by Seventh Day Adventist he come along and say, Presbyterian mission no good.

Knox. You go to hell.

Amah. How fashion you sabe what he said?

Knox. I guessed it.

Amah. You go to hell, he say. I baptize you. I been baptized one, two, three, four, five times. I velly Christian woman.

Harry. [Smiling.] I apologize.

Amah. They all say to poor Chinese, love one another. I no think missionaries love one another velly much. Hi, hi.

Knox. [Taking out his watch.] D'you mind if I look at the time? I don't want to get to the station late.

Harry. Of course not. I say, won't you have a cigar? [He goes to his desk.] I have to keep them locked up. I think the boys find them very much to their taste. [He puts the key into the lock.] Hulloa, the drawer's open. I could have sworn I locked it. [He takes out a box of cigars and hands it to Knox.]

Knox. [Helping himself.] Thanks very much.

Daisy. You know, you mustn't let me keep you if you want to be off.

Knox. I've got two or three minutes.

Harry. Oh, Daisy, before Harold goes I wish you'd show him that Manchu dress I bought you.

Daisy. I'll go and fetch it. [To the Amah.] Is it hanging up in the cupboard?

Amah. No, I have puttee in paper. I velly careful woman.

[They both go out.

Knox. I say, old man, I hope you don't think I'm an awful swine to rush off like this the moment I've swallowed my dinner.

Harry. Rather not. As a matter of fact it's not exactly inconvenient, because I'm expecting George. I want him to have a heart to heart talk with Daisy.

Knox. Oh.

Harry. She's grousing rather about going to Chung-king and I want him to tell her it's a very decent place. He was vice-consul up there once. He's dining at the Carmichael's, but he said he'd come along here as soon as he could get away.

Knox. Then it's all for the best in the best of all possible worlds.

[Daisy comes in with the dress.

Daisy. Here it is.

Knox. By George, isn't it stunning? I must try to get one for my sister. She'd simply go off her head if she saw that.

Daisy. Harry spoils me, doesn't he?

Knox. Harry's a very lucky young fellow to have you to spoil.

Daisy. [Smiling.] Go away or you'll never arrive in time.

Knox. I'm off. Goodby and thanks very much. Dinner was top-hole.

Daisy. Goodby.

[He goes out. Harry accompanies him into the courtyard and for a moment is lost to view. The gaiety on Daisy's face vanishes and a look of anxiety takes its place.

Daisy. [Calling hurriedly.] Amah, amah.

Amah. [Coming in.] What thing?

Daisy. What have you done? Have you...? [She stops, unable to complete the agonised question.]

Amah. What you talk about? I done nothing. I only have joke with you. Hi, hi.

Daisy. Will you swear that's true?

Amah. Never tell a lie. Velly good Christian.

[Daisy looks at her searchingly. She does not know whether to believe or not. Harry returns.

Harry. I say, Daisy, I wish you'd put on the dress. I'd love to see how you look in it.

Daisy. [With a smile.] Shall I?

Harry. Amah will help you. It'll suit you right down to the ground.

Daisy. Wait a minute. Bring the dress along, amah.

Amah. All right.

[Daisy goes out, followed by the Amah with the Manchu dress. Harry goes to his desk and opens the drawer. He examines the lock and looks at the keyhole.

Harry. [To himself.] I wonder if that old devil's got a key.

[He shuts the drawer, but does not lock it. He strolls back to the middle of the room.

Daisy. [In the adjoining room.] Are you getting impatient?

Harry. Not a bit.

Daisy. I'm just ready.

Harry. I'm holding my breath. [Daisy comes in. She is in full Manchu dress. She is strangely changed. There is nothing European about her any more. She is mysterious and enigmatical.] Daisy! [She gives him a little smile but does not answer. She stands quite still for him to look at her.] By George, how Chinese you look!

Daisy. Don't you like it?

Harry. I don't know. You've just knocked me off my feet. Like it? You're wonderful. In my wildest dreams I never saw you like that. You've brought all the East into the room with you. My head reels as though I were drunk.

Daisy. It's strange that I feel as if these things were made for me. They make me feel so different.

Harry. I thought that no one in the world was more normal than I. I'm ashamed of myself. You're almost a stranger to me and by God, I feel as though the marrow of my bones were melting. I hear the East a-calling. I have such a pain in my heart. Oh, my pretty, my precious, I love you.

[He falls down on his knees before her and clasps both his arms round her.

Daisy. [In a low voice, hardly her own.] Why, Harry, what are you talking about?

[She caresses his hair with her long, delicate Chinese hand.

Harry. I'm such a fool. My heart is full of wonderful thoughts and I can only say that—that I worship the very ground you walk on.

Daisy. Don't kneel, Harry; that isn't the way a woman wants to be loved.

[She raises him to his feet and as he rises he takes her in his arms.

Harry. [Passionately.] I'd do anything in the world for you.

Daisy. You could make me so happy if you chose.

Harry. I do choose.

Daisy. Won't you give up this idea of leaving Peking?

Harry. But, my darling, it's for your happiness I'm doing it.

Daisy. Don't you think that everyone is the best judge of his own happiness?

Harry. Not always.

Daisy. [Disengaging herself from his arms.] Ah, that's the English way. You want to make people happy in your way and not in theirs. You'll never be satisfied till the Chinese wear Norfolk jackets and eat roast beef and plum pudding.

Harry. Oh, my dear, don't let's argue now.

Daisy. You say you'll give me everything in the world and you won't give me the one thing I want. What's the good of offering me the moon if I have a nail in my shoe and you won't take it out?

Harry. Well, you can smile, so it's not very serious, is it?

Daisy. [Putting her arms round his neck.] Oh, Harry, I'll love you so much if you'll only do what I ask. You don't know me yet. Oh, Harry!

Harry. My darling, I love you with all my heart and soul, but when I've once made up my mind nothing on earth is going to make me change it. We can only be happy and natural if we go. You must submit to my judgment.

Daisy. How can you be so obstinate?

Harry. My dear, look at yourself in the glass now.

[She looks down on her Manchu dress. She understands what he means. She is a Chinese woman.

Daisy. [With a change of tone.] Amah, bring me a tea-gown.

[She begins to undo the long Manchu coat. The Amah comes in with a tea-gown.

Harry. [Dryly.] It's very convenient that you should always be within earshot when you're wanted, amah.

Amah. I velly good amah. Velly Christian woman.

[Daisy slips off the Manchu clothes and is helped by the Amah into the tea-gown. She wraps it round her. She is once more a white woman.

Daisy. [Pointing to the Manchu dress.] Take those things away. [To Harry.] Would you like to have a game of chess?

Harry. Very much. I'll get the men.

[Daisy goes to the gramophone and turns on a Chinese tune. It is strange and exotic. Its monotony exacerbates the nerves. Harry gets the chessboard and sets up the pieces. They sit down opposite one another. The Amah has disappeared with the discarded dress.

Harry. Will you take white?

Daisy. If you like. [She moves a piece.]

Harry. I hate your queen opening. It always flummoxes me. I don't know where you learned to play so well. I never have a chance against you.

Daisy. I was taught by a Chinaman. It's a game they take to naturally.

[They make two or three moves without a word. Suddenly, breaking across the silence, stridently, there is a shriek outside in the street. Daisy gives a little gasp.

Harry. Hulloa, what's that?

Daisy. Oh, it's nothing. It's only some Chinese quarrelling.

[Two or three shouts are heard and then an agonised cry of "Help, help." Harry springs to his feet.

Harry. By God, that's English.

[He is just going to rush out when Daisy seizes his arm.]

Daisy. What are you going to do? No, no, don't leave me, Harry.

[She clings to him. He pushes her away violently.

Harry. Shut up. Don't be a fool.

[He runs to the drawer of his desk. The cry is repeated: "For God's sake, help, help, oh!"

Harry. My God, they're killing someone. It can't be ... [He remembers that George is coming that evening.]

Daisy. [Throwing herself on him.] No, Harry, don't go, don't go, I won't let you.

Harry. Get out of my way.

[He pushes her violently aside and runs out. Daisy sinks to the floor and buries her face in her hands.

Daisy. Oh, my God!

[The Amah has been waiting just outside one of the doors, in the courtyard, and now she slips in.

Amah. Harry velly blave man. He hear white man being murdered. He run and help. Hi, hi.

Daisy. Oh, I can't. Harry, Harry.

[She springs to her feet and runs towards the courtyard, with some instinctive idea of going to her husband's help. The Amah stops her.

Amah. What side you go?

Daisy. I can't stand here and let Harry be murdered.

Amah. You stop here.

Daisy. Let me go. For God's sake let me go. Wu, Wu.

[The Amah puts her hand over Daisy's mouth.

Amah. You be quiet. You wanchee go prison?

Daisy. [Snatching away her hand.] I'll give you anything in the world if you'll only let me go.

Amah. You silly little fool, Daisy.

[Daisy struggles to release herself, but she is helpless in the Amah's grasp.

Daisy. [In an agony.] It'll be too late.

Amah. Too late now. You no can help him.

[She releases Daisy. Daisy staggers forward and covers her face with her hands.

Daisy. Oh, what have I done?

Amah. [With a snigger.] You no done nothing, you know nothing.

Daisy. [Violently.] Curse you! It's you, you, you!

Amah. I velly wicked woman. Curse me. Do me no harm.

Daisy. I told you I wouldn't have anything done to Harry.

Amah. You say no with your lips but in your belly you say yes.

Daisy. No, no, no!

Amah. You just big damned fool, Daisy. You no love Harry. Him not velly rich. Not velly big man. No good. You velly glad you finish with him.

Daisy. But not that way. He never did me any harm. He was always good to me and kind to me.

Amah. That velly good way. Velly safe way.

Daisy. You devil! I hate the sight of you.

Amah. What for you hate me? I do what you want. Your father velly clever man. He say: no break eggs, no can eat omelette.

Daisy. I wish I'd never been born.

Amah. [Impatiently.] What for you tell me lies? You want Harry dead. Well, I kill him for you. [With a sudden gust of anger.] You no curse me or I beat you. You velly bad girl.

Daisy. [Giving way.] Oh, I feel so awfully faint!

Amah. [Tenderly, as though Daisy were still a child.] You sit down. You take smelly salts. [She helps Daisy into a chair and holds smelling salts to her nostrils.] You feel better in a minute. Amah love her little Daisy flower. Harry him die and Daisy velly sorry. She cry and cry and cry. George velly sorry for Daisy. By and by Daisy no cry any more. She say, more better Harry dead. Good old amah, she do everything for little Daisy.

[Daisy has been looking at her with terrified eyes.

Daisy. What a brute I am! I'd give anything in the world to have Harry back, and yet in the bottom of my heart there's a feeling—if I were free there'd be nothing to stand between George and me.

Amah. I think George he marry you maybe.

Daisy. Oh, not now! It'll bring me bad joss.

Amah. You no wanchee fear, my little flower. You sit still or you feel bad again.

Daisy. [Jumping up.] How can I sit still? The suspense is awful. Oh, my God, what's happened?

Amah. [With a cunning smile.] I tell you what's happened. Harry run outside and he see two, three men makee fighting. They a little way off. One man cry, "Help, help!" Harry give shout and run. He fall down and him not get up again.

Daisy. He's as strong as a horse. With his bare hands he's a match for ten Chinamen.

Amah. Lee Tai velly clever man. He no take risks. I think all finish now.

Daisy. Then for God's sake let me go.

Amah. More better you stay here, Daisy. Perhaps you get into trouble if you go out. They ask you why you go out,—why you think something happen to your husband.

Daisy. I can't let him lie there.

Amah. He no lie velly long. By and by night watchman come here, and he say white man in the street—him dead. I think his throat cut.

Daisy. Oh, how horrible! Harry, Harry!

[She buries her face in her hands.

Amah. I light joss-stick. Make everything come all right.

[She goes over to the household image and lights a joss-stick in front of it. She bows before it and going on her knees knocks her head on the ground.

Daisy. How long is it going on? How long have I got to wait? Oh, what have I done? The silence is awful. [There is a silence. Suddenly Daisy breaks out into a shriek.] No, no, no! I won't have it. I can't bear it. Oh, God help me! [In the distance of the next courtyard is heard the chanting of the monks at the evening service. The Amah, having finished her devotions, stands at the doorway looking out steadily. Daisy stares straight in front of her. Suddenly there is a loud booming of a gong. Daisy starts up.] What's that?

Amah. Be quiet, Daisy. Be careful.

[The door of the courtyard is flung open. Harry comes in, through the courtyard, into the room, pushing before him a coolie whom he holds by the wrists and by the scruff of the neck.

Daisy. Harry!

Harry. I've got one of the blighters. [Shouting.] Here, bring me a rope.

Daisy. What's happened?

Harry. Wait a minute. Thank God, I got there when I did. [Wu brings a rope and Harry ties the man's wrists behind his back.] Keep quiet, you devil, or I'll break your ruddy neck. [He slips the rope through the great iron ring of one of the doors and ties it so that the man cannot get away.] He'll be all right there for the present. I'll just go and telephone to the police station. Wu, you stand outside there. You watch him. Sabe?

Wu. I sabe.

[As Harry goes out a crowd of people surge through the great open doorway of the courtyard. They are monks of the temple, attracted to the street by the quick rumour of accident, coolies, and the night watchman with his rattle. Some of them bear Chinese lanterns, some hurricane lamps. The crowd separates out as they approach the room and then it is seen that three men are bearing what seems to be the body of a man.

Daisy. What's that?

Amah. I think belong foreign man. [The men bring in the body and lay it on the sofa. The head and part of the chest are covered with a piece of blue cotton. Daisy and the Amah look at it with dismay. They dare not approach. The Abbot drives the crowd out of the room and shuts the doors, only leaving that side of one open at which the prisoner is attached. The Amah turns on the god in the niche.] You say can do. What for you make mistake?

[She seizes a fan which is on the table under her hand and with angry violence hits the image on the face two or three times. Daisy has been staring at the body. She goes up to it softly and lifts the cloth slightly, she gives a start, and with a quick gesture snatches it away. She sees George Conway.

Daisy. George. [She opens her mouth to shriek.]

Amah. Sh, take care. Harry hear.

Daisy. What have you done?

Amah. I do nothing. Buddha, he makee mistake.

Daisy. You fiend!

Amah. How do I know, Daisy? I no can tell George coming here to-night. [The words come gurgling out, for Daisy has sprung upon her and seized her by the throat.] Oh, let me go.

Daisy. You fiend.

[Harry comes in. He is astounded at what he sees.

Harry. Daisy, Daisy. What in God's name are you doing?

[Restrained by his voice, Daisy releases her hold of the Amah, but violently, pushing her so that she falls to the ground. She lies there, putting her hand to her throat. Daisy turns to HARRY.

Daisy. It's George.

Harry. [Going up to the sofa and putting his hand on George's heart.] Confound it, I know it's George.

Daisy. Is he dead?

Harry. No, he's only had a bang on the head. He's stunned. I've sent for the doctor. Luckily he was dining at the Carmichaels' and I sent George's rickshaw to bring him along as quick as he could come.

Daisy. Supposing he's gone?

Harry. He won't have gone. They were going to play poker. By God, what's this? [He takes away his hand and sees blood upon it.] He's been wounded. He's bleeding.

[Daisy goes up to the body and kneeling down, feels the pulse.

Daisy. Are you sure he's alive?

Harry. Yes, his heart's beating all right. I wish the doctor would make haste. I don't know what one ought to do.

Daisy. How do you know he's at the Carmichaels'?

Harry. George told me yesterday he was going to be there. George said he did not want to play poker and he'd come along here after dinner.

Daisy. [Springing to her feet.] Did you know George was coming?

Harry. Of course I did. When I heard someone shouting in English the first thing I thought of was George.

[Daisy bursts into a scream of hysterical laughter. The Amah suddenly looks up and becomes attentive.

Harry. Daisy, what's the matter?

Amah. [Sliding to her feet and going up to Daisy, trying to stop her.] Maskee. She only laughy laughy. You no trouble.

Harry. Get some water or something.

Amah. [Frightened.] Now, my pletty, my pletty.

Daisy. [Recovering herself, violently.] Let me be.

Harry. By George, I believe he's coming to. Bring the water here.

[Daisy takes the glass and leaning over the sofa, moistens George's lips. He slowly opens his eyes.

George. Funny stuff. What is it?

Harry. [With a chuckle that is half a sob.] Don't be a fool. Oh, George, you have given me a nasty turn.

George. There's something the matter with the water.

Daisy. [Looking at it quickly.] What?

George. Damn it all, there's no brandy in it.

Daisy. If you make a joke I shall cry.

[He tries to move, but suddenly gives a groan.

George. Oh Lord. I've got such a pain in my side.

Harry. Keep quiet. The doctor will be here in a minute.

George. What is it?

Harry. I don't know. There's a lot of blood.

George. I hope I haven't made a mess on your nice new sofa.

Harry. Damn the sofa. It's lucky I heard you shout.

George. I never shouted.

Harry. Oh, nonsense, I heard you. I thought it was you at once.

George. I heard a cry for help too. I was just coming along. I nipped out of my rickshaw and sprinted like hell. I saw some fellows struggling. I think someone hit me on the head. I don't remember much.

Harry. Who did cry for help?

George. [After a pause.] Nobody.

Harry. But I heard it. Daisy heard it too. It sounded like someone being murdered. [As George gives a little chuckle.] What's the joke?

George. Someone's got his knife into you, old man, and the silly ass stuck it into me instead.

[The Amah pricks up her ears.

Daisy. I'm sure you oughtn't to talk so much.

George. It's a very old Chinese trick. They just got the wrong man, that's all.

Harry. By George, that explains why I tripped.

George. Did you trip? A piece of string across the street.

Harry. I wasn't expecting it. I went down like a ninepin. I was up again in a flash and just threw myself at the blighters. You should have seen 'em scatter. Luckily I got one of them.

George. Good. Where is he?

Harry. He's here. I've tied him up pretty tight.

George. Well, we shall find out who's at the bottom of this. The methods of the Chinese police may be uncivilized, but they are ... Oh, Lord, I do feel rotten.

Harry. Oh, George.

[Daisy gives Harry the glass and he helps George to drink.

George. That's better.

Harry. We'd better get you to bed, old man.

George. All right.

Harry. Wu and I will carry you. Wu, come along here.

[The boy approaches. The Amah realizes that for a moment the prisoner is to be left unguarded. There is a table knife on one of the occasional tables with which Daisy has been cutting a book. The Amah's hand closes over it.

George. Oh, no, that's all right. I can walk.

[He gets up from the sofa. Harry gives him an arm. He staggers.

Harry. Wu, you fool. [Daisy springs forward.] No, let me take him, Daisy. You're not strong enough.

George. [Gasping.] Sorry to make such an ass of myself.

[Harry and Wu, holding him one on each side, help him out of the room.

Daisy. Shall I come?

Harry. Oh, I'll call you if you're wanted.

[Daisy sinks into a chair, shuddering, and covers her face with her hands. The Amah seizes her opportunity. She cuts the rope which binds the prisoner. As soon as he is free he steps out into the darkness. The Amah watches for a moment and then cries out.

Amah. Help, help!

[Daisy springs up and Harry hurries in.

Harry. What's the matter?

Amah. Coolie. Him run away.

Harry. [Looking at the place where he had been tied up.] By God!

Amah. Missy feel velly ill. No can stand blood. Feel faint. I run fetch smelly salts and when I come back him gone. Him bad man.

[Harry goes to the door and looks at the rope.

Harry. This rope's been cut.

Amah. Perhaps he have knife. Why you no look see before you tie him.

Harry. [Looking at her sternly.] How do you think he could get at a knife with his hands tied behind his back?

Amah. I no sabe. Maybe he have friend.

Harry. Didn't you hear anything, Daisy?

Daisy. No. I wasn't thinking about him. Oh, Harry, George isn't going to die, is he?

Harry. I hope not. I don't know what sort of a wound he's got. [The Amah, thinking attention is withdrawn from her, is slipping away.] No, you don't. You stop here.

Amah. What thing you wantchee?

Harry. You let that man go.

Amah. You velly silly man. What for I want let him go?

Harry. [Pointing.] What's that knife doing there? That's one of our knives.

Amah. Missy takey knife cutty book.

Harry. When I got into the street I wanted to fire my revolver to frighten them. There wasn't a cartridge in it. I always keep it loaded and locked up.

Amah. Revolver. I don't know him. I never have see revolver. Never. Never.

[She makes a movement as though to go away. He seizes her wrist.

Harry. Stop.

Amah. My go chow. My belong velly hungly. You talk by and by.

Harry. If I hadn't come in just now, Daisy would have strangled you.

Amah. Daisy velly excited. She no sabe what she do. She never hurt old amah.

Harry. Why were you angry with her, Daisy?

Daisy. [Frightened.] I was beside myself. I don't know what I was doing.

Harry. [With sudden suspicion.] Are you trying to shield her?

Daisy. Of course not. Why on earth should I do that?

Harry. I suppose you look on it as a matter of no importance that she tried to kill me.

Daisy. Oh, Harry, how can you say anything so cruel? Why should she try and kill you?

Harry. I don't know. How do you expect me to guess what is at the back of a Chinese brain? She's hated me always.

Amah. You no love me velly much.

Harry. I've put up with her just because she was attached to you. I knew she was a liar and a thief. It was a trap and I escaped by a miracle. Only, George has got to suffer for it.

Daisy. Harry, you're nervous and excited.

Harry. What are you defending her for?

Daisy. I'm not defending her.

Harry. One would almost think she had some hold on you. I've never seen anyone let an amah behave as you let her behave.

Daisy. She's been with me since I was a child. She—she can't get it into her head that I'm grown up.

Harry. Well, I've had about enough of her. [To the

Amah.] The police will be here in ten minutes and I shall give you in charge instead of the man you allowed to escape.

Amah. You give me policeman? I no have do wrong. What for you send me to prison?

Harry. I daresay you know what a Chinese prison is like better than I do. I don't think it'll be long before you find it worth while to tell the truth.

Daisy. [With increasing nervousness.] Oh, Harry, I don't think you ought to do anything before you've had time to think. After all, there's absolutely no proof.

Harry. [Looking at her with perplexity.] I don't understand. What is the mystery?

Daisy. There is no mystery. Only I can't bear the idea that my old amah should go to prison. She's been almost a mother to me for so many years.

[There is a pause. Harry looks from Daisy to the Amah.

Harry. [To the Amah.] Then get out of here before the police come.

Amah. You talkee so quick. No can understand.

Harry. Yes, you can. Unless you're out of here in ten minutes I shall give you in charge ... Go while the going's good.

Amah. I think I go smoke pipe.

Harry. No, you don't, you get out quick or I'll throw you out myself.

Amah. You no throw me out and I no go to prison.

Harry. We'll soon see about that.

[He seizes her roughly and is about to run her out into the courtyard.

Daisy. No, don't, Harry. She's my mother.

Harry. That!

[He is aghast. He releases the Amah. He looks at her with horror. Daisy covers her face with her hands. The Amah gives a little snigger.

Amah. Yes, Daisy, my daughter. She no wanchee tell. I think she a little ashamed of her mother.

Harry. My God!

Amah. I velly pletty girl long time ago. Daisy's father, he call me his little lotus flower, he call me his little peach-blossom. By and by I no velly pletty girl any more and Daisy's father he call me you old witch. Witch, that's what he call me. Witch. He call me, you old hag. You velly bad man, I say to him. You no Christian. You go to hell, he say. All right, I say, you baptize me.

[Harry turns away, with dismay, and repulsion. The Amah takes her pipe and lights it.

END OF SCENE IV

SCENE V

The courtyard in the Andersons' part of the temple.

At the back is the outer wall raised by two or three steps from the ground. From the top of the wall, projects a shallow roof of yellow tiles supported by wooden pillars painted red, shabby and rather weather-worn, and this roof is raised in the middle of the wall, where there is a huge wooden gateway. When this is opened the street is seen and on the other side of it a high, blank, white wall. The courtyard is paved with great flags. On each side of it are living rooms.

There is a long rattan chair; a round table and a couple of armchairs. George is lying on the long chair, looking at an illustrated paper, and the Amah is seated on the ground, smoking her water-pipe.

George. [With a smile, putting down the paper.] You're not as chatty as usual this afternoon, amah.

Amah. Suppose I got nothing to talk about I no talk.

George. You are an example to your sex, amah. Your price is above rubies.

Amah. No likee rubies velly much. No can sell velly much money.

George. In point of fact I wasn't thinking of giving you rubies, even reconstructed, but if I did I can't think you'd be so indelicate as to sell them.

Amah. I no think you velly funny man.

George. I was afraid you didn't. Would you think it funny if I sat on my hat?

Amah. Yes, I laugh then. Hi, hi.

George. The inscrutable heart of China expands to the self-same joke that convulses a duchess in London and a financier in New York.

Amah. You more better read the paper.

George. Where's Missy?

Amah. I think she in her room. You wanchee?

George. No.

Amah. I think she come by and by.

George. [Looking at his watch.] Mr. Anderson ought to be back from the office soon. [There is a loud knocking at the door.] Hulloa, who's that?

[A Servant comes out of the house and going to the gateway withdraws the bolt.