Page:Representative American plays.pdf/853

line. Some folks think your way of business is a little shady, but Lord, if they knew the secrets of our charnel-house!

Michaelis. How did you leave the child?

Littlefield. Done for. I said I was worth a million of you in a case like this, but I did n't realize how far things had gone. The next time, call me in a little sooner. (He writes on his note pad, tears out a leaf, and lays it on the table.) Mrs. Beeler will continue the old prescription, alternating with this. (He puts the note pad in his pocket, and turns to Rhoda. He speaks in a tone which implies command, under the veil of request.) Will you walk a ways with me, Miss Williams?

Rhoda. (Pale and trembling.) No.

Littlefield. Pardon! I must have a short talk. It is important.

Rhoda. I cannot go with you.

Littlefield. I think you had better reconsider.

Michaelis. (Astonished at his tone.) You have heard that she does not wish to go.

Littlefield. (Ignoring Michaelis.) I have no time to waste, and I shall not stop to mince my words. You are coming with me, and you are coming now.

Michaelis. (To Rhoda.) Who is this man?

Littlefield. (Wheeling upon him angrily.) 'Pon my honor! "Who is this man?" "Remove the worm!" Decidedly tart, from a miracle-monger in a state of bankruptcy.

Michaelis. (To Rhoda.) Is this the man you told me of?

Rhoda. (Steadily.) Yes.

Littlefield. (To Rhoda, as he eyes Michaelis with dislike.) So you have called in a father confessor, eh? (To Michaelis.) Well, since the lady can't keep her secrets to herself, this is the man. Very painful, no doubt, but these little things will happen. (To Rhoda.) I should have chosen a more secluded nook to say this in, but you're skittish, as I have learned to my cost, and likely to bolt. What I want to say is, don't bolt. It won't do you any good.—I've found you once, and I'll find you again, no matter what rabbit's hole you dodge into. (To Michaelis.) This ain't George Littlefield, M.D., talking now. It's the caveman of Borneo. He's got arms as long as rakes, and teeth that are a caution.—Look out for him!

Michaelis. (Holding himself in stern restraint.) Your arms and teeth are long enough, and eager enough to do damage, but they will not avail you here. This girl is in other keeping, and I dare to say, better.

Littlefield. In other keeping, eh? Yours, I suppose.

Michaelis. Yes, mine.

Littlefield. Bless my soul! (He turns to Rhoda, pointedly ignoring Michaelis.) Look here, Rho, be sensible. I'm tired of this hole of a town already. We'll go west and renew our youth. Country's big, and nobody to meddle. You'll flourish like a green bay tree. (Rhoda turns distractedly, as to escape; he intercepts her.) Confound it, if you're so set on it, I'll marry you! Say yes, and let John the Baptist here give us his blessing. Speak up. Is it a go?—Till death us do part.

Michaelis. Death has already parted you and her.

Littlefield. So? I feel like a reasonably healthy corpse.

Michaelis. There is no health in you. Every word you speak gives off corruption.

Littlefield. Indeed! My advice to you is, make tracks for your starvation desert. A parcel of locoed Indians are about right for a busted prophet.

Michaelis. What I am is no matter. What this girl is, though you lived a thousand years, you would never have the grace to imagine. She gave you her young love, in childish blindness, not knowing what she did, and you killed it idly, wantonly, as a beast tortures its frail victim, for sport. You find her again, still weak and bleeding from her wounds, and you fling her marriage, in words whose every syllable is an insult. Marriage! When every fibre of her nature must cry out against you, if she is woman. Take your words and your looks from her, and that instantly, or you will curse the day you ever brought your evil presence into her life. (He advances upon him threateningly.) Instantly, I say, or by the wrath of God your wretched soul, if you have one, shall go this hour to its account!

Littlefield. (Backing toward the door, scared, but keeping his brazen tone.) All right.—I'm off.—Caveman for caveman, you've got the reach! (To Rhoda.) But remember, my lady, we're not quits