Fires of St. John Part 22

George.

Ah no, dear uncle, that is past. Hereafter, I will swallow my pride.

Brauer.

My boy----

Marie.

[_Enters_.] Pardon me papa, but mama asks, if you are not yet ready to go?

Brauer.

[_With a glance at_ George.] Well, as far as I am concerned, I am ready now! [_Takes his hat_.] Marie, give him a gla.s.s of brandy to brace him up. [_Goes to door and returns_.]. George?

George.

Uncle? [Brauer _offers his hand_.] My hand I cannot refuse you.

Brauer.

[_Goes to door. In door_.] Yes, and your heart, too, I will win again--or I'll be d.a.m.ned!!!!

[_Exits, slamming door_.]

Marie.

What did he say to you, George?

George.

Do not ask me, do not ask me! [_Walks about_.] All these years I have struggled and deprived myself with only one thing in view--to be free--free--and yet I must bow--I must bow. If it were not for the sake of this beautiful child, who is innocent of it all, I would be tempted to---- But the die is cast, the yoke is ready--and so am I!!!!!!!

Marie.

[_Softly and hesitating_.] But, George, dear, here in this house, I see nothing for you but love--the yoke seems so light----

George.

How pious and tame you have suddenly become!

Marie.

I am not pious.

George.

What was that you said a few moments ago? "I am the calamity child. I am the child of misery; but I do not ask for charity." That is what you said of yourself, and it is also true of me. I, too, am a child of misery, a calamity child; but I am a subject of charity. I accept all they have to give--all--all--ha, ha, ha----!

Marie.

You, George, a calamity child?

George.

Yes! Was I not picked up from the street, as my uncle so kindly informed me for the second time--like yourself? Do I not belong to this house, and am I not smothered with the d.a.m.nable charity of my benefactors, like yourself?

Marie.

I receive my share with thanks.

George.

And you enjoy serving----

Marie.

I enjoy serving!!

George.

But I--I wish to rule--to command!!!

Marie.

And you shall rule--you shall command----

George.

[_Walking about and ironically_.] Ah yes!!!

Marie.

[_Timidly_.] George?

George.

Well?

Marie.

[_The same_.] Pardon me; but have you forgotten--?

George.

Oh, I see!

Marie.