ACT II.
Reading edition
Scene: George F. Goodkind's Library. New York.
Ten months later. The set has only two essentials—a wide, curtained, glass door L., and an ordinary, heavy wooden door down R. The first gives entrance to the music room, which is indicated rather completely when the door is open. The second, by way of a hall and a flight of stairs, leads to the main entrance of the house. For the rest, the library is a shallow room, very much like any other library in the home of any other rich and well educated man. It is a little richer and more luxurious than most, perhaps, with—here and there—priceless things from palaces in Venice or art collections in Rome. The obsession of business is suggested by various utilities, transient and otherwise—a row of law books, a small file, and a pile of papers upon the substantial library table.
At Rise: It is a Saturday evening in November, 1919. The Goodkinds have been entertaining informally at dinner, and, having finished the chief business of the occasion, the company is now diverting itself in the music room. This room is brilliantly illuminated; one sees the shadow of a man leaning against the glass door. Dilly Gilliam, at the piano, is playing one of the syncopations popular at the time. After a moment, a servant, with a card tray, enters R., crosses and exits L. An instant later, Goodkind, in evening clothes, enters L. He has a card in his hand. The Servant re-enters, re-crosses, and re-exits, stopping, en route, to switch on the lights. Goodkind looks at the pile on the table, and turns the topmost paper face down. Benfield, also in evening clothes, enters L.
Benfield
What the h——
Goodkind
Shut the door.
[Benfield does so. As he returns, Goodkind gives him the card]
Benfield
[Reading]
"Labor conciliators."
[Throws the card on the table]
What the h——
Goodkind
What are labor conciliators? Mostly thugs. When you've been director in a coal mining company a little longer you'll know. We've got a million dollars' worth of 'em handling this strike.
Benfield
Police duty?
Goodkind
No; spies and agents provocateur. I hate the breed, but what are you going to do about it? This fellow, Max Stedtman, got into the union five or six years ago, and now he's one of the delegation they've sent up to me.... Where's Jerry?
Benfield
I gave him the high sign.
Goodkind
[Offering cigars]:
Smoke?
Benfield
[Taking one]:
Thanks.... Why didn't you go down to West Virginia?
Goodkind
Had to look over that power plant in Canada.
Benfield
Oh, yes!
Goodkind
Anyway, what do I know about coal mining?
Benfield
You're president of the company.
Goodkind
Yes, but that means digging up money—not coal. I've never set foot in West Virginia in my life; and I don't want to!
Benfield
Yes, but in a serious situation like this—
Goodkind
I sent Jerry. Jerry has a dozen qualifications and no scruples. And I sent Gilchrist.
Benfield
Who has scruples and no qualifications.
Goodkind
Thus striking a balance. I mean that! Don't make any mistake about Gilchrist. He's a valuable man. I didn't hire him because I was sorry he got fired out of the church ... and only a little because I knew his father. I hired him because he had theories, and I wanted to try 'em out!
Benfield
I'll say he's got theories!
Goodkind
Yes, and the remarkable part of it is ... sometimes they work. They worked up at that power plant. A year ago I wouldn't have taken it as a gift. Gilchrist applied a little soft soap—
Benfield
Soft soap or gold dust?
Goodkind
Well, both; but, damn it, Charlie, with all the increased wages and decreased working hours, the plant's making money now for the first time!
[Enter Jerry L. He is a little sullen—the result of brandy and resentment. He, too, is in evening clothes, and he closes the door behind him.]
Goodkind
There's something in Gilchrist!
Jerry
Mostly bugs!
Goodkind
All right!
Jerry
I told you what he was doing at the mines. Now he wires you, "Everything settled if you accede to rational conditions," and up comes this delegation! What are the conditions? I'll tell you now—surrender! You're crazy if you see these workmen! We've nothing to discuss! They're our mines, and we'll run 'em as we like! If this philanthropist of yours carries out instructions we've got 'em whipped!... What was the idea of the high sign?
Goodkind
[As Benfield picks up the card to answer]:
Stedtman.
Jerry
Where?
Goodkind
On the way up.
Jerry
Of course, we're leaving our guests flat!
Benfield
Your wife's in there!
Jerry
Clare resents our talking business at home.
Goodkind
Resents—and you haven't been married a year! Palaver's a wife's job! They oil the machinery while we shovel in coal! [The Servant re-enters R.]
Servant
Mr. Stedtman.
[Enter Max Stedtman. He is a wiry little man, with the face of a ferret and the furtiveness of a rat. His nervousness does not indicate lack of self-confidence. That quality has made Stedtman the man he is today. For the rest, he is 40, and faintly Semitic. The Servant exits.]
Goodkind
How do, Stedtman? This is Mr. Benfield—one of our new directors.
[They acknowledge the introduction]
You know my son.
Stedtman
[Nods]: Saw him down to Black River.
[They sit—Jerry down L.; Benfield left of the table; Goodkind back of it; Stedtman R.]
Goodkind
Well?
Stedtman
Well ... the committee's on its way.
Goodkind
Who's in this delegation?
Stedtman
I'm chairman. We got a Pole called Umanski.
Goodkind
[Writes]:
Umanski.
Stedtman
He's a radical. You can't do anything with him. But there's a fellow named Joe Hennig....
Goodkind
Who'll listen to reason?
Stedtman
I think so.
Goodkind
Why?
Stedtman
He's got a pretty wife.
Benfield
What the he——
Goodkind
What has that to do with it?
Stedtman
Lots. Pretty wives like pretty things. Hennig's in debt, and this girl's on his neck every minute. She's a peach. You know her, Mr. Jerry!
Jerry
No.
Stedtman
Pearl Hennig?
Jerry
No.
Stedtman
Oh! I thought I saw you talking to her onct. Anyhow, Gilchrist knows her ... well.
Benfield
You mean....
Stedtman
I mean I wouldn't mention Gilchrist to Joe Hennig. [Benfield whistles.]
Goodkind
That's rot!
Stedtman
Anyhow, Hennig and me are two votes, and I figure Hennig's'll cost about....
[He looks at them narrowly.]
... fifteen thousand dollars.
[All three show surprise.]
Goodkind
I don't like bribery.
Benfield
Not when it isn't necessary.
Goodkind
And Gilchrist wired yesterday: "Everything settled."
Jerry
On conditions.
Stedtman
Yeh—on their conditions! Take it from me, this Gilchrist has double-crossed you!
Benfield
I told you!
Jerry
He's a....
Stedtman
[Goes right on, without heeding the simultaneous interruption]:
He's been at union meetings! He got 'em to send this delegation, and he tried to get 'em to turn down Hennig—our one best bet! You take it from me—
Goodkind
[Quietly]: I won't take it from you, Stedtman. [Looks around] Or from anybody else. I know this man.
Stedtman
[Cowed]: Well, he's gone around talkin' compromise. Compromise ain't no way to settle a strike. Givin' 'em confidence. Why, we got a couple o' hundred representatives among the workmen tellin' 'em they got no chance. We got special police clubbin' 'em every time they try to hold a meeting. You wouldn't believe what we done down there in the way of harmony!
Goodkind
It's all been done before.
Stedtman
Never no completer! We're workin' the black list and, if a man opens his mouth too wide at a meetin', somebody—he don't know who—tips the gover'ment that he's a "red." We got 'em so they ain't sure of their own brothers. We're postin' bills, in seven languages, saying: "Why should workmen mistrust the company? This is the land of opportunity! America is calling you—GO BACK TO WORK!" The boss has a scheme now to start a riot between the Poles and the Wops! And you know the end o' that! Troops, and scabs, and machine guns! What stopped it? One gent that don't know nothin' about harmony, or co-operation, or nothin'—except hangin' around after a skirt! If you got to descend to bribery now, don't blame me! Blame Gilchrist!
Benfield
[Rises; striking the table with his open hand]: He's absolutely right!
Jerry
[Rises]: Of course, he's right! Wha'd'ya expect of a man kicked out of his church for Bolshevism?
Benfield
He ought to be brought back right now!
Goodkind
He's coming back—
[Servant enters R.]
Yes; what is it?
Servant
Two men to see Mr. Stedtman.
Benfield
Good!
Goodkind
Bring them in.
[Servant exits]
Stedtman
Now look—don't try nothin' before Umanski! Just give us an excuse to vote right, and then we'll go out, and get rid of him, and I'll slip back with Hennig! Now then—[His sharp ears have heard footsteps off R. He strikes a pose] It's very good of you gentlemen to see us! I was goin' to meet my friends outside—[The Servant ushers in Umanski and Joe Hennig, and retires]—but you been so kind and agreeable—Hello, Joe!
Joe
Hello, Max!
Umanski
You said you be on sidewalk.
Stedtman
I just really got in myself. This is Mr. Goodkind. He's the President. And a couple o' Directors. Well, now we can get down to business!
[He sits. Umanski stares in amazement at his temerity. Umanski is a giant Pole or Russian. Whatever flesh he ever had has been starved off; he is all bone and brawn. In his face is something strangely like poetry ... something born of silence and suffering. He is in his best, which does not obliterate the picture of the man in working clothes, his sleeves rolled up over his muscular arms. Hennig is a stocky man of 45—a "grouser." His tone has none of the courage, the dignity, the independence of Umanski's; he blusters, emptily, an echo, without much to say, and one guesses he might be made to bluster either way. There is a pause.]
Goodkind
Smoke? [He presents the humidor to Hennig, and Stedtman, rising, reaches out and helps himself. Goodkind goes on to Umanski, who doesn't unfold his arms; doesn't even appear to see the box. Goodkind returns, and sets it lower right end of table.]
Joe
[Coming down R. of Goodkind]: I guess you know all about our grievances.
Goodkind
I didn't know you had any.
Joe
You didn't know we had any——
Benfield
Ah, you fellows are never satisfied!
Goodkind
You're getting plenty for what you do! What are you complaining about? You've left good jobs to follow a lot of idle, discontented agitators! We've got to win this fight on principle! The work's there! I pay what I can get men for, and not a cent more! Take it or leave it!
Joe
We got to hang together to get anything!
Goodkind
You're hanging, and what have you got?
[The piano music in the next room, which ceased during the scene with Stedtman, is succeeded now by the low tones of a violin. Umanski speaks, in a voice as unemotional as its owner is stolid.]
Umanski
I work twelve hours—every day ... thirty years ... got nothing.
Benfield
Why should you have? An untrained man—
Jerry
You don't even know English!
Umanski
How I gonna learn English—work twelve hours a day?
Jerry
Nobody asked you to take the job! Nobody asked you to come over here! You're not an American!
Umanski
I was American.
Jerry
[Sneers]: When?
Umanski
When I fight ... in the war. [A short pause.]
Jerry
[Turning to Goodkind]: We're not getting anywhere. We've been over this a dozen times!
Goodkind
What do you want?
Umanski
I wanna chance to learn! I wanna chance to live! I wanna see ... sun!
Jerry
Wha'd'ya mean—son? [Together]
Goodkind
Your son? [Together]
Umanski
God's sun. I never see him. Go to mines—him not up. Work in mines—him not see. Go home—him gone. Got baby five years ago. Never see him. Go to mines ... him, not up. Come back—him asleep. Go home one day—him gone.
Goodkind
Dead?
Umanski
My wife say: "Good! Not such many to feed!"
Jerry
When you worked you had enough to eat, didn't you?
Umanski
Yes. Work twelve hours a day and got enough to eat—so can work some more. Always work. Get up—work—come back—sleep—get up—work. Never got time to talk to wife—never got time to talk to nobody—never got nowhere. Never save nothing.
Joe
[Whining]: It ain't fair! [Jerry takes out his cigarette case.]
Umanski
That little box—what you pay for him? [Jerry turns front, not deigning to answer] Ah, I know; gold. You pay more for him than I got from swing pick thirty years. Me and six families—we live in one house you own. We got one room upstairs; two down cellar. Sleep there. Eat—cook—wash upstairs. See nothing but brick yard, and clothes hang up to dry. Wife—she carry water from yard. Me—I carry potato peeling out front. Him rot. If I don't like that, I quit—and starve!
Jerry
You want to live on Fifth Avenue!
Benfield
And then you'd find something to kick about!
Umanski
If I don't like other mans will. Other mans take my job. I got little girl twenty years old. Awful nice little girl. Got gold hair. Got blue eyes. Her take sick. She sorry she's sick. She wanna go church. She ask me: "Pop, buy me new dress for church. Buy me pretty pink dress." Where I get him? We hire doctor once, and he say: "Air—sunshine—milk—eggs!" Where I get air—sunshine—milk—eggs? Got no job. My little girl, she cough, and cough, and one night she die. I tell you we got right to quit! We got right to hang together! We got right to fight—to live—and, by God, we gonna fight—we gonna live—we gonna—BY GOD!
[The music stops. In the same short instant, there is a patter of applause; more music—lively this time—and, bursting into the room from L., Dilly runs into Umanski. She has gold hair; she has blue eyes; and what is more, she has a new dress. It is a "pretty pink dress," too, and its owner wears jewels worth the ransom of a dozen Umanskis.]
Dilly
[As she enters]: Now, look here, Jerry; you're not going to—Oh! I'm sorry! [Umanski looks at her; then covers his face, and, with a great sob, drops into a chair R. C. Stedtman puts his arm about the man's shoulders. Goodkind, C., stares at him sympathetically.]
Jerry
You'll have to wait, Dilly.
Goodkind
Ask the ladies to stay in the drawing room. We'll join them in a few minutes.
Dilly
Yes.... Certainly.... I'm SO sorry!
[She exits. A pause. Stedtman, one arm about Umanski, uses the other to signal Goodkind to go ahead. Goodkind ignores him.]
Goodkind
I think we'd better let this go for tonight.
Umanski
[Rising]: Oh, no! Me—I'm all right! Excuse!
Goodkind
You're a little upset, and I have guests. Besides, Gilchrist will be here in half an hour, and I want to talk to him before I say anything definite. Suppose we all meet here tomorrow at noon.
Joe
[Who has turned down angrily at mention of the name]: Not Gilchrist!
Goodkind
No; just we six ... and, maybe, one or two more of our directors.
Stedtman
All right!
Umanski
I wanna know what we gonna do—tonight!
Goodkind
We're going to get together. You fellows have got the wrong idea. We're not tyrants, or monsters. We're Christians, and we want to act like Christians. Only ... we've got to live, too. We've got to have the things we're used to, just as you have. But I think I can promise, if the strike's called off, you men will be kept, and put back just where you were.... Ring the bell, Jerry.
[Jerry does so. A pause.]
Benfield
I guess you don't want me any more.
Goodkind
No.
Benfield
Thanks.
[Exits L. A pause.]
Goodkind
[To Hennig. Making conversation]: You live in Black River?
Joe
Yes.
Goodkind
Married?
Joe
You betcha! Prettiest girl in West Virginia! We only been married a year. I got her in the five-and-ten-cent store.... I mean, that's where she was working. She's at her sister's now ... up to Pittsburg. Left the day before I was elected to come here. [Proudly] I sent her a telegram!
Goodkind
You don't say so! [To Jerry] Anything the matter with that bell?
Jerry
The man's busy, I suppose. I'll show them out.
Goodkind
If you will.... Well, good-night!
[He shakes hands with Hennig, and with Stedtman, but, when he comes to Umanski, that giant is immobile. His slow mind has been thinking out the earlier declaration.]
Umanski
What about this here twelve-hour day?
Goodkind
We'll consider that after the strike's called off.
Umanski
And the twenty-four-hour shift?
Goodkind
We'll consider that, too. Meanwhile—you go back just where you were!
Umanski
Then what good we gain by strike?
Goodkind
Nothing's ever gained by quarreling. You'll find that out some day.
Umanski
Some day something be gain! Some day we gonna win! This—he don't go on always! You see!
Jerry
[Insolently]: Are you ready?
Umanski
[As Hennig slips out R., Umanski looks at Jerry with contempt.] You see! [Exits R.]
Stedtman
[Significantly,—in a loud whisper]: We'll be back later. [He exits R.]
Jerry
Swine!
[He exits R. Goodkind, obviously worried by the interview, goes to the table, and rights the topmost paper. Looks at it. Sits, and examines other papers. The Servant enters R.]
Servant
Did you ring, sir?
Goodkind
Half an hour ago.
Servant
[Indicating a box]: I was signing for this. [Goodkind, writing, doesn't look up.] Can I do anything for you, sir?
Goodkind
Yes.... Get me a drink.
[The Servant hesitates. Goodkind takes key from pocket and gives it to him. The Servant unlocks a cellarette, up R., takes out decanter and glasses, relocks the cellarette, comes down L. of table, sets down the tray, and returns the key.]
Thanks. [The Servant starts to exit L.] And, Riggs! [The Servant stops up L. C. Enter Clare L.] If Mr. Stedtman comes back tonight ... with one of the other men ... I'll see them in here.
Servant
Very good, sir. [To Clare]: This package just came for you, Madam. [He gives her the box, and exits L. A pause.]
Goodkind
Everybody gone?
Clare
They're all down in the billiard room. We wanted to make up a couple of tables at bridge, but, with the men in here ... as usual.... Where's Jerry?
Goodkind
I don't know.
Clare
I've seen him just ten minutes this week.
Goodkind
He's only been back three hours.
Clare
Well ... I wish he wouldn't break up my dinner parties.
Goodkind
[Pushes back papers]: What have you got there?
Clare
[Looking at the box]: Another ... substitute....
Goodkind
Substitute, for what?
Clare
[As she opens it]: For my husband's time ... and love ... and companionship. [Holds up a sable scarf] Sables. [She gives it to Goodkind.]
Goodkind
[Looking at it with admiration]: Mm! You don't seem much surprised.
Clare
No.... Whenever Jerry's been away longer than usual, or done something he's a little ashamed of, there's a box from Cartier or Revillon.
Goodkind
Must have been a whopper this time!
Clare
[Seriously. Wondering]: Yes. [She takes the scarf.]
Goodkind
Pretty generous husband ... if you ask me!
Clare
Yes. [She puts the scarf away.]
Goodkind
Upon my word, I don't know what you women want!... A man works his heart and soul out to get you things, and still you're not satisfied!
Clare
Maybe we'd like a little "heart and soul."
Goodkind
Heart and soul, and what a man trades 'em for! You want your husband to succeed, and give all his attention to you! You want him to have plenty of money, and plenty of time! You're willing to take everything, but you're not willing to pay for it!
Clare
I suppose everybody must pay.
Goodkind
Surest thing you know! You women are all alike. My poor wife—she had everything, and I used to catch her crying in a corner. We never seemed to understand each other ... after we got this. She was a good wife, too, but the best of you never seem to want what you have.... Sometimes I think we don't any of us really want what we struggle so hard to get. Sometimes I think we're all wrong! [He looks at his watch, and rises.] Well, I guess I'll go downstairs!
Clare
I wish you would.
Goodkind
[Goes to her]: You're not crying? [She nods and looks up] My God! Can you beat it?
Clare
I'll be down in a minute.
Goodkind
Tell Riggs—will you?—if any one comes, I'll be ... talking to Jerry. [He puts his hand on her shoulder] And ... buck up! There are people worse off than we are ... and it's a great life if you don't weaken!
[He exits L. Clare goes C. She puts the box, with its contents, on the table, dries her eyes, and is powdering her nose when Daniel Gilchrist opens the door R. He is in business clothes, and starts to retire when he sees Clare. He would a little rather avoid the interview.]
Clare
Come in! I'm just powdering my nose. Does that offend your reverence?
Daniel
On the contrary; I agree with the man who said, "Put your trust in God, and keep your powder dry." [They laugh.]
Clare
When did you get in?
Daniel
Half an hour ago.
Clare
Had dinner?
Daniel
On the train. I was starved. Thank goodness, they don't charge for dinner by the mile!... Riggs said your father-in-law was in here.
Clare
He'll be up in a moment ... won't you sit down? We haven't had five minutes together since——
Daniel
[Hesitates about remaining.]
Clare
I understand you're very happy in your new ... profession.
Daniel
[Sits.] Yes.
Clare
You've got ... everything ... you want?
Daniel
No, I haven't everything I want, but I'm happy.
Clare
My father-in-law says if you settle this strike you're to be—but that's a business secret. [A pause] I suppose I might tell you. [A pause] He says it'll make you a big man in the company ... with a tremendous salary.... You mustn't give it away!
Daniel
The secret?
Clare
The salary ... I suppose you've got over that.... So ... you don't really seem to have lost anything by giving up your church.
Daniel
No. Queer as it seems, sometimes I think I've gained ... in opportunity.
Clare
[Chiefly to herself]: Perhaps one might have eaten one's cake and had it, too.
Daniel
Clare!
Clare
You frightened me so that night, with the bugaboo of poverty. Don't you think there might have been a compromise? Something half way?
Daniel
Why open wounds that are beginning to heal?
Clare
Yours seem quite healed.
Daniel
And you have everything you want?
Clare
Yes.
Daniel
You see ... I was selfish ... to ask you to give up the things that count so much with you for those that count with me.... Afterward, when I knew you were to be married ... I was afraid for you ... and I was wrong again. [He rises] You're happy ... and I'm honestly glad!
Clare
Are you ... honestly ... happy?
Daniel
Honestly.
Clare
In just helping others?
Daniel
In just helping others.
Clare
I don't understand that.
Daniel
You will ... some day.
[Jerry enters R. He has added two or three brandies to a generous allowance at dinner, and though not drunk, is sullen and quarrelsome. The more so at finding Daniel with Clare].
Jerry
Hello, Gilchrist! In early, aren't you? [Crosses.] I didn't mean to interrupt a tête-à-tête!
Clare
You're not interrupting.
Jerry
Where's father?
Clare
I thought he was with you.
Jerry
I stopped for refreshments.
Clare
I see you did.
Jerry
[Laughs and turns to Daniel]: We've been having a genial evening with your delegation. That's why my wife's sore.
Clare
I'm not "sore." I've been a little lonely.
Jerry
You don't look it!... I couldn't help going to Black River! I didn't go for pleasure ... did I, Gilchrist?
Daniel
No. There was work, and plenty of it. I was sorry you had to leave when you did.
Clare
Why, Jerry didn't leave much before you, did he?
Jerry
Just a few——
Daniel
[At the same time]: Only twenty-four hours.... He wanted to get back to you.
Clare
But ... he's just got back.... Where have you been, Jerry?
Jerry
Attending to business ... of course!
Clare
Of course. [She takes the scarf from the box on the table] Good night, Dan.
Daniel
[Cheerily]: Good night! [She starts to door L.].
Jerry
Oh ... you got the furs!
Clare
Yes ... thank you.
Jerry
Don't mention it!
Clare
I'm very grateful ... but ...
Jerry
But what?
Clare
Never mind. We'll talk about it some other time.
Jerry
We'll talk about it now!
Daniel
I'll go. [Starts R.].
Jerry
No, you won't! You made a crack about my leaving twenty-four hours before you did! How do you know when I left? [To Clare] If that's what you're sore about, for heaven's sake, drop it! I'm sorry you've been alone, and I've sent you a handsome gift as an apology!
Clare
I don't want it. [She lays down the scarf.] I don't want to be paid for shutting my eyes to any insulting thing you choose to do!
Jerry
And I don't propose to be made a blackguard before strangers!
Clare
Dan isn't a stranger. And I don't want to make you a blackguard. Only ... since you've insisted on the truth.... Dan, when did my husband leave Black River?
Daniel
I haven't seen him since Thursday.
Jerry
There you have it! He hasn't seen me since Thursday! Does it occur to you that may have been because he wasn't in Black River?
Clare
No.
Daniel
As a matter of fact, I wasn't.
Jerry
Oh!... Where were you?
Daniel
At the mines.
Clare
Is that the truth?
Jerry
Of course it's the truth! And, if it wasn't, I don't see that you've any right to ask questions! I haven't done anything that wasn't in the bargain! I haven't done anything every man doesn't do!
Clare
Every man ... perhaps ... but one!
Jerry
Gilchrist! My God! Now we've got it! If you'd only married him! He's good, because he says so! You ought to've been here a minute ago ... when the company detective warned us not to mention Gilchrist to Joe Hennig!
Daniel
You mean——
Jerry
I mean Pearl Hennig!
Daniel
Pearl Hennig? Why, you—you know that's not true!
Clare
I know it's not true!
Jerry
Do you?
Stedtman
[Off R.]: Say ... now ... listen ... you behave yourself!
Joe
[Off R.]: Behave ... hell!
Jerry
[Continuing above these voices]: Ask Stedtman! Ask Hennig! And before you make up your mind where I was yesterday, ask where he was——
[Enter Stedtman and Hennig, followed by the Servant. There is no dead cue for this entrance. They come on—Stedtman trying to hold back Hennig—flinging open the door as Hennig says "Hell!" Hennig confronts Gilchrist.]
Joe
You—Gilchrist! Where've you got my wife?
Daniel
I haven't got your wife, Hennig.
Joe
The hell you haven't!
Daniel
You'd better go, Clare.
Jerry
I want her to stay. [To the Servant] All right! [The Servant exits] What's it all about, Stedtman?
Stedtman
You can search me! Umanski stuck to us all the way home. When he left, I went in to have a little talk with Joe ... alone.... See? There was a telegram, and he read it, and——
Joe
And came here to ask Gilchrist: Where's my wife?
Daniel
She told me she was going to her sister's.
Joe
She ain't never been near her sister, and you know it! I just got this from her sister! [Holds out wire. Jerry snatches it.] Read it!
Jerry
[Reading]: Pearl ain't here. We ain't seen her. Ain't she home?
Daniel
Maybe she is.
Joe
You know she ain't! And what if she is ... now? I don't want your leavings!
Daniel
Why do you say that, Hennig?
Joe
Why do I say it? Ain't I seen you down town with her? Ain't I found you with her when I came home unexpected? I knew you was stuck on her, and I warned you to stay away ... didn't I?
Daniel
You were mistaken.
Joe
Didn't I warn you?
Daniel
Yes.
Joe
And you came again ... didn't you?
Daniel
Yes.
Jerry
Every man but one!
Daniel
I went first on your account ... because they told me you were in debt ... and why. I "came again" because she asked me to. This disappearance looks queer, I admit, but people do get lost, or hurt, and taken to hospitals, and aren't identified.
Joe
[Half convinced]: You think——
Daniel
I think your wife's all right, Joe. I don't think you ought to accuse her publicly until you're sure she's not.
Joe
[Cries]: How'm I gonna be sure?
Daniel
Suppose we ask the police to look for her?
Jerry
[Turning quickly]: What's the use of starting a hulla-ba-loo? You don't want the woman accused publicly, but you're willing to spread the news so this man'll be ashamed to go back home. We all know the facts in the case, and the least said about it now the better. [To Joe] You've found her out. Let her go ... and forget it!
Clare
I don't think he ought to forget it.
Jerry
No?
Clare
No. I don't think he ought to drop it now ... until we all know the truth.
Daniel
Right!
Joe
I want to know the truth! I got to! I been crazy about her! Maybe that's a good idea ... the police. I got to know the truth!
Jerry
[At bay]: All right! Stedtman! Where were you yesterday?
Stedtman
At the mines.
Jerry
What part of the mines?
Stedtman
All over.
Jerry
Did you see Gilchrist?
Stedtman
No.
[Daniel never takes his eyes off Clare. He watches her, as the net tightens around him, observing, with ever-increasing agony, that he is convicted in her eyes.]
Jerry
When did you see him last?
Stedtman
Thursday——Yes, it was Thursday.
Jerry
Where?
Stedtman
In Black River.
Jerry
Alone?
Stedtman
No.
Jerry
With whom?
Stedtman
With Mrs. Hennig.
Joe
I knew it! I'm gonna kill you!
Jerry
No, you're not. You're going to keep quiet. But you wanted the truth, and you've got it. I've known it all along. [To Clare] Now do you think I was lying?
Clare
I don't know. I don't understand.
Jerry
Oh, yes, you do ... only you won't admit it!
Clare
I suppose that's it.
[She takes her scarf and starts wearily to exit L.]
Daniel
Clare! [She stops] I don't care what anyone believes but you!
Clare
[Turns]: I'll believe you, Dan, if you'll only explain.
Daniel
I——
Jerry
I forbid you to speak to my wife!
Clare
Go on, Dan.
Jerry
I forbid you to speak to my wife!
Daniel
[Exploding ... to Jerry]: If I hadn't anybody to think about but you!
[They stare at each other ... close together. Suddenly, Jerry lifts his open hand, and strikes Dan across the mouth. Dan starts to retaliate, but controls himself, opens his clinched hands, and lowers his head.]
Clare
[In almost speechless amazement]: Dan; you're not going to take that?
Daniel
I have nothing to say.
Clare
I didn't think you were a coward. You see, I was wrong about everything.
[The scarf in her hand, she exits L. A short pause. Suddenly, Joe, emboldened by what he has witnessed, certain of Dan's cowardice, breaks from Stedtman and rushes at Gilchrist.]
Joe
You'll play around my wife, will you? [Daniel merely looks at him.] You will ... will you?... Take that! [He strikes out. Daniel seizes his wrist, and, with one powerful, dexterous movement, hurls him to the floor].
Daniel
[As Hennig struggles to his feet]: I hope I didn't hurt you, Joe.
Stedtman
[Looks from Daniel to Jerry]: My God!
Joe
[Retreating]: Don't worry! I'll get you! It may be a long time, but I'll get you! [He exits.]
Daniel
[With great kindness]: Take him home, Stedtman. [Stedtman looks to Jerry, who jerks his head toward the door.]
Stedtman
Good-night, Mr. Jerry. Tell your father we'll be around ... [Daniel turns and looks at him. He backs toward the door.] ... in ... the ... morning!
[Quick exit. He closes the door, which has been left open by Hennig. The two men look at each other. Jerry goes to upper left of table, and pours himself a drink.]
Jerry
Well, you've made a nice mess of it! Why can't you keep your nose out of other people's business? Why did you have to date my leaving Black River?
Daniel
Why did you have to get mixed up with Pearl Hennig?
Jerry
I can take what I want out of life!
Daniel
You can. God says: "Here is the world. Take what you want ... AND PAY FOR IT!"
Jerry
Rubbish! [Drinks] Save your preaching for those that like it! [Comes down] And keep away from my wife!
Daniel
Why?
Jerry
Because you're in love with her! Aren't you?
Daniel
Yes.
Jerry
Well, you've a hell of a nerve to preach to me about Hennig's wife while you're making a play for mine.
Daniel
I'm not making a play for yours.
Jerry
No? You expect me to believe that when you admit—— Why did you pull that hero stuff? Why did you keep your mouth shut when I lost my temper? Why did you turn the other cheek?
Daniel
You wouldn't understand, Jerry.
Jerry
Wouldn't I? Well, you understand that I've forbidden you to speak to her and that goes. If you come here again, I'll have the servants throw you out, and I'll tell my father why. [Goodkind enters L.]
Daniel
Here's your father now.
Jerry
And that's not all I'll do!
[Lowering his voice]: Not by a damned sight! [He wheels about and exits.]
Goodkind
[Taking cigars from humidor]: Smoke?
Daniel
Thanks.
Goodkind
[Looking off after his son]: Jerry don't like you much, does he?
Daniel
Not much.
Goodkind
[Lights his cigar]: Well ... how are things in Black River?
Daniel
I think we've got everything settled.
Goodkind
Fine! Benfield'll be up in a minute, and we'll hear the conditions! [He sits in an easy chair L.] Somehow, I knew you'd do it! Jerry says you're a philanthropist, but I knew he was wrong!
Daniel
Thanks.
Goodkind
If you've really settled this strike ... our way ... your salary from today is thirty thousand a year!
Daniel
Thanks ... again.
Goodkind
I'm dog-sick of rowing with labor! It's such utter damned waste!... Excuse me!
Daniel
I agree with you!
Goodkind
I'd hate to figure what walk-outs have cost this country!
Daniel
Yes. I often wonder why it wouldn't be cheaper to keep the men contented.
Goodkind
How're you going to do it? Don't forget there are as many people paid for stirring up strikes as for crushing 'em! Paid well, too! What the laboring man needs is a real interest in his job!
Daniel
Why don't you give it to him?
Goodkind
How? By doubling his wages? The more most of 'em get the less they want to do for it! You know that!
Daniel
Yes.
Goodkind
They've got a notion that you get rich by riding around in a limousine!
Daniel
Don't you?
Goodkind
Not often! Not unless you think while you ride ... or your father thought for you! Even then, money doesn't stay long in bad company! To hear those fellows you'd think there wasn't any work, except what's done with a pick! The man that really produces is the man with the idea!
Daniel
The man that produces most.
Goodkind
Yes, and he ought to get most!
Daniel
He does!
Goodkind
He always will! Show me a big man and I'll show you somebody who's done a big job! It's the little man with no capacity and no chin that cries about a conspiracy to keep him from being President!
Daniel
There've got to be little men, too, Mr. Goodkind.
Goodkind
And they've got to be satisfied with little rewards! We can't all have the same bank-roll any more than we can all have the same health! That's where unions go wrong! When you tell a man he's going to have the same reward, whatever he does—not because he's got ability, but because he's got a union card—down goes the standard, out goes incentive, and to hell goes the whole social structure!
Daniel
Right!
Goodkind
That's why I'm fighting the unions! Not because I want to starve the man who works, but because I want to fire the man who doesn't ... and reward the man who does! I want to give every man a good reason for doing his best! You can talk equality and democracy all you like, Dan, but the minute the average man isn't afraid of being fired he isn't afraid of being worthless! The minute you take away incentive—the chance to get this—that minute you reduce the world to a common level of common indifference and common futility!
Daniel
Right!
Goodkind
[Rising]. Have another cigar! [Daniel shows the one he has just lighted, and shakes his head.] Where the hell's——[He turns, and sees Benfield standing in the door L.] Oh, Benfield! Come in! Gilchrist has settled the strike!
Benfield
Good!
Daniel
[Giving a folded document to Goodkind]: There are the terms. [Goodkind sits L.] They may seem a little radical, but I think I can show you they'll save money in the end!
Goodkind
That's the idea!
[With the paper in his hands, being opened, he feels confident and cocky. To Benfield]: I told you I knew my man! The Lord knows he's full of theories, but sometimes they—[His eye falls upon a disturbing line] Wait a minute! What's this?
Benfield
What's what?
Goodkind
[Reading]: "Hereby agreed ... the men are to be represented ... on the board of directors...."
Benfield
[Stunned]: No!!
Goodkind
Yes! And ... look here! [Reading] "All disputes ... referred ... to a committee of arbitration...."
Benfield
The man's gone crazy!
Daniel
When you're through....
Goodkind
[Reading]: "One-half of all profits, over and above a fair dividend, to be divided pro rata, according to wage and length of service." [He rises] Why.... [Words fail] What is this?
Benfield
Jerry told you; it's surrender!
Daniel
No! No! It's justice!
Goodkind
It's nothing! It's a scrap of paper until I sign it, and I wouldn't sign it if I had to shut up every mine in West Virginia! Why should I? We've got 'em licked!
Daniel
If you'll only let me explain....
Goodkind
Explain what? They're licked! They sent a delegation up here, and we've won over the delegation!
Daniel
You mean you've bought the delegation!
Goodkind
Who said so?
Daniel
Jerry.... Not ten minutes ago he referred to Stedtman as the company detective. We both know Hennig's for sale. Buy him, and I'll go back and tell them he's bought, and prove it!
Benfield
You're working for us!
Daniel
I'm working for——
Goodkind
Wait a minute, Benfield! We've all lost our heads! Daniel and I have just been over all this, and he admitted I was right!
Daniel
Right as far as you went, but you only went part way! You have a right to a profit on your idea, and your investment, and the labor you put back of it! The public has a right to coal, and transportation, and all it needs and pays for! But, above everything else, the workman who works honestly has a right to something more than the barest kind of a bare living ... and it can all be done if you don't sink everybody's rights to accumulate a fortune you don't need and can't use!... All the argument on earth can't make you all right so long as there's a Umanski in the World!
Goodkind
If these people succeed there's no limit to what they'll do!
Daniel
If they fail there's no limit to what you'll do!
Goodkind
There's no good transferring control from the intelligent few to the ignorant mob!
Daniel
There's no good in anything so long as we fight each other like beasts, instead of helping each other like brothers! There's no hope anywhere except in The Great Teacher, and the understanding that what He taught was not only good morals, but good sense and good business!
Benfield
Highfalutin nonsense!
Goodkind
Daniel doesn't realize what he's costing us!
Daniel
What?
Goodkind
Millions!
Daniel
Oh, is that all?
Benfield
All?
Daniel
Am I costing you one cigar? Am I costing you one blanket from your warm beds, or one stick of furniture from your comfortable homes, or anything else you'll ever miss? I'm taking nothing from you, and I'm giving thousands of men like you a chance to live!
Goodkind
You're costing yourself your last chance of success!
Daniel
I don't want your kind of success! I'm through! I give you back your job, as I gave you back your church, and I give you twenty-four hours to sign that paper!
Goodkind
If I do, you're finished!
Daniel
I am when you've signed! [He goes R.]
Goodkind
If you walk out of that door you're throwing away the chance of your life!
Daniel
I'm keeping my soul! [He opens the door.]
Benfield
You Judas!
Goodkind
You damned fool!
Daniel
Good-night!
[Daniel closes the door behind him.]
the curtain falls.