omo--the depot hackman will tell you where to find me, and
the boys will help me show you a good time. You'd like it, Doc--
[He stops, horrified at his slip of the tongue.]
VASILI. I _know_ that.
PIKE. I don't know how to call you by name, but I reckon you'll
understand I do think an awful lot of you.
VASILI [as they shake hands]. My friend, I have confided to you that you
are a great man. But a great man is sure to be set upon a pedestal by
some pretty lady. [ETHEL turns away.] It is a great responsibility to
occupy a pedestal. On that account I depart in some anxiety for you.
PIKE. What do you mean?
VASILI. Ah, you do not understand? Then, my friend--what is it you have
taught me to say?--ah, yes--then there is sand in your gear-box.
[VASILI gives his hand to IVANOFF quietly, bows deeply to ETHEL, and
goes quickly into the hotel.]
IVANOFF [turning to ETHEL]. Dear, kind young lady, your guardian has
known how to make me accept the help you granted. He has known how
because his heart is like yours, full of goodness. I shall go to London
and teach the languages. There I shall be able to repay you--at least
what you have given me in money.
ETHEL. Professor Ivanoff, are you following Lord Hawcastle and your
wife?
IVANOFF. My wife exists no longer for me.
ETHEL. But Lord Hawcastle? Do you mean to follow him?
IVANOFF [with great feeling]. No, no, no! I could not hurt his body--I
could not. The suffering of a man is here--here! What is it _he_ has of
most value in this world? It is that name of his. Except for that, he is
poor, and that I shall destroy. He shall not go in his clubs; he shall
not go among his own class, and in the streets they will point at him.
His story and mine shall be made--ah, but too well known! And that name
of which he and all his family have been so proud, it shall be disgrace
and dishonor to bear.
ETHEL [sadly]. Already it is that.
IVANOFF. But I forget myself. I talk so ugly.
ETHEL. It is not in my heart to blame you. Your wrongs have given you
the right.
IVANOFF [kissing her hand]. God bless you always!
[Illustration: "MY FRIEND, THERE IS SAND IN YOUR GEAR-BOX"]
[He takes PIKE'S hand, tries to speak, but chokes up and cannot. He
goes into the hotel.]
PIKE. There _are_ some good people over here, aren't there?
ETHEL. When you're home again I hope you will remember _them._
PIKE. I will.
ETHEL. And I hope you will forget everything I've ever said.
|