Page:Poet Lore, volume 35, 1924.pdf/524

 Dean.—Still? It seems, my lady, that something has loomed up before your conscience that is not easily banished?

Ann.—Oh, nothing at all only I can’t get it through my head  there must have been some carelessness somewhere.

Dean.—What sort of carelessness can’t you get through your head?

Julia.—There are things none of us can get through our heads. When was it that grandfather had his second stroke Was it not the moment brother-in-law announced

Ann (Sharply).—Julia, don’t meddle.

John.—I pray you

Julia (Continuing).—When he brought the official confirmation of Mr. Hans Karvan’s having been shot while fleeing from a Siberian prison!

John.—I broke the news as cautiously as I knew how.

Julia.—But if it was after that after that that you wrote to your cousin, brother-in-law

Hans.—Is this the order of events?

Dean.—From which it would seem that he knew Hans was still living while he was trying to convince his father that he was dead.

Hans (Catching by the throat).—You coward! You intolerable villain! ( shrieks.)

Julia.—Oh, Mr. Karvan, surely you would not so far forget yourself.

John.—Let me go! Would you strangle me?

Dean.—Back, you madman!

Andrew (Re-entering, hastening to assistance).—Mr. Hans! Mr. Hans! What on earth possesses you? Recall yourself! You cannot do this! This is the mayor!

Hans (Holding until  puts her hand on his shoulder)—Andrew? You old dog!

Ann.—Dear God!

Dean.—No unncessary panic please.

Andrew.—I guess I am that, Mr. Hans. Only an old dog would have stood it around here as I have done. For forty years I have drudged around here. Choke me if you must choke somebody, but not the mayor!

John.—This to me! Me! It is me he would lay his hands on.

Julia.—You let yourself go pretty far, Mr. Hans.

Ann.—It is all your fault, Julia.