Joseph Conrad

One Day More Joseph Conrad

Carvil seated. Bessie. Captain Hagberd (white beard, sail-cloth jacket). Bessie (Knitting). You've been out this afternoon for quite a long time, haven't you?Capt. Hagberd (Eager). Yes, my dear. (Slily) Of course you saw me come back. Bessie. Oh, yes. I did see you. You had something under your coat. Capt. H. (Anxiously). It was only a kettle, my dear. A tin water-kettle. I am glad Ithought of it just in time. (Winks, nods.) When a husband gets back from his work heneeds a lot of water for a wash. See? (Dignified.) Not that Harry'll ever need to do ahand's turn after he comes home... (Falters-casts stealthy glances on all sides).... tomorrow. Bessie (Looks up, grave). Captain Hagberd, have you ever thought that perhaps yourson will not. . . Capt. H. (Paternally). I've thought of everything, my dear-of everything a reasonableyoung couple may need for housekeeping. Why, I can hardly turn about in my roomup there, the house is that full. (Rubs his hands with satisfaction.) For my son Harry-when he comes home. One day more. Bessie (Flattering). Oh, you are a great one for bargains. (Captain Hagberd delighted.) But, Captain Hagberd-if-if-you don't know what may happen-if all that homeyou've got together were to be wasted-for nothing-after all. (Aside.) Oh, I can'tbring it out. Capt. H. (Agitated; flings arms up, stamps feet; stuttering). What? What d'ye mean? What'sgoing to happen to the things?Bessie (Soothing). Nothing! Nothing! Dust-or moth-you know. Damp, perhaps. You never let anyone into the house . . . Capt. H. Dust! Damp! (Has a throaty, gurgling laugh.) I light the fires and dust the thingsmyself. (Indignant.) Let anyone into the house, indeed! What would Harry say! (Walksup and down his garden hastily with tosses, jings, and jerks of his whole body.) Bessie (With authority.) Now, then, Captain Hagberd! You know I won't put up withyour tantrums. (Shakes finger at him.) Capt. H. (Subdued, but still sulky, with his back to her). You want to see the things. That'swhat you're after. Well, no, not even you. Not till Harry has had his first look