GERALD.] They've about got your father's nerve.
GER. I can't say that I blame him very much. [In somber thought.]
Really, you know, Prince Hagen, this can't go on. What's to be the end of it?
HAGEN. [Laughing.] Oh, come, come, Gerald. don't bother your head with things like that! You're a poet. you must keep your imagination free from such dismal matters. See, I've got a job for you. [Pointing to books on table.] Do you notice the titles?
GER. [Has been handling the books absent-mindedly; now looks at titles.] The Saints' Everlasting Rest. Pilgrim's Progress. The Life of
St. Ignatius. What does that mean?
HAGEN. I'm studying up on religion. I want to know the language.
GER. I See!
HAGEN. But I don't seem to get hold of it very well. I think it's the job for you.
GER. How do you mean?
HAGEN. I'm getting ready to introduce Morality into Nibelheim.
GER. What?
HAGEN. [Playfully.] You remember you talked to me about it a long time ago. And now I've come to your way of thinking. Suppose I gave you a chance to civilize the place, to teach those wretched creatures to love beauty and virtue?
GER. It would depend upon what your motive was in inviting me.
HAGEN. My Motive? What has that to do with it? Virtue is virtue, is it not?. No matter what I think about it?
GER. Yes.
HAGEN. And virtue is its own reward?
GER. Perhaps so.
HAGEN. Let us grant that the consequences of educating and elevating the Nibelungs. of teaching them to love righteousness. would be that they were deprived of all their gold, and forced to labor at getting more for a wicked capitalist like me. Would it not still be right to teach them?
GER. It might, perhaps.
HAGEN. Then you will try it?
GER. No. I'm afraid not.
HAGEN. Why not?
GER. [Gravely.] Well. for one thing. I have weighty reasons for doubting the perfectibility of the Nibelungs.
HAGEN. [Gazes at him; then shakes with laughter.] Really, Gerald, that is the one clever thing I've heard you say!
GER. [Laughing.] Thank you!
HAGEN. [Rises and looks at watch.] Your mother was coming down. Ah!
Mrs. Isman!
MRS. IS. [Enters, left.] Good afternoon, Prince Hagen.
HAGEN. And how go things?
MRS. IS. I've just had a telegram from my brother. He says that the
Archbishop of Canterbury never goes abroad, and was shocked at the suggestion; but he thinks two million might fetch him.
HAGEN. Very well. offer it.
MRS. IS. Do you really think it's worth that?
HAGEN. My dear lady, it is worth anything if it will make you happy and add to the eclat of the wedding. There's nothing too good for
Estelle.
MRS. IS. Ah, what a wonderful man you are. [Eyeing him.] I was wondering how rose pink would go with your complexion.
HAGEN. Dear me! Am I to wear rose pink?
MRS. IS. No, but I'm planning the decoration for the wedding breakfast
And I'm puzzled about the flowers. I'm weary of orchids and la
France roses. Mrs. Bagley-Willis had her ball room swamped with them last week.
HAGEN. We must certainly not imitate Mrs. Bagley-Willis.
MRS. IS. [Complacently.] I fancy she's pretty nearly at the end of her rope. My maid tells me she couldn't pay her grocer's bill till she got that million from you!
HAGEN. Ha, ha, ha!
MRS. IS. I wish you'd come with me for a moment. I have some designs for the breakfast menu.
HAGEN. Delighted, I'm sure. [They go off, left.]
GER. Oh, my God!
EST. [Enters in a beautiful afternoon gown, and carrying an armful of roses; she is nervous and preoccupied.] Ah! Gerald!
GER. Estelle. [He watches her in silence; she arranges flowers.]
EST. How goes the poem, Gerald?
GER. The poem! Who could think of a poem at a time like this?
[Advancing toward her.] Estelle! I can bear it no longer!
EST. What?
GER. This crime! I tell you it's a crime you're committing!
EST. Oh, Gerald! Don't begin that again. You know it's too late. And it tears me to pieces!
GER. I can't help it. I must say it!
EST. [Hurrying toward him.] Brother! You must not say another word to me! I tell you you must not. I can't bear it!
GER. Estelle.
EST. No, I say. no! I've given my word! My honor is pledged, and it's too late to turn back. I have permitted father to incur obligations before all the world
GER. But, Estelle, you don't know. If you understood all…all…
EST. [With sudden intensity.] Gerald! I know what you mean! I have felt it! You know more about Prince Hagen than you have told me. There is some secret- something strange. [She stares at him wildly.] I don't want to know it! Gerald. don't you understand? We are in that man's hands! We are at his mercy! Don't you know that he would never give me up? He would follow me to the end of the earth! He would wreck the whole world to get me! I am in a cage with a wild beast!
[They stare at each other.]
GER. [In sudden excitement.] Estelle!
EST. What?
GER. Can it be that you love this man?
EST. [Startled.] I don't know! How can I tell? He terrifies me. He fascinates me. I don't know what to make of him. And I don't dare to think. [Wildly.] And what difference does it make? I have promised to marry him!
[MRS. ISMAN enters, left, and listens.]
EST. And I must keep my word! You must not try to dissuade me.
MRS. IS. Estelle!
EST. Mother!
MRS. IS. Has Gerald been tormenting you again? My child, my child.
I implore you, don't let that madness take hold of you! Think of our position. [Attempts to embrace her.] I know how it is. I went through with it myself. We women all have to go through with it. I did not care for your father. it nearly broke my heart. I was madly in love at the time. truly I was! But think what will become of us.
EST. [Vehemently, pushing her away.] Mother! I forbid you to speak another word to me! I will not bear it! I will keep my bargain. I will do what I have said I will do. But I will not have you talk to me about it. Do you understand me?
MRS. IS. My dear!
EST. Please go! Both of you! I wish to be alone!
MRS. IS. [In great agitation.] Oh, dear me! dear me!
[Exit, left.]
GER. Good-bye!
[Exit, right; ESTELLE recovers herself by an effort; stands by table in thought. Twilight has begun to gather.]
HAGEN. [Enters by veranda.] Ah! Estelle! [Comes toward her.] My beautiful! [Makes to embrace her.] Not yet?
EST. [Faintly.] Prince Hagen, I told you.
HAGEN. I know, I know! But how much longer? I love you! The sight of you is fire in my veins. Have I not been patient? The time is very short. when will you let me.
[Advances.]
EST. [Gasping.] Give me. give me till tomorrow!
HAGEN. [Gripping his hands.] To-morrow! Very well! [Turns to table.]
Ah, flowers! Do you like the new poppies?
EST. They are exquisite!
HAGEN. [Sits in chair.] Well, we've had a busy day today.
EST. Yes. You must be tired.
HAGEN. In your house? No!
EST. Rest, even so. [Goes to piano.] I will play for you. [Sits, and takes Rheingold score.] One of Gerald's scores.
[Plays a little, then sounds the Nibelung theme. PRINCE HAGEN starts.