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The Tenth Man A Tragic Comedy in Three Acts
William Somerset Maugham
Summary
Scene: A drawing-room at Lord Francis Etchingham’s house in Norfolk Street, Park Lane. An Adam room, with bright chintzes on the furniture, photographs on the chimney-piece and the piano, and a great many flowers. There is an archway at the back, leading into another drawing-room, and it is through this that visitors are introduced by the butler. On the left is a large bow window, and on the right a door leading into the library. Lord and Lady Francis. Lord Francis Etchingham is a man of fifty, of the middle height, rather bald, with an amiable, weak face. He is a good-natured person, anxious to do his best in all things and to all people so long as he is not bored. He wants everything to go smoothly. He has a comfortable idea of his own capacity. Reduced circumstances have drawn him into affairs, and he regards himself as a fine man of business. Lady Francis is a handsome and well-preserved woman of the same age as her husband, with dyed red hair; she has a massive, almost an imposing, presence, and she is admirably gowned. She treats her husband with good-humoured scorn, aware of his foibles, but amused rather than annoyed by them. When the curtain rises Francis Etchingham is a prey to the liveliest vexation. He is walking nervously across the room, while his wife, with a thin smile, stands quietly watching him. With a gesture of irritation he flings himself into a chair. Surely that ought to satisfy anyone. James Ford. Well, it doesn’t satisfy me. George Winter. Perhaps you would like my father-in-law to tell you that every word I say is scrupulously true? Swalecliffe. We don’t doubt your word, Mr. Winter, but we came to London with a particular object. Boyce. I must say I thought from the beginning it was open to the gravest question. James Ford. The committee discussed it at length, and the majority agreed that.... George Winter. [Rising.] Of course, of course, Etchingham, will you give these gentlemen the assurance? Etchingham. [After a moment’s hesitation.] I think the whole thing’s damned impertinent. Boyce. That’s exactly what I said. James Ford. [Quietly.] You’re only wasting time, Winter. Swalecliffe. We made up our minds that we must have a certain assurance from the lips of Mrs. Winter. Then we can go back to Middlepool with comfortable minds. George Winter. [Trying bluster.] D’you mean to say you wish to cross-examine my wife? Swalecliffe. I merely wish her to answer the questions that were put to you in Colonel Boyce’s letter on behalf of the committee. George Winter.
Available since: 06/02/2019.
