LITMIR.BIZ

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      I certainly do! Father got us into this mess by his foolish investments. If he were here he would prevent us from taking the necessary measures to get ourselves out of it. Now, we are governed only by our inclinations, and mine, dear sister, are very carefree. Think of the happy opportunity our poverty gives us to indulge in vices that we should never dare to experience were we rich. Why, if father had lived and kept his fortune, we should have been bullied into respectability. But now, darling, we can let ourselves go.

      Justine

      I don’t want to hear any more of this.

      Juliette

      Please yourself. I’m going for a walk. (she flounces out)

      Justine

      This is just talk, I know, Julie, but it upsets me so—please— She’s gone. (Justine kneels before a crucifix) Dear God, I pray to you to aid us in our affliction, and bring us comfort in our sorrow. Lead us not into temptation. I swear and vow that I shall never take the path my sister has seen fit to jest about. Forgive her, the words she spoke in despair. Dear God, I pray to you for our salvation. I await your sign.

      (The room is illuminated momentarily as with a holy light, then the landlady enters.)

      Landlady

      You got the rent?

      Justine

      You know I haven’t. Oh, if you’d just be patient.

      Landlady

      Why should I be patient?

      Justine

      Something will turn up soon. I’ve been praying. God will answer my prayers.

      Landlady

      Well, maybe he will at that. I don’t want yez to think I ain’t got no feelings. I told your story to a man who is a regular phil-anthropist. He said he’d like to see you.

      Justine

      Oh, this must be God’s answer.

      Landlady

      He’s waiting on the stairs. Shall I tell him to come in?

      Justine

      Oh, do.

      Landlady

      He’s easy to get around. Butter him up now. You can come in now, Mr. Hairpin.

      (The Landlady exits and Hairpin enters. Hairpin is the same actor that plays the Marquis.)

      Justine (falling at his feet)

      Alas, I am a poor orphan. I am only sixteen and I am nearly starving. I beg you to have pity on me.

      Hairpin

      That’s a shame. That’s a shame. I’m an old man but I have a soft heart. A soft heart.

      Justine

      Oh, sir, I can see it.

      Hairpin

      Are you a good girl?

      Justine

      Oh, sir—would I be in such a state if I were not?

      Hairpin

      That answer pleases me. I have a weakness for virgins. Yes, I confess it. A weakness for virgins. It comes from being old and having a soft heart.

      Justine

      Oh, I know you will do something for me.

      Hairpin

      I have just one more question I should like to ask you. Are you resolved to remain a good girl?

      Justine

      Oh, yes, sir.

      Hairpin

      That answer is not pleasing to me. Perhaps, you misunderstand me and think me to be some sort of fool who meant to give you aid in mere charity.

      Justine

      Yes, sir. I thought you were so good.

      Hairpin

      Just because I am old and have a soft heart, do you think I have a soft head?

      Justine (sobbing)

      Oh, sir.

      Hairpin

      There, there. I do not wish to be unkind. Undoubtedly, you took me for a religious fool and gave the answer you thought would please me. I do not despise you for such hypocrisy. I simply wish to straighten things out. Now, I ask you again. Are you resolved to remain a good girl?

      Justine

      Yes, sir. More than ever.

      Hairpin

      You don’t think I am trying to test you, do you? You believe me, that I am serious.

      Justine

      Yes.

      Hairpin

      Then, by what right do you expect the rich to help you if you will not serve them?

      Justine

      I shall be happy to serve you in any proper way.

      Hairpin

      I am an old man, and I have a soft heart. But, I tell you truly, there is but one proper way you can serve me and that is with your body.

      Justine

      Dear God, is there no charity left among men?

      Hairpin

      I give that I may receive. Charity is nothing but the enjoyment of pride, and I hate pride.

      Justine

      Sir, with principles like these the poor must perish.

      Hairpin

      Let them. There are more people around than necessary as it is.

      Justine

      Do you believe children could respect their parents if they were treated like this?

      Hairpin

      What do children mean to a parent when they are troublesome?

      Justine

      They’d be better off smothered in the cradle.

      Hairpin

      Of course. Such has been the salutary custom in many countries. Soon we shall revive it here. Why let bastards and cripples burden the tax rolls? I look forward to the day when a perfectly rational economy will forbid charity and decree starvation for those who were so ignorant as to be born poor.

      Justine (sobbing)

      Oh, sir, it’s hard to be an orphan.

      Hairpin

      Why complain when it lies within your power to improve your situation?

      Justine

      At what price!

      Hairpin

      I shall not be stingy.

      Justine

      Beast! May heaven punish you as you deserve.

      Hairpin (leaving)

      I hate beggars.

      (Enter Landlady.)

      Landlady

      You stupid little bitch. Think what you are doing.

      Hairpin

      I am an old man with a soft heart. She hasn’t treated me right. She made me so unhappy. (Hairpin wobbles toward the stairs)

      Landlady

      You fool! Do something!

      Justine

      What do you expect me to do?

      Landlady

      Go

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