of tone_)

Oh, yes...yes. You are quite right. It's time. I'm under orders now. Would
you mind--the bell?

(_Then, as the other is about to rise, he perceives that the Nurse has
already entered, and now stands, unobtrusive but firm, awaiting the moment
to reassert her sway_.)

Oh, it's not necessary. There's the Nurse come again, to remind me that I
mustn't tire myself in tiring you.

(_And so, under the presiding eye of professional attendance, the
Visitor rises and advances to take his leave._)

Thank you--for coming. Thank you--for hearing me so patiently...You always
did that, even though it made no difference...I wonder--shall I ever see
you again?

DIST. V. You shall. I promise.

CHAMBERLAIN. I wonder.

DIST. V. I assure you, I shall make a point of it. Believe me, I am very
grateful for this opportunity you have given me; and even more am I
grateful for all your long loyalty in the past. Through all differences,
through all difficulties, I have felt that you were indeed a friend. So,
till we meet again, my dear Chamberlain, good-bye!

(_The two hands meet and part, while the Nurse moves forward to resume
her professional duties. The Distinguished Visitor begins to retire_.)

CHAMBERLAIN. Good-bye...You can find your way?

DIST. V. (_turning gracefully as be goes_). Perfectly!
(_And treating the door with the same perfection of courtesy as be
treats all with whom he comes in contact, be goes to take his leave of
other members of the family. The door closes; the Nurse is punching the
pillows; Chamberlain speaks_:)

CHAMBERLAIN. So that's the end, eh?... Charming fellow!

(_And so saying, be settles back to the inattention of life to which he
has become accustomed_.)

The Instrument

Dramatis Personae

WOODROW WILSON (_Ex-President of the United States of America_)
MR. TUMULTY (_His Secretary_)
A GRACIOUS PRESENCE
AN ATTENDANT

The Instrument

SCENE; _Washington. March 4th,_ 1921.

_Through, the large windows of this rather stiffly composed sitting-room
Washington conveys an ample and not unimpressive view of its official
character. The distant architecture, rising out of trees, is almost
beautiful, and would be quite, if only it could manage to look a little
less self-satisfied and prosperous. Outside is a jubilant spring day;
inside something which much more resembles the wintering of autumn. For
though this is an entry over which the door has just opened and closed, it