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
is in fact an exit, final and complete, from the stage of world-politics,
made by one who in his day occupied a commanding position of authority and
power. That day is now over. In the distance an occasional blare of brass
and the beat of drums tells that processions are still moving through the
streets of the capital, celebrating the inauguration of the new President.
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