Pandora's Box Part 16

LULU. (_Giving it._) In God's name! But now you come! (_Takes up the lamp._)

JACK. We need no light. The moon's out.

LULU. (_Puts the lamp down._) As you say. (_She falls on his neck._) I won't harm you at all! I love you so! Don't let me beg you any longer!

JACK. Alright; I'm with you. (_Follows her into the cubby-hole. The lamp goes out. On the floor under the two sky-lights appear two vivid squares of moonlight. Everything in the room is clearly seen._)

GESCHWITZ. (_As in a dream._) This is the last evening I shall spend with these people. I'm going back to Germany. My mother'll send me the money. I'll go to a university. I must fight for woman's rights; study law.... (_Lulu shrieks, and tears open the door._)

LULU. (_Barefoot, in chemise and petticoat, holding the door shut behind her._) Help!

GESCHWITZ. (_Rushes to the door, draws her revolver, and pushing Lulu aside, aims it at the door. As Lulu again cries "Help!"_) Let go!

(_Jack, bent double, tears open the door from inside, and runs a knife into Geschwitz's body. She fires one shot, at the roof, and falls with suppressed crying, crumpling up. Jack tears her revolver from her and throws himself against the exit-door._)

JACK. God damn! I never saw a prettier mouth! (_Sweat drips from his hairy face. His hands are bloody. He pants, gasping violently, and stares at the floor with eyes popping out of his head. Lulu, trembling in every limb, looks wildly round. Suddenly she seizes the bottle, smashes it on the table, and with the broken neck in her hand rushes upon Jack. He swings up his right foot and throws her onto her back. Then he lifts her up._)

LULU. No, no!--Mercy!--Murder!--Police! Police!

JACK. Be still. You'll never get away from me again. (_Carries her in._)

LULU. (_Within, right._) No!--No!--No!-- --Ah!--Ah!...

(_After a pause, Jack re-enters. He puts the bowl on the table._)

JACK. That *was* a piece of work! (_Washing his hands._) I *am* a damned lucky chap! (_Looks round for a towel._) Not even a towel, these folks here! Hell of a wretched hole! (_He dries his hands on Geschwitz's petticoat._) This invert is safe enough from me! (_To her._) It'll soon be all up with you, too. (_Exit._)

GESCHWITZ. (_Alone._) Lulu!--My angel!--Let me see thee once more! I am near thee--stay near thee--forever! (_Her elbows give way._) O cursed--!! (_Dies._)

CURTAIN.

Chapter end