Charactets JUDITH BLISS RICHARD GREATHAM DAVID BLISS JACEIE CORTTON SOREL BLISS SANDY TYRELL SIMON BLISS cuaRA MYRA ARUNDEL acrr Saturday afternoon act Saturday evening acr mm Sunday morning “The action of the play takes place iu the Hall of the Blises? house at Cookkam in June “ACT Tr | Seay The Hall of pavin e.iss’s house ts very. comfortable and ‘extremely tenia. There are several ef soMON’s cartoon scattered about the walls; masses of ighy-colowed American and classical musi Stewh, about the ‘pia, and" comfortable furniture. A staircase ascends toa sal baleony leading to the bedrooms, ‘Davan’s study and SiM0N's room. There is a door leading to the brary down Le &serice door above it under the stairs: There are _feench windows’ at-back.and front door on the'R. “When the curtain rises i 1S about three o'dock on a Saturay ‘afiemoon in june. SIMON, ian extvemely. dirty. tennis skirt and. bagey grey {flannel srousers, i knzeling in the middle ofthe floor, drawing on. cartridge paper sof which there are two pieces by him. SOnBL mare neatly dressed, is ‘stretched on Le end of the soft, reading a-very vilentiybound volume\af poems:-wkich have beet. sent ther yan aspiring fiend: SOREL: Listen, to-this, Simon, (She reads.) ‘Love's.a Trollop stained with: wine, Clasring a6 the breasts,of Adolescence, ‘Nuzzling, tearing, shricking, beating— ‘God; why were’ we fashioned sof” She laughs: RON (loking® wp fom Ris araiving): ‘The pooF it’s potty! ‘sOREL™ L/wish'she hadin’e sent me’the beastly book. F-must say sométhing nice about it, _snton: ‘The binding’s very’ dashing SOREL! She used to be suchfun before she matried that gloomy litle man * : “Simon? She. was always'a fierce poseuse. It's so silly.of people to /steycandl‘cultvate. the’ artistic temperament. Au fond she's just a ‘normal, bouricing Englishwoman. 3Aor HAT-EBVBR sonst: You didn’t shave this morning, snow, I know I didn't, but I'm going to in @ minute, when F've finished this. (Pointing 10 drawing.) sonst: I sometimes wish we were mote notmal and bouncing, Simon. snow: Why? (Stans to draw agin.) ‘Sons: I should like tobe afresh, open-air gil with a:passion for ‘games. smfon: Thank God you're not. SonsL: It would be so soothing. snow: Not in this house. sonst: Where’s mother? stMON: In the gurden, practising: sonzt: Practising? SIMON (tops drawing and lobks at sonst): She's learning the names of the flowers by heart. sonst: What's she up to? SIMON: I don't know. (ooks dowe at drawing’) ‘Daman! That's crooked. SOREL: ¥ aliways distrust het when she becomes the Squire's lady. snow: So do I. (Starts drawing agai.) SOREL: She's been at it hard all day —she tapped the barometer this moming, simon: She's probably got a plan about impressing somebody: SOREL (taking a cigarette fiom table behitd soft’ 1 wonder who. stow: Some dreary, infatuated young inan will appear soon, I expect. sont Not to-day gh cane) You don‘ think shesasked anyone down to-day, do you? smo (Gaps drawing and Woks up). don't know. Has father noticed anything? soREL: No; he's too immersed in work. smgon: Perhaps Clara will know, sonst: Yell for her. SIMON (ises and. goes up C., calling off door teow stairs: Carat Clara! SOREL (moves 9 R. ud of sofa: Ob, Simon, "I dohape she hasn't asked anyone down to-day. smo (Coming? owt Re endif sf) Why? Have your Soasnr Yes. ‘Sion: Wyn earth ide you tll mit. sont: I dids’t chink you'd care-one: Way or another. simon: Who ist soxmus. Richard Greathatn. SIMON: (Boet back to drawing): How exciting! I've never heard of ‘him, sox: [shouldnt tint your ignorince if were you~ it makes you look silly. srMoN(ising-did-picking “up! one: shéet” of caridge- paper” and pencils Well, that’s done.’ (He rolls the cartridge paper.) soxnt: Everybody's heard: of ‘Richard Greatham. SON (amiab)): How lovely. for them! (Going-to piano.) SoxpL: Hes a figheilly wellknown diplomatist—1 met him at the Mainwaringy dance. sinox: Hell need ‘all bis.diplomacy here. (Puts pencil on piano.) soau:T wamed:hitas nor to expect good manners, but I-hope ‘you'll be:as’pleasant t0-him 2s you'can. SIMON: (gently moves: to C): Ive ‘ever met any Biter cana front door below stats: She's tot, round, untidy ile ‘woman. She stands L. by door. ‘sits oi form by piano) Claras has mother asked anyone down this weekend?Hay EBYER cana: I don’ know, dear:"There isnt much food in the house, ‘and Amy's got toothache. sonst: I've got some oil of doves somewhere. ae (chara: She tried that, butt only bumt-her:tongue’ "The poor ‘g's been writhing about in the scullery like one o'dlock. SOREL: You haven't forgotten to putr-those: flowers. in’ the Japanese room? sufon: The Japanese room is essentially feminine, and entirely ‘unsuited to the Pet of the Foreign: Office. 4 sons: Shuit up, Simon! tenn ‘The teem looks lovely, dear ~ you needa worry. Just Tike your mother’s dressingroom’on'a frst nigat: sncon: How restful clans (ave! fo on): Viave you told her about youn bay friend? SOREL (painel): Not boy friend, Clara ean Crick up drawing at sic0% bas Ion fave C= Ohgwell ‘whatewer he is. {Puts drawing om chair-np-C)- snow {think Sores beginning to be ashamed of wall Clara — T don't altogether blame her; we are:very slap-dash. Lana (coming down C. ~ spedkng to-snvony: Are-you. going, to leave that picture in the guests’ bathroom, dear? Tou’ kxiow ifids quite che thing ~Iot of pink, naked women rolling about in a field. mom (eve): Nudity can be very bess, Car xara: Oh, can itt Pechaps being a-dresser:for so: long ‘as-spoilt me eye. for it cata goes out door below stairs sow: Clare's looking tized. We ought to have more servants, and not depend on her so much. sonst: You know we can never keep them: You'te‘right abour us being slap-dash, Simon. I wish we weren't smton: Does it mater? SOREL: Je must, I think — to other people: . stMoN: Its not our fault ~ it's the way we'veibeen:broughe'up. sonst: Wel if we're clever enough to reaine at we'ough 0 ‘be clever enough to change ourselves. : snow: Tm not sure that I want to : 6 spiox Iv’s.no-use Co mareewea SORFL: ‘We'ze'so”awfully:bad-mannered. stMtoW: Not to people we like. SOREL: ‘The people we like pur-up with ic because they ke ws “simon-What-do- you. mean, exactly, by-'bad'manners? Lack of social tricks and smalltalle sons: Weiapre seat tetook afer people when they come “-gnoy: Why: should swe? It's loathsome. being looked after. sonst: Yes, bat people like litte attentions. We've never ance. “asked: anyone. if they've slept. wel. sion 1 consider that’ ai. impertinence;, anyhow. SOREL: I'm going to try. to improve. SIMON, (pity jet-upon form): You're. only going on. like this “because you've. got a: mania: for # diplomatist. You'll soon setun.t0 notmal sone, (earnest): Abnozmal, Simon ~ that’s what we are. Abnor- imal, Beople stare i. astonishment when we say what we consider perfectiy ordinary.things. I just remarked at Freda's Tunch the other day: how nice it would be i someone invented something to-make all our faces go up like the Chinese, because T'was so. bored ‘with them going down. And they. all thought-I was. mad! ‘worrying, daring; we see things differenti, I ‘suppose, and if people don’t like it they mist imp it. “ter jot foe th gen. Sh icarying an ail offers nd aig tg lg geen ht, pul ges ant ‘os JUDITH cockles of my heatt-when-felt in the:ma0od, and ‘now theacta Hip FEVER hhouse’ is going to be-fallof dite6ed -—-ndt;enouigh food). everyone fighting forthe bath ~perfect agonyt I wish 1 wese dead! sion: You needn't worry about Myra and:me. We-shall. keep font of everyone's way. sonst: I shall tke Richard on the sve all-day tosmosrow-’ sopra: In wha? 7 sonst: The punt. opis: 1 absolutely forbid you te-go.near the, punt.- simon: Its sure to rain, anyhow, juprn: What your fther sl say. tremble vo think: Fle needs ‘complete quiet to finish off The. Stuful Woman SORBE: T see no reason for there: to-be:any: noise; tnless Sandy, ‘What'shisname is given to shouting: yupirsi: If you're rude to Sandy I shall be, extremely angry. | SIMON and sonst etd over soprrit and all ta Toudly at-once sonst: Now, look here, mother" stron: | (together} | -Why you should-expect= =! -°° sor: He's coming all the way-down specially tobe nice to' me Enter pavip down stair. He'Toaks slightly. iitabl: Aven (coming down to C_): Why are you all malig such & noise? smicow crosses to piano and picks up-book, JoprrH: I think Tm. going madi avin: Why hasa’t Clara brought. me:my-ea? yoprra: I don't know. Davin: Where is Clan? geprra: Do stop firing questions at me, David, avip: Why are you all so insitable? What's happened? Enter chan fm blo sta, wih «may of fread fhnosts it inte Davin’s hands. sei er pput the kettle on’ she’s got terrible toothache > aven: Poor girl! Give her some: oil:of cloves. : Sonst: If anyooe ese ‘mentions:-oll af. cages, shall d something desperate! (Rises and’ moves'a: steps 8 avin: It’s wonderfal stuff. Where's Zoe? Saar ever, (ons She wassin the garden this ‘moming: iavip: I suppose no-one thought of giving her any: lunch? G1ARA: Tputitdown by the kc table as ural bur she never came-in for‘it” sonst: She's probably housing’ navin:: She ii't old enough: yet. She might have fallen into the river, for‘all'you care.'T think it’s 4 shame! cians! Don't youu, woiry your head ~ Zoe won't come to any harms; she's too ‘wily. ‘Bait oor Below sais ‘pabup: 1 don’s want to be digpisbed. (He takes is tray and goes “apetaiest then ke tums.) Listen, Simon,.,.There's-a perfectly sweet flapper. coming down by. che fourthisty. Will you go and meet ber and be nice to hes? She's an abject fool, but 2 useful type, and I.want to study her a fitle in domestic surroundings. She can sleep in the, Japanese.room: He ges eg ehh a eat sens sos. dope te ckais.down I, E>, Tooter Youre: geuing fa t00 tall Sore. sons: Sotry, mother! Jebiaay Give me another of tove ssgusting-cigareries— iss aid get 1 piano quickly takes cigar: ‘sobrru: T don’t Know where'the}- came fom. (Rises and goes C) > Sisson (owes C. ngs junit cin): ce! eights for en) “yen: tm going to forget eoieely, abou all these dread ‘people amiving My mid henceTorward shall bea blank on the ssobjett 22 oust: Iv all very fine, mother, bur joprmat I made great decision this moming. ~ iwon: What kind of decision? “ JoprrHs Tes ‘a secret | ‘sonen: Aretit you going'to tell us jJuprrn:, Of course. 1 meant it was «secret from your father. SIMON: What is 10 “yuDEFH goet.up C. and Tks off L.to-make sure no one is listening, | sores. Bmn‘going back to the stage © “sumone: Fnew it! (Drops on to-form below, pane.) stagnating here, I'won't stagnare as long as there's breath left jn my body. sorsu! Do you think ics wise? You tetired so-very finally last “jean What’ excase will you give for teturning so: soon? _poorre: My public; dear ~ leners from my publict ‘SthiON: Have You bad’ any? yunrrst: One or two. That's what decided me, really ~Tought «0 have fad hundreds: 7°" SORE Chaees on R comer of sfa): We'll write some lovely ones, “andl yout can publish them in: the papers. guEYTE: OF course: “soxsu: You will be digniféd sbont it-all, won't you, darling? eons imi much, more dignified on. the: stage than in’ the ‘country = it's/my- mille: Tve tied tetribly: hard to be, landed gentry’, but without any teal success. (Moves .upC. with sacechet arms) long frsetcement and gatiour. Comer down. to Re-comner of sof.)"Think of the thrill of a frst night; all 5.1a arava! those ardent playgoers willing 6ne-to ucceed:-the-erties-all ~ Sion {isng| and moving to yet, ‘and speaking in deep dramatic leaning forward with glowing faces; receptive and exultant 5, oldele*Zara, what does: this: mean?’ emiting queer litle inarticulate molses’ as’ some ‘witty line _-_Jwprra: “So-many dhosions shattered ~ soimany:dreamis wodden tickles their fancy. The satisfied-grantof the Daily Mi, the inithe’ dust > ” : abandoned gurgle of the. Sunday’/‘times,° and. the. shrill, SOREL (uns: behind sofa and i fomeofs0N-to down 2) Tm ‘enthusiastic seream of the Daily Express can distinguish them “ Spree estate Foe Yaar Mr Go all 5 ‘raat pose. smcox: Have you got a play? : “joprtec (going a lle to 1. ~ Ustening). “Sesh. Isn't that ltde, Pam yeprrn: T think T shall revive: Love's ‘Whirbvind: 25, SOREL (collapsing otto soft: Ob, mother! (She gurls with laughiee) e SEMON (weakly): Father will-be furious. “ |, Rerimotnersiia jyoprrn: I can’t help that. i ine femme hes. ee sonst: Ie's such a fearful play. joprtat: Daman! ‘There's the’bell! | yupiTn: Isa marvellous part on “SOXSL (ruphing't the glass — om plano), T look hideois. aa - : “SIMON” (moves to R: side of piano): Yes, deat! : a Bo ean’ ents from: door below sais amd crosses to, door R yovirr: You mustn't say too much against it, Sorel: Yin ‘willing a to laugh at it a litde myself, bur, after all, it was one of my <4 "it: Clara ~ before you open the door — we shall be eight for ‘greatest Successes. smiox: Ob, ies appalling ~ but I love it, Ie mialé me laugh oprrut: The public love it too, and it doesnt make them laugh = -_ sen: Garage) “She' cxy-more; poor. mite, when. she realises “ocARi (cling te RE): My God! snion: And for bieakfist Ianch; ta, and’ dinner to-motrow. gopira’ Gaguely): Will you get various 200ins réady? auch. (Moves to C. and very dramatically she recites) "You aré a Baia cai oleeg i hs ‘ol, 4 biod pidable foc. You think betas you hnve nought’ mee, GLAGAE LAT GVE SS | Sey Sot eet “ my body that you ‘have bought my soul! (Timing to sonst.) yupitis: ‘t-cas’r be’ helped’ = riothing éant“be ‘helped. T's Fate — ‘You must say that's dramatic ~‘T've dreamed of love like this: srything’that happens is Fate: That's always a'great comfort ‘but I never realised, I never knew how beautiful it could’ Be-in “yme:! Recess reality!” (Wipes away imaginary tears.) That line always brought a HNN ex. de’s; Mére-like“arrant selfishness! tear to my eye. - 4 _gopira: You mustn't be pert, Clara. sumox: The second act is the best, there's no.doubt-about that. “Giana: PertP'may’be,’ burl ave got'some thought for others. JUDIE. (puming to Sonu): Brom the moment Victor comes in it's “Hight for dionet =Amy going home early! Ie’s nothing more stroug ~ tremendously strong... Be Victor,a mimute, Sorel— ‘nor less-thani an imposition! sonst (rising): Do you mean when he comes in at-the-endofthe ‘the belvngeagitc® °° eel Fa aaa sion: Hadn't you better let them all in? yworta: Yes. You know ~ "ts this a game?’ : ae aos | cuuina goes to the font oor and admits sapy inact, who tea SOREL (ning in yoDrTi and Speaking ta ey deomatie wi) Te his ca wes Oe a ees or a gamer” and father big hands; owing to a misplaced enthusiases for amateur supri (with spi): “Yes — and.a game that must be’ played +o emcee ie a the finish” : : SARA goes ou dor Blow stairs. 16 ”sort ‘HAT FEVER ‘SAND (rositg 0 sonra hag Bane pectecty ‘pping of you to let ne come: dows supra: Are you alone? SANDY “surprise: Yes, joorru: I mean, didn’t you mieet-anyone’at the station? ‘any: Tmovored down; my car's ouside. Would you like ine to meet anybody? _/ JoprrH: Ob, no, T mms introduce you. “This my" daighter Sorel, ahd my son Simon. SANDE (moves fo Sons and offer his hand, which she ignores): HOw do you do? SOREL (cold): Ym extremely well, thask You," anid’T'hope you Brushes past hini and exit upstairs. son: S0 do 1. (Does the same.) san Tooks shattered. JUDITH (crosses in front of sanpy and glares after “sion and sons, You must forgive me for having sather,peciar children. Have you got a bag. ot anything? sanpr: Yes; it's in the. car. yoprrm: We'd better leave it there for the: moment, as Clara has to get the tea, We'll find you room afterwards: sanpr: I've been looking forward to-this most'aiwfully: JUDITH: IE's nice, isa’t 1 (Moves so windew:} You tan ee as fares ‘Marlow on a clear day, so they tell me: SANDY (goes up to her): T meant T've been“looking forward to seeing you. yuprmis: How perfeely sweet of you! (Crem fi and-sts 1. comer) Would you like a drink? sanpr: No, thanks. I'm in training, JUDITH (motioning him to sit beside het: How-lovelytWhat for? ‘sanpr: I'm boxing again in a.couple of weeks. yworrm: T'mmst come to your frst night: SANDY (sits en sof): You look simply splendid.~ Joorrs: Fm so glad. You know, you mustn't mind if Simon and: Sotel insult you a little ~ they've ‘been very badstempeced lately. 8 2 wareneeR © gagoendles: evefally. fanny. you having a. grown-up. son: and “daughter ata 1 can hardly believe it JUDITH (quickh): 1 was married very young. —- sapy:-1 don't wonder: You know, is fightfally queer the-way " Ye been planning to know you for ages, and I never did until Jest week. yupitn: | liked you from the first; really; because you're sich a nice ‘shape. SgaNRY (lighty-embariased) Oh, Tee. yubiti: Small hips and:lovely broad shoulders ~ wish Simon had smaller hips. (Shgké pure) Do'you think you could teach him to box? sanpr: Rather —if he likes! ‘yopitn: That's just the trouble —T'im afraid he won't like, He’s so ‘dreadfully un that sort of thing; You must use your influence “subtly. I'm sure David would be pleased. sanbY Who's David? J yoprr: My husband sannx (seprsed)s Ob! ‘juin: Why,do you'say ‘Ob ike that Dun’ you now Thad a ‘husband ‘sayy: Ethought be was dead. jooir: No, he’s not dead; he's upstairs. (Pointing totais) “anor: You're quite different from -what you were the other ‘garden hat Tl take it off (he des so and puns tt {on table bebind sofa) “Texel ve been: pruing: the calceolaras ‘saNDy, (guzzled): Oh?— bo. { jupmat I lovecty. garden,»you: know, ~ its so penteful and quaint. I-spend long, days dreaming away in it ~ you know _ Jobin (arming) dLalwayélongedto leave the bine gamout of cities and theatres’ and find rest'in some. old-world nook. » That's why we came to-Céokham. ; sanprs Avefally nice: place, Cookbam.. Soi yh pou Five ym eves een men the age?act 1 “may wEvER Juprrn: Ob, what in? ‘SaNDy: That thing when you pretended to-cheat at: ards cose ‘your husband's good name. yoprrm: Oh, The Bold Deceiver. That play was.never quite'right’ - 4 SANDY: You were absolutely wonderfal. That was: when'l fist bo gs Gee eee ales ero loor opens En es RL goal at 3 ack bo serna’s face th is L a : | saxar: You said it would be quite quiet, with nobody ar all SANDT: Yes: you were so fighilly pated. and brave. ‘yupirdi I was Wrong. It's going to be very noisy, with herds of Supra asking: Was 2 ee ‘angry people stamping about. Give me my hat. «He gives her her hat, which she pats on. There 48 4 poute. # SETRA Plokes spon door a put he siease and toms racket, guprr: Well, go on... 2 jus side door, and eters, eng 20 C, and halding out her hand saxpr (faster I fel such a fool teling you whit Y chink a ‘ yooern: though it mattered. . E anor rus Es Jopirn: ‘OF course it matters ~ to me, anyhow. AirRA (advancing): Judith dear this is divine! SANDY: Does ic ~ honesty? : | Joprtie (ties and mee stem, “C.'~ ‘empely): Too, too lovely! Joprrs: Certainly Where are the other SANDY: It seems too good tobe true ~ siting Hee aid taling a agua: What others?” though we were old fiends. = Juprin: Did you come by the fourshiry? yoorrs: We are old fiiends ~ we probably'‘met it another Iie: sear Yes! Reincarnation, you know ~ fascinating! {suprt: Didn't you see. anyone at the station? sanpr: You do say sipping things. % = Frau: Yes several people, bit I did't Know they-were coming TUpITH: Do P Give me 2 cigarete. ‘here © spr: Well they’are. °° "Siena Sorel tai ie was ioiig'to be fist Ourselves this weekend. sopiTe (harp): Sorel? ~ via: Yes - didn't she tell you she'@-asked mer Weren't you He takes cigarete from box on table and ges tt. ‘And lets put our feet up. (She pusher fet ap Behind sas, and Ihe lights her cigarette.) sawp All right ao Thy. ste. themselves comfmably at opposite end of sft Jeti Sted iit! snncthing avar yous voting, bt smoking. ‘Sorel ‘didn’t: mention=4t: (Looks at serra and. gives a chuckle.) sopreat: Can you pum? Wasn't that odd of her? (Cross to piano) sanDY: Yes ~ a bit. serma> You're divinely mad farnilyt (To saxbx.) How do-you Joprrit: You must teach Simon ~ he always gets the:pole stick, | dott’s ‘useless to wait for introductions, -with the saxty: Yd rather teach you. E> lisses. "My: name's: MyraArundel: yeprrx: You're so gallant and chivalrous ~ much 'mote:like an’ © jumora (eiely):*Sandy- ‘Tyrell Myra’ Arundel; Myra-Arundel, ‘American than an Englishman. . Sandy ‘Tyrell. “Phere! sar: I should like to go on saving ice ding 090 forever. (5° omimmac Js that your. car “outside? oDITH (giving him her hand): Sandy! po: _nappeven | ett: Me AeTRA: (moving to opr again): Well, Judith 1 do think you might ;-- stwon;cAre you pleased to. see:me? ‘have told me someone was motoring down’ A nice cat would yeina? Of cote: ‘That's why T-came. have been so much more comfortable than that beastly train. IN. < sticOn (honts)t Dasling!- Jura: I never knew you were-coming until a litle-while ago. “worn Sssht Den't-shonte= 08% ‘arma: It’s heavenly here ~ after Londont "The heat-wastemble | SIMON: (ov ainy-o.C.) Teel most colossally temperamental ~ ‘when I left. You look awfully well, Judith, .Rusticating ~~T should like:to kiss'yon.and kiss you'and break everything in obviously agrees with you. the house: and:then jump into the-river. juprtu: I'm glad yoit think so. Personally; 1 feel that's nervous > > ree, Dear Simon! : breakdown is imminent. 2 show (he takes her hand and studies her): Nou're everything Lwant, narra: My dear, how ghastly! What's the matter? @ — you to be — absolutely. everything! Marvellous. clothes, yuprrm: Nothing's the matter yet, Myra, but I-bave-presentt ~ ‘aarwellous looks; marvellous brain-=-ob, God, it’s tersble! ‘ments. (Crasses in front of rma. and takes saxcb1’s hand. She Begins (Drops-her hand and aves b> to go upstairs, followed by saxpy. Then she tums) Come upstairs, ae’ Serna: T-dined swith Charlie Templeton last night. Sandy, and fl show you your room. I'll send-Simon down to simow:: Well;-you'te a devill-You-only did it to-annoy me. He's you. He's shaving, I think, but you won't mind that, will-you? | far too phimp; and he ean't-do anything bur dither about the She gos off seraa males a slight grimace air ar, then she helps Etabassy in badly-cat, trousers. You loathe him reallyy-you ies S age end wins opine ‘ow you do-~ youre too intelligent not to. You could ike TEMON comes downstairs very fst plting gn is coat le has him atd:éne at the same time’ —i’s impossible! apparently finished his toler. ° “© sevas; Don’t be so conceited. SRION (uns over to erea): Myta, this is marvellous! (He ries to kis. “SBLON (eunning to herand clasping her in his arms): Darling ~ adore her) ' ° ! MERA (pushing him away): No, Simon, dear; i¢'s't00. hot ernie Thac sight! siMON: You look beautifully cool . snow (releasing her): But you're callous-~- that’s what itis, serra: I'm more than cool, really, but it’s not. diméric enoliess. ‘eallous! You don’t care @ damn: You don't love me @ bit, do Te been mentally chilled to the marrow by Judith’ attinude- you? smaon: Why, what did she say? © agrai: Love's a very. big word, Simon. aera: Nothing very much. She was bouncing about onthe sofa < snow It isn't 8 tiny."What are'we to do? ‘with a hearty young thing in flannels, and seemed to resent. / 5 ern: What do you mean? my appearance rather. snow: We can't go on like this. A smton: You mustn't take any notice of Mother. vere: I'm not going on like anything. (Crosses over and sit in chair vera: Til try not to, but is dificult, = down 1) * sruox: She adores you, really. © gacow: Yes, you are; you're going’ like Medusa, and there-are nora: Ym sure she does. 3 awfubsnakes popping their heads-out at me from under your son: She's annoyed to-day because Father-and. Sorel have © ht — shall be-tumed'to:stone in a:minute;“and chen you'll be ‘been asking people down without telling her. pe sony. pias Sas rerna: Poor dear! I quite see why. © sera. (laughing): You'ze ‘very ‘sweet, and Fm'very fond of you. smeon: You look enchanting! iano: (crosses aver to er and takes her hand): Tell ne what you've nema: Thankk you, Simon. y doing’ everything:cara aerra: Nothing. stow: What did you’ do--afier: youd ¢ dined vid Chae ‘Templeton? narra: Supped with Charlie ‘Templeton. Sacon: Well! (Throws hr ha ove and goes Re comer of ft an ‘sts on arm.) [don't mind a bit. Phope you ate alot and enjoyed yourself ~ there! aerna: Generous boy! Come and kiss-mne, 2: : snuon: You're ony playing upto me now; you dont really want to a bit. ‘sera: Tm aching for it. Sion (nsf het and Hester ide): Hove jou! verna: This week-enc's going to-be-strenvous./<- SIMON (tuoves away 10 C.): Hell upon earth ~ fifteen maillion people: tothe house, Well gt up at seven and rash away down the revi No, we won't SIMON: Well, don’t let either ofus-agree to:anything-we sajr=. weil both be difcl. ings ins fa wih i fap on etd.) Love being difficult, era: You certainly do. smMON: But. Tim in the most lovély mood-now: Just:seeing you makes me feel grand— aerna: Is your father here? ‘Yes; he's working on a new novel : He writes brilliantly. simon: Doesn't he? He drinks too much-tea: though: aerma: Ie eai't do him much harm, surely? Siow: Tt tans the stomach. aerna: Who is Sandy Tyrell? smon: Never heard of him. vera: He's here, with Judith, sintow:. Ob, that poor thing. wit hor handst Well ignore‘him. persia: 1 thonght he looked rather nice. =0 7% snow: You must be mad! He looked disgusting, >> serna (laughing): Wdiot! ’ SiWON: Stmooth: my hair with’ your soft:-white hands. =" METRA (rises and goes to R. end of sofa —mifingit) I's gor glue ont. 4 MAT FaveR act - smox (cashing her a and sing) You smell heavenly! What ae “sera: Borgia-of Rosine. simox: How appropriate! (fe wis to pull her down’ ands: her) ‘worn (reaing away): You'te.too- demonstrative 0-day, Simon. ‘The ftomt- door bel rings! 3.) +. srmoxt. Damn, damanl- It's those:drearies (Takis his eet off sof.) “Geamaehter, crasiesto door Rs-opens it and lets it fall Back in ‘RiCHLARD'S fice, ahd starts to Yenrnto door L, but stops as be “speaks, ‘iGHARD’ GREATHAM and! JAOKID CORTON. come in. “Tere is By this ime, a god del of gage onthe step. nicHEARD ¥. one gre and tall acer ssl aid shinled, with an ingenious -amser whic lasts charm. as she. grows oer. © $eeHfinb! By this’ Mis Blis's house? Lane: (offhand): Ob, yes. this sie [RIGHARD! Is’ Miss Sorel Bliss in? Geana: I expectiso. Fl see-if 1 ean find “her. ‘She oes upc: © “stestani easet door race: goes down R. "SIMON (rise and cases to RICHARD, carelessly shakes hands, the turns ‘ack to-atema, ignoping icHAno): Hallo! Did you have. nice youmeye< jucHaRp: Yes-thank you, very nice, I met Miss Coryton at the «station: We introduced ourselves while we were waiting for the only taxi to come: back “MRA. aking a step, down LLC): Ob, I took the only. taxi. How - maddening. of me! “RICHARD (Crosses to het shales hands): Mrs Arundel! How do ~ spout do? T sever recognised you, ‘rbOW goes behind RICHARD. to R.C. ahd stares at Jacks nade. igs Why? Have ié:met anywhere? [17 aon No, Iimean Treropnised you asthe one who took the srcuann’ (e-sncox): You, are-Sorel’s brother? sO? Yes; she'll be-down in 2-minute: Come: out into the gardens MyraSIMON i ean on, ‘ebbing her hand and dag hoff 4 through-windowy: Yes, we can, I shall go-mad if I:stay inthe uctacko. Spay vey beau: Fhouse a: moment longer. (Over his showderstp xiciax: and sacaini Yes Tie alas heaté Spain was awl nice Jaci.) Tea will be: here soon: pian Msi He and serea go of into goin R.-~ — sicmano: Except Se the’ billig. No! axe who, ever selly eee a “Joved horses could enjoy’ a bulhfight. Sgagees: Well YE sacars: Nor anyone-who loved bulls either. NcianD: A.stangeyomgnmal Meng pines ohngater seman: aay “'paue Jagxre: Very-rode, 1 think. 4 sesy RICHARD (tuming back into-the room): Have yl ever, met hime 4 cere: Italy's. awfully nice, isn't it? ‘before? [> sicmano: Ob, yes, chanzin : jac: oy I don't know any of them except Me Bs ~ Pils ‘JacKD re aves sa ge ID ‘wonderful person. awe. ICHARD (pus cost a hat on a ps. won fhe = fenaaos Roe bev bea Sy. ‘knows you're here. jackin: Yes, Tye always heard Rome ‘was lovely: jacuzs: Peshaps that fanny woman who opened the door- will Booman And Nats ac Caps Capes enchanting: tell him. E HIGHARD: Yes, allow me, (Takis her coat and puts ito. chair sth his) It was-fortunate that we met at the station. Jacere: Tin ffightflly glad. I should have been terrified arsiving all by myself. icHARD (loks cut of window’ again. Slight pate): T'do Rope the ‘weather will keep good over Suniday~the country round iere egies: Hage 90a over BOaH abroad at ar ve had 2 house there “ jackra: Yes, it was lovely. foun fos” etn eo teil), wih Me asl of a : cushions. Sits down: on for: and puts On her’ galoshes beside ete |< Rtcwamby who ieee Then exits ino: garden ‘without Tooking’ at nicmanp: There's nowhere like England in, the spring, and “ SRICHRARD' of JACKIE. SANDY picks up auhions andr glows from summet. table ad goes after het Jacxts: No, there isn't, is there? Another pause Pease; od ding apa. aucmann: There's a sore of quality you find in,no-other tounteies,. | “RICHARD: Riusia'used wo be’ «wonderfull cotintty before the war. Another pause, in which Jaci mavesover:to sof and sit 4 must have been. Was that he Jacere: Have you travelleda lot muGHARD (modest): A good deal: JaGRIE: How lovely! m : 26 a“AAT IBVER JACKIE (nearly crying): Tiwish Yd mever'¢omes 0 <2. ‘acHands You mustn't worry: They ré-a very Bohemian family, T believe. catacedoak ‘yacxte: T wonder if Mr Bliss. knows.'m here. « RICHARD: 1 wonder. JACKIE: Couldn’t we ting a bell, or anything? RICHARD: Yes, perhaps we'd better. (Rises and cases tor down 1. He finds Belt and presses it) ae yackre: I don’t suppose it rings. ‘rucHaRn (Comes 10 L. comer of sofa: You smustn't be depressed acta: I feel hors, RICHARD: Is always a litde ‘embarrassing’ coming éb:a-étrange house for the fist time. You'll ike Sorél she's charming. JACKIE (desperately): I wonder Where "she iS." ‘ RICHARD (Conslinghy): T expect tea will-be here soon.’ acere: Do you think they have tea? = 5 rcetanD (alarmed): Ob, yes.—they-tnust-» = ” ‘acxte: Ob, well, we'd better go: on-waiting,-then s RICHARD (Cakes cigarttocase out of his pocket} Do:you-tninih if smoke? yacxre: Not a bit. RICHARD: Will you? {yxcxte: No, thank you. a RICHARD (iting dow on Lend of ofa); 1 got this casein Japan. It's pretty isn't if Se JACKIE (Cakes case, terms over and hands it back): Avwfallypeetty. ‘They lapse into hopeless silence. = Enter sonst. downstairs ~ comes to 1.C. sons: Ob, Richard, I'm dreadfally’somy! 1-dida’t’ know: you were here. (They sie hands) nictarn: We've been here a good while sonst: How awfill Please forgive me. 1 was upstairs. Jacuns bobs up wander their hands and’ stands i front.of nicanD: RICHARD: This is Miss Coryton. sont: Oh! JACKIE: How do you do? SOREL: Have you come to see father? 2B Hay EBURE- acetan Sight a eiparet: saCkie! Yes gs SOREL; He's in is study" (Mlves avy to C) You'd better go wp. “sacKaE (looks hopélesly ar-miciiann, then goés w sonst and chitches her dri) don't Know the way: SOREL (ieritaby): Ob, “well 1 take ‘you. Come on! Wait a fpanare, Richard, (Ske takes her to the bottom of the stairs) W's along that passage and’ the-thitd door ‘on the sight. ‘jacnie: Ob, thank your: (She goes upstairs despondently.) Soni Goining down-agiin —to nrestand):"The poor gin Jooks half ‘wited. ; sucmann: She's sty; think. ~~~ Sonuu: T hope Father will-find'her-a comfort: (Ss‘oi'R. oof sof.) “nctian: ‘Tel mie one thing, Sore did your father and mother Know T'was conning? (Sis bse her.) sonst: Ob, yes; they were awflly pleased. _zicuako:. Avrather nicelogking woran came down, ina big hat, jane went into the garden with a young man, without saying a sword. > sonst: “Thatswas mother, { expect. We're an independent family ‘we entertain ott fiends sore of sepatately. fucuanp: Ob, Tsee. 0 fea ase Ea, SORE: It was sweet, of you to come, Jienanp: Twanted to come ~ I've thought about you a lot. const; Haye you teal? That’ theiling! ican: | mean ie. Youre $0 alive and vital and different from “otter, people. ; sonst: I'm so fightened that you'll be bored here -ntcrnp: Bored! Why should T be? sonst: Oh, don't now. But you won'tbe, will you - or yout fre tell me at once; and well do something quite diferent. ucnanns Youre rather a dear, you know. ons Fm miot Riesand goes ©). 1m devastating; entirely lacking jn zestaint. So's Simon. Ir father's and mother’s fault, really ‘you see, they're'so vague — they've spent their lives cultivating their Arts and not devoting any time-to-ordinary conventionsand manners and things. I'm the only ne swho:sees that, 30 Tm trying to be better. 74 love to’ be-beautifilly poised and carry off dificult situations with.» lift of the eyebrows-—. nucHann: Tm sure you could cany off anything. SOREL (moves to R. comer of sofa). These you are, You see, saying * the right thing! You always say-the tight thing, and-no-one knows a bit what you're really thinking. That's whae Eadore.-” RICHARD: Fm affaid to say-anything now, in case you. think 'm only being comect. sonst: But you are comect. I wish you'd teach Simon to.be correct too. (Sits beside nicitaRD agai) nacHarp: It would be uphill work, I'm aftaid. sonst: Why, don’t you like hin? nicHanp: I've only met him for a moment. ‘There és an uncomfortable pause. sonst: Would you like to see'the garden? RICHARD (he half rise): Very much indeed. SOREL: NO, a5 a matter OF fact (RICHARD ifs gaz) we'd better: ‘wait until after tea. (Another pause.) Shall sing-youséimething? saoHARD: Please — I should love it, ‘They both ise. soneL. goes reluctantly to plana SOREL (Comes slowly 2 sofi): I don't want to zeally a bit ~ only tim « trying to entertain you. It's as easy as'pie to talk in someone else’ house, like at the dance the other night; But hereon my own ground I'm finding it dificult. 7d RICHARD (puzzled): Pm sorry. SOREL: Oh, it isn’t your fault; honestly, it isn't you'fe awfully” kind and responsive. (Sits on sof) What shall-we'do? nucstanp: I'm quite happy talking (Sits beside her.)t0 you!" Pause. “ sonst: Can you play Mah Jong? nicstanp: No, I'm affaid I can't, sone: I'm so glad ~ I do hate it s0-. 4 Cama enters with a smal tol for ten, and places twithabarga micaK's ft SOREL: Here's tea! cLana: Where's your mother, dear? 30 Har eee sonst Outtin'the garden 1 think. aka Tes starting 10 rain, (Goes out-L: aad fessor ode _ sith teathings, which she puts on stool) “sonnt:,Ob, everyone will come dashing ih, then-How awfill {CHAND. (ties and goes C:): Won't the luggage get rather wet out * dosie RC): Ob, RICHARD: I can't play the piano. : “Yes; and Blanche was 'so-cross:when P kissed Freddie's ‘Never mind; you can fake i, as long. as it conveys an idea : “ D> alonanp:: What was-the word Jacks: The word we've all thought-oft f Tean’t remember. SOREL (impatien}): Yes, the word we've chosen when whoever it run (having it cigarette she returns to her seat). Perhaps is aswell is is out of the room. 4 Bpavm? What-about ‘drearily?” jacms: Tm afrad 1 don't qpite uadersomnd er, ‘Not definite enough. 4acto sayveven sion: "Winsomely’ is the best: sa ele JUDITH: She's sure tb guess:it straight off! sae SaNDx (Conf o Jacm)= These: games~are nach too brainy for me. pavip: Young Norman Robertson’ used tobe malin da you remember? smton: Yes, wonderful sense-of humour, era: He's lost it all since his marriage, ‘uprrs: I didn’t know you knew him. nerma: Well, considering he. martied my cousin— Passe. @ nicHanp: We don't seem to be geting’ on-with the game. yoprra: We haven't thought’ of award get. 3° perma: ‘Brightly’ 2 sno: Too obvious. : % perna: Very well ~ don’t snap-at me! oorTH: ‘Saucily: T've got a: lovely idea:-for ‘saucity’ aerRa ((0 srxox): I should think ‘rudely’ would-be:the easiest smo: Don't be sowr, Myra: JovrrE: The great thing i to get an obscure word. ‘sneox: What a pity Irene isn’t here ~she:danows masses;of obscure words. aera: She's probably picid them up from hee obsaume fen. fon: sno use boing cay about rene ahe epic dar, norma: I wasn’t being catty at all. ‘SDL0N: Yes, you were. * sone (of): Hurry upl yoorra: Quickly, now! We must ¢hink— Jacere (rises and comes C. ~ hepfly): “Appendicitis Juvrrs. (withering): That's not-an adverb: ‘smon: You're thinking of Charades. e jacens returns to her seat SANDY: Charades are damned’ good ‘fin smoN: Yes, but we don't happen ‘tobe’ doing thems atthe moment. saxpr: Sony. yopren: ‘Saucily. SmoN: No, ‘winsomely’ is better. 6 © uorres A nghe) Caller in “suibx alleg) Sorel = cpme.cin; we're ead. “SANDY. (hoarsey ta;hn40N); Which is it~ saucy’ or ‘winsomely’? © SEMOR: (ohispeing): “Winsomely. © Re-enter: sna. She: mives-t0'C: SoRniSito yoorrsi:’ Go-and:tike'a Hower out-of thar vase and “give it to Richard sepine Vert wel She pe yo oh vs ths gurgling with coy laughs, sets a flower, shen get der to nacHanD; peg her ips into aswock site, She: ghves he the Rower with abit girtisk isp at erm daring: and wags her jinger ancy at him, and Sefer to her seat hcizani, puts flower om sof Ble, and sis ‘agin. siacon? Marvellous; Motte “Sonat (laughing): Ob, lovely! (Looking round the company.) Now, > Myrapgevup and Say’ good bye to everyone in the manner of “the word: urna (ites wn stas-with para): Good-bye: It really. has been -most-delightfal—— > | sopimn: No; to;no! Dera (moves C.): Why — what do you mean” _ jupirm: You haven't got the right intonation a bie: sion: Ob, another dashing, do shut up! ~ / yarn (ecly)s" Remember what an advantage you have over we ‘poor amateurs, Judith, having been a-profesioaal for so long. (Betwras ther seat.)-« guprni’ F don't like “30 Jong’ very much, Sax: Do you think we might go°on-now? tras: Goto. the‘siext-one;"Pm-not going to"do any more, snvox- Oh; please do: Youcwere-simply-splendi. sonm:2Te doesn’t matter (Zo ricuano.) Light @°cigarette in “the manner'of the -word (mrcmano se.) _jopvrst (gracing ar Iie violent): "You remember. Ricianp: Oh; yes. He: goes'to- ons. and’ proces to light’ a cigarette with great a