[EnterDavid.]
[EnterDavid.]
David
Hallo!
Nicky
Hallo, father!
David
What’s the matter?
Nicky
The matter—why?
David
You look very worried.
Nicky
Helen and I have just had a grand heart-to-heart talk; we’ve undone our back hair, loosened our stays and wallowed in it.
David
Oh, I see!
Helen
We haven’t seen one another for so long—it was inevitable.
David
You never came and looked at the farm this morning. I waited for you.
Nicky
I’m awfully sorry, father—I just went on sleeping.
Helen
I’ll see you later, Nicky.
Nicky
All right.
[Helengoes out.]
[Helengoes out.]
David
How do you think your mother’s looking?
Nicky
Splendid—the same as ever.
David
Would you like a cigar?
Nicky
No, thanks, father—I’m not very good at them.
David
I was just on my way to bed—there are far too many people in the house.
Nicky
[Smiling]
You must be used to that by now.
David
You ought to stay down here, you know—during the week, and get some fresh air.
Nicky
I’ve got such millions of things to do in London.
David
Worth doing?
Nicky
Yes, of course.
David
You look as though you needed a rest.
Nicky
You needn’t worry about me—I feel splendid.
David
She seems a nice girl.
Nicky
Who—Bunty?
David
Yes. Quiet and untiresome.
Nicky
She’s a darling!
David
When do you propose to get married?
Nicky
I don’t know. The engagement’s only a sort of try out, you know.
David
Oh, I see. I didn’t realize that. I’m so unversed in modern technicalities.
Nicky
It’s her idea really—just to tread water for a bit.
David
It sounds an excellent plan.
Nicky
I’m awfully glad you like her.
David
Is she musical?
Nicky
Oh, yes—frightfully!
David
Good!
Nicky
Father, I think I will come down here for a few days—and work quietly.
David
If you do that I’ll go up to London every other day. I see so little of you when you’re at the flat.
Nicky
That’s settled then. I wonder what mother will say!
David
I’ll talk to her.
Nicky
All right. She won’t bother about us much.
David
No—I don’t suppose she will. I think I’ll be getting along to bed now. Good night, my boy!
Nicky
Good night, father!
[They shake hands, andDavidpatsNicky’sshoulder rather tentatively. He goes upstairs andNickywanders to the piano. He plays absently, andBuntyenters.]
[They shake hands, andDavidpatsNicky’sshoulder rather tentatively. He goes upstairs andNickywanders to the piano. He plays absently, andBuntyenters.]
Bunty
I want to talk to you.
Nicky
[Still playing]
All right.
Bunty
Perhaps you’d stop playing for a minute.
Nicky
Won’t you let me woo you with a little Scriabine?
Bunty
Please stop.
Nicky
[Rising]
I’m unappreciated—that’s what it is.
[There is a slight pause—he goes over to her.]
[There is a slight pause—he goes over to her.]
I say, Bunty——
Bunty
What?
Nicky
Before you say anything awful to me, Iamsorry for being rude just now.
Bunty
So you ought to be.
Nicky
Will you forgive me?
Bunty
Yes, I forgive you.
Nicky
I’ve been irritable all the evening.
Bunty
Give me a cigarette, Nicky.
Nicky
Here.
[They both smoke.]
[They both smoke.]
Bunty
Thanks.
Nicky
What did you want to talk to me about?
Bunty
Lots of things—us!
Nicky
[Hardening]
Oh, I see!
Bunty
Don’t you think it’s rather silly—being engaged?
Nicky
No, not at all.
Bunty
I do.
Nicky
Just because we bickered a bit to-night?
Bunty
No, not only because of that.
Nicky
Why then?
Bunty
Can’t you see?
Nicky
No.
Bunty
Well, we’re not very suited to each other, are we?
Nicky
Why do you suddenly say that?
Bunty
Because I’ve only just realized it.
Nicky
I’m sorry.
Bunty
It’s not your fault particularly.
Nicky
I’m glad.
Bunty
It’s circumstances and surroundings.
Nicky
Oh, that can be altered quite easily. We’ll change the shape of the house—we’ll take all that wall away and turn that into a studio—you love studios, don’t you?—then we’ll transform the drawing-room into an enormous aviary.
Bunty
It’s practically that now!
Nicky
And then we’ll——
Bunty
Shut up, Nicky!
Nicky
I’m only trying to be amenable.
Bunty
Are you, really?
Nicky
Yes, I’m putting up a sort of defense, Bunty. I have a feeling that you’re going to be unpleasant,and I want to establish myself comfortably before you start.
Bunty
I don’t want to be unpleasant—only honest.
Nicky
You won’t let the two run together, will you?
Bunty
[With vehemence]
You’re hopeless, hopeless, hopeless!
Nicky
Yes—I think I am, rather.
Bunty
In a way I’m glad—it makes it easier.
Nicky
Does it?
Bunty
You’re not in love with me, really—you couldn’t be!
Nicky
Please don’t say that.
Bunty
Why don’t you face things properly?
Nicky
One generally has to in the end. I like to put it off for as long as possible.
Bunty
That’s cowardly.
Nicky
Don’t be pompous, darling.
Bunty
You’re a great help, I must say.
Nicky
Why should I help to destroy my own happiness?
Bunty
That’s self-pity and self-deception.
Nicky
Why are you going on like this?
Bunty
Because I tell you—I’ve realized the truth.
Nicky
I suppose you’ve taken a hatred to mother!
Bunty
No, not a hatred.
Nicky
You don’t like her.
Bunty
Not very much.
Nicky
Why not? She likes you.
Bunty
She detests me.
Nicky
Nonsense! Why should she?
Bunty
Because I’m young.
Nicky
What a filthy thing to say!
Bunty
It’s true.
Nicky
It’s nothing of the sort.
Bunty
You’re so stupid sometimes.
Nicky
Thank you.
Bunty
Don’t let’s start bickering again.
Nicky
We won’t discuss mother any more then.
Bunty
You started it.
Nicky
I wish I could make you understand her like I do. I mean she’s awfully irritating, I know—but deep down she’s marvelous in spite of everything.
Bunty
[Coldly]
Everything?
Nicky
[Vehemently]
Yes,everything! Don’t be a beast, Bunty; just try to see her point a little, even if you do dislike her. She is terribly silly about being “young,” I know, but she’s been used to so much admiration and flattery and everything always, she feels she sort of can’t give it up—you do see that, don’t you? And she hasn’t really anything in the least comfortingto fall back upon. She’s not clever—real kind of brain cleverness—and father’s no good, and I’m no good, and all the time she’s wanting life to be as it was instead of as it is. There’s no harm in her anywhere—she’s just young inside. Can’t you imagine the utter foulness of growing old? ’Specially if you’ve been lovely and attractive like she was. The beautiful Flo Lancaster! She used to be known as that. I can remember her when I was quite small, coming up to say good night to me, looking too perfectly radiant for words—and she used to come to the school, too, sometimes, and everyone used to go mad over her, and I used to get frightfully proud and excited——
Bunty
I’ve never heard you talk like this before.
Nicky
I don’t think I ever have.
Bunty
I like you better clear cut, not blurred by sentiment.
[Nickylooks at her for a moment in amazement.]
[Nickylooks at her for a moment in amazement.]
Nicky
To describe you as hard would be inadequate—you’re metallic!
Bunty
I can see straight.
Nicky
[Politely]
Can you?
Bunty
Yes. We could never be happy together.
Nicky
Perhaps not.
Bunty
Shall we just—finish—then?
Nicky
Certainly, I’m sorry we were too modern to have an engagement ring; you’d have been able to give it back to me so beautifully.
Bunty
Don’t be ridiculous!
Nicky
Better than being blurred by sentiment.
[Buntylights another cigarette and, kicking off her shoes, perches on the club fender and proceeds to warm her feet at the fire.][EnterClara Hibbert.]
[Buntylights another cigarette and, kicking off her shoes, perches on the club fender and proceeds to warm her feet at the fire.]
[EnterClara Hibbert.]
Clara
My dear, I’mshattered—and I’m going straight to bed—probably for several weeks.
Bunty
Why?
Clara
Shshsh! He’s coming.
Bunty
Who’s coming?
Clara
Bruce Fairlight. I’ve been teaching him Mah-Jong. These master brains—agony, dear——
[EnterBruce Fairlight.]
[EnterBruce Fairlight.]
Bruce
Very interesting, that game.
Clara
[Weakly]
I thought you’d like it.
Bruce
It’s interestingpsychologically! The concentration and suspense——
[EnterFlorence,Helen,PawnieandTom.Tomis grasping a whisky and soda—Pawnieis eating a biscuit.]
[EnterFlorence,Helen,PawnieandTom.Tomis grasping a whisky and soda—Pawnieis eating a biscuit.]
Pawnie
I’m quite exhausted; it must be the country air——
Florence
—It was too lovely, because I started with two red dragons in my hand——
Helen
I wondered who had them——
Pawnie
One more tune, Nicky, before we go to bed——
Florence
Yes, just one——
Nicky
[Looking atBunty]
I’ll play “I love you”—such a romantic tune.
[He puts on the gramophone.]
[He puts on the gramophone.]
Bunty
Do.
Helen
What time’s everyone going up in the morning?
Florence
The ten-o’clock’s the best—we’ll have breakfast at nine downstairs.
Pawnie
[Confidentially]
Do you know that in London I can never do more than nibble a piece of thin toast, and whenever I’m away I eatenormously!
Nicky
How very peculiar!
Pawnie
Your tone revolts me, Nicky. You must never be irascible with your old friends.
Nicky
I haven’t got any.
Helen
Nicky!
Nicky
Sorry, Helen.
Florence
I don’t know what’s the matter with Nicky. He’s been in a vile temper all the evening—his first week-end home, too.
Nicky
Such a pity, when so much trouble has been taken to make me happy and cozy.
Tom
Come and dance, Bunty.
Bunty
No, not now.
Nicky
Dance with him, Bunty. Chaps must have exercise.
Florence
You dance with Bunty, Pawnie—I’ll dance with Tom—come on.
[She andTomdance.]
[She andTomdance.]
Helen
The great thing in this world is not to be obvious, Nicky—overanything!
[FlorenceandTomdance, alsoHelenandPawnie.Everyone talks at once, as in the beginning of the act.]
[FlorenceandTomdance, alsoHelenandPawnie.Everyone talks at once, as in the beginning of the act.]
Pawnie
You are infuriating, Helen. It’s a wonderful book.
Helen
Thoroughly second-rate.
Pawnie
What do you think aboutMischievous Passion, Fairlight?
Bruce
I never read novels on principle.
Pawnie
Well, you must read this—it’s colossal.
Helen
Don’t be led away by Pawnie, Mr. Fairlight, he has no discrimination.
Pawnie
But I tell you it’s brilliant! Absolutelybrilliant!
Helen
Nonsense.
Pawnie
There are times, Helen, when I could willingly see you dead at my feet.
Florence
A little slower, for Heaven’s sake!
Nicky
How’s that?
[He makes it far too slow.]
[He makes it far too slow.]
Florence
I think you’d better go to bed, Nicky.
Helen
We’re all going, anyhow.
Nicky
Not yet, please, mummy dear—I’m having such a lovely time!
[He slams off in a rage.]
[He slams off in a rage.]
Pawnie
I always knew the Continent was fatal for the young.
Bunty
Nicky’s upset—it’s my fault—we’re not engaged any more.
Florence
Why—what’s happened?
Bunty
Nothing happened—it was never very serious, really.
Helen
I had a feeling that it was.
Bunty
You were wrong.
Florence
Well, I must say it’s all been rather abrupt.
Bunty
It’s better to finish things off at once—cleanly—if you’re not quite sure, don’t you think?
Florence
Well, I’m sorry, Bunty. If you feel like that about it there’s nothing more to be said.
Bunty
I wouldn’t have mentioned it at all—only you all seemed to be blaming him for being irritable——
Helen
Poor Nicky!
Clara
I really must go up to bed now. I’m so tired. Good night, Florence dear.
Florence
Good night, Clara. Breakfast at nine. Have you got books and everything you want?
Clara
Yes, thanks. Good night, everyone.
[Everyone murmurs good night politely.]
[Everyone murmurs good night politely.]
Florence
Tom, be an angel and fetch me a glass of milk. It’s in the drawing-room.
Tom
All right.
[He goes off.]
[He goes off.]
Helen
Come on up, Florence. I’m dead.
Florence
So am I. Will you turn out the lights when you come?
Pawnie
With beautiful precision, dear.
Florence
[As she andHelengo upstairs]
Tell Tom to bring my milk up to me, somebody.
Pawnie
All right.
Florence
Good night, Mr. Fairlight.
Bruce
Good night.
Pawnie
Good night, Florence.
[FlorenceandHelengo off.]
[FlorenceandHelengo off.]
Bruce
I suppose we’d all better go up.
Bunty
I don’t feel I could sleep yet.
[Re-enterTomwith glass of milk.]
[Re-enterTomwith glass of milk.]
Tom
Hallo! Where’s Florence?
Bunty
Gone up to bed. Will you take her milk to her?
Pawnie
What’s become of Nicky?
Tom
In the smoking-room, I think.
Bruce
Good night, Miss Mainwaring.
Bunty
Good night.
[They shake hands.]
[They shake hands.]
Pawnie
I shall come, too—good night.
Tom
Good night.
Pawnie
[ToBruceas they go upstairs]
When you’re writing, do your characters grow as you go along?
Bruce
No, I think each one out minutely beforehand.
Pawnie
How too intriguing.
[They go off.]
[They go off.]
Tom
So you’ve broken it off already?
Bunty
Yes.
Tom
I didn’t know you were going to do it so soon.
Bunty
It’s better to get things over.
Tom
What did he say?
Bunty
Nothing much.
Tom
Was he furious?
Bunty
Oh, what does it matter? Don’t let’s go on about it.
Tom
It’s all damned awkward.
Bunty
What?
Tom
The whole thing.
Bunty
You’re rather scared, aren’t you?
Tom
No, not exactly—now that I’ve got you to back me up.
Bunty
I shall be glad when we’re out of this house.
Tom
So shall I.
Bunty
I hate the atmosphere.
Tom
I don’t know how I’ve stood it for so long.
Bunty
You didn’t notice it until I came, any more than I noticed Nicky’s atmosphere until you came.
Tom
It’s queer, isn’t it?
Bunty
We’re reverting to type, don’t you see?
Tom
How d’ye mean?
Bunty
Never mind, it’s true.
Tom
Do you think I’m being a cad to Florence?
Bunty
Yes, I do rather.
Tom
But, Bunty! You said this morning——
Bunty
That I didn’t see how you could help yourself; neither I do. It’s frightfully difficult, but it’s not altogether your fault, any more than it would have been mine if I’d married Nicky. One gets carried away by glamour, and personality, and magnetism—they’re beastly treacherous things.
Tom
You are wonderful.
Bunty
Don’t be silly.
Tom
You’re so cool and clear, and you see everything.
Bunty
I’m sorry—for Nicky.
Tom
Oh, damn Nicky!
Bunty
[Laughing]
Oh, Tom!
Tom
Why, what’s up?
Bunty
You’re so dead set.
Tom
You’re worth ten of him any day. What’s the use of a chap like that? Hedoesn’t doanything except play the piano—he can’t play any games, he’s always trying to be funny——
Bunty
Shut up, Tom; you’re being rather cheap. I haven’t reverted to type so quickly that I can’t see some of the things I’m missing.
Tom
I wish I knew what you were talking about.
Bunty
Oh, God! I feel so miserable!