ACT IIUpstairs
Upstairs
The attic that has been in turnJohn’snursery, his school-room, and is now his flat. Plain distempered walls; a few pictures—some reproductions of Orpen and Augustus John, and of a Nevinson war picture called “The Doctor”; books; some statuettes; a baby grand piano, littered with manuscript music; two tennis racquets and plenty of comfortable places to sit. The fire-place, which has been converted to a gas-stove, is in the middle of the footlights—that is to say it is imagined—but the chairs are placed so that a group sitting round the imagined gas-fire, sit directly facing the audience, and quite intimately close to the footlights. Two doors; one into his bedroom, the other on to the landing at the head of the staircase.Rosieshows inToby.Tobyis in the chorus of a musical comedy in a West End theatre. Slight and very pretty, with fair hair and large blue eyes. If you were to talk to her at all confidentially, she would tell you that she thought musical comedy silly, and the other girls in the chorus awfully empty; indeed she has a good deal of sense—but not of her own. Often she could have “got off” with middle-aged business men with money, or with young men with well-brushed hair and incomes; but such were of “no use” to her. Through a curious quality in her she attracts, and is attracted by artists; her life has been mostly in studios and cafés, and from her surroundings, and from the artists that have been in her life, she has acquired her sense and taste.
The attic that has been in turnJohn’snursery, his school-room, and is now his flat. Plain distempered walls; a few pictures—some reproductions of Orpen and Augustus John, and of a Nevinson war picture called “The Doctor”; books; some statuettes; a baby grand piano, littered with manuscript music; two tennis racquets and plenty of comfortable places to sit. The fire-place, which has been converted to a gas-stove, is in the middle of the footlights—that is to say it is imagined—but the chairs are placed so that a group sitting round the imagined gas-fire, sit directly facing the audience, and quite intimately close to the footlights. Two doors; one into his bedroom, the other on to the landing at the head of the staircase.
The attic that has been in turnJohn’snursery, his school-room, and is now his flat. Plain distempered walls; a few pictures—some reproductions of Orpen and Augustus John, and of a Nevinson war picture called “The Doctor”; books; some statuettes; a baby grand piano, littered with manuscript music; two tennis racquets and plenty of comfortable places to sit. The fire-place, which has been converted to a gas-stove, is in the middle of the footlights—that is to say it is imagined—but the chairs are placed so that a group sitting round the imagined gas-fire, sit directly facing the audience, and quite intimately close to the footlights. Two doors; one into his bedroom, the other on to the landing at the head of the staircase.
Rosieshows inToby.Tobyis in the chorus of a musical comedy in a West End theatre. Slight and very pretty, with fair hair and large blue eyes. If you were to talk to her at all confidentially, she would tell you that she thought musical comedy silly, and the other girls in the chorus awfully empty; indeed she has a good deal of sense—but not of her own. Often she could have “got off” with middle-aged business men with money, or with young men with well-brushed hair and incomes; but such were of “no use” to her. Through a curious quality in her she attracts, and is attracted by artists; her life has been mostly in studios and cafés, and from her surroundings, and from the artists that have been in her life, she has acquired her sense and taste.
Rosie: This is what we call Mr. John’s attic ... you’ve got to wait here. I’ll tell him. (She is going; as she reaches the door.)
Toby: I say!
[Rosieturns.
[Rosieturns.
Isn’t there a glass here?
Rosie: A glass?
Toby: Something to see yourself in.
Rosie: Oh! ... in ’is bedroom.
Toby: In there?
Rosie: Yes.
[Tobygoes into the bedroom.Rosiehas never seen her before; she looks after her; the tiniest wrinkle of her nose at the door through whichTobyhas disappeared is her criticism. She goes out of the room on to the landing and downstairs ... somebody is heard on the attic stairs, andJohncomes hurriedly into the room. He stops in the doorway surprised.
[Tobygoes into the bedroom.Rosiehas never seen her before; she looks after her; the tiniest wrinkle of her nose at the door through whichTobyhas disappeared is her criticism. She goes out of the room on to the landing and downstairs ... somebody is heard on the attic stairs, andJohncomes hurriedly into the room. He stops in the doorway surprised.
John: Toby!
[Tobyappears at the door having taken off her hat and coat.
[Tobyappears at the door having taken off her hat and coat.
I couldn’t think where you’d got to.
Toby: I like your bedroom.
John: Do you?
Toby: Who was that I met outside?
John(with patent anxiety): Did you meet anybody?
Toby: Yes.
John: Where?
Toby: On the doorstep; Gwen they called her.
John(with patent relief): Oh! She’s all right ... she’s my sister.
Toby: It’s nice here. Why haven’t you asked me here before?
John: It’s nicer in your room—because it’syours.
Toby: I hate you sometimes.
John: Why?
Toby: When you say things you don’t mean ... you never wanted me to come here ... you don’t want me now.... If you think I don’t know ... that’s why I’ve come. If you’d had the courage to say out you didn’t want me here, I wouldn’t of....
[He has no answer.
[He has no answer.
... I wish I hadn’t now; coming all up through a great horrid strange house; I nearly went away again.
John: I’m glad you didn’t.
Toby: Why?
John: I’m worried to-night—it’s good to be near you. (He is sincere.)
Toby: Is it?
John: Yes.
Toby: Then I’m glad I came.
John(getting happier): Also ... if you hadn’t come, I shouldn’t be able to give you something I’ve got for you.
Toby: A present?
John: Yes. Only I can’t give it to you now ’cos you’re cross.
Toby: Oh yes, you can.
John: No!
Toby: You’ll make me feel a beast for being cross ... where is it?
John: Shan’t tell you.
Toby: What is it?
[He shakes his head.
[He shakes his head.
How large is it?... Is it little?
John: No.
Toby: Is it big?
John: Yes.
Toby: How big?
John: Middling.
Toby: Please; I’m not cross any more. (Whispering very prettily.) Where is it?
John: Kiss. (She does.) Turn round. (She does.) On that chair.
[She sees a milliner’s box, and going to it, undoes it, and extracts an attractive little frock.
[She sees a milliner’s box, and going to it, undoes it, and extracts an attractive little frock.
Toby: Oh, you dear! It’s the one I saw in Shaftesbury Avenue ... isn’t it sweet? ... it cost a terrible lot ... you areawfulto spend so much money on me. I love it. (She puts it in a chair to look at it.) Think I’ll look nice in it?
John: Shouldn’t be surprised.
[She undoes a button or two in the frock she has on, it slips from her, and there she stands half-naked and unashamed in the scantiest and daintiest of under-garments. She is going to try on her present, but:
[She undoes a button or two in the frock she has on, it slips from her, and there she stands half-naked and unashamed in the scantiest and daintiest of under-garments. She is going to try on her present, but:
John: Come here.
[She does. He puts his arms round her again; she snuggles her head on his shoulder and says softly:
[She does. He puts his arms round her again; she snuggles her head on his shoulder and says softly:
Toby: Thank you. I’m sorry I was cross.
John: Do you hate me?
Toby: Sometimes.
John: Do you hate me now?
Toby: No.
John: Do you love me?
[For answer she looks up and her lips seek his—they kiss as lovers ... uncannily there is a shrill whistle in the room.Tobydisentangles herself with wide-open eyes.
[For answer she looks up and her lips seek his—they kiss as lovers ... uncannily there is a shrill whistle in the room.Tobydisentangles herself with wide-open eyes.
John: Sssssssh!
[A second whistle ... and a third, louder ... then silence; downstairs the enragedMr. Freemanhas banged the tube back on its hook.
[A second whistle ... and a third, louder ... then silence; downstairs the enragedMr. Freemanhas banged the tube back on its hook.
Toby:Whatever is it?
John: A speaking-tube.
Toby: Aspeaking-tube? ... who taught it? ... what’s it say?
John: All clear.
Toby: Doesn’t it want to be answered?
John: No. But it means we’re alone here—you and I.
Toby: Oh!
[She is near the speaking-tube;Johnhas gone to a big chair by the fire.
[She is near the speaking-tube;Johnhas gone to a big chair by the fire.
John: Put the light out ... the switch is there by the door ... there, silly ... just in front of you ... that’s right.
[She works the switch; the lights go out—except one softly shaded one.
[She works the switch; the lights go out—except one softly shaded one.
Toby: Oooooooh! Nice.
[MeanwhileJohnlights the gas-fire.[He holds a match where it should be and there is a terrific bang.
[MeanwhileJohnlights the gas-fire.
[He holds a match where it should be and there is a terrific bang.
John: Good lord! These gas fires’ll be the death of me.
[He tries another match—this time with the normal and successful result. He throws a big cushion on the ground beside his chair now in the soft half-light; she comes and makes herself comfortable upon it, leaning against him. They are quiet ... he caressing her, she gazing into the fire.
[He tries another match—this time with the normal and successful result. He throws a big cushion on the ground beside his chair now in the soft half-light; she comes and makes herself comfortable upon it, leaning against him. They are quiet ... he caressing her, she gazing into the fire.
Toby: It’s a funny gas-stove ... Mabel Claridge has got one like that in her room ... that man gave her another ring yesterday ... must of costhundreds. She says there is nothing in it ... Idon’tthink.
[Her conversation trails off ... the cushion is comfortable, the heat is pleasant through the flimsy things she has on, and she likes his fingers through her hair.
[Her conversation trails off ... the cushion is comfortable, the heat is pleasant through the flimsy things she has on, and she likes his fingers through her hair.
It’s lovely....
[She leans luxuriously back towards him ... he kisses her.
[She leans luxuriously back towards him ... he kisses her.
John: You dear——
Toby: Thank you.
[He puts an arm round her, and their heads close, they both for a moment gaze into the fire.
[He puts an arm round her, and their heads close, they both for a moment gaze into the fire.
John: You know ... I owe you an awful lot.
Toby: Do you?
John: Yes.
Toby: How much?
John: Let me think of a few of the things ... to begin with, everything on the piano’s yours.
Toby(screwing her head back): What’s on the piano?
John: All my songs.
Toby: Ohthem—yes?
John: And you give mepeace... like nobody else in the whole world gives me.
Toby: Why?
John: Oh, why!... ’Cos there’s nobody else in the whole world with whom I can be quiet and effortless with all the barriers down.
Toby: Funny.
John: Just because you can slip out of your frock, like you did, as if I wasn’t there and come close into my arms when I ask you, without any fuss.
Toby(her face very close to him—her very low voice a lover’s): ’Course there isn’t any fuss—’cos Iwantto come close into your arms.
John: That’s the wonder of you.
[Suddenly she shifts her position; kneeling on the cushion she faces him; she shakes her hair with a throw of her head; there is a queer fierce laugh in her eyes—he catches it.
[Suddenly she shifts her position; kneeling on the cushion she faces him; she shakes her hair with a throw of her head; there is a queer fierce laugh in her eyes—he catches it.
John: My dear, it’s suchfunloving you.
Toby: Is it?
John: However much you’re loving me I can always see thefunof it dancing behind your eyes ... you’ve taught me that ... whatever happens I shall be eternally grateful.
Toby: Whatisgoing to happen?
John: I don’t know.... I don’t want anything to happen any more ever.... I want to sit here like this for ever and ever Amen.
[Down in the house there is a little noise—as it were a cloud the size of a man’s hand on the horizon—but it grows.
[Down in the house there is a little noise—as it were a cloud the size of a man’s hand on the horizon—but it grows.
Toby: What’s that?
John: I don’t know.
Toby: Somebody coming up——
John: It can’t be.
[And the noise grows, asMr. Freemanfalls up the attic stairs ... there is a knocking at the door.
[And the noise grows, asMr. Freemanfalls up the attic stairs ... there is a knocking at the door.
Good God!
[Tobyleaps up;Mr. Freemangetting no answer comes in, and switches on the light.... Tableau!Mr. Freeman,John,Toby.
[Tobyleaps up;Mr. Freemangetting no answer comes in, and switches on the light.... Tableau!Mr. Freeman,John,Toby.
Mr. Freeman(after an appalling hiatus of silence, failing to cope with this new situation and throwing the scented letter on to the table): Yours.... Found it among mine.
John(rattled): Er ... thanks.... (Feebly) This is my father, my father—Miss Clyde.
[Mr. Freemanglares speechless.Tobyis as if turned to stone.
[Mr. Freemanglares speechless.Tobyis as if turned to stone.
Mr. Freeman: I’ll see you about this in the morning. (At the door he turns and starts to speak.) Frankie—— (He getsTobyin his vision again and collapses.) No, never mind ... I’ll see you in the morning.
[Even after the door has shut behind him the situation is beyond words;Tobyis still motionless, but there is an ugly look in her face....Johnis the first to speak.
[Even after the door has shut behind him the situation is beyond words;Tobyis still motionless, but there is an ugly look in her face....Johnis the first to speak.
John: I’m awfully sorry.
Toby: I’m going home.
John: I’m awfully sorry....
Toby: My things are in there. (She makes for his room.)
John(between her and the door): Toby!
Toby: Let me go ... I feel dirty all over.
John: Let me come with you—please.
Toby: All right, only let me get out of this bloody house.
[She disappears into the bedroom ... he is staring into the fire when there is a timid knock at the door ... it is repeated.
[She disappears into the bedroom ... he is staring into the fire when there is a timid knock at the door ... it is repeated.
John(hurrying to the door): ... Hullo? Who’s there?
[The door opens before he reaches it andGwencomes in.
[The door opens before he reaches it andGwencomes in.
Hullo, Gwen.
Gwen: I say, did I put my foot in it downstairs with father? I’m sorry.
John: Oh, that’s all right.
Gwen: I thought you wouldn’t mind me coming up—father told me you were alone.
John:Didhe?
Gwen: Can Frankie come up?
John:Frankie!
Gwen: She’s staying the night ... she telephoned home.
John: Where is she?
Frankie(just outside): Here I am!
Gwen: It’s all right ... he’s all alone.
Frankie(her head in at the door): Can I come in?
[Johngives a glance at the bedroom door which is shut ... andFrankiecomes in.
[Johngives a glance at the bedroom door which is shut ... andFrankiecomes in.
John ... can I speak to you?
Gwen(tactful): I’ll be in my room.... I shan’t go to bed; I wish you’d give me a call later.
[She is gone.
[She is gone.
Frankie: I couldn’t go home without seeing you.
[From the bedroom comesToby’svoice.
[From the bedroom comesToby’svoice.
Toby’s Voice: John!...John!
Frankie(going to the other door and calling): Gwen!!
Gwen’s Voice(half-way down the attic stairs): Hullo!
Frankie: Come back, please.
Toby’s Voice: I’m sorry I was cross ... it wasn’t your fault. I’ve got something to show you ... wait a sec....
[Gwencomes back....
[Gwencomes back....
Gwen: What is it?
[Silence.... Then:——Tobycomes leaping into the room inJohn’spyjamas and strikes an attitude.
[Silence.... Then:——Tobycomes leaping into the room inJohn’spyjamas and strikes an attitude.
Toby: TA—RA!!!!
[Again she is struck still and dumb by these two strangers; after a moment’s silence, with a real big explosive angry “Damn,” she goes back into the bedroom....Johnfollows her.
[Again she is struck still and dumb by these two strangers; after a moment’s silence, with a real big explosive angry “Damn,” she goes back into the bedroom....Johnfollows her.
Gwen: I think it would be better if we went downstairs.
Frankie: I’m going to stay here ... have you ever seen her before?
Gwen: No.
Frankie: Do you know who she is?
Gwen: No.
Frankie: She’s common, isn’t she?
Gwen: I didn’t notice.... Frankie, I’m sure we’d better go downstairs.
Frankie: I’m not going.
[Johncomes in and begins hunting about.
[Johncomes in and begins hunting about.
Gwen: What is it?
John: Have you seen a dress about?
Frankie: A dress! What sort of a dress?
John: A little blue one.
Frankie(holding it out at arm’s length): This?
John: Yes. Thank you.
[He takes it from her and retires again with it....Gwenhovers miserably.Frankieis rock-like.
[He takes it from her and retires again with it....Gwenhovers miserably.Frankieis rock-like.
Gwen(by the door—persuasively): Come on.
[The other shakes her head....Johncomes back, shutting the door after him.
[The other shakes her head....Johncomes back, shutting the door after him.
John: ... I’d rather you didn’t say anything about it till she’s gone, please.
[No answer.Tobycomes in dressed again.
[No answer.Tobycomes in dressed again.
Toby: Show me down to the front door, please. (She crosses at once to the other door;Johnfollowing.)
John(low to her): I can’t come with you at once.
Toby: I don’t want you to ... I don’t want you to come any more—ever.
John: Toby!
Gwen(by the open door into the bedroom): Frankie!
[She makes an enticing movement, and this timeFrankie,more tractable, follows her into the bedroom.
[She makes an enticing movement, and this timeFrankie,more tractable, follows her into the bedroom.
Toby: I don’t want ever to see you again.
John: It’s been damnable for you ... you make me feel a brute.
Toby: Damned good thing—you are.
John: But who’ll look after you?
Toby: Thanks, I can look after myself. Don’tyouworry ... show me downstairs in case I meet anybody....
John: You’re leaving your new frock.
Toby: Keep it ... you can give it to the next one.
[She goes...Johnhesitates; then calls into his bedroom.
[She goes...Johnhesitates; then calls into his bedroom.
John: Gwen.
Gwen’s Voice: Yes?
John: I’ll be back in a minute.
[He followsToby....Gwencomes back into the room.
[He followsToby....Gwencomes back into the room.
Gwen: They’ve gone.
[Frankiecomes back; she is blazing.
[Frankiecomes back; she is blazing.
Frankie: Oh, Iamangry. It makes you wonder whether there are any decent men in the world. I didn’t know John was acad.... (In a burst of rage) Oh, the beast! the beast! Oh, it makes me furious.... While that—girl was waiting up here for him he wanted to kiss me.
Gwen: Did he?
Frankie: Yes.
Gwen: Butdidhe?
Frankie: What?
Gwen: Kiss you.
Frankie: No, he didn’t.
Gwen: Why not?
Frankie: I don’t know, he didn’t.
Gwen: Why didn’t he?
Frankie: He didn’t.
Gwen: You mean you wouldn’t let him?
Frankie: He came straight up here to her.... Oh, it’s so humiliating....
Gwen: D’you think it’s altogether his fault?
Frankie: Oh, I daresay she had plenty to do with it—you can easily see what sort she is.
Gwen(ominously quiet): I didn’t meanher.
Frankie(with fine ironic scorn): Oh, if it wasn’therfault, I suppose you’ll say it’sminenext.
Gwen: Yes.
Frankie: Oh, don’t be ridiculous.
Gwen: If I was engaged to a man, and he wouldn’t let me kiss him, I’d jolly well go and kiss somebody else.
Frankie: Gwen!
Gwen: I would. There are times when you must be kissed.
Frankie: Gwen!
Gwen: Well, there are—don’t you ever feel like that?
Frankie: No; besidesher; she’d kiss anyone.
Gwen: I don’t see why you should say that—perhaps they’re in love.
Frankie: Love! What he feels for her isn’t love.
Gwen: It’s what I’d want my man to feel for me ... if ever I have a man in love with me again that I want, I ... (ButFrankieis crying.) Oh, Frankie. (She goes to her.) Don’t cry ... I didn’t mean what I said ... yes I did ... but not to say it like that ... Frankie ... it isn’t a bit simple.
Frankie: Yes, it is. Quite simple. He’s been a beast; nothing can alter that.
Gwen: I don’t know.
Frankie: I do.
Gwen: Such heaps of things are uncertain—that seemed certain——
[Johncomes back.
[Johncomes back.
John(speaking at once): Will you talk to me, Frankie?
Frankie: I suppose so.
John: Leave us alone, Sis, for a bit.
Gwen: Are they up, downstairs?
John: There’s a light in the drawing-room.
Gwen: Can I go in there (indicating his bedroom)? I should be cross-examined, and I feel all wrong for them downstairs to-night.
[Johnopens the bedroom door for her, and she passes into the room; he shuts the door after her ... there is a little silence betweenJohnandFrankie.
[Johnopens the bedroom door for her, and she passes into the room; he shuts the door after her ... there is a little silence betweenJohnandFrankie.
John(quietly, almost tonelessly, speaking facts): I met her during the war when I was on leave ... we hadsupper after the theatre, and I went back to her flat—and stayed there ... and I’ve been there, sometimes, ever since.
[She doesn’t answer.
[She doesn’t answer.
... I’m very sorry it should have happened like this.
Frankie: I never dreamed of anything like it.... I trusted you ... I hate being deceived ... it’s been going on all this time and I never knew it ... all the time you were with me.
John(quickly): But I never made love to you ... it’s been absolutely apart from the rest of my life here. She’s never been here before.
Frankie: Hasn’t she?
John: No.... They were two quite distinct relationships, mine with you—and with her.
Frankie: I should hope so!
John: I’ve not made love to you, not because I haven’t wanted to, but because you didn’t want me to....
Frankie: I’m glad I didn’t. I don’t want to share that sort of thing, thank you.
John: You wouldn’t have done.
Frankie: What do you mean?
John: If you’d wanted to make love, I shouldn’t have wanted anybody else.
Frankie: That’s easy enough to say now.
John: I’ve been wrong. I’ve let things drift.
Frankie: Why?
John: All this time, I’ve hoped something would flare up between us, and then it would have been perfect—but it hasn’t.
Frankie: You say it’s my fault too!
John: It’s nobody’s fault. We’re different—that’s all.
Frankie: Do you want to marry this girl?
John: No.
Frankie: I don’t understand——
John: Frankie, don’t cry.
Frankie(through her tears): And this morning I was talking to mother about furnishing ... and the little house ... it’s arranged, nearly ... what’ll everybody say? Oh, it’s too bad of you!
John: I’m awfully sorry; I ought to have had it out before; I’m sorry; don’t cry....
Frankie: Don’t talk then.
[But she cannot stop the tears and escapes from the room. The unhappyJohnremaining, throws himself into the depths of his chair; there is a knock at the door.
[But she cannot stop the tears and escapes from the room. The unhappyJohnremaining, throws himself into the depths of his chair; there is a knock at the door.
John: Come in.
[It is the little housemaid.
[It is the little housemaid.
Rosie: Please, Mr. John, there’s a lady to see you.
John: Oh, my God! Where?
Rosie: Downstairs—in the morning-room. She’s waiting.
John: I’ll come.
Rosie: ... Please, Mr. John.
John: Yes?
Rosie: About that blow-pipe ... it wasn’t my fault ... ’e blowed; I couldn’t stop him.
John: That’s all right, Rosie.... In the morning-room?
Rosie: Yes, please, Mr. John.
[Johngoes out—Rosiefollowing ... the silence in the room is broken byGwen’svoice from the bedroom.
[Johngoes out—Rosiefollowing ... the silence in the room is broken byGwen’svoice from the bedroom.
Gwen’s Voice: You’re very quiet! ... can I come back? Can I...? John!... Frankie!...
[Gwen’shead comes round the corner of the door ... and is so surprised at the emptiness that she apologises to it.
[Gwen’shead comes round the corner of the door ... and is so surprised at the emptiness that she apologises to it.
Oh, I beg your pardon!... I mean.... (She comes into the room with a laugh.)...
[Colincomes up from downstairs.
[Colincomes up from downstairs.
Colin: Hullo.
Gwen: Hullo.
Colin: I was told I’d find you up here.
Gwen: Do you know where John is?
Colin: I met him on the stairs. Margaret refused to come up till she’d heard from his own lips that we were wanted: I came up.
Gwen: ... Yes.
Colin: I’ve got those tickets.
Gwen: Oh, thank you.
Colin: For to-morrow night.
Gwen: Thank you.
[Unexpectedly there is an awkward little silence between them ... it grows uncomfortably.
[Unexpectedly there is an awkward little silence between them ... it grows uncomfortably.
Gwen: ... Won’t you have a cigarette?
Colin(gratefully): Thank you.
[He takes and lights one; she does the same; the horrid little silence hasn’t been killed.
[He takes and lights one; she does the same; the horrid little silence hasn’t been killed.
Gwen: It’s a long time since I went to the theatre. Itiskind of you.
Colin: I’m looking forward to to-morrow night.
Gwen: So am I.
[The door opens cautiously andMargaret Healappears; a woman of about thirty-five; attractive without being strikingly beautiful or pretty; she is looking her best now, in evening dress and cloak.
[The door opens cautiously andMargaret Healappears; a woman of about thirty-five; attractive without being strikingly beautiful or pretty; she is looking her best now, in evening dress and cloak.
Margaret: Anybody here?
Gwen: Hullo, Margaret. Come along in. What have you done with John?
Margaret: He’s walking round the square.
Colin: Sounds mathematical.
Margaret: Yes, it’s impossible.
Colin: Why?
Margaret: It’s raining; and he’s got no coat, and slippers. (ToColin.) You ought to go and fetch him in.
Gwen: It would be kind of you.
Colin: Certainly I will; if I may come back.
Gwen: Of course.
[Colingoes.
[Colingoes.
Margaret: There’s been trouble; I’m sure you don’t want us.
Gwen: Oh yes I do. I’m glad you came.
Margaret: It’s dreadfully late to call; but Colin was so anxious to come back here.
Gwen: Was he?
Margaret: Something’s happened to him since dinner.
Gwen: Oh?
Margaret: He’s unusually easy enough to manage; to-night he was as obstinate as a pig. He would come; said he wanted to see John particularly. And there was only the most expensive box left for to-morrow night. He would get it. It cost him about twelve guineas. I wonder who he’s going to take.
[She has taken off her cloak.Gwentakes it.
[She has taken off her cloak.Gwentakes it.
Thank you.
[Margaretsits.
[Margaretsits.
What are you doing with yourself these days?
Gwen: Nothing special.
Margaret: Have you kept on your nursing at all, since the war?
Gwen: No. And then I only ran errands for the nurses.
Margaret: Did you like it?
Gwen: Rather. It was something outside home I wasn’t cross-examined about. I often envyyou.
Margaret:Me?
Gwen: John often tells me about you, and your office.
Margaret: Oh!
Gwen: It’s a kind of a literary agency, isn’t it?
Margaret: That’s the sort of thing.
Gwen: It must have been awfully adventurous—starting on your own.
Margaret: I had a good training as a secretary. Then an election came and I had a girl to help me, and I found I could boss her. So I got three girls and bossed them—made them work for me, instead of me working for somebody else. Now I’ve got ten in the office—and several young men.
Gwen: It must be splendid to have built up something like that for yourself.
Margaret: It’s very interesting. The girls are interesting, too; they bring all their troubles to me.
Gwen: What sort of troubles?
Margaret: Men—mostly!
Gwen: Are you a good sort of person to bring your troubles to?
Margaret: I’ve had some of my own—so perhaps I am.