ACT II
The scene is the hall of Mrs. Lancaster’s house, about forty miles from London.
When the curtain rises it is just after dinner on the Sunday of the week-end party—the gramophone is going and there is a continual buzz of conversation. Clara Hibbert, an emaciated soprano, is dancing with Tom Veryan, Helen with Pawnie, and Nicky with Bunty. Florence is seated on the club fender, talking intellectually with Bruce Fairlight, an earnest dramatist, the squalor of whose plays is much appreciated by those who live in comparative luxury.
There must be a feeling of hectic amusement and noise, and the air black with cigarette smoke and superlatives. During the first part of the scene everyone must appear to be talking at once, but the actual lines spoken while dancing must be timed to reach the audience as the speakers pass near the footlights. This scene will probably be exceedingly difficult to produce, but is absolutely indispensable.
Helen
It’s much too fast, Nicky.
Tom
Do slow down a bit.
Nicky
It’s the pace that’s marked on the record.
Pawnie
I’ve never danced well since the War, I don’t know why.
Florence
But your last act was so strong, when she came in half mad with fright and described everything minutely.
Bruce
I try to write as honestly as possible.
Clara
I gave her three for manners, but seven for charm, because I had to be a little nice!
Tom
I thought she was rather a decent sort.
Bunty
No, but really, Nicky, his technique completely annihilated his inspiration.
Nicky
Not with Debussy and Ravel, with the older masters, yes; but he’s probably tired of them.
Bunty
That’s so stupid, I think.
Helen
My dear, it was the most “chic” thing you’ve ever seen, but unfortunately the wrong color.
Pawnie
Marion Ferris had that Poiret model copied in the most frightful blue!
Clara
I believe my shoe’s coming off.
Tom
Shall we stop?
Clara
No, it’s all right.
Florence
I wonder if you could gouge this cigarette-end out of the holder for me?
Bruce
I’ll try. [He does so.] I always smoke a pipe when I’m working.
Florence
How soothing!
Bunty
I suppose one can never really judge properly from a recital.
Nicky
Not with him, because he’s not dramatic enough.
Bunty
Dramatic pianists make me uncomfortable.
Helen
Pawnie, your tongue grows more venomous every day.
Pawnie
[Giggling]
Well, I had to say something—anyhow, it was true.
Helen
Especially about her ankles.
Pawnie
My dear, yes!
[They both laugh.]
[The record comes to an end, and Nicky begins to change it. Everyone talks and laughs.]
Clara
You must come next Sunday week.
Tom
Thanks awfully, I’d love to.
Clara
I’m only singing ballads, but you know what Sunday concerts are.
Tom
Oh yes, rather.
Clara
[To Nicky]
What’s on the other side?
Nicky
“You’ve got the cutest ears and eyes and nose.”
Pawnie
Do put on “Spoony Moon in Upper Carolina.”
Helen
No, don’t put it on, Nicky; play it yourself; you always make the gramophone go too quickly.
Bunty
Yes, go on, Nicky.
Florence
[Refusing Bruce’s offer of a cigarette]
No, thanks, not another—I’m dancing with Tom.
Bunty
[Gayly]
Missing one, Tom.
Tom
Righto!
[Nicky commences to play a fox-trot.]
Bunty
[Dragging Bruce to his feet]
Come on, Mr. Fairlight, don’t overdo the serious dramatist stunt!
Bruce
I warn you I’m no good.
[He dances with her, and confirms the truth of his warning. Clara Hibbert squashes down on the piano-seat next to Nicky and endeavors with one finger in the treble to follow the tune he is playing. Helen and Pawnie stand right down close to the footlights, smoking and talking; their backs are half turned to the audience, but their remarks must be perfectly audible.]
Helen
Tom Veryan doesn’t dance as well as he thinks he does.
Pawnie
With that figure he ought to be marvelous.
Helen
He’s too athletic.
Pawnie
Anyhow, I’m sure he’s a success at the Bath Club.
Helen
Doesn’t Florence look astounding?
Pawnie
Absolutely. She knows exactly what suits her.
Helen
Where’s David?
Pawnie
He went off to his study to smoke.
Helen
I do wish Florence wouldn’t be irritable with him in front of everybody. I felt acutely uncomfortable at dinner.
Pawnie
It makes Nicky furious as a rule, but to-night he was too occupied with that stupid little fool Bunty Mainwaring to take any notice.
Helen
She’s an excellent type.
Pawnie
Very average; I only hope nothing will come of Nicky’s mania for her.
Helen
I don’t think we need worry.
Pawnie
Why?
Helen
Wait and see, my dear.
Clara
[Leaving Nicky at the piano and advancing on Pawnie]
Come and dance, Pawnie, and tell me how divinely I sang on Tuesday.
Pawnie
[Agreeably]
You didn’t.
Clara
Ten for cruelty.
[They start to dance. Helen moves over to the mantelpiece for a cigarette.]
Helen
Have you a match, Nicky?
Nicky
Isn’t this a marvelous tune?
Helen
Fascinating! [She goes over and sits next to him. Gently slipping her hand into his coat pocket.] Darling, I do want a match. [She brings out a little box.] What a divine little box!
[Nicky stops playing and jumps up.]
Nicky
[Violently]
Helen, give that to me!——
[Everyone stops dancing.]
Clara
Nicky dear, don’t be tiresome.
Nicky
[Recovering himself.]
I’m sick of playing. Let’s have the gramophone again. [To Helen.] Here’s a light, dearie.
[He takes match-box out of another pocket and lights Helen’s cigarette. She looks at him queerly for a moment, then he restarts the gramophone and everyone begins to dance again except Helen and Bruce Fairlight. Helen goes over to the fireplace and takes a coffee-cup from the mantelpiece.]
Helen
Whose coffee is this? Some one drank mine, and I’d hardly touched it.
Bruce
If it had no sugar in it, it’s mine.
Helen
[Draining it]
It had no sugar in it.
Florence
You’re dancing abominably, Tom.
Tom
Oh, Am I?
Florence
What’s the matter with you?
Tom
I don’t know. I suppose I’m tired.
Florence
You’re not usually tired when you’re dancing with me.
Tom
Oh, Florence, don’t nag!
Florence
How dare you speak to me like that?
[She stops dancing and goes over to the fireplace.]
Tom
[Following her]
I say, Florence—I’m sorry——
Pawnie
Let’s stop the music for a moment and think of something really marvelous to do.
Bunty
No, let’s go on dancing.
Clara
I’m exhausted.
Pawnie
[Stopping the gramophone]
What was that divine game we played coming back from Paris, Helen?
Helen
Just ordinary “Clumps,” wasn’t it?
Bunty
I loathe “Clumps.”
Nicky
What about the History game?
Bruce
What’s that?
Bunty
Oh no, Nicky; it’s too intellectual.
Florence
There’s a Mah-Jong set in the drawing-room.
Pawnie
How divine! Let’s make up a table immediately.
Clara
I won’t be happy until some one gives me a set made entirely of jade.
Nicky
Come on, Bunty.
Bunty
[Looking at Tom]
I can’t play it.
Nicky
You can; you used to play in Paris with Yvonne.
Bunty
I’ve forgotten it.
Nicky
You’ll soon remember again.
[He drags her off.]
Pawnie
Come along, Clara.
Clara
I insist on Mr. Fairlight learning.
Bruce
I’m afraid I’m no good at that sort of thing.
Clara
You’ll be able to put it in one of your plays.
Pawnie
Come and watch; it’s too thrilling for words.
[Clara, Bruce and Pawnie go off.]
Helen
Have you only one set, Florence?
Florence
Yes. Isn’t it maddening? Clara promised to bring hers down, but forgot.
Helen
Does Bruce Fairlight play Bridge?
Florence
No, I don’t think so.
Helen
Dramatists are such a comfort in a house party, aren’t they?
[She goes off.]
Tom
Are you coming, Florence?
Florence
No.
Tom
[Nonplussed]
Oh!
Florence
But please don’t let me stop you going. I’m sure you’re dying to be with the others.
Tom
I say, Florence, I wish you wouldn’t go on like that.
Florence
I don’t know what’s the matter with you; you’ve never behaved like this before.
Tom
I haven’t behaved like anything.
Florence
You’ve been exceedingly rude to me, both at dinner and afterwards.
Tom
I wasn’t at dinner.
Florence
Yes, you were; you snapped me up when I said I didn’t like Elsie Saunders.
Tom
You know perfectly well she’s a friend of mine.
Florence
Well, she oughtn’t to be, after the things she’s said about me.
Tom
You will go on imagining.
Florence
Nothing of the sort—I know! If you weren’t so dense you’d see, too—the jealousy I have to put up with. I get so tired of it all, so desperately tired.
[She becomes a little pathetic.]
Tom
Talk about being different, you’re different too——
Florence
I’m unhappy.
Tom
Why?
Florence
Because I hate to see you being put against me.
Tom
Florence!
Florence
You’ll understand one day. They’re all very subtle, but I can see.
Tom
Nobody’s said a word to me about you; they’d better not try.
Florence
Why, what would you do?
Tom
I’d—I’d be furious.
Florence
Oh!
Tom
And I’d let them see it, too.
Florence
[Holding out her hands]
Tom——
Tom
Yes?
Florence
I forgive you.
Tom
I can’t bear you being angry with me.
Florence
Can’t you, really?
Tom
It makes me feel beastly.
Florence
Come and sit here.
Tom
[Sitting next to her on the club fender]
That’s a lovely dress.
Florence
It is sweet, isn’t it?
Tom
You always wear wonderful clothes.
Florence
Do I, Tom?
Tom
You know you do.
Florence
Do you remember the very first time we met?
Tom
Rather.
Florence
Oxford’s so full of romance, isn’t it?
Tom
It was when you came down.
Florence
Thank you, Tom dear.
Tom
We did have fun.
Florence
You used to come up to matinées, and I’d motor you back afterwards.
Tom
Ripping!
Florence
That reminds me, I’ve got seats for “Rolling Stones” on Tuesday. Don’t forget.
Tom
You never said you were going to get them.
Florence
It doesn’t matter. I thought I did. We’d better dine at Claridges.
Tom
But, Florence, I—I can’t come!
Florence
Why not?
Tom
I promised to go out.
Florence
Who with?
Tom
Mother.
Florence
Can’t you put her off? It will be such a good first night.
Tom
Well—you see, as a matter of fact—it’s rather awkward. I put her off the other day——
[There is a slight pause.]
Florence
[A trifle coldly]
Oh, well, never mind, we’ll go some other night.
[Enter David.]
David
Hallo, Florence! I thought you were in the drawing-room.
Florence
They’re playing Mah-Jong, and there’s only one set. I shall break in presently.
Tom
I’ll just go and see how they’re getting on.
[This obvious excuse for getting out of the room is not lost upon Florence.]
Florence
Yes, do.
Tom
Come and play soon.
[He goes out quietly.]
Florence
Don’t you think this is a divine frock?
David
Very pretty.
Florence
You and Helen seemed to be very thick at dinner. What were you talking about?
David
Nothing much. I like Helen.
Florence
Only because she flatters you and listens to everything you say.
David
She doesn’t flatter me.
Florence
I suppose she was talking about the farm, and giving her opinions.
David
We did discuss the farm a little.
Florence
She doesn’t know a thing about it, really.
David
Perhaps not, but it passed the time.
[He goes out.]
[Florence sits still for a moment, then she wearily buries her face in her hands. Enter Nicky.]
Nicky
[Going to her]
What’s the matter, darling?
Florence
Nothing. I’ve got a slight headache.
Nicky
Why don’t you go Byes?
Florence
I can’t; it’s much too early.
Nicky
I’m sick of Mah-Jong.
Florence
Who’s playing now?
Nicky
Pawnie and Helen and Clara are trying to teach Bruce Fairlight; he’s an awful fool at it.
[He sits down at the piano and plays absently.]
Florence
You must get Bunty out of that habit of contradicting everything people say.
Nicky
I don’t see why.
Florence
It’s bad breeding.
Nicky
[Striking a note viciously]
Who cares nowadays? We’ve all got a right to our opinions.
Florence
She seems to forget that I’m much older than she is.
Nicky
That’s no argument, mother; it’s silly only to remember your age when some one says something you don’t like.
Florence
She’s having a bad effect on you.
Nicky
Nonsense!
Florence
You’ve changed since Paris.
Nicky
Naturally.
Florence
You never used to be rude to me.
Nicky
Oh, damn, I’m not rude.
Florence
Yes, you are.
Nicky
Well, don’t start running down Bunty.
Florence
Stop playing—stop playing!
Nicky
[Getting up angrily]
Oh, God!
[He goes towards door and collides with Helen.]
Helen
What’s happening?
Florence
Nothing. Bunty’s just putting Nicky against me. I knew she’d try to.
[She goes out.]
Helen
You must be having a delightful evening! You leave the drawing-room, having rowed with Bunty, and come here and row with Florence.
Nicky
Mother’s impossible.
Helen
She’s no different from what she’s always been.
Nicky
Well, I haven’t realized it before.
Helen
[Taking a cigarette and lighting it]
You haven’t been engaged before.
Nicky
I’m hating this house party.
Helen
[Lightly]
Don’t say that, dear; it’s not kind.
Nicky
You know I don’t mean you.
Helen
Are you very much in love?
Nicky
Yes.—No.—I don’t know.
Helen
I wonder.
Nicky
It’s utterly devastating, anyhow.
Helen
When did you meet her?
Nicky
About five months ago.
Helen
What was she doing in Paris?
Nicky
Oh, I don’t know—fooling about.
Helen
Splendid.
Nicky
She’s been studying French literature.
Helen
Why?
Nicky
She’s going to write—herself—some day.
Helen
Oh, I see!
Nicky
Helen, do you like her?
Helen
I can’t tell yet—yesterday was the first time I’d ever set eyes on her.
Nicky
She’s wonderfully intelligent.
Helen
Yes—I’m sure she is.
Nicky
You don’t like her?
Helen
I tell you—I’m not sure yet.
Nicky
It’s generally the way—one’s friends always hate one another.
Helen
[Smiling]
It is difficult for you, isn’t it?
Nicky
I should so like you to like her.
Helen
Very well—I’ll try.
Nicky
She’s utterly opposite to me in every way.
Helen
Yes, I see that.
Nicky
But that’s as it ought to be, isn’t it?
Helen
It depends.
Nicky
I need a sort of restraining influence terribly.
Helen
Yes, Nicky.
Nicky
She’s awfully good for me.
Helen
Is she?
Nicky
Yes—she curbs me when I get temperamental and silly.
Helen
I always felt you needed encouraging more than curbing.
Nicky
[Laughing]
Oh, Helen—aren’t you a darling!
Helen
I mean it.
Nicky
You’re wrong, though—I’m all over the place.
Helen
Anyhow, I do hope you’ll be very happy with her.
Nicky
I don’t suppose I shall ever be that. I haven’t got the knack.
Helen
Do you work hard?
Nicky
Yes.
Helen
Really hard?
Nicky
Frightfully.
Helen
Liar!
Nicky
If you’d seen me in Paris—studying, studying—all night long until the gray dawn put the guttering candle to shame—and my nerveless hands dropped from the keys——
Helen
Candles gutter awfully quickly when they’re burned at both ends.
Nicky
Meaning that I look a debauched wreck of my former self?
Helen
Exactly.
Nicky
If you go on encouraging me at this rate I shall commit suicide.
Helen
You do resent anyone taking a real interest in you, don’t you?
Nicky
I distrust it.
Helen
Why?
Nicky
I don’t know—I’m not worth it.
Helen
You seem to be suffering from a slight inferiority complex.
Nicky
Not a bit of it—I’m gay and witty and handsome.
Helen
Oh, Nicky, you’re so maddening.
Nicky
Don’t be cross, Helen.
Helen
I’m one of the few people who know what you’re really like, and you won’t give me the credit for it.
Nicky
Do you think you do, honestly?
Helen
Yes—and I’m exceedingly worried about you.
Nicky
You needn’t be.
Helen
You’re sensitive and reserved and utterly foolish.
Nicky
Thank you—I’m beginning to feel beautifully picturesque.
Helen
And you’re scared.
Nicky
Why! What have I to be scared about?
Helen
Would you like me to tell you?
Nicky
No.
Helen
Why not?
Nicky
Because you’re a sentimentalist, and you see things that aren’t there at all.
Helen
You’re far more sentimental than I.
Nicky
Darling Helen—you’ve got such a lovely mind—like a Christmas card—with frosted robins and sheep wandering about in the snow—bleating.
Helen
All the same, I should give up drugs if I were you.
Nicky
Helen!
Helen
Well?
Nicky
I don’t know what you mean.
Helen
Do you think I can’t see?
Nicky
[Forcing a laugh]
You’re being terribly funny, aren’t you?
Helen
You fool! You unutterable little fool!
Nicky
Don’t be dramatic, dear.
Helen
I thought you had common sense; I credited you with more intelligence than that.
Nicky
If you persist in being absurd.
Helen
[Suddenly with intense feeling]
Nicky, don’t resist me, don’t fight me; I’m your friend; I wouldn’t have said a word if I weren’t. You’ve got to stop it; you haven’t gone very far yet; there’s still time. For God’s sake listen to reason.
Nicky
Shut up, shut up, don’t speak so loudly.
Helen
Nicky, throw it away.
Nicky
When did you find out?
Helen
To-night, you know, when you were playing, but I’ve guessed for ages.
Nicky
You needn’t be frightened, Helen; I only take just the tiniest little bit, once in a blue moon!
Helen
If anything goes wrong, you’ll take a lot. Throw it away.
Nicky
What could go wrong?
Helen
Never mind, throw it away!
Nicky
I can’t. Look out; somebody’s coming.
[Enter David.]
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.
[Helen goes 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, and David pats Nicky’s shoulder rather tentatively. He goes upstairs and Nicky wanders to the piano. He plays absently, and Bunty enters.]
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.]
I say, Bunty——
Bunty
What?
Nicky
Before you say anything awful to me, I am sorry 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.]
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 comforting to 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.
[Nicky looks 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.
[Bunty lights another cigarette and, kicking off her shoes, perches on the club fender and proceeds to warm her feet at the fire.]
[Enter Clara Hibbert.]
Clara
My dear, I’m shattered—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——
[Enter Bruce Fairlight.]
Bruce
Very interesting, that game.
Clara
[Weakly]
I thought you’d like it.
Bruce
It’s interesting psychologically! The concentration and suspense——
[Enter Florence, Helen, Pawnie and Tom. Tom is grasping a whisky and soda—Pawnie is 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 at Bunty]
I’ll play “I love you”—such a romantic tune.
[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 eat enormously!
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 and Tom dance.]
Helen
The great thing in this world is not to be obvious, Nicky—over anything!
[Florence and Tom dance, also Helen and Pawnie. 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 about Mischievous 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! Absolutely brilliant!
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.]
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.]
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.]
Florence
Tom, be an angel and fetch me a glass of milk. It’s in the drawing-room.
Tom
All right.
[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 and Helen go 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.
[Florence and Helen go off.]
Bruce
I suppose we’d all better go up.
Bunty
I don’t feel I could sleep yet.
[Re-enter Tom with 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.]
Pawnie
I shall come, too—good night.
Tom
Good night.
Pawnie
[To Bruce as 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.]
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? He doesn’t do anything 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!
[She burst into tears.]
Tom
[Flummoxed]
I say—Bunty—for Heaven’s sake——
[He puts his arm round her.]
Bunty
[Shaking him off]
Don’t, don’t. Give me my shoes——
[He picks up her shoes; she puts them on. She is half sobbing all the time.]
Tom
I say, old girl, hadn’t you better go to bed? You’re all wrought up!
Bunty
He said beastly things.
Tom
I’ll wring his neck.
Bunty
[With a fresh burst of tears]
Shut up, Tom, shut up——
Tom
Bunty, stop crying—there’s a dear; please, please stop crying——
[He takes her in his arms and kisses her; she is groping for her handkerchief. Florence comes quietly downstairs.]
Bunty
I can’t find my hanky!
Tom
Here’s mine.
Florence
[Like a pistol shot]
Tom!
[Tom and Bunty break away.]
Tom
Yes, Florence?
Florence
[Ominously]
What does this mean?
Tom
I’m sorry, Florence—I——
Florence
You utter cad!
Bunty
Look here—I should like to say——
Florence
Be quiet—mind your own business.
[Nicky enters.]
Nicky
[Seeing tears on Bunty’s face]
What’s the matter—is anybody hurt?
Florence
[Ominously]
No, not hurt!
Bunty
I banged my hand, that’s all.
Florence
Liar!
Nicky
Mother—don’t be so stupid——
Tom
Florence—I——
Florence
Don’t speak to me——
Nicky
[Quietly]
Mother—not now—not now—it’s all wrong. Control yourself! Bunty—Bunty—do go to bed—please.
[He goes to the piano and begins to play jazz.]
Bunty
All right—Tom——
[Florence goes to the fireplace, trembling with rage. Nicky goes on playing. Tom and Bunty go towards the stairs.]
Florence
Stop—I want an explanation, please!
Bunty
How dare you speak to me like that?
Florence
Get out of my house! Get out of my house!
Bunty
This is disgusting!
Tom
I say, Florence——
Florence
Get out of my house!
Bunty
I shall leave the first thing in the morning; it’s much too late to-night.
[She goes off.]
[Nicky never stops playing for a moment.]
Florence
Tom. [He goes towards her, absolutely silent.] You kissed her—you kissed her—I saw you!——
Tom
Yes.
Florence
In this house!
Tom
Yes, Florence. I apologize.
Florence
Apologize! You’re beneath contempt. Never speak to me again, never touch me again—I hate you!
Tom
Look here, Florence—I’m desperately sorry. You see, I’m afraid I love her.
Florence
[Hysterically]
You dare to stand there and say that to me? It’s incredible—after all I’ve done for you—after all we’ve been to each other. Love! You don’t know what it means. You’ve lied to me—all these months. It’s contemptible—humiliating. Get out of my sight!
Tom
[Turning and going upstairs]
Very well.
Florence
[Suddenly realizing that he is gone]
Tom—Tom—come back—come back!——
[She runs upstairs after him. Nicky at last stops playing and lets his hands drop from the keys.]
Curtain
ACT III