Green Stockings: A Comedy in Three Acts

by A. E. W. Mason

Madge. Oh, Phyllis.

Phyllis. (Stands by Madge, takes paper and reads) That does seem cruel, doesn't it?

Grice. Why do people want to keep the news to themselves? (Takes paper away from Phyllis and comes down C. He reads) Whew! (Stands ruminating) Well, well, well, well! (Holds paper to him.)

Tarver. (Seated in chair below fender. Plaintively) Will somebody kindly tell me what's happened?

Grice. Always thinking of yourself, Tarver. (Reads slowly and impressively) "On October the 11th--of wounds--at Berbera, Somaliland--Colonel Smith."

Tarver. (Feeling that he must say something) On October the 11th--that is tough, isn't it?

Faraday. Yes, it's hard. I've been inquiring about rooms at the Club. I didn't expect this.

Phyllis. (At head of table) It's more terribly and cruelly hard on Celia than it would be upon any other woman.

Grice. (Putting paper on table) Why?

Phyllis. Because---- (Breaks off.) Don't you remember the night when she told us of her engagement eight months ago. She said then that her betrothal would make an extraordinary difference in her life.