JOE. [Staggering forward with a sudden cry.] God, O God, give us bread!

THE CURTAIN SLOWLY FALLS

THE OPEN DOOR

THE PERSONS OF THE PLAY

SIR GEOFFREY TRANSOM LADY TORMINSTER

THE OPEN DOOR

SCENE: The drawing-room of LORD TORMINSTER'S cottage by the sea. It is 2 a.m. of a fine July night; the French windows are open on to the lawn. The room is dark; in an armchair, SIR GEOFFREY TRANSOM, a man of forty, with a frank, pleasant face, is seated, deep in thought. Suddenly the door opens, and LADY TORMINSTER appears and switches on the light. She starts at seeing SIR GEOFFREY.

LADY TORMINSTER. Oh!

SIR GEOFFREY. [Rising.] Hullo! Don't be afraid—it's only I!

LADY TORMINSTER. What a start you gave me Why haven't you gone to bed?