OLIVIA (puzzled): But it looks so extraordinary—(_She gives a sudden gasp.)
They look at her. She is staring at the box. A pause._
HUBERT: What is it?
OLIVIA: I don't know…. Suppose there is something … inside it?
A pause. They stare at her, fascinated by her thought. The front door bangs. They are electrified into action: but it is too late. It is DAN. He goes briskly to the table.
DAN: She wants to sit in the sun now and have a bit of East
Lynne. Talk about changin' your mind—
He sees the suitcases on the table before him, and is motionless and silent. A pause. The others dare not move. He finally breaks the situation, takes up "East Lynne" from the table, and walks slowly back to the front door. He stops, looks round at HUBERT, smiles, and comes down to him. His manner is normal—too normal.
Could I have it back, please? It's the only one I got….
HUBERT: Oh … yes, of course…. (Handing him the pocket-book.)
DAN (taking it): Thank you very much.