Excuse me, Floyd.
(Passes behind Vanderlip's back toward door to right, and unobserved beckons Maid. They pause at door to right.) Run quick, out the kitchen door, and catch Joe. Tell him not to come back. Tell him I said so—to go get drunk, anything, but not to come back.
(Vanderlip lifts heady turns head around, and is watching and listening. Freda continues in slightly louder voice.)
And then, Cupid's stew.
(Maid makes exit to right.)
(Freda returns to chair, passing hand caressingly through Vanderlip's hair before she sits down.)
VANDERLIP
(Gruffly, suspiciously.)
What were you gassing about?