GUSS. (Getting between her and the door l. to which she is backing.) Oh, no, don’t go. Do you know, I shall really think you are trying to avoid me.
DEB. (Retreating behind table—Guss. takes a step.) Oh, not at all.
GUSS. (c. gets l. of r. c. table.) Ah, so pleasant to hear you say so. You know, Miss Deacon, I so want you to like me.
DEB. Yes, well—I do very much, only I can’t stop to do it now, because you see aunt wants me. (Moves c. up stage. Guss. stops her. Bus. of Deb. trying to get away and of Guss. cutting her off and trying to get near her; is kept up throughout the scene.)
GUSS. Ah, but your aunt sees so much of you and I can see so little.
DEB. (Laughing, walks l. c. up stage. Guss. at head of sofa.) I’m afraid there’s not very much more of me to see. I must go really, because we have got to do some shopping this morning.
GUSS. Ah, let me come with you?
DEB. Oh, no, I won’t tax your kindness. I know you men hate shopping, and we are going into drapers’ and dressmakers’ and all sorts of dreadful places, (c.)
GUSS. Ah, they will not be dreadful if you are there, Miss Deacon.
DEB. And aunt always takes such a long time shopping. (Goes up c.) Never can make up her mind, and I’m worse still, and—(makes movement, Guss. moves behind settle and stops her down l.)