ACT I
Downstairs
All that follows takes place at Mr. Freeman’s house in the neighbourhood of Lancaster Gate; a large house in a terrace of others like it. It begins in the dining-room; middle-class, but sumptuously so. Dinner is in its final stages; a decanter of port is on the table, and a goodly array of the best fruits to be bought. Mr. Freeman is seated at the table very occupied with a fruit; Mrs. Freeman sits opposite to him; there is no one else in the room. Mr. Freeman is rather short and rather round, a little red and a little bald; Mrs. Freeman is his wife.
Mr. Freeman continues to eat his fruit—there is no other sound.
Mr. Freeman (when his mouth is unoccupied): Disgusting! (He reaches out and selects another fruit.) Makes me sick!
[The door opens and such an attractive head comes round it.
The Head: No!... He hasn’t.
[The head withdraws and the door shuts.
Mr. Freeman: Abominable! I wonder if Florence knows.
Mrs. Freeman: She’s out.