The Unknown; A Play in Three Acts

by W. Somerset Maugham

Mrs. Wharton.

Sylvia’s giving up a great deal. I don’t know what’s to become of her if she doesn’t marry John. When her mother dies she’ll only have thirty pounds a year.

[Sylvia comes back with a cup of tea on a small tray and puts it on a table by Mrs. Wharton’s side.

Sylvia.

Here is the tea, Mrs. Wharton.

Mrs. Wharton.

Oh, thank you, my dear, so much. You do spoil me.... I can’t imagine why John is so long. He’s generally so very punctual.

Sylvia.

[In a low voice.] John came in, Mrs. Wharton.

Mrs. Wharton.