The Unknown; A Play in Three Acts

by W. Somerset Maugham

[Rising and going to meet her.] My dear friend, how very glad I am to see you.

Mrs. Littlewood.

How do you do? [She smiles brightly at the assembled company.] Oh, John, have you come back? [To Mrs. Wharton.] I came to ask if you and the Colonel would come and play bridge this afternoon.

Mrs. Wharton.

Bridge!

[They all look at her with surprise, but no one says anything.]

Mrs. Littlewood.

I was going to ask Dr. Macfarlane to make a fourth, but perhaps John will come.

Mrs. Wharton..

[With embarrassment.] It’s very kind of you, but the Colonel hasn’t been very well lately. I don’t think he feels like going out, and I shouldn’t like to leave him.