Part 3 (1/2)

(CELIA _re-enters without oilskins and stands at door_ R. _She is in a simple traveling dress_.)

FARADAY. (_From center of stage_) G.o.d bless my soul, Celia, where have you been?

CELIA. Why; I've been away, Father, for a week. Perhaps you haven't noticed it.

FARADAY. Not noticed it? I have missed you very much. I never get all the right things for breakfast when you're away!

CELIA. Sorry, Father. (CELIA _crosses quickly to_ AUNT IDA, _who is in the center of the stage_, FARADAY _having turned and gone up into the card room_. CELIA _nodding as she crosses, to the_ ADMIRAL _and the girls_) Good evening, Admiral. Well, girls.

(ADMIRAL _acknowledges her greeting with a grunt_, STEELE _with a stiff bow, and the girls say_, ”_Good evening_, CELIA.”)

CELIA. Well, Aunt Ida.

AUNT IDA. (_Kissing her on both cheeks_) Dear child!

(CELIA _pa.s.sing_ L. _over to_ MR. RALEIGH, _who is left of table_ L.

CELIA _offers her hand, which he takes with a very bored air.

Meanwhile, the groups break up after_ CELIA _has pa.s.sed_. LADY TRENCHARD _joins the_ ADMIRAL _and_ STEELE _at upper end of sofa_.

PHYLLIS _joins_ TARVER; _they sit at lower end of fender_, PHYLLIS _sitting in chair below fender_. AUNT IDA _joins_ MADGE _and they all talk in dumb show during_ CELIA'S _scene with_ RALEIGH.)

[Ill.u.s.tration: ”Green Stockings” _Page 11_]

CELIA. Mr. Raleigh, how are you?

RALEIGH. I am very well, thank you. (_Pause_.) Yes.

CELIA. Yes?

RALEIGH. (_In a bored monotone, looking straight in front of him_) Yes. I hope you enjoyed yourself, Miss Faraday. You were in London?

CELIA. No, at Southampton.

RALEIGH. Oh, yes--er--all amongst the s.h.i.+ps and things,

CELIA. Yes.

RALEIGH. Yes.

CELIA. Won't you sit down, Mr. Raleigh?

RALEIGH. No, thanks. I never sit down.

CELIA. Eh?