Part 7 (2/2)

PHYLLIS. (_Forcing pen into_ CELIA'S _hand_) You must.

CELIA. (_Laughingly_) Well, I can't write with you two at my elbows, you know.

(MADGE _goes slowly up into card room, turning and smiling at_ CELIA _as she goes_.)

PHYLLIS. (_Running up and around and down to foot of sofa_) I shan't look. (_Kneels on Chesterfield sofa, facing_ CELIA) What do you call him?

CELIA. (_At a loss_) I don't know.

PHYLLIS. (_Surprised_) You don't know?

CELIA. (_Recovering herself_) I mean, dear, I use a pet name.

PHYLLIS. Oh, lovely, what is it?

CELIA. Really, it's too absurd, you know, Phyllis.

It's--it's--_Wobbles_.

PHYLLIS. (_Laughing and surprised_) Wobbles!

CELIA. Yes, dear. Everybody calls him--Wobbles.

PHYLLIS. (_Laughing_) Celia, it's delicious. Fancy your being married to a man called Wobbles! (_Pretending to write in the air_) ”My darling Wobbles.” (_Laughs and runs up to_ TARVER, _who is seated reading in the morning room, saying as she goes_) Bobby, what do you think? (_She tells_ TARVER _the name of_ CELIA'S _fiance in dumb show as she sits opposite him_.)

CELIA. (_Writing_) ”My darling Wobbles.”

(TARVER _laughs. Laugh in card room_.)

CELIA. (_Looks around to see that no one is overlooking or watching her. Writes_) ”I hardly know how to write you. It all seems too hauntingly beautiful to be true. I see your face everywhere--Wobbles.

The very tulips have a look of you. Oh, dearest, don't get wounded in the war.” (_Leans back and laughs to herself_) Good Heavens, when I got up this morning, did I ever think that I should be doing anything like this? (_Resumes writing_) ”This is my first love letter, Wobbles, but even I know how it ought to end. Crosses, Wobbles, crosses. One, two, three, four, five, nought, nought, nought, nought, nought. To be taken as required. Thine forever. Celia Faraday.” (PHYLLIS _comes to right of sofa and hands envelope to_ CELIA.) Thank you, dear. (TARVER _strolls down center, looking at_ CELIA. CELIA _turns letter face down on blotter to prevent its being seen by_ PHYLLIS. _Then seeing that she is being scrutinised by_ TARVER _and_ PHYLLIS, _she takes envelope from_ PHYLLIS, _places letter in it, addresses it and seals it.

Addressing letter_) ”Colonel Smith, Field Force, Somaliland, Africa.”

TARVER. I say, Miss Faraday.

CELIA. Yes.

TARVER. I hope awfully that _you_ will _help_ me in my election.

<script>