Part 8 (1/2)

RALEIGH. (_Speaking from card room, turning in his chair and holding card aloft_) Yes, it's just girls like you, Miss Faraday, who win the day.

TARVER. Righto!!

GRICE. (_Thumping the table_) Have you none of that suit, sir?

RALEIGH. (_Whirling around and playing_) Oh, yes, I beg your pardon.

(MADGE _comes to desk, gets her letter, goes down to foot of sofa and hands it to_ PHYLLIS. STEELE _sees that_ CELIA _has finished letter and comes slowly down_ C.)

CELIA. Of course, I will help you, Mr. Tarver. It's awfully nice to have _you_ ask _me_ for help, you know.

TARVER. Oh, thanks awfully. (_Goes up and around to_ PHYLLIS, _who is on sofa, talks to_ MADGE _and_ PHYLLIS.)

STEELE. You have finished, Miss Faraday?

CELIA. Yes.

STEELE. May I put that letter in the box for you?

CELIA. No, thanks. I will see to it.

STEELE. Well--wouldn't you like to come and play a game of billiards?

CELIA. No, thank you. I really must go and change my shoes.

(_Indicating her feet_) You can see that these are quite damp.

STEELE. (_Most graciously_) I can't be expected to see things so small as that. But--(_Getting chair from left_) Won't you let me talk to you for just a minute?

CELIA. (_Rising_) I really must go and change.

(STEELE _disconsolately and slowly puts back chair, leaving it turned on stage. He stands watching_ CELIA _for a moment, then walks up_ L.

_of table_ L., _looking at big picture on left wall as he goes_. NOTE: EVELYN _should give him a signal when_ CELIA _exits_.)

MADGE. I will go with you, dear. (_Goes to door_ R.I _and takes the k.n.o.b in her hand_.)

(TARVER _sits on fender, leans over and talks intently to_ PHYLLIS.)

CELIA. No, don't bother, Madgie.

[Ill.u.s.tration: ”Green Stockings” _Page_ 19]

MADGE. It's no bother. I have a lovely new frock I want to show you.