Part 11 (1/2)

_As the curtain rises_, PHYLLIS _is seated on sofa_ R., _doing some embroidery_. EVELYN _is toying with a book, seated_ L. _of table_ R.

MADGE _is at the head of the tea table, pouring tea_. FARADAY _stands to left of table_.

FARADAY. (_Running over the books in book slide_) Where is that army list? It's a great nuisance, not a sign of the army list. The army list has disappeared again. I wanted to write to General Partington this morning and I couldn't find out whether he was a K. C. B. or a K.

C. S. I.

(AUNT IDA _enters through card room in outdoor dress and comes directly down_ L.C. _She should show signs of nervous apprehension all through the opening of the Act_.)

MADGE. Tea, Aunt Ida?

AUNT IDA. Please. (_Nervously_) What's the matter, William?

FARADAY. The army list has disappeared again. I haven't seen one for months. Phyllis, will you ask Celia to order another new one? (_Sits left_.)

PHYLLIS I do, Father, every time, but Celia always forgets it.

AUNT IDA. (_Sits on edge of chair_ R. _of table_ L. _On tenter hooks_) Has the Times come yet?

FARADAY. No.

AUNT IDA. It's very late.

FARADAY. (_Getting up and getting m.u.f.fin-stand from below cabinet, setting it between his knees_) It is always very late. I eat much too much tea every day, waiting for that Times. It's not good for me.

(_Selects a big m.u.f.fin from stand_.)

EVELYN. But, Father, couldn't you make up your mind to restrain yourself?

(_Enter_ MARTIN _through card room_.)

FARADAY. I can make up my mind all right, but I can't restrain myself.

(_Bites into the m.u.f.fin_.)

MARTIN. (_Announcing_) Admiral Grice.

(_Enter_ GRICE _through card room_. MARTIN _comes down_ L. _of table to door_. GRICE _comes down to table_.)

FARADAY. How do you do, Grice? Have some tea.

(_All greet_ ADMIRAL _in casual tones_.)

GRICE. Thanks.

(MADGE _pours him a cup of tea. He takes it and crosses and shakes hands with_ LADY TRENCHARD _and_ PHYLLIS, _then goes and stands below fender_.)