Part 15 (1/2)

(_They all turn away hurriedly, quickly putting down the things they have been offering_ CELIA _and laughing nervously_.)

OMNES. Not at all, dear. Not unusually so. Not a bit. (_Etc., etc_.)

GRICE. Cake, with plums in it.

CELIA. (_Exchanges looks with_ AUNT IDA, _who has worked down_ L.

_after_ FARADAY _has gone up_ C. AUNT IDA _nods her head.

Indifferently_) Any news in the Times?

OMNES. _The Times? The Times? Why, no, I don't imagine so. Have you seen the Times? Now where has Martin put that Times?_ (_Etc., etc_.

NOTE: _This should come to a crescendo and then die down_.)

EVELYN. (_In a loud, hoa.r.s.e whisper to_ TARVER) Oh, say something.

TARVER. (_Very nervously_) No, I don't think there was anything, was there, Admiral?

GRICE. (_Mournfully, staring straight ahead of him_) Nothing very lively.

OMNES. (_In a strained whisper_) Admiral!

FARADAY. (_To relieve situation. Gayly_) Now where has the Times got to?

(TARVER _rises and looks in fireplace, muttering to himself_.)

PHYLLIS _and_ MADGE. Where is the Times? Have you seen the Times? I wonder what could have happened to it? (_Etc_.)

(GRICE _rises and turns_ R. _and starts up stage. The Times falls out from his back. There is general consternation_.)

CELIA. (_Seeing Times on floor_) Why, there it is, isn't it?

FARADAY. (_In mock, great surprise_) G.o.d bless my soul! So it is.

(TARVER _sinks down on fender_.)

GRICE. (_Coming down stage and picking up paper_) Now, how did that get there?

CELIA. May I see it, if everyone has quite finished? (_Holds out hand for paper_. GRICE _reluctantly gives paper to her. She opens it and reads. All watch her, strained and anxiously. Cheerfully_) Births, marriages, deaths. I always look first at that column, you know.

(_After a pause. Laughing a little_) How very amusing!

OMNES. Amusing? Celia!! Great Scott! G.o.d bless my soul!

CELIA. (_Reading_) ”On October the 11th----”

EVELYN. (_Almost with a sob_) _Eleventh!_