Part 18 (1/2)

SMITH. Don't go, please. (CELIA _turns back_.) It was your sister who took the card which introduces me. (_He takes up card from table_ L.) See!

(CELIA _advances_ L. _of table_ R. _and takes card_.)

CELIA. ”Colonel Smith.” But there wasn't any--I _mean_ (_Sits in chair_.) Colonel Vavasour, I am a little overwhelmed.

SMITH. (_Sympathetically_) I was afraid you would be.

CELIA. (_Staring at card_) Colonel Smith!

SMITH. I bring to you his last dying message.

CELIA. You--knew--him!

SMITH. (_Comes to her_) Turn that card over and read the last words written by his failing hand.

(CELIA _turns card over_.)

CELIA. ”Good-bye.”

SMITH. Yes. (_Sniffs. Very sadly_) ”Good-bye.”

CELIA. ”Be kind to--my friend----”

SMITH. ”James Nugent----”

CELIA. ”Vavasour----”

SMITH. Col. Smith was my dearest friend. And knowing myself as I do, I can safely say that no one else will ever take his place in my affections.

CELIA. How extraordinary---- (SMITH _looks at her_.) I mean--how very unselfish of you.

SMITH. Ah, yes. He compelled one's love. _I_ can appreciate possibly better than any one else how great must be your grief. (CELIA _agrees mournfully and regards him with ludicrous suspicion. Goes to table_ L.

_and sits_ L. _of it_) Before coming here, I went to see his dear old people. He had never told them of his engagement, but he was always secretive.

CELIA. Yes, very secretive.

SMITH. His dear little Aunt Mary was very fond of him.

CELIA. Oh! Little Aunt Mary!

SMITH. And when I told her of your engagement, she was most anxious to meet you.

CELIA. Yes, that would be very delightful--but not just yet, please--not just yet.

SMITH. Not just yet, of course not just yet. But possibly when time has reconciled you to your loss. She expressed the hope that some day--but not just yet, of course, you and she might journey together to Somaliland with a wreath.

CELIA. Yes. (_Choking and turning away her head_.) That's a very sweet idea. We might go out for the Xmas holidays.