Part 23 (2/2)

SMITH. So, you see, it was necessary that as soon as night came, someone should get through and bring relief.

CELIA. (_With much appreciation_) I know what happened. I know!--You volunteered----

SMITH. (_Looks at her; his eyes accept her homage and thank her. He laughs happily_) Yes. Between you and me--it was safer outside the square.

CELIA. (_Reproachfully_) Oh--!

SMITH. Well--I wasn't in command. So I could volunteer.

CELIA. And got the D. S. O. in consequence.

SMITH. And a drink a day before the others. I'll get a step, too, I think.

CELIA. Then you'll be general, won't you?

SMITH. Brigadier----

CELIA. (_Smiling at him admiringly_) You can't know what it means to a woman who has lived always in a little out-of-the-way place like this, where only the same ordinary things happen day after day, to hear of wonderful deeds like these--from a man who's done them! (_Speaks earnestly, without gus.h.i.+ng_.)

(SMITH _beams; moves his chair slightly towards her_.)

SMITH. Oh, yes. We are getting along together capitally, aren't we?

And you can't know how all this--(_Moves his hand to include the room_)--appeals to a man who finds the skirmish and the camp a bit of an old story, and realizes that this--the quiet, well-ordered household--the home--and the home-maker--is after all what is really worth fighting for.

CELIA. (_Leans forward, listening_) But--surely you have a home?

SMITH. I have a house---- By Jove! _Now_ I have _two_ houses!

CELIA. (_Interested_) You have just bought another place?

SMITH. Inherited it. An old Abbey about the size of Trafalgar Square on a wet day--and not as cheerful.

CELIA. But you mustn't let yourself be lonely. You ought to marry.

SMITH. (_Moves his chair closer to_ CELIA) That's what I begin to think.

(MARTIN _enters_ R. _with tray. On it, two small cups, small sugar bowl and a coffee pot, also one cigarette for_ CELIA.)

CELIA. (_Seeing_ MARTIN) Won't you have a cigarette? (_Offering_ SMITH _cigarette box_.)

SMITH. (_Takes cigarette and moves back_) Thank you.

MARTIN. (_Placing coffee on the table_) Coffee, Miss.

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