Part 31 (1/2)

(SMITH _laughs a little and_ CELIA, _realizing her ”break” turns her head away in confusion_.)

SMITH. Well, that's good news. Then give me a chance alone, won't you?

You've only known me for four hours, but am I wrong in believing that you've been thinking of me for eight months? Can't I hope to take the place of the man to whom you gave my name?

(CELIA _smiles and looks down a little wistfully, as if about to consent. Motor horn toots three times_.)

CELIA. (_Throwing off her yielding mood, turns and goes to the winged armchair, back to audience, shaking out her veil and pointing_ L.) Oh, no, it's all too impossible. Besides, Mr. Raleigh is waiting for me in the motor.

SMITH. (_Comes to her and gently takes her right hand_) You've been dreaming for eight months of an ideal that you never thought to see.

I've been dreaming all my life in exactly the same way and at last I've seen mine.

CELIA. (_After a pause, during which she lets her hand rest in his, her head averted_) Yes, but it's too late now, because I'm leaving here immediately. Mr. Raleigh is waiting to take me to the station.

(SMITH _pulls her gently across and down stage a few steps. She goes quite willingly_.) Will you please let me go?

SMITH. (_Still holding her hands_) You shall go. I shall let you go.

The instant you tell me to whom you are speaking--Celia.

CELIA. Really, this is an outrage. Will you kindly let me go, Colonel Smith?

SMITH. _He_ can't. You remember you killed him of wounds at Berbera.

CELIA. Well, Colonel Vavasour, will you please let me go?

SMITH. _He_ can't. The lawyers haven't finished making him.

CELIA. (_After a pause, while she slowly breaks into a laugh_) Oh, very well, then--Wobbles.

(SMITH _releases her hand and she hurries to door_ R. _and opens it_.)

SMITH. Please don't go. Come into the next room and talk things over.

(_Auto horn toots impatiently off_ R.)

CELIA. No, no, I can't. There's Mr. Raleigh. He's _come_ up to the door. Good-bye.

SMITH. (_After a pause_) Good-bye?

CELIA. Yes, good-bye. (_Goes to door and looks off down stairs_) Why, here he is coming up the steps. Martin's letting him in. (SMITH _turns and goes slowly up stage to_ C. _Putting on her veil_) No wonder he's impatient. He's been waiting for me for twenty minutes.

SMITH. (_In doorway_) Yes, but remember I've been waiting for you for twenty years. (_Exits, off_ L.C.)