Part 10 (1/2)

SCENE.--NED CHETWYND'S. _Doors R. and L. French window opening on garden, at back. TOM'S picture of the two knights hangs on wall, R.

Piano, desk, screen, sofa, photographs, &c., &c. The entrance marked, L., should be low down stage. Fireplace, L. NED discovered writing at desk, L. LUCY reading, R._

LUCY. Nearly done, Ned?

NED. Good gracious, no. I've only just begun.

LUCY. Isn't it time you dressed? The Dozeys will be here directly. I told them we should dine early.

NED. Bother the Dozeys!

LUCY. I couldn't help asking them. Indeed, they asked themselves.

(_rises, crosses to C._)

NED. Lucy, how can I write while you keep chattering? I particularly want to finish what I'm doing. I want to send it to Alma by to-night's post.

LUCY. Alma!

NED. What's the matter?

LUCY. I wish you wouldn't call Mrs. Blake ”Alma.” I don't like it!

NED. I don't think you like _her._

LUCY. I like her very well; but at the same time I think you see too much of her.

NED. What nonsense! We're in the same set; I can't help seeing a good deal of her.

LUCY. That's true enough--in some of her dresses.

NED. Come, come. That's only on the stage. She has to dress according to her part. She's not responsible for its clothing.

LUCY. (_turning to NED_) The stage is an excuse for a great deal.

NED. You mean, it's an excuse for very little. Where had I got to?

You've quite put me out.

LUCY. What are you writing that's so very particular?

NED. Only a letter.

LUCY. A letter. (_crosses to NED_)

NED. But it's most important.

LUCY. (_aside_) A letter to Mrs. Blake. (_leans over his shoulder; he covers the sheet with the blotting-paper_)

NED. Lucy, I wish you wouldn't look over my shoulder. You don't know how it fidgets me. I can't write a line.

LUCY. I'd better go upstairs, then I shan't interrupt you.