Part 11 (2/2)

TOM. (_crosses to LUCY_) Surely, yours hasn't been so tried?

LUCY. Not mine--but Ned's. I always seem to be in his way now. He's so much occupied--so taken up with other things--he never has a word or look for me. He's out so much; and when he's at home he's always writing or else thinking--I am n.o.body--and Mrs. Blake--your wife--is everybody; only he doesn't know she is your wife! If he did, it might make a difference. (_rises_)

TOM. This may be your fancy. I can quite understand, you're sensitive, and perhaps misconstrue very simple things. You see, Ned's an author; (_LUCY sits_) and authors make uninteresting husbands. (_crosses to L._) I won't say they always neglect their wives, but their wives always think so. (_crosses to LUCY_) Then again, Mrs. Blake--as my wife calls herself----

LUCY. Alma, Ned calls her!

TOM. Well--she's on the stage and might be of great use to him. It's only natural he should make friends with her.

LUCY. But he thinks she's a widow. If he knew she had a husband--and above all, (_rises_) that you were her husband--I should feel more comfortable.

TOM. Tell him yourself, then. You have my permission. Have the thing out and make an end of it; but for heaven's sake, don't brood!

LUCY. How can I speak to him?

TOM. Speak anyhow--the worse, the better! There are two sides to everything. Why, like those foolish knights, commit yourself to one?

At least, have a look at both before you make your choice.

_Re-enter NED, L._

NED. Quarter past six. The Dozeys not come yet?

LUCY. I don't expect them before seven.

NED. What a blessing!

TOM. You dine at seven? Then, I've no time to lose. I have a dress coat somewhere. I must look it up.

NED. Can you get back in time?

TOM. I'll take the short cut through the garden.

NED. Don't be long, (_Exit TOM through window and off, R.; sits down at table; picks up sheet of paper_) there's a good fellow.

LUCY. Ned! Ned! (_pause_) Can't I speak to you a minute?

NED. Can't you speak to me? (_crosses to LUCY, R._) What a question!

Am I the Grand Turk--not to be approached?

LUCY. But I mean seriously.

NED. What have _you_ to be serious about? Doesn't your new dress fit?

LUCY. It isn't about dress. It's about----

_Enter SERVANT, R._

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