Part 13 (2/2)

d.i.c.k. (_taking stage, R._) And yet they say we managers don't give young men a chance.

ALMA. (_crosses to C._) Mr. d.i.c.k, Mr. Chetwynd has another comedy.

d.i.c.k. Won't do at all!

ALMA. But I say it _will_ do. I've read it.

d.i.c.k. I _haven't_ read it, and I say it _won't._ Sparkle's the man for comedies. I'll go to Sparkle. He'll write me a bran new one in a week, and it won't want rehearsing, because it'll be the old stuff all over again.

ALMA. If he does I don't play in it.

d.i.c.k. Oh, yes, you do.

ALMA. I say I don't.

d.i.c.k. (_crosses to ALMA_) No play no pay. We've an agreement.

ALMA. (_crosses to d.i.c.k_) We'll have a _dis_agreement. Mark my words, I play in Mr. Chetwynd's piece or I don't play at all.

d.i.c.k. What's it about?

ALMA. Never mind what it's about. You'd better leave the whole thing in my hands. You know I shall have my own way in the end; so you may just as well let me have it at the beginning.

d.i.c.k. Settle it how you like. I must be off. (_goes up, R._)

ALMA. So must I, Ned. It's time for me to bring Sir Humphrey.

(_crosses to L. d.i.c.k takes hat, puts it on_)

NED. (_to d.i.c.k_) Won't you take the ma.n.u.script?

d.i.c.k. What for?

NED. To read.

d.i.c.k. I don't read plays, sir; I produce 'em.

NED. But if you did read them----

d.i.c.k. Then I shouldn't produce 'em.

ALMA. I've read it, Mr. d.i.c.k, and it'll do for me.

d.i.c.k. Do for me, too, I expect. All you've read is your part.

ALMA. My part's the play.

d.i.c.k. I thought as much. Good evening. (_Exit, R._)

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