Part 23 (1/2)

ALMA. I will prove it. You think I am your enemy, but I'm your best friend. I'll show you, you have done me an injustice, and for my revenge--(_rises_)--I'll give you back your husband, and forgive you.

LUCY. (_rises_) Ned wrote a letter to you.

ALMA. (_at table_) I never received it.

LUCY. Never received it! When I heard you reading it!

ALMA. You heard me!

LUCY. The very words are ringing in my ears, and always will be! ”My own dearest Alma!”

ALMA. (_reading from part_) ”At last I have a moment to myself----”

LUCY. You said you never received it. You have it there?

ALMA. I have no letter here.

LUCY. What are you reading, then?

ALMA. My part in the new piece.

LUCY. Those were Ned's very words!

ALMA. (_quietly_) It is your husband's play. (_pause_)

LUCY. That letter's in the play? (_s.n.a.t.c.hes part from ALMA_) But ”Alma”!

ALMA. Was the heroine. (_LUCY drops the part; stands for a moment as if dazed; then drops her head and falls in ALMA'S arms_)

_Re-enter SUSAN, L.C._

SUSAN. Another visitor!

ALMA. (_sharply_) I can see n.o.body!

SUSAN. But he's coming up.

LUCY. (_trying to walk_) Let me go first! I can't bear to see anyone.

ALMA. Put Mrs. Chetwynd in my room. When you feel stronger, I will talk to you.

SUSAN. (_leading LUCY off_) I'm very sorry!

ALMA. Take another warning! (_picks up puff. Exeunt SUSAN and LUCY, R.C._) Was ever anything so inopportune! (_puffing her face vigorously. Enter SIR HUMPHREY, L.C._) Sir Humphrey! Is it you?

(_crosses to SIR HUMPHREY; comes down with him_) How kind of you to come and see me!

SIR H. I have come to ask you to see someone else, Mrs. Blake.

ALMA. Anyone you like, of course.