The Vortex - Act II

Act II

The scene is the hall of Mrs. Lancaster’s house, about forty miles from London.

When the curtain rises it is just after dinner on the Sunday of the weekend party⁠—the gramophone is going and there is a continual buzz of conversation. Clara Hibbert, an emaciated soprano, is dancing with Tom Veryan, Helen with Pawnie, and Nicky with Bunty. Florence is seated on the club fender, talking intellectually with Bruce Fairlight, an earnest dramatist, the squalor of whose plays is much appreciated by those who live in comparative luxury.

There must be a feeling of hectic amusement and noise, and the air black with cigarette smoke and superlatives. During the first part of the scene everyone must appear to be talking at once, but the actual lines spoken while dancing must be timed to reach the audience as the speakers pass near the footlights. This scene will probably be exceedingly difficult to produce, but is absolutely indispensable.

Helen	It’s much too fast, Nicky.
Tom	Do slow down a bit.
Nicky	It’s the pace that’s marked on the record.
Pawnie	I’ve never danced well since the War, I don’t know why.
Florence	But your last act was so strong, when she came in half mad with fright and described everything minutely.
Bruce	I try to write as honestly as possible.
Clara	I gave her three for manners, but seven for charm, because I had to be a little nice!
Tom	I thought she was rather a decent sort.
Bunty	No, but really, Nicky, his technique completely annihilated his inspiration.
Nicky	Not with Debussy and Ravel, with the older masters, yes; but he’s probably tired of them.
Bunty	That’s so stupid, I think.
Helen	My dear, it was the most “chic” thing you’ve ever seen, but unfortunately the wrong color.
Pawnie	Marion Ferris had that Poiret model copied in the most frightful blue!
Clara	I believe my shoe’s coming off.
Tom	Shall we stop?
Clara	No, it’s all right.
Florence	I wonder if you could gouge this cigarette-end out of the holder for me?
Bruce	I’ll try. He does so. I always smoke a pipe when I’m working.
Florence	How soothing!
Bunty	I suppose one can never really judge properly from a recital.
Nicky	Not with him, because he’s not dramatic enough.
Bunty	Dramatic pianists make me uncomfortable.
Helen	Pawnie, your tongue grows more venomous every day.
Pawnie	Giggling. Well, I had to say something⁠—anyhow, it was true.
Helen	Especially about her ankles.
Pawnie	My dear, yes!
	They both laugh. The record comes to an end, and Nicky* begins to change it. Everyone talks and laughs.*
Clara	You must come next Sunday week.
Tom	Thanks awfully, I’d love to.
Clara	I’m only singing ballads, but you know what Sunday concerts are.
Tom	Oh yes, rather.
Clara	To Nicky. What’s on the other side?
Nicky	“You’ve got the cutest ears and eyes and nose.”
Pawnie	Do put on “Spoony Moon in Upper Carolina.”
Helen	No, don’t put it on, Nicky; play it yourself; you always make the gramophone go too quickly.
Bunty	Yes, go on, Nicky.
Florence	Refusing Bruce’s* offer of a cigarette.* No, thanks, not another⁠—I’m dancing with Tom.
Bunty	Gayly. Missing one, Tom.
Tom	Righto!
	Nicky commences to play a foxtrot.
Bunty	Dragging Bruce* to his feet.* Come on, Mr. Fairlight, don’t overdo the serious dramatist stunt!
Bruce	I warn you I’m no good.
	He dances with her, and confirms the truth of his warning. Clara Hibbert squashes down on the piano-seat next to Nicky and endeavors with one finger in the treble to follow the tune he is playing. Helen and Pawnie stand right down close to the footlights, smoking and talking; their backs are half turned to the audience, but their remarks must be perfectly audible.
Helen	Tom Veryan doesn’t dance as well as he thinks he does.
Pawnie	With that figure he ought to be marvelous.
Helen	He’s too athletic.
Pawnie	Anyhow, I’m sure he’s a success at the Bath Club.
Helen	Doesn’t Florence look astounding?
Pawnie	Absolutely. She knows exactly what suits her.
Helen	Where’s David?
Pawnie	He went off to his study to smoke.
Helen	I do wish Florence wouldn’t be irritable with him in front of everybody. I felt acutely uncomfortable at dinner.
Pawnie	It makes Nicky furious as a rule, but tonight he was too occupied with that stupid little fool Bunty Mainwaring to take any notice.
Helen	She’s an excellent type.
Pawnie	Very average; I only hope nothing will come of Nicky’s mania for her.
Helen	I don’t think we need worry.
Pawnie	Why?
Helen	Wait and see, my dear.
Clara	Leaving Nicky* at the piano and advancing on Pawnie.* Come and dance, Pawnie, and tell me how divinely I sang on Tuesday.
Pawnie	Agreeably. You didn’t.
Clara	Ten for cruelty.
	They start to dance. Helen* moves over to the mantelpiece for a cigarette.*
Helen	Have you a match, Nicky?
Nicky	Isn’t this a marvelous tune?
Helen	Fascinating! She goes over and sits next to him. Gently slipping her hand into his coat pocket. Darling, I do want a match. She brings out a little box. What a divine little box!
	Nicky stops playing and jumps up.
Nicky	Violently. Helen, give that to me!⁠—
	Everyone stops dancing.
Clara	Nicky dear, don’t be tiresome.
Nicky	Recovering himself. I’m sick of playing. Let’s have the gramophone again. To Helen. Here’s a light, dearie.
	He takes matchbox out of another pocket and lights Helen’s cigarette. She looks at him queerly for a moment, then he restarts the gramophone and everyone begins to dance again except Helen and Bruce Fairlight. Helen goes over to the fireplace and takes a coffee-cup from the mantelpiece.
Helen	Whose coffee is this? Someone drank mine, and I’d hardly touched it.
Bruce	If it had no sugar in it, it’s mine.
Helen	Draining it. It had no sugar in it.
Florence	You’re dancing abominably, Tom.
Tom	Oh, am I?
Florence	What’s the matter with you?
Tom	I don’t know. I suppose I’m tired.
Florence	You’re not usually tired when you’re dancing with me.
Tom	Oh, Florence, don’t nag!
Florence	How dare you speak to me like that?
	She stops dancing and goes over to the fireplace.
Tom	Following her. I say, Florence⁠—I’m sorry⁠—
Pawnie	Let’s stop the music for a moment and think of something really marvelous to do.
Bunty	No, let’s go on dancing.
Clara	I’m exhausted.
Pawnie	Stopping the gramophone. What was that divine game we played coming back from Paris, Helen?
Helen	Just ordinary “Clumps,” wasn’t it?
Bunty	I loathe “Clumps.”
Nicky	What about the History game?
Bruce	What’s that?
Bunty	Oh no, Nicky; it’s too intellectual.
Florence	There’s a mahjong set in the drawing-room.
Pawnie	How divine! Let’s make up a table immediately.
Clara	I won’t be happy until someone gives me a set made entirely of jade.
Nicky	Come on, Bunty.
Bunty	Looking at Tom. I can’t play it.
Nicky	You can; you used to play in Paris with Yvonne.
Bunty	I’ve forgotten it.
Nicky	You’ll soon remember again.
	He drags her off.
Pawnie	Come along, Clara.
Clara	I insist on Mr. Fairlight learning.
Bruce	I’m afraid I’m no good at that sort of thing.
Clara	You’ll be able to put it in one of your plays.
Pawnie	Come and watch; it’s too thrilling for words.
	Clara, Bruce and Pawnie go off.
Helen	Have you only one set, Florence?
Florence	Yes. Isn’t it maddening? Clara promised to bring hers down, but forgot.
Helen	Does Bruce Fairlight play Bridge?
Florence	No, I don’t think so.
Helen	Dramatists are such a comfort in a house party, aren’t they?
	She goes off.
Tom	Are you coming, Florence?
Florence	No.
Tom	Nonplussed. Oh!
Florence	But please don’t let me stop you going. I’m sure you’re dying to be with the others.
Tom	I say, Florence, I wish you wouldn’t go on like that.
Florence	I don’t know what’s the matter with you; you’ve never behaved like this before.
Tom	I haven’t behaved like anything.
Florence	You’ve been exceedingly rude to me, both at dinner and afterwards.
Tom	I wasn’t at dinner.
Florence	Yes, you were; you snapped me up when I said I didn’t like Elsie Saunders.
Tom	You know perfectly well she’s a friend of mine.
Florence	Well, she oughtn’t to be, after the things she’s said about me.
Tom	You will go on imagining.
Florence	Nothing of the sort⁠—I know! If you weren’t so dense you’d see, too⁠—the jealousy I have to put up with. I get so tired of it all, so desperately tired.
	She becomes a little pathetic.
Tom	Talk about being different, you’re different too⁠—
Florence	I’m unhappy.
Tom	Why?
Florence	Because I hate to see you being put against me.
Tom	Florence!
Florence	You’ll understand one day. They’re all very subtle, but I can see.
Tom	Nobody’s said a word to me about you; they’d better not try.
Florence	Why, what would you do?
Tom	I’d⁠—I’d be furious.
Florence	Oh!
Tom	And I’d let them see it, too.
Florence	Holding out her hands. Tom⁠—
Tom	Yes?
Florence	I forgive you.
Tom	I can’t bear you being angry with me.
Florence	Can’t you, really?
Tom	It makes me feel beastly.
Florence	Come and sit here.
Tom	Sitting next to her on the club fender. That’s a lovely dress.
Florence	It is sweet, isn’t it?
Tom	You always wear wonderful clothes.
Florence	Do I, Tom?
Tom	You know you do.
Florence	Do you remember the very first time we met?
Tom	Rather.
Florence	Oxford’s so full of romance, isn’t it?
Tom	It was when you came down.
Florence	Thank you, Tom dear.
Tom	We did have fun.
Florence	You used to come up to matinées, and I’d motor you back afterwards.
Tom	Ripping!
Florence	That reminds me, I’ve got seats for Rolling Stones on Tuesday. Don’t forget.
Tom	You never said you were going to get them.
Florence	It doesn’t matter. I thought I did. We’d better dine at Claridges.
Tom	But, Florence, I⁠—I can’t come!
Florence	Why not?
Tom	I promised to go out.
Florence	Who with?
Tom	Mother.
Florence	Can’t you put her off? It will be such a good first night.
Tom	Well⁠—you see, as a matter of fact⁠—it’s rather awkward. I put her off the other day⁠—
	There is a slight pause.
Florence	A trifle coldly. Oh, well, never mind, we’ll go some other night.
	Enter David.
David	Hallo, Florence! I thought you were in the drawing-room.
Florence	They’re playing mahjong, and there’s only one set. I shall break in presently.
Tom	I’ll just go and see how they’re getting on.
	This obvious excuse for getting out of the room is not lost upon Florence.
Florence	Yes, do.
Tom	Come and play soon.
	He goes out quietly.
Florence	Don’t you think this is a divine frock?
David	Very pretty.
Florence	You and Helen seemed to be very thick at dinner. What were you talking about?
David	Nothing much. I like Helen.
Florence	Only because she flatters you and listens to everything you say.
David	She doesn’t flatter me.
Florence	I suppose she was talking about the farm, and giving her opinions.
David	We did discuss the farm a little.
Florence	She doesn’t know a thing about it, really.
David	Perhaps not, but it passed the time.
	He goes out. Florence sits still for a moment, then she wearily buries her face in her hands. Enter Nicky.
Nicky	Going to her. What’s the matter, darling?
Florence	Nothing. I’ve got a slight headache.
Nicky	Why don’t you go Byes?
Florence	I can’t; it’s much too early.
Nicky	I’m sick of mahjong.
Florence	Who’s playing now?
Nicky	Pawnie and Helen and Clara are trying to teach Bruce Fairlight; he’s an awful fool at it.
	He sits down at the piano and plays absently.
Florence	You must get Bunty out of that habit of contradicting everything people say.
Nicky	I don’t see why.
Florence	It’s bad breeding.
Nicky	Striking a note viciously. Who cares nowadays? We’ve all got a right to our opinions.
Florence	She seems to forget that I’m much older than she is.
Nicky	That’s no argument, mother; it’s silly only to remember your age when someone says something you don’t like.
Florence	She’s having a bad effect on you.
Nicky	Nonsense!
Florence	You’ve changed since Paris.
Nicky	Naturally.
Florence	You never used to be rude to me.
Nicky	Oh, damn, I’m not rude.
Florence	Yes, you are.
Nicky	Well, don’t start running down Bunty.
Florence	Stop playing⁠—stop playing!
Nicky	Getting up angrily. Oh, God!
	He goes towards door and collides with Helen.
Helen	What’s happening?
Florence	Nothing. Bunty’s just putting Nicky against me. I knew she’d try to.
	She goes out.
Helen	You must be having a delightful evening! You leave the drawing-room, having rowed with Bunty, and come here and row with Florence.
Nicky	Mother’s impossible.
Helen	She’s no different from what she’s always been.
Nicky	Well, I haven’t realized it before.
Helen	Taking a cigarette and lighting it. You haven’t been engaged before.
Nicky	I’m hating this house party.
Helen	Lightly. Don’t say that, dear; it’s not kind.
Nicky	You know I don’t mean you.
Helen	Are you very much in love?
Nicky	Yes.⁠—No.⁠—I don’t know.
Helen	I wonder.
Nicky	It’s utterly devastating, anyhow.
Helen	When did you meet her?
Nicky	About five months ago.
Helen	What was she doing in Paris?
Nicky	Oh, I don’t know⁠—fooling about.
Helen	Splendid.
Nicky	She’s been studying French literature.
Helen	Why?
Nicky	She’s going to write⁠—herself⁠—some day.
Helen	Oh, I see!
Nicky	Helen, do you like her?
Helen	I can’t tell yet⁠—yesterday was the first time I’d ever set eyes on her.
Nicky	She’s wonderfully intelligent.
Helen	Yes⁠—I’m sure she is.
Nicky	You don’t like her?
Helen	I tell you⁠—I’m not sure yet.
Nicky	It’s generally the way⁠—one’s friends always hate one another.
Helen	Smiling. It is difficult for you, isn’t it?
Nicky	I should so like you to like her.
Helen	Very well⁠—I’ll try.
Nicky	She’s utterly opposite to me in every way.
Helen	Yes, I see that.
Nicky	But that’s as it ought to be, isn’t it?
Helen	It depends.
Nicky	I need a sort of restraining influence terribly.
Helen	Yes, Nicky.
Nicky	She’s awfully good for me.
Helen	Is she?
Nicky	Yes⁠—she curbs me when I get temperamental and silly.
Helen	I always felt you needed encouraging more than curbing.
Nicky	Laughing. Oh, Helen⁠—aren’t you a darling!
Helen	I mean it.
Nicky	You’re wrong, though⁠—I’m all over the place.
Helen	Anyhow, I do hope you’ll be very happy with her.
Nicky	I don’t suppose I shall ever be that. I haven’t got the knack.
Helen	Do you work hard?
Nicky	Yes.
Helen	Really hard?
Nicky	Frightfully.
Helen	Liar!
Nicky	If you’d seen me in Paris⁠—studying, studying⁠—all night long until the gray dawn put the guttering candle to shame⁠—and my nerveless hands dropped from the keys⁠—
Helen	Candles gutter awfully quickly when they’re burned at both ends.
Nicky	Meaning that I look a debauched wreck of my former self?
Helen	Exactly.
Nicky	If you go on encouraging me at this rate I shall commit suicide.
Helen	You do resent anyone taking a real interest in you, don’t you?
Nicky	I distrust it.
Helen	Why?
Nicky	I don’t know⁠—I’m not worth it.
Helen	You seem to be suffering from a slight inferiority complex.
Nicky	Not a bit of it⁠—I’m gay and witty and handsome.
Helen	Oh, Nicky, you’re so maddening.
Nicky	Don’t be cross, Helen.
Helen	I’m one of the few people who know what you’re really like, and you won’t give me the credit for it.
Nicky	Do you think you do, honestly?
Helen	Yes⁠—and I’m exceedingly worried about you.
Nicky	You needn’t be.
Helen	You’re sensitive and reserved and utterly foolish.
Nicky	Thank you⁠—I’m beginning to feel beautifully picturesque.
Helen	And you’re scared.
Nicky	Why! What have I to be scared about?
Helen	Would you like me to tell you?
Nicky	No.
Helen	Why not?
Nicky	Because you’re a sentimentalist, and you see things that aren’t there at all.
Helen	You’re far more sentimental than I.
Nicky	Darling Helen⁠—you’ve got such a lovely mind⁠—like a Christmas card⁠—with frosted robins and sheep wandering about in the snow⁠—bleating.
Helen	All the same, I should give up drugs if I were you.
Nicky	Helen!
Helen	Well?
Nicky	I don’t know what you mean.
Helen	Do you think I can’t see?
Nicky	Forcing a laugh. You’re being terribly funny, aren’t you?
Helen	You fool! You unutterable little fool!
Nicky	Don’t be dramatic, dear.
Helen	I thought you had common sense; I credited you with more intelligence than that.
Nicky	If you persist in being absurd.
Helen	Suddenly with intense feeling. Nicky, don’t resist me, don’t fight me; I’m your friend; I wouldn’t have said a word if I weren’t. You’ve got to stop it; you haven’t gone very far yet; there’s still time. For God’s sake listen to reason.
Nicky	Shut up, shut up, don’t speak so loudly.
Helen	Nicky, throw it away.
Nicky	When did you find out?
Helen	Tonight, you know, when you were playing, but I’ve guessed for ages.
Nicky	You needn’t be frightened, Helen; I only take just the tiniest little bit, once in a blue moon!
Helen	If anything goes wrong, you’ll take a lot. Throw it away.
Nicky	What could go wrong?
Helen	Never mind, throw it away!
Nicky	I can’t. Look out; somebody’s coming.
	Enter David.
David	Hallo!
Nicky	Hallo, father!
David	What’s the matter?
Nicky	The matter⁠—why?
David	You look very worried.
Nicky	Helen and I have just had a grand heart-to-heart talk; we’ve undone our back hair, loosened our stays and wallowed in it.
David	Oh, I see!
Helen	We haven’t seen one another for so long⁠—it was inevitable.
David	You never came and looked at the farm this morning. I waited for you.
Nicky	I’m awfully sorry, father⁠—I just went on sleeping.
Helen	I’ll see you later, Nicky.
Nicky	All right.
	Helen goes out.
David	How do you think your mother’s looking?
Nicky	Splendid⁠—the same as ever.
David	Would you like a cigar?
Nicky	No, thanks, father⁠—I’m not very good at them.
David	I was just on my way to bed⁠—there are far too many people in the house.
Nicky	Smiling. You must be used to that by now.
David	You ought to stay down here, you know⁠—during the week, and get some fresh air.
Nicky	I’ve got such millions of things to do in London.
David	Worth doing?
Nicky	Yes, of course.
David	You look as though you needed a rest.
Nicky	You needn’t worry about me⁠—I feel splendid.
David	She seems a nice girl.
Nicky	Who⁠—Bunty?
David	Yes. Quiet and untiresome.
Nicky	She’s a darling!
David	When do you propose to get married?
Nicky	I don’t know. The engagement’s only a sort of try out, you know.
David	Oh, I see. I didn’t realize that. I’m so unversed in modern technicalities.
Nicky	It’s her idea really⁠—just to tread water for a bit.
David	It sounds an excellent plan.
Nicky	I’m awfully glad you like her.
David	Is she musical?
Nicky	Oh, yes⁠—frightfully!
David	Good!
Nicky	Father, I think I will come down here for a few days⁠—and work quietly.
David	If you do that I’ll go up to London every other day. I see so little of you when you’re at the flat.
Nicky	That’s settled then. I wonder what mother will say!
David	I’ll talk to her.
Nicky	All right. She won’t bother about us much.
David	No⁠—I don’t suppose she will. I think I’ll be getting along to bed now. Good night, my boy!
Nicky	Good night, father!
	They shake hands, and David* pats Nicky’s shoulder rather tentatively. He goes upstairs and Nicky wanders to the piano. He plays absently, and Bunty enters.*
Bunty	I want to talk to you.
Nicky	Still playing. All right.
Bunty	Perhaps you’d stop playing for a minute.
Nicky	Won’t you let me woo you with a little Scriabine?
Bunty	Please stop.
Nicky	Rising. I’m unappreciated⁠—that’s what it is. There is a slight pause⁠—he goes over to her. I say, Bunty⁠—
Bunty	What?
Nicky	Before you say anything awful to me, I am sorry for being rude just now.
Bunty	So you ought to be.
Nicky	Will you forgive me?
Bunty	Yes, I forgive you.
Nicky	I’ve been irritable all the evening.
Bunty	Give me a cigarette, Nicky.
Nicky	Here.
	They both smoke.
Bunty	Thanks.
Nicky	What did you want to talk to me about?
Bunty	Lots of things⁠—us!
Nicky	Hardening. Oh, I see!
Bunty	Don’t you think it’s rather silly⁠—being engaged?
Nicky	No, not at all.
Bunty	I do.
Nicky	Just because we bickered a bit tonight?
Bunty	No, not only because of that.
Nicky	Why then?
Bunty	Can’t you see?
Nicky	No.
Bunty	Well, we’re not very suited to each other, are we?
Nicky	Why do you suddenly say that?
Bunty	Because I’ve only just realized it.
Nicky	I’m sorry.
Bunty	It’s not your fault particularly.
Nicky	I’m glad.
Bunty	It’s circumstances and surroundings.
Nicky	Oh, that can be altered quite easily. We’ll change the shape of the house⁠—we’ll take all that wall away and turn that into a studio⁠—you love studios, don’t you?⁠—then we’ll transform the drawing-room into an enormous aviary.
Bunty	It’s practically that now!
Nicky	And then we’ll⁠—
Bunty	Shut up, Nicky!
Nicky	I’m only trying to be amenable.
Bunty	Are you, really?
Nicky	Yes, I’m putting up a sort of defense, Bunty. I have a feeling that you’re going to be unpleasant, and I want to establish myself comfortably before you start.
Bunty	I don’t want to be unpleasant⁠—only honest.
Nicky	You won’t let the two run together, will you?
Bunty	With vehemence. You’re hopeless, hopeless, hopeless!
Nicky	Yes⁠—I think I am, rather.
Bunty	In a way I’m glad⁠—it makes it easier.
Nicky	Does it?
Bunty	You’re not in love with me, really⁠—you couldn’t be!
Nicky	Please don’t say that.
Bunty	Why don’t you face things properly?
Nicky	One generally has to in the end. I like to put it off for as long as possible.
Bunty	That’s cowardly.
Nicky	Don’t be pompous, darling.
Bunty	You’re a great help, I must say.
Nicky	Why should I help to destroy my own happiness?
Bunty	That’s self-pity and self-deception.
Nicky	Why are you going on like this?
Bunty	Because I tell you⁠—I’ve realized the truth.
Nicky	I suppose you’ve taken a hatred to mother!
Bunty	No, not a hatred.
Nicky	You don’t like her.
Bunty	Not very much.
Nicky	Why not? She likes you.
Bunty	She detests me.
Nicky	Nonsense! Why should she?
Bunty	Because I’m young.
Nicky	What a filthy thing to say!
Bunty	It’s true.
Nicky	It’s nothing of the sort.
Bunty	You’re so stupid sometimes.
Nicky	Thank you.
Bunty	Don’t let’s start bickering again.
Nicky	We won’t discuss mother any more then.
Bunty	You started it.
Nicky	I wish I could make you understand her like I do. I mean she’s awfully irritating, I know⁠—but deep down she’s marvelous in spite of everything.
Bunty	Coldly. Everything?
Nicky	Vehemently. Yes, everything! Don’t be a beast, Bunty; just try to see her point a little, even if you do dislike her. She is terribly silly about being “young,” I know, but she’s been used to so much admiration and flattery and everything always, she feels she sort of can’t give it up⁠—you do see that, don’t you? And she hasn’t really anything in the least comforting to fall back upon. She’s not clever⁠—real kind of brain cleverness⁠—and father’s no good, and I’m no good, and all the time she’s wanting life to be as it was instead of as it is. There’s no harm in her anywhere⁠—she’s just young inside. Can’t you imagine the utter foulness of growing old? ’Specially if you’ve been lovely and attractive like she was. The beautiful Flo Lancaster! She used to be known as that. I can remember her when I was quite small, coming up to say good night to me, looking too perfectly radiant for words⁠—and she used to come to the school, too, sometimes, and everyone used to go mad over her, and I used to get frightfully proud and excited⁠—
Bunty	I’ve never heard you talk like this before.
Nicky	I don’t think I ever have.
Bunty	I like you better clear cut, not blurred by sentiment.
	Nicky looks at her for a moment in amazement.
Nicky	To describe you as hard would be inadequate⁠—you’re metallic!
Bunty	I can see straight.
Nicky	Politely. Can you?
Bunty	Yes. We could never be happy together.
Nicky	Perhaps not.
Bunty	Shall we just⁠—finish⁠—then?
Nicky	Certainly, I’m sorry we were too modern to have an engagement ring; you’d have been able to give it back to me so beautifully.
Bunty	Don’t be ridiculous!
Nicky	Better than being blurred by sentiment.
	Bunty lights another cigarette and, kicking off her shoes, perches on the club fender and proceeds to warm her feet at the fire. Enter Clara Hibbert.
Clara	My dear, I’m shattered⁠—and I’m going straight to bed⁠—probably for several weeks.
Bunty	Why?
Clara	Shshsh! He’s coming.
Bunty	Who’s coming?
Clara	Bruce Fairlight. I’ve been teaching him mahjong. These master brains⁠—agony, dear⁠—
	Enter Bruce Fairlight.
Bruce	Very interesting, that game.
Clara	Weakly. I thought you’d like it.
Bruce	It’s interesting psychologically! The concentration and suspense⁠—
	Enter Florence, Helen, Pawnie* and Tom. Tom is grasping a whisky and soda⁠—Pawnie is eating a biscuit.*
Pawnie	I’m quite exhausted; it must be the country air⁠—
Florence	—it was too lovely, because I started with two red dragons in my hand⁠—
Helen	I wondered who had them⁠—
Pawnie	One more tune, Nicky, before we go to bed⁠—
Florence	Yes, just one⁠—
Nicky	Looking at Bunty. I’ll play “I love you”⁠—such a romantic tune.
	He puts on the gramophone.
Bunty	Do.
Helen	What time’s everyone going up in the morning?
Florence	The ten-o’clock’s the best⁠—we’ll have breakfast at nine downstairs.
Pawnie	Confidentially. Do you know that in London I can never do more than nibble a piece of thin toast, and whenever I’m away I eat enormously!
Nicky	How very peculiar!
Pawnie	Your tone revolts me, Nicky. You must never be irascible with your old friends.
Nicky	I haven’t got any.
Helen	Nicky!
Nicky	Sorry, Helen.
Florence	I don’t know what’s the matter with Nicky. He’s been in a vile temper all the evening⁠—his first weekend home, too.
Nicky	Such a pity, when so much trouble has been taken to make me happy and cozy.
Tom	Come and dance, Bunty.
Bunty	No, not now.
Nicky	Dance with him, Bunty. Chaps must have exercise.
Florence	You dance with Bunty, Pawnie⁠—I’ll dance with Tom⁠—come on.
	She and Tom* dance.*
Helen	The great thing in this world is not to be obvious, Nicky⁠—over anything!
	Florence and Tom dance, also Helen and Pawnie. Everyone talks at once, as in the beginning of the act.
Pawnie	You are infuriating, Helen. It’s a wonderful book.
Helen	Thoroughly second-rate.
Pawnie	What do you think about Mischievous Passion, Fairlight?
Bruce	I never read novels on principle.
Pawnie	Well, you must read this⁠—it’s colossal.
Helen	Don’t be led away by Pawnie, Mr. Fairlight, he has no discrimination.
Pawnie	But I tell you it’s brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!
Helen	Nonsense.
Pawnie	There are times, Helen, when I could willingly see you dead at my feet.
Florence	A little slower, for Heaven’s sake!
Nicky	How’s that?
	He makes it far too slow.
Florence	I think you’d better go to bed, Nicky.
Helen	We’re all going, anyhow.
Nicky	Not yet, please, mummy dear⁠—I’m having such a lovely time!
	He slams off in a rage.
Pawnie	I always knew the Continent was fatal for the young.
Bunty	Nicky’s upset⁠—it’s my fault⁠—we’re not engaged any more.
Florence	Why⁠—what’s happened?
Bunty	Nothing happened⁠—it was never very serious, really.
Helen	I had a feeling that it was.
Bunty	You were wrong.
Florence	Well, I must say it’s all been rather abrupt.
Bunty	It’s better to finish things off at once⁠—cleanly⁠—if you’re not quite sure, don’t you think?
Florence	Well, I’m sorry, Bunty. If you feel like that about it there’s nothing more to be said.
Bunty	I wouldn’t have mentioned it at all⁠—only you all seemed to be blaming him for being irritable⁠—
Helen	Poor Nicky!
Clara	I really must go up to bed now. I’m so tired. Good night, Florence dear.
Florence	Good night, Clara. Breakfast at nine. Have you got books and everything you want?
Clara	Yes, thanks. Good night, everyone.
	Everyone murmurs good night politely.
Florence	Tom, be an angel and fetch me a glass of milk. It’s in the drawing-room.
Tom	All right.
	He goes off.
Helen	Come on up, Florence. I’m dead.
Florence	So am I. Will you turn out the lights when you come?
Pawnie	With beautiful precision, dear.
Florence	As she and Helen* go upstairs.* Tell Tom to bring my milk up to me, somebody.
Pawnie	All right.
Florence	Good night, Mr. Fairlight.
Bruce	Good night.
Pawnie	Good night, Florence.
	Florence and Helen go off.
Bruce	I suppose we’d all better go up.
Bunty	I don’t feel I could sleep yet.
	Reenter Tom* with glass of milk.*
Tom	Hallo! Where’s Florence?
Bunty	Gone up to bed. Will you take her milk to her?
Pawnie	What’s become of Nicky?
Tom	In the smoking-room, I think.
Bruce	Good night, Miss Mainwaring.
Bunty	Good night.
	They shake hands.
Pawnie	I shall come, too⁠—good night.
Tom	Good night.
Pawnie	To Bruce* as they go upstairs.* When you’re writing, do your characters grow as you go along?
Bruce	No, I think each one out minutely beforehand.
Pawnie	How too intriguing.
	They go off.
Tom	So you’ve broken it off already?
Bunty	Yes.
Tom	I didn’t know you were going to do it so soon.
Bunty	It’s better to get things over.
Tom	What did he say?
Bunty	Nothing much.
Tom	Was he furious?
Bunty	Oh, what does it matter? Don’t let’s go on about it.
Tom	It’s all damned awkward.
Bunty	What?
Tom	The whole thing.
Bunty	You’re rather scared, aren’t you?
Tom	No, not exactly⁠—now that I’ve got you to back me up.
Bunty	I shall be glad when we’re out of this house.
Tom	So shall I.
Bunty	I hate the atmosphere.
Tom	I don’t know how I’ve stood it for so long.
Bunty	You didn’t notice it until I came, any more than I noticed Nicky’s atmosphere until you came.
Tom	It’s queer, isn’t it?
Bunty	We’re reverting to type, don’t you see?
Tom	How d’ye mean?
Bunty	Never mind, it’s true.
Tom	Do you think I’m being a cad to Florence?
Bunty	Yes, I do rather.
Tom	But, Bunty! You said this morning⁠—
Bunty	That I didn’t see how you could help yourself; neither I do. It’s frightfully difficult, but it’s not altogether your fault, any more than it would have been mine if I’d married Nicky. One gets carried away by glamour, and personality, and magnetism⁠—they’re beastly treacherous things.
Tom	You are wonderful.
Bunty	Don’t be silly.
Tom	You’re so cool and clear, and you see everything.
Bunty	I’m sorry⁠—for Nicky.
Tom	Oh, damn Nicky!
Bunty	Laughing. Oh, Tom!
Tom	Why, what’s up?
Bunty	You’re so dead set.
Tom	You’re worth ten of him any day. What’s the use of a chap like that? He doesn’t do anything except play the piano⁠—he can’t play any games, he’s always trying to be funny⁠—
Bunty	Shut up, Tom; you’re being rather cheap. I haven’t reverted to type so quickly that I can’t see some of the things I’m missing.
Tom	I wish I knew what you were talking about.
Bunty	Oh, God! I feel so miserable!
	She burst into tears.
Tom	Flummoxed. I say⁠—Bunty⁠—for Heaven’s sake⁠—
	He puts his arm round her.
Bunty	Shaking him off. Don’t, don’t. Give me my shoes⁠—
	He picks up her shoes; she puts them on. She is half sobbing all the time.
Tom	I say, old girl, hadn’t you better go to bed? You’re all wrought up!
Bunty	He said beastly things.
Tom	I’ll wring his neck.
Bunty	With a fresh burst of tears. Shut up, Tom, shut up⁠—
Tom	Bunty, stop crying⁠—there’s a dear; please, please stop crying⁠—
	He takes her in his arms and kisses her; she is groping for her handkerchief. Florence* comes quietly downstairs.*
Bunty	I can’t find my hanky!
Tom	Here’s mine.
Florence	Like a pistol shot. Tom!
	Tom and Bunty break away.
Tom	Yes, Florence?
Florence	Ominously. What does this mean?
Tom	I’m sorry, Florence⁠—I⁠—
Florence	You utter cad!
Bunty	Look here⁠—I should like to say⁠—
Florence	Be quiet⁠—mind your own business.
	Nicky enters.
Nicky	Seeing tears on Bunty’s* face.* What’s the matter⁠—is anybody hurt?
Florence	Ominously. No, not hurt!
Bunty	I banged my hand, that’s all.
Florence	Liar!
Nicky	Mother⁠—don’t be so stupid⁠—
Tom	Florence⁠—I⁠—
Florence	Don’t speak to me⁠—
Nicky	Quietly. Mother⁠—not now⁠—not now⁠—it’s all wrong. Control yourself! Bunty⁠—Bunty⁠—do go to bed⁠—please.
	He goes to the piano and begins to play jazz.
Bunty	All right⁠—Tom⁠—
	Florence goes to the fireplace, trembling with rage. Nicky goes on playing. Tom and Bunty go towards the stairs.
Florence	Stop⁠—I want an explanation, please!
Bunty	How dare you speak to me like that?
Florence	Get out of my house! Get out of my house!
Bunty	This is disgusting!
Tom	I say, Florence⁠—
Florence	Get out of my house!
Bunty	I shall leave the first thing in the morning; it’s much too late tonight.
	She goes off. Nicky never stops playing for a moment.
Florence	Tom. He goes towards her, absolutely silent. You kissed her⁠—you kissed her⁠—I saw you!⁠—
Tom	Yes.
Florence	In this house!
Tom	Yes, Florence. I apologize.
Florence	Apologize! You’re beneath contempt. Never speak to me again, never touch me again⁠—I hate you!
Tom	Look here, Florence⁠—I’m desperately sorry. You see, I’m afraid I love her.
Florence	Hysterically. You dare to stand there and say that to me? It’s incredible⁠—after all I’ve done for you⁠—after all we’ve been to each other. Love! You don’t know what it means. You’ve lied to me⁠—all these months. It’s contemptible⁠—humiliating. Get out of my sight!
Tom	Turning and going upstairs. Very well.
Florence	Suddenly realizing that he is gone. Tom⁠—Tom⁠—come back⁠—come back!⁠—
	She runs upstairs after him. Nicky* at last stops playing and lets his hands drop from the keys.*
	Curtain.