ALICE. Sometimes when the tourists have had their sandwiches there are
bits left over, and they squeeze them between the roots to keep the
place tidy. I am looking for bits.
DEARTH. You don't tell me you are as hungry as that?
ALICE (with spirit). Try me. (Strange that he should not know that
once loved husky voice.)
MARGARET (rushing at her father and feeling all his pockets.) Daddy,
that was my last biscuit!
DEARTH. We must think of something else.
MARGARET (taking her hand). Yes, wait a bit, we are sure to think of
something. Daddy, think of something.
ALICE (sharply). Your father doesn't like you to touch the likes of
me.
MARGARET. Oh yes, he does. (Defiantly) And if he didn't, I'd do it all
the same. This is a bit of _myself_, daddy.
DEARTH. That is all you know.
ALICE (whining). You needn't be angry with her. Mister; I'm all
right.
DEARTH. I am not angry with her; I am very sorry for you.
ALICE (flaring). if I had my rights, I would be as good as you--and
better.
DEARTH. I daresay.
ALICE. I have had men-servants and a motor-car. DEARTH. Margaret and
I never rose to that.
MARGARET (stung). I have been in a taxi several times, and Dad often
gets telegrams.
DEARTH. Margaret!
MARGARET. I'm sorry I boasted.
ALICE. That's nothing. I have a town house--at least I had ... At
any rate he said there was a town house.
MARGARET (interested). Fancy his not knowing for certain.
ALICE. The Honourable Mrs. Finch-Fallowe--that's who I am.
MARGARET (cordially). It's a lovely name.
ALICE. Curse him.
MARGARET. Don't you like him?
DEARTH. We won't go into that. I have nothing to do with your past,
but I wish we had some food to offer you.
ALICE. You haven't a flask?
DEARTH. No, I don't take anything myself. But let me see....
MARGARET (sparkling). I know! You said we had five pounds. (To the
needy one.) Would you like five pounds?
DEARTH. Darling, don't be stupid; we haven't paid our bill at the
inn.
ALICE (with bravado). All right; I never asked you for anything.
DEARTH. Don't take me up in that way: I have had my ups and downs
myself. Here is ten bob and welcome.
(He surreptitiously slips a coin into MARGARET'S hand.)
MARGARET. And I have half a crown. It is quite easy for us. Dad will
be getting another fiver any day. You can't think how exciting it is
when the fiver comes in; we dance and then we run out and buy chops.
DEARTH. Margaret!
ALICE. It's kind of you. I'm richer this minute than I have been for
many a day.
DEARTH. It's nothing; I am sure you would do the same for us.
ALICE. I wish I was as sure.
DEARTH. Of course you would. Glad to be of any help. Get some victuals
as quickly as you can. Best of wishes, ma'am, and may your luck
change.
ALICE. Same to you, and may yours go on.
MARGARET. Good-night.
ALICE. What is her name, Mister?
DEARTH (who has returned to his easel). Margaret.
ALICE. Margaret. You drew something good out of the lucky bag when you
got her, Mister.
DEARTH. Yes.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account