BERTHA. Yes, I would. But the milkman has not come yet. BRIGID. No. Master Archie told me to wake him before he came. He’s going out for a jaunt in the car. But I’ve a cup left overnight. I’ll have the kettle boiling in a jiffy. Would you like a nice egg with it? BERTHA. No, thanks. BRIGID. Or a nice bit of toast? BERTHA. No, Brigid, thanks. Just a cup of tea. BRIGID. [_Crossing to the folding doors._] I won’t be a moment. [_She stops, turns back and goes towards the door on the left._] But first I must waken Master Archie or there’ll be ructions. [_She goes out by the door on the left. After a few moments Bertha rises and goes over to the study. She opens the door wide and looks in. One can see a small untidy room with many bookshelves and a large writingtable with papers and an extinguished lamp and before it a padded chair. She remains standing for some time in the doorway, then closes the door again without entering the room. She returns to her chair by the window and sits down. Archie, dressed as before, comes in by the door on the right, followed by Brigid._] ARCHIE. [_Comes to her and, putting up his face to be kissed, says:_] _Buon giorno_, mamma! BERTHA. [_Kissing him._] _Buon giorno_, Archie! [_To Brigid._] Did you put another vest on him under that one? BRIGID. He wouldn’t let me, ma’am. ARCHIE. I’m not cold, mamma. BERTHA. I said you were to put it on, didn’t I? ARCHIE. But where is the cold? BERTHA. [_Takes a comb from her head and combs his hair back at both sides._] And the sleep is in your eyes still. BRIGID. He went to bed immediately after you went out last night, ma’am. ARCHIE. You know he’s going to let me drive, mamma. BERTHA. [_Replacing the comb in her hair, embraces him suddenly._] O, what a big man to drive a horse! BRIGID. Well, he’s daft on horses, anyhow. ARCHIE. [_Releasing himself._] I’ll make him go quick. You will see from the window, mamma. With the whip. [_He makes the gesture of cracking a whip and shouts at the top of his voice._] _Avanti!_ BRIGID. Beat the poor horse, is it? BERTHA. Come here till I clean your mouth. [_She takes her handkerchief from the pocket of her gown, wets it with her tongue and cleans his mouth._] You’re all smudges or something, dirty little creature you are. ARCHIE. [_Repeats, laughing._] Smudges! What is smudges? [_The noise is heard of a milkcan rattled on the railings before the window._] BRIGID. [_Draws aside the curtains and looks out._] Here he is! ARCHIE. [_Rapidly._] Wait. I’m ready. Goodbye, mamma! [_He kisses her hastily and turns to go._] Is pappie up? BRIGID. [_Takes him by the arm._] Come on with you now. BERTHA. Mind yourself, Archie, and don’t be long or I won’t let you go any more. ARCHIE. All right. Look out of the window and you’ll see me. Goodbye.