AUNT IDA. Now what was that? (_Her eye lights on telephone and a smile breaks over her face_) The telephone. Wilson's message. Must write it down. (_Goes carefully and slowly to desk and sits heavily in chair. Takes off receiver and places transmitter to her ear. There is a pause as she listens. A look of terror and surprise creeps over her face_.) Now! something's the matter with my ears. I can't hear a word they say. I believe I'm paralyzed. Oh, dear. (_Looks helplessly about her_.) Why doesn't Celia come back? (_She has taken a pen in her right hand to write down the message. She holds the receiver in her left hand. She looks from one to the other and cannot make up her mind which goes where. She finally decides and elaborately puts the pen in the telephone hooks with a satisfied smile. She then carefully places the receiver on the desk where the pen ought to be_.) It's not us. This has been a dreadful day. (_Slowly and carefully rising and looking tipsily about_) If I'm to be good for anything to-night, I will have to lie down somewhere. (_Goes up to doors_) If only for five minutes. (_Unlocks and opens doors_) I'll have to lie down--I'll--have--to---- (_She exits at back to_ R., _whimpering to herself. When she is off, the telephone bell begins to ring. After it has rung for a moment_, FARADAY _is heard off stage, calling_) FARADAY. (_Off stage_ L.) Celia! Celia! Where are you, Celia? (_He appears from the_ L. _and stands in_ C. _doorway, looking off right. His jaw drops_.) What--is--the--matter--with--your--Aunt? (_The telephone bell continues to ring. He hurries down_.) Here! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! (SMITH _enters and comes down_ L. _of table above chair where_ CELIA'S _coat and bag are_. FARADAY _sees pen in telephone hooks, jerks it out and throws it on desk and picks up receiver. Bell stops ringing_.) Hello! Hello! Faraday Hall. Mr. Faraday speaking.--Tell Miss Faraday what? You've made the reservation on the midnight train, change cars at Cobden? SMITH. (_Sees_ CELIA'S _wraps and bag and starts slightly_) Miss Faraday going? (_Moves_ R. _above table, thinking_.) FARADAY. (_Into telephone_) Nonsense, man, you mean Mrs. Faraday. At twelve noon, she's leaving, not twelve _midnight_.--What's that you say? It was Miss Celia that telephoned and said she was going herself? Nonsense, man! Don't argue with me. I'm afraid you've been drinking, my man. (_Smells telephone_) The telephone _reeks of brandy!_ Try to be sober by morning. Remember, we need you in this election. (_As he hangs up telephone_) I've only known him to be drunk once before--decent chap and devoted to Celia. SMITH. (R. _of table_) Every one is, sir. She's peculiarly attractive.