JUDITH: It’s so difficult to tell, isn’t it?—I mean, you might not know yourself. She’s very attractive. RICHARD: Yes, she is—very. JUDITH: Have you heard her sing? RICHARD: No, not yet. JUDITH: She sings beautifully. Are you susceptible to music? RICHARD: I’m afraid I don’t know very much about it. JUDITH: You probably are, then. I’ll sing you something. RICHARD: Please do. JUDITH (_rising_): It’s awfully sad for a woman of my temperament to have a grown-up daughter, you know. I have to put my pride in my pocket and develop in her all the charming little feminine tricks which will eventually cut me out altogether. RICHARD: That wouldn’t be possible. JUDITH: I do hope you meant that, because it was a sweet remark. (_She is at the piano, turning over music._) RICHARD (_following her_): Of course I meant it. JUDITH: Will you lean on the piano in an attentive attitude? It’s such a help. RICHARD: You’re an extraordinary person. JUDITH (_beginning to play_): In what way extraordinary? RICHARD: When I first met Sorel, I guessed what you’d be like. JUDITH: Did you, now? And am I? RICHARD (_smiling_): Exactly. JUDITH: Oh, well.... (_She plays and sings a little French song._) [_There is a slight pause when it is finished._ RICHARD (_with feeling_): Thank you. JUDITH (_rising from the piano_): It’s pretty, isn’t it? RICHARD: Perfectly enchanting. JUDITH: Shall we sit down again? (_She re-seats herself on sofa._) RICHARD: Won’t you sing any more? JUDITH: No, no more—I want you to talk to me and tell me all about yourself, and the things you’ve done. RICHARD: I’ve done nothing. JUDITH: What a shame! Why not? RICHARD: I never realise how dead I am until I meet people like you. It’s depressing, you know. JUDITH: What nonsense! You’re not a bit dead. RICHARD: Do you always live here? JUDITH: I’m going to, from now onwards. I intend to sink into a very beautiful old age. When the children marry, I shall wear a cap. RICHARD (_smiling_): How absurd! JUDITH: I don’t mean a funny cap. RICHARD: You’re far too full of vitality to sink into anything. JUDITH: It’s entirely spurious vitality. If you troubled to look below the surface, you’d find a very wistful and weary spirit. I’ve been battling with life for a long time. RICHARD: Surely such successful battles as yours have been are not wearying? JUDITH: Yes, they are—frightfully. I’ve reached an age now when I just want to sit back and let things go on around me—and they do. RICHARD: I should like to know exactly what you’re thinking about—really. JUDITH: I was thinking of calling you Richard. It’s such a nice uncompromising name. RICHARD: I should be very flattered if you would. JUDITH: I won’t suggest you calling me Judith until you feel really comfortable about me. RICHARD: But I do—Judith. JUDITH: I’m awfully glad. Will you give me a cigarette? RICHARD (_producing case_): Certainly. JUDITH (_taking one_): That’s a divine case.