DAN (_patting her_): That's right---- MRS. BRAMSON: I don't have to tell you everything I've been through. I don't have to tell you about my husband, how unkind and ungodly he was--I wouldn't have minded so much him being ungodly, but oh, he _was_ unkind ... (_Sipping_) And I don't have to tell _you_ how unkind he was. You know. You just know ... whatever else I've not been, I was _always_ a great one on psychology. DAN: You was. (_He takes her glass and fills it again and his own._) MRS. BRAMSON: I'm glad those other people have gone. Awful screeching common women. Answer back, answer back, answer back.... Isn't it time for my medicine? _He hands her glass back. They both drink._ DAN _sits smiling and nodding at her._ That day you said to me about me reminding you of your mother.... (DAN _slowly begins to roll up his sleeves a little way._) These poets and rubbishy people can think all they like about their verses and sonnets and such--that girl Olivia writes sonnets--would you believe it-- DAN: Fancy. MRS. BRAMSON: They can think all they like, that was a beautiful thought. (_Her arm on his shoulder_) And when you think you're just an ignorant boy, it's ... it's startling. DAN (_with a loud laugh_): That's right. MRS. BRAMSON: I'll never forget that. Not as long as I live ... (_Trying to stem her tears_) I want a chocolate now. DAN: Right you are!... (_Placing her glass and his own on the floor, and walking briskly to the table_) A nice one with a soft centre, the kind you like.... Why, here's one straight away.... (_He walks slowly to the back of the sofa. In a level voice_) Now shut your eyes ... open your mouth ... MRS. BRAMSON (_purring_): Oh, Danny.... You're the only one ... _She shuts her eyes. He stands behind her, and puts the chocolate into her mouth. His fingers close slowly and involuntarily over her neck: she feels his touch, and draws both his hands down, giggling, so that his face almost touches hers._ (_Maudlin_) What strong hands they are.... You're a pet, my little chubby-face, my baby-face, my Danny.... Am I in a draught? _A pause._ DAN _draws his hands slowly away, walks to the back, and shuts the plush curtains._ I've got to take care of myself, haven't I? DAN (_turning slowly and looking at her_): You have. _He picks up the paraffin can briskly and goes towards the kitchen._ MRS. BRAMSON: What are you-- DAN: Only takin' the paraffin tin in the kitchen. _He goes into the kitchen._ MRS. BRAMSON (_half to herself_): That girl should have carried it in. Anything to annoy me. Tomorrow--(_Turning and seeing that he is gone_) Danny! (_Shrieking suddenly_) Danny! DAN _runs back from the kitchen._ DAN: What's the matter? _He looks hastily towards the hall to see no one has heard._ MRS. BRAMSON: Oh, dear, I thought-- DAN (_sitting on the back of the sofa_): I was only putting the paraffin away. Now--(_He leans over the sofa, and raises his arm slowly._)