Three Lancashire Plays: The Game; The Northerners; ZackBrighouse, Harold
General
Three Lancashire Plays: The Game; The Northerners; Zack
Brighouse, Harold
English drama -- 20th century; Lancashire (England) -- Drama; Political plays
Zack. Not now, with things so bad. I used to go until my clothes
wore out--well, they weren't mine at all properly speaking. They were
father's when he was alive and then I had them, but I'm hard on clothes
somehow. I'm a great expense all ways there are, with being a big eater
and all. And when my dress coat gave out at the seams and got that shiny
you could see your face in it, mother wouldn't buy me another, and so
I don't go now. It's been a sorrow to me, too. I used to take a lot of
pleasure in seeing others enjoy themselves. But I wasn't any use, not
real use, like Paul. I couldn't boss things like he does. I just was
there and tried to tell the old maids that their day would come. But I
couldn't even do my fair share of waiting because of a weakness that I
have.
Virginia. A weakness! Zack, it isn't----
Zack. Oh, no. Not that. I'm a teetotaller, Jenny. I get that worked
up with the hearty feeling of it that I break the plates. My hand's
unsteady. (_Takes plates from table._) See! That's steady enough? Yes,
but get me waiting at a table full of wedding guests and it seems I've
got to break the plates to show my pleasure. And it's not wilful. It's
not indeed. It's just anxiety to do things right that makes me do them
wrong. Mother's quite right. I'm not a bit of good, but I do miss the
outings all the same.
Virginia. Poor Zack. I really must get to my letter now, and I think
I'll go upstairs after all.
Zack. I'm not driving you away?
Virginia. Of course you're not.
(_Mrs. Munning enters r._)
Mrs. Munning. I'm sorry I've been so long, Jenny, I couldn't lay my
hands on the one I wanted. There it is. (_Giving photograph._)
Virginia. Oh! It's very good of him.
Mrs. Munning. I think your mother will be glad to see it. .
Virginia. Yes. (_She isn't interested, and puts the photograph on the
table._) I was just going upstairs to write. It will be quieter in my
room.
Mrs. Munning. Has Zack been talking to you?
Zack. I did a bit.
Mrs. Munning. Oh, then I'm not surprised you want some quiet for a
change.
Virginia. I thought I'd not be interrupted there. I won't be long.
(_Going._)
Mrs. Munning. You're forgetting the photograph.
Virginia. I'm sorry, aunt. I was thinking of the other things I had to
say to mother. (_She glances at Zack and goes out._)
Mrs. Munning (_reflectively, looking after her_). I'd give something to
know what she's saying about our Paul in that letter. (_She turns._) Why
isn't the table cleared? Couldn't you stir yourself to ring the bell for
Sally?
Zack. I didn't know I ought. A servant girl's a novelty to me.
Mrs. Munning. You didn't let that out to Jenny?
Zack. Let what out?
Mrs. Munning. Why, that Sally isn't always here.
Zack. I don't remember that we mentioned her at all. Aren't we to let
that out?
Mrs. Munning. Of course we're not, you moon-struck natural! What do you
think she's here for?
Zack. Well, I dunno. Unless she's here to do the work that Jenny makes.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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