(Interrupting)
The Lisznayi, for example.
VANDERLIP
(Spontaneously, positively.)
She'll never get fat, Freda.
FREDA
Oh, she won't, eh? How do you know? You'd never have guessed it all of yourself. She must have told you.
(Vanderlip shows confusion.)
Why, she's started already. She's carrying twenty pounds more than she ought. It spoils her figure. And—my!—now that she's started, won't she just put it on!
VANDERLIP
(Anxiously.)
But how do you know?
FREDA
I've my eyes. So have you. Surely you've noticed it?
VANDERLIP
(Slowly.)
Honest, now, I've had my suspicions that way. (He remains silent for a moment or so. Freda rumples his hair.)
I like that.
FREDA
What?
VANDERLIP
That what you are doing.
FREDA
Oh!
(Slaps his arm playfully, and sits down in her chair. Listens intently for sounds from without, while Vanderlip sips from glass.)
VANDERLIP
(After a pause, setting down glass and looking amorously at Freda.)
Say, Freda, do you know...
(A pause. Freda glances at clock.)
Do you know what I'd like?
FREDA
Not in the slightest.
VANDERLIP
Well, I'll tell you. I'd like to see you with your hair down.
FREDA
(Change in whole manner beginning here, but beginning slightly.)
Think so?
VANDERLIP
You just bet I would.
FREDA
(Rising.)
Wait a moment.
(Passes behind him to door at right.)
(Vanderlip rests under the idea that she has gone to take down hair, fills glass, and leans complacently back in chair and sips from glass.)
(Freda opens door to right and beckons. Closes door, listens for a moment on way back to chair, and sits down.)
VANDERLIP
(Looking at her hair, still up, surprised and grieved.)
Why, I thought all the time you were taking it down.
(Freda laughs her silvery, scornful laughter. Vanderlip is puzzled, thinks she is teasing him.)
(Maid enters, unobserved by Vanderlip. Freda issues her order with her eyes, glancing at Vanderlip's bearskin overcoat hanging on wall to rear. Maid goes and gets coat and returns, still unobserved by Vanderlip, at the rear of whom she stands waiting.)
VANDERLIP
(Expostulating.)
Now I say, Freda.
(Freda still laughs.)
What's the matter anyway?
FREDA
I have just recollected.
VANDERLIP
(Puzzled.)
What?
FREDA
That you had an engagement at twelve sharp.
VANDERLIP
I did. But it will keep.
FREDA
It is now half-past twelve.
VANDERLIP
Well, and what of it?
FREDA
Nothing, only...
(Pauses and considers.)
VANDERLIP
Only what?
FREDA
Only, isn't it rather cold down at the water-hole?
(Vanderlip is stunned jor a moment, and can only stare at her in a bewildered way.)
(Her laughter, at his bewilderment, becomes wholly mirthful.)
Minnie, help Mr. Vanderlip on with his overcoat.
(Vanderlip glances swiftly around and sees Maid holding coat. He looks at his watch very slowly, and puts it away very slowly. Slowly empties glass of champagne, and carefully puts empty glass on table. Just as slowly drags himself out of chair and to his feet. Maid offers to help on with overcoat, but he ignores her.)
FREDA
(Who has ceased laughing, showing that she is a bit frightened by his preternatural calmness, but still keeping her nerve.)
Let me thank you for your kindness, Floyd. I wanted half an hour or so of your time, and you have given it. The turning to the left, as you leave the cabin, leads quickest to the water-hole. Good-night. I'm going to bed.
(Starts to go toward door at left.)
Minnie, see Mr. Vanderlip out, please.
(Turning head over shoulder, looking back at Vanderlip, and beginning again her silvery laughter. Vanderlip has not spoken a word. He springs, lionlike, after her, seizing her by the arm and whirling her fiercely about, face to face, and still keeping his clutch.)
Don't be rough.
(He glares at her. She still keeps her nerve, speaks lightly.)
On second thought—
(Looks at his detaining hand.)
—I've decided not to go to bed. Don't be ridiculous, Floyd.
(He growls inarticulately.)
Tragedy doesn't at all become you. Do sit down and be comfortable.
(To Maid, who has remained composed and holding coat.)
Mr. Vanderlip doesn't want his coat yet awhile. (Maid goes to rear, hangs up coat, and remains at rear, waiting.)
VANDERLIP
(Speaking with slow, clear enunciation.) What do you know about the water-hole?
(Freda laughs. He closes his grip on her arm till she winces.)
What do you know about the water-hole?
FREDA
(Lightly.)
More than you know.
VANDERLIP
(Again closing grip.)
Then tell me. I want to know.
FREDA
(Wincing, but still lightly.)
I know that the fair lady waiting there has flown away a good half-hour ago.
VANDERLIP
Where?
FREDA
Down the river.
VANDERLIP
How do you know it?
FREDA
I arranged it.
VANDERLIP
(Softening for a moment.)
Tell me, it was because you wanted me?
FREDA
(Defiantly.)
No.
VANDERLIP
(Hardening again.) Then you didn't want me? (She shakes her head.)
You don't want me?
(She shakes head.)
Well, then, will you have me?—Now? (She shakes head.)
Then this was a game you worked on me?
FREDA
Yes.
VANDERLIP
You didn't mean a word of it?
FREDA
Not a word of it. I was playing.
VANDERLIP
(Grimly.)
Well, I wasn't, that's the difference.
FREDA
Do let go of my arm. You are hurting me.
VANDERLIP
(Ignoring her protest, dragging her roughly by her arm to the front and just to left of table, holding her face to face with him, and beginning to speak faster.)
Look here, Freda, I'm a fool. I know it. I was a fool there in that chair. You put it all over me. You women all make a fool of me. I don't think quick. I'm not used to it, I guess. My tongue is awkward. I can't think of bright things to say, or the right things to say. And I believe what is said to me. And then I like women, too. I can't help it. I was born that way. I just like them, and they take advantage of me—
FREDA
(Interrupting.)
Won't you let go of me and sit down?
VANDERLIP
(Ignoring her.)
Why do they take advantage of me?
(Freda shrugs her shoulders.)
Because I am a fool. Because I am playing their game and don't know how to play it. They know how to play it. They ought to know—it is their game. A man's a fool to buck another man's game. The percentage is all in favor of the house. And a man is a bigger fool to buck a woman's game. And I've been dead soft and easy. I know it. I've played your game and you've tied knots in me...
(He pauses, as though debating the next thing to say.)
FREDA
(Lightly.)
I must say you are untying the knots fast.
VANDERLIP
(With touch of anger.)
I'm untying nothing. I'm going to begin tying. What I'm going to do is to play my game, and you're going to play it with me, my lady.
(His speech grows slow and clear again.) Do you know what my game is?
(Freda shakes her head.)
It's not palavering, and being society-monkey, and ducking, and bowing, and scraping, and giving crooked talk, and saying smart things, and that sort of stuff. It's just this—
(He takes hold of her other arm with other hand, and puts the pressure on with both hands. At first she merely winces but he grips until she cries aloud in pain. Maid shows alarm for first time, and starts hastily forward.)
That's it. Muscle's my game—the only game I can play, and I've been a fool to go out of my class.
MAID
(Interrupting, to Freda.)
What shall I do?
FREDA
Nothing. It is all right.
MAID
Shall I go for help?
FREDA
No, no.
(To Vanderlip.)
Let go of me, Floyd. You are crushing my arms.
VANDERLIP
(Laughing savagely.)
Did you let go when you crushed me?
FREDA
(With blaze of defiance.)
You coward!
VANDERLIP
(Savagely.)
Were you less coward when you beat me down to my knees with your woman's wit, your woman's beauty, your woman's weapons? Your face is beautiful. Your body is beautiful. With these have you drawn me to you, making yourself soft and yielding, so that at a distance the very feel of you was soft and yielding—
(With scorn.)
—a play actress, you! Your mind is quick. Your tongue is crooked. You lied to me. When you let me hold your hand, you lied to me. When you looked softly at me, or passed your hand through my hair, you lied to me. When you came against me and rested your head on my breast so that the scent of your hair got into my brain and maddened me, you lied to me. You knew all the time that my blood was pounding up hot within me, you knew all the time that I was honest and playing fair, and all the time you were lying to me.
(He pauses and debates upon what next to say.)
MAID
(Calmly, to Freda.)
Shall I go for help?
VANDERLIP
(Ferociously.)
Shut up, you!
(Continuing, to Freda.)
Well, I've taken your medicine. Now you take mine. Here it is. I want you. I'm pretty sure I'd sooner have you than Loraine. You can marry me if you want, but marry or no marry, you're mine. Down river you go with me tonight, my lady, so you'd better tell that girl of yours to pack your duds.
FREDA
(Laughing defiantly in his face.)
Think so?
VANDERLIP
(Maddened by desire of her.)
I know so—and here's a foretaste of my game. Tell me how you like it.
(Bends her back, face upturned, gets proper grips so that she is helpless, and deliberately and passionately kisses her several times on the lips. Maid springs upon him, but he flings her off and away with one arm. Holds Freda by one arm again.)
How do you like it, eh? How do you like it?
FREDA
(Almost suffocating with rage, wiping lips with back of free hand.)
You beast! You beast! You beast!
(Maid is starting to spring at him again.) No, no, Minnie! Stop! I can deal with him.
VANDERLIP
Not in a man's game, Freda.
FREDA
(All defiance.)
In a man's game, Floyd Vanderlip.
(She no longer winces nor struggles to free herself, but confronts him, head erect, expression of cold anger on face.)
VANDERLIP
(Looking at her admiringly for a moment.) Ah, you beauty! You've made me mad for you. I'll crush you into submission as you crushed me into submission at the dance to-night. You beat me down to my knees, but I'll bring you down on your knees to me till you're glad to kiss the toe of my moccasin.
(He surveys her again.)
And now, you beauty, you beauty, I am thirsty for your lips again.
(He starts to bend her back again, but she revises to struggle, holding her face up to him defiantly. He pauses.)
Well, why don't you fight and scratch and claw around some?
FREDA
Because I won't give you the chance to pull and haul and maul me around, that is all.
VANDERLIP
(Who, as usual, is baffled by a change of attitude.)
Then I'll kiss you.
FREDA
You may pollute me with your lips, but you shall not master me with your strength.
VANDERLIP
(Gaily.)
Nay, nay, not pollute. You should call it (Imitating Mrs. McFee.) "contameenate." That's right. Blaze away at me with those eyes of yours. You may keep quiet with your body, but you can't take the fight out of your eyes. I tell you that blaze gives value to your kisses, and now I'm going to—
(Leans forward to kiss her, while she remains motionless and passive. He pauses, with lips close to hers.)
Nothing like prolonging anticipation, eh? You know you said I was masculine, intensely masculine. How do you like it? How do you like leaning up against the wall of my strength? Ah, you beauty! You beauty!
FREDA
(Suddenly listening.)
Minnie! Open the door!
(A jingling of dog bells is heard without, and a man's voice crying "Haw!" Maid runs toward the door. Vanderlip listens, still holding Freda close in his arms. A knock at door. Maid throws open door.)
FREDA
(In triumphant voice, as door is thrown open.)
Now will you let go of me?
(Enter Mrs. Eppingwell, followed by Capt. Eppingwell and a Northwest mounted Policeman.)
(Mrs. Eppingwell, looking at Policeman, points at Vanderlip.)
(Policeman hesitates, embarrassed at interrupting such a scene.)
(Vanderlip and Freda in consternation, he still holding her. He releases her abruptly and is himself all awkwardness and confusion. Freda separates from him, moving away unconsciously several steps, her eyes fixed upon Mrs. Eppingwell.)
FREDA
(Surprise, awe, etc.)
You!
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Sharp and businesslike.)
Yes, I. And I am glad I am not too late.
FREDA
(Striving to recover her poise, speaking automatically in artificial manner.)
Delighted, I assure you.
(With sudden break in manner, becoming candid.)
No, I am not delighted at all.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
I should scarcely think so.
FREDA
It is intrusion.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
It is intrusion, I know, but—
FREDA
(Interrupting, again artificial manner.) Oh, not at all.
(Starting toward Mrs. Eppingwell.) Won't you take off your wraps?
(To Maid.)
Minnie!
(Maid offers to help Mrs. Eppingwell off with wraps.)
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Declining Maid's offer.)
No, it is not necessary. We shall stop only a moment.
FREDA
(Artificial manner.)
I hope you'll pardon my curiosity, but—(Hesitates an instant.) —why didn't you come sooner? What was the delay?
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Indicating Policeman, who bows.)
I had to get this gentleman. It took time—
POLICEMAN
(Interrupting, bowing.)
Sorry.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
And then I went to the wrong water-hole.
(Freda and Vanderlip both start, Mrs. Eppingwell observing Vanderlip's start.)
Good morning, Mr. Vanderlip.
VANDERLIP
(Awkwardly.)
Hum, yes. How do you do? Good morning.
FREDA
(The real state of affairs dawning on her.) I see. You expected to find me at the water-hole.
(Mrs. Eppingwell nods.)
And you didn't.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
No. Then I went to the other water-hole.
FREDA
Expecting to find me?
MRS. EPPINGWELL
Yes. Then I came here.
FREDA
(With mock admiration.)
Unerring instinct.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Replying in kind.)
Yes, wasn't it?
FREDA
Er—by the way, didn't you find anybody at the second water-hole?
MRS. EPPINGWELL
A strange woman. I thought she was you at first. She seemed restless enough.
VANDERLIP
(Starts at mention of strange woman, suddenly moving toward the street door.)
I've fooled around here long enough. I'm going.
FREDA
Good luck, Floyd.
POLICEMAN
(Stepping forward, meeting and stopping Vanderlip.)
Sorry.
VANDERLIP
(Irritated.)
What's the matter now?
POLICEMAN
(Drawing document from pocket.)
I've got a warrant for you. Forgery. Sorry.
VANDERLIP
(Astounded.)
What in hell—
(Breaks off.)
POLICEMAN
Sorry.
VANDERLIP
(Expostulating.)
Now look here, I say, whose game is this?
(Freda laughs her silvery laughter, it is laughter of amusement only.)
FREDA
(To Mrs. Eppingwell, still laughing, accusingly.)
You did this.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Nodding.)
I had tried everything else to stop him from running away.
FREDA
(Laughing merrily and shaking her head.) Poor Floyd! Poor, poor Floyd!
VANDERLIP
(Wrathfully.)
Look here, Mrs. Eppingwell. This is your work. You'd better call it off. I'm done with bucking other people's games.
(Starts toward door, but Policeman lays hand on his arm.)
Get out of my way, you whipper-snapper!
POLICEMAN
(Not backing down a bit.)
Sorry.
VANDERLIP
(Flinging off hand, but remaining where he is.)
You'd better call him off, Mrs. Eppingwell, or there'll be the almightiest ruction round here you ever saw.
FREDA
(Lightly.)
Don't be in a hurry, Floyd. She's gone.
VANDERLIP
No, she isn't.
FREDA
Ask Mrs. Eppingwell.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
Whom do you mean?
FREDA
The strange, restless lady at the water-hole.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
Why, yes. She went away on a sled down the river.
VANDERLIP
Who'd she go with?
MRS. EPPINGWELL
With nobody. She had an Indian dog-driver, though.
(Vanderlip makes gesture of despair, signifying that he has been completely beaten. Freda laughs merrily.)
VANDERLIP
(Wrathfully.)
Oh, you women!
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(To Freda.)
Who is this strange lady?
FREDA
(Indicating Vanderlip.)
Ask him.
(Mrs. Eppingwell looks inquiringly at Vanderlip.)
VANDERLIP
(Wrathfully.)
None of your business, you and your games! I quit. I've bucked myself broke against you—(Whirling on Freda.)—against all of you.
(To Policeman.)
Go ahead, arrest me. It's a fake, and you know it. But go ahead.
POLICEMAN
I've only got my orders. Sorry. You'll come along peaceably?
(Vanderlip grunts savage assent.)
VANDERLIP
You know it's a fake.
POLICEMAN
I know only my orders. Sorry.
(General movement of preparation to leave.)
FREDA
(To Mrs. Eppingwell.)
It's too bad you can't stop longer, but—
(Suddenly breaks off and listens intently.)
(A jingling oj dog bells is heard without, and shouts of men. A knock on street door. Maid opens door. Flossie appears in doorway and enters. Sitka Charley enters at her heels and closes door. Flossie is dazzled by the lights and looks about hesitatingly. She is well frosted up. A nose-strap is across her nose. She removes nose-strap. Looks about, and sees Vanderlip. Freda starts toward her, impulsively, to receive her.)
FLOSSIE
(Making a weak little lame run toward Vanderlip, with infinite relief in her voice.)
Floyd!
VANDERLIP
(Dazed.)
Flossie!
(He opens his arms and she staggers and falls into them. Her head lies on his breast for a space, while he holds her and stares helplessly around. Then she lifts her head, inviting the kiss, and perforce he bends head and kisses her.)
FLOSSIE
(Infinite gladness.)
Oh, Floyd! Floyd!
VANDERLIP
Dear, dear Flossie!
FLOSSIE
(Still in his arms, but throwing her head back to look at him, in playful manner.)
You big, impatient man!
(Vanderlip is puzzled, and only awkwardly pats her shoulder with one arm that is around her.)
You cruel, cruel man!
(He is still puzzled.)
Couldn't wait. Couldn't let me have my night's rest and arrive in the morning fresh.
VANDERLIP
Ah—hum—yes.
(She puts her lips up to him and he again kisses her.)
(Sitka Charley remains inside street door. Capt. Eppingwell is restless, betraying a feeling that it is time to go. Policeman is restless. Mrs. Eppingwell and Freda, now near to each other, are looking on.)
FLOSSIE
My! What lots of dogs you must have!
VANDERLIP
(More puzzled than ever.)
Hum, yes.
FLOSSIE
First came an Indian with six dogs. You know, the Indian with one eye.
(Mrs. Eppingwell and Capt. Eppingwell look at each other significantly. Vanderlip, after a moment's hesitancy, nods.)
Then came the second Indian with eight dogs.
(Mrs. Eppingwell looks inquiringly at Capt. Eppingwell, who shakes head, then each looks bepuzzlement at the other. Vanderlip, again hesitating, nods.)
And then came Sitka Charley with seven of the most magnificent dogs I ever saw. Oh, Floyd, they were just grand!
(Mrs. Eppingwell and Capt. Eppingwell look more bepuzzled than ever. Vanderlip looks across at Freda with comprehension, by his look as much as saying, "You are responsible for this." Freda smiles. Mrs. Eppingwell and Capt. Eppingwell observe the proceeding, and look at each other significantly.) We just flew along—like the wind!
VANDERLIP
(Seeing the whole situation and lying up to it.)
I just bet you did. I knew they'd bring you in on the jump. I told them I didn't want any loafing, and... well, from the looks of it, I guess there wasn't any.
FLOSSIE
(Snuggling in against him.)
Couldn't wait a bit longer, could you, dear?
VANDERLIP
(Holding her closely.)
You just bet I couldn't.
POLICEMAN
(Unobserved by Flossie, whose back is toward him, stepping forward toward Vanderlip, the warrant still in his hand.).
Sorry—
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Interrupting, stepping toward him.)
Give it to me.
(Policeman hands warrant to her.)
It will be all right. You understand.
POLICEMAN
(Nodding, pulling on mittens, and bowing very politely.)
Then I will wish you good night.
(Makes exit with final bow.)
CAPT. EPPINGWELL
(To Mrs. Eppingwell, indicating desire to go.)
We're scarcely needed here, I think.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
One moment, Archie. I'm all in a daze, and I'm curious.
(Turning to Sitka Charley.)
Charley, the team of dogs you drove, whose were they?
FREDA
(Who, now that the fight is over and won, is on the verge of breaking down, interrupts Sitka Charley, and speaks herself.)
Now I wish you would all go home and leave me alone. I want to go to bed.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Gently.)
But I am curious, Freda, as you were curious. I want to know. I insist.
FREDA
(Choking, on the verge of tears.)
Please, please go.
FLOSSIE
(Who has lifted head and been regarding Freda, to Vanderlip. Loud enough for all to hear, but not too loud.)
Who is that woman?
VANDERLIP
(Painfully embarrassed, hesitatingly.)
Well... you see, Flossie... it's like this.
FLOSSIE
(With asperity.)
She is not a friend of yours?
VANDERLIP
No, no, of course not. You see, this is the Klondike. Things are different here than from what you've been used to, and... and...
FLOSSIE
(Interrupting, showing in voice and demeanor comprehension of Freda's status.)
Oh, I understand. It will be better for us to go, I think.
(They start toward street door, Vanderlip supporting Flossie around waist. She is very tired and leans heavily against him. He puts on bearskin coat, mittens, etc. He does not speak, though he nods awkwardly. As they make exit he glances back at Freda.)
FREDA
(To Mrs. Eppingwell, harshly.)
Now will you go.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Gently.)
No, I insist. There has been a misunderstanding.
(Freda, tears imminent, makes nervous exclamation, and with both hands makes nervous gesture. Turns her back, walks rapidly to front, and throws herselj into easy chair, where she sits, face up, facing audience.)
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(To Sitka Charley.)
Those dogs you drove, Charley. Whose were they?
SITKA CHARLEY
(Hesitating, shifting weight from one leg to the other and back again, looking appealingly at back of chair in which Freda is seated.)
Me no know.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Impatiently.)
Of course you know.
SITKA CHARLEY
(Still hesitatingly, still shifting weight back and forth, still looking appealingly at back of chair occupied by Freda.)
Maybe know, maybe not know.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Imperatively.)
Tell me.
SITKA CHARLEY
(Angrily.)
What for, all you womans? Make Sitka Charley much tired. All the time,
(Imitating their manner.)
"Charley, tell me this, Charley, tell me that." All the time, "Charley, no tell this, Charley, no tell that." Sitka Charley tired. Sitka Charley much tired. Sitka Charley dam tired. Now Sitka Charley tell.
(He pauses, while Mrs. Eppingwell waits expectantly, and Freda, with expressionless face, faces audience.)
Sitka Charley big fool, too. Him think you love Vanderlip. Him think Freda love Vanderlip. (Shaking head.)
No love. All the same make Vanderlip big fool. All the time all womans make all mans big fool. You say, No tell Freda. Freda say, No tell you. All right. Sitka Charley no tell. Now Sitka Charley much tired. Now him tell. Um, him drive Freda's dogs. Freda say, "Charley, bring Flossie girl much quick."
(Looking at Mrs. Eppingwell with expression of pride, boastfully.)
Sitka Charley bring Flossie girl much quick.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
Who was the woman at the water-hole?
SITKA CHARLEY
Um Lisznayi woman.
(Mrs. Eppingwell is surprised. Capt. Eppingwell makes dumb show of delight.)
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Beaten, pathetically.)
Archie, will you ever have faith in me again?
SITKA CHARLEY
(Moving toward door, turning toward back of Freda's chair.)
Dogs much hungry.
(Stops and waits, looking at Freda's chair.)
Um, me go feed dogs.
(After regarding chair for a moment, starts on toward street door. Again stops and looks at chair.)
I go now, Freda.
FREDA
(Not turning head, expressionless face and voice.)
Good night, Charley.
(Sitka Charley makes exit. Door slams.)
(Mrs. Eppingwell looks toward Freda's chair, starts as though to go to Freda, hesitates, and stops. Turns upon Capt. Eppingwell and shoves him toward street door. Capt. Eppingwell makes exit. Door slams. Mrs. Eppingwell remains standing on one side of door, looking toward Freda's chair. Maid stands on other side of door, looking at Mrs. Eppingwell.)
(When door slams, Freda rises to her feet. The breakdown has come.)
FREDA
Thank God!
(Without looking toward street door, or becoming aware that Mrs. Eppingwell still remains, Freda goes rapidly to right, to couch, sobs struggling up, her breast heaving. She sinks to floor, resting arms on couch, face buried in arms and couch, and sobs convulsively.)
(Mrs. Eppingwell comes forward and touches Freda on shoulder.)
FREDA
(Starting, but not looking up.)
It is all right, Minnie. You may go to bed.
(Goes on sobbing.)
(Mrs. Eppingwell waits a moment, sits down on couch, and rests hand on Freda's head.)
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Very gently.)
Freda.
FREDA
(Starting with violent surprise and looking up.)
You!
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Gently.)
Yes, I.
FREDA
(Trying to be harsh, but succeeding in being only reproachful.)
I asked you to go.
(Turns face away from Mrs. Eppingwell and looks straight forward toward audience.)
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Gently.)
Freda
(Freda turns head and looks into Mrs. Eppingwell's face. Mrs. Eppingwell puts her arm around Freda's shoulder and draws her close. Freda bursts into tears and buries face in Mrs. Eppingwell's lap. Mrs. Eppingwell bends over her, soothing her.)