First Plays

Bücher

Angebote / Angebote:

Excerpt: ...(To PHILIP) I think I'd better just see what she wants, Philip. PHILIP (firmly to MARY). Tell Mrs. Higgins to come here. (MARY hesitates and looks at her mistress.) At once, please. Exit MARY. EMILY (upset). Philip, dear, I don't know what Mrs. Higgins will say- PHILIP. No, nobody seems to. I thought we might really find out for once. EMILY (going towards the door). Perhaps I'd better go- PHILIP (putting his arm round her waist). Oh no, you mustn't. You see, she really wants to see me. EMILY. You? PHILIP. Yes, I ordered breakfast five minutes ago. EMILY. Philip! My poor boy! Why didn't you tell me? and I daresay I could have got it for you. Though I don't know what Mrs. Higgins- (An extremely angry voice is heard outside, and MRS. HIGGINS, stout and aggressive, comes in.) MRS. HIGGINS (truculently). You sent for me, ma'am? EMILY (nervously). Yes-er-I think if you-perhaps- PHILIP (calmly). I sent for you, Mrs. Higgins. I want some breakfast. Didn't Mary tell you? MRS. HIGGINS. Breakfast is at eight o'clock. It always has been as long as I've been in this house, and always will be until I get further orders. PHILIP. Well, you've just got further orders. Two eggs, and if there's a ham- MRS. HIGGINS. Orders. We're talking about orders. From whom in this house do I take orders, may I ask? PHILIP. In this case from me. MRS. HIGGINS (playing her trump-card). In that case, ma'am, I wish to give a month's notice from to-day. Inclusive. PHILIP (quickly, before his aunt can say anything). Certainly. In fact, you'd probably prefer it if my aunt gave you notice, and then you could go at once. We can easily arrange that. (TO AUNT EMILY as he takes out a fountain pen and cheque-book) What do you pay her? EMILY (faintly). Forty-five pounds. PHILIP (writing on his knee). Twelves into forty-five. (Pleasantly to MRS. HIGGINS, but without looking up) I hope you don't mind a Cox's cheque. Some people do, but this is quite...