AustLit

RELATIVE TRUTH : A PLAY IN THREE ACTS

by

DOROTHY BLEWETT

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Characters                        

CHARLES HARCOURT	A City Business man (about 45)
MIRANDA HARCOURT	His wife (late 30's)
FELICITY COCKBURN	Miranda's sister (33)
SIR WALTER COCKBURN	Felicity's husband, also in the City (about 47)
ANDREW FERRIS	An Australian: ex R.A.A.F.  (35)
SUSAN HARCOURT	Daughter of Charles by a former marriage. (22)
ANTHONY HARCOURT	Adopted son of Miranda and Charles Aged 12
MRS. HUGHES	A neighbour (Fiftyish)

Scene   

The sittingroom in the home of Charles and Miranda in Kent - about twenty miles from London. 

Time     

The present                       

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ACT 1

A summer evening in July

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The sittingroom. It is a comfortable well-proportioned room with a low ceiling crossed by heavy black beams. It has evidently been converted from two rooms of a Kentish farmhouse.

In the back wall are two long windows with wide low sills. Through them can be seen a paved terrace with steps leading down to a long lawn on each side of which are brilliant herbaceous borders. An old brick wall, over which can be seen the tops of fruit trees, cuts off the distant view.

In the righthand wall (to the audience) is a cavernous fire-place with heavy iron dogs. In the same wall, well upstage, is a door leading to the kitchen regions. Another door in the lefthand wall leads to the entrance hall and staircase to the upstairs part of the house.

The furnishings are a mixture of antiques and well-worn prewar modern furniture, the whole effect pleasing but undistinguished.

When the curtain rises, the westerning sun is flooding the garden with brilliant light, though the terrace is in shadow. During the action, the light outside fades slowly, though the garden is never really dark.

CHARLES is standing at a sidetable between the two windows mixing cocktails.

MIRANDA is seated in an armchair reading some letters. She is in a summery informal dinner frock. Charles wears a dark lounge suit.

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CHARLES: If I mix the drinks now, they'll probably be lukewarm by the time they arrive.

MIRANDA: They shouldn't be long now.

CHARLES: I told Walter to step on it. But you know your lady sister. She’ll be late for her own funeral I always say.

MIRANDA: I know you always do.

CHARLES: What do I always do?

MIRANDA: Say Felicity will be late for her own funeral. You've been saying it for ten years, and I wish you wouldn't.

CHARLES: Do I? A sign of old age, I suppose. Anyway, it's true. When hasn’t she been late?

MIRANDA: (who is more interested in her letters) Poor Felicity!

CHARLES: Felicity! Your parents dropped a real clanger when they named her that. (Snorts) Felicity!

MIRANDA: It doesn't suit her, certainly. She's always been so restless and unhappy.

CHARLES: I never could understand why. Well, tonight at least she should be full of joie de vivre.

MIRANDA: Why?

CHARLES: Walter's got the Imperial Export job. He's half-witted with excitement.

MIRANDA: (all attention now) Has he really? You thought he would. Does that call for the last bottle of champagne, and glad cries of congratulation?

CHARLES: Christ, no! Don't let on you know. He hasn't told me yet, and I'm not supposed to know anything.

MIRANDA: Will it mean anything for you?

CHARLES: I'll move up.

MIRANDA: About time too. You'll make a much better Managing Director than he ever has.

CHARLES: Yes, I will…with all due modesty.

MIRANDA: Give me a cigarette, darling. It's the first time I've heard you admit that.

CHARLES: (bringing her a cigarette) He's a pompous old ass, but easy enough to manipulate. But I don t mind saying I'll be glad of the extra thousand a year. Puts us well in the super-tax class, of course…

MIRANDA: Yes. I don't suppose there'll be much of it left; but it's…gratifying. I never could understand how he got the job in the first place. You were the obvious choice.

CHARLES: A baronet looks better on paper…and he'd already got himself well-established before I was demobbed. He knows how much he owes me.

MIRANDA: You've always bolstered him up. That's another thing I can't understand.

CHARLES: No good kicking against a fait accompli. And there's loyalty to the company, as well - a thing women never do seem to understand. And anyway, he's your sister's husband. Quite apart from all that, he's a thoroughly decent chap and I like him. If things had gone the other way, he'd have been loyal to me…There's not much ice here.

MIRANDA: You always put too much. Those drinks you made on Sunday were almost pure water.

CHARLES: You're a bit scratchy tonight. What's on your mind?

MIRANDA: Nothing that I know of… just one of those uneasy days when you're waiting for something uncomfortable to happen.

CHARLES: (going on with his drink-mixing) what's Felicity got to feel unhappy about? Walter is besotted about her, gives her everything she wants…and your father was just as bad…

MIRANDA: You've always been hard on her.

CHARLES: I hate seeing you play second fiddle to her all the time - you're twice the person she is.

MIRANDA: It worries me, the antagonism between you two. She is my only sister, Charles…

CHARLES: Yes, I know, my dear. I'm not antagonistic, but I don't forget how she tried to stop my marrying you…Did everything she knew, even to ringing me up and warning me off. She knew I'd seen through her and that I'd never join the worshipping throng. Felicity just cuts no ice with me, and she resents it…

Miranda goes to speak, thinks better of it and instead, picks up one of her letters and becomes engrossed in it.

CHARLES: what's so interesting?

MIRANDA: Anthony's report. It's awfully good. Listen to this: "Anthony has outstanding ability and a natural gift for leadership"…The Head wants to talk to us about his future.

CHARLES: Eh! Let me read it myself. (Puts down cocktail shaker and, taking the letter from Miranda, sits down to read it) H'm…first, first, first, second - that's in English. Divinity, fourth - slipped badly there, my lad. (He turns the sheet and reads the rest of it) Very nice too. Seems rather keen on the kid, doesn't he?

MIRANDA: You're…rather keen on him yourself, darling.

CHARLES: I make no secret of it. It's hard to remember he's not our own child.

MIRANDA: It’s something I'll always adore you for, Charles accepting him so naturally when you came home…

CHARLES: You'd adopted him, my dear…you were wrapped up in the little chap. Even if I hadn't liked him - and I did, right from the first - I could not have turned him out.

MIRANDA: He saved my reason, I think. I'd never have got through all those awful months when you were missing without him…and Daddy dying and everything; it was all just too much…(there is a little silence)Charles…what would have happened if I'd had a child…Would a child of our own have pushed Anthony out?

CHARLES: I don't know…I don't think so. He's such a definite personality.

MIRANDA: He's always had personality, even before he could walk - and independence - and beauty - I wish you could have known him when he was a baby…(pause) I wonder what we can make of him?

CHARLES: As far as that goes…it's not what we will make of him, but what he will make of himself. He knows his own mind, does young Anthony Harcourt.

MIRANDA: Charles, I do love you so…

CHARLES: (laughing) Apropos of what, my sweet Miranda?

MIRANDA: (a little confused at his laughter) You just accepted Anthony, and never probed…

Charles, still laughing, puts his hand under her chin and kisses her lightly

CHARLES: You'd given a promise, believing I was dead…and I respected that promise…Quite simple. Anyway, one doesn't need a stud book to know his parents were our kind of people…(pause) You know his absorbing passion at the moment…to find out what happened to London when the Romans went…wants to fill in the missing three or four hundred years of history, no less…

MIRANDA: I know. He's always talking about it…his imagination has no bounds…

After a moment Charles goes back to the cocktails.

The doorbell rings

CHARLES: Not Sir Walter and Lady Cockburn, surely. They are only ten minutes late.:

MIRANDA: (as she rises and goes out left) It doesn't matter…I had to keep dinner back for Susan, anyway. (She goes out)

Charles continues to shake the cocktails and walks to the door where he stands and calls out

CHARLES: Come on; hurry up there. They're just properly iced…

Felicity enters, followed by Miranda and then Walter. Felicity is very pretty in a sophisticated way, very smartly dressed, very sure of herself Walter is a big heavy man with a portentous manner

FELICITY: Hullo,: Charles.

CHARLES: Hullo, Felicity. You're looking even grander than usual tonight.

FELICITY: (shrugging) This old thing!

MIRANDA: (dryly) You've had it all of three months.

FELICITY: (taking glass charles hands her) Thank you…although you should be getting out that last bottle of champagne you're always talking about.

CHARLES: I'm keeping that for a special occasion.

FELICITY: Well, this is it.

WALTER: As a matter of fact, old boy…I've been offered the Chairmanship of Imperial Export…

CHARLES: (with suitable surprise) The Rhodesian job…Well, well…Congratulations, Walter…You're quite right, Felicity; that does call for champagne. What a piece of luck!

MIRANDA: You kept that pretty quiet, Walter. Congratulations… (She puts her hands on Walter's shoulders and reaches up to kiss him)

WALTER: Thank you, my dear. Didn't even tell Felicity till it was certain…

FELICITY: It's not all luck, Charles. It's time Walter's ability was properly recognised.

CHARLES: His job at the office isn't exactly humble.

MIRANDA: It's wonderful anyhow, and I wish you all the luck in the world, Walter. How will you like living out there, Felicity?

CHARLES: I should, think it will be right up your street…Hobnobbing with the Governor's lady…opening bazaars and presenting prizes before you know where you are…

FELICITY: Oh, that…that won't worry me. I've always wished Walter were in a sphere where I could be of more help to him…in the social way, I mean.

MIRANDA: You'll get plenty of it now. When do you have to go, Walter?

WALTER: At the beginning of November. Just gives me nice time to hand over to you, Charles.

CHARLES: To me!

WALTER: Who else? You might just as easily have got the top job when I did…there wasn't much to choose between us.

CHARLES: (DRYLY) My father wasn't a baronet.

WALTER: It's the only thing mine ever did for me, the old scoundrel.

CHARLES: It won't be easy to step into your shoes, old man.

WALTER: Couldn't have swung it without your help, Charles.

CHARLES: You've done a good job, Walter, and you know it. As far as I'm concerned, I've been happy to work under you…

MIRANDA: Pardon me if I'm a bit dull…do you mean Charles is to be Managing Director, Walter?

FELICITY: He's surely the natural successor.

MIRANDA: Charles darling, how exciting…

The doorbell rings

 Who can that be?

WALTER: Susan?

MIRANDA: She said she'd be on the 7:35. See who it is, Charles, please. Mrs. Crouch is in one of her moods…

CHARLES: (cheerfully) O.K… (Goes out left)

FELICITY: Celia coming down this weekend?

MIRANDA: I don't think so; I rather gather love has crept up on our Celia…and this time, it sounds serious.

FELICITY: Good heavens, that baby!

MIRANDA: She's turned twenty…not such a child these days…and she's always seemed older than Susan, somehow.

FELICITY: You've spoiled them both, hopelessly.

Charles enters, stands just inside the door and speaks

CHARLES: Won't you come in? There's someone here who thinks you mightn't remember him, Miranda...

Andrew enters. He is tall, very bronzed, very goodlooking. A little diffident

MIRANDA: Why…it's Andrew…Andrew Ferris!  After a moment's hesitation, she goes across to him with both hands held out

ANDREW: You haven't changed either, Miranda…

MIRANDA: Of course I've changed…it's years and years. Felicity…

ANDREW: (holding out his hand to felicity) And you're prettier than ever, Felicity.

FELICITY: How do you do.

MIRANDA: And this is Felicity's husband, Sir Walter Cockburn.

ANDREW: How do you do, Sir Walter. I might have known Felicity would be married.

WALTER: (shaking hands) You're a bit behindhand with the news.

ANDREW: I haven't heard a word of these girls since I left England - it's, goodness, over twelve years now.

CHARLES: Let me give you a cocktail…or would you prefer sherry?

ANDREW: Sherry, please.

MIRANDA: We used to wonder where you went when you disappeared so suddenly…secret service, or something like that?

ANDREW: (laughing) Nothing so cloak and dagger as that. I speak Italian fairly well, so they hooked me on to one of the parties that went ahead of the invasion of Italy…We went…well, a long way ahead, and prepared the way…

MIRANDA: It sounds dangerous.

ANDREW: (simply) All war is dangerous.

MIRANDA: That solves one mystery, doesn't it, Felicity?

FELICITY: It would - if one had ever been curious. Walter, give me a cigarette, please.

CHARLES: Sorry, Felicity. Here… (He takes up box and gives her a cigarette which he lights for her).

WALTER: You'd lived in Italy before the war?

ANDREW: I was at the English School in Rome for a while and spent over a year in the south - around Salerno, which was what made me quite useful…

CHARLES: I did meet you…On my last leave it must have been. Didn't you crash just near the village - or something like that? I remember, we talked about Naples, didn't we?

ANDREW: That's right. I bailed out in the dark and came down in a tree in Farmer Leamington's field…I've still got the marks of that tree on my legs. It seems a lifetime ago now. If I remember rightly, you were in Africa when I left England, Colonel Harcourt. Were you in Italy at all?

CHARLES: No one ever calls me "Colonel" now. I dropped that very gladly when I left the Army. No, I didn't get further than Africa - was hit and taken prisoner a couple of days after I got there and spent the rest of the war behind bars in Germany…and a year in hospital after the show ended. Not a very distinguished war for me, I'm afraid.

MIRANDA: What are you doing in England, Andrew? Holiday…business…what?

ANDREW: A little of both…but not very urgent business…

MIRANDA: There's so much I want to hear…what are you doing now…and what has been happening to you all these years?

ANDREW: Well - I've been at home since the middle of '45;  I stopped a couple of lumps of masonry at one stage, and that put me out of the last six months of the war. Then Dad died - he'd been ill for some time and things were in rather a mess…my young brother and sister were still at school, so I just had to drop everything and go back to the farm…it's a tale of death…my mother died two years ago and, just a few months ago, my wife died…My sister has married and now young Dick, my brother, has finished at the University and taken over the farm…and there you are - I'm free at last to return to my own job…

MIRANDA: Oh Andrew, how sad. I somehow didn't think you had married…

ANDREW: Oh yes, before the war…My wife was with me in Italy, but she…didn't like it over here and went back to Australia just before the war…Felicity knew…

FELICITY: I! Oh, yes, I believe you did tell me…I'd forgotten.

ANDREW  : It wasn't…very happy. But tell me about yourselves - there were three little step-daughters I remember.

MIRANDA: They are three quite grown-up daughters now. Jean is still at school, of course, but the other two are quite independent…they've their own little flat in London.

ANDREW: what is Poppet doing?

CHARLES: She'll freeze you with a glance if you call her that. She's Susan now.

MIRANDA: She’s still as sweet and fresh. Felicity, your glass is empty.

CHARLES: I'm falling down on ray job. (Take's felicity's glass) Where's yours, Walter?

WALTER: Thanks, Charles, I don't mind if I do.

ANDREW: Perhaps I could have their address, Miranda. I'd like to see them again…if you think they could be bothered with someone as aged as I.

WALTER: Aren't the girls coming down this weekend, Miranda?

MIRANDA: Susan is - but Celia is heavily engaged as usual.

CHARLES: (bringing across Andrew’s glass which he has refilled) Susan should be here in a few minutes…why don't you stay and have dinner with us and meet her again?

FELICITY: Andrew probably has engagements of his own, Charles.

ANDREW: No, I haven't…and I'd be delighted to stay… (He looks at Miranda)

MIRANDA: Yes, do.

ANDREW: I'm still in the state of not having got on to people yet. I only arrived on Tuesday.

MIRANDA: I'm curious to know how you managed to trace us - it's, goodness, nine years since we left the Mill House.

ANDREW: I rang the Mill House - I'm going to the West Country tomorrow and thought I'd call in on you while I was there - the new owners told me your address, and almost without thinking, I'm afraid, I hopped in the car and came straight here.

MIRANDA: The same people still have it then; I've often wondered. I hated parting with it.

ANDREW: You have children of your own, Miranda?

MIRANDA: (after a definite pause) We have an adopted son - Anthony. Charles and I were just reading his report when you arrived, Walter. It's exceptionally good.

WALTER: That's a revolting exhibition of motherly bias, I'm sure, Miranda.

MIRANDA: (gaily) Nonsense, Walter - you can read it yourself. Anyway, you know you think the world of him…

WALTER: He's a nice lad…and very good chums with his uncle.

CHARLES: You're very quiet, Felicity.

FELICITY: Just thoughtful, Charles. I'll have plenty to think about in the next few weeks. (With complete change of tone) What a pity Anthony's away - Andrew won’t be able to meet our little paragon.

WALTER: (a bit shocked) Felicity…

CHARLES: (intervening quickly) Forgive a couple of doting parents…

FELICITY: It's the doting uncle pose that infuriates me!

WALTER: (easily) Why, darling? Anthony's a grand kid and I'm very fond of him. If he continues as he's going, he'll always be able to depend on me…

ANDREW: You've no children of your own?

WALTER: (a trifle embarrassed) No, unfortunately…

FELICITY: This conversation bores me. (Stubs out her cigarette with an impatient gesture)

MIRANDA: (pouring oil) May I tell Andrew about the new appointment, Walter? ...He can keep a secret.

WALTER: (mumbling, but very pleased) Shouldn't talk about it yet, really…

MIRANDA: I'm brimming over with it…Andrew, Walter has just got a wonderful colonial appointment.

ANDREW: Congratulations. May one ask which colony? There are still more than one, I think.

WALTER: In Rhodesia. I must say I'm feeling a bit…pleased…

ANDREW: You will like that, Felicity?

FELICITY: It's what I've always hoped for. Yes, I will like it, very much indeed. If anything were to stop it now, I think I'd…die…

MIRANDA: That's sounds terribly drastic…

WALTER: I didn't realise you were all that keen.

FELICITY: I'm sick of England, sick to my soul's core. If you don't know that, Walter, you've been closing your ears for the last ten years.

ANDREW: (stepping into the breach) What is your particular line of country, Sir waiter?

WALTER: My present firm are importers, of grain mostly. The new appointment's much the same - but it will be exporting there, of course. Quite interesting. Charles who has been my second in command will step up into my present job, and we'll still work together to a certain extent…This is all still in the confidential stage…

ANDREW: That goes without saying. I seem to have happened on a moment of - would you say, crisis?

FELICITY: The English don't go in for moments of crisis. Everything is flattened out, understated till it almost ceases to exist. You ought to know that, Andrew. You've lived in England long enough…

ANDREW: Would you really have it otherwise? If so, you've certainly altered. I don't think I've forgotten you used to say you wanted no great moments…

FELICITY: I was very young then - perhaps you have forgotten that. I was afraid of emotion, I imagine. But even then, I did want excitement - sensation -

WALTER: (dimly conscious of something behind this exchange) Must have been pretty dull at times - their home was very isolated, you know. Kind of Haworth Vicarage - but very pretty, of course.

ANDREW: It was an enchanted place to me. I didn't mind it isolation - I'm used to quiet places; our home is right outback - The Mill House always seemed so sane and healthy in the middle of the war…

MIRANDA: Yet - you disappeared for more than twelve years. (Her smile robs her words of sting)

ANDREW: At first, I was out of circulation. I couldn't even let you know I was going. Later, when I could perhaps have got in touch with you, I wondered whether my…remembering would be welcome. After all, one is friendly, in a war, with people you simply wouldn't meet at other times…

MIRANDA: You could have put us to the test, you know.

ANDREW: Now I'm here, I wonder why I didn't.

FELICITY: I understand why you didn't. And I think you were right.

ANDREW: And that I still should have stayed away?

FELICITY: (shrugging) You should know. (She turns away)

MIRANDA: I'm glad you came, Andrew.

The telephone rings outside in the hall

CHARLES: I'll get it, as they say in the films. (He goes out)

WALTER: You're not going back to your work at the English School in Rome? What is it they do there exactly; I've forgotten?

ANDREW: I may go back…I don't know yet. I can't stay away from Australia for long, and one grows away from young enthusiasms. I'll have a holiday first and have a look at some sheepstuds…

WALTER: (interested) We might be able to help you there…a letter to the right man never comes amiss.

ANDREW: That's extraordinarily kind of you; I'd be very grateful. There are a couple of places in Cumberland that I'm particularly anxious to see…I've got a note of them back at my hotel…

WALTER: Let me know who they are…Quite likely they are people we know…

ANDREW: I'll do that…

Charles comes back

CHARLES: It's the child. She's at the station and there's no taxi. I'll go down and get her.

WALTER: Let me go, Charles. My car's in your garage door way, anyhow.

CHARLES: Thanks, Walter.

WALTER: Ten minutes, Miranda.

MIRANDA: Thank you, Walter. (Walter goes out to the hall)

ANDREW: (who has wandered over to the window and is looking out at the garden) How lovely your garden looks, so peaceful, and green even at the end of the summer. That's one thing you English do superlatively - make gardens.

MIRANDA: But you have gardens in Australia?

ANDREW: Of course. In fact, we’ve a lovely garden round our house; it's an old farm as things go out there; the man who took up the land first was a West Countryman and he planned it evidently on the lines of Somerset farms. He planted a fine orchard - for which I'll always be grateful. Dad replanted some of it when I was a youngster, with newer types of apples, for instance - more suited to our climate.

CHARLES: I've some very nice Cox's this year. Would you care to have a look at them. Walter won't he back from the station for ten minutes or so yet.

ANDREW: Yes, I'd like to. 

Charles pushes the window right up

CHARLES: We go out this way mostly - Just mind your head as you come out - and there's quite a step down…

He goes out through the window and Andrew follows. They walk along the terrace out of sight

MIRANDA: I'd better tell Mrs. Crouch there's one extra for dinner.

FELICITY: (explosively) How dare he come here…the damnable impertinence…

MIRANDA: It's…distinctly uncomfortable, I know…

FELICITY: Uncomfortable! It's impossible. And what on earth possessed Charles to ask him to dinner…And you're just as mad to back him up.

MIRANDA: Charles can ask whom he likes into his own house, Felicity…and you know perfectly well, I had no way of stopping him. It was just the way things happened.

FELICITY: There was no need for you to positively fawn on him…

MIRANDA: Now you're talking nonsense. I wouldn't have asked him here…but since he came without my knowing anything about it, I can't see what I could have done. In any case…I am quite glad to see him. I likeAndrew…

FELICITY: That was quite obvious…rushing at him with both your hands held out…

MIRANDA: You're making a fuss about nothing. He's here now and he'll stay to dinner. After that, we can just let the whole matter drop. You can give Walter a broad hint…he's offered Andrew letters of introduction…

FELICITY: I’ll see that goes no further.

MIRANDA: Don't make too much fuss, Felicity…Walter might ask for explanations…

FELICITY: (who hasn't listened) He's got some motive for coming here…I'd like to know what it is…The best thing to do is freeze him off, definitely but definitely…

MIRANDA: I suppose it's best…but it doesn't seem quite fair.

FELICITY: Don't you realise, Miranda…he's pure dynamite.

MIRANDA: I know…But I still don't like doing it.

FELICITY: (scornfully) You were always half in love with him…

MIRANDA: (spiritedly) Now you're talking sheer nonsense. I know it’s all unfortunate…but it won't help to lose our heads.

FELICITY: It's all very well for you to talk…You're not threatened…

MIRANDA: (laughing) Now you are losing your head…Do you think he's going to blackmail you?

FELICITY: I wouldn't put it past him. He's positively sinister…I can't imagine what I ever saw in him…

MIRANDA: I think the added years have improved him. You found him attractive enough before...

FELICITY: He was the only presentable man available…and only too ready to take advantage of my youth and inexperience.

MIRANDA: If I remember rightly, it was very much the other way round. You were only nineteen, but you weren't all that innocent…

FELICITY: You always have blamed me.

MIRANDA: That's not fair, Felicity - and you know it. What does it matter who was to blame. The consequences were the same…

FELICITY: That this should happen to me…just at this moment…when at last Walter has the kind of position that suits me…Miranda, if anything got back to Walter…you know how rigid he is…

MIRANDA: Nothing will get back to Walter…if you keep your head. Andrew won't do anything…

FELICITY: I don't trust him; I don't trust him for a moment.

MIRANDA: Felicity, Andrew knows nothing…that could hurt you. Walter isn't so dim as to think you had never had men friends before you met him…Supposing he did find out you'd been in love with Andrew…what would it matter?

FELICITY: Walter isn't logical about me; you ought to know that. I'm not myself to him…I'm the embodiment of his "Dream of fair women" - the complement of Walter in his "Knight in shining armour" role. What happened before I met him doesn't exist, as long as he can close his eyes to it. As long as he doesn't have to look at the truth and acknowledge it, he can drape me in whatever fantastic dreams he pleases. And I don't intend that he shall ever do otherwise.

MIRANDA: I didn't imagine you cared so much, about Walter…or are you just being cynical?

FELICITY: (slowly) I suppose I am…But I know what I want, and that's the kind of life I can lead with Walter and I'm not going to let anything disturb that…not anything at all. So Andrew goes, my dear…

MIRANDA: I don't like it…Oh, I know it's the sensible thing to do…but I hate manipulating people. And Andrew is so natural and friendly, so delighted to see us again.

FELICITY: Well… (She shrugs her shoulders) Remember you gave me a promise; just see that you keep it.

MIRANDA: You're being terribly melodramatic. But you needn't worry - I'll keep my promise.

FELICITY: And get rid of Andrew…do it however you like, but get rid of him finally, quite, quite finally.

MIRANDA: There's no talking to you when you're in a mood like this. I'll do what I think fit. And you remember that, while he's a guest in this house, you behave decently to him.

She goes out to the kitchen. Felicity pours herself another drink, wanders round the room with it in her hand not drinking. There is a sound of voices in the hall and Susan enters followed by Walter who carries her jacket and a small overnight bag

WALTER: we're back, darling. That didn't take long.

FELICITY: Don't be so obvious.

SUSAN: Hullo, Felicity. Still being charming to one and all - you should be brimming over with excitement. Uncle Wattie's just been telling me the great news.

FELICITY: Do drop that revolting nickname, Susan. Wattie, indeed. It sounds like a pet cow.

SUSAN:He is a pet…but not cow. Just reserve me the guest room for next April.

FELICITY: The fare to Rhodesia is quite a penny…

SUSAN: I have my ways of arranging that, haven't I, sweetie. (She slips her hand in Walter’s arm for a moment)

WALTER: (pleased, but a little apprehensive) As a matter of fact, Felicity . I suggested the trip as a birthday present.

FELICITY: (calming down) It might have been a pleasant little gesture to ask me first.

SUSAN: Dear aunt Felicity! I shall come only when asked very nicely by you both - a gilt-edged invitation preferred. Where are Miranda and Daddy?

As she speaks Miranda comes in

MIRANDA: It is you, Sue. How are you, darling? (They kiss with evident affection) You were very quick, Walter. Sue, go straight upstairs and put your things down. Mrs. Crouch is making indignant noises about the dinner…Go on, run!

She gives Susan a playful slap. Susan picks up her bag, goes out to the hall, then comes back to pick up the bag hat and gloves she has put down. She goes out

WALTER: Where are Charles and your visitor?

MIRANDA: They went out to look at the garden. (She goes to the window and calls) Charles - Charles, dinner. I didn't tell Susan Andrew is here - or did you tell her, Walter?

WALTER: I'm afraid I didn't think of it. I was telling her about the new appointment…she is suitably impressed with her old uncle.

FELICITY: Really, Walter!

MIRANDA: (comfortably) So she ought to be. I confess I'm impressed too. 

Charles and Andrew come in along the terrace and through the window.

ANDREW: What a heavenly garden, Miranda. The whole place is lovely…it almost consoles one for the loss of the Mill House. Your husband tells me it was sold.

MIRANDA: It's so remote, Andrew. Charles had to be within reach of the City, of course, and just at the exact moment, this house fell vacant. It's really on Walter's land…he and Felicity are just across the park. The whole thing seemed to fit beautifully…but I did hate to part with the Mill House…

Susan enters at a rush

SUSAN: (speaking as she comes in) I could eat a horse. Hullo, Daddy… (She sees Andrew) Andrew…it can't be…Andrew (she flings herself into his willing arms and hugs him delightedly)

ANDREW: Poppet… (He holds her away and looks at her) What have you done with your plaits?

SUSAN: Cut them off, of course. I’m grown up now. See, (she whirls round) don't you like the effect?

ANDREW: I do…I do indeed, the whole effect.

CHARLES: Your aged papa is here, child.

SUSAN: Oh, Daddy… (She kisses him) But why didn’t someone tell me Andrew was coming…I almost didn't come down this weekend.

MIRANDA: We didn't know ourselves...he just walked in.

SUSAN: In that acre of Jaguar outside?

ANDREW: Yes…like it?

SUSAN: My favorite form of locomotion.

FELICITY: (dryly) Now that the transports are over, did you mention dinner, Miranda?

SUSAN: Just give me time for one teenyweeny little sherry, please, Daddy…

CHARLES: (pouring a drink for her) Not if it's called "teeny weeny”. You'll say that one day when the vicar's wife is here and we'll all be excommunicated.

SUSAN: What are you doing here, Andrew, and when did you arrive? Give, please. How long are you over for - ages, I hope.

ANDREW: For some months at least. It all depends on how my brother gets on at home.

CHARLES: The brother who is working the family property?

ANDREW: Yes…he's trained for the job and, of course, we have an experienced manager to see he doesn't make too many bad mistakes - misjudge the market or anything like that.

MIRANDA: Is it a big farm, Andrew?

ANDREW: Not particularly - a little over ten thousand acres, and strictly speaking, not a farm at all. There is a small mixed farm, but it's mostly sheep…

SUSAN: Ten thousand acres…whew! Sounds quite sizeable to me, pardner.

WALTER: (who has been watching Andrew without taking any part in the conversation) It's extraordinary, but I keep feeling I've met you before. I haven't, have I?

ANDREW: I don't think so, Sir Walter. Perhaps I remind you of someone…

FELICITY: (talking very quickly) Tell us more about the farm, Andrew. I'm a little overwhelmed at the size of it.

ANDREW: (surprised at her sudden interest) Well…the house is bluestone - that's a very hard dark grey local stone - with a wide verandah all round it. Part of the verandah is netted in with flywire and we have our meals out there in good weather. It's built on a cliff above a river and, from the verandah, you can see the river mouth and the sea. It's really very pretty.

CHARLES: You said before you were used to quiet places…your home is isolated?

ANDREW: Not as distances go at home. Our nearest neighbours are only seven miles away by road — actually we can see their house on the other side of the river. (Reflectively) It really is a lovely spot, especially in the early spring when the wattles are out along the river and dotted here and there in the bush…

SUSAN: It sounds pure heaven to me. I wonder you could bear to leave it.

FELICITY: Yes. Why did you? Or is that one of the things one shouldn’t ask?

MIRANDA: (sotto voce to Susan) Do hurry with that drink, Sue.

SUSAN: (drinking it up quickly) One gulp more.

ANDREW: No mystery about it. Dick was there to take over, and he's been trained for it. He'll find his feet more quickly if I'm not there watching. And anyway, I wanted to have one more stab at what I ironically call my own career. It's been interrupted twice - first by the war and then by Dad's death. This seemed the time to have another go.

CHARLES: What is your own line? 

Susan puts down her glass

MIRANDA: Shall we go into the dining room. You must all be starving…

They all rise and start to move towards the door right

WALTER: The English School - isn't that something to do with archaeology?

ANDREW: Yes. I've a passion for the past, Mr. Harcourt. I want to do some work at Oxford first, then get myself attached to some group of archaeologists...

Miranda goes out. Felicity is following her with Susan close behind

SUSAN: But how extraordinary! That's Anthony's passion too...

FELICITY: Don't talk rot, Susan.

SUSAN: (protesting) But it is, Felicity. He's always talking about tumuli and barrows, and so on…

With a final repressive gesture to Susan felicity goes out. Susan follows her with Andrew and Charles close behind her.

Walter stands looking very thoughtfully after them, then the penny drops. With a sudden gesture he stubs out his cigarette and follows them out as

THE CURTAIN FALLS

ACT 2

SCENE 1

The same as Act 1. Three weeks later.

It is five o'clock on a thundery afternoon. The windows are wide open.

When the curtain rises, the stage is empty.

There is a flash of lightning and a clap of thunder. SUSAN comes running along the terrace and steps in at the first window. She is windblown and breathless. She carries a plate of bread and butter in one hand and a tablecloth caught up in the other.

She runs and closes the other window. The sky darkens dramatically and there is another brilliant flash of lightning. She goes to the window by which she came in and looks out.

SUSAN: (calling out) Leave the chairs, Andrew. Never mind them; the rain won't hurt them. Oh, hurry up, you nitwit - you'll be drowned…

Andrew runs on with a deckchair in each hand. He comes in through the 'window which susan immediately closes, just as the storm breaks

ANDREW: Perfect timing. (He stands at the window looking out for a moment) Tea on the lawn. It's an old English custom, I understand.

SUSAN: It will be tea in the sittingroom instead. (She looks at herself in a mirror on one of the walls and tries to smooth her hair) Lord, what a sight I look.

Andrew turns and looks at her

ANDREW: (slowly) You look…beautiful, Susan.

SUSAN: (embarrassed) That's the first time you've called me anything but Poppet, Andrew. 

ANDREW: You've grown up in the last three weeks. When I came, you were still a girl with long plaits - and suddenly, you're a woman…a very desirable woman.

Almost without her own volition Susan walks into his arms. He kisses her, a long kiss. After a moment she breaks away and turns away from him, then looks back at him shyly

SUSAN: I'm…not very used to being kissed.

ANDREW: It's not hard to learn. You'll soon get quite expert at it. (He tries to draw her to him again but she evades him) I believe you're shy.

SUSAN: I've never been…before.

ANDREW: I'm one of a long line, am I?

SUSAN: Not…really. I must set the table; the others will be here...

She draws a folding table into the centre of the room. Andrew comes and helps her in silence. Then Susan begins to hum the first few bars of the Brahms no.4 symphony

ANDREW: (surprised) I was just thinking of that…You see how our minds are in tune…

SUSAN: It was pure bliss, the other night, wasn't it?

ANDREW: Listening to Brahms, together…yes.

SUSAN: Andrew dear, I think you're a very romantic young man

ANDREW: Do you mind?

Susan shakes her head. She spreads the cloth, brings the plate of bread and butter across. Andrew catches her two arms in his hands

 Susan, stop being Housewifely. I want to talk to you.

SUSAN: I don't think I'm…ready to talk yet…

ANDREW: Don't take too long to be ready, sweet. I'm getting old, you know - turned thirty five...

He puts his finger under her chin and kisses her again briefly. Susan walks away from him and stands looking out the window at the storm.

SUSAN: Andrew…tell me about your wife.

ANDREW: There's very little to tell, really. I was not even twenty-one when we married, and Olive two years older. She was the only child of our nearest neighbours; we'd played together as children and been paired off together always, and it seemed a good idea. But it didn't work out at all. She didn't like being married, and most particularly she didn't like being married to me.

SUSAN: What did she die of?

ANDREW: Tuberculosis.

SUSAN: Oh, Andrew…I'm so sorry for her.

ANDREW: There were times when I felt drained…with pity for her. But she seemed always to have no capacity for happiness. I did try, Susan…Perhaps with some other man she could have been happy... I don't know…but I did try…

SUSAN: I can't imagine your doing anything else, Andrew. What a sad epitaph…no capacity for happiness…

There is a short silence, then Susan metaphorically shakes herself back to the present and speaks briskly

Gosh, the kettle will be boiled dry… (She turns to go out but Andrew stops her with a hand on her arm)

ANDREW: Don't keep me waiting long, Susan

Miranda enters from kitchen dragging an autotray. Andrew comes over and helps her with it

MIRANDA: Tea in slow motion today, Sue?

SUSAN: (a little breathlessly) Sorry, Miranda. We were talking.

MIRANDA: Just make the tea and bring it in, dear. Everything else is ready.

SUSAN: O.K. (she goes off to kitchen)

MIRANDA: What a sudden storm! Did you get wet, Andrew? I saw you battling with the deckchairs - you shouldn't have worried; a little rain doesn't hurt them.

ANDREW: It was rather a lot of rain…but no, I didn't get wet.

Miranda touches his sleeve

MIRANDA: If that isn't water, I don't know what is. However, I suppose you'll be all right.

ANDREW: (absently) Yes, I'll be all right. (He comes to suddenly and laughs) Yes, Miranda my sweet - I'll be perfectly all right.

MIRANDA: How are your plans going, Andrew? Any arrangements about Oxford yet?

ANDREW: I haven't even started planning yet. There's no hurry…Or is there? Miranda, tell me the truth…Aren't I welcome here? (He goes on quickly before she can answer) I don't know whether you know, but Felicity came up to London this week and had lunch with me - her idea, not mine - and warned me off. And now you're asking about my plans. Is there any connection?

MIRANDA: None at all; I asked from pure interest. Felicity (she hesitates, alters her mind about what she was going to say and says instead) Felicity gets queer ideas...

ANDREW: I gathered that nothing must be allowed to disturb her idyllic marriage…though why she should think I'd babble to Walter about a brief passage all those years ago, I can't imagine…

MIRANDA: She magnifies anything that concerns herself, of course…

She breaks off as Susan enters carrying tray with teapot etc. Andrew springs up and takes it from her

ANDREW: where do you want it, Miranda?

MIRANDA: Here, please, Andrew. Sue, round the others up; I think they went into the glasshouse when the rain started.

SUSAN: Daddy will have to buzz down to the station soon, won't he? I'll prod him along (she opens the window, finds the rain has stopped end goes out)

MIRANDA: No milk for you, isn't it?

ANDREW: Thank you. (Comes across to table to take his cup prom Miranda) Where does Charles have to go to pick the lad up?

MIRANDA: Just across to the junction; not much further than our own station, really, but it's on the main line. I get in quite a dither for fear he won't be there when the train gets in…I know perfectly well Anthony will just stand beside his luggage till someone comes for him…but at the back of my mind is the fear he may panic. He is only twelve, after all.

ANDREW: I'm quite looking forward to meeting him.

MIRANDA: (pausing in her arranging of cups and saucers, almost saying something, then stopping herself) He's...a nice child. What were you like at twelve, Andrew? What kind of things did you do?

ANDREW: At twelve, let me think…I rode seven miles each way to school every day, milked a couple of cows every morning, helped Dad at the weekends - those were bad years, I think - drought, and wool prices down to the bottom. There wasn't much money round then; those were the depression years, of course. But my father had that terrible possessive love of the land - we hung on somehow. My mother had a little money of her own from her father; that was how I managed to get to college and the University…

MIRANDA: You haven't inherited your father's love of the land, then?

ANDREW: I'm not a born sheep man, as he was, and as Dick is - but yes, I love that particular piece of land. It's very lovely in its own way…

MIRANDA: Then why this passion for the past?

ANDREW: That's congenital; my father had it too, and his father - though with them it was our own Stone Age aborigines that fascinated them. Probably Dad infected me…

MIRANDA: You think that kind of thing…runs in families.

ANDREW: It might even do that…

Susan re-enters through the window

SUSAN: Daddy and Wattie are coming. No Felicity - aren't we to be honoured today?

MIRANDA: (rather shortly) She'll be here for dinner.

SUSAN: (contritely) Sorry, darling. It gets harder and harder to remember she's your sister.

MIRANDA: She is, you know - the only person of my own blood left - (she stops abruptly then adds almost sotto voce) almost the only person…

Charles and Walter come along the terrace and in through the window

WALTER: How do you do, Ferris? I didn't know you were here again…

SUSAN: Andrew drove me down last night. We’ve been painting London, Uncle Wattie - lunches, dinners, theatres, concerts, night clubs - the whole works.

WALTER: (doubtfully) well, as long as your father and Miranda are satisfied, I suppose it's all right.

SUSAN: (gaily) Darling Wattie, I'm grown up, almost twenty-three, remember? Anyway, Celia and her dim guardsman chaperoned us most of the time…

MIRANDA: (pouring tea for Charles and Walter) Would you have recognised Celia, Andrew? 

ANDREW: I'm sure I wouldn't, what a smasher - if that's the word one uses nowadays. She really is lovely. Your daughters do you credit.

CHARLES: Goodness, man, don't say things like that out loud.

MIRANDA: I'm not waiting for Felicity, Walter, because Charles must not be late getting away.

CHARLES: Don't worry, my dear. Your son won't get lost.

WALTER: I'm sorry, Miranda, I quite forgot. Felicity had to make a couple of calls, said she'd be along later. I should probably have gone too... (Listens) Bai Jove, I believe that's the car now… (He puts down his cup and hurries off through the hall)

ANDREW: (following Walter with his eyes) Is that what is known as a devoted husband?

CHARLES: Felicity likes all the little attentions.

MIRANDA: Every woman does.

CHARLES: All the earmarks of a nasty crack in that. Have I been letting the side down?

SUSAN: Nonsense, Daddy. Miranda would be bored to sobs if you hung on every syllable the way poor Wattie does. (She takes Andrew’s refilled cup across to him)

ANDREW: Don't you want an adoring husband, Susan? (They smile into each other's eyes)

SUSAN: Oh, yes…but not a soppy one. 

Charles looks across at Miranda and raises his eyebrows felicity enters followed by Walter

MIRANDA: Well-timed, Felicity.

FELICITY: No tea for me, thanks. I've had two already. I'm just gathering Walter up - we're picking up the Collinses at the Golf Club and all going on to Framley for cocktails.

MIRANDA: I thought you were dining with us.

WALTER: Anthony will be home...

FELICITY: Well, what of it? He'll still be here tomorrow. I knew Miranda wouldn't mind. These new people at Framley have just come from Rhodesia and want to meet us.

MIRANDA: It doesn't matter…Anthony will be disappointed. (To Andrew) He likes to have the whole family round him his first night at home. He'll be most upset that Celia and Jean aren't here.

FELICITY: The sooner he learns the world doesn't revolve round him, the better.

CHARLES: He'll learn that soon enough. And if I don't go immediately, he'll begin to lose faith in me. Who’s coming with me?

WALTER: I had intended to…

MIRANDA: (doubtfully) I really haven't time - no Mrs. Crouch today, bother the woman.

SUSAN: Do go, Miranda. I'll cope with the food…

MIRANDA: No, I'd better not. You go, Susan. Andrew can come and entertain me with light conversation while I cook.

CHARLES: Good. Step on it, child.

SUSAN: I'll just…

CHARLES: You'll not just anything. Come as you are. Except for a shiny nose and hair all over the place, you look quite up to standard. (He holds open the door for her)

SUSAN: Daddy, you're an ass. (To Andrew) We won't be long.

She goes out through hall followed by Charles

MIRANDA: Must you go at once, Felicity? At least give Walter time to finish his tea.

FELICITY: We're late already; I didn't intend to come in at all. Come along, Walter. We’ll come in on the way home if it's not too late…

WALTER: (gulping down the last mouthful) Or if the Framley crowd are boring…

FELICITY: They might easily be that. Anyway, we'll soon find out…Goodbye, Andrew.

ANDREW: Goodbye.

Felicity goes out

WALTER: I'm sorry about dinner, Miranda.

MIRANDA: Don't worry, Walter. (Walter goes out)  THERE IS A SHORT SILENCE Felicity is showing off, Andrew.

ANDREW: Is that what it is?

MIRANDA: Andrew…there's something I must tell you.

ANDREW: (after a moment) Well…

MIRANDA: Andrew…Anthony is your son.

ANDREW: He's…what? (He goes over to the window and stands looking out for a while) Why…wasn't I told?

MIRANDA: You'd disappeared. Felicity was…very difficult almost distracted…and I can't begin to make you understand how terribly confused I was.  Charles had just been reported missing, believed killed; Daddy was dying…he died less than a month before Anthony was born. I was glad about that...I'd nearly gone mad wondering how I could explain to him why Felicity wasn't there…I took a flat in Portsmouth and she lived there; there were dozens of other women doing the same kind of thing and no one asked questions. Darling Daddy…he suspected nothing…the awful feeling of guilt mixed up with relief that he died when he did. It would have been terrible for him; he'd always idolised Felicity…perhaps it was just as well he died with his image of her unspoiled…

ANDREW: (still mazed) I'm…sorry, Miranda. I just can't take this in…such a thing never crossed my mind.

MIRANDA: (drily) It could have.

ANDREW: I suppose it could. But I swear it didn't.  Do you imagine for a moment I would just have…walked out?

MIRANDA: I can't even remember what I thought then. You had gone without a word, and we had no idea where to look for you. Felicity had hysterics every time I suggested the War Office…We were horribly inexperienced, unsophisticated girls…and terribly alone. All I could think of was hiding the truth…and the few people we knew were too busy, too absorbed in their own affairs to be even remotely interested. When I said I'd adopted a baby they didn't even ask whose child he was…or if they did, they didn't ask me. Susan and Celia were at school, of course, and Jean was only a baby herself; they all accepted the little baby brother…He was such a sweet baby, Andrew…

ANDREW: And Felicity just let you…take over her child like that?

MIRANDA: She wasn't very old…

ANDREW: (bitterly) She was old enough to know what she was doing, always.

MIRANDA: (jerked from her memories) Andrew…why did you get in touch with us again, if it wasn't because of Felicity?

ANDREW: Because of you yourself…and Poppet. This has been too much of a shock…what does Charles think about it…and Walter?

MIRANDA: Neither of them knows. Oh, they both know Anthony is adopted, of course. Charles knows I'd promised the mother I'd never tell whose child he was. That was true - I had promised Felicity…And now I've broken my promise; but I had to tell you, Andrew - I couldn't let you meet Anthony not knowing…could I?

ANDREW: No…Felicity should have told me herself. Has Charles been satisfied…with that explanation?

MIRANDA: He was missing for over a year, prisoner in Italy and then in Germany until 1945 and when he did come back, he was too ill to care for a while. By the time he was well enough to start thinking about anything at all, he'd grown so fond of Anthony that I think he's been only too glad not to disturb things. Charles is rather a rare person, Andrew…

ANDREW: And Walter?

MIRANDA: Walter. Walter will never know…Felicity will take care of that. I don't know what would happen if he ever found out - Felicity says He'd never forgive her, and perhaps she's right.  He's such a mixture of conceit and inferiority and he's built up such a picture of Felicity as innocence itself. He skates round all sorts of subjects so that Felicity's bloom won't be sullied - you know the kind of thing I mean…

ANDREW: How long have they been married?

MIRANDA: Almost ten years. She went into the Wrens after Anthony was born and Walter was a bigwig in the Admiralty; that's how they met. 

ANDREW: Ten years… (There is a silence then Andrew speaks roughly) We're just talking and talking, Miranda…saying nothing…

MIRANDA: what is there to say?

ANDREW: What must I do?

MIRANDA: Nothing. You must do nothing…I won't let anything hurt Anthony. He's the innocent party in all this, and I won't let him he hurt.

ANDREW: You needn't worry on that score as far as I'm concerned. He knows he's adopted?

MIRANDA: Yes. I told him almost before he was old enough to understand. I've always said I knew both his father and his mother and loved them very much. And he's been quite satisfied with that so far. But some time soon, he's going to ask questions. And what am I to say?

ANDREW: Tell him the truth; he's entitled to it. Tell him the truth no matter who is hurt. Except Susan…it mustn't touch her, Miranda.

MIRANDA: Is she…concerned, Andrew?

ANDREW: Very much so. I want to marry her…and nothing not Anthony nor Felicity, nor anyone else is going to alter that.

MIRANDA: But can't you see…that will complicate things too much.

ANDREW: I'm not going to allow anything to complicate that particular thing, my dear. Susan…and Susan's happiness are my responsibility. You've been protecting Felicity all these years, sacrificing yourself and Anthony, living on the edge of a precipice…You can't persuade me that Charles accepted your story without mental reservations - if he did, he's a saint, and I don't think he's that…

MIRANDA: (hotly) I haven't lied to Charles - everything I've told him has been the truth.

ANDREW: An expurgated version of the truth. That kind of quibbling won't do. Why have you told me - me, and not Charles. Why?

MIRANDA: I thought you might know as soon as you saw him - I was afraid of what you might say if I didn't warn you. You might so easily have blurted out something to Charles - or to Walter.

ANDREW: So I'm to join in the conspiracy of silence, am I? Not on your life - you can't do that to me, Miranda. Why should I - protect Felicity?

MIRANDA: (whose temper is rising) The blame is yours as much as Felicity's. You talk as though she only were…culpable — almost as though you hated her…

ANDREW: I…think perhaps I do…that I always have. Oh, I'm not excusing myself…but Felicity knew what she was doing and it would have taken someone more priggish, more ruthless than I was then to evade her. People went the way Felicity pushed them even then.

MIRANDA: Is that true? Oh, no, Andrew…that can’t be true?

ANDREW: I'm sorry, Miranda…I wouldn't have said that if I'd thought you didn't know…

MIRANDA: She went through a pretty bad time after.

ANDREW: Yes…I suppose she did. I can't take any of this in…

A car is heard outside

MIRANDA: (hurriedly) Here they are. Andrew, promise me you'll say nothing, do nothing…rash. Promise me…quickly, quickly…

ANDREW: I'll make no promises, Miranda…but don't worry. I'll do nothing rash…I'll probably do nothing…at all.

There is the sound of car doors closing and laughing voices

MIRANDA: Come on out, Andrew…and meet your son.

They go out to hall as

THE CURTAIN FALLS

Act 2

Scene 2

The next evening; almost midnight

When the curtain rises, Miranda is sitting some sewing in her hand, but she holds the needle poised without making a stitch. Susan leans against the window, looking out at the dark garden. Felicity sits on the opposite side of the room from Miranda, smoking furiously.

FELICITY: For goodness' sake, stop listening, Miranda. 

MIRANDA: I wasn't consciously listening, just thinking. (After a moment's silence) Why don’t you go to bed, Sue dear. There's no point in your staying up. As soon as your father comes, he'll know what to do.

SUSAN: (without turning) I can't understand you, Miranda. Why haven't we got on to the police? We should have, as soon as it got dark.

MIRANDA: Not without telling your father first. He said he'd be back by twelve at the latest; it's almost that now. If there's no news by then, he'll phone them.

FELICITY: I'm not going to have the police brought in.

SUSAN: It isn't your business, Felicity.

MIRANDA: (warningly) Susan.

FELICITY: Get the police and it will be all over the village in five minutes…and I won't have that. You know how they gossip. Andrew has probably taken Anthony to a film or something…fine fools we'd look rushing to the police because a man and a twelve-year old boy are late coming home.

SUSAN: (turning round and speaking furiously) Andrew said they'd be back for supper. He'd never do such a thing.

MIRANDA: (calmly) Your father will know what to do, dear.

FELICITY: (ignoring Miranda’s remark) How do you know what Andrew would do? You forget I've known him very well indeed for more years than you have days…and I can’t say he ever showed any signs of reliability then.

SUSAN: I've known him just as long. Anyway, he was twenty-three then; he's thirty-five now. I don’t believe he ever was irresponsible, but if he was then, he isn't now. I know he'd never be so rude and inconsiderate - he'd at least ring up. I'm frightened, Miranda…something horrible has happened…an accident…Oh, why don't we do something?

MIRANDA: (who is catching some of her panic) I know…I know…

FELICITY: That's all sheer nonsense, Susan. The sooner you stop thinking Andrew romantic, the better. He's no good to you or anyone else.

MIRANDA: That's quite enough, Felicity.

FELICITY: I'm surprised at you, Miranda. You've no more sense than Susan.

MIRANDA: I think you'd better keep quiet.

FELICITY: No reason why I shouldn't say what I think; you're behaving like a pair of lovesick teenagers.

MIRANDA: I said keep quiet, Felicity.

SUSAN: I will go up to my room, Miranda…or I might start saying what I think. I won't go to bed…I couldn't…I’ll hear the car when Daddy comes.  (She goes out through the hall)

FELICITY: The sooner Mr. Ferris goes back to his sheep, the better. I'll send him about his business myself

MIRANDA: You'll do nothing of the kind. You must stop pushing people round, Felicity…no (as felicity starts to speak) I’m not going to quarrel with you. But I do warn you, you must not interfere.

FELICITY: This "fond mamma" pose of yours is sickening - quite nauseating.

MIRANDA: (making up her mind abruptly) You'll have to release me from that promise…as far as Charles is concerned. I'm not going to have him worried by doubts and surmises…Till Andrew came, I hadn't quite realised how unfair I'm being to Charles. I just took his heavenly goodness and decency for granted. But I won't any longer. Either you tell him the truth…or I do. But he must be told.

FELICITY: And have him run babbling to Walter?

MIRANDA: He wouldn't. You must tell Walter yourself. I begged you to when you were first engaged to him…I've gone on begging you to all these years…You just go on letting people back you up, no matter what it costs them.

FELICITY: You're talking like a bad film. Charles…and heavenly goodness! Really! Straight out of Ouida.

MIRANDA: Perhaps I am. It doesn't worry me much. But you're evading, Felicity. Do I tell Charles, or do you?

FELICITY: No one does, my dear. Miranda, ever think of the legal position about Anthony? You haven't adopted him legally…you couldn't without my consent. I could take him away from you at any moment.

MIRANDA: What do you mean? Legal positions aren't your line of country.

FELICITY: I got Walter to find out, told him you'd never legally adopted the boy. But it seems it makes no difference even if you had - his mother will always have a right to claim him.

MIRANDA: So that's the threat, is it?

FELICITY: Not a threat, my dear - a promise…one that won't be broken.

MIRANDA: (serenely) I've broken my promise, anyway. I told Andrew yesterday.

FELICITY: Oh, no, Miranda.

MIRANDA: Oh, yes, Felicity. I couldn't possibly let them meet without telling him. You must see that. It would have been…too shattering for him. As it was, I've never imagined he would be so moved.

FELICITY: Andrew…moved! Don't be ridiculous.

MIRANDA: You're always affronted when anyone shows strong feeling, aren't you?

FELICITY: (starting to laugh) I begin to understand.

MIRANDA: What?

FELICITY: Why you're in such a flap.

MIRANDA: I'm worried - there may have been a serious accident. But I don't know that I'm in a flap. Well, why am I? You’re determined to tell me.

FELICITY: You're afraid Andrew has taken the boy and gone. Over the hills and far away at the drop of a hat - Mr. Ferris's long suit, remember.

MIRANDA: (rather doubtfully, as though she is trying to convince herself) Andrew wouldn't do that.

FELICITY: You've no idea what he would do - you simply don't know what kind of a man he really is. If he'd had any decency at all, as soon as he found I was married, he'd have made some excuse and got out as fast as he could…instead of hanging round, creating difficulties for everyone, including his own bastard…

MIRANDA: Felicity! (She controls herself after a moment) Nothing matters to you but your own comfort, nothing at all…

FELICITY: why shouldn't I look after myself? Everyone does. You're getting boring, Miranda, sentimental and sticky…you even talk in clichés…

MIRANDA: I've put up with too much from you, Felicity. You'd better not go on…

FELICITY: (as though Miranda hasn't spoken) I should never have listened to you at the beginning, never. I should have done as I wanted then, and put the brat in a home and been rid of him forever.  Go on…tell me I’m unnatural…Don't stand there looking at me as though I'm a monster…

MIRANDA: (wearily) Not a monster…but a stranger. (There is a long silence. Then the sound of a car is heard) There's a car…

FELICITY: (very quietly) Don't forget, Miranda…a mother's right to her own child.

MIRANDA: Don't make me hate you…and I'm not far from it at this moment…

FELICITY: Melodrama! 

Charles and Walter enter talking animatedly

WALTER: You shouldn't have waited for me, Felicity. (He goes across to kiss her) Tired, darling?

Charles throws down his driving gloves and stretches himself

CHARLES: I am, even if Felicity isn't… (He stops abruptly) What's wrong, Miranda?

MIRANDA: Charles, they haven't come home…Andrew and Anthony haven't come home…

FELICITY: Miranda's making quite a tragedy. They've probably gone further than they intended…

CHARLES: Even so, midnight is pretty late. Where did they go?

MIRANDA: Anthony wanted to show Andrew some Roman remains…down near the coast somewhere in Sussex, I think. They were going to leave the car and walk somewhere or other. I didn't take much notice…Anthony's so dependable about roads and so on.

Susan comes running in...She stops when she sees who it is

SUSAN: (dully) I heard a car. I thought it might be the others

MIRANDA: I keep thinking of the traffic on the Brighton Road.

CHARLES: (thoughtfully) It's sure to be bad, a warm day like this, and Bank Holiday tomorrow. Probably stuck in a traffic jam somewhere…

SUSAN: Daddy, Andrew said they'd be back for supper. He'd never keep Anthony out till this time. SOMETHING horrible has happened…I'm frightened…

CHARLES: (to Walter) I wonder if I'd better ring the Police Station...

WALTER: Probably the wisest thing to do.

FELICITY: Don't be ridiculous, Walter. It would be mad.

CHARLES: Why?

FELICITY: What fools you'd look…explaining to a clod like Dobson that you'd let a child go out all day with a man you know nothing about.

MIRANDA: (a little hysterical) The police would know - if there'd been an accident…

CHARLES: (putting his arm round her shoulders) Don't, Miranda.

WALTER: I really think…the police…the best bet.

FELICITY: At least wait till we've gone. I'm not going to be involved in any police activities.

SUSAN: Why not? You could make all your innuendoes to Dobson then…

CHARLES: What innuendoes?

FELICITY: Well…what do we know about him…except what he has told us himself?

CHARLES: But…you've known him for years.

WALTER: (apologetically) Felicity's been worried all along. They really know nothing of his background.

MIRANDA: As though we need know more. He's exactly what he seems.

FELICITY: We know what he's told us, and that's no proof.

SUSAN: You've been hinting at something dreadful ever since Andrew came. If you know anything, say what it is. You didn't ask any questions when he used to come to the Mill House.

FELICITY: What can you remember? You were only a child.

SUSAN: I was almost twelve - Andrew came to my eleventh birthday party - and girls of that age take in much more than older people think.

MIRANDA: (explosively) Oh, do stop arguing. Charles…do something. For heaven's sake, do something…

CHARLES: Yes. I'll ring Dobson. (He goes out to hall)

WALTER: Felicity's right, Miranda. Would be wise to find out more about Ferris before he…well, sees too much of the boy.

SUSAN: Now you're at it, Wattie. Are you suggesting Andrew isn't a fit person for Anthony to know…that he's odd or something…

MIRANDA: (breaking in hurriedly) I'm sure Walter didn't mean that, Susan.

SUSAN: (very hostile) What did he mean?

WALTER: (dignified) I'm not sure that I like your tone, Susan.

SUSAN: I am sure that I don't like your insinuations.

FELICITY: Miranda, are you going to sit there and allow Susan to speak to Walter like that?

SUSAN: I'm grown up, Felicity, and it's a long time since Miranda told me that I could and couldn't do.

MIRANDA: Susan darling…I'm at the end of my tether. Don't go on with this argument.

SUSAN: All right, Miranda - but only because you're worried. Felicity and Walter haven't the slightest right to dictate to me.

MIRANDA: Please, Susan.

SUSAN: All right…I said, all right.

There is a brief hostile silence. Charles comes in slowly

MIRANDA: What did Dobson say?

CHARLES: He's putting out enquiries to all stations in Sussex. He says it may be some hours before reports come in. It's been an exceptionally busy day for traffic.

MIRANDA: There've been accidents?

CHARLES: (heavily) yes…a bad head-on collision - a bus and a car…somewhere near Hayward's Heath.

MIRANDA: Were they…

CHARLES: (interrupting quickly) Dobson doesn't know any details. He's trying to find out and will ring as soon as he has any news.

MIRANDA: Was anyone…killed, Charles?

CHARLES: Dobson doesn't know. Hold on, my dear. (He puts his arm round her)

FELICITY: There doesn't seem to be anything we can do and I'm tired. Come along, Walter.

WALTER: I'd rather like to hang round till Dobson rings, old girl.

FELICITY: You can hear all about it in the morning. And for god's sake, don't call me "old girl". You know how I hate it.

WALTER: Sorry, old…I mean, darling. You are tired, aren't you? Perhaps we'd better go.

SUSAN: Don't let anything put Felicity out!

MIRANDA: Oh, Susan…

CHARLES: What's the matter, Susan?

SUSAN: Too many innuendoes and insinuations, Daddy…it's not fair.

FELICITY: I simply said, straight out, that Andrew Ferris is not a suitable person to have round. That isn't an insinuation nor an innuendo. It's a plain statement.

SUSAN: (persistently) But why?

CHARLES: Do you know anything, Felicity…or are you just talking because you don't happen to like him?

FELICITY: I won't be put on the witness stand. If you want more information, ask Miranda. I'm going home. Come on, Walter.

She picks up bag and jacket and goes out to hall

WALTER: Let me know if you hear anything, Charles…or if there is anything I can do to help… (He looks round at them all rather sheepishly) Well…goodnight.

THE OTHERS: Goodnight. (He follows felicity)

CHARLES: What was all that about, do you know, Miranda?

MIRANDA: (wearily) She's been making noises of the same kind ever since Andrew came. It's just one of Felicity's ways…you ought to know them by now.

CHARLES: It's a way I don't like. If she has something real against Ferris, she should say what it is, and let me judge whether he's to come to the house or not.

SUSAN: (wildly) If he can't come to the house, I won't either…Daddy… (she starts to cry suddenly and runs to Charles like a child)

CHARLES: (sitting down and pulling her on to his knees) Hey, hold up, Poppet.

Susan’s sobs stop suddenly. She gropes for a handkerchief and blows her nose.

SUSAN: Sorry, darling. Don't know what made me come over all-Victorian like that. (After a moment she gets up from his knee)

CHARLES: You've only known him a few weeks, child.

MIRANDA: We knew him very well in the war days, Charles. He was in and out of the Mill House every day for months, all the time he was at the Convalescent Hospital.

CHARLES: (whose attention has wandered) I wish Dobson would ring. I hate waiting round, doing nothing…

MIRANDA: Yes…

The phone rings

CHARLES: There he is now. (He hurries out)

MIRANDA: Sue, are you going to marry Andrew?

SUSAN: (terribly serious) I…don't know... (With a rush) Mummy, is there any…"just impediment" they call it in the marriage service, don't they? …why I shouldn't?

MIRANDA: There's no "just impediment" that I know of, darling No impediment of any kind…

SUSAN: Oh, thank you.

MIRANDA: Susan, you called me "Mummy". You've never done that before.

SUSAN: We always do among ourselves, Celia, Jean and I. But you've always seemed to want to be called Miranda.

MIRANDA: I couldn't take your own mother's place... I don't think anyone ever really can... I wish Charles would hurry...

Charles comes just inside the door

CHARLES: It's Calais.

MIRANDA: Calais?

SUSAN: (BLANKLY) Calais… in France…

CHARLES: Yes. They're getting the caller - I'd better go back.

He goes out again. Miranda goes and stands in the doorway listening to Charles answering the phone outside

SUSAN: But - why Calais? That's in France…

MIRANDA: You said that before…Keep quiet now…I can't hear what Charles is saying…

There is silence in the room for a moment though Charles’s voice can be heard speaking outside. Suddenly Miranda comes back into the room and sits down as though her legs can no longer support her

 He's all right…Anthony's all right.

SUSAN: But I still can't understand…What are they doing in Calais?

Charles comes in. He looks relieved but puzzled

CHARLES: The boy is quite: safe, Miranda.

MIRANDA: Yes…yes, I heard you say.

SUSAN: Daddy, but why Calais?:

CHARLES: Andrew didn't say. The connection was very had. All I could make out was that Anthony was all right and he'd bring him home tomorrow.

SUSAN: Was there…any message for me, Daddy?

CHARLES: (surprised) No. No, he just said what I've told you.

SUSAN: Oh. (She stands forlornly for a moment then speaks in a very small voice) I suppose I may as well go to bed. Goodnight.

MIRANDA: (warmly) Goodnight, sweet. (She kisses Susan)

CHARLES: Goodnight, Poppet. (She comes over and holds up her face for his kiss then goes out dejectedly) What's the matter with her?

MIRANDA: She's very disappointed with Andrew, poor child.

CHARLES: (realising Miranda is crying) What is going on, Miranda? There's something I can't understand in all this. Come, my dear…why the tears?

MIRANDA: I think I'm crying with relief, Charles…I just don't know. You are quite sure Anthony is all right…you're not keeping anything from me?

CHARLES: Andrew said there was nothing to worry about…that the boy was quite well, in bed and asleep. That much I did hear. What I can't understand is what they're doing on the other side of the Channel. Here…have my handkerchief.

Miranda takes his handkerchief and Charles stands watching her as she wipes her eyes. Then he goes on gravely.

Miranda, tell me the truth - was your anxiety all for Anthony?

MIRANDA: (facing him wide-eyed for a moment before she answers) The truth, Charles…No, not quite all for Anthony You see …until yesterday, Andrew didn't know Anthony existed. It was a shock…rather a terrible shock to him. I was afraid…of what he'd do.

CHARLES: You didn't trust him?

MIRANDA: (thinking for a moment before she replies) I…don't know…oh yes, I trusted him. Of course, I trusted him. Otherwise I'd never have let Anthony go with him. If I'd stopped to think I'd have realised everything was all right…but it got later and later and they didn't come home…

CHARLES: What is Andrew to you, Miranda?

MIRANDA: Andrew to me…We're friends, Charles. He was such a nice young man…I've always been very fond of him…and since he came back, I've liked him more than ever.

CHARLES: And…that's all?

MIRANDA: (tensely) That's…really all, Charles.

CHARLES: (after a pause) Miranda, whose child is Anthony?

MIRANDA: (instantly half frantic) Don't make me tell, Charles…don't make me…She said she'd take him away from me if I did…And she would, I know she would.

Charles puts his hand under her chin and looks steadily into her eyes. Then quite suddenly he relaxes.

CHARLES: Felicity…Felicity…of course. What a blind fool I've been all these years…

MIRANDA: She'll take him away, Charles…

CHARLES: No one: will take him away from you, Miranda...no one…I promise you that.

Miranda starts to sob with relief. Charles draws her up into his arms as

THE CURTAIN FALLS

Scene 2

Act 3

The next afternoon.

When the curtain rises, SUSAN, in tennis clothes, is getting glasses out of the cabinet between the windows. She takes out a tall squash jug and puts them all on a tray. She moves slowly and listlessly, hating every moment of it.

MIRANDA enters from the kitchen.

MIRANDA: What are you doing, Sue? Oh - tennis. I forgot. Who're coming?

SUSAN: (uninterestedly) The Hughes girls and Ron Greening and that scrubby lad that Gwennie Hughes runs round with, Peter something. Felicity said she'd like a set - and probably Daddy and Anthony. I thought Andrew would be here, of course.

MIRANDA: What time are they coming?

SUSAN: I said about four. I thought we'd have a couple of sets, then tea, then play till it is dark. Miranda, why don't they come?

MIRANDA: (soothingly) They'll be here soon. It is Bank Holiday, you know, and they have to come all the way up from Dover or Folkestone, I suppose.

SUSAN: (passionately) I don't know how you can be so serene.

MIRANDA: Poor sweet! I'm not serene really - just suspending feeling…and judgment. It's only fair.

SUSAN: Yes. I suppose it is…Only… (Her voice trails off)

After a moment Susan picks up the tray and goes off to the kitchen speaking as she goes

SUSAN: I'll make some cider cup and put it in the frig.

MIRANDA: Shall I cut some sandwiches?

SUSAN: (raising her voice as she goes through the door) I'll do them…Let you know if I need help…

MIRANDA: (calling out) There's cucumber…

She tidies the top of the cabinet which Susan has disarranged.  The telephone rings and Miranda goes out to the hall.  While she is out, Charles comes in from the garden. He is in tennis clothes 

Outside Miranda’s' voice can be heard speaking pleasantly but emphatically and laughing. Charles quite frankly listens. 

Miranda re-enters

CHARLES: Who was that?

MIRANDA: Dylis Hughes…Would we rather they didn't come for tennis this afternoon…They'd heard Anthony had had an accident…etc., etc...  Why, oh why, do we live in a village? I soon squashed that one. You're all ready, darling?

CHARLES: Yes…I've an idea Susan will need the family to rather rally round this afternoon.

MIRANDA: Sounds like it. Pick the last of the currants for me later, will you?

CHARLES: There aren't many.

MIRANDA: Enough for what I want, I think.

CHARLES: (seating himself and taking out his cigarettes) You don't want them now, do you? It's hot in the sun.

MIRANDA: No, later will do.

The sound of a car is-heard. It stops and doors bang

(Excitedly) There they are. (She starts to go out of the room, then returns and seats herself deliberately) No, I don't think I'll go out to meet them…

ANTHONY: (Offstage) Mummy…Mummy… (He runs in from the hall) Mummy, we're home…

MIRANDA: So you are. (He hugs and kisses her excitedly)

CHARLES: Hullo, young man.

ANTHONY: Hullo, Daddy. (Goes to Charles and kisses him) We've had a most smashing time.

Andrew walks in slowly. He is unshaven and looks dishevelled and ravaged.

ANDREW: Hullo, Miranda…Charles.

He and Miranda eye each other warily

MIRANDA: You're a couple of bad boys, you know…staying out all night…

CHARLES: Worrying your mother sick.

ANTHONY: (surprised) Did you worry, Mummy?

MIRANDA: Of course I did. When you weren't home by midnight…

Anthony looks at Andrew in puzzled manner, then back at Miranda. Over his head Andrew shakes his head at Miranda.

ANTHONY: But…

MIRANDA: (quickly) Before you say another word, Anthony, go upstairs and change into a clean shirt and shorts. Did you have a bath this morning?

ANTHONY: Baths are 350 francs - three shillings each, and Andrew didn't have enough francs left.

MIRANDA: A bath as well then. Use my bathroom, Anthony - Andrew looks as though he could do with one too. Go on, hurry up.

ANTHONY: I won't be long…I'm terribly hungry...Mummy, French breakfast is only rolls and bitter kind of coffee…But we had a simply smashing morning tea on the boat…but we haven't had any lunch yet…

CHARLES: Upstairs, my lad-

ANTHONY: I'm practically there… (He goes out though hall door)

ANDREW: I forgot the first rule in the kidnapper's drill - take plenty of foreign currency. (He drops wearily into a chair)

Miranda looks at him for a moment then she speaks briskly

MIRANDA: You'd like a bath, wouldn't you, Andrew?

ANDREW: (drawing his hand over his chin) And a shave…

MIRANDA: Go and have one then, and then come down and have some lunch. We can talk later…Charles, take some deck chairs down to the court will you please, dear…Susan’s battling with sandwiches.

CHARLES: (a little reluctantly) Very well, my dear. (He goes out through the kitchen door)

MIRANDA: Susan is…expecting you to play tennis, Andrew.

ANDREW: (vaguely, not moving) Yes…there's Susan…

MIRANDA: (after a moment) I'll get you some lunch. Don't be too long…

She goes off through kitchen door.

Andrew sits for a moment, then stands up and begins to move towards the window. Susan runs in through the kitchen door.

SUSAN: Andrew! I didn't hear you come… (She runs straight into his arms and he holds her very tightly. She breaks away from him a little. And reaches up to take his face between her hands) Never do that to me again, darling.

ANDREW: (unsteadily) The occasion won't arise again.

ANDREW: (still unsteady, but trying to regain normalcy) No razor, no francs…l must look an ungodly sight…

SUSAN: Nothing matters…as long as you're safe…and here... (She breaks down. Suddenly and buries her face against his shoulder)

ANDREW: I…thought I might have lost you…that you'd be so angry with me…

SUSAN: (raising her head and wiping away her tears with her fingers) I am too…I'm livid now…but before I was hurt…and lonely…and so afraid, Andrew. I thought you mightn't come back...It was like it was when I was a child all over again…when you went without a word… (She draws a long uncertain breath) I didn't know loving anyone could be so…terrible…

ANDREW: It was a…kind of brainstorm…I don't suppose you'll ever understand…

SUSAN: You could try me.

ANDREW: Darling Susan…

He breaks off as Charles comes in through the window with Walter following him

Walter is dressed for tennis

SUSAN: Oh, you're going to play, Walter. Good…

CHARLES: The court isn't marked, Sue…and what about balls…

SUSAN: Oh, lord…

CHARLES: I'll help you in a moment…

WALTER: I'd like a game when Felicity comes…

SUSAN: Come down as soon as you’re ready, Andrew. 

She goes out through the window

WALTER: You're back at last, Ferris. What happened? (Walter’s tone is distinctly accusatory)

ANDREW: We went on a day-trip and missed the boat back. Is that a crime?

CHARLES: (breaking in hurriedly) You'd better get your bath, Andrew. Miranda will have your lunch ready in a few minutes.

ANDREW: Of course. I'll be as quick as I can. (He goes out through the hall door)

WALTER: What happened? I couldn't get much sense out of Miranda when I rang this morning.

CHARLES: Just what Andrew said. They missed the return boat...Easily done.

WALTER: It all sounds very rum to me. Miranda didn't say anything about crossing the Channel yesterday - did she know that was on the books.

CHARLES: (easily) I don't think it was on the books when they set out - just one of those sudden impulses which didn't work out. I could do with a beer…just a moment while I get one from the frig…

He goes out to kitchen. Walter goes over to the cabinet, gets out two pewter tankards. After a moment Charles comes back with a bottle of beer. While he is opening it and pouring the beer, Walter fidgets rounds as though trying to make up his mind to speak. Finally, as Charles hands him his drink, he does so, heavily

WALTER: Charles…I don't want to interfere in your family affairs…but the fact is…well, I've come round to Felicity's way of thinking…Do you feel it's wise to have Ferris round so much? After all, there's Susan, you know…not quite fair to an innocent young girl...

CHARLES: What are you driving at, Walter?

WALTER: I hardly relish this kind of thing…but, after all we've known each other for…

CHARLES: Over twenty years, Walter. All right, come on now. Let's have it.

WALTER: Have you noticed how like Ferris is to…to Anthony

CHARLES: (shortly) I noticed it at once.

WALTER: What does Miranda say about it?

CHARLES: (evading a direct answer) Miranda gave his mother a solemn promise…it was while I was missing, you know…The War House had given no hope of my ever turning up, and there was no question of consulting me then, if ever…When I did come back, she told me as much as she could, and I respected the promise she'd given. Obviously, Ferris is his father…but that alters nothing. (Closing the subject) I think I'll go down and pick the blackcurrants - Miranda wants some for dinner tonight…Come down to the fruit cage and give me a hand.

WALTER: (who obviously will not let the subject drop so easily) And you're satisfied to let Susan go on seeing so much of him…I mean, any complicated kind of relationship if she got seriously interested in him... (His voice trails off and he eyes Charles a trifle nervously)

CHARLES: (holding his anger in) Are you suggesting that Anthony is Miranda's child?

WALTER: (doggedly) It's quite a logical conclusion…that other people beside myself have probably come to. I'm not passing judgment on Miranda…

CHARLES: (sarcastically) Thank you.

WALTER: I'm sorry, old boy…But you were missing, believed killed…the circumstances of war and so on…the same kind of thing was happening everywhere…

CHARLES: (very distinctly) If that kind of thing, as you call it, had happened, Miranda would have told me herself. I know Miranda and I trust her. There's no more to be said on the subject.

WALTER: (shrugging) Well…know your own business best, I suppose. But it's worrying Felicity…she's given Ferris several broad hints to make himself scarce.

CHARLES: She's done what! I'll thank Felicity to keep her hands off my family…

WALTER: (pacifically) My dear boy…I'm sorry you're taking it like that. You know your girls are as dear to us as if they were our own… (There is a long difficult silence) You've never hit it off with Felicity.

CHARLES: (shortly) I resent the way she uses Miranda…and for that matter, everyone else who’ll let her. You all give in to her for the sake of peace… (He pulls himself up and after a moment speaks in his normal manner) Coming down to the fruit cage?

WALTER: Yes… (Doubtfully) All the same, I think in this case, Felicity's got your interests at heart.

CHARLES: (very calmly) I don't share Felicity's objections to Andrew. From a purely material standpoint, he's more than eligible. He's wealthy in his own right - as so many of these wool men are, and his wife left him a small fortune, as well.

WALTER: It's his reputation Felicity objects to…

CHARLES: (deliberately keeping his temper) A little oat-sowing never hurt any young man, as long as he gives it up as he gets older. I did check his war record - and it's the kind one would be proud to have in the family.

WALTER: I think you're being unfair…very unfair to Felicity. She's only thinking of Susan...

CHARLES: (rather shortly) Perhaps she is. But I hate interference and Felicity has been interfering rather extensively lately. For Miranda's sake, I've let it run…But don't let us start that argument again. If Felicity brings it up again, Walter, tell her from me not to worry about the mote in my eye, but to have a go at the beam in her own. (He walks across to the window preparatory to stepping out)

WALTER: (looking rather apologetically at Charles’s unresponsive back) Sorry you feel she's been interfering, old man…she hasn't meant it that way, I'm sure. (Pause) Felicity says Miranda's always been a bit foolish about Ferris…

CHARLES: (who has been stung just once too often) How dare she! How dare she criticise Miranda! Felicity of all people to say such a thing! You can tell her from me, Miranda's carried her burdens quite long enough…

He stops abruptly, turns and steps out through the window.

Walter stands quite still for a long time. Miranda comes in from the kitchen but even then Walter does not move

MIRANDA: I thought you’d gone down to the fruit cage with Charles, Walter... (She crosses the room to the door to the hall stands there and calls out)  Anthony…Andrew…how much longer will you he? 

There is an answering shout from Anthony 

Well, come along… (Comes back into room)  

Meantime Walter sits down heavily staring straight in front of him and quite evidently not hearing what she is saying 

Is anything the matter, Walter…You’re not sick, are you?

WALTER: Eh? No…no, I'm not sick... I think I must go home

He gets up and steps through the window and stands there for a moment

MIRANDA: Walter, what is the matter?

WALTER: (still vaguely, but with vehemence) If it's true…if it's true…I'll kill her… 

He goes off quickly as though he has at last made up his mind. Anthony runs in, with hair slicked down and face shining with soap and water. Andrew, shaved and changed, follows him more slowly

MIRANDA: (as Andrew comes in) You…but, no, of course you haven't.

ANDREW: Haven't what?

MIRANDA: Been talking to Walter. He's acting very strangely.

ANTHONY: Why, Mummy…what's wrong with Uncle Walter?

MIRANDA: Go along and have your lunch, Anthony. It's in the breakfast room…

ANTHONY: Aren't you coming, Andrew?

ANDREW: I'll be there in a moment. 

Anthony goes out to kitchen

What do you think has happened, Miranda? What did he do?

MIRANDA: He scarcely seemed to hear me when I spoke…then suddenly he got up and said something about "If it's true, he'll strangle her…or kill her”…I wonder if Charles…but he wouldn't have told him…Oh, no…

ANDREW: I wish Felicity would tell him herself, I hate this feeling…of being here under false pretences.

MIRANDA: Felicity will never tell him…She'll resist it to the last gasp…She may be right - Walter really looked ugly…Don't force things, Andrew…

ANDREW: Don't worry about that, Miranda...I'll never do anything that might make things more difficult for Felicity…or for you.

Susan comes to the window

SUSAN: Isn't Daddy there? He was coming down to help me mark the court…where's Walter, perhaps he will…

She steps in through the window

MIRANDA: He's gone back home. . .

SUSAN: what about you, Andrew…Have you had your lunch?

ANDREW: Not yet. But I can skip that if you like…

MIRANDA: Tea won't be till five. Do you think you can hang out?

ANDREW: Well…

Anthony appears in door from kitchen

ANTHONY: Mummy, I thought you said…

MIRANDA: Oh, your iced pudding. Just coming, darling.

ANTHONY: Aren't you coming, Andrew?

MIRANDA: Don't worry about Andrew. Come along… (She pushes him out of the room in front of her) You two can work it out for yourselves.

ANDREW: Without interruptions…I hope. 

SUSAN: (giggling at him) Darling, you're expecting the impossible. The whole place is seething with people…

ANDREW: I want to continue where we left off…

Susan stands looking at him for a moment then she runs into his arms

You did mean…that you'll marry me, Sue…

SUSAN: Did you ever doubt it?

ANDREW: You…don't mind…Anthony?

SUSAN: (breaking away from him a little) It wouldn't be true to say…I don't mind, Andrew…but it's just something about you that I have to accept…He's part of the man you were…part of the man you are…

ANDREW: You're very wise, my sweet.

SUSAN: Were there…other Felicities, Andrew?

ANDREW: One or two…I was just a normal young man, you know. But nothing that need ever cause you a moment's worry. Whatever's in your mind, Sue, ever, at any time, say it…I want our marriage to be right…and sane…and true for both of us...a real partnership…and if there's anything in my past you want to know about…my marriage…Felicity, and all the other Felicities…let us talk about it…

SUSAN: Your past…the fourteen years while I've been growing up.

ANDREW: Does it seem an awful lot - fourteen years? It isn't really, and it'll get smaller and smaller as the years go on. Why, when you’re seventy, I'll only be eighty-four.

SUSAN: Fifty years…will we still be together then, Andrew?

ANDREW: God willing, we'll still be together. That's what I think marriage ought to be…growing together, growing old together…true partners…

SUSAN: Cobbers. Isn't that the word?

ANDREW: (laughing) Yes, that's the word.

SUSAN: What does it mean, really?

ANDREW: A cobber…a mate…someone you swear at and grumble at and revile to his face, but someone you cherish as you would your right hand. In the bush, when it's just men against nature and no holds barred, the quality of your mate and your own mateship count…

SUSAN: It's a new world…with a language of its own. Shall I fit in? (There is a little pause) Andrew, what about…yesterday?

ANDREW: (ruefully) A bit of a brainstorm, I think. One I'm going to find hard to explain to Charles and Miranda…I was taking him, Sue…Don't ask me now what my mental processes were…I don't think I had any…It was only when we got over there…and Anthony kept saying, "I wish Mummy could see that" and…well, collecting experiences to bring back to her and Charles…I realised I had to bring him back. We ran - miles, it seemed, hut the boat had gone. It wasn't exactly…a pleasant night. Somewhere along the line, I realised I'd probably lost you too…Sue, have you always known…about Anthony?

SUSAN: I think now I must have…although I can't honestly say I did…until something clicked the night you came back. I probably would have guessed soon anyway…with Felicity in the flap she's in.

ANDREW: I didn't know about Anthony…

SUSAN: Oh, I know that…

ANDREW: If I had…maybe I wouldn't have come back...but I wouldn't have evaded my responsibilities all these years…That's something I can't excuse Felicity…

There is a shout of "Susan" outside on the terrace then Charles appears at the window

CHARLES: Come along, Susan…You'll have these people on the doorstep in a few minutes and nothing ready. You've plenty of time to talk to Andrew…

SUSAN: All right, Daddy…just coming. Go and get something to eat, darling, then come down to the court...

ANDREW: Very well…

Susan starts to get out through the window following Charles who goes out of sight. She turns back to speak

SUSAN: If you want to, of course…no doormats!

ANDREW: No doormats…no pedestals…

Susan goes off along the terrace.  Andrew follows to the window and stands there watching her, meantime feeling in all his pockets for a cigarette. Finding none, he goes over to a box on a sidetable, takes one and is lighting it when Felicity comes in tempestuously from the hall. She is in tennis clothes

ANDREW: (after a moment's hesitation) Oh…hullo, Felicity.

FELICITY: (explosively) I've got you to thank for this, I suppose.

ANDREW: For what?

FELICITY: You've been talking to Walter...

Miranda enters from kitchen

MIRANDA: Andrew, do you, or don't you, want some lunch? Oh…I didn't know you were here, Felicity.

FELICITY: Who's been talking to waiter?

MIRANDA: (answering literally) I haven't. He was acting very strangely…Although he was quite all right when he first came in…I left him here having a beer with Charles.

FELICITY: Charles…yes, Charles. I warned you what would happen if Charles were told…

MIRANDA: He wouldn't have done anything deliberately…

FELICITY: He didn't need to do anything - deliberate or not. Charles is transparent as a child, and Walter's no fool…

MIRANDA-: Are you sure, Felicity?

FELICITY: Of course I'm sure…He came into the house raving…I've never seen him like it before...He frightened me…

MIRANDA: What can he do?

FELICITY: Kill me is the least of his threats…

MIRANDA: Did you answer him?

FELICITY: What could I answer? I said I didn't know what he was talking about…and walked out. I knew this would happen…I knew how it would be… (She walks over and faces Andrew) Why did you come…oh, god, why did you have to come here?

Anthony’s voice is heard outside the door to kitchen calling "mummy"

Keep that child away from me…

MIRANDA: (calling out) I'm coming, darling… (She goes off quickly to kitchen)

ANDREW: Felicity, why don't you tell Walter the truth? It's always easiest in the end…

FELICITY: The truth! How could I ever make Walter understand…the truth? It's easy for you to talk…coming here like a…catalyst…disrupting our lives…

ANDREW: Be fair, Felicity. I had no idea I could…disrupt your life, as you call it. I should have been told the truth…I should have been told twelve years ago…

FELICITY: We didn't know whether you were alive or dead…

ANDREW: You could have found out; it wouldn't have been so difficult. You could at least have told me at once, when I did come back…You could have told me yourself that day you came up to lunch…Why didn't you? - instead of threatening me, if I pursued my friendship with Susan. That's what you did, remember.

FELICITY: And you thought I was jealous!

ANDREW: I was flattered - but what else was there for me to think. All these vague remarks about my interfering in your marriage…as though I could have done such a thing. It just didn't add up and I resented the suggestion. But if you'd told me the truth…

FELICITY: Is that the only word you know…the truth the truth…As though anything anyone says is ever all the truth…All right, well here's the truth…that, at eighteen, I had to face the knowledge that I was to bear a child…by a man who had disappeared…that I had to go away from my home and hide myself like a criminal for months on end…and put up with Miranda's recriminations…to know that Daddy was dying and I couldn't be with him…all the pain and bewilderment and the awful ignorance…You couldn't understand…how could you, how could any man…the horrible feeling that your body has betrayed you…that growing inside you, like some hideous inevitable cancer, is the seed of shame…and disgrace…and fear…and fear that never leaves you…

ANDREW: What is there for me to say…everything one says must be inadequate…I'm sorry…

FELICITY: (pursuing her own thoughts as though he had not spoken) Miranda would take the child…nothing could stop her…all she could think of was the child…having a child to mother…that's Miranda's "thing"…to have someone to mother…I think she was glad…glad…If she had let me do as I wanted…put the child in a home, someone else would have adopted him...he'd have been safe…and I'd have been safe too…All these years, living with the boy in front of me…on the edge of a precipice…searching his face every time I looked at him for a trace of myself…I couldn't even let myself like him…And now, when we are going away, right away from England and I could feel secure…you have to come here…and Charles has to talk…I'm not going to let it happen, I won't…Fate can't slap me down a second time…What am I to do…what am I to do… (She is sobbing in a kind of hysteria of exhaustion)

ANDREW: Don't…oh, god... (He goes over and pours whiskey and brings it to her)… Drink this, Felicity…

FELICITY: What can I do… (Andrew forces the glass into her hand and after a moment she drinks)

ANDREW: Tell me what you want me to do, Felicity…Whatever you say…I didn't realise…how could I? Will you let me talk to Walter…

FELICITY: What good will that do... No, this is between Walter and me…

ANDREW: Isn't it better for him to know the truth?  Easier for you in the end…Let me talk to him…I'll paint myself as black as night…But it's better for him to know…

FELICITY: He can't take the truth. Walter can't take the truth…His wife has to be innocent…and spotless…something to be cherished and protected. Otherwise, his idea of himself would collapse…He can't look at reality…only at his own concept of what it ought to be…You'd never understand…He should have lived a hundred years ago…But he shouldn't be hurt…We've no right to…crucify him…It is Walter who would be destroyed…not me

There is a long silence

ANDREW: How can you protect him now?

FELICITY: I o don't know…but I must work out a way…somehow…The moment you walked in, I knew there'd be trouble…I told you to go away…

ANDREW: (stung) If you'd told me the reason, I'd have gone.

FELICITY: (going on as though he has not spoken) Then this stupid performance yesterday…how did you think you could get away with that…

ANDREW: I didn't think - at all. It was purely instinctive. He's my son - I felt I had a right to him…

FELICITY: Why did you come back then?

ANDREW: He's too young, too innocent... (Pause) And there's Susan…

FELICITY: Miranda keeps him a baby - smothers him with mother-love… (She is recovering command of herself)It was a terrible thing to do…

ANDREW: I know.

FELICITY: (looking at herself in the mirror) I look... old…

ANDREW: (putting a hand on each shoulder and turning her round to face him) You've never looked more beautiful, Felicity…

Susan comes in through the window and stops as she sees them

SUSAN: (quietly) Am I interrupting…anything?

ANDREW: (turning to her quickly) Of course not.

FELICITY: (wearily) I'll go upstairs and do something about my face… (She picks up her bag and goes out through the hall)

There is a pause

ANDREW: I think…we've all been a bit unfair to her, Susan

SUSAN: So…she's got you in too, has she?

ANDREW: (laughing ruefully and giving her a little shake) Don't be jealous, sweet

Susan relaxes after a moment and smiles at him

(Seriously) She's fighting for what she values most...

SUSAN: (quickly) Her own comfort…

ANDREW: That's where we've all been wrong...It's Walter…You know, she's really in love with the guy.

SUSAN: (relaxing completely now and laughing) Well, that shouldn't surprise you. She is married to him.

ANDREW: Yes, I know…but she treats him like a half-witted child.

SUSAN: But I can't see why that should make you…right-about turn…If I'm permitted to comment.

ANDREW: (giving her an oldfashioned look before he speaks) We've all made her…rather the villain of the piece…And none of us has any right to cast stones…I least of all. The older generation, not you, Sue.

SUSAN: You're serious about this?

ANDREW: Dead serious.

SUSAN: What about Daddy?

ANDREW: Hard to say it to you, sweet…but I think he has rather sidestepped the issue for the sake of - peace.

SUSAN: (defensively) He's been loyal to Miranda.

ANDREW: Of course, he has. But loyalties…responsibilities...they're not all cut and dried…they pull against each other. Miranda was in a cleft stick…Felicity…and Charles…and the boy. Yes, pity Miranda. And Felicity…who's just as possessive…with her love for Walter and her feeling of responsibility for him…

SUSAN: She'd ditched Anthony before she'd even met Walter.

ANDREW: She was only a kid, darling…years younger than you are.

SUSAN: When did you work this all out? Yesterday?

ANDREW: (sheepishly) In the last five minutes mostly. I've been in a state of…suspended thinking since Miranda's bombshell on Saturday…I still haven't sorted out yesterday's…frenzy of possession…or whatever it was. Felicity called me a catalyst…Perhaps she was right.

SUSAN: (dryly) I didn't know she knew any words as adult as that.

ANDREW: That's half the trouble - we've none of us given her credit for being adult.

There is a pause

SUSAN: All of which adds up to…what, Andrew?

ANDREW: We've got to back Felicity up, Sue…whatever she does…whatever she says…I know I can't dictate to Miranda and Charles, nor to you…but I must.

SUSAN: (after a moment) Yes…I see that. She'll be quite…outrageous, you know…but you can count me in…

ANDREW: Thank God for you…

Miranda comes in from the kitchen and drops exhaustedly into a chair.

MIRANDA: Heavens, what a day! Did Felicity go home? If only these wretched people weren't coming…

SUSAN: (doubtfully) It's rather late to put them off…

MIRANDA: (quickly) No…we can't do that; Dylis rang before…there is evidently some lovely story going the rounds of the village.

SUSAN: The good old united family front, then. Felicity’s upstairs…repairing the damage.

MIRANDA: Have you finished the court?

SUSAN: Goodness…that’s what I came in for. Someone to help me put up the net.

ANDREW: Come along…I'll help you.

SUSAN: You know you're exhibit one today, don't you? They are all agog to get an eyeful of you…

MIRANDA: You're skipping lunch I take it, Andrew?

ANDREW: There doesn't seem time to fit it in…but don't worry, Miranda, I'll catch up at tea time.

SUSAN: (going over preparatory to going through the window) By the way, Miranda…Andrew insists that we all back up whatever tarradiddle Felicity puts over Walter…It seems a good idea…

ANDREW: I can't do anything else, Miranda…but you and Charles must do as you think fit, of course.

MIRANDA: I wish she would…face up to the truth…

ANDREW: Truth's relative…

SUSAN: Oh, come along, Andrew… (She takes his hand and drags him after her out through the window)

After they have gone out of sight Miranda helps herself to a cigarette, tidies away unused glasses and puts used ones on a tray. Walter comes to the window

WALTER: (abruptly) Where's Felicity?

MIRANDA: Oh, hullo, Walter. She's upstairs, I think. Go on up…

WALTER: Tell her she's to come home at once.

MIRANDA: (picking up the tray of used glasses) I'll tell her nothing of the kind. You can find her yourself…and, Walter, if you're going to have an argument with Felicity, remember we have guests due at any moment…And I'd prefer you had your arguments at home.

WALTER: (ignoring Miranda, comes in through window and crosses the room to the hall door where he stands and calls out) Felicity! Felicity! Come down here at once...

He comes back into the room and stands morosely glowering. One feels both the ugliness of his temper and his ineffectualness. After a moment, Miranda gobs off to the kitchen carrying the tray

Felicity enters, well in command of herself

FELICITY: Really, Walter…I don't know what on earth's come over you today, shrieking to me up the stairs as though I were a housemaid.

WALTER: You're evading me and I won't have it. I want a straight answer to a straight question. Is this thing true?

FELICITY: Is what true?

WALTER: About the boy... (Violently) Is it true...tell me the truth...

FELICITY: (coolly) Who told you that?

WALTER: (a little depleted by her coolness) Charles.

FELICITY: Charles said so?

WALTER: He hinted it.

FELICITY: Oh. (She sinks down on a chair, stays quite still for a moment, then covers her face with her hands end begins to cry)

Walter stands watching her for a moment

WALTER: Well?

FELICITY: (sniffling a little between words) I've always…thought you…trusted me, Walter…and at the very first hint... (She starts to cry again)

WALTER: (doggedly) Charles believes it.

FELICITY: That doesn't make it true. You must have misunderstood him.

WALTER: I didn't misunderstand him. He believes it all right. I want a straight answer, Felicity

FELICITY: (taking the offensive) It's outrageous of you...even to question me, Walter. It does explain, of course, why you've behaved so abominably… You swore at me, Walter...

WALTER: I had reason…

FELICITY: You thought you had reason…but if you'd stopped to think for a moment…

WALTER: Well, what?

FELICITY: You'd have realised… (She wipes her eyes again) I can't believe (brokenly) you've so little trust in me…Walter…Perhaps I've taken it too much for granted…

WALTER: (uncomfortably) Oh, I wouldn't say that...

FELICITY: It's a really extraordinary thing for Charles even to hint… (There is a short silence while she thinks about it) I wonder… (Briskly) You know, Walter, it might suit…quite a lot of people if Charles's attention were turned to me. There's never been any real sympathy between us and I know only too well how much he resents my influence with Miranda…You've mentioned that yourself…

WALTER: (relaxing a little) Yes…

FELICITY: (going on relentlessly) It would suit quite a lot of people if Charles believed it; it would suit Miranda…very well indeed

WALTER: (looking thoroughly startled) Yes…I can see that…But somehow I wouldn't have thought it of Miranda…to deliberately give… (His voice trails off)

FELICITY: In fact, Walter, you'll trust anyone but your wife. (Impatiently) I don't say she's done it deliberately…but if Charles got an impression that suited her, she’d do nothing to disillusion him.

WALTER: (miserably) It doesn't sound like Miranda…

FELICITY: Really, Walter…Miranda has three girls to marry off, and Susan at least isn't going to be easy. Andrew is obviously interested…and, you can imagine Charles wouldn't stand for any complicated relationship…

WALTER: That's understandable. Even so…her own sister…

FELICITY: Obviously you weren't intended to get a whisper of it…

WALTER: (heavily) I don't like it…I don't like it at all. It's a damnable slur on you…I'll tackle Charles and have it out with him.

FELICITY: I'd much rather…you just ignored the whole thing…

WALTER: No. I can't leave it like that. It's not fair to you…

FELICITY: I know how you feel…and, of course, you are quite right. But…I wouldn't want to make trouble for Miranda…in fact, it's the last thing I want to do, to make trouble between her and Charles. She is all I have in the world except you, Walter…and according to her lights, she's always done her best for me…I do realise only too well how you feel, darling…it's just what I would have expected of you…You know, Walter, you'll laugh…but I've always thought of you as my "parfit gentil knight"…

WALTER: That…doesn't make me laugh…it makes me rather humble…

FELICITY: We must be practical about this…Walter, I'd never have an easy conscience if we…took this matter to a real showdown…I think it's one of the times when we must just forget what we know to be right…and accept the expedient.

WALTER: It's amazingly generous of you, darling, but I can see the trouble it might cause.

FELICITY: In a matter of weeks, we'll be thousands of miles away... I can't say I'm sorry…I think we all live too close to one another here…there's not room for…well, personality to develop…but they've got to stay here, Miranda and Charles…

WALTER: He's been my friend for so many years…It goes against the grain to be a party to deceiving him…

FELICITY: Probably a woman's way of thinking, darling…but don't you think it's kinder to let him think he knows the truth…

WALTER: Living in a fool's paradise…Perhaps you're right…

FELICITY: You'll never regret it, Walter…I'm sure of that…

A door bell rings

That will be Susan's party…They gossip like mad…Be careful, Walter (her voice gets lower and lower as

Miranda comes in from the kitchen followed by Anthony. She looks curiously at Felicity and Walter. Felicity takes out her compact and goes over to the mirror to touch up her face

MIRANDA: Where's Sue...do you know?

WALTER: Haven't seen her…Felicity and I have just been…talking

Susan comes in from the terrace. Andrew follows her at a leisurely pace

SUSAN: That was the bell, wasn't it?

MIRANDA: Yes…take them straight down to the court, Sue.

SUSAN: All right… (She goes off through hall door)

Charles wanders in with a punnet of blackcurrants in his hand

CHARLES: I thought I heard cars…There weren't many currants left, Miranda…

MIRANDA: Never mind…I'll take them into the kitchen.

ANTHONY: I'll take them. Mummy. (Takes the punnet from Charles and goes out through kitchen door)

MIRANDA: (calling out after him) Don't eat any, Anthony, I want every single one of them.

CHARLES: I'll go down to the court and get them started (he goes out through hall door)

MIRANDA: Will you play now, Felicity, or wait till it's cooler? I wouldn't mind a set myself later on.

WALTER: (taking the bull by the horns) Now that there are just we four here…I think you’d better know that…well, your secret will be safe with me, Miranda…although I must say I thoroughly disapprove of your actions, Ferris.

MIRANDA: (a little blankly) My…secret…

FELICITY: (intervening rapidly) Walter will do nothing at all that will upset Charles, Miranda…

ANDREW: Just for the record…I'm quite prepared to shoulder my own responsibilities…you needn't pull your punches on my account…but Charles and Anthony are another matter.

MIRANDA: (quickly) Let it rest, Andrew…let it rest…

ANDREW: (looking at Miranda) It's for you to decide…

MIRANDA: Let it rest...

Susan comes in from the hall quickly. There is a sound of laughing and talking in the hall

SUBAN : Miranda, Mrs. Hughes is outside…hat and gloves…won't come in, just wants to reassure herself Anthony is all right…Daddy's coping…Andrew, come on…

ANDREW: The sheep to the slaughter. Lead on…

He takes Susan’s hand and they go out together through the hall door

MIRANDA: I'll have to bring Mrs. Hughes in…

Just as she speaks Mrs. Hughes comes in shepherded by Charles

CHARLES: I insisted on Mrs. Hughes coming in, Miranda

MIRANDA: (with hand outstretched) I should think so, indeed.

MRS. HUGHES: Mr. Harcourt assures me your little boy is quite all right…such an alarming story we heard…

MIRANDA: (gaily) We were a bit worried…it never dawned on any of us that they might have missed the boat back…However, all's well that ends well…

MRS. HUGHES: (shaking hands with Walter) And we hear most exciting news about you too, Sir Walter

MIRANDA: (carrying it all off very nicely) It is an exciting time for us all, isn't it, Felicity?

FELICITY: I'm certainly looking forward to seeing Africa.

MIRANDA: And…something you haven't heard yet, Mrs. Hughes…we're losing our Susan…

MRS. HUGHES: This…young Australian friend…

MIRANDA: Yes…so suitable…he's a relative of Anthony's people…the family likeness is quite startling, isn't it, Felicity?

FELICITY: Unmistakable…

MRS. HUGHES: (pulled up short and speaking hr thoughts out loud) Oh…but I always thought…I knew he was adopted, of course…but somehow I'd always thought…you know, an orphanage or something…

Walter and Charles step out through the window 

Anthony comes in from kitchen and hovers outside the group

MIRANDA: Oh, no…we haven't talked about it because we wanted him to feel secure with us…but now he's growing up, of course…Felicity, do take Mrs. Hughes down on to the lawn…it's cooler in the shade…I think we all deserve a long cold drink…

Charles turns to help Mrs. Hughes through the window

Felicity follows her and they all move along the terrace out of sight. Miranda turns and sees Anthony

MIRANDA: I thought you'd gone down to the court…

ANTHONY: Mummy…Mummy, Andrew is my father, isn't he?

MIRANDA: (without hesitation) Yes, darling…

ANTHONY: I won't have to…leave you and Daddy, will I?

MIRANDA: Not until you want to…

ANTHONY: (judicially) Australia must be quite an exciting place…

MIRANDA: (a little tearfully) A foot on each side of the world…lucky Anthony. (Briskly) Come and help me with the drinks, darling…

She goes out through the kitchen door and Anthony follows her cheerfully as the curtain falls

THE END