The Drag

Dr. James Richmond, a physician

Barbara Richmond, his sister

Clair, his daughter

Judge Robert Kingbury

Rolly Kingsbury, his son, married to Clair

Jessie, a maid

Parsons, a butler

Allen Grayson, a civil engineer

Marion, a matron

David Caldwell, an outcast

Clem Hathaway

Hal Swanson, "the duchess"

Winnie Lewis

Rosco Gillingwater

Taxi driver

Billy Mack, a boy

Inspector

Detective, guests, musicians at the drag ball

The Action takes place in New York City at the homes of Dr. James Richmond and

Rolly Kingsbury.

ACT ONE: Afternoon, the library of Dr. James Richmond.

ACT TWO: The same, later in the afternoon.

ACT THREE:

Scene 1 : Evening. The drawing room of Rolly Kingbury's house.

Scene 2 : The same. Early hours of the next day.

Afternoon. The library in the home of DR. RICHMOND, New York City. The room is

large and roomy, comfortably furnished in subdued richness, the kind of room a tired

business or professional man would use as a haven of rest. Center entrance leading to

general entrance. Door right leading to Doctor's office. Stairway left or doors, leading

to other parts of the house. Windows overlooking a courtyard with a few potted plants.

At rise, DR. RICHMOND's sister, AUNT BARBARA, a kindly faced woman in her fifties, is

dressed conservatively yet not unfashionably. She is arranging magazines and books

on a desk in the center of the room. DR. RICHMOND, a dignified, calm-looking man, is

seated behind the desk.

BARBARA

Do you want this book?

DOCTOR

Yes---The Ulrich book I've been so eager to get.

BARBARA

I'm glad you've got it!

(Gives him a side-long glance.)

DOCTOR

(Turning pages of book)

There are many, many ills that science has not yet discovered Barbara, to say

nothing of being able to cure them.

BARBARA

Brother, why should you give your whole life to trying to find out things that no one

else knows anything about?

DOCTOR

Why, every physician owes something to medical science. Old Hippocrates, the

Greek founder of medicine himself, did his bit when he formed the school of

physicians, and it's up to the rest of us to do our share.

BARBARA

That's no reason why you should give your whole life to it. You always were bad

enough, but now---since Clair is married---it's the only thing in your life. You used to

give your daughter a thought once in a while---

DOCTOR

But Clair's happy now.

BARBARA

How do you know?

DOCTOR

Why should she be? Married to Rolly Kingsbury, son of Judge Kingsbury, from one of

the finest families. The judge and I were boys together---chums since childhood.

BARBARA

To hear you two quarrel---

DOCTOR

We never quarrel---just differences of opinion---just differences of opinion.

BARBARA

So long as you're satisfied, I'm sure I am.

(Sighs. DOCTOR looks at her.)

DOCTOR

I wouldn't know what to do without you. Ever since Clair's mother died, you've been

sister and mother to the little one---and---no, I guess I wouldn't know what to do

without you.

BARBARA

(Sighs)

I guess you wouldn't get along very well.

DOCTOR

 (Thoughtfully)

I haven't been fair to you. I never thought of it just like that before. Now I'm seeing

it. I'm afraid I've kept you from marrying.

BARBARA

That's not such a hardship for me.

DOCTOR

Why---

BARBARA

A woman's never certain what she is marrying.

DOCTOR

How's That?

BARBARA

Men---you never know about them till you get them and then it's generally too

late---better not to know.

DOCTOR

(Laughs)

We know that Clair's pretty certain about what she married, no question there, is

there?

BARBARA

I'm not so sure.

DOCTOR

Now, now! Rolly is one of the best chaps---he's never been up with a single

scandal---for a young man as rich as he is---why, Barbara, he never even associated

with another woman---Clair has been his life---

BARBARA

I've been looking over this---Ulrich book as you call it.

DOCTOR

Now---

BARBARA

All I say is, you doctors get away with murder.

DOCTOR

Barbara!

BARBARA

I mean in the printed matter you read. Surprised they let it go through the malls.

DOCTOR

A work of science---

BARBARA

Science is a good name for it.

DOCTOR

(At phone)

Since when have you taken into your head to read---(indicates magazines)

BARBARA

I've read everything else in the place a dozen times.

DOCTOR

 (Picks up telephone)

Central---give me Irving .

BARBARA

What now?

DOCTOR

Keep you out of further mischief.

BARBARA

Oh I don't---

DOCTOR

Hello, hello! Gordon and Mason, publishers? This is Dr. Richmond speaking. Send me

some late issues of the medical journal and---you might send the Buffalo Bill

series---

BARBARA

Don't bother---I read the Buffalo Bill series when you were a boy.

DOCTOR

Never mind the Buffalo Bill series, but send some love stories, regular love stories.

BARBARA

Love stories, brother, at my age?

DOCTOR

 (at phone)

Send them over as soon as you can. Good-bye. (Turns to BARBARA.) No more of

those books for you, Barbara.

BARBARA

Isn't science proper reading?

DOCTOR

What some people don't know, my dear, don't trouble them.

BARBARA

In other words, it's a good thing one half of the world doesn't know how the other

half lives, eh?

DOCTOR

Excellent---in most cases.

BARBARA

(Crosses to table right---picks up the Ulrich volume)

Now this book---

DOCTOR

 (Takes book from her and places it on table center)

Yes, but you wouldn't understand.

BARBARA

I'd rather not.

(Enter Maid.)

Yes, Jessie?

JESSIE

Two gentlemen to see the doctor.

BARBARA

Patients?

JESSIE

I think so.

BARBARA

These are not the doctor's office hours, Jessie, you know it. Tell them to come back

between seven and eight.

DOCTOR

How unkind! You don't know but that they need me. Jessie---show them in.

(JESSIE stops, plainly heeding BARBARA above the doctor.)

JESSIE

Yes, Miss.

BARBARA

Tell them to come back.

JESSIE

Yes, miss. (Starts to exit.)

DOCTOR

Jessie! (Nods to her.)

BARBARA

You never will think of yourself. (Looks toward center.) What's the use!

(DOCTOR exits rear.)

(JESSIE enters followed by DAVID and CLEM)

JESSIE

This way, please. Come right in.

(DAVID looks worn, tired and haggard as in great trouble.)

BARBARA

These are not the doctor's office hours. Have a seat, the doctor will see you

presently.

CLEM

The doctor's office hours don't mean a thing to me, dearie, as long as I get this one

off my chest. (Crosses to David.) Calm yourself, honey, calm yourself. All you need is a

jab in the arm and you'll be all right. Oh! (Business.) Oh!

(BARBARA exits)

Queer old thing, she looks like the pig woman that squealed. If I had to look at her

much longer, I'd need the doctor myself. (Looking around room---sits in chair left.)

Oh, what a gorgeous place!

JESSIE

(Offstage left)

I tell you, you can't go in.

TAXI-DRIVER

(Off left)

I want to know if they're here.

CLEM

My God! That brilliant taxi-driver. I forgot all about him.

TAXI-DRIVER

(Enters)

Do you boys want me to wait?

CLEM

You better wait, you great, big, beautiful baby.

TAXI-DRIVER

I don't get you guys.

CLEM

If you don't, you're the first taxi-driver that didn't.

TAXI-DRIVER

What do you want me to do?

CLEM

Ride me around a while, dearie, and them come back for her, if you're so inclined.

TAXI-DRIVER

Okay with me.

(Exits.)

CLEM

Rough trade, Davy

. Well, so long, kid. I hope he's a gorgeous doctor and does you

good.

(Exits rear.)

DOCTOR

(Enters from rear)

It is not my office hour, but I am at your service.

DAVID

You are very kind, doctor.

DOCTOR

My friend, what can I do for you---you look ill.

DAVID

I am ill---in body and soul.

DOCTOR

I am versed in bodily ills, my friend, but the soul is a little out of my line, I'm afraid.

DAVID

If you can't help me, no one can. (Covers face with hands.) It is so hard to tell you.

DOCTOR

Are you a drug addict?

DAVID

(Rises, paces floor, stops at table)

 Slang for heterosexual men who sometimes engage in gay sex.

If it were only that---if that were all---I'm one of those damned creatures who are

called degenerates and moral lepers for a thing they cannot help---a thing that has

made me suffer---Oh, God!---Doctor, I can't explain.

DOCTOR

Tell me everything---This perversion of yours---is it an acquired habit or has it

always been so?

DAVID

Always, from the earliest childhood. I was born a male, but my mind has been that of

a female. Why, as a child with dolls---I even cried when they cut off my curls. As I

grew older the natural desires of a youth were unknown to me. I could not

understand why women never interested me. I was attracted by my own sex. How

was I to know it was wrong, when it seemed perfectly natural to me.

DOCTOR

Go on!

DAVID

I soon realized that I was not like other men. I sought those of my own kind as

companions. I realized that we were outcasts. I suffered. I rebelled. I fought with

myself---but it was stronger than I. Then I gave in. Why not? I was what I was. There

were others like me. Oh, we all fight in the beginning, but it was no use.

DOCTOR

What seems right to the normal man in the matter of sex, seems wrong to you?

DAVID

As wrong as our desires seem to those others. (Pauses.) In time met another like me.

(Rises, paces floor.) How can I tell you? (Pause.) We were attracted to each other. We

loved each other. I worshipped him. We lived together. We were happy. The curse

didn't seem to matter so much. We live our own life...lived it in our own way. No

normally married couple were happier than we were. Then---he married. (Sits on

divan.)

DOCTOR

Married?

DAVID

He didn't want to, but his family demanded it of him. He owed it to them. To his

name. Don't you understand?

DOCTOR

Yes.

DAVID

We drifted apart. It almost drove me mad. And then---somehow his wife didn't hurt

me as much as---

DOCTOR

As what?

DAVID

He has found another---a man---a normal man. He loves him. It's maddening.

DOCTOR

But, come, pull yourself together. There must be some way out of this.

DAVID

I've tried to find it. I've tried doctor. I can't! I've thought of death---I haven't the

courage to kill myself---I wish I had...I love him...

DOCTOR

(Glances at the book)

We can only reach this subject through the mind.

DAVID

I came to you because we all know you are trying to find a way. Doctor, there is not

one of us that would not be like other men. Comes a time when our burden is too

heavy and---there is only one way.

DOCTOR

Don't talk like that. One man is born white, another black---neither man is born a

criminal. A difference in a man's mind, and you are the greatest sufferers. We'll get

you into physical shape---get this worry out of your mind.

DAVID

I've tried and tried---

DOCTOR

Ever try athletics?

DAVID

I loathe them.

DOCTOR

How about sports---baseball, football, racing---

DAVID

They don't interest me.

DOCTOR

Come, I'll give you something to quiet your nerves and then we'll see what we can

do.

DAVID

If I only could forget---can't you understand, doctor---Oh, I think of him and that

other. (In anguish, covers face and sobs.) I'm going mad!

DOCTOR

(Looks at DAVID)

You're all in pieces. Come, pull yourself together. (Tries to brace him up. DAVID rises

and nearly collapses.) Get a grip on yourself. (DAVID staggers---grasps chair for

support.) Come, come---(Leads DAVID toward office rear.) Don't go to pieces on

me---I'll give you something to steady your nerves.

(Helps DAVID out rear.)

(Re-enter BARBARA with JUDGE KINGSBURY)

BARBARA

He must be in his private office, Judge. Patients come here any hour of the day or

night, makes no difference to my brother. He's at their beck and call.

JUDGE

As bad as that?

BARBARA

Worse---Tell me---how about it?

JUDGE

Clair?

BARBARA

Yes, none of the rumors have reached her father. No use troubling him. Any truth in

them? You'd find out if any one could.

JUDGE

You asked me to, and I did. I'm as fond of Clair as if she were my own child, as for

Rolly, my son, no one could be dearer.

BARBARA

What have you heard?

JUDGE

Nothing to it. Just idle gossip. This young man, Grayson, is a very promising civil

engineer employed by a concern that is putting up some additional buildings to the

Kingsbury iron works. Business takes him to Rolly's home quite frequently, and

young Grayson has taken Clair to the theatre on several occasions when Rolly's been

engaged elsewhere.

BARBARA

I had an idea that Rolly left business matters in the hands of his managers. Never

knew him to take such an active interest in his business before.

JUDGE

But he does. He's as interested in the great Kingsbury iron works as any of his

fathers before him. And it's taken a great burden off my shoulders.

BARBARA

I'm glad of that. Glad too, that this young Grayson and Clair aren't---well---that

everything's all right. I've heard stories, nasty ones, Judge Kingsbury, very nasty

ones.

JUDGE

Gosh! Why Rolly's very fond of Grayson. If any one's interested in Grayson, I'd say

it's Rolly and not Clair.

BARBARA

I suppose it's all right, but, I don't like it. (Glances right, rises.) I guess you'll have to

wait---seems to be engaged with his patient. (Rises, crosses around desk to left.)

JUDGE

I'll wait.

BARBARA

Not alone. Seen Clair lately?

JUDGE

Not within the past few days.

BARBARA

For a bride of less than a year, she's looking mighty unhappy.

JUDGE

You imagine that.

BARBARA

Judge, I raised that girl. Her mother died when she was five---there's very little that

goes on in Clair's heart or mind that I don't understand.

JUDGE

Now, what should be wrong?

BARBARA

If I knew that, I wouldn't have to worry wondering what it is.

(Re-enter DOCTOR)

DOCTOR

Hello, Judge, how's the old man?

JUDGE

Come begging as usual.

DOCTOR

What is it this time?

BARBARA

Look out, brother, he'll want you to cut someone up, or find out which way a bullet

got into someone's brain or how it got out or---I'll get out before you get into it.

(Exits. JUDGE looks after her.)

JUDGE

She should have married twenty-five years ago.

DOCTOR

It's taken you a pretty long time to find that out.

JUDGE

(Bristling)

Do you mean that I---

DOCTOR

All a judge thinks of is his law. Everything he does is measured by the law, and when

he gets through measuring there is nothing left to measure.

JUDGE

That's silly.

DOCTOR

It's a fact.

JUDGE

It's nonsense! What do you know about law?

DOCTOR

And what do you know about fact? You base everything on theories---hypothesis.

When it comes to facts, you're groping.

JUDGE

And what is your whole profession, but theory?

DOCTOR

Theory nothing, we work on fact.

JUDGE

You theorize before you find the fact...

DOCTOR

I believe we're arguing, Bob.

JUDGE

I believe we are, Jim.

DOCTOR

At least we're agreed on that. Have a cigar---and now, what are you after? (JUDGE

takes cigar.)

JUDGE

I want you to testify in some insanity proceedings. Fellow as crazy as---

DOCTOR

How do you know he's crazy?

JUDGE

That's what I want you to find out.

DOCTOR

How can I call anyone insane?

JUDGE

If a man's insane---

DOCTOR

How do I know he is? Isn't sanity or what we call insanity the state of a man's

mind---his viewpoint? When he differs from the course laid down by the rest of us,

we call him crazy or a genius. And then, we say, all geniuses are insane. And perhaps

he thinks the rest of us are crazy.

JUDGE

That's nonsense. A thing is or it isn't. Right is right, my friend, wrong is wrong. You

won't argue that point, will you?

DOCTOR

Yes, I will. What you think is wrong may be perfectly right to another man---

JUDGE

Jim, you're overworking. You don't know what you're talking about. (Sits in chair left

of table right.)

DOCTOR

I know what I'm talking about. (Rises, crosses around to center.) I've got a poor devil

in there right now, whom you'd call a criminal perhaps---a degenerate---an outcast,

and yet in his own mind, he's committing no wrong---he's doing nothing save what

he should do---his very lack of normality is normality to him. I'd call him---a trick of

fate---a misfit of nature---

JUDGE

Nature has no misfits. Look at the trees---the flowers---

DOCTOR

---but how do we know they aren't misfits?

JUDGE

Jim, you're---

DOCTOR

Crazy?---No. Take the poor devil in there---you'd say send him to an asylum---an

institution of some sort---even to jail---and yet the man has done no wrong. He's

only what he was born to be---a sexual invert.

JUDGE

One of those things!

DOCTOR

Things! Perhaps the word suits them better than any other---neither male nor

female, but something of both---Physically a male with feminine instincts.

JUDGE

People like that should be herded together on some desert isle---

DOCTOR

Why?

JUDGE

For the good of the rest of humanity.

DOCTOR

You'd need a large island, Judge. And again, why? What have they done? Their crime

isn't one of commission or omission. It is a misfortune for which they are not to

blame.

JUDGE

A man is what he makes himself---

DOCTOR

And before that, a man is what he is born to be. Nature seems to have made no

distinction in bestowing this misfortune upon the human race. We find this

abnormality among persons of every state of society. It has held sway on the thrones

of kings, princes, statesmen, scholars, fools! Wealth, culture, refinement, makes no

difference. From the nadir to the zenith of man's career on earth, this nameless vice

has traversed all the way. It is as strong today as it was centuries ago.

JUDGE

That's unfortunately true---despite all we can do by law to suppress and stamp it out

of modern society.

DOCTOR

Yes, despite all you can do by law. You law-makers. You think that four stone walls

and a barred window will cure everything or anything. But still you endeavor by law

to force a man born with inverted sexual desires, born to make his way in the world

with millions of human beings radically different than he is, to become something

which his soul will not permit him to become. I'm not discussing those who are

deliberately depraved or who have acquired the habit of this nameless vice through

bad associations and environment. I am talking about the born homosexual, and that

type is not deliberately vicious.

JUDGE

My dear doctor, you are perhaps a little unfair to the law. Consider what would

happen if this nameless vice were permitted to go rampant in society. How long do

you think it would be before it's degrading, pernicious effect would be felt

throughout the very foundations of society? The law has forced this vice into a

corner, just as it has forced prostitution into shady byways.

DOCTOR

Granted the law has done just that, but what specific good has it done? Has the law

made secret prostitution unprofitable? However, the question involved does not

concern financial gain. It concerns society socially and it is this: Are we, the majority

of people, normal human beings, are we going to declare as outcast and criminal

these unfortunates who through no fault of their own have been born with instincts

and desires different from ours? Are we who have as our guiding principles in life

the virtues of faith, hope, charity and love, going to deny these miscasts the right to

faith in what life has to offer, hope in eternal goodness? The charity of our hearts is

the only love which they can ever know. Or are we going to force them into secrecy

and shame, for being what they cannot help being, by branding them as criminals

and so lead them into the depths of misery and suicide?

JUDGE

(Rises, takes step to center)

I'm afraid doctor, you're becoming a trifle hysterical over the matter. After all, what

have you done? You medical men, you scientists, you social philosophers? Not one

damn solitary thing, so far as I have been able to learn. You sit back just as you are

doing now and gabble about faith, hope and charity---you commiserate with these

abnormal creatures, out of the charity of your hearts, no doubt, but you don't lift a

finger to relieve the situation. I happen to know that there are approximately five

million homosexuals in the United States and of these the greater percentage are

born sexual inverts. How many there are in this country that are not accounted for,

God only knows. Quite an appalling figure, this, for the United States, and in Europe

there are a damn sight more. And yet, you brilliant physicians, you learned doctors

who are curing cancer, tuberculosis and other diseases have not bothered to

thoroughly investigate what is as vitally menacing to society as any of the more

pernicious diseases. Have you five million cancer cases in this country, or in the

world, for that matter? Yet you sit back in your offices and rant and rail against what

the law is doing to handle the situation, but can you offer any solution?

DOCTOR

There is a cure for this thing.

(Enter Clair)

Why Clair! This is a pleasant surprise. Didn't know you were in the city.

CLAIR

Came in to do some shopping. Rolly is calling for me. Hello, Daddy Kingsbury!

(Crosses to JUDGE)

JUDGE

 (Kissing her)

Where's Rolly?

CLAIR

He'll be here, shortly.

JUDGE

I'm sorry I can't wait for him. I'll see him tomorrow. You look a little tired.

DOCTOR

You do look a little worn, Clair. Been overdoing it? Too many dances, too many

parties? Oh, you young folks never know when to let up.

CLAIR

You're wrong, Daddy. I'm not ill.

DOCTOR

Shopping's peeved you, my dear.

CLAIR

If one could thrive on compliments, there'd be no invalids among your

acquaintances.

JUDGE

Indeed---indeed.

CLAIR

I'm afraid I missed the mark---But I plead pardon. I am tired. Shopping is a weary

job.

JUDGE

Well, I must be running along.

CLAIR

Please don't let me drive you away. I know how dearly you and Dad love an

argument.

JUDGE

We've had it.

CLAIR

Oh, and you've no further taste for each other's society.

JUDGE

One can't get too much of a good thing. Jim, how about my insane man?

DOCTOR

You can depend upon me to do my bit. It's all in the law you know.

JUDGE

My compliments to Miss Barbara.

CLAIR

Goodbye, Daddy Kingsbury.

(JUDGE exits)

DOCTOR

You don't look well, child. What is it?

CLAIR

(Choking)

Daddy!

DOCTOR

Why, why---honey---What's the matter?

CLAIR

I can't stand it---I want to go away---to Europe---anywhere---Daddy, I can't go on.

DOCTOR

Why child---Clair, what's wrong? Have you and Rolly quarreled?

CLAIR

No, no, no, no!

DOCTOR

What's wrong? Has Rolly done anything---?

CLAIR

Oh, he's a model husband! I couldn't find fault with him! I just can't go on---I'll go

mad if I stay with him---Daddy---I can't make you understand---I'm unhappy. I'm

miserable.

(Sobbing. DOCTOR tries to comfort her.)

DOCTOR

 (Crosses to bell)

Honey, honey. (Rings bell.) Trust me. What's wrong? What has Rolly done?

CLAIR

Nothing---I just---I---

DOCTOR

Don't you love him any more?

CLAIR

I feel the same toward him. (Enter JESSIE.) Jessie, ask Miss Barbara to come

here---Tell her Miss Clair is here.

JESSIE

Yes, sir. (Exits)

DOCTOR

Clair, are you sure it's not---may not be---your condition. Goodness child, you can

trust your father.

CLAIR

There's nothing the matter with me. It's just that---that---it's something I can't

understand myself, something that seems tearing at my heart---keeps me restless,

hungry for something---Always wanting something---I don't know what it is---I'm so

discontented---so unhappy.

DOCTOR

You've fussed with Rolly. Come, confess.

CLAIR

I tell you no!

DOCTOR

Then what have you to be unhappy about? If Rolly hasn't been at fault? You loved

him, didn't you? You love him still?

CLAIR

I suppose so.

DOCTOR

You suppose so! Good land, you suppose so!

CLAIR

I can't explain. I don't know myself what is wrong---If I did, I'd understand, that's the

trouble---Don't you see---Dad? Something I sense and feel---something that makes

me dissatisfied---not wanting to live, as it were, and I can't name it.

DOCTOR

Good land! What talk! That's this Twentieth Century idea. I'll tell you what's the

matter with you. You have nothing to do---Everything is done for you. Servants to

fetch and carry---house-keepers to take care of your home---to plan your every

meal. Nothing to do but gad around and look for trouble. I'll tell Rolly to discharge

some of the staff of servants of his and let you look after your own establishment---

CLAIR

It's not that.

DOCTOR

Then, has some other man been making love to you?

CLAIR

No, of course not!

DOCTOR

(Sits in chair back of desk center)

Whatever it is, the fault is not your husband's.

(CLAIR is over right as Barbara enters.)

BARBARA

Hello, Clair---Why, James, not quarrelling with your daughter?

DOCTOR

My daughter has taken leave of her senses. I want you to talk to her. Wants to go to

Europe---leave her husband or something and she doesn't know why.

(BARBARA looks from CLAIR to DOCTOR)

BARBARA

She probably has her reasons.

DOCTOR

If you can discover them, you're doing more than I can do. (Crosses to rear.) I've got

to look after my patient. (Turning at door.) And remember, Clair, no nonsense. We've

enough scandal in society as it is. I'll not have you bring my name or the Kingsbury

name, for the matter, into the mire.

(He slams into his office. BARBARA turns to CLAIR.)

BARBARA

 (Crosses to Clair)

What's it all about? (CLAIR sighs.) Tired of Rolly? Is he too perfect?

CLAIR

I don't know what it is, Aunt Barbara. I'm not tired of Rolly, but somehow, I'm

disappointed in him.

BARBARA

You knew him long enough before you married him. You were raised together from

the cradle.

CLAIR

You never know a man until you're married to him.

BARBARA

And sometimes, not then. What's he done?

CLAIR

Why nothing. That's just it. Somehow I expected Rolly to be different after we were

married. (Sits.) I don't know what I expected him to be, but somehow---Oh, I don't

know! Sometimes I think I annoy him by just being alive---that I'm a nuisance---he

never says so and he's always so courteous. Oh, Aunt Barbara, it's all wrong.

Something is crying out in me---I can't understand it. Just as if something were

trying to tell me something---and I can't understand. I try and try and try, but it's

always the same. Just as if I wanted something---and I didn't know what it was.

BARBARA

So that's it. Clair, what do you know about love?

CLAIR

What a question! I suppose I love Rolly, I always did. I never was interested in any

other man---when no man ever so much as kissed me, save Rolly.

BARBARA

Sure you're not in love with this---Allen Grayson?

CLAIR

 (Flaring up)

Now what do you mean? Mr. Grayson---

BARBARA

Rumor.

CLAIR

Why, Mr. Grayson has never so much as---what nonsense! He's a perfect gentleman.

A charming man. Why Aunt Barbara, he's too fine to make love to another man's

wife.

BARBARA

I see. Your husband admires him?

CLAIR

One can't help admiring Allen Grayson. He's a man among a thousand. You'd single

him out anywhere. A man bound to do things---a man worthy of trust and

confidence.

BARBARA

I see. And you want to go to Europe?

CLAIR

I thought if I could go for a little while, I might feel different.

BARBARA

Toward Rolly?

CLAIR

(Looks at her quickly)

Why, yes---toward everything.

BARBARA

I see.

(Enter DOCTOR from rear. BARBARA looks at him.)

DOCTOR

Have you two come to a decision?

BARBARA

Yes. Clair and I have been planning a little trip.

DOCTOR

What---what---are you both crazy? Clair is not going to leave her husband---

BARBARA

The best thing for Clair and her husband is a separation for a while. Ever know that

two people can get too much of each other? That's your trouble, Jim, you've had too

much of me. That's why I'm going to Europe with Clair.

DOCTOR

I'll talk to Rolly about this---

CLAIR

I don't think he'll mind---But Dad, I'd rather you'd let me tell him.

DOCTOR

(Turns upon her)

Oh!

(JESSIE enters and announces)

JESSIE

Mr. Kingsbury.

(Enter Rolly. JESSIE exits. CLAIR turns to ROLLY unconsciously, expectant, sensing

something amiss.)

DOCTOR

Hello, Rolly.

ROLLY

Hello---How's everybody? Just finished up at the office. Rather difficult day's work.

DOCTOR

I understand you're building additions.

ROLLY

Yes, we need more room. I don't see why they can't do things without consulting me.

BARBARA

It's your business, Rolly.

ROLLY

Who took care of it while I was under age? Why can't they do it now?

DOCTOR

My dear boy! A mean's business is his God in a way.

ROLLY

Then I'm afraid I'm an atheist in that line.

CLAIR

Rolly hates business.

DOCTOR

I suppose you'd rather play polo or hockey and take a chance with your neck, eh?

ROLLY

Oh, land no. I've never sat on a polo pony in my life. I'm afraid of the darn things.

DOCTOR

Yes, I know, your mother coddled you till you thought the wind should stop when

you told it to. That's your one fault, Rolly, you've been coddled too much. Get out in

the open, take a few bruises, get smashed up, better for you in the end.

ROLLY

Being mother's only child, she always used to tell me it was the dread of her life that

I'd turn out to be a roughneck.

BARBARA

Not much chance. (She speaks with a scarcely perceptible sneer.) By the way, Rolly,

I've decided to take a little vacation in Europe, and I want to take Clair with me for

company. Think you can spare her a little while?

ROLLY

Why---(Glancing at CLAIR): If Clair wants to go. I wouldn't think of keeping her

home.

BARBARA

That's settled. Come on, Clair, we'll discuss ways and means---I meant to start before

the week's out.

ROLLY

Isn't that rather soon?

BARBARA

Not when you're in a hurry. Come Clair---Rolly you'll wait for her?

ROLLY

Certainly.

(CLAIR and BARBARA exit. DOCTOR turns to ROLLY and explodes.)

DOCTOR

What the devil's wrong between you and Clair?

ROLLY

(Surprised)

Nothing. Not a thing.

DOCTOR

What are you both hiding from me? Clair's miserable.

ROLLY

Has she said so?

DOCTOR

She doesn't have to. Don't you think a man can see when his own daughter's heart is

breaking?

ROLLY

I'm surprised---I thought Clair was very happy. We get along splendidly. An ideal

couple, really.

DOCTOR

Then why does she want to run away to Europe?

ROLLY

Aunt Barbara---

DOCTOR

Aunt Barbara detests nothing in the world more than traveling---especially on

water. She gets seasick when she takes the boat to Coney Island. It's Clair who wants

to go.

ROLLY

That's puzzling. She hasn't said anything to me.

DOCTOR

Really, I've known you since you were a baby. I can't have been mistaken in you.

When I gave you my daughter, I thought it would be for the happiness of both of you.

You loved each other, at least you thought you did---Well?

ROLLY

There's no woman in my life. Clair's the only girl I ever really knew.

DOCTOR

I don't like the idea of this European trip, but there must be a damn good reason for

it. Are you sure there isn't another woman?

ROLLY

Why I wouldn't think of looking at another woman.

DOCTOR

(Rises)

You tell it well. Watch out. (Crossing to door.) Wait for Clair. I don't like this

European trip, I'm going to talk these women out of it.

(ROLLY crosses to table and picks up Ulrich book. Much disturbed, puts it down again.

Looks off after DOCTOR. DAVID opens door rear. His coat and vest are off. He half

staggers into room.)

DAVID

Doctor---Doctor---It's no use I can't---Rolly!

ROLLY

You---What are you doing here?

DAVID

Rolly---

ROLLY

Why are you here?

DAVID

I couldn't stand it any longer---I came here to see the doctor---I thought---

ROLLY

You came to tell him---

DAVID

It's not so. I didn't tell him I so much as knew you. I came because I thought he could

help me.

ROLLY

You fool, you can do nothing for you---For any of us. (Takes out wallet.) Here take

this---and get out of here.

DAVID

I don't want your money---Rolly please---

ROLLY

Get out of here. I've had enough of you.

DAVID

I've heard all about you and Grayson. He doesn't give a damn for you.

ROLLY

Shut your mouth about Grayson---leave his name out of this.

DAVID

It's true and you know it. He doesn't give a damn for you.

ROLLY

Damn you---you---You---(Grabs DAVID by the throat and slings him onto divan.)

(DOCTOR enters)

DOCTOR

Rolly!

ROLLY

Who is this---this mad man---He tried to attack me.

DOCTOR

My poor lad---what's got into you? It may be the drug I've given him---I don't

know---poor devil---Thank God, Rolly, you're not what he is---Come, come, my

boy---Come---

(DOCTOR leads DAVID toward rear exit. DAVID turns and looks at ROLLY.)

ROLLY

Not what he is---(Looks after DOCTOR and DAVID and then sinks in chair.) Good God!

CURTAIN

(The same room, later that afternoon. PARSONS onstage at rise. Telephone rings.

PARSONS answers it.)

PARSONS

Mr. Kingsbury is not at home, sir. (Writes message on pad.) Very well, sir, I shall give

him the message.

(Enter ROLLY)

A Mr. Clem on the phone, Sir. Are you in, Sir?

ROLLY

Yes, Parsons, I'll speak. (Takes phone.) Hello there! Where are you...Oh, you

did...Well yes, I was out...just got in. Who is with you? Where are you molls calling

from? No, the wife is out. All right, hurry! Oh, ought to take about ten minutes from

where you are now. (Hangs up---then to PARSONS.) What time did Mrs. Kingsbury

leave today?

PARSONS

Quite early, sir. Madam went out riding with Miss Barabara.

ROLLY

Riding?

PARSONS

Yes, riding...Mrs. Kingsbury wasn't feeling very well. She seems rather worried.

ROLLY

Worried, why she has nothing to worry about. Her time's her own. Silly! I'll be in my

room. If anyone calls, let me know. (Exits.)

PARSONS

Very well, sir. (Bell rings furiously---PARSONS rushes to door.) Good gracious! (Opens

door.)

BILLY

(Rushing in, out of breath)

Where's Black Boy?

PARSONS

Here, here, young man! What do you mean by ringing the bell that way.

BILLY

You ain't heard nothin' yet. Wait until I put a pin in it.

PARSONS

A pin?

ROLLY

Who was that, Parsons?

PARSONS

Master Billy Mack, the boy across the street sir. He wants his dog sir.

ROLLY

All right, he can take him. (BILLY rushes out for dog. PARSONS stops him.)

PARSONS

Come here, I'll get him for you.

BILLY

I know where he is.

PARSONS

You can't be running him through the house like you did the last time.

BILLY

Oh, don't be an old crab. (PARSONS looks at him in surprise. BILLY smiles a little

guiltily.) I won't run him through the house, Parsons.

PARSONS

All right, come one, take him out the rear of the house.

(Door bell rings. BILLY exits, running through library door. PARSONS answers the

door. Enter CLEM, ROSCO, WINNIE and DUCHESS.)

Right this way, gentlemen, be seated, I'll tell Mr. Kingsbury you are here, sirs. (Exits.)

CLEM

Riding around all day in the goddamn car---I'm so stiff. I'll have to try a couple of

splits and back bends to straighten myself out.

(ROSCO and the DUCHESS have seated themselves in rather artistic poses. The DUCESS

takes out powder puff.)

ROSCO

Say, Clem, did the Duchess ever meet Roland?

CLEM

No, but if she takes out that goddamn powder puff again---she won't be her to meet

him.

DUCHESS

Oh, shut up.

CLEM

You've had that thing out forty times in the last twenty minutes. You took it out in

front of that cop, too. What the hell do you think---that I want to be locked up with

you?

DUCHESS

Oh, wasn't he grand!

CLEM

You wouldn't think he was so grand if he sat your fanny in jail.

DUCHESS

Say---the cops, they like me. They all know me from Central Park.

WINNIE

Ha! Ha!

ROLLY

What about you, Duchess?

DUCHESS

Oh, my goodness. I've got the most gorgeous new drag. Black satin, very tight, with a

long train of rhinestones.

CLEM

Wait until you see the creation I'm wearing, dearie. Virginal white, no back, with

oceans of this and oceans of that, trimmed with excitement in front. You know I'm

more of the flapper type, not so much like a canal boat.

DUCHESS

Creation---ha! That old thing. I knew that three years ago. Oh, Annie.

CLEM

(Very angry)

For Chris' sake sit. This big bitch thinks nobody has anything or looks like anything

but her.

DUCHESS

Oh, shut up.

ROLLY

Say, how about a little drink? (Rings bell.)

CLEM

Yes! How about a little drink?

DUCHESS

I don't mind a little drink once in a while.

CLEM

Why you big Swede. You'd take it through a funnel if anybody would give it to you.

WINNIE

Funnel? That's nothing. I'd take it through a hose. Whoops.

(Enter PARSONS)

ROLLY

What will it be, Scotch or Rye?

ROSCO

Rye. (WINNIE ad libs. CLEM chooses scotch to be different.)

PARSONS

Yes, sir.

DUCHESS

Say, I was at a party the other night---when was that---last week, one day.

ROSCO

Oh. I heard about that, over at Peter Pan's.

CLEM

(Tells all about party)

It was a great party but the place was raided and when they back up the wagon, they

got all but one and she jumped out the window. That must have been you.

(PARSONS enters and serves drinks.)

DUCHESS

(Goes to piano)

Do you mind?

ROLLY

Go right ahead.

DUCHESS

What will I play?

ROSCO

Play "Humoresque."

DUCHESS

I don't like that.

CLEM

Play "The Woman Who Stole My Gal".

DUCHESS

I don't know that.

CLEM

(Repeats the line 'Don't know that. I don't like that')

That's what I can't understand. Somebody sits down at the piano. They'll ask you

what to play. You tell them, then they play something entirely different. What did

you want to ask for?

DUCHESS

Oh, shut up! That one's always giving advice or trying to tell you what to do. Give

your mouth a holiday.

(Then he starts to play. WINNIE "whoops." CLEM and ROSCO add comedy to the tune

the DUCHESS plays)

WINNIE

Beautiful voice! Wonderful voice! Gorgeous voice!

ROLLY

Wonderful! Beautiful touch!

CLEM

You should feel my beautiful touch, dearie. (laughs)

(BILLY rushes in with dog. All pet the dog.)

PARSONS

(enters)

Is that your taxi outside by the water plug? If he don't move, the cop will give him a

ticket.

ALL

All right, Billy, I'll take care of him.

CLEM

(Rises)

Oh heavens, he ought to know enough to keep away from a fire plug. I'll have to get

him a book of regulations.

DUCHESS

Maybe he's in love and can't think.

CLEM

Then you must have been in love all your life.

WINNIE

Whoops.

ROLLY

What, did you come in a taxi?

CLEM

Oh, Rolly, I forgot to tell you about that handsome brute of a taxi driver. Don't get

suggestive. We rode in a taxi. (DUCHESS, ROLLY and ROSCO laugh. CLEM repeats.) I

forgot to tell you, dearie, about this handsome brute of a taxi-driver. Let me tell you.

Yesterday, you know Dave, that sentimental moll, the one who used to be crazy

about you. Well, she calls me up and asked me to come right over, she's hysterical.

Well, I goes over and there was the poor queen ready to jump out of the window. Of

course, I knew that was the matter. She needed a jab. She's been taking heroin and

morphine by the barrels. The trouble with her is she's sensitive of what she is. Now,

I don't give a goddamn who knows it. Of course, I don't go flouncing my hips up and

down Broadway picking up trade or with a sign on my back advertising it. (laughs)

But of course, I don't pass anything up either dearie. I'm out to have a good time as

well as the next.

WINNIE

You'd be a fool if you did.

ROSCO

What about Dave, what happened to her?

CLEM

Well, I took her to the doctor's. Some doctor on Park Avenue she wanted to go to. I

took a taxi and took her over and left her there. I must call her up today and see how

she is. So that's how I met the taxi driver and he's been riding me ever since. (ROLLY

has a peculiar expression on his face during CLEM's story.) Dish the dirt, because you

won't be able to dump that bird so easy.

(Bell rings. Parsons crosses the stage.)

ROLLY

(Looks at wristwatch)

If it's Mr. Grayson, have him come in. (To the others) Now, be a little careful, no wise

cracks.

CLEM

Well dearie, perhaps we'd better be going and leave you alone. I understand how it

is. Come on, molls, I suppose my boyfriends getting nervous waiting out there

anyway. (They take their hats and coats.)

ROLLY

NO hurry. That's the young engineer who is putting up the new structure for the

Kingsbury iron works.

CLEM

Now, I must meet him.

PARSONS

Mr. Grayson.

ROLLY

All right. Show him in, Parsons.

DUCHESS

(Takes out powder puff)

I just love engineers.

(CLEM takes powder puff and throws it in a vase. GRAYSON enters.)

ROLLY

How do you do?

GRAYSON

How do you do? I beg your pardon, I didn't know you had company.

ROLLY

I want you to meet Mr. Hathaway, Mr. Winnie Lewis, Mr. Gillingwater, and Mr.

Swanson. (They acknowledge introduction, shaking hands.) The boys just dropped in

on their way to town.

GRAYSON

I hope I'm not rushing you gentlemen away.

ROSCO

Not at all, we were just about leaving.

WINNIE

Sorry we can't stay longer. We heard so much about you.

DUCHESS

Yes, it's too bad.

ROLLY

I've just been telling the boys about the plans for the iron works, which we were to

go over.

CLEM

Yes, I'd love to stay and see your wonderful construction. But we have other plans.

ROLLY

(a bit uneasy)

Sorry you have to go, boys.

CLEM

Don't give us the rush act, dearie. (All shake hands and say goodbye.)

WINNIE

So glad to have you meet me. Come up some time and I'll bake you a pan of biscuits.

DUCHESS

Goodbye.

CLEM

Makes you think of President Coolidge, shaking so many hands.

(As they exit, DUCHESS looks around)

ROLLY

(to DUCHESS)

Did you lose something?

CLEM

She lost it years ago.

DUCHESS

Oh, shut up. I'm looking for my gloves. (Finds powder puff in vase and puts it in

pocket.)

ROLLY

Did you find them?

DUCHESS

Yes, I got it. (Exits and looks at Grayson)

GRAYSON

(Takes the blueprints from his pocket)

I've completed that corner.

ROLLY

Cigarette, Allen?

(GRAYSON takes cigarette---doesn't pay attention---keeps looking at blue print. ROLLY

watching GRAYSON intently.)

Light?

(Lights his own and GRAYSON's cigarettes. GRAYSON feels uncomfortable. Sits left of

table, but interests self in blueprint. ROLLY crosses to divan and sits.)

Well, what did you think of my friends?

GRAYSON

I didn't see very much of them. I felt I was rushing them out.

ROLLY

Great boys, great boys, I am going on a weekend party and I'd love to have you join

us. You'll find the boys rather interesting, I think.

GRAYSON

You think so?

ROLLY

You've never met that particular type before?

GRAYSON

I can't say that I have.

ROLLY

Perhaps you have and you didn't know it. (GRAYSON looks up.) Why do you suppose

I've had you come here so often? Haven't you noticed the friendship I've had for you

since the day you stepped into the office? All I could do was eat, drink, sleep, think of

Allen Grayson.

GRAYSON

Why, Rolly, I'd hat to think to have you think of me in just that way. (Rises.) I've

always looked at you as a he-man. God, this is---(Crosses over to left of center, faces

left.)

ROLLY

(Rises, crosses toward him and over to table. Hums song.)

I thought you had some idea of how I felt toward you---my great interest in you.

GRAYSON

Yes, I did think it extraordinary. (Crosses center, turns and looks at him.) But what

about your wife?

ROLLY

You mean why I married?

GRAYSON

Yes.

ROLLY

That is very easy to explain. Clair's dad and mine were very good friends, it was

their one ambition that we should marry. It was practically arranged ever since we

were children together and Clair is the same today as the day I married her, if you

know what I mean.

GRAYSON

Why, I think that's the most contemptible thing you could do---marry a woman and

use her as a cloak to cover up what you are.

ROLLY

I don't see why you should feel this way about it. She's perfectly contented.

GRAYSON

You don't mean to tell me she knows what you are.

ROLLY

No. Clair is just the type of woman that wouldn't understand if she did know.

GRAYSON

How could you play on a woman's innocence like that?

ROLLY

Just why should you take such and interest in my wife? (Takes step to center)

GRAYSON

I just can't stand to see a sweet innocent girl like Clair treated that way.

ROLLY

Oh, I see. (Takes step toward him.) I think I understand where your interest lies.

After I've given you the hospitality of my home, I trusted you with my wife.

GRAYSON

Yes, I am interested in your wife. As for your hospitality, your plans, and the great

Kingsbury works, they can go to hell. I think you're a rotter. God! (He throws the

plans on the table---starts to go.)

ROLLY

(Tries to stop him)

Just a minute, Allen.

GRAYSON

Please...

ROLLY

Now you can't go like this. You're taking the wrong attitude. Now let's forget all

about it.

GRAYSON

Forget about it.

(CLAIR enters left.)

CLAIR

Oh, Rolly---Hello Allen. (Crosses to Rolly. He kisses her.)

GRAYSON

Hello, Clair.

(Enter MARION and BARBARA.)

MARION

How do you do Mr. Grayson?

BARBARA

How do you do, Mr. Grayson?

ROLLY

Hello Marion---Aunt Barbara. Marion, you're quite a stranger, where have you been

hiding?

MARION

Not hiding, Rolly, just busy. My husband likes to have me around.

CLAIR

It was just by chance we met. Aunt Barbara and I met her downtown and took her

riding with us.

BARBARA

I suppose you're very busy. (Crosses to GRAYSON.)

GRAYSON

Yes, rather.

MARION

How are the new buildings coming along?

GRAYSON

Progressing very rapidly.

ROLLY

Wonderful work. Come here Marion. Just look at this, here are the plans.

MARION

 (Crosses to table)

What's this?

ROLLY

What's this, Allen?

GRAYSON

That's the outside.

ROLLY

Yes, this is the outside of the housing of the new blast furnace and these are the

ground plans of the steel rolling floors.

MARION

It looks like a cross word puzzle to me.

ROLLY

Yes, it would. I think I shall start to dress.

BARBARA

Are you going to take Clair to the opera, Rolly?

ROLLY

Why, no, Mr. Grayson is going to accompany her.

BARBARA

Oh---I see, where are you going tonight, if I'm not too inquisitive?

ROLLY

I have an important engagement in town which I have to keep.

BARBARA

We'll wait and ride together.

ROLLY

Very well. (Exits upstairs)

BARBARA

Clair, doesn't Rolly care for the opera? (Sits on chair left of center.)

CLAIR

He's a great lover of music but his time is so occupied with business, he scarcely has

time to go anywhere. If it weren't for Mr. Grayson, I should see nothing but the four

walls.

BARBARA

(Meaningfully)

Hm, hm. (GRAYSON smiles.)

MARION

My dear, you're quite fortunate to have an escort so charming.

BARBARA

And a husband so generous.

MARION

What could be sweeter?

CLAIR

Marion will have her little joke, but tell me, are all husbands so very busy?

MARION

My dear, I don't know about all husbands. I only have one and one is enough. He just

runs me ragged.

BARBARA

(Crosses over back of table to right rear corner)

Come, Mr. Grayson, I think we'd better go inside. There is something I want to ask

you.

CLAIR

Aunt Barbara is always asking questions.

BARBARA

(At door rear)

Yes, my dear, I have a curiosity complex. (Exits. GRAYSON starts to exit.)

CLAIR

(Looking at wrist watch---to GRAYSON)

You talk with Aunt Barbara and I shall dress. (GRAYSON exits left.)

MARION

What are you going to wear?

CLAIR

I have that pretty black chiffon and I have a new white gown you haven't seen.

MARION

Wear the white one. It reminds me of purity, so becoming to one when one's not out

with one's husband.

CLAIR

Marion, you're so clever, but just what do you mean by that?

MARION

Nothing, dear.

CLAIR

Oh, yes you do. I wish I could make people understand how miserable and unhappy I

am.

MARION

(Crosses over to her)

Clair, dear, I'm so sorry. I didn't' mean to be rude but you can't expect to be seen in a

man's company constantly without causing comment. Why, dear, it's common

gossip.

CLAIR

Common gossip?

MARION

Why, don't take it so seriously, of course. I always thought Rolly would be cold and

indifferent. I can always tell that by looking at a man. (Crosses to chair left of table

and sits.)

CLAIR

That's why you've been so successful in your marriage. You've had more experience

than I.

MARION

Clair, it's time you should learn.

CLAIR

Oh, Marion, if I only dared to take you into my confidences. (Crosses to sofa.)

MARION

I may like to talk, but I don't tell everything I know.

CLAIR

I don't think Rolly loves me.

MARION

Not married a year and doesn't love you any more?

CLAIR

(Sits on sofa right)

I don't believe he ever did.

MARION

Why Clair. Oh, tell me, when he kisses you, does he give you one of those long warm

kisses, like he did when you were first married?

CLAIR

He never gave me a long warm kiss.

MARION

He never gave you any?

CLAIR

Just little short ones, most of the time on the cheek. (Points to face.)

MARION

(Rises and takes center)

Then he's a new kind of man to me. (Turns to her.) Do you suspect some other

woman?

CLAIR

I don't know.

MARION

(Crosses to front of chair)

I'll tell you what to do. When you're ready to retire, put on your smartest negligee.

Be sure it's sheer, one you can see through.

CLAIR

I haven't any like that.

MARION

You should have. If you haven't, get one, get one. Put it on and drape it tight around

you and sit on the end of his bed and cross your legs so, and of course, show as much

as you can. Be sure you have a cigarette in your hand. It gives one poise. Then tell

the boy a couple of bedstead stories.

CLAIR

I don't smoke and I don't know any stories and I never go to his room.

MARION

Well, when he comes to yours.

CLAIR

He never comes to my room. (Rises.)

MARION

What kind of a wife are you?

CLAIR

A wife and not a wife.

MARION

Why, Clair---(ROLLY enters)

ROLLY

Are we ready, Marion?

MARION

I am.

CLAIR

(Crosses to center behind MARION's chair)

It's getting rather late, I think I'll go up and dress.

MARION

When shall I see you, Clair?

CLAIR

I'm spending the weekend at father's. I shall see you in town tomorrow afternoon.

Good bye dear. (MARION crosses to her and kisses her. To ROLLY.) Tell Aunt Barbara

to see me before she goes. (Kisses ROLLY as she exits upstairs---MARION crosses to

rear.)

ROLLY

(To CLAIR as she goes upstairs)

I don't know what time I'll be home dear. I'll meet you at your dad's.

(She exits. He crosses down to table left.)

MARION

My, what a busy man you must be. (Rises and crosses around above divan.)

ROLLY

Yes, it's damned annoying at times. A fellow doesn't get any time for recreation at

all.

MARION

Must be terribly hard on Clair.

ROLLY

Yes, the poor dear, I feel sorry for myself sometimes, but business must be attended

to. (Crosses to rear---calls off to BARBARA) We're ready Aunt Barbara.

BARBARA

(Entering)

Here I am.

ROLLY

Clair wants to see you. She's in her room. (BARBARA exits upstairs.)

MARION

(Rises and crosses to rear exit)

I must say goodbye to Mr. Grayson.

ROLLY

I guess he's busy in the library.

MARION

Well, I must see him for a moment. (She exits into library.)

ROLLY

(Fills cigarette case)

Parsons, get everything in readiness for tomorrow night. Serve a buffet supper in

the dining room.

PARSONS

Will you use the ballroom?

ROLLY

No, arrange this room for the dancing.

PARSONS

Very well, sir, is that all, sir?

ROLLY

Yes, that's all.

MARION

(Entering from the library)

A very interesting man, Mr. Grayson. (Crosses to front of table.)

ROLLY

Yes. How is Kenneth?

MARION

He's fine. He wants to know why you and Clair don't pay us a visit.

ROLLY

Yes, we'll come down sometime, glad to.

BARBARA

 (entering down stairs)

Come on I'm ready.

(MARION joins BARBARA. They cross left.)

ROLLY

Parsons?

PARSONS

Yes sir?

ROLLY

When Mrs. Kingsbury and Mr. Grayson leave, you can lock up. We won't be home

tonight.

(BARBARA and MARION exit left.)

PARSONS

Very good sir.

(Arranges room. ROLLY puts on coat, pauses, looks rear, then upstairs, then exits left.

GRAYSON enters, lights cigarette, goes to piano. PARSONS exits. Lights lower. CLAIR

enters from stairs in evening gown and wraps---she pauses and looks at GRAYSON

then left of center.)

GRAYSON

(rises and looks at her)

You look beautiful in that gown.

CLAIR

Thank you. I'm glad you like it. That's the first compliment you ever paid me, Allen.

GRAYSON

I've never dared, but I've thought them. Your aunt told me you were contemplating a

trip to Europe.

CLAIR

Yes, we were planning to go.

GRAYSON

I should like to take a trip myself someday when I've nothing else to think about.

CLAIR

Nothing to think about?

GRAYSON

Nothing to think about but you.

CLAIR

Why, Allen, what are you saying?

GRAYSON

What am I saying? Something I've been wanting to say for a long time. The thing

that's been tearing my heart. I've struggled long enough to keep from telling you.

From the day I met you, you've been my inspiration, you've been my life. The touch

of your hand, the softness of your voice, the very sight of you. God I must have you.

(Kisses her.)

(CLAIR sobs with an hysterical joy as GRAYSON mistakes it for something else and

feeling ashamed of his emotion, turns downstage. CLAIR stretches her arms toward

him. He turns and sees her and going over to her, embraces her again.)

I need you, I want you, I love you, God how I love you.

(He wraps her in his arms and kisses her passionately.)

CURTAIN