The Greatest Plays of William Somerset Maugham. Уильям Сомерсет Моэм

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СКАЧАТЬ things to me. [Turning to Mabel gaily.] Scoff, Mrs. Halliwell, I'm on the verge of being sentimental.

      Mabel.

      I was wondering if you'd made that up on the spur of the moment, or if you'd fished it out of an old note-book.

      Hilda.

      [With a look at Basil.] May I go out?

      Basil.

      Yes, do come.

      [Hilda and Basil step out on the balcony, whereupon John goes to Mabel and tries to steal a kiss from her.

      Mabel.

      [Springing up.] Go away, you horror!

      John.

      Don't be silly. I shall kiss you if I want to.

      [She laughing, walks round the sofa while he pursues her.

      Mabel.

      I wish you'd treat life more seriously.

      John.

      I wish you wouldn't wear such prominent hats.

      Mabel.

      [As he puts his arm round her waist.] John, some body'll see us.

      John.

      Mabel, I command you to let yourself be kissed.

      Mabel.

      How much will you give me?

      John.

      Sixpence.

      Mabel.

      [Slipping away from him.] I can't do it for less than half-a-crown.

      John.

      [Laughing.] I'll give you two shillings.

      Mabel.

      [Coaxing.] Make it two-and-three.

      [He kisses her.

      John.

      Now come and sit down quietly.

      Mabel.

      [Sitting down by his side.] John, you mustn't make love to me. It would look so odd if they came in.

      John.

      After all, I am your husband.

      Mabel.

      That's just it. If you wanted to make love to me you ought to have married somebody else. [He puts his arm round her waist.] John, don't, I'm sure they'll come in.

      John.

      I don't care if they do.

      Mabel.

      [Sighing.] John, you do love me?

      John.

      Yes.

      Mabel.

      And you won't ever care for anybody else?

      John.

      No.

      Mabel.

      [In the same tone.] And you will give me that two-and-threepence, won't you?

      John.

      Mabel, it was only two shillings.

      Mabel.

      Oh, you cheat!

      John.

      [Getting up.] I'm going out on the balcony. I'm passionately devoted to chimney-pots.

      Mabel.

      No, John, I want you.

      John.

      Why?

      Mabel.

      Isn't it enough for me to say I want you for you to hurl yourself at my feet immediately?

      John.

      Oh, you poor thing, can't you do without me for two minutes?

      Mabel.

      Now you're taking a mean advantage. It's only this particular two minutes that I want you. Come and sit by me like a nice, dear boy.

      John.

      Now what have you been doing that you shouldn't?

      Mabel.

      [Laughing.] Nothing. But I want you to do something for me.

      John.

      Ha, ha! I thought so.

      Mabel.

      It's merely to tie up my shoe. [She puts out her foot.]

      John.

      Is that all—honour bright?

      Mabel.

      [Laughing.] Yes. [John kneels down.]

      John.

      But, my good girl, it's not undone.

      Mabel.

      Then, my good boy, undo it and do it up again.

      John.

      [Starting up.] Mabel, are we playing gooseberry—at our time of life?

      Mabel.

      [Ironically.] Oh, you are clever! Do you think Hilda would have climbed six flights of stairs unless Love had lent her wings?

      John.

      I wish Love would provide wings for the chaperons as well.

      Mabel.

      Don't be flippant. It's a serious matter.

      John.

      My dear girl, you really can't expect me to play the heavy father when we've only been married six months. It would be almost improper.

      Mabel.

      Don't be horrid, John.

      John.

      It СКАЧАТЬ