Plays 5 by Tom Stoppard

Author:Tom Stoppard [Stoppard, Tom]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780571301171
Publisher: Faber & Faber
Published: 2013-07-15T04:00:00+00:00

Act Two

The room at night.

The room occupies the whole stage now.

Ruth sits in one of the comfortable chairs. She is wearing a long dress, not formal hut loose and comfortable, perhaps a kaftan; more dressed up than we have seen her, rich material but not gaudy. She sits facing the audience.

The room is not brightly lit, and the edges are in gloom.

Milne stands at the edge of the room, having just entered. He is dressed the way we first saw him.

Ruth doesn’t turn round.

Ruth Hello, Jacob, I’m glad it’s you. I’ve been holding my breath since I heard the jeep. I’m glad you’re back. I missed you, Jake. Actually, Jake, I … Christ, I’ve been missing you, Jake … (She turns round.)

Milne Hello.

Ruth Oh – hello!

Milne Thought you were having a snooze.

Ruth No, no. Good trip?

Milne Yes, thanks. Piece of cake.

Ruth Lots of scoops?

Milne Masses.

Ruth Come and sit down. Have a drink.

Milne No thanks. Where’s Geoffrey?

Ruth He’s away.

Milne I thought everybody would be asleep.

Ruth I felt like waiting up. Are you all right?

Milne Never better.

Ruth laughs.

What’s up?

Ruth Nothing. I like the way you have such a good time. Dashing around for the glory of the Globe. Grimsby man in Globe glory dash.

Milne You do think I’m naïve.

Ruth No I don’t.

Milne Too young and romantic.

Ruth That’s different.

Milne I expect I’ll end up like Dick.

Ruth I hope not.

Milne Dick’s all right. He’s a bit …

Ruth Wagnerian. (English pronunciation)

Milne I suppose he’s gone off with the press corps.

Ruth I suppose so. It’s nice that you’ve got us to come back to.

Milne Yes – a line to London on tap – one couldn’t ask for more. Oh – and present company included, of course.

‘Ruth’ Help.

Milne Well, I expect you’d like to go to bed.

‘Ruth’ I’m over here.

Milne I’ve got a piece to write.

‘Ruth’ To hell with that.

Milne You won’t mind if I try to get London later?

‘Ruth’ And to hell with London.

Milne I’m sure Geoffrey wouldn’t mind. Is he in KC?

‘Ruth’ Why don’t you shut up and kiss me.

Milne He said I could help myself.

‘Ruth’ So kiss me.

Milne Perhaps I should try for a line first – let them know I’m here.

Ruth I would prefer you to kiss me.

Milne Kiss you?

Pause. Ruth blinks and turns to him.

Ruth Yes.

Milne Well … um, I was just saying, I ought to establish contact with the office.

Ruth Yes. I think that would be a very sensible idea.

Milne Thank you.

Ruth But isn’t it rather late, or early, or something?

Milne It is here.

Ruth Oh yes. We seem to have got off the subject.

Milne Have you been out this evening?

Ruth No. Why?

Milne You look – a bit dressed up.

Ruth This old thing? I just threw it on as I stepped out of the shower.

Milne Ah. Jolly nice.

Ruth Wouldn’t do for the club at all.

Milne Is there a club?

Ruth The Jeddu Country Club. Very quiet since independence. They used to have Coronation dances, I believe. Now it’s billiards, bar and smoking room. I don’t play billiards but I drink and smoke. And

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