Peter Arnott: Two Plays by Arnott Peter;

Author:Arnott, Peter;
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 6636097
Publisher: Salamander Street Ltd.
Published: 2019-08-15T00:00:00+00:00

GEORGE AND ELIZA’S STORY

Transition We see ELIZA’s fate in the disaster, then her return to a happy memory of a tryst with her beau, GEORGE. They kiss. They nestle together.

GEORGE What are ye thinkin’?

ELIZA You’re daft

GEORGE I’m ur? I’m daft?

ELIZA Yer no right. Yer mither must’ve drapped ye oan yer heid.

GEORGE Ah’m daft?

ELIZA Oh uhhuh!

GEORGE You’re the wan that’s daft.

ELIZA If I am, it’s your fault.

GEORGE How dae ye mekk that oot?

ELIZA I wasnae daft afore I met you.

GEORGE I dinna ken that. I’ve nae but your word for that.

ELIZA Ask anybody.

GEORGE I will.

ELIZA It’s catchin. Daftness.

GEORGE Is it?

ELIZA Ma hale life is ruint…ye’ve ruined me wi daftness.

GEORGE Have I?

ELIZA Oh aye.

GEORGE How dae I ken that?

ELIZA Whit dae ye mean?

GEORGE How dae ah ken ye werenae daft already? Ye were daft the minute we met.

ELIZA The minute we met…there! Ye’ve proved it.

GEORGE I’ve proved nothing.

ELIZA There ye are…

GEORGE Aa’l I ken is, the moment I met ye, ye wer daft

ELIZA And you love me furrit.

GEORGE What does that prove? Except I’m daft…

(Lights fade on the lovers. Train ambience. ELIZA reads. As she does, her book comes to life, selling her a new and better life.)

AMERICAN SALESMAN (NEISH.)/ELIZA reading: Nature has done for California all that could be asked at her hands. Suitable immigrants who make the journey here are assured of a hearty handshake and a warm welcome. We need immigrants of kindred races who will locate themselves and their families permanently upon the soil.

(In real time, on the train, BENYON approaches her.)

BENYON It’s a nasty night out there, isn’t it?

(ELIZA tries to ignore him.)

Are you cold? Come now, it’s a simple question

ELIZA I’m quite comfortable. Thank you, sir.

BENYON Are you sure you’re warm enough?

ELIZA Yes, thank you…

BENYON I have a blanket.

ELIZA Oh, aye? Hiv ye?

BENYON Big enough for both of us.

ELIZA No, thank you.

BENYON And for added warmth, I have a little drop of cognac. Do you know the taste of cognac?

ELIZA Mister. Where d’ye think this patter is gonnae get ye?

BENYON What I might offer you later is up to you.

(She turns away from him.)

ELIZA I’m meeting my fiancé.

BENYON Are you, now?

ELIZA He’s gettin on the train at the next stop.

BENYON Who is the lucky chap? Why has he left you all alone?

ELIZA He’s been visitin his mither.

(BENYON sits beside her.)

Who tellt ye ye could sit doon?

BENYON You did.

ELIZA I don’t think so!

BENYON You did, you know. Or you never told me not to. Is he very good to you?

ELIZA Of course!

BENYON But is he as nice as me? Will an evening spent with him end as nicely as an evening spent with me?

(Pause.)

Did you quarrel with him when last you spoke?

ELIZA (Taken aback.) Naw.

BENYON You did, didn’t you?

ELIZA (Recovering.) Folk are lookin!

BENYON You could do so much better than some argumentative rustic.

ELIZA George is a mechanic!

BENYON Is he, now?

ELIZA Yes.

BENYON I’m a salesman.

ELIZA Ye don’t say?

BENYON Have you been making plans, the two of you?

ELIZA Wir going to America.

BENYON Heavens! Are you travelling tonight?

(She turns away and reads.

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