DOCTORS OF PHILOSOPHY
69
expression all the time, Leonora. I don't say you look your age,
it's just the manner and--
LEONORA: I'm not yet old enough to look my age. I could still bear
a
child.
CATHERINE: I see.
LEONORA:
If
I should wish to do so.
CATHERINE: You need more than the wish.
LEONORA: I'm speaking theoretically.
CATHERINE: So am I, because you would need the man. Or a test
tube
if
you didn't want to change your manner and expression.
LEONORA: I think you're absolutely vile.
MRS.
S.
comes in to remove the tray.
MRS.
S.: Flowers for Annie. How long's Annie going to stop for?
My feet won't stand it. I hope this
is
the last lot that comes to
the door.
CATHERINE:
A
fortnight I expect.
MRS.
S.: She'll be out on the canal with Charlie, wait and see.
Dressed in her clothes. He'll linger out there with her all afternoon,
showing a bad example.
CATHERINE: He can linger all night with her
if
he likes.
MRS.
S.: How long's Leonora going to stop for?
LEONORA: I'm leaving right away, Mrs. S.
CATHERINE: No, Leonora, you are not leaving right away. I'm upset.
MRS.
S.: Let me know when you've worked it out because of the
lunch.
(Goes out.)
CATHERINE: You mustn't leave, Leonora. I apologise.
LEONORA: I reject your apology.
CATHERINE: Did you come down here in the night and ask Charlie
to give you a child?
LEONORA: No.
CATHERINE: He says you did.
LEONORA: He must have had a dream. It's very sensational. I crave
to hear more.
CATHERINE: Leonora, sometimes you bring out the very worst in' me.
LEONORA: I think you must be right.
CATHERINE: Charlie
is
convinced that it happened. He thinks you
must be suffering from a nervous disorder. It was embarrassing
for Charlie.
