Dear Brutus [antikvár]

DEAR BRUTUSACT IScene.Lob's housethe drawing-room of Sinister Warren, Lob's house in a remote part of England,. It should be a shallow scene, because through open french windows at the back there must be a big view of the garden, not merely painted on cloth but occupying part of the stage. It is a beautiful flower-garden at midsummer. Nothing seen but flowers, and a fountain. There is a door L. down stage, and another door into the dining-room R. This latter has two steps leading up to it, and the upper part is glass with a curtain across it. The drawing-room is pretty and quaint, but not so odd as it perhaps ought to be.There is a round table c., with chairs above it and on either side. A large settee down r. Above it, a small table with a bowl of flowers and a jug of water. Below the r. end of the windows, a stand with ashtray and matches. Up L., between the windows and the fireplace, a large armchair, facing diagonally up r. The fireplace in an angled recess up l. Below it, a desk and chair. There are bowls and vases of flowers on the table and the desk.(See the Ground Plan at the end of the book.)The Curtain rises on an empty stage, dark and unlit, though the time is late evening. This gives a striking view of the garden, which is bathed in moonlight. We see from the glass of the door r. that the dining-room is lit up. We have a glimpse of men standing at the table as this door is opened by Mr. Purdie to let the ladies come into the drawing-room, and there is chatter and laughter as they do so.First comes Mrs. Coade, who is a delightful sunny lady of about sixty. Next Mrs. Dearth, a woman of thirty-five, who can be fascinating and dangerous; who also is discontented, and despises her husband. Next a languid lady, Lady Caroline Laney. She has a drawling, rather insolent manner, and considers herself superior to the others. Then Mrs. Purdie, a simple young wife, wistful, who knows her husband is fond of Joanna. Lastly, Joanna Trout, who is sentimental but a good sort. They are groping in the dark except for the light from the dining-room. There is the usual modesty about going-first.Mrs. Purdie (in the background). Go on, Coady, lead the way. Mrs. Coade. Oh dear, I don't see why I should go first. Mrs. Purdie. The nicest always goes first.5