The Elder Statesman [antikvár]

TO MY WIFE To whom I owe the leaping delight That quickens my senses in our wakingtime And the rhythm that governs the repose of our sleepingtime, The breathing in unison Of lovers . . . IFho think the same thoughts without need of speech And babble the same speech without need of meaning: To you I dedicate this book, to return as best lean With words a little part of what you have given me. The words mean what they say, but some have a further meaning For you and me only. Act One The drawing-room q/" Lord Claverton's London house. Four o'clock in the afternoon. [Voices in the halt} Charles Is your father at home to-day? Monica You'll see him at tea. Charles But if I'm not going to have you to myself There's really no point in my staying to tea. [Enter Monica and Charles carrying parcels'^ Monica But you must stay to tea. That was understood When you said you could give me the whole afternoon. Charles But I couldn't say what I wanted to say to you Over luncheon . . . Monica That's your own fault. You should have taken me to some other restaurant Instead of to one where the maître d'hôtel And the waiters all seem to be your intimate friends. 9