 Act 3 of Anne by Lechmeer-Worl This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Scene the same as Acts 1 and 2. Time Evening. Fire Lighted. A reading lamp lighted on Edward's desk, standard lamp lighted. At Rise of Curtain Edward discovered busily writing. He rises with a loose sheet of MSS, which he reads over to himself out loud. There was a long silence. He inhaled the subtle scent of her hair. His pole-speech quickened. He hardly dared to breathe lest some slight movement on his part should suggest a readjustment of their positions. Down to set T to himself. That's not quite it. No. Thanks. Walks to set T, sits and smells sofa cushions for further inspiration. A readjustment of their positions. With a sudden idea. I know. He jumps up and starts writing again. Enter the dean and Billy, right. Dean crosses over to left corner. Dear old dad. To Billy. Hello, old man. Hello, old man. Edward. Edward does not hear. Billy rather apprehensively gets close to Edward. Edward! Billy jogs Edward's elbow. He rises. Both stand up, stage center. No, Edward. As there are only men in the room, perhaps you will explain matters. My dear dad, I have nothing to explain. I should say. Judging by the number and appearance of the articles brought to light at such an inopportune time, that you had a good deal to explain. Give me a cigarette, Edward. Edward takes out cigarette case. Edward! Billy is taking cigarette. Edward, attend to me. Both men jump. Edward turns round, holding case behind his back. Billy takes case, takes out a cigarette, and returns case to Edward's hand. Still outstretched behind his back. Billy lights cigarette and retires a little upstage, smoking. I have done my best, too, to put a kinder complexion upon the affair, for Evangeline's sake. But my task has been indeed a hard one under the overwhelming burden of evidence before me. I repeat, I have nothing to say by way of explanation. If you or Evangeline choose to judge me by appearances, dad, what then you must? You mean to tell me you have no idea how those intimate feminine garments got into your room? I may have ideas, but I keep them to myself. Edward, I may be a dean, but in this instance I must judge you as a man of the world. And as a man of the world there is only one possible explanation. And I suppose the usual man of the world's excuse. Exactly. I mean, certainly not. Look here, dad, leave the man of the world out of it, and judge me as the dean. Billy shakes his head and saunters down to right of Edward. Very well, I will. I should stick to the man of the world, Edward. I prefer dad to stick to his own profession. Billy shrugs his shoulders and retires upstage again, picking up a book from table right. To dean. Now, sir. Dean, finding it somewhat difficult to attack as the dean. Can't we... can't you offer some...? I've told you, sir, I cannot. I don't know how the things got here. Evangeline is willing to accept any reasonable explanation. I have no explanation to offer. I even think, in time, she may reconsider the possibility of renewing her engagement. I certainly shall never renew my offer. You mean, sir...? Up to Edward. I mean this, sir. It was to please you and the martyr I proposed to her. Evangeline wasn't in love with me, and I wasn't in love with her. Perhaps that excuses her. But would anyone else condemn me as she did? Did the martyr? Did Miss Anning? Do you, Billy? No, I don't, old man. Turns up to window and resumes reading. It's left to my father and the girl I'm supposed to marry. Come, come, Edward. You must remember the shock to a young girl's feeling that the unconventional appearance of such garments would produce under the circumstances. Good heavens, why, if I knew nothing? You don't even suspect anyone of playing a very foolish practical joke? I may suspect, but it's outside the point. Billy, coming down right center. Why not expose the Joker and regain your own lost mortal character? Oh, dry up. Certainly, old man. Certainly. Retires up again. What possible motive? Sits on set to your range's cushions. He sniffs. God bless my soul. What a very remarkable thing I... What is the matter? Dean, taking up cushion and smelling it methodically. Yes, it is. No. Yes, it must be. What is it, sir? Edward, I think I have discovered a clue. A clue? There is a distinct resemblance in the aroma of this cushion to the aroma that pervaded those vestments your mother has taken upstairs. Oh, nonsense, dad. Dean, smelling cushion. Yes, distinct. I have a very keen sense of smell, Edward, as you know. And this evening, when your mother and I were searching for a possible name on the night, the rain meant in question, I noticed this peculiarly delicious, I mean, pungent odor. Now look here, dad, why not let the matter drop? Drop? With a clue like this? Rises. Down left a step. No, sir. It shall never be said I left a stone unturned to clear my son's mortal character. Going towards door with cushion. I shall take this and compare it with... Over right, he stops suddenly. Edward, dad, you have perverted the truth. You do know who left those things here. She's living in this hotel. My dear old dad, what? Dean, tragically smelling cushion. It's not the hair wash. It's that American girl. I noticed it on my hand after shaking hands with her. Billy, coming down right of Dean. Still, you know, sir, you're not absolutely certain. Certain? Billy retires up to window seat in great confusion. I am perfectly certain. To Edward. And you can't deny it. I do deny it. You pervericate, sir. My nose tells me you pervericate. I deny that, Miss Anning. Dash it all, Governor. Suppose she does use the same scent. What of it? I shall reserve my judgment, Edward. I may be wrong. My nose may have misled me. I trust it has. If I have wronged you and this young woman, I am deeply grieved. If you have compromised anyone, I trust you will act as my son, as a gentleman would act. Exit Dean right with cushion. Edward strolls over to left corner. Billy to Edward. Old man, what's the next move? Edward looking at him. Hanged if I know. I say Teddy. Was he right? No. Edward sees parcel and note on chair left corner. I jove. What's this? What's what? A note from the mother. He opens it, coming left center. My dear boy, you'd better return these things. You might have trusted me. You've known me long enough. You're loving mother. What a splendid mother. Goes over to Edward. Why don't you own up, Teddy? I've known you long enough. You wouldn't believe me if I did. My dear old chap, I'd believe anything you told me. We've always been such old pals. I know at Cambridge you were a fearful old anchorite and all that sort of thing, but hang it all. What earthly harm is there owning up to a few high class wild oats? Edward turning fiercely on Billy. Damn it. They weren't wild oats. Does she look like wild oats? Billy alarmed, backs away to center. You don't mean it's a little miss. What's her name? Yes. Great Scott, what luck. What the devil do you mean by luck? Nothing old chap, nothing. Of course, she couldn't. I mean, why did she leave him here? I didn't. Well, hang it all. Last night, somehow or other, it came out I'd got engaged to Evangeline over the phone. Well, she lectured me and wormed out the fact that I didn't love Evangeline. Said it was impossible. Billy sitting on arm of chair center during preceding speech. Well? Well, she ended by swearing she'd stop it. Of course, I thought it was all chaff. But you see, well, she wanted to choke Evangeline off me. Billy after slight pause. Well, she's done that all right, old chap. She'll make a wife in ten thousand. You don't imagine I'm going to. I don't know how you can help it. Any common or garden night would do as much for his lady fair. Don't be absurd. I hardly know the girl. It's absurd. Edward, some of the biggest acts of genius have been performed in the space of a single instant. I've told her I never want to see her again. Good Lord, what did you do and ask an iron thing like that for? I insulted her and made a perfect fool of myself. She'll never forgive me. Look here, old man. This room's too small for you. You'd better come out for a stroll. Up to Edward. Edward looking at the window. No, no, I... Come on out and have a drink. You'll only get the blues if you stop in. Edward turning his head and looking at Billy. The blues? Struck by the word. Yes, the blues. Edward to Billy. Yes, she said I should get the blues. Well, she was right. Come along out and we'll fix things up in the morning. Crosses to door right. Edward with another look at window. Room stuffy. I'll just open the window. Goes up to window, opens it and looks out. Billy by the door. No, she won't, Teddy. Not again tonight. Yes, I think I could do with a drink. Enter Mrs. Hargraves right. Hello, Billy. Hello, Mrs. Hargraves. Well, Edward, did you get my note? Yes, mother. Are you going out? Yes, ten minutes drink or straw just round the corner. Excellent, Edward and Billy right. Mrs. Hargraves goes up to shut window and appears out window. Mrs. Hargraves genuinely surprised but relieved. Miss Anning? Good heavens. Enter Anne through window. Good evening, Mrs. Hargraves. Smiling whimsically. Dear me, what a fright you gave me. I thought you were a burglar. I'm so awfully sorry. How on earth did you— I just came along the fire escape. There, I told Edward they were dangerous. Anne, smiling. I wonder if they are. But what on earth made you— She stops as a sudden idea strikes her. It's really easier from the next flat. Is it? Mrs. Hargraves, it's not the first time I've braved the danger of that fire escape. Oh? I came in last night. Last night? After you'd gone to bed. What in the world did Edward say? He was a little surprised, I think. A little? My poor dear son must have been paralyzed. Sit center. I rather expected he would be. Why? I'd read his book. Oh, of course. I wonder why he didn't consult you. Neil's at chair right of Mrs. Hargraves. How do you know he didn't? He couldn't have possibly made such mistakes. He's very, very young. I think he's just the youngest thing I've ever met. My dear, he's been a very grave anxiety. He must have been. You see, as a parson's wife, I was so handicapped. Exactly. And now, through this absurd episode, I can't even get him safely married. Of course. One feels sorry for poor Miss Lipscomb, but… Sorry. I'm not at all sorry for her. Why should she jump to conclusions? A girl brought up in a cathedral town, too. That must be the limit. Of course. As Edward's mother, I was convulsed with the joke. You do think it was quite harmless? Yes, of course. It wasn't exactly on the level. I wouldn't have missed it for worlds. And I'm not at all sure I shall mind if Evangeline never recovers from the shock. Why? Because I feel sure I could never let him marry a woman so utterly lacking in humor. Ann embracing her suddenly. Oh, I'm so glad. Ann begins to cry softly. Mrs. Hargraves bends over her. My dear, what on earth's the matter? You're the matter. You're just the loveliest thing I've ever met. I wonder why you married a parson. Every woman has her responsibilities. He is my most adorable responsibility after my boy. Ann nervously, rising and going down right a little. Mrs. Hargraves, I've got to tell you something. Those, those. Pointing to her belongings. Those things are mine. Mrs. Hargraves, after a slight pause and with quiet good humor. I know. You know? Yes, I've known all the time. But how? Mrs. Hargraves smiling. The favorite scent. Ann smiling. I'd wondered if I put enough. Enough? Enough to sink a nation? You wanted me to know? Rises and goes to her. Why, of course. Oh, wasn't it a perfectly lovely idea? Rather unusually daring. But why did you do it? I did, so I wanted to get Edward out of the awful engagement. But how could you? Last night I got it all out of him, and when I heard she'd accepted him over the phone, that just finished me. I'm afraid I agree with you. I told him a girl who'd missed such a lovely moment over an old phone would rather make his life a, well, you know what? Yes, I know what. I quite understand. But why are you so interested in my boy? Sits on Chesterfield and kneels left of Mrs. Hargraves. I wanted to know if your son was as white as the soul of his own book. And you found? I found what was better, a child's soul with a human understanding. A child's soul in a man's body. That's why I love your son, Mrs. Hargraves. I fell in love with the writer of the story. Then I discovered he lived here and I fell in love with the real man. By the way, dear, how did you get to know him? Anne, with a little burst of laughter. I had to fall out of a punt to introduce myself. I wonder if he'll ever love you. Don't wonder. He does. I wonder if he knows. Not yet. Enter Dean Wright. He carries the cushion with both hands and is looking extremely worried. He starts as he sees Anne. Good evening, Mr. Dean. Rises crosses to Dean. Mrs. Hargraves rises. My dear Samuel, what on earth are you doing with that cushion? I have... Ignoring Anne. Discovered a clue. Mrs. Hargraves, seeing what has happened, takes things off chair. You've not said good evening to Miss Anneing. Much as I regret it, I do not see fit to address Miss Anneing. Why? Why? My dear... He pauses. No. To Anne. I will say... Good evening. Anne, with a beaming smile, shakes cushion. Good evening, Mr. Dean. I've just been telling Mrs. Hargraves how wonderfully clever I think your son is. You're very good. But what I was about to say... He's just the nicest boy I've ever met for years. Yes, no doubt. But... My dear Samuel, I do wish you'd put that cushion down. Anne goes upstage a little. But my dear... I have come here expressly to speak about this cushion. Mrs. Hargraves rising. My dear Samuel, I have something to tell you of the greatest importance. But this is important. You can talk to me later about the cushion. Anne coming down suddenly. Oh, give her that cushion. Takes cushion and gives it to Mrs. Hargraves. Mrs. Hargraves, I'd better be going. Quite so, quite so. No, my dear. Please don't go. Wait for Edward, and when you've seen him, I want you to bring him up to see us. Kissing her. My dear, I don't think you quite appreciate who it is you are embracing. Come, Samuel. Crosses to right. Mrs. Hargraves, I think I'd like to have just a little talk with Mr. Hargraves alone. Alone? Certainly not. Mrs. Hargraves going to door. A most excellent idea. To Anne. You'll bring Edward upstairs when you've... Very well, my dear. I will talk to this young person alone. Oh, my gracious. Don't you dare to call me a young person. To Mrs. Hargraves. That is just one expression I won't stand. To Dean. No, sir. Not even from you. Mrs. Hargraves smiling. Don't let her keep you too long, Samson. Samuel. Certainly not. Certainly not. What I have to say, I shall put briefly. Ah, you don't know her. You don't know her. Exit Mrs. Hargraves laughing. A pause. The Dean draws himself up, stiffly. Now, Miss Anning. Don't you understand it was I who asked you for an interview? Good gracious. You are such a perfectly adorable old darling. Do you know when I first saw you, I just loved you right away. Hand on his arm. Dean taking hand off. Now it must be distinctly understood that I cannot permit myself to be weedled. What a pity. A pity? Ann putting her arm through his. I'm just too cute for anything at weedling. Dean removing her arm again. You, you, mustn't do it. Do sit down. Drags him to chair center and pushes him into it. This is not the way I had intended to conduct this interview. Rises. Do sit down and look cozy. Sits him down again. But I don't feel cozy. Rises. I'll soon fix that. Sits him down again and places cushion at his back. Dean sitting. Well, perhaps for a few brief moments. Now, listen. Hand on his shoulder. My dear miss, miss. Taking hand off. Thank you. Have you ever thought how twiddy to have a very affectionate little daughter? Hand on his shoulder. Dean removing her hand again. I've already told you I cannot permit it. Oh, I forgot. You never had a little daughter of your own. I feel so sorry for you. Yes, yes. If we had been blessed, but... Shall I show you how it is like to have a little daughter? Yes, yes. I mean, certainly not. And at back of his chair, arms round his neck. How twiddy to be bullied and loved by me in just the most lovely way. This is not fair play. Yes, it is. Kisses him. No, she's kissed me. Of course, and she's going to do it again and again until a nasty frumpy wicked dear, dearer, dearest, sweet old darling Dean smiles just evermore. You know this is not the way deans are treated. Yes it is. Now, smile. I shall not smile. Dean catches Anne's eye and smiles. Looks stern immediately then smiles a second time. Anne as Dean smiles the second time. Oh, you wicked old story. You are smiling. Well, for a few brief moments, perhaps. I was thinking of a funny little story I read in the Athenaeum. Now, laugh. I shall certainly not laugh. Anne runs up to Dean, takes him by both hands, pulls him up and round to left center. Both laughing heartily. The laugh is worked up. The Dean quite suddenly stops short and pulls himself together. When he stops, Anne stops at the same time. Rumpf. And I actually took you for one of the foolish versions. My gracious me, you never mean to say you thought that? And you've turned out a positive Delilah. Well, maybe. This was a most unseemly proceeding. Was it? Most. You know that kiss. If my dear wife. Tell me, have you ever studied my sex? Not often. I mean only once, my dear wife. Anne shaking her head. You tried, but all the time she has just been studying you. That's what always happens with a really beautiful character, like Mrs. Hargraves. Oh, yes, perhaps you're right. Don't you think she knows best what you want? Both her hands on his shoulders. Yes, yes, we will consult her together. Anne puts her arm through his and they walk over right center. Anne as they cross. I would, right now. Worn lights. But, but you know, you weedled me. Anne, smiling. Yes, I weedled you. You deliberately made love to me. Yes, to me. Ah, nobody can make love. Love just makes itself. I wonder. You asked Mrs. Hargraves. She knows just everything. Yes, I will consult my dear wife. Goes to door right. And I'll just stay here and consult your dear boy. Dean returns to right center. Holds out both hands. Anne returns and takes them. Anne, do you really love him? Anne bows her head. Bless you, my dear. Dean kisses her head. Then he notices the perfume. Delicious. Delicious. Exit Dean right. After Dean's exit, Anne kisses her hand towards door right. Then gives a well-contented sigh and goes over to chair left. She picks up the night dress. Telephone bell rings and continues ringing until she takes receiver off. Anne going up to telephone. All right, all right, I'm coming. She takes up receiver. Yes. Who? Miss Lipscomb. Evangeline. American Anne. You are no coward. Into phone. Yes, center right up in the elevator. Puts receiver down, begins to take her hair down. May as well give her a good shock while I'm about it. She takes her hair down and ties it up with ribbon. Crosses to door, turns out light and opens door a little way, then curls up on Chesterfield. Pop up potatoes, poultry, prunes and prisms. Repeats and a half whisper. Pop up potatoes, poultry, prunes and prisms. Enter Evangeline right. She comes in quickly closing the door behind her. She looks round, surprised at the darkness, and then comes to center. Mrs. Hallgrace. Anne, putting her head up suddenly. Hello. Good evening, Miss Lipscomb. Evangeline turns to leave the room, but Anne gets to the door first. Anne at door and switching on light. Coward. You horrid woman. And I thought I looked perfectly fascinating. What are you doing here? And with your hair down? What are you doing here and with your hair up? Alone. Unchaperoned. I see. It was you then who left those things here. I did it to see if I could shock you. I succeeded. Then you are a… one of those awful… No, I'm not. But I'd rather be as human as one of those awful than you, see? It's the second time today, Miss Lipscomb. You arrived at the wrong conclusion. But… Anne, going up to her. There are no buts. You're a horrid little prude. A narrow-minded, nasty-minded little prude. Up to Evangeline. How dare you say that? You… Oh, I beg your pardon. It's very likely not your own fault. But you needn't have a nasty imagination about the dear baby you got engaged to over the phone. He told you that? He couldn't help himself. Even in your prim little hands, he simply couldn't help himself. You're a horrid little cat. My ow. Cats is wise. So you find it so difficult to marry. You've come round to steal the dear babe again. Pray, how long have you known him? Ever since yesterday, long enough to prevent him ruining his life. How on earth can two people fall in love in a day? Yes, you're just a sort of girl who'd take love out of eternity and tie it up in a parcel. Can't you see you're impossible? Impossible. Except as a curate's wife. I hate anti-test. I mean, I have a natural antipathy to curates. Is that so? Comes down left, half to herself. Seems I'll have to give you some chance after all. Give me? What do you mean? If I don't, you'll never get a look in. Up to her. Indeed. See here, you don't love him and he doesn't love you, but he loves a mighty big proposition full of magic. And even you might sprout in sandy soil. Sprout? I suppose I'll have to risk it. Listen, sit down. Sits her in chair. Don't touch me, please. And sitting on right arm of Chesterfield facing Evangeline. Listen, Edward Hargraves has a power of loving he's just been sitting on. He's not frittered it away like lots of men. When the lid's off, there's going to be trouble or bliss for the girl who removes that lid. I was going to do it tonight, but I'll give you the first chance. I don't understand. Yes, you do. Because you're showing the first primitive selfish symptom of love. Jealousy. I'm not jealous. Yes, you are. But only because you don't know what love really means. If you don't take this chance, you'll never get another. How do you know? Because tonight Edward Hargraves is going to find the key to his own particular personality, and one of us is going to hand him that key when the lid's off. Rising and going down left. I really fail to follow you. See here, I'll help you all I can. Gets nighty from chair left. Put on this. Advancing to Evangeline. Put on. Rising and retreating over to right. Dress the part my way. Never. How dare you suggest? Oh, how were you brought up? Brought up? What do you mean? Afraid of wearing a nighty of her party gown. It's not that. It's the idea. It's just too funny for words, especially when the party gown isn't half proper enough for a moral little model like yourself. How dare you say that? It's a very smart gown. Oh, it's smart. It's too smart. You'd have twice the chance if you wore something quite proper like. Never. Very well then. Remember you're taking big risks. Nice nighty. But why use such an indelicate method? Today you let him see you were scared at a nighty. Show him tonight that you aren't really shocked. Make fun of it. Let him see that you've got a sense of humor. Maybe you'll have a chance. What am I to do? Let your hair down. Makes a grab at Evangeline's hair and lets it down. Let my hair down? No. Leave my hair alone, Miss Anning. How can you? Be quick. Why you've got lovely hair. Now put on this. Evangeline hesitates. If you don't, I will. Slips it on. Why, you look perfectly sweet. Yes, I dare say. But I don't like it, Miss Anning. I don't like it at all. The supposing somebody should come. Anne, as soon as nightdress is on. Now come along over here. Anne seizes Evangeline by both hands and drags her across to Chesterfield and her onto it. Now put your feet up. Curl up there. Evangeline does so under protest. Anne rushes across to door right. I'll just listen. Listen's at door. I think there's somebody coming. During the following lines Evangeline is getting more and more nervous and hysterical. Oh no, no, no. I don't want anybody to come. Don't let anyone come. Probably Edward. Oh no, not Edward. Don't say it's Edward. Why, don't you love him? No, yes. I do. No, I don't. Well, perhaps I do a little. No, I don't. And I won't. Gets off sofa and tears off nightdress, which she leaves on stage, down left. Spusting garment away. Take it away, I say. And dignity crosses to right center and begins twisting up her hair and a little knot on top of her head. How could I do such a thing? How could you ever have persuaded me to do anything so awful? Do you realize that even my very own father has never seen me at such a costume? What would people say? What would the congregation say? You abominable girl. Snatched his rat from Anne and goes off right. Exit Evangeline right. There is a pause after Evangeline's exit. Well, I guess generosity does pay off after all. My poor nightie. Picks up nightdress and kisses it, then begins to put it on. Nightie's all right. Guess it depends who's inside it. Laughing. Gee, she did look a sight. She puts on nightdress, standing on Chesterfield to see herself in mirror, then walks across to her right, admiring her train. Picks up book from table and seats herself center. Hannah's honeymoon. His book. Kisses book then reads. Hannah understood then what she'd never realized before. That the delicate allusion of a successful engagement are the delicate allusions of a successful marriage. Kisses the page. Gee, he does understand some things. Bell. Anne runs to Dorn switches off light, then goes to Chesterfield, pulls it round obliquely by fire and lies down. Edward is heard speaking to Billy, and jumps up. Billy! Anne, you're no coward. Runs to back of stage, picks up drapery, goes back to sofa, puts drapery over her feet, then falls back on cushions and pretends to be asleep. And her Billy, followed by Edward, right. Edward thoughtfully crosses to sofa. Billy turns upstage to window. Billy looking out of window. Think that joy might have come through this window. Edward sees Anne is struck motionless, then he suddenly runs upstage silently to Billy and drives him down to center. Seeing Anne on Chesterfield. Great Scott! Edward creeps on Tiptoe to above Seti. Billy follows on Tiptoe to foot of Seti. She's sound asleep. That maternal aunt, what a study. What on earth? How the... Well, of all the lucky beggars, I think you were the luckiest. Don't be an ass. What am I? How on earth? Billy, still looking at Anne. Isn't she a perfect darling? Billy, for heaven's sake, what am I to do? Edward, I shall get riled with you in a minute. I wish the mother would come in. Dear old mother. You make me sick. You can't deny it's awkward. Awkward? What's awkward? Why will she do such outrageous things? Oh my good man, we're all your ancestors, Puritans. Can't you suggest something? I think you're the most ungrateful devil I ever met. He was a perfectly gorgeous gift from heaven's fall through the window from America and... Confound it all. I know all that, but I'm not even engaged to her yet. Billy, in your door right. Do you want me to hold your hand? I say I wish you'd get out. Ha, that's better. That's much better. Exit Billy right, laughing. Edward switches up light and crosses to back of Chesterfield. Looks down at Anne. Edward, after pause, sternly. You know you're not asleep. Well, you know best. Opening her eyes to speak, then closing them again. I suppose you grasped what Billy was thinking. Anne, she starts getting up. Ho! Oh! Don't you move, don't you dare to move. Comes round to right end of Chesterfield. Why? Sitting back in great alarm. Why? You know perfectly well you've behaved outrageously. Coming here at this time in. Like that. In that. Anne, sitting up and facing him, hands folded. Please, I thought. Look here, I'm going out to post the letter. If you're not gone when I come back, I shall. He pauses. Inspiration failing him. I shall. Well, what will you do? Don't you know that you're adorable? Anne, with a fascinating smile. No, am I? That hair is. Is it? Well, it's making me lose my head. That's not all you're losing. Look here, you know, this is beyond a joke. Beyond a joke. Anne, getting up suddenly. No, it isn't. She takes off nightdress to his blank amazement, and wriggling out of it, lets it fall to her feet. It's just the joke with no beyond. Crosses to right center cheekily. Edward, with set teeth, coming close to her center. Yes, you're right. It is the joke with no beyond. Please understand you've made a fool of me for the last time. Music played through dialogue till curtain. Oh, oh, very well, I'll go. Anne goes up to window. Turns, comes down to Edward and holds out her hand. Goodbye, Mr. Englishman. Edward stands with back to her, and takes no notice. Anne goes up to window, looks around at Edward, then comes right down again, center. Oh, you don't know what a brute you are. She turns up to window again. Stop. He goes up to her, takes her by both hands, and brings her down center. Don't go. I can't let you go. I... I... Well? I'm awake. I'm alive. I'm in love. Maybe. Edward, taking her in his arms, center. Anne. Anne. Embrace. Music swells. Curtain. End of act three. End of Anne by Lechmer Whirl.