TEAVETETO.VOU Lu PRIVATE LIVES QUADRILLE RELATIVE VALUES ASONG AT TWILIGHT > THIS WAS A MAN TONIGHT AT 8:80, HE VORTEX WATTING IN THE: WINGS 'HEYOUNG IDEA Nude with Violin A LIGHT COMEDY IN THREE ACTS by Noél Coward SAMUEL FRENCH, INC 45 West 251 Staser NEW YORK 10010 7628 Suvser Boutevaro HOLLYWOOD 90046 LONDON, TORONTOProjo ad Vel 0 ral te sees Comat toed Asin NUDE WITH VIOLIN STORY OF THE PLAY he produced making tall he had seemed—which isa fine nd merry way to start off a Coward play. Also on hand 1 few revelations of 1 fe le humor, loads of laughs . . 7 ‘as slick as @ seal leman in the New York Daily Mirror,NUDE WITH VIOLIN, produced in America at the Belasco Theatre, 44th Street, New York, on November ited by’ The Playwrights’ Company Towing cast: SEBASTIEN -. _, Noél Coward ‘Mawme-Cereste 0.000000... Therese Quadri Cunvton Prenancen, Junior”. William Tay! TsopRL SonoDIN... <2. Jane Coun PaMELa i Jacon FRIEDLAND ‘Anva Paverxov, (CueRny-May WATERTON, Faprice Robert Thurston Onaoiase Lewativ «0... Cory Deulin Groxce LUT Robert Wark Srorssouni LLU Babby Alford The ected by Nott CowardSCENES ‘The action of the ploy takes place in Paul ‘Studio in Paris TIME The Present. ACT ONE ‘Afternoon. act TWO Scene 1 A feso hows later. Scene 2 ‘The following afternoon. ACT THREE Scene 1 A few hours later. Scene 2 The following morning. Nude with Violin ACT ONE Sonam ‘aon ‘wor double doors which ope the front door. Down the library. Above thi ce ‘Av Ruse: When the CURTAIN ries it is about Jour 2 summer ajternoon in the year 1954. puts the plates on rings. He goes to it SumasTIEN,8 NUDE WITH VIOLIN act 1 sum to the table when the, FRONT He crosses, and ‘Manae- CELEST®, Shoei. Quelle Mt I Je ne sé ais pas, Anglais ou peut comment, ext Me peur te ue Bon Jour Sirasna, Merde! Mane catzsrs. D Cantos. (At th Yen fou de tout ce bruit. Cinetos | PSEMINOER, ‘young Americ , Eaboriously.) Excuse ‘SepasriEN. Monsieur? Camron. Patlez-vous anglais? anes Hen mans Sensei Yee eds (hana Cetasr. ets) CuNTrm, This i a house of mourning, menses Cunerox, T know. T ave to see Madame Sor TA when she does I fe Coneros. Mout be all he aare if you were Cl ton Preminger, senior act 1 NUDE WITH VIOLIN 9 Cuwron. Now see here, I'm not an ordinary press reporter out for scoop headtines, I'm a serious writer. Senastien, I am delighted to hear ‘ton. For over two years I've been assembling study of Sorodin and his iton among the Minnows. Curon. I came 0 give myself time to get all my notes in order and when T landed at Cherbourg I found that he had died. You can imagine the shock! SEBASTIEN. It was a shock to the whole world, mon- ice door with a jar ond taking the $e iL ‘Manté-Cuteste, Bon, Je me sauve. (Ske goes out.) Sepasrien. You say you have some notes on me? ave them here in my file ‘Sébastien, 1g his notes.) You entered the serv- in in July 1946 in the capacity of valet. SERASTIEN, Correct, Camron, You don’t talk like a valet. SeoasrteN, You can’t have everything. Cunvrox. You are of mixed parentage Senastien. You have a genius for understatement, ‘CuinToN. Born ‘SEBASTIEN Cunrow. ‘at his notes.) Deported from Syria in 1929. No offence specified, Martinique, date uncertain,0 NUDE WITH VIOLIN aes 1 sare tereiby VARS. senna, The Syn gon 1988, rence ied fotes on yOu Je yeespo. Thank you, You oat attitudes. 1 believe that Tite Cumeron. I de don’ to know what else one could ms, I took @ © everything lea Jong and Frew yan al te malt sted ate 2 mH bet ot te nat rean to say is that nott What 1 men should do what he was ink Cat ory a oop but apt to lead 1 and Adler and where did you learn to speak such good , Bournemouth. ere? Hot A aw, The Esplanade ? Seana What were 7 doing ner NUDE WITH VIOLIN un SRBASTIEN. Looking after an elderly lady. No offence specified. Cuno. You liked working for Paul Sorodin? Senasrien. Very much indeed, monsieur. He was a great man. (Cunvron, Was he difficult, temperamental? I mean did he fly into violent rages? SeDASTIEN. re of a stranger would be an intrusion jef? Just a moment— (He searches through his file, finds a paper and scans it.) Sorodin deserted her in 1926, didn't he? SEBASTIEN, 1925. Cumvron. And she hasn't seen him since? __ Senasrien. I believe that they once met by accident imagine she'd be suffering much arief after all those years. ‘Senasrien. (Refrovingly.) He was het husband and the father of her children, Gino}, Why di she never divorce him? Semastizn, She is a woman of the highest principles, and a Catholic. : ‘Cunvrox. Can you beat that? People have tried, monsieur, but seldom ‘on her photograph but only in a spirit of fun. ‘Cuinton. (Zising.) You know, I like you, Sébastien. ‘Senastien. Thank you.2 NUDE WITH VIOLIN act Cumron. really am crazy to mest “Madame Sorodi. ‘the moment if I promise to £° as my place is worth ‘pe worth much NOW be as much place can’t Samasrtex. Tt would Camrox, But your anyway, can it? ‘Sepastien. That that everything will £0 to ber, doesn't it? ReeastiEN. I presume 80; SEBASTIEN ig onder she came baring ove the public funeral. Spsasrien. Your Camron. Do you Tike her? 7 caro PT am in no position to say, having only just ret he. ‘Guanzon. Does she like you? ox. Does abt it, monsiewt. Paul Sorodin Tey yo was my friend. T traveled Tegan tne good company: WE td took our pleas: sre Soradin liked me or not T y. What pe could never approve of me, Our Sure co digmetrically opposed bet the hell they a. (The TELEPHONE rings.) senassten. Excuse me. (He 6005 10 telephone.) AST Javalides 2645—Si Sefior_ A si Feeoute 1 tamos completamente de averse OO Fo eevne tagedia, exo pare ol mundo © catés ‘trofe—M\ ta, Beor—_Usted es muy amable $* trate falta Sefior Hasta luego Seer ‘(ile hangs ¥P-) ‘Cumvros. How many lat do you speak? ‘SenasTIEN, Fourteen, g. ialects. My Swabi x here for ‘me, monsieur, ce NUDE WITH VIOLIN fa circumstanc 1s, yes, but. some- jours without touching a di ‘a drop. at me by any chance? Cuntron My a , ae iy approach slog Fay fatal ly. You could help I a Yo re a lt if oily you wou ae aa should 1? ve 7 peo Forte Sake of poet, If fr no oie SunssrieN. Sorodin will be remembered even tay tel Laer sale can mate a dae ‘SpRasTIEN, Which hotel?‘NUDE WITH VIOLIN act savron. The George Ve Suton tight have known it Cumvtox. Okay? Seonsrisn. (Resigned.) Okay- example of the xl monte 0s Sah eal mo a Sr mind on in Cape ee ers from er mother 91 crn thas de has o eft of doth of Inomonr which terhop ga Grom har alter. JACOB on Catt clown, 1. caper, shrewd ie ag is manner i ncn ni fides on occ30"-) fof. her conver son (Aso comes) fe te ane + Ui ach ae eer ean (Mane Ca ce ga cut, To SeISEN) age es San SA are dx ae eee eS ol yankful thi in de.quuelque chose? ‘Who is this? mon- jons were quite cleat, {tts all my fault. act 1 NUDE WITH VIOLIN Jacos. Tam afraid T must ask y¢ ataly. This is a moment when privacy Ceaeon. Are you Me, Jacob Friedland? Cunstow. T have some notes on you. Jacon, Kindly show peal to you. i am writing a husband's work. T know that you have him for many years but you must sti ‘your heart a little tenderness for him, you who once held him in your arms— SEBASTIEN. A. ci Cumvron. (Abs , Monsieur Preminger? taking one.) Thanks. Cunron. And you, Mr. land. You who braved ‘the ignorant scorn of his eat s and set his feet so Senasrien. (With an edge to kis voice.) AA light, Mon- sieur Preminger? For tel that you have life—Mrs, Soro appeal to you again— Tsonet. (Flustered.) Oh dear—this is really most awk- ward—I don't know what to say—Jane—Colin— ‘Coin. Til deal with this. (To Crnerox.) Now look hhere, young man, T don't care what magazine you repre- sent or who you are or where you come from, but if you don’t leave this house within fifty seconds I'l throw you out. ‘acon, Just a moment, Colin, (To Cuuvzon.) T fully appreciate your position, Mr. Preminger, and I will do all T can to help you on condition that you leave us alone the private sorrow that has come to us. (Carried away.) It’s not a private sorrow,16 NUDE WITH VIOLIN ner t senasrren, (Menacingly.) Another cigarette, Mone sieur Preminger? ae ee eer the devil do you Keep offering him cea reties for? Cunston, (Stricker ‘PAMEL a lunatic. ‘SEBASTIEN took a course of psvd "Panera. Whats ¥ Feet Wes a university in America, dear, Cambridge you know only quite different ambrid Yd have been better advised to take a course jn manners, Jaco, You had no business to Tet him im Sébastien. Tam very displeased. “Coun, I suppose he bribed you. Jane, (Frowning.) Colin : Senasrien. I am Thabit of accepting bribes, lame, merely an enthusiast. He y at Yale. "jane. Tim sure you're not, Sébastien. paste. Thank you, mis. SENET Where did you learn to speak sch perfect English? Twas in service easrieN. In Bournemouth, miss there some years Ago. ‘Pantera. Domestic service? Senasrten, Some of my ingly domestic. May refreshment? Jane, L mus very tiring day. ‘SEBASTIEN. ties were almost overwhelin= fer Meadames, Messieurs some 4 say I should love a drink, its been # chs up magnum of champagne rom bar table.) Champagne, miss? ‘TaN. Yes tthat would be lovely. Jee Gaba Lord! A Magnum! Where did that come from? om cones, Tt was & Christmas present from Mr. Soro NUDE WITH VIOLIN W my own humble way to I you, Sebastien hand me my Going to have champagne [mais Siuaorn (Open botle and ls it epciate e Back bw fener ie Sh hs a ergs a of ot os of her hat and pats her har nto “asm, (ending Tsoaes : co a glass 0 re, mo 1 do you an (Pe ‘chompcee Shen round) ages ite te ast ine Thad ‘any was at poor E weil you remember, Colin Twas ll for days, Jacob. Feta it was & bad year, oner., Ob ind i ee , everything went wrong. Sanasreen. Jacon, By (Govan fils wine glass ‘Smnaseen, Ma ‘a glass for him, tted to propose a toast? Corn. Ob Joe St Samir rink tothe memo y mast of charm and hemos cn18 NUDE WITH VIOLIN act 's no use I just can't ce him, "Jane, what is there about him that ‘you could poss "jane, He has charm, I thi Corns, (Contemptu I wouldn't trust him an inch. "pawena, A strong touch of the tar brush, if you ask ) Charm! The chap's a Dago. ‘Jane, Nobody did, Pamela. rng need to be Corny. He looks a thoroughly Jane, We bave no proof that. Sébastian is a sinister type. We met him for the wo days ago. ‘Coun, You have only to look at him, I know the sort oily. ‘Jane, I liked what he said about father. Jorn. I know that over the years you have built up jn your mind a romantic conception of your father, Jane darling — "yaate, Hle was a romantic man. Yeourz, I also know, modern values being wh that you can see nothing wrong in the unpri wee, Tam sure T have but Ido think you might 5 your poor mother, rather than ‘who betrayed her and made her ‘Hear, hear. ‘Darling mother, what absolute non- red with father for exactly. sh Ad ‘may have been a bit difficult for that but since then it has been extremely omntortable, "TsoHeL., Tlidve fo intention of pursuing this discussion NUDE WITH VIOLIN 19 most unsuitable considering ‘man I mean? ing with him? ‘The fact remains that the Tate for three thousand pounds2 NUDE WITH VIOLIN re been most considerate, Jac ments and support me thro never have endured it without you. ‘shouldn't have come, mother, sone. Non: it was my duty. Jane, Pers ink it was unnecessary. Nobody was deceived. TsoREL, agreeable thing to say, Jane, Pim sure I had no wish to deceive anyone. ‘a bad mood all day, argumenta- iresome, (To JANE.) Why don’t you felt ashamed. Jacos. Tt was most important view for Paul Sorodit’s widow and chil at his funeral. every point fen to be present Jaxer, Every point of view but father’s Tsovex, Really, Jane. Jane, He'd have thought we were hypocrites, as indeed ‘[sonez. I resent your attitude, Jane. Your father was ‘my husband— ‘Jane, He woul ‘you had divorced ‘him when he wanted you to, years ago, ca. T must say this is hardly the moment to 0 Comm. Why di “Jane, She has nothing whatever to put up with, don’t blame iter for hating father, we all know he behaved NUDE WITH VIOLIN 23 in the past and deserted her and made her Isovet. You should never have take course at the Polyte es. Ob, moter you ae fa Jane. Are you really cross ot only pr Isoner. I don't know what you mean.” Ja. Wal, you bien pretending tobe sad all day, see no reason why you shouldn't be pretending to be go away before we've decided what's to be done abot Sébastien ‘CouIN, Sébastien? What are you That talking. abe is last years, Something wil eee ee ee PAMELA, T expect he as taken good care to feather* NUDE WITH VIOLIN oe, Jaab. Do you agree with? cos Zettalsly something ia what you say. Tong wages and good dance Joie rhabe' hot enough Were ening st ting in saStmorning, Tut bested before we rat agoc with Ci Fonts wages and send him ith a fiea Jane, He m per Coun. Pensi ‘must be out of your mind, Jane. Tt’s a jon decency. Mother, you as father fo appear mean in the eyes of Mears of devotion iether wih mont wages, What do you think, cab z Jacop. In Lthink Jane is right. En, We ta. Panera. Neither do I sonst, Ts that Jacon. Yes. T a pension or a Tsopst. Oh dear. Wel T suppose we must agree. Will yo “Jacos, Willingly. But 1 think id him yourselt xed opinion, Jacob? ithe choice of red, Jacob. T rst, (Resigned.) Very well. Ring for him. Coun, (Presses the bell near the service door.) Bear ‘up, mother. We can always rely on you to say the right thing TsoBEE. ‘SenasTmen. the room. He is wearing an expression of ) You rang, madame? Tsosst. (I ‘Yes, Sébastien, I wish to speak to you for a moment. Isonzx. Fist of foyal service sone. As you are no d no will, SEBASTIEN. Yes, madame. Iam aware of that, Isoper. is sudden death situation— ibt aware, Mr. Sorodin left not yet occurred Sroeraot, Thave fequesly been embercassed in ane, bit more often by lack of tate than BY mh He lang) ere. (He hangs u {scow, What as all int abouts Stoasten. Merely # message of condolence, was Herr Otto Grunschnabel, the director re in Hamburg. Tt is a really remarkable the fields twice a week to Phenomena and acquire physical . ‘Jane. I didn’t know there were any fields in Hamburg. Senasrimn. There aren't. They go by electric trudge back’ in formation, drag Grunschnabel was a ‘we were in Germany he used to supply us with models. ‘Cours. (Contemptuously.) Modelst26 NUDE WITH VIOLIN act SenasrteN. A comprehensive term, sir. (To Isowxt,) ‘You were about to say, madame?— ‘Tous, Iwas about to say that, in consideration of ‘0 my Tate husband, Mr. Friedland and T 0 offer you the choice of a sum of money ‘in the near future, or—or a small pension. arid you, Mr. express my gratitude. I happened to be listening outside the door just now when the matter was being discussed. Cou. Ts ‘Exactly what T should have expected. jane. (Amused.) That was disgraceful of you, Sébas- inderstand therefore how much pains me, in the ‘such spontaneous generosity— to be the bearer of what I fear will be most disturbing Couin,, What on earth are you talking about? Senastmex. That was Mr. George Meredith's rather involved way of 5 best laid schemes O° ‘Although Mr. Sorodin ‘and the head wait ‘tigahized the catering. ‘Coli, Catering? Sesastisn, We had given a little party. Ne dose You understand, just a small gathering of act 1 NUDE WITH VIOLIN 7 friends, quite f was so informal one of Jacon. Where Semasimen. In a strong box in the Royal Bank of very Tong and contains many it- relevancies of a personal nature. I am, However, perfectly prepared to read you any extracts that are pertinent to the present circumstances. ‘acoB, What is the meaning of all thid? What are you up to? ‘Seeasri=n. I am not up to anything. T am merely ‘embarrassed, for reasons that will be only too apparent later on. Jacob. Come to the point, please. Read the letter. Senasiien. (Looking at Tsosst.) Have I madame’s permission? Isopet, (Aj fated.) 1 suppose so—Jacob—what am T 5 To Senastien.) You have madame’s permis- sion to proceed, ‘Coun. There's som« Jane, Shut up, Col shady about this. in private, Mc have no choice. Just a momen duces a wad of papers from hi through thems, scrutinizing the names or addresses on each of them, doesn't find what he is looking for, and ‘puts them back—takes another wad from his ‘right pocket, goes through them, discovers post card of a nude coat pocket, glances28 NUDE WITH VIOLIN act 1 woman, slyly shows it to Couin—and audience—then puts wad back in his pocket, going finally to another ‘wad of papers in his inner pocket, glances through them, extracts a typewritten letter and places the rest carefully back in his ‘He clears his throat and looks at everyone Coun, the questioned, T wil begin it by stating that T am sane and healthy a1 Jooks up.) Act but I gave him tucked him | a nice hot toddy, iend of his—and pitt bbe very bad, S&- a! most shouting.) Read Senasrmn. (Continuing to read. to leave no will and testament, for the simple reason that always having spent any money Tearned the moment I received it and frequently before I received it, I have Senasrten, vert to my loving wife as a just and fitting recompense for the monumental lack of understanding she has lavished on me since we first met on Armistice night act NUDE WITH VIOLIN 29 1918 when, owing to an excess of patriotism and inferior Sauterne, she co Coum. (Prote Tsonet, Hush, the letter. ‘JacoR, Perhaps it would be advisable, Isobel, for you to return to the hotel with Pamela and Jane, T’can deal with this. TsoveL, No, Jacob. My husband’s insults, even from beyond the grave, are powerless to hurt me. ‘Coun. Good for you, mother, Jacor, Whatever you wish, my dear. (To SzsastiEn.) G6 on. aware that thanks ess acumen, my to Mr. ‘canvases have achieved a commercial value grossly out of proportion to their merits. In fairness to him, however, {i I have reaped considerable financial although I consider this sop to the unnecessary as my wife has always enjoyed a more than adequate income of her own”—(looks up)—there now comes a rather long diss fn the iniquities of the marriage and divorce laws. It is quite amusing in a bawdy way. Mr. Sorodin had a rich and varied vocabu- lary as you may remember. Would you like me to read ‘or skip to the important part of the letter, the clow” as we sa ce? a it and go on. He reads in a barely distin bla bla—Canon Law—bla sanctimonious hypocrites—bla bla impertinence-—bla bla bla—bla bla bla—a predatory fo—bla bla bl: jeration of the fact that when thi to be only fair that the world of Art, to which I owe so30 NUDE WITH VIOLIN act 1 ‘much, should receive from me one final and unequivacal stat which is, that with the exception of a water colour of an old sheep dog executed at Edinburgh when T was eleven years old, I have never painted a picture of any sort or kind in the whole course of my (Tsonen gives a slight ory, puts her hand to her throat ‘and chokes.) CURTAIN ACT TWO Scene 1 A few hours have elapsed since Act One The CURTAIN rises on a scene of general dejection. the sofa with her eyes closed. ‘@ plate of food. Pauxta és with a plate of food. Jane. too ting Down Right. Jane, Won't you have some of this pité, Jacob? It's awfully good. choke me, should try to eat something. She Some eee? ae Hf the man doesn't want to eat, why badger ime Tse, He must keep up to the nervous system a is strength, Violent shocks Paueza. And a fat it has done. Tt would hhave been much better ne ome outs ago when T suggested much more able ‘good sleep. {good sleep! Are you mad? ly not. I'm ink that Colin and T are the only sane ones among the lot of you ‘We always thought Sorodin’s pictures were fakes anyway, [must frankly say that, wher med, T could never consider you or your wife's be in the least valid, or even interesting 332 NUDE WITH VIOLIN act Coun, Here, steady on! Jncos. Please do not. teaded as a reproach. We ‘own milieu, I have no doubt whatever that sm equal iguish a Picasso from a hole in Well—I wish you'd both find one if.) Ha, hat Bloody funny! (Returns ‘lass and plate to sofa table.) ig her eyes.) Colin, you know I don’t iat word. iting Jacob. He's very upset. Panera. I don’t see why he should insult Colin and Isopes. I wish you'd al splitting, Jacon, blackm: ‘Jacos, Do you believe Jane, Yes, Tim afraid I do. Do you realise what it would mean is a forgery my re the papers got hold o act NUDE WITH VIOLIN 33 le_ suggestion. Whoever ‘must be as mad as a a do make me laugh if you con- been lying Cotm. (Laughing.) Perhaps he did them himse Jacos. Whoever painted those pictures was a g¢ Not only the finest art phantic sheep. Jacos. Only ess, (The TELEPHONE continues to ring. They Aux le34 NUDE WITH VIOLIN act 0 don—Parlez-vous Francais?-—I'm afraid T don't quite understand—WHAT? SEBASTIEN. (Comes in from the terrace.) Excuse me, (lie takes the telephone from Coun.) AUO—ici In- valides 2645-—Ah! (He smiles.) Aoun choong—nee nee ‘bovoo tchailung—ienfo law woon tragedy peenoo tialan ‘wang aoueen catastrophe—nee boula maniyar kong gai Fanyialouning— Gonk—gonk. (He hangs up.) ‘Couns, Who the devil was (hat? Senastien. The physical training instructor from the Shanghai branch of the Y.M.C.A. (He goes out.) "Jans, You are quite convinced, Jacob, that all father’s ictares wete painted by one perso? * rH e ‘it brush in its mouth. Couns. Or a chlipanzee with Paua, (Going into poles of laugiter.) Oh, Colin! Tomei, (Gently) T think, dear, that considering we only laid your father to re ery good fate to call him a 5 yet to be proved. the worst, that father’s letter was true, Sone Sitesen ean sm sean wi tote gs cer ce Hyacly, We mst bid Nbr, é ie laying curselves pen to charge of defrauding the pubic, Tove, ‘hat ean't be helped. ‘The public. has been de- frauded for years and it might just &5 well go on being fora ltl longer Toone, T cannot agree to that, Jane. T am sorry, but principles {ante Oh, mother really. « - Jaton. Chsng) sit In accordance with your prin eps, rng sin ‘nd grace on @ man who as ttays tried to be your fiend? Tadmic What nonsense, Jacob dear. We all know it isnt you fal act NUDE WITH VIOLIN Jacos. It doesn’t matter whose fault it is, My reputation is in jeopardy! ‘sone. We of you to let first place, takes sometimes but surely e’ve been wrong, to come bravely out into the open and say so, don’t you think? Jacos. (With restraint.) No, Isobel, 1 do not, Nor have I any intention of coming bravely out into the open and saying that I was wrong when I know with every fibre of my being that I was right, I still maintain that whoever painted those pictures had genius. Tsopet. Well, I am afraid that I can’t agree When you showed me that first picture of Paul ago, it was as much as T really it was. That awful looking woman with a pot on her headl ‘Jacos, (Patiently.) been acknowledged to Tsoagt. You sti market stark naked, even in Algiers, (Couin and PawELa laugh.) ‘JANE, This is all rather beside the point, mother, Don’t ‘you see that we must stand Tsover. Tam v permit me to now to be a Pamata. T agree with mother. Let's be honest and above board. It pay’ in the long run. Jane. That is exactly what it won’t do. Tf this becomes public, not only will poor Jacob be done for but the ‘whole of father's estate will amount to nothing. We must be practical. What possible good could be achieved by bursting this scandal wide open? Surely it is our first duty to find whoever it was father bribed to ghost-paint for him and then it will be up to Jacob to see that justice is done. Isonzx. Justice? you. 's yearson, Ven ay dee i sh Father Flanagan were here. farm dot see fe wer, Lone {now tat you don't ke Father Flanagan, Jane bt you ean take my word for i, he avery won ima; winoet a myst ‘fate What we neo atthe moment isa cl Goan. For once Tagice with Jane Teoun! (prose Count ver eat lanagan. He may not be myer wanted to come with us Father Flanagan, or to the Pope. It greed not to divulge what has Tsoner. lish lawyers. ‘JacoB, T have a very definite idea of the incapacity of the human race to keep its mouth Coun. This isn’t getting us a all go back to the hotel? ve a curious idea of the probity of Eng- ere. Why don’t we NUDE WITH VIOLIN (Senastimn enters by service door.) ‘SupASTIEN. (/ Jacos.) Did you ring, si ‘Notre Dame, Is there anything I es, Sébastian, a great deal Sspasrmen. At your service always, miss, Couns, Oh 'se off again! Janse. You sai while ago that father witnessed by Mi ad a head wait SEBASTIEN. Jules Messonier, 80 bis rue de Perpignan: Jae. Can lie speak Engl Sunastmen, Oh, no. T (No, they only signed it as witnesses. Jane. Good, To your certain knowledge no one side this room my father’s employ, that he wa Miss Jane, He explained to me that fe was essential to him when he was work- reason he gave for never painting in id It was merely a facade to impress the when he knew me better, he took me into ‘Jane, Wher Senasrien, or pretend to work? 7 there under ‘Jane, Every Sepasrie. Ob, no! Only when, as he said, he felt the urge.38 NUDE WITH VIOLIN act ‘Jacon. St, Cloud? Wherein St. Senasru, 16 Impasse de Louis Philippe Jacon. Why didn’t you tell us this before? Srnastmx. You never asked me Jacos. Have you the keys? Seeaseien. Yes, monsietr. Jacon, Where are they? Stvasrn. With the letter in the Royal Bank of Canada. “Jacob. Ist se anything in it? Jacon. (Almost screaming.) What Stvasniw. His last great masterpiece, “Nude With Violin” (Tie PRONT DOOR BELL rings.) Excuse me. (He bows ond goes out.) Jacos. (Wildly and ‘Jans. Keep calm, Jacob, for heaven's sake, keep calm. Jacos. ‘The cunnhig blackmailing scoundrel Tit has him arrested, Tl have him flung into gaol! i.) Remaining canvas! “Nude (There is the SOUND of RAISED VOICES outside.) Jose, Jacob! Pull yourself together. You must pull ‘yourself together. Cuinton, (Birsts into the room, He is followed by Smastien.) Forgive me for intruding, but I've just had 2 cable from my editor Jacos, T don't care if you've had a cable from John Foster Dulles, Please go away, CumvTox. It's urgent, Its about Sorodin. Where is it? Jane. Whereis what? ‘Cumsox, Sorodin's posthumous greatest picture he ever pai s\pocket.) ‘The cable says it’s called “Rude With ‘Sunasrien, The intuition of the Western Union is almost uncanny. Cuno, The news broke in New York yesterday. All act NUDE WITH VIOLIN 39 the dealers are crazy with excitement. Elmore P. the director of the Manhattan Museum of has hopped a plane and is artiving tomorrow. You Tet me see it, Mf, Friedland, Life Maga to catty iton the cover page in colour. Jacos, (Brokenty.) Go avay, Me junior, just go away Curwrow. Ob, please—please see it! Thmay make the whole ‘Coun, Approach to what? Cunton, Everything WE, Mr, Friedland is very upset, Mr. Preminger Please do as he asks and go away. I is quite out of the question for you to see the picture inton Preminger, implore you to let me ference to my approach. sient. (The FRONT DOOR BELL rings.) Excuse me. (He goes out.) Cumnrox, (To Isoset.) Mrs. Soro you— Jans. Mr. Preminger—you really must stop appealing to'my mother, it fusters her. Cota. Now see here, Prem Jane. Just a moment, Coli you to see the picture I appeal to T will try to arrange for ing. I be dry? Jaxe. I can't promise anything but if you will go away tly now T assure you that I will do all T can. unto, Okay. I'm sorry—I'll go. Good-bye. (Ie ‘goes out quickly.) sone, Americans are curious, aren't they? So abrupt! Jacon, What are we to do now? If news yesterday, London wi hhave all the English dealers pestering the Alatic Craigie, Beddington, probably the Too Tsonex, What on earth have teeth got to do with it?40 NUDE WITH VIOLIN acr Sepasrmen. (Re-enters.) A. Princess Pavlikov has called, Mr. Friedland, She seems agitated ‘Jacos. A Princess who? Senastien, Pavlikov. Ag the name implies, she is a Russian, ‘Tacos, Send her away. T can't possibly see anyone now. feaningly.) T thi ‘Jacos, What do you mean? ‘SraastieN. She says she is a very old knew him many many years ing his Fa Pero ap to meet Stone, (Rising.) I really don’t feel up to meeting any more strangers at the moment—Colin—Pamela— (Pant- ) Show her in, Sébastien. tiers, mademoiselle. (He goes out.) but her makeup is Dut her jewellery, (To Jacos.) Mr, Friet Tam Jacob Friedlan ly.) L fear T don’t understand. sh a charming smile.) Tt is no matter. (She This lady—you will please make presen- JacoB. Mrs. Paul Sorodin, Tsonst, (Vodding.) How do you do. NUDE WITH VIOLIN a ANvA, Of course, I see also that you could not be any- Jooce. 1 am Jane Sorodn. This is my brother Cain and this is his ANE, Please do, ‘Anya, Is there brand) ‘Srmastmen. Perhaps fer vodka? Anya. (Violently.) No, no, no! I cannot bear vodka. Tt makes me gay and noisy denly tears come and regr most beastly. Brandy is better, especially after journey. ‘SumasTieN. Very good, madame. (He goes out by service door, staring at Avtva as he goes.) coloured blood, You can tl by ing at Tsouex.) You are ame la Princesse would pre- Jane. We hardly know him, He was my father’s serv- ‘Ana, Ah, Do not trust him, Couns, Thanks. We don't. Jacos. T understand that you wished to see me ur- ny bathroom where we talk privately? concern the late Paul Sorodin? it also concerns everyone in this room, You may speak freely.NUDE WITH VIOLIN act Anya, Ah! You wish me to say what I say before wit- ) Not exactly. (Ana lights « ciga- sh over her shoulder.) You see, we ous to discover as much as possi gayly.) No took it back when my hus band showed true colours and w Masha, He was heartless pig called Flanagan. “Jane. Oh dear! ‘Anya, Trish Paueis, (Helpfully.) In Ireland Flanage 'ANYA, He was very commé Sunastien. (Re-enters wi on a salver.) Kniagynia, SEBASTIEN. id not consi ‘acon, : Seoasrien, service door.) Very good, monsieur. ( outside the door as usu: uld need me. (He bows and goes ‘A. He speaks good Russian but bad accent. Ukraine—harsh on eat. Has he ever been in pris ‘Couns, Frequently, I'should think. acr NUDE WITH VIOLIN 48 Awva, It always gives people a certain “air.” Of course many of my family were in prison from time to time but only for political reason. My uncle Sergei used to tell us wonderful tales when we were children in He once trained mouse to do little dance. La Ia la—so, he would say—La la la—so! and it would get up on tiny: legs and go round and round—how we laughed! ss. (She looks at Isonet.) You will not mind if I speak truth, Mrs, Sorodin? It is all long ago but I would not ‘Anya, Yes, (She sight wistfully.) Oh yes, T knew him, Jacos. Well? Jacos. Where did you first meet? Anya, Here, Twas 2 student at Beaux Arts, he jacos. What were you studying at the Beaux Arts?a NUDE WITH VIOLIN act 1 ‘va, Sculpture, Feeling of clay intoxicates me. I go ite mad sometimes and dance and shout very loud. Laughs.) Jacos. When did you start painting? 161 So you know? You have known all the time, You have been most slyboots. Jacos, I don’t know anything, but. I want to, I want to know all that you can tell me. It may be of vital importance, ‘Anya, It was Sorodin who made me give up the sculpting, Axa. (Zo Jacon.) Have you ever been Bou-Sada? Jacos. No, I have not, 11s ruined now. ‘ANYA, You remember now’ Jane. (Eagerly.) Remember what? ‘Avva. Mr. Friedland first meet Sorodin in La ‘Napoule, I had gone market one day, and when T come back in evening all those silly, silly’ paintings Sorodin ‘make me do are no more there. ‘Tacos, Ob, my Gi ‘Anya. What happened to stupid old lemons? Tacos. It is the treasured possession of one of the ‘greatest connoisseurs in Buenos Aires. ‘ANvA. (Laughing.) Itis great joke, no? act 1 NUDE WITH VIOLIN 45 Jaco. No. oer, Sorodin would laugh if he alive now, Coin. TT bet he we Janz, How many pai aliogether? ‘Anya. I cann reat many. He ss did you do for my father pentine. (To sonst. soar, (Flurrie tually. T me Jacon, You left Sorodin and went away with this—this Egmont? "ANYA, That is truth, ing. Egmon ‘Couin, Good for Egmont. Anya, We st many tourists, Rou ‘acon. Letter? ‘Ana. Yes. I have copy here in bag. Tr Swiss Bank Brussels, Egmont witness le fone shake hands, drink cognac, and we alive? Awva. T think no. He have better garage, but Belgian Congo bad bu: garage, Mosquitoes, Tsee Tsee flies, Albert Schweitzer— ‘hat a country! ‘Jacos. Was the letter a form of contract? Did Sorodin ay you money?46 NUDE WITH VIOLIN acr ‘Anya, Oh yes. very year until war. Then no more. ‘acon, Please show me the letter. Anya, Certainly. (Hands i to kim.) True letter Sorodin’s handwriting. Typed copy more easy to under- Jacor, (Still it.) Yes—yes, its Jane, Tell us the worst, Jacob. Jacon. The gist of it is that Madame Pavl claims on her paintings. She ly in the presence of witnesses never to speak ot ¢ transaction to a living person. In return for guarantees ‘to pay her an annuity of three hundred thousand francs, to be to her account in the National Bank of Switzerland in Brussels, ‘Coun, Why Brussels? Anya. My stepmother had little business there. Jane, What sort of business? Anva. Tt is difficult to explain, war, then poujf everything break nother die—girls all run away. Coun. (To Anva.) Girls? ANYA, My step sisters Jan, And you, where did you go? ‘Anva, Dublin, Ireland neutral country. That's where T meet Flanagan, But I come back after wat to Brussels —then Flanagan leave me. T try to find Sorodin, Sorodin. Then at last T come here again and find Soredi ‘Tacos. When? was good until n small. pieces—my jon francs! ‘That's @ thousand pounds, isn't it? ‘Anya, Exchange most lousy Jacon. How much do you wan ‘Anya, Money vulgar. I prefer not discuss. Jacow. You tealise of course that this letter is not in any way legal? act NUDE WITH VIOLIN 47 Anya. Not legal maybe but most fine joke for Press. Jacos, How much do you want? ‘Anya, T will ask lawyer. Jaco. (Angrily.) You will do no such thing! Jane, Hush, Jacob, I am sure we will be able to come to some reasonable atrangement with Princess Pavlikov. ‘Jacos. This is sheer blackmail! ‘Anya, (To Jacon.) It is business, Mr. Friedland, Jacos. If you will deliver the original of this letter to meat my office, er $06 Boulevard Haussmann within three days, I will draw up a contract guaranteeing you five hundred thousand francs year for the rst of your life. TsoBEL. Jacob! Couns. (Horrified.) The man’s barmy! Jacos. Be quiet and leave this to me, (To Axva.) well? Anya. Belgian francs? Jacon, Certainly not, French francs. ‘Anya. Then no agree. French francs most shifty. Up one day, down next, Government change—wallop! SEBASTIEN, (Enters from service door.) You vang, monsieur? Jacow. No, I did not. Sauastien. How extraordinary! I made sure I heard Tt must have been a tinkling piano in the next went. (To Anya.) Madame would like me to escort her to her ear? Cou. Car? 1. T have been having a litle at with ame chew. A mot interetng man vA. Sharply.) “What have "you said—you and chauffeur? * a Seuasri=N. We found we had a great deal in common, Anya. (To Jacob.) ‘The offer you make just nom. It is definite? Jacos, Yes. ‘Avya. Then T accept Senasrien. Excuse me, Mr. Friedland, Madame Soro-48 din, but I venture to suggest that evening to make final decisions, In brain is clearer and the sun is shining, matters, even business matters, assume quite a di aspect, Anya. He make off nesses. T accept before ‘witnesses. No fs settled ‘SEBASTIEN. NUDE WITH VIOLIN acr Tate in the ing when the SepasrieN. Ia vass predoupredill ne otkrivat (sof ra, (1 war unpleasantness! Anva. I told you not trust him. Look check-bones! Tacos. What were you saying just now? Tell me the trith, please, ‘SEBASTIEN, ing to Mad: explain- ingly, monsieur. T was m Princesse that it if she behaved herself Jacos. Have you ever Senastmn. No, monsit Jane, You weren't here she called on my father s. I happened to be staying the week-end, On my return, act NUDE WITH VIOLIN 49 however, I gathered that a faitly stormy interview had taken place, ‘Jacos. How did you gather that? Supastien. Mafie-Céleste was hysterical, Mr, Soro- ddin’s left arm was severely lacerated, and the sofa had ‘been sent away to be re-covered. ‘Anra. (Almost frantic.) You and chauffeur—what you talk about? Tell me swiftly, ‘Senastien, The past acon. The past—what do you mean? Seeasrien, I have a it was a birthday pres bear to drink alone, and Marie-Céleste has gone to bed, so I invited madame’s chauffeur to share it with me. wedge Come to the point, plese. You knew this man fore? SEBASTIEN. Oh yes. Egmont and I are old friends. Jane. Egmont? Supastien. Yes, Coun. Jusged SeDASTiEN, late ‘Your accent stinks if my great Uncle would send you bounci ther in Russian, SEBASTIEN, with great aplomb, turns he room 3) THE CURTAIN FALLSACT TWO Scene 2 The is about five o'clock on the following afternoon. When the CURTAIN rises, Seuastien is on stage. ‘Maxiz-Crtests enters. Dis que je suis sort Forgive me for busting picture, of course. You sa sd. Tsit dry yet? ‘SEBASTIEN. It's tacky. Curvron, I've had another cable from my ‘got to write a descrip Seeasmin, Ye analysis of Cimon, Of course T woul ‘Magazine is concerned, the Mon SEBASTIEN, Camron. Well, you SenasrieN. How could you with: Anyway, as far as Life is Old Hat, so many geniuses, ed by his own very Cumvrow, What think of Picasso? ‘SenastmN. Hr tried not to Cemvrow, Was he musical? yetween “Begin the jod Save the Queen.” He used to make to him over and over again, but it was He invariably rose to his feet for “Begin the52 NUDE WITH VIOLIN act 0 Cumton, Did he ever go to the theatre or the movies? SEBASTIEN, He only really liked Biblical films. He saw “The Sign of the Cross” seventeen times. ‘CunTox. What about ballet? Seeasrien, Dancing in any form nauseated him. Cuno. Why? SenastiEN, In the frst place he said that watching idy people turn round and round very fast made and in the second place he loathed swans. ‘Cunvton, There are ballets without swans, Senastien. Very few. Cumsrox, Tell’ me more about him, Sébastien—inti- mate, personal things ‘SERASTIEN. (Offering Cuivrow a cigarette.) Cigarette? Cunv7on, Gee, where did you get that? ‘Senastzzix. Mr, Sorodin gave it to me last Easter in a chocolate egg. ‘Cumvron. Tt means so much to me to be able to talk to you, you who were so close tho knew his every mood, ‘every facet of his brilliant mind, complexes for instance, his frustrations, his inner com- Plsions. What was his sex pattern? ‘SanasTmEN, He never slept ‘a bed. Cuntow. Now you're laugh Sewastien. Your very amount of ridicule, Mr. P ‘Cunvzow, Well, be a pal and lay off it, I'm feeling low. SeBASTIEN. Cheer up. It's always darkest before dawn. Cumvton, You've got to let me see that picture, Sé- Dastien, before anyone else does. You've just got to. ‘SEBASTIEN, Do relax, Mr. Preminger. ‘me Clint, All my pals do. ii call Promise me you won’t let anyone see that picture before I do, act NUDE WITH VIOLIN 83 ‘Seuastm, T can't t promise anything, Cumsron, (Seising him by the arms.) Please, Sébas- please—it means everyt the world to me. Euasrten. (Struggling slightly to extricate himself.) ‘Now look here, Mr, Preminger— Cunvron. Clint Sepastnen, (Breaking free.) All right, if you insist— lint. Cumvron, I could ‘SunastieN. Scotch? Cumton, Yeah—on the rocks, I didn’t sleep a wink last night. ‘SeBASTIEN. Ob, Clint, T'm surprised at you. What time did you get to bed? ‘Cuinton. (Ruefully.) Five o'clock. Sunastren. (Putting ice cubes in a glass.) What on ‘earth were you doing until five o'clock in the morning? Crnvron, Ob, you know—the usual thing. Senasrimn. (Pouring out a generous portion of whisky and bringing it to him.) I can hazard 2 guess, but with visiting Americans “the usual thing” is var Cumton, (With slight truculence.) At Ameri- cans 50 very different from visiting Englishmen and Ger: ‘mans and Italians? ‘Supastamn. Certainly. Curnow. tay? a drink, I'm shot to hell. Seeastien. They have more money to spend and less knowledge of how to spend it. ‘Cunon, I suppose that you, as a European, despise Americans? Serastien. Why should suppose any such thing? magazine. It was called— ‘you read in magazines. In any case I haven't time at the moment to embark on 2 of international ethics. (Cumvron, Did Sor ‘Americans? Seuasrien. No, but he despised journalistic generalisations. ‘Cumron, You want to know something?s4 NUDE WITH VIOLIN acr Sesasrren, Not particularly. Cumton. That clipped Bi Seasrren, Does it indeed? ga tiNON. You know T could listen to you talking all lay. SEBASTIEN. Maybe you could, but you're certainly not going to. Finish up your drink how and go away, I have a great deal to do. ‘Cumon. Okay. (He finishes his drink and rises.) You do like me, don't you? ‘SueastiEn. Absence, fonder, ‘Cunton. (Clapping Senastien on the back.) You're a great guy, Sébastien, and don't forget our dinner date. Boy, I bet you can show me things in Paris that I never ‘even Knew existed. So long, Pal. (Goes out, The TRLE- PHONE rings.) accent of yours slays i, makes the heart grow 2645. ranged, the camion the first thing in the morning. I will 0 supervise everything and retu in it with the canvas —Cert Told them both that you would communi personally. Oh yes, sir, the int factorily—Madame ‘one moment and attempt my thigh—but Egmont and I managed to calm her down. Egmont is a very sensible man, and is perfectly prepared to settle for French fran myself who prefers a more stable currency such as dollars. Pray keep calm, Mr. Friedland. Think of your cholesterol. Yes, they both'went back to Brussels on the afternoon plane and will return to Paris tomorrow with the document, Yes, sir—not at all, sit— In about half an hour? Very ‘good, ir. (With a smile he hangs up the receiver. There is a ring at the FRONT DOOR BELL. He rises from the desk, to bite my thigh, but I—No, Act NUDE WITH VIOLIN ss glances round the room to see that everything is in order. Jane enters.) Jans. Good afternoon, Sébastien. Sunast1en. Good , Miss Jane. Jane. I came on before the others because T wanted to have a little talk with you, SeeasTmN. T am both flattered an offer you any refteshment? harmed, Miss Jans. Thave Serastiex. A Jane, Perhaps SunastieN. Mademoicel ‘Marie-Céleste should come in and find me in the presence of my late employer’s daught undermine her morale, suspect that in this particular esta leste's morale has survived worse shi that, ‘SERASTIEN, It's certainly had a few jolts, Jane, In any case I didn't ask you to loll about, T asked you to sit down, ‘Seeasriex, Iam over-ruled, (He sits.) Jane, (Offering cigarette to Senasrizn, who takes it.) Now then— ‘Senastien. I am all attention, Miss Jane. Jane, I don't doubt that for 4 moment, You strike me as being a very alert character, Sepasrinn. Correct. Jans. Also, a fairly unscrupulous one. Suuastien, Mademoiselle is too kind. Jane. Will you answer one question absolutely hon- esily? SERASTIEN, That rather depends what the question is. Jane, Were you ly fond of my father? Senasrmn. (Quietly, offer a slight pause.) Yes, Miss ne. I was. You may really believe that, Jane, (With a smile.) Thank you, Sébastien. I do, I58 NUDE WITH VIOLIN acr Jane. Princess Pavlikov left my father in 1929. Who Miss Jane—"search i ‘Janie, Oh dear. Poob Jacob. I real him. _ a Janz. You don't thi painting? SERASTIEN, I don’t think that anyone knows about painting any more. Art, like human nature, has got out of hand. (There isthe SOUND of VOICES in te hall) fanz, Hiere they are. Senasrien, I didn’t hear the bell, (Cummay-May Warsaron enters, followed by Fannice. Cumeay-Max is a Dlowsy, cheerful middle-aged Blonde. Fasnice is excessively handsome and looks ike an advertisement in a health magazine.) Cueney-Mav, (To Sepastien,) Is Mr. Jacob Fried- land here? ‘Senasrien. No, madame. (Cuenny-Mav. They s Sesasrien. Fave you an appointment with TEN. My name is Sébastien, I was the late Mr. rice, (He ows.) He doesn’t say much but he's sweet when you get to know him, and he doesn’t miss a trick. SERASTTEN. I'm go relieved. Act NUDE WITH VIOLIN 0 Cuenny-May. (Looking around.) Fancy dear old Paul having a valet and a posh place like this. He did come up in the world, didn’t he? ‘Jane. You knew my father? Cuenny-May. My God—(crossing to Jane)—are you Paul’s daughter? I'm a bloody fool not to have recognized you at once—(they shake hands)—there’s a strong like- hess. (To Faukice, in execrable French.) Crest la fille de dear old Paul. (Fasnice bows.) T hope we're not intrud- ing, but it really is important that I see Mr. Friedland, Pve got a paper here that will interest him. ‘Jane, A paper? Oh dear! Sepasrien. Perhaps madame would like to sit down. We are expecting Monsieur Friedland at any moment. Cennv-Mav, Thanks. That's very civil of you nous assayons pour attendre jusqu’at, Monsieur nd vien darriver. We've been ‘along in that god-awful bus. since sterday. ‘Jane. Where have Cumnay- Mav. of Bordeat there, Between y sa ba —pardon my French—but she ce ait, Fabrice, que He's the apple o sometimes. That's why we're here re Mr, Friedland might be will ‘SemasTmn. Tn what way’ CueRny-May, Well, Fal imagine! (She laughs’) He got a sort of “thing” about 1¢ Was doing his military service on ac- count of being a cook's assistant or something. I'said a garage would be more lively, or even a café-restaurant like his mother's, but no, it’s got to be chickens. He's obstinate as a mule once he’s set his heart on anything, Jane, Have you known him long? ‘Carmnny-May. Four years. Ever since he got out of the army. We first met on the beach as a matter of fact. He's come from? Jes-Champs, just the other side a litile café-restaurant ipered ald bitch ‘can cook, J'ai re miraculci hhim down a bit ‘mean I think60 Nl ‘2 gorgeous swimmer. The mor said, “Oh d id slow crawl, T yherry-May, you've ‘ue vous nagez comme un poi shoulders.) SeBa§riEN. This paper, you have it with you? in my bag. Only a copy of WITH VIOLIN ent I clapped eyes for nearly seven years. That's why {et the Jackson Git, are. eckson Giro? Garni Mar, Yes, we wete working here at the Ca- sino de Pavlos the sare coms nah, "fame When did you frst meet him, my father? Crerry-May. Let’s see now. (She pauses.) Tt was March or February, 1830, ye It must have been March treuse Tas shang that Rat in the ue, Washington apart . How do you mean? *Y. Oh, I'd rather not go on al just now. I mean seeing that this young old time—that ‘Cumnny-May. Oh yes, we had a high is at first. Jane, And afterwards? acr NUDE WITH VIOLIN ot (Curnny-May. Now look here, you and me are friends, area’t we? Jane, (With a smile.) Uhope so. Cummnv-May. And I wouldn't want to say anything or do anything’ to upset you. Your father was a very funny man with ver ideas, We had a go% together taken by and I parted, not his. T just cot Jane, You mean he made Crmay-May. Oh, my Goi Janz. I guessed. That's it? Cureny-Mav. The paper doesn’t concern you, dear, that’s Mr. Friedland’s look-out, Jane, Had you ever (Curany-May. Of course not, and I could only paint ‘then when I had had a few drinks, Paul used to say that , that was the phrase ‘he made me drink so jaundice? the paper's about, isn’t Everything happens in tech- Janz. When did you part? (Cunny-May. August 1939, just before the war. Sesasrmen. Where? (Currey May. dear! He certa We had one of those scenes. Oh ise, screaming and things about! T'm not ‘ you. He treated me very fair. That calmed down, ‘SesasTi=n, You signed the paper in Cairo? raanY-Mav. No, Port Said. It was witnessed by an conjurer had aa NUDE WITH VIOLIN act into an egg and then into a rabbit—I must say I couldn’t hhelp laughing, but poor old Paul was fit to be tied. ‘SunAsTIEN, rather see his point, (Cuzuny-Mav. Je vais expliquer cette histoire du papier secret et le lapin, tu le souviens? (Faszice gives @ sud- den loud gufaw, and relapses into silence.) That story. always makes him laugh, he’s got a wonderful sense of humour underneath, but he's a bit moody today. T expect. its the bus ride SEBASTIEN. It could be almost anything. Did Mr, Soro- din pay you a lump sum down or give you an annuity? Cumnay-May. Just you ask no questio and you'll hear no lies. That's Mr. Fi T’ve said too much already. ‘Jane. Anyhow, you parted good friends? Cumuny-Mav. Oh yes. He packed me on to a P. and ©. and that was that. We said good-bye on the prome- nade deck, we could hardly hear ourselves speak on ac- count of those bloody bugles, but I could see he was upset. I was too, I cried all through lunch, (There is the SOUND of VOICES in the hall, Manre- Cuzsste opens the door and Isoner and’ Pameta enter. Coui and Jacon follow, Cmeney-May, Jane and Fanrice rise.) Isomzr. There you are, Jane! I couldn't think what hhad happened to you. (Ske sees Cuerey-May.) Oh! Janz, (Crossing to Isoxet.) This is Miss Cherry-May Waterton, mother—(Isoupt takes a step forward)—she was a great friend of father’s. (Isonrt fakes a step back.) Tsonsx. (Guardedly.) How do you do? Jaws. And this is her—her protégé—Mons turns to Casexny-May qitestioningly.) CueRny-May. Just Fabrice, dear, he hates formality. (To| Fabrice.) Madame Sorodin, la veuve de tu sais qui. Dis bon jour gentiment. (Fam advances, ‘isses Tsouet's hand, then PAM3LA'S hand. Shakes Jacos's hand then Coumn’s.) in (Ske act NUDE WITH VIOLIN 6 SeBASTIEN. Miss Waterton wishes to see you on ur- gent business, Mr. Friedland. It concerns, T suspect, Mr Sorodi 1” period. Jaco. (Sharply.) What? Seeasrten. She has with her a document, Jacos. What sort of document? Senasrien, The usual sort Cuurey-May. (To SEBASTIEN.) Now listen, sonny: boy, you just leave this to me. It's a private matter. Cou, (Jn @ business-like tone.) If it concerns my late father, erns all of us. Cumzey-May. That is for Mr. Friedland to decide after he’s read it Jacon. (Crossing to CHERRY-May.) please to be dise rivately or not at all, Coun, (Pompously.) We wish to see that paper here and now, so please hand it over without further argu- ment, Cuenny-May. Well, well—look who's talking! A chip off the old block and no mistake—must have his own way when he wants it and where he wants it doubl quick pronto! I've got news for you, young man. I didn't come all this way to be brow-beaten, and you can pi that where the monkey puts the nuts. Couns, We know it's blackmail and we have no time to waste. Cueniy-Mav. Oh! Using nasty words now, are we? about in a minute if I 'abrice—we don’t want to get (She makes a movement to 0, but CouIN bars her way.) Coum, You are not leaving seen that document. Ison. there is no necessity to raise your voice. If this Miss—Miss—er Cherry wishes to discuss house until we have64 NUDE WITH VIOLIN Act 1 the matter privately with Jacob, I think she should be allowed to do so, Pawzta. I think Colin's perfectly right. ‘The paper concerns us al CrtenxY-Mav. (To Paweta.) Oh—and who do you think you are when you're at home? Jan. This is my brother's wife, Miss Waterton, Crrmnay-May. T see. Well, Uwe got a hot flash for her too. (To Paatezs.) You stay out of this, dear, unless you vant trouble, bad trouble Pata, (Grandly.) “Really, Miss W names, Tam not accustomed tone, Caraxy-MAv. ‘The name is Waterton, Cherry-May Waterton, and now you know, so you can shut up, can't you? Panna. (Résing.) How dare you! Curexe¥-Mav, I don't care who you are or what you're accustomed to, im just warning you, see? And Td ike to igh and mighty attention to my young friend over by the window. Just take a good look at those shoul- dets, dear, and if you don’t want to see that pompon of yours Tad out fat as a pancake tongue in your head. Viens, Fabrice— keep a je m’enmerde de tous ces gens. On part. "HERRY-Mav. Oh—we'll see about that! (Ske goes up to Coutw and siaps his face.) Fabrice! Continuez le bon travail! Jane. Oh dear, this is most unfortunate— (With a loud snarl of rage Fasnxce hurls, himself across act NUDE WITH VIOLIN 65 the room, and fells Cot to the ground. Isonet, screams. There is general pandemonium. In the mid- dle of it Mane-Cetuste enters.) ‘Mante-Cetzste. (Announcing) Monsieur Obadiah Lewellyn, (A respectably dressed but very black NEGRO enters. He is holding a document in his hand.) ‘SunastiEN. My God! The Jamaican Periodl CURTAINACT THREE ScENE 1 Th 12 #8 @ few hours later. When the CURTAIN rises there is, as there was in Act Two, Scene 1, an atmosphere of general dejection. Isomez is [ying om the soja with her fect up and her eyes closed, Cou, whose forehead is adorned with 4 large cross of sticking plaster, is seated Upstage with a plate PAMELA and JANE are also eat- ‘armchair holding CHERRY- to eat something, fh and-you only et picked at that egg thing iso sssly, with her eyes closed.) It had T ask Marie-Céleste to make you a nice plain omelette? Tsoxx. No, thank you, dear, I couldn't toucl n't eat you'll start one of yo read one already. 1 keep on badgering people to eat 2 happening in there. Pamexa. (Glancing towards the rary.) They've been Jans, Ohi, T wish T-knew what was going on. (She goes 66 act NUDE WITH VIOLIN or ‘over to the library door and listens.) Sébastien’s still talking. ouin, In any particular language or plain Eng- lish? Paneer. (Giggling.) Ob, C really you do. you do make me laugh, he doesn't make me laugh. If it hadi ‘oafish, monumental lack of consider for other people's feelings, he wouldn't have gc that humiliating brawl with the Frenchman an‘ knocked out. been ‘Cou. I was not knocked out, I hit my head against, the leg of the chair. ‘Jane. Nonsense. You went down like a ninepin. you before. You were overbearing and rude and qui insufferable to that poor woman. PAMELA. I thought she was a horror Jane. And she thought you were a pretentious ass, 90 ‘you were quits, weren’t you? Paes, (Angrily.) Jane! indeed. She was nothi using those expressions in my presence, This isn't a bar- rack-room, Couin. I wish to God Tsonsr. T don't like army has coarsened yor well-mannered and ge lasphemy either, I am afraid the dreadfully, you used to be so seem to be growing more and ard every day. not fair of you to say tha jel that ‘we need argue about68 NUDE WITH VIOLIN act mm Uncle Edward and Mrs. Falkener at the moment, Pam- la, We have rather mor 't have had that apy id her young man wouldn’t have house leaving us with no possible means of tracing them, Paszxa. I for one don’t see any necessity for tracing ‘them, let them both go and a good j t, Pamel even you would have dimly understood important for us to get that document from her and destroy it, Coum. And give her an income for life, I suppose, ‘There won't be any e: iching really, until ing her and calling her a blackmailer, Actually she’s a very good sort, ‘CoLIN. Good sort! You're dotty. Jane. She ran away with father years ago because she loved him. She was one of the Jackson Girls, JANE, (SEBASTIEN enters from library and she goes to shim.) Ob, Sébastien—what’s happened? Sepasrien. Very little, Miss Jane, I coaxed and cajoled but to no avail, Jacos. You should have let me handle bi. Sunasrmn. T fear that even your overwhelming per- suasiveness would not have achieved any better results, Jane. Have y Senasrmn. Yes. It’s more or less the same as the ‘That is certainly one of the more prevalent ions, madame, SEBASTIEN, I'm not quite clear as to tl ‘but T believe they come down from the hills twice a year and dunk themselves in the sea eleven times to the ac- ‘companiment of raw-hide drums and some rather dubious wind instruments, ‘Isoset. Oh! ‘Skuasrinn. He fs a man of strong religious principles and men of strong religious ‘co-operative exact |-Becket’s problems were set- dred years ago. Our problems are more you please permit us to concentrate on Tsonet. There's no need to snap at me. 1 reall know what's happening to everybody today.NUDE WITH VIOLIN Tsong, Poor man, it must have. ‘Senastien. So much so indeed that he caught the next lable and came here. hy? Cou, ‘Senastien, He wishes to save your father’s soul, mon- 4 paint them? every one, He was responsible for ever done to deserve this? ‘Sepasz1ex., His personal favourite is “Copra Factory at Suns cone that is| the Rojal Gallery jn Copenhagen. Isonzt. Is copra that stuff they get from seagulls? ‘SenastieN. No, madame. Copra is produced by the coco-palm. ‘TsoREL. I must be thinking of guano, scr ur NUDE WITH VIOLIN ‘Jacov. I implore you, Isobel, in this moment of crisis, totum yout thoughis away from guano. IASTIEN. Mr. Lewellyn is firmly convinced that Mr. which T think he takes an exaggerated ‘Coum:, What's he doing now? SepaSTIEN. Praying for guidance. He may start singing at any moment. Coun, L hope to God he doesnt. Tsonzz, Some negroes have lovely voices. Jacos. He refused absolutely to take money? Senastiex. Absolutel ‘acon, The document is a copy, a matter of f presume? it. He left a copy Jamaica, ‘in your hands? ‘Jane. What do you mean, Sébastien? Sanasrmmn. I mean that it might be possible to extract it jend here in Paris who is an it adept at that. hing, ‘ane. That's quite out of the question, Sébastien. Senasrmen. (With a shrug.) Needs must when the devil drives. ‘acon, You say this friend of yours is here in Paris? Jane. Jacob! ‘Seuastien, Yes, monsieur. He was a great chum of ‘Mr, Sorodin’s. They used to go to race meetings together. Cour. A common pickpocket? ‘SenasTiEN. Oh no, sir. He only does it as a hobby. Hen NUDE WITH VIOLIN act om is actually a pianist by profession. He says it keeps his fingers supple. Coun. T must say I didn’t expect to come to Paris and the underworld. in coming to Paris, another of your brother prisoners in the Belgian Congo? SEBASTIEN. Ni (Cuemev-May and Faszice enter, followed by Seeas- TmEN, who stands by the door. Jacos rises.) “Max. (To Jacob.) Thad to come back because ear to let the sun go down on my wrath. jody hat behind. (Taking hat.) Ta jemper and it’s no use pretending I 10pe you will accept my apology icutely embarrassed.) Oh—er—that’s per- . (Noticing the sticking-Blaster and going your poor head! Fabric, rearde ce que ‘Le pauvre garcon est gravemient blessé, CoLim. Please don’t say any more about it Cusmry-May. Would you mind if, he shook hands with you? He won't be happy 4 terrible state all through ite of bene ‘you can take my nk tonight unless he knows Coxm, I still think he might have given me a little ‘warning before hurling himself at me like a thunderbolt. act ur NUDE WITH VIOLIN 13 Coma, Ob come on, be a sport! Tt was a my r flaring up and giving you that ‘mempy-May, Viens serrer la main avec chaleur, rushes at ind shakes his hand asm.) There. (Sitting in armchair.) Now we're all friends again, aren’t we? ‘Semastien. I am sure that this most heartwat calls for some refreshment, offer you a drink, (Cumery-May. Thanks, I don’t mind if I do. Upset I bope you're enjoying Soradin? ‘ought to have my head exami Jacon, (With studi rupt this rather convuls™ NUDE WITH VIOLIN act m Waterton, I think it would be a good idea to return to ‘he business in hand. (Cuznny-Mav, You mean Cumeni-May, I don't wish to seem carping, dear, but if only you'd said that before we'd all have been saved a lot of fuss and fume. Sepastien. Your whiskey splash, Miss Waterton. Cuenny-May. (Taking it.) ‘Ta. (SemastieN hands aprice a ginger ale.) small, for me, anyway. Personally. I x the bloody things—pardon my’ French, Mrs. ed to be amiable.) 1 fear my own quate, I always regretted that my ‘send. me to a convent when T was a chi League of Nations, ‘We've almost formed one our- ‘anyhow, haven't we? " ing.) Oh, Colin—how can you? act om NUDE WITH VIOLIN 15 sont. You shouldn't say things like that, Jacob, even in fun, Jacos. I did not say over Jaco, watching him.) the last emerged from 2 re engrossed in the social COLIN, One of them came out and the other two Cuenny-May, Tl bet that was Elsie Wil was always a pusher. Out of what? Jacos. I give up. Tam say no more, I'am a broken m76 NUDE WITH VIOLIN act mt Jane, Give Mr, Friedland a whiskey and soda, Sé- bastien SeBasrmen, Certainly, Miss Jane. (He goes to the table and mixes a drink.) Tsoxnt. Tm sure I don’t know what I’ve done that Jacob should attack me in that hysterical manner. ‘jane, Never mind, da avery Uying time, ‘COLIN. So are we. (Smnastiex hands Jacos fh Panza, If you ask me, I think he was v deed, Why shouldn't mother talk about Aunt Freda and the Jackson has she wants to? CoeRey-Mi what i all this about the Jack- son Girls? Who's been saying what? I can tell youl one Their dance routines were just as good as the any day of the week! ‘ane, T's a slight misunderstanding, Miss Waterton Cutenny-Mav, (Stila trifle suspicious.) Oh. Senastmen, With regard to that chicken farm, Miss Waterton— (Catenny-May. What about it? Seaasrien. If Mr, Friedland made you a satisfactory offer, would you be willing to hand over the paper that Mr. Sorodin made you sign? Cueany-May, I'might be Sebastien. And would you also agree to sign another paper with Mr. Friedland lawyer guaranteeing to Keep the whole matter entirely secret? Curany-Mav, (Ajter a slight pause.) Yes—that is—i as you say, the offer Mr. Frie factory. Stuasri=n. Good. Crmmnny-May, But the paper’ in St. Jean de L iknow, the real one. SEBASTIEN, In that case, after your conversation with Mr. nnd in his office tomorrow morning, would you and Monsieur Fabrice be willing to go to Biarritz, Collect the document, and fly back here with it within ttrenty-four hours? 1g to consider it. act m NUDE WITH VIOLIN n Cusmeny-May. Well, I don’t know about that—Aying sgives me the wi Sepastien. Perhaps, if your expenses were—et—hand- somely defrayed, you might be able to bring yourself to endure the willies? Crremey-May. All right. Anything would be better than that smelly Dus. SesasrieN. You know where Mr. Friedland’s office is? Carney-May. Yes, we went there this morning. Sesasrizn. Would ten o'clock tomorrow be co to you, Mr. Friedland? acon, Ti Tam not in a strait-jacket, yes. (There is the sound of a deep negro VOICE in the li- brary singing “Let us Break Bread Together on Our Knees.”) Cumnny- Maz, My God, what's that? TsonEL. (Rising £0 the Occasion.) A friend of ours from the West Indies, (Cuerry-May. Ecoute, chéri—c'est une jolie voix, niest-ce pas? (To the room in general.) He's potty about music. (Ske rises.) Tl faut que nous partions maintenant, nous ne voulons pas dépasser notre bienvenue Jane, (Holding out her hand and rising.) Good-bye, Miss Waterton. T do hope we shall meet again some day (Jncos rises. Sepastzen opens the double doors.) Curexax- Mav, So do see us at our chicken farm, (The song changes to "My Lord, Whot @ Morning.” To Isovet.) Good-bye, Mrs. Sorodin, it’s been a. pleasure, Tim sure. Good-bye, Mr. Friedland, See you in the morn: ing. Fabrice, viens dire bonsoir A Madame Sorodin, (Easnice rushes at Tsovex, who shrinks slightly. He Hisses her hond ond then goes to shake hands with Jacon swhen OBADIAK, st singing, enters from the brary. Pawnice. shakes his hand. OBADIAS. shrugs8 NUDE WITH VIOLIN act m lers and, st singing, goes back into the Oh deart hhave the plaster off the ceiling if e just like that, his name was TFABRICE.) gan, Bye-bye Jacos. There must be ‘Ireland called (SONG changes to “Every Time I Feel a Spi Isongt. (Rising.) T really can’t stand ig through my head fi zht, mother, Pam and 1 the hot "Jane. What are we to do about Mr. Lewellyn, Jacob? What are we to do? Jane, Oh dear— I (— T really don't, Couns. Come on, Jane, (The singing stops.) Mother's exhausted. ch your mother, dear. Tl deal with this. night's rest. "jacos, What are you going to do? (He leads Txcow oul . All right, ‘Thank you, Sébastien, I am most , Monsieur Friedland, Good-night. Act mt NUDE WITH VIOLIN cr Jacon, (As he goes out.) Good-night. (SenastieN clases the doors. The VOICE in the library continues humming “Swing Low SEBASTIEN comes quickly back, goes to the telephor s bien Joe est slight pause.” Allo, Joo? This is Bass, Pop round here there's'a good boy, there's a bit of trouble on and I need your help=no, no just 2 question of ‘inesse—you might pocket in case dodgy. In the bar? Well round ‘em ing his hypodermic . Okey dokey Abyssinia. (He hangs. up ver, takes off his coat, and starts for the WBrary, rol Sng wf hs sleeves as he goes.) THE CURTAIN FALLS ACT THREE pression on his jace, is CuIston Pax Down Right is Geonce, a press phi ‘@ camera and flask bulbs, SepastiEn is sitting negli- gently on the arm of tke sofa, smoking a cigarette, ‘Sapastien. I'm so glad. Cumzo, Get one from this angle, George—sort of oblique. Gronce, Okay. (He takes a flash picture.)80 NUDE WITH VIOLIN act mm Smeastien. (Glancing at his watch.) Time's up. ‘They'll be here in a minute. ‘SebaSTiEN. Very well but hurry up. Cuno. T want you in this one, just gazing with rapt expression, SEBASTIEN. Certainly not. sINTON, Come on, be.a pal. Life Mage cat SERASTIEN. If T could be sure of that I might Cumvron, Please, just one, the personal touch so much, SeBAsitEN, Who to? Cunston, The whole of the United States. ‘Senastien. In that case I dare not refuse. (Ee crushes out his cigarette.) Wi you want me to stand? ‘Cunston, (Indicating.) About here. Is that okay for you, George? Gi P'm beyond caring. Sepasriz u interested in photographing ‘Groncr. No sit. Not when they look like that, Cunvrow. If you sew that picture for the first time, what would you say? Groxce. T'd say, boy is that dame in trouble. Cunvron. It’s a great Georce. Okay, oka; i ot fa great masterpiece. I'm not suckers in America the same as anywhere else. Turn yout head a bit to the left—ready— (He flashes.) Okay. Seuasrien. My mouth was open. Geonce. So was mine. (To Cumvton.) Finito? Cumto. Yes, That's all-—rush them through, Gzonce, I can’t wait, (He goes out.) SmRASTIEN. A rugged character. Act mm NUDE WITH VIOLIN aL eCEBTON, (Depressed) T can't bear HT just cant ear it. Cumow. Thi ignorant hostility to anything th When you think of what Sorodin has done for the we and then a jerk like that comes along and sneers, it’s heartbreaking, brushwork. ‘SenasTieN. You cannot go through life expecting peo- ple to notice brushwork. Cupvron. I know, T know—TI guess I mind too much, been the same all through the history of Do you ever think of Wagner? ‘Sunasti=n, Constantly. (AE this moment Ysonet, Janz, Pasowca, and Coun enter.) Isonxx, Good morning, Sébastien. , SiesstioN. Good morning, madame, (They shake sands.) Tsomet, Where is Mr. Friedland? He him here. Sect, I am expecting him at any moment, us to meet, T hope he won't be late—we're catching the lock plane. Cumnton.. (Crossing to her and shaking her hand.) Good morning, Mrs. Sorodin. T guess I owe you an apology. Tsonet, (Pe CumsroN, For Oh, indeed—what for? ing in your hatr so much. Getting in my hair?82 NUDE WITH VIOLIN act m Centon. T mean always busting in and out and in- truding on your sorrow. "BEL. Oh! My sorrow! (She laughs.) Cuno, But T've seen it now—and photographed it and everything’s fine—so I won't trouble you any more. Good-bye, and thanks a lot. (Goes one that they?re m ‘Smuascie. Te, Jan, Look, mo parosysms of laughter’) Tome, No dear—really I'd rather not (Choking with Toughter she forces Ts0- ie must look! (Sie i -— Oh! (She collapses with ‘out of control. Jaco’ comes in. His face looks harassed ‘and drown, He stands at the door for a moment looking at the scene in astonishment.) Have you al ‘Sunastimn. (To Jacos.) Hys ‘Jane. ( minute, Jacob, Pameta. Tl shape— (Ske goes off again. 1 They're such a funny Act m NUDE WITH VIOLIN 83 Jane. Do stop. We must Jaco. T should Sébastien. Iam not fee ‘SEBASTIEN. I ourselves together ‘andy and soda please, Tsoner. The drea look of poor Mrs, Etheridge— Ob— Oh— Oh— presses her handkerchie| to her eyes.) Jans. Mother! Senastien. (To Jacos.) Your brandy and soda, mon- sieur. acon. Thank you. (Drints.) spared for any ‘Jane. You didn't do a bastien? ‘SuBASTIEN. Oh no, Miss Jane. As a matter of fact the boot was on the other for Coun. What are you talking about? Seuastmen. Actually it was he who did something to ing to him, did you, S& ‘Yscon, What do you mean? What could he d'to you? Kesasrann, He asved ws monia NUDE WITH VIOLIN act im Tacos, Saved yor Seoasrien. Yes. That is we encouraged him to believe that he had. Couns, What the hell are you talking about? the library, Mr. Lewellyn to an ecstatic trance, he sd.) Undressing? Whatever for? A wot uncommon Freudian impulse, ‘TsopEL. I hope ye Sepa To attempt to frustrate anyone such spiritual abandon might have lead to es, All T could do in the he discarded them, and let him rip. Tsonrr. Did he take everything off? Sesasrimn. Everything but his glasses, madame. ing for what people that clergyman in nowadays. Do you reme ley? ‘acon, (Irritably.) Isobel, please— Janz. Go on, Sébastien. What happened then? ‘Sunastmen. Oh, from then on everything was easy. When my friends arrived he stopped singing and invited the situation at a gl: m suddenly felt the urge for tot 50 we moved into the bathroom; and do you know, taken by and large, the service went off very well. ‘JANE. Service? ibbean standards, but ‘Then, when we had dri horted us to see the ich we agreed unani- acr ur NUDE WITH VIOLIN 85 rously, then as a final gesture he destroyed the paper f Faith, 7 pape a new stained glass window that the money would be pounds éeventeen shi fifty pounds would be You know, a cup of coffee here, cup of cocoa there, it does mount up you know— Jacon. Thank you, Sébastien. You did very well. T am ‘most grateful. Tsoser, I presume he dressed again before going to the airport? ‘Sunastmen. Oh yes, madame. When his ecstasy sub- sided he became quite normal. He actually complained of the climate i ther was so foud of you, Corny. What do you mean? Jan. The three great periods of my father’s painting have been accounted for and disposed of. What about the ‘SupAsrten, (Suavely.) The fourth, Miss Jane? Jacos. That ly what has been’ keeping me JANE, ‘That monstrosity. (She points towards the cai) Wh ped th nasriex. Your directness of approach does you credit, Miss Jane, “er a ‘awe. Did you pai Senasrin T Wows Jane. yourself? it that was in your mind, Miss86 NUDE WITH VIOLIN act m Jacon, Stop beating about the bush, Sébastien. Did you or didn't you? Srornspuny, (Crossing to the pi ‘SenasTiEN, Stotesbury. Why are could you do such a cruel, ntesbury, (To Isosnt.) madame. This is my son. ‘Sroresnuny. (Stamping his foot.) I won't! dear little boy. Why is he called ideas above her station. le boy? SroresnunY, Because my fath Sepasrien, As a matter of fact that is about the only thing we have in common. Tone. Well, really II hardly think— (She breaks like a good ‘your word of honour ‘o anyone until it was finished. ‘acon. Good God! Do you mean— (To Srorrssuny.) Was it you who painted that picture? course it was, It’s my masterpiece. 1 of it on a ladder. hhad to do quite a ‘SeBAsTIEN. Now look here, Stotesbury. This picture is my property, finished or unfinished. You have been well paid for it, act or NUDE WITH VIOLIN 87 Srorrspury. (Contem Well paid! Two hun- young as yet. It's his maturity ‘canvasses of course are more abstract. ‘Jacos. Other canvases? is grotesque! Sesastnen, He decribed them as his “Neo Infants” period. He dearly loved a good joke. (He laughs. ‘Tacos, Where are they? aa not, mon- gesture of vandalism, If ket during the next few ything up to a hundred thou- sand pounds. I have already insured them for eighty Jacos. You have insured them? Sesastmn. Yes, monsieur. They are my property, Nat-88 NUDE WITH VIOLIN act nr urally enough really consi them, Mr, Sorodin saw the justice advise you to expose the whole yy. mother and my ‘would like to say that I entirely agree with Mr. exposed and we must face the consequences. Don’t you agree, mother? sonst, Yes—I suppose so—but— sppointed, the ing will be humiliated and be great Sorodin’s mast tart, an ex-Jackson tens of thousands earning a comf hood by writ grammar, composing without harmony and pai ‘out form, These poor miserable wretches Wil Hung into abject poverty or forced really to act nm NUDE WITH VIOLIN 89 Jobs. Reputations will wither overnight. No one will be spared. Not even Grandma Moses Isossx. I see no reason to drag in the Old Testament, +, Mr, Friedland, before only be ridicule that sxion! Your colleagues ‘he FRONT DOOR BELL rings.) Jane. What are you going to d Seuasrien, (To Jn (He places two then bows to Is0BEL, then 40 Jacos, and opens the double doors.) THE CURTAIN FALLSPROPERTY LIST General Set Dressing Sofa 17 side chairs Sofa ‘Arm chair Desk 2 commodes 2 end tables Wrought iron table 2 wrought iron chairs 8 4 table lamps ‘Accessory decoration such as flowers, pictures, books, | objets da WORKING PROPS ACT ONE ScENE 1 Silver tray Z decanters 7 champagne gl Magnum of champagne with large black bow tl gingerale | opener | Bar towel o PROPERTY PLOT Of rept Plate of cookies Jar of paté on small tray Wads of paper and typed “Soro Up Cent Briefcase with papers and pencil (Cimro) Pocket note pad (Cun70x) nude postcard for SEBASTIEN) ACT TWO Scene 1 plates of food, forks, napkins. (For Jae, Coumy, and Panreua) On Bar Table: Tce bucket with tongs and ice cubes 6 hi lasses 2 Manhattan glassesPROPERTY PLOT 92 ACT TWO Scene 2 Strike Brandy snifter All food plates, forks, napkins ACT THREE ScENE 1 Set 3 plates of food, forks, napkins (for Jan, Coun, and PAMELA) ster for Cou iash attachment (for Geonor) ACT THREE Scene 2 Strike: ‘Used plates, forks, napkins ese LIVING RoOM Sruo10 ror acts E-—Il and I (scene 1) ‘SCENE oesie "NUDE WITH VIOLIN