CRAIG’S WIFE
31
Craig
- I’ve stopped twice, as a matter of fact.
Mrs. Craig
- And admired her roses?
Craig
- There was nothing much else to talk about.
Mrs. Craig
- Of course there wasn’t; that’s the point. And if there hadn’t been any roses, there wouldn’t have been anything at all to talk about. And you wouldn’t have stopped, and talked. (She looks at him directly and smiles) But since you did, why—it isn’t at all inconceivable that she should conclude that you probably liked roses. And that you might regard it as a very charming little gesture if she were to just bring a few ever sometime—to your aunt—when your wife was out of the city.
Craig (leaning back against the piano and looking at his letters)
- What are you trying to do, kid me, Harriet?
Mrs. Craig
- Not at all. Don’t lean back against that piano that way, Walter, you might scratch it.
Craig
- My coat won’t scratch it.
Mrs. Craig (crossing hurriedly)
- Well, there might be something in your pocket that will. (She pushes him away from the piano) Now, sit up. (She gives him a little slap on the back) Sit over there.
- [She indicates the big chair at the left of the center table, and he rises good-naturedly and crosses to it. Then she
