a cup left overnight. I'll have the kettle boiling in a jiffy. Would you like a nice egg with it?
Bertha
No, thanks.
Brigid
Or a nice bit of toast?
Bertha
No, Brigid, thanks. Just a cup of tea.
Brigid
[Crossing to the folding doors.] I won't be a moment. [She stops, turns back and goes towards the door on the left.] But first I must waken Master Archie or there'll be ructions.
[She goes out by the door on the left. After a few moments Bertha rises and goes over to the study. She opens the door wide and looks in. One can see a small untidy room with many bookshelves and a large writingtable with papers and an extinguished lamp and before it a padded chair. She remains standing for some time in the doorway, then closes the door again without entering the room. She returns to her chair by the window and sits down. Archie, dressed as before, comes in by the door on the right, followed by Brigid.]
Archie
[Comes to her and, putting up his face to be kissed, says:] Buon giorno, mamma!
Bertha
[Kissing him.] Buon giorno, Archie! [To Brigid.] Did you put another vest on him under that one?
