Three Plays by Granville-Barker - LightNovelsOnl.com
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ANN. I think happiness is a thing one talks too much about.
DIMMUCK _appears. And by now_ ABUD'S _work has brought him back to the terrace_.
DIMMUCK. The master would like to see your Ladys.h.i.+p now.
SARAH. I'll say we've had a visitor . . Guess.
GEORGE. And you've had a visitor, Sarah.
ANN. Papa will know.
SARAH. Is he in a questioning mood?
ANN. I always tell everything.
SARAH. It saves time.
_She departs towards the house._
DIMMUCK. Mr. George.
GEORGE. What is it?
DIMMUCK. He said No to a doctor when I haven't even mentioned the matter. Had I better send . . ?
GEORGE. Do . . if you care to waste the doctor's time.
DIMMUCK _gives an offended sniff and follows_ LADY COTTESHAM.
ANN. I could sit here for days. George, I don't think I quite believe in anything I've been told yet.
GEORGE. What's that man's name?
ANN. John--John is a common name--John Abud.
GEORGE. Abud!
ABUD. Sir?
GEORGE. Come here.
ABUD _obediently walks towards his young master and stands before him_.
GEORGE. Why did you ask after the health of Mrs. George Leete?
ABUD. We courted once.
GEORGE. [_After a moment._] Listen, Ann. Do you hate me, John Abud?
ABUD. No, sir.
GEORGE. You're a fine looking fellow. How old are you?
ABUD. Twenty-seven, sir.
GEORGE. Is Once long ago?
ABUD. Two years gone.
GEORGE. Did Mrs. Leete quarrel with you?
ABUD. No, sir.
GEORGE. Pray tell me more.
ABUD. I was beneath her.
GEORGE. But you're a fine-looking fellow.
ABUD. Farmer Crowe wouldn't risk his daughter being unhappy.
GEORGE. But she was beneath me.
ABUD. That was another matter, sir.
GEORGE. I don't think you intend to be sarcastic.
ABUD. And . . being near her time for the first time, sir . . I wanted to know if she is in danger of dying yet.
GEORGE. Every precaution has been taken. . a nurse. . there is a physician near. I need not tell you . . but I do tell you.
ABUD. Thank you, sir.
GEORGE. I take great interest in my wife.
ABUD. We all do, sir.
GEORGE. Was it ambition that you courted her?
ABUD. I thought to start housekeeping.
GEORGE. Did you aspire to rise socially?
ABUD. I wanted a wife to keep house, sir.
GEORGE. Are you content?
ABUD. I think so, sir.
