More Portmanteau Plays - LightNovelsOnl.com
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_The two stand face to face for a moment. For Nathaniel it is the first moment of a new relations.h.i.+p. For Jonathan it is a moment of uncertainty.
He has heard himself called "Poor Jonathan" and he is facing another male relative._
_Jonathan looks first at Let.i.tia, then at Nathaniel and then at Let.i.tia._
LEt.i.tIA
Jonathan, this is your Uncle Nathaniel. Nathaniel, this is Emily's boy.
NATHANIEL (_Holds out his hand which Jonathan takes very shyly_)
Jonathan!
JONATHAN
How do you do, sir?
NATHANIEL
How tall you are!
JONATHAN (_quite conscious of his short trousers_)
Yes, sir.
NATHANIEL
I didn't take you away from any studies, did I?
JONATHAN
No, sir.... I was just writing something when Susan called me.
NATHANIEL
May I ask what you were writing?
JONATHAN
Yes, sir....
[_He swallows._
... A play.
NATHANIEL
A play! _Zen.o.bia_?
JONATHAN (_Looks quickly for some indication of laughter in Nathaniel's eyes_)
Yes, sir.
NATHANIEL
It's a tragedy, isn't it?
JONATHAN
Yes, sir.
NATHANIEL
In ten acts.
JONATHAN
There may be only eight.
NATHANIEL
Then I know who you are! (_Jonathan looks at him in surprise_) You are the celebrated dramatist, Alexander Jefferson, Sr.
JONATHAN
Did Aunt Let.i.tia tell you?
NATHANIEL
No, sir. I read it on the billboards. (_Jonathan laughs with a catch in his breath_) And I should like to attend a performance, Mr. Jefferson.
JONATHAN
It isn't finished yet.
NATHANIEL
Well, when am I to see this theatre?
LEt.i.tIA
Your Uncle Nathaniel and I shall come together.
JONATHAN
You've seen all the plays.
LEt.i.tIA
That doesn't make any difference. I'd like to see them again.
