Scene 7
Though the blackout we hear the ticking of a clock---loud, ominous. Then, in one, a single spotlight illuminates ADELINE downstage right. There is a night table with a telephone and a chair next to it on which is an open overnight case. ADELINE is packing a few items. She appears happy, but a bit anxious. There is a knock on an offstage door. ADELINE Yes? Come in, please.(SHE is expecting Armando, but instead LINDA enters. The sound of the clock softens.) ADELINE Oh. Miss Slabey.Forgive me, Miss Adams, for bothering you. But Chick and I were wondering if you'd like to drive to the pier with us. We'll be leaving in about an hour. LINDA
Oh, that's so thoughtful, but I've decided to stay an extra day and fly back on Tuesday. ADELINE
I'm so glad. I mean, that you're having such a good time. LINDA
Oh, yes…yes, I am. And please forgive me if I was sharp with you this morning. ADELINE
I can't blame you at all. I'm a terrible busybody. When I was in the first grade, I sat right in front of the teacher's desk, and whenever she'd misplace something, she'd look at me and say, "Okay, Linda, what did I do with it?" And I'd always be able to tell her. LINDA
(ADELINE smiles warmly. LINDA turns, then on second thought, comes back to Adeline and kisses her on the cheek.) LINDA Please let's get together in Lauderdale.Oh, yes…by all means. ADELINE
(LINDA exits. Telephone rings. ADELINE answers it, breathlessly, expectantly.) ADELINE Hello?We're ready with your overseas call to Ft. Lauderdale. OPERATOR'S VOICE (o.s.)
Thank you. ADELINE
(Second spot falls downstage left. We see the table and telephone in the Adams living room. GOLDIE is at the receiver.) GOLDIE Hello? Hello?Goldie! It's Adeline. Can you hear me? ADELINE
Adeline! What is it, darling? Is something the matter? GOLDIE
No. Everything is fine. ADELINE
Oi. I hear overseas call and my heart pops in my mouth. It's part of being Jewish. GOLDIE
(suddenly)
Overseas from Key West?Oh, Goldie, I can't explain now. But please don't tell my father. ADELINE
You think I'm a fink? GOLDIE
(MR. ADAMS wheels himself on.)
Who's a fink? Is that Adeline? Let me speak to her. MR. ADAMS
How is everything there? ADELINE
Bradley lost a tooth, Lobelia lost the plug for the bathtub, and I lost two pounds. GOLDIE
And I lost my virginity. MR. ADAMS
(HE grabs for the phone. GOLDIE slaps his hand.)
You realize this is going straight to Heinrich Himmler! MR. ADAMS
Are you have a wonderful time? GOLDIE
Wonderful. ADELINE
Here…here's your father. GOLDIE
Adeline. Come home at once. I am being held prisoner by a sadistic Ubangi with hair the color of yesterday's scrambled eggs. MR. ADAMS
That's why I'm calling, Father. I was supposed to return tomorrow. But something's come up. Mavis has invited me to what promises to be a smashing party, and I thought… ADELINE
Not too smashing, I hope. MR. ADAMS
What? ADELINE
I said I hope it's not too smashing. Otherwise, I shall spend the few years I have left in the hands of the Marchesa de Sade here. MR. ADAMS
I'll be there on Tuesday. ADELINE
If you're having fun, my dear, stay as long as you want. MR. ADAMS
Oh, Father, thank you! ADELINE
Take care. MR. ADAMS
You, too, darling. ADELINE
(THEY both hang up. ADELINE glances at the clock we cannot see, checks it by her watch.) MR. ADAMS By jove, she sounds happy.Who wouldn't…getting away from you? GOLDIE
(Spot goes off downstage left. Ticking of clock now becomes louder as ADELINE paces the room, checking her watch. Then softly, plaintively we hear the strains of "A World with Two Moons" as SHE sits down. Spotlight dims and comes back up to denote the passage of time. ADELINE appears forlorn, deserted. SHE sighs heavily, checks her watch once again. SHE picks up the telephone.) ADELINE Miss Slabey's room, please. I'm sorry, Mr. Somerfeld's.(SHE closes her eyes to force the tears back. But just as she does, ARMANDO enters.) ARMANDO The door was open, lovely lady.(SHE lets the phone drop. HE takes her in his arms and kisses her. The music soars.) LIGHTS DIM
