Fruits of Two Seasons - A Radio Play by Bill Stanton

Return to Catalogue FRUITS OF TWO SEASONS by W.G. STANTON Produced by Anthony Cornish REHEARSE/RECORD: Tuesday 3rd October 1972 1830-2130 (S.M.s ONLY) Wednesday 4th October 1972 1000-1730 Thursday 5th October 1972 1000-1730 STUDIO: Studio 3, Broadcasting Centre. P.O.Box 168. Pebble Mill Road. Birmingham B5 7SE. (Tel.: 021-472-5353, extn. 2072) PROGRAMME NUMBER: TBM 40/MD270H TRANSMISSION: R4, Afternoon Theatre To be arranged, CAST Margaret Ransome......Margaret Ward Charles Ransome ......Derek Smith Jennifer Ransome......Penelope Nice Michael Briggs........Colin Higgins James Cartwright......Simon Carter Secretary Clara Johnson Studio Managers Peter Belham Roger Willcox Ted Walford G.I.M. Bailey (on 5th)
	(WE OPEN WITH THE SOUND OF WATER RUNNING INTO A WASH-BOWL, BATHROOM CABINET DOOR OPENED AND CLOSED, SOUND OF SHAVING TACKLE ETC. CHARLES RANSOME IS HUMMING TO HIMSELF, PREFERABLY A_ TUNE OF SOME FORTY YEARS AGO, AND IF POSSIBLE ABOUT MORNING.. IT IS NOT THE HUMMING OF A CAREFREE MAN, GLAD TO BE UP AND ABOUT. WATER STOPS. SOUND OF SPLASHING IN . BOWL)
MARGARET	(DISTANT) Charles!
CHARLES	(VOICE DISTORTED IN THE ACT OF SHAVING) Yes, dear?
MARGARET	How long are you going to be?
CHARLES	Just shaving!
MARGARET	It's almost ready!
CHARLES	Righto! Quick as I can! (TO HIMSELF) Doesn't seem five minutes since the last time I shaved. Ah well, middle age, I suppose. Though how fifty-five can be called middle - l'm not likely to see a hundred and ten. (YAWNS) God, I'm tired.
	Charles, old boy. do you remember when you used to do the Caruso act in the shower and then eat a breakfast big enough for a navvy
	(ALOUD) Meg!
MARGARET	(DISTANT) Yes?
CHARLES	Just cereal for me. please!
MARGARET	Oh. Charles, I've cooked bacon,
CHARLES	Save it for Jenny,
MARGARET	Do hurry, Charles.You'll be late.
CHARLES	Oh, all right. Just a minute'
	(SPLASHING AGAIN. FADE OUT, AND CUT IN SOUNDS OF BREAKFAST TABLE)
CHARLES	Sorry about that, Meg, No appetite these days. Jenny'll manage it.
MARGARET	You must speak to her. Charles.
CHARLES	Speak to her?
MARGARET	Not now, of course.
CHARLES	Speak to her?
MARGARET	Charles, this is me. Remember?
CHARLES	Oh, Jenny.
MARGARET	Yes,
CHARLES	What about?
MARGARET	As I thought. Charles, you've not been listening.
CHARLES	All right, all right.,
MARGARET	We don't talk much these days. do we? Will you listen now. please?
CHARLES	I said all right.
MARGARET	She's taken to coming in rather, late,
CHARLES	HMMMM.
MARGARET	It was after midnight last night.
CHARLES	Yes?
MARGARET	She's eighteen.
CHARLES	Well?
MARGARET	You really must speak to her.
CHARLES	Oh, very well.
MARGARET	She ought to be in earlier.
CHARLES	All right. all right. (TO HIMSELF) But what do you say? Now look here Jenny. This won't do? Start coming in at this time and you know what will happen? First thing you know you'll be coming home pregnant,
MARGARET	Charles!
CHARLES	(ALOUD) Everybody knows that conception only occurs after midnight.
MARGARET	(SOTTO VOCE) Once, anyway.
CHARLES	What's that?
MARGARET	Nothing. dear. It was - nothing.
CHARLES	I wouldn't have thought she was in much danger, In the car. I mean.
MARGARET	She didn't take the car.
CHARLES	Didn't take the ? Now what's wrong with it?
MARGARET	Nothing at all.
CHARLES	Why didn't she?
MARGARET	It's ridiculous.
CHARLES	Ridiculous?
MARGARET	It's this boy,
CHARLES	Boy? Do I know him?
MARGARET	I shouldn't think so. (DRILY) She's only known him six weeks.
CHARLES	Oh. Oh, I see. (PAUSE)No, I don't! Where's the connection?
MARGARET	Connection?
CHARLES	Between this - boy. as you call him, and Jenny not taking the car.
MARGARET	It's too silly for words.
CHARLES	I'm sure you're right, but I still don't see it.
MARGARET	He says he'll take her out in a car when he can provide it,
CHARLES	Does he, by Jove?
MARGARET	It's too silly for words.
CHARLES	Oh, I don't know, (TO HIMSELF) Hmmmm. You know, I like the sound of that. I really do.
	Hmmm, Won't take her out in a car unless he provides it, eh? Makes a change. I must say, All I ever get these days is scruffy hairy types cadging lifts and then abusing the dirty polluting motorist. Quite a change. Hmmmm.
	I think I'd rather like to meet this one. He sounds refreshing after some of the types she's brought home from time to time,
	(ALOUD) Who is he. anyway?
MARGARET	Oh. some boy.
CHARLES	What's wrong with him?
MARGARET	It's not that. He's not like the others.
CHARLES	I agree,
MARGARET	She thinks of nothing else. She'll get hurt. Women are - vulnerable. She's too young.
CHARLES	You weren't exactly ancient yourself.
MARGARET	I was her age. She's not much more than a child,
CHARLES	Doesn't sound to me as if there's much wrong with him.
MARGARET	I don't think we should encourage her. She's getting much too serious about him.
CHARLES	Let's leave it there, shall we? For the moment? I'll have a word with her. About the other thing, I mean. But I don't think we should start choosing her friends for her,
MARGARET	Friends? (PAUSE) He's too old for her.
CHARLES	Oh? I didn't know that.
MARGARET	He's twenty-three.
CHARLES	Five years? Like us.
MARGARET	Yes. (PAUSE) But not like us.
CHARLES	Oh?
MARGARET	They never see anyone else. Just each other.
CHARLES	What does he do?
MARGARET	He's a student. I gather.
CHARLES	A student? Twenty-three? Bit old for that. surely?
MARGARET	He's what they call a mature student.
CHARLES	Oh?
MARGARET	You'll be able to ask her.
CHARLES	Yes. Yes. all right. (PAUSE) I'll do that. (PAUSE) Have to give it some thought.
MARGARET	It's time you were off.
CHARLES	What's that? Oh, yes. yes.
MARGARET	Charles. are you all right?
CHARLES	All right?
MARGARET	You don't seem to be listening.
CHARLES	Eh? Oh, I was thinking. I do have other things to think about,, you know.
	(SOUND OF TYPEWRITER, DISTANT. CUT IN VOICE OF CARTWRIGHT)
CARTWRIGHT	Ransome?
CHARLES	Yes. sir?
CARTWRIGHT	I thought you should know. We're putting consultants in.
CHARLES	Consultants? Really? Do you think that's ?
CARTWIGHT	They'll be taking a hard look at things, Especially sales, of course. Your department, And especially export, You'll give them every assistance. of course.
CHARLES	Of course, sir.
CARTWRIGHT	No good having consultants in if we tie their hands, eh? Must give them a free hand. To pick holes in the organization. My job as well, you know, And yours.. and the rest.
CHARLES	Yes. sir, Of course,
	(TYPEWRITER STOPS)
MARGARET	Charles!
CHARLES	Eh? What's that? What did you say?
MARGARET	What is it?
CHARLES	What is what?
MARGARET	You're worried about something,
CHARLES	Not specially,
MARGARET	You've been off-hand lately. You don't talk to me,
CHARLES	Off-hand?
MARGARET	Is everything all right at the firm?
CHARLES	Yes, yes. of course. Why shouldn't it be?
MARGARET	You're sure?
CHARLES	Nothing for you to worry your head about. A few of these jumped-up whizz-kids chucking their weight about. (PAUSE) Good Lord! Is that the time? (GOING) I shall be late. See you this evening,
MARGARET	I'll see you. anyway,
CHARLES	(DISTANT) What's that?
MARGARET	Oh. nothing. You won't forget about Jenny. will you?
CHARLES	(COMING BACK) Jenny? What about - ? Oh yes. this boy. (BEGIN FADE) No. I won't forget. (FADE OUT. CUT IN SOUND OF KEY IN DOOR, AND DOOR OPENING)
CHARLES	Jenny!
JENNIFER	(DISTANT) Yes. Daddy?
CHARLES	Have you seen your mother? Her car�s not here,
JENNIFER	(APPROACHING) No. I think she must have gone out. Daddy. what's wrong?
CHARLES	Wrong?
JENNIFER	Have you and Mummy had a row?
CHARLES	Eh? Row? Of course not.
JENNIFER	There's something.
CHARLES	What do you mean?
JENNIFER	This morning - when I came down
CHARLES	What about this morning?
JENNIFER	She'd been crying.
CHARLES	Oh, nonsense!
JENNIFER	It's not you, then?
CHARLES	Of course not!
JENNIFER	That's all right then. isn't it? Do you want me to get you something?
CHARLES	No. thanks. I'm not hungry.
JENNIFER	Righto, then. (GOING) See you!
CHARLES	Yes. (PAUSE) Hey, just a minute!
JENNIFER	(APPROACHING) Yes?
CHARLES	I'd like a word with you.
JENNIFER	Oh, Daddy! I've got to dash!
CHARLES	Jenny!
JENNIFER	Yes?
CHARLES	It's - important.
JENNIFER	Oh. Oh, I see. (PAUSE) Mummy's on the warpath.
CHARLES	What do you mean by that?
JENNIFER	Nothing - perhaps.
CHARLES	Has your mother spoken to you?
JENNIFER	What about?
CHARLES	Has she said anything about - this boy?
JENNIFER	Daddy, I don't know what you're talking about,
CHARLES	This boy?
JENNIFER	So it is Mummy. (PAUSE) You mean Mike.
CHARLES	Is that his name?
JENNIFER	Michael. Michael Briggs.
CHARLES.	Oh.
JENNIFER	Yes?
CHARLES	It's - well, your mother said I mean, I gather he's a student.
JENNIFER	Yes.
CHARLES	A mature student.
JENNIFER	Yes.
CHARLES	I see.
JENNIFER	Is that all. Daddy?
CHARLES	Yes. (PAUSE) No. I mean, is he important?
JENNIFER	Good grief, no!
CHARLES	I meant to you.
JENNIFER	Yes.
CHARLES	Oh.
JENNIFER	Yes, he is. Is that all?
CHARLES	All? Yes, I suppose so. (PAUSE). Well no. actually, it's not, It's this business of coming in late. Your mother we don't like it.
JENNIFER	Oh, that's it,
CHARLES	Yes.
JENNIFER	I'm eighteen.
CHARLES	Yes, I know. That's what I
JENNIFER	Well, then,
CHARLES	I realise that, of course.
JENNIFER	Don't you trust me?
CHARLES	Trust you?
JENNIFER	You think I'll get myself into some sort of trouble, That's it.
CHARLES	Of course we trust you.
JENNIFER	Then what on earth's all the flap about?
CHARLES	I'd rather you weren't - flippant.
JENNIFER	Oh. Sorry.
CHARLES	We don't know this boy.
JENNIFER	(WITH SOME HEAT) I wish you wouldn't keep calling him this boy!
CHARLES	(ALSO WITH HEAT) And I wish you'd stop fencing and answer my questions, (WITH MORE CONTROL) What I mean is, we don't know whether we would approve of him.
JENNIFER	I approve of him.
CHARLES	Yes, of course. But that's not quite the
JENNIFER	I think you would, too.
CHARLES	We would?
JENNIFER	No. you. He's interested in your sort of thing. Management. Business.
CHARLES	Really?
JENNIFER	And other things. He's a bit old-fashioned. too
CHARLES	Oh. Oh., I see. Then what's wrong?
JENNIFER	Wrong?
CHARLES	Why can't you - talk about him? Why can't you tell us?
JENNIFER	I don't know. I don't seem as if - oh, I can't explain it. (PAUSE) I might be able to tell you.
CHARLES	Oh. good. (PAUSE) Well, go on then,
JENNIFER	No.
CHARLES	Why ever not?
JENNIFER	No. It's - mummy.
CHARLES	Your mother?
JENNIFER	She calls him this boy.
CHARLES	Well?
JENNIFER	Can't you see? You did. too. It's Mummy.
CHARLES	I'm sorry. I didn't mean - Anyway, perhaps I can help. If, as you say, I'd approve of him.
JENNIFER	I doubt it.
CHARLES	At least let me try.
JENNIFER	(EXPLODING) She hasn't even met him, and she's been absolutely bloody about him. Asking questions about him. 'What's he like. What does his father do, Where does he live. I suppose it's because he's a student and he's hard up, and he doesn't tear about in a car that Daddy bought.
CHARLES	You're not being entirely fair. He does keep you out late.
JENNIFER	It's all right. Daddy. Really. I'm safe with Mike.
CHARLES	I'd have to be convinced of that,, you know,
JENNIFER	Daddy. whose side are you on?
CHARLES	That's unfair, too. It's not as simple as that, You can't expect us not to be concerned if we think you're in danger,
JENNIFER	There's danger and danger.
CHARLES	What do you mean by that?
JENNIFER	I know Mummy's sort of danger.
CHARLES	Now. Jennifer
JENNIFER	I'm not a little girl any more. I know what the score is. If it were Nigel Aston instead of Mike she wouldn't mind if I came in with the milk.
CHARLES	Jenny!
JENNIFER	Well! Just because he's filthy rich and county. Or rather his people are. He has people.
CHARLES	Stop that at once!
JENNIFER	It's true! You know it is!
CHARLES	I know nothing of the kind. We want you to be happy.
JENNIFER	Happy? Oh, you don't know! When I'm with Mike, it's - well. we just talk. That's all. Hours.
CHARLES	Sounds nice, darling.
JENNIFER	Yes.
CHARLES	I think I'd rather like to meet him-,
JENNIFER	I'd like you to,
CHARLES	Well, then. Why not bring him up to the club one evening? Might be less embarrassing than a formal tea party for everyone.
JENNIFER	(BEGINS TO LAUGH)
CHARLES	What's to funny about that?
JENNIFER	(STILL AMUSED) I don't think that's a very good idea, Daddy.
CHARLES	Why ever not?
JENNIFER	Just think of their faces, The members. Captain Ponsonby. Mr. Willetts. Mike's a student, Daddy. It would be like waving a red rag in a field full of bulls. He's got long hair, and he's rather shabby. and (LAUGHS AGAIN) no, I think not.
CHARLES	He is important.
JENNIFER	(VERY QUIETLY) Yes, he is. (PAUSE) I'll try to get in a bit earlier.
CHARLES	Just bring him when you feel like it. I rather want to meet him.
JENNIFER	Yes. (BEGIN FADE) All right, Daddy, I will, (FADE OUT),
	( CUT IN MARGARET'S VOICE OVER SOUND OF TV PROGRAMME)
MARGARET	Charles!
	(NO ANSWER)
	CHARLES!
CHARLES	Yes?
MARGARET	Did you speak to Jennifer?
CHARLES	What's that?
MARGARET	Oh really, Charles. Can't you tear yourself away from that thing for a moment?
CHARLES	Why?
MARGARET	I'm sorry. I know you want to rest. Who better? Just lately you're too tired for anything.
	(TV VOLUME TURNED DOWN)
CHARLES	All right, all right, What is it?
MARGARET	I asked if you'd spoken to Jennifer.
CHARLES	Yes, I did. Is that all?
MARGARET	All?
CHARLES	She promised to get in a bit earlier.
MARGARET	Oh.
CHARLES	That was the idea, wasn't it?
MARGARET	What about this boy?
CHARLES	Meg. I do wish you'd stop calling him this boy. His name's Michael. Michael Briggs.
MARGARET	I know.
CHARLES	Jenny calls him Mike, I gather,
MARGARET	I know that, too.
CHARLES	He's a student.
MARGARET	Yes.
CHARLES	Now do you mind if I watch the programme?
MARGARET	Don't you care what sort of person she's associating with?
CHARLES	I don't know what sort of person she's associating with. Do you?
MARGARET	I do know what sort of person she's not associating with just now. Since she met this - this Michael.
CHARLES	Nigel Aston you mean.
MARGARET	Nigel Aston? I don't know that I'd care for that. What in the world brought that up?
CHARLES	I thought you had.
MARGARET	You don't see much of her these days,Charles. (QUIETLY) Or me.
CHARLES	Whose fault is that?
MARGARET	I'm not blaming you. I'm stating a fact.
CHARLES	Good.
MARGARET	I don't think you realise how much you've - (PAUSE) I think we ought to know who she's meeting.
CHARLES	I don't know that we ought, It would be nice to, I admit. Actually. I did suggest it
MARGARET	You suggested it? Suggested what?
CHARLES	That we ought to meet him.
MARGARET	Do you think that's wise?
CHARLES	Yes, I do.
MARGARET	I'm not sure that I
CHARLES	I said why not bring him up to the club one evening,
MARGARET	You did what?
CHARLES	It seemed like a good idea.
MARGARET	Oh, Charles. really! Whatever would your friends - ?
CHARLES	You're too late with that objection,
MARGARET	Too late?
CHARLES	Jenny wouldn't hear of it.
MARGARET	Good.
CHARLES	A matter of opinion. He sounds interesting.
	(TELEPHONE BELL, DISTANT)
	All right, I'll get it.
	(WE GO WITH HIM TO THE TELEPHONE IN THE HALL* RECEIVER LIFTED AND BELL STOPS)
	Barrowsfield 3I06I
JENNIFER	(DISTORT) Hello?
CHARLES	Who's that? Oh. Jenny!
JENNIFER	Yes. Is Mummy in?
CHARLES	Yes?
JENNIFER	Oh.
CHARLES	Do you want to speak to her?
JENNIFER	Oh. no. no, I just wanted to know if she was in.
CHARLES	Yes, she's in. Why?
JENNIFER	Oh. nothing. nothing.
CHARLES	Anything wrong?
JENNIFER	No, no, It was just that oh, never mind. Forget it,
CHARLES	(AMUSED) Come on! Come on! What is it? Money? Got yourself stranded somewhere?
JENNIFER	No. it's not that.
CHARLES	Go on, then.
JENNIFER	It was just - well. I was thinking of bringing Mike round for coffee.
CHARLES	I think that's a splendid idea. What time shall we expect you?
JENNIFER	Never mind, Daddy. Perhaps it wasn't such a good idea. after all,
CHARLES	Nonsense! Of course it's a good idea. We'll see you later, then. Come when you like, We shan't be going out.
JENNIFER	We'll think about it. I won't promise, though. Bye!
	(RECEIVER REPLACED, DISTANT, THEN NEAR)
MARGARET	(DISTANT) Charles? Who is it?
CHARLES	(GOING) It was Jenny,
MARGARET	APPROACHING) Jenny? What did she want?
	(WE, GO WITH THE, BACK TO THE SITTING-ROOM)
CHARLES	Oh, nothing much.
MARGARET	Really? Then why the amusement?
CHARLES	She just wanted to know if it would be all right for her to bring Michael in for a coffee later.
MARGARET	Michael? This evening?
CHARLES	This boy.
MARGARET	Oh, You put her off. of course?
CHARLES	I did no such thing.
MARGARET	What!
CHARLES	I told her to come when they felt like it.
MARGARET	Oh, Charles. really! The house is a perfect mess. I've absolutely nothing prepared,
CHARLES	The house is never a mess. Good Heavens, Meg she's bringing him round for a coffee. not a seven-course meal!
MARGARET	I'd better go and change.
CHARLES	Whatever for?
MARGARET	You hadn't noticed.
CHARLES	Noticed what?
MARGARET	I'm not dressed for visitors.
CHARLES	Oh?
MARGARET	It's called a leisure outfit. But not for visitors.
CHARLES	Just as you like. But listen - we don't know this boy. A lot of fuss might embarrass him.
MARGARET	You're not suggesting that I don't know how to behave towards Jenny's friends?
CHARLES	No. of course not.
MARGARET	Good heavens, my hair! (BEGIN FADE) I must go and do something with it. (FADE OUT. CUT IN SOUND OF KEY IN DOOR AND DOOR OPENING, DISTANT)
JENNIFER	(DISTANT) Come in. Mike!
CHARLES	There's Jenny now, I'll go,
MARGARET	No. Charles, please. You'll embarrass them.
	(DOOR OPENS)
JENNIFER	Mummy! Daddy! This is Mike!
CHARLES	Come in, come in!
JENNIFER	Mike, this is Mummy! And Daddy!
MARGARET	How do you do.
CHARLES	Hello! Do come in and sit down.
MICHAEL	How do you do.
MARGARET	Charles! The television. please!
CHARLES	Oh yes. of course.
	(TV SWITCHED OFF)
MARGARET	Look after Michael, will you, Charles? Jenny. come and help me with the coffee. will you, dear?
JENNIFER	Oh, Mummy, please! (GOING) Oh, all right. I'm coming. (THEY GO OUT AND DOOR CLOSES)
CHARLES	Well, this is nice. Sure you're comfortable there?
MICHAEL	Oh - well, yes. thanks! (PAUSE) I say, I haven't got your chair, have I?
CHARLES	Good Lord. no.
MICHAEL	Oh. good.
CHARLES	Haven't got to the pipe and slippers stage yet, you know.
MICHAEL	I didn't mean -
CHARLES	(LAUGHS, NOT ALTOGETHER EASILY) Oh. that's all right. No offence. (PAUSE) Jenny's mother's doing the tactful thing, you know.
MICHAEL	Yes?
CHARLES	Leaving the menfolk to their smoking and their stories.
MICHAEL	Oh.
CHARLES	Cigarette?
MICHAEL	I don't. thanks.
CHARLES	Very sensible. I smoke too much.
MICHAEL	Oh, I wasn't implying
CHARLES	Not at all. I wish I had your strength of will.
MICHAEL	Oh. it's not that.
CHARLES	No?
MICHAEL	can't afford them. Bit too expensive these days.
CHARLES	I suppose it is rather like smoking money.
MICHAEL	It doesn't bother me, though.
CHARLES	I'd got the impression students were a bit better off these days,
MICHAEL	Yes, that is the impression,
CHARLES	I'm glad.
MICHAEL	It doesn't really run to cigarettes, to be honest,
CHARLES	Really? But surely doesn't one see students with cars nowadays?
MICHAEL	Not on a grant. The ones with cars can usually afford to smoke as well.
CHARLES	I'm not sure I
MICHAEL	They're the ones on fifty a year.
CHARLES	Fifty pounds a year?
MICHAEL	Yes, that's the minimum. You get that even if your old man's a millionnaire,
CHARLES	I didn't know that.
MICHAEL	That's right.
CHARLES	Good Lord! That doesn't seem fair.
MICHAEL	We don't think is is, either.
CHARLES	I should say not.
MICHAEL	We think they should get the same as the rest of us.
CHARLES	I agree,
MICHAEL	And see if they can manage on it.
CHARLES	Eh? Oh well, I didn't quite
MICHAEL	(LAUGHS EASILY) Might broaden their education,
	(CHARLES LAUGHS. BUT NOT LIKE MICHAEL)
CHARLES	Well. it's a point of view. (PAUSE) They're taking a long time over that coffee. I mean
MICHAEL	That's all right.
CHARLES	(AGAIN LAUGHS UNEASILY) Makes you wonder what they get up to in there that takes them so long. eh? (BEGIN FADE) Can't understand it! Never could.
	(FADE OUT. CUT IN SOUND OF WHISTLING KETTLE, WHICH FADES AS MARGARET SPEAKS)
MARGARET	Put the coffee in the percolator. dear.
JENNIFER	Oh. Mummy, must we? Mike will be just as happy with instant.
MARGARET	Nonsense, dear. The tin's on the third shelf there.
	(SOUND OF FOOTSTEPS ON TILES FLOOR AND TIN BEING OPENED)
MARGARET	And do stop fretting about Michael. You're like an ill-sitting hen. Your father won't eat him.
JENNIFER	Well, you know what Daddy's like. He sort of sweeps people along.
MARGARET	Yes, he does that.
JENNIFER	mummy?
MARGARET	Yes. dear?
JENNIFER	You don't go much on Mike. do you?
MARGARET	Whatever makes you say that? I'm sure I never -
JENNIFER	The way you rushed out as soon as -
MARGARET	You mustn't jump to conclusions. Jenny. He seems a nice boy.
JENNIFER	My God!
MARGARET	Jennifer!
JENNIFER	You don't have to say it.
MARGARET	You're being unfair. I'm never at my best when I first meet people.
JENNIFER	Oh, Mummy!
MARGARET	It's true, One has to try not to show it, of course. Or they're embarrassed, too,
JENNIFER	I don't believe it!
MARGARET	Perhaps you should try. You must give me time. When I was your age - I've often envied you this - I was horribly shy. To walk into a room full of people - I suffered agonies, I hide it better now,
JENNIFER	(LAUGHS, NOT TOO EASILY) Mummy. you're putting me on.
MARGARET	Your father's different. He gets on with people right away. He always did. I have to grow on them.
JENNIFER	You do surprise me, Mummy. I always thought you were so - cool.
MARGARET	Cool? No. Frigid - rigid. I mean. With fear. Embarrassment.
JENNIFER	(MISSING THE SLIP) I thought it was only me that felt like that. Mike's the same as Daddy. I envy them.
MARGARET	Yes. I know.
JENNIFER	It's so easy for them.
	(CUT TO SOUND OF CHARLES COUGHING UNEASILY)
CHARLES	Er - would you care to see the programme. Michael?
MICHAEL	I'm easy.
CHARLES	Ought to be Match of the Day or Sportsview or something about now,
MICHAEL	Not unless you particularly want it, Mr. Ransome.
CHARLES	Oh, no, no, no.
	(PAUSE. CHARLES COUGHS AGAIN)
	Er - what are you, er, reading, is it? Michael?
MICHAEL	Reading?
CHARLES	Yes.
MICHAEL	Oh, my subjects. Economics and philosophy.
CHARLES	Oh? They sound (UNEASY LAUGH) uncomfortable bedfellows.
MICHAEL	(LAUGHS EASILY) Well, yes, they are. Sometimes.
CHARLES	Tell me. I'm interested. What sort of ground does it cover?
MICHAEL	It's a fairly wide field these days.
CHARLES	'And where does it lead? Job-wise?
MICHAEL	Teaching, perhaps. Industry - you know, management. Especially consultancy.
CHARLES	I wondered where they came from. (PAUSE)
	What particular aspect of management are you interested in?
MICHAEL	Well, the myths, really.
CHARLES	Myths? In management?
MICHAEL	You know, the beliefs people cling to. Long after they've ceased to have much validity.
CHARLES	I'm not sure I'm with you.
MICHAEL	Well. for instance, we say that growth- expansion - and all that, is a good thing.
CHARLES	Of course.
MICHAEL	That's just what I mean.
CHARLES	I'm afraid I -
MICHAEL	We don't question it. Bigger is better, so we get bigger.
CHARLES	(GROWING SUSPICIOUS) One can't stand still in business, you know. You either go forward. or you slip back.
MICHAEL	So you get bigger.
CHARLES	Exactly.
MICHAEL	So you have more and more mergers, national companies become international, more and more people are made redundant, unemployment rises. And we say it will all take care of itself in time, because after all, growth is a good thing.
CHARLES	And of course it will.
MICHAEL	Will it? Some of us are beginning to wonder.
CHARLES	You're still young, of course.
MICHAEL	(ALMOST ANGRY) It's just an academic question? For us, I mean?
CHARLES	Well, yes. It's different when you're in daily contact with it.
MICHAEL	Three of my friends left university last year. With fairly good degrees, too. (PAUSE) They're still out of work. (PAUSE) They feel bit sore.
CHARLES	That's natural.
MICHAEL	It's not an academic question for them.
CHARLES	When great changes are taking place, one has to take the rough with the smooth.
MICHAEL	Sure. But they'd like it to be shared out a bit. As I said, some of us are beginning to wonder. (KNOCK ON DOOR)
JENNIFER	(BEYOND DOOR) Mike! Open the door, please! I've got the tray. (MICHAEL RISES AND GOES TO THE DOOR)
MICHAEL	Coming!
	(DOOR OPENS)
JENNIFER	Pull out the small table there, will you, darling?
MICHAEL	Sure. (SOTTO VOCE) Darling, is it?
JENNIFER	Just here. (SOTTO VOCE) I can't call you by the other name here, stupid. (SOUND OF TRAY BEING PUT DOWN)
JENNIFER	There! Now, you two been getting on?
MICHAEL	Sure, sure.
CHARLES	Oh yes, fine.
JENNIFER	What did I tell you, Daddy?
MARGARET	(APPROACHING) I'll pour the coffee, Jenny. BEGIN FADE) Charles, pass Michael the biscuits, please. (FADE OUT. BRING UP SOFT BACKGROUND MUSIC SUITABLE FOR BEDROOM ACOUSTIC)
CHARLES	Meg, please! Do we have to have that row in the bedroom?
MARGARET	Oh, sorry!
	(MUSIC SWITCHED OFF)
CHARLES	(YAWNS) God, I'm tired,
MARGARET	(GOING) Yes. So am I. It's been a worse Monday than usual.
CHARLES	(CALLS) Meg!
MARGARET	(DISTANT) Yes?
CHARLES	You seen my sleeping tablets?
MARGARET	(APPROACHING) They're where they always are, I imagine.
CHARLES	(SAVAGELY) And where's that, for God's sake?
MARGARET	In the bathroom, cabinet. Why?
CHARLES	Because I want a couple, that's why.
MARGARET	What's wrong.
CHARLES	Wrong?
MARGARET	What are you so edgy about?
CHARLES	Edgy? Who says I'm edgy? I'm tired that's all. (GOING) And I want a couple of sleeping pills.
	(DISTANT SOUND OF RUNNING BRIEFLY)
	(APPROACHING) Do we have to hold an inquest now, every time I want a sleeping pill?
MARGARET	You snapped at me several times tonight. And you almost bit Jenny's head off when she came in.
CHARLES	She's coming in at a respectable time, anyway. Perhaps I should do some more snapping. Perhaps you should try it on Michael.
	(CHARLES GRUNTS)
MARGARET	What did you think of him?
CHARLES	Who?
MARGARET	Oh, Charles, really! You must have given it some thought. You had a long chat the other night.
CHARLES	I've more important things to think about.
	(BEGIN FADE) lot's happened since the other night.
	(FADE OUT)
	(CUT IN SOUND OF TYPEWRITER CARTWRIGHT'S VOICE OVER)
CARTWRIGHT	(DISTORT) Ransome?
CHARLES	Yes, sir?
CARTWRIGHT	(DISTORT) Can you come up to my office?
CHARLES	Of course. Do you mind if I clear the post first?
CARTWRIGHT	(DISTORT) I'd rather you made it right away.
CHARLES	Oh. Oh, very well. (BEGIN FADE) I'll come straight up. (CUT IN SOUND OF FOOTSTEPS, CHARLES'S INTERIOR AS HE SPEAKS FOOTSTEPS STAIRS VOICE OVER 2 SWINGING DOORS, ORCHESTRATE HIS WORDS) Wonder what the old man wants? Not like him to cut a chap off short like that. Expect he's as worried about blasted consultants as the rest of us. Come to think of it, he's been a bit subdued lately. I expected to get a bending over the export figures last month. Thought held really blow up when he saw them. But no, all quiet on the export front. Rum, though. Never known the old man carry on like this. Must be all these whizz-kids. Getting him down, too. Ah well, here we are. (ALOUD) Morning, Miss Hansom. No, no. No need to buzz him. He's expecting me. I'll go right in, (TAP ON DOOR)
CARTWRIGHT	(WITHIN) Come in!
	(DOOR OPENS)
CARTWRIGHT	Ah, Ransome! Sit down! (DOOR CLOSES)
CHARLES	(APPROACHING) Thanks
CARTWRIGHT	This isn't going to be easy, I'm afraid. Not a job I like at all.
CHARLES	I'm sorry, I - I'm sure you're aware that things haven't been going too well, Ransome. Bad enough passing the dividend last time, but this half year - well, there's been no improvement to speak of.
CHARLES	That's true. But trade is depressed.
CARTWRIGHT	We're going to have to do some pretty severe retrenching.
CHARLES	Of course, if we must. If there's anything I could do, you know -
CARTWRIGHT	It means cutting down on staff.
CHARLES	Yes, I suppose so. Still, if that's the only way' -
CARTWRIGHT	I'm sorry, Ransome. I'm talking about you.
CHARLES	Me? You're sacking me?
CARTWRIGHT	Sacking you? Good Heavens, no, man.
CHARLES	Oh, then you want me to -
CARTWRIGHT	Not the sack- Good Lord no. We're -not that kind of outfit. No. We're going to have to make your post redundant, though.
CHARLES	Oh. Oh, I see. You're moving me.
CARTWRIGHT	(COUGHS)No, no. We're going to have to let you go.
CHARLES	Go?
CARTWRIGHT	You're entitled to three months notice, of course, but we shall be happy to waive it if that's what you wish. You'll get maximum redundancy, and over and above that - well. I don't think you'll find us ungenerous. And naturally we'll do all we can in the way of assistance in finding another post.
CHARLES	But the consultants -
CARTWRIGHT	Things are very tight, Ransome. The board wasn't prepared to wait for the consultants' report before they took steps.
CHARLES	I'm sorry, I -
CARTWRIGHT	You're able. -,nd experienced. Still young enough to make a change. I wish we could offer you a future here, but you know as well as anyone what the situation is. (FORCED LAUGH) No need to draw a diagram, eh?
CHARLES	No, no,
CARTWRIGHT	That's all just now, Ransome. But keep in touch, eh? We're anxious to do all we can to help, you know.
CHARLES	(BEGIN FADE) Yes, yes, of course.
	(FADE OUT. CUT IN MARGARETS VOICE)
	What did you think of him, anyway?
CHARLES	Eh? What's that you say? Think of who?
MARGARET	Oh, Charles. Michael, of course.
	(CUT, FADE IN JENNIFER'S VOICE)
JENNIFER	So you see, lover, it wasn't so bad, was it?
MICHAEL	What?
JENNIFER	Meeting Mummy and Daddy.
MICHAEL	Oh, that.
JENNIFER	I was sure you and Daddy would get on.
MICHAEL	You reckon?
JENNIFER	What do you mean?
MICHAEL	Father doesn't dig the hairy Michael.
JENNIFER	You're ever so much alike.
MICHAEL	You're putting me on.
JENNIFER	I don't get you.
MICHAEL	Yeah, that's the message I got. You don't get me, I don't get you. (CUT. FADE IN MARGARET'S VOICE)
MARGARET	You don't sound very enthusiastic.
CHARLES	If you ask me, he's a bit on the Bolshie side. No standards any more. Like a lot of young men in business today. No time for tradition. Everything has to be turned upside down,
MARGARET	And you learnt all that in fifteen minutes?
CHARLES	You'd think nobody else had ever run a business.
MARGARET	So that's it.
CHARLES	That's what?
MARGARET	It is the firm.
CHARLES	I - I never said so. I was simply saying there's no - stability any more.
MARGARET	No, there isn't.
CHARLES	Kids fresh out of university and so-called business schools. Still wet behind the ears.
MARGARET	Like Michael.
	(CUT. FADE IN MICHAEL'S VOICE)
MICHAEL	We don't talk the same language, that's for sure,
JENNIFER	Oh, Mike, really!
MICHAEL	It's right. He tried not to look at me. He was wishing I had a short back and sides and talked about growth potential and profits to earnings - ratio,
JENNIFER	Be fair, lover.
MICHAEL	What's unfair about that?
JENNIFER	That's his world. He's done well in it. too. So has the firm.
MICHAEL	That's not the way I hear it.
JENNIFER	What!
MICHAEL	Look, girl. we study local industry. It's all part of the course. The way we see it they're likely to be taken over.
JENNIFER	Is that all?
MICHAEL	Not because they're making profits. though.
JENNIFER	I don't get it.
MICHAEL	They're dinosaurs.
JENNIFER	Dinosaurs?
MICHAEL	They're like a lot more nowadays. So obsessed with getting bigger and bigger it never strikes them to ask whether it's the right thing to do, They'll wind up not being able to support their own weight, One little fall will kill them! Just like dinosaurs.
JENNIFER	You must be joking,
MICHAEL	You reckon. I'd say - sitting where he is - your Dad's vulnerable. Like everybody else that works there, Mind you., It might be the best thing if they stopped him now. I'm told there have been redundancies already_.
JENNIFER	Mike! dinosaurs weren't lovable. But
MICHAEL	I didn't say you wouldn't want to be under one when its legs packed up, would you?
JENNIFER	(LAUGHS)
	(FADE OUT ON JENNIFER'S LAUGH. CUT IN MARGARET I S VOICE I
MARGARET	So you don't approve?
CHARLES	Approve? Oh, him. I didn't say that,-
MARGARET	You mean you've not made your mind up.
CHARLES	I mean I've more to do with my mind just now.
	(SOUND OF CHARLES GETTING INTO BED) You going to read?
MARGARET	He's not all what I expected.
CHARLES	Because I'm about all in.
MARGARET	It's odd. In a way. he reminds me of you. When you were his age. I mean,
CHARLES	What's that? Me? Good God in Heaven. I never looked like that!
MARGARET	I didn't mean looks.
CHARLES	(BEGIN FADE) Good God above!
	(FADE OUT. CUT IN JENNIFER'S VOICE)
JENNIFER	All I can say is, if you don't dig Daddy there's not much hope for Mummy.
MICHAEL	Oh, I don't know.
JENNIFER	What!
MICHAEL	I kinda dig your Mum.
JENNIFER	You hardly spoke to her.
MICHAEL	You don't have to speak,
	(CUT. FADE IN MARGARET'S VOICE)
MARGARET	He came out to the kitchen, When I took. the cups out.Wanted to know if there was anything he could do,
CHARLES	Good Lord! A bit embarrassing.
MARGARET	No. no. it wasn't like that at all. He wasn't - awkward., or it might have been. Just - easy, Friendly. Not familiar, though. (CHARLES GRUNTS) Jennifer tells me he does his own cooking and mending. And his own laundry.
CHARLES	Good grief! Long hair, flowered shirts - and now cookery. Mi,RGARET He seemed to think it was quite normal that he should wash up,
CHARLES	Oh, that's an old ploy! Get round Mamma and the old man's a push-over.
MARGARET	(QUIETLY)Is that what you did?
CHARLES	I didn't say that.
MARGARET	No. (PAUSE) I don't think I will read. after all,
CHARLES	What's that? Oh, all right. (PAUSE) It probably won't come to anything, anyway.
	(PAUSE) At her age. (BEGIN FADE) She's only eighteen.
	(FADE OUT. CUT IN JENNIFER'S VOICE)
JENNIFER	Mike!
MICHAEL	(SLEEPILY) Yeah?
JENNIFER	How long will it be?
MICHAEL	How long will what be?
JENNIFER	Till you can make an honest- woman of me.
MICHAEL	Hey! I don't dig that kinda talk,
JENNIFER	(LAUGHS) Sorry!
MICHAEL	You look like your Mum.
JENNIFER	Me?
MICHAEL	I don't mean looks. No. beautiful. But you've got better lines.
JENNIFER	Lines?
MICHAEL	In your face. Marriage lines.
JENNIFER	Thanks to you. sir.
MICHAEL	Hers are the wrong sort,
JENNIFER	You're an authority, of course,
MICHAEL	It's a shame, though,
JENNIFER	But you have the cure for it?
MICHAEL	Not for her, Just the prevention for you.
JENNIFER	Three cheers for prevention. then.
MICHAEL	I wish you'd be serious.
JENNIFER	I wish you wouldn't be pompous.
MICHAEL	Right. How's this, then? (NOT TOO STEADILY) Let's get married.
JENNIFER	Now?
MICHAEL	The other way. For keeps.
JENNIFER	Ha! Ha!
MICHAEL	That's funny? You think that's funny?
JENNIFER	Funny? (PAUSE, THEN MORE QUIETLY) No. No, of course not.
MICHAEL	Don't laugh, then.
JENNIFER	Mike, don't be - (WHISPERS) You mean it.
MICHAEL	Yes,
JENNIFER	Oh.
MICHAEL	Don't tell me you hadn't thought about it.
JENNIFER	No. (PAUSE) No, that's not true. I have. A lot.
MICHAEL	Well, then?
JENNIFER	Yes, well, we'll have to tell them. won't we?
MICHAEL	Yeah. And then stand clear, Jennifer, stand clear!
MICHAEL	Yeah. If you ask me, that's when the dinosaur's legs'll finally pack up,
	(THEY BOTH LAUGH, PARTLY FROM RELIEF. FADE OUT ON THEIR LAUGHTER. CUT IN VOICE OF JENNIFER)
JENNIFER	Daddy!
CHARLES	Yes? You're up early this morning.
JENNIFER	I wanted to speak to you before you went,
CHARLES	Oh?
JENNIFER	Yes. Will you be in this evening?
CHARLES	I suppose so. Why?
JENNIFER	I was going to ask Mike to come round.
CHARLES	Oh. Well, is my presence necessary for that?
JENNIFER	Daddy, you don't like him, do you?
CHARLES	I don't really think I've given it that much thought. Jenny, Why?
JENNIFER	I just had the idea, that's all.
CHARLES	He's intelligent, I suppose. And heIs not without manners. It's not altogether common these days.
JENNIFER	Don't say any more. Daddy,
CHARLES	I do have other things to think about. you know, Important things.
JENNIFER	More important things,
CHARLES	Does all this really matter. Jenny? You're eighteen. You'll meet lots of boys.
JENNIFER	Oh. Oh, I see. Well. will you be in this evening?
CHARLES	I imagine so.
JENNIFER	That's all I wanted to know. (BEGIN FADE) I'd better let Mummy know, too.
	(FADE OUT. CUT IN MARGARET'S VOICE)
MARGARET	Of course. dear. Bring him by all means. I have a meeting, but you can look after him. I'm sure.
JENNIFER	Oh.
MARGARET	Is there something wrong?
JENNIFER	I - we rather hoped you'd be in,
MARGARET	Well. of course. if it's that important. blow the meeting, (PAUSE, THEN WITH ALARM) There's nothing - wrong. is there?
JENNIFER	(LAUGHS) Good Lord, Mummy, no. It's not that.
MARGARET	Oh.
JENNIFER	Mummy, did you like him?
MARGARET	I didn't see much of him, you know.
JENNIFER	What's with everybody this morning? I ask Daddy a simple question and he fences. Now You!
MARGARET	It rather depends. you know.
JENNIFER	Depends?
MARGARET	On how things stand between you and Michael.
JENNIFER	Things?
MARGARET	Are you - serious, I mean?
JENNIFER	Oh, Mummy! Just because I ask you a simple question!
MARGARET	Who's fencing now. darling? (PAUSE) It wasn't a simple question. was it?
JENNIFER	(QUIETLY) No. No., it wasn't.
MARGARET	I'm glad. (PAUSE) I liked him very much*
JENNIFER	Mummy darling! Did you? Did you really?
MARGARET	Yes. I did,
JENNIFER	Hair and all?
MARGARET	Hair and all,
JENNIFER	But you hardly spoke to him.,
MARGARET	You don't have to speak necessarily.
JENNIFER	Why, that's just what Mike Mummy, you are a dark horse,
MARGARET	What time is he coming, dear?
JENNIFER	About eight, he said. (BEGIN FADE) Will that be all right? (FADE OUT. CUT IN MICHAEL'S VOICE)
MICHAEL	Jenny!
JENNIFER	Hey! You never call me that. (PAUSE) Oh. What is it?
MICHAEL	Are you sure this is a good idea?
JENNIFER	Don't tell me you're getting cold feet, lover.
MICHAEL	I mean just now.
JENNIFER	Oh. Oh, I see, You think we should wait.
MICHAEL	I'm not sure what to think.
JENNIFER	Mike. what's wrong? What is it?
MICHAEL	It might be nothing at all.
JENNIFER	Go on.
MICHAEL	I don't know absolutely for certain.
JENNIFER	Will you please tell me?
MICHAEL	One of our post-grads is doing research part-time at your Dad's place.
JENNIFER	Yea?
MICHAEL	There's a lot of redundancy. it was announced toddy,
JENNIFER	Well. I knew they were having to lay men off.
MICHAEL	This is new. It's got to board-room level almost,
JENNIFER	Oh.
MICHAEL	We don't know for sure that your Dad's affected,
JENNIFER	I think he probably is.
MICHAEL	Why?
JENNIFER	Never mind. I ought to have known,
MICHAEL	So what do we do?
JENNIFER	You won't be marrying a fortune, lover.
MICHAEL	I never was. Just getting a prize.
JENNIFER	(QUIETLY) I'll remember that,
MICHAEL	Well?
JENNIFER	I say we go ahead.
MICHAEL	You're sure about that?
JENNIFER	I'm sure.
MICHAEL	You know them.
JENNIFER	I don't know why they keep things from me.
MICHAEL	No.
JENNIFER	Anyway, now it's happened they won't object because I want a quiet wedding,
MICHAEL	You reckon? They'll object, anyway.
JENNIFER	What say we do it and then tell them?
MICHAEL	I don't dig that.
JENNIFER	I didn't think you would. But we don't have to ask them you know.
MICHAEL	I know that, We have to tell them though.
JENNIFER	Yes, you're right, of course.
MICHAEL	Only I don't think your Dad's going to see it our way. (BEGIN FADE) Right. Let's go then.
	(FADE OUT. CUT IN CHARLES'S VOICE) what
CHARLES	You've no job. Michael. And from what you've already said. no certain prospects of one.
MICHAEL	Nobody has these days, Mr. Ransome.
CHARLES	I'm well aware of that.
MICHAEL	You want us to wait until there's plenty of job-security about?
CHARLES	I think it would be wise,
MICHAEL	We think it would be unreasonable.
CHARLES	Oh?
MICHAEL	Yes. We've talked it over, of course. If we wait until we're one hundred per cent secure we'll wait a long time.
CHARLES	I don't see any alternative.
MICHAEL	We do,
CHARLES	Really?
MICHAEL	Mr. Ransome, Jenny wants to marry me. At least, she says she does.
JENNIFER	You know I do.
MICHAEL	And I want to marry Jenny.
CHARLES	But that's surely not the point.
MICHAEL	That's the entire point. And we don't have to ask. but we're doing it.
CHARLES	I beg your pardon?
MICHAEL	We don't have to ask. Jenny's eighteen.
CHARLES	She's still dependent on me. (DOOR OPENS)
MARGARET	Oh. there you are!
CHARLES	Meg, would you excuse us a moment? I rather want to talk to Jenny and Michael alone.
MICHAEL	Mr. Ransome, I don't dig that.
CHARLES	I beg your pardon?
MICHAEL	I'd like Mrs. Ransome to be here. No doubt. (DOOR CLOSES)
MICHAEL	She's involved. I think she should know now - that Jenny and I are going to be married.
CHARLES	If I agree,
MICHAEL	Whether you agree or not. (PAUSE) Weld like you to agree.
CHARLES	Jenny has what I give her.
JENNIFER	I've got a job, remember?
MICHAEL	We don't want what you give her. We knew you wouldn't like it,
CHARLES	Oh. you did?
MICHAEL	But we reckoned you were entitled to this. I, proper approach.
CHARLES	I know what I'm entitled to.
MARGARET	Charles!
CHARLES	Meg, please!
MICHAEL	I'd like to hear what Mrs. Ransome has to say about it.
CHARLES	Jenny's mother will agree with me. of course,
MICHAEL	Well. Mrs. Ransome?
CHARLES	How dare you?
MICHAEL	I don't think you've got the situation. Mr. Ransome. I came here tonight to ask you to agree to Jenny and me getting married. But I'll say it again - we don't have to ask. If we'd wanted to go ahead without your agreement we could have done it already,
CHARLES	Using what for money?
MICHAEL	Yes. there is that. (PAUSE) Jenny's got a job. I've got my grant. We'll manage till I've got my degree.
MARGARET	Michael, can you really manage on that?
MICHAEL	Lots of students manage on less. They have to.. The State doesn't like students to get married, I guess. - They pay them more for living in sin, as they call it, (PAUSE, THEN MORE QUIETLY) I know you'll worry about it. but you needn't. Money's not so important these days.
CHARLES	That's easily said,
MICHAEL	Lots of people are learning it. Some because they have to. Some because they want to. We don't want the same things. perhaps. Cars. Swimming pools. That kind of thing,
CHARLES	That's just trendy talk.
MARGARET	Charles. please!
MICHAEL	I'm not getting at your values. Mr. Ransome. You've been raised on them.
CHARLES	They've served me well. And Jenny and her mother,
MICHAEL	That's a matter of opinion,
CHARLES	They've paid the bills, anyway,,, How will you do that? Are you telling us you'd let your wife do that? Live on a pittance she earned?
MICHAEL	That's not my choice, It's Jenny's.
CHARLES	Well, I'll make the choice for her.
MARGARET	Charles!
CHARLES	Stay out of this. Meg, please!
MARGARET	No. (PAUSE) Michael. would you take Jenny into the dining room? Just for a few minutes.
MICHAEL	If you say so,
	(GOING) Come on. Jenny!
	(DOOR OPENS ,,ND CLOSES AGAIN)
CHARLES	What in God's name has got into you, Meg?
MARGARET	No. that's my question.
CHARLES	What exactly do you mean by that?
MARGARET	I know we might have been closer at times, Charles. I don't think it's been my fault on the whole. But lately you've - excluded me more than usual.
CHARLES	What are you talking about?
MARGARET	I think you know. Sometimes it's almost as if you didn't belong here. There's something. I know there is. I've tried not to - pry.
CHARLES	There's nothing,
MARGARET	Why can't you talk about it?
CHARLES	There's nothing to talk about,
MARGARET	I can't make you - trust me.
CHARLES	What nonsense! Of course I trust you!
MARGARET	It's just words. Charles. Nothing behind.
CHARLES	There's nothing you need worry about.
MARGARET	Ah, (PAUSE) I don't think Michael will do this to Jennifer. -
CHARLES	Michael will find the world's a lot different from his idea of it.
MARGARET	Most of us do.
CHARLES	Things aren't that simple.
MARGARET	I don't think they want things simple, Just simpler. He won't shut Jenny out.
CHARLES	I'm doing no such thing,
MARGARET	You are! You are! I'm just a - a kept woman,
CHARLES	Meg!
MARGARET	What else? A hostess, perhaps! To run your house and provide entertainment for your friends! Jenny will be spared that. They'll not be able to afford it.
CHARLES	Afford it? That's rich. that is.
MARGARET	What is it, Charles?
CHARLES	I don't want to talk about it.
MARGARET	At last,
CHARLES	There's nothing. Nothing at all.
MARGARET	Nothing, Only silences, And estrangement, And sleeping pills and bad dreams and turning in your bed at night. (ALMOST WEEPING) And no - no love from you in, oh, do you know how long?
CHARLES	Meg! For God's sake!
MARGARET	If that's nothing, then there's nothing.
CHARLES	A man shoulders his responsibilities. A marriage has a broader back.
	(TAP ON DOOR. DOOR OPENS)
JENNIFER	May we come in? We want to talk to you.
MARGARET	Very well. dear.
MICHAEL	Mr. Ransome!
JENNIFER	No, Mike, let me.
MICHAEL	All right, doll! I didn't know what to say. anyway.
JENNIFER	Daddy! When Mike came tonight he told me something, He didn't want-to go ahead and talk to you because of What he'd heard. I mean. knowing - what he knew. I made him,
CHARLES	Jenny, please!
MARGARET	No, no, Jenny! Go on. Go on, please!
MICHAEL	No! Don't!
JENNIFER	Mike! What is all this?
MICHAEL	Mr. Ransome, we know what Jenny's talking about, don't we?
CHARLES	Perhaps!
MICHAEL	I don't think Mrs. Ransome does!
MARGARET	No!
MICHAEL	That settles it,
CHARLES	What's that supposed to mean?
MICHAEL	Jenny and I are going to get married. As soon as we can.
MARGARET	Mike. are you quite sure?
MICHAEL	Sure? I've never been so sure. I don't mean just the way I feel about Jenny, I mean about this whole marriage kick.
JENNIFER	What do you mean. Mike?
MICHAEL	I - well, listen girl. I don't guarantee not to get in a mess-after we're married, about money, and jobs. things like that, If you ask me. we've got the sort of set-up where you can't insure against it,
JENNIFER	What are you getting at. Mike?
MICHAEL	I'm just saying that all I'll guarantee is to tell you. And you'll do the same, or I'll see why,
JENNIFER	Of course.
MICHAEL	That's all. then, We've done all we've got to do here, Come on!
JENNIFER	Righto, lover!
	(DOOR OPENS)
MARGARET	Mike!
MICHAEL	Yes. Mrs. Ransome?
MARGARET	Oh. Mike, we really must do something about that name!
MICHAEL	Yeah, sure, What was it?
MARGARET	Just - thank you! And every possible happiness to you both!
MICHAEL	Thanks! Thanks a lot!
JENNIFER	Oh, Mummy!
	(SHE RUNS ACROSS TO MARGARET, THERE IS THE SOUND OF A KISS)
JENNIFER	You too, Daddy!(ANOTHER KISS) Cheer up! We won't be too proud to borrow. If you can spare it. See you! Come on, Mike! (DOOR CLOSES)
MARGARET	Now, Charles Ransome
CHARLES	Yes?
MARGARET	Come along now! Let's have it!
CHARLES	It's nothing
MARGARET	We won't start that again.
CHARLES	Really, it's
MARGARET	Charles!
CHARLES	All right! All right! You'll have to know some time, I suppose,