Time: Turn of the Century Place: Sweden 18 Overture Lefore the howseights are doen, MR. LINDQUIST appears ‘and sis atthe piano. He remooes hs glows, planks 2 key, ‘and begins to vocal MRS NORDSTROM ens, its. hey om the piano, and vocalzes with hi. MRS. ANDIRSIEN, Mi ERIANSON and MRS SECSTROM come ou ad juin the ‘ocalicing. ahha Lalalata Tala Taylalala ‘The old deserted beach that we walked — Remember? Remember? ‘The café in the park where we talked — Remember Remember? ‘The tenor on the boat that we chartered, Belching “The Bartered Bride" — 19‘Ah, how we laughed, ‘Ah, how we ered, x uDguist: Ah, how you promised And, Ah, how an Tied. Lie lie. .tie oma amunrrs oF quisre Lay lalala ‘That dilapidated inn — Remember, darling? ‘The proprietress grin, Also her glare. ns. NoRBETROM: Yellow gingham on the bed — Remember, darling? se uoguisr: ‘And the canopy in red, Needing repair. Soon, I promise. ‘Soon I won't shy way, Dear old — ‘Soon. I want to. ‘Soon, whatever you say, ven Now, Now, when we touch, ‘When we're dose and. We Touch, “Touching my brow, ‘nel you're kissing my. Brom Anhnn Tdon't mind i Too much, ‘And you'll have to ‘Admit I'm endearing, Thelp keep things humming, Vm not domineering, ‘What's one small shortcoming? And Unpack the gga, ta a Pack up the logge, Ia ala Unpack the lggage, Hala a io, the glamorous itt ‘Unpack the haga, a Pack up the luggage, faa la Unpack the toga, lak a ito, the glamorous life ux uous: ommmraeamens oF Quinte Abbhhb ‘Unpack the luggage, tala ka Pack up the luggage la ala sus. NompsTHOM Conn wens oF Quinte: Abhhh ‘Unpack the lagage, Tala la Hicho, the glamorous ie! Bring wp the curtain, lala la Bring down the curtain, ala la Bring up the curtain, lala la Hiho, bicho For the glamorous life!(Afr te apis, he Quer sats twat. The shows cnrtain fis ot revatng the main characters ding Seangey sure wats [Night Walls] of thar oun, in suhich panes change partnes and reouple with others ‘Tha quoere ifs xp int the wali rape, a ep pear to hum acompaninent forthe las section ofthe dance. raEDRiKA wonders through the walls, 100, ‘watchingPrologue At the end ofthe opening wats, MADAME ARKFFLDT is roght om in her wheelchair by her bute rtp. ner lap 18.0 tray containing a silor cigarte ox, a small vase ‘sth four ell ude, andthe cards nth which she is laying solitaire: She is watched by FRsDAIKA ARNEL 13a grave, ey slfcntained and formal gi withthe recs diction ofthe comventirained. ‘eroeama: Ifyou cheated a itl, it would come out. MADAME ARMPHLDT (Continuing to lay): Solitaire isthe only thing in life that demands absolute honesty. As a woman who has numbered kings among her lovers, I think my word can be taken on that point (She motions to RID, who roses doen and lights her igre) What was taking about? [eeDRIKA: You said should watch, Manan ARM: Wateh — what? FREDRIKA: It sounds very unlikely to me, but you said should watch forthe night to smile, MADAME ARMEELDT: Everything is unlikely, dear, 3o don’t tet %that deter you, OF course the summer nights rapenia: But how docs it smite? MADAME ARUELDT: Good heavens, what sort of nanny did you have? viapema: None, really. Except Mother, and the other act resses in the company —and the sage manager MADAME ARMRLDT: Stage managers are not nannies. They ‘don’t have the talent. DRIKA: But ift happens —how does it happen? Manan ABEELDT: You get a feeling. Suddenly the jasmine starts to smell stronger, then a frog croaks — then all the stars in Orion wink. Don't squeeze your bosoms against the chair, dear. IU stunt their growth. And then where would you be? ‘REDRIRA: But why does i smile, Grandmother? MADAME ARMIELDT: At the follies of human beings, of course. ‘The first smile smiles atthe young, who know nothing. (She loks pointed at rREDRIRA) “The second, atthe fools who know too lie, like Desiree. ‘iDEA: Mother isn't fol. ManAME ARAPELDT (Going right on): Um-hum. And the at the old who know too much — like me. (The game is over without coming out. Annoyed at the ‘ards, MADAME ARMFELDT sates them at random, ond darks at rp) Frid, time for my nap, HEDRIKA (Intrigued in spite of hosel, gazes out at the summer night): Grandmother, might it realy smile tonight? MADAME ARMFELDT: Why not? Now, practice your piano, ‘dear, preferably with the soft pedal down. And asa treat 6 ‘onight at dinner, 1 shall tell you amusing stories about my hi jgnac, who sea, 0 put it (Qu whe ar off ond ronan. ges to sit tthe pian)Scene 1 THE EGERMAN ROOMS Tuo rooms: the parlor and the maser belrom, indicand on diffrent lols ANNE GERMAN, a reishingly prety Ail 0f 18, 5 on the Be. She goes 0 the vanity table, toys tuith her bai, and then ents he parlor HENRIK CRM, ‘er sepson, a brooding young mam of 19, i ened onthe sofa, Playing his ello. Beside him on the sofa isa book swith a ribbon marker AXE lao at HENRIK, ho leans ver the sofa to et his atention. ANNE: Ob Henrik, dear, don’t you have anything tes gloomy to practice? eu: It ane gloomy, is profound, a (Reaches down, thes ERIK'S Book, and Begins reading fem itl: *. im discussing temptation, Martin Lather sys “You ‘cannot prevent the birds from ying over your head, bat you can prevent them from nesting in your hair.” Ob ‘ear, that's gloomy too! Don't they teach you anything at the seminary a litle more cheerful? luexwx (Grand): A man who's going to serve in God's Army ‘must lear all the ruses and stratagems ofthe Enemy. Py ‘ANNE (Siting gigaling): And which of your professors made that histore statement? re (Caught out): Pastor Ericson, as a matter of fat. He says we're like generals learning to win bates agains the devi. (Herbal of sid fle of her tap) ‘axe: Ob dear, my ball (Queso bends dou to ick up the ball He sands beside ‘es, bciously overaatna by her nearness. ANNE ats her up) You can put it there, you know. My lap isnt one of the Devil's snares (Plashing, masa drop the Ball into her lap and moves ‘auny fom her) "unt: Anne, Iwas wondering — could we go fora walk? xt: Now? lpn: I've so much to tell you. What I've been thinking, and everything, ANNE: Silly Henrik, don’t you realize it's almost teatime? And I think I hear your father. (She rises, rus down the bal of sik) 1V'm sure you've made the most wonderful discoveries about life, and I long to talk, but — later. (rRrDRIK enters, followed by PETRA, 21, the charming easygoing maid Fredrik dear! Mean (Mute to hise): Later ‘ANNE: Look who's come home to us — holier than ever. ‘RIK: Hello, son, How was the examination? mn: Well, asa matter of fact 2( eeonm (Breaking in): You passed with Ming svose: Bestom the lis. ‘Hexaix (Trying again): And Pastor Ericson sid. PHEDRIK (Breaking in): Splendid — you must give us a full report Later aww: He'd better be careful or he'll go straight to heaven ‘before he has a chance to save any sinners. sawnt: Ob, be teased, don’t you, Henrik? Fredrik, do you want your tea now? vixen Not now, I think. It's been rather an exhausting day in Court and as we havea long evening ahead of us 1 feel alitle nap is indicated. (He produces thaer ick rom his poet) we (Grabbing at them, delighted asa child): Tickers forthe My pink with the bosom. And Henrik, you ean do inthe back, (She goes nto the broom) YRxDRIE I'm sorry, son. I sh were coming home and got HINWUK: .. to sulfer fools gladly? ‘nix (Gent): You sad tha, son. Not I. Fredrik! (As rarnnix moves into the bedroom, PSR picks up his ook and reads, ANS is ‘Anne Egerman! ‘onthe bed and moves tothe vanity Pn( ou (Pulling his head aay): I'm reading, rama (Coresing his head): Do those old teachers tke a serub- bing brush to you every morning and serub you down like a dray horse? (Strokes i a) se (Fle): Getaway from me! remea (soning up in mock alarm): Oh what a wicked woman amt Tl go aright to bel (Starting away she oe lad the dog deliberately wig singh ips) (Leaking up, cen feo: Ro don’ walk lke that Unmocet: Like — what? (Wigs een more) this nme (Pleading): Stop it. Stop it (He rises, gos afer he, clutches hex and starts savages clumsily to is her and fumble at her brass, She laps his hand) perma: Carefult (Breaks any) ‘That's a new blouse! A whole week's wages and the lace extra! (Looks ath) Poor little Henrik! (Then affectionately pats his chek) ater! You'l| soon get the knack of i! (She exits. MENRIK puts dia the bo, ges his cello and egins to sng, accompanying himself onthe elo) ‘Short and boring, Yes, he's hardly worth ignoring ‘And who cares if he's all dammed —F'llbe ninety on my deathbed ANNE (Back a the by ‘And the lat, or rather late, Henrik Egerman! i Doesn't anything begin? r (Case, ithe Bdroom, gets up from the vanity lable and ‘ands ner the bt, singing lo x08) ‘Soom, I promise. Soon T won't shy away, Even now, ‘When you're close and we touch, And you're kissing my brow, 1 don't mind it too much, ‘And you'Uhave to admit ‘Think of how much you love me. IFT were perfect for you, Woulda'tyou tire of me Soon, ANNE goes no the parlor) Henrik! That racket! Your [gr lB machen ge bch nthe boo) 38 ihelp Keep tgs ‘Humming, Tm Notdomineering, What's one small Shortcoming? And Think of how adore you, Think of how Much you love me leTwere perfect For you, Wouldn'you te Ofme Laer 4 Maybe Maybe Soon,soon Later. Fit be ninety And Dead. Whea I'm kissing Your brow don't mind it And I'm stroking your head, Too much, You'll come into iy bed. Since Thave to And you have to ‘Admit ‘Admit find peering Through life's Gray windows Impatienty Notverychecring. Not interfering Dol feardesth? With those tremu- Yous thighs. Letit Cometome Come tome Now, Now, Now, Now. We wil, Later. Straight to me, never mind We will Soon. Laer Soon. Now, 2s Later Always Soon, Now. (He does ass) Desiree (AXE stares oul, astonished, asthe lights go down and ‘he bedroom and furor rolt off. FREDKIKA, still atthe Piano, is playing scales) REDRIRA (Sing): ‘Ordinary mothers lead ordinary lives: Keep the house and sweep the parlor, Cook the meals and look exhausted, Ordinary mothers, like ordinary wives, Fry the eggs and dry the sheets and ‘Try o deal with fact, Mine acts (ors seeps om sh MALLA, her mati ook MALLA carries a wig box, suitcase, and parasol Desi (AS REDRURA read lt rom he) Darling, I miss you alot But, darling, this has to be short ‘As Mother is geting a plaque From the Halsingborg Arts Council a‘Amateur Theatre Group. Whether it’s funny or not, 1M give you a fuller report “The minute they carry me back From the Halsingborg Arts Councit ‘Amateur Theatre Group . Love you. (Thecuosrer appears) onan, Unpack the luggage, Ia faa Pack up the luggage, ala la ‘Unpack the luggage, ala la Hisho, the glamorous lifet ns. seasRoM: cen the basin, fa lala am RANSON Cracks in the plate, lala la is ANDERSEN: Mice inthe allay, a ala susimqueeres: Hitho, the glamorous ite! ur forthe carviage, lata la Wolf down the sandwich, taal sume querer Which town i this one? Lala la Hisho, the glamorous life! (FD whes ana anvreLDT ontag) none ame: ‘Ordinary daughters ameliorate their fot, 2 Use their charms and choose their Futures, Breed their children, heed their mothers. Ordinary daughters, which mine, Ife, ot ‘Tend each asset, spencl it wisely While it stil endures Mine tours. DSI (AS MADAME ARMED reads alter from he) Mother, forgive the delay My schedule is driving me wil. ‘But, Mother, I really must run, Mm performing in Roti, ‘And don't ask where isit, please, How are you feeling today ‘And are you corrupting the child? Don't. Mother, the minute I'm done With performing in Rottik, Ml come fora visit And argue, Mayors with speeches ala la ‘Children with posies, ta ala Halfempty houses, a aumuquivten, Hitho, the glamorous ie! Cultural lunches, ‘aura quovter: lalla a3Dead floral tributes, ura querer lahla x unoguist: ‘Ancient admirers, uti quer: Lalala Hiuho, the glamorous lifet Mother's romantic ala la MADAME ARMFELDT: “Mother's misguided, lal la sme: Mother's surviving, ala la Leading the glamorous life! (Holds up aviror) Cracks inthe plaster, laa la Youngish admirers, i ala Which one was that one? La lala Hitho, the glamorous iet rsa and Quinte: Bring up the curtain, tata la Bring down the curtain, la ala Bring up the curtain, lat a Hikho, the glamorous... Lite, Scene 2 STAGE OF LOCAL THEATER ‘The show curtain is down. Tio stage boxes are visible Siting in one are Mx. DQUIS, MRS. NORDSTROM, aud MK. FRLANSON. ANNE and FREDRIK en, and speak as ‘they wal tothe ox ANNE: Does she look like her pictures? ruspnik: Who, dear? ANNE: Desirge Armfeldt, of course rurDRK: How would I know, dear? xn (Pause): Tonly thought... rape: You only thought — what? ‘AxNE: Desirée is nota common name.1 mean, none of your ‘ypists and things are called Desirée, are they? FarDRiK: My ypists and things in descending order of im portance are Miss Osa Svensen, Miss Ona Nilson, Mist Gerda Bjornson, and Mrs. Amalia Lindau. (4 race ents, amd hocks three times wih the sof he is ‘carrying. The show curtain rises revealing the sage 6Ihind it, tally Lois XIV “lon,” as PACE exits, For a moment it i empty. Then to LADIES, in rather shably court costs, ene) rast LADY (RS, seestKoM): Tell me something about this ‘remarkable Countess, Madame SECOND LADY (MRS, ANDERSSEN): I shall try as best I can to e- pict the personality of the Countess, Madame, although it Js too rich in mysterious contradictions to be deseribed in ‘few short moments. rast LADY: Its said that her power over men is most extri ordinary. secon tapy: There isa great deal of truth in that, Mad and her lovers are as many as the pearls in the necklace which she always wears rust Lap: Your own husband, Madame, is supposed to be ‘one of the handsomest pearls is he no? s#coND LADY: He fel in Tove with the Countess on sight. She ‘took him as lover for ree months and after that Thad him back. rast Lape And your marriage was crushed? secon tape: On the contrary, Madame! My husband had ‘become a tender, devoted, admirable lover, faithful hus- ‘band and an exemplary father. The Countess lack of decency is most moral. (The race reenten) ‘hot: The Countess Celiméne de Francen de la Tour de Casa. (The countess — prs — makes her sensational en- france, A slorm of applause greats hec FREDRIK claps. ANNE des not asthe glares atthe tage During he applause, DestREE makes «dap curse, during which, old pro that 6 she is she cases the house. Her 9 falls on PREDRIK. She des take and instantly al action frees) x uxpquise (Sings) Remember? Mrs NORDSTROM (Sing): Remember? (00m. ENDQUIST and ws NORDSTROM leave the sage box) The ol deserted beach that we walked — Remember? a. unnguisr: Remember? ‘The café in the park where we talked — Remember? Remember? Mx uNpquise: ‘The tenor on the boat that we chartered, Belching “The Bartered Bride” — ‘Ab, how we laughed, ‘Ah, how we cried, x. uNgurst ‘Ab, how you promised and ‘Ah, how Ted “That dilapidated inn — Remember, darting? a usnqunr ‘The proprietress grin, ‘Aso her glare aYellow gingham on the bed — Remember, darling? sw. unnguisr ‘And the canopy in red, [Needing repair? 1 thind you were there. (They return to the sage bx and the action continues) sovt (Bre, to Fespain): She looked at us. Why did she look pesinfe (To stow LADY): Dear Madame Merville, what a ‘charming mischance to find you here this evening. rena: I don’t think she looked especially at us. She did She peered, Charming, indeed, dear then she smiled Celimene. SOND LADY: May I be permitted to present my school friend from the provinces? Madame Vilmorac — whose Thusband, I'm sure, isin dice need ofa litle expert polish- rust tap Ob, dear Countess, you are all but a legend to ‘me. I implore you to reveal to me the secret of your suc ‘ess with the hardier sex! ‘xt: She smiled at us! (Grabs rnstva's opera glasses and studies the stag) peste: Dear Madame, that can be summed up in a single word — ANNE She's ravishingly beautiful. 48 ruxpen: Makeup, DEsREE: — dignity ‘TwoLADms: Dignity? ‘une (Turning on reeDeiK): How can you be sure — if you've never seen her? veep: Hush! DeSIREE (Playing her fst.act set speech): Dignity. We women Ihave a right to commit any crime toward our husbands, ‘our lovers, our sons, a long as we do not hurt ther ign ty. We should make men’s dignity our bes ally and caress it, cradle it, speak tenderly to it, and handle it as our ‘most delightful ty. Then a man is in our hands, at our feet, or anywhere else we momentarily wish him to be. 0 (Sobbing: pupa: want gohome! Anne! sont: Twantto go home! rupee: Anne! (She ns off uD flsng) 0Scene 3 ‘THE EGERMAN ROOMS In the ploy, EERA, fing om the couch, is calmly ve- ‘arranging her bowse. HENRI, in a sorm of tension, is ‘pulling om is trousers. On the lor Beside them is bile of champagne ad ta glasses iraik: We have sinned, and it was a complete fi (Struggling with his fly bons) “These buttons these insufferable butions! prea: Here, dear, et me. (She ros, bel infront of hm, and stars to do up the Jy batons) Don’t you worry, litle Henrik. Just letitresta while. (She pats his f) “There. Now you put on your sweater and do a nice Title uit bit of reading. (She ges is sweater from the back of chair and lps im int it ANNE ener, sil crying. She sees ERIK and ETM, ls out a0, and ru Slo the ereom. EDR entre. Parfecty calm, 0 FREDROK) My, that was a short ply. vrsnnine My wife became il I had to bring her home, 50 (He ies en a lok, sing up the situation approe- ng, efor flloing nino the bedroom) Anne! (Quen starts again toward PETRA, who ovis him) emi: No, lamb. I told you. Give it a nice surprised how perky ill he by morning. (She wiggles her wy out. FREDRIK has now ented the ‘bedroom; 20845 no longer visible — asf sh had moved {nto an inner room. Inthe paron HENRIK pick Up the ‘champagne bolle and gases and pts then on theta) ne (Of, calling): Fredrik! vixen Yes, dear. est and you'll be ‘ANNE: Did you have many women between your frst wife and me? Sometimes when I think of what memories you have, I vanish inside. ‘ixDa: Before I met you Iwas quite a different man, Many things were different. Better? (1x comes Back into the bedroom) Worse? Different, anyway. ANNE: Do you remember when I was a lite gitl and you ‘eame to my father's house for dinner and told me fairy tales? Do you remember? rixpeik: Yes, remember. ‘Ane (Siting on rREDRIR's lap): Then you were “Uncle Fred: "Ik" and now you're my husband, Isnt that amusing? You were 50 lonely and sad that summer. al for you, so I said: "Poor thing, P| marry him,” Are you ‘coming to bed yet? rerpaik: Not just yet. think I'l go for a breath of fresh air, ‘ve: ‘That wasn’t an amusing ply, was it? 51iepniK: We didn't se that much oft ‘awn: I wonder how old that Armfeldt woman can be, At Teas fifty — don't you think? expan: Twouulen' say that ol ‘sxx: Well, goodnight. reunant: Goodnight. (As FREDRIK moves ino the parlor, MR LINDQUIST and ums, NORDSTROM appear. There is @ musical sting and REDRIK and HENRI fers) vas, Nonnst%OM (Sings) Remember? ur. uNquisr (Sings): Remember? Remember? Remember? (ERED tnfecs, clasps his hands together and goes nto {he parioe wes loksasiousy at his father) exit: Is she all right now? ruupeac: Oh yes she's all right een: Te wasn’t anything seriows? signe: No, nothing serious. would be ‘ewntk: You don't think — a doctor? I mean, terrible if twas something — serious. raxpnix: Pray for her son. Correction — pray for me. Goot night tnexaak: Goodnight, father 52 (ron ty ands. nomneaon ond LHS sweep downstage) ae x noxDerEOn (Sng The loc lage dance onthe geen — Remember? a sa unos (Sng Temember The yt th re umbourne — Remember? Remenber Theone mo played the harp inher bon Trowghtibe mao Dep Ah how we aged, anos ‘how we pod ‘nd hho we dep How we hited and ow we clung — Remember dating? se usc: ener lsh, we were young — More han We new Yeon gingham onthe bed, Ronen daring? And in canopy ved — 53 iS10M and MR LANDQUIST are joined By MHS. MRS ANDERSEN and MR, ERLASSON, tho a UNDUE age) | {was limping for aweek, | You caught the fla le games that we played — fe em sure was — You. ° (The dif off es vests digs come on) pected knock of the maid — Remember? Remember? “The wine that made us both rather merry And, oh, so very Frank— ‘Ah, how we laughed, {Ah, how we drank. a. unoguist: ‘What we did with your perfume — Remember, darling? “The condition of the room ‘When we were through 54 cy(Undicating a plate of sandwiches) Sandwich? ‘iapx (Dectining): Hungry as ever after a performance, 1 him) DBSIREE'S DIGS "REDRIK als om, as DESIRE, in a oe, enters, msnching ‘a sandutich and carrying a las of be: smrDRM: They told me where to find you atthe theater, pesca: Fredrik! isan: Hello, Desirée bestnés: Terrible. You walked out on my Hedda in Halsing ‘borg. And on my sensational Phaedra in Ekilstuna, ‘een (Standing laking at hr): Fourteen years! Desi: Fourteen years! rspanc No rancor? 37So you took her home and tucked her up in her cot with ruxpenc: wish you'd ask me why Desmte (Dead pan): Why did you come to me? ‘This afternoon when Iwas taking my nap DESIRE: So you take afternoon naps now! iad the most delightful dream. vara: Well, as a matter of fact, we were {in Malm@, We'd been basking in the sun all sunk: (Suddenly picking it up): When my back ‘twas an agony to lie down so you...? REDEIK: As vivid as... Well, vy vivid! So you see. My mo- ‘tives for coming here are what might be called — mixed. (DesmnEE suddenly buss into laughter. Tentative) Funny? esunée (Suddenly controling the laughter very mock slenn): ‘No. Not tall (Theresa pase, distinctly charged with wnadmitad sx) reapei (Looking around, slighty uncomfortable): How familiar all this is, 58 hey both burst nto spontaneous laughter) (Oh, Desire! ism: Fredrik! (Another charged posse FREDRIK tres again) sunnix: Desiée, 1... Desi: Ves, dear? wanes: ter... Thats. (Loses his nerve again) more schnapps? writing desk, where, graph of REDRIA. He Desde: (Suddenly mathe axaand): That? Oh — my daughter. 59ting 0 ge ofthe. Tehink perhaps a amt Caiztng the mom): 1 apologize for ‘repro: On the contrary, I have always assoc ‘happily with — chaos. (Pause) $0, esmis: So, FREDRIK (Artificially bright): Well, think it's time wo about my wife, don't you? (Sings) ‘She lightens my sadness, She thems my da, ‘You must meet my wife ‘She bubbles with pleasure, Cy Fredrik, 'm just longing ‘She sparkles sin: How pleasant ‘She twinkles How nice, Her youth sa sort of present — 6The incandescent — what? — the — ese (Profring a cgaret) ight?‘A sea of whims that I submerge in, Yet so lorable in repentance. Unfortunately, sila virgin, But you can’t force a flower — esunte (Rises): Don't finish that sentence! She's monstrous! She'd strike you as unenlightened. ests: No, I'd strike her frst. Cy Her reticence, her ap Yes! Not rsa: Fredrik ‘You must meet my wife must meet your wife, von: eset: Yes, you must Yes, Imust Drsonfe (Speaks): virgin, EDU: A virgin. Desi: Eleven months?" 8 A estate: At Teast ‘What once was a gown with train (Suddenly very shy): Desirée, 1 * Hecany Desife: OF course. What are old fiends for? (They exit, laughing, into the bedroom, MADAME ARS {EDT appears ad sng, uth one eye om the rom) i anne are: i At the villa ofthe Baron de Signac, Where I spent a somewhat infamous year, ‘At the vila of the Baron de Signac {Thad ladies in atendance, Freopal pendants... Liaisons! What's happened to them, ‘Too many people muddle sex Wich mere desir, ‘And when emotion intervenes, 67“Tried my best o point he way form Hes caring nc of ae) even named her Desirée. Drs (With tremendous pis): Carl-Magnus! Wha Ina world where the kings are employers, ful surprise! “Where the amateur prevails and delicacy fil to pay, (Totaly ignoring expe, CARL MAGNUS bous sift and In a world where the princes are lawyers, Disses her hand) ‘What can anyone expect except to recollect Lisi ‘can-wacnus: Excuse my appearance. My new motorcar a Y ape ty‘cans Maen (Stil fgnring FREDRIK): Sir rxpnim: I feel T should give you an explanation for what ‘may seem to bea rather unusual situation, Some Tegal papers require her daughters sigratore ‘hough vast ashe had lend retred Desoni: Tle him in, of course. ‘cantMAGNUS (Timing they gone om ha): And then? prsinés: Ab, yes, the — the robe. Well, you see Frang castuacns bens hile a mory mah ‘ete cunton whiting ait of Mex’) comtanonim Are you fond of dels? 7 cantaacaus (Picking up fruit Arif): You see this ‘The target will be that picture. The ol lady. He Her eye (Theos hfe which hts target) expe (Clapping): Bravo. ‘caRLAAGNUS: Are you being insolent, sir? ruupun: Of course — sir smi: They're not vr dry. raronne Oh dear me, theyre certainly not are they? cama: A predicament ‘aso: Indeed cantancnvs: 1 imagine, Mist Armfek, you cou ind this sealleman onc of my sigh mana: Thank yu, thank you. But think prefer wo put RR athe nde fom ss) caximacns: Unfortunately, st, you will not have the time for that. Perhaps you could tell him where to look prsinés: Oh yes, yes. The left hand — no, the right hand n| bone drewer ofthe — er — Undiating a che of rae) | thing \ (spn goes he the tat) (CARLMAGNUS receives it silence, FREDRIK puts on the nightcap that ges wath the nights Well — er — goodnight. Miss Arméfeldt, thank you for your cooperation (EREDRIE takes the wet bundle from DesiR&: and exits) Fidelity is more than mere display, 72. 3Scene 5 BREAKFAST ROOM IN MALCOLM COUNTRY HOUSE, Breakfast for one (cunsuorte’s) — and an extra coffee fup— slands om an eagant lite abl. Music under aunvorne: How was Miss Desire Armifeldt? In good health, Trews ‘cantons: Charlotte, my dear. Ihave exactly five hours. caunzorre (Deed pon): Five hours this time? Last time it was four. 'm gaining ground. CcamMaenvs (Preeceypied): She had a visitor. A lawyer in a nightie, ‘UARLOTTE: Now, that find interesting. What did you do? ‘cantamonus: Threw him out OURLOTTE In a nightie? ‘caRLnonus: In my nightshirt, ‘cuauLorns: What sort of lawyer? Corporation, maritime, ‘cambMacyus: Didn't your sister's lite school friend Anne Sorensen marry a Fredrik Egerman? ™ german... (Sings) The papers He mentioned papers, Where we ‘The goddamn papers She had to sign? What nonsense! He brought her papers. ‘The woman's mine! Besides, no matter what one might infer, ‘One must have faith to some degree consatenes Why don't you pay avis to art’ He school friend? sd 6( cowmorre: Ah hal ‘canLMaanus: She probably has no idea what her husband's pte. 1d enlighten her. Poor Carl Magnus, UAKLOTRE: As opposed, of course o a goa ‘rll ifm back in oo oor, Hours. Righe comchacnvs (Unexpected smiling): You're a good wife, Charlote The be CHARLOTTE: That's a comforting thought to take with me to may Keep me from cutting my throat (ciasiorre exit) Very neatly indispensable Creatures of grace. God knows the foolishness abou them, 6 Butifone had to live without them, would surely be a poorer,fecal ogame ema vere: Tean think of more sensual ANNE (Giggles, thn suddenly serious): Peres: God forbid. ‘ANSE (Astonished and fasted): How on earth can you tll? ‘eres: Your skin, something in your eyes. emu: Twoulda’t think so, noses Wel, that How eld were you when — Iwas a boy, would I prefer you or me (Sill laughing and struggling they 3 wom and collapse in a heap on the bet) You're a boy! You're a boy! emma (Laughing): God forbid! ”(As they stress the front doorbell rng) ‘A008 (Sis up) Run, Petra, ran. Answerit (exTRA. climbs over ANSE get off of he bad. As PETRA urs into the parlor and eis to onsuer the door AXE. ears at herself the mirvor) ‘Oh dear, oh dear, my hie! My — everything! (ema rus (othe parlor with CHARLOTTE) vremna: Please have a seat, Countess. Madame will be with you ina minute. HARLOTTE looks around the oom — particularly at "spre. PETRA hurre ino the Bedroom. Hissng) esa Countess! anne: A Countess? ema: Very grand. ‘voit: Hw thrilling! Who on earth can she be? (After @ final touch at the mirror, she draws herself up swith great dignity and, ath rere tokind he swe into ‘the paror At the dor she stops and stares. Then deighes, ‘counorre: Unhappily without a time-bomb in your Lill of theWalley bouquet. ‘anne (Laughing): Oh, Charlotte, you always ‘most amusing thin ‘auniorre: T sill do. ‘templating my own wnt: Petra Ice, lemonade, cookies (rer lave. Paws) 0 ( «rather should bring me, as my time is =o the subject of men. How do you rate you (Her composure stars to crumble. She opens alte poe ‘ook and fumble) AN: Like? couniorre: Like (Taking tiny haere from pr ‘and bursting into tear)CuuRLOTTE: He was there ast night in her bedroom — in a nightshirt. My husband threw him out into the street and he's insanely jealous. He told me to come here and tell you... and I'm actually ting you! Oh what a monster ve become! (Perea enters with the tray of lemonade and cokies and sands gazing at the tao women in astonishment) vrerma: The lemonade, Ma'am, nots (Looking up, contig hesef with a great efor, tothe ‘wuping CHARLOTTE): Lemonade, Charlotte? ‘cuamorre (Looking up to, seeing the lmonede): Lemonaite! would choke me! (Sings) 2 Every dayalitle death,din the eves, fmaeaeneons icp ine peres necae ery day alide sing Every cay aie dies Ina ber inthe head ao In the looks and in Thetis tery more and Bray orentn Ratjedhariy tela Andy bay feta thn Bring perfect ithe Death, (After the number ea ener aking of his hat and se) re Oh, excuse me (Trying to rset the occasion: Charlo this is Heneik Peerman neue (Bous and offer his hand): Tam happy to make your scquaintance, Madame. ‘ommtorre: Happy! Who could ever be happy to meet m2 oo ( (Holding messes hand, she rises and then di ‘oo falls back obi om the couch rsa ing a her) She ~ she merely told me that Marta Ola ‘dearest friend from school is — teaching gym (Bursts indo tars agin, falls indo WeNROK' arms, ENKI uts is arms around her slow, catiuss) ‘mxmix: Anne! Poor Anne! IFyou knew how it destroys me tosee you unhappy. axe: Lam not unhappy! exmaie You know. You must know. Ever since you married Father, you've been more precious to me than oo (Pulls back, suddenly giggling through her tear): Mastin Lather? (one, cut tothe quick, jumps up) wanaam anu (Off): Seven Spades. ANNE (Laughing again): Sily Henrik, get your 85and denounce the wickedness of the world to me for at Teast a halfan hour (aves runs off athe Balroom and parlor go. NS fl los hey as dos PeTaA, carrying the lemonade tra) wannamansreior (Off): The Ten of Hearts! Who needs the “ten of Heart! Scone 7 ARMFELDT TERRACE MADAME ARMIELDT is playing sling, anith ya stand- ing behing hr: FREDRIK its athe iano, playing sale, MADAME ARMIELDT: Child, Tamm about to give you your advice forthe ay riepRiea: Yes, Grandmother, ‘Scandinavian ‘epee: Why not, Grandmother? DanAME ARMEHLDT: They are all insane, aepRIRA: All of them? r: Never marry — or even dally with — a MADAME ARMEEIDT: Ubshum. It's the latitude. A winter when the sun never rises, a summer when the sm never sts, are more than enough to addle the brain of any man. Further off, further off. You practically inhaled the Queen of Diamonds. isms (Of): Who's home? Peepnuna (umps up, drial): Mother! 87(ors enters and EDDA ruses toe throwing er senda ose’ arms) pesmée: Darling, you've grown a mil; you're much pretir you're irresistible! Hello, Mother. aan anwesior (Continuing to play, unfriendly): And to ‘what do T owe the honor ofthis Wst? pesinge; I just thought I'd pop out and see you both. Is dhat so surprising? apna arson: Yes pesés: You're in one of your bitchy moods, I see. abaste ARMEELDT: If you've come to take Fredrika back, ihe answer is no. I do not object to the immorality of Jour life, merely to its sloppiness. Since I have been tidy rough to have acquired a sizeable mansion with a flect Stscrvants, iis only common sense that my granddaugh ter should reap the advantages of it (Torneeaxs) Isn't that 50, chil? snspnixa: I really don't know, Grandmother, do, dear. Well, Desiée, there n't have ‘aaa aRMFELDT: Oh yes you ‘mast be something you want or you wouldn “popped out.” What isi? pesinét: Allright, The tour's over for a while, and 1 was ‘wondering if you'd invite some people here next week end. WADAoe ARMELOT: If they're actors, they'll have to sleep in the stables. pesmér: Not actors, Mother Justa lawyer from town and his Family — Fredek Egerman 88 but never consorted with their families. “ve aa ees See aan eee invitation by hand. 7 aint a ‘will not be served my best champag “4 cara fast eae ie ann Fee partnered Sonaeoaees — os aaa a a eee, See Sa ares Cor eng aea Just think oi Petra! Askindly..." Ieeata chateau! “Requested.” Ehcetra,ctcet'a, P 2 Madame Leonora Arm — On, not ‘Aweckendin the country! ‘We're nvted? “What a horrible pls! ‘Avweekendin the country vere: Tim excited. eve: ‘No, you're not! “Arweckend in the country Jostimagine! an: Te’s completely depraved. ‘Awweckend inthe country! I's insulting! Tesengraved. Tes that woman, ‘Oh, the actress 'No, the ghoul. She may hope to Make her charm fe But she’s mad if she thinks would be sch a foot ‘As toweekend in the country! Perea (ronal) How insulting! ‘And I've nothing to wear! ‘Aweekend inthe country! Here! 90 ies the ization back tPETBA) ‘The last place 'm going is there! (90cE and PETRA ext DESHE and MEDRIKA unfree and begin to move doumstage) esos: Well, dear, are you happy here? vaapeoc: Yes. [think so. But I miss us. pestnée: Oh, so do I! (Pause) Darling, how would you feel if we had a home of our very ‘own with me only acting when I fel like it — and a man who would make you a spectacular father? ‘mapEMKA: Oh I see. The lawyer! Me. Egerman! esutée: Dear child, you're uncanny. a(oesmés and PREDRIKA free once aga, FREDRIK, ANNE, ‘and viETRA ent) eran (To REDE) ‘Guess what, an invitation! ‘Guess who, begins with an “A” ‘Armfeldt — Isthata relation To the decrepit Desirée? ver: ‘Guess when we're asked 10 g0, sir — See, sr, the date there? ‘Guess where — a fancy chateau, st! Guess too, who's ing in walt there, Setting her taps, Fixing her fice Dating, Perhaps a change of pace ne: span: I nol ‘Aweekend in the country on Would be charming, [And the air would be fresh “Aweckend ‘With that woman Tn the country mn the flesh! ve some business With her mother. ‘See, i's business! ‘Ob, no doubt! But the business her mother ‘Would be hardly the busines I'd worry about iaDRIK and PETRA Justa weekend in the country, ‘Smelling jasmine ‘Watching litle things grow. repaax and vere ‘Avweckend in the country Got My darting, We'll simply say no. On (Thee. asonina and veins nie) rexpuina: Oh, Mother, I know its none of my busines, that dragoon you wrote me about — with the mus- tache? Drsinée: Ob, him! What [ever saw in him astounds me 93He's tin soldier — arms leg, rain — tn tnt “Crnay rece on the downstage tench, sv and torre enta) ‘Aweekend! How very amusing. ‘A weekend! ‘But also inept. ‘Aweekend! ‘Of cours, we're refusing ‘Aw contaire, ‘You must accept. Aweekend in the country iz But it's frightful! No, you don't understand: Nvcetend in he country Thali Tres plane Wear our hair down And a flower, Don't use makeup, Dress in white Shell grow older By the hour ‘And be hopeles shattered by Saturday night. Spend a weekend in the country. SNe accept Paafecing You would *Arwcctend in the country! onl polite that we should, Good, (Goose and CHARLOTTE. separ Es and FREDRIK snes) riEDRIKA: Count Malcolm's don't suppose he'll Jion, brandishing a sword? sanely jealous, isn’t he? You ‘galloping up on a black sta pesnét: Oh dear, I hadn't thought of that. But no, no, thank heavens. It's his wife's birthday this weekend — sacred to domesticity. Atleast we're safe from him. (They free CARLMAGHUS enter; CHARLOTTE flows opposite to med him) ve an intriguing little socal item, 9%‘She wouldn't! Reduce it to wo. Teneverthcless is we'd been asked, the country Peace and quiet —But— oa haven't been getting out nearly enough, [And a weekend in the country — 8 Andere motoring down. certain you are ‘Anal ayingin own (ONE, FREDRIK, and PETRA appear) ‘Goand pack my: We'll go. 8 Not Charlowel “There's no need to shout. All ight, then, We're off on our way, Pack everything white Ma'am, it's wonderful news! ‘Are you sure its all We'd be rude to refuse Then we're off We arc? We'll tak —— er‘What a beautiful day What a beautiful day For For ‘With the crickets and the pheasants ‘And the orchards and the hay, ‘With the servanis and the peasants, laying ovr plans le we're playing croquet Fora weekend in the country, So inactive that one has to lie down. ‘Aweckend in the country Where (11 ents) besmér: However, there is one tiny sag. 100 Destnée: Lawyer Eg smepemc: That could be cons We're of us snastRom and ae. usnauist Aweetend of Confiding our playing motives Croquet And hiding our yawns, 101ll Ik ANNE unre : ‘The weather i spectaclar! “Twice a upset asia — ‘Which is reason enough for a [Awweckend in the country. Twice as upset asin town. ‘Twice a upset - weekend! Aweekendl weekend! While we're losing our contro Arodhend ‘Avweekend in the coun Aveckendl How enchanting red ‘Aweekend out of — ‘On the manicured lawns ‘While we're playing croquet For a weekend in the country ‘So inactive that one has o lie down, ‘Avweekend in the country ‘Where |We're vice as upset asin (Aly simultaneous) uinrer: ‘Twice as upsetasin, ao 102 - Be