PRAED [Very ill at ease.] In that case?[He stops, quite at a loss. Then, with a forced attempt at gaiety] But what nonsense we are talking! Of course you and your mother will get on capitally. [He rises, and looks abroad at the view.] What a charming little place you have here!
vrviE [Unmoved.] Rather a violent change of subject, Mr Praed. Why wont my mother's life bear being talked about?
PRAED Oh, you really mustnt say that. Isnt it natural that I should have a
certain delicacy in talking to my old friend's daughter about her behind her
back? You and she will have plenty of opportunity of talking about it when
she comes. vrviE No: sh e wont talk about it either. [Rising.] However, I daresay you have good reasons for telling me nothing. Only, mind this, Mr Praed. I
expect there will be a battle royal' when my mother hears of my Chancery
Lane project. PRAED [Ruefully. ] I'm afraid there will. VIVIE
Well, I shall win, because I want nothing but my fare to London to
start there to-morrow earning my own living by devilling4 for Honoria.
Besides, I have no mysteries to keep up; and it seems she has. I shall use
that advantage over her if necessary. PRAED [Greatly shocked.] Oh no! No, pray. Youd not do such a thing.
2. Straight out, without hesitation. 4. Acting as assistant to a barrister (trial lawyer) 3. A fierce fight. as a way of gaining legal experience.
.
MRS WARREN'S PROFESSION, ACT 1 / 1751
vrviE Then tell me why not.
PRAED I really cannot. I appeal to your good feeling. [She smiles at his sentimentality.] Besides you may be too bold. Your mother is not to be trifled with when she's angry.
VIVIE You cant frighten me, Mr Praed. In that month at Chancery Lane I
had opportunities of taking the measure of one or two women ver y like
my mother. You may back me to win. But if I hit harder in my ignorance
than I need, remember that it is you who refuse to enlighten me. Now, let us drop the subject. [She takes her chair and replaces it near the hammock with the same vigorous swing as before.]
PRAED [Taking a desperate resolution.] One word, Miss Warren. I had better tell you. It's very difficult; but? [MRS WARREN and SIR GEORGE CROFTS arrive at the gate. MRS WARREN is between 40 and 50, formerly pretty, showily dressed in a brilliant hat and a gay blouse fitting tightly over her bust and flanked by fashionable sleeves. Rather spoilt and domineering, and decidedly vulgar, but, on the whole, a genial and fairly presentable old blackguard5 of a woman. CROFTS is a tall powerfully-built man of about 50, fashionably dressed in the style of a young man. Nasal voice, reedier than might be expected from his strong frame. Clean-shaven bulldog jaws, large flat ears, and thick neck: gentlemanly combination of the most brutal types of city man, sporting man, and man about town. ]
vrviE Here they are. [Coming to them as they enter the garden.] How do, mater?6 Mr Praed's been here this half hour waiting for you.
MRS WARREN
Well, if youve been waiting, Praddy, it's your own fault: I
thought youd have the gumption7 to know I was coming by the 3.10 train.
Vivie: put your hat on, dear: youll get sunburnt. Oh, I forgot to introduce
you. Sir George Crofts: my little Vivie.
[CROFTS advances to VIVIE with his most courtly manner. She nods, but makes no motion to shake hands.]
CROFTS
May I shake hands with a young lady whom I have known by repu
tation very long as the daughter of one of my oldest friends?
VIVIE [Who has been looking him up and down sharply.] If you like. [She takes his tenderly proffered hand and gives it a squeeze that makes him open his eyes; then turns away, and says to her mother] Will you come in, or shall I get a couple more chairs? [She goes into the porch for the chairs.] MRS WARREN
Well George, what do you think of her? CROFTS [Ruefully.] She has a powerful fist. Did you shake hands with her, Praed?
PRAED
Yes: it will pass off presently.
CROFTS I hope so. [VTVIE reappears with two more chairs. He hurries to her assistance.] Allow me. MRS WARREN [Patronizingly.] Let Sir George help you with the chairs, dear. VIVIE [Pitching them into his arms.] Here you are. [She dusts her hands and
turns to MRS WARREN.] Youd like some tea, wouldnt you? MRS WARREN [Sitting in PRAED'S chair and fanning herself] I'm dying for a drop to drink. VIVIE I'll see about it. [She goes into the cottage.]
