The Vortex

epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence I don’t know what’s the matter with Nicky. He’s been in a vile temper all the evening⁠—his first weekend home, too. Nicky Such a pity, when so much trouble has been taken to make me happy and cozy. Tom Come and dance, Bunty. Bunty No, not now. Nicky Dance with him, Bunty. Chaps must have exercise. Florence You dance with Bunty, Pawnie⁠—I’ll dance with Tom⁠—come on. She and Tom dance. Helen The great thing in this world is not to be obvious, Nicky⁠—over anything! Florence and Tom dance, also Helen and Pawnie. Everyone talks at once, as in the beginning of the act. Pawnie You are infuriating, Helen. It’s a wonderful book. Helen Thoroughly second-rate. Pawnie What do you think about Mischievous Passion, Fairlight? Bruce I never read novels on principle. Pawnie Well, you must read this⁠—it’s colossal. Helen Don’t be led away by Pawnie, Mr. Fairlight, he has no discrimination. Pawnie But I tell you it’s brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! Helen Nonsense. Pawnie There are times, Helen, when I could willingly see you dead at my feet. Florence A little slower, for Heaven’s sake! Nicky How’s that? He makes it far too slow. Florence I think you’d better go to bed, Nicky. Helen We’re all going, anyhow. Nicky Not yet, please, mummy dear⁠—I’m having such a lovely time! He slams off in a rage. Pawnie I always knew the Continent was fatal for the young. Bunty Nicky’s upset⁠—it’s my fault⁠—we’re not engaged any more. Florence Why⁠—what’s happened? Bunty Nothing happened⁠—it was never very serious, really. Helen I had a feeling that it was. Bunty You were wrong. Florence Well, I must say it’s all been rather abrupt. Bunty It’s better to finish things off at once⁠—cleanly⁠—if you’re not quite sure, don’t you think? Florence Well, I’m sorry, Bunty. If you feel like that about it there’s nothing more to be said. Bunty I wouldn’t have mentioned it at all⁠—only you all seemed to be blaming him for being irritable⁠— Helen Poor Nicky! Clara I really must go up to bed now. I’m so tired. Good night, Florence dear. Florence Good night, Clara. Breakfast at nine. Have you got books and everything you want? Clara Yes, thanks. Good night, everyone. Everyone murmurs good night politely. Florence Tom, be an angel and fetch me a glass of milk. It’s in the drawing-room. Tom All right. He goes off. Helen Come on up, Florence. I’m dead. Florence So am I. Will you turn out the lights when you come? Pawnie With beautiful precision, dear. Florence

As she and Helen go upstairs.

Tell Tom to bring my milk up to me, somebody.

Pawnie All right. Florence Good night, Mr. Fairlight. Bruce Good night. Pawnie Good night, Florence. Florence and Helen go off. Bruce I suppose we’d all better go up. Bunty I don’t feel I could sleep yet. Re-enter Tom with glass of milk. Tom Hallo! Where’s Florence? Bunty Gone up to bed. Will you take her milk to her? Pawnie What’s become of Nicky? Tom In the smoking-room, I think. Bruce Good night, Miss Mainwaring. Bunty Good night. They shake hands. Pawnie I shall come, too⁠—good night. Tom Good night. Pawnie

To Bruce as they go upstairs.

When you’re writing, do your characters grow as you go along?

Bruce No, I think each one out minutely beforehand. Pawnie How too intriguing. They go off. Tom So you’ve broken it off already? Bunty Yes. Tom I didn’t know you were going to do it so soon. Bunty It’s better to get things over. Tom What did he say? Bunty Nothing much. Tom Was he furious? Bunty Oh, what does it matter? Don’t let’s go on about it. Tom It’s all damned awkward. Bunty What? Tom The whole thing. Bunty You’re rather scared, aren’t you? Tom No, not exactly⁠—now that I’ve got you to back me up. Bunty I shall be glad when we’re out of this house. Tom So shall I. Bunty I hate the atmosphere. Tom I don’t know how I’ve stood it for so long. Bunty You didn’t notice it until I came, any more than I noticed Nicky’s atmosphere until you came. Tom It’s queer, isn’t it? Bunty We’re reverting to type, don’t you see? Tom How d’ye mean? Bunty Never mind, it’s true. Tom Do you think I’m being a cad to Florence? Bunty Yes, I do rather. Tom But, Bunty! You said this morning⁠— Bunty That I didn’t see how you could help yourself; neither I do. It’s frightfully difficult, but it’s not altogether your fault, any more than it would have been mine if I’d married Nicky. One gets carried away by glamour, and personality, and magnetism⁠—they’re beastly treacherous things. Tom You are wonderful. Bunty Don’t be silly. Tom You’re so cool and clear, and you see everything. Bunty I’m sorry⁠—for Nicky. Tom Oh, damn Nicky! Bunty

Laughing.

Oh, Tom!

Tom Why, what’s up? Bunty You’re so dead set. Tom You’re worth ten of him any day. What’s the use of a chap like that? He doesn’t do anything except play the piano⁠—he can’t play any games, he’s always trying to be funny⁠— Bunty Shut up, Tom; you’re being rather cheap. I haven’t reverted to type so quickly that I can’t see some of the things I’m missing. Tom I wish I knew what you were talking about. Bunty Oh, God! I feel so miserable! She burst into tears. Tom

Flummoxed.

I say⁠—Bunty⁠—for Heaven’s sake⁠—

He puts his arm round her. Bunty

Shaking him off.

Don’t, don’t. Give me my shoes⁠—

He picks up her shoes; she puts them on. She is half sobbing all the time. Tom I say, old girl, hadn’t you better go to bed? You’re all wrought up! Bunty He said beastly things. Tom I’ll wring his neck. Bunty

With a fresh burst of tears.

Shut up, Tom, shut up⁠—

Tom Bunty, stop crying⁠—there’s a dear; please, please stop crying⁠— He takes her in his arms and kisses her; she is groping for her handkerchief. Florence comes quietly downstairs. Bunty I can’t find my hanky! Tom Here’s mine. Florence

Like a pistol shot.

Tom!

Tom and Bunty break away. Tom Yes, Florence? Florence

Ominously.

What does this mean?

Tom I’m sorry, Florence⁠—I⁠— Florence You utter cad! Bunty Look here⁠—I should like to say⁠— Florence Be quiet⁠—mind your own business. Nicky enters. Nicky

Seeing tears on Bunty’s face.

What’s the matter⁠—is anybody hurt?

Florence

Ominously.

No, not hurt!

Bunty I banged my hand, that’s all. Florence Liar! Nicky Mother⁠—don’t be so stupid⁠— Tom Florence⁠—I⁠— Florence Don’t speak to me⁠— Nicky

Quietly.

Mother⁠—not now⁠—not now⁠—it’s all wrong. Control yourself!