The Vortex

to the fireplace. Tom

Following her.

I say, Florence⁠—I’m sorry⁠—

Pawnie Let’s stop the music for a moment and think of something really marvelous to do. Bunty No, let’s go on dancing. Clara I’m exhausted. Pawnie

Stopping the gramophone.

What was that divine game we played coming back from Paris, Helen?

Helen Just ordinary “Clumps,” wasn’t it? Bunty I loathe “Clumps.” Nicky What about the History game? Bruce What’s that? Bunty Oh no, Nicky; it’s too intellectual. Florence There’s a mahjong set in the drawing-room. Pawnie How divine! Let’s make up a table immediately. Clara I won’t be happy until someone gives me a set made entirely of jade. Nicky Come on, Bunty. Bunty

Looking at Tom.

I can’t play it.

Nicky You can; you used to play in Paris with Yvonne. Bunty I’ve forgotten it. Nicky You’ll soon remember again. He drags her off. Pawnie Come along, Clara. Clara I insist on Mr. Fairlight learning. Bruce I’m afraid I’m no good at that sort of thing. Clara You’ll be able to put it in one of your plays. Pawnie Come and watch; it’s too thrilling for words. Clara, Bruce and Pawnie go off. Helen Have you only one set, Florence? Florence Yes. Isn’t it maddening? Clara promised to bring hers down, but forgot. Helen Does Bruce Fairlight play Bridge? Florence No, I don’t think so. Helen Dramatists are such a comfort in a house party, aren’t they? She goes off. Tom Are you coming, Florence? Florence No. Tom

Nonplussed.

Oh!

Florence But please don’t let me stop you going. I’m sure you’re dying to be with the others. Tom I say, Florence, I wish you wouldn’t go on like that. Florence I don’t know what’s the matter with you; you’ve never behaved like this before. Tom I haven’t behaved like anything. Florence You’ve been exceedingly rude to me, both at dinner and afterwards. Tom I wasn’t at dinner. Florence Yes, you were; you snapped me up when I said I didn’t like Elsie Saunders. Tom You know perfectly well she’s a friend of mine. Florence Well, she oughtn’t to be, after the things she’s said about me. Tom You will go on imagining. Florence Nothing of the sort⁠—I know! If you weren’t so dense you’d see, too⁠—the jealousy I have to put up with. I get so tired of it all, so desperately tired. She becomes a little pathetic. Tom Talk about being different, you’re different too⁠— Florence I’m unhappy. Tom Why? Florence Because I hate to see you being put against me. Tom Florence! Florence You’ll understand one day. They’re all very subtle, but I can see. Tom Nobody’s said a word to me about you; they’d better not try. Florence Why, what would you do? Tom I’d⁠—I’d be furious. Florence Oh! Tom And I’d let them see it, too. Florence

Holding out her hands.

Tom⁠—

Tom Yes? Florence I forgive you. Tom I can’t bear you being angry with me. Florence Can’t you, really? Tom It makes me feel beastly. Florence Come and sit here. Tom

Sitting next to her on the club fender.

That’s a lovely dress.

Florence It is sweet, isn’t it? Tom You always wear wonderful clothes. Florence Do I, Tom? Tom You know you do. Florence Do you remember the very first time we met? Tom Rather. Florence Oxford’s so full of romance, isn’t it? Tom It was when you came down. Florence Thank you, Tom dear. Tom We did have fun. Florence You used to come up to matinées, and I’d motor you back afterwards. Tom Ripping! Florence That reminds me, I’ve got seats for Rolling Stones on Tuesday. Don’t forget. Tom You never said you were going to get them. Florence It doesn’t matter. I thought I did. We’d better dine at Claridges. Tom But, Florence, I⁠—I can’t come! Florence Why not? Tom I promised to go out. Florence Who with? Tom Mother. Florence Can’t you put her off? It will be such a good first night. Tom Well⁠—you see, as a matter of fact⁠—it’s rather awkward. I put her off the other day⁠— There is a slight pause. Florence

A trifle coldly.

Oh, well, never mind, we’ll go some other night.

Enter David. David Hallo, Florence! I thought you were in the drawing-room. Florence They’re playing mahjong, and there’s only one set. I shall break in presently. Tom I’ll just go and see how they’re getting on. This obvious excuse for getting out of the room is not lost upon Florence. Florence Yes, do. Tom Come and play soon. He goes out quietly. Florence Don’t you think this is a divine frock? David Very pretty. Florence You and Helen seemed to be very thick at dinner. What were you talking about? David Nothing much. I like Helen. Florence Only because she flatters you and listens to everything you say. David She doesn’t flatter me. Florence I suppose she was talking about the farm, and giving her opinions. David We did discuss the farm a little. Florence She doesn’t know a thing about it, really. David Perhaps not, but it passed the time.

He goes out.

Florence sits still for a moment, then she wearily buries her face in her hands. Enter Nicky.

Nicky

Going to her.

What’s the matter, darling?

Florence Nothing. I’ve got a slight headache. Nicky Why don’t you go Byes? Florence I can’t; it’s much too early. Nicky I’m sick of mahjong. Florence Who’s playing now? Nicky Pawnie and Helen and Clara are trying to teach Bruce Fairlight; he’s an awful fool at it. He sits down at the piano and plays absently. Florence You must get Bunty out of that habit of contradicting everything people say. Nicky I don’t see why. Florence It’s bad breeding. Nicky

Striking a note viciously.

Who cares nowadays? We’ve all got a right to our opinions.

Florence She seems to forget that I’m much older than she is. Nicky That’s no argument, mother; it’s silly only to remember your age when someone says something you don’t like. Florence She’s having a bad effect on you. Nicky Nonsense! Florence You’ve changed since Paris. Nicky Naturally. Florence You never used to be rude to me. Nicky Oh, damn, I’m not rude. Florence Yes, you are. Nicky Well, don’t start running down Bunty. Florence Stop playing⁠—stop playing! Nicky

Getting up angrily.

Oh, God!

He goes towards door and collides with Helen. Helen What’s happening? Florence Nothing. Bunty’s just putting Nicky against me. I knew she’d try to. She goes out. Helen You must be having a delightful evening! You leave the drawing-room, having rowed with Bunty, and come here and row with Florence. Nicky Mother’s impossible. Helen She’s no different from