D H Lawrence

Touch and Go D H Lawrence

SCENE: Evening of the same day. Drawing-room at Lilly Close. MR. BARLOW, GERALD, WINIFRED, ANABEL OLIVER present. Butler pourscoffee. MR. BARLOW. And you are quite a stranger in these parts, Miss Wrath?ANABEL. Practically. But I was born at Derby. MR. BARLOW. I was born in this house-but it was a different affair then: my father wasa farmer, you know. The coal has brought us what moderate wealth we have. Of course, wewere never poor or needy-farmers, substantial farmers. And I think we were happier so-yes.-Winnie, dear, hand Miss Wrath the sweets. I hope they're good. I ordered them fromLondon for you.-Oliver, my boy, have you everything you like? That's right.-It gives mesuch pleasure to see a little festive gathering in this room again. I wish Bertie and Elinormight be here. What time is it, Gerald?GERALD. A quarter to nine, father. MR. BARLOW. Not late yet. I can sit with you another half-hour. I am feeling better today. Winifred, sing something for us. WINIFRED. Something jolly, father?MR. BARLOW. Very jolly, darling. WINIFRED. I'll sing "The Lincolnshire Poacher," shall I?MR. BARLOW. Do, darling, and we'll all join in the chorus.-Will you join in the chorus, Miss Wrath?ANABEL. I will. It is a good song. MR. BARLOW. Yes, isn't it!WINIFRED. All dance for the chorus, as well as singing.(They sing; some pirouette a little for the chorus.) MR. BARLOW. Ah, splendid! Splendid! There is nothing like gaiety. WINIFRED. I do love to dance about. I know: let us do a little ballet-four of us-oh, do!GERALD. What ballet, Winifred?WINIFRED. Any. Eva can play for us. She plays well. MR. BARLOW. You won't disturb your mother? Don't disturb Eva if she is busy with yourmother. (Exit WINIFRED.) If only I can see Winifred happy, my heart is at rest: if only I canhope for her to be happy in her life. GERALD. Oh, Winnie's all right, father-especially now she has Miss Wrath to initiate herinto the mysteries of life and labour. ANABEL. Why are you ironical?MR. BARLOW. Oh, Miss Wrath, believe me, we all feel that-it is the greatest possiblepleasure to me that you have come