Evelyn Prentice Page #3

I'll tell her.

Amy, why, of all the...

For you and the flag, a poet.

Oh, I hope you don't get stuck

with the check.

What are you gonna call your play

when it's finished?

It's not really my play.

You see, I'm writing it

with another chap.

It's his idea

and he's already written most of it.

I've never met a man who's

so reluctant to talk about himself.

Your gardenia, sir.

Won't you have something

with your tea?

Cinnamon toast or crumpets?

- Our crumpets are delicious.

- Some strawberry jam?

Oh, I really shouldn't. No, thank you.

- Just tea.

- Very good, sir.

- And a lovely gardenia. Thank you.

- There's a story that goes with that.

- Like to hear it?

- Story? Yes, please.

Once upon a time, there was

a young man who was terribly broke...

...and terribly in love,

and it was Christmas.

Now, you're laughing at me. This is true.

He went into a flower shop and asked

the man if he might do...

...some work around the place.

And I suppose because it was

Christmas and it was snowing...

...and the shop was littered with papers

and stems and broken flowers...

...the man said, "Go ahead,

sweep it up."

He worked all morning.

When he had finished, the owner

asked him how much he wanted.

He said, "I don't want any money.

But I would like one of those gardenias."

And he gave it to the young lady?

Yes, I gave it to the young lady.

And did she like it?

I don't know how much she liked it.

You see, somebody else had sent her

a box of orchids.

Oh.

This is the first time since that day...

...l've ever given a gardenia

to a beautiful lady.

But now, you're rich and successful,

you can buy all the gardenias you want.

Perhaps.

But I'm awfully glad

you didn't order those crumpets.

- Hello, everybody.

Oh, there you are.

Sorry to be late.

I had to see a big producer.

- Larry, why didn't you phone?

- Couldn't, I was waiting in his office.

Never mind the excuses.

Where's the whisky?

I ordered some stuff.

It'll be here in a minute.

I'll help you, Greg. How are you, Abby?

Swell.

What's the matter, Judy?

I can always tell when he's lying.

- Who's the producer you had to see?

- I didn't see any producer.

I happened to be out with the wife

of a prominent man in New York.

- I'm meeting her again tomorrow.

- Who is she?

Heh. I'll never tell that to anybody.

- Good-looking?

- Beautiful.

I told her my gardenia number,

she went for it hook, line and sinker.

I know all about that gardenia number.

I went for it once myself.

- You double...

- Don't call me names.

Now, let me out of here.

I haven't done a thing.

- Now, listen...

- Will you calm down for a minute?

- I wasn't with any woman.

- I heard what you said to Greg.

I know what you heard.

I was stringing him along.

But I want a cut in on that play of his.

Great idea. A sure money-getter.

What's that got to do with

being out with a woman?

I told him I was with the wife

of a very prominent man.

I want him to think

I can get backing for the play.

Why not say it was a prominent man?

Why say it was his wife?

I don't know. I guess I wanted

to show off.

- You believe me, don't you?

- No, I don't.

That must be the boy

from the liquor store.

Just a minute.

Have you got $6?

That's why I had them sent up.

- I didn't have any cash.

- You'll find some money in my bag.

Oh. Oh, you're a darling.

Now, go and tell them the cocktails

will be ready in a jiffy.

There. Everything's all right now,

isn't it?

I guess so.

You couldn't stay sore at Larry,

could you?

- If I thought you were playing around, I...

- What would you do?

I couldn't stand it.

I'd never let you do it, Larry.

I think I...

Oh, Larry, darling.

And Mildred and Peggy and Bindy

and Petercon and Fluffy and Roly-Poly.

And all so well-behaved.

That's because

they're having a special treat.

- Ice cream?

- No.

Something better than that.

They're gonna sit up and see Daddy.

He's coming home today

and I have on my best dress too, see?

Well, so you have.

- You miss your daddy?

- Uh-huh.

And so do Mildred and Peggy and Bindy

and Petercon and Fluffy and Roly-Poly.

- But I explained to them.

- About what?

That daddies are always busy.

Well, you've learned a lot

for a small person.

- Where's your mommy?

- She's dressing.

Look, here. I think all these children

better have a nap before train time.

I know. A big family is such a worry.

Don't I know,

with my cat and two dogs.

Ah.

- In other words, what are you doing?

- Packing.

I'm old and feeble

but my eyesight's still middling.

What I mean is,

what's the packing about?

Look at that.

Sounds like a traveling salesman

than a lawyer.

Can't he find people in trouble here

without going on the road?

"Will explain later.

Heaps of love to you and Dorothy."

- Look at those flowers.

- Roses for forgiveness.

Roses, yes, but Larry sent them.

- Larry?

- Mr. Kennard.

So it's reached the Larry stage.

Say, how often have you seen this bird?

Face cream, powder, mascara...

Eye shadow, lip rouge, nail polish,

bath salt, perfume.

But that still doesn't answer

my question.

How often have you seen this bird?

Mr. Kennard? Oh, a couple of times

for tea.

A few lunches and a walk in the park,

you know.

I don't get the combination.

Telegram from husband, plus flowers

from friend equals a packed suitcase.

- It doesn't make sense.

- More than you think.

- I'm running away.

- With Larry?

- From Larry.

- As bad as that?

Oh, it's really not as bad as that.

- After all, Amy, I am a married woman.

- Might I ask where you're going?

With you. To Chester Wylie's

barn dance.

He'll be tickled stiff,

if he isn't stiff already.

He was so disappointed when I told

him you hated barn dances.

Well, I loathe them.

Gingham dresses, hayseed in your hair,

cows in the barn, turkey in the straw...

...but we're going.

Trade!

Promenade!

You know where and I don't care.

Oh, Evelyn, aren't you ever coming in?

- No.

- Why not?

I told you I hated barn dances.

Oh, it's so lovely here.

Moonlight on the water, quiet, peaceful.

No telephone calls, no interruptions.

No interruptions?

Here's a telegram for you.

Oh, it is a beautiful night.

I wish Chester was sober.

I hope it isn't bad news.

John?

No.

Oh, it's from the pet canary

and it's all in French.

He's not giving the old girls in

the telegraph office any breaks, is he?

"What has happened?

What have I done to make you angry?

Have I done anything to offend you?

If I have, I ask forgiveness

and offer abject apologies.

Please, please write to me. Larry."

I think not. No, thank you.

Pardon? Oh.

To be honest with you,

I haven't read them.

Poetry isn't my language.

Well, maybe it isn't my language.

Why don't you come down,

have tea this afternoon?

- I'll tell you what they meant to me.

- No, thank you.

Oh, because it's daylight

and my head is clear.

Well, Larry, I have a hard-working

husband...

...and it just happens that I like him.

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