ADA DOWN
I always know. You can tell a man's character from his face, can't you? Well, I can. When I first met Sefton in that hotel lounge, I knew. I suppose I shouldn't admit to this...Tony, hmm?

(Tony looks at her.)

ADA
But I don't mind you knowing. I went out of my way to meet him, to make friends. And I was right, wasn't I? He's exactly as I thought he'd be...understanding and thoughtful and...

HELEN HUGHES
Established?

ADA
Yes, that's right! Established...

(Tony stand up and walks across the room.)

ADA
...respected, a place in the world, sure of himself.

HELEN
(surprised by that description)
Sefton?

ADA
Yes, Sefton.

SEFTON BRIGGS
(with false modesty)
Oh, you do go on a bit, Ada.

ADA
And what does Tony think?

TONY BRIGGS
Eh, well, about...about what, Mrs. Down?

ADA
Oh, you are alike, aren't you? The strong, silent type, and captain of your own ship.

TONY
Yes, well, I don't have one, as a matter of fact...a ship.

ADA
I'm surprised you're on leave, though, with the second front going on. I didn't think they could spare anyone.

SEFTON
No more than they can, probably. It's just that Tony had a brush with a mine.
(to Tony)
A bit of rest and recuperation, hey, lad?

TONY
Yes, something like that.

(He begins to walk away.)

TONY
Well, if you'll excuse me...

SEFTON
I don't know that we will.

(He laughs.)

SEFTON
What for?

TONY
I'm going out.

SEFTON
Oh, you have to go out, do you?

TONY
Yes, uh, I'll be a bit late.

SEFTON
Well, at least you're not leaving me on my own, hey?

(He laughs again.)

TONY
No, I'm not doing that.

(Tony leaves.)

ADA
You know, I can't help thinking...

SEFTON
Hmm?

ADA
You said it so casually..."just a little brush with a mine," you said...and nobody thinks. But if you ask me, the real heroes of this war are the parents.

(Mrs. Foster walks between Ada and Sefton.)

SEFTON
Do you mind, Mrs. Foster? Mrs. Down's talking.

(Mrs. Foster retreats.)

ADA
People like yourself, who have to stay at home. You worry about your sons, but you never say, and you never complain. Now, that takes real courage.

(Mrs. Foster goes to the kitchen.)

SEFTON
Oh, I wouldn't go so far as that.

HELEN
Wouldn't you?

ADA
Well, I would.

HELEN
Well, I think I'd better be going too.

SEFTON
Oh? Where are you going?

HELEN
I promised Edwin I'd look in.

SEFTON
Oh.

HELEN
He asked after you.

(Helen goes to the kitchen, where Mrs. Foster is fuming.)

MRS. FOSTER
Well, what are we going to do about her, hmm?

(Helen can only smile with amusement.)

 

(from "Spread a Little Happiness" by David Weir)