of course you have.
DANIEL. No, I haven't--you're wrong there--I haven't. I couldn't help
you financially. I'd borrowed the money to come over and the cheque I'd
sent before. I'd just won, so I thought that the only way to assist at
all was to use mental persuasion on all of you. There's always something
fascinating in the idea of having money left one. It seems such an easy
way of getting it. Of course it answered better than I could have
imagined in my wildest dreams.
SYLVIA. It was a little unnecessary to take each of us aside like you
did and stuff us up with hope.
DANIEL. That and a bunch of keys was all I had. It was such a wonderful
situation. I--never having had a penny in the wide, (_gaily_), arranging
to leave you my entire fortune. (_He starts to laugh._) You must confess
it was very, very funny.
SYLVIA (_also laughing_). Yes, it was.... (_They both laugh heartily_).
DANIEL (_still laughing_). And when I said I had sleeping sickness!...
SYLVIA (_weak with laughter_). Oh, uncle, how _could you_.
DANIEL (_wiping his eyes_). Oh dear, oh dear!
SYLVIA. Poor mother getting more mystified every minute, and bothered
poor Tibbets till he doesn't know if he is on his head or his heels.
DANIEL (_rising suddenly_). But look here, they'll all be down in a
minute. (SYLVIA _stands up._) They mustn't find me here, poised for
flight. I must go at once. (_Going behind Chesterfield and picking up
bag._)
SYLVIA (L. _of him_). Yes, but will you promise on your word of honour
to come back the moment I send for you?
DANIEL. If you give me _your_ word of honour not to send for me until
everything's quite all right and everyone is perfectly amiable towards
me. I couldn't bear any more rebuffs. I should burst into tears if
anybody even gave me a look!
SYLVIA. Yes, I'll promise.
DANIEL. I trust you because, after all, you spotted from the first.
SYLVIA. That wasn't very difficult. I've always had a good eye for
hypocrites. (DANIEL _slaps her._) Mind you don't go any further afield
than the _Green Hart_!
DANIEL. You bet I shan't!
(_Exit_ DANIEL _through window._)
SYLVIA (_looking out of window after him_). Bye-bye! (_Coming down
stage._) Bless his heart!
(_Enter_ GRIGGS _from_ R. _with breakfast dishes which
he places on sideboard._)
GRIGGS. Will you do the coffee as usual, miss?
SYLVIA. Yes, Griggs. By the way, get me a bigger bowl for those roses
when you have time.
GRIGGS. Y
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