BIRDS: SCN 1

ENTERS

Look at that rain!

What’s it doing? Cartwheels?

You’re not still upset with me, are you?

Why would I be? What reason, what motive, what rationale would I have to possibly be upset?

Mind if I move your briefcase? I worry our guests may mistake it for the hors d’oeuvres.

I thought it would be nice to celebrate. I know how hard you worked for this promotion.

Thus you invite my new boss.

Why, naturally.

‘Naturally’

John and Daisy should be here soon. We’ve not seen them in ages, not since we moved. Aren’t you excited? … Darling, it’s only for a couple of hours.

A couple too many.

All right, fine. You don’t have to be sociable, but will you at least pretend.

Honey, I’ll be the life of the party.

Thank you.

Hey, where’d it go?

Where’d what go?

My briefcase!

You cannot be serious.

There’s important stuff in there!

Turn your head that way…A little more…Down…

Oh. I am sort of blind, aren’t I?

It’s all right, I make up for it.

I can’t imagine that helping your vision any.

Suppose you quit nagging me.

I’m sorry. I just want tonight to go smoothly.

And you don’t want me making a drunken fool of myself. I’m sorry.

That dress looks wonderful on you.

I’ve forgiven you, Clark.

CRASH

Did you hear that?

The…thunder?

No, well, yes, but something else too. Like something fell on the roof.

I’ll go out and take a look.

No, no, don’t. I’m sure it was only a tree branch, and it isn’t worth your getting soaked. Not when you’re all gussied up and handsome.

Handsome? Gee whiz. That’s a new one.

Promise you’ll be good tonight?

I promise.

J: You know I despise modern technology. G’evening, Edith.

Evening, John.