" Sign
it "Laura." [_She does it_.] Fold it, put it in an envelope--seal
it--address it. Now shall I mail it?
LAURA. No. If you don't mind I'd sooner. It's a sort of a last--last
message.
WILL. [_Crosses to armchair; gets coat, puts it on_.] All right.
You're a little upset now, and I'm going. We are all to dine at
Martin's to-night at seven-thirty. There'll be a party. Of course
you'll come. [_Gets hat and cane_.
LAURA. I don't think I can. You see--
WILL. I know. I guess there's enough there [_Indicating money_.] for
your immediate needs. Later you can straighten things up. Shall I send
the car?
LAURA. Yes, please.
WILL. Good. It will be the first happy evening I've had in a long,
long time. You'll be ready?
[_Approaches and bends over her as if to caress her_.
LAURA. [_Shrinking away_.] Please don't. Remember we don't dine until
seven-thirty.
WILL. All right. [_Exit_.
_For a moment_ LAURA _sits silent, and then angrily rises, crosses
up to dresser, gets alcohol lamp, crosses to table with lamp, lights
same, and starts back to dresser. Knock at door_.
LAURA. Come in. [ANNIE _enters, and stops_.] That you, Annie?
ANNIE. Yassum.
LAURA. Mrs. Farley wants her rent. There is some money. [_Tosses money
on to table_.] Take it to her.
ANNIE _goes to the table, examines the roll of bills and is palpably
surprised_.
ANNIE. Dey ain't nothin' heah, Miss Laura, but five great big one
hunderd dollah bills.
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