The Dresser Page #4

gazing at a grey sea.

Talk about bleak.

Mother-dear made a decision

but it was the wrong decision.

And my friend never acted again.

We have to face the facts.

I've never done that in my life, Your Ladyship,

and I don't see why I should start now.

I just like things to be lovely.

Yes, but things aren't lovely,

Norman.

They aren't if you face facts.

Face the facts, it's facing

the company I worry about.

I'll be in Madge's office

if I'm wanted.

Don't decide yet, Your Ladyship,

let me go to the hospital,

let me see how he is,

you never know.

I do know. I realise now that I've

witnessed a slow running down.

I've heard the hiss of air escaping.

Norman! Norman!

Good evening, Sir.

Good evening, Norman.

Good evening, P*ssy.

Bonzo, why are you here?

Well, my name is on the door.

Did the doctors say you could leave?

Doctors?

Executioners.

Do you know what he told me?

A short, bald butcher.

Il Duce in a white coat.

When a doctor tells you

you need rest, you can be certain

he has not the slightest

idea of what is wrong with you.

I discharged myself.

Telephone the hospital.

Do not telephone the hospital!

Norman, will you leave us, please?

I'll see Madge and tell her

there is an alternative.

Shh-shh!

You're fit for nothing.

Please, P*ssy, don't.

Cancel the performance.

Can't, mustn't, won't.

Then take the consequences.

When have I not?

Where have you been all day?

Don't tell me

you found a brothel in this town.

I can't remember all I've done.

I know towards the evening

I was being pursued

but I couldn't see who

the villains were.

Then the air-raid warning went.

I refused to take shelter.

Wherever I went,

I seemed to hear a woman crying.

Then, suddenly,

I had a clear image of my father

on the beach near Lowestoft.

"An actor?" he said, "Never. "

"You will be a boat builder like me. "

But I defied him and lost his love.

Father preferred people to cower.

But I had to chart my own course.

I decide when I'm ready

for the scrapyard. Not you. I.

No-one else. I.

The woman you heard crying was me.

Norman! Sir.

I want you by me, Norman.

Yes, sir. Don't leave my side,

Norman.

No, sir. I shall need help, Norman.

Yes, sir. Madge.

You speak to him.

He doesn't listen to a word I say.

He's obviously incapable.

You look exhausted.

That's what I call tact.

Are you sure you're able to

go on tonight?

How long have you been with me?

Longer than anyone else.

Have I ever missed a performance?

No, but then you've never been ill.

I only want what's best for you.

What's best for Sir is that

he's allowed to get ready.

Ready, yes, I must get ready.

Ready for what?

If you'll excuse me, Your Ladyship,

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