For Joe and Nuqui Velez
First
Performance:
UP Dramatic Club, under the author’s direction, at the Assumption
College Auditorium, December 10, 1948
CHARACTERS:
GONZALO
NITA (his wife)
ADRIAN (his best friend)
PLACE:
-- Forbes Park, a suburb near Manila.
SCENE:
The living room. A coffee-table in front of the sofa. On left
side, a large balcony through which the street lights pour in. On a
table near the balcony are a telephone and a lamp. A floor-lamp beside
the sofa. Magazines on the tables. The room reveals the refined taste
of the owners.
TIME: Evening, about nine o'clock.
August.
GONZALO is seated on the sofa, reading the paper. GONZALO
is tall,
with a compelling personality. About twenty-seven, he possesses a warm
and attractive charm, except for his piercing eyes which can flash with
contempt when the occasion demands. He wears a well-cut suit, and a
flashing red tie. He speaks with a low caressing voice.
NITA, his wife, comes in with a large tray, with a
pot of coffee and two cups, etc. NITA is an attractive woman of nineteen. She is rather
short, with laughing eyes and a gentle voice. Her expression is
innocent, and there is a subtle air of adolescence about her. She wears
a striking evening gown.
NITA.
Here's the coffee, Gonzalo. (She
sets the tray on the table.)
GONZALO (Without lifting his eyes from the paper) Is it hot?
NITA. (Laughing) --
Boiling. (She pours a cup and gives it to him.) Here. (He
takes his cup, slowly sips it, without taking his eyes off the paper.)
You must be tired from your trip to Baguio.
GONZALO.
Not at all, Nita.
NITA Two whole weeks. Long
enough for me. I was – lonely.
GONZALO
Were you? (Looks at her briefly.)
NITA
Of course, Gonzalo. I
forgot to tell you. I dismissed the maid this morning. I couldn't stand
her insolent ways.
GONZALO.
Cora insolent? I never noticed it She was quite efficient, it seems to
me -- and we've had
her for a good many years
NITA.
(Laughing again). No, Gonzalo, remember? We got her when we
were married-- and we have
been married only seven months (She sits beside her husband and puts
her arm around him). Do you know that the prices of canned goods
have gone up?-- And it took
me a long time before I could find the right pair of shoes to go with
this dress.. Luckily I found what I wanted at Rustan's. By the way,
Menchu came this. afternoon and brought me the towels
GONZALO.
Hmm?
NITA.
You aren't listening, Gonzalo.
GONZALO.
Who did you say came?
NITA.
Menchu. I had her initial the new towels They turned out
to be perfectly charming. Your initials are in blue.
GONZALO.
You said somebody came this afternoon?
NITA.
(Laughing long). Yes, Menchu,
the woman who does the embroidery.
GONZALO.
Ah yes. Sorry, Nita. Who else?
NITA.
No one else, Gonzalo. (She
starts imperceptibly, a flitting across her face. But all this Gonzalo does not notice. Suddenly he puts dawn the paper and stares
at her dress, NITA sits, inexplicably tense.)
GONZALO.
Nita.
NITA.
(With a slight trembling of the voice)..
Yes?
GONZALO.
How come?
NITA.
What do you mean?
GONZALO.
What are you all dressed up for?. (NITA relaxes and laughs
again)
NITA.
Like it?
GONZALO.
Exquisite.
NITA.
I'm glad it's to your taste. I’m merely trying it on for the big day
tomorrow.
GONZALO.
Tomorrow?
NITA.
You haven't forgotten, Gonzalo?
GONZALO.
Frankly-- it escapes my
memory.
NITA.
Our wedding sort-- of--
anniversary.
GONZALO.
Our first anniversary?
NITA.
(Bursting out Laughing.) No, no, Gonzalo We've been married only
seven months. We decided, during out honeymoon -- remember? --
to celebrate our anniversary every month of our marriage.
GONZALO
Ah, this beautiful forgetful memory of mine.
NITA (Playfully) Yes, I know it has been getting worse
lately. Two weeks ago, before you went up to Baguio, we decided to go
out and celebrate at the Jai-Alai that's where we met for the first
time-- a year ago.
GONZALO.
Or like it, definitely.
NITA. (Mockingly, but hurt). Well, I am flattered. Husbands
are so hard to please these days.
GONZALO.
Where did we celebrate last month?
NITA.
We went to Hilton.
GONZALO.
And the month before that?
NITA.
May I refresh your failing memory? The month before last we had supper
at Bon Vivant-- and the
previous month we went to La Parrilla and afterwards to Manila Hotel for
dancing.
GONZALO.
The first month?
NITA.
We went, to that panciteria on Carvajal street.
GONZALO.
Couldn't we go tomorrow to another panciteria and just have siopao
and arroz caldo?
NITA.
Oh no, Gonzalo! I want to show off my beautiful dress!
GONZALO:
As you wish, Nita. Know something?
NITA
What?
GONZALO.
You look as beautiful and as young as that night we met.
NITA,
But, Gonzalo, do you expect me to turn into an old hag so soon?
GONZALO.
I must buy you a present then. What would you like?
NITA.
How much can you afford?
GONZALO.
The sky's the limit--
NITA.
Is business that good?'
GONZALO.
I closed a big deal in Baguio
NITA
I saw a diamond bracelet at Estrella del Sur that simply took my breath
away.
GONZALO.
How much?
NITA.
A bargain, practically.
GONZALO.
How much of a bargain?
NITA.
Ten thousand (GONZALO
gives a
low whistle. NITA laughs
too. She stands up.) That's too much, I know. I was only kidding. But you did' say the sky's
the limit, so—
GONZALO.
You heard right, Nita. Buy it.
NITA. (Embracing
him)
-- Oh Gonzalo, thanks! I'm a lucky woman
to have such a wonderful husband, (GONZALO
smiles
briefly, but there is irony in his smile. NITA starts putting the
cups on the tray.)
GONZALO.
Nita, did
a man come this afternoon?
NITA.
(Stiffening
imperceptibly).
A man? why-- no.
GONZALO.
I mean-- I sent a man to
fix the TV set.
NITA.
No, nobody came-- aside
from Menchu. But there's nothing wrong with our TV, Gonzalo. I was
watching my favorite program half an hour ago. (GONZALO, aware
that his wife it staring at him, tries to laugh it off.)
GONZALO.
I'm sorry-- an agent was
selling me a new TV set this morning--
and I thought I had bought it--
oh, what am I saying? This splendid memory of mine, Nita
NITA. (Smiling). And you at the decrepit age of twenty--
seven. GONZALO. (Changing
the subject). The coffee still warm?
NITA. (Touching the pot). It is
(She fills up his cup again. GONZALO has sat down... As
he drinks his coffee, NITA, her back
to him, is arranging the
tray. GONZALO takes out a piece of paper
and unfolds it. NITA
turns and
sees it.) What's
that, Gonzalo?
GONZALO..
(Quietly). Cyanide.
NITA. Cyanide?
GONZALO. Potassium cyanide.
NITA.
Is it dangerous?
GONZALO.
It should be. People are known to commit murder or suicide--
with it.
NITA.
Is it that fatal?
GONZALO.
Those are the rumors.
NITA. (Alarmed). Why do you carry it around with you?
GONZALO.
Oh-- just as a joke.
NITA.
Gonzalo! Carrying poison around isn't a joke.
GONZALO.
Well, it isn't the kind of
a joke the average person would indulge in, but, Nita, don't bother your
pretty little head about it. Cyanide is sold in drugstores, and you
wouldn't order closing the drugstores because of it, would you?
NITA. (Sitting beside him). Why, in heaven's name, do you
have that poison with you?
GONZALO:
It isn't just ordinary poison-- it's
an unusual one. I use it in my business. Cyanide is a necessary
ingredient in the plating process. We couldn't do without it.
NITA.
I understand now, Gonzalo. But I still think you should throw it away. (Taking
two or three crystals of cyanide, GONZALO drops
them inside the cup. NITA gasps
softly.)
Gonzalo!
GONZALO;
Will you stop worrying? You can throw it away later
NITA.
But the cup--
GONZALO
You can throw away the cup and the cyanide together.
NITA But the cup is from my favorite coffee set. Adrian gave it to
us.
GONZALO He did?
NITA It was his wedding
present.... Oh Gonzalo, your memory!
GONZALO
I can always buy you another.
NITA You wouldn't find another like it, even if you looked all
over town.
GONZALO One set is as good as another.
NITA (Softly but with a strained tone). No, it isn't,
Gonzalo. The sentimental value --
GONZALO.
People attach too much importance to sentimental value. One should
attach himself to nothing and to nobody. (NITA looks at him,
aghast)
NITA (Slowly and softly, as if afraid to contradict him).
How can you say that, Gonzalo? Attach oneself to nothing and to nobody.
Don't I mean anything to you? And Adrian
-- your best friend
-- you've always been
so attached to him.
(GONZALO
stares at her briefly, smiles feebly, and goes to her.)
GONZALO
Sorry Nita, Business worries and all that sort of thing. You know how
deeply attached I am to you.
NITA
And to Adrian.
GONZALO
And to Adrian.
NITA
The doctor told you time and time again to take good care of your
hyperthyroid. You refuse to take Lugol. He also told you to avoid any
emotional strain.
GONZALO I know, Nita, I know. All this irritability and my high--
strung condition --
NITA
(With a conciliatory tone). You should have taken a good rest in
Baguio, instead of rushing about with your business--
GONZALO I did try to rest up there, but something unexpected came up
-- I got through with
my business sooner than I expected.
NITA Something unexpected? Something serious?
GONZALO
No, nothing important really. (Changing his tone.) By the way,
has Adrian been around?
NITA Not since you left two weeks ago.
GONZALO Does he know I am back?
NITA How could he? You arrived only a few hours ago.
GONZALO
Nita, please bring me some whisky, please.
(NITA
picks up her cup and puts it in the tray.)
GONZALO (Laughingly). You know what your cousin Chita once
said at a party? She said that Filipinos who have bars in their homes
are cheap imitators of Hollywood and the American ways, and -- guess what else she said?
GONZALO;
What?
NITA.
She said drinking in one's home is a sign of decadence. Can you imagine
her insolence?
GONZALO.
Perhaps she's right, Nita. Perhaps we're becoming decadent (GONZALO
still holds the cup with cyanide in it; NITA puts Out her hand to
get the cup, when the telephone Tint'. NITA grows
slightly tense. She puts down the tray and is about to answer the telephone, but GONZALO
rises abruptly, still holding the
cup, and goes to the table.) -- Hello?-- Adrian
(NITA
becomes apprehensive.)
Well-- talk about the
devil! Nita and I were just talking about you. (NITA
pretends to busy herself with the
tray, but she is listening.)
Oh, I arrived a few hours
ago. Where are you now? In the drugstore across the street? Well, drop
over. When? Right now-- No,
no, Nita and I are still awake. I'll give you exactly one minute.
(He promptly puts down the receiver. GONZALO
has left the cup on the table.)
NITA.
What did he want?
GONZALO.
Nothing. He said he was calling from the drugstore. How did he know I
was back?
NITA.
He probably heard about it.
GONZALO.
(After a brief pause.) Naturally.
NITA.
(Taking the tray). I'll get the whisky--
(She goes out. GONZALO
sits immobile. His eyes turn to
the table where the fatal
cup lies. He stands up, picks up the cup, and puts it down again. He
goes to the balcony, waves his hand at someone he has seen. NITA comes in with a
tray.)
GONZALO.
Adrian is here!
(NITA sets the tray on the low table, as ADRIAN
comes in. ADRIAN is
twenty4ive, with a boyish personality. He wears a pair of
brown pants and a light-colored coat. He carries his clothes
indifferently. He smokes incessantly. His voice is slightly high-pitched
but pleasant. He goes to GONZALO
and shakes hands).
ADRIAN.
When did you get back?
GONZALO.
Didn't you know I was back?
ADRIAN.
(flushing). Why-- er--
yes. I missed you, Gonzalo. (Turning to NITA.)
Hello, Nita. Stepping.
out?
NITA.
(Pointing to her dress).
Oh, this? No, just
trying it on (GONZALO has motioned ADRIAN to sit down.)
GONZALO.
Whisky, Adrian?
ADRIAN.
You know. I never touch it.
NITA.
How about some coffee?
ADRIAN.
I don't mind. (NITA goes out.)
GONZALO.
Where have you been hiding yourself?
ADRIAN.
I've been very busy lately.
GONZALO
You and your restless
nature. You
have passed the bar exams. Why don't you get settled once and for
all?
ADRIAN
I will Gonzalo, I will.
GONZALO
What did you call me up for just now. Adrian?
(ADRIAN hesitates briefly.)
ADRIAN Er -- my
cigaret case. The plating. finished?
GONZALO.
It was ready before I left for Baguio. I have it here with me. (Takes
cigaret case from his pocket.)
You'll hardly recognize it. It
looks like new.
ADRIAN.
This was a present from you-- our
college graduation, remember?
GONZALO
Yes, I remember. the saleslady told me it was gold, -- but it turned out to be only gold plated.
ADRIAN
Youtre looking fine, Gonzalo.
GONZALO
Frankly, I lost a few pounds. (GONZALO goes near the balcony, lights a
cigaret.) By the way, Adrian, were
you here this
afternoon?
ADRIAN.
Yes, Gonzalo.
GONZALO.
At what time?
ADRIAN.
I came at
about two, but the maid told me Nita was asleep,
so I left. I thought perhaps you had already arrived from Baguio. Didn't
the maid tell you?
GONZALO.
(Picking up the cup and setting it down). Oh
yes she told me. (NITA comes in with the coffee tray, but has
forgotten to bring in cups. She puts it down on the coffee table. ADRIAN
feels the pot.)
ADRIAN.
Ouch! Boiling!
NITA.
Gonzalo likes it that way.
ADRIAN.
I'll wait till it cools off a little.
GONZALO.
(Filling up his glass with more whisky). As you wish. (NITA
sits beside GONZALO.)
NITA.
You know what your friend Gonzalo said a while ago?
ADRIAN.
Not unless you tell me--
NITA.
He said, and I quote: "One should attach himself to nothing and to
nobody."
ADRIAN.
Did you really, Gonzalo?
GONZALO.
I don't remember.
NITA
Imagine Gonzalo talking like that, when he talked so much --
about you before we got married. In fact, once or twice we had a
quarrel because he insisted on repeating "Adrian said this and
Adrian said that and Adrian and I did this--
" (Pause) How. old were you when you became friends?'
ADRIAN..
I was about ten then.
GONZALO. Adrian and I went to grade school together.
NITA. You managed to be classmates all the time?
GONZALO. We managed.
NITA.
But aren't you older?
GONZALO.
By tad years. Once, in seventh grade, the. teacher insisted on putting us in separate sections.
ADRIAN.
The teacher thought I was smarter and should be in Section A.
GONZALO.
But Adrian went to the principal's office and pleaded--
ADRIAN I won. We both stayed in the same section.
NITA.
Section A?
ADRIAN.
No, Section C. (They
laugh.)
GONZALO.
Adrian looked so boyish then-- he
was considered the best-looking in school--
that I used to tease him by calling him Baby- Face.
NITA.
He still retains much of that baby-like expression, doesn't he? (They laugh again. GONZALO grows serious.)
GONZALO.
Adrian had a characteristic then.
ADRIAN.
Yeah? What was that?
GONZALO.
Mind you, I am not saying you still have it--
besides, it wasn't anything usual.
NITA.
A characteristic?
GONZALO.
Adrian was seldom satisfied with what he had. Once-- in high school--
NITA.
I see your memory is still good, Gonzalo.
GONZALO. (Quietly). Yes, strange
how oftentimes our memory vividly relives incidents hidden in our past--
ADRIAN.
Go ahead. You were saying--
GONZALO.
Well, my mother gave me, on my birthday, a linen suit. Adrian liked it
so much he insisted on borrowing it every Sunday. He had other suits,
but he fell in love with this particular one.
NITA.
What happened?
GONZALO.
I finally gave it to him.
ADRIAN. (Laughing). I don't recall that incident.
GONZALO.
And on another occasion Nita. Guess what I found this afternoon, while
looking over some papers?
Some pictures of our wedding.
GONZALO. (Suddenly). Not becoming sentimental at so early a
stage of our marriage, are you, Nita?
NITA.
I. know, but Adrian was
best man-- and he looked so funny in one of the pictures. He was staring
at me, while you, Gonzalo, were looking somewhere else.
ADRIAN.
Let me see it. I haven't seen any of the wedding pictures
NITA.
I'll get them. (NITA goes out. GONZALO walks over to
the table, picks-up the poisoned cup and places is on the low table in
of the sofa.)
ADRIAN.
Gonzalo- I'm glad you're back.
(GONZALO looks
at ADRIAN
for a brief moment. With the usual
clairvoyance of old friends being able to read each others expression, GONZALO
goes to ADRIAN and puts his arm around him.)
GONZALO.
What's wrong?
ADRIAN.
I-er-I'm in trouble again.
GONZALO;
Financial? (ADRIAN nods
sheepishly.)
How much
is it this time?
ADRIAN.
Quite a sum.
GONZALO.
One thousand?
ADRIAN.
Two and a half. (GONZALO takes out his
check
book and pen, and sits down.)
GONZALO.
Poker?
ADRIAN.
Races and Jai-Alai. (GONZALO writes out the amount.)
GONZALO. (Giving
him the check). You
haven't changed, Adrian. (After
a pause.) No woman
trouble?
ADRIAN. (Taking the check). Thanks. You know I've never had
much use for women.
GONZALO.
It's about time you started looking for someone to settle down with.
ADRIAN.
If I find the right girl-
GONZALO.
And your idea of the right woman?
ADRIAN.
You know what my idea of the right girl-
GONZALO.
I still remember it. "She must be serious and intelligent-she must
be a virgin and-"
ADRIAN.
Can you find a woman like that nowadays?
GONZALO.
There aren't many, I admit, but if you look hard enough- (NITA comes in.)
NITA.
Here it is. (Both men
look at the picture, and then burst out
laughing).
ADRIAN.
Gonzalo looked scared or something.
GONZALO.
I was. The last words in the ritual "-till death do us part' were
still ringing in my ears-and the doctor had just told me I might live up
to seventy. (NITA
laughs
long and loud.)
NITA.
Look who's talking? I hope to live up to eighty myself.
GONZALO. (As he pours himself
another drink).
You know, Adrian was always an idealist. That's why he hasn't married
yet. He's twenty-four
ADRIAN.
Twenty-five.
NITA.
I like the cold-blooded callousness with which men reveal their age
GONZALO.
I remember. during our college days-- Adrian fell in love once. When he
found out the girl had a regular boy friend, he gave her up.
NITA.
But if the girl was engaged-
GONZALO.
She wasn't. And even if she were that doesn't stop most men from going
after her.
NITA.
Men's tremendous conceit. And you still have those ideals, Adrian?
GONZALO.
Adrian will never change.
NITA.
Don't rush him. He'll give up those ideals yet.
GONZALO. (Brusquely). Why? (Caught by the suddenness, NITA
stops.)
NITA.
Well, people-sometimes-alter their ideals as they grow older, don't
they?
GONZALO. (Softening
his tone). You're right. People shouldn't hold on to their original
ideals, too long. (Taking
the bottle again.) Want a drink, Adrian?
ADRIAN.
But I don't drink.
NITA.
Just try once, Adrian.
ADRIAN.
All right. (ADRIAN takes the drink. As he puts back the glass
on the table, the newspaper falls off the low table.)
GONZALO. (Picking up the newspaper and tossing it on a chair).
Have you read this afternoon's paper?
ADRIAN.
Haven't had time.
GONZALO.
There's an interesting item on the front page.
NITA.
What about?
GONZALO.
About a murder last night.
NITA.
I shudder at the mere sound of the word "murder"
GONZALO. (Laughing briefly). You never can tell, Nita. Someday
you or I might be a witness to one.
NITA.
Oh, not me!
GONZALO.
Suppose we’re walking along the Escolta, and some-body sticks a knife
into or shoots somebody? Shall we dose our eyes and pretend we didn't
see it?
NITA.
That would be different. But I know I’ll be careful not to be around
when a crime takes place.
ADRIAN.
What was last night's case?
GONZALO.
(Glancing at the paper).
You know Mr. and Mrs. Tito Viterbo?
ADRIAN.
The prominent attorney, isn't he?
NITA.
Not the Viterbo married to Mila Revilla?
GONZALO.
You know her?
NITA.
Very well. Mila and I were classmates in the same convent school, the
Annunciata.
GONZALO.
A very religious woman, according to the paper.- She never missed going
to Quiapo church every Friday afternoon-you know, the Nazarene.
NITA.
She was the most religious girl in our class.
GONZALO.
The papers say she used to meet her lover in Quiapo church.
NITA.
Did anything happen to Mila?
GONZALO.
It seems Tito Viterbo's best friend was having an affair with Tito's
wife.
NITA.
I can't believe it of Mila.
ADRIAN.
Mr. Viterbo killed his friend?
GONZALO.
No, he killed his wife;
NITA.
Poor Mila.
ADRIAN.
Unfortunate husband.
GONZALO: (Laughing). Unfortunate, my eye! Stupid rather!
ADRIAN.
But why?
NITA.
Gonzalo, how can you be so callous? After all, he had the right to kill
her.
GONZALO.
Because she was unfaithful to him? Decades ago that might have been
justified-but in an enlightened age like-ours, killing a faithless wife
or her lover speaks none too highly of the husbandts
sense of proportion.
ADRIAN. (Shocked). What an idea, Gonzalo!
GONZALO.
To kill the wife because she is unfaithful is for the husband to admit
that he has lost her-and if you lose some-thing or somebody. don't you
think that it's most probably through your own carelessness?
The sense of possession is strong in every love.
ADRIAN.
Granted. in another
generation. when material things were few and expensive, one could
understand the fierce desire to possess and hold on to something.
NITA.
Gonzalo, you can't confuse love with the material.
GONZALO.
I am not confusing them. True love isn't a material thing. It's
intangible, spiritual~ capable of touching the stars, reaching the
infinite, embracing God!
NITA.
Poetry, Gonzalo.
ADRIAN.
No, Nita. Truth.
GONZALO (Smiling). But not all marriages are born of love.
ADRIAN.
Of what then?
GONZALO.
Of passion. And if it is passion in your marriage, to lose the object of
your passion need not-should not-necessarily be tragic.
ADRIAN.
What would you have had Mr. Viterbo do, then?
GONZALO Forgiven his wife..
ADRIAN.
But Mr. Viterbo's wife was guilty of breaking-
GONZALO.
The fourth commandment-
NITA.
The sixth, Gonzalo.
GONZALO. (Laughing). Right. "Thou shalt not commit adultery."
Ah, but I know the ninth. 'Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's
wife."
NITA.
Splendid. Your memory is improving.
GONZALO. (As he pours himself another dnnk). There's one word
that has disappeared from the vocabulary of the moderns.
NITA.
What word?
GONZALO.
The word adultery. The moderns have such a revolting dread of such an
ugly, repulsive, old-fashioned word that they have substituted for it,
"So-and-so is having an affair with-or is in love with somebody
else," and similar, charming, harmless phrases. But the word
adultery itself they. avoid and abhor. To the moderns, adultery doesn't
exist any more.
NITA.
Your narrow views surprise me, Gonzalo.
ADRIAN.
Levity aside, if ! had my way I'd have a name for Mr. Viterbo's wife and
her lover.
GONZALO.
And that is-
ADRIAN.
I'd call them a couple of rats.
GONZALO. (Laughing uproariously). That's interesting, Adrian.
Why, in heaven's name?
ADRIAN.
Adultery is punishable by law, don't you know?
GONZALO.
If I may be permitted to stretch the point further, I'd prefer to call
the three of them rats.
NITA.
Why include the poor husband?
GONZALO.
For breaking the fifth commandment-"Thou shalt not kill." (They
all break into laughter. GONZALO
again
takes the bottle.)
Another, Adrian?
ADRIAN.
If you don't mind, I'd like some coffee.
NITA.
Oh, I forgot to bring in new cups.
GONZALO. (Stopping her as she is about to go). Don't bother,
NITA.
Here's one.
NITA.
But you used that cup before.
ADRIAN.
I don't mind.
NITA. (Staring at him-realizing it is the fatal cup).
Gonzalo, that cup--
ADRIAN.
I don't believe in germs, Nita.
NITA. (Alarmed). It isn't that-
GONZALO.
Adrian is right, Nita. One cup is as good- (NITA utters a muffled scream. GONZALO goes to her and holds her arm firmly, cruelly. NITA
winces.)
ADRIAN.
Is she ill?
GONZALO.
If you call expecting a baby-
NITA.
No! (But NITA,
still
feeling the pressure of GONZALO'S hand on her, remains
speechless.)
ADRIAN.
Well, congratulations!
GONZALO.
It's too early to tell.. She'll be all right Women insist on deluding
themselves that they can be the equal. of men. When they are pregnant,
they wake up from their trance. (NITA,
struck
with terror, falls in a chair. GONZALO takes the
pot, and, making it seem accidental, spills some' coffee on ADRIAN's
clothes) How
stupid of me!
GONZALO.
Go inside and wipe it off. (ADRIAN stands up and walks toward the
door. NITA
tries to
follow.)
NITA.
I'll 'get you a clean towel.
GONZALO
(Looking at her steadily). Adrian knows his way around. He's like one of the
family. There's a clean towel in the bathroom. (ADRIAN
goes out.
NITA
springs
up from the chair and runs to GONZALO.)
NITA.
What are you trying to do?
GONZALO.
What are you talking about?
NITA.
The cup, Gonzalo, the cup!, (He looks at her, without saying -a
word.) Throw it away, throw
it away! (GONZALO
pushes her away, roughly.)
GONZALO.
Shut up, you bitch!
NITA.
Don't do it, don't! (GONZALO lights a cigaret,
sits calmly.)
GONZALO.
So no one came this afternoon. Adrian admitted he did.
NITA.
No!
GONZALO, (Ignoring her interruptions). But he made one slight
-mistake: he said he had told the maid he had come. But he doesn’t
know you dismissed her this morning.
NITA.
N~, no!
GONZALO.
That's why you dismissed Cora. She knew 'and you were afraid she was
going to talk. Adrian has been coming here every afternoon for the last
two weeks. I had . my suspicions-that's why I went up to Baguio. I
could have~ come hack in a day or two-but I wanted to give you
and-Adrian the satisfaction of a last romantic, evil fling! (NITA
throws herself on his knees.)
NITA.
Gonzalo-Gonzalo!
GONZALO.
Both of you pretending, deceiving, lying behind my back!- (NITA
breaks into sobs.)
NITA.
True, true! And I'm so ashamed!
GONZALO.
(Contemptuously). Ashamed? (Gently.)
You know the meaning of the word?
NITA.
I don't know why I did it, I don't know!
GONZALO.
Now you know-and it's too late.
NITA (Pleadingly). What are you going to do?
GONZALO.
Destroy him
NITA.
Adrian?
GONZALO.
You're quite psychic, beloved.
NITA.
Let Adrian go!
GONZALO.
Because my love for him is deeper-him I must destroy
NITA.
But not this way-not this callous way! Give him an even chance!
GONZALO.
For a rat like him?
NITA.
If you must destroy, destroy me then! Spare Adrian!
GONZALO. (Softly). He means that much to you, my dear?
NITA.
No, no-not now-not any more! But there must be some pity left in you!
GONZALO.
There is-a tiny bit-but my pity isn't for Adrian. I’m reserving it for
you.
NITA.
Destroy me then-I'm just as guilty!
GONZALO.
No, Nita, I cannot destroy you. I'll
let you live-but I'll let you breathe, eat, and sleep~ every second of
your cursed life-with that ugly word adulteress in your heart!
NITA.
I'd rather die! I'd rather be destroyed!
GONZALO.
You must live, my dearest Nita. Dying is so easy. And why die when
there's so much ahead of you?
NITA. (Brokenly). There's nothing-nothing-ahead, or me-now.
GONZALO.
Your feelings are a matter of indifference' to me. Soon you're going to
witness a crime. You're going to see your beloved-and my beloved
friend-Adrian-die the death of a rat
NITA.
I won't stand it. I won't! I won't! I can't!
(GONZALO
stands up
smiling.)
GONZALO.
You're going to stay here and not utter a single word or make the least
gesture. (His tone
dripping with venom.) Even though you aren’t a very intelligent
woman I think you understand my words. (Bending over.) Come, my
dear, allow me to take you to this chair. You need, a rest. (GONZALO
forcibly raises NITA up. She sinks, exhausted and terrified, into a chain
Presently ADRIAN
comes
in.) Everything all right, Adrian?
ADRIAN.
It was nothing. It won't show.
GONZALO. (Pouring). Take your coffee.
ADRIAN.
Sorry. I must be getting along.
GONZALO.
Take your coffee first.
ADRIAN. (After a brief hesitation). All right.(Seeing NITA)
she feeling worse?
GONZALO.
Nothing serious.
ADRIAN.
She should go in and rest, don't you think?
GONZALO.
She will, presently.
ADRIAN. (Taking the cup). This coffee is still hot. (NITA
wakes up
from her trance and watches GONZALO'S
actions. ADRIAN
takes
some sugar and stirs it.)
GONZALO.
Still warm?
ADRIAN.
Just right. (As he is about to drink it, NITA stands
up.)
NITA.
Oh Adrian, I'm sure it's cold now-
ADRIAN.
Don't bother, Nita-
GONZALO.
(To NITA).
Stop
being so fussy-
NITA.
Are you sure, Adrian?
ADRIAN.
Sure. (He gulps down tire drink. NITA covers
her mouth with her hand. Frightened, site rushes out.)
GONZALO.
Poor Nita. Sometimes, Adrian, I think you're better off as a bachelor.
ADRIAN.
Well, well! A while ago you were advising me to get married.
GONZALO.
You should, Adrian, you should.
ADRIAN.
I'm not prepared-to settle down yet.
GONZALO.
Aren't you afraid to die a bachelor?
ADRIAN. (Laughing). I expect to live a little longer, Gonzalo.
GONZALO.
A little longer is right. (ADRIAN'S
face
slowly begins to get red. He feels a giddiness in his head-- he presses
his temples.)
ADRIAN.
My head-
GONZALO.
What's wrong?
ADRIAN.
Don't know-my head-never felt like this-
GONZALO.
Sit down. (ADRIAN
sits on
the sofa.)
You'll feel better.
ADRIAN.
(Touching his throat). My throat-- can't breathe
GONZALO.
An aspirin will do you good.
ADRIAN.
The coffee-- could it be--
GONZALO. (Picking up the cup and smelling it). No, I don't
think so. Probably the effect of the whisky eh Adrian?
ADRIAN.
(Laughing dryly). Yes-first time, you know.
GONZALO.
By the way, will the two thousand and a half be enough? I could lend you
more.
ADRIAN. (Taking out the check from his pocket). Thanks, Gonzalo
Always the wonderful friend.
GONZALO.
Friendship is unto the grave-
ADRIAN.
And beyond it.
GONZALO.
Yes-even beyond it.
ADRIAN.
I sometimes-wonder-what I would do-or where-I would be-without you.
Gonzalo.
GONZALO.
(Affectionately). Aw,
shut up, Baby Face.
ADRIAN
You haven't-called me-Baby Face since Our high school days- (ADRIAN'S eyes
start to protrude-they become staring and wide open the pupils dilated
and immobile.)
GONZALO.
Lie down -- you're just tired. The light must be bothering you (GONZALO
turns off all the lights, leaving the scene in complete darkness, except
for some light streaming through the balcony from the street.)
GONZALO.
Just rest, Adrian.
ADRIAN.
No, no-I must-tell you-something-GONZALO. Not now. Tomorrow.
ADRIAN.
(Terror in his voice). Now!-very
important-very-(ADRIAN begins to gasp and moan softly. Then silence.)
GONZALO.
I attach
myself to nothing and to nobody.
(As ADRIAN continues moaning, GONZALO
lights a
cigaret. A long silence, Then-ADRIAN falls noisily upsetting the
coffee table, breaking the cup and glasses. Simultaneously, we hear a
long, shrill, agonizing, terrifying scream outside.)
NITA. (Outside-- unspeakable terror in her voice).
Adrian-Adrian! ADRIAN!!
(Her
words are followed by heartrending sobs which keep on till the final
curtain. GONZALO
throws
his cigaret away, goes to ADRIAN, gets the check, tears it up.
Slowly he goes to the telephone and dials.)
GONZALO. (Quietly and deliberately). Hello?
Police Department? If you care to come to 60 Banaba St., Forbes
Park, you'll find three rats- (pause) yes, yes, that's what I
just said-three rats.
(As we hear NITA hysterically sobbing her heart out, the curtain falls)
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