[Granillo at sideboard. Takes and swallows swiftly. Then comes over, and, walking unsteadily happens to stumble against chest. He walks out little insecurely in a slight pause and silence.
Leila (rolling her eyes). Just a little—I think?
Rupert. I should say completely.
Brandon. What? Granno blotto? Yes. He is a bit. It’s this whisky.
[There is another growl of thunder.
Raglan. Hullo, listen. Here we are again.
Leila (looking behind her). Oh, my hat!
Brandon. I believe you’re afraid of storms, Leila.
Leila, My dear! I am. I simply rush round in circles. It’s hereditary, you know. You should see my mother.
Rupert. What does she rush round in?
Leila. My dear! She doesn’t! She simply hides herself in cupboards.
Brandon. Really?
Leila (taking the string from Raglan). All entangled in the linen, my dear! If it comes on again, you’ll probably all see me suddenly take a violent plunge into this chest.
Raglan. I should love to see that.
Leila. Head-foremost, my dear! By the way, can you get into this chest, or is it locked?
[She is busy with string, and the remark goes unanswered. Brandon, lighting cigarette, pretends not to hear. There is a pause.
Rupert (repeating her words carefully and looking at Brandon). Can you get into this chest, Brandon, or is it locked?
Brandon (pretending that he has not heard). What? Oh! Yes, you can get into it if you want to.
Leila. Oh, well, then I’m safe.
[ 56 ]
