THE HUMAN VOICE
(Phone rings. She takes off the receiver.)
We were cut off. I was
saying that if you lied to me out of kindness, and I found out about
it, I'd only love you the more . . .. Of course . . . . You're crazy!
.... Dear love .... my dear darling . . . .
(She winds the telephone
cord about her neck.)
....
I know we have to, but it's so dreadful
.... I'd never have the courage .... Yes. You think you're in
each other's arms, and suddenly there are cellars and drains and
a whole city in between .... You remember Yvonne, she wondered
how voices get through all the windings of cords. I've got it around
my neck. Your voice is around my neck .... The operator'd have
to cut us off by mistake . . .. Darling! How can you imagine that
I'm thinking of anything so ugly? I know this business hurts you
more than it hurts me .... no .... no, no .... Marseille? ....
Listen, dearest,
if
you're going to be in Marseille after tomorrow
night; I wish . . . . well, I'd like it if . . . . if you didn't go down to
that hotel where we used to stay. You're not angry? .... Because
things that I don't imagine, don't exist; or let's say that they exist
in a vague sort of place that doesn't hurt so much .... you under–
stand? .... Thanks .... thanks .... You're good. I love you.
(She rises and walks toward the bed, telephone in hand.)
Well, then .... well .... I was just going to say "See you
soon," out of habit .... I doubt it .... You never know . ...
Oh! .... That's better. Much better ....
(She lies down on the
bed and clasps the telephone in her arms.)
Darling .... my dear love .... I'm being brave. Say goodbye.
Come on. Ring off! Ring off quickly! Ring off! I love you, I love
you, I love you, I love you ....
(The receiver falls to the floor.)
CURTAIN
(Translated by Dudley Fitts)
775
