530
PARTISAN REVIEW
into a love affair, and don't think I didn't want it with you, except
I knew I could eat up the whole world
if
only I wasn't afraid to live
and be free.
EITEL:
As of tonight, you are free.
ELENA:
Yes, Charley, as of now. I'm free and it's frightening---oh Char–
ley boy, it's terrifying as Hell, because women, Charley, weren't born
to be free, they were born to have babies and I am getting weird and
sick and wild and really scared inside ,because it's too good, Charley,
I mean like tonight I got too much from everybody-it seems like it's
never been this good before, and wow, why didn't I know how nice
it could be to lie and to die in such a nice little way---oh my God,
Charley, I've gone too far-I keep telling myself, "You can't cheat
life," and yet I feel like I can, I mean Charley, let's cut the crap-–
you get on the telephone and get me a taxi because I'm going over to
live with Marion-yes, there is where I should be-with Marion-he
asked me tonight, yes, you cheap cowardly low-grade brown-nosing
son of a bitch--do you have anything to say now?
Pause--with a laugh and a cry,
ELENA
slams out the door.
(
offstage)
Yes, yes, goodbye, Charley.
Long pause.
EITEL:
(worn to a whisper)
Where, in what cemetery of the heavens,
do the tender words of lovers rest when they love no more?
CURTAIN
SCENE TEN
A Week Later
MARION FAYE'S
living-room. It is furnished with a few expen–
sive pieces of furniture and a cold austere look. At t.he moment
it is in disarray-it is apparent
ELENA
has moved in.
BEDA
has
come out of the bedroom on the rise of the curtain, and is
talking to
MARION.
While he talks, he combs his hair.
BEDA:
(looking at his watch)
They're testing another atom bomb to–
night.
MARION:
SO
I have been told.
BEDA:
Come over with Elena for a drink. We can watch from my
house. I understand the light reaches even to there.
MARION:
The view will be perfect from this place.
BEDA:
(has finished combing his hair-he hesitates)
Do you know,
Marion, your girl is a brave girl in her way.
MARION:
Everybody is brave, they say.
