Scene 7
ELEANOR: That’s not true! I’m very level-headed.
RAYMOND: You’re--
MARY: [Interrupting RAYMOND] We need to start supper. Eleanor, start browning the meat. I’ll take care of the cabbage. Raymond, put your game away and set the table. Don’t forget to wash your hands.
[Beat]
ELEANOR: Say, Raymond, when you ship out you’ll need a valise. You know, a traveling bag, right?
RAYMOND: Yeah, I guess so.
ELEANOR: Do you have one?
RAYMOND: I’ll hafta check the attic. Ma, do we have a valise?
MARY: If we had any, your brothers took them.
ELEANOR: Gee, Raymond, it seems you’ll need a valise, and fast! On the other hand, you can always use a burlap bag from the shed.
RAYMOND: I’m not using no burlap bag! Where’s the best place to get a . . . what’d you call it?
ELEANOR: A valise? Any department store will do.
RAYMOND: Are they expensive?
ELEANOR: [Dramatically] Oh, yes, Raymond, they’ll wipe out your whole bank account!
RAYMOND: Knock it off, Sis! Just answer the question! Are they expensive?
ELEANOR: They’re not too much. Probably five dollars.
RAYMOND: Five bucks! That kinda dough for a valise!
ELEANOR: I’m just guessing. Maybe they’re less.
RAYMOND: I hope so.
ELEANOR: Well, there’s always the burlap bag.
RAYMOND: Sis, dry up with the burlap bag. In fact, just stop talking.
ELEANOR: To you, or just in general?
RAYMOND: I don’t care.
ELEANOR: Then I’ll talk to Ma. Say, Ma, I have a question. If a person were taking a trip on Monday and needed a valise, wouldn’t he have to get one TODAY since the stores are closed TOMORROW? [MARY does not respond; after a few beats] Ma?
MARY: What is it?
ELEANOR: Did you hear my question?
MARY: The grease can is under the sink.
ELEANOR: No, my question was, if a person needed a valise for a trip on Monday, wouldn’t he have to get one today since the stores are closed tomorrow?
MARY: Who’s taking a trip on Monday?
RAYMOND: No one!
ELEANOR: Raymond! Why are you doing this? It’s silly.
RAYMOND: I know what I’m doing.
Continued Tomorrow.
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