Fifty Contemporary One-Act Plays Part 137

PETRA. The sun is rather hot.

DOnA LAURA. Yes, to you who are only 20 years old. [_She sits down on the bench._] Oh, I feel more tired to-day than usual. [_Noticing Petra, who seems impatient._] Go, if you wish to chat with your guard.

PETRA. He is not my guard, Senora; he belongs to the park.

DOnA LAURA. He belongs more to you than to the park. Go seek him, but remain within calling distance.

PETRA. I see him over there waiting for me.

DOnA LAURA. Do not remain away more than ten minutes.

PETRA. Very well, Senora. [_Walks toward right, but is detained._]

DOnA LAURA. Wait a moment.

PETRA. What does the Senora wish?

DOnA LAURA. You are carrying away the bread crumbs.

PETRA. Very true. I don't know where my head is.

DOnA LAURA [_smiling_]. I do. It is where your heart is--with your guard.

PETRA. Here, Senora. [_She hands Dona Laura a small bag. Exit Petra._]

DOnA LAURA. Adios. [_Glancing toward trees._] Here come the rogues. They know just when to expect me. [_She rises, walks toward right, throws three handfuls of bread crumbs._] These are for the most daring, these for the gluttons, and these for the little ones which are the biggest rogues. Ha, ha. [_She returns to her seat and watches with a pleased expression, the pigeons feeding._] There, that big one is always the first. That little fellow is the least timid. I believe he would eat from my hand. That one takes his piece and flies to that branch. He is a philosopher. But from where do they all come? It seems as if the news had been carried. Ha, ha. Don't quarrel. There is enough for all.

To-morrow I'll bring more.

[_Enter Don Gonzalo and Juanito. Don Gonzalo is an old gentleman over 70, gouty and impatient. He leans upon Juanito's arm and drags his feet along as he walks. He displays ill temper._]

DON GONZALO. Idling their time away. They should be saying Ma.s.s.

JUANITO. You can sit here, Senor. There is only a lady.

[_Dona Laura turns her head and listens to the dialogue._]

DON GONZALO. I won't, Juanito. I want a bench to myself.

JUANITO. But there is none.

DON GONZALO. But that one over there is mine.

JUANITO. But there are three priests sitting there.

DON GONZALO. Let them get up. Have they gone, Juanito?

JUANITO. No, indeed. They are in animated conversation.

DON GONZALO. Just as if they were glued to the seat. No hope of their leaving. Come this way, Juanito. [_They walk toward birds._]

DOnA LAURA [_indignantly_]. Look out!

DON GONZALO [_turning his head_]. Are you talking to me, Senora?

DOnA LAURA. Yes, to you.

DON GONZALO. What do you wish?

DOnA LAURA. You have scared away the birds who were feeding on bread crumbs.

DON GONZALO. What do I care about the birds.

DOnA LAURA. But I do.

DON GONZALO. This is a public park.

DOnA LAURA. Then why do you complain that the priests have taken your bench?

DON GONZALO. Senora, we have not been introduced to each other. I do not know why you take the liberty of addressing me. Come, Juanito. [_Both exit._]

DOnA LAURA. What an ill-natured old man. Why must some people get so fussy and cross when they reach a certain age? I am glad. He lost that bench, too. Serves him right for scaring the birds. He is furious. Yes, yes; find a seat if you can. Poor fellow! He is wiping the perspiration from his face. Here he comes. A carriage would not raise more dust than he does with his feet.

[_Enter Don Gonzalo and Juanito._]

DON GONZALO. Have the priests gone yet, Juanito?

JUANITO. No, indeed, Senor. They are still there.

DON GONZALO. The authorities should place more benches here for these sunny mornings. Well, I suppose I must resign myself and sit on the same bench with the old lady. [_Muttering to himself, he sits at the extreme end of Dona Laura's bench and looks at her indignantly. Touches his hat as he greets her._] Good morning.

DOnA LAURA. What, you here again?

DON GONZALO. I repeat that we have not been introduced.

DOnA LAURA. I am responding to your greeting.

DON GONZALO. Good morning should be answered by good morning, and that is what you should have said.

DOnA LAURA. And you should have asked permission to sit on this bench which is mine.

DON GONZALO. The benches here are public property.

DOnA LAURA. Why, you said the one the priests occupied was yours.

DON GONZALO. Very well, very well. I have nothing more to say. [_Between his teeth_.] Doting old woman. She should be at home with her knitting and counting her beads.

DOnA LAURA. Don't grumble any more. I'm not going to leave here just to please you.