[SCREEN IMAGE: GLAMOUR MAGAZINE COVER.]

[AMANDA enters with phone on long extension cord. She is spotted in the dim state.]

AMANDA: Ida Scott? This is Amanda Wingfield! We missed you at the D.A.R. last Monday! I said to myself: She’s probably suffering with that sinus condition! How is that sinus condition? Horrors! Heaven have mercy!- You’re a Christian martyr, yes, that’s what you are, a Christian martyr! Well, I just have happened to notice that your subscription to the Companion’s about to expire! Yes, it expires with the next issue, honey!- just when that wonderful new serial by Bessie Mae Hopper is getting off to such an exciting start. Oh, honey, it’s something that you can’t miss! You remember how “Gone With the Wind” took everybody by storm? You simply couldn’t go out if you hadn’t read it. All everybody talked was Scarlet O’Hara. Well, this is a book that critics already compare to Gone With the Wind. It’s the “Gone With the Wind” of the post-World War generation! – What? -Burning!- Oh, honey, don’t let them bum, go take a look in the oven and I’ll hold the wire! Heavens – I think she’s hung up!

[DIM OUT]

[LEGEND ON SCREEN: “YOU THINK I’M IN LOVE WITH CONTINENTAL SHOEMAKERS?”]

[Before the stage is lighted, the violent voices Of TOM and AMANDA are heard. They are quarrelling behind the portières. In front of them stands LAURA with clenched hands and panicky expression. A clear pool of light on her figure throughout this scene.]

TOM: What in Christ’s name am!

AMANDA [shrilly]: Don’t you use that –