The date March, 1894.
The time 10.30 p.m._
_Mrs. Gladstone sits before the fire, on a sofa comfortable for two,
finishing off a piece of knitting. Apparently she has just rung the bell,
on the arrival from the dining-room of her husband and his two guests, for
presently the door opens and the footman presents himself for orders. Mr.
Gladstone takes down from the bookshelf a backgammon board, which he opens
upon a small table somewhat distant from the fireplace_.
GLADSTONE. Well, Armitstead, draughts, or backgammon?
ARMITSTEAD. It was backgammon you promised me.
GLADSTONE. A rubber?
ARMITSTEAD. I shall be delighted.
(_They seat themselves, and begin to set the board. Mr. Morley stands
detached looking on, grave, not quite at ease_.)
MRS. G. (_to the footman_). James, bring up the wine and some
biscuits.
JAMES. Whisky, madam?
MRS. G. No, no; biscuits. Soft biscuits for the other gentlemen, and some
hard ones for the master.
JAMES. Yes, madam.
(_He goes, and in a few minutes returns, sets wine and biscuits on the
side-table, and retires_?)
MORLEY (_to_ GLADSTONE). Now?
GLADSTONE. If you will be so good, my dear Morley, I shall be much
obliged.
(_Slowly and thoughtfully Mr. Morley goes over to fireplace, where he
stands looking at Mrs. Gladstone, who is now beginning to "cast-off" a
completed piece of knitting. The rattle of the dice is heard_.)
GLADSTONE. You play.
(_Thereafter, as the game proceeds, the dice are heard constantly_.
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