2
warm afternoon in June and the room is filled with soft sunlight which is waning.)
(Brigid and Beatrice Justice come in by the door on the left. Brigid is an elderly woman, lowsized, with irongrey hair. Beatrice Justice is a slender dark young woman of 27 years. She wears a wellmade navyblue costume and an elegant simply trimmed black straw hat, and carries a small portfolioshaped handbag.)
BRIGID
The mistress and Master Archie is at the bath. They never expected you. Did you send word you were back, Miss Justice?
BEATRICE
No. I arrived just now.
BRIGID
(Points to the easychair.) Sit down and I'll tell the master you are here. Were you long in the train?
BEATRICE
(Sitting down.) Since morning.
BRIGID
Master Archie got your postcard with the views of Youghal. You're tired out, I'm sure.
BEATRICE
O, no. (She coughs rather nervously.) Did he practise the piano while I was away?
BRIGID
(Laughs heartily.) Practice, how are you! Is it Master Archie? He is mad after the milkman's horse now. Had you nice weather down there, Miss Justice?
BEATRICE
Rather wet, I think.
BRIGID
(Sympathetically.) Look at that now. And there is rain overhead too. (Moving towards the study.) I'll tell him you are here.
BEATRICE
Is Mr Rowan in?
BRIGID
(Points.) He is in his study. He is wearing himself out about something he is writing. Up half the night he does be. (Going.) I'll call him.
BEATRICE
Don't disturb him, Brigid. I can wait here till they come back if they are not long.
BRIGID
And I saw something in the letterbox when I was letting you in. (She crosses to the study door, opens it slightly and calls.) Master Richard, Miss Justice is here for Master Archie's lesson.
(Richard Rowan comes in from the study and advances towards Beatrice, holding o