DEEP IN MY HEART

CHARACTERS

DR. RIC DE CASTRO

ISABEL DE CASTRO
NINA
MARIO
FELISA
TIRSO
DAVID

TIME: 10:30 pm

SCENE: A small restaurant located in a quiet street. The place is cozy. The ceiling is low. The main entrance with swinging doors is
at the center, rear. In both sides of the entrance are glass windows which give a view of the street. On the left is a door leading to
the Ladies' Room. On the right, two uneven doors, one leading to the kitchen and the other with a sign: “Office”. The table and
chairs mostly used by the central characters should be in the middle, front. A screen stands on one side, for the convenience of
patrons wishing a little privacy. Another table and two chairs, extreme right, front. The rest of the table and chairs maybe
conveniently placed a crossed the set, but they should be few and widely scattered to give the impression of space. Fresh flowers,
brightly colored runners, and hanging plants add to the gaiety and homely atmosphere. When the curtain rises, TIRSO is seen
sitting at one of the tables, sipping coffee. Obviously, he is waiting for someone for he keeps looking at his watch. MARIO, the
owner, a plump heavy-set man, wearing an apron, comes in from kitchen door, wipes the surface one of the tables. He looks at his
wristwatch the goes to main entrance, looks out casually, then glances back at the chairs and places it upside down on top of the
other. Sounds of running steps outside, then DR. RIC DE CASTRO and his wife ISABEL rush in, laughing. DR. RIC DE CASTRO is about
thirty-five, tall, well-built, with manly features. There is a touch of carelessness about his clothes, indicating lack of vanity, but also
a little sense of irresponsibility which is a characteristic of men have never really grown up. There is a far-away, lonely look about
his eyes, which he reveals unconsciously at unguarded moments. In these gay moments, like he is boyishly lighthearted. His voice
is low but clear. ISABEL is twenty-five, rather tall and very attractive, dressed in fine taste. She wears earrings and diamond
bracelet. There is a subtle air of coldness about her. She speaks in slightly high-pitched though pleasant.

RIC: Closing so early, Mario?

MARIO: Oh, good morning doctor! Not so early, its ten thirty.

RIC: We just came from the show across the street. There's a slight drizzle outside. We thought we'd drop for a bite.

MARIO: I was just about to close. Monday always spells poor business. Everybody stays home.

RIC: Isabel and I should be staying home too. But we are celebrating ---

MARIO: Celebrating?

RIC: Our third anniversary.

MARIO: How the years fly be. I remember the day you were married ---

RIC: We aren't too old yet Maria. Three years is only thirty-six months, no?

MARIO: You and your wife Isabel will never grow old; you always look young.

RIC: Oh, no? (Touching his temple) Look! – some gray hair already! You should see us twenty years from now.

MARIO: Oh, Doctor. That is so far away. I may not be alive then.

RIC: What am I a doctor for, if I don't make you alive to old age eh?

ISABEL: Ric my hair is sight.

MARIO: (Pointing to the ladies’ room). In there, Doña Isabel.

RIC: Where can I have my hat, Mario?

MARIO: Here, I’ll take it to the office. You're in high spirits today, Doctor.

RIC: Am I? Well, I suppose I’m happy.

MARIO: Oh yes, doctor, it is.

RIC: Remember the last time I wanted to use it? And such an important call, too.

MARIO: But it works now doctor, really it does.

RIC: You see, I have a patient --- the young son of my friend Vic mesa --- In a case of diphtheria. I asked him to keep in touch with
me if ever the fever rises. So, I'll call him up and tell him to get in touch with me here. Is that alright with you?

MARIO: Certainly, doctor, certainly. Give me your hat – I'll take it to the office.

RIC: Thanks, Mario. (Mario goes to his office. TIRSO, who has been overhearing the conversation, now turns and waves at RIC).

TIRSO: Dr. Ric De Castro in person!

RIC: Tirso! Well, what are you doing here?

TIRSO: This is a public restaurant, isn’t it? I'm waiting for a friend.

RIC: Hmmmm ----- a girl?

TIRSO: No, not this time anyhow.

RIC: Not this particular time anyhow.

TIRSO: A business transaction with a friend, really. If he doesn't show up in a minute, I’m going. (Mario goes out)

MARIO: Excuse me, doctor. Would you want ----maybe steaks and onions?

RIC: All right Mario. And of course, I don’t know what Isabel will order. We will wait for her. At any rate, bring us to cups of coffee.

MARIO: Right away, doctor. (Mario goes out)

TIRSO: (Smiling significantly.) I see you came with your wife.

RIC: Surprised?

TIRSO: Well, it’s one of the few times I see you with her.

RIC: Today is our wedding anniversary. (Tirso keeps smiling significantly.) What's the joke Tirso?

TIRSO: Oh nothing, I was just wondering' about you and her ---

RIC: Her? Isabel, you mean.

TIRSO: Not necessarily.

RIC: What do you? ---

TIRSO: Nina.

RIC: Nina? (He stares at Tirso, then looks away.)

TIRSO: I happen to know Nina.

RIC: Do you?

TIRSO: I was introduced to her once. A charming woman.

RIC: Yes, quite.

TIRSO: Of course, it struck me as rather surprising ---

RIC: Which?

TIRSO: I mean – with such charming wife as Isabel.

RIC: Oh, it’s hard to explain.

TIRSO: I have an impression that you and Isabel were happily married.

RIC: Oh, we are.

TIRSO: Are you?

RIC: In a way at least. But since our baby died a year ago --- there has been a change.

TIRSO: On whose part?

RIC: More of Isabel’s.

TIRSO: None of yours?

RIC: Well, I wouldn’t dare to say that Tirso.

TIRSO: Does she know?

RIC: About Nina? (Tirso NODS). I don’t think so.

TIRSO: You’re taking a big chance, Ric. If they should meet ---

RIC: Nina doesn't know much about me.

TIRSO: You mean --- Nina thinks you aren't married?

RIC: Well, if you want to put it that way---

TIRSO: If Nina should know? (Ric merely smile and shrugs his shoulder slightly.) And if Isabel should know?

(Mario comes in, bringing two cups of coffee which he places around on Ric's table.)

MARIO: Oh doctor, do you want the screened place around your table?

RIC: Yes Mario, I think I'd prefer it.

(Mario places the screen around his table, suddenly she found something on the table.)

MARIO: Oh, she forgot this.

RIC: What is it, Mario?

MARIO: The lady who was here a while ago --- she forgot her compact. She'll probably come back.

RIC: Well, Tirso, I'm sorry, but I must take that phone call.

TIRSO: I'll be seeing you, Ric. I'll walk around the corner and wait for that friend of mine. (Ric is going toward the office.) And Ric----

RIC: Yes?

TIRSO: I've found out something.

RIC: What?

TIRSO: That a woman doesn't always pay. Sometimes the man does, too. (Ric bursts our laughing.)

RIC: The voice of acid experience.

TIRSO: Experiences, rather. So long, Ric.

RIC: So long.

(Ric enters the office. Tirso is about to go. Mario coughs significantly.)

TIRSO: What is it?

MARIO: Your coffee?

TIRSO: Oh, how much is it?

MARIO: 150 pesos.

(Tirso gives her the money and goes out, rear. Maria picks put the compact again, shrugs her shoulder, put it on the table. Felisa
and David enter. Felisa is thin, small and a very domineering. Her husband is quite big, but very phlegmatic. Felisa carries umbrella
which she handles as it were a bazooka. She likes to emphasize a point of her conversation by waving the umbrella in the air. Her
voice is quite unpleasant. Her husband, however, doesn't speak at all throughout the play.)

FELISA: Taking me to the show tonight – and with that drizzle on. Suppose I catch a cold? Do you have enough money to pay the
doctor and buy medicine. No, of course not! You never have enough money to spend on me.

MARIO: What will you have?

FELISA: What will I have? Coffee, of course.

MARIO: And the gentleman?

FELISA: Coffee, too!

MARIO: Anything more?

FELISA: Are you trying to soak us? We just want coffee – absolutely nothing more.

MARIO: Very well.

FELISA: Make it snappy! I might catch a cold. I've just been in the rain.

MARIO: (Nothing that her umbrella is dripping.) Do you mind if – I put you umbrella near the door? It's dripping on the floor.

FELISA: Put it near the door! What for --- so somebody can swipe it? Certainly not! I'll keep it here.

MARIO: But the floor---

FELISA: Well, why blame me if your floor is dirty? Have it cleaned first thing in the morning!

MARIO: Er- I for what you ordered.

FELISA: A fine restaurant this is! Forgetting our orders! I ordered coffee for two!

MARIO: Ah, yes.

FELISA: Who's the owner of this restaurant? Call him!

MARIO: I am.

FELISA: Oh, you are? Well – never mind. (Mario goes out with an air of martyrdom on his face.) I'll blame if I catch a cold tonight. I
told you I didn't want to go to the show tonight --- I wanted it last night. But no, you were stubborn and insisted tonight. And what
picture did we see tonight not Xian Lim's but Empoy's. You knew they were to change program tonight--that’s why you insisted on
going! Empoy! Indeed! He isn't handsome– he isn't good looking – he isn't even attractive! And you take me to see him! Xian Lim
--- ahm there's my idol! He's handsome, He's romantic-looking, he’s attractive! He stands for romance, exotic, passionate romance!
And Empoy -- what does he stands for? Nothing, nothing! Just a common actor with no looks at all, with no attraction at all just try
and take another picture of Empoy--- just try it David, just try it. You won't get a breakfast for one whole week! Just try it, I'm
telling you! Why do you sit there like a post, without saying a word? Are you trying to humiliate me in public? Take that paper off
your face, David! And look at the way you dressed -- -- Look at your coat ----couldn't you use cleaner suit? And your pants- ---- look,
look, full of mud! And the horrid tie-- I told you I detested the color of that tie--- I told you many times. But you never pay
attention to me! And you said before we were married that you love me! Love me indeed! If you really and truly love me, you'd do
exactly as I tell you! And do you? No, never, never! You always like to follow your own street will! Plain stubborn, that's what you
are! So selfish, so opinionated! Always insisting you're right! As if I, your poor wife, couldn't be right at times! But no, I’m never
right. I'm always wrong-- always! Why doesn't she bring in the coffee? What a restaurant! Such poor service! And look at these
flowers ---plain, common orchids! Oh, horrid flowers with no smell at all! Why don't they use roses? Roses are beautiful, they are
sweet, they cheer up the room. Yes, and they'll cheer you up too, David, instead of sitting there like a piece of wood! Speak up,
why don't you say something? Naturally you can't contradict me this time because I'm right. I am always right, but you never give
me a credit for intelligence, do you? No, you always think you are right! Well, it’s good to know that you agree with this time.
Where's that coffee? (Shouting.) Where's that coffee? Hurry up! We can't stay here all night! (Mario enters with the coffee.) Well,
it was about time! After all we pay. You know and I like service to be quick and efficient. Good heavens, it takes you so long! Just
for a cup of coffee! Ha! I wonder if I had ordered some salad! It would probably take you three days! (To Mario). Be careful, be
careful! You want to spill that pot on me? You want to burn me, don't you? Yes, I can see it in your eyes! You're angry because I'm
giving you advice piece of advice. Well, don't be so arrogant, old man. Take advice humbly. It's good for everybody to have its
faults corrected--- Where's the sugar? Oh, here it is. (horrified) oh! An ant-- two ants! Two ants in this sugar bowl! Don't you know
you can be arrested for being insanitary? You want me and my dear husband to get killed? Do you-- do you? See, you don't
answer! You're like my husband! You're both two pieces statues! I refuse to use this sugar! Get me another, quick! Well, why don't
you defend yourself? Why don't you answer? You can't. You can't because you are guilty! Yes, you deliberately put those two ants
in the bowl—don't deny it! I saw it! (Mario patiently gets another bowl from another table. Felisa screams) Ouch! Oh! Oh! This
coffee is boiling! Hey, you, you did that deliberately too! Trying to burn my lips! Don't you stand here looking at me! Deny it! Deny
it! (Mario goes out, tearing her hair.) Did you see that, David? Did you see how she humiliated me here-- in public place? Say
something, you idiot, say something! Why don't you stand up and hold her in the collars and demand an explanation why don't
you? (David, in turning over the page he's reading, unconsciously raises his arms. Felisa screams. David doesn’t even bother to
look at her.) don't you dare pick up with that man here-- in public! The humiliations I've had to go through tonight! Just you wait
when we get home, just you wait! Trying to sock that waitress for such a trivial thing! You've always been like that, so complaining
about trifles! Curb your temper! I don't know why you married me-- I mean, why I married you! I was so happy at home, with my
mother--- I could do as I please. And since I married you, what liberty have I had? I can't do anything I want, it’s always you who
wants to get his own sweet way.

(Nina enters, rear, she's twenty-eight years old, older than Isabel. And yet looking younger, perhaps because she's shorty and
because of her delicate piquant features. She's the kind of woman who arouses the protective instinct in some men, although this
type can usually take good if herself. Her expressions are serious, even a trifle sad. She is dressed to extreme simplicity, wearing no
jewel at all. She speaks in a low, husky voice. The moment she enters, Felisa starts and stares at her with insolent eyes. Nina looks
about, then goes straight to the center table. Her eyes search the table, then finding her compact she picks it up. Felisa utters a
loud “Oh”. She stands up goes to Nina.)

FELISA: Young woman, what are 'you' doing?

NINA: (staring at her briefly, with a curious expression.) I forgot my compact here tonight.

FELISA: How do you 'know' that is your compact?

NINA :(shrugging her shoulders, amused.) It has my name on it. Nina. (Felisa takes a look at it but is convinced.)

FELISA: How can you prove you're Nina?

(Nina annoyed this time, stares at her contemptuously and gives her the cold shoulder. David has turned now and is staring at the
new arrival. Nina goes to rear door, suddenly stops, she opens the compact and finding her hair in need of a little fixing, she looks
towards the Ladies' Room and goes in. Felisa goes back to her table. She finds David still looking Nina's direction.)

FELISA: Well! What are you staring at? (David nonchalantly turns back to reading the paper.) You were attracted by that woman! So
being down right, unfaithful right in front of your dear wife! What did you marry me for? Wasn't it for better or for worse? And
now I catch you looking at another woman---a woman who looks so cheap, and common! Why don't you answer me? Say
something!
(David, exasperated, stands up. Seeing his empty cup of coffee, picks it up, stares at it. Then smashes it on the floor. Felisa gasps.
Mario, all excited. Seeing the broken cup, her gesture towards them.)

MARIO: You must pay for it!

FELISA: (Coolly.) It fell off the table.

MARIO: Feel of the table?! And smashed to a thousand pieces! When a cup falls off a table, it breaks into five or ten pieces. But
thousands of pieces?!

FELISA: Never mind your scientific possibilities. It fell, I said.

MARIO: You're lying! You must drop it forcefully!

FELISA: Calling me a liar?! Accusing me?!----

(David picks up the other cup, hurts it violently to the floor, then slowly taking his hat and paper, strides away. While passing
Ladies' Room he stops and his head turns in that direction, then hurriedly goes out.)

MARIO: Pay me or I call a police! You both delinquently characters!

FELISA: (Seeing her husband gone and the words she heard from him, her attitude becomes gentle and her voice soft.) Oh, my
husband – he’s going away! I can’t live without him. David, David, wait for me! The object of my happiness is leaving me! (Cooing)
David, David wait for me! (Opening the bag) Here—take this! We’ll never come here again me and my poor dear, dear husband.

(Felisa goes out. Mario starts picking up the broken cups and cleaning the table and enter the kitchen. Isabel and Nina come out of
the Ladies’ Room.)

NINA: Thanks for lending me your comb. I’m such a forgetful person. Always forgetting something everywhere I go. Now a hankie,
now a compact. Once, I forgot my bag with all my salaries in it. (Laughs)

ISABEL: Nothing unusual really. Who doesn’t forget things occasionally!

NINA: Ah, but in my case it’d habitual. (They have approached the table.) Tonight, for instance, I forgot my compact on this very
table.

(Laughing again) Oh, what a head.

ISABEL: (Notices the coffee.) The coffee. Wouldn’t you please join me?

NINA: No thanks, I must go now.

ISABEL: Please. The coffee will get cold.

NINA: But you must be waiting for somebody.

ISABEL: My husband.

NINA: Then.

ISABEL: Oh, but he’s phoning inside.

NINA: Really, I’ll be bothering ---

ISABEL: No bother at all. Anyhow, keep me company till he comes out, won’t you?

NINA: Well, you insist so charmingly ---

(Both sit down. A brief pause as Isabel pours the coffee. Isabel stares curiously at Nina.)

ISABEL: You came from the show?

NINA: The one across the street? Yes.

ISABEL: My husband and I also came from there. I like it.

NINA: So, did I. I was at home for somebody, but he didn’t show up, so I decided to take in a show.

ISABEL: Go ahead. Drink your coffee.

NINA: Thanks. (A brief pause)

ISABEL: May I know your name? You don’t mind, do you?

NINA: Certainly not. Nina. And yours?

ISABEL: You can call me Isabel. My husband and I are celebrating our wedding anniversary today.

NINA: Really? The first?

ISABEL: No, the third. I was married when I was twenty-two.

NINA: Well, I do wish you all the happiness in the years to come, Isabel.

ISABEL: Thank you Nina.

NINA: Any children?

ISABEL: (Stares at her briefly, lowers her eyes and said quietly.) Yes, a boy. He was born eleven months ago.

NINA: Oh, he must be quite grown up now.

ISABEL: He died when he was two months of diphtheria.

NINA: I’m sorry. (Pause as they slowly sip their coffee.) It must be a blow.

ISABEL: It was. I haven’t quite recovered from it. (Tries to change the subject by laughing awkwardly and raising her head.) We
must talk about other things Nina. (Turning over head towards the coffee) My husband is taking such a long time to talk over the
phone. He's a doctor, you know.

NINA: Doctors have so little time for themselves.

ISABEL: True. Just now he’s treating a patient as it were by phone.

NINA: What do you mean?

ISABEL: The child of a friend of ours has diphtheria too. Like --- ‘our' son. He was at the child’s house the whole day, but he had
promised to take me out tonight --- our anniversary, as I said – he decided to keep in touch with the child’s father by phone.

NINA: Quite a strenuous life, I imagine.

ISABEL: For my husband?

NINA: (nods) And for you too.

ISABEL: For both of us.

NINA: But it must be worth it?

ISABEL: Worth it?

NINA: isn’t it?

ISABEL: (After a brief hesitation) I guess it is. By the way, are you married? (Nina reddens.)

NINA: No --- not yet. But soon – soon.

ISABEL: What’s he like?

NINA: His looks?

ISABEL: (laughing) No, no. Looks in a man are deceiving.

NINA: I think so too.

ISABEL: His character, I mean. His nature. --- You don’t mind my asking, do you?

NINA: Indeed not, Isabel. Well, for one thing, he’s always gay. He has an indefinable child-like temperant --- a bit impulsive,
irresponsible, even unconditional. I can’t express it in exact words, but only two words seem to fit him. Boyishly charming.

ISABEL: Yes, some men are like that. You've known him long?

NINA: About five months.

ISABEL: How did you meet him? Or am I being too personal?

NINA: Oh, I don’t mind Isabel. One night I was taking my supper alone in the restaurant, when he came in. He carried some papers
in his hands. I wouldn’t have noticed him expect that there was an intense lonely expression in his eyes. When he passed by my
table, one of the papers in his hands slipped off, falling right under my table. Naturally I leaned down to pick it up and gave it to
him. He thanked me simply and looked at me. “Are you alone?” he asked. “You don’t mind if I join you?”

ISABEL: And he sat down?

NINA: Yes, and that’s how it all started.

ISABEL: You must be quite happy?

NINA: An any woman in love can be.

ISABEL: You’re quite young. (Nina laughs)

NINA: I am twenty-eight.

ISABEL: I can hardly believe it. And yet I’m only three years younger than you. But then I’ve been married three years, and you
haven’t.

NINA: (unconsciously) Oh, but --- (Isabel not noticing Nina's hesitation, still goes on)

ISABEL: Tell me more about yourself.

NINA: I’d rather talk about him.

ISABEL: If you prefer.

NINA: As I said, he likes to do the unexpected. Once he was at home, and it was raining lightly. “How about walking in the rain?” he
said. I laughed, so did he. I knew it was a crazy thing to do, but I nodded. We put on our raincoats and sallied forth in the rain.

ISABEL: What a coincidence, Nina. My husband --- that is, when we were still engaged --- made a similar suggestion.

NINA: Really?

ISABEL: It was a party. It was drizzling. I had a slight cold, but to please him, I said yes. So, we also walked in the rain. We were
quite gay. (Isabel's mood changes, and she looks serious now.) After we got married, a few weeks after my child’s death, my
husband proposed the same thing one night. But I told him it was quite silly. He never asked me again.

NINA: Oh, but I think ---

ISABEL: Why did you stop?

NINA: You don’t mind my saying so, do you? But I think it was quite a mistake to have said no.

ISABEL: He looked disappointed, very much, so I thought. It’s all right to do such foolish things when one is young --- but when
one’s married –

NINA: You don’t mind if I disagree with you? I see no valid reason for changing after marriage. Besides, most men retain something
of the child all their lives.
ISABEL: But such small things –

NINA: (interrupts) Those small things, Isabel maybe quite important to many men. Sometimes they can --- break a marriage.

ISABEL: Break a marriage?

NINA: Well, perhaps I exaggerate. Perhaps I should say small things can put unnecessary barriers between a couple. And in time
those barriers

can often become permanent and unassailable.

ISABEL: There may be something to what to say, Nina, and yet --- (Mario enters)

MARIO: You want more coffee, Señora?

ISABEL: No thanks. How about you Nina?

NINA: I like coffee, but it keeps me awake. And I’ve to work early tomorrow.

ISABEL: (now talking to Mario) Is my husband still on the phone?

MARIO: Yes. The child, I gather, has high fever. The doctor is giving instructions ---

ISABEL: I wish he’d hurry. It’s getting late.

MARIO: The doctor ordered steaks. They’ll be ready any minute now. (Notices Nina.) Oh, you forgot your compact tonight.

NINA: Yes, I came back.

MARIO: I left it where it was.

NINA: I found it. Thanks.

(Mario goes out.)

ISABEL: (Getting a cigarette case from her bag.) Do you smoke Nina?

NINA: Occasionally.

ISABEL: Here – take one. I was hesitating about offering you one.

NINA: I’m not very fond of it, really. (Refusing) No, not now, Isabel, thanks.

ISABEL: (Lighting her cigarette) I always feel self-conscious about smoking in the public.

NINA: Oh, I don’t mind a bit. When I feel like smoking in the public, I smoke with no apologetic airs. After all, the world doesn’t
help us when we are in trouble, so why would we let public opinion guide our actions?

ISABEL: But, Nina, we can’t always flaunt public opinion.

NINA: No, of course not. And please don’t think I’m trying to criticize you, but it seems to me woman rely too much on what the
world thinks of our actions?

ISABEL: Only woman?

NINA: Well, some men too. However, most men seem less self-conscious about public opinion. And the men who rely too much on
it somehow don’t amount too much. I can’t help comparing such men to the light of candles made of inferior wax --- dim, pale,
flickering. Like living cadavers. (Isabel laughs)

ISABEL: What an apt description, Nina. However, I don’t think that description would fit my husband.

NINA: And he neither.

ISABEL: He?

NINA: The man I love.

ISABEL: Oh.

NINA: What’s your husband’s name by the way, Isabel.

(Mario enters so suddenly and so noisily that Isabel doesn’t hear the question.)

MARIO: The doctor says he’s coming presently. It seems the child is getting worse.

ISABEL: Thanks. (Mario goes out.) You were saying something when he came in.

NINA: What? Oh, I’ve forgotten.

ISABEL: We might have interrupted our anniversary party tonight. My husband might have to go and see his patient.

NINA: Did you say the patient has diphtheria?

ISABEL: Yes. I can still see my own child, sick with the same thing. Feverish – delirious – gasping for breath – the unbearable sight
of seeing him suffocating despite the oxygen – and without either his father or me being able to do anything to help him. (Closes
her eyes and there is a long pause, Nina remains silent but a sympathetic listener.) Here I am again, talking about unpleasant
things.

NINA: Certain memories might be sad, Isabel, but never unpleasant.

ISABEL: Thanks Nina.

NINA: I’ve been admiring your jewels. That bracelet especially, very attractive.

ISABEL: Are you fond of jewels?

NINA: (Pausing before speaking, very gently). I’m afraid not Isabel. I seldom wear any. But I admire it in others.

ISABEL: My husband’s presents, all these.

NINA: My fiancé gave me striking pair of earrings, but I’ve never worn them.

ISABEL: Why?

NINA: I don’t know, Isabel. Merely a matter of individual preference, I suppose.

ISABEL: What did he say?

NINA: Who?

ISABEL: Your fiancé.

NINA: He merely laughed. Kissing me he said, “I admire simplicity in a woman.”

ISABEL: He must be a fine person.

NINA: He is.

ISABEL: What does he do?

NINA: Frankly, I don’t know for sure. I think he’s in business. He asks me not to be curious.

ISABEL: Where do you live, by the way, Nina? You live alone?

NINA: I live in an apartment. And yes, now, I live alone. I have a married sister who wants me to stay with her, but it’s rather far
from my workplace. I prefer my apartment.

ISABEL: Do you feel lonesome?

NINA: Not at all. He comes often. You see, I work in a newspaper office. I’m in the advertising department.

ISABEL: Why you are alone tonight?

NINA: He was supposed to come tonight, but this afternoon he sent a note. (Opening the bag) Here it is. (Reading).

Nina dearest, Sorry I can’t make it tonight. Something very important came up. Will explain later. (Puts the note back in her bag)

ISABEL: How I envy you. It must be exciting.

NINA: But I envy you, Isabel. You’re already married.

ISABEL: Yes --- but ---

NINA: I don’t want to intrude your private life, but don’t tell me yours isn’t a happy marriage?

ISABEL: Yes --- and no.

NINA : (laughing) When a woman answers that way, there’s one conclusion: it’s a no.

ISABEL : I’d rather not to talk about it.

NINA: As you wish Isabel.

(Isabel opens her bag and looks at herself in the mirror. The bag slips off the table and drops on the floor, spilling its contents. A
small knife drops out. Nina picks it up and hold it for moment.)

NINA: Why do you carry this knife, Isabel?

ISABEL: Just in case.

NINA: Just in case what? (Isabel embarrassed, keeps silent.) Oh, Isabel, don’t tell me you would ---

ISABEL: I’ve always thought that if my husband ---

NINA: You mean --- you’ll go to the extent of --- that is your husband ---

ISABEL: Yes --- and no, Nina

NINA: Quite ambiguous answer.

ISABEL: (holding the knife) if I knew my husband were – unfaithful.

NINA: But jealousy, Isabel, shouldn’t be unreasonable.

ISABEL: Is that feeling ever unreasonable?

NINA: What I mean is this – if the person whom we love strays away --- there’s no use breaking our heart over it.

ISABEL: And the sense of revenge?

NINA: More realistically, the sense of wounded personal vanity.

ISABEL: I couldn’t bear to think that my husband could belong to some other woman.

NINA: A man could desire to other woman --- and yet love his wife.

ISABEL: It’s quite comprehensible to me.

NINA: To most of us women, I’ll admit. In the mind of most men, love occupies several compartments of which only a special one
he might place all his capacity for true love. We women – put all our love in one single compartment – to our regret.

ISABEL: Are you suggesting we women should follow such callous procedure?

NINA: (laughing) It isn’t something callous, I assure you, Isabel. It’s never pleasant, I admit, to our pride to lose the exclusive
affection of someone we love. But we forget --- that some men – and women, too– are born without a sense of consistent
faithfulness. It’s part of their natural make- up, like the color one’s eyes or the shape of one’s eyes or the shape of one’s hands.

ISABEL: You’re implying that we women also follow men’s disloyalties?

NINA: Indeed not, Isabel! Oh no! Some men can afford to be unfaithful simply because their sense of irresponsibility makes them
think they lose nothing. But for us women --- to be unfaithful is helpless losing fight.

ISABEL: You mean then by that, if the person we love is unfaithful, we should be indifferent about it?

NINA: Certainly not, Isabel! I only mean --- that if you --- or I – remember what I told you – well, we can’t be hurt --- too much.

ISABEL: Really, Nina, it’s the very first time I’ve talked to anyone about these things.

NINA: You’ve led a rather sheltered life, haven’t you?

(Isabel smiles sheepishly, and nods. She looks at herself in the hand mirror.)

ISABEL: I’m quite pale. My husband will think I’m anemic. (Searching in her bag, laughs.) I’ve forgotten my rouge.

NINA: (Giving hers) Here --- use this. It’s the latest thing. It blends perfectly with the skin.

ISABEL: Thanks, Nina.

(Isabel rouges her skin. Maria enters with a tray and steaks.)

MARIO: At last!

ISABEL: I’m afraid I’m not so hungry anymore. Would you care to join us, Nina? I’m sure my husband will find your company very
interesting.

NINA: No, Isabel, really I must go. Thanks just the same. (Stand up)

MARIO: The doctor is coming any minute now. He had to make other call for some sort of consultation with another doctor. (Goes
out.)

ISABEL: I like this rouge, Nina.

NINA: Incidentally, you haven’t told me your full name.

ISABEL: Isabel de Castro.

NINA: (stares slightly) And your husband’s?

ISABEL: Dr. Ric de Castro.

(Isabel hasn’t noticed that Nina, at hearing the name, has become pale. Nina stares at Isabel with an incredible expression. She sits
down again and keeps staring at Isabel.)

NINA: (chockingly) What did you say – your --- husband’s name ---- was?

ISABEL: (Putting down the mirror) Dr. Ric de Castro. (Notices Nina's stare) You ---know him?

(Nina remains silent, but in flash their intuition tells them it is name of the same man they love. Isabel, her eyes on Nina, stands up
slowly. Ric de Castro strides in. He begins talking from the door. He doesn’t see Nina at first.)

RIC: Oh, Isabel, I awfully sorry --- the child is quite serious --- I see you have company. (Hearing this voice, though without seeing
him, Nina realizes Isabel’s husband is the same man she’s in love with. In complete shame and confusion, she avoids his eyes.
Upon seeing her, Ric loses his usual poise and become speechless. Both women look away, while he looks from one to the other.
His voice is more than a whisper.)

RIC: Nina ---- what are you doing here?

(Nina stands up, not daring to face him. Ric looks at his wife who also keeps her eyes averted.)

NINA: (with concealed bitterness in her voice) I keep asking myself the same question --- now.

(Nina turns abruptly and controlling her tears, she dashes into the street. Isabel keeps her eyes down, trying to hide her hurt. She
moves forward to the right. Ric remained in his place. A long pause.)
RIC: You know --- her?

ISABEL: (smiling bitterly and looks at him significantly) Everything.

RIC: How did she --- happen to be --- here?

ISABEL: By accident. She forgot her compact on the table – we met in the Ladies Room. She borrowed my comb ---- the coffee was
on the table.

RIC: What did she say?

ISABEL: About whom? (Looking at him briefly, then looking away again) We got acquainted. That’s the irony of it. We were talking
--- about my husband and she about --- the man she loved. We never mentioned names until --- (changing her tone) – And our
third wedding anniversary, too. One would have done it on purpose. (Pause) I should be thankful for.

RIC: For what?

ISABEL: You have --- taste, Ric.

RIC: (thinking she’s being sarcastic, feels more embarrassed) Oh, Isabel.

ISABEL: She’s nice – much too nice for that – kind of woman.

RIC: Be fair, Isabel.

ISABEL: (flaring up) I am being fair, Ric. I always thought such kind of women were --- cheap and gaudy and vulgar. She is not. I
must congratulate you. (Starts picking her bag)

RIC: What are you going to do?

ISABEL: You don’t expect me to go home with you now, do you?

RIC: Where do you intend to go?

ISABEL: To my mother’s. A natural thing to do, don’t you think? You were supposed to meet her tonight. She read to me the note.

(Mario enters)

MARIO: Doctor – Mr. Misa on the phone – he wants to know if you’re coming – his child is seriously ill.

RIC: Tell him I already called Dr. Balmori – he’s on his way there.

MARIO: But it’s you he wants, doctor!

RIC: Tell him I’ll be there presently!

(Mario goes out. Isabel is about to go. Ric grab her bag, puts it on the table. Then he grasps her arm roughly. Isabel winces with
pain.)

ISABEL: Ric, you’re hurting me!

RIC: We both have been hurt already.

ISABEL: Let go, Ric!

RIC: (slowly releases her pressure) You must listen to me!

ISABEL: What’s there to say? I’ve been supplanted, that’s all.

RIC: No, that isn’t all!

ISABEL: No?

RIC: Hard as you may find to believe me – I still – love you.

ISABEL: A strange notion of love you have, Ric.

RIC: No --- let me explain – (stops) Why are words sometimes so inadequate to express one’s feelings?

(Isabel stands, her head held up defiantly, without looking at him. Ric goes to her and puts his hand on her shoulders. She stiffens
and draw away.)

RIC: Please, Isabel – believe me --- it wasn’t a sordid love affair. (Isabel, unconvinced, smiles.) I met Nina – in a moment – of
unbearable, desperate loneliness.

ISABEL: Most men, I imagine, use the same excuse ---

RIC: --- a loneliness brought about by your own indifference – your coldness --

ISABEL: My indifference?

RIC: Unconscious, perhaps, but it was there just the same. When our baby died – you changed. The changed wasn’t abrupt –

ISABEL: I wanted my baby – more than anything else.

RIC: (angry) More than you wanted me?

ISABEL: How can you say that?

RIC: Your change was insidious – revealed at odd moments – moments of intimacy – a kiss or an embrace passionately given – and
coldly returned -

ISABEL: My grief –

RIC: And mine? I needed much comfort as you did.

ISABEL: I asked you to call another doctor –

RIC: Our child would have died the same.

ISABEL: I wonder.

RIC: Was that the resentment you had against me?

ISABEL: No --- no, Ric.

RIC: (Lowering his voice) I am a doctor and a busy one. I’ve my worries and disappointments like anybody else. Before we had a
child you were an ideal partner – you were gay and we liked to do many things together.

ISABEL: One grows --- and stops doing things that look – well, things that don’t seem proper. (He looks at her slowly)

RIC: Thus you must then excuse my relationship with Nina.

ISABEL: You intend to continue --- your friendship with her?

RIC: That’s for you to decide.

ISABEL: For --- me?

RIC: I’ve given you the facts. It’s up to you to choose your conclusions.

ISABEL: You still --- love her?

RIC: That’s difficult to answer.

ISABEL: Why?

RIC: She gives me what my wife doesn’t --- now.

ISABEL: I can’t stand that idea --- having belonged to another woman, I can’t

RIC: Your pride, naturally.

ISABEL: My self-respect.

RIC: When a wife fulfills her duties ---

ISABEL: You mean to imply that I --- drove you to her?

RIC: I’d rather not commit myself.

ISABEL: And if Nina --- doesn’t want to – (Mario enters.)

MARIO: Please doctor --- Mr. Misa again on the phone – he insists on talking to you –

(Ric looks at his wife, and then follow Mario to the office. Nina enters and seeing Isabel stops. Slowly she threads her way to the
table and picks up her bag. Isabel turns.)

NINA: (Embarrassed) My bag. (Nina walks away and is now near the rear door.)

ISABEL: Nina. (Nina stops.) What do you intend to do?

NINA: (turning slightly but without looking at her.) I don’t know. Go away, I suppose.

ISABEL: Where? (Nina advances closer to Isabel)

NINA: Anywhere. It doesn’t matter. (Pause) Has he said anything --?

ISABEL: Ric? (Nina nods) He didn’t say anything --- about you.

NINA: Then – it would be useless to see him. Besides, I couldn’t face him now.

ISABEL: Why?

NINA: (Hesitatingly) I --- don’t know. (Fiercely) I just couldn’t see him now!

(Isabel, in an effort to keep her poise, plays with her jewels.)

ISABEL: May --- I ask you --- one question?

NINA: What is it?

ISABEL: You --- still --- love --- Ric?

NINA: (looking at her) You ask me --- that?

ISABEL: I had – to know. (Nina sits down quietly.) Do you? (Suddenly Nina, leaning her head on the table, breaks into quite sobs.)

NINA: Deep in my heart --- yes. (She continues weeping as if her heart would break. Isabel goes wear her and looks at her for a
moment. Then she looks down at the bag she’s holding, and a strange expression comes into her eyes. She opens her bag slightly,
gets the knife and stares at it briefly. Holding the knife, she approaches Nina from back. But hearing her sobs, Isabel’s eyes, glowing
the hate, just a suddenly soften. She slowly puts the knife back in the bag. Then she touches Nina on the shoulders.)

ISABEL: What words can I say, Nina, to comfort you? (Nina stands up rather brusquely)

NINA: Thanks. I don’t need your pity.

ISABEL: I don’t mean to ---

NINA: I understand. I’m sorry. But thanks just the same.

ISABEL: Tell me --- will you continue ---

NINA: Loving Ric? (A brief pause.) No. You need not worry. You can be sure of yourself now, Isabel. Ric is your husband. You’ve the
power over him that I haven’t.

ISABEL: Just tell me Nina!

NINA: No, really I don’t. But you possess him --- always will.
ISABEL: (Quietly) so did you.

NINA: Once.

ISABEL: And I’m not sure of him --- now.

NINA: Why not?

ISABEL: You.

NINA: You need not to worry about me, I said.

ISABEL: Perhaps not --- and yet --- some day he might ---

NINA: I’m not going to fight for him.

ISABEL: Aren’t you?

NINA: It isn’t worth it.

ISABEL: Ric, you mean?

NINA: I didn’t mean to put it that way. What I mean is that it isn’t worth all the anxiety and the heartbreak. An affair like ours is too
flimsy --- and eventually it’ll lead to a useless, futile end. Wouldn’t it?

ISABEL: My answer wouldn’t be quite fair.

NINA: No --- but deep inside you know it. You see, you may laugh if I tell you something.

ISABEL: Go ahead.

NINA: I too retain some ideals. Ric made me believe he wasn’t married.

ISABEL: He promised to marry you?

NINA: Not exactly. Really. I don’t care. I was happy with him. I really thought he was single. If he were, I wouldn’t mind fighting for
him --- but married, no.

ISABEL: May I know ---?

NINA: You see, I was married --- once.

ISABEL: Oh.

NINA: My husband and I live apart. When I met Ric I thought that at last I found the man could be happy with. And I was. But I
want the man I love to be mine alone.

ISABEL: And if my husband insist on going back ---

NINA: My door will be closed to him.

ISABEL: I don’t know what to do.

NINA: What do you have to fear? Your hold over him is too deep for outer touch. You lost Ric temporarily, perhaps through your
own fault. I don’t know. He never mentioned you, of course. But if he still wants you,take him back. Before the break becomes
hopelessly complete. –

(pause) Will you please give these keys to him?

ISABEL: Keys?

NINA: To my apartment. I shall not need them now.

ISABEL: Where you intend to go?

NINA: To my sister’s --- oh yes, please give this to him. (She gets a small notebook, tears off a page, then hastily scribbles down a
few words. Isabel takes the note and the keys.)

ISABEL: Don’t go yet.

NINA: Why not call it by its right name? False pride. (Isabel is hurt by the sarcasm in her words, but pretends not to notice it.

ISABEL: How can I take him back now --- knowing that you ---

NINA: Ric is your husband – you nearly lost him – it’s up to you to win him back.

ISABEL: Can I?

NINA: Self-pity doesn’t become you.

ISABEL: Somehow --- I almost hate him now.

NINA: I see your complacent sense of possession has deserted you.

ISABEL: You’ve been such a kind person, Nina ---

NINA: Yes, that was before --- I knew. I love Ric --- and I’ve lost him. I too cherished some dreams Ric and I made, but those
illusions, like loose petals, are now scattered. (Bitterly) I may not a common woman, Isabel, but I can’t afford to be a noble! (She
goes to the door.)

ISABEL: (quietly) you --- love Ric?

NINA: (Smiling enigmatically) I always will --- deep in my heart. (Nina turns and leaves hurriedly rear. On Isabel’s face can be seen
that terrific inner struggle she’s undergoing. She looks at the keys and tosses them and the letter on the table. Her eyes drifts
towards the office where Ric is calling. Suddenly, with an almost defiant air, she strides out.)

(The light grow dim. Mario enters. She stands puzzled as she sees the food hasn’t been touched. He looks around, walks to the
rear door, looks out and not seeing the women, she shrugs her shoulders. She removes the screen to the corner. She is preparing
to remove the dishes, when Ric, with an utterly dejected expression, comes out.)

MARIO: Doctor --- aren’t you going to eat?

RIC: Where’s Isabel?

MARIO: She left.

RIC: Left where?

MARIO: She isn’t around --- How’s the child doctor? (Ric slumps in the chair.)

RIC: (Dully) The child is --- dead. (Mario merely looks down and is about to go to the kitchen.) Mario --- have you got some whisky?

MARIO: Yes doctor. Right away, right away. (Maria goes out. Suddenly Ric notices the keys on the table, and the letter. He reads it
aloud.) “Ric – Here are the keys. Take your wife back – she’s worthy of you. The illusions I give you – but the dreams – my dreams –
I shall keep – gentle -- , unforgotten, unfilled –Nina.”

(Ric crushes the letter in his hands and remains staring into space. After a long pause, Isabel appears at the rear door. Slowly she
walks towards him. Seeing somebody beside him, Ric merely glances up briefly at her. For a few seconds, neither speaks.)

ISABEL: (almost in whisper) Ric ---

RIC: The child is dead. (Isabel looks at him, then impulsively kneels down and embracing him, she breaks into sobs. Ric holds her
head and kisses her brow. He rises and raises his wife up.) Shall we go home now?

(Isabel just nods.)

ISABEL: The child’s mother – shouldn’t we visit her?

RIC: Visit her?

ISABEL: The mother might need comfort.

RIC: Do you want to? (Again, Isabel simply nods.) It’s raining.

ISABEL: Remember --- once? (Ric smilingly nods his head.)

RIC: Would you want to ---?

ISABEL: Walk in the rain?

RIC: Would you?

(Isabel’s answer is a shy smile. Hand in hand they go out. The stage is empty for a moment. Mario enters hurriedly with a tray and
not finding Ric, disappointedly bangs the tray on the table. He runs to rear door and seeing them walking in the rain, he scratches
her head. The clock slowly strikes twelve. Mario takes out his pocket watch, keeps scratching his head, and beams a broad smile.)

CURTAIN