Hector monologue — Five Little Plays

[_Coaxingly._] Sit down, laddie--just one rubber. It's quite early. Do. There's a good chap. [_They all sit:_ HECTOR _at back,_ BETTY _to the left of him,_ WALTER _to the right--he spreads out the cards--they draw for partners._] As we are--you and Betty--I've got the dummy. [_He shuffles the cards_--BETTY _cuts--he begins to deal._] That's how I like it--one on each side of me. Also I like having dummy. Now, Betty, play up. Oh, Lord, how good it is, how good! A nightmare, I tell you--terrible! And really you must forgive me for being such an ass. But the way you played up, both of you! My little Betty--a Duse, that's what she is--a real Duse! [_He gathers up his cards._] And the gods are kind to me--I've got a hand, I tell you! I call NO TRUMPS!