Scene 2

The same family living room. The children and James are in different clothes, and Sylvia has had a change of apron. The tea sets and chessboard are gone and Andy is holding a feather duster. The old lady comes out of the black door. Sylvia gives her a brown paper bag.

Sylvia: Some food for the journey.

Old woman: You’re too kind.

James: Must you really leave? It wouldn’t do well on my conscience to have you out there in the cold.

Old woman: Oh yes. It wouldn’t do well on my conscience to keep intruding. Pats James’s cheek and nods towards the children. Pulls out a glove, make of black wool with gold embroidery from her coat and gives it to James. If you believe in stories, this may come of good use to you. I was told it was a piece of fine Egyptian art and would give one wish to whoever wants it. Even if it doesn’t do that, will you take it as a token of appreciation?

James: It’s wonderful. Goes to hang it up on a hook in the display case.

Old woman: It’s much more at home up there than in my old coat pocket. Such a thing ought to be displayed. Admires it for a while I’ll better be off now before nightfall. Good day, and thank you again.

Andy: Any time. Opens the white door for her.

James: Do come again if you need anything…the house is always open.

The old woman smiles at him and leaves the house. Sylvia goes out of the black door and returns with a newspaper, which she gives to James.

Alvin: Do you suppose it really works? The glove I mean.

Diana: She did look sure of what she was saying.

Alvin: Too bad it only gives us one wish, if we try to find out if it does work, we won’t be able to use it.

James: Alvin, you don’t really believe in all these nonsense.

Alvin: I guess so…but still,

James cuts him off with the exclamation of his departure to work. He does not want to speak of the glove any more.

James: Well, I better be off to work now. I don’t want to be late. Walks towards door. Will you fetch me my coat and case, Andy?

Andy: Certainly, sir.

Andy gets James’s black detective-like coat and briefcase from the coffee table and helps him into it, before opening the door to let him out. While they do that Diana, Sylvia, and Alvin go out through the black door and Diana comes back with a book. She sits on the armchair reading. Andy shuts the door and goes out through the black door.

The lights black out. a ten second pause where the characters come back into the scene and pose themselves naturally around the space. Andy is polishing the glass pieces in the display case and Sylvia is reading to the children on the couch. The lights flicker on again and James comes back into the scene through the white door. Alvin gets up from the couch and walks towards him.

Alvin: I was thinking, maybe we could test the glove to be sure. It would be a waste if we don’t-

James: Shouting. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS MAGIC! LET ALONE ANYTHING SPECIAL ABOUT THAT GLOVE! He pauses for a while and relaxes before continuing sternly. One more word about that thing and I’ll send you straight to the pastor for confession.

James throws his briefcase and bag onto the floor and storms out of the room through the black door. Alvin stares at him leave, and the rest of them stare at Alvin. The scene ends