The Vortex

By Noël Coward.

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To
G. Calthrop
with a good deal of gratitude

Dramatis Personae

The Vortex

Act I

The scene is the drawing-room of Mrs. Lancaster’s flat in London. The colors and decoration are on the verge of being original. The furniture is simple but distinctly expensive.

Persons shown are Helen Saville and Pauncefort Quentin. Helen Saville and Pauncefort Quentin are shown in by Preston. Helen is a smartly dressed woman of about thirty. “Pawnie” is an elderly maiden gentleman.

Wandering round the room.

Not at all, but I do like things to be good and right.

Lightly.

I don’t think it matters, anyway.

Announcing.

Miss Hibbert.

Ringing bell.

My poor Clara—I do hope your singing tonight will justify the fuss you’re making this afternoon.

Petulantly.

My dear, I’ve got to rehearse—I don’t know a word—

Shaking hands.

How are you?

Ringing bell.

It’s never too early for a cocktail.

Sitting up.

I really do feel most peculiar.

To Tom.

Thank you, angel.