Editing The Missing Arm (section)

=== Scene 2					===
Time: two weeks after the events in scene 1

Place: the REET’s house. ERVYNE is sitting on a chair. Where his left arm was is a bandage.


Enter MILDRED, carrying a meal.					

MILDRED. (Sets the meal on the table.) There’s your lunch, Ervyne.


ERVYNE. Thank you. (Smiles.) You said you wanted to see me?					

MILDRED. When you’re done with your lunch, though. You must regain your strength.		

ERVYNE. No, no, Mildred. If you need to say something, say it.					

MILDRED. But—it’s not something I can say very quickly.					

ERVYNE. Well, I don’t mind.					

MILDRED. (Stammers.) Can I—tell you?					

ERVYNE. Yes, yes.					

MILDRED. You see, Ervyne, everyone in the village loves you now...because you’re a hero. And I’m not criticizing them...but I don’t feel the same way about you.					

ERVYNE. (Startled.) No?					

MILDRED. No, Ervyne. What I admire about you is that you’ve changed so much. You’re not so sullen and discontented anymore. You’ve changed...now you think about what’s best for others, and you’re brave and kind, and I...I...I’ve always hoped that you would change and become more selfless.					

ERVYNE. (Uncomfortably.) I should hope so.					

MILDRED. I know that’s so, Ervyne. Ervyne...I wanted to say...I’ve come to admire you even more than before...


ERVYNE. Oh, Mildred, I am not the good man you think I am.

MILDRED. You are, Ervyne, I know it. And I...love you. (She watches ERVYNE with an	innocent smile.)


ERVYNE. (Aside.) Well, I expected prestige would come with these tales, but not a wife! I don’t care to deceive those poor villagers, but Mildred is different...poor girl! If she knew the truth...but I can’t tell it now, can I? There’s nothing I can do about this...(To Mildred.) I...suppose...if you think so well of me...that we can...(Takes her hand.)


MILDRED. Oh, Ervyne! Oh! Thank you!


(Curtain.)					

Time: a week after the events in scene 1