Mongoose

 Act 1 Scene 1
SETTING: The Darling Home
TIME: 1890’s
AT RISE:
A table and four chairs are stage right along with a window unit. A door divides the stage into house and garden. PAPA sits at the table surrounded by MARY, GEORGE, and MICHAEL who clutches a toy mongoose. Papa reads a letter.
PAPA
“I shall write more of my adventures in India in the next letter as it seems I am out of paper at the moment. I hope I find all is well with you. Much love, Uncle Hyde.”
MARY
Oh isn’t that wonderful?
GeORGE
I wish we could live in India! Wouldn’t you like that, Michael? Then you could have a real-live mongoose!
MARY
Maybe you could SEE a real-live mongoose.
GEORGE
Let’s pretend we’re in India! Michael, you be a mongoose and I’ll be the snake, like in Mr. Kipling’s story.
MICHAEL and GEORGE begin to play-wrestle on the ground.
PaPA
Boys, take your antics outside. BOYS!
MARY steps between them.
Mary
I know! How about I’m the snake and if you don’t go running out into the garden this instant I’ll EAT YOU UP!
GEORGE exits screaming gleefully. MICHAEL sits on the floor giggling.
MarY
Michael, if you don’t move I’m going to eat you. Is that what you want? Huh?
MARY starts tickling MICHAEL who giggles uncontrollably.
MARY
I’m going to eat you up! Nom. Nom. Nom. Stop giggling. Why are you giggling? I’m supposed to be a scary snake!
MICHAEL giggles and shakes his head no.
MARY
I’m not a scary snake? No, I suppose I’m not very scary, am I?
MICHAEL shakes his head no and snuggles into MARY’s arms. MARY kisses the top of his head.
PAPA
Mary.
MARY
(To MICHAEL)
Why don’t you run out and see if Georgie wants to pick flowers for Momma?
MICHAEL nods and exits.
MARY
I thought with it being Spring Momma could do with some fresh flowers.
PAPA
Mary.
MARY
I hate leaving all those dead ones piled up like that. It looks awful, like she’s been abandoned.
PAPA
Mary, the Mission Board is sending me back to India. They want me there for a year at least. Probably longer.
MARY
Oh. (Pause) Will you be working with Uncle Hyde again?
PAPA
No. They’re sending me to a remote village in northern India.
MARY
Well, we’ve been expecting they’d send you back anytime now.
PaPA
True. Do remember the last time I left? You were only eight then.
MArY
I remember being at gran’s for a while. Michael didn’t like that much.
PAPA
I hate leaving you and the boys. Especially now...But I’ll have to, at least for a little-
MArY
It’s alright, Papa. We can manage-
PAPA
Until I can send for you that is.
MarY
Send for us? Papa, you don’t mean...Are we to live in India with you?
PAPA
Do you think it’s a terrible idea?
MarY
No! Oh, it would be wonderful. The boys would love it!
PAPA
And you?
MarY
Anywhere where we can all be together will feel like home to me.
PAPA
Of course I will need to make preparations. It will be four months before I can send for you. That’s the earliest Hyde can take you in.
MarY
We’re to stay with Uncle Hyde?
PAPA
Yes. He’s agreed to look after you until I have things sorted.
MARY
It will be so good to finally meet him. He’s written so much I feel like I know him, but it’s not quite the same as meeting someone in person.
PAPA
I thought about having you stay here in England, but I want you and the boys close by.
MARY
You needn’t worry about us, Papa. I can look after George and Michael.
PaPA
I know you can. You’ve done such a good job of it these past few years.
MARY
I hope Momma would be proud of how we turned out.
PAPA
She would be. Still, I hate leaving you.
MarY
We’ll be alright.
PaPA
What if something happens? You know how Michael can be.
MARY
Michael will be just fine. I’ll make sure of it.
PAPA
I’ll miss all of you terribly.
GEORGE enters on the other side of the stage and climbs through the window. He carries a fistful of flowers.
PAPA
George! Get down from there.
MARY
Oh, Georgie! What beautiful flowers.
GeORGE
Momma’s gunna love them, won’t she?
MARY
Of course she will. They smell wonderful.
MARY hugs GEORGE. MICHAEL enters and stands at the window also carrying flowers.
PAPA
Now, Michael-
MICHAEL climbs through the window.
MARY
Oh, Michael!
MICHAEL hugs MARY and GEORGE. MARY looks at PAPA.
MARY
Let’s go give these to Momma, shall we?
They move through the door. MARY kneels next to a pile of dead flowers and clears them away. MICHAEL and GEORGE lay their new flowers. The children sit. PAPA stands.
MarY
Georgie, I think it’s Michael’s turn, isn’t it?
GeORGE
Can’t I have it a little longer? It’s only been a week.
Mary
We all promised to take turns with Momma’s locket.
GeoRGE
But Michael doesn’t care. Do you Michael?
MarY
Please, Georgie, for Momma?
GeORGE
Alright...
GEORGE takes off a locket and puts it around MICHAEL’s neck.
MarY
Thank you.
GeORGE
Tell us what Momma was like.
MarY
Well, she had long, chestnut hair that she wore up, and she was always making things for us. She made Michael’s mongoose, and-
GeORGE
And my pony!
MarY
And your pony. She loved to garden. I remember helping her weed and listening to her sing.
PapA
(Fondly)
She was a little tone-deaf.
MarY
(Laughs)
But I loved it. She would sing lullabies when she tucked us in at night. I remember thinking she was so beautiful...Michael has her nose (Bops MICHAEL’s nose). And you, Georgie. You have her eyes.
GeorGE
What do you have, Mary?
PaPA
Mary has her character and courage.
MarY
I do?
PapA
You do. Very much so.
GeORGE
A frog! Look, Papa! Quick, help us catch it. Careful, Michael, don’t squish it!
GEORGE, and MICHAEL exit chasing the frog. PAPA slowly follows. MARY sits by the flowers a moment longer. She exits.
The lights go down.
The lights come up. Mary enters dressed slightly differently. She sits on the ground by the flowers.
MARY
How’d you do it, Momma? You managed to keep us fed, clean, and happy. I can barely manage one. I promised Papa we’d be alright. But he’s been gone almost five months now and it’s just so much harder than I thought.
There’s so much to do and there’s never enough time to do it. The food and money always seem to be just barely enough. George helps me when he can, bless his soul, but he shouldn’t have to. I mean, he’s only eight after all...and so grown up too. And Michael...well, you know Michael.
We’re expecting word from Papa any day now. I thought we’d get a letter last week. I’m trying not to worry. Papa keeps writing that we should be able to come very soon now. Oh, I hope he’s right. I’d miss visiting you though, Momma.
I must confess...I don’t know how much longer I can manage things here...especially Michael...How did you ever manage it, Momma?
GEORGE enters followed by MICHAEL.
GEORGE
Mary! Mary! We got a telegram!
GEORGE gives MARY the telegram.
GEORGE
What’s it say? What’s it say?
MARY reads the telegram.
MarY
It’s from Papa. He says, come at once. We’re finally going to India!
GEORGE
Hurray! Do you hear that, Michael? We get to go to India! We get to see the mongooses!
MICHAEL squeaks in delight. MICHAEL and GEORGE jump up and down and dance together.

Act 1 Scene 2
SETTING: Dr.’s Office
Three of the chairs have been removed. The DOCTOR sits at the Table. MARY enters with a bandaged hand.
MARY
Excuse me, sir. The nurse said to come right in.
Doctor
Come in, come in. How can I help you?
MARY
I just need a few stitches. I cut my hand pretty deep.
DOCTOR
My, my. Let’s see what I can do.
He begins the process of stitching her hand (disinfecting, etc).
MARY
I would’ve stitched it myself, sir, only I can’t sew left-handed.
DOCTOR
Well, I’m not sure I would have recommended that for a young lady such as yourself.
MARY
No I suppose you wouldn’t’ve.
DOCTOR
It is a nasty gash, how did it happen?
MARY
I was...cutting vegetables and the knife slipped. (Off look) I tried to catch it. Silly thing to do, sir.
DOCTOR
I see.
MARY
Will I be alright to travel with it?
DOCTOR
If you keep it clean and change the bandages every-so-often, I don’t see why not. Where is it you’re traveling to?
MARY
India. I’m traveling with my brothers.
DOCTOR
My! That’s quite the long journey. I’m sure your brothers will take good care of you.
MICHAEL bursts through the door followed closely by GEORGE. MICHAEL runs to MARY and clings to her.
MARY
Michael!
GEORGE
I’m sorry, Mary, I tried to stop him!
MARY
I thought I told you two to wait outside.
MICHAEL whimpers.
MARY
What’s wrong, Michael. What is it?
GEORGE
I think he was afraid you were dead.
MARY
Oh! (To MICHAEL) No, look. This nice doctor made me all better, see?
GEORGE
Here, Michael.
GEORGE hands MICHAEL his toy mongoose.
MARY
Michael dear, won’t you please stop crying? It’s alright, really it is. (To DOCTOR) I think it’s best if we were on our way. Thank you, sir.
DOCTOR
Are these your brothers? The ones that will be traveling with you?
MARY
(Hesitant)
Yes, sir.
DOCTOR
May I talk to you...Privately.
MARY
If you’re going to ask about Michael, go ahead and ask.
DOCTOR
Has Michael ever been examined by a doctor?
MARY
He’s perfectly healthy.
DOCTOR
That is not what I was referring to.
MARY
I suppose you want to know why a young man is acting like a child of two?
DOCTOR
I suppose, when you put it like that, yes.
MARY
I don’t know why he is this way. He just is. We take good care of him.
DOCTOR
I’m sure you do. I just don’t think I can recommend that he travels without an examination first.
MARY
Then I suppose it’s good I didn’t ask you.
DOCTOR
Miss, I think it would be unwise for him to go.
MARY
We are going to live with our Father in India. I can’t just leave him behind.
DOCTOR
Are there no other relatives he might stay with? An Uncle perhaps.
MARY
There is no one else in England, sir. Our only family is in India. Papa is expecting us.
DOCTOR
As a Doctor I must recommend what’s best for my patients-
MARY
The best thing for Michael is to be with his family.
DOCTOR
(Heatedly)
I hardly think a young lady knows better than a man of science-
MICHAEL begins to wail. GEORGE tries to comfort him with the mongoose.
MARY
Now look what you’ve done! (To MICHAEL) It’s alright. We won’t let anything happen to you, will we George.
GEORGE
No we won’t!
DOCTOR
George, how old are you, son?
GEORGE
Eight, sir.
DOCTOR
A little small for your age. Do you get enough to eat at home?
MARY
I don’t see how that’s any of your business! You don’t have to answer him.
DOCTOR
It’s alright, George. You can tell me, I’m a doctor. Are you hungry?
GEORGE
Sometimes.
MARY
He’s a growing boy, of course he’s hungry!
DOCTOR
Now, now. Let’s not get hysterical.
The DOCTOR pulls MARY aside.
DOCTOR
I can have your brothers taken away. I don’t want to do that but I will if I must.
MARY stays quiet.
DOCTOR
That’s better. Now, I’d like to set an appointment to examine your brother, sometime say...next week?
MARY
We’re supposed to be on the steamer to India in two days time. Our Father has already paid our way.
DOCTOR
I’m afraid that isn’t possible. I simply cannot- in good conscience- let this young man go loose without having examined him first.
MARY
He doesn’t need ‘examining’. It’s not as if you could change anything.
DOCTOR
Still, he’s a grown lad. He could easily put himself or others in danger. Tell me, did the knife really slip or was it something more?
MARY
How dare you!
DOCTOR
My dear girl, I am merely thinking of your own safety and that of your brother’s. You want him to be safe and happy don’t you?
MARY
He is safe and happy!
DOCTOR
But how long will that last? He needs to be under professional care, with others like himself. You see that’s for the best, don’t you?
MARY
(Quietly)
And what if I refuse?
DOCTOR
I’m afraid I would have to take him away by force. And I think we both know that would upset him a great deal.
GEORGE
Would we get to see him?
DOCTOR
Yes. If you were to remain in England, dear child.
MarY
Papa won’t let you take Michael away.
DOCTOR
If your Father comes to see me, I’m sure we can make some arrangements.
MarY
I told you, he’s in India.
DOCTOR
Since that is the case I must act on his behalf, seeing as there is no one else to guide you.
MARY
Alright.
DOCTOR
What was that?
MARY
I said alright. What do we have to do?
DOCTOR
There are some papers I need you to sign. I’ll just pop out and grab them. You made the right choice my dear.
The DOCTOR exits.
MARY
(Mutters)
Not likely.
GEORGE
Mary, are they going to take Michael away?
MARY
Not if I can help it. Quickly now, out the window! It’s a small drop. We should be able to make it.
MARY locks the door then goes out the window first. She and GEORGE help MICHAEL out. GEORGE goes last.
MARY
That’s it! Easy does it!
They exit.
Act 1 Scene 3
The curtains close. A SHIPS OFFICER stands at the front of the stage. A ships horn blows and the sound of waves and dock workers can be heard. MARY enters Holding GEORGE’s hand.
GEORGE
Please, sir. Have you seen my brother?
Ships OFFICER
Hello little chap. What’s this then?
MARY
Our brother is missing. He’s about this tall and wearing a bright blue jacket.
GEORGE
His name is Michael.
Ships officer
Sorry, Miss. I haven’t seen him.
GEORGE
Can you help us find him?
Ships officer
I’m afraid not. We’re about to shove off.
MARY
Oh, please! Couldn’t you ask the Captain to hold on, just a moment longer.
Ships OFFICER
Where’d you see him last?
MARY
We were onboard next to the gang plank. I turned around for a moment to see to the luggage and the next thing I knew he was gone.
Ships OFFICER
What about you, little chap. Didn’t happen to see where he’d run off to, did you?
GEORGE
No, sir.
MARY
He was busy holding tight to me like I told him to.
Ships OFFICER
And the other?
MARY
He was supposed to! Oh I should have kept a closer eye on him. He gets overwhelmed sometimes and confused. He must have let go and got mixed up.
Ships OFFICER
Well then, he must still be onboard.
MARY
But we were right next to the gang plank! He could have wandered down onto the docks. Can’t the Captain hold on just a little longer? Just until we make sure.
GEORGE
Please, sir. Michael hates being on his own.
Ships OFFICER
Tell you what, why don’t you have another gander ‘round the deck and-
MARY
But we’ve already looked all over!
Ships OFFICER
Now, just calm down now, Miss-
MARY
I am quite composed considering the situation.
GEORGE
Look, there he is!
MARY
Where?
GEORGE points into the audience.
GEORGE
There! Down there on the docks. Don’t you see him?
MARY
Oh, no! Michael!
GEORGE
Michael! He can’t hear us.
MARY
(To NAVEL OFFICER)
Don’t just stand there. Do something!
Ships OFFICER
There’s not much I can do, Miss.
MARY
Can’t you talk to the Captain? Please!
Ships OFFICER
It’s too late for that now. We’ve already shoved off.
MARY
No!
GEORGE
MICHAEL! He’s wandering away!
Ships OFFICER
I’m sorry, Miss, but-
Mary tries to slide off the edge of the stage. The NAVEL OFFICER grabs her.
Ships OFFICER
Woah now! Don’t go doing that.
MARY
Let me go!
GEORGE
MICHAEL! MICHAEL!
MARY
Please! He needs me. He won’t survive on his own.
Ships OFFICER
There now. I’m sure it’ll be alright. He looks like a grown-up sort of lad. I’m sure he can take care of himself.
MARY
You don’t understand!
Ships OFFICER
Don’t go carrying on now. Chin up. Your brother will be alright.
GEORGE
He’s gone now...
Ships OFFICER
Come now, let’s go talk to the Captain. Maybe there’s something he can do after all.
GEORGE
Mary, what’s going to happen to Michael? Are we ever going to see him again?
They exit.
Act 1 Scene 4
There is a stove and table with four chairs stage left (the kitchen). Stage right there is a bed and dresser with the window unit (the bedroom). The door divides the stage. MARY and GEORGE stand stage left surrounded by luggage.
GEORGE
Woah! This is where we’re going to live? Why is everything so orangey?
MARY
George.
GEORGE runs around exploring. He picks up a clay pot.
GEORGE
What do you think this is for?
MARY
George.
GEORGE
Where’s Uncle Hyde? Do you think he’s outside?
MARY
GEORGE!
GEORGE
Sorry!
MARY
Please, stop talking for one moment can’t you?
There is silence and MARY starts moving luggage around, double checking to make sure everything is there.
GEORGE
Do you think Uncle Hyde has any mongooses? I want to see loads of mongooses.
MARY
(Sigh)
Why don’t you go out into the courtyard and see?
GEORGE
But you said stay where you can see-
MARY
I know what I said! But if you promise to STAY just in the courtyard, you can go out and play. Promise?
GEORGE
Cross my heart!
GEORGE exits running. MARY plays with the tag on one of the suitcases. It says MICHAEL DARLING in large letters. UNCLE HYDE enters.
UNCLE HYDE
Oh, hello! You must be Mary. It’s so good to finally meet you.
MARY
Uncle Hyde?
UNCLE HYDE
In the flesh-
Mary
I need to-
UNCLE HYDE
I hope the journey wasn’t too bad. I would have met you at the docks myself, only I got held-up delivering a baby down in the village- That’s where my practice is- I only just popped in to say hello-
MarY
There’s something-
Uncle Hyde
You could come see it sometime if you like- My practice, not the baby. And then of course I had to get cleaned up- Such a messy business births- But here I am now, and there you are. My it’s good to finally meet you!
MARY
Thank you for helping us. I-
UNCLE HYDE
Of course! Think nothing of it.
MARY
Uncle Hyde-

GEORGE enters bursting with excitement.
GEORGE
Mary, I found one! It was hiding under one of the back walls.
MARY looks at his hands horrified. They’re empty, she is relieved.
GeORGE
Uncle Hyde?
UnCLE HYDE
Indeed! And you must be young George. My! How big you are.
GEORGE
Uncle Hyde, I found a mongoose!
UnCLE HYDE
You did!
GeORGE
He’s in the garden by the back wall. I wanna catch him but I don’t have a box to put him in.
UNCLE HYDE
Well we’ll have to fix that, won’t we.
MARY sighs in exasperation. UNCLE HYDE winks at her.
UnCLE HYDE
When I get back I’ll help you move the luggage into your room there.
He and GEORGE exit. MARY starts moving the luggage herself. All except two. She is agitated. UNCLE HYDE re-enters.
UNCLE HYDE
Well little Georgie is quite spirited! I remember when I was a young lad- I had such energy then!
UNCLE HYDE moves to pick up the two suitcases.
MARY
No!
UNCLE HYDE
Why, Mary, what is the matter?
MARY
I need to go back to England.
UNCLE HYDE
Whatever for?
MARY
Michael never made it on the boat. He’s lost somewhere in England and I can’t bear it!
UNCLE HYDE
My dear! Why didn’t you say so at once?
MARY
I would have gone back immediately only the Captain of our steamer wouldn’t let me. I’m afraid it’s been too long already, anything could have happened to him!
UNCLE HYDE
Why this is terrible. We must think!
MARY
No. I’ve done enough thinking on the voyage over. It’s time to act. I must leave at once.
UNCLE HYDE
I’m afraid that’s impossible.
MARY
Why?
UNCLE HYDE
What would your father say? He wouldn’t be happy with me if I let you go on such a journey alone.
MARY
George and I came here alone.
UNCLE HYDE
I know, but it couldn’t be helped.
MARY
This cannot be helped! I must make sure he is alright.
UNCLE HYDE
And you will. I promise. But my dear girl you must think! A journey like that requires money. It took your Father months to scrape together enough to buy your passage. Tell me, where would you get money like that so quickly?
MARY
I’ll get a steerage ticket. That’s only ten shillings or so. Or I’ll stow away, anything!
UNCLE HYDE
I admire your courage, but that is unwise. What if you were taken advantage of by unseemly characters? I would never forgive myself.
MarY
And I’ll never forgive myself if something terrible were to happen to Michael.
UNCLE HYDE considers this.
UNCLE HYDE
What of George? Who will tell him his sister has gone?
MARY
(Softly)
What of Michael, who will tell him?
UNCLE HYDE
I understand this is a difficult situation, Mary. But if we are to help Michael we must use our heads, not our hearts. I will telegram my friends in England. Maybe they will be able to send word of him.
MARY
He’s probably wandering the streets, hungry and alone. Or worse yet...
UNCLE HYDE
It is better not to dwell on such things.
MARY
I cannot bear it! I cannot wait the weeks that it will take to hear word of him.
UNCLE HYDE
You would rather bear it for months onboard a ship?
MarY
If it meant that I could find him!
UNCLE HYDE
Have faith. I’m sure my friends will be able to find him and send word. He will be alright. (Pause) Do I have your word you will not try to run away and leave George?
MARY
Yes, Uncle.
UNCLE HYDE
Very well. I must leave you now. My home is yours.
UNCLE HYDE exits. MARY moves her suitcases into the bedroom. She touches Michael’s suitcase again. She opens it and takes out his mongoose, clutching it tightly to her chest. GEORGE enters the kitchen holding a box.
GEORGE
Mary!
MARY quickly puts the mongoose back and shuts the case.
MARY
Here Georgie.
GEORGE
Look what I caught!
MARY
Heavens, George, is that thing alive?
GeORGE
It’s a mongoose. Can I keep it, please?
MARY
Absolutely not. Put that thing back outside before it gets loose.
GEORGE
But then I’ll have to catch him again. I already named him and everything.
MARY
Outside! Now.
GEORGE
I’ll be good, I promise. Just let me keep him. I worked really hard to catch him.
MARY
That’s not the point. And you’re not keeping that stupid thing. It could bite you!
GEORGE
You used to be more fun. You used to let me do things like play outside and keep frogs.
MARY
Frogs aren’t mongooses! Things have changed.
GEORGE
Yes they have...You’ve gotten MEAN ever since you left Michael-
MARY
Don’t you DARE!

MARY shakes GEORGE by the shoulders. He drops the box. He gasps and looks inside.
GEORGE
You could have killed him. I hate you!
GEORGE exits running and holding the box. MARY is left sitting on the floor surrounded by suitcases. She hugs Michael’s suitcase to her chest.
Act 1 Scene 5
MARY is in the bedroom packing things into a suitcase. George enters and tries to sneak money from MARY’s purse.
MARY
What do you think you’re doing?
GEORGE
Nothing!
MARY
Don’t lie, George.
GEORGE
Can we go to the Market? Uncle Hyde says they have lots of wonderful things for sale.
MARY
We don’t have the money to buy anything.
GeORGE
But you have lots of money!
MARY
That money is for Michael. Were you trying to STEAL money from me?
GEORGE
No!
MARY
George! You know that’s wrong. I thought we taught you better.
GeoRGE
I didn’t think you would mind.
MarY
Then ask me next time.
GeoRGE
Can I have money for-
MarY
The answer is no.
GeorGE
I just want something to play with! There’s nothing to do around here.
MarY
That’s no excuse for stealing. AND lying.
GeorGE
I’m sorry!
UNCLE HYDE enters.
UNCLE HYDE
What’s all this then?
GEORGE
Mary’s mad at me!

GEORGE exits and UNCLE HYDE sits at the kitchen table.
MARY
I’m at my wits end as to what to do with that child.
Uncle HYDE
It’ll get better. You are both still adjusting. Just give him time.
MARY
Have you had any word from your friends?
UNCLE HYDE
No. No word yet. And I’m doing the best I can. We really should telegram your Father. He deserves to know.
MarY
No! Papa doesn’t need more to worry about. Let me take care of it. Let me go to England.
UNCLE HYDE
We’ve been over this.
MARY
I have part of the money, please, just loan me the rest. I’ll work it off. Just let me go to Michael.
UNCLE HYDE
On what ship?
MARY
There is one docked in the harbor now.
UNCLE HYDE
And they sail for England?
MARY
Not exactly. It sails for Portugal but then I can take another steamer-
UNCLE HYDE
Mary, I am afraid you’re letting your heart think for your head again.
MARY
If it means saving Michael I would do anything.
UNCLE HYDE
I know you would. (Pause) What about George?
MARY
What about him?
UNCLE HYDE
You spend so much time obsessing over Michael, you forget to spend time with the brother that is right here with you.
MARY
I spend time with George.
UNCLE HYDE
Do you play with him? He is a child. He needs friends. Friends that aren’t a mongoose.
MARY
I’m going to check on him.
MARY exits.
GEORGE enters followed by MARY.
MARY
What on earth were you thinking?
GEORGE
I was only playing.
UnCLE HYDE
What’s happened?
MarY
I found George trying to climb the back wall.
GeORGE
I was being careful!
MarY
What if you fell? You could have been seriously hurt. (To UNCLE HYDE) Tell him it’s dangerous.
GeorGE
You never let me do anything!
MarY
That’s not true.
UnCLE HYDE
Actually I must be getting back to the practice.
UNCLE HYDE exits.
GeORGE
It is too! You don’t let me go anywhere. I can’t even play in the courtyard for very long before you make me come back inside.
MarY
If you stopped trying to go to the village by yourself, maybe I’d let you.
GeORGE
How am I supposed to make friends if you never take me there?
MarY
You have your mongoose. You can play with him as much as you like.
GEORGE
I WANT to play in the village. I WANT to have real friends.
MarY
It’s too dangerous.
GeORGE
I could go with Uncle Hyde.
MarY
Uncle Hyde is far too busy to look after you properly.
GeoRGE
Then YOU take me.
MarY
The answer is NO.
GeORGE
It’s NOT FAIR!
MarY
It’s for you’re own good. I have to keep you safe.
GeORGE
Like you kept Michael safe?
MarY
GEORGE!
GEORGE
Everything’s worse now. I hate you!
GEORGE runs into the bedroom and slams the door.
MARY sits at the table. Finally she goes into the bedroom and lays next to GEORGE. He ignores her.
The lighting dims and MARY falls asleep. GEORGE peeks at her. He proceeds to try climbing out of the window. MARY stirs. She sees him.
MARY
Michael, don’t!
MARY stops. GEORGE just looks at her, apprehensive. UNCLE HYDE enters carrying a telegram. He knocks on the bedroom door.
MARY
Yes?
UNCLE HYDE
Mary...You need to read this.
MARY
What is it?
UNCLE HYDE hands her the telegram. She begins to read. She stiffens and then hands the telegram back.
UNCLE HYDE
I am so sorry.
GEORGE
What is it? What’s the matter?
UNCLE HYDE
Your brother. Georgie...
MARY
(Tonelessly)
He’s dead.
MARY goes into the kitchen. GEORGE sits on the bed in shock. UNCLE HYDE puts an arm around him.
GEORGE
What happened to him?
UNCLE HYDE
I don’t know. Some of my friends found him.
GEORGE
How’d they know it was Michael.
UnCLE HYDE
He had on a blue jacket and was wearing your Mother’s locket.
GEORGE
Oh.
UNCLE HYDE
They buried him next to her.
GEORGE
I can’t remember what she looks like anymore. I think she smelled like flowers though.
UNCLE HYDE
Do you miss her?
GEORGE
Yes, terribly. Michael too, but not as much as Mary does.
UNCLE HYDE
Why do you say that?
GEORGE
She pretends to be real angry, but really she’s just sad; and scared I think. (Pause) She used to laugh a lot. Before we came here I mean.
UNCLE HYDE
I’m sorry.
They sit in silence. MARY stands motionless in the kitchen. Finally, she crumples the telegram and throws it at the stove. She opens the stove door and shoves the paper in. She slams the door. She slams it again. She grabs the frying pan and slams it against the stove and then the wall.
GEORGE
What’s she doing?
UNCLE HYDE
I think Mary’s very sad right now.
GEORGE
What do we do?
UNCLE HYDE
Just stay right here. It’ll be alright.
MARY grabs plates from the table and begins hurling them off-stage. UNCLE HYDE enters from the bedroom. MARY smashes the last plate and falls to the floor shaking.
UNCLE HYDE sits next to her. He puts an arm around her. She sits stiffly upright. Then caves and weeps into his shoulder.
Mary
I’m sorry about the plates.
UnCLE HYDE
Shh. It’s alright.
MarY
I can pay for them.
UncLE HYDE
It’s alright. They’re just plates.

GEORGE sits on the bed listening. When it falls silent, he goes to the window and looks out. He considers climbing out and then thinks better of it. He goes back to sitting on the bed.
He sees the toy mongoose. He hugs it.

Act 1 Scene 6
MARY sits on the bed holding the toy mongoose. PAPA enters. He stands in the door. MARY sees him. She looks away.
PaPA
Uncle Hyde said you’d be in here.
PAPA sits next to MARY.
MarY
I’m sorry, Papa.
PaPA
Oh, Mary.
MarY
It’s my fault that he’s dead.
PaPA
You did everything you could.
MarY
No. I could have done more. I could have kept a better eye on him. But I didn’t. I didn’t because I’m a terrible person.
PaPA
You’re not-
MarY
You don’t understand!
PapA
Then tell me.
MarY
Oh, Papa, how could I? You’ll never forgive me.
They sit in silence.
MarY
(Whispering)
I wanted him to disappear.
I was so tired of trying to take care of them both, and Michael...He’s so much bigger and stronger than I am. It was so hard getting him to do anything. Papa, I was so tired. I just wanted it all to be over...and then he DID disappear and I KNEW it was my fault. If I hadn’t been wishing so hard, maybe I would have paid better attention. Maybe Michael would still be- would still be...
PaPA
Mary.
MarY
I know you hate me!
PaPA
No. I could never...I should never have left.
MarY
I thought I could do it. I thought I could take care of everything by myself.
PapA
You shouldn’t have had to. It’s not your fault
MarY
Then why does it feel like it is?
PAPA just sits for a moment. He produces a envelope.
PapA
Uncle Hyde’s friends sent this. I think you should have it.
PAPA exits. MARY opens the envelope and takes out Momma’s locket. She holds it tight.
MarY
Momma...I miss you Momma. I wanted to be a daughter you could be proud of. I wanted to take such good care of the boys. Now Michael’s gone and George is- I’m smothering him. I know I am but I can’t help it. I’m so afraid. He’s so little. He’s full of life and it scares me. How am I supposed to keep him safe if he’s always running off? How is he going to live if I’m always holding him back? I don’t know what to do, Momma! Papa says I’m like you but I don’t feel it. I’m just a scared little girl pretending to be Mother...But I’m not you, Momma. I’m just me.
GEORGE enters.
GeORGE
Mary?
MarY
What is it, George?
GeorGE
I brought you these.
GEORGE holds out a fistful of wild flowers.
MarY
Thank you. They’re beautiful.
GeorGE
I’m sorry I yell so much.
He goes to leave.
MarY
Georgie.
GeORGE
Yes?
MarY
Thank you. Maybe we can go to the Market with Uncle Hyde and Papa tomorrow.

GEORGE smiles and exits. MARY puts the locket on.
MarY
I’m not you, Momma, I won’t be perfect. But I know you’d want me to try and do what’s right.
END.