Scene: The Caspers' living room. ELISE is sitting on the couch examining a frying pan. There is a briefcase sitting in front of the chair stage right.

Elise opens the chest for a moment and looks inside. She closes the chest quickly. There is a jangle of keys at the front door. Elise looks startled and stands up. LAURA enters the room through the front door, and Elise drops the frying pan on the chest.

ELISE: Who are you?
LAURA: I'm Laura Casper. I live here.

ELISE: Oh.

LAURA: Who are you?

ELISE (brightening up suddenly): I'm Elise Thomas, Mrs. Casper. (shakes hands with Laura) I work with your husband.

LAURA: Oh, that's all right, that frying pan's always knocking around strange places. (Moves over and picks it up) And that damn husband of mine's always leaving his briefcase out. (Goes and picks up briefcase)

ELISE: You been married to Mr. Casper long?

LAURA: (walking toward kitchen): Three years. (Stopping) How long have you been - How long have you known my husband?

ELISE: Three weeks.

LAURA: That's not long.

ELISE: Well, I guess I'll be going, Mrs. Casper!

LAURA (coming out of kitchen, speaking sarcastically): So soon? Most of my husband's friends stay around long enough for him to get here, at least. You sure you can't stay?

ELISE (blankly): No, I can't stay.

LAURA (meanly): Perhaps you could come back later, he should be in in a bit.

ELISE: Perhaps.

LAURA: Well, I'll tell him you stopped by.

ELISE: Oh.

LAURA: Goodbye.

ELISE: Goodbye, Mrs. Casper.