Page 4 - ln2-011328010112

one hand. He is dressed in a bright coloured dress- an overcoat and a soft
hat. He bumps into the table and Gerrard turns around at the sound.

GERRARD : (pleasantly) Why, this is a surprise, Mr— er—
Gerrard speaks pleasantly to the stranger and says that he is surprised to see
him.

INTRUDER : I‟m glad you‟re pleased to see me. I don‟t think you‟ll be pleased
for long. Put those paws up!

Intruder: a person who intrudes, especially into a building with criminal intent.
Paws: here, hands
The intruder says that he is glad to find Gerrard happy to see him. He adds
that Gerrard won‟t remain happy when he comes to know of his intentions.
The intruder asks Gerrard to raise his hands.

GERRARD : This is all very melodramatic, not very original, perhaps, but…

Melodramatic: excessive emotions than are required for the situation

Gerrard finds the intruder‟s behaviour to be dramatic and not very natural.

INTRUDER : Trying to be calm and —er—
The intruder says that he is trying to be composed and …….( he is short of
words to complete the sentence)

GERRARD : „Nonchalant‟ is your word, I think.

Nonchalant: not showing anxiety, interest or enthusiasm

Gerrard adds that he wants to say that he is trying to be calm and nonchalant
that is, not to show anxiety or enthusiasm.

INTRUDER : Thanks a lot. You‟ll soon stop being smart. I‟ll make you crawl. I
want to know a few things, see.

The intruder thanks Gerrard for completing the sentence and says that soon
he will stop acting smart. He adds that he will torture him and make him crawl.

GERRARD : Anything you like. I know all the answers. But before we begin I
should like to change my position; you may be comfortable, but I am not.

Gerrard says that the intruder could ask him anything but before that he
wanted to sit comfortably.

INTRUDER : Sit down there, and no funny business. (Motions to a chair, and
seats himself on the divan by the bag.) Now then, we‟ll have a nice little talk
about yourself!
The intruder command Gerrard to sit on the chair and sits on the divan. He
wants to talk about the two of them.

GERRARD : At last a sympathetic audience! I‟ll tell you the story of my life.