Edward tells Celia that the Unidentified Guest is going to bring Lavinia back, and Celia notes that the Guest had 'some sort of power.' Celia is upset to learn that Edward asked the Guest to bring Lavinia back, as Julia enters with champagne for everyone. Julia tells Celia that she came over to cook for Edward also.Įdward says, 'The man who fell among thieves was luckier than I:/He was left at an inn.' Julia puts on an apron and goes into the kitchen, as Celia and Edward are left to talk. Julia tells him that she's had an inspiration, as Celia comes back from the kitchen to tell him that the saucepan and the dinner have been ruined. She goes into the kitchen as Edward lets Julia in. Celia comes in and tells Edward to open it, as she actually has the excuse of having left her umbrella. Edward inspects his card game, a game of 'Patience,' and the doorbell rings. When he hangs up, Edward tells Celia that Alex made him dinner and insisted he eat it within 10 minutes, but that he did not eat it yet.Ĭelia goes to the kitchen to check the dinner. The telephone rings and it is Alex asking about dinner. She wonders if perhaps he will get a divorce, since he now has grounds for one, but Edward tells her that Lavinia is coming back. She suggests that she and the others know that Lavinia has left him, that he made it quite obvious, but that now their affair will be easier. Edward is sitting alone, when Celia calls on him. When Peter and Alex leave, Edward picks up the telephone and dials a number, but no one answers. Edward agrees, as Alex enters to tell Peter that his dinner is ready. Peter is distraught and desperately wants to know if he shared anything real with Celia, when the phone rings and Edward answers.Īfter Edward hangs up, Peter asks, '.what is the reality/Of experience between two unreal people?' Peter asks Edward to meet with Celia, since he's older, and get some information. Peter asks what he should do, and Edward tells him to wait and go back to California. Edward insists that Peter was granted a 'timely escape' in Celia's dwindling interest.

The cocktail party eliot