He might not come. He might just send a message. He doesn't always come.
Harold Pinter
Autumn 1930 - Winter 2008
LENNY
So, as I don't believe you're smoking at the moment, I'm sure you won't object if I move the ashtray.
He does so.
And now perhaps I'll relieve you of your glass.
RUTH
I haven't quite finished.
LENNY
You've consumed quite enough, in my opinion.
RUTH
No, I haven't.
LENNY
Quite sufficient, in my opinion.
RUTH
Not in mine, Leonard.
Pause.
LENNY
Don't call me that, please.
RUTH
Why not?
LENNY
That's the name my mother gave me.
Pause.
Just give me the glass.
RUTH
No.
Pause.
LENNY
I'll take it, then.
RUTH
If you take the glass... I'll take you.
Pause.
LENNY
How about me taking the glass without you taking me?
RUTH
Why don't I just take you?
Pause.
LENNY
You're joking.
Pause.
You're in love, anyway, with another man. You've had a secret liaison with another man. His family didn't even know. Then you come here without a word of warning and start to make trouble.
She picks up the glass and lifts it towards him.
RUTH
Have a sip. Go on. Have a sip from my glass.
He is still.
Sit on my lap. Take a long cool sip.
She pats her lap. Pause.
She stands, moves to him with the glass.
Put your head back and open your mouth.
LENNY
Take that glass away from me.
RUTH
Lie on the floor. Go on. I'll pour it down your throat.
LENNY
What are you doing, making some kind of proposal?
She laughs shortly, drains the glass.
RUTH
Oh, I was thirsty.
She smiles at him, puts the glass down, goes into the hall and up the stairs.
LENNY
What was that supposed to be? Some kind of proposal?
Silence.
He comes back into the room, goes to his own glass, drains it.
Harold Pinter's The Homecoming (1964)