MUSIC:

"ON STAGE" THEME UP, THEN PAUSE FOR:

ANNCR:

Cathy and Elliott Lewis - On Stage.

MUSIC:

"ON STAGE" THEME SWELLS, AND CONTINUES UNDER

ANNCR:

Cathy Lewis. Elliott Lewis. Two of the most distinguished names in Radio. Appearing each week, in their own theatre. Starring in a repertory of transcribed stories of their own, and your, choosing. Radio's foremost players in Radio's foremost plays. Drama, comedy, adventure, mystery, melodrama. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Elliott Lewis.

MUSIC:

THEME OUT

ELLIOTT:

Good evening. May I present my wife, Cathy.

CATHY:

Good evening. Four weeks ago tonight, we did a lovely fragile story, called "Call Me a Cab", which was written for us by the very talented Shirley Gordon. You were kind enough to write so many letters about the show, that we asked Shirley Gordon to do another script for us, and she did. And we're going to present it tonight.

ELLIOTT:

This new story is called "The Bunch of Violets", and that's what it's about. Oh, uh, one other thing you should know before we start: It's often been said that a man continually surrounds himself with the same woman, and, to prove this tonight, while I'm being Clint Wescott, Cathy is going to play my wife, my mother, and my secretary.

CATHY:

Wow.

ELLIOTT:

So, now the preliminary's over, "The Bunch of Violets", by Shirley Gordon.

SCENE 1 - IN CLINTON'S HOUSE, MORNING

MUSIC:

WISTFUL, LIGHT, PLAYFUL, UP, THEN FADES UNDER

SFX:

RUNNING WATER IN SINK

CLINT:

(GARBLED SINGING, WHILE WASHING HIS FACE) 'Neath the scarlet moon... A warm and tender... (AD LIB, UNDER)

BERNICE:

(CALLS) Clint? Are you almost ready?

CLINT:

(GARBLED SINGING & WASHING CONTINUE)

BERNICE:

(CALLS) Clint?

CLINT:

(MUMBLED CALL) But I haven't shaved yet.

BERNICE:

(CALLS) What did you say?

CLINT:

(MUMBLED CALL) But I haven't shaved yet.

SFX:

BUZZ OF ELECTRIC SHAVER

BERNICE:

(CALLS) Your breakfast is getting cold.

SFX:

WALKS TO THE BATHROOM

BERNICE:

Clint, I wish you'd answer me when I call you.

CLINT:

I answered you. I said, I haven't shaved yet.

BERNICE:

Well, I didn't hear you.

SFX:

SHAVER OUT, AND PUT DOWN ON COUNTER

CLINT:

There.

BERNICE:

(FADES, AS SHE WALKS AWAY) Anyway, your breakfast is gonna be cold, and you're gonna be late.

CLINT:

M-hm.

SFX:

HE WALKS TO BEDROOM, AND OPENS A DRAWER

CLINT:

Aww. There's a hole in this sock. I was gonna wear my brown suit.

SFX:

FRUSTRATEDLY CLOSES DRAWER

BERNICE:

I'll look through your socks today. Ilse can fix them tomorrow, while she's here.

CLINT:

Yeah. Oh, check my shirts too, will ya? This collar is about shot.

SFX:

CLOSES DRAWER

BERNICE:

Well, keep it on, keep it on. It looks all right for one more wearing.

CLINT:

All right.

BERNICE:

You're not gonna have time to eat any breakfast.

CLINT:

I'll have some coffee. Where'd that cufflink go?

BERNICE:

(PICKS IT UP OFF FLOOR) Here.

CLINT:

Oh. Thanks.

SFX:

SHE WALKS TO TIE-RACK

BERNICE:

This tie?

CLINT:

Yeah.

SFX:

SHE BRINGS TIE TO HIM

CLINT:

Thanks. Coffee still hot?

BERNICE:

I'll pour it.

CLINT:

M-hm.

BERNICE:

You better at least have some toast with it.

CLINT:

Yeah.

SFX:

THEY WALK TO KITCHEN

CLINT:

Well, I'll get something after I get to the office.

SFX:

HE SITS AT THE TABLE. SHE PUTS A CUP & SAUCER OF COFFEE ON THE TABLE.

BERNICE:

You always say that. I hope you do.

CLINT:

Oh, I do. (TAKES A SIP OF COFFEE, AND BURNS HIS TONGUE) Ooh! Hot! Hot! Hot! Coffee's hot!

BERNICE:

Well, you've got a few minutes. I'll put a little water in it.

CLINT:

Yeah.

SFX:

SHE HOLDS CUP & SAUCER UNDER RUNNING FAUCET FOR A MOMENT, THEN TURNS OFF FAUCET, AND PUTS CUP & SAUCER BACK ON TABLE.

BERNICE:

You'll be home on time tonight, won't you?

CLINT:

(STILL IN PAIN) Yeah, I'll try to be.

BERNICE:

We told the Martins we'd meet them there at seven-thirty, you know.

CLINT:

(STILL IN PAIN) Uh-huh.

BERNICE:

So, try to be on time, would you?

SFX:

THEY WALK TO THE DOOR

CLINT:

Yes, I will. (KISSES HER) Mmm. Goodbye, dear.

SFX:

HE OPENS DOOR, LEAVES, CLOSES IT

SFX:

SHE WALKS TO KITCHEN, POURS CUP & SAUCER OF COFFEE, ADDS CREAM & SUGAR, SITS DOWN AT TABLE

BERNICE:

(SIGHS)

SFX:

TAKES A SIP OF COFFEE

BERNICE:

(BURNS HER TONGUE) Oh!

SFX:

PUTS DOWN CUP

BERNICE:

Coffee's still too hot!

MUSIC:

LIGHT, A BIT WEARY, THEN OUT

SCENE 2 - A CITY STREET, MORNING RUSH HOUR

SFX:

CITY STREET AMBIENCE, UNDER. CLINTON WALKS ALONG SIDEWALK.

BOY:

Violets, mister?

CLINT:

What?

BOY:

Fresh bunch of violets. Only thirty-five cents.

CLINT:

Oh. No. Thanks.

BOY:

Aw, come on, mister. Look how pretty they are.

CLINT:

Naw, I'm sorry, son.

BOY:

Everybody loves violets.

CLINT:

Well, sure, sonny, only not now. It's Monday morning, and I'm late for work, and I just haven't got any use for any violets.

BOY:

Why don't you take some to work with you? They'll make your day a lot nicer. See if they don't.

CLINT:

Now, look, sonny, you're a good little salesman, but I--

BOY:

(CHEERY) Thirty-five cents won't hurt ya any.

CLINT:

(SMILING) Okay, kid, you win. Gimme the violets. Here ya are. Keep the change.

BOY:

Gee, thanks mister! Thanks a lot! You won't be sorry. After all, what harm can there be in buying a little bunch of violets?

MUSIC:

LIGHT, SPRIGHTLY, THEN OUT INTO

SCENE 3 - CLINT'S OFFICE

SFX:

OFFICE AMBIENCE, INCLUDING TYPEWRITERS, UNDER

SFX:

OFFICE DOOR OPENS, THEN CLOSES. CLINT WALKS INTO OFFICE.

RUTH:

Good morning, Mr. Wescott.

SFX:

SHE STOPS TYPING

RUTH:

Oh-- Mr. Simmonds sent in some correspondence he wants you to attend, to first thing this morning. I put it on your desk.

CLINT:

Thanks. Probably the Johnson account.

RUTH:

Yes. It's the Johnson folder.

CLINT:

(A BIT WEARY) Good. I'll get at it right away. I'll probably need you for dictation in about a half an hour.

RUTH:

Yes, sir.

SFX:

SHE RESUMES TYPING

CLINT:

Oh--

SFX:

SHE STOPS TYPING

RUTH:

Yes, Mr. Wescott?

SFX:

HE WALKS BACK TO HER DESK

CLINT:

Uh... (A BIT AWKWARDLY) Here. I... brought these in for you. I... thought you might like to have 'em on your desk.

RUTH:

Violets? (PAUSE. TAKEN ABACK) Thank you, Mr. Wescott.

SFX:

HE WALKS TO HIS OFFICE

CLINT:

You're welcome.

SFX:

HIS OFFICE DOOR OPENS, THEN SHUTS.

SFX:

SHE RESUMES TYPING FOR A MOMENT, THEN HER TYPING SLOWS, AND STOPS.

SFX:

INTERCOM SWITCH CLICK. INTERCOM BUZZER

CLINT:

(FILTER) Yes?

RUTH:

Mr. Wescott, if you aren't going to need me just now, would you mind if I went out for a few minutes to get some coffee?

CLINT:

(FILTER) Yeah, sure. This is gonna take me longer than I thought, anyway. Bring some back with you.

RUTH:

Yes, sir.

SFX:

INTERCOM SWITCH CLICK. SHE PICKS UP PHONE, AND DIALS.

RUTH:

(URGENTLY, HUSHED) Barbara? Listen: Can you get out for coffee now? Good! I'll meetcha downstairs. I've got something to tell you!

SFX:

HANGS UP PHONE

MUSIC:

CHEERY, SLIGHTLY URGENT

SCENE 4 - COFFEE SHOP

SFX:

COFFEE SHOP AMBIENCE, UNDER

BARB:

But, golly, Ruth, I don't understand this!

RUTH:

You don't understand it! Look, I've been Mr. Clinton Wescott's secretary for two and a half years, and in all of that time, believe me, he's hardly ever even said, "Good morning," to me when he came in! Now, all of a sudden, today, he brings me a bunch of violets!

BARB:

Well, that's what I don't understand. Violets! After all, you know, "Roses are red; violets are blue," and so forth...

RUTH:

Barbara, whaddaya suppose--

BARB:

Whaddaya mean, what do I suppose? What is there to suppose?

RUTH:

Aw, that's impossible. Why, I've been Mr. Wescott's secretary for two and a half years.

BARB:

(SAYING IT WITH HER)for two and a half years. You've said that. So, all right, he's slow.

RUTH:

Slow?? Up to now, I thought he was dead!

BARB:

Well, anyway, now that you've discovered old Achilles has a heel, make the most of it. Raise a blister on it.

RUTH:

What?

BARB:

Sure! Play his game. Lure him right out on a limb, and let him dangle. Until he gives you a raise.

RUTH:

Oh, that's ridiculous! It wouldn't work!

BARB:

You're a woman, and he's a man. It'll work. Just try it.

MUSIC:

SLIGHTLY SEDUCTIVE, THEN OUT

SCENE 5 - CLINT'S OFFICE

SFX:

OFFICE AMBIENCE, UNDER

CLINT:

(MUTTERING TO HIMSELF) Uh... Yours of the seventeenth...

SFX:

SHE OPENS HIS OFFICE DOOR, CLOSES IT, AND WALKS TO HIS DESK

RUTH:

(CLEARS HER THROAT)

CLINT:

Yes?

RUTH:

Your coffee.

CLINT:

Thanks. (PAUSE) You can just put it down on the desk. (MUTTERS TO SELF) Yours of the twenty-sixth...

RUTH:

(SLIGHTLY FORCED CHEERFULNESS) Sugar. No cream. Right?

CLINT:

What?

RUTH:

I always remember.

CLINT:

Remember what? (SIPS COFFEE, BURNS MOUTH) Ooh! (SLIGHT GASP OF PAIN. EXASPERATED BREATH)

RUTH:

Mr. Wescott... (A BIT FLIRTY) Do you find me... disturbing?

CLINT:

(PUZZLED) Not until today.

RUTH:

(DREAMILY) Imagine. After two and a half years...

CLINT:

That's right. What's happened to you today?

RUTH:

Nothing's happened to me, Mr. Wescott.

CLINT:

(IRONIC) Well, something may.

RUTH:

(BLUSHING) Mr. Wes--

CLINT:

In the meantime, however, I should like first to make certain that this Johnson account gets taken care of.

RUTH:

(BREATHILY) Would you like to give me some dictation, Mr. Wescott?

CLINT:

(A BIT SARCASTIC) Yes. I'd like that very much.

RUTH:

(BLUSHING GIGGLE) Oh, Mr. Wescott...

CLINT:

And you may stop calling me Mr. Wescott.

RUTH:

Why, Mr. Wes--!

CLINT:

("DON'T DO THAT") Uh-uh-uh-uh-uh.

RUTH:

Clinton.

CLINT:

(GENTLE LAUGH. SLIGHT SARCASM) Well, now that's sweet. That's what my mother calls me.

RUTH:

Clinton.

CLINT:

Yes. Like that. Exactly.

RUTH:

Imagine! After two and a half years...

CLINT:

No, my mother's known me most of my life.

RUTH:

I'd like to meet your mother sometime.

CLINT:

How 'bout sometime after we take care of Mr. Johnson's account?

RUTH:

Oh, yes. Mr. Johnson.

CLINT:

You remember him.

RUTH:

You were going to give me some dictation.

CLINT:

That's right. But, on second thought, I'm sure you can compose the letter yourself from my notes. Here you are.

SFX:

HANDS HER THE NOTES

CLINT:

I think I'll go out and get a little breakfast (STANDS UP) and you can have the report ready for me to sign when I come back.

SFX:

HE STARTS WALKING TO DOOR

RUTH:

But you didn't drink the coffee I brought you. Was it too cold?

SFX:

HE OPENS THE DOOR

CLINT:

(POINTEDLY) Too hot. It burned the burn on my tongue.

SFX:

DOOR SLAMS. OFFICE AMBIENCE OUT

MUSIC:

GLISSANDO, UP, THEN OUT INTO

SCENE 6 - COFFEE SHOP

SFX:

COFFEE SHOP AMBIENCE, UNDER

ED:

Well, Wescott! Good morning!

CLINT:

Oh, hi, Ed! Sit down. Have some coffee.

ED:

I've had it.

CLINT:

(EATING) Mm, ham & eggs are good.

SFX:

CUTLERY ON PLATE

CLINT:

Why don'tcha have a little breakfast?

ED:

Had it. Say, now, seems to me, you're eating hearty...considering.

CLINT:

Considering what? This is the first thing I've had to eat, this morning.

ED:

"Let love eateth its way into the heart of a hungry man, and he shall soon forgetteth his stomach."

CLINT:

What does that mean?

ED:

Well... I guess that isn't the way it goes. I think I read it somewhere, but I can't remember exactly how it went. (WINK WINK, NUDGE NUDGE) Well, anyway, old man, you get the idea.

CLINT:

I don't, and I'm not sure that I want to. All I'd like to know is what's wrong with everybody this morning? You should get a load o' my secretary.

ED:

Listen, old man, it didn't take me any two and a half years to get a load o' your secretary. I've always thought she was quite a dish. Matter of fact, I'm surprised it's taken you so long to--uh--to start showing her your appreciation. If you know what I mean.

CLINT:

What do you mean? What's cooking with my secretary today, anyway?

ED:

Apparently, from all I hear, old man, you are.

CLINT:

(PAUSE. INDIGNANT) From all what you hear, old man?

ED:

Well, now, look, Clint ol' boy, don't go gettin' soreheaded about it. After all, can I help it if your secretary tells my secretary, and my secretary tells me?

CLINT:

Tells you what?

ED:

Why, that you brought her flowers this morning. After all, old man, I'm not the only one who knows. The whole building is talking about it.

CLINT:

You mean all this is over that silly little bunch of violets?

ED:

Uh-huh. So, then it was violets. (ADMIRINGLY) Well! I didn't know you had it in you, old man.

CLINT:

(SARCASTIC) Well, that only goes to show I'm not the old man you think I am. (ANNOYED) I'll see you later.

ED:

Wait a minute, ol' boy. You haven't finished your coffee.

CLINT:

(GRUNTS) Oh, all right. (TAKES A SIP, BURNS TONGUE) Oo--ow!

SFX:

QUICKLY PUTS CUP DOWN ON SAUCER

ED:

(INNOCENTLY) What's the matter? Burn your tongue?

CLINT:

What tongue?!

MUSIC:

SLIGHTLY WONKY, UP THEN FADES INTO

SCENE 7 - CLINT'S OFFICE

SFX:

OFFICE AMBIENCE WITH TYPEWRITERS, UNDER

SFX:

ANNOYED, HE WALKS SLOWLY INTO OFFICE

RUTH:

Oh. You're back, Mr. Wescott... Clinton.

CLINT:

(SLOW BURN, THROUGHOUT) M-hm.

RUTH:

(AWKWARD PAUSE) Uh... The Johnson report is ready for you to sign.

CLINT:

M-hm.

RUTH:

Uh... Is there anything wrong? Did you have your breakfast?

CLINT:

Yes. I had my breakfast.

RUTH:

But you're going out again? Where shall I say you are?

CLINT:

(ANNOYED) Out to lunch. (HAS AN IDEA) Oh.

SFX:

HE DELIBERATELY WALKS TO HER DESK.

CLINT:

And I shall want these.

SFX:

PICKS UP BUNCH OF VIOLETS

CLINT:

(TERSELY) Thank you for keeping them for me.

RUTH:

The violets? What are you going to do with them?

CLINT:

Miss Periwinkle... Ruth.

RUTH:

(AWKWARD) Uh...

CLINT:

This may come as a sort of a shock to you, but I feel that it is only fair for you to know.

RUTH:

(NERVOUSLY CLEARS THROAT)

CLINT:

There is only one woman in the world who can call me Clinton, and get away with it. My mother. Therefore, the violets are for her.

SFX:

HE WALKS TO DOOR, EXITS, AND SLAMS IT BEHIND HIM.

MUSIC:

PERKY AND LIGHT, THEN OUT

ANNCR:

You are listening to Cathy and Elliott Lewis - On Stage. Tonight's play: "The Bunch of Violets".

Remember Radio as it used to be? The days when the battery ran down, and so did your set? Well, make no damaging admissions about your age, but tune in tomorrow night, when there's "Music in the Air", over most of these same stations. Your baritone host Donald Richards, tenor Clark Dennis, Betty Johnson, the Serenaders, and Alfredo Antonini's Orchestra, take us back to the old time radio, with music, songs, and even the production and sounds of that era. Tomorrow night, on CBS Radio.

MUSIC:

PERKY, LIGHT, UPTEMPO, THEN OUT

SCENE 8 - CLINT'S MOTHER'S HOUSE

SFX:

DOORBELL RINGS. PAUSE. RINGS AGAIN.

SFX:

PAUSE. DOOR OPENS

(ANNA IS THE ELDERLY HOUSEKEEPER.)

 

ANNA:

Why, Mr. Wescott. Come in.

CLINT:

Hello, Anna.

SFX:

HE ENTERS. DOOR CLOSES. HE AND ANNA WALK INTO LIVING ROOM, UNDER

ANNA:

Your mother's going to be so surprised. You didn't call first, did you?

CLINT:

No, I didn't know I was coming. How is she?

ANNA:

Oh, fine. Snappy as a turtle, same as always. You know how your mother is.

CLINT:

(LAUGHING GENTLY) Yes.

ANNA:

She's up in her room, I think. (CALLS) Mrs. Wescott?

CLINT:

Uh-- Never mind, Anna. I'll just go on up. You might bring some coffee, though.

SFX:

HE WALKS TO STAIRS, SHE GOES TO KITCHEN.

ANNA:

Of course, Mr. Wescott.

SFX:

HE CLIMBS THE STAIRS, UNDER

CLINT:

(CALLING) Mother?

SFX:

REACHES UPSTAIRS LANDING, WALKS ALONG HALL

CLINT:

(CALLING) You in here?

MOTHER:

Why, Clinton! Whatever's brought you here? In the middle of the day like this? Is there anything wrong?

CLINT:

No, no, no, no. Just found myself free this noon, and I've been meaning to get over...

MOTHER:

Well, I'll have Anna fix you some lunch.

CLINT:

No, I-- I told her just coffee. I had a late breakfast. (KISSES HER CHEEK)

MOTHER:

I doubt that you ever eat the way you should. Can't say you're looking your best. You're way too thin.

CLINT:

Oh, I-- I feel just fine, Mother.

MOTHER:

What is that you have there in your hand, Clinton? (PAUSE) A bunch of violets?

CLINT:

Oh! (A BIT FLUSTERED) Yes, violets. Uh, would you like to have a bunch of violets, Mother?

MOTHER:

Isn't that strange? I've never cared for violets. Clinton, are you sure there isn't something wrong? Are you feeling well?

CLINT:

Er, no, no. I-- feel just fine, Mother.

MOTHER:

You're probably coming down with another cold. You shouldn't wear that light suit on a day like today.

CLINT:

No, it's-- it's a beautiful day outside. And I haven't had a cold in months.

MOTHER:

Just the same... This is just the time of the year you should guard against catching a cold. You just can't tell about weather like this. What you ought to do is wear that sweater I knitted for you, underneath your coat. I never see you wear that sweater any more.

CLINT:

Why, I wore it all winter long, Mother. It's a beautiful sweater. But-- but it's too warm to wear it now. It's spring.

MOTHER:

That's just it. Spring colds are so treacherous.

CLINT:

(SMILING) I-- I feel fine, Mother. Just fine.

MOTHER:

You always used to catch a cold in the spring.

CLINT:

Oh, not since I was eight or nine years old, Mother.

MOTHER:

I think what you ought to do is stop by and have Doctor Greenson give you something.

CLINT:

Well, I will. First chance I get, I promise.

MOTHER:

Today. I'll call him, to make sure you do.

CLINT:

(GENTLE LAUGH) All right. Today. And, I thought I'd pick these up for my office, and [recording skips] send over to you. [recording skips] like that? Uh, they'll probably come sometime [recording skips].

MOTHER:

Clinton, dear [recording skips]. Now, tell her she's such a dear girl.

CLINT:

Well, she's fine, Mother. She's just fine.

MOTHER:

Good.

SFX:

ANNA WALKS IN WITH CUP & SAUCER OF COFFEE, ON TRAY

ANNA:

Your coffee, Mr. Wescott.

SFX:

HE TAKES CUP & SAUCER

CLINT:

Oh. Thank you, Anna. That looks good.

MOTHER:

Be careful, Clinton. Anna's coffee is always too hot to drink.

CLINT:

It doesn't matter, Mother. I think my tongue's developed an immunity.

SFX:

RATTLE OF CUP IN SAUCER

MOTHER:

Anna, [recording skips] I want you to listen for the door, this afternoon. Clinton tells me he's ordered a lovely floral piece for me. It should arrive in just a little while.

ANNA:

I'll watch for it, Mrs. Wescott.

SFX:

CLINT & ANNA WALK DOWN THE STAIRS, UNDER

ANNA:

(NOTICES VIOLETS) That's very nice, Mr. Wescott. I see you brought a pretty little bunch of violets. Aren't they lovely?

CLINT:

Yes. Well, if you'd like to have them, Anna, you may. I was just going to take them down to the office, but if you'd rather--

ANNA:

Oh, no, no, Mr. Wescott. That's very nice of you, but I have my own little flower garden out in the back, you know. And it just keeps my room looking like a florist shop as it is, anyway. [recording skips] I wouldn't think of taking your little bouquet away from you. You just keep those lovely violets, and enjoy them.

MUSIC:

LIGHT, SPARKLING, THEN OUT INTO

SCENE 9 - DOCTOR'S OFFICE

SFX:

ELEVATOR BELL. SUITE DOOR OPENS & CLOSES. CLINT WALKS TO RECEPTION DESK

CLINT:

Hello, Sarah. How are you?

SARAH:

Well, hello, Mr. Wescott. We haven't seen you in a long time. Hope there's nothing wrong.

CLINT:

(SHEEPISH) No. There isn't. But I'd like to see the doctor for a minute, if he's in.

SARAH:

Well, certainly. Go right in. He'll be pleased to see you.

CLINT:

Oh, good. Oh-- Uh... Do you like violets, Sarah?

SARAH:

I just love them.

CLINT:

Oh? Well, here, would you like to have these?

SARAH:

Oh, oh-- Any other time, I'd love to have some, Mr. Wescott, but, you see, the doctor serves at the hospital the rest of this week, and the office'll be closed. And, as it happens, I'm not going directly home from work tonight, so I'm afraid they'd only die. It'd be a shame just to waste them like that; they're so pretty.

CLINT:

Yeah. Yeah, well, sure, well... [recording skips] keep away a cold?

SARAH:

[recording skips] the doctor if you'd like. [recording skips]

CLINT:

Well, yes, thanks; yes, I would.

SARAH:

And don't worry about them. I'll remind you to take them when you leave.

SFX:

HE WALKS TO DOCTOR'S OFFICE, UNDER

CLINT:

Well, thanks again.

SFX:

DOOR OPENS. HE WALKS IN

DOCTOR:

Well... Hello there, Clinton!

CLINT:

Hello, Doc.

SFX:

CLOSES DOOR

DOCTOR:

Well, Clinton. What brings you here? You're looking well.

CLINT:

Oh, no, I'm fine, Doc, just fine. Only... I thought maybe you could give me something to help keep away a cold.

DOCTOR:

Hmmm. You feel like you're catching a cold? What have your symptoms been?

CLINT:

Well, there haven't exactly been any symptoms, Doc. It's only...well... this time of year, you know?

DOCTOR:

Spring? What's wrong with this time of year? It's beautiful out. But I suppose there's no harm in taking a few precautions, is there?

CLINT:

(QUICKLY) No, that's right, Doc; that's what I mean.

DOCTOR:

M-hm. Well, let me see now. Maybe a new vitamin [recording skips] sting a little.

CLINT:

Yeah, but Doc, I don't really [recording skips]

DOCTOR:

That should do the trick.

CLINT:

A shot? Uh, well, just the vitamins should be fine, Doc. I think they'd do the trick. I don't see that there's any need for a shot, do you?

DOCTOR:

Well, now, it's the surest way. If you really want to protect yourself.

CLINT:

Oh, well, yes, but-- Well, I-- I really feel fine. It's only that--

DOCTOR:

Here, now, this'll just sting a little.

CLINT:

Yeah, but, Doc, I don't really think-- Oww! (LITTLE GASP OF PAIN)

DOCTOR:

There ya are. Now, that wasn't so bad, was it?

CLINT:

Ooh. (LITTLE GASP OF PAIN)

DOCTOR:

Now you can go out in this beautiful warm spring weather, and not worry about catching your death o' pneumonia.

CLINT:

(LITTLE LAUGH) Yeah, okay.

SFX:

WALKS TO DOOR, AND OPENS IT

DOCTOR:

Sarah'll fix you up with the vitamin prescription.

CLINT:

Yeah, thanks, Doc. It's best to play safe, ya know. You-- you-- you can't tell about this kind o' weather.

DOCTOR:

(CALLING) Oh, you're perfectly right. Can't tell.

[recording skips]

CLINT:

Yes. Thank Sarah.

DOCTOR:

[recording skips] Clinton.

CLINT:

Oh, what's that, Doc?

DOCTOR:

Er... when you stopped by to see her today, just how was your mother?

CLINT:

(LAUGHING) Fine, Doc. She's just fine.

SFX:

HE SHUTS DOOR, AND WALKS TO WAITING ROOM, LAUGHING TO HIMSELF. HE OPENS SUITE DOOR. ELEVATOR BELL DINGS.

SARAH:

Wait a minute, Mr. Wescott. Your vitamins.

SFX:

SHE BRINGS THEM TO HIM

CLINT:

Oh. Uh, yes. Thanks, Sarah. I almost forgot.

SARAH:

And it's a good thing I said I'd remind you. You were gonna go right out the door without your violets.

MUSIC:

SPRIGHTLY, SCAMPERING, THEN FADE INTO

SCENE 10 - CLINTON'S OFFICE

SFX:

OFFICE AMBIENCE (WITH TYPEWRITERS) UNDER

SFX:

CLINTON OPENS DOOR

CLINT:

Ah!

SFX:

SHUTS DOOR, AND WALKS TO RUTH'S DESK

CLINT:

(MORE CHIPPER) Any calls for me, Miss Periwinkle? (LITTLE LAUGH) Ruth.

RUTH:

(A BIT EMBARRASSED) No, sir. No, there haven't been, Mr. Wescott... Clinton.

CLINT:

[recording skips] that the whole building was talking about us?

RUTH:

(EMBARRASSED LAUGHING) Forgive me for this morning, but I just couldn't understand what had gotten into you. After all, I've been your secretary for two and a half years, and you've never even-- (AWKWARD PAUSE) Well--

(THEY LAUGH TOGETHER)

 

CLINT:

I guess I usually don't even say Hello. Though, this morning was sorta fun, though, at that, wasn't it? You know the whole building was talking about us?

RUTH:

(LITTLE LAUGH) Yeah, I know. I'm afraid I started it.

CLINT:

Well, no harm done.

RUTH:

Wait!

CLINT:

Mm?

RUTH:

You still have the violets! I thought you were gonna take 'em to your mother.

CLINT:

Oh. Yes, I was, but I changed my mind. Do you want 'em back again?

RUTH:

Oh, gosh. No. If you don't mind. My boyfriend's picking me up tonight. He's the jealous type.

CLINT:

Oh, I see. And, besides, the building would start talking again. You know how buildings are. Can't keep their mouths shut.

(THEY LAUGH TOGETHER)

 

CLINT:

I guess I'll just keep 'em myself. I'm becoming sort of...attached to them. Or [recording skips].

SFX:

HE WALKS TO HIS OFFICE, UNDER

CLINT:

Would you get a good flower shop on the phone for me, please? I'll take it in the office.

SFX:

HE OPENS HIS OFFICE DOOR

RUTH:

Yes, Sir.

SFX:

HE CLOSES HIS OFFICE DOOR

SFX:

SHE FLIPS THROUGH PHONE BOOK, THEN DIALS PHONE

RUTH:

(PAUSE. INTO PHONE) One moment please.

SFX:

INTERCOM SWITCH. INTERCOM BUZZER

RUTH:

Mr. Wescott? Your call's on one.

CLINT:

(FILTER) Oh, thanks.

SFX:

INTERCOM SWITCH

SFX:

SHE STARTS TYPING

SFX:

OFFICE DOOR OPENS. ED WALKS IN

ED:

Hello, Ruth! The old boy in his office?

RUTH:

Yes, he's there.

ED:

Thanks, ol' girl.

SFX:

HE WALKS TO CLINT'S OFFICE, UNDER

RUTH:

(CALLING) You're welcome, old man!

SFX:

ED OPENS CLINT'S DOOR, AND WALKS IN

CLINT:

(INTO PHONE)...to Mrs. Wescott, that's right. Yes, make sure it's very elaborate, and have it delivered this afternoon, without fail. Good, that'll be fine. Thank you.

SFX:

HANGS UP PHONE

[recording skips]

ED:

...a bunch of violets in your hand. Now, what are you doin', fixin' things up with your wife?

CLINT:

No, with my mother.

ED:

Well! I don't know how your mother fits into the act, but your sweet violets caper sure caused a stir around here today. Did I tell you the whole building was talking about it.

CLINT:

("ENOUGH ALREADY") You told me; you told me.

ED:

(CHUCKLING) Well, you can't blame anybody for talking about it, can you? I mean, it isn't exactly like you all of a sudden to show up one morning with a bunch of violets in your hand. How did you ever happen to get 'em, anyway?

CLINT:

A kid was selling 'em on a street corner, so I bought some. No reason.

ED:

Well, I think they look just darling on your desk, old man! Don't let anyone tell you any different. (CHUCKLING) Violets become you.

CLINT:

Shut up.

ED:

M-hm.

CLINT:

I'm not gonna keep 'em on my desk, but you can't throw away good flowers just because nobody wants them.

ED:

You're not [recording skips]

CLINT:

Hey. Why don't you take 'em home to your wife?

ED:

Hm? Oh, no! No, no, no, not me! You're not gettin' me into trouble. Me, bring Mabel home a bunch o' violets? Ha! Never be able to explain it in a million years! I'd never be able to convince her I hadn't done something wrong. Why, I wouldn't have a moment's peace for weeks. She'd never stop talking about it, and from then on, everything I did, she'd be suspicious. Oh, no you don't. You're not getting me into trouble with your crazy violets.

CLINT:

All right; all right. I know what I'll do. I'll take 'em with me tonight, and give 'em back to the kid that sold 'em to me. They're still fresh.

ED:

Hm?

CLINT:

He can sell 'em over again, make himself an extra thirty-five cents. What I should'a done in the first place. Let him keep his violets.

MUSIC:

LIGHT, PERKY, THEN FADE TO

SCENE 11 - CITY STREET, AFTERNOON RUSH HOUR

SFX:

STREET AMBIENCE, UNDER

SFX:

CLINT WALKS UP TO FLOWER-SELLER BOY

CLINT:

Uh, hello there. Remember me?

BOY:

Violets, mister?

CLINT:

Uh, no. Look, you sold me some this morning, so you can see. I still have 'em.

BOY:

Was there something wrong with them, mister? They still look good.

CLINT:

They sure do. I imagine they would last me a lifetime, if I cared to hang onto 'em that long. But look... I didn't want them this morning, and I don't want them tonight. And that's why I brought them back to you.

BOY:

But gee, mister--

CLINT:

It isn't that I've got anything against violets, you understand? It's only that I just don't happen to have any use for 'em. Like I told you this morning. So, do me a favour, will you, and just take 'em back?

BOY:

But gee, mister--

CLINT:

I don't mean I want my money back. I just wanna get rid of the violets. You can sell 'em over again; they're still fresh enough.

BOY:

But I couldn't do that. It wouldn't be fair. What kind of businessman do you think I am, anyway? I don't sell used merchandise to anybody.

CLINT:

Well, okay then. Just keep 'em. Give them away to somebody. I don't care what you do with 'em--

BOY:

But look, mister. I already got more violets than I know what to do with now. I still got six bunches left to sell tonight. I-- Look, maybe if you bought another bunch to add what ya already got--

CLINT:

Look, sonny, that's not it at all. I want you to take these back.

BOY:

Sorry, mister. I just don't accept return merchandise. It's the policy of the management. (HOPEFULLY) You sure you don't want another bunch?

CLINT:

No. No, I don't. No more violets. Er, I'll take an evening paper, though. Here. Here's the dime.

BOY:

Oh, sure, mister. Glad to be of service.

SFX:

PUTS A NEWSPAPER ON THE COUNTER

BOY:

Here ya are. Look, I'll put the paper around the flowers, like--uh, like-- like that.

SFX:

WRAPS NEWSPAPER AROUND FLOWERS

BOY:

It'll keep 'em nice and fresh for ya.

CLINT:

Thanks.

BOY:

You're welcome, mister!

MUSIC:

SLOWER, A BIT WISTFUL, "END OF THE DAY", THEN OUT

SCENE 12 - CLINT'S HOUSE

SFX:

FRONT DOOR OPENS. CLINT STEPS IN

CLINT:

(CALLS) Bernice?

BERNICE:

(CALLS) In here.

SFX:

FRONT DOOR CLOSES. HE WALKS TO HER

CLINT:

I'm sorry I'm a little late. I couldn't help it.

BERNICE:

You better hurry and change. We don't have much time.

CLINT:

Well, it won't take me long. You wanna take a look at the paper?

BERNICE:

[recording skips] first, will you, hon?

CLINT:

Yeah, sure. (PAUSE) Here. Here ya are.

SFX:

GIVES HER THE PAPER

BERNICE:

Thanks. You better hurry.

CLINT:

Now, now; it won't take me long.

SFX:

HE WALKS TO THE BATHROOM

BERNICE:

What's the headline in the paper tonight?

CLINT:

(FROM BATHROOM) Oh, I didn't look at it yet. You look.

BERNICE:

Hm?

SFX:

SHE OPENS PAPER, AND FINDS VIOLETS INSIDE IT

BERNICE:

Clint?

CLINT:

What's the matter? What's it say?

BERNICE:

(DELIGHTED) Why didn't you tell me?

SFX:

WALKS TO BATHROOM

CLINT:

Tell you what?

BERNICE:

That's the nicest thing you've ever done. Whatever made you think of buying me a bunch of violets?

MUSIC:

HAPPY, DELIGHTFUL, ENDING ON A SWEET ROMANTIC NOTE, THEN OUT

ANNCR:

"The Bunch of Violets" [recording skips] starring Cathy and Elliott Lewis. [recording skips] Mr. and Mrs. Lewis will tell you about next week's play.

This Saturday night, don't miss "The Case of the Trip North", dramatized for CBS Radio listeners by "Gangbusters". It's a true crime story, taken from actual police records. The account of a free-shooting, fast and crooked honeymoon, that blazed a track from the deep South to the big city, a track of robbery and death. Remember, it's on "Gangbusters", this Saturday night, on most of these same stations, presented by CBS Radio.

And now, once again, Cathy and Elliott Lewis.

MUSIC:

"ON STAGE" THEME UP, THEN OUT

CATHY:

Thank you, Shirley Gordon, for "The Bunch of Violets".

ELLIOTT:

And thank you, Cathy, for being all the women in my life: mother, wife, secretary.

CATHY:

While I was your secretary, [recording skips] gossipy friend, Barbara. And when I was your mother, Peggy Webber was her housekeeper, Anna.

ELLIOTT:

And, it being that kind of a night, when I went to see the doctor--Byron Kane to his friends--Peggy Webber returned in another uniform, to play his nurse.

CATHY:

Then, Dick Beals sold you the violets on the street corner, and Lou Merrill plagued you at your office.

ELLIOTT:

And our deep thanks to all of them.

CATHY:

Since it's that time of the year, I find myself in exactly the same position as most of you women listening. My husband, once again, is studying batting averages and pitching styles. And so, next week-- (TO ELLIOTT) Tell everyone, dear.

ELLIOTT:

Next week: a dramatization. Of "Casey at the Bat".

CATHY:

Until then, thank you for listening. And goodnight.

ELLIOTT:

Good night.

MUSIC:

"ON STAGE" THEME UP, UNDER

ANNCR:

Music for tonight's story was composed and conducted by Fred Steiner. The "Cathy and Elliott" theme is by Ray Noble. And the program was transcribed and directed by Mr. Lewis. George Walsh speaking. And remember, listen while you work. Enjoy "Young Doctor Malone", every Monday through Friday in the daytime, on the CBS Radio Network.