FullReads

JIMMY.
( puzzled )

You don’t want to–so to speak–reform me?

THE ANGEL.
Not at all. Why, I scarcely know you!

JIMMY.
But you’re my–my Guardian Angel, you say?

THE ANGEL.
Ah, yes, to be sure. But the relation of angelic guardianship has for some hundreds of years been a purely nominal one. We have come to feel that it is best to allow mortals to attend to their own affairs.

JIMMY.
( abruptly )

Then what did you come for?

THE ANGEL.
For a change. One becomes tired of familiar scenes. And I thought that perhaps my relationship to you might serve in lieu of an introduction. I wanted to be among friends.

JIMMY.
Oh–I see.

ANNABELLE.
Of course. We’re delighted to have you with us.
Won’t you sit down?

( She leads the way to the fire.)

THE ANGEL.
( perching on back of one of the big chairs )

If you don’t mind! My wings, you know.

JIMMY.
( hesitantly )

Have a cigarette?

THE ANGEL.
Thank you.

( He takes one.)
I am most anxious to learn the more important of your earthly arts and sciences. Please correct me if I go wrong. This is my first attempt, remember. He blows out a puff of smoke.

ANNABELLE.
( from the settle )

You’re doing it very nicely.

THE ANGEL.
It is incense to the mind.

ANNABELLE.
( laughing, blowing a series of smoke rings )

You must learn to do it like this!

THE ANGEL.
( in awe )

That is too wonderful an art. I fear I can never learn it!

ANNABELLE.
I will teach you.

THE ANGEL.
( earnestly )

If you were my teacher, I think I could learn anything.

ANNABELLE.
( giggles charmingly ).

JIMMY.
( embarrassed )

Really, Annabelle…!

ANNABELLE.
What’s the matter?

JIMMY.
Ordinarily I wouldn’t mind your flirting with strangers, but…

ANNABELLE.
( indignantly )

Jimmy! How can you?

THE ANGEL.
It was my fault, I’m sure–if fault there was.
But what is it–to flirt? You see, I wish to learn everything.

ANNABELLE.
I hope you never learn that.

THE ANGEL.
I put myself in your hands.

JIMMY.
Er–would you like a–drink?

THE ANGEL.
Thank you. I am very thirsty. ( Taking the glass.) This is very different from what we have in Heaven. ( He tastes it. A look of gratified surprise appears on his face.) And much better! ( He drains the glass and hands it back.) May I have some more?

ANNABELLE.
Be careful!

THE ANGEL.
What should I be careful of?

ANNABELLE.
Don’t drink too much of that–if it’s the first time.

THE ANGEL.
Why not? It is an excellent drink.

JIMMY.
( laughing )

The maternal instinct! She is afraid you may make yourself–ridiculous.

THE ANGEL.
Angels do not care for appearances.

( He stands up magnificently in the chair, towering above them.)