Spotlight on their two faces. The music lowers as Cathy and Christopher speak.

CHRISTOPHER. Look, there’s our grandfather in the wheelchair. See the oxygen leads? Momma wasn’t lying about him.

CATHY. Still, he doesn’t look like he’s dying. I can’t believe how good the old witch looks. She’s almost human.

CHRISTOPHER. This is a very expensive party. An orchestra, the food . . .

CATHY. Who’s that with Momma?

CHRISTOPHER. Maybe a cousin . . . Someday we’ll have parties like this.

CATHY. I’m not holding my breath.

Cathy backs out. Christopher follows.

CHRISTOPHER. Where are you going? We just got here.

CATHY. It’s boring watching other people have fun, Christopher.

CHRISTOPHER. You want to return to the attic already?

CATHY. No, let’s explore. That’s fun.

Cathy starts toward stage left. Christopher catches up, grabbing her arm.

CHRISTOPHER. We can’t do that. We promised Momma, and . . .

CATHY. Let’s see what we’re inheriting, suffering for, Christopher.

CHRISTOPHER. It’s too dangerous. There are servants all over the place.

CATHY [thinking]. Okay, but let’s use the time to copy the key. I know you can do it out of wood, Christopher. You have that tool kit.

He starts to shake his head.

CATHY. It’s not safe for us to be locked in. What if there’s a fire?

Cathy steps back toward stage left.

CATHY. I’m not returning unless you promise to do it. Well?

CHRISTOPHER. Okay. [He reaches for her.] I said okay.

CATHY [moving to him to take his hand]. You’d better not be lying.

CHRISTOPHER. I’m not.

They start for stage right. The music gets louder, along with the voices. The spotlights dim out. Music continues and then stops as the lights come up in the attic.

Cathy and Christopher enter quietly. He has the key. He finds a piece of wood and traces the key on the table while Cathy watches. She pours some of the wine into a glass and then pours some for him.

CHRISTOPHER. Okay. I can cut it out and shave it down from this.

Christopher goes back to the door, opens it, and returns the key to the lock. Then he closes the door.

Cathy holds up his glass of wine. He takes it and drinks.

Cathy crosses upstage and opens what seems to be a curtain over the window.

CATHY. Some of them are leaving already.

Cathy sips her wine, finishes it, and then holds up her glass. Christopher gets the bottle and brings it to her to fill her glass and then his.

There is the distinct sound of the key being turned in the door.

CHRISTOPHER. She’s locked it.

Cathy finishes her wine and pirouettes. Christopher laughs.

CHRISTOPHER. Yes, dance for me.

Cathy goes to the phonograph, starts it, turns, and pulls off her blouse.

CHRISTOPHER. Hey.

CATHY. I’m not putting on my ballet costume, silly.

She drops her skirt and, in her bra and panties, begins to dance. Christopher finishes his wine.

CHRISTOPHER. You ever do this before? In front of a boy?