. . for some opposition, some
competition, some conflict. I'm spoiling for a fight! You, Henry,
don't you know what I mean? A fight! [With a sharp, swift gesture.] I
want to meet some wild animal again! Is there a wild animal in you?
[They stare at each other; suddenly she springs and takes the other
single-stick from FREDDY.] Here! You know this game! My father taught
you! [She holds out one to him.] Come on!
HENRY. [Bewildered.] Oceana! This is not the place.
OCEANA. It's the place for me! Take it! [She forces it on him.] Now!
Forget that I'm a woman! Ready!
HENRY. Oceana! No!
OCEANA. Are you afraid of your mother-in-law?
HENRY. Good heavens!
OCEANA. If you're not, you're the only man in the family that isn't.
[She drops her robe.] Now!
MRS. MASTERSON. This is disgraceful!
DR. MASTERSON. Oceana, I beg of you . . .
OCEANA. Defend yourself! [She makes a feint at Henry's head, causing
him to raise his stick.] Lay on!
[She attacks him briskly. He defends himself. There is a swift rattle
of the sticks and a vivid conflict.]
HENRY. [Laughing.] Oceana, for God's sake, stop!
MRS. MASTERSON. Oh, stop them!
DR. MASTERSON. Are you mad?
FREDDY. Oceana!
OCEANA. [Wild with the excitement of the struggle.] Lay on! Ha, ha!
Well played! Guard! Once again! Ah, this is what I like! This is what
I've been looking for! [They leap here and there; the others dodge out
of the way, protesting; the conflict grows more and more strenuous.
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