<Professor Henry Higgins and Colonel Hugh Pickering are smoking in the library following a satisfying lunch. The doorbell rings, and Liza answers it. Two young women are standing in the entrance.>

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] (Nervously.) My name is Miriam Blakely.... we have an appointment with Professor Higgins?

Cardaniel80: (They're dressed very properly, long white lace dresses with high collars, hair worn up, hats.)

Thantasy: [Jessie] And I am Jessie Harshom.

Thantasy: [Liza] If you'll come in I will announce you to the Professor and Colonel Pickering, his associate.

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] (Watches Jessie out of the corner of her eye, biting her lip.)

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] Thank you so much!

Thantasy: [Jessie] <Manifests signs of some uncertainty, discomfort.>

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] (Takes Jessie's hand and gives it a squeeze.)

Thantasy: [Liza] <Thinking, hmm, these women seem rather different from the others who have come. I like them, though.>

Thantasy: [Liza] <Opens parlour door.>

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] I hope we're not a bother?

Thantasy: [Liza] Oh, I'm sure they will be happy to receive you.

Thantasy: [Liza] <Entering the parlour.>

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] (Smiles, relaxing a tiny bit.)

Thantasy: [Liza] Professor Higgins, two young women, a Miss Blakely and a Miss Harshom, are here to see you.

Thantasy: [Liza] Shall I show them in?

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Stands.) Yes, certainly, we've been expecting them.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Puts on a friendly smile.)

Cardaniel80: [Pickering] (Stands and puts down his cigar.)

Thantasy: [Liza] Ladies... <Gestures with her hand that they may enter. Shuts door behind the two women and returns to duties.>

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] (Starts forward, looks to see if Jessie is coming.)

Thantasy: [Jessie] <Following, rather tentative.>

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] It's okay, Jessie, I'm sure they won't bite.

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] (Trying to conquer her own fears.)

Thantasy: [Jessie] <Smiles, not very convinced of that.>

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Steps forward.) I'm glad to meet such charming ladies... are you Miss Blakely or Miss Harshom? (To Jessie.)

Thantasy: [Jessie] I'm Jessie Harshom. <Puts out hand, not in an unfriendly way.>

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Smiles and takes her hand briefly, turning to Miriam.) And you are Miss Blakely, evidently.

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] (Smiling shyly.) Yes, Professor.... I'm so glad you could see us on short notice.

Thantasy: [Jessie] <Smiling, not so sure she is glad.>

Cardaniel80: [Pickering] (Steps forward.) Wonderful to meet you, Miss Blakely, Miss Harshom. (Takes each one's hand briefly.)

Thantasy: [Jessie] Thank you.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] If you would like to sit on the sofa here... it's quite comfortable.

Thantasy: [Jessie] Yes, thank you.

Thantasy: [Jessie] <Sits very close to Miriam. Wants to hold her hand. Unsure.>

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I find a glass of sherry helps us through the uncertain spots.... if you would like one.

Thantasy: [Jessie] Thank you. <Does not plan to drink much, however.>

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] (Touches her shoulder lightly against Jessie's... they have learned not to be too openly affectionate.)

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] Yes, thank you, Professor, that would be very nice.

Thantasy: [Jessie] <Presses her thigh to Miriam's.>

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] We had a long train ride from Essex... a drink will be very nice.

Cardaniel80: [Pickering] (Pours and distributes glasses.)

Thantasy: [Jessie] Thank you. <Sips lightly.>

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Now, we can discuss the business that has brought you here in a moment, but first... let us drink to understanding friends. They are always valued.

Thantasy: [Jessie] Yes, a very nice toast.

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] (Smiles, charmed and relaxing a bit more.)

Thantasy: [Jessie] <Somewhat reassured by this suggestion.>

Cardaniel80: (Higgins and Pickering drain their glasses, as the ladies sip theirs.)

Thantasy: [Jessie] We are hopeful that you will be understanding.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] It's part of my business, really. (Smiling.)

Thantasy: [Jessie] What we have to discuss is... a delicate matter.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Puts down his glass, seeing the women aren't going to finish anytime soon.) Now then, your letter said you would like to discuss something, but it was not clear what the subject was...

Thantasy: [Jessie] I appreciate your friendliness, but....

Thantasy: [Jessie] I would feel much more comfortable if a woman were present -- I'm sorry, Miriam, it's the truth.

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] But Jessie, there aren't any ladies here!

Thantasy: [Jessie] Well, there is that nice woman who met us at the door... and I won't have you tell me, "She's only a servant."

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] (Puts hand to mouth.) The maid... but.... well...

Thantasy: [Jessie] You know how I feel about that sort of distinction.

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] (Pats Jessie's hand.) Okay, Jessie, I really want you to be comfortable. Professor...?

Thantasy: [Jessie] Would it be possible, Professor Higgins?

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Knocked off his stride a little.) I... that is, certainly, if you wish.

Thantasy: [Higgins] You see, however, Miss Doolittle is new to the household, and she is not entirely familiar with all aspects of the help that I sometimes offer.

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] (Looking at Jessie.) Could we?... I'd feel better too.

Thantasy: [Higgins] I will ask her to come in, if you will permit me to do so...

Thantasy: [Higgins] with a bit of a ruse to protect her innocence.

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] (Rubs Jessie's thigh with her hand and suddenly stops, discreetly withdrawing it.)

Thantasy: [Jessie] That would depend upon the nature of the ruse, I'm afraid.

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] We really feel a need for honesty. You may be the one person who can help us. But if this is necessary...

Thantasy: [Higgins] Well, I would like to suggest to her that you two are examining the possibility of writing a play or novel on an unusual theme, and that you would like to discuss an issue as characters in the play might --- to judge the verisimilitude of the situation.

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] I think I understand... we will say what the characters want, and it will really be us? Oh! We would pretend to BE the characters....

Thantasy: [Higgins] Precisely.

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] So we don't need to try to act like someone else?

Thantasy: [Higgins] Meanwhile, Pickering and I will assume the roles of men with whom you have come to discuss the matter.

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] (Takes a deep breath.) If you're really sure... Thank you, I would feel so much better with a woman in the room.

Thantasy: [Higgins] You may be yourselves entirely. Miss Doolittle will think you are playing the roles.

Thantasy: [Higgins] I do this for the protection of Miss Dolittle, you understand. She is a rather naive girl in some respects.

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] (Turning to Jessie, whispering.) It's going to be all right, really. Everything will.

Thantasy: [Higgins] If my plan meets with your approval, I will fetch Miss Doolittle.

Cardaniel80: [Pickering] We did something similar a few weeks ago. She already thinks I write novels.

Thantasy: [Jessie] I think I can accept that.

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] (Smiles at Jessie, almost kisses her, stops.)

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] Please, Professor, it would mean a lot to us.

Thantasy: [Higgins] Very well, I shall return in a moment. <Rises, leaves.>

Cardaniel80: (After a few moments, Higgins enters, with Liza.)

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I don't know whether Miss Doolittle introduced herself earlier. Miss Blakely, Miss Harshom.... Miss Eliza Doolittle.

Thantasy: [Liza] <I had no idea this was how writers went about their craft. Should be very entertaining.> Pleased to meet you, I'm sure.

Thantasy: [Jessie] We are pleased to meet you also, Miss Doolittle.

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] Me too, Miss Doolittle.... you seemed very nice earlier, so we wanted to meet you.

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] <Back before I met Jessie, I might have.... well, she is attractive.>

Thantasy: [Liza] Thank you. <Somewhat surprised at this. Why would anyone want to meet her? Very nice of them.>

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] Should we discuss the... situation now?

Thantasy: [Liza] <Sits quietly in a chair, all eyes and ears.>

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] Do you want me to start, Jessie?

Thantasy: [Jessie] I.... Well...

Thantasy: [Jessie] You see, gentlemen -- and lady ---

Thantasy: [Liza] <Oh, calls me a lady, how nice!>

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] Well, you see.... Jessie and I care for each other very much. In a way that is... not approved, by people around us.

Thantasy: [Jessie] Yes.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Eyebrows wrinkling.) Not approved? How do you mean?

Thantasy: [Jessie] As a matter of fact, we feel very much estranged, very much outcasts.

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] We live in a small town, just outside Essex. Everybody knows everybody, you know.

Thantasy: [Jessie] We are, you see, lovers. <Pats Miriam's hand.>

Cardaniel80: [Pickering] (Eyes bulge.)

Thantasy: [Liza] <Oh, this must be a very modern play. Widow never had anything like that on her shelves.>

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] And everybody in town... knows about you?

Thantasy: [Jessie] Well, it is hard to say. I mean, we don't get called names on the street.

Thantasy: [Jessie] We don't get things thrown at us.

Thantasy: [Jessie] Does this shock you, gentlemen?

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I consider love in all its forms to be a special human quality.

Thantasy: [Jessie] Well, that is a remarkably civilized attitude, one that I wish were more wide-spread.

Thantasy: [Jessie] But I'm afraid it hasn't spread to Essex.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] This sort of thing is often treated quite... severely.

Thantasy: [Jessie] Yes. It has been understood that many of the women who were burned as witches in times past were actually persecuted for their preferences as to partners.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Yes, quite right.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I'm sure you have heard of Mr. Oscar Wilde?

Thantasy: [Jessie] Yes, Mr. Wilde's case is tragic, and has led me to believe that society may not be progressing as rapidly as one might hope. I mean, for all our scientific advances....

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] They don't burn them these days... but two women in a nearby town, with whom we were slightly aquainted, were.... found out. And they were put in prison!

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] (Tears start to well in Miriam's eyes.)

Thantasy: [Jessie] <Comforts Miriam, stroking her shoulder.>

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] They called it a crime against nature. People seemed so terribly shocked.

Thantasy: [Liza] <Remarkably good actress, that one. Should be on the stage.>

Thantasy: [Jessie] Yes, and I wish to know who defines nature...

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] If they put us in prison (lip quivering) we... we couldn't be together then!

Thantasy: [Jessie] Don't worry, dear, we will avoid that!

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] And they would make us renounce our love! Before we could be set free... I could never do that!

Thantasy: [Jessie] No, nor could I.

Cardaniel80: (Miriam's fears are spilling out of her now.)

Thantasy: [Jessie] <Hugs her.>

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I am not certain how I can be of help.

Thantasy: [Jessie] We are not sure either.

Thantasy: [Jessie] If it were only myself to consider, I would weather the storm.

Thantasy: [Jessie] But I can not stand to see my beloved partner suffer so.

Thantasy: [Jessie] Miriam had heard from a friend...

Thantasy: [Jessie] that you sometimes provided services to women...

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] Services that...could be very... useful, to us.

Thantasy: [Jessie] that, shall we say, constituted a rather permanent solution to life's problems.

Thantasy: [Liza] <Oh, this is interesting. Wonder what they mean by that?>

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] (Taking a deep breath, calming herself.) You see, Professor... we would rather die together than live apart!

Thantasy: [Jessie] Yes.

Thantasy: [Jessie] I would like to be more optimistic about the future.

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] (Puts her arms around Jessie and holds her tightly.)

Thantasy: [Jessie] I would like to believe that changes will come...

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] The world changes indeed, constantly.

Thantasy: [Jessie] But I can not bear to see Miriam distressed so.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Most of the women who come to me are quite sure what they want. Are you quite sure?

Thantasy: [Jessie] Speaking for myself, frankly, no.

Thantasy: [Jessie] I only know that I do not want to be separated from my partner and that I do not want to see her suffer.

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] I think... I think I know what I want. Jessie, please, I have to say it!

Thantasy: [Jessie] Go ahead dear, say it.

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] (Eyes closed.) Professor.... we want to... we discussed this for many days, and.... I want... we want to die, loving each other. In each other's arms.

Thantasy: [Liza] <Gor blimey! Sounds like something Mr. Lewis Stevenson would write!>

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Looks at Jessie.) Is she speaking for you now, dear?

Thantasy: [Jessie] About the loving each other, yes. About the other....

Thantasy: [Jessie] I only know that I don't want to be separated from her.

Thantasy: [Jessie] And if that's the only way we can be together...

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] Jessie, you know what will happen if we go to prison.

Thantasy: [Jessie] Well, yes. But there are other options, or would be if we had the means...

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] But we don't, we just don't! And anywhere we go, we would be in danger. Always, all our lives!

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] (Repeating things she has already been saying for days.)

Thantasy: [Jessie] There must be someplace in the world. I have heard that some of the Red peoples in North America have a liberal attitude.

Thantasy: [Jessie] But, of course, I don't think we could impose ourselves on them.

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] Oh, Jessie! (Falls against her, burying her head against Jessie's shoulder.)

Thantasy: [Jessie] I would like to hear what options you might think are open to us...

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] (Sitting up after crying.) Professor, if you could... tell us how you would do it....it wouldn't hurt, would it?

Thantasy: [Jessie] Yes, I do not enjoy pain. We have had enought of that.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I think you may already know, Miss Blakely.... you had some idea when you came here, did you not?

Thantasy: [Liza] <Oh, not going to be THAT kind of story, not like that M. Sade wrote in France.>

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] Not hanging, or drowning, or anything like that. Something... peaceful. And together. We must be together!

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] I want to be holding Jessie... forever and ever!

Thantasy: [Jessie] Yes, on that we are agreed.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] You would wish to be buried together, then, in a shared coffin.....?

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] Oh, definitely!

Thantasy: [Jessie] Yes, of course.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] That does give me a thought.... perhaps the coffin itself would be the instrument.... You would be sealed inside, and expire as your air was used up.... it would be very quiet, very painless.

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] In the dark?? No, no, I have to see her!

Thantasy: [Jessie] That does have some appeal. Could the coffin be made of glass?

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Glass... yes, quite readily! I take it you would not want to be buried before you had died, then?

Thantasy: [Jessie] No, I think I would want our demise witnessed as a sort of testimony of our love.

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] (Gasps.) Oh Jessie! That would be so wonderful!

Thantasy: [Jessie] Yes. After having hid our love for so long, I think that at least at the end, someone should be able to testify to it.

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] (Turning to Higgins.) You have been so understanding... perhaps you could be our witness? You and Colonel Pickering, you've been so nice too! And.... Miss Doolittle? Would you?

Thantasy: [Liza] <Gor! Am I in the play??????> <Looks at Higgins.>

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Gestures play-along-with-it.)

Thantasy: [Liza] Why...........Yes?????

Thantasy: [Liza] I would be.........honored???????

Thantasy: [Liza] And I am.........flattered ?????? .....that you ask ??????

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] (Overcome.) Oh thank you!!! (Jumps up and throws her arms around Liza.)

Thantasy: [Liza] <Oh, my what's this!!!!????>

Thantasy: [Liza] <Hugs her back.>

Thantasy: [Liza] There, there, dear.

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] (Wipes her eyes, realizes she should thank Higgins too, although he's a man.) And thank you so much, Professor! (Hugs him tentatively.)

Thantasy: [Jessie] <Follows suit.>

Thantasy: [Jessie] <At first reluctantly, then with more enthusiasm.>

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Stunned at the emotional outburst.) Quite all right, ladies, really!

Thantasy: [Jessie] Professor Higgins, you have proposed a very credible idea.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Feels a tightness in his trousers, unexpected and not necessarily welcome, all things considered.)

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I know that you ladies arrived here much less sure of your need of my services than most of my... clients. Would you like a few days to decide?

Thantasy: [Jessie] I do think we should take a day or two to discuss whether there is anything we would like to add to the arrangements.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Yes, very good then. Shall we say Thursday, at 12 o'clock?

Thantasy: [Jessie] Yes, very good.

Thantasy: [Jessie] I think we should have reached a decision by then.

Thantasy: [Jessie] Come, darling. <Takes Miriam's hand.>

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Excellent! I have enjoyed meeting you, and I feel for you, and your predicament. I hope we can come to a satisfactory arrangement for all concerned.

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] (Squeezes Jessie's hand and leans against her.)

Thantasy: [Jessie] Until Thursday at noon, then. And thank you, Miss Doolittle, for your presence and support.

Thantasy: [Liza] Oh, you're very welcome, I'm sure.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Watches Liza closely, wondering how she is taking this.)

Thantasy: [Liza] I will see you to the door.

Cardaniel80: [Miriam] Thank you so much, Miss Doolittle!

Thantasy: <The three women exit.>

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Turns to Pickering.) An unusual case.

Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Quite! Do you think they will... take the plunge, so to say?

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] We shall see Thursday.

Thantasy: [Liza] <Returns.>

Thantasy: [Liza] Oh, thank you so much, Profesor Higgins.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Ah, Miss Doolittle. I trust you found that entertaining?

Thantasy: [Liza] I had no idea that was the way playwrights went about their work.

Thantasy: [Liza] Do you suppose Mr. Gilbert and Mr. Sullivan do something like that when they're making an opera?

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Well, they certainly have a tall order: creating a world for us to inhabit a few hours. It is very taxing on the imagination.

Cardaniel80: [Pickering] I trust Gilbert and Sullivan do plenty of singing and dancing when they meet.

Thantasy: [Liza] I found that so interesting. And so real!

Thantasy: [Liza] They was actually crying real tears, they was!

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] An actor on the stage does no less, every night.

Thantasy: [Liza] And I had no idea I was supposed to be part of the play. Took me by surprise, it did.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I believe they had hoped you would be an encouraging audience.

Thantasy: [Liza] And everybody used their real names. I suppose they make up names for the characters later.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I believe they find it easier to immerse themselves in the roles that way.

Thantasy: [Liza] Yes. Immersion. That's the word all right. They was immersed up to their necks, they was.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Although apparently they would prefer a method other than immersion.

Thantasy: [Liza] Oh, and that reminds me...that Miss Ophelia who was here last week...

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Ah, yes, wasn't she a charming woman?

Thantasy: [Liza] I was meaning to ask you, Colonel Pickering...

Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Yes, my dear?

Thantasy: [Liza] That very tasty dish you had me to sample last week.

Cardaniel80: [Pickering] My own recipe. I'm quite glad you liked it.

Thantasy: [Liza] Did Miss Ophilia have a hand in it?

Thantasy: [Liza] In its preparation, I mean?

Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Oh, yes, she certainly had a hand in it.

Thantasy: [Liza] Oh?

Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Yes, she brought a special flavoring to it.

Thantasy: [Liza] You mean she brought some ingredients?

Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Yes, she was very interested in it, and hoped you would like it.

Thantasy: [Liza] Well, if you have the occasion, If you can get her ear...

Thantasy: [Liza] tell her how much I enjoyed the dish.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Looking at Liza with raised eyebrows.)

Cardaniel80: [Pickering] I'll see if I can catch her ear.

Thantasy: [Liza] I was wondering, was the meat native to England or imported?

Cardaniel80: [Pickering] I'm certain it was native meat.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Eliza, was there something in particular about that dish?

Thantasy: [Liza] No, nothing peculiar. I just haven't tasted its like before.

Cardaniel80: [Pickering] I believe it must have been the curry powder.

Thantasy: [Liza] I was wondering if I might be able to acquire some at the local butcher.

Cardaniel80: [Pickering] I would have some doubts as to that...

Thantasy: [Liza] Well, was just a passing thought.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] What do you think it tasted like, Eliza?

Thantasy: [Liza] It wasn't quite chicken...

Thantasy: [Liza] had more substance to it.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Not fat at all, though.

Thantasy: [Liza] And 'twas very lean yet ever so tasty!

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] At some time we may be able to get some more. I will save some for you when we do.

Thantasy: [Liza] Shouldn't be surprising that Miss Ophelia would be partial to it, as she was on the lean side herself. Oh, please do!

Thantasy: [Liza] If there's anything I can do to help with the preparation, please let me to know.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Perhaps our next client will bring some along. Not Miss Blakely or Miss Harshom, I don't believe.

Thantasy: [Liza] I certainly did enjoy my involvement with this concoction of a play, though.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] What do you think of the outcome?

Thantasy: [Liza] That idea you had about the coffin. What an imagination! Well, it hasn't really come out yet, has it?

Thantasy: [Liza] I mean, they's got some preparation to do among themselves...

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] No, you're quite right. But the ending has possibilities.

Thantasy: [Liza] I am looking forward to them coming back Thursday.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] What advice would you give the authors, Eliza?

Thantasy: [Liza] If they wants me to participate some more, I will ever so glad. I would say....

Thantasy: [Liza] that, given the premises they was working on...

Thantasy: [Liza] they came up with a very fine way to solve their problem, with your help, of course.

Thantasy: [Liza] I think you should get some credit if the play is produced.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] It does have a certain poignancy to it. And elegance.

Thantasy: [Liza] I can imagine that it would be quite exciting to watch on stage...

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I believe the decision as to production would lay with Misses Blakely and Harshom.

Thantasy: [Liza] particularly if they actually gets to the point of deciding to show the women in the glass box...

Thantasy: [Liza] Don't know how that would play at the Strand, but I'm sure there would be an audience eager to watch two women in a glass box...

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I believe it would need to be quite an avant garde production to include that. It may well be, though.

Thantasy: [Liza] Expiring and making love at the same time.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Would you really like to see that, Eliza?

Thantasy: [Liza] Oh, yes!

Thantasy: [Liza] I think would be very exciting and stimulating.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Judging from Miss Blakely's reaction, I feel they may be eager to invite you.

Thantasy: [Liza] Oh, I would love that, I would!

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] What would you think if such a thing could possibly happen in real life, Eliza?

Thantasy: [Liza] Hmmmmm...

Thantasy: [Liza] Now, there's a thought.

Thantasy: [Liza] I don't know.

Thantasy: [Liza] Seems a little odd, in a way...

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Yes, exactly the thought an author would have: could this all be real?

Thantasy: [Liza] Women seeking out an early death....

Thantasy: [Liza] But, yes, I suppose it could happen...

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] The characters in their play certainly had their reasons.

Thantasy: [Liza] I been told that some find the idea of dying rather, oh, arousing. Might be kind of drawn to it.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I am aware of books in which such a thing occurs.

Thantasy: [Liza] Yes, I think that's entirely possible...

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Are you drawn to it, Eliza?

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Would you be.... ah, aroused.... by a book on such a theme?

Thantasy: [Liza] Emmmmm...

Thantasy: [Liza] You mean the idea of expiring in some fantastic, exotic, stimulating manner guaranteed to send a woman to the brink of ecstasy and push her over into oblivion with the tide of passion coursing through her loins and every fibre of her body, until she erupted from the flesh like a blossom shot forth from a stem into the glorious open air of eternal bliss?

Thantasy: [Liza] I don't know. I haven't thought about it.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I believe you understand the attraction people might have for such stories, yourself.

Thantasy: [Liza] Well, yes, I imagine I could develop a slight interest in such matters.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Well, perhaps I could find a book or two that would stimulate your interest.

Thantasy: [Liza] If it were well-written, of course.

Thantasy: [Liza] I might...

Thantasy: [Liza] under the right conditions....

Thantasy: [Liza] if it were well presented...

Thantasy: [Liza] and thoughtfully drafted out...

Thantasy: [Liza] find it...

Thantasy: [Liza] intriguing...

Thantasy: [Liza] stimulating..

Thantasy: [Liza] provocative...

Thantasy: [Liza] absorbing...

Thantasy: [Liza] all-consuming...

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Looks at Pickering.)

Cardaniel80: [Pickering] (Looks back.)

Thantasy: [Liza] An obsession craving culmination in an ultimate identification with the protagist undergoing the experience of a blissful demise under conditions of an encounter with the ultimate reality that lies beyond this mere pale, this earthy prison of shackles and flesh...

Thantasy: [Liza] <Tiny beads of persperation appear on her forehead.>

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I believe when Miss Blakely and Miss Harshom return you may be able to assist with the details of their... play.

Thantasy: [Liza] Oh, I should be ever so delighted!

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Are you quite all right, Eliza? A glass of water, perhaps?

Thantasy: [Liza] <She shifts about.> Why, yes.

Thantasy: [Liza] As a matter of fact, I am somewhat parched.

Cardaniel80: [Pickering] (Pours out a glass, hands it to her.)

Thantasy: [Liza] Thank you very kindly. <Drinks.>

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] You may even be able to help them decide whether their play is produced at all.

Thantasy: [Liza] Oh, I would be honored to have a voice in such an important decision...

Thantasy: [Liza] and I'm sure I would enjoy...

Thantasy: [Liza] discussing the matter...

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I'm sure it is quite important to them too, and they would like help from any source.

Thantasy: [Liza] in exquisite detail...

Thantasy: [Liza] dwelling on every erotic nuance and device and motivation and...

Thantasy: [Liza] oh...

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] You certainly must join us Thursday, then.

Thantasy: [Liza] Another glass of water, please.

Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Some sherry, perhaps?

Thantasy: [Liza] Yes, I shall certainly make myself available. Well, yes, thank you...

Thantasy: [Liza] If you think it's proper, what with me just being a servant girl and all. But I guess I'm now a sort of contributor.

Cardaniel80: [Pickering] (Pours a glass and suddenly drinks it himself, then pours Liza one. He has sweat on his upper lip.) I think we're all a bit parched. Higgins?

Thantasy: [Liza] Ah, I do feel so lucky to have found myself in a house where such creativity abounds.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Yes, I believe I will have some. (Pressure in trousers again.)

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Believes her uniform is looking especially well-fitting today.)

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I believe we are lucky ourselves, to have found such a jewel in a maid's uniform. (Smiling.)

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (The girl fills it out rather well, as a matter of fact.)

Thantasy: [Liza] Oh, thank you. You are too kind.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Would you like another sherry?

Thantasy: [Liza] Yes, please.

Thantasy: [Liza] I've got to admit...

Thantasy: [Liza] that I'm not very much...

Thantasy: [Liza] accostom, er, accustomed...

Thantasy: [Liza] to imbeebing, imbibing...

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Sees Liza teetering, moves closer in case she falls.)

Thantasy: [Liza] I haven't had much opportinuity.... or oppurninity...

Thantasy: [Liza] or opperninitiey...

Thantasy: [Liza] or chance...

Thantasy: [Liza] to indulge myself like this...

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Perhaps if you were to use shorter words...

Thantasy: [Liza] I hope I manage to maintain my compartment... or my comportment....

Thantasy: [Liza] in a manner befitting...

Thantasy: [Liza] a trusted employee...

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Can I help you sit down, Eliza? You look slightly faint.

Thantasy: [Liza] of such a gracious...oh, yes, please...

Thantasy: [Liza] I seem to be just a teensie weensie bit dizzy...

Cardaniel80: (As he reaches her she sits abruptly on the couch, reaching out to keep her balance, pulling on Higgins's arm.)

Thantasy: [Liza] Perhaps I could use the stimuleeshun of another glash of sheeeriiie to put me back up on my feet again...

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I believe we may need to take you to bed. What would you say, Colonel?

Cardaniel80: [Pickering] A rest would do her wonders, I'm sure.

Thantasy: [Liza] Well, I'm sure I could just stretch out...

Thantasy: [Liza] right here on this lovely sofa...

Thantasy: [Liza] where the two very, very nish ladiesh sat and held each other...

Thantasy: [Liza] oh so very, very nish and tender.

Thantasy: [Liza] I likes to be held nice and tender too.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Prepares to stand, but Liza still has his arm.)

Thantasy: [Liza] It'sh a nish comforting feeling to be held....

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Suddenly finds himself very hard... he had never until this instant thought of her that way.)

Thantasy: [Liza] with nice big strong armsh...

Thantasy: [Liza] Like so...

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Well, perhaps after all the excitement of the morning.... (Puts a friendly arm around Liza.)

Thantasy: [Liza] Yes...

Thantasy: [Liza] just like that...

Thantasy: [Liza] Hmmmmmm...

Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Higgins, do you think you need any help over there?

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I may in a few minutes, Colonel.

Thantasy: [Liza] Oh, how nice to have such a friendly concern expreshed by a man of such dignity and position...

Cardaniel80: [Pickering] (Comes over to sit on the opposite side of Liza from Higgins.)

Thantasy: [Liza] Makes me feel all warm and loverly....

Thantasy: [Liza] like I wash in a room shomwhere...

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Why, you could be a poet, Eliza. Such a nice word...

Thantasy: [Liza] far away from the cold night air...

Thantasy: [Liza] with one enormoush chair...

Thantasy: [Liza] oh, wouldn't that be loverly?

Cardaniel80: ["Lots of ladies for me to snuff.... Hanging, drowning, and all that stuff... we play it kind of rough.... oh hasn't it been loverly?"]

Thantasy: [Liza] <Thump, head rests on Higgins's shoulder.>

Thantasy: [Liza] <She's subdued but responsive.>

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Draws her a bit closer.)

Thantasy: [Liza] <Compliant... won't remember anything.>

Thantasy: [Liza] <Probably will think she had a dream.>

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I think she needs a bit of air, don't you Colonel? That tight uniform...

Thantasy: [Liza] <Snuggles and purrs.>

Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Here, let me help you there.... (Begins unbuttoning Liza's shoes.)

Thantasy: [Liza] <Lovely naked body...>

Thantasy: [Liza] <full perky breasts...>

Thantasy: [Liza] <smooth, flawless skin...>

Thantasy: [Liza] <unblemished...>

Thantasy: [Liza] <rather hairy little beaver...>

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Sits her on his lap... he's naked now too... facing away from him, his cock behind her buttocks.... she appears interested in Pickering's member, at attention in front of her mouth.)

Thantasy: [Liza] <Almost in a dreamlike state, she leans forward...>

Thantasy: [Liza] <takes him into her mouth.....>

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Lifts her light body and lets her womanhood down around his malesness.)

Thantasy: [Liza] <begins sucking as though she needed nourishment...>

Thantasy: [Liza] <she is a VERY tight fit!>

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (But very wet, which helps.)

Cardaniel80: [Pickering] (Breathing hard.) The live ones can be interesting on occasion.

Thantasy: [Liza] <Caresses Pickering's manly buttocks with her hands as she works on his cock with her mouth...>

Thantasy: [Liza] <while gently raising and lowering herself on Higgins' cock.>

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Shifts his weight on the sofa, letting her buttocks wriggle on his lap.)

Thantasy: [Liza] <She moves so lightly, so expertly...>

Thantasy: [Liza] <taking him into her tight vagina...>

Cardaniel80: [Pickering] (Holds her head and pulls her harder onto him, but she needs little encouragement.)

Thantasy: [Liza] <her lovely breasts bounce rather delightfully as she moves up and down.>

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Reaches around her waist and strokes her bush gently.)

Thantasy: [Liza] Mmmmmmmmm...

Thantasy: [Liza] Mmmmmmmm...

Thantasy: [Liza] eeeeeeoooowwww!

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Gasp) (pant)

Thantasy: [Liza] oh, oh, oh, oh...

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Reaches up now to cup her breast in his palm.)

Thantasy: [Liza] <Coughs.>

Cardaniel80: [Pickering] (Holds another glass of sherry to her lips to help her clear her throat.)

Thantasy: [Liza] <Drinks heartily.>

Thantasy: [Liza] <This is just a little bit too much...>

Cardaniel80: [Pickering] (Offers his cock again... Still longer than before...)

Thantasy: [Liza] <Takes his cock into her mouth, but...>

Thantasy: [Liza] <she begins to slump...>

Thantasy: [Liza] <losing consciousness...>

Cardaniel80: [Pickering] (Holds her up and begins thrusting.)

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Feels her stop moving, and takes over moving her hips himself.)

Thantasy: <Other than the fact that her heart is beating and she's breathing, she's as lifeless as Ophelia or Gwen.>

Thantasy: <Necrobabitude by means of Sherry.>

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Still more turned on by her limpness.)

Thantasy: [Liza] <Her vagina is now thoroughly relaxed and pliant...>

Thantasy: [Liza] <just as vulnerable as she can be and still be alive.>

Cardaniel80: [Pickering] (Moves her head back and forth.) Ahh, Eliza...... NNNGGGHHHHH!!!!!!! (His spurts flood her mouth, far enough back to cause her to swallow instinctively.)

Thantasy: [Liza] Gulp.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Tenses and comes more quietly, his juices mixing with hers, flooding out of her onto his lap.)

Thantasy: [Liza] <Her body does have the advantage that it still produces juice!>

Thantasy: [Liza] <Just a sweet, dreamy little play-toy.>

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Holds her tightly, one hand on her breast, the other in her bush, while Pickering empties the last of his flood into her unknowing mouth.)

Thantasy: [Liza] <Again, she swallows, about the only action of which she is capable.>

Cardaniel80: (She opens her eyes briefly, but can only see Pickering's lower stomach. Doesn't know what to make of it.)

Thantasy: <The two men feel that they are experiencing a preview of what is to come with Liza...>

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (She has such a wonderful, feminine body.... why hadn't they noticed?)

Thantasy: <but instead of taking her to the stew pot, they will be carrying her down to her bed and tucking her in.>

Thantasy: <Put her in night clothes or back into her uniform and lay her on top of the bedclothes.>

NEXT MORNING

Thantasy: [Liza] Sir. <To Higgins.> May I have a word with you?

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Certainly, Eliza.

Thantasy: [Liza] I want to apologize for my behavior yesterday, whatever it was. I don't remember much.

Thantasy: [Liza] I do not hold my spirits very well, I'm sorry to say.

Thantasy: [Liza] Runs in my family.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] You are really not capable of rude behavior in any circumstances, my dear. I believe you were simply tired.

Thantasy: [Liza] Whew. I thank you for putting my mind at ease.

Thantasy: [Liza] I was afraid I might have done something embarrassing, something that might earn me my notice.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Think nothing of it. You did seem very confused when you excused yourself and went to your bed, but I knew you'd be better in the morning.

Thantasy: [Liza] That's a world of trouble off my mind, I'm sure.

Thantasy: [Liza] I hope I managed to conduct myself as a perfect lady, spite me being in me cups.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Quite all right, my dear. I'm very pleased with your work. I may even become quite dependent on such a capable worker as yourself.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I'm sure you will always be a perfect young lady.

Thantasy: [Liza] Thank you, very much, sir, for them kind words. I hope I wasn't any inconvenience to you and the Colonel.

Thantasy: [Liza] I hope I didn't give you a hard time in any way.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Not at all. A little liquor at the end of a long day often has such effects. It's I who must apologize for not taking that into account.

Thantasy: [Liza] Oh, no, no, no, sir. Was all me own doing, I assure you. I just hope I was not a burden to you.

Thantasy: [Liza] I know that sometimes we women can be a very heavy load for the male of the species...

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Not at all, my dear. Nothing more ever need be said about it. You may rest your worried mind on this score.

Thantasy: [Liza] what with our frivilous heads and moral weakness, we depends on the stronger, straighter, more upright males to carry us through.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I must say you are not at all heavy... if you are speaking literally.

Thantasy: [Liza] Well, you have done wonders to ease my state... of mind.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Please let me know if I can ever ease you again.... in your mind.

Thantasy: [Liza] Now, will them nice young ladies be coming back to talk more about their play?

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Yes, I believe it is to be... Thursday, yes, they will do some more writing and return Thursday.

Thantasy: [Liza] Will you want me ready to lend an ear, again? And is there any studying up I should do by way of preparation?

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Let me see... I have a book here by... confound it, what is the fellow's name?

Thantasy: [Liza] Oh, one of them books by Mr. A. Nonymous.

Thantasy: [Liza] The widow had several of his works on her shelves.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] The very fellow! Quite a prolific writer.

Thantasy: [Liza] I do wonder what the A stands for? Maybe Ambrose.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I understood it to be Aloysius.

Thantasy: [Liza] Ah, an Irishman, probably. Wouldn't you know it! What with their wild flair for the flights of fancy.

Thantasy: [Liza] I'll be sure to study it carefully before me slumbers tonight.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Quite. (Smiling.) At any rate, I believe this book may help inspire your imagination as you attempt to assist the ladies.

Thantasy: [Liza] I must say, they have a most interesting idea.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Yes, very imaginative! I will do my utmost to see the play produced.

Thantasy: [Liza] Two lovely young women encasing themselves in glass, expiring in each other's arms!

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] There will be no dry eyes in the house, I'm sure.

Thantasy: [Liza] <Thought does send goosebumps.>

Thantasy: [Liza] Well, I'll get about me household duties, after taking Mr. Nonymous's book to me chambers.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] It is such a poignant way to die. Yes, we may talk later about the book if it interests you.

Thantasy: [Liza] I'm sure it will. I've discovered many intriguing things since my arrival here. And I thank you very much again, for understanding about my weakness with the beverages.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Even the very mighty are occasionally conquered by alcohol, Eliza. You will rise above it.

Thantasy: [Liza] I hope that in the future, should occasion present itself, you will be just as helpful and forgiving. I thank you for the words of encouragement, sir.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I'm sure I will, for such a fine worker as yourself. Indeed, in a similar situation I'm sure Pickering and I will react in the same way again.

Thantasy: [Liza] Well, have a good day. <Bustles off, apparently very happy.>

Thantasy: [Liza] <She looks back and smiles.>

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Good day to you, Eliza. (Smiles.)

Thantasy: [Liza] Good day.

*****************

Thantasy: <That night, in her chambers. In nightclothes, cup of hot chocolate nearby. Hair down, combed. Gaslight turned high enough for reading.>

Thantasy: [Liza] <Settles into bed.>

Thantasy: [Liza] Um.

Thantasy: [Liza] THE CORRECTION AND MORAL IMPROVEMENT OF YOUNG LADIES by A. Nonymous.

Thantasy: [Liza] Ooooo! And it has pictures, too!

NEXT DAY

Thantasy: [Liza] Professor Higgins?

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Yes, Eliza?

Thantasy: [Liza] I very much enjoyed the book you gave me yesterday, but I am afraid I did not get all the way through it.

Thantasy: [Liza] I was hoping you might allow me to keep it for a day or two, or at least tonight.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Certainly, Eliza. Keep it as long as you wish. It was quite a long book. Did you find it to stimulate your imagination?

Thantasy: [Liza] Oh, yes, me ..... imagination was most stimulated.

Thantasy: [Liza] I want to make sure I grasp all of the finer points that the gentleman is making.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I'm sure Miss Blakely and Miss Harshom will be well served by any ideas it inspires in you.

Thantasy: [Liza] Oh, they seem so sweet. I can't imagine that they need much correction or moral improvement.

Thantasy: [Liza] Unlike such types as meself, who may not have had the best of upbringings.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] You may be right... do you feel in such need, then?

Thantasy: [Liza] Well, I don't like to burden me employers with tales of me family and me past experiences. Let me just say that I think that study of this book will be most inspiring for me.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] It would not be a burden at all, Eliza, but you would be the best judge of what should be kept private.

Thantasy: [Liza] And I will read it with an eye to any thoughts I might be able to contribute in the discussion of the ladies' play. Well, I've got a full day ahead of me.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Splendid! You may find it useful at other times as well.

Thantasy: [Liza] By the way, that enormous pot out in the garden....

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Yes, I picked it up in my African travels.

Thantasy: [Liza] Would you want me to scour it out?

Thantasy: [Liza] Or is it well-seasoned, and you do not want that disturbed?

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] It's really ceremonial, and I prefer to keep it in its natural state. Please leave it as it is.

Thantasy: [Liza] As you wish, sir.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Thank you, Eliza. I will catch up on correspondence in my study as you work.

Thantasy: [Liza] The pot does look marvelous huge and comfy, if a person wanted to bath in it, but I suppose that is not in keeping with the ceremonial use.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Well, it is quite large enough for a person, isn't it?

Thantasy: [Liza] Yes, I should say!

Thantasy: [Liza] Well, I'll be about me work. Have a good day, sir. Thank you for the continued use of the book.

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I trust you will enjoy the remainder of the book, my dear. Good day to you!

Thantasy: [Liza] <Bustles off.>

Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Eyes her form appreciatively as she leaves.)

*****************

Thantasy: [Liza] <That night, in her chambers.>

Thantasy: [Liza] Um, Chapter Thirteen...

Thantasy: [Liza] "The Proper Application of Devices of Restraint When Mere Admonitions Are Not Sufficient."

Thantasy: [Liza] Oh, this looks very good! Lots of pictures in this chapter!

Thantasy: [Liza] Gor! Look at that!

Thantasy: [Liza] That could be a mite uncomfortable.

Thantasy: [Liza] Let me see.

Thantasy: [Liza] <Places hands behind back...>

Thantasy: [Liza] <wrists together.>

Thantasy: [Liza] <Attempts to raise wrists up toward her neck and bring elbows together.>

Thantasy: [Liza] Um, have to be a bloody circus contortionist person to be able to do that by yourself.

Thantasy: [Liza] But, oh, I like the way it makes my bosom stand out!

Thantasy: [Liza] Well, enough gaping at the pictures. Best get to me studies...

Thantasy: [Liza] "When a wayward lass has shown particular intractibility, a gentleman must overcome his natural inclination toward moderation and assume a firm hand."

Thantasy: [Liza] Oh, I likes that. Bet the Professor has a very frim hand when he wants one. The Colonel, too, I wager. <She continues turning pages, barely remembering to breathe.>