The Twelve-Pound Look

by J. M. Barrie

Genre: Comedy, Drama
Setting: England
Format of Original Source: Play
Recommended Adaptation Length:

Candidate for Adaptation? Promising

EXCERPT:

KATE. [Slowly.] If I was a husband–it is my advice to all of them–I would often watch my wife quietly to see whether the twelve-pound look was not coming into her eyes. Two boys, did you say, and both like you?

SIR HARRY. What is that to you?

KATE. [With glistening eyes.] I was only thinking that somewhere there are two little girls who, when they grow up–the dear, pretty girls who are all meant for the men that don’t get on! Well, good-by, Sir Harry.

SIR HARRY. [Showing a little human weakness, it is to be feared.] Say first that you’re sorry.

KATE. For what?

SIR HARRY. That you left me. Say you regret it bitterly. You know you do. [She smiles and shakes her head. He is pettish. He makes a terrible announcement.] You have spoiled the day for me.

KATE. [To hearten him.] I am sorry for that; but it is only a pin-prick, Harry. I suppose it is a little jarring in the moment of your triumph to find that there is–one old friend–who does not think you a success; but you will soon forget it. Who cares what a typist thinks?

NOTE FROM NMI: Barrie sometimes wrote his plays in prose, rather than in script format; but they are plays nonetheless.

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