(ROADSHOW SCENE NO. 9)

HOLMAN

What's the difference?

SHIRLEY

Cho-Jen says that in a Chinese wedding there have to be
many ceremonies between the families. It's like the grafting
together of two fruit trees.

HOLMAN (not getting it)

Yeah?

SHIRLEY

He says that without families Frenchy and Maily are like two
loose twigs. You can't graft one to another.

Holman looks expressionlessly at Shirley.

HOLMAN

Now that's really somethin'.

SHIRLEY (smiling)

I know, but it's how they feel.

HOLMAN

Two loose twigs.

SHIRLEY

I'm sorry.

HOLMAN (pause)

Isn't there anybody like a Chinese Justice of the Peace
who'll just say the words and take the two dollars?

SHIRLEY

I'm afraid not.

HOLMAN (pause)

Well... thanks.

SHIRLEY

How are things on the ship?

HOLMAN

I'm gonna be transferred.

SHIRLEY

Oh?

HOLMAN

Yeah. 

SHIRLEY

When?

HOLMAN

Soon's they can get another guy up here from Hankow.
Be a while yet.

SHIRLEY

Where will you be going?

HOLMAN

Back to the Fleet.

SHIRLEY

I wish they'd transfer you to China Light so you could
get our machines working.

HOLMAN (smiles)

You're goin' back?

SHIRLEY

We're almost sure. When the appeal is heard...
(suddenly)
Do you know Changsha well?

HOLMAN

A little.

SHIRLEY

Could you show me some of it?

END...