Billy and Annie.
Annie sits reading on the train.
Billy approaches the seat next to Annie. He speaks with a Scottish accent. He carries a grip.
The dialogue is amplified through a mike.
Billy Excuse me, is this seat taken?
Annie No.
Billy Mind if I sit down?
Billy sits down.
Billy D’you reckon?
Annie Sorry?
Billy You reckon it’s a free country?
Annie ignores him.
Going far?
Annie To London.
Billy All the way.
Annie starts to move to an empty seat.
I’ll let you read.
Annie Thank you. (She sits in the empty seat.)
Billy My name’s Bill.
She ignores him.
Can I just ask you one question?
Annie Mary.
Billy Can I just ask you one question, Mary?
Annie One.
Billy Do you know what time this train is due to arrive in London?
Annie At about half-past one, I believe, if it’s on time.
Billy You put me in mind of Mussolini, Mary. People used to say about Mussolini, he may be a Fascist, but –
Annie No – that’s wrong – that’s the old script –
Billy (swears under his breath) Sorry, Roger …
Roger (voice off) OK, cut the tape.
Annie From the top, Roger?
Roger (voice off) Give us a minute.
A light change reveals that the setting is a fake, in a TV studio. Annie gets up and moves away. Billy joins her. They exchange a few words, and she moves back to her seat, leaving him estranged, an unhappy feeling between them.
After a moment the scene fades out.