
Set in the cozy hall of Mulberry Manor just days before Christmas, the play opens with a lively household where the chatter of relatives mixes with the crackle of a log fire. Joyce, bundled in a fur coat, complains about her cold feet while her bright‑eyed niece Sylvia fusses over proper winter attire. Into this warm domestic scene steps Bobbie, a restless young man whose penchant for sport and adventure clashes humorously with the genteel expectations of his family.
As the characters trade witty barbs and gentle teasing, a subtle rivalry bubbles beneath the surface—Bobbie’s desire for excitement runs against the tranquil rhythm of manor life, while old grudges and secret affections begin to stir. The dialogue sparkles with the lighthearted banter and clever repartee that define this three‑act comedy, promising a charming exploration of family dynamics, mistaken assumptions, and the gentle chaos that erupts when everyone tries to “leave it” to someone else.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (131K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Chuck Greif and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2010-01-20
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1899–1973
A dazzling wit of the stage and screen, this English playwright, songwriter, actor, and director became one of the defining voices of 20th-century entertainment. His work blends sparkling dialogue, emotional sharpness, and effortless style, from light comedy to wartime songs and intimate memoir.
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