CLOUDLET

ansion until you grant him an audience as he is instructed. The gentleman insists that a police intervention will result in ultimately unpleasant consequences to your image and will not affect his decision.

(The phone on the desk rings. Despina picks it up and after a short welcome freezes with the handset to her ear. Her face shows increasing astonishment. The conversation ends on her part with "Yes, yes, of course!")

DESPINA: Horace please bring the gentleman in. And bring tea for him.

(Enter Enyo and the Butler. The Butler puts a second cup of tea at the table and leaves.)

ENYO: (gallantly kissing young woman’s hand) It's my pleasure to meet you.

DESPINA: Far from me to say the same.

ENYO: That means that your grandfather’s lawyer has managed to talk to you and has explained the legal situation.

DESPINA: It is illegal situation! I will dispute! I'll sue you for ... for ... for organizing my wedding!

ENYO: Your grandfather’s attorney confirmed that the will is completely legal. Unusual – absolutely; immoral – maybe; but certainly not illegal. To the contrary it is very traditional in spirit. You are not obliged to marry me - this is left to your own choice. You are free to opt out.

DESPINA: What does it mean to "opt out"? To leave to the arbitrariness of fate those who depend on me because of my grandfather’s whim?

ENYO: I am flattered to be elevated to the arbitrariness of fate. As you already know, if you refuse to marry me, the estate goes under my full control for three years anyway. And you may move to the house in Cloudlet. Exceptional place as your grandfather used to say.

DESPINA: So you are interested in this mansion?

ENYO: I do not need at all. I am interested in Cloudlet house which your grandfather bought under my nose.

DESPINA: Why do not you ask for it then and there? Or you did not have enough money?

ENYO: I guess your grandfather thought I would pay way too much if you are not included in the deal.

DESPINA: Should I understand that you are ready to marry anyone just because of a pile of bricks and boards?

ENYO: Well as far as "anyone" - no, I am not. If your grandfather had a grandson, things would be placed in different perspective.

DESPINA: But I could turn to be lame hunchbacked one-eyed shrew!

ENYO: So far we bravely dismiss lame, one-eyed and hunchbacked, unless you plan something about it.

DESPINA: I hope you remember that the fate of your precious house is on the tip of my tongue.

ENYO: That's why I say "so far".

DESPINA: My lawyers will start working on the issue immediately.

ENYO: In vain. Your grandfather has paid the best.

DESPINA: There should be an escape clause! It remains only to be found! God, what a horror! I was hoping to marry someone who shares my views!

ENYO: Glad to hear that. In your opinion, highborn maidens of marriageable age have al