Say the Right Thing: Scene I

You've heard *Atithi Devo Bhava*: 'the guest is like God'. When guests come home, what's polite? Offering water, asking how they are, walking them to the door: yes. Asking "When will you leave?" or criticising their clothes: no! Keep that in mind for this play by G.C. Thornley, 'Say the Right Thing'.

A mother advises her daughter to say the right thing at the right time, and when the guests arrive, the daughter hilariously forgets all of it!

Three words the play turns on:

The four characters:

• Mary Shaw, a young girl
• Mrs Shaw, her mother
• Mrs Harding, wife of a rich man who has just bought a big house in Lanfield, after living in London
• Mrs Lee, Mr Harding's married sister, who has been staying with them for a while

Scene I is getting ready. Mrs Shaw is tidying: "Put that coat away in your bedroom." Mary grumbles that she's always told to put things away, and she's not a child!

Mary wants to stay and talk to the guests. Her mother isn't sure: "You always talk too much. But does anyone want to hear the things you say?" She suggests a walk. Mary insists: "Anyone can talk!"

So her mother lets her stay, and explains why it matters: "I want to know Mrs Harding well. I want her to invite me. There isn't much to do in Lanfield, and I want more friends. So take care when you say anything."

Then the rules: "You'll always be right if you're kind. Say things that will please people. Laugh a lot, and make them laugh too. If everyone stops talking, say something to get them talking again." And for the end: "Don't jump up and look gladly at the door. Look sorry they're leaving and say: *Must you go? Can't you stay?*" Mary repeats it twice. Remember that line; it comes back!