Only Time Will Tell © 1993

Only Time Will Tell
Copyright © 1993 by Edward J. Thomas, all rights reserved

Original Production
By Broadway Onstage Live Theatre
October 24 - November 22, 2003
Directed by Dennis Wickline

Original Cast
THOMAS – Sal Rubino
NORMAN – Demetris Taylor
AGNES – Karen Minard

SYNOPSIS
Drama
2 men, 1 woman
In the dawning days of the Civil War, the hotel's arrogant owner cares more about himself than the welfare of those around him. His top servant tries to guide him away from this path to self-destruction, but may not be able to get him to change his ways before it's too late.

AGNES
Sorry to disturb you, Master Ringfield…

THOMAS
Yes, yes. What is it, Agnes?

AGNES
I’ve come to do a last minute check on the lavat’ry, sir.

THOMAS
It’s about time!

AGNES
Yes, I know, sir.
(To NORMAN)
Good afternoon, Norman.
(NORMAN nods mechanically)

THOMAS
Agnes! Stop dawdling and get to it!

AGNES
Yes, sir.
(She exits into bathroom)

THOMAS
Now, where were we?

NORMAN
You didn’t tell me you had a toilet put in your room, sir.

THOMAS
Did you think I’d use the one I’m putting in for our guests? Sure, each room will have one eventually, but why waste my money on that now?

NORMAN
You’re very good to yourself, sir.

THOMAS
(He moves around during speech)
Thank you, thank you. If I can’t be good to myself, who’s left to be good to? My friends? There are very few who are deserving to be called “friend.” My wife? My wife who was such a pain to live with, that I had her moved to Rhode Island? I’d be good to my son, but she never lets me see him. My servants? My slaves? Oh, please. You’re the only one I even closely consider a friend, but treating you like one wouldn’t look right.
(Moves back to window, gesturing at it)
That leaves the rest of them. You might think that they deserve my respect. After all, without them, I couldn’t have built my empire. I wouldn’t own half the shops and hotels in New York. But they’re sniveling little worms, and I can’t respect sniveling little worms. Oh, Norman, I could buy and sell every last one of those people down there. I’ve got the wealth and the power to do it. The two usually go hand in hand, but only a chosen few, such as myself, can obtain them.
(Turns back to him, coughs)
So you see, out of all the world, Thomas Ringfield is the only one who really deserves to be treated well. And I insist on being treated very well.

NORMAN
Yes, sir. You know I’ve always believed that.
(THOMAS coughs again)
Sir?

THOMAS
What, Norman?

NORMAN
Are you alright, sir?
(THOMAS quickly turns and moves away)

THOMAS
What do you mean?

NORMAN
Your cold seems to be getting worse.

THOMAS
I’ve told you before, it’s nothing.

NORMAN
Yes, sir. But it’s not getting better. Did you see the doctor?

THOMAS
(Crosses to him)
I don’t need any doctor. It’s springtime, it’s getting warmer. I’ll be fine.

NORMAN
It could still get worse. You can’t risk developing pneumonia.

THOMAS
(Angered)
What the hell do you know about it?
(Grabs paper, crosses to hall door)
I’ll take this down myself and find someone to start on these things.
(Opens door and gestures toward bathroom)
Make sure she gets everything done this time.
(Mumbles to himself as he goes)
A couple of ignorant…