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(HE stands and crosses to the door.)<br />
ERICA<br />
I did not give you permission to leave! I have concertized<br />
at all the great halls of Europe. I have performed before<br />
kings and queens. And I am not about to have a violin<br />
repairman walk out on me!<br />
(BRIAN hesitates.)<br />
Besides, if you’re half the luthier you claim to be, you<br />
will not leave without first seeing the particular<br />
instrument in need of repair.<br />
(ERICA crosses to the silver closet. SHE removes<br />
a skeleton key that hangs by a strand around her<br />
neck. SHE opens the closet door and with some<br />
effort lowers a battered violin case from the top<br />
shelf. SHE places the case on the table in front<br />
of BRIAN.)<br />
ERICA (continued)<br />
You may open the case. But you must not touch what is<br />
inside until I say so.<br />
(BRIAN lifts the lid.)<br />
ERICA (continued)<br />
It’s under the silk scarf which, in case you’re interested,<br />
was given me by Toscanini for my flawless unaccompanied<br />
Bach.<br />
Behold...<br />
(BRIAN removes the scarf. HE gazes on the violin<br />
and fights to retain his Scandinavian reserve.)<br />
ERICA (continued)<br />
ERICA and BRIAN<br />
...the Davidoff <strong>Strad</strong>ivari!<br />
Holy shit!<br />
(overlapping, counterpointing)<br />
BRIAN<br />
ERICA<br />
(drapes the scarf over her shoulders)<br />
Arturo was a most charming man. I have a weakness for<br />
Italian men.<br />
(On a nod from ERICA, BRIAN lovingly<br />
lifts the violin and examines it<br />
sideways across the arch.)<br />
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