Act 1, Scene 6 Summary

The scene begins with the guests arriving to a Christmas party. Warnie, Riley, Oakley and Harrington are gathered with drinks. Lewis joins them and they discuss their divergent feelings about the holiday. All are quite surprised to discover that the American and her son are again visiting. Joy enters and she is introduced. The conversation turns toward poetry and Lewis and Joy's companionship becomes evident. Riley, feeling excluded, teases Lewis that he has found his soul mate and does so in a way that he manages to lever an enormous insult toward women. Joy responds to the insult with wit and all but Riley are impressed. The situation having grown a bit uncomfortable, Joy excuses herself and Riley makes his disfavor of her apparent to Lewis. The party breaks up and the guests leave. Lewis discovers Joy in the hallway where...