Gatsby Scene

          EXT OUTSIDE NICK'S HOUSE

          NICK exits the taxi that has dropped him off at his house.
          NICK's house is illuminated by a yellow light coming from
          GATSBY's house, in which every window is lit. Nick looks
          alarmed when he glances at his home, but calms as his gaze
          travels to the source of the light. As he looks onward, the
          taxi drives away and GATSBY, who was outside of his lit up
          home, approaches him.

                              NICK
                    Your place looks like the World's
                    Fair

                              GATSBY
                    Does it?

          GATSBY glances at his house without much interest

                              GATSBY
                    I have been glancing into some of
                    the rooms. Let's go to Coney
                    Island, old sport. In my car.

                              NICK
                    It's too late

                              GATSBY
                    Well, Suppose we take a plunge in
                    the swiming pool? I haven't made
                    use of it all summer.

                              NICK
                    I've got to go to bed.

                              GATSBY
                    All right.

          A silence ensues during which GATSBY looks somewhat
          impatient and NICK appears puzzled for a moment.

                              NICK
                    I talked with Miss Baker. I'm going
                    to call up Daisy tomorrow and
                    invite her over here to tea.

                              GATSBY
                    Oh, that's all right, I don't want
                    to put you to any trouble.

                              NICK
                    What day would suit you?

          GATSBY is quick to respond, overly eager.

                              GATSBY
                    what day would suit you? I don't
                    want to put you to any trouble, you
                    see.

                              NICK
                    How about the day after tomorrow?

          GATSBY stands back and considers the offer. His gaze drifts
          down to the lawn.

                              GATSBY
                    I want to get the grass cut

          NICK glances where GATSBY is looking and surveys the
          division between his lawn and GATSBY's well kept lawn.
          GATSBY appears tense.

                              GATSBY
                    There's another little thing

                              NICK
                    Would you rather put it off for a
                    few days?

                              GATSBY
                    Oh, it isn't about that. At least--

          GATSBY tries to put words together as he thinks of how to
          phrase his question.

                              GATSBY
                    How... do you... why I thought--why
                    look here, old sport, you don't
                    make much money, do you?

                              NICK
                    Not very much

                              GATSBY
                    I thought you didn't, if you'll
                    pardon my--You see, I carry on a
                    little business on the side, a sort
                    of side line, you understand. And I
                    thought that if you don't make very
                    much--You're selling bonds, aren't
                    you old sport?

                              NICK
                    Trying to.

                              GATSBY
                    Well this would interest you. It
                    wouldn't take up much of your time
                    and you might pick up a nice bit of
                    money. It happens to be a rather
                    confidential sort of thing.

          Realizing what GATSBY is trying to do, NICK cuts him off
          quickly.

                              NICK
                    I've got my hands full. I'm much
                    obliged, but I couldn't take on any
                    more work.

                              GATSBY
                    You wouldn't have to do any
                    business with Wolfsheim.

                              NICK
                    That's not why I'm refusing.

          GATSBY tries to start another sentence, but NICK's stern and
          tired countenance convinces him to leave. GATSBY takes a few
          steps back, crosses the line in the lawn that separates the
          unkept lawn from the neatly trimmed grass, and returns to
          his luminous home.