Very old friends

Reunion of Gandalf and Bilbo

Gandalf:

stops his wagon in front of Bag End, passes a sign 'No Admittance Except on Party Business', knocks on the door with his staff. A disgruntled voice comes from within.

Bilbo:

No thank you! We don't want any more visitors, well-wishers, or distant relations!

Gandalf:

And what about very old friends?

Bilbo:

Gandalf?

Gandalf:

Bilbo Baggins!

Bilbo:

My dear Gandalf!

Gandalf:

Good to see you. One hundred and eleven years old! Who would believe it? You haven't aged a day.

Bilbo:

Come on, come in, welcome. Tea? Or maybe something a little stronger. I've got a few bottles of the Old Winyards left. 1296, very good year! Almost as old as I am! It was laid down by my father. What say we open one?

Gandalf:

Just tea, thank you. knocks the chandelier, steadies it, and hits his head on the beam when he turns around

Bilbo:

I was expecting you sometime last week. Not that it matters, you come and go as you please. Always have and always will. You caught me a bit unprepared. We've only got cold chicken and abit of pickle... These's some cheese here. No, that won't do. We've got raspberry jam, an apple tart... But not much for afters. Oh, no, we're all right! I've just found some sponge cake. I could make you some eggs if you'd... Gandalf?

Gandalf:

appears from behind him

Gandalf:

Just tea, thank you.

Bilbo:

Oh, right. You don't mind if I eat, do you?

Gandalf:

Oh, no, not at all.

­­Someone knocks on the door.­­

Bilbo:

I'm not at home! I've got to get away from these confounded relatives, hanging on the bell all day, never giving me a moment's peace. I want to see mountains again, mountains, Gandalf! And then find somewhere quiet where I can finish my book. Oh, tea.

Gandalf:

You mean to go through with your plan?

Bilbo:

Yes, yes, it's all in hand. All the arrangements are made.

Gandalf:

Oh, thank you. Frodo suspects something.

Bilbo:

Of course he does, he's a Baggins, not some blockheaded Bracegirdle from Hardbottle!

Gandalf:

You will tell him, won't you?

Bilbo:

Yes, yes.

Gandalf:

He's very fond of you.

Bilbo:

I know. He'd probably come with me if I asked him. I think in his heart Frodo is still in love with the Shire. The woods, the fields, little rivers. I'm old, Gandalf. I know I don't look it, but I'm beginning to feel it in my heart. I feel thin, sort of stretched, like butter scraped over too much bread. I need a holiday, a very long holiday, and I don't expect I shall return. In fact, I mean not to.

Bilbo and Gandalf:

sit outside Bag-End, smoking

Bilbo:

Old Toby! The finest weed in the Southfarthing. (blows a smoke-ring)

Gandalf:

blows a ship, which sails through the ring

Bilbo:

Gandalf, my old friend, this will be a night to remember!