The Sweet Girl Graduates - LightNovelsOnl.com
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_Jack_ (with infinite patience). You know what I mean, (with terrible calmness). Who gave you those?
_Maude_ (preparing to cry). You're awfully cross, I think.
(Mr. Bulbus enters in rear hunting something. Maude sees him.)
_Jack_ (unmoved). Who gave you those?
_Maude_ (graciously, sweetly). Mr. Bulbus, the lilies are lovely.
_Mr. B._ (surprised into dropping a hammer). Yes'sum, I'm glad you--you like 'em. (retreats in confusion.)
_Jack_ Oh! (slowly). That's awfully nice of you.
(Enter Mrs. De Smythe and Miss Hoppenh.o.e.r, bonnets and gloves on.)
_Mrs. De S._ Where is your father? It's time to go.
_Jack_ Past time. Grindem said to be there at 9:30.
_Mrs. De S._ What shall we do? I knew he would be late! I hope I shall not have an attack!
_Miss H._ (grimly). No, I hope not--in that dress!
_Mrs. De S._ As if one's dress made any difference with an attack! O, there he is! Well, Papa, you--good morning, Madam.
(Mr. De Smythe and Madam Sateene come in together.)
_Mr. De S._ My, how fine we look!
_Maude_ Madam Sateene, this shoulder--wrinkles.
_Madam_ Let me see. (Madam and Maude consult apart.)
_Mrs. De S._ We ought to go.
_Mr. De S._ Miss Rantum hasn't come.
_Jack_ (looking up from his own Ms.) O, I forgot! Miss Baked Beans will meet us there. She couldn't come here.
_Maude_ She promised she would!
_Mr. De S._ All ready. How many of these do we take? (indicating flowers). Need a dray?
_Maude_ Only Jack's--and I carry them. Jack, you carry my essay and fan. (puts on hat). Is it straight? Where are my roses?
(Miss Hoppenh.o.e.r gives Mr. De Smythe two shawls and he goes.)
_Madam_ (anxiously). Wait one moment. (adjusts Maude's train). Now.
_Miss H._ Have you any lemon drops?
_Maude_ Of course not,--n.o.body carries lemon drops! Where is my handkerchief!
_Jack_ (sheepishly, taking it out of his vest). Here it is.
_Mr. De S._ (from door). Come on, you people.
_Mrs. De S._ O dear, dear, I shall never stand it.
_Miss H._ (collecting salts and fans). We're coming.
_Mrs. De S._ O dear,--kiss me, Maudie. (sits down exhausted). It's just like a wedding! I can't stand it! Some day you'll be getting married!
(Mr. Bulbus enters in the rear and just stands.)
_Jack_ (cheerfully). I hope so.
_Maude_ (arranging train to carry it gracefully). Poor Mamma!
_Mr. De S._ (from outside). Come on! Matilda, bring Mamma!
_Mrs. De S._ O, O, O!
_Maude_ Brace up, Mamma, you must.
_Mrs. De S._ (to her handkerchief). And only yesterday she was a baby!
_Miss H._ (snappishly.) And only day before yesterday you were!
_Mrs. De S._ (from outside). Come on--we must go.
_Chorus_ We're coming! (All start, collecting fans, handkerchiefs, and gathering up trains, adjusting bonnets anew, etc.)
_Maude_ (as they rush for the door). O, look out for my flowers!
Jack, got my piece? I know I shall forget! What if we're late?
Good-bye, Mr. Bulbus! (all go).
(Curtain drops on Mr. Bulbus, gazing after Maude in a sort of trance.)
EPILOGUE.
(A Wednesday morning in May, 1905. Mr. and Mrs. Jack Hamilton at breakfast. He reading a paper, totally absorbed. She opening her letters; there are two by her plate.)
_Maude_ (reading letter and talking to herself). Well, Well! (reading).
I am not angry--not in the least. You dear old girl! (drops letter and meditates). You dear old girl! (resumes reading). I know better,--you wouldn't! (reads about a page without comment, then) W-h-y! Why! O goodness gracious! Jack!
