Maybe we can find some way to get out of it—make them think we knew all along, and get quits with them yet. Sh! Mum's the word now, old man. Here they come.
(Enter Gladys and Kittie in ordinary house-gown. Kittie greets Charlie affectionately, shakes hands with Fred very formally; Gladys and Charlie stand back, R.; Fred and Kittie sit on divan, L. C.)
Kit. Did you think I was never coming? I am so sorry to have kept you waiting.
Fred. You have kept me waiting three years now, isn't it? And it seems even longer. (Gladys and Charlie converse apart.)
Kit. (merrily). Does it? Why, it seems only yesterday to me that we used to go out fishing in the old trout brook.
Fred. And rowing in the moonlight and walking at dusk. You haven't forgotten that too, have you?
Kit. Oh, mercy, yes. I forget all those silly things I used to do. Why, I was only a freshman then.
Fred. And now you are fresher, rosier, sweeter than ever, if that could be.
Kit. And you too are at least fresher than ever, it appears.
Fred. I am tempted to be.
Kit. Hush! I am very dignified and circumspect nowadays. You would hardly know me, I am so prim.
Fred. You don't look it, by Jove.
Kit. Now you are laughing at me. (Pouts.) But there—do not let us begin by being silly again. We are too old for this non-sense now. (Puts on a grave air.) But why didn't you get here sooner? We have expected you a long time—hem! haven't we, Gladys?
(Gladys and Charlie start; Gladys crosses over to Kittie; when the boys are not looking wipes a wrinkle from her face.)
Gla. (aside to Kittie). You didn't get it all off. (Aloud.) Yes, indeed. Where have you been?
Char. (trying to appear embarrassed). Why, you see—
Fred (crossing over to Charlie, R.). We had our baggage to look after, you know.
Kit. (suspiciously). But it couldn't have taken you all this time.
Fred. Er—well—that is, I had an errand to attend to.
Gla. An errand-here in Elmwood? Well, that is queer!
Kit. And you, Charlie; did you have an errand too, or was it the same one? Why, you are as bad as Mabel and Emma. (Boys start; girls laughing at one another.)
Gla. Why, what have Mabel and Emma been doing now?
Char. (aside to Fred). Good heavens! How much of this is bluff, anyway?
