Char. Good work! But how shall we do it?
Fred (takes out card and scribbles on it at the table, R.; tosses it on table, where Charlie reads it). This is to explain our sudden departure. Now, then, we'll write a note to the girls pretending to come from Miss Griffin, and leave it here under the door as we go out. We'll say she has found out their clandestine correspondence, and requests to see them after the reception in regard to their future health. Here we go. (Sits at table, and writes rapidly; business tumbling over papers, etc.)
Char. I say, that's pretty rough on them.
Fred (scribbling rapidly). Oh, we'll go away for half an hour and then come back and explain. I guess the girls will be ready to knock down by that time. Here we are. (Charlie reads note over his shoulder. They fold and address it, placing it under door, C.)
Char. Put your card here. Hello, you've signed it Sammy Smith.
Fred. I know it—they'll think I forgot, you know. Lapse of memory—absent-mindedness—love.
Char. Stand it up here on this book so they will be sure to see it. (Places it conspicuously on table, R.)
Fred. Now let's get out of here quick. Jove! here they come now; hustle. (Exeunt hurriedly, C.)
Miss G. What's this? I thought I saw two young men leave the room just as I entered. But I must have been mistaken, of course. But where can the young ladies be? I don't see any signs of them, though they very properly invited me here to tea to meet their brother and cousin—or at least, I believe more correctly, the brother of one and the cousin of the other. (She discovers the card on the table.) Ah, some one has been here. I thought so. Mr. Olney—oh, yes. He must be the cousin. But why should he hurry away so fast when I entered, as if there were something wrong? I don't understand this. (Examines card, shaking head; looks startled; adjusts glasses.) He has written something. It is right that I should see what, of course. I cannot have any doubts as to my girls' callers. (Reads, showing increasing horror.) What language! What sentiments! (Reads aloud.) "Excuse haste. We'll get our tea somewhere. Don't want to meet the Griffin again." Do they mean me? "Going to call on Mabel and Emma. Sorry to skip. Give our love to the Griffin. Tell her we'll see her later—at the swarry, perhaps. Ta-ta. Sammy Smith." This is disgusting! But is this young person who expresses himself so colloquially and disrespectfully in truth Mr. Olney or Sammy Smith? I do not understand it. There is certainly something wrong here. Can my girls be deceiving me, and are these not their own brother and cousin after all? (She walks nervously across room, discovers boys' dress-suit cases, L.) Their satchels
