Bulbus on ladder, measuring the wall. Katherine enters and re-enters, with flowers and gifts. Miss Hoppenh.o.e.r flits in and out. Everybody nervous.)
_Katherine_ The bill"s been a-ringin" all morning like that. (arranges flowers).
_Mr. B._ I should think you"d be tired. Ain"t yer?
_Katherine_ No, it"s as exciting as a wedding.
_Mr. B._ You wimmen like weddin"s. I never see a woman as didn"t.
_Katherine_ (wonderingly). Are you going to decorate the hall?
_Mr. B._ (largely). Of course,--palms and ropes of smilax--
(Enter Jack, carrying his hat and gloves.)
_Jack_ (agreeably). Good morning, Katherine. I let myself in, you not being a regiment. (Katherine goes). Good morning, Mr. Bulbus. You look pretty festive in here. (examines bouquets, reading cards aloud and commenting). "Compliments of Harold Taylor."--Umph, got them here in time, I should say. "With love of Edith."--girls always put on "with love of." "Wishing you a joyous day. d.i.c.k Dowell." That"s nice of d.i.c.k, considering the late unpleasantness. "Lucile," of course; "Lucile" in white and gold! A girl couldn"t graduate unless she had three "Luciles" and a "Maurine!" Golden Gate roses! Whew, that means dough! Professor Graham, I"ll bet! He"s got dough and cheek--
(Maude runs down the stairs.)
_Jack_ O, h.e.l.lo, Maude! (gives a long whistle). Aren"t we fine? Swagger!
_Maude_ (imploringly). Jack, how do I look?
_Jack_ Turn around,--slowly. (Maude revolves very slowly.)
_Maude_ (anxiously). Well?
_Jack_ You look--you look--out of sight! By George, you do!
_Maude_ (caressing her dress skirt). You like the train?
(Mr. Bulbus gets down and goes out, unnoticed by Maude.)
_Jack_ It"s splendid. You"re a--a queen! I"d kiss you--
_Maude_ (startled). H-u-s-h! Mr. Bulbus!
_Jack_ (coolly). Oh, he"s gone.
_Maude_ Goodness, what if he"d been there!
_Jack_ (comfortably). He wasn"t.
_Maude_ (trying to see the back of her train in gla.s.s). But you didn"t know it!
_Jack_ Don"t you think I didn"t know it! "Spose I want to make the poor duffer green with envy? I can"t kiss you anyway, you"re too fine.
_Maude_ No, I can"t even sit down! Jack, you look awfully handsome.
_Jack_ Thank you. Would you wear a rose?
_Maude_ Of course--one of d.i.c.k"s. Nice of d.i.c.k, wasn"t it? (gets one; puts it on; an operation requiring time and patience).
_Jack_ Don"t leave so much green show. I want a contrast, not a study in tints.
_Maude_ Don"t touch me! Hold your arms out straight.
_Jack_ (standing like a sign post). Then hurry up! I am not the stuff martyrs are made of.
_Maude_ Is that all right?
_Jack_ Stand off and get the effect. How can I tell?
_Maude_ (standing back). Put down your arms!
_Jack_ (obediently). Well?
_Maude_ (with enthusiasm). Perfectly lovely! My, I shall be proud of you! For pity"s sake, don"t look at me!
_Jack_ Can"t help it.
_Maude_ I don"t mean now--goosey! I mean when I read. If I should forget!
_Jack_ You won"t! Keep your eye on Old South Church and--
_Maude_ On what?
_Jack_ I beg your pardon. On Miss Rantum.
_Maude_ Oh! It must be time,--where is everybody?
_Jack_ I"m here, (sits on arm of chair and gazes at her.)
_Maude_ O you, yes! But I mean mamma! I am so nervous!
_Jack_ You girls just try to be nervous. You think it"s becoming.
(Enter Mrs. De Smythe, in black silk.)
_Mrs. De S._ The carriages have come. Where can Papa be?
_Maude_ (in dismay). O, it isn"t time, is it? O horrors, where is my essay? Jack, please look in my desk.
(Jack dashes out.)
_Maude_ Mamma, is my hair all right?
_Mrs. De S._ Yes, Maudie, yes, (dismally) you look lovely.