A HEN [_Disparagingly._] Like butter! CHANTECLER [_Turning, dryly to the_ HENS.] It is time you went indoors. THE PHEASANT-HEN [_Amiably._] So soon? CHANTECLER They retire early. A HEN [_A little mortified._] Yes, we must turn in. THE PHEASANT-HEN They go in by a ladder! THE GUINEA-HEN [_To the_ PHEASANT-HEN.] Let us be great friends, my dear, shall we? CHANTECLER [_Looking at the_ PHEASANT-HEN, _aside._] Her sumptuous court-dress sets her apart from the rest, and removes her far above.--My Hens are dowdies! THE PHEASANT-HEN [_To the_ GUINEA-HEN, _excusing herself._] I return to my forest home to-night. THE GUINEA-HEN [_In excessive grief._] So soon--? [_A shot in the distance._] PATOU They are still after game. THE GUINEA-HEN You must stay. CHANTECLER [_Eagerly._] That’s it! Let us keep her a prisoner among us till to-morrow. PHEASANT-HEN But where can I spend the night? PATOU [_Indicating his kennel._] There, in my bachelor’s quarters. PHEASANT-HEN I?--Sleep beneath a roof? PATOU [_Insisting._] Go in, I pray. THE PHEASANT-HEN But you? What shall you do? PATOU I shall do very well! THE PHEASANT-HEN [_Resigning herself._] I will stay then until to-morrow. THE GUINEA-HEN [_With piercing cries._] Ah! Ah! But to-morrow, my dear! to-morrow-- ALL [_In alarm._] What is it? THE YOUNG GUINEA-COCK To-morrow is my mother’s day! THE GUINEA-HEN [_Impetuously._] My dear, would you care to come to-morrow quite informally, and take a simple snail with us? The Peacock-- CHANTECLER [_Mounting the ladder, from whence he can inspect the scene._] Quiet, if you please! Evening has blown its smoke across the sky--[_In a tone of command._] Is every one in his accustomed place? THE GUINEA-HEN [_Lower, to the_ PHEASANT-HEN.] The Peacock is coming. We shall hold our little gathering among the currant-bushes. CHANTECLER Are the turkeys on their roost? THE GUINEA-HEN [_Same business._] From five to six. CHANTECLER Are the ducks in their pointed house? THE GUINEA-HEN [_Same business._] The Tortoise has kindly said we may expect her. PHEASANT-HEN Indeed? CHANTECLER [_On the last rung of the ladder._] Is every one under cover?--Every chick under a wing? THE GUINEA-HEN [_Still insisting with the_ PHEASANT-HEN _that she come on the morrow._] The Tufted Hen has promised to bring the Cock.--[_To_ CHANTECLER.] Charmed, I am sure. CHANTECLER But-- THE TUFTED HEN [_Looking out of the hen-house._] You will come, won’t you, dear? CHANTECLER No. THE PHEASANT-HEN [_At the foot of the ladder, looking up at him._] Oh, but you will? CHANTECLER Why? THE PHEASANT-HEN Because you said “No!” to the other! CHANTECLER [_Wavering._] Ah! PATOU Humph! I beseech you-- CHANTECLER [_Still wavering._] I-- PATOU Humph! He is weakening.--They will make him pay dear if he yields! THE OLD HEN [_Appearing._] Make a reed into a pipe and play a tune upon it! [_The basket-lid drops._] [_Night is thickening._] CHANTECLER [_Still hesitating._] I--