[_There is only this notable thing to be said about
Grandmother--her hair is snow white, her cheeks rosy and her eyes
violet blue. She is the most youthful and enthusiastic, best and
most cordial grandmother ever beloved by her grandchildren._
_The scene opens on a broad, sunny terrace furnished with garden
furniture, chairs, small tables and chaises longues. Back of the
terrace is the beautiful summer residence of Grandpa. Behind it is
a large English garden in its lenten blossoms. The Disagreeable
Young Man enters; yawns; stretches discontentedly; slouches here
and there; picks up a volume from the table, then falls into a
couch at right and, lighting a cigarette, begins to read. The
other grandchildren enter in groups of two and three and seat
themselves._]
THE JOVIAL YOUNG MAN. My word, children, I am too full for utterance.
What a spread! Now for a good cigar and a soft chair and I am as rich as
a king.
THE BLOND YOUNG LADY. We are having such charming weather. Is not this
park like a paradise?
THE BRUNETTE YOUNG LADY. How did you like the after-dinner speeches?
THE VIVACIOUS GIRL. Uncle Heinrich was splendid. [_There is great
laughter._]
THE POLITE YOUNG MAN. Uncle Heinrich was never strong in speechmaking,
but in the beginning even Demosthenes stuttered.
THE JOVIAL YOUNG MAN. The trouble is that Uncle Heinrich stopped where
Demosthenes began. Besides a manufacturer has no time to parade on the
sea shore with pebbles under his tongue.
[_There is more laughter._]
THE POLITE YOUNG MAN. Children, who wants a cigarette?
THE BLOND AND BRUNETTE YOUNG LADIES. I!
THE POLITE YOUNG MAN [_handing them cigarettes and lighting a match for
them. He speaks to the Bride_]. Aren't you going to smoke?
BRIDE. No, I thank you.
THE JOVIAL YOUNG MAN. Lord, no! She must not! The noble bride must not
permit tobacco smoke to contaminate her rosy lips. [_They all laugh._]
THE VIVACIOUS GIRL. May I have a cigarette, too?
THE JOVIAL YOUNG MAN. You be careful or the same misfortune may happen
to you at any minute that happened to Lucy [_pointing to the Bride, he
hands the Vivacious Girl a cigarette._]
THE VIVACIOUS GIRL. If my bridegroom shall object to tobacco smoke, he
can pack his things and--off.
THE BRUNETTE YOUNG LADY. Well, young people, what are we going to do
next?
THE MELANCHOLY YOUNG LADY. Let's remain here. The park looks so
beautiful.
THE BLOND YOUNG LADY. Oh, I object. We'll remain here until the sun goes
down a little and then we'll play tennis. [_They agree._]
THE MELANCHOLY YOUNG LADY. Can't we remain here? Let us enjoy the spring
in the garden.
THE JOVIAL YOUNG MAN. Let's play tennis. A little exercise is the best
cure for romance. And you can enjoy your spring out there as well--you
dreamer. [_They laugh._]
THE DISAGREEABLE YOUNG MAN. You are as loud as the besiegers of Jericho
in your planning.
THE JOVIAL YOUNG MAN. Behold! He speaketh. [_They laugh._]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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