HORACE: (_eye falling on the page where he opens the book_) Say, old Bones could spill the English--what? Listen to this flyer. 'For when we say that culture is to know the best that has been thought and said in the world, we simply imply that for culture a system directly tending to that end is necessary in our reading.' (_he reads it with mock solemnity, delighting_ FUSSIE _and_ DORIS) The best that has been thought and said in the world!' (MADELINE MORTON _comes in from right; she carries a tennis racket_.) MADELINE: (_both critical and good-humoured_) You haven't made a large contribution to that, have you, Horace? HORACE: Madeline, you don't want to let this sarcastic habit grow on you. MADELINE: Thanks for the tip. FUSSIE: Oh--_Madeline, (holds out her hand to take the book from_ HORACE _and shows it to_ MADELINE) You know-- DORIS: S-h Don't be silly, (_to cover this_) Who you playing with? HORACE: Want me to play with you, Madeline? MADELINE: (_genially_) I'd rather play with you than talk to you. HORACE: Same here. FUSSIE: Aren't cousins affectionate? MADELINE: (_moving through to the other part of the library_) But first I'm looking for a book. HORACE: Well, I can tell you without your looking it up, he did say it. But that was an age of different values. Anyway, the fact that they're quoting it shows it's being misapplied. MADELINE: (_smiling_) Father said so. HORACE: (_on his dignity_) Oh, of course--if you don't want to be serious. (MADELINE _laughs and passes on through_.) DORIS: What are you two talking about? HORACE: Madeline happened to overhear a little discussion down on the campus. FUSSIE: Listen. You know something? Sometimes I think Madeline Morton is a highbrow in disguise. HORACE: Say, you don't want to start anything like that. Madeline's all right. She and I treat each other rough--but that's being in the family. FUSSIE: Well, I'll _tell_ you something. I heard Professor Holden say Madeline Morton has a great deal more mind than she'd let herself know. HORACE: Oh, well--Holden, he's erratic. Look at how popular Madeline is. DORIS: I should say. What's the matter with you, Fussie? FUSSIE: Oh, I didn't mean it really _hurt_ her. HORACE: Guess it don't hurt her much at a dance. Say, what's this new jazz they were springing last night? DORIS: I know! Now look here, Horace--L'me show you. (_she shows him a step_) HORACE: I get you. (_He begins to dance with her; the book he holds slips to the floor. He kicks it under the table_.) FUSSIE: Be careful. They'll be coming back here, (_glances off left_) DORIS: Keep an eye out, Fussie. FUSSIE: (_from her post_) They're coming! I tell you, they're _coming!_ DORIS: Horace, come on. (_He teasingly keeps hold of her, continuing the dance. At sound of voices, they run off, right_. FUSSIE _considers rescuing the book, decides she has not time_.)