Hark! the ringing of the bell.
(They draw into the background as the Junior comes in. She throws the Chaucer on the floor. All the Canterbury characters jump and cry out an if in pain as it hits the ground.)
Junior. I knew that I didn't know a word of that Chaucer lesson. I don't believe English people ever spoke like those old Canterbury pilgrims. If I studied a year I'd never know whether a letter was silent or wasn't silent. I think it ought all to be made silent, and I think we ought to be allowed to read George Barr McCutcheon or somebody interesting instead of old fogies that died in—Dear me! When did old Chaucer die anyway?
(The Prioress comes forward with dignity and speaks to the evident wonder of the Junior.)
Prioress
.
Mademoiselle, were you from Stratford-at-the-Bowe,
Where I learned French, some manners you might know.
Junior. Bats in my belfry all right.
Prioress
.