[After a litle pause.] Poor mother! I hope she doesn't see. [Overwhelmed, Avonia and Tom sit.] I was running through Blanche, my old part in The Peddler of Marseilles, when Mr. Burroughs spoke to me. It is true I was doing it tamely, but—it is such nonsense.

Tom.

Hear, hear!

Rose.

And then, that poor little song I used to sing on the bridge—-

Avonia.

[Singing softly.] "Ever of thee I'm fondly-dreaming——-"

Tom. and Avonia.

[Singing.] "Thy gentle voice my spirit can cheer."

Rose.