The Thirteenth Chair: A Play in Three Acts

by Bayard Veiller

HELEN (turning to MRS. CROSBY). Mrs. Crosby—

WILLIAM. Mother, Nell's all fussed up because we've got money. She thinks you'll think—I'm—what in novels they call marrying beneath me.

(He and MRS. CROSBY laugh. HELEN looks a little hurt.)

HELEN. Well, he is.

MRS. CROSBY. Nonsense, child, don't be silly. (Sits down stage end of table.)

HELEN (moving a step to MRS. CROSBY). It's not silly, Mrs. Crosby. Everyone will say it, and they'll be right.

WILLIAM. Let's settle this thing now once and for all, then. In the first place it's all nonsense, and in the second it isn't true—

HELEN. Oh, yes, it is.

MRS. CROSBY. Oh, the first row! I'll settle this one. Nelly!

WILLIAM. Now then, Nell, out with it, get it all out of your system.