"Whut be yeou doin' of, Frank?" asked Ephraim, curiously.

"Plotting," was the short answer.

"Hey? Plottin'?"

"Yes."

"Plottin' whut?"

"A play."

"Whut's that? Plottin' a play? Whut kind of a play?"

"A comedy-drama."

"Great gosh!"

The Vermonter gazed at Merry in astonishment.