Scene. The First Act takes place in the Wolton's house during a large fancy ball. All the guests are in children's costumes—that being insisted upon in the invitations. The stage represents a reception-room; the end of a conservatory, or ball-room, being seen through a large archway. In the upper right hand corner of the stage is a small stage built with curtains and foot-lights, for an amateur vaudeville performance, which is taking place.
At rise of curtain the room is filled with guests in costume, on chairs before improvised stage, and the curtain of stage is just falling, as one of the Lady Guests—who, dressed (and blacked) as a small Darky Girl, has been singing a popular negro ballad ("Warmest Baby.") The mimic curtain rises again, owing to the applause of the mimic audience. The chorus of song is repeated and the curtain again falls to applause. There is a general movement among guests—with laughter and conversation.
Discovered. Marion Wolton, dressed in Empire Child's gown, is sitting in one of the third row of chairs next the foot-lights. Up to now her back is partly turned toward the audience. Kitty Rand, dressed in short skirts, is just behind her.
Fanshaw. [Leaning over to Marion.] I think, Marion, this was really a most amusing idea of yours, having us all come as children.
Enter Douglas Rhodes, in white sailor costume. He meets Mrs. Wolton who enters. They talk.
Marion. [To Kitty.] Your costume, Kitty, is charming.
Kitty. [With a ball on rubber cord.] My dear, I'm sure I look a sight. I feel as if it were bathing hour at Narragansett.
Marion. Here's Bessie. How splendid she was. [Rises.] [Enter Bessie. She laughs as she is greeted by shouts of laughter and applause by guests. She joins Marion, who shakes her hand.] You were too funny, Bessie. [A guest rises and offers seat to Bessie. She accepts it and sits.
Johnstone. [Monkey; white kilt suit.] [To Bessie as she sits.] Yes. Isn't this an awfully lovely party? [To Fanshaw.] Here, Fanshaw, it's your turn.
Guests and All. Yes, come on Fanshaw, etc. [Fanshaw exits.