Now, my dears, I wish to say good-by all by ourselves so I can make you a little speech! [All laugh gently.] In the first place I want to tell you that there's nothing like marriage! And you must every one of you try it! Really, I was never so happy in my life!
Grace. Must we stand, or may we sit down?
Jinny. Oh, stand; it won't be long and you'll only crush your lovely frocks. In fact, I advise you not to lose any time sitting down again until you've got the happy day fixed!
Ruth. You know, Jinny darling, that there is no one so glad for your happiness as your four bridesmaids are—isn't that so, girls?
All. Yes!
[And they all together embrace Jinny, saying, "Dear old Jinny," "Darling Jinny," "We'll miss you dreadfully," etc., ad lib., till they get tearful.
Jinny. Good gracious, girls, we mustn't cry. I'll get red eyes, and Jack'll think what an awful difference just the marriage service makes in a woman.
[The doors at the back open, and Austin appears in the doorway.
[Austin is a typical New Yorker in appearance, thirty-two years old, good-looking, manly, self-poised, and somewhat phlegmatic in temperament.
Austin. Hello! May a mere man come in to this delectable tea party?