It almost seems as if you were trying to deny the blood tie, Mary!
Mary Speaker
No, John, dear, blood is thicker than water.
John Speaker Thicker than water!
John Thinker
Relations are the most unpleasant persons on earth. I hate cousins.
Mary Thinker
Especially cousins who are also cousins-in-law!
John Speaker
But even if she were only my relation, Mary, and not related to you at all, I know enough of your sweet nature to know that she would always be welcome in our home in spite of her little idiosyncrasies.
[Enter Cousin Fanny, to John and
Mary Speaker, through door right hack. She coughs as she steps forward, leaning on a cane, and puts her hand to her chest, stop-ping. Then as she comes forward, she stumbles. John and
Mary Speaker leap forward, put their arms behind her, and, supporting and leading her, conduct her tenderly down stage to chair at center of room they are in. John and
Mary Thinker, near together at table in their room, lean forward eagerly and watch this entrance, and when the old woman stumbles,
John Thinker says to
Mary Thinker, nudging her:]