Margaret—(proceeding)—and horrid before—and oh, (jumping up in consternation), I forgot all about Edith coming. She’ll be here soon now and I simply must get Lizzie out of the way before she comes. Oh Helen, (putting her arm around her), hurry up and think up something to help me out of this hole.
Helen—(aside), And she was so grateful when I tried to help her the last time. But she’s in a pretty tight box now so I guess I’ll have to try and patch it up. I wish her important ancestors had given her some brains. (Aloud.) Oh, tell her—tell her—. Now let me think (thinks for a minute and suddenly grabs Margaret’s arm). I have it. Tell her that you know she must be very tired after her long journey and that you’re sure she would like to rest and have tea quietly in her own room. Nora could take it up on a tray. Lizzie will think it’s so considerate of you, I’m pretty sure, and the novelty of having things sent up to her might appeal to her. Let’s try it anyway.
Margaret—All right. I’d try anything. (Elizabeth appears.) But here she comes now. (Elizabeth comes toward centre and Margaret goes to meet her and puts her arm around Elizabeth’s waist). Oh Lizzie, I know you must be pretty tired after your long journey. I think perhaps you had better rest quietly until tea time. Then I’ll tell Nora to fix you up a nice dainty tray and you’ll be under no nervous strain at all.
Elizabeth—Me tired after that speck of a ride on the train! Why I’ve saw me walk five miles ter town and go home and milk ten cows and not be a bit the worse for it. And talk about nerves. Well I may be nervy but I aint got them nerves that make people act like sillies. Now I’ll just go up and put on my red chiny silk dress Susannah fixed up that stylish with yeller bows and six frills and point de spit lace. It will only take me a few minutes and I’ll be down in lots of time for supper. (Gets valise and goes towards exit, then stops at one end of stage), (Aside), I guess it’s time that I ended this farce. I think I’ve given my dear cousin a pretty strong jolt, judging from her face and actions. Gee, she’s the limit all right. Anyway, I had better change into a decent dress as I would hate to offend Uncle Jerry—I mean Uncle J. Ernest Neilson (exit Elizabeth).
(Margaret sits moodily in chair with head propped on knees. Helen sits toying with some fancy work.)
Helen—For goodness sake, Margaret, cheer up, you’re not dead yet!
Margaret—I wish I were. What am I going to do? and Edith is due any minute. I wonder what made Lizzie strike today.
Helen—(explosively) Well, do you know, I like her!
Margaret—(in surprise) Do you really? Well, I believe I do myself. There’s something rather refreshing about her and she’s so frank and good-natured. She doesn’t bear the least grudge for that horrid letter we sent. Perhaps she doesn’t see anything wrong with it though. Oh, whatever made me do it? I feel as mean as dirt everytime I think of it. I’d give anything if I had never written it.
Helen—Yes, I guess it was pretty shabby, but what’s done cannot be undone. Anyway, I don’t suppose she knows enough to take offense at it. (Starting up.) Oh, I have an idea!