Margaret—Yes, to Elizabeth—or Lizzie as I guess she’s called. Would you ever think she’d accept that invitation?
Helen—No, she hasn’t, has she?
Margaret—Yes, she has and here’s her answer. (shows her a letter written on some very brightly colored paper or wrapping paper.) Just look at the spelling and the style! Wouldn’t it crimp you? And just wait until I read it to you (begins to read, while Helen follows her over her shoulder and giggles all through the reading of it.)
Dear Maggie—(Isn’t that abominable?)—
I’ve been wanting ter visit the city ever since I was skin high to a grasshopper, but didn’t know I had any kin in the city that I could visit. It’s awferlly kind of youse to ask me and I’ll be there as sure as guns this coming Wednesday. I jest got some new clothes made by Susannah Sparks and they’re mighty stylish, I kin tell yer. I aint a bit bashful so youse kin invite all the people in youse like. I’d like ter meet yer friends awful well. Remember me to yer pap.
Yers to a sliver,
Lizzie Norton.
(throws the letter down on the table in disgust and makes a face.) Isn’t that perfectly awful? That means she’ll be here to-morrow and oh, she must be dreadful! And what if she should tell dad about that awful letter we wrote! Oh, why did I do it, and whatever will I do? (Sinks down in chair and begins to cry.)
Helen—(going over and putting her arm around her.) Oh, cheer up! Things might be worse. You can manage to avoid the girls for awhile and you can give Lizzie books to read or something to keep her in the background and out of mischief.
Margaret—(drying her eyes.) It’s a good thing she isn’t coming today for you know I’ve invited Edith Browning for tea and I want to be on my best behavior and be as nice as I can so as to make a good impression. If Lizzie were here, I would be mortified to death. (bell rings behind stage.) Oh, there’s the bell. It’s too early for Edith. I wonder who it is. (goes to the door and looks out.) There’s Nora answering the door now. (throws up her hands in horror.) Good heavens, who can that awful person be!
Helen—What person? (Goes and looks too and giggles.) Goodness, I bet she’s escaped from some asylum. But listen, Nora’s going to settle her. (both listen at door.)