Teddy (rushing in excitedly). Ma! Just look! There’s a fine motor car stopped out in the street.
Mary (following). And Ma! See! A fine lady is gettin’ out.
Mrs. R. Well, if she ain’t a-comin’ right in here. Run out, quick, all of you. You ain’t one of you dressed fit to be seen by a lady like that. (A knock—she shoos them out.) And I ain’t fit neither. Oh, my! (She turns her apron wrong side out, hastily picks up some stockings from the floor. Another knock. She opens door.) How d’ye do? Won’t you come in? It’s a fine day, ain’t it?
Mrs. Van (steps one step inside the door). I believe you are the person who takes care of the rooms occupied by the “Ladies’ Literary Club,” are you not?
Mrs. R. Yes, ma’am. There ain’t nothin’ wrong, is there?
Mrs. V. (ignoring her question as before). I am Mrs. Van Dusen, of the charitable committee of the club. I presume you have some children?
Mrs. R. Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Van Dusen. I am Mrs. Randy. Yes, I have five children.
Mrs. V. Oh, yes. (Aside.) What large families these people have. I see my surmise was correct. I presume you have nothing ready for their Christmas?
Mrs. R. Yes, I have for two of ’em, though it ain’t what I’d like. See. (Showing the gloves.) Mary’ll be real pleased to have these. They’re real ladies’ gloves, ain’t they?
Mrs. V. Don’t say “ain’t.” It’s bad grammar and it gets on my nerves. (Looks at gloves through lorgnette.) Goodness! Those dirty things? You ought at least to send them to the cleaners first, though even then they are in dreadfully bad taste. But I must go, for I have other charitable calls to make. Here is money to buy something for the children. (Hands a coin from her purse.)