Sally. Ain't this a night?
Tibbie. Oh, yes,—ain't it a night! [They tickle and poke each other until almost hysterical. At last Tibbie disentangles herself from the panting and laughing Sally, and gets up.] Here, Sally, now stop laughing, and let's go on. It was your turn. You'd best take that one. She looks as if she might be a little girl of yours, her cheeks are so red—red as a great big cabbage! [Laughs till she nearly cries.]
Sally. Well, it's sure none of 'em has legs to make 'em look like children of yours! [At this Tibbie flings out her thin black legs with the action of a young colt, and drops to the floor, where they frolic as before. In the midst of their gale of mirth, a bell rings. They sit up, and look at each other in silent consternation.]
Sally [after a pause, in a solemn whisper]. Murder!
Tibbie [in her ear]. What is it?
Sally. Was it the front door or the back door?
Tibbie. I dunno, Sally. [Sally picks herself up, and casts a hurried glance on the dolls and about the room, to see if things are nearly as she found them, then turns down the light. Leads Tibbie to bedroom door.]
Sally [glancing at clock]. It ain't late. It ain't a bit later than I supposed. It can't be her! It might be Mrs. Bonnet, though, getting home before Catherine, who's got the key. I shouldn't want her to catch you here for the whole world. Look here, Tibbie. You stand in here till I find out who it is, and if it's Mrs. Bonnet, you'll have to stay hidden till I find a good chance to come and smuggle you down. [Pushes Tibbie through door, and exit by other door. Tibbie very cautiously pokes her head out and looks around.]
Tibbie. What's that scratching? I know there's a mouse here somewhere. Go right away, mousie. There's nobody in here. Go right away!
Sally [without. Her voice calm, and pleasant with a kind of company pleasantness]. Tibbie! It's all right. It's just a friend dropped in for a moment. You can play a little longer. Turn up the light carefully. But remember what I told you.