Sally [bravely]. Well, if I am, I am, and there an end. But I don't see why she can't take the price of the doll out of my wages and let me stay.
Bonnet. I think you'll find that it ain't most particularly the cost of the doll gets you into trouble—— There she comes this minute!
[All listen in profound silence.
Mrs. D. [below]. Good-night, cousin Dorel.
Mr. Goodhue [below]. Good-night, cousin Cynthia. Sleep well.
Mrs. D. You, too. Pleasant dreams. Good-night. [Sound of door closing.]
[Enter Mrs. Darling. Stands a moment at
door, regarding the assemblage with a sort
of absent-minded astonishment.
Mrs. D. What is it? Has anything happened? What is everybody doing up here? Whose little girl is this sitting up so late? They used to tell me I should never grow, my dear, if I sat up late——
Bonnet. This is what it is, ma'am. I took the liberty of stepping out for a few moments, it being Christmas Eve and my work all done, knowing you wouldn't be needing me till late. And Sally here took it upon herself to bring a child—how she could presume so, I'm sure I don't understand, ma'am. She might have known aforehand something would be broken. And sure enough—when I come in——