[Enter children and take their places at table.
Mother fills bowls from saucepan while
they talk.
Mother [calls]. Toinette, come to supper, daughter.
[Enter Toinette in cloak. All are unconscious
of her presence.
Mother [giving bread to children, who eat hungrily]. Where can Toinette be? Boys, have you seen her?
Marc. No, Mother, she lets us alone when we keep out of her way.
Mother. For shame, Marc. Pierre, go call her,—she may be in her room. [Pierre crosses the room, almost bumping into Toinette, who stands in the way.]
Pierre [at door]. Toinette! Toinette! We're at supper. [A moment's silence. Toinette giggles.] She isn't here, Mother.
Marie. I'm sure I heard her laughing.
Mother. Listen. [Toinette covers her mouth to stifle a laugh. Pierre sits down again and eats.]