Algy. Zeffie will play the piano for you—she plays beautifully.
Zeffie. Not without notes, Algy, and I forgot to bring my music with me. Shall we play "Consequences"? It's a very quiet game—you play it sitting down, with paper and pencil, you know!
Mr. Limpett (sardonically, and sotto voce). Ah, this is something like a rollick now. "Consequences," eh?
Algy (who has overheard—in a savage undertone). If that isn't good enough for you, suggest something better—or shut up!
[Mr. L. prefers the latter alternative.
Mr. C. Now, then, have you given everybody a piece of paper, Emily? Caroline, you're going to play—we can't leave you out of it.
Aunt Caroline. No, James, I'd rather look on, and see you all enjoying yourselves—I've no animal spirits now!
Mr. C. Oh, nonsense! Christmas-time, you know. Let's be jolly while we can—give her a pencil, Emily!
Aunt C. No, I can't, really. You must excuse me. I know I'm a wet blanket; but, when I think that I mayn't be with you another Christmas, we may most of us be dead by then, why—(sobs).
Fred (the Family Failure). That's right, Mater—trust you to see the humorous side of everything!