(She takes some dishes from table and exits, R.)
Enter Sam., c., in his school suit, cap and sweater.
Sam. Miss Cynthy! Miss Cynthy! (Stops and listens, then goes to table.) Gee! Muffins!
(Puts one in his pocket, and starts to eat another. He goes to door, listens; to stairs, listens; takes two pipes from his pocket, looks about uncertainly, puts one in the pocket of Lee’s raincoat which still hangs over chair by fire. He still looks about uncertainly; goes to table; opens the sugar-bowl, puts other pipe in, and puts cover on. He then runs out, C. Slight pause. Lee comes half-way down-stairs. Cyn. enters R. with a pan but without noticing. Cyn. exits, C.)
Lee (looking up the stairs). Come on! Hurry up! She has gone out but she is apt to come back!
Enter Peter by stairs.
Peter. Say, how long do you suppose I am going to stand this “come on, hurry up” business? You seem to think I’m a regular little baseball ready for you to bat around whenever you happen to be in a playful mood.
Lee. There, don’t be peeved. Didn’t I get you a shelter from the storm? Now, get out, quick, and come back later, and ask Miss Tinker to board you. It’s best we should be in the same house but whatever you do, don’t let on that you know me.
Peter. Don’t fret! I wish I didn’t. I’m not at all proud of the acquaintance. (Goes to table.) The way you always manage to get next to the eats is a caution.
(Eats a muffin and pours some coffee.)