Mr. De S. Well, Mr. Bulbus, have they decided?
Mrs. De S. No, Papa, we can't decide who to have.
Mrs. De S. Let that slide now, and go into a committee of the whole on decorations.
Maude Let's–but I don't want the faculty.
Jack You'd like to have Professor Graham. All girls are gone on him.
Mrs. De S. We needn't order cut flowers. All of Maudie's–(stops to cough).
Miss H. (throws down her darning). Jennie, you'll have an attack! I won't be no committee! I won't encourage this nonsense. Education is all right; everybody needs a little,–enough to make an honest livin'. But look at your mother, look at your father! They're plumb wore out settin' up nights to get you graduated! In my day when girls got through school they quit, they didn't go to Commencin' and carrin' on! I won't be no committee of the whole nor no other kind. When you're all dead nobody can blame me! (walks out, sniffing disdainfully).
Mrs. De S. (rising hastily). Oh, dear, now she'll go sweep every room in the house! (goes out in haste).
Maude (springs up). Mamma mustn't wear herself out. It would be all right if Auntie had graduated. (goes in haste).
Mr. De S. (gazing helplessly after them all). Matilda's Declaration of Independence! (seating himself resignedly). Draw up your chairs, gentlemen. We'll have to 'wait til the clouds roll by'.