(Jack dashes out.)
Maude Mamma, is my hair all right?
Mrs. De S. Yes, Maudie, yes, (dismally) you look lovely.
(Jack dashes in, essay in hand.)
Jack Here it is, but don't practice now.
Maude (pacing the floor). "As a traveler, among the mighty mountains, fails to realize–to realize the heights to which he has climbed, so we, in Life's dusty pathway, cannot estimate the distance we have–we have,–cannot estimate the distance we have–" There, I knew I didn't know it! What shall I do?
Jack (brilliantly). Open your manuscript.
(Katherine enters, with letters and small package.)
Maude (unseeing, resumes). "Deep, deep are the mysteries of nature, infinite are–are–"
Mrs. De S. Maudie, here is a letter from Uncle John. (withholds package).