Capt. G. (to Mrs. G.). Where in the world ’d you come from?
Mrs. G. (deliberately sitting, and removing bonnet, mitts, etc.). Waal, Nathan, we heerd of an exertion train daown here, at redooced rates; an’ the boarders,—one on ’em’s writin’ a book,—an’ wanted to be quiet,—said they’d take the haouse furnished for tew months, and pay in advance. And so Leafy an’ me come right along. She’s made a lot o’ bunnits this fall on her own accaount, so she’s quite a haress (heiress).
L. J. Oh, mar!
Mrs. G. Yer see, par, we hadn’t time to write after we’d made up our mind to start, an’ we cum a leetle sooner’n we should ef it hadn’t ’a’ been for comin’ with—er—with—
L. J. (whispers warningly). Why, mar!
Mrs. G.—with the exertionists. (Aside). Why in the world don’t he come? I’m tired o’ keepin’ it in. He said he onny wanted to go ter the bank. (To Mary) An’ then I was afraid you or the baby—why! where is the baby? Do les see him!
Mary. He’s asleep, mother. Here, come and see him. Isn’t he a darling? (They go to the hammock.)
L. J. Oh, Mary, what made you name the baby Nathan? I wish you had called him Herbert, Ernest, or Montmorenci. It’s so much more genteel.
J. Q. A. Montmorenci Miller! Cracky! wouldn’t that be tony?
L. J. (scornfully). Tony! (Walks off with Hank to the wheel-house.)