Nio. (rises—throws knife up stage) I’ll rouse again the wrath of High Olympus. (crosses R.)
Dunn. (annoyed) I’ve told you the firm went to smash long ago. Do be rational. You must go and give that woman her frock. Put on your own dress—your stone dress, till we can get you one made to go out in. (gets back of table a-la-shopman) I have here samples of materials and a choice variety of colours for you to select from. (takes newspaper off patterns)
Nio. Ah, Petramos! How good you are! (takes up patterns and places them on stage, kneeling, interested, and sorting them)
Dunn. (coming down L.) I was afraid to bring the dressmaker into the house, but I have full instructions here for measuring you. (coming down L. with printed form, taking out pencil and tape measures, which he hangs about his neck)
Nio. (on stage C., spreading out samples) It will be hard to choose from such a store of prettiness.
Dunn. (placing form on table) Yes, if you’d had about two, you might have come to a decision. Don’t scatter them about, you haven’t time to play patience now. I suppose it doesn’t matter much where I begin on her, so that I fill up the form! (he measures length of back, 18, crosses to table and writes it down) 18.
Nio. This pink and grey would be the sweetest match. If this dress is the fashion it becomes me well.
Dunn. (returning to R. of Niobe) Stand up, please—(placing her arm to measure sleeve, Niobe puts arm full up, Dunn goes up to door R., returns to Niobe and places arm in position; measures, 6. 13. 24., crosses to table) 6. 13. 24.
Nio. (C.) May I, too, have a full accordion skirt?