MISS JAY.
Ugh! it is almost to be called indecent.
[A carriage has meantime been heard stopping outside
to the left. STRAWMAN, his wife, and eight little
girls, all in traveling dress, enter one by one.
MRS. HALM. [advancing to meet them].
Welcome, a hearty welcome!
STRAWMAN.
Thank you.
MRS. STRAWMAN.
It is
A party?
MRS. HALM.
No, dear madam, not at all.
MRS. STRAWMAN.
If we disturb you—
MRS. HALM.
Au contraire, your visit
Could in no wise more opportunely fall.
My Anna's just engaged.
STRAWMAN [shaking ANNA's hand with unction].
Ah then, I must
Bear witness;—Lo! in wedded Love's presented
A treasure such as neither moth nor rust
Corrupt—if it be duly supplemented.
MRS. HALM.
But how delightful that your little maids
Should follow you to town.