And our feelings now thank you much more than our tongues.
We will strive to improve, since applauses thus cheer us,
That our juvenile efforts may gain your kind looks;
And we hope to convince you, the next time you hear us,
That praise has but sharpened our relish for books.
(Bows and turns to go off.) I have spoken the valedictory, and the exhibition is over. Ring down the curtain.
Frank. (Excitedly.) Stop! Hold! Don’t! I haven’t finished my speech yet.
Johnny. (In the audience.) You’ve given us enough for the present. You can finish it out next Christmas.
Harry. Ring down the curtain.
Frank. Stop! Don’t! Don’t! I want to speak my piece. (A bell is rung and the curtain falls.)