Recent Court Lady. Oh, thank you, it would be such a help! Mollie is nearly wild, and these things must be got out to-night. If you would take this and this and this, and oh, Father, would you please carry this tankard and the cups? And could you take those two swords? I'll take the distaff and the mandolin. Jack, have you room for the moon? Will, here are more poppies, and I promised Ada that I'd put that rubber-plant in her room to-night. You're so good! You're sure you don't mind carrying them? Now don't get laughing, Father, and drop the cups.
A Recent Court Gentleman. Good-night, dear! I knew you'd like it. Oh, I think everybody seems to feel it's the best yet. Of course, last year they had so much better opportunity, so much easier scenery. But with four such stars—yes, indeed. It was so much harder to find people to take—oh, she did! She thinks that just because it doesn't all depend on one or two people, it's easier? Well, just find your extra people, that's all!—Did you like it? Most people seemed to think it was a pretty dance. Well, we rehearsed enough, heaven knows. Did you know Orsino's fiancé was there? She said she felt like such an idiot. Too bad Sue got scared, wasn't it? Well, good-night.
¶ Steps of the Dewey House. Three ushers propped against the pillars. The night watchman approaches with lantern.
Watchman. Well, well, well! Want to get in? Hi'll bet yer do! (First usher nods her head.) Are yer h'ushers? Fine play, wa'n't it? (Second usher nods her head.) Well, you do look tired! You pretty tired, Miss Slater? (Third usher murmurs something about sleeping till noon, and second usher chuckles feebly and mentions Baccalaureate. They stumble into the Dewey, and the watchman shuts the door.)
II
IVY DAY
The sun is glaring down on the campus. A crowd of parents and other relatives is surging toward an awning near the steps of College Hall; a stream of white-dressed seniors continually flows toward the Hatfield House, where a procession is forming. Forty junior ushers struggle with a rope wound with laurel, which is to encompass the column of seniors. A few scattered members of the Faculty and a crowd of alumnæ wander aimlessly about, obstructing traffic generally.
Small imperious mother, dragging large good-humored father toward the awning. Hurry up, Father, hurry up!
Father. But Mother, I want to see 'em!
Mother. Well, you've got to take your choice of seeing 'em and not hearing a word of the speech or—
Father. You go right along, Mother, and I'll get there on time. I want to see Hattie marching.