P. Say now, who’s goin’ to fiddle for us? Or is we goin’ ter dance widout any music?
C. Miss Sweeny plays on the pianner at our house.
K. Then perhaps Miss Sweeny will do us the favor ter play for us.
(In imitation of James’ example, Pat. immediately rushes up to Ellen, saying with many flourishes:)
P. Allow me, Miss Sweeny. (She takes his arm and goes to piano and seats herself.)
(Pat. goes to Mary, and offers his arm for the dance, but she turns disdainfully from him, and goes out with a lofty air. Pat. then goes to Julia, who accepts him as a partner. Corney, at the same time, takes Bridget and Ann (one on either arm), and all have taken their places. At the sound of the piano, they break into an Irish jig of the wildest sort. Pat. cuts up the maddest capers. A bell rings outside, but in the uproar it is unheard by the dancers. A moment later, Miss Evelyn appears at the door, L. She stands for a moment, dumfounded at the scene before her. At first she is not seen by any of the company, but Ellen, happening to look up, beholds her and clasps her hands in alarm. The dancers, not hearing the sound of the piano, look toward it to discover the cause. They observe the dismay pictured in Ellen’s face, and, following the direction of her eyes, they behold Miss Evelyn. They stand with startled faces.)
Miss Evelyn (sternly). What does all this mean?
M. (triumphantly). It’s all Katy’s doin’s, miss.
K. (Darting a withering glance at the speaker, and then turning to Miss E.). We were only indulgin’ in a little innocent amusement, ma’am. I hope you’re not offended.
Miss E. But who gave you leave to deck yourself in this manner?