Flor. (bridling). My name’s Florence Malvina Montgomery.
Mrs. J. (glancing over the table to see if everything needful is upon it). Yes, I know it. Go and tell your mother dinner is ready.
(Florence goes out L., and soon returns with her mother and brother.)
Mrs. J. Dinner’s ready, Mrs. Montgomery. Take that chair if you’re a mind to (indicating it), and the children can set, one on each side of you. (They sit.) Will you have some baked beans, ma’am?
Mrs. M. Thank you, no, I never eat them.
Mrs. J. Don’t eat beans! Why, they’re the wholesomest victuals there is. I’m sure I don’t know what I can give you to eat, then. I haint got nothin’ else but some cold corned beef, and was savin’ that for dinner to-morrer.
Mrs. M. I might, perhaps, eat a little of the cold meat.
Mrs. J. (in a loud voice). Patty, bring in the cold beef that was left yesterday.
Patty (outside). Yes’m. (Brings in meat R., then exit.)
Mrs. M. Haven’t you any new potatoes yet?