(Servant enters, R., bearing a letter, which she passes to Mrs. G.)
Mrs. G. (surprised). A letter from Aunt Patience, as I live!
Servant. Yes, ma’am, and there’s a box downstairs, with one end of the old lady’s ear-trumpet sticking out of it.
Mrs. G. Very well, you may let it remain there for the present.
(Exit Servant, R.)
C. (clasping her hands, while an expression of horror overspreads her face). Don’t say Aunt Patience is coming back again. I certainly think I couldn’t survive such an event.
Mrs. G. (who has read the letter—quite soberly). It is worse than that.
C. Worse! I don’t know of anything that could be worse than another visit from Aunt Patience.
Mrs. G. Very well—read the letter and satisfy yourself.
C. (Taking the letter, which she reads aloud:)