F. Congratulate me, Aunt Lucy. Annie has promised to marry me.
Mrs. L. That accounts for your being gone so long. I thought you couldn’t be all this time getting a few grapes. But I’m very glad for you, and think you have both chosen wisely.
F. (slyly glancing at his companion). Perhaps you wouldn’t think it, but Annie offered to pay me for doing it.
A. (with mock indignation). Why, Franklin Forrester!
F. Didn’t you offer me a penny for my thoughts? And haven’t I been thinking of this very thing for the last three months? (Turning to Mrs. L.) But I indignantly refused to receive the money.
Mrs. L. (benignantly). Don’t be foolish, children. Come out now—supper is ready.
(Exit, Mrs. L., R.)
F. (gently detaining Annie, who is about to follow her aunt).—Wait a moment, Annie, I have a disclosure to make. My name is not Frank Forrester, but Franklin Webster.
A. What! Benjamin Franklin Webster, who lives on Marlborough street?
F. Yes.