Mrs. A. (superciliously). Thank you; but we called to see Mrs. Smith. Is she at home?
Mr. S. No, she is not. Her sister is dangerously ill, and has sent for her. She will be at home this evening.
Mrs. A. Then we will call again (significantly), at a more auspicious time.
Mr. S. I trust you will excuse my appearance. Soon after Mrs. Smith was gone, the servant left me and—
Mrs. A. Ah, yes! I understand—Good morning! (Aside to her daughter.) What a low family! I shall not think of calling again.
(Exeunt, L.)
Mr. S. (provoked). Why didn’t you take those ladies into the parlor, as I told you, Willie?
Willie (terrified). I didn’t mean to, papa. Don’t scold. I won’t do so again.
Mr. S. Well, see that you don’t. (Soliloquizes.) I wonder if I ought to put this bread in another pan before baking. I guess, however, this one will do just as well. I’ve got dishes enough to wash already. I must put this bread into the oven, and look after the rice. It is fortunate we have some cold meat for dinner, as I haven’t time to cook any. (Goes out with bread; returns.) I must pile up those dishes and set the table for dinner. Then I can wash all the dishes at once. Who would think that that rice would have swelled so? There is nearly a peck of it already, and it is still rising. Half a cup full would have been enough. But, no matter, we shan’t have to cook any again very soon. I declare I must go and see to the bread; it must be done by this time. (Goes out; returns, and finishes setting the table.) The bread is all done. It didn’t rise much, and, somehow, I can’t get it out of the pan, but it seems to have baked well. Perhaps I ought to have buttered the pan. (Suddenly.) There, I forgot to boil some potatoes. Well, it can’t be helped. At all events, we’ve got plenty of rice, and that must take its place.
(Exit, R.)