B. No, that wouldn’t do at all. In fact, she probably couldn’t sustain that character. Besides, papa has such strange, out-of-the-way notions on such points, that I fear he would be angry if such a thing were attempted.
Mrs. A. Perhaps, after all, it may not be as bad as you think, Blanche. We will wait patiently, and not judge her till she arrives.
B. And, by the way, you promised to go out with me to select a dress for the party. We ought to go now, I think. Otherwise we shall be obliged to invite our cousin (with emphasis) to go with us.
(Exeunt, R. Curtain falls.)
Scene II.—The curtain rising shows two chambers formed by a curtain extending from front to back of stage, it being necessary that both should be seen at once. Servant ushers Eunice, who has just arrived, into R., one of them.
Servant. This is the room you are to have, miss. Mrs. Atherton and Miss Blanche have gone out, but will be in soon.
Eunice. Very well. (Exeunt Servant, R. Eunice takes off bonnet and shawl, and lays them on the table. Afterward takes up a book, sits down, and begins to read.)
(Mrs. B. and Blanche enter the other chamber, L., and lay aside their outer garments.)
B. I wonder when our rustic friend will arrive? (Eunice looks and listens attentively.) I am quite curious to see her. I suppose she will begin by giving me an account of all the household matters in particular, and the farm-work in general. I can imagine her dressed in a rainbow-colored costume, making a deep courtesy to you, and giving a nod of recognition to your humble servant. I dare say before night she will tell me confidentially all about the country swain whom she most favors.
Mrs. A. Why, Blanche, how you do run on! Don’t, I beg of you, make her appear any more ridiculous than she naturally is. And, above all things else, pray don’t introduce the subject of cows.