K. (loftily). I am Miss Maguire, now, and I expect you’ll treat me like a lady, as I am. I shall give a reception this evenin’ in the drawin’-room, an’ when you go downstairs, you can invite Miss Flaherty, Miss Maglone, an’ Mister Dunn to be present. An’ if Miss Flaherty thinks best, she might send in to the next house, an’ invite our friends there to come in.
M. What do you suppose Miss Evelyn will say?
K. (sarcastically). If you feel anxious to know ye might ask her when she gets home. The entertainment’ll be over before that time. But yer better be goin’ down now to deliver the invitation, as it’s gitting late (walks along a few steps, swinging her dress).
M. (with a look of hatred which changes to a malicious smile) I’ll be after goin’, thin, Miss Maguire. (With a mocking bow she leaves the room, R.)
K. It’s aisy to see that Mary is jealous of my good looks. But I pity the poor crathur, for she’s as homely as a sick duck. I must go downstairs now. It’s most time for James to be home from drivin’ Miss Evelyn to the party. He’s a nice lad, an’ I’ll be much surprised if he aint took wid my charms.
(Exit, R.)
(Curtain falls.)
Scene II.—Kitchen. Ann Flaherty, R., Bridget Maglone, R. C., James Dunn, L. C., and Pat. Garvey, L., present. Enter Mary, L.
M. (excitedly). Well, I never seen sich doin’s before! (All come forward expectantly.)
Bridget. An’ what is it, Mary?