The Chinese lantern

by Laurence Housman

Olang. If before this day three years Mee-Mee goes out of our hands unmarried——

Mrs. O. She won’t.... Isn’t this day three years the very day? Before we let her go—she’ll be married.

Olang. Oh! Ah!... I never thought of that!

Mrs. O. You never would.

Cosi. Well? Have you agreed?

Mrs. O. Yes.

Olang. Yes—we have agreed.

Cosi. All right: den now let’s get it into form. [Puts on spectacles.] T’ree hundred yen for t’ree years at twenty per cent—as from to-day.

Mrs. O. Money down.

Cosi. Count it out, Josi; you’ll find it dere.... [Aside.] It’s de exact amount, Josi; you need only pretend to count it. [Cosi-Mosi begins to fill up form. Josi-Mosi, disappointed of pickings, counts money.] De first shecurity is de gel—which is your own property?—Name?