Bessie. “Mercy! Don’t send them there, Miss Fitzimmons. Mother’s makin’ mince-meat and cookin’ up pumpkin for pies, and she’d be all upset.”
Teacher. “Well, it appears there isn’t very good promise of lunch for these wayfarers unless we help them out. What do you say if we sell our lunches to them and take the proceeds to buy supplies for the folks down in the Hollow? We only have a short session after recess on account of the holiday, so you wouldn’t get so terribly hungry before you go home. I’ll leave you here for awhile, and if you decide to make this sacrifice you can place your lunches on my desk.”
(Scholars immediately begin discussion; some for, some against proposed disposal of lunches; all talking at once and moving about.)
(Presently Annabel rises, sighs and slowly advances to desk, placing basket there, and saying:) “I hate to give up that piece of pumpkin pie, but I couldn’t relish it thinking of that Hollow family; I’ve been hollow myself.” (This is funnier if the speaker is a stout girl.)
Bessie (follows her example). “All I hope is that the stew don’t all get et up before I get home to-day.”
Curiosity. “Guess I’ll keep mine.”
Dennis. “I love my lunch, but oh! them hungry kids.” (Goes forward.)
Geraldine. “Guess I’m as generous as anybody.” (Adds her lunch.)
Etta to Curiosity. “You’d ought to be ashamed of yourself.” (Arises.) “My lunch is out in the cloak-room; I’ll go get it.”
(While she is gone, Curiosity puts her lunch with the rest, sighing:) “I’ll do it, but I guess I’ll die like that Curiosity cat; I’ll be so hungry.” (Thoughtfully.) “Wonder what that cat did want to know anyhow.”