S. (Stepping forward.) Well! (The girls throw themselves upon his neck with enthusiasm.)
THE GIRLS. Why, father!
S. My darlings! (The young men hesitate a moment, they then add their embrace, flinging themselves on Stephenson’s neck, along with the girls.)
THE YOUNG MEN. Why, father!
S. (Struggling.) Oh, come, this is too thin!—too quick, I mean. Let go, you rascals!
GEO. We’ll never let go till you put us on the family list.
M. Right! hold to him!
A. Cling to him, Will! (GRETCHEN rushes in and joins the general embrace, but is snatched away by the WIRTHIN, crushed up against the wall, and threatened with destruction.)
S. (Suffocating.) All right, all right—have it your own way, you quartette of swindlers!
W. He’s a darling! Three cheers for papa!