ELIZABETH: They bought father's.

DICK: Yes, I know he did that kind.

HARRY: (still irritated) Why, you don't do portraits.

DICK: I did one of you the other day. You thought it was a milk-can.

ELIZABETH: (laughing delightedly) No? Not really? Did you think—How could you think—(as HARRY does not join the laugh) Oh, I beg your pardon. I—Does mother grow beautiful roses now?

HARRY: No, she does not.

(The trap-door begins to move. CLAIRE's head appears.)

ELIZABETH: Mother! It's been so long—(she tries to overcome the difficulties and embrace her mother)

CLAIRE: (protecting a box she has) Careful, Elizabeth. We mustn't upset the lice.

ELIZABETH: (retreating) Lice? (but quickly equal even to lice) Oh—yes. You take it—them—off plants, don't you?