Bird's nest, a fantasy in one act

by Tracy D. Mygatt

[Tears in his voice, as he feels the hour going.] Lydia! It’s our one night! Make him go away!

Lydia.

[Softly.] Ah, if he’d go away! [Louder.] If he’d burn that picture, and pack right up, and go away from Bird’s Nest, and never come back!

Sanford.

Damned pretty little house for Evelina and me! Damned lucky to get it, and so cheap, too! [With another chuckle.] Some clever Johnny must’ve made up that yarn about the ghosts to pull the prices down! Ghosts! Ha-ha-ha! When I sell, I’ll sell high! I can swear I’ve never seen ’em!

Lydia.

[Distinctly, as she emerges from the shadows, and sweeping him a mocking courtesy.] I suppose you don’t see me, sir?

Richard.

[In a frightened whisper.] Dearest Lydia, pray be careful!

[Lydia steals behind Sanford, jerks up the trumpet, and, holding it to his ear.