[Telephone bell rings off stage.

MOLLIE. Answer that, Bob.

BOB. Won't Hilda answer it?

MOLLIE. [Standing up quickly and speaking impatiently.] Very well, I shall answer it myself. I can't ask Hilda to run to the telephone while she is serving the meal.

BOB. [Sullenly, as he gets up.] All right! All right!

[Bob exits, centre. As he does so Hilda appears at the door, left, hurrying to answer the telephone.

MOLLIE. Mr. Espenhayne will answer it, Hilda.

[Hilda makes the slightest possible bow of acquiescence, withdraws left, and in a moment reappears with vegetable dishes and small side dishes, which she puts before Mrs. Espenhayne. She is arranging these when Bob re-enters, centre.

BOB. Somebody for you, Hilda.

HILDA. [Surprised.] For me? Oh! But I cannot answer eet now. Please ask the party to call later.