COMEDIAN. [Turning over to the Ingenue.] What! You are crying? Aren't you ashamed of yourself?
INGENUE. I'm sad.
"Old Woman." [Sniffling.] I can't stand it any longer.
HEROINE. Stop it! Or I'll start bawling, too.
[Comedian springs to his knees and looks quickly from one woman to the other.
VILLAIN. Ha—ha! Cheer them up, clown!
COMEDIAN. [Jumps up abruptly without the aid of his hands.] Ladies and gentlemen, I have it! [In a measured and singing voice.] Ladies and gentlemen, I have it!
HEROINE. What have you?
COMEDIAN. Cheerfulness.
VILLAIN. Go bury yourself, clown.