Cash-boy. I'm a jollying you. She ain't much older than you, and she don't act a bit like a step. She's prime, I tell you.
Bess (impatiently). Go call some one to wait on us, and don't stand talking all day.
[Exit Cash-boy, calling "Sales! Sales!"]
Stranger (rising and looking behind curtains, L.). It is provoking to sit idle in this way when one has the furnishing of a house on hand.
Madge. I should think so. With only two rooms to fit up, Bess and I feel our responsibilities weighing on us.
[Moves about among rolls of carpet, keeping near Stranger.]
Stranger. How sweet of your mother to allow you to select everything for yourselves!
Madge (softly). We have no mother.
Stranger. Poor children!
[Lays her hand on Madge's shoulder. They return thus to their seats. Bess walks over to R., and leans dejectedly against piano a moment, then turns impulsively.]