Rude Person (in upper box with Punch squeak). Rooti-too-ti!
[Roars of laughter.
Ladies of C. (indignantly). Beast! I wish they'd give him something to make him rooti-toot, I do!
Conductor-Composer (from behind). Now, Ladies, ready please—keep the laugh steadier than you did last time, and wait for me at the repeat!
[He taps on desk: each Lady of Chorus stiffens herself perceptibly and makes a little grimace.
One Lady (in whisper), Oh, dear, I wish I was at home with my Ma! [Her companions giggle.
The H. R. M. It's as much as they can do to sing for laughing—they're called "Laughing Beauties," though. I like this one's face up at this end—she's so quiet and lady-like over it, and pretty too; they put all the pretty ones in front, but there's one quite an old woman behind. They're having all the fun down at the other end—how they are going on, to be sure!
[End of Vocal Valse: loud applause. Ladies of Chorus retire after encore with air of graceful dignity.
The Person with the Squeak. Goo'-bye, duckies!
[Roars of laughter again: renewed indignation among Chorus. Person with Squeak feels like Sheridan and Theodore Hook rolled into one.