Algy (who has overheard—in a savage undertone). If that isn't good enough for you, suggest something better—or shut up!
[Mr. L. prefers the latter alternative.
Mr. C. Now, then, have you given everybody a piece of paper, EMILY? CAROLINE, you're going to play—we can't leave you out of it.
Aunt Caroline. No, JAMES, I'd rather look on, and see you all enjoying yourselves—I've no animal spirits now!
Mr. C. Oh, nonsense! Christmas-time, you know. Let's be jolly while we can—give her a pencil, EMILY!
Aunt C. No, I can't, really. You must excuse me. I know I'm a wet blanket; but, when I think that I mayn't be with you another Christmas, we may most of us be dead by then, why—(sobs).
Fred (the Family Failure). That's right, Mater—trust you to see a humorous side to everything!
Another Aunt. For shame, FRED! If you don't know who is responsible for your poor mother's low spirits, others do!
[The Family Failure collapses.
Mr. Limpett. Well, as we've all got pencils, is there any reason why the revelry should not commence?