Burl. I won't go. What is your reason?
Hud. My mother and sister have come on to Boston and are going to be at the ball to-night, and I want you to meet them.
Burl. Why didn't you say that in the first place? But, Steve, aren't you going to have them out here pretty soon? I can meet them then.
Hud. [emphatically]. No, sir. Not if I know it, until I can be sure of keeping out all the duns and sporting gentry who are apt to call unexpectedly. Numerous acquaintances, whom I do not care to have my good mother meet, might drop in to a little five o'clock tea. I shall probably get my quarter's allowance before long, and then I can chain up the Furies for a while, and have my family out here with an easy mind. That bull mick Shreedy is gunning for me just at present, and if my mother knew I owed money to a prize-fighter she would never get over it.
Burl. Well, won't it do if I go in to-morrow and call?
Hud. No, I promised them that you would be there to-night, and they will be awfully disappointed if you're not. They are naturally anxious to know my chum as soon as possible.
Burl. Then they will be awfully disappointed if I am there. You know perfectly well, when I talk to a girl at a party, what a painful ordeal it is for both of us. You ought not to spring me on your sister under such conditions. It's unfair to me and a poor joke on her.
Hud. Oh, don't be such a bashful ass. You can do well enough if you try. My sister knows that you hate parties, and will appreciate your coming. Now, do promise me, there is a good fellow.
Burl. Well, I suppose I shall have to. But, Steve, I haven't time to dress for this thing to-night.
Hud. Nonsense. You have plenty of time to dress. How long does that operation generally take you?