Clarissa. Here I am, maw.
Mrs. Mulligan (looks her over carefully). Well, you're all ready. That's one. Nora and Patsy and Matsy are all ready. That makes four. Mary Ann, are you all fixed?
Mary Ann. Yes, mum, but I don't like me sash at all, at all. Folks will all know it's a bureau tidy, it's got fringe and everything.
Mrs. Mulligan. Oh, ho, me fine young lady. I suppose yeez want a peek-a-boo dress all trimmed with mayonnaise ruffles down the bias, do you? It's lucky for you I found that tidy in the wash, so it is. And don't yeez eat too much or breathe hard or ye'll bust it, and then where'll you be at?
Bridget. Maw, Mary Ann's chewing her apron.
Mrs. Mulligan (at the wash-tub). Mary Ann Mulligan, take that apron out'n your mouth. I niver saw such a girl to be always chewing something. It's first yer dress and then yer apron or your petticoat, whatever happens to be your topmost garment. Clothes were not made to chew.
Enter Nora with Teddy, Melissa and Micky, from L.
Nora. Here they are, maw, all ready for the party.
Mrs. Mulligan. Are ye sure they're all clean?
Nora. I am that. They've been scrubbed until me two arms ache. And Micky's had a bath in the rain-barrel.