Edna (pulling her on the right). Please go up to the attic and fetch the boxes with the costumes in.
Sadie. And put them in our room, so that the others don't see them.
Katie (pulling her on the left). But above all, get the third volume of my novel for me.
(All the girls except Edith.) Mamie, listen—do you hear? Do you understand? Mamie, Mamie! (This scene, from the time of Mamie's entering, must be played very quickly.)
Mamie. For pity's sake; you're tearing my dress. I can't do everything at once; and my cake—the dough will spoil—I can't let it stand any longer. (Tears herself away and tries to leave.)
Nellie (holding on to her). You're not going to get away like that, Mamie; you must right away
Mamie (getting away at last). Yes, all right; but I'm going to finish my cake first. (Exit by middle door.)
(The girls, except Edith, follow her.) Mamie, listen—you'll get mine first—mine—no, mine—Mamie! (Exeunt.)
Edith (alone). This will be an enjoyable afternoon—but really, it isn't right—mamma has so much confidence in me, and now—and now! There are the apples not peeled yet, and the washing is not folded; there is the grammar on the floor; the Bible history shut up; and the sewing reposes gracefully in the corner. Suppose mamma should look in now! Oh, gracious! I let them talk me over too easily; out of the half hour they will make a whole one, and who knows if it will end even there. No, no; I must certainly interfere (calling from the middle door). Nellie! Sadie! Edna! It is no use calling them, they either don't or won't hear. What shall I do to bring them to their senses? I can't cry fire! (Thinking.) Ha! I have it! Yes, that's a splendid idea; that's what I'll do. How frightened they'll be! At the same time the little scare won't hurt them. I wonder if mamma's wardrobe is locked? (Opens the side door.) No. Now I'll venture it. They will not recognize me at first, and I shall have the best fun of all. (Exit at side door.)
Nellie, Katie, Flora (through the middle door).
Nellie (delighted). Mamie has gone; now help me quickly to clear the room.
Flora. The room? What for?
Nellie. I've sent out for an organ; we're going to dance.
Katie. To dance? That's heavenly! All my heroes of
