Nellie. My lord!
Sadie (in broken English). You do not know me yet; you haven't seen my face.
Nellie. But I am sure you are handsome. Can you tell who I am?
Sadie (aside). I won't let on, and afterwards I'll make fun of her. (Aloud.) Who you are? Una figlia, a girl with a moustache.
Nellie. You are mistaken! In this breast a manly heart is beating. Don't let my garments deceive you, this is only a masquerade.
Edna (to Katie, in the background). Hear me, Kätchen, on my knees I beg you—(kneels before her. Edith steps quickly through the middle door, dressed as Mrs. Johnson, with a long dress, wrap, hat and veil).
Edith. What do I see?
All the girls (cry out). Heavens, mamma! Mrs. Johnson!
Sadie and Edna (aside). What shall we do?
Edith (imitating Mrs. Johnson's voice, sternly). Is this the way you behave in my absence?
Katie (aside). I shall lay all the blame on the others; my knight will not leave me in the lurch. (Aloud.) Oh, dear, mamma, the two masqueraders there came
Nellie. Yes, indeed; and gave us no peace
Katie. And so we
Nellie. Therefore
Flora (crying). Yes, it was their fault
Sadie and Edna (who meantime have joined the others, aside). They are putting the blame on us (removing their masks). No, Mrs. Johnson, this is how it was
Katie (surprised, exclaims). Oh, Edna, was it you? (Aside.) Oh, the disgrace!
Nellie. It's Sadie! (Aside.) How she must have laughed at me!
Edith. It gets worse and worse! So you were masquerading in my absence
The girls (surrounding her). Mamma, Mrs. Johnson, please don't be angry!
Edith (aside). Oh, these woe-begone faces! I must make a great effort not to burst out laughing.
Mamie (with an organ, entering by middle door). Here,
