't_ this heat too frightful?
And so you're quite alone?

_Bl._ (_nervously_). Oh, _quite_--oh yes, I always am alone, when
there's nobody with me.

[_This is a little specimen of the Lady's humorous "gag," at
which she is justly considered a proficient._

_Fanny_ (_drawling_). Delightful!
When I was wondering, only a little while ago,
If I should meet a creature that I know;
Allow me--my new doll, the LADY MINNIE!

_[Introducing doll._

_Bl._ (_rapturously_). Oh, what a perfect love!

_Fanny_. She ought to be--for a guinea!
Here, you may nurse her for a little while.
Be careful, for her frock's the latest style.

[_Gives_ BLAN. _the wax doll_.

She's the best wax, and has three changes of clothing--
For those cheap wooden dolls I've quite a loathing.

_Bl._ (_hastily_). Oh, so have _I_--they're not to be endured!

_Re-enter_ BRUNETTE _with the wooden doll, which she tries to
press upon_ BLANCHIDINE, _much to the latter's confusion_.

_Br._ I've brought poor TIMBURINA back, completely cured!
Why, aren't you pleased? Your face is looking so cloudy!

_F._ (_haughtily_). Is she a friend of _yours_--this little dowdy?

[_Slow music._

_Bl._ (_after an internal struggle_). Oh, no, what an idea! Why, I
don't even know her by name! Some vulgar child ...

[_Lets the wax doll fall unregarded on the gravel._

_Br._ (_indignantly_). Oh, what a horrid shame!
I see _now_ why you sent us to the Serpentine!

_Bl._ (_heartlessly_). There's no occasion to flare up like turpentine.

_Br._ (_ungrammatically_). I'm _not_! Disown your doll, and thrust me,
too, aside,
The one thing left for both of us is--suicide!
Yes, TIMBURINA, us no more she cherishes--
_(Bitterly.)_ Well, the Round Pond a handy place to perish is!

[_Rushes off stage with wooden doll._

_Bl._ (_making a feeble attempt to follow_). Come back, BRUNETTE; don't
leave me thus, in charity!

_F._ (_with contempt_). Well, I'll be off--since you seem to prefer
vulgarity.

_Bl._ No, stay--but--ah, she said--what if she _meant_ it?

_F._ Not she! And, if she did, _we_ can't prevent it.

_Bl._ (_relieved_). That's true--we'll play, and think no more about
her.

_F._ (_sarcastically_). We may _just_ manage to get on without her!
So come--(_perceives