I was
d-d-dead!

_Mrs. De S._ O dear! O dear! Maudie, child!

_Maude_ I just w-wish I was.

_Mr. De S._ W-h-y-ee! When I have brought you your present! I am
astonished!

_Maude_ Have you? Oh, Papa, have you? Let me see!

_Mr. De S._ (taking out of his pocket a tiny case). No more tears?

_Maude_ (rubbing eyes hard). No--never.

_Mr. De S._ Honest? I've never seen so many tears. We are a Johnstown
flood lately. (Gives jeweler's case.)

_Maude_ A watch! A w-a-t-c-h!! (flies at him).

(Re-enter Jack and Mr. Bulbus.)

_Mr. Bulbus._ (bows awkwardly). I come to see about them decorations.

_Maude_ (rapturously). A watch!

_Mr. De S._ Guess we don't need 'em, Mr. Bulbus. There is something
going on at the school that night.

_Maude_ I was afraid it would be books. (She and Jack examine the watch
aside.)

_Mrs. De S._ We might have a reception.

_Miss H._ Jennie, you'll be sick! Mark my words, you'll have an attack!

_Mrs. De S._ But it's so nearly over--

_Mr. De S._ Ought we to have one? Does everybody?

_Miss H._ (sarcastically). Does everybody have what? Have an attack?

_Mr. De S._ (patiently). A reception.

_Mrs. De S._ It's the thing to do, isn't it, Miss Rantum?

_Miss R._ (looks up from Maude's MS., which she has been studying). I
beg your pardon, Mrs. De Smythe?

_Mrs. De S._ It's the thing to do--to have a reception, isn't it?

_Miss R._ They always do in Boston.

_Maude_ Do what in Boston?

_Miss R._ They have receptions. (with great dignity).

_Jack_ And Beans.

(Miss Rantum straightens up to retort, but Mr. De Smythe cuts in.)

_Mr. De S._ And here is Mr. Bulbus waiting! He is a business man, you
know. When do you want him, Jennie?

_Mr. B._ (confusedly). Yes, sir.

_Maude_ (sweetly). You'd just as soon wait, wouldn't you, Mr. Bulbus?

_Mr. B._ (blushing, drops hat). Yes, I-d--I'd--I'd rather.

_Mrs. De S._ We must decide while Mr. Bulbus is here, so we can get his
suggestions.

_Mr. B._ (standing like a stork). Yes'sum.

_Miss R._ (preparing to depart). Well, Miss Maude, I think we will not
need another rehearsal.

_Maude_ Oh, Miss Rantum, do you think I can do it all right?

_Miss R._ Yes, I think so. You must rest this evening.

_Maude_ The Juniors are to give us a spread.

_Miss R._ (definitely). But you must not go. Mr. De Smythe, may I speak
to you?

_Mr. De S._ Go on with your reception business. Mr. Bulbus hasn't all
day. (Goes out with Miss Rantum.)

_