R _down_ R.C. EVANGELINE _down_ C. JOYCE _up_ L.C..
BOBBIE _down_ L.)

DANIEL (_holding up his hand._) Please--couldn't you possibly speak one
at a time? Sylvia? (_Motions to her._)

SYLVIA (_stepping forward_). What we want to know, uncle, is how on
earth are we to start?

(_They all nod._)

DANIEL (_smiling benignly, arms outstretched_). I'll leave it to you!

_All turn to audience open-mouthed as the_ CURTAIN _descends._

ACT II.

_The_ SCENE _is the same as Act I. Eighteen months have elapsed.
All the windows are wide open. It is a glorious summer day.
Alterations in the furniture are noted at the end of the play. At
the table_ L. EVANGELINE _is seated when the_ CURTAIN _rises,
typewriting slowly but firmly. There are a lot of papers strewn
about. On the piano there is a sort of a pastry board to which is
affixed a working model of a motor engine in miniature._ JOYCE _is
seated at table_ L.C. _laboriously copying out a sheet of music on
to some manuscript paper._

JOYCE (_showing music_). Is it a crotchet or a quaver that has a waggle
on the end of it?

EVANGELINE. I haven't the remotest idea.

JOYCE. I do think Bobbie might write them a little more distinctly, it's
awfully difficult to copy.

(JOYCE _hums._)

EVANGELINE. I don't wish to appear surly or disagreeable to my younger
sister, but if you don't stop squawking I shall hurl something at you.

JOYCE. Oh, all right. (_She hums louder._)

EVANGELINE (_after a short pause_). Joyce, you really are maddening; you
know perfectly well that I have to revise and retype an entire short
story which in itself is a nerve-racking job, and all you do is to
burble and sing, and gabble. Can't you be quiet?

JOYCE. Why don't you go and work in your own room?

EVANGELINE. Because it would be neither comfortable or proper with three
inquisitive painters there, running up and down the kitchen steps.

JOYCE. Oh, I'd forgotten.

(JOYCE _hums again._)

EVANGELINE. But if you desire to continue your noises, may I suggest
that you do your music in the summer house. There's a nice firm table
there.

JOYCE. No thanks, I'm quite comfy here.

EVANGELINE. Well, I'm sorry to hear it.

(_Enter_ MRS. DERMOTT _from hall. Goes to table and tidies papers._)

MRS. DERMOTT. Vangy dear, I _do_ think you might have made the hall look
a little tidier. We shall have Mrs. Crombie and Faith here soon. It