[_Sinks back on bench._]
+Elderly Party.+
[_Entering from the left with_ +Young Woman+.]
They’re very fine,
No doubt, but give me cheerful art, like Pigs
In Clover, Dancing in a Barn. Or things
That make you cry. Last Days of Pompeii!
Pictures of common things, home-folks you know!
That’s my style!
+Young Woman.+
[_Protesting._]
Auntie! Shocking! This is ART!
+Glove Young Man.+
Guess I’ll try my French on this bunch!... Hem!
Parlez-vous Français, s’il vous plaît, Madame?
+Young Woman.+
[_Explaining to the_ +Elderly Party+ _in undertone._]
I think he’s asking you in French if you
Speak French!
+Elderly Party.+
[_Flustered, asks_ +Young Woman+.]
Do I speak French or do I not?
And how in French shall I tell him if I
Speak French or not?
+Young Woman.+
Leave him to me!
[_Gets out conversation manual._]
“Non, ma chere marraine, le soldat n’as pas avalé le tisonier, mais la
femme du boulanger a un petit chien chinois.”
[_Slowly, reading._]
+Glove Young Man.+
Fine day, indeed, as you remark!... I give it up!
[_He is about to go, when the_ +Elderly Party+ _recognizes him._]
+Elderly Party.+
Ef it ain’t Charley Black!
+Young Woman.+
Why, so it is!
Why, Charley!
+Glove Young Man.+
Mrs. Johnson! Mandy! This
Is great!
[_They shake hands._]
+Elderly Party.+
What brings you here?
+Young Woman.+
ART, same as us,
Of course!
+Glove Young Man.+
Not on your life. For one thing, gloves.
I’m buyer for our firm, you know. And, next,
The usual thing.
+Young Woman.+
A girl!
+Glove Young Man.+
_The_ girl! She’s here
Somewhereabouts, messing with paint!
+Young Woman.+
Maybe
I know her. Reddish hair and rather plain?
+Glove Young Man.+
Hair auburn. Girl a peach!... Why, there she is!
Laura!
[_Looking toward the left._]
Laura, dear!
+Elderly Party.+
[_Making signs to_ +Young Woman+, _and going away, right._]
Two’s company.
+Young Woman.+
[_Following, looks back, appraising_ +Laura+.]
Distinctly red, and plain!
+Laura.+
[_Coldly._]
Charles, this is a surprise!
+Glove Young Man.+
Intended so!
But, say a joyful one!
+Laura.+
I--I--My breath
You’ve stolen!
+Glove Young Man.+
[_Trying to kiss her._]
Sweetheart! Let me give it back!
+Laura.+
[_Repulsing him._]
So public!
+Glove Young Man.+
[_Looking about._]
Not a soul in sight. Unless
You count that guy there!
[_Indicating portrait._]
+Laura.+
Mr. Black! I beg,
Insist, that you withdraw....
+Glove Young Man.+
[_Puzzled._]
What, guy?
+Laura.+
[_Shudders._]
The word,
Also your person, from this Presence!
+Glove Young Man.+
What
In thunder do you mean!
+Laura.+
[_Teeth on edge._]
Thunder, indeed!
[_She resumes her painting. Puzzled and discomfited, the_ +Glove
Young Man+ _sits on the bench._]
+Glove Young Man.+
[_After a pause._]
Delightful weather. Though a thunderstorm
Seems in the air!
[_Another pause._]
Not a bad-looking guy....
Beg pardon!
[_Rises and bows to the portrait._]
Individual!
And, from his sample there, he carries quite
As fine a line of gloves as I myself!
+Laura.+
[_Rises, shrieks, waving paint-brush._]
Creature!
+Glove Young Man.+
Referring to yours truly?
+Laura.+
Aye!
Begone!
+Glove Young Man.+
[_Unable to believe it._]
Begone means Git? Skidoo?
+Laura.+
Translate
As pleases you, but do it!
+Glove Young Man.+
[_Looks at her in silence, then turns to go, but suddenly changes
his mind._]
I’ll be hanged
If I.... What ails you, girl?
+Laura.+