Nursery Comedies

P. – May I play with the silver inkstand?

Mrs. S. – If you'll take great care of it, yes. (To Mrs. R.) Did you ever hear such ideas as the child has? Such an active mind, never quiet!

Mrs. R. – (Aside.) Well, perhaps now she's got the inkstand she'll be quiet.

Mrs. S. – You have no idea what quaint things she says sometimes. You must get me to tell you some of them next time we meet.

Mrs. R. – Oh, thank you! Then you think we shall be able to get the hall?

P. – (Goes up to Mrs. Roberts and pulls her cloak.) Why do you wear this ugly cloak?

Mrs. S. – Oh, really, Petsy! I don't know what Mrs. Roberts will think! Such a pretty cloak, too.

P. – No, it isn't. It's hideous, and so is her bonnet. It's like Miss Jane's cloak in the poem.

Mrs. R. – In the poem?

Mrs. S. – Yes, that's a little poem she has learnt. You can't think what a memory she has for that kind of thing. I should like you to hear her recite it. You can't think how prettily she does it.

Mrs. R. – Does she, indeed.

Mrs. S. – Petsy, will you say your poetry to Mrs. Roberts?

P. – No, I shan't.

Mrs. S. – Oh, now do! Mrs. Roberts would like it so much, wouldn't you?

Mrs. R. – Oh, of all things.

Mrs. S. – She stands on a chair and says it. You can't think how pretty it looks. Come now, Petsy, won't you?

(Mrs. S. puts her on a chair, Petsy jumps down and kicks away the chair.)

Mrs. R. – Well, never mind – don't worry her about it now.

Mrs. S. – Oh, but I should so like you to hear her. Come, Petsy, you needn't stand on a chair – stand there with your hands behind you. Now begin: "Pretty Miss Jane – "

P. – I won't, then! (Gives her mother a thump.) There!

Mrs. S. – She's so unexpected, isn't she? (To Petsy.) If you won't say the poem to Mrs. Roberts, you will play the violin to her, won't you?

Mrs. R. – (Horrified.) The violin!

Mrs. S. – Yes, she does show such talent! You'll be quite surprised.

Mrs. R. – (Aside.) Yes, I shall be quite surprised if she does.

Mrs. S. – Of course, it's a little squeaky at times – but, after all, she's such a child, it's a wonder she plays at all.

Mrs. R. – It is indeed. (Aside.) Especially to visitors who don't want to hear her. (Aloud.) I am sorry I can't stay to-day, I just came to see about that hall.

Mrs. S. – Ah, to be sure, the hall, yes – we've settled nothing. Do stay and have tea with us.

Mrs. R. – Tea… I am afraid it is rather late.

Mrs. S. – Oh, do stay, we shall be so snug, just we three – for Petsy always comes in. There she sits in her high chair, and keeps me alive with her prattle.

Mrs. R. – (Aside.) Ah, that quite decides me. (Aloud.) I am afraid I can hardly do that to-day. I have an appointment at five. (Looking at watch.)

P. – Ma! (Twitching Mrs. S.'s gown.) May I have butter as well as jam on my toast?

Mrs. S. – Oh, oh! my dear child! Really! (she knows her own mind, I assure you!)

Mrs. R. – (Aside.) So it appears. (Aloud.) I am afraid I can't stay longer to-day. Good-bye.

Mrs. S. – Good-bye. I'm so sorry you can't stay to tea.

P. – I'm so glad!

Mrs. S. – Oh! Oh! really, dear Petsy. She likes being alone with her mother, that is the fact.

Mrs. R. – No doubt. Then you will let me know about the bazaar, won't you?

Mrs. S. – Oh, of course, I will, and then you must come here that we may have a good talk and settle everything – and we will persuade Petsy to sing her song, and dance her dance! she dances like a fairy, I assure you.

Mrs. R. – I have no doubt of it. Good-bye.

Mrs. S. – Good-bye.

P. – Good-bye, old Mother Roberts, good-bye!

Mrs. S. – (Playfully.) Oh, Petsy, little Petsy!

(Exit Mrs. S. showing Mrs. R. out. Petsy pulling Mrs. S.'s skirts to hold her back.)

Curtain

RATHER A PRIG

CHARACTERS

ELEANOR.

WALTER.

RATHER A PRIG

Eleanor. – (Calling outside.) Walter! Walter! (Running in.) Here you are, at last! Do come and play in the garden!