Nellie and I are going to be married.

(Girls rush C. and congratulate HELEN. Men and WILLIAM L.C. Business ad lib., congratulating him.)

MISS EASTWOOD (coming to WILLIAM C.).  If you hadn’t been engaged to her, she could have you arrested for the way you made eyes at her at dinner, Billy.  But of course, if people will marry—­why—­(She turns away R.) I hope you will be awfully happy. (Crosses to MR. and MRS. CROSBY down R.)

MISS ERSKINE (coming to WILLIAM).  Isn’t it beautiful? (Moves up to L. of chesterfield sofa.)

MRS. TRENT (crossing to WILLIAM and kissing him).  I’m glad, Billy, glad.

(Moves over to STANDISH, who is down L. with TRENT.  MISS STANDISH moves to front of table R.)

(WILLIAM and HELEN look around—­see that no one is paying attention to them—­WILLIAM sneaks up to door R.C., opens it and he and HELEN exit quickly.  MRS. CROSBY, MR. CROSBY and MISS EASTWOOD are in front of the table R.C.  TRENT, STANDISH, MRS. TRENT, MASON talking together over L. WALES up L. Conversation ad lib. until MISS EASTWOOD speaks.)

MISS EASTWOOD (to MRS. CROSBY).  Marriage is such an awful gamble.  I know a girl who tried it four times.  Billy, I do hope you—­ (Turning to C., where WILLIAM was standing.) Why, they are gone!

(Laughter and buzz of conversation ad lib.)

(Miss EASTWOOD runs up to door R.C., opens it—­looks in dining-room—­gives a scream—­closes door quickly, comes to right end of chesterfield.  TRENT goes to console table L. of chesterfield, gets cigarette, lights it, and crosses to C. back of chesterfield in front of fireplace.  STANDISH and MRS. TRENT move to table L. of chesterfield.  WALES and MISS ERSKINE sit on chesterfield facing audience up C. MRS. CROSBY is still at upper end of table R. CROSBY talks with MISS EASTWOOD.  MASON is the L. end of the chesterfield facing the audience.)

(Enter BUTLER from down L.)

BUTLER.  Mrs. Crosby, the person you sent the car for has arrived.

(All turn eagerly toward him.)

WALES (rises and moves down L.C.).  Can we see her now, Mrs. Crosby?

MRS. CROSBY.  Certainly—­Pollock, ask Madame la Grange if she will come in, please.

BUTLER.  Yes, madame.

(He exits and closes the door after him.)

MISS EASTWOOD (coming down between the large table and the chesterfield).  I’m perfectly thrilled.  Do you suppose she expects to be taken seriously?

MISS ERSKINE.  Of course.

MISS EASTWOOD (at table R.).  How funny!  If you don’t laugh at her, we can have no end of fun.  I’ll guy her terribly and she’ll never know it.