MRS. CARLEY.  Yes, I thought they’d never go, and I’ve got the Shindle woman coming to do my hair.

LOUISE.  I noticed it was getting a little dark at the wrong end, mother.

MRS. CARLEY.  What was it Steve said this morning?  It was always darkest before blond!  Well, it’s lucky I’m good-natured so long as I live in this family and don’t want to grow old.

LOUISE.  What are they doing on the balcony?

MRS. CARLEY.  Dick Coleman’s regiment marches by here this afternoon.

[She sits by a table Right.

LOUISE.  Do they start for the Philippines to-day?

MRS. CARLEY.  Yes, and the President is to receive them in front of the
Plaza.

LOUISE. [Coming to her.] Have you noticed Steve?

MRS. CARLEY.  No,—­has he got a new suit?

LOUISE.  No, something’s troubling him. [Thoughtfully.] I believe he’s been speculating again and has lost.

MRS. CARLEY.  He couldn’t; he hasn’t got anything more to lose.

LOUISE. [Petulantly.] He hasn’t played with the children for a week and he hates going out so lately,—­wants to refuse every invitation!  Even the ones you and I’ve been patting ourselves on the back for getting!  I can’t stand it.

MRS. CARLEY.  Quite right, too—­if one doesn’t go out, where can one go, and if we don’t go anywhere, what are we to do?  We can’t stay home. [Rising, she crosses to mirror on table Left.] I say, dear, what about having my hair a little redder?

LOUISE.  Let me see! [MRS. CARLEY faces her—­LOUISE examines her critically.] I wouldn’t much; if you do, people will say you dye it.

MRS. CARLEY.  I don’t care what they say, so long as they don’t say it to my face.  Have you had yours massaged this morning?

LOUISE.  Yes, why?

[Goes to mirror and, pushing MRS. CARLEY out of the way, examines her face in the glass.

MRS. CARLEY.  Nothing, only I think you must have it done religiously, darling; the crow’s feet are beginning to come.

[Sits on sofa and begins to crochet on an afghan.

LOUISE.  Oh, I’m worried to-day and besides, I think our masseuse is getting careless. [Turns, goes up to MRS. CARLEY, and sits on the sofa.] I’m going to change her; she never tells you anything about anybody, anyway.

MRS. CARLEY.  I told you that the first day she came.  She was positively rude the way she refused to be pumped by me about the people next door.  Do you know I’m worried too. [Rises, gives LOUISE her work, and again looks in the glass.] I think my hips are getting bigger.

LOUISE.  Well, my dear mother, you must have hips sometime in your life, and you’ve done pretty well.  Look at your friend, Mrs. Brint.

[FOOTMAN enters with tray, goes to table Right, and collects the small cups and saucers.