Mrs. Perkins (aside). Dear me! I'd forgotten all about it. _This_is the night the club is to meet here!

Bradley. Ah, Perkins, how d' y' do? Glad to look at me? Gad! you don'tlook it.

Perkins. Glad is a word which scarcely expresses my feelings,Bradley. I--I'm simply de-lighted. (Aside to Mrs. Perkins, who hasbeen greeting Mrs. Bradley.) Here's a kettle of fish. We must getrid of them, or we'll miss The Lyons Mail.

Mrs. Bradley. You two are always so formal. The idea of yourputting on your dress suit, Thaddeus! It'll be ruined before we arehalf through this night.

Bradley. Certainly, Perkins. Why, man, when you've been movingfurniture and taking up carpets and ripping out fireplaces for anhour or two that coat of yours will be a rag--a veritable rag thatthe ragman himself would be dubious about buying.

Perkins (aside). Are these folk crazy? 0r am I? (Aloud.) Pullingup fireplaces? Moving out furniture? Am I to be dispossessed?