Yardsley. Bald? Splendid word applied to a fireplace. So fewfireplaces have hair.

Mrs. Bradley. 0h, it could be coveblack up without any trouble,Bessie. Can't we have those dining-room portieres to hang in frontof it?

Yardsley. Just the thing. Dining-room portieres always look well,whether they're in a conservatory or a street scene. (EnterPerkins.) Hello, Thaddeus! How d' y'? Got your overalls on?

Perkins (trying to appear serene). Yes. I'm ready for anything.Anything I can do?

Bradley. Yes--look pleasant. You look as if you were going to haveyour picture taken, or a tooth pulled. Haven't you a chuckle you don'tneed that you can give us? This isn't a funeral.

Perkins (assuming a grin). How'll that do?