Yardsley. Drop the curtain.

Perkins. Where's the bell? I didn't hear any bell ring.

Yardsley. 0h, never mind the bell! Let her down.

Perkins. I beg your pardon, but I positively refuse. I believe indoing things right. I'm not going to monkey. Ring that bell, anddown she comes; otherwise--

Yardsley. Tut! You are fairly tiresome this afternoon, Thaddeus.Mrs. Perkins, we'll go ahead without dropping the curtain. Now takeyour place.

[Mrs. Perkins seats herself by table, picks up a book, and begins toread.