Why Marry? Part 69

ERNEST

To telephone for a motor.

JUDGE

But you won't start until after the family party?

ERNEST

Of course not.

[_In a sudden silence HELEN and ERNEST walk into the house, leaving the family in despair._

JUDGE

[_after a long sigh, to JOHN_]

I knew you'd bungle it, I knew it--but there's still a chance, just one more card to play.

[_The BUTLER comes out._

LUCY

Good heavens! Already?

BUTLER

Mr. and Mrs. Willoughby, Doctor and Mrs. Grey, and the Misses Grey.

LUCY

[_flurried_]

And we're not even dressed!

JUDGE

No matter. It's Sunday--many orthodox people ... why, Mr. Baker won't even dine out on Sunday.

[_Enter the persons announced. Greetings._ "How warm it is for September." ... "And how's the baby, Margaret?" _etc._

_JOHN and JUDGE apart are planning excitedly. JEAN and REX come out, and finally HELEN, followed by ERNEST._

BUTLER

Dinner is served, ma'am.

[_The SECOND MAN touches b.u.t.ton. j.a.panese lanterns glow, silver s.h.i.+nes, and all move toward the tables, a happy, united family._

LUCY

[_going-to-dinner manner as she leads the way_]

We can hardly go out formally because we're already out, you know. Aunt Susan, will you sit over there on John's right? Doctor Hamilton by me?

Rex on the other side?

JOHN

Here, Helen. No, Jean, you are beside Rex, you know.

JUDGE

Until married, then you're separated.

LUCY

Cousin Charlie--that's it. [_All take their places._] Most extraordinary weather for September, isn't it?

JUDGE

[_he slaps his cheek_]

Isn't it?

LUCY

[_shocked and hurt_]

That's the first mosquito I have ever known on our place.

JOHN

[_indignantly_]