ong 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._

MRS. CARLEY. My dear! when Sarah Brint was _married_ she looked like a
widow!