the contrary, mother----

{Mrs. Starkweather}

(_To Chalmers._) Don't you think so, Tom?

{Connie}

(_Aside to Hubbard._) Mother continually worries about his health.

{Hubbard}

A sturdy youngster, I should say.

{Tommy}

(_To Chalmers._) I'm an Indian, aren't I, daddy?

{Chalmers}

(_Nodding his head emphatically._) And the stoutest-hearted in the
tribe.

(_Linda appears in doorway, evidently looking for Tommy, and
Chalmers notices her._) There's Linda looking for you, young stout
heart.

{Margaret}

Take Tommy, Linda. Run along, mother's boy.

{Tommy}

Come along, grandma. I want to show you something.

(_He catches Mrs. Starkweather by the hand. Protesting, but highly
pleased, she allows him to lead her to the door, where he extends
his other hand to Linda. Thus, pausing in doorway, leading a
woman by either hand, he looks back at Margaret._) (_Roguishly._)
Remember, mama, we're going to scout in a little while.

{Margaret}

(_Going to Tommy, and bending down with her arms around him._)
No, Tommy. Mama has to go to that horrid dinner to-night. But
to-morrow we'll play.

(_Tommy is cast down and looks as if he might pout._) Where is my
little Indian now?

{Hubbard}

Be an Indian, Tommy.

{Tommy}

(_Brightening up._)

All right, mama. To-morrow.----if you can't find time to-day.

(_Margaret kisses him._) (_Exit Tommy, Mrs. Starkweather, and Linda,
Tommy leading them by a hand in each of theirs._)

{Chalmers}

(_Nodding to Hubbard, in low voice to Hubbard and starting to make
exit to right._) That high-ball.

(_Hubbard disengages himself from proximity of Connie, and starts
to follow._)

{Connie}

(_Reproachfully._) If you run away, I won't stop for tea.

{Margaret}

Do stop, Tom. Father will be here in a few minutes.

{Connie}

A regular family party.

{Chalmers}

All right. We'll be back. We're just going to have a little talk.

(_Chalmers and Hubbard make exit to right._) (_Margaret puts her
arm impulsively around Connie--a sheerly spontaneous act of
affection--kisses her, and at same time evinces preparation to
leave._)

{Margaret}

I've got to get my things off. Won't you wait here, dear, in case
anybody comes? It's nearly time.

(_Starts toward exit to rear, but is stopped by Connie._) Madge.

(_Margaret immediately pauses and waits expectantly, smiling,
while Connie is hesitant._)

I want to speak to you about something, Madge. You don't mind?