to find the man. Anyway,
if you aren't in love, you must _pretend_ an interest in things. Of
course, men's affairs are awfully dull, but they don't like you to talk
about them, so it's really very easy. All you have to do is listen,
stare them straight in the eyes, think of whatever you like, and
look pleased! It _does_ flatter them, and they think _they_ are
_interesting_, and you _charming_! Wear this, and think of me! [_Giving
her a box._] and be happy! I _want_ you to be _happy_--and I can see you
aren't!

RUTH. [_Kissing her._] Thank you, dear!

JINNY. There, that's all!--except--when I come home from abroad in
October, if every one of you aren't engaged to be married, I'll wash my
hands of you--

[_They all laugh._

[_SUSIE, sliding off her chair at back, comes forward._

SUSIE. Now, it's my turn! You can't chuck me!

JINNY. [_Trying not to laugh._] Susie! where did you come from and _what
do_ you mean?

SUSIE. Oh, you give me a pain!--I went up the aisle with you to-day,
too--what's the matter with telling me how to get married!

JINNY. I'll tell you this, your language is dreadful; where do you get
all the boy's slang? You don't talk like a lady.

SUSIE. I'm not a lady. I'm a little girl!

JINNY. You _talk_ much more like a common boy.

SUSIE. Well, I'd rather _be_ a _boy_!

JINNY. Susie, I shall tell Aunt Laura her daughter needs looking after.

SUSIE. Oh, very well, cousin Jinny. If you're going to make trouble,
why, forget it!

[_Turns and goes out haughtily, Right._

JINNY. [_Going to the double doors, calls._] Now you can come in, Jack.

[_AUSTIN enters._

AUSTIN. And now I've only time to say good-by. All your guests have gone
except the Cullinghams, who are upstairs with your mother, looking at
the presents.

GERTRUDE. Come! All hands around him!

[_The five GIRLS join hands, with AUSTIN in the centre._

BELLE. We don't care if every one else has gone or not, _we're_ here
yet!

AUSTIN. So I see! But I am ordered by my father-in-law--ahem! [_all
laugh_] --to go to my room, or he thinks there will be danger of our
losing our train.

ALL THE BRIDESMAIDS. [_Ad lib._] Where are you going? Where are you
going? We won't let you out till you tell us.

AUSTIN. I daren't--I'm afraid of my wife!

JINNY. Bravo, Jack!

GRACE. Very well, then, we'll let you out, on _one_ condition, that you
kiss us all in turn.

[_The GIRLS laugh._

JINNY. No! No! [_Breaking away._] He