Thaddeus! (No answer.) I hope we haven't driven him to drink.
Bradley. So do I. I'd rather he'd lead us to it.
Yardsley. Thaddeus!
Perkins (from without). Well?
Yardsley. Do you happen to have any conservatory benches in the
house?
Mrs. Perkins (appearing in doorway). We have a patent laundry table.
Barlow. Just the thing.
Yardsley (calling). Bring up the patent laundry table, Thaddeus.
(To Bradley.) What is a patent laundry table?
Bradley. It's what my wife calls the cook's delight. It's an
ironing-board on wash-days, a supper table at supper-time, and on the
cook's reception days it can be turned into a settee.
Yardsley. It describes well.
Perkins (from a distance). Hi! come down and help me with this
thing. I can't carry it up alone.
Yardsley. All right, Perk. Bradley, you and Barlow help Thaddeus.
I'll move these other chairs and tables out. It's getting late, and
we'll have to hustle.
[Exit Barlow. Bradley meanwhile has been removing pictures from the
walls, and, as Yardsley speaks, is standing on the stepladder
reaching up for a painting.
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