I suppose, as the possessor of all this, I
ought to be supremely happy--only I wish that canvas conservatory
door hadn't been tacked over my reference-books. I want to look up
some points about--
Mrs. Perkins. Oh, never mind your books, Thaddeus; it's only for one
night. Can't you take a minute's rest?
Perkins. One night? I like that. It's been there two already, and
it's in for to-night, and all day to-morrow, I suppose. It'll take
all day to-morrow to clean up, I'll wager a hat. I'm beginning to
rue the hour I ever allowed the house of Perkins to be lured into the
drama.
Mrs. Perkins. You're better off than I am. I've got to take part,
and I don't half know my lines.
Perkins. I? I better off? I'd like to know if I haven't got to sit
out in front and watch you people fulfil your diabolical mission in
your doubly diabolical way, and grin at the fearful jokes in the
dialogue I've been listening to for weeks, and make the audience feel
that they are welcome when they're not. What's been done with my
desk?
Mrs. Perkins. It's down in the laundry. You're about as--
Perkins.
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