I told father we ought to go ahead. The car could have done another six miles easily. And we'd have reached the Mountain Inn.

ALICE

I'm sure there's a dance there to-night!

EVERITT

The car could _not_ have done the six miles. We were lucky to make that last hill. You might have had to walk the whole way.

ALICE

Well, we always start too soon or too late. For goodness sake let's at _least_ have some light. There's no use having it as dark inside as out.

(_Everitt goes about lighting all the burners_)

HAROLD

Hear the rain, rain, rain!

WALTER

It _is_ coming down. I never heard it make so much noise.

MRS. EVERITT

That's because city people never have a roof over their heads!

ALICE

Why, mother, the rain makes your voice vibrate like--

WALTER

Like a fire engine. I stood right by one, once.

MRS. EVERITT

Come, Harold, sit on my lap.

EVERITT

Shall I close the blinds?

ALICE

Yes.

MRS. EVERITT

No, don't. n.o.body's about on a night like this.

HAROLD

Wish I could see rain. What it like?

EVERITT

What's what like?

HAROLD

Rain--rain.

ALICE

Like shower baths.

HAROLD

Oh. Mother, tell me story about rain. I _like_ rain! (_Everitt feels about for his cigar case. A letter falls from his pocket which he picks up hurriedly_)

EVERITT

I'm going for a cigar.

WALTER

It's like being in a submarine!

HAROLD

Mother, tell me story!

MRS. EVERITT

Once upon a time--

WALTER

I'm going out for a minute.

ALICE

I wish....

HAROLD

Once on a time!