_Mr. De S._ (patiently). A reception.

_Mrs. De S._ It's the thing to do, isn't it, Miss Rantum?

_Miss R._ (looks up from Maude's MS., which she has been studying). I beg your pardon, Mrs. De Smythe?

_Mrs. De S._ It's the thing to do--to have a reception, isn't it?

_Miss R._ They always do in Boston.

_Maude_ Do what in Boston?

_Miss R._ They have receptions. (with great dignity).

_Jack_ And Beans.

(Miss Rantum straightens up to retort, but Mr. De Smythe cuts in.)

_Mr. De S._ And here is Mr. Bulbus waiting! He is a business man, you know. When do you want him, Jennie?

_Mr. B._ (confusedly). Yes, sir.

_Maude_ (sweetly). You'd just as soon wait, wouldn't you, Mr. Bulbus?

_Mr. B._ (blushing, drops hat). Yes, I-d--I'd--I'd rather.

_Mrs. De S._ We must decide while Mr. Bulbus is here, so we can get his suggestions.

_Mr. B._ (standing like a stork). Yes'sum.

_Miss R._ (preparing to depart). Well, Miss Maude, I think we will not need another rehearsal.

_Maude_ Oh, Miss Rantum, do you think I can do it all right?

_Miss R._ Yes, I think so. You must rest this evening.

_Maude_ The Juniors are to give us a spread.

_Miss R._ (definitely). But you must not go. Mr. De Smythe, may I speak to you?

_Mr. De S._ Go on with your reception business. Mr. Bulbus hasn't all day. (Goes out with Miss Rantum.)

_Mr. B._ (changes weight to other foot). Yes, sir.

_Mrs. De S._ Won't you be seated, Mr. Bulbus?

_Mr. B._ (sits on edge of small chair). Yessum, thank yer.

_Maude_ Let's have just the graduating cla.s.s.

_Jack_ No, I'm dead tired of the push! Let's have a picked crowd,--friends of "the highly contracting parties," you know.

_Mrs. De S._ We ought to have your professors.

_Maude_ We'd have to invite Grindem, and he's so awfully--

_Mrs. De S._ Professor Grindem is a very delightful gentleman, Maudie!

_Jack_ (in imitation). Yes, ahem, he has--power--ahem,--power is--power is a wonderful thing, a wonderful thing!

_Mrs. De S._ Well, as to the decorations.

_Maude_ Smilax from the chandelier--

_Jack_ Don't let's have any smilax. It's too much like funerals.

(Mr. De Smythe returns.)

_Mr. De S._ Well, Mr. Bulbus, have they decided?

_Mrs. De S._ No, Papa, we can't decide who to have.

_Mrs. De S._ Let that slide now, and go into a committee of the whole on decorations.

_Maude_ Let's--but I don't want the faculty.

_Jack_ You'd like to have Professor Graham. All girls are gone on him.

_Mrs. De S._ We needn't order cut flowers. All of Maudie's--(stops to cough).

_Miss H._ (throws down her darning). Jennie, you'll have an attack! I won't be no committee! I won't encourage this nonsense. Education is all right; everybody needs a little,--enough to make an honest livin'.

But look at your mother, look at your father! They're plumb wore out settin' up nights to get you graduated! In my day when girls got through school they quit, they didn't go to Commencin' and carrin' on!

I won't be no committee of the whole nor no other kind. When you're all dead n.o.body can blame me! (walks out, sniffing disdainfully).

_Mrs. De S._ (rising hastily). Oh, dear, now she'll go sweep every room in the house! (goes out in haste).

_Maude_ (springs up). Mamma mustn't wear herself out. It would be all right if Auntie had graduated. (goes in haste).

_Mr. De S._ (gazing helplessly after them all). Matilda's Declaration of Independence! (seating himself resignedly). Draw up your chairs, gentlemen. We'll have to 'wait til the clouds roll by'.

(Curtain falls on the three men looking at each other silently.)

ACT III.

(Hallway of the DeSmythe house. Flowers on extra tables, cards attached. Door bell in vestibule rings constantly; flowers and packages arriving. Maude's picture hat, gloves and fan on chair. Mr.