Part 72

LILY.

JIMMIE.

It's nearly half-past twelve. I-- I dashed round. [After another pause, unable to restrain herself further.] Any news? Any-any-anything to tell me?

MRS. UPJOHN.

JIMMIE.

W-w-what----?

MRS. UPJOHN.

Lil's engaged.

JIMMIE.

Hah! [Triumphantly.] Hah, hah! [Clapping her hands and beating her feet upon the floor.] Hah, hah, hah, hah! [Jumping up and sitting beside LILY and hugging and kissing her.] Oh! Oh! Oh! Y'm! Y'm! Y'm! Oh, you humbugs! [Rising and rushing at MRS. UPJOHN and embracing her.] You solemn humbug, Ma! [Leaving MRS. UPJOHN and singing and dancing to the refrain sung in the previous Act.] "If you would only, only love me;--" Ha, ha, ha! "If you would merely, merely say,----" [Her voice gradually dying away as she sees that the expression on LILY'S face, and upon MRS. UPJOHN'S, doesn't alter.] "Wait but a little-- [standing still] little-- for me----"

MRS. UPJOHN.

JIMMIE.

Who-- to!

LILY.

JIMMIE.

Why, isn't it----?

MRS. UPJOHN.

No, it ain't. It's the Captain.

JIMMIE.

T-t-the Cap--! [To LILY.] N-n-nicko? [LILY nods. JIMMIE draws a deep breath.] Oh-h-h-h!

LILY.

JIMMIE.

LILY.

Oh, don't be so curious, Jimmie. Poor Nicko has been after me for six years. A girl must play the game, if she's at all decent and wishes to preserve a shred of self-respect.

MRS. UPJOHN.

JIMMIE.

LILY.

JIMMIE.