The Equinox (Volume I, Number IV)

THE EQUINOX Never mind that old frump of a Duchess, Mrs. Ossory— perhaps Mr. Todd may call. [Goes out with CHARLEY. mrs. ossory. I do hope he meant it. But he’s such a terrible man for pulling legs, as they call it—I can’t think where Euphemia picks up all her slang !—If that plain, quiet man should really be a crowned King! Oh! how I would frown at her! Ah! ah! Somebody coming. [Enter THOMAS. Tuomas. Mr. Todd. [Enter Topp. MRS. Ossory. Oh, my dear Mr. Todd, I am so glad to see you! I’m in such distress! You will help me, won't you? [ropp bows, smiles, and whispers in her ear. She smiles all over. ‘opp offers his arm. She goes out on wt, giggling and wriggling with pleasure. Enter EUPHEMIA. EUPHEMIA. I wonder where mother is! No, I don’t want her. I’m toohappy. How I love him! How proud I an— when another girl would be so shamed! I love him! I love him! Oh, what a world of ecstasy is this! To be his, and he mine! Tobe—oh! oh! I cannot bear the joy of it. I want to sit down and havea good cry. [S¢ts, crying and laughing with the joy of tt.) Oh, loving Father of all, what a world Thou hast made! What a gift is life! How much it holds of love and laughter! Is there anything more, anything better? I cannot believe it. Is there anything, anybody that could make me happier? tHomas. Mr. Todd. [Enter Topp. EUPHEMIA. Good afternoon, Mr. Todd! So glad to see you! Why, how strange you look! What have you to say to me? [ropp whispers in her ear. 232