The Worthington advance., 1901-03-08
; Mr.. THOMPSON GETS
$ HIS PUNlSHM ENTs

SSNSS~S~SS~S~SSSS~S S~SS~S>SSSS"SS"S~SSNS
Scene: The reception room, which the
head Of the house will persist In calling the
front parlor. Dramatis personae: The
Regular One, familiarly known as Jim. He
Is discovered solus, walking nervously to
and fro and looming from time to time at
the clock to see whether it has not stopped.
Maid appears In the hall before the door
way with q feather duster, whereupon Jim
clears his throat to attract her attention.
1IM-Er-did you say that I was
ID here, Ella?
Maid with sympathetic SMILEY
Yes, sir; told her. She said that she
would be down in just about a minute.
Jim-Oh. thank you very much, Ella.
Looks at the clock again and notes
that ten and half minutes and some
odd seconds must have elapsed since he
was announced. Six minutes more are
marked of on the dial and then there
comes rustling sound from the stair,
way. Jim throws himself with great
agility into chair, grabbing book
from the table in mid flight, which
book, when he has seated himself, he
appears to read with feverish interest.
The Object, called Lisette, enters and
seems to conceal a slight surprise.)
Lisette-Oh, it's you.
Jim (rising. with one finger holding
his place in the book)-Yes; it's me.
Good evening. (Shakes her extended
hand Imply. There is a slight pause.j
Lisette (politely)-Won't you sit
down?
Jim-Thank you. I've been sitting
here almost long enough to make stand
ing agreeable as a change, but sup
pose I might as well.
Lisette-I am sorry if I kept you
waiting, but was dressing to 60 out.
Jim (rising, and with pronounced
chill in his voice)-Oh, in that case
Lisette with the same sweet polite
ness)-Please don't hurry away. I
have plenty of time-only thought J.
would dress early-because don't like
to keep people waiting.
(The Regular One hesitates, makes .
step toward the door, stops, hesitates
some more, and then returns to his
chair. There is another pause.)
Jim icon expressione)- )-"People?
Lisette (raising her eyebrows)-
"People?" I beg your pardon, but I
don't quite understand.
Jim-You said "people"-you didn't
like to keep people waiting.
Lisette-Oh! Why, no. I don't. I
know that, as general thing, people
don't like to be kept waiting, and I
consider other peoples feelings.
JIM am glad to hear you say that.
To tell the truth, hadn't suspected it.
Lisette (airily)-No?
Jim-No.
Lisette (coldly)-Thank you. You
seem to be trying to make yourself
agreeable this evening.
Jim with equal coldness)-I am only
tooconscious of my deficiencies. know
that I am not as agreeable as-well,
other people.
Lisette-To be perfectly frank with
you. you are not. just at present.
(The Regular One rises, says 'Good-
evening" and strides toward the door
within savage energy. The Object takes
notice that thereis obstinacy expressed
tatiou in his walk.)
Lisette (calling)-Jim-Mr. Thomp-
son!
lin the hall the Regular One lays
down his hat and stands in listening
attitude, biting his mustache. Then,
as there is no second summons, he re-
. turns to the young woman and stands
before her with his arms folded. She
is interested in hole in her handker-
chief, but she presently raises her eye
in an effective way that she has. 4
Jim-Well?
=. .Lisette-Well? >. <%s a b..
- Jim-You called me, did you not3
Lisette-Oh. yes; you were leaving
your gloves. On the table there.
(He makes an impatient movement
and, taking up his gloves, turns to 60
Lisette-You are rather abrupt thi,
evening, aren't you? .;>..-...> ...-. &.
Jim (bitterly lapsing into vernacu.
lar)-Well, I can tumble without ten
story building falling on me.
Lisette-What on earth do yor
mean2
Jind-Well. l don't care to stay where
: am not wanted-an I am perfectly
willing to give "other people aschance
Lisette--You are Oh. i see! Be
cause ! said that you were not agree
able. Well, do you consider that 80,
are? 55. Re I'll I. 4. B
s4 Jim Good evening.
Lisette with quiet dignity 81
down . moment, Mr.. Thompson. No
not II you are, anxious to 60. Iwouldn'
keep you for any thing 81 the world
laughs ripplingly.) didn't mean j
~ sall.. You IRE mos t,agreeable posi-
lively charming delight fnl. y don
know when I have been entertai1ed 4
49,. 80 ~ 4 you d 80