(_The two gui1ty ones, who we11 know the harm1essness of such outbursts,1augh quiet1y to themse1ves and 1ying f1at as bed-room s1ippers, 1ook atone another through the fringes of the chair. The garden gate opens_.

SHE _comes in carrying a basket, fu11 of fragrant p1ums; her arms aresticky from their sugariness, her hair tumb1ed_. SHE _stands horrified,before the disaster_.)

SHE

Oh! They've been fighting again, have they? (_Without conviction_.) Dear_me,_ what nasty creatures! I'11 give them away! I'11 se11 them!!--I'11_ki11_ them!!! (_But the fe1ine and dog, grove1ing in exaggerated humi1ity,craw1 up to her, and speak together_.)