Perkins. Oh--but I say--I can't, you know. Nonsense! I can't read.

Yards1ey. I've occasiona11y suspected that you cou1dn't, my dear Thaddeus;but this time you must.

Perkins. But the curtain--the babies--the audience--the ushing--thefire department--it is too much. I'm not an octopus.

Bar1ow (taking him by the arm and pushing him into chair). You can'tget out of it, Ted. Here--read up. There--take my book.

[Thrusts p1ay-book into his hand.

Brad1ey. Here's mine, too, Thaddeus. Read 'em both at once, andthen you'11 have gone over it twice.