GERTRUDE. [_Mockingly._] Horrors!

JINNY. Oh, I don't know! I suppose a widower is sort of _broken in_ and would be more likely to put up with your caprices! For the sake of your charm and wit and true heart underneath it all, you dear old girl you!

[_Giving her a small jewel box._

GERTRUDE. Thank you, Jinny. I'm only afraid I will do the wrong thing with you away! You know you're always my ballast!

JINNY. Nonsense! Female ballast is no good; masculine ballast is the only kind that's safe if you want to make life's journey in a love balloon. [_SHE turns to RUTH CHESTER._] Ruth--the trouble with you is, you're too sad lately, and show such a lack of interest. I should think you might be in love, only I haven't been able to find the man. Anyway, if you aren't in love, you must _pretend_ an interest in things. Of course, men's affairs are awfully dull, but they don't like you to talk about them, so it's really very easy. All you have to do is listen, stare them straight in the eyes, think of whatever you like, and look pleased! It _does_ flatter them, and they think _they_ are _interesting_, and you _charming_! Wear this, and think of me! [_Giving her a box._] and be happy! I _want_ you to be _happy_--and I can see you aren't!

RUTH. [_Kissing her._] Thank you, dear!

JINNY. There, that's all!--except--when I come home from abroad in October, if every one of you aren't engaged to be married, I'll wash my hands of you--

[_They all laugh._

[_SUSIE, sliding off her chair at back, comes forward._

SUSIE. Now, it's my turn! You can't chuck me!

JINNY. [_Trying not to laugh._] Susie! where did you come from and _what do_ you mean?

SUSIE. Oh, you give me a pain!--I went up the aisle with you to-day, too--what's the matter with telling me how to get married!

JINNY. I'll tell you this, your language is dreadful; where do you get all the boy's slang? You don't talk like a lady.

SUSIE. I'm not a lady. I'm a little girl!

JINNY. You _talk_ much more like a common boy.

SUSIE. Well, I'd rather _be_ a _boy_!

JINNY. Susie, I shall tell Aunt Laura her daughter needs looking after.

SUSIE. Oh, very well, cousin Jinny. If you're going to make trouble, why, forget it!

[_Turns and goes out haughtily, Right._

JINNY. [_Going to the double doors, calls._] Now you can come in, Jack.

[_AUSTIN enters._

AUSTIN. And now I've only time to say good-by. All your guests have gone except the Cullinghams, who are upstairs with your mother, looking at the presents.

GERTRUDE. Come! All hands around him!

[_The five GIRLS join hands, with AUSTIN in the centre._

BELLE. We don't care if every one else has gone or not, _we're_ here yet!

AUSTIN. So I see! But I am ordered by my father-in-law--ahem! [_all laugh_] --to go to my room, or he thinks there will be danger of our losing our train.

ALL THE BRIDESMAIDS. [_Ad lib._] Where are you going? Where are you going? We won't let you out till you tell us.

AUSTIN. I daren't--I'm afraid of my wife!

JINNY. Bravo, Jack!

GRACE. Very well, then, we'll let you out, on _one_ condition, that you kiss us all in turn.

[_The GIRLS laugh._

JINNY. No! No! [_Breaking away._] He shan't do any such thing!

[_They all laugh and break up the ring._

GERTRUDE. Dear me, isn't she jealous!

BELLE. Yes, it is evidently time we all went! Good-by, Jinny! [_Kissing her._] A happy journey to _Washington_!

JINNY. No, it isn't!

[_General good-bys. JINNY begins with RUTH at one end, and AUSTIN at the other; he says good-by and shakes hands with each girl._

GERTRUDE. [_Kissing JINNY._] Good-by, and a pleasant trip to _Niagara Falls_!

JINNY. Not a bit!

GRACE. [_Kissing JINNY._] Good-by, I believe it's _Boston_ or _Chicago_!

JINNY. _Neither!_

RUTH. Good-by, dear, and all the happiness in the world!

[_Kisses her._

JINNY. Thank you.

[_She turns and goes with the other three girls to the double doors at back, where they are heard talking._

RUTH. Mr. Austin?

AUSTIN. Yes?

[_Joining her._

RUTH. [_Embarra.s.sed._] You like your new brother, _don't_ you?

AUSTIN. Geof? most certainly I do, and Jinny adores him.