Part 53 (1/2)

EGERTON.

It's something, gentlemen, that we all have need of.

MRS. ORR.

Dear, if you ever dare tell Donald this And pa.s.s this ghastly whisper to his heart, I'll be the Secret Lady of the Pines; I'll whisper something. What if Donald knew Who's kept the strike afoot? The great unknown Contributor to the Citizens' Relief?

Who had twelve hundred dollars in the bank, A present from a Christmas long ago?

Twelve hundred and twelve hundred----!

MRS. EGERTON.

It can't be!

MRS. ORR.

We bankers' wives----

MRS. EGERTON.

A mere coincidence.

MRS. ORR.

It's not; he's checked it out. So! If you care Nothing for Donald's happiness, I do.

(_She leaves Mrs. Egerton standing near the pines. Other ladies have begun to come in_)

RALPH ARDSLEY.

What's underneath the forest?

MRS. ORR.

(_With a strange smile, calling back_)

I really will.

EGERTON.

You give it up?

MRS. EGERTON.

My n.o.ble, n.o.ble son!

GENERAL CHADBOURNE.

He's waiting, gentlemen, till he finds the mine.

EGERTON.