Well, if that isn't the best I've ever heard!

Thank you. Can I have a drink, please?

May I have a -

May I have a drink, please?

Yes, dear.

Is that a way to walk in the house?

Hello.

That won't do at all. I'll have a kiss from my boy. The lady over there is your sister, young man.

(AMARYLLIS is obviously smitten with WINTHROP.)

Hello, Winthrop.

Winthrop, where's your manners.

I'm having a party on Saturday. Will you come?

(Silence)

I would especially like it very much if you'd come& Winthrop?

(Silence)

Well, Winthrop, Amaryllis asked you to her party. Are you goin' or aren't you?

No.

No what?

No, thank you.

You know the little girl's name.

He won't say Amaryllis because of the "s" because of his lisp. He's ashamed.

We know all about his lisp, Amaryllis. Well, Winthrop?

I'll bet he won't say it.

No thank you, Amaryllith.

(AMARYLLIS giggles.)

Amaryllith - Amaryllith.

(WINTHROP bolts out of the room. MRS. PAROO follows him)

Why does he get so mad at people - just because he lisps?

It's not only because he lisps. That's just part of it, Amaryllis.

What's the other part?

Never mind, dear. It's just that he never talks very much.

Not even to you and your mother?

No dear. We all have to be a little patient.

I'm patient. Even though he doesn't ever talk to me - but I do to him - every night - I say goodnight to him on the evening star. You have to do it the very second you see it, too, or it doesn't count. "Goodnight, my Winthrop, goodnight. Sleep tight."

There, darling, you have lots of time. If not Winthrop, there'll be someone else.

Never! I'll end up an old maid like you.

(SHE puts her hands over her mouth, catching herself too late)

For the time being just say goodnight my - someone. You can put the name in when the right someone comes along.

All right. It's better than nothing.

Yes it is& now you can play your cross-hand piece.

Now I may play my cross-hand piece.