or sun-room, where are broad steps. Upon the lawn are a white
garden bench, a table, and a great green-and-white-striped sun
umbrella, with several white garden chairs.

Autumn has come, and the foliage is beginning to turn; but the
scene is warm and sunlit.

After a moment a young housemaid brings out a tray with a
chocolate pot, wafers, and one cup and saucer and a lace-edged
napkin. She places the tray on the table, moves a chair to it,
looks at the tray thoughtfully, turns, starts toward the
house--when_ GIBSON _comes out. He wears a travelling suit and
is bareheaded._

ELLA: The cook thought you might like a cup of chocolate after a long
trip like that--just getting off the train and all, Mr. Gibson.

GIBSON: Thank you, Ella, I should.

ELLA: I'll bring your mail right out.

[_She goes into the house and returns with a packet of
letters._]

GIBSON: Thanks, Ella!

ELLA: Everything is there that's come since you sent the telegram not to
forward any more.

GIBSON: It's pleasant to find the house and everything just as I left